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Harish Bhat, a cautious marketer who made difficult choices

Following 36 years of service, Harish Bhat retired from Tata Sons as the firm's Brand Custodian. He will continue to serve as an advisor to the company and as a non-executive director on the boards of Tata Starbucks, Trent, Infiniti Retail (Croma), and Tata AIA Life Insurance firm.Fali Vakeel Lowe Lintas Chairman Fali Vakeel stated that he has always appreciated working with Bhat. Bhat was fair and made difficult decisions, according to Vakeel, who called him the "embodiment of a client." When it came to job ethics, he was among the most equitable clients. The ability to be fair while still being able to make difficult decisions would be the one trait I would have to inherit from him.Vakeel and Bhat contributed to numerous Tanishq campaigns. When asked which of this association's campaigns he preferred, Vakeel replied, "It is hard to say which was my favorite, pretty much all of them were excellent." They highlighted the core of the brand and were incredibly attractive. Beyond work, Vakeel revealed that Bhat is a music lover and wasn't bashful about it. "Apart from being a pleasure to work with, he had a wonderful personality and was a great client."Parmeswaran Ambi Ambi Parmeswaran, a brand expert, remembers collaborating with Bhat on several important Tata Group projects. Parmeswaran said, "His simplicity and humility are what I really admire about him." the capacity to approach a problem from its most sympathetic angle. Along with being a very gifted and hardworking writer, he has penned several best-selling books and essays." Parmeswaran added, "Bhat has strong views about the role of brands and advertising in a changing society." "When I approached him to do an interview for my book 'Nawabs Nudes Noodles,' he was gracious with his time!" He has enjoyed that book as well, and I appreciate his good remarks about my other novels," Parmeswaran continued.  

Prerna Korla becomes a Director of Communications for Asia Pacific at Mastercard.

Prerna Korla is a new Director of Communications for Asia Pacific at Mastercard. With over 15 years of significant experience, Prerna is a communication and PR specialist who has worked with leading Indian and international B2B and B2C brands. Prerna spent more than two years as Manager, Senior Communications at Microsoft before joining Mastercard.She was the Uber South Asia and India Consumer Communications Lead. Prerna has also collaborated with a number of PR companies, such as Edelman and MSL Group India. Prerna Korla has been appointed by Mastercard India as the director of communications for Asia Pacific. She leaves Microsoft after working there for two years as a senior communications manager. Korla updated her LinkedIn post on this development. Korla was the head of customer communications for a brief period of time at Uber before.  

Rajat Diwakar is appointed CEO of iD Fresh Foods India.

Rajat Diwakar has been named CEO of iD Fresh Food's India division, the business announced on Friday. Diwakar worked as the Managing Director of Marico Bangladesh Limited before being hired by iD Fresh Foods. Additionally, he has over 20 years of experience leading FMCG companies.Leader of iD Fresh India, Rajat Diwakar Delhi, New: iD Fresh Food, a ready-to-cook packaged food firm, strengthened its leadership team on a national and international level on Friday by appointing industry veteran Rajat Diwaker as the India CEO and PC Musthafa as the Global CEO.Today, iD Fresh Food announced the appointment of Rajat Diwaker, a seasoned industry veteran, as the CEO for India. Rajat is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in the FMCG sector. He was the Managing Director of Marico Bangladesh Limited in his previous position. Additionally, he serves as a director on the board of Bangladesh's Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).In addition to continuing to lead the board of directors, PC Musthafa, who founded iD Fresh and served in that capacity for almost 20 years, now assumes the position of global CEO. Musthafa will be in charge of iD Fresh's worldwide market innovations, as well as international expansions, strategic acquisitions, the development of food-tech capabilities, and organizational culture inspiration.iD Fresh plans to designate specific Business Heads and CEOs for every international market as part of its expansion strategy. In actuality, the business is currently employing a US CEO. At present, more than one-third originates from sources outside of India. In 2024, the company intends to increase its presence in the current markets while branching out into new ones like Singapore and Australia.The global CEO of iD Fresh Food, PC Musthafa, commented on the most recent development, saying, "iD Fresh's journey has been incredibly rewarding so far, and we continue to make tremendous strides." I'm happy to have Rajat Diwaker join the iD Fresh team. I have no doubt that in the years to follow, we will accomplish greater things and win over more hearts under his capable and visionary leadership. And because of the unwavering support from customers that we have accumulated over the years, I am excited to lead the brand into new international markets as we set off on new experiences.  

10club, a D2C firm, names Kavitha Rao as COO and cofounder.

Kavitha Rao has joined 10club, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) firm that specializes in the kitchen and home categories, as cofounder and chief operational officer. In October of last year, the company changed its focus from roll-up commerce to direct-to-consumer (D2C) branding. The announcement coincided with a slowing in the growth rates of acquired brands in the domestic market over the past year, which has affected the roll-up business as a whole.The company currently functions as a single brand, marketing its own goods both offline—through owned and third-party stores—and online. On the other hand, roll-up commerce businesses purchase numerous internet retailers and brands while frequently keeping their unique identities. They then attempt to enhance performance by means of improved management and pooled knowledge.According to 10club, Rao will oversee day-to-day operations, develop the company's category plan, and lead retail operations across both physical and online channels. Rao was managing director of Accenture's retail division before this. Rao told ET that the company's new goal is to open its first physical location in the first half of FY25. In addition to partnering with distributors to sell its products in large quantities, it is collaborating with D2C competitors like Wakefit to offer products in their stores.By the end of March 2023, 10club is expected to have an annualized revenue run rate of Rs 100 crore, according to Rao. The company is concentrating on generating sales in a profitable manner, he continued, without providing any additional information regarding the current profitability status.  

Upcoming January 2024 films include Fighter, Main Atal Hoon, Merry Christmas, Kalki 2898 AD, and more.

January 2024 will see the release of several other movies, including He Went That Way, Lal Salaam, Guntur Kaaram, and Mean Girls. View the complete list by clicking the link below.Many film companies have a number of films scheduled for release in January 2024 as we start a new year. Movies like Fighter, Kalki 2898 AD, Merry Christmas, Main Atal Hoon, and more are highly anticipated by fans. We present to you an intriguing slate of movies that you should definitely see out in January 2024, as the list goes on. (Also Read: Year Ender 2023: Emergency, Emergency: Major Hindi movie releases of 2024, Fighter, Kalki 2898 AD to Merry Christmas). The late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is the subject of the planned biopic. The movie opens in theaters on January 19, 2024. Pankaj Tripathi plays the lead in Main Atal Hoon, which is directed by Ravi Jadhav. Ravi Jadhav and Rishi Virmani co-wrote the movie.  

Tyagi Ravindra Kumar appointed Power Grid Corporations CMD

Sreekant Kandikuppa, who resigned at the age of superannuation, has been replaced as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) by Ravindra Kumar Tyagi.Leading state-owned company Power Grid Corporation announced a major leadership transition on January 1. Sreekant Kandikuppa, who resigned at the age of superannuation, has been replaced as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) by Ravindra Kumar Tyagi.Tyagi, who is 57 years old, brings a plethora of expertise and experience to his new position. He received his degree in Electrical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh. He furthered his education by earning an M.Tech in Energy Studies from the esteemed IIT Delhi. Being recognized by Carnegie Mellon University in the United States as a "Fulbright Scholar" adds even more credibility to his academic background. Various Experiences in the Power Industry Tyagi, who has worked in the electricity industry for more than 33 years, has occupied a number of important roles in major public sector undertakings (CPSUs). His experience managing multifunctional projects in several business domains, such as asset management, engineering, and business development, both locally and internationally, has distinguished him during his time at POWERGRID. Director of Operations Contributions Prior to AscendingScholarly Input In addition to being a seasoned professional, Tyagi actively participates in the academic community. He has written more than fifty technical articles that have been presented at both national and international conferences. This facet of his professional background demonstrates his dedication to innovation and knowledge exchange in the power industry.    

The new director of home guards, civil defense, and fire service is Vivek Srivastava.

Vivek Srivastava's appointment to the Ministry of Home Affairs' Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence, and Home Guards was recently approved by the ACC.Vivek Srivastava, an experienced 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Gujarat cadre, was appointed as the Ministry of Home Affairs' Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) recently.On December 28, the Department of Personnel and Training Issues an Official Order. The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) issued an order on December 28 making the decision official. This important appointment will begin on the day Srivastava assumes the role and run through June 30, 2025, or until additional directives are given, whichever comes first. The History of Vivek Srivastava With more than three decades of experience, Vivek Srivastava has had a distinguished career as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Since joining the military in 1989, he has held a number of positions, demonstrating his commitment to public service and leadership abilities. Srivastava has a reputation for being devoted to maintaining law and order and has continuously shown competence in his jobs withinProspective Projects and Obstacles There will probably be a number of chances and difficulties during Srivastava's term in the new position. Organizing house guards, civil defense, and fire services requires careful planning and coordination. Srivastava will be crucial in guaranteeing the security and welfare of the populace in his capacity as head of these essential departments, especially in times of emergency and unanticipated circumstance.  

Geetika Mehta is the new managing director of NIVEA India.

Leading manufacturer of personal hygiene products Nivea India has named Geetika Mehta as its new managing director. The famous brand made a calculated move with this important statement.The most recent managing director, Geetika Mehta, has extensive experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. Her career path includes a recent position as managing director of the massive candy company Hershey India, which she assumed in July 2021. Prior to joining Hershey, Mehta worked for almost twenty years at Hindustan Unilever Ltd., a significant participant in the consumer products sector, where she held a variety of positions in several divisions. a track record of success in international markets Mehta has a track record of successfully managing large-scale enterprises and growing small businesses. She has worked in a variety of areas throughout her career, including South Africa, Brazil, Thailand, and South Asia. Nivea's announcement showcases her vast experience and strategic vision, which flawlessly aligns with The Brand Portfolio and Ownership of Nivea Owned by Beiersdorf AG, a company established in Germany, Nivea boasts a broad range of brands that extend beyond personal hygiene. La Prairie, Hansaplast, Eucerin (cosmetics), and other brands are part of the roster. Furthermore, Beiersdorf is a well-known producer of technical adhesive tapes for the industrial, craft, and consumer markets through its fully owned affiliate Tesa SE. Important Financial Data and Beiersdorf AG's Worldwide Presence The Hamburg, Germany-based Beiersdorf AG reported strong sales of €8.8 billion for the fiscal year 2022. With more than 20,000 workers worldwide, the organization is clearly well-established in the global market. The Goals of Geetika Mehta for Nivea India Mehta gave her reflections on the new position as follows: "As we navigate the always changing skincare landscape, my focus will be on  

Gwanggu Lee is named the new MD & CEO of Kia India.

Vivek Srivastava's appointment to the Ministry of Home Affairs' Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence, and Home Guards was recently approved by the ACC.Vivek Srivastava, an experienced 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Gujarat cadre, was appointed as the Ministry of Home Affairs' Director General of Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) recently.On December 28, the Department of Personnel and Training Issues an Official Order. The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) issued an order on December 28 making the decision official. This important appointment will begin on the day Srivastava assumes the role and run through June 30, 2025, or until additional directives are given, whichever comes first. The History of Vivek Srivastava With more than three decades of experience, Vivek Srivastava has had a distinguished career as an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Since joining the military in 1989, he has held a number of positions, demonstrating his commitment to public service and leadership abilities. Srivastava has a reputation for being devoted to maintaining law and order and has continuously shown competence in his jobs withinProspective Projects and Obstacles There will probably be a number of chances and difficulties during Srivastava's term in the new position. Organizing house guards, civil defense, and fire services requires careful planning and coordination. Srivastava will be crucial in guaranteeing the security and welfare of the populace in his capacity as head of these essential departments, especially in times of emergency and unanticipated circumstance.With immediate effect, Gwanggu Lee has been named as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kia India.With immediate effect, Gwanggu Lee has been named as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kia India. Gwanggu Lee, the company's new MD and CEO, succeeds Tae Jin Park, marking a significant change in the company's leadership.Changes at Kia India Gwanggu Lee will succeed Kook Hyun Shim and Tae Jin Park as Kia India's third MD and CEO. After a distinguished 36-year career with Kia Corporation and a noteworthy four-year tenure with Kia India, Tae Jin Park, the former MD and CEO, is retiring. The change is a reflection of the company's resolve to appoint experienced executives to drive its revolutionary path. Experience and Skill in Leadership Gwanggu Lee has a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years in the automobile industry. Throughout his long career, he has held leadership positions in both developed and developing economies in a variety of capacities. Key roles at Kia Headquarters in Central and South America, as well as the US, Canada, Italy, and Mexico, have been held by Lee. His  

The Energy Department has appointed Manu Srivastava (IAS: 1991: MP) as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS).

New Delhi: The recently established government of Madhya Pradesh started the transfer of eighteen Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in a significant bureaucratic reorganization. Manu Srivastava, who is well-known for his contributions to the energy industry, has been promoted to Additional Chief Secretary in the Department of Power and Renewable Energy, one of the major changes. Prior to his noteworthy involvement in the field of renewable energy, Manu Srivastava was instrumental in guaranteeing his state's uninterrupted electricity supply. His previous work in the Indian government entailed managing natural gas affairs, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his administrative knowledge.Manu Srivastava, who holds an IIT-Delhi degree in Electrical Engineering, adds thirty years of expertise to his new role, including an impressive fifteen years in the energy industry. Notably, he oversaw the ground-breaking 750 MW Rewa Project, which broke grid parity and won the President's Award from the World Bank Group. This project was a turning point in India's solar energy history.The only other project in India that serves an institutional clientele is the Rewa Project, which provides electricity to Delhi Metro. The project's case study has received recognition on a global scale and is being taught at Singapore Management University and Harvard University courses.Apart from his accomplishments in large-scale solar projects, Manu Srivastava has been instrumental in putting solar rooftop initiatives into action with the lowest prices in the nation. He is currently working with NITI Aayog to bring solar rooftop projects to healthcare facilities around the country without receiving funding from the government or beneficiaries.Prior to his noteworthy involvement in the field of renewable energy, Manu Srivastava was instrumental in guaranteeing his state's uninterrupted electricity supply. His previous work in the Indian government entailed managing natural gas affairs, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his administrative knowledge.  

The Delhi Government is hiring engineers, and GATE scores are needed.

Assistant executive engineer applications are being accepted by Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DSIIDC), a public sector organization under the Delhi Government. The application must be submitted by February 29th. Those who meet the requirements can apply by going to the official website. Ten open positions are to be filled by the recruitment drive: two for assistant executive engineer (Electrical) and eight for assistant executive engineer (Civil).Age Limit for DSIIDC Recruitment in 2024   Candidates cannot be older than 35 years old.Recruitment by DSIIDC 2024: Application Cost   There is a 500 ₹ application fee. Candidates who are female or who fall under the SC, ST, or PWD categories are not required to pay the fee.   Recruitment by DSIIDC in 2024: The Selection Process   Candidates will be chosen based on their performance in GATE 2021, GATE 2022, and GATE 2023.   DSIIDC 2024 Recruitment: Academic Requirements:   Civil Assistant Executive Engineer:   Candidates must have earned a minimum of 50% in their full-time civil engineering degree from an accredited university.   Electrical Assistant Executive Engineer: Candidates should possess a full-time electrical engineering degree from a recognised university with a minimum 50 per cent score.  

This $1.3 billion fund manager expects Teslas shares to gain 550% by 2030

Tesla Inc.’s slowing growth and shrinking profit have made it the weakest stock on the Nasdaq 100 this year. Fund manager David Baron is betting it will be a bump in the road for Elon Musk’s company before another parabolic rally.It’s a tough wager to make right now, after the electric-vehicle maker warned on Wednesday that it will expand at a “notably lower” pace this year, prompting a 12% plunge in the stock. It has now lost $209 billion in market value this month through Friday’s close. The manager of the Baron Focused Growth Fund expects Tesla’s stock to reach $1,200 by 2030, up 550% from current levels, citing its strong brand. Tesla and Musk’s privately held SpaceX were the fund’s largest holdings as of December 31. Last year, it climbed 28%, beating the 18% rise in its benchmark, the Russell 2500 Growth Index, and the S&P 500’s 24% gain. And despite Tesla’s outlook for slower sales growth this year — a result in part of the EV winter that’s gripping the entire industry — Baron still expects the stock to touch around $300 in about 12 months, from around $183 at Thursday’s close. “While he may not be growing 50% a year as the company thought,” Baron said in an interview, “this year in a tough environment he’s still growing volume by 15% to 20% per year and making us $7,000 per car of gross profit.” Tesla delivered 1.8 million cars in 2023, up 38% from the year before. This year, Wall Street analysts project unit sales will increase 17%. The company didn’t respond to an email seeking comment. The Tesla holding is a key to Baron’s goal of boosting his fund’s assets to $2 billion this year, from $1.3 billion as of December 31.The fund manager’s father, Wall Street veteran Ron Baron, is famously a big Musk bull. The elder Baron oversees the Baron Partners Fund, which a Bloomberg Intelligence study published in August found was alone among thousands of rivals to beat the Nasdaq 100 over the prior five, 10 and 15 years. As for SpaceX, David Baron projects its valuation will rise 20% in a year, double within three years and triple within five. The space and satellite company is worth $175 billion or more, Bloomberg reported last month. Baron, 43, became co-portfolio manager in 2018 with his father. The small- and mid-cap fund first bought Tesla shares in 2014. Its outperformance last year came as Tesla’s stock doubled, powered in no small part by its artificial-intelligence potential. Replicating that success in 2024 will be tough should Tesla struggle amid waning EV demand. “More investors are beginning to increasingly question the company’s growth narrative,” Toni Sacconaghi, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, wrote in a note after the latest quarterly results. And while Tesla bulls often say innovation by the company can allow it to sustain a cost advantage and strong margins, “the counterargument is that the automotive industry is hyper-competitive, and carmakers have historically been unable to sustain cost advantages,” the analyst added.  

India, France agree on joint defence production, expanding bilateral ties in technology, space, and AI

India and France have agreed to work together on the joint production of defence equipment including helicopters and submarines for the Indian armed forces and production for friendly countries, New Delhi said.Macron and Modi agreed to expand bilateral ties in defence production, nuclear energy, space research and the use of artificial intelligence for public services like climate change, health and agriculture, the statement said. After Russia, France is the largest arms supplier to India, which has relied on its fighter jets for four decades. The leaders welcomed the setting up of maintenance, repair and overhaul services by France's Safran for leading-edge aviation propulsion (LEAP) engines in India and adding such services for Rafale engines, and a helicopter partnership. The bilateral summit during Macron's 40-hour visit, was the fifth Macron-Modi meeting since May. India's Tata Group and France's Airbus have signed an agreement to manufacture civilian helicopters together, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said. French jet engine maker CFM International also announced an agreement with India’s Akasa Air to buy more than 300 of its LEAP-1B engines to power 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.Akasa Air previously ordered 76 aircraft powered by the engine, of which 22 are in use. India and France agreed to intensify cooperation in the southwest Indian Ocean, building on joint surveillance missions carried out from the French island territory of La Reunion in 2020 and 2022, the government statement said. Macron also said France would create conditions to attract up to 30,000 Indian students a year for higher education.  

ICJ verdict looms: What if interim ruling goes against Israel on January 26

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is poised to deliver a highly anticipated verdict on January 26, responding to South Africa's request for an interim ruling against Israel.South Africa brought the case to the court, accusing Israel of "grave violence and genocidal acts" in Gaza and seeking an immediate ceasefire. Israel rebuffed the allegations, characterising them as a "partial and deeply flawed picture." After hearing the arguments on January 11 and 12 at The Hague, the ICJ is now on the verge of delivering its ruling."The ICJ will currently only look at 'provisional measures of protection,' which is the equivalent of the term' interim orders' used in Indian courts,"explained Pratik Bakshi, co-founder at World Law Forum.Bakshi clarified that these measures are designed to prevent ongoing conflicts or disputes from escalating further. "The ICJ will not be deciding on whether Israel is guilty of genocide, and it may be years before the court comes to a conclusion on this point," he noted.Legal experts suggest that if the ICJ issues provisional measure orders against Israel, they will be legally binding and final. However, the path to enforcement may prove challenging. "Orders of the International Court of Justice, including orders indicating provisional measures, are in theory legally binding on the Contracting States to the Genocide Convention, i.e. Israel and South Africa. Such orders are final and without appeal," stated Bindi Dave, senior partner at Wadia Ghandy & Co.Despite the legal binding, Bakshi highlighted that the ICJ lacks real enforcement power. "Israel has the choice to ignore the ICJ's ruling and proceed with its operations in Gaza, as the ICJ lacks an independent enforcement mechanism for ensuring compliance with its decisions," echoed Ankur Mahindro, managing partner at Kred Jure.In such a scenario, the ICJ can turn to the United Nations Security Council to take appropriate measures. "Given, however, that enforcement of sanctions is subject to the veto of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council, a proposed resolution for actual or effective enforcement of any provisional measures is susceptible to getting embroiled in political wrangling, especially given the perceived proximity of the United States to Israel," added Dave.                                                                  Previous decisions by the ICJ in comparable cases, such as provisional measures against Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine or to prevent Myanmar's violence against Rohingyas, have not proven effective in improving conflict situations. Nevertheless, experts suggest that Israel might have to temper the intensity of its attacks due to international pressure if the ruling goes against it.   

IEA will expedite 2025 oil demand forecast after Opecs early move

The International Energy Agency plans to bring forward publication of its first 2025 oil demand forecast in its monthly report by two or three months to April, the agency told Reuters, after OPEC expedited its forecast by six months. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the IEA are the two most closely watched oil forecasters, whose monthly reports can move oil prices and provide insight into the assumptions behind OPEC supply policy.  "We plan to publish the 2025 forecast in April as opposed to June/July previously," Toril Bosoni, head of the IEA's Oil Industry and Markets Division, told Reuters in response to an emailed question.  "The reason for this is that we will publish the Medium Term outlook in June so to avoid the overlap and get a first detailed view on 2025 before looking out to 2030 - we advanced the date." The IEA and OPEC disagree on the strength of demand growth in 2024, reflecting their divergent forecasts on how quickly the world will shift from fossil fuels. OPEC believes oil use will keep rising over the next two decades, while the IEA, which represents industrialised countries, predicts it will peak by 2030.  Their differing views have led the bodies to clash over investment in new oil supply. The IEA says the end of the growth era for fossil fuels undercuts the rationale for investment.  In a break with its tradition of publishing its first forecast for the next year in July, OPEC last week predicted demand will rise by 1.8 million bpd in 2025 and said it brought publication forward to give "long-term guidance for the market".  On the same day, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais published an article disputing that demand was near a peak, and reiterated the group's call for continued oil industry investment.  So far this year, the oil market has been buffeted by uncertainty as doubts about the global economy and demand strength have offset the more bullish impact of possible supply disruption.  OPEC forecasts world oil demand will expand by 2.25 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, a mild slowdown from 2.46 million bpd in 2023, with total oil use averaging 104.4 million bpd in 2024, bolstered by air travel and road fuel demand.  The IEA expects oil demand growth in 2024 to halve to 1.24 million bpd, from its figure for growth of 2.3 million bpd in 2023, partly because an increasing global electric vehicle fleet is curbing gasoline demand.  The difference between the OPEC and IEA demand forecasts for this year is about 1% of world demand, almost equivalent to OPEC member Libya's production.  A source with knowledge of the matter did not provide details of what the IEA would forecast for 2025 demand, but said it was expected to show further deceleration towards the 2030 peak demand timeline.  

Zee-Sony Merger Called Off: These mutual funds have exposure to the stock

India's mutual fund houses have increased their stake in Zee Entertainment in all of the nine quarters since the Sony merger announcement in December 2021. As of the December quarter, the domestic mutual funds held a 32.49% stake in Zee Entertainment, which is more than double the 12.16% stake they held at the end of the December 2021 quarter when the deal was announced. The increase in stake also corresponds with the exit of its largest shareholder Invesco, which along with Oppenheimer, held close to 18% stake in Zee at the time of the merger announcement. While Invesco Developing Markets Fund exited the stock by selling its 7.8% stake in April 2022, the OFI Global China Fund earlier pared a 5% stake between October and December 2022, before making a complete exit in April 2023. Among the funds that own a substantial stake in Zee Entertainment as of the December quarter include ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund, Nippon India Multi-Cap Fund, and HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund, among others. Some of India's largest insurance companies, all listed, also own a stake in Zee Entertainment, including the country's largest insurer LIC, along with HDFC Life and SBI Life Insurance.   

Stock Market Nifty 50 falls below 21,500, Zee Entertainment shares down 25%

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has revised the Dynamic Price Band of shares of Zee Entertainment to 30% downward from 25% earlier. In case further relaxation is needed, it will be done at an interval of 15 minutes, a circular from the BSE said.It must be noted that the stock is currently in the F&O ban and hence there are circuit limits being imposed, something that is a practice with non-F&O stocks.   Otherwise, for F&O stocks, there is no price band. Barring ICICI Bank, the remaining 11 stocks in the Nifty Bank index are contributing negatively towards its downside. Reliance Industries shares were in focus on January 23 with analysts expecting up to 23% upside in the Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate’s stock following the results for the October to December 2023 quarter. Reliance shares traded more than a percent lower after the firm reported a steady third quarter with retail business revenue hitting a record high, Jio reporting a 2% rise in average revenue per user (ARPU) and oil and gas business witnessing record high margin of 86%. Shares of HDFC Bank Ltd. remain the top contributors to the Nifty 50’s downside on Tuesday, declining another 2%. India’s largest private lender is contributing 56 points to the index downside on Tuesday.   The lender’s market capitalisation has also slipped below the mark of ₹11 lakh crore, compared to its peak of ₹12.97 lakh crore, which it had on December 29.With Tuesday’s drop, the stock has declined in four out of the last five trading sessions, during which it has seen a drop of 13% from closing levels of January 16. Shares of Medi Assist Healthcare Services listed on the bourses on Tuesday, January 23. The stock listed at a premium of 11% at ₹465 a share on the BSE, and went on to scale an intra-day high of ₹509.60. On the NSE, it listed at ₹460, a premium of 10% against an issue price of ₹418. Ahead of its debut, shares of Medi Assist were commanding a premium of ₹32-36 in the unlisted market. As per trends, the company’s shares were expected to list at a premium of 8%. The initial public offering (IPO) of Nova Agritech Limited (NATL) will open for subscription on Tuesday (January 23). The public offer was postponed by a day due to the market’s holiday on January 22 and would close on January 25. Ahead of the issue launch, the company’s shares are commanding a premium of ₹20 in the unlisted market.Nova Agritech has fixed its price band at ₹39-41 per share, with a lot size of 365 equity shares in one lot and its multiples thereafter.  

Ram Mandir Inauguration: TN govt slams Finance Minister for spreading falsehood over live telecast ban

The Tamil Nadu government has hit back at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's claims that the state has prohibited the live telecast of Ayodhya Ram Mandir programmes scheduled for January 22. P Sekar Babu, Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments, dismissed these allegations and criticised Sitharaman for "purposefully propagating this erroneous information"."The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department hasn't imposed any limitations on devotees' freedom to offer food, conduct poojas in the name of Shri Ram, or provide prasad in Tamil Nadu temples. It is unfortunate that people in office, like Union Finance Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman and others, are purposefully porpagating this erroneous information," Sekar Babu said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Earlier on Sunday, Sitharaman claimed that the Tamil Nadu government prohibited the live telecast of the prgrammes and took to social media to denounced the Chief Minister MK Stalin-led DMK government, labelling the it as "anti-Hindu" and "hateful."Sitharaman had alleged that the "ban" extends to Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) managed temples, where she claimed activities such as puja, bhajan, prasadam, and annadanam in the name of Lord Ram are not permitted. She further accused the police of intervening in privately held temples, preventing them from organising events and issuing threats of dismantling pandals.Sitharaman alleged that individuals are facing obstacles and threats while attempting to organize bhajans, provide food to the needy, distribute sweets, and celebrate, all to witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the Ram Temple consecration ceremony at Ayodhya.The Finance Minister went on to claim that cable TV operators have been warned about possible power cuts during the live telecast, branding it as an "anti-Hindu move" orchestrated by the DMK, a key partner in the INDIA alliance. Sitharaman accused the Tamil Nadu government of "unofficially" citing law and order concerns as a justification for the ban on live telecast.    

Ram Mandir Inauguration Half-day holiday for Delhi govt schools

The Delhi government has declared a half-day holiday for all government and government-aided schools till 2.30 pm. In an official circular, Bhupesh Chaudary, Delhi’s Director of Education, said this only applies to schools running in the general and morning shifts. However, schools running in the shift will start at 2.30 pm and run till 5.30 pm.The Tamil Nadu government has hit back at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s claims that the state has prohibited the live telecast of Ayodhya Ram Mandir programmes scheduled for January 22. P Sekar Babu, Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments, dismissed these allegations and criticised Sitharaman for “purposefully propagating this erroneous information”. Read more.The NDMC has adorned key locations in Lutyens’ Delhi with captivating flower boards to celebrate the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, its vice-chairman Satish Upadhyay said on Sunday. He added that prominent locations, including Khan Market, BKS Marg, Connaught Place, Mandi House roundabout, PM House roundabout, Malcha Marg Market, Yashwant Place Market, Dilli Haat, Birla Mandir and 11 Murti, have been decorated. Upadhyay said the “headquarters of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is also illuminated with radiance” in view of the auspicious occasion. In anticipation of the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya’s Ram temple on Monday, January 22, authorities have implemented advanced security measures, employing cutting-edge technology to safeguard the sacred event and the devotees in attendance.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will spend five hours in Ayodhya as the consecration ceremony or ‘pran pratishtha’ of Ram Temple will happen on Monday, January 22. Over 8,000 special invitees will witness the grand event outside the ‘garbh griha’ or sanctum sanctorum.Temples in Puducherry will livestream the consecration of the Lord Ram temple at Ayodhya on their premises after the territorial government issued circulars directing them to make arrangements, official sources told PTI on Sunday. The temple management is gearing up to perform customary rituals for the idols of Lord Ram and his consort, Goddess Sita, before the live telecast, the sources said. Chief Minister N Rangasamy, other Ministers and legislators would be among those who would virtually watch the consecration event at a local Vishnu temple, official sources said. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has got ‘mahaprasad’ prepared for the VIPs coming to attend the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on Monday. More than 20,000 packets of ‘mahaprasad’, which has been prepared with pure ghee, five types of dry fruits, sugar, gram flour (‘besan’) is being handed over to the Trust for the guest after the ceremony, an official said.The AAP government in Delhi is inspired by the concept of “Ram Rajya” and draws motivation from it in providing various facilities to the people of the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday. Kejriwal made the remarks at the three-day Ramlila event being organised by the Delhi government’s Art, Culture and Languages department. The conclusion of the event, which began on Saturday, will coincide with the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.Engineering and construction conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Sunday said that it has designed and built the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The much-awaited Ram temple consecration will be held on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the rituals, following which the shrine will be opened to the public a day later.As mandated by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Larsen & Toubro has successfully designed and built the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple, establishing a new milestone in architectural grandeur, the construction firm said in a statement. The temple stands within a 70-acre complex, with its design rooted in the ancient Nagara style of architecture.Attired in vibrant colours with a big turban on his head and silver jewellery embellishing his hand and feet, a man plays mellifluous tunes on his bamboo flute to the praise of Lord Krishna in the land of Lord Ram. Meet Swami Adbhut from Ujjain, who has been dressing up in Lord Krishan’s attire for the past 16 years. He claimed that he maintains this appearance throughout the day.“The entire world is imbued in the spirit of Lord Krishna. Both Lord Ram and Lord Krishna are manifestations of the same divine essence,” he said, adding that he is in Ayodhya for the consecration event of January 22 and to “behold the divine presence of the Lord”. While in Ayodhya, he displays an image of Lord Krishna and plays his flute while keeping the rhythm by jingling his anklets.Actor Kangana Ranaut says it’s her “good fortune” to be invited for the Ram temple consecration ceremony on Monday. The 36-year-old actor on Sunday met her spiritual guru Rambhadracharya and participated in a yagya at a temple in Ayodhya.    

Botree Software International Pvt. Ltd.

Navigating the intricacies of distribution management has long been a challenge in the business landscape, posing hurdles for companies seeking to optimise their supply chains. The complexities of managing distribution and elevating retail execution have proven to be significant obstacles. It is within this challenging terrain that Botree Software has risen as a transformative force.As a pioneer and leader in route-to-market solutions, Botree has redefined the management of distribution and the enhancement of retail execution for brands. With an illustrious 25+ year history, the Botree product ecosystem empowers over 60 blue-chip clients, 85,000+ distributors, 32,000+ active sales representatives, and reaches 5+ million retail stores. This extensive reach contributes to increased market share, revenue, and profit for its clients. Serving diverse industries such as FMCG, Consumer Durables, and OTC Pharma, Botree Software exemplifies scalable, innovative, and impactful solutions across various sectors.Botree’s inception stems from inspiration drawn from Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Pioneering Distributor Management Software (DMS) from the outset, Botree was the first to provide an enterprise-grade DMS to marquee brands such as Amul, Nestle, Parle, and Marico that helped them gain visibility into their secondary sales, manage inventories, drive trade promotion schemes, etc. nationally.While facing initial resistance from distributors to provide visibility and transparency, early adopters in the FMCG sector played a pivotal role in establishing Botree as the go-to DMS provider for big brands. Strategic collaborations with industry giants like Hindustan Unilever and Nestle India became turning points, propelling Botree into prominence. The commitment to delivering a high-quality domain-centric, scalable, and enterprise-grade DMS supported by strong customer service resonated with FMCG brands and distributors, fostering a dedicated following for Botree. Some of their esteemed clientele includes renowned names like Dabur India Limited, Marico Limited, Nestle India Limited, Tata Consumer, Perfetti Van Melle India, Amul, Kenvue (erstwhile J&J Consumer), etc.Expanding offerings to meet evolving customer needs translated into increased market share and a growing customer base. Today, Botree Software stands as a name synonymous with DMS, reflecting its unmatched expertise and enduring impact in the industries it operates in.Keyur Maniar, an accomplished and seasoned professional, brings over three decades of diverse and enriching sales, delivery, and cross-functional experience with a demonstrated track record of meeting P&L, CSAT, and Risk/Compliance goals. Over the years, he has progressed through various roles, including Director and Senior Vice President at leading firms, before assuming his current position. His journey through various roles has cultivated his strategic thinking, leadership skills, and keen business acumen and enabled him to quickly analyse key business issues and to develop and execute transformation strategies to grow top-line and bottom-line. Currently, under his guidance, Botree is undergoing a significant cultural and technological transformation over the past 18 months.Botree is revolutionising supply chain management with its comprehensive end-to-end solutions, addressing industry-specific challenges in distribution and retail automation. Designed for sectors like CPG, Consumer Durables, and OTC Pharma, these solutions offer a holistic approach to optimising inventory, streamlining orders, driving trade promotions, and enhancing the customer experience.Products such as Botree Sales Force Automation (SFA), Botree DMS, Botree Mobile DMS, Botree FlexiDMS, Botree Retailer Connect, and Botree Insights automate sales and distribution channels as well as provide actionable insights to drive revenue velocity.As more companies seek a single vendor for comprehensive sales digitisation, Botree stands out as the only one capable of meeting this requirement. Designed to be light and scalable, their solutions ensure effectiveness even in areas with limited internet connectivity, showcasing their commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in route-to-market supply chain digitisation. Although initially focusing on larger enterprises, Botree Software has adapted its strategy over the last 18 months. The surge of regional as well as D2C players entering the market led to the introduction of a robust SaaS solution alongside its enterprise offering to accommodate these emerging businesses. Recognising the growth potential, Botree Software actively targets tier 2 and tier 3 players, aligning its solutions with the diverse needs of these emerging market players.Whether used standalone or as part of an integrated solution, Botree’s offerings cater to diverse business needs. Recognising the uniqueness of each enterprise, Botree provides tailored solutions across both enterprise and SaaS models, ensuring that the outcomes exceed client expectations, thereby fostering efficiency and sustainable growth. Prioritising scalability, innovation, and client centricity while delivering robust, reliable products through cutting-edge technologies makes Botree Software stand out in a competitive market. Despite the emergence of a fair number of competitors, Botree maintains its uniqueness, competitive differentiators, and enduring client preference amongst brands of all sizes.    

MediBuddy vHealth: Pioneering Digital Healthcare Solutions for a Healthier Tomorrow

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern-day healthcare, where accessibility, convenience, and innovative solutions are paramount, digital healthcare platforms emerge as game-changers. These platforms bridge geographical gaps, providing accessible and convenient healthcare services through telemedicine, remote monitoring, and efficient data management. By leveraging technology, they enhance communication, streamline processes, and offer cost-effective solutions. Among the pioneers leading this charge is MediBuddy vHealth, a trailblazing digital healthcare organisation at the forefront of India’s healthcare revolution. As the country grapples with challenges in traditional healthcare, MediBuddy vHealth stands out for its commitment to providing accessible and convenient healthcare services through telemedicine, remote monitoring, and cutting-edge technology.As one of India’s leading digital healthcare organisations, MediBuddy vHealth provides preventive and primary quality care services to over 3.5 million active subscribers. These include unlimited doctor consultations, Specialists OPD consultations, preventive blood test packages, and deeply discounted medicine delivery, all conveniently brought to the member’s doorstep. Their integrated healthcare ecosystem combines in-house doctors’ expertise with a vast network of 3500+ partner healthcare centres, thus emphasising on clinical excellence through advanced technology. Operating under Indian Health Organization Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Medibuddy, India’s largest health-tech platform, MediBuddy vHealth is a market leader in the B2B2C segment having India’s finest NBFCs, MFIs, Banks, Insurance aggregators, Fintech companies and alike as distribution partners. MB vHealth is empowered by a dedicated team of 200 clinical and non-clinical staff, standing as a beacon of innovation in the digital healthcare landscape. Their vast partner network of healthcare providers is spread across 2000+ Indian cities, comprising of premium hospital chains & standalone clinics, prominent dental chains, top offline & online pharmacies and leading diagnostic labs, offering seamless access to quality healthcare services anytime, anywhere.Guided by a mission that integrates healthcare, science, AI, and human intervention, MediBuddy vHealth is committed to making high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion people and is driven by its 12 core values, known as MBB/MediBuddy Beliefs, shaping its decision-making and work approach.Established in 2017, MediBuddy vHealth (formerly vHealth by Aetna) has evolved as a subsidiary of MediBuddy, India’s largest Digital Healthcare platform. A pivotal moment in the company’s journey occurred in February 2023 with the acquisition of Indian Health Organization Private Limited by MediBuddy, thus starting the transition journey from ‘vHealth by Aetna’ to ‘MediBuddy vHealth’. Today, MediBuddy vHealth stands as a leading primary healthcare service provider in the B2B2C healthcare domain in India. The array of subscription-based primary healthcare services offered includes online teleconsultations with MediBuddy vHealth doctors, an expansive outpatient network, pharmacy services, diagnostics, and dental care. Ensuring quality care delivery, the clinical team takes complete ownership of the treatment process.Amidst the widespread healthcare landscape and a challenging doctor-patient ratio in India, digital healthcare emerges as a pivotal factor in addressing these issues, particularly in the aftermath of Covid.Globally recognised healthcare solutions emphasise the importance of ‘access to quality primary care,’ and MediBuddy vHealth aligns with this ethos. By ensuring that its doctors spend quality time with patients and employ evidence-based medicine for accurate diagnoses, the platform has pioneered accessible and affordable preventive healthcare services, reducing the need to visit a hospital by 70% (as per an independent research).    

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