With SMOODH Lassi, Parle Agro took lassi to new heights of delight and indulgence. With 50% dahi content, this lassi is wonderfully thick and creamy, delivering a delicious, smooth, and satisfying drinking experience. SMOODH Lassi offers the classic lassi taste, with a hint of rose creating a flavour that is refreshing. It’s the perfect beverage for relaxing moments – whether it’s a quick snack, a family gathering, serving guests or simply a refreshing pick-me up.

Making SMOODH Lassi even more unique is its packaging. Parle Agro is the only national player offering lassi in cutting-edge aseptic PET packaging at a competitive price of Rs. 20 for 180 ml. This innovative packaging ensures the lassi is free from trans fats and preservatives, while offering a six-month shelf life. Its vibrant, trendy design is eye-catchy and appealing, making it stand out in a crowded market. Additionally, its youthful look and convenient size make it ideal for on-the-go consumption.

Parle Agro had launched the campaign for SMOODH Lassi with a TVC featuring brand ambassador Varun Dhawan in a dual role. Dhawan’s portrayal of both a customer seeking the ultimate lassi experience and a shopkeeper delivering it highlights SMOODH Lassi’s superior quality and irresistible taste. It emphasizes SMOODH Lassi’s creamy texture, delightful flavour, and refreshing qualities.

Commenting on the launch of SMOODH Lassi, Nadia Chauhan, Joint Managing Director, Parle Agro, said, “With SMOODH Lassi we are offering a premium, creamy, and rich dairy based beverage. We’ve carefully crafted SMOODH Lassi to exceed consumer expectations, focusing on quality and taste. Our campaign with Varun Dhawan, is designed to resonate with consumers, positioning SMOODH Lassi as a standout choice in the crowded lassi market. With this approach, we aim to elevate the product’s visibility and strengthen our leadership in beverage innovation.”

Parle Agro’s launch of SMOODH Lassi is a smart move to tap into the large, mostly unorganized lassi market in India, which is worth over INR 3000 crore (according to internal estimates). Although the loose lassi market is big, the packaged lassi sector doesn’t have a strong national brand presence yet. Parle Agro seeks to leverage its leadership in the industry to shape and lead the development of the “Lassi Category” in India with SMOODH Lassi.

SMOODH Lassi is available nationwide, ensuring easy access for both urban and rural consumers.

Watch the TVC for SMOODH Lassi in the link below:
YT Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5GJ3g5wSUw

In 2016, Azim Premji University launched the annual “Social Enterprise Idea Challenge” that brings students from across India to explore social entrepreneurship and share innovative social change ideas in a rigorous and competitive environment. The event also acts as a networking platform for young minds to meet each other, exchange thoughts and showcase their talent and skills to some of the early-stage mentors and funders.

Fifteen teams were shortlisted from over 150 entries from universities and colleges across the country for the final round. The submissions were broadly in the domains of education, livelihood, health, sustainability and governance. First prize: Vyasa M Nayak, Lisha D S, Joshua Quinthino Albuquerque from St Joseph Engineering College Contact Numbers: 8618497080/ 8951314688.

Summary of the idea: HiveLink is a social enterprise model using IoT sensors, wireless communication, cloud computing, machine learning, and geospatial tech to empower beekeepers. Implemented at beehive sites in Bantwal, Karnataka, HiveLink provides real-time monitoring, early disease detection, and theft prevention. By streamlining hive management, it supports rural beekeepers and ensures the sustainability of India’s beekeeping industry.

Second prize: Team Urooj – Students from Azim Premji University, Bangalore, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sirmaur, and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Contact Number: Abbad Kamal – 9582043180 ummary of the Idea: Urooj is aimed at addressing social inequalities and structural discrimination through their fellowship program. They are focused at bridging the gap between education and employability by teaching computer skills and enhancing learning ability.

Third Prize: Team Minds4Minds — Students from IIM, Udaipur, Mahindra United World College (UWC India), and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Contact number: Sofiya Sisolekar – 9545284838 Summary of the idea: Minds4Minds is dedicated to empowering children and teens (6-18) by fostering emotional resilience and mental well-being through fun, engaging clubs in schools and communities. By blending mental health education with immersive activities, they promote balanced digital use, emotional growth, and strong community bonds.

Nazrul Haque, Mentor for the Social Enterprise Cell at Azim Premji University, noted: “It was gratifying to see the understanding and appreciation of social issues among the participants and their determination to find solutions. The majority of past winners are working towards bringing social change.”

Religare, already in the spotlight of a hostile takeover bid with the Dabur headed Burmans, has been facing a legal case. In the most recent turn of events in the case, the Enforcement Directorate has slapped provisions of PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering) alleging misuse of ESOPs. In their legal filings, the Religare team has documented how the ESOP process was undertaken. Their documentation clarifies that the board approval was sought months ahead of the ESOP acquisition. There is also clarification about a borrowing process undertaken by the Chairperson for the fair-value on the ESOPs. Therefore, the ESOP plan followed not just SEBI’s 2013 legal structure, but also conformed with board approvals and the internal NRC committee recommendations.

To India Inc, the development may come as a huge surprise. Surprise, because CEOs and senior leadership are frequently rewarded with ESOPs, reflecting their role in driving the company’s strategic vision and performance. In Aug-24, Nykaa, an startup unicorn, had allotted15.9  crore equity shares under its ESOP plan. By offering equity, organisations ensure that their top executives are motivated to drive long-term company growth, with the potential for substantial personal financial gains. ESOPs are therefore believed to be excellent remuneration packages, but conventions of PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering) upon Religare sends the wrong message. India Inc may interpret that rewarding talented employees with ESOPs could invite legal wrath.

In India, ESOPs are governed by a combination of corporate, tax, and legal regulations. Under corporate law, particularly the Companies Act of 2013, companies can issue ESOPs to their employees, directors, and officers, but with certain restrictions for independent directors and promoters. The issuance of ESOPs requires the approval of the board of directors as well as the shareholders via a special resolution. The company must also adhere to the guidelines laid out by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for publicly listed companies, ensuring transparency in the issuance and vesting of stock options. Until 2020, any board contemplating an ESOP would be busy scrutinising the tax angle. That, because when the options are exercised, the difference between the fair market value (FMV) of the shares and the exercise price was to be treated as a prerequisite and taxed as part of the employee’s salary under India’s Income Tax Act, 1961.

Second, when the shares were sold, any gains were subject to capital gains tax. The holding period between the exercise date and sale would determine whether short-term or long-term capital gains tax applies, with long-term capital gains on listed securities taxed at a lower rate. In the curious case at Religare, their legal team has provisioned the tax payment receipts showcasing that all legal processes were closely followed.

Some observers have been quick to point out the timing of Dr Saluja’s sale of the ESOPs – post the announcement of the acquisition from Dabur Group. The legal team has contested the claims. There is the reference to Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple who sold 200,000 shares of Apple in the week that the Cupertino headquartered tech-major launched a new upgrade. Should Tim Cook’s stock-sale in April 2024 be scrutinised? Fortunately, Mr Cook was not an Indian CEO.

Equating ESOP acquisition or a transaction under the tenets of money-laundering may not seem like a genuine investigation. That, especially in the absence of credible information about a material gain made by a leader the stature of Tim Cook or Dr Saluja. At best, the legal aspect seems like a misaligned adventure of blaming ESOPs and tarnishing the image of Dr Saluja who has steered Religare away from near-death. At its worst, it is a misinterpretation that India Inc should not reward talented and meritorious leaders. 

Krishnendu Sanyal, the newly appointed CEO, brings 32 years of experience in strategic, financial, and operational leadership. His illustrious career spans across major companies such as Tata Steel in India and Sri Lanka, The Siam Industrial Wire Co. in Thailand, and Sedibeng Iron Ore in South Africa. Krishnendu has global experience and a proven track record in turning around and expanding operations, and creating value through acquisitions, integrations, and divestments.

He has valuable domestic and international experience with one of the country’s largest companies whose core values resonate with that of SMIORE. He has led various roles and undertaken responsibilities in business sustainability, management change, and new business development across different geographies. His past experience perfectly aligns with SMIORE’s future endeavours. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering coupled with a Master’s in Business Administration. He has also participated in Tata Group Strategic Leadership Program from Harvard Business School.

Manjunath Prabhu, the newly appointed COO, also has ~36 years of experience in operations, leadership, and strategic planning. His extensive background includes significant roles at JSW Steel, Vijayanagar; Essar Steel, Visakhapatnam; and KOICL, Mangalore. Manjunath has a deep understanding of the Ballari region’s metals and mining operations and expertise in various facets of operations including production, project commissioning, land acquisition, beneficiation, and raw material handling system (RMHS), among others. He is a Mechanical Engineering graduate by qualification and was part of the Future Fit Leader by Cornell University from 2016-19.

Commenting on this milestone, Bahirji A. Ghorpade, Managing Director, SMIORE said: “This is a strategic initiative to augment our management bandwidth and bolster our leadership as we march forward with our plans to cement our position in the industry. As we transition towards a sustainable and integrated future, building the required management bandwidth to drive the execution of our strategic priorities is crucial.

We are excited to welcome Krishnendu and Manjunath to the SMIORE family. With his global experience with steel industry majors, Krishnendu’s expertise in various facets of the industry and strategic leadership will be a valuable addition. At the same time, Manjunath’s long stint with one of India’s leading steel players and his experience in Bellari’s metals & mining operations will be an invaluable asset. I look forward to working closely with both of them, as we scale new heights and continue to innovate and excel, creating a future-ready organisation poised for sustainable value creation.”

Speaking on being appointed as the CEO of SMIORE, Krishnendu Sanyal, said: “I am excited to be part of SMIORE’s promising transition to an integrated and sustainable metals and mining powerhouse. With many potent triggers in the offing, including its recent mining expansion, SMIORE is on a path to creating a lasting legacy in the Indian metals & mining industry.”

Speaking on being appointed as the COO of SMIORE, Manjunath Prabhu, said: “Having been working in the Bellari region since 1996, I have observed up close how SMIORE has run one of the best mining operations in the country. I have great respect and admiration for the SMIORE brand, and I am excited to contribute to its journey of transitioning beyond mining into other facets of the industry.”

Unimech Aerospace specializes in manufacturing of high precision tooling for aero-engines and airframes, along with complex high precision components, assemblies, and electro-mechanical turnkey systems for the aerospace, defence, energy, and semiconductor industries. Their advanced capabilities and commitment to quality make them a trusted partner for some of the global OEMs and Tier 1s in the industry.

Reflecting on the fundraise and its utilization, Anil Puthan, Chairman and Managing Director of Unimech Aerospace, said, “From our humble start in 2016 as a bootstrapped team of five, we’ve grown to over INR 200 crore in revenue with 380 employees for FY 2023-24, all without external funding. Welcoming this first round of private placement fills us with gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility. This investment will enable us to pursue both organic and inorganic growth, enhancing our Build to Print and Build to Spec solutions.”

Anil Puthan, further added,” We are delighted to announce this private placement round and grateful for the support of our investors. Beyond financial support, this investment brings invaluable intellectual capital. By leveraging our investors’ expertise in private and public equity, we aim to strengthen our strategies and operations. This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to transparency, governance, and shareholder value. The funds raised from this investment will bolster Unimech’s expansion efforts and strategic objectives.”

Pushkar Jauhari, MD & Head – Private Equity at ValueQuest said “We are happy to partner with Unimech. Led by capable founders, with focus on quality, strong financial metrics, and a culture of learning, we believe in Unimech’s long-term success and look forward to this partnership.”

This triparty collaboration will establish, at the MSRIT campus in Bengaluru, the JSW Center of Excellence (JSW-COE) for Smart Grid technologies. According to the Agreement signed, JSW Group shall provide financial grant to the JSW-COE, MSRIT shall actively take on the pivotal role of establishing and hosting the JSW-COE and Sharika Smartec will be its knowledge partner and support in establishing, operating and maintaining the JSW-COE.

All the three parties to the MOU will leverage the collective strength of society to propel continuous learning, skill development and knowledge enhancement for operations staff, engineers and managerial professionals. The Center of Excellence will provide a robust platform for learning, training, and development through the JSW Center of Excellence. This state-of-the-art Center of Excellence is expected to introduce a radical change in learning & training modules by offering “Lab as a Service” to the next generation of engineering professionals, supporting startups while providing testing as well as consultative support. It will drive continuous learning, skill development, and knowledge enhancement in the rapidly evolving field of power systems.

With the advent of AI, deep learning, big data, blockchain, networking, and automation, the demand for innovative interventions in power & energy systems has become significantly critical. The JSW Center of Excellence at MSRIT will cater to this need by providing advanced learning, design, development, and implementation capabilities in Smart Grid or Flexible Power Systems.

Focusing on Smart Grid Power System training while equipping engineers, graduates and technical staff with advanced skills and knowledge, the JSW Center of Excellence at MSRIT will facilitate the upgrading and production of skilled manpower. In order to address the evolving needs of the industry, it will foster professional development within the energy sector.

Located at M S Ramaiah Nagar, MSRIT Post, Bengaluru – 560054, the JSW Center of Excellence will serve as a hub for innovative research, training, and development in power systems, ultimately contributing to the growth and advancement of the industry.

In this light, we welcome the announcements in the industry to repair tariffs. Airtel will also revise its mobile tariffs as indicated below, from July 3rd. We have ensured that there is a very modest price increase (less than 70p per day) on the entry level plans, in order to eliminate any burden on budget challenged consumers.

With the ‘Dish TV Smart+’ service, all Dish TV and D2H customers, including new as well as existing subscribers can enjoy popular OTT apps along with their chosen TV subscription pack. The ‘Dish TV Smart+’ services ecosystem enables entertainment on any screen, anywhere, anytime through Watcho-the OTT Super App, Smart devices including set-top boxes, and smart android STBs. Dish TV will also collaborate with top TV and Mobile Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate their services into these devices, thereby enriching the overall user experience.

Actress Shraddha Das, who unveiled Dish TV Smart+ services at the event said, “When it comes to Indian cinema, Bollywood often takes the spotlight. However, in recent years, regional cinema in India has been gaining momentum and recognition. While we’re familiar with industries like Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, with Dish TV Smart+ services, I believe we’ll discover even more industries and languages. Dish TV’s innovative approach to bring OTT and TV under one roof is groundbreaking, allowing us to appreciate entertainment regardless of language or genre. I’m confident that Dish TV Smart+ services will revolutionize entertainment, and I’m thrilled to be part of this change.”

Commenting on the new proposition, Manoj Dobhal, CEO of Dish TV India Limited, stated, “Since its inception, Dish TV has transformed the entertainment consumption landscape, pioneering new ways for people to enjoy their favourite content. With this new proposition, we are poised to make an even greater difference, setting a new standard for immersive and accessible entertainment experiences. The launch of ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services represents more than just a proposition; it embodies the vision to redefine entertainment consumption in India, which is getting smarter and bigger. In a market flooded with options, customers often find themselves overwhelmed. We aim to simplify their choices by offering a holistic and complete entertainment solution. We firmly believe that both traditional television and OTT platforms are indispensable in today’s age, and with our proposition, we aim to reaffirm their equal importance.”

“At Dish TV, customer satisfaction is non-negotiable, and every decision is centered around delivering value and convenience. ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services not only benefit our customers by providing them with unparalleled access to entertainment but also ensures that their preferences and satisfaction remain at the forefront of our endeavours. With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we are catering to all needs of a modern Indian family, staying true to our motto – Naye Bharat Ka Smart Connection,” Manoj Dobhal added.

To effectively communicate this visionary proposition, Dish TV has initiated a comprehensive marketing campaign spanning multiple channels, including Television, Digital, Print, and Corporate outreach, aiming to amplify its message of entertainment accessibility on any screen, anywhere.

For existing subscribers, Dish TV will leverage its channels and platforms, employing push notifications, in-app notifications, and emailers. Meanwhile, for new customers, the emphasis will be on TV and digital channels to ensure widespread visibility and awareness of the offering.

Mr. Sugato Banerji, Business Head, Dish TV India Ltd, said,”With ‘Dish TV Smart+’ Services, we’re not just introducing a new proposition; we’re leading a paradigm shift in entertainment consumption. Through our multi-channel marketing approach, we are committed to directly engaging with consumers, ensuring broad awareness and adoption. As a brand, we prioritize staying ahead of trends and adapting to evolving audience preferences. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of our strategy, and we are committed to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences that cater to their diverse preferences and lifestyles.”

Dish TV’s transition from a DTH operator to a complete entertainment provider emphasizes its commitment to meeting evolving consumer preferences, and innovation, and its mission to elevate the entertainment experience for millions of households nationwide, setting a new standard for entertainment delivery and heralding a paradigm shift in the industry. By prioritizing customer needs and leveraging strategic collaborations, Dish TV paves the way for future innovations, further enhancing the entertainment experience for consumers nationwide

ಇದರ ಸಲುವಾಗಿ ಅವರು ಮಾಧ್ಯಮಕ್ಕೆ ನೀಡಿದ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ, ಪ್ರಮುಖವಾಗಿ ಹಣಕಾಸಿನ ವರ್ಷಕ್ಕೆ ನಿರಂತರ ಬಜೆಟ್‌ನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಹೊಂದಿಕೆಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ, ಇದು ಮಧ್ಯಂತರ ಕ್ರಮವಾಗಿ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುವ ಗಮನಾರ್ಹ ಕ್ರಾಂತಿಗಿಂತ ಸ್ಥಿರತೆಯಿಂದ ನಿರೂಪಿಸಲ್ಪಟ್ಟಿದೆ. ಗೌರವಾನ್ವಿತ ಹಣಕಾಸು ಸಚಿವರು ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಬಹುವಿಧದ ಸಾಧನೆಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ವಿವರಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ, ಪ್ರಶಂಸೆಯನ್ನು ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ ಮತ್ತು ಮುಂಬರುವ ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಯ ಪಥವನ್ನು ಸೂಚಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ.

Mahesh Balasubramanian, Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited said, “Customer centricity has always been the DNA at Kotak Life. TULIP offers our customers comprehensive protection like a term plan and also the opportunity to grow their wealth like a ULIP. It is aimed at taking care of our customer’s core financial needs.”

T.U.L.I.P. is a step towards financially empowering individuals. It is in sync with our brand promise, ‘Hum hain… hamesha’, where we give the assurance to be by our customers at every step of their journey.

Click here for the video release www.kotaklife.com

USP of T.U.L.I.P:

• Life cover up to 100 times of the annual premium.
• Loyalty additions up to 30% of fund value as a part of maturity benefits added by the company
• Refund of 2 times the premium allocation charges in the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th year
• Refund of 1 time to 3 times of the mortality charges from the 11th policy year onwards 
• Flexibility to withdraw money in case of a financial emergency
• Accidental Death Benefit and Critical Illness rider
• 8 fund options to choose from to invest one’s money