ASPA & MFI Announce 1st International Authentication Conference in India

·         Conference to focus on Authentication solutions and case studies

·         Discussion on how existing regulations need to be more stringent to eliminate spurious products/documents etc.

·         Generate awareness amongst stakeholders for need of fighting counterfeiting specially in Auto, Pharma, FMCG, Excise Revenue and Electronics 

Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) and Messe Frankfurt India (MFI) announce India’s first international authentication conference, “THE AUTHENTICATION FORUM 2017” at The Taj Mahal Hotel, Man Singh Road, New Delhi on 8-9th February 2017. U. K. Gupta, President, ASPA said, “We are delighted to announce the Authentication Forum 2017. Product counterfeiting in India resulted in loss of INR 39,239 crores to Indian economy in fiscal year 2013-14. This is a serious menace and we aim to create more awareness among the government, public and exhibitors about the problems created by counterfeiting, IPR infringement issues among others. The initiative taken by our Government of demonetization have exposed the established link in between terrorism and counterfeiting. Our goal is to unite the industry and spread awareness on the impact and consequences against counterfeiting to provide consumers genuine and authentic goods which will ultimately lead to the economic growth of the country, enhancement in revenue for brand owners and Governments as well as consumer empowerment and satisfaction. 

We also welcome the initiative ‘Make in India’, by Central Government, however, there is a constant need to ensure that these ‘Made in India’ labelled products are genuine, safe and secure till they are delivered to the end consumer. This conference will be a positive step towards our existing nation-wide campaign “MAKE IN INDIA” & ASPA’s campaign “MAKE SURE INDIA”, he further added. 

The event features a two-day conference and an extensive display area, with more than over 120 delegates and leading anti-counterfeiting solutions companies demonstrating their latest offerings and discussing the latest generation authentication solutions. 

The speaker line-up and topics to be discussed at this conference include;

·         Dr. G. N. Singh, Drug Controller General of India, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, CDSCO* (tentative confirmation)

·         Mr. Anil Rajput, Senior Chair - FICCI CASCADE & Vice President - Corporate Affairs, ITC Ltd.

Mr. Arvind Gupta, National President, IT Cell, Bhartiya Janta Party

Mr. Uday Devineni, ICE Representative, Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, US Embassy, New Delhi, IndiaEnforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations

Mr. Mark Davison, Founder & CEO, Blue Sphere Health

·         Mr. Ravi Mathur, CEO, GS1 India

Mr. Pramod Krishna, Director General, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC)

Mr. Pradeep Shroff, Noted Anti-Counterfeiting Expert and Author & Former President, ASPA & Managing Director – PRS Permacel Pvt. Ltd

·         Mr. U K Gupta, President, Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (India)

·         Mr. Manoj Kochar, Chairman, International Hologram Manufacturers Association (UK) 

Mr. Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding Ltd. said: “The seriousness in tackling the counterfeit issue is evident with the recent move of demonetization and pertinent policies in the country. However, this issue needs to be addressed with equal significance across multiple sectors and the Authentication Forum will be the driving force of this change. The forum aims to educate brand owners, government authorities and consumer about the importance of fighting counterfeits and bring forward authentication solutions that can help reduce its impact.”

The Authentication Forum conference is a part of ASPA “MAKE SURE INDIA” campaign running across India. To take this initiative forward, ASPA has found a strong partner in Messe Frankfurt India with its portfolio of 22 prestigious trade fair brands and over 35 conferences and across B2B markets of automotive, automation, lighting, technology and production, textiles, consumer goods, entertainment, media and creative industries and environment technology.

Swara forced to go into hiding

Swara Bhaskar who has teamed up with Sumeet Vyas, the breakout star of the TVF web series, Permanent Roommates, plays a young girl climbing up the corporate ladder in a never-seenbefore, highly stylised look in debutant director Gaurav's Aapkey Kamrey Mein Koi Rehta Hai.

And following strict instructions to keep her look under wraps till the film hits theatres, Swara has been diligently covering up her face every time she steps out, either on the sets or for pictures with her team.

“I've mostly been given Indian looks onscreen, with a strong girlnext-door vibe so far but this film will see me as a more glamorous, urban character. Gaurav is so particular about my look, I remember this one time I hadn't taken off my costume, hair and makeup and was ready to leave for home when he told me that I couldn't go out like that. I had to cover up even while in the car,“ the 32-year-old actress informed Mirror, adding that the film takes stock of the lives of today's youngsters and how they navigate relationships.

Akshay Kumar's Jolly LLB has shades of Birbal

Akshay Kumar is excited about his lead role in Jolly LLB 2, the sequel to Subhash Kapoor's 2013 directorial. The actor feels that the character is inspired by Birbal, one of the nine gems of Emperor Akbar's court.

In fact, Akki's connection with the historical figure goes back to his childhood. Back then, his father Hari Om Bhatia used to read out to him the stories of Akbar and Birbal.

As a young boy , the actor loved listening to tales of how the wise and quick-thinking royal advisor resolved issues with his intelligence, consequently bringing a smile to everyone's faces and at the same time, also communicating a message through his actions.

Eventually , when Akshay heard about his role in the film, he was enthused about playing a character that embodies similar qualities as his bachpan ka hero.

Audiences are looking forward to the sequel, as the first film was appreciated for its interesting plot, which was based on a real-life incident.

Watch out for Jolly LLB 2's trailer. 

ABSOLUT ENCHANTED VALLEY CARNIVAL STARTS WITH A BANG ON SATURDAY

~The multi genre fest and camping festival saw a gamut of campers revel in the fun with Flo Rida, Farhan Akhtar, Blasterjaxx and much more!~

The fun at Aamby Valley City began early as campers and festival goers descended to the picturesque valley for a weekend to remember! The Absolut. Enchanted Valley Carnival kicked off with a crowd thumping in excitement as they awaited the host of musical performances, fun activities, camping, bonfires and much more at the Aamby Valley airstrip, 

The EVC tribe swayed to the musical extravaganza of Alpha X Omega and MOJOJOJO’s EDM Dance beats setting the mood at the Cosmos stage. The day continued with the opening of the spectacular Terra and Akva stages with Monophonik, Blank and DJ Ankur Sood charmed the audience with his beats. Heartwarming numbers, foot tapping beats creates the right vibe to kick start one of the most awaited festivals of the year with a big bang. 

As the crowd continued to enjoy the music, the campers treated themselves to the food fiesta- Culinarium with exquisite delicacies from over the country. The Enchanted Valley Carnival saw a massive crowd scattered around its array of sports and cultural activities. The Quad Bike and Bungee Jumping turned out to be a big crowd pleaser with a majority of visitors trying their thrill out with the sport. As the day continued EVC’s scintillating line-up delivered a wide variety of music spanning different genres with Anish Sood, Arsh Vs Folic State, Juliet Sikora inducing the crowd to dance on their feet! 

As the sun set, Bollywood fans rejoiced to the tunes of   R & B trio Rishi Rich, Juggy D and DASU with some of their biggest hits. A performance in India for the first time in 10 years, Rishi rich and Juggy D had an eager audience who were taken back in time with their favorite hits. The evening continued with one of the most awaited performances by Farhan Live unleashing crowd favorites from Rock On and Rock On 2.  ‘Farhan Live’ was Farhan Akhtar’s best live performance so far!  The attendees of the Terra stage enjoyed the soulful performance by Arjun Kanungo followed by the Punjabi beats of Badshah.

The surprise DJ Dutch duo Blasterjaxx indeed rocked the audience with their incredible covers and remixes of top songs energizing the crowd for more. The much anticipated performance was welcomed by an ecstatic crowd  as American rapper Flo Rida set the stage on fire with his top songs ‘Low’, ‘Right Round’, ‘My House.’and many more. A few lucky girls even got a chance to dance with Flo Rida on stage during his performance of 'low' Adding to it, Flo Rida too got off the stage and made his way in the crowd !The excitement just did not stop here and was followed by three after parties including a silent Party by the campsite for every kind of music lover.

Devraj Sanyal, MD & CEO, Universal Music Group South Asia shared, “We've kicked off the festival with a bang. There's been a phenomenal response for all 3 stages and we've seen a mammoth crowd descending from various parts of the region. Flo Rida has knocked it out of the park with his performance & given fans something to remember for a long long time. Farhan Akhtar, Badshah, Rishi Rich and Juggy D have made us believe that introducing Bollywood this year was the best move we've made. We're over the moon with all the reviews from day 1 and all set for a smasher second day.”

Day 1 surely lifted the audiences with a number of thrilling moments as the campers awaited for the next day of the exciting EVC weekend to begin!

For Further details visit:

www.evc.co.in | www.facebook.com/enchantedvalleycarnival | http://www.twitter.com/EVC India

MUMBAI’S DITYA BECOMES INDIA’S FIRST SUPER DANCER

India waited with bated breath when the 5 finalists - Masoom, Deepali, Ditya, Yogesh and Laxman took the center stage to perform for one last time for the fans of Super Dancer. And when they danced, they gave it their best! Out of these 5 child protégées who took India by storm with their impeccable techniques, unique dancing style and cuteness overload, Ditya Sagar Bhande from Mumbai’s Nallasopara, was announced as India’s first Super Dancer. Ditya was bestowed with the trophy by the super judges; Shilpa Shetty, Geeta Kapoor and Anurag Basu along with Bollywood diva, Shradha Kapoor and ace actor, Aditya Roy Kapoor.

The three judges were delighted at Ditya’s win.

Shilpa Shetty, said, “For almost three months now, these talented kids have put their heart and soul in the performances. We have developed a bond with them and I am going to miss all this excitement after tonight. I wish them all the very best for a great life that they will make for themselves hence on. I would also like to congratulate Ditya. I am happy that her hardwork and determination has got her the title."

Geeta Kapoor, said, “It was a tough competition amongst the top 5 finalists as each one of them was equally deserving. I am very happy that Ditya won the title of India’s best Super Dancer. She is a bright kid with a lot of unexplored potential. She mastered the art of hip hop and went beyond her boundaries to excel. I wish her love & success in future endeavors.”

Needless to say, Ditya was beyond excited with the win and said, “This is the best moment of my life. I am really happy and excited to bag the prestigious title of nation’s first Super Dancer. With the mentoring of my choreographer Ruel and the encouragement received from everyone, I am thankful to Super Dancer and Sony Entertainment Television. I am going to miss the training, Ruel sir, my friends, Shilpa ma’am, Geeta Maa, Anurag sir and everyone associated with the show”.

Along with the trophy, Ditya took home the grand prize money of Rs. 15 Lakhs from Sony Entertainment Television, an Oppo Smart Phone and a gift hamper worth 1 lakh from Patanjali.

About Ditya Bhande

Ditya Bhande is only 9 years old. Based in Mumbai, she is very passionate about dancing and believes in the saying - Eat, Sleep, Dance, Repeat!. She is a die-hard Salman Khan fan and likes performing on his chartbuster songs. After getting selected for Super Dancer, Ditya has tremendously evolved as a dancer with the help of her Super Guru, Ruel. She has become very popular. Ditya worships the art and has recently started teaching dance to children of her age.