CHENNAI PLUS

 TANKER (Tamilnad Kidney Research) Foundation is a registered non-profit organization that started in June 1993. Its goal is to assist underprivileged patients with kidney disease by providing subsidized dialysis and one-time financial aid for treatments and raising awareness about kidney issues. The foundation operates 14 dialysis units, with 11 located in Chennai and one each in Madurai, Vellore, and Tiruppur. The Vellore unit is supported by the Rotary Club of Vellore Fort, CMCHIS, and other donors. A new dialysis machine, worth Rs. 7,49,500, was recently donated by Mr. M. Anantha Krishnan in memory of his parents. He praised TANKER's work for kidney failure patients. Mrs. Latha Kumaraswami, the Managing Trustee, expressed gratitude to supporters and highlighted the importance of donations. TANKER has performed over 716,000 dialysis sessions and runs awareness programs for kidney disease detection. The machine was inaugurated at the Vellore dialysis unit. The Machine was inaug...

The Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), a leading diversified engineering and design-led conglomerate, unveiled a refreshed brand identity aimed at unlocking new worlds for customers and other stakeholders. The new visual identity honours GEG’s rich legacy while embodying its commitment to actively participate in the building of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 through design led innovation, enhancing consumer experience and shaping preferences for sustainable choices. “The key to our sustained growth has been our ability to always remain relevant to India’s development needs and the brand refresh reflects our quest to continually reinvent ourselves. Our aspiration is to unlock greater value for customers by delivering solutions and experiences that positively impact lives. And while our core remains rooted in high quality and complex engineering, our brand must remain dynamic and meet the aspirations of our customers.” said Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman and Managing Director, Godrej Enterprises G...

India has a vast, talented community of hair stylists, yet access to national platforms and advanced skill-building remains limited. To bridge this gap, Godrej Professional, the professional hair care brand under Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), has launched Godrej Professional Spotlight—an initiative offering hair stylists, a national stage to showcase their creativity. This program will recognize three talented hair stylists and give a boost to their professional aspirations with a funding of upto INR 5 lakhs. From all entries, 30 hair stylists will be shortlisted and flown to Mumbai for the Godrej Professional Spotlight grand finale in December, where they will showcase their curated looks in a grand hair show. A jury of industry leaders—including celebrity stylist Yianni Tsapatori, ( Creative Director - Hair, Godrej Professional); Monica Bahl (CEO of Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council); and Kanishka Ramchandani (Editor, Professional Beauty Hairdressers Journal I...

The Security Solutions business of Godrej & Boyce, part of Godrej Enterprises Group,has set an ambitious goal of achieving a 50% growth in revenue by FY27, targeting a top-line of ₹ 1,500 crore. This marks a significant leap from the ₹ 1,000 crore revenue recorded in FY24, driven by a sharpened focus on expanding exports to the Americas and Europe, alongside leveraging domestic regulatory changes. The company’s exports currently contribute around 10% of the division’s revenue, with significant potential for growth. By FY27, exports are projected to account for 14-15% of the business’s revenue, with the Americas and Europe expected to be the primary growth drivers. Despite recent geopolitical challenges in the Middle East affecting freight costs and transit times, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to serving global markets with cutting-edge security solutions. Speaking on the company’s growth roadmap,Mr. Pushkar Gokhale, Executive Vice-President and Business Head o...

Amazon India announced the felicitation students for its third annual Pratidhi Scholarship Program, an initiative aimed at empowering the children of its delivery associates. This year’s program will provide financial assistance to nearly 1200 students, helping them overcome financial barriers and pursue their academic aspirations. The Pratidhi Scholarship offers financial assistance of INR6000 to cover tuition fees, school supplies, and other educational expenses. Additionally, students with disabilities receive a scholarship of INR 10,000 to support therapeutic expenses, school supplies, and books. To identify deserving candidates, Amazon partnered with the Buddy4Study India Foundation to conduct a rigorous evaluation process. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and leadership potential. A maximum of two children per eligible driver associate can receive the scholarship. In addition, students who are interested can also apply for mentorship program....

As India observes National Milk Day, Godrej Jersey's Milk Report reveals Chennai's strong preference not only for Milk but also for traditional as well as modern value-added dairy products. Traditional dairy products dominate the Chennai market, with Curd emerging as the most preferred product at 86%, followed    by Ghee at 75%.The data further shows that Chennai’s strong connection to traditional dairy continues with Butter at 70% and Paneer at 59% consumer preference. Modern dairy variants are gaining acceptance too, with 51% of consumers incorporating yogurt into their diet and 50% expressing interest in flavored milk options. Titled ‘Bottoms Up…India Says Cheers to Milk!’ the comprehensive study covering consumer responses from Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, provides valuable insights into evolving consumer preferences and industry trends. Beyond understanding the preference towards dairy and dairy based products, the survey a...

Castrol India Limited, a leading high-performance lubricant manufacturer, is proud to announce its title sponsorship for the Valley Run – winter edition, a much-anticipated racing event in India. This association underscores Castrol’s commitment to promoting motorsports in India. The drag race event, set to take place from November 29 to December 1, 2024, at the iconic Aamby Valley airstrip in Pune. The latest edition promises an adrenaline-packed spectacle, featuring stunts, drifting displays, and races with the nation’s fastest cars and motorcycles. Over two action-filled days, it is set to attract over 600 participants and 12000+ spectators, delivering unmatched speed, precision, and innovation. At the event, Castrol India will spotlight its flagship products, Castrol POWER1 and Castrol EDGE, through interactive initiatives that demonstrate their exceptional performance capabilities. Additionally, Castrol will establish a Castrol Performance pitstop to provide last mile vehicle ...

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), in partnership with Thales, has announced the six leading teams creating eco-friendly technology as part of the fourth cohort of the Carbon Zero Challenge (CZC 4. 0). This competition aims to inspire innovation in environmental solutions and is supported by Thales’s corporate social responsibility efforts in India. The top six teams will each receive seed funding of up to ₹ 10 lakh, while one other team received a special mention for its achievements. The goal of the CZC challenge is to promote innovative solutions to combat climate change and enhance sustainability. This year's CZC reached over 1,600 students and researchers from 600 universities and 270 start-ups nationwide. Thales has supported the program for the second consecutive year, demonstrating its commitment to a safer, greener, and more inclusive future. The final teams were selected from an initial group of 25 announced in April 2024, undergoing a six-month process...

Revolutionize the way you cook and eat with AMC - Alfa Metalcraft Corporation. AMC cooking system allows you to easily prepare your favorite dishes and get perfect results every time. The innovative and high-quality AMC cooking system meets all your cooking needs. M.Karthikeyan, Sr. Branch Manager, AMC India Direct Selling Pvt Ltd stated “AMC premium cooking is the only system in the world in which one can cook without addition of water or salt. AMC cookware is much easier and less time consuming. A key feature for achieving product sustainability is a longer shelf life. All AMC pots and pans are made of high-quality and extremely durable premium stainless steel and will last a lifetime. Health Benefits of cook with AMC products The smart Premium Cooking System characterized by top-quality features enables fatless and waterless cooking which leads to fewer calories, retention of vitamins, minerals and less salt. Durable, high-quality stainless steel products helps in saving m...

  Indian Community Welfare Organisation – Just Rights for Children launched a National Program called “Child Marriage FREE Bharat” in Chennai, Tamilnadu on November 27, 2024, at their Head Office. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Rajkumar Muthukrishnan, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee – Chennai, South. Mr. Natharsha Malim. H, State Coordinator of AVA, spoke about the Supreme Court of India’s guidelines for enforcing the Child Marriage Prohibition Act of 2006 and emphasized that awareness alone is insufficient to prevent child marriage. He highlighted the low number of cases leading to legal action compared to reported marriages, indicating gaps in enforcement. Mr. A. Bakthavatchalam from the Child Welfare Committee released an Awareness E-Poster. Mr. A. J. Hariharan, Secretary of ICWO, described child marriage as a serious violation of rights that harms girls' education and development. ICWO, a key nonprofit organization, collaborates with India's network Just Rights...

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) released its Half-Yearly Complaints Report 2024-25, highlighting a prevalent issue of misleading and illegal ads in the real estate and offshore betting sectors. Out of 4016 complaints reviewed between April and September 2024, 2087 ads were found to be in violation of the law. Real estate, illegal betting, healthcare, personal care, and food & beverage were the top categories with the highest code violations. Real estate was the most violative sector, accounting for 34% of cases, with 1027 ads processed for potential violations of the MahaRERA Act. Ads promoting illegal offshore betting were also a major concern, with 890 ads flagged to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Additionally, 100 ads making green washing claims were reviewed, all requiring modifications due to misleading green claims. ASCI's partnership with government regulators in sectors such as betting and realty is creating an impact on reducing...

London-based consumer tech brand, Nothing, the fastest-growing phone brand in the country as per Counterpoint Research, announced the expansion of its service centre network to better cater to its growing customer base. According to CyberMedia Research, Nothing has experienced impressive growth of approximately 646% in the third quarter of 2024, a testament to its rapid expansion and increasing popularity. The Hyderabad exclusive service centre was inaugurated on November 25, followed by Chennai on November 26, expanding the company’s exclusive service network from three to five locations nationwide. “We are thrilled to expand our service network with new exclusive service centres in Hyderabad and Chennai,” said Pranay Rao, Head of Marketing, Nothing India. “This expansion underscores our commitment to providing exceptional customer service and support as we continue to grow rapidly in the Indian market. Our new centres, along with our existing exclusive service centres at Mumbai, ...

LG Electronics India Private Limited (“LG Electronics India”), in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCC), concluded the third edition of the All-India K-POP Contest 2024 with an electrifying Grand Finale that celebrated exceptional talent and the thriving cultural connection between India and Korea. The evening’s highlight was an unforgettable performance by the globally acclaimed K-POP band LUN8 . Known for their dynamic choreography and infectious energy, LUN8 delivered chart-topping hits that had the audience cheering and dancing, making the event an immersive K-POP experience for fans.   In a thrilling finale, Abhipriya Chakraborty from Kolkata emerged victorious in the Singing category, while The Trend from Itanagar claimed the title in the Dancing category. These talented stars won the ultimate prize—an all-expenses-paid trip to Korea , where they will explore the heart of the K-POP industry and immerse themselves in its vibrant culture.   ...

Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, a leading multidisciplinary and research-focused institution, has opened admissions for the 2025-26 academic years. Applications are invited for programs across its four schools—Engineering, Natural Sciences, Management and Entrepreneurship, and Humanities and Social Sciences. Prospective candidates can apply through the university's official website ( http://www.snu.edu.in/home ). For 2025-26, the university continues to offer a range of scholarships to support and reward academic excellence. A new addition to its offerings is the dual degree undergraduate programs in Computer Science and Business Data Analytics, launched in collaboration with Arizona State University, USA. These programs are designed to address the evolving demands of education and industry. Details about the scholarships are available at this website link: https://snuadmissions.com/ . Recognized as an Institution of Eminence , Shiv Nadar University offers a unique academic f...

Mr. S. Purushothaman of Tamil Nadu, India, played for an Australian team for the first time in the Australian Pan Games and won a gold medal. His jersey was blessed and given by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh . In the closing ceremony of the games, he was the only Indian player on the Australian team and received praise from all the 16,000+ participants  and was named as MICK (Michael Jordan) of India besides played with NBA star Chris Anstey.

  Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured exclusive Media Rights for all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments from 2024 to 2031, marking a significant increase from the previous rights cycle. This deal includes Men’s and Women’s Asia Cups, Men’s and Women’s Under-19 Asia Cups, and Men’s and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cups. The partnership ensures comprehensive coverage across TV, digital, and audio platforms, reflecting the ACC’s vision for inclusive and forward-thinking cricket in Asia. ACC President Jay Shah mentioned that this deal is a milestone for cricket in the region, highlighting the Asia Cup's importance in bringing together the region’s top talent. The partnership with SPNI is expected to set new standards for cricket coverage, with a focus on reaching new audiences and setting new benchmarks. SPNI’s MD & CEO, Gaurav Banerjee, congratulated the ACC for a fair bidding process and expressed excitement about bringing action-packed tournaments, including ...

The 147th Jayanthi of Harikesanallur Sri Muthiah Bhagavathar on 15th November at the Narada Gana Sabha mini hall featured a memorable performance. Child prodigy Sow Spoorthi Rao sang challenging songs with ease, accompanied by Smt Deepika Venkataraman on violin and Sri R Akshay Ram on Mridangam. Attendees enjoyed renditions of Maathe in Kamas, Bhvaneshwariya in Mohana Kalyani, Ratna Kanchuka in Kamboji, and more. The program received high praise from the audience.  

The Climate Pledge and C40 Cities have launched a pioneering project in India to test electric vehicles (EVs) for transporting goods along the 350-kilometre Bengaluru-Chennai highway. This initiative involves several key players, including Amazon, Ashok Leyland, BillionE, and ChargeZone, and aims to evaluate the practicality and cost savings of using EV trucks for long-distance freight. Sally Fouts, Global Leader of The Climate Pledge, emphasized the importance of reducing emissions in the freight sector for India to achieve its climate goals, and noted the collaborative effort among vehicle manufacturers, logistics experts, and infrastructure leaders. BillionE plans to operate 20 heavy-duty Ashok Leyland EV trucks for six months, collecting valuable data on the operational, financial, environmental, and social impacts of electric freight transport. Amazon will also utilize the trucks using ChargeZone’s charging facilities. This project is part of the larger Laneshift initiative, w...

Savaari Car Rentals is revolutionizing intercity travel in India by introducing the 'Driver Language Preference' feature in collaboration with Taxi Operators. This feature allows customers to request drivers who speak their preferred language, enhancing their travel experience. The feature is available in 25 cities across the country and has been well-received by travelers and operators alike. It addresses the linguistic diversity of India where dialects change frequently, making communication challenging for travelers. The feature has been used in 13% of trips, with cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata leading in adoption. Gaurav Aggarwal, the Founder and CEO of Savaari, highlighted the positive impact of the feature on customer experience and driver earnings. Drivers proficient in multiple languages are earning 8-10% more, encouraging upskilling. Savaari is investing in driver education and language proficiency to empower its taxi operator partners. The company is in...

The Udaiti Foundation shared new data from their Close the Gender Gap (CGG) Initiative for FY 2023-24, focusing on various gender metrics like leadership roles, pay equity, retention, and workplace policies. The data was based on reports from over 2000 NSE listed companies. The initiative aims to help organizations close gender disparities and achieve diversity and inclusion goals. CEO Pooja Goyal emphasized the need for companies to address gender gaps by promoting women in leadership and ensuring equal opportunities.   Despite only 18% of formal employment in India being held by women, certain sectors show higher female representation. The findings also highlight disparities in pay, leadership roles, and turnover rates in different industries. The initiative encourages private sector companies to disclose gender data to create a more inclusive work environment. Increased reporting of sexual harassment complaints is noted, highlighting the importance of improving safety mechanis...

Honouring the rich legacy of the State Bank of India, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a specially minted ₹100 commemorative coin to mark the centenary of SBI’s iconic Horniman Circle Branch. Alongside the coin launch, she also unveiled the 5 th edition of The Evolution of the State Bank of India , chronicling a transformative era in the bank’s journey between 1981 and 1996.  The event was graced by the presence of the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Shri M. Nagaraju, among other dignitaries.   Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said, “SBI’s remarkable journey, culminating in the centennial celebration of its iconic branch, reflects an extraordinary legacy of growth and service. From 100 branches at the time of the 1920 amalgamation to 22,640+ branches, with plans to add 500 more in FY 2025, SBI continues to expand i...

Aegis Vopak Terminals Limited (“AVTL”), a material subsidiary of Aegis Logistics Limited (the “Company”), has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Aegis Vopak Terminals Limited the largest Indian third-party owner and operator of tank storage terminals for liquified petroleum gas (“LPG”) and liquid products in terms of storage capacity, as of June 30, 2024. (Source: CRISIL Report) The IPO comprises of a fresh issue of equity shares of face value ₹ 10 each of AVTL(“Equity Shares”), for an amount aggregating up to Rs. 3,500 crore (the “Issue”) and will be undertaken subject to requisite approvals and market conditions. The Company proposes to utilise the Net Proceeds from the Issue towards (i) Repayment or prepayment of all or a portion of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the Company (ii) Funding capital expenditure towards contracted acquisition of the cryogenic LPG terminal at Mangalore and (iii) General corporate ...

Amazon announced that Indian exporters on its Amazon Global Selling program are geared to showcase millions of ‘Made in India’ products to customers across the world during the annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) sale event. This year, customers will have more days to shop than last year. Indian exporters have launched over 50,000 new products on Amazon’s global marketplaces for the sale event, which starts on November 21 and ends on December 2. Amazon customers globally will be able to discover and shop from a range of products across categories including home and kitchen, STEM toys, apparel, health and personal care, office products, jewellery, beauty, and furniture by exporters across India. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are significant events marking the beginning of the holiday season globally and, at this time, customers look to buy products to use at home and to gift to friends and family.   Bhupen Wakankar, Director, Global Trade, Amazon India, said : “The upcomin...