Ball Corporation, the leading global provider of sustainable aluminum packaging for beverages, personal care, and home products, announced today its partnership with Dabur India Limited, one of the most iconic and longstanding consumer goods companies founded over 135 years ago, to expand their Real juice portfolio with the launch of the new Real Bites in fully recyclable aluminum cans in India. Real Bites juice offers a unique drinking experience with real fruit chunks in every sip.

Daburs Real Bites juice in eco friendly aluminium packaging of Ball

The juice category in India recorded strong double-digit growth in 2023, owing to rising consumer affinity for healthy beverages, amid growing health concerns. The popularity of the category as a refreshment for social occasions aided growth. The juice category is forecasted to grow over 35 million liters in volume by 2028 with new flavors & innovative launches.

Real Bites in aluminum cans is available in delightful flavors like: Peach, Pineapple and Real Green Apple. The 185ml can was introduced as an entry point for this segment, offering a convenient size for on-the-go consumption. Along with the refreshing taste, the new aluminum cans provide a shelf life of up to one year, significantly longer than the four to nine months offered by other packaging formats. This ensures that consumers can enjoy the deliciousness of Real Bites for a longer period, while also making a sustainable choice, as aluminum cans are the most recycled beverage containers in the world.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Mayank Kumar, Vice President Marketing, Dabur India Ltd. said, “At Real, our goal is to continually innovate and cater to the evolving preferences of our consumers. The introduction of Real Bites in aluminium cans not only broadens our product portfolio but also meets the demand for longer shelf life and more sustainable packaging. We are excited to offer our customers the same great taste in a format that is both convenient and fully recyclable.”

Aluminum has numerous advantages. As a truly circular material, aluminum can be recycled over and over again without losing its key intrinsic properties, minimizing waste and preserving its value. Additionally, using recycled aluminum saves 95% of the energy compared to using virgin aluminum. Utilizing recycled aluminium can optimize resource utilization from production to disposal, minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

Speaking about the packaging partnership between Ball and Dabur India, Manish Joshi, Commercial Director Asia at Ball said, “As consumers shift to healthy beverages and prefer on-the-go consumption, can as a packaging substrate is expected at grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2023 to 2028 in the juice-based category. Ball’s 2-piece aluminium beverage cans are fully recyclable and come in varied sizes to meet the customer requirements. Ball’s cans help our customers achieve their sustainability goals while offering a 360-degree branding opportunity and varied innovation in the print. With Dabur’s Real Bites, which contain small fruit chunks, the wide opening of the can provided a perfect solution for easy consumption.”

The partnership between Ball and Dabur comes at a time when sustainability is more important than ever to consumers, who expect brands to offer products in sustainable packaging. The growing recognition of aluminum beverage cans as a sustainable packaging option is expected to continue and expand, aligning with the Indian governments target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

JK Cement, one of India’s leading manufacturers of Grey Cement and one of the leading White Cement manufacturers in the World, today marks a significant milestone in its expansion with the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for its new Grey Cement Grinding Unit in Buxar, Bihar. This expansion is part of the companys strategic initiative to strengthen its footprint in Eastern India and contribute to the regions infrastructural and economic development.

JK Cement Bhoomi Pujan at Buxar, Bihar

The foundation stone was laid by Dr. Nidhipati Singhania, Vice Chairman, JK Cement Ltd, Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director and CEO, JK Cement Ltd and other senior officials. The event signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the company on its journey to serve the growing demands of the Bihar market with world-class cement products.

Commenting on the addition of the new Grinding Unit, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “The ceremony today marks a historic step for JK Cement in Bihar. We are excited to bring our high-quality products to this vibrant and fast-growing region. This Grinding Unit will not only strengthen our national presence but will also contribute to Bihars infrastructural development and economic growth. We are confident that our advanced manufacturing capabilities and commitment to quality will meet the needs of the local market.”

The new Grinding Unit, poised to become a pivotal player in the region, will address the rising demand for premium cement in Bihar as the market continues to expand. With this expansion, JK Cement Ltd. (JKCL) is set to strengthen its presence in Eastern India, marking a significant step toward balancing demand and supply at a national level. The proposed capacity of the Buxar unit is 3.00 MTPA, and will enable company plans to cross production capacity of 30 MTPA by next year. The investment for this project amounts to over ₹500 crore.

Commenting on the future plans, Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director and CEO, JK Cement Ltd., said, “We are proud to lay the foundation for this new Grinding Unit in Buxar, and this project is an important step in our growth strategy. Our presence in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh along with this new facility in Bihar, will significantly enhance our ability to meet market demand and support the regions development.”

With Bihar undergoing rapid infrastructural advancements and the implementation of key megaprojects, JK Cements entry into the market is poised to play a vital role in supporting these developments. The company’s legacy of delivering superior quality cement, coupled with its commitment to innovation, will help drive progress in the region and contribute to Indias broader growth trajectory.

About JK Cement Ltd.

JK Cement Ltd. is one of India’s leading manufacturers of Grey Cement and one of the leading White Cement manufacturers in the World. Over five decades, the Company has partnered with Indias multi-sectoral infrastructure needs on the strength of its product excellence, customer orientation and technology leadership. JKCement’s operations commenced with commercial production at its flagship grey cement unit at Nimbahera, Rajasthan in May 1975.

The Company has an installed capacity of 24.3 MTPA of Grey Cement, making it one of the top cement manufacturers in the Country. The Grey Cement business has a strong Pan-India presence across 15 states with an enhanced reach in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

With a total White Cement Capacity of 1.48 MTPA and Wall Putty capacity of 1.33 MTPA, JK White Cement is sold across 36 countries around the globe and the Company has a strong international presence with two subsidiaries, JK Cement Works Fujairah FZC and JK White Cement (Africa) Ltd.

For more information, please visit JK Cement: www.jkcement.com.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has been honored with the esteemed “CII Industry Academia Partnership Award 2024” in the platinum category. The award was conferred at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Summit on Technology, Intellectual Property, and Industry-Academia Partnerships, held on 12th December 2024 at The Lalit, New Delhi.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Wins Prestigious “CII Industry Academia Partnership Award 2024” in Platinum Category

The award honors MAHEs outstanding contributions to innovation, advancing knowledge for long-term solutions to global issues, and creating significant relationships between academics and industry.

At the esteemed occasion, Dr. Raviraja N. S., MAHEs Chief Operating Officer, MAHE, and Dr. Harish Kumar S., MAHEs Director of Corporate Relations, accepted the award on behalf of MAHE.

Mr. Shrinidhi Kamath, Assistant Director, MAHE, Manipal, and Dr. S. Varadharajan, Coordinator of Intellectual Property Rights and the Technology Transfer Office, were also part of MAHE delegation.

Lt Gen (Dr) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, said, “This CII recognition further solidifies MAHEs standing as a leader in creating significant industry-academia partnerships. At MAHE, we have always aimed to build an academic-industry bridge that encourages creativity and provides practical answers to urgent problems. This honor is a tribute to our partners, instructors, and students who have put in countless hours to realize this goal. We are still dedicated to fostering collaborations that strengthen sectors, increase knowledge, and enhance the welfare of society.”

The CII Industry Academia Partnership Award honors academic institutions that effectively cultivate close ties with businesses, fostering technological advancement and research commercialization. Initiatives including innovative intellectual property development, state-of-the-art research partnerships, and a strong technology transfer ecosystem are all part of MAHEs efforts in this area.

This acknowledgement marks a critical turning point for MAHE and strengthens its position as a pioneer in fostering information sharing and cooperative growth.

Navigating the world of personal loans can be challenging, especially when deciding between secured and unsecured options. Understanding the differences between these two types of loans is crucial to making informed financial decisions.

Secured Vs Unsecured Personal Loan

Most banks and NBFCs in India offer secured and unsecured personal loans, catering to a wide range of customers with different financial requirements. Shriram Finance, one of the leading players in the NBFC landscape, offers competitive interest rates on its personal loan, ensuring customers can access funds when they need them the most without straining their finances.

What Are Personal Loans
Personal loans are a type of credit that allows individuals to borrow a lump sum of money for various personal expenses, such as home renovations, medical bills, debt consolidation, etc. Borrowers agree to repay the loan in fixed monthly instalments over a set period, usually ranging from one to five years. The interest rate on personal loans typically depends on the financial institution’s policies, borrower’s credit score, income, and overall financial profile.

Secured vs. Unsecured Personal Loans
Based on the requirement of collateral, personal loans can either be secured or unsecured. Loans that are backed by collateral, like a loan against your credit card or an investment like a fixed deposit, are secured personal loans. Unsecured personal loans do not require borrowers to pledge any asset, like their house or any investment.

In the event of a default on a secured personal loan, the lender may take possession of the collateral to recover their loss. Because the risk to the lender is lower, secured loans often come with lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits.

Unsecured personal loans usually come with higher interest rates compared to secured personal loans and may also have limitations on the borrowing limit due to a high risk to the financial institution. These loans are faster to obtain and more flexible, making them a good option if you need quick access to funds and dont want to risk losing assets.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Personal Loan

When deciding between a secured and unsecured personal loan, borrowers should evaluate several factors:

• Interest Rates: Secured loans usually offer lower interest rates due to the collateral involved. Unsecured loans, on the other hand, might come with higher rates but provide flexibility without the need for assets.

• Loan Amount and Term: Secured loans often allow for larger loan amounts and longer repayment terms, while unsecured loans may be more limited in these features.

• Risk Tolerance: Borrowers should consider their comfort level with potentially losing collateral if they choose a secured loan and default on it in unforeseen circumstances. Those unwilling to take this risk may prefer the unsecured option.

• Credit Score and History: A strong credit score can improve the chances of securing favourable terms for either type of loan, particularly for unsecured loans.

Shriram Personal Loan – Key Features and Benefits

Shriram Finance provides unsecured personal loans at competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Shriram Personal Loan for your funding requirements:

• Collateral-free Loans: You can apply for Shriram Personal Loan up to ₹10 lakh* without pledging your assets or investments.

• Competitive Interest Rates: Shriram Personal Loan starts at an interest rate as low as 11%* p.a., easing your EMI burdens.

• Flexible Repayment Tenure: You can choose a comfortable repayment tenure between 12 to 60 months* based on the loan amount.

• Quick Loan Approval: The personal loan application is approved quickly and seamlessly with minimal documentation.

• Fully Digital Experience: Applying for Shriram Personal Loan is as quick as it is easy. The NBFC’s website and mobile app is intuitive and customer friendly, ensuring you can apply for loans comfortably.

Conclusion
Personal loans can be one of the best ways to access emergency funds or planning your dream vacation, since they do not come with end-use restrictions. With Shriram Personal Loan, getting access to quick funds with minimal documentation is no longer a challenge. Visit the company’s website to learn more about its loan and investment products.

*Above mentioned loan amount, rates and tenure are as per the company’s Digital Personal Loan Policy.

About Shriram Finance
Shriram Finance is a leading diversified financial services company in India, offering a wide range of financial products and services across consumer, wholesale, and business finance segments. The company has a strong presence pan India with a network of 3,149 branches and an employee strength of 77,764 with an AUM of Rs. 2,430,40 crores. With a focus on financial inclusion and customer-centricity, Shriram Finance continues to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.

Nureca Limited, a leading innovator in home healthcare and wellness products, proudly announces its certification as a Great Place to Work. This globally recognized honour reflects Nurecas dedication to fostering an empowering, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

Nureca Limited is now Great Place to Work – Certified

The Great Place to Work certification benchmarks excellence in workplace culture and employee satisfaction. It underscores Nurecas success in creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to excel.

Speaking on the achievement, Aryan Goyal, CEO of Nureca Limited, said, “At Nureca, our mission goes beyond delivering world-class healthcare solutions. We are equally committed to creating a workplace where every individual thrives and feels a true sense of belonging. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team, who are the real drivers of our success.”

Nureca Limited specializes in designing and delivering innovative healthcare products that empower individuals to monitor and manage their health from the comfort of their homes. Its diverse portfolio includes smart medical devices, fitness equipment, and wellness solutions, under leading brands Dr Trust, Dr Physio and Trumom. Cricket captain Rohit Sharma is brand ambassador for the company.

This certification is a milestone that underscores Nurecas core values of trust, collaboration, and excellence. As the company continues to expand its product range and market reach, it remains committed to nurturing a work culture that prioritizes employee well-being and growth.

With this accolade, Nureca reinforces its position not only as a leader in healthcare innovation but also as an employer of choice in the industry.

Signature Global, one of Indias leading real estate developers, today received the ‘Best Developer (India)’ award at the 19^th edition of the prestigious ‘Asia Property Awards’ organized by the Property Guru Group based in Thailand. The company’s premium project ‘Titanium SPR’ also bagged the ‘Best Green Development’ award.

Nidhi Aggarwal and Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, esteemed Directors of Signature Global, receiving the Best Green Development award at the Property Guru Asia Property Awards

Ms. Nidhi Aggarwal and Ms. Bharti Aggarwal, esteemed Directors of Signature Global Group represented the company and received the awards at the glittering ceremony held in Thailand, which was attended by real estate fraternity of 14 countries, including Australia, Japan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and India along with key decision makers of the region.

Commenced in Thailand in 2005 as the ultimate hallmark to ‘recognise the region’s finest in real estate’ in Asia, the Property Guru Asia Property Awards is one of the region’s biggest and most respected real estate awards programme. It acknowledges, rewards and celebrates the extraordinary achievements of developers and developments in the Asia Pacific region.

Delighted about the companys latest honour, Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman of Signature Global (India) Ltd., stated, “These awards are a shining example of the love and admiration our projects receive from our valued customers. Such recognition fuels our passion to consistently exceed expectations and deliver unparalleled value to our esteemed buyers while continuing our emphasis on ecological and sustainable developments.”

Strategically located in Sector 71 of Gurugram, Titanium SPR has been built to reflect its timeless construction quality. Situated along the vital Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), Titanium SPR is an iconic development crafted to redefine premium living. Spanning across 14.382 acres, this architectural marvel comprises 608 uber-premium 3.5 BHK (3 to a core) and exclusive 4.5 BHK (2 to a core) condominiums, with 26-feet and 28-feet-long decks, respectively along with triple height entrance lobby and 7 lagoon pools designed by renowned international architects, such as DPC from Singapore, MPFP from the USA, Confluence, NMP Design, Senelac Consultants, and Vintech Consultants.

About Signature Global (India) Ltd.

Signature Global, a leading real estate development company in India, is reshaping the housing market in northern India. Initially established as a key player in affordable housing, the company is now broadening its scope by focusing towards the premium and mid-housing segment, with a strong emphasis on quality execution, value creation, reliability, and adherence to global standards.

Backed by investors like Nomura, HDFC, and Kotak, Signature Global ensures strong governance, disciplined land acquisition strategy, launching projects within 18 months of acquisition. The Company has so far delivered 12 million sq. ft. of housing area and boasts a robust pipeline of approximately 34.9 million sq. ft. of saleable area in our forthcoming and recently launched projects along with 15.8 million sq. ft. of ongoing projects, set for execution over the next 2-3 years. In FY24, Signature Global achieved sales bookings of Rs. 72.7 billion and reported a sales CAGR of 62% from FY21 to FY24. The company projects sales of Rs. 100 billion and Rs. 38 billion of revenue recognition in FY25.

MaitriBodh Parivaar, a socio-spiritual organization devoted to uplifting human consciousness and fostering unity, announces “Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat Padyatra”. This monumental event will take place across three cities, Delhi, Mumbai, and Amritsar, on 15 December 2024. The padyatras will bring together over 1500 attendees in each city, symbolizing a unified effort to revive India’s spirit of love, harmony, and togetherness.

Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat Padyatra

Rooted in India’s Sanskriti is the profound wisdom of “Truth is One, though sages call it by many names.” With a vision to unite the world as one family, the padyatra aims to reignite the values of love, unity, and peace deeply woven into Indias cultural heritage. Maitreya Dadashreeji, the visionary behind Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat and the Founder of MaitriBodh Parivaar, is working tirelessly towards bridging the divides of caste, religion, and beliefs. Through his endeavours for Global Transformation, he is working to establish “One World, One Family”, uniting humanity under a shared banner of harmony.

Maitreya Dadashreeji (Transformation Pioneer, Founder – MaitriBodh Parivaar) expressed, “Our nation is woven by the threads of our Sanskriti, which unite us as one. Through Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat, we shall establish our nation as a united family – bound by Love and Harmony. This unity will pave the way for us to ascend to the status of Vishwaguru.”

Since its inception in 2013, MaitriBodh Parivaar has been at the forefront of offering spiritual programs and social reform projects, transforming lives and nurturing Maitri Bhaav-the spirit of love and friendship. The Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat Padyatra reflects the organizations unwavering commitment to transcending barriers and creating a harmonious and inclusive society.

Participants across the three cities will unite to spread the universal message of love and peace. This historic event is not just a journey but a mission to revive the nations soul, emphasizing the significance of shared cultural heritage in fostering humanity’s collective growth.

Bisleri International, India’s leading packaged drinking water player today unveiled its latest Bisleri #DRINKITUP sports campaign featuring Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor alongside prominent football franchises. The campaign emphasizes the importance of hydration in sports while encouraging audience to embrace the excitement of football.

Bisleri Unviels New #DRINKITUP Sports Campaign Featuring Shahid Kapoor

The film showcases Shahid Kapoor stepping onto the football field, accompanied by top Indian football talents, including the national team captain Rahul Bheke and Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul KP, and Aakash Sangwan, representing Mumbai CITY FC, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyan FC and Kerala Blasters.

Shahid, known for his dynamic screen presence and dedication to his craft, adds a fresh and playful energy to the campaign, making it both engaging and inspiring to the viewers.

Commenting on the campaign, Tushar Malhotra, Director-Sales & Marketing, Bisleri International, said, “Bisleri is proud to champion football and hydration through the latest rendition of our ongoing #DrinkItUp campaign. Partnering with Shahid Kapoor was a natural choice, given his passion for fitness and sport combined with his youthful energy. The campaign is engaging and the interplay between Shahid and the players is entertaining.”

The campaign was conceptualised by in-house creative team and the talent was managed by Wavemaker.

Over the past few years, Bisleri International, has built a robust sports marketing program partnering with Procam International’s marathons, National Games, Ultimate Table Tennis League, Dubai Marathon, Professional Golf Tour of India and several popular cricket franchises in India and UAE.

Campaign Link –

YouTube: youtu.be/JCq6VZoyEkw

About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.

With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the countrys largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 114 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.

Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri Mineral Water or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Limonata, Spyci Jeera Rev and Pop. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.

The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability.

For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit www.bisleri.com.