Kiwi Scholars tour India

New Delhi, January 25, 2017: India is currently playing host to recipients of New Zealand’s Prime Minister Scholarship for Asia (PMSA). Two groups of students, one comprising nine Ara Institute of Canterbury business students, and another 20 Fashion, Textile and Business students from Massey University, are spending four to six weeks in India as part of this scholarship. PMSA is a prestigious programme funded by the New Zealand government and administered by Education New Zealand (ENZ). Over 750 scholarships have been awarded for study across Asian countries since 2013. PMSA is designed to encourage New Zealand students to study in Asian countries and experience the benefits of international education for themselves.

Speaking about the awards, John Laxon, Regional Director – South South East Asia and Middle East says, “These scholarships reinforce the New Zealand Government’s commitment to India and our education relationship. Building on New Zealand’s status as a top destination for Indian students, these scholarships are creating partnerships with prestigious Indian education institutions and between the future leaders of both countries. We congratulate the institutions and students on the success of these tours.”

Education New Zealand hosted nine PMSA recipients from Ara Institute of Canterbury at the New Zealand High Commission last week for an interactive session that was chaired by Acting High Commissioner, Suzannah Jessep. Also present at the interaction were faculty members from Jaipuria and Ara Institute. The business school scholars from Ara are spending six weeks attending series of classroom lectures at their Indian partners Jaipuria Institute of Management in Noida and KCT Business School, Coimbatore to develop a better understanding of the business environment in India, focusing on aspects like entrepreneurship and the Indian rural economy amongst others. Whilst in India they will also be visiting local business establishments, including dairies, textile mills and start-ups.

Earlier this week ENZ also hosted a project presentation at the New Zealand High Commission showcasing creations by 20 Massey University PMSA awardees and 20 creative arts students from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi. The project titled ‘Closing the Loop’ reflects the circular economy strategy to phase out land filling of recyclable materials by 2025. Thus, the collection highlighted initial growing and sourcing of organic fabrics and dyes through the process of fabric creation and finally creating a New Zealand inspired organically sourced Indian fashion outfit.

For the presentation students from both institutions worked in groups of four, with each group comprising of a mix of textile, fashion and business students, to produce an outfit made from sustainable and organic materials sourced in India along with a sustainable ‘business plan’ for their respective outfits.

In attendance at the event were senior faculty from Massey University and NIFT, New Delhi.

Speaking at the event Sue Prescott, Senior Lecturer and Major Coordinator for Fashion Design at Massey University said, “Through studies in fashion supply chain, traditional fashion industry methods are challenged through team design and production project where innovative and sustainable thinking           culminates in a mini collection of garments addressing real world issues such as over-consumption, global warming, ethical production processes, social enterprise and artisanal craft survival.”

About Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia 

PMSA aims to:

• Strengthen New Zealand’s ability to engage with key Asian trading partners
• Improve the international skills of the New Zealand workforce
• Improve the internationalisation of New Zealand tertiary institutions
• Increase international understanding of the strength and quality of New Zealand's education system
• Establish connections between New Zealand and other countries through participants building lifelong friendships and networks
• Strengthen New Zealanders' understanding of Asian cultures

About Education New Zealand:

Education New Zealand (ENZ) is New Zealand’s government agency for international education. ENZ works to grow awareness of New Zealand as a study destination and to support New Zealand education providers and businesses to take their services and products abroad. 

LG’s #KarSalaam initiative to salute the spirit of the Indian soldiers

[Mumbai, January 25, 2017: Nation's consumer durable major, LG Electronics India Limited is going to celebrate this 68th Republic Year of the country, with the launch of the #KarSalaam initiative, dedicated to Indian soldiers, today. The campaign invites the whole nation to come forward and send their wishes to the Indian Armed Forces.

Through this initiave, LG will salute the soldiers’ spirit of selfless contribution and service towards the country. LG is committed to walk the extra mile, providing a good life to the citizens of India. Accordingly, the company will extend their support and solidarity to our soldiers who play a great role in ensuring that we lead a fearless and good life in this country.

LG will reach out to citizens  through radio, on ground and digital  communication to capture the wishes of the citizens of India for our soldiers. The company also plans to invite people through social media platforms and encourage them to #KarSalaam (express their gratitude). All Indians are invited to post their wishes for soldiers on www.karsalaam.in . LG also seeks participation from the families of the soldiers to send their heartwarming messages to their near and dear ones who brave all odds to protect our country.

Taking this campaign forward, LG will be contributing a certain amount on every LG product purchased till 26th January towards the ‘India National Defence Fund’, which is dedicated to the welfare of soldiers.

At the launch of this campaign, Mr. Nimish Shah– Regional Business Head- Mumbai, LG Electronics India said, “We salute the spirit of our soldiers who valiantly give up their life to protect the country but hardly find an opportunity to reach out to them. Therefore, we took this initiative to bring together the citizens of India to express their gratitude to our soldiers. The selfless devotion our armed forces calls for adulation and what could be a better occasion than this Republic Day. We invite all to pour their heart out and leave no barriers to reach out to them. As a small token of our effort to salute the spirit of India,  LG will contribute a certain amount to the Armed forces welfare Fund and our citizens’ wishes would be shared to the Indian soldiers. Let’s celebrate heroism, patriotism and a good life! #KarSalaam ”

Hrithik Roshan, Aditya Thackeray, Amruta Khanvilkar, Ajinkya Rahane to grace Lokmat’s Maharashtra’s Most Stylish Awards

• Tiger Shroff, Sonali Bendre, Ashutosh Gowariker, Shalmali Kholgade, Gautam Singhania to be present
• Bevy of beauties and style icons across Maharashtra to be honored
• A Style Property created 1st time in Maharashtra for the people of Maharashtra

Mumbai, January 25, 2017:  Lokmat, Maharashtra’s and Goa’s Number 1 newspaper announces the first of its kind ‘Lokmat Maharashtra’s Most Stylish Award’ on January 31, 2017.  This award will honor the most stylish and glamorous people from entertainment, politics, sports, business amongst other categories.

This awards ceremony will be one of its kind star studded glitzy evening with celebrities and well known personalities from various walks of life. Renowned Celebrities, Corporates and politicians like Hrithik Roshan, Rishi Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Sonam Kapoor, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sonali Bendre, Ashutosh Gowariker, Swapnil Joshi, Atul Kasbekar, Radhika Apte, Aditya Thakeray, Gauri Shinde, Shalmali Kholgade, Ajinkya Rahane, Gautam Singhania, Rana Kapoor will grace the event. The evening will be followed by cocktails and dinner.

Lokmat Maharashtra's most stylish award is a platform to celebrate Style, which is a culmination of sophistication, inherent charm and attitude. This award will honor the most stylish people in Maharashtra and has been initiated 1st time in Maharashtra for the people of Maharashtra. It will highlight the style of the state that has left an indelible mark for generations to come.

Talking about this initiative, Aniruddha Hajare, Vice President & Business Head, Events and Activation, Lokmat Media Pvt. Ltd said, “We are delighted to start this unique award to honor the most stylish and glamorous people in Mumbai and Maharashtra from fashion and other areas.  This is an endeavor to uphold the state’s progressive people and their achievements beyond the field of entertainment. This unique way  evening promises to be as attractive as our other properties - Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Award, Lokmat Infra Conclave, Lokmat Women Summit.”

Lokmat has associated with Red FM as the radio partner and RJ Malishka will be hosting the event. Over the years, the cosmopolitan state of Maharashtra has witnessed an evolution in style and Maharashtrians have positioned themselves successfully on the Global Style Map. This award is an honor platform for people beyond the entertainment category.  

Honourable CM ShriDevendraFadnavis meets CREDAI-MCHI's Mira-VirarCity Unit

January 25th, Wednesday: Members of CREDAI-MCHI 'Mira Virar Unit' met with HON CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis regarding several issues of Mira Bhayendar region yesterday. HON MLA Shri Narendra Mehta coordinated and organised the meeting to address all issues.

The chamber President Shri Ashit Shah presented several points major of which was (A) ULC MATTER and several issues faced by Developers in that regard. It is to be noted that ULC was scrapped by State govt of Maharashtra in 2007 (B)Faster approval process and ease of doing business with urban development secretary looking into the matter (C)NA permission process to be simplified (D) Redevelopment policy to be formulated for the region. 

HON CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis said "I have taken serious cognisance of the issues & suggestions, promising a positive action resulting in quick conclusion to especially in the ULC MATTER. Regarding NA, we are certain that the process will be simplified greatly. Talking on faster approvals, the UD Secretary will look into it and make necessary changes.On redevelopment policy front, we are working on the same as it is effective to public at large and we will come up with a better outcome soon. I assure the CREDAI-MCHI Mira-Virar Unit that the government in action is committed to faster development and support to ethical businesses. We will look into each matter closely and follow through."

Tejas Vyas, Secretary CREDAI-MCHI, Mira-Virar City Unit stated, “We are thankful to the Chief Minister for hearing out our suggestions and issues. He has also given us an assurance that he will get positive outcome in all our pending issues. The major issues that we face are ULC, NA permission faster approvals and redevelopment policy. CM has also promised us that under his good office and government, the business fraternity can do ethical business fearlessly. We are very happy with his positive outlook.”

Hard Rock Cafe sets foot into 2017 with its scrumptious ‘Roc-B-Que’ festival

~ Fiery BBQ menu, kickass Mojitos and the best of music to crackle up New Year 2017~

Mumbai, 24^th January, 2017: Hard Rock Cafe has set 2017 rolling with its newest offering! After having enthralled party buffs with the successful masquerade party on New Year’s Eve, the brand is set to crackle the season with its ‘Roc – B – Que’ festival.  With a tantalizing menu and a stellar music line up, Hard Rock Cafe will serve the best of grills till the 31^st of January, 2016. The waft of charred barbecue smoke paired with perfectly blended Mojitos, zesty conversations and a roster of high octane live gigs, will set the ideal mood to beat the winter chills at Hard Rock Cafe outlets across India.

The menu comprises an assortment of scrumptious fiery skewers such as Charred Hawaian Veg Skewers, Carolina Style BBQ Chicken Skewers and 7 Spiced Alfam Arabic Grilled Chicken Skewers among other vegetarian grills. The other delicacies featuring on the slate will be Spicy Texas Wings, Spicy Charred Cajun Chicken Drumstick, Smoky Chicken Slider and Smoked Chipotle BBQ Chicken Burger. Tippling concoctions like Magical Mystery, Cranberry and Malta Orange and The Legend will pose a refreshing accompaniment with the barbecue specials.

“We have kick - started the New Year with undisputed zest! We have placed some never done before styles on the F&B offering with Roc – B – Que being one of them. Also, as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary this year, we have opened doors to various other genre of entertainment to reach out to millennial. As a destination that celebrates music and lifestyle, we thought that this was the perfect season to host some of the most exciting live gigs and tribute nights. Barbeque, Mojitos and a staggering line-up; Hard Rock Cafe is already looking forward to a ‘rocking’ 2017!” commented Jay Singh, Co-founder and Executive Director, JSM Corporation.

Gigs by bone - tickling Comedians, thrilling tribute nights and a lot more brought all under one roof at Hard Rock Cafe!

India’s exports of fine jewellery to Hong Kong has doubled from 2013 to 2016: HKTDC

• Hong Kong Trade Development Council announces the world’s largest jewellery exhibition
• The world’s largest jewellery marketplace is set to open next month

Mumbai, January 24, 2017: Two of the jewellery industry’s leading trade fairs are set to open in Hong Kong in late February to early March. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 4th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show will take place from 28 February to 4 March at the Asia World-Expo, while the 34th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will open from 2 to 6 March at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

India is today the largest exporter in the world of Pearls, Precious & Semi-Precious Stones to Hong Kong and second largest exporter of fine jewellery to Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s imports of fine jewellery from India had doubled from 2013 to 2016.

Rajesh Bhagat, India Consultant - HKTDC, highlighted opportunities for Indian companies offered by HKTDC during a press luncheon in Mumbai today. Mr Bhagat underscored the robust bilateral trade relations between Hong Kong and India, adding the twin jewellery shows created a good platform to boost business. “India and Hong Kong have a long and close business relationship. While India will continue to take the lead in regional economic growth, the HKTDC can act as an information and market intelligence hub for Indian enterprises to expand market,” said Mr Bhagat.

In Hong Kong, the HKTDC organises more than 30 fairs annually, forming 11 largest marketplaces of their kind in Asia, with electronics, jewellery, gifts, lighting and watches & clocks being the largest of their kind in the world. Given the strong gems and jewellery business in India, the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show and Jewellery Show provide an ideal platform for Indian traders in jewellery field.

The two shows will welcome more than 4,380 exhibitors from over 50 countries and regions, forming the world’s largest jewellery marketplace. About 180 Indian companies such as Beads Paradise and Gold Star will join. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council from India will continue to set up group pavilions. Other pavilions will come from the Chinese mainland, Japan, Korea, Tanzania, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the US, Peru, Columbia, Brazil and so on.

The Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show will focus in jewellery raw materials such as loose diamonds, precious stones, semi-precious stones and pearls. Well-known exhibitors include Paul Wild from Germany and Hong Kong’s Novel Collection Ltd, Man Sang Jewellery (Hong Kong) Ltd and Yee On Gems & Jewellery Factory Company Ltd. Several dedicated zones are set up for specific jewellery raw materials, including Hall of Fine Diamonds for quality diamonds; Treasures of Nature for precious gemstones; Treasures of Ocean for exquisite pearls; and Rough Stones & Minerals zone for unpolished and uncut precious stones.

The Jewellery Show will feature a wide range of finished fine jewellery. There will be a number of themed zones with the prominent Hall of Fame bringing more than 30 internationally acclaimed jewellery brands including Roberto Coin s.p.a. and Piero Milano Jewellery from Italy, Pranda Jewelry Public Co., Ltd. from Thailand, and Hong Kong’s Lady Heart Collections Ltd and Unrounds (HK) Limited. Hall of Extraordinary will house the most prestigious jewellery collections including Crivelli s.r.l. from Italy, Thomas Faerber SA from Switzerland, and Hong Kong’s Dehres, On Tung Company and Karen Suen Fine Jewellery Limited. Other zones will showcase various prestigious collections, jewellery craftsmanship, jade pieces, decorative items and machinery.

The biannual International Jewellery Design Excellence Award (IJDE) is the Oscars of the jewellery design industry with an aim to recognise outstanding jewellery designers and facilitate information exchange in design, professionalism and craftsmanship. The award gathers the champions of various jewellery design competitions worldwide to run for the champion of the champions. This year, 165 entries from 27 countries and regions have been received, of which 13 entries are from India. Award presentation ceremony will be held on the first day of the show (2 March) and winning entries will be on display at the show.

The shows will present a host of activities such as jewellery parades, seminars, forums and networking events that provide industry players with market insights and the latest intelligence.

Websites

Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show: http://www.hktdc.com/hkdgp

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://www.hktdc.com/hkjewelleryshow

About HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing business insights and information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+ Twitter @hktdc LinkedIn

INORBIT MALL, MALAD CELEBRATES ITS 13THANNIVERSARY WITH CELEBRITY CHEF SANJEEV KAPOOR

Mumbai, January, 2017: Since opening of the mall at Malad in the years 2004, Inorbit has garnered a lot of love and loyalty from its customers. Known for giving the shoppers a memorable shopping experience, the iconic mall recently concluded its 13^th Anniversary celebrations. The grand celebration witnessed the presence of Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. The chef hosted a cooking challenge where participants showcased their culinary skills to impress the chef and won attractive prizes. In addition to this the Chef Sanjeev Kapoor also showed some tips and tricks of cooking to the audience. The event witnessed a full house and was very well received by the audience.

Commenting on Inorbit Mall, Malad’s 13^th Anniversary, Mr. Puneet Varma, Associate Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications said, “13 years and still going strong! Kudos to the entire team of Inorbit mall, Malad. Also I would like to thank our patrons and retail partners who have believed in us and supported us throughout for over a decade. We promise to keep the smile on faces of our customers intact by providing them a better experience.

Apart from the cooking extravaganza, the mall celebrations continued for 5 days. Shoppers rejoiced shopping as the mall offered a flat 50% off on some of the best brands. No celebration is complete without a cake cutting ceremony. On the occasion, the patrons indulged in the anniversary cake cutting ceremony followed by a treasure hunt where the participants won gift vouchers. In addition to this renowned author Radhakrishnan Pillai hosted a book reading session of “Katha Chanakya”. 

Inorbit mall, Malad today has evolved as Mumbai’s most preferred shopping and entertainment experience destinations. The mall has recently got an infrastructure facelift and added a lot of new brands like H&M, Kazo, Forever New, Steve Madden, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Twelve AM PM, and Global Desi etc.to its tenant mix. 

In addition to the popular Inorbit app, there is a new facility and first of its kind in the industry, that Inorbit has introduced recently - The Shop Online feature which is available on Inorbit website and app. This assures shoppers convenience of shopping from their favorite shops at the mall from their homes with a quick delivery at their doorstep

Shah Rukh Khan meets Raees at the Mumbai Duty Free Store

~Mumbai Duty Free associates with Raees to give their customers a chance to meet King Khan~

Mumbai 23rd January, 2017: Mumbai Duty Free Store at T2 is once again offering its customers a chance to meet the beloved Badshah of Bollywood- Shah Rukh Khan. Mumbai Duty Free has associated with Red Chillies Entertainment to provide a quintessential Bollywood experience to the people travelling in and out from International airport (T2). One of the first ones to get a dekko of the set up was Shah Rukh Khan, who visited Mumbai Duty Free Store to promote his movie and interact with the customers.

The Mumbai Duty Free Store campaign ‘Ticket to Bollywood with Raees’ calls out to all travellers at the T2 terminal to shop for a minimum of 100 USD in order to win Raees movie merchandise and autographed posters. But it doesn’t stop here! One lucky winner gets a chance to meet Raees himself.

Talking about the association, Manishi Sanwal, MD, DFS India says, “We at Mumbai Duty Free Store (T2) always ensure that we offer our customers a novel and fun shopping experience with an extra scoop of excitement. With Raees touted to be the biggest blockbuster of 2017 and SRK fans waiting anxiously for the release, it deemed right to associate with Red Chillies Entertainment once again. We look forward to repeating the ‘Dilwale’ success through our ‘Ticket to Bollywood with Raees’ campaign. We are hopeful that travellers and fans of Bollywood will see maximum participation.”

To ensure maximum participation, DFS floor at T2 has curated a special humungous photo opportunity area. The travellers have to click a selfie in the photo area and upload it on their Facebook page tagging Mumbai Duty Free Store.

So if you are travelling abroad this January let your Bollywood side show up and shop your way to happiness!

Bharti AXA Life wants to Go Beyond Insurance for consumers

• Launches first-of-its-kind service for policyholders by providing emotional counselling,  financial planning and  will related services to support the family of deceased

Mumbai, January 23, 2017: Bharti AXA Life Insurance, the private life insurance joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and AXA, one of the world’s largest insurance companies, is all set to launch a unique service proposition, ‘Beyond Insurance’. With this proposition the company aims to provide first in the market initiatives that go beyond just providing insurance benefit and support customers at critical moments.       

The first launch in this series is the ‘Grief Support Program’, specially created for the family of the customers. ‘Grief Support Program’ offers the family of the deceased; most critical services that will help the family overcome the loss and steady their lives. The services include emotional counseling to manage the grief associated with the loss; financial planning for the lump sum they receive as part of the insurance benefit and will related advice for the family who may not be familiar with legal documents.         

Commenting on the launch, Sandeep Ghosh, MD & CEO, Bharti AXA Life Insurance said,

“Minimizing any distress to the family during an unfortunate event is the main driver behind an insurance buy. As an insurance company we protect the family against financial distress, but we feel that addresses only part of the issue. Loss of a dear one is a very difficult phase wherein families of the deceased often feel overwhelmed, and in some cases prone to depression. Through our Grief Support Program, we aim to provide families with the necessary emotional and other support that goes beyond insurance.”

“At Bharti AXA Life, customer-centricity is at the heart of every initiative. Our newest proposition of ‘Beyond insurance’ further highlights our commitment to our customers”, he further added.

Sharing the details of the campaign, Jitin Paul, Chief Marketing Officer, Bharti AXA Life Insurance said, “We are launching an integrated marketing campaign for #GoBeyond. It is going to be the biggest bang in the insurance industry and will encompass TV, digital and other interesting platforms. We are also the associate sponsors of the India Australia Test Series which will help us reach out to the male corridor of media effectively.”

Under ‘Grief Support Program’, the family of the deceased will get access to following services

To amplify the new initiative, Bharti AXA Life is launching a high decibel ATL/advertisement and digital campaign across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram slated for launch 26th January.

About Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company Ltd

Bharti AXA Life Insurance is a joint venture between Bharti, one of India’s leading business groups with interests in telecom, agri business and retail, and AXA, one of the world’s leading organizations with interests in financial protection and wealth management. The joint venture company has a 51% stake from Bharti and 49% stake of AXA.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage creates waves in India with 30 Cr Gross Box Office Collection

~ With an India-first premiere, Vin Diesel and Deepika Padukone starrer is a box-office super-hit ~

National, January 17: Indian audience welcomed Hollywood superstar Vin Diesel with open-arms to the country for the India-first premiere of his latest installment to the action-adventure franchise xXx. Making her Hollywood debut Deepika Padukone, has impressed all her fans as they rushed to the theatres over the weekend to watch the movie.

Viacom18 Motion Pictures held a grand India Premiere event in Mumbai on Thursday, January 12, followed by paid-previews on Friday, January 13, and the official release in 3D and IMAX 3D, in 4 languages across almost 1200 screens in the country on Saturday. Within two and a half days, the movie has successfully garnered a gross box-office collection of almost 30-crores in the country. xXx: Return of Xander Cage is scheduled to release in 2D on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.

Elated on the box office performance of the movie, COO – Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Ajit Andhare said, “The box office from just 3D itself & overall response has validated our confidence in the xXx franchise and xXx: Return of Xander Cage. With Deepika Padukone' s leading act in the film and Vin Diesel’s successful India visit, Viacom18 Motion Pictures has ensured India remains one of the priority market for Hollywood movies. We will continue to grow Hollywood tentpoles in India. For Viacom18 Motion Pictures, 2017 has started with a bang and we have a lot more in store. We are now opening 2D and adding more screens.”

Vin Diesel reprises his role as the action-adventure outlaw Xander Cage in xXx: Return of Xander Cage, along with recently crowned Asia’s sexiest woman Deepika Padukone who sets the screen ablaze through her daredevilry and heart-stopping action sequences. The movie also stars Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries), Ruby Rose (Orange is The New Black), Chinese superstar Donnie Yen (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Thai action-star Tony Jaa (Furious 7), and Samuel L Jackson (Marvel’s The Avengers).

Distributed exclusively in India by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, xXx: Return of Xander Cage released in India before the world on January 14th 2017 in IMAX & IMAX 3D.

And nationwide in 2D on January 18th 2017 in theatres near you.