Muthoot Exim launches Swarnavarsham Diamond Jewellery in association with Divine Solitaires Pratham Diamonds

·        So simple, affordable and accessible that every Indian can now own a diamond.

·        Initially 76 branches of Muthoot Fincorp Ltd to showcase Swarnavarsham Jewellery with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds.

·        Easy one month and 3-6 months EMI schemes available for buying diamonds.

Mumbai, 16^th February 2017: High quality diamond jewellery has finally become affordable and accessible for everyone. Muthoot Exim Pvt Ltd., the precious metals division of the 130- year –old business conglomerate Muthoot Pappachan Group, has launched Swarnavarsham diamond jewellery in association with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds. The launch was graced by dignitaries from both Muthoot Pappachan Group and Divine Solitaires which include Mr. Thomas Muthoot (Executive Director, Muthoot Pappachan Group),) Mr. Keyur Shah (CEO, Muthoot Precious Metals Division), Mr. Jignesh Mehta (Founder and Managing Director, Divine Solitaires), Mr. Shailen Mehta (Co-founder and Director, Divine Solitaires) and Mr. Hitesh Mehta (Director, Divine Solitaires) amongst others.

Initially, to begin with Muthoot Exim in association with Divine Solitaires, is offering 18-Karat gold ring studded with 0.14 cents diamond of EF color and VVS clarity. This ring is being offered in three sizes of 12mm, 14mm and 16mm with weight of gold as 2gm, 2.2gm and 2.4gm respectively. More variants of diamond studded gold Jewellery will be launched subsequently. Laser inscription of unique identification code is available on every diamond. Muthoot Swarnavarsham diamond jewellery with Pratham diamonds which is an extension of the parent brand Divine Solitaires is available in tamper proof see through packaging and comes with a Quality Guarantee Certificate & Buyback Guarantee.

Muthoot Exim’s Swarnavarsham Diamond Jewellery will be available initially at 76 branches of Muthoot Fincorp Ltd., which is the flagship company of Muthoot Pappachan Group, and one of the largest NBFCs in India, registered with the Reserve Bank of India. The Muthoot Fincorp branches in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Madurai, Mumbai and Vijayawada locations will showcase the diamond jewellery in the first phase of launch.

Mr. Thomas Muthoot, Executive Director, Muthoot Pappachan Group, said, “Diamonds are forever and every Indian desires to own them but many feel that it’s a luxury beyond reach. In a

pioneering initiative, the Muthoot Pappachan Group Company Muthoot Exim Pvt Ltd., is now introducing an innovative offering – Swarnavarsham Diamond Jewellery with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds, which enable customers to purchase assured high quality diamond jewellery through easy monthly payments. We want to make quality diamonds affordable and within the reach of every Indian. Our focus is to empower underprivileged sections of society to buy and own diamonds and realize their dreams. The Swarnavarsham Jewellery with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds will be available initially at 76 branches of Muthoot Fincorp Ltd across 9 cities.’’

Customers can choose to buy the jewellery from various payment schemes offered as follows: 1) One month scheme: Customers can make entire payment in one shot and book the jewellery; and 2) EMI schemes: Customers can choose to make payment towards jewellery in monthly installments of 3/6 months. 20% of the invoice must be paid as down payment and balance in EMI’s. The price of gold and diamond in the jewellery will be frozen at the time of booking and any further changes in prices will not affect customer. Delivery of the jewellery to the customer will be effected only after completion of full payment.

Mr. Keyur Shah, CEO, Muthoot Precious Metals Division., said, “Muthoot Exim has set new standards of innovation, excellence, affordability and accessibility with Swarnavarsham gold jewellery and Swethavarsham silver articles. And now we present Swarnavarsham Diamond jewellery in association with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds – a revolutionary product with Buyback Guarantee for the masses. Buyback of solitaire diamonds will be offered at 90% of prevailing rates as per Nationwide Standard & Transparent Price List, which makes it very transparent process. Buyback will be facilitated through our Muthoot Gold Points – the first National level organised sector that allows you to sell your gold in a transparent and efficient manner. One year free insurance is also being offered on Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds.”

Mr. Jignesh Mehta, Founder and Managing Director, Divine Solitaires, said, “Gold Jewellery have always lured masses across India because of its affordability, accessibility and transparency, unlike diamonds which have been though highly aspirational in the Indian culture. As a pioneering step, Divine Solitaires have revolutionized diamond buying by introducing Pratham diamonds, an extension of Divine Solitaires in association with Muthoot Exim’s Swarnavarsham Jewellery that now provides the same affordability, accessibility and transparency while buying the best quality diamonds by the masses across the country. Based on a stringent check on 123 parameters and guaranteed Hearts & Arrows craftsmanship in each & every diamond, Divine Solitaires Pratham Diamonds are guaranteed to be the brightest & most magnificent diamond. Divine Solitaires also brings in pricing transparency through its ‘Nationwide Standard & Transparent Price List ‘ and also provides Buyback and Upgrades that gives the benefit of price appreciation to the consumers. Current Prices can be tracked anytime on the Divine Solitaires mobile application.

So buying diamonds is now made easier with Divine Solitaires Pratham diamonds that symbolizes the stepping stone towards better future, be it in career, marriage, business or personal life.

We are very happy & excited to partner with Muthoot Pappachan Group.”

About Muthoot Exim Pvt. Ltd.

Muthoot Exim Pvt Ltd is the precious metal vertical of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, specialises in innovative products and offerings in the precious metal space. Customers have access to quality products that meet the highest standards, at an affordable price.  The company’s flagship products are:

Swarnavarsham: A unique product, allowing customers to purchase BIS hallmarked 916/995 pure gold jewellery of low ticket sizes (1.5 to 9.5 grams), in tamper proof packaging, in easy and affordable monthly payments- a first of its kind in India.

Swethavarsham: First of its kind, offering purchase of silver bars and hallmarked Silver article under spot and monthly payment basis.

Muthoot Gold Point: First National level organised sector that allows to sell your gold in a transparent and efficient manner.

Mobile Muthoot Gold Point allows people to sell their old gold at their doorstep and convenience. The 'Mobile Muthoot Gold Point' is India’s first mobile gold buting vehicle to collect gold directly from customers at their doorsteps. Customers can call on 7356534111 or 9321171122 for the mobile van between10:30am to 7.00 pm and fix an appointment at a mutually convenient time.

Corporate gifting: Muthoot Exim has set a new benchmark in Corporate Gifting by providing world class products with genuine purity and efficient service.

About Muthoot Pappachan Group

Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), the 130 years old business conglomerate has been providing solutions, services and expertise to lakhs of customers across the country in various domains like financial services, automotive, property, hospitality, and alternate energy. Over the years Muthoot Pappachan Group has grown to become a significant entity in the Indian business landscape. Currently it has more than 20,000 employees, serving over a million customers through over 3,800 retail branches. MPG's customer-centric approach and innovation in terms of new products that cater to changing customer needs have helped in winning the loyalty of innumerable customers, as well as attracting new ones. The Group adapts the latest technology and new ways to serve the customers, with an uncompromising stand on values, principles and ethics.

Muthoot Fincorp Ltd., the flagship company of Muthoot Pappachan Group, is one of the largest NBFCs in India, registered with the Reserve Bank of India. Muthoot Fincorp is a provider of retail finance in the form of gold loans. Decades of dedicated research and experience in rural areas have enabled the Company to provide quick and customized finance options and investment schemes for millions of customers who do not have access to mainstream commercial banks. Muthoot Fincorp is one amongst the largest Gold Loan companies in India and has an average of 50,000 walk in customers per day. The company has a diverse mix of retail offerings catering to the various needs of its customers including Loan products, Money Transfer, Foreign Exchange, Insurance Services and Wealth Management Services.

Muthoot Capital Services Ltd. (MCSL) is the first listed entity of Muthoot Pappachan Group. A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) listed on the BSE and NSE, MCSL offers financial solutions including Vehicle Loans (2 wheeler loans). MCSL is presently active in retail financing and caters to the requirements of borrowers both in rural and semi-urban areas. The Company's direct approach helps arrive at solutions that best suit the financial requirements of individuals and small entrepreneurs. The Company being a deposit taking ‘Category A’ NBFC, also accepts deposits from public at attractive rates of interest. The company is currently servicing more than 2,200 dealerships in fifteen states with a strong presence in Hero and Honda, which together contribute more than 80% of the total business.

Five years back the Group entered the affordable housing finance arena throughMuthoot Housing Finance Company Ltd (MHFL), a subsidiary of Muthoot Fincorp Ltd. MHFL caters mainly to the housing finance requirements of customers in the middle and lower income category. The Company offers housing loan, primarily to the people in the unorganised sector to make their dream of owning a home come true. Loan amounts range from Rs 3 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs, with a loan repayment period up to 15 years and a loan to property value of up to 80%. MHFL offers loans for the purchase of ready property, house/flats under-construction, self-construction on own plot and home extension.

The Muthoot Pappachan Group firmly believes that financial inclusion of the economically weaker section of society is important for the socio-economic growth of the country. With this belief Muthoot Microfin Ltd., the micro finance business unit was launched by the Group. The company recently received the license from RBI for NBFC -MFI. It follows the Joint Liability Group (JLG) model of micro-finance. Clients are organized in groups of five to ten women from economically weaker sections of society, living in rural and semi- urban areas or urban slums. Target clients are economically active women with regular cash flow through lawful, Sustainable and stable economic activity. Under this program, each individual in a JLG is offered a loan between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 depending on her repayment capacity, for tenure of 52 weeks. It also fosters entrepreneurship skills among women and gives them basic financial literacy.

The Group has contributed to the tourist attractions of Kerala by setting up star hotels run by the Taj and Hilton Groups, Villa Maya the exclusive restaurant and Sky Chef the air catering unit, while contribution to Safe and Clean Energy comes in the form of electricity through wind farms and to Technology through the state of the art Muthoot Technopolis.

About Divine Solitaire

Divine Solitaires, a venture of R.S.Diamonds Pvt. Ltd. is the first & only solitaire diamond brand in India which provides its consumer with the world’s finest & perfectly crafted solitaire diamonds in an organized & transparent manner. Divine Solitaires has introduced Pratham Diamonds that caters to segment that aspires to own high quality diamonds with affordability and transparency and comes in association with Muthoot’s Swarnavarsham Jewellery.

Every Divine Solitaires diamond adheres to the highest standards of craftsmanship & stringent quality measures which go beyond any laboratory certifications. Divine Solitaires is the first diamond brand in India to bring Nationwide Standard & Transparent Price List that guarantees complete transparency & assures our customers to get true value for money. Every Divine Solitaires diamond is equipped with unmatched features like Hearts & Arrows cut, Easy upgrade & buyback options, a free all risk insurance cover and many more. Divine Solitaires consistently strives to provide the consumer with a perfectly cut diamond solitaires that has an ethical sourcing, quality certification, investment value and clarity in pricing put together in a state of the art packaging.

Divine Solitaires has strengthened its presence at 124 premium jewellery stores in 69 cities across the country.

A Heartfelt Gift for Your Partner this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with promises, commitment and a pledge to love and cherish our special other half. We celebrate this day by showing our love and affection for our partner and by renewing our commitment to one another. Some of the most common ways to express our feelings and emotions are the usual gifts such as chocolates, flowers, jewelry and even romantic vacations. But all these options are short lived and don’t have much bearing on the relationship after the day has gone by.

How about celebrating this Valentine’s Day in a special new way – a way that captures the true essence of this beautiful day? A simple gesture that says I value our relationship and commit to securing our future together. This is exactly what the Aviva Heart Care insurance cover does. It is a health insurance plan with a difference – 1 plan that covers 2 hearts. As the only health insurance plan dedicated to securing the hearts of couples in India, Aviva Heart Care covers both you and your spouse under one plan. The plan insures the policy holder and the spouse in the same policy at a nominal extra premium. This is what makes this health insurance plan so special!

As a company we are committed to helping people lead a healthy life. We want to encourage you to achieve your healthy heart goals by making health a priority for yourself and your spouse. And with the right planning and cover, you can have a positive impact on your family and secure your financial future.

A heart care insurance plan is essential because all statistics show that India is fast becoming the heart disease capital of the world. Research shows that nearly 50% of cardiovascular related deaths are likely to occur in individuals between 30-69 years of age. Moreover, the treatment for heart care diseases is increasing every year. In fact, the cost of heart treatment increased by 52.5% annually between 2007-08 and 2009-10 in terms of the average amount claimed from health insurers. Another vital point is that the complete treatment plan for heart conditions includes the operative costs, hospital stay, medicines, post operative care, and the recovery period during which you may not be able to get back to work. And your existing mediclaim or critical illness policy will not cover most of these as they are neither comprehensive nor dedicated to heart ailments. All these factors, along with the distress faced by your loved ones, becomes the main reason for you to make a commitment to yourself and your spouse this year.

The plan provides coverage against 19 mild, moderate and severe cardiovascular conditions and procedures. It has a lump-sum pay-out irrespective of the cost of the treatment. The policy has also options to restore policy benefits once the basic sum assured is exhausted for severe category conditions.

Today, most of us strive towards a better, healthier and fitter lifestyle. But what’s lacking is financial preparedness for serious medical emergencies, such as cardiac related diseases which can burn a large hole in your pocket. So, this Valentine’s Day express your longstanding commitment to your loved ones with Aviva Heart Care. After all, health insurance is love insurance!

Despite a subdued market demand, Minda Corporation sustained its topline growth at 10.1% y-o-y

Credit Rating upgraded by India Ratings & Research (Fitch)

The Board has declared an interim dividend of Rs. 0.20 per equity share (10% of face value)

New Delhi, India, February 14, 2017 – Minda Corporation Limited (referred to as “Minda Corp” or the “Company”; NSE: MINDACORP, BSE: 538962), a leading automotive component and flagship company of Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group, announces its Q3 FY2017 results, in accordance with Indian GAAP.

Standalone Performance Highlights: Q3 FY2016-17 vs. Q3 FY2015-16

·            Total Revenue increased by 6.9% Y-o-Y to Rs. 1,919 million

·            EBITDA increased by 15.0% Y-o-Y to Rs. 232 million; Margin at 12.1%

·            Net Profit increased by 57.3% to Rs. 176 million, Margin at 9.2%

Consolidated Performance Highlights: Q3 FY2016-17 vs. Q3 FY2015-16

·            Total revenue increased by 10.1% Y-o-Y to Rs. 7,230 million

·            EBITDA at Rs. 416 million. EBITDA margin at 5.8%

·            Net profit at Rs. 201 million. Margin at 2.8%

·            Total Debt of Rs. 5,985 million (Q2 FY2017: Rs. 5,906 million)

·            Net Debt / Equity ratio of 0.86x (Q2 FY2017: 0.86x)

Commenting on the results, Mr. Ashok Minda, Chairman and Group CEO said:

 “On the backdrop of demonetization which drastically reduced the liquidity in the market, sales volume for the quarter across the automobile sector were down by (4.0)% on a y-o-y basis in comparison to the 19.1% y-o-y growth in the last quarter. Despite a sustained pressure on the overall business demand and a slow global recovery, our topline during Q3 FY2017 was resilient, registering an increase of 10.1% on a y-o-y basis. Besides, the quarter marked continuing addition of new blue chip customers globally and received additional orders worth Rs. 180 crore.

We are optimistic of the various pro-reformative measures of the Government being undertaken and also reflected in the recent fiscal Budget augurs well for the auto component sector as a whole in the long term, and we expect the automobile market to revive over the next two quarters”

Commenting on the results, Mr. D.C. Sharma, Group CFO said:

 “This quarter has been a mixed bag for the Company. During the quarter, our financial performance was temporarily impacted on account of demonetization, high raw material cost, adverse product mix and delay in price actualization of one of the subsidiaries. We are also in the process of incurring pre-operating expenses towards new greenfield plants at Mexico and Pune and setting up of the technical centre. However, I am pleased to inform you that our credit rating has been upgraded to ‘IND A+’ for long term bank facilities by Fitch Ratings, reinforcing the credit worthiness of the Company.

We are also closely watching the developments to the full roll out of the GST and continue to be hopeful of its positive implications for the automotive and automotive component industries.”

Consolidated Financial Overview

Dr (Prof) Sanskruti Rajhans contesting from Ward No 19 at Charkop, Kandivali West.

Dr (Prof) Sanskruti Rajhans

A PhD in Hindi Literature, Dr Rajhans further commented that the city severely lacks in infrastructure and amenities. It is a documentation of the BMC’s failure on issues including roads, garbage, water supply, solid waste management, hospitals and schools. “During the Shiv Sena’s regime, they have spent crores of rupees on various services, but has anything changed in the city? Rather, the situation is deteriorating continuously,” she maintained.

The 39-year-old is contesting the BMC polls from Ward No 19 in Charkop, Kandivali West. “My constituency has been a Shiv Sena bastion for many years, but the scenario has completely changed since the outgoing corporation turned a deaf ear deteriorating on all fronts,” she concluded.

Dr (Prof) Sanskruti Rajhans (born September 11 1976) is an Indian politician and she joined the Congress party in 2012. She is Women’s President – Sahakar Cell of Kandivali Unit of the Congress party. She is representing Ward No 19 for the ensuing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2017 on Congress seat.

Early life and education

Dr Rajhans is married to Shri Satyanarayan Rajhans, who is a social worker and Founder President of

She received her PhD degree in Hindi literature from Kolhapur University. She was a Hindi professor with Annasaheb Dhange College of Arts in Kolhapur.

Agenda Charkop

Education

I believe the future belongs to the young and a nation’s welfare depends on the decisions of its educated and informed citizens. Thus, great impetus must be put into education and youth development, and I intend to initiate programs centered on youth development and self-empowerment to uplift the socio-economic group.

Infrastructure Development

For bettering the lives of the people of my constituency my major concern is refining infrastructure. My priorities are roads, water supply drainage, sanitation, health care and transport.

Women and Child Welfare

Empowering women and girl child education are concerns close to my heart and I will do everything in my power to strengthen this backbone.

Sports and Recreation

Ironically, a fun thing like sports needs to be taken more seriously. I will initiate measures to improve sporting facilities and make them more accessible to every strata of society. I want children to have the right facilities for play and have I have taken several initiatives to save and ensure as many open spaces.

Peace and Communal Harmony

The fundamentals of my philosophy and efforts to propagate peace and communal harmony will continue not only in my constituency.

Health

Health is a concern close to my heart. My key areas have been Cancer, empowering the Differently Abled, General Health and AIDS awareness.

Employees of AAMBY VALLEY CITY CREATE WORLD RECORD FOR UNDER WATER CYCLING AND EATING FRUITS UNDER WATER

Dr. Narinder Singh, Salil Kulkarni and Tej Pandey from Aamby Valley City give a record breaking performance

MUMBAI, FEBRUARY 2017: It is raining rewards and accolades for Aamby Valley City. In a recently held campaign by the name of “Under Water Cycling for Climate Change”, some of the team members of Aamby Valley City participated and made their way to create a world record. Dr. Narinder Singh, Mr. Salil Kulkarni and Mr. Tej Pandey from Aamby Valley City have set a benchmark in underwater cycling at a depth of 30 feet for 50 + meters in open sea and eating fruits under water. These participants created a record by performing the tasks in a stipulated time frame.

The task was not an easy one to be accomplished. Every night the team had several rounds of discussions on the positives and shortcomings of each team member and focused on improvements next day, which ultimately helped them on gaining the coordination in right place along with confidence in each other. With perfect planning the team accomplished the task in minimum time with precise coordinated efforts. The Chief Instructor was also very impressed with their performance, as he hadn’t come across anyone in history who learnt, planned, coordinated and executed these types of underwater tasks in Open Sea.

Commenting on the occasion, COL. SAJAL KUMAR SINHA (RETD.), Chief General Manager – Golf, HR & Administration, said “A standing ovation to our team members who have created a world record by performing such a dauntingly innovative task. This is a first time ever task in which every team member has put his heart, mind and soul to achieve the goal. It feels great to be associated with a campaign which is for a noble cause. Team Sahara Star and Aamby Valley City salutes the spirit of these winners.”

ICAI elects New Torch-Bearers for the year 2017-18

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established by the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 for the regulation of the profession of Chartered Accountants in India. The affairs of the ICAI are managed by a Council in accordance with the provisions of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988.  The Council is composed of 40 members of whom 32 are elected by the members and remaining 8 are nominated by the Central Government generally representing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders.

On February 12, 2017, ICAI elected its new torch-bearers CA. Nilesh Shivji Vikamsey as the President and CA. Naveen N.D.Gupta as the Vice-President for year 2017-18.

CA. Nilesh Shivji Vikamsey, President, ICAI

A person of professional vigour, high integrity and technical expertise, CA. Nilesh Shivji Vikamsey has been elected as new President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on February 12, 2017 by its 23rd Council, for the term 2017-18.  A resident of Mumbai, he has been a member of the ICAI since 1985.While serving the ICAI Council as a member since 2010 and then as Vice-President of the Institute in 2016-17, he has proven his strength as a formidable professional. Having gained deep insights into the profession as a fellow member of the ICAI with more than 30 years of impeccable professional standing, he is widely commended and credited for his key role in contributing towards inclusive as well as exclusive growth of Indian Accountancy profession.

CA. Naveen N. D. Gupta , Vice-President, ICAI

A blend of intellect, experience, foresight, technical expertise and professional excellence , CA. Naveen N.D. Gupta has been elected as new Vice-President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on February 12, 2017 by its 23rd Council for the term 2017-18.A Fellow Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in auditing, banking & finance, he is a proficient speaker at national and international forums. He has a vast experience of handling intricate accounting, auditing, corporate governance and finance  issues.An altruistic hard-worker bestowed with exceptional organisational, networking, administrative and leadership skills, he has been serving as a Central Council member since 2010.

"Premay Namah" Let's Respect Love! Releasing on 24th February 2017!

Love is the most celebrated emotion in movies since inception of cinema irrespective of language and era. And in modern cinema too it's still on top in spite of new phenomenal technologies at disposal. This emotion in universal as in, I wrote your name in the sky, but the wind blew it away. I wrote your name in the sand, but the waves washed it away. I wrote your name in my heart, and forever it will stay!
A new marathi film, a love story, is coming our way named Premay Namah which has love as a primary emotion along with sadness, fear, anger, disgust, surprise, happiness. The story also thrusts on strong family values and duties.
Prem (Devendra Chaugule) hails from a wealthy family who is naughty as well as strong believer in family values. His love for his family is his weakness. When he comes across Preeti (Rupali Krishnarao), it's a love at first sight for him. Preeti does not respond to his advances, maybe with a feeling..But I see you stare just a little too long, and it makes me start to wonder,But destiny keeps bringing them face to face in a very playful and humorous manner and as both their families being good friends they too become friends. Unawares the friendship culminates into love. Both Prem and Preeti are madly in love with each other.Do I love you because you are beautiful Or are you beautiful because I love you. Destiny plays spoilsport this time as Prem witnesses some shocking truth during a family function. He is taken aback as It's beyond his imagination. To make thing worse his lady love Preeti gives him few ultimatums making him feel .Be careful who you trust, the devil was once an angel!
His loyalty oscillates between his love for Preeti and family duty. What ultimatum Preeti gives to Prem? What does Prem choose family or Preeti? Does family values outweigh true love? All these questions are answered in the movie Premay Namah! It's a love story with a difference with a tag line Let's respect love!
The film's director (Jagdish Watharkar) has sought novelty in all departments viz. story, screenplay, music, choreography, cinematography, locations etc. so that the end product is not another run of the mill film. It's a matter of pride for the makers that for the first time in the history of Marathi film industry an entire song has been shot Underwater which is it's USP. Premay Namah is presented by Vijay Shinde and Mahesh Joke and produced by Uttam Chorade. Story is by K. Shashikant, lyrics by Chardrashekhar Janawade, and music composed by K. Sandipkumar and Chandrashekhar Janawade. The cast comprises of Devendra chaugule, Rupali Krishnarao, Prachi lalge, Surekha Kudchi, Prakash Dhotre, Bharat Daini, Gauri Makdum and Snehalraj. 

Actors Richa Chadda, Zareen Khan, Chef Maria Goretti and Wrestler Sangram Singh celebrate #FurrentinesDay with Romedy NOW

Mumbai, February 10, 2017:  This year, celebrate Valentine Day with a furry twist on Romedy NOW. The channel known to spread love and laughter, has launched a unique property -- #FurrentinesDay to celebrate Valentine’s with animals - pets and abandoned stray friends. This property has been launched in association with Cat Café Studio & People for Animals with an aim to help animals get a merrier and furrier future.

The on-ground event for this unique initiative took place today at Cat Cafe Studio in Andheri. The event dazzled in the presence of famous celebrities, Gangs of Wasseypur fame actress Richa Chadda, Hate Story 3 fame actress Zareen Khan, culinary chef and well known author Maria Goretti and famous wrestler Sangram Singh.

Commenting on this initiative, Sonal Khanduja, Content Head - VP English Entertainment Cluster at TIMES NETWORK said, “Valentine’s Day is about spreading love and laughter in everyone’s life. At Romedy NOW, we chose to celebrate it with a difference by sharing love with animals-pets and abandoned stray friends. I want to thank those present here to support our initiative and those who supported us virtually, making this campaign a huge success. Team Romedy NOW will continue to spread love and laughter to our viewers throughout the year and not just on Valentine’s.”

The integrated campaign on TV and social media started from February 1, 2017 with a series of videos, celebrity bytes, animal profiles & trivia on social media. The campaign received support and tremendous response on social media with the #FurrentinesDay launch film garnering 1.5 million views on facebook within 48 hours. Additionally, well known faces like John Abraham, Meneka Gandhi, Singer Shaan, Jackky Bhagnani, Ali Fazal, Sunny Leone, Sophie Chaudary, Tara Sharma and many more shared the video to their followers and put out their video bytes in support of the initiative.

Supporting this initiative and an ardent cat lover, actress Richa Chadda said, “It’s great that Romedy NOW has taken this responsibility of spreading awareness about animal welfare because channels like these can reach a wider target audience. I personally love cats and I am happy to be associated with #FurrentinesDay as I feel everyone deserves love on Valentines – humans and animals alike!  One of the aims of the initiative is to find loving homes for these homeless indigenous species of cats.”

Hate Story 3 fame actress Zareen Khan said, “It’s every individual’s responsibility to make sure that no living being is ill-treated, be it humans or animals. I love cats and I feel deeply for them as they can’t ask for what they need and as human I feel we should be sensitive towards them. I’m glad to be here and associating with Romedy NOW for this cause has been really worthwhile. I want to tell everyone that please support this initiative of #Furrentine’sDay and show some love to these animals.”

Food Enthusiast and Chef Maria Goretti said, “Animals are our best companions and it is our responsibility to take care of them. My children love animals and they feel happy around them and therefore I am happy that I could support #FurrentinesDay - a unique initiative by ROMEDY NOW that goes beyond just loving humans. Animals are dependent on us and I want to take this platform to tell people that we need to look beyond our own interests and help these little creatures live a healthy life.”

Wrestler Sangram Singh, who was Brand Ambassador of People For Animals said, “I want to thank Romedy NOW for taking up this initiative. We must care for animals just like we care for our children because they are also like children. They are one of us and we need to treat them well. They are more loyal than humans and give us unconditional love! I come from a small town where we take special care of animals. I would like to take this opportunity to support this initiative and spread awareness.”                 

Viewers & fans, as a part of the digital campaign, can tweet about their love for animals by using the hashtag #FurrentinesDay! For every tweet received, Romedy NOW will make a contribution to Cat Café Studio and People For Animals to help the cause of animal welfare. The campaign has received over 2500 tweets so far and is still counting!

On February 14, 2017, Romedy NOW will go on a Valentine’s Day date with its furry friends at Cat Café Studio. The channel’s facebook page will live stream the V Day party and celebrations from there.

On Television, Romedy NOW has lined up special movies on 12th February to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Films like Marmaduke, 101 Dalmatians, 102 Dalmatians, Cats and Dogs, Beverly Hills Chihuahua & Princess Diary will be aired all day. Additionally, Romedy NOW will pay its ultimate tribute to animals by launching a beautiful #FurrentinesDay film starring singer and actor Meiyang Chang. The film will be launched on 14thFebruary across all Romedy NOW platforms – on air, digital and social media.

LG’s #KarSalaam initiative salutes the spirit of the Indian soldiers

Donates 1 crore to CRPF welfare fund

Mumbai, February 9th 2017: The year 2017 marks the 20th Anniversary of the nation’s  consumer durable major, LG Electronics India. The celebrations were kick-started with a gesture which is close to every Indian - selfless contribution of  our soldiers. The #KarSalaam initiave, dedicated to Indian soldiers, was launched prior to Republic day. The campaign invited the whole nation to come forward and send their wishes to the Indian Armed Forces.

Through this initiative, LG salutes the soldiers’ spirit of magnanimous contribution and service towards the nation. This initiative is a commitment to LG’s corporate philosophy of ‘Life’s Good’ and a gesture of their support and solidarity to our nation’s soldiers for playing a great role in assuring that we lead a fearless and good life in this country.

LG rolled out this campaign through radio, digital, outdoor and mall activities to capture the messages and wishes of the citizens of India for our soldiers. The company also engaged the people through social media platforms and encouraged them to share their wishes on the microsite www.karsalaam.in, where more than 1,93,000 wishes written by citizens of the country were collected from all across the country.

Taking this campaign forward on Thursday, 9th February, LG India’s MD Mr. Kim Ki Wan handed over a cheque of INR 1 CRORE to the Honorable Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh for ‘CRPF welfare fund’, which is dedicated to the soldiers.

Mr. Kim Ki Wan, Managing Director, LG Electronics India said, “LG salutes the spirit of Indian soldiers who courageously give up their lives to protect the country. Therefore, we took this initiative to bring together the citizens of India to express their gratitude to our soldiers. With an aim to connect with the hearts of the entire nation and to pour out messages for these brave hearts, LG goes beyond boundaries to reach out to every citizen and invite them to express their gratitude for our army who selflessly volunteer to serve our nation all day and night.”

Mr. Amit Gujral – Head- Corporate Marketing , LG Electronics India said, “We salute the spirit of our soldiers. We would like to thank people for their overwhelming response. This truly shows the spirit of India towards our armed forces. Taking this forward, we would be claiming a Guiness record for maximum wishes collected offline.”

Shri Rajnath Singh - Home Minister, Govt. of India said, “We welcome LG Electronics’s gesture of showing solidarity to Indian Armed Forces;  this is a very special gesture by a corporate.  Today the entire nation is proud of  its armed forces and response to this initiative in form of collecting good wishes for soldiers is an indication for the same. I would like to thank the people of India for extending  their support to the armed forces.“

Let’s celebrate heroism, patriotism and a good life! #KarSalaam

RBI Monetary Policy - Quote by Govind Sankaranarayanan, Chief Operating Officer – Retail Business & Housing Finance, Tata Capital

“The decision to keep the rates unchanged signals a policy shift by the RBI from an accommodative to a neutral stance. The post demonetization era has already led to an influx of funds which has subsequently resulted in a fall in market interest rates for sectors like housing, auto and white goods and the RBI seems to have adopted a wait-and-watch policy to see if demand picks up in these sectors”.- Mr. Govind Sankaranarayanan, Chief Operating Officer – Retail Business & Housing Finance, Tata Capital

Colonel & Co. celebrates global food cuisine at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

Mumbai, 8th February 2017: Colonel & Co., the legendary snacks brand from Fizzy Foodlabs, sponsored the theatrical performances at this year’s Kala Ghoda Art Festival (KGAF) and honored legendary theatre artists and celebrities including Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Rakesh Bedi and many more as they adorned the stage with their talent in a play titled ‘Mera Who Matlab Nahi Tha’ that was performed during the weekend. The show also featured some classic and historical performances by renowned stage artists, and performers from rural India. Colonel & Co. is the new age snack brand to leverage disruptive pack format and healthy snack alternatives. The snack forms a part of a global international cuisine that is uniquely packaged in a tray with its authentic condiments and dips instead of just another tag-along.

“The KGAF defines fusion of art, beauty, people and culture. Similarly, Colonel & Co products are a unique blend of different flavors that are fresh, tasty and healthy. The festival served as platform for us to engage with all the art and food lovers who are always excited to try new things. We offered them a unique experience of chip n dip nachos & salsa which is the perfect on the go snack that can be enjoyed while watching every theatre, music or a dance performance,” said Varun Jhawar, Director and CMO Fizzy Foodlabs.

Colonel & Co offered world’s favorite snack nachos and salsa in a convenient packaged tray for all on the go explorers who were a part of the heritage bus tour that happens every year at the Kala Ghoda Festival.  A Colonel’s bunker was also installed to capture some legendary moments which also bought the essence of army and war time tales alive through the installation.

Colonel and Co. can be located at stall number 36 in Cross Maidan.

‘Building Creative Imagination’ Seminar

The Rhode Island School of Design, is known to push the boundaries of excellence as it nurtures its students to innovate, create, and imagine a ‘world that doesn’t yet exist', by constantly challenging assumptions. 

For the first time ever, the Rhode Island School of Design, Alumni of India came together to exhibit their work from 6th February to 8th February, honoured by the visit of Rosanne Somerson, President of RISD.

In addition to the group exhibition, the alumni hosted an interesting panel discussion 'Building Creative Imagination' yesterday, 7th February 2017 at G5A where Rosanne Somerson, President, RISD along with six inspiring creative minds: Anavila Mirsa, Fashion Designer; Kunal Anand, Designer, Illustrator and Co-Founder of KultureShop; Prajakta Potnis, Contemporary Artist, Zoya Akhtar, Director and Screenwriter, and Vaibhav Chabbra, Founder of Maker's Asylum shared their thoughts on how creativity is fuelled, by sharing examples and experiences from their own practice. Rosanne also interacted with prospective students and spoke about the work of the RISD alumni.