Rajneesh Karnatak Assumes Charge As Executive Director Of Union Bank Of India

Shri Rajneesh Karnatak assumed charge as Executive Director of Union Bank of India. 

Shri Rajneesh Karnatak was the Chief General Manager of Punjab National Bank. A post-graduate in Commerce and a Certified Associate from Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB), Shri Karnatak comes with a rich banking experience of over 27 years along with diverse Branch and Administrative Office experience.  

As General Manager in erstwhile Oriental Bank of Commerce, he has headed large Corporate Credit Branches and verticals such as Credit Monitoring, Digital Banking and Mid Corporate Credit. Post the amalgamation of Oriental Bank of Commerce into Punjab National Bank, he started heading the Credit Review & Monitoring Division and Corporate Credit Division. 

Shri. Karnatak has attended various training and Leadership Development Programs from IIM-Kozhikode and JNIDB Hyderabad and has also taken part in Advance Management Programme at IMI (International Management Institute) Delhi and IIBF (Indian Institute of Banking & Finance). He was a part of 1st batch of Senior Officers selected by Bank Board Bureau for Leadership Development Program of IIM Bangaore & Egon Zehnder. He carries with him credit appraisal skills including project funding and Working Capital funding along with Risk Management with specific reference/ special emphasis on Credit Risk. 

He has also served as a Nominee Director on behalf of PNB on the Board of PNB Housing Finance Ltd. and ISARC (India SME Asset Reconstruction Company Limited). 

Glam Up This Festive Season As Phoenix Marketcity Launches The Much Awaited Phoenix Festival Season 5

With the festivities right around the corner, Phoenix Marketcity announces its much-awaited “Phoenix Festival Season 5”. Spanning over 3 months, from October to December 2021. This festival will prove to be nothing less than a mega bonanza for shoppers with exciting festive offers on ethnic fashion, cosmetics, jewellery, and electronic brands. It is going to be all about bouncing back to the social life we all missed. 

Phoenix Marketcity is a home to more than 300 brands for customers to revamp their wardrobe, upgrade the home appliances and home décor and to have a joyous shopping experience with several amazing offers on almost every brand!  

Phoenix Festival - Season 5 brings to you a larger-than-life experience with elegant décor and large installation for the customers to have a picture perfect insta post and glam up their shopping experience.  

The glamor isn’t complete without bright and colourful popup stores. And to get the feel of festive shopping, Season 5 offers the much-awaited Festive Bazaar and Ethnic Fest to shop your ethnic clothes, home décor, festive lantern and diyas. 

Festive Bazaar: Festive and Home Décor popups -A one-of-its-kind “Festive Bazaar” from 15th October to 7th November with the aim of offering 1,000+ products pertaining to home and festive décor, designer lanterns and diyas, festive lights silver masterpieces, art, gifting, exquisite jewellery, designer ethnic wear, making it an ideal destination for Diwali.  

This is not it. To add up to the excitement, the mall is also offering its customers to win prizes worth Rs. 1 crore, making the festival more rewarding than ever before. For the customers to win these awards, all they need to do is shop for Rs. 50,000 or above, and get assured gifts like Gold Coins, Mobile Phones, Swarovski Products, TV, Refrigerator and much more. 

Commenting on the launch of Phoenix Shopping Festival Season 5, Mr. Gajendra Singh Rathore, Senior Centre Director said, “Phoenix Marketcity is the right place to be this festive season, especially since we are creating the right festive atmosphere for our customers who have not celebrated any festivals during the year due to pandemic, but now with Diwali, we want people to bounce back. Hence, we have come up with the Festive Bazar, large installations, elegant décor, and exciting offers for the festivities, wherein we want our customers to enjoy their shopping while we take care of all the Covid-19 preventive measures constantly to give our customers a safe and happy shopping experience.” 

South African Tourism Unveils Dynamic Tourism Recovery Strategy For India At The VirtuallyYoursSouthAfrica 2021 Roadshow

* The roadshow concluded with 1,871 Indian buyers, 99 SA suppliers and 9,343 meetings

* Direct flights and e-visas for the Indian market are top priorities for the tourism board

* India retains pre-pandemic spot as one of the top 3 international focus markets

Inspired by border openings and increased confidence in travel, South African Tourism held their maiden virtual roadshow in India to capitalize on the strong consumer and corporate traveller demand in the country. The ‘VirtuallyYoursSouthAfrica’ roadshow is expected to boost tourism economies in both nations, especially as the South African national tourism board focuses on bullishly driving strategic recovery measures in India.

According to the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan put together by the tourism board earlier this year, key focus areas remain re-igniting demand, protecting & rejuvenating supply and strengthening capacity. The recently concluded roadshow in India is the first of many efforts to reignite international travel demand, in order to meet a global target of 2.6 million visitors in FY21-22.

99 South African suppliers were part of the trade delegation who exhibited their products and services in India from 20th to 22nd October 2021. They reiterated the tourism board’s emphasis on diversifying geographies and expanding product range for the India market. Of the 99 suppliers, over 41 were exhibiting in India for the first time and 12 were women-owned enterprises.

With a heavy emphasis on empowering small businesses and boosting the local economy, this roadshow also saw the inclusion of 31 SMMEs – more than double the number that participated in the 2020 roadshow. In addition to SMMEs, representatives from accommodation establishments, destination management companies, experiences, 7 South African Provinces, VFS and airlines showcased their product and services to 1,871 Indian buyers.

“India is a high potential source market for us, at South African Tourism. In fact, the market has been recognized as one of our key international focus markets, along with China and Nigeria. While India has traditionally been a multigenerational, family source market, we see huge opportunity to leverage the destination amongst millennials as well. They are looking for an adventure and with 3000+ adventure activities, South Africa is known to provide one at every turn! We hope to welcome more and more Indian travellers to have safe, sustainable and memorable holidays, as well as a taste of our warm hospitality and local culture,” said Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA, South African Tourism.

Commenting on the Roadshow, she said, “I am thrilled at the response we received at our maiden virtual roadshow – I believe that the partnerships forged here will be instrumental in setting the tone as we direct efforts towards travel recovery in India. I am grateful to all those who participated from the trade fraternities in India and South Africa – you are our pillar of support and motivate us to drive excellence.”

In line with their evolved recovery plan, South African Tourism India has identified certain key focus areas for the forthcoming year. These include aggressively promoting their new regions, building on the destination’s position as the adventure capital of the world, providing increased value for money itineraries and catering to niche traveller segments like runners, bikers, sports enthusiasts etc. The tourism board is also hoping to welcome a large number of Indian cricket fans into the destination during India’s Test tour of South Africa in December 2021.

Sharing further plans, Ms. Sthembiso Dlamini, Acting CEO & COO at South African Tourism stated, “We understand that easy accessibility is a key consideration when planning travel. With that in mind, we want to assure Indian travellers, corporates and our trade partners that we are actively pursuing opportunities to initiate direct flights from India to South Africa. We also intend to make good on our promise to roll-out e-visas for the India market very soon.”

Given the increase in Indian traveller demand, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have regular flights scheduled from India to South Africa, with layovers at Dubai, Doha and Addis Ababa respectively. Additionally, Air Seychelles is also scheduled to resume flights from India to South Africa.

South Africa is currently open to all international tourists, including Indians. Travellers intending to visit the country will be required to produce a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, not older than 72 hours from the time of departure from the country of origin to South Africa.

WardWizard’s ‘Joy e-bike’ Inaugurates Its First-Ever Electric Vehicle Experience Centre In Maharashtra

* Starts exclusive ‘company owned’ retail operation in Pune; three more centres to get operational in the state soon

* The experience centre is spread over 3k sq. feet and is equipped with the entire product portfolio, company-trained staff and quick customer service mechanism.

* Joy e-bike has a strength of more than 113 dealerships in Maharashtra. Three more exclusive experience centres in Thane, Kolhapur and Nagpur in this financial year.

* There are more than 430 dealerships across the country and six company-owned experience centres in Delhi, Vadodara, Nadiad, Himmatnagar, Jodhpur and Pune.

To provide a distinctive experience to customers and strengthen its market presence, the WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd (BSE Code: 538970) – one of the country’s leading two-wheeler electric vehicle manufacturer brands ‘Joy e-bike’ today inaugurated its first-ever experience centre in Pune.

The specially designed company-owned centre aims to provide a unique experience to the customers is equipped with complete sales and service facilities to expedite the brand's outreach in the entire state. The centre will showcase the entire range of Joy e-bike’s electric scooters and motorcycles. Currently, Joy e-bike has a wide product portfolio of 10 models in its fleet.

The landmark step took place in the presence of the visionary and Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar along with Shri. Deepak Mankar, Corporator and Ex- Former Mayor of Pune Municipal Corporation, Shri.Prashant Jagtap, President, Nationalist Congress Party and other senior dignitaries.

Electric vehicles are the future of mobility and India is leading the growth from front. To maintain the momentum of growth, the WardWizard believes in spreading the network arms and sensitizing the potential buyers by providing a first-hand experience, which will help in gaining their confidence in the products.

Considering the opening of the experience centre as a landmark step, Mrs Sheetal Bhalerao, the Chief Operating Officer, WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd., said, “I believe this experience centre would prove to be a game-changing endeavour. It will introduce electric vehicles into every household in the state. We are very grateful to the Government of Maharashtra for giving us this opportunity to expand our operations in the state and bring electric mobility closer to potential customers. Our efforts are aligned with the government's priorities in making the entire country pollution-free. Maharashtra is a priority market for the brand, and we are witnessing that customers are increasingly switching to electric two-wheelers to meet their daily commuting needs here. The new centres will strengthen our presence and deliver a unique experience while catering to the customers' needs from sales to service. The brand has plans to inaugurate more experience centres across the country gradually.”

The new experience centres also appoint trained sales executives who will help the customers in making the relevant decision while selecting the Joy e-bike model based on their usage. The executives will further run awareness programs in promoting the need for electric mobility.

At present, the company has a strength of more than 113 touchpoints via distribution channels in the state. These exclusive experience centres will further support penetrating deeper into both urban and rural markets of the state.

In September 2021, WardWizard Innovations & Mobility Limited recorded the highest ever monthly sales of 2,500 units. Highly optimistic on this ongoing festival season, the company is confident of achieving another benchmark in its sales performance.

About WardWizard Innovations & Mobility Limited

WardWizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd is a leading auto manufacturing company in the Electric Vehicle (EV) segment under the brand name Joy E-Bike. Being the first listed entity on BSE in Electric Vehicle manufacturing, it is mainly focused on the growth potential in the Indian EV segment to provide clean and greener alternatives to the existing usage of mobility, aligned with its philosophy of driving a positive change. Through Joy E-Bikes, the Company has been providing a greener alternative to traditional fuel-driven bikes. Conversely,. It has footprints in more than 25 major cities across India and aspires to boost this number throughout the country.

Blue Dart’s ‘Diwali Express’ Offers Customers 40% Discount On Domestic & International Gift Shipments

* The offer is valid from October 11th to November 06th 2021 

Blue Dart, India’s leading express logistics service provider and a part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group has launched its ‘Diwali Express’ offer to uphold the joy of the festive season. The offer will be valid from October 11th 2021 till November 06th 2021. A discounted rate of 40% can be availed on all Diwali Gift shipments, both domestic and international; providing customers with a one-stop solution for all their logistics needs. While the Domestic Offer will be applicable on Domestic DP shipments weighing between 2kgs to 10kgs, the International Offer will apply on International Non Doc and TDI 12 Non Doc shipments weighing between 2kgs to 10kgs, 15kgs & 20kgs. 

Blue Dart consistently upgrades its products and services to ensure that customers receive nothing but the best. With this offer, customers can avail this service at a discounted rate and send gift hampers, sweets, apparel and much more to their near and dear ones at over 35,000 locations within India and 220 countries across the world.  

Ketan Kulkarni, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart, says, “Blue Dart has always kept the customer at the centre of our business, and we continue to go the extra mile to bring our customers and their loved ones closer together, even if they are miles apart. The Diwali Express offer is launched, keeping this in mind. We want our customers to feel the happiness of the festive season and share this with their loved ones. We are keen to continue providing our customers with an incomparable value proposition, ensuring that our customers’ shipments reach their loved ones in perfect condition, well within time.”  

Blue Dart has been working tirelessly in order to guarantee an enhanced customer experience through the pandemic. From ensuring supply chain continuity, offering several customer centric discounts through the last year and ramping up automation and technology-based solutions, Blue Dart has left no stone unturned in fulfilling its role as the Trade Facilitator to the nation. Shipping with Blue Dart, customers can have a seamless express logistics experience without the fear of contagion.  

Customers can have an entirely Contact Less Experience with the organization as customers are offered with an array of acceptable payment methods including 16 digital wallets, Net banking, Credit & Debit Cards, Bharat QR Code, and UPI (BHIM).  

To avail Blue Dart services or for any further enquiry, customers can call the Customer Care Number - 1860 233 1234 or send an email to customerservice@bluedart.com.  

To find the nearest Blue Dart counter, log on to www.bluedart.com or use the ‘My Blue Dart’ Mobile application available on Apple Store and Play Store. 

Sify Technologies To Announce Financial Results For Second Quarter FY 2021-22 On October 29, 2021

 

Sify Technologies Limited (NASDAQ: SIFY), India’s leading Digital ICT solutions provider with global service capabilities spanning Data Center, Cloud, Networks, Security and Digital services, today announced that it will report its unaudited IFRS financial results for the second quarter ended September 30, 2021 on Friday October 29, 2021 before the market opens. 

In conjunction with the announcement, Sify will host a conference call at 8:30 AM ET with Mr. Raju Vegesna, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Kamal Nath, Chief Executive Officer and Mr. M P Vijay Kumar, Chief Financial Officer. Interested parties may participate by dialling +1-888-506-0062 (Toll Free in the U.S. or Canada) or +1-973-528-0011 (International) with access code 287954, which will also be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet at www.sifytechnologies.com/investors or https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2184/43376.

Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the streaming media software required to listen to the Internet broadcast.

The online archive of the Webcast will be available shortly after the conference call, or investors can listen to the replay by dialling +1-877-481-4010 (Toll Free in the U.S. or Canada) or +1-919-882-2331 (International) and entering the replay passcode 43376. Please allow for some time post conference call to access the archive of the Webcast. The replay is available until 08:30 AM ET of November 05, 2021.

About Sify Technologies

Sify Technologies is India’s most comprehensive ICT service & solution provider. With Cloud at the core of our solutions portfolio, Sify is focussed on the changing ICT requirements of the emerging Digital economy and the resultant demands from large, mid and small-sized businesses. 

Sify’s infrastructure comprising the largest MPLS network, top-of-the-line DCs, partnership with global technology majors, vast expertise in business transformation solutions modelled on the cloud make it the first choice of start-ups, incoming Enterprises and even large Enterprises on the verge of a revamp,

More than 10000 businesses across multiple verticals have taken advantage of our unassailable trinity of Data Centers, Networks and Security services and conduct their business seamlessly from more than 1600 cities in India. Internationally, Sify has presence across North America, the United Kingdom and Singapore.

Sify, www.sify.com, Sify Technologies and www.sifytechnologies.com are registered trademarks of Sify Technologies Limited.

Team India Kit Sponsor MPL Sports’ Billion Cheers Jersey Now Available On Udaan

* A wide range of official Indian Cricket Team merchandise, including over 50 varieties of performance and lifestyle clothing, will also be available on udaan’s network of retail outlets across 900+ cities at affordable prices 

The much-awaited India vs Pakistan T20 match is just around the corner and cricket fans are already gearing up in Team India colours to cheer for the team. Now, athleisure brand MPL Sports, the official kit sponsor of the Indian Cricket Team, aims to make the match viewing experience even more memorable for all fans. The brand’s official Team India merchandise will now be available through udaan, India’s largest business-to-business (B2B) eCommerce platform, with a focus on Tier 2 and 3 cities and beyond. The collection, which includes the recently launched “Billion Cheers Jersey,” is one of the largest and most affordable in Indian cricket history and is easily accessible to fans both online and offline. 

MPL Sports will leverage udaan’s vast distribution network to offer its range of products across the length and breadth of the country. udaan has a network of over 3 million registered users and 25,0000-30,000 sellers across 900+ cities in the country covering more than 12,000 pin codes. The platform caters to over 1.7 million retailers, chemists, kirana shops, HoReCa, farmers, etc. doing over 4.5 million transactions per month, making udaan a leader in the b2b eCommerce business. The merchandise will be available for purchase at all leading sports retail stores like Lulu Fashion, All Day sports, Centro, Champion Sports, Shakti Sports, Kitco, Sports Station, and many others. 

Commenting on the announcement, Shobhit Gupta, Head - MPL Sports, said “Cricket is not just a sport in India but an emotion that binds people together across the country. With the cricket season in full swing, our aim is to make the official merchandise of the Indian cricket team affordable and accessible to all. We look forward to leveraging udaan’s  expansive network and providing an opportunity for a billion fans in India to support our team by proudly sporting the team colours.’’

Kumar Saurabh, Head – Lifestyle Business, udaan, said “We are happy to offer MPL Sports’ official cricket merchandise exclusively to our retailers across India. We will leverage our tech-enabled extensive retail network to ensure that retailers and customers across Bharat have access to these high quality genuine merchandise at an affordable price. We urge cricket fans to watch the matches wearing the Team India jersey as this is the first time these genuine merchandise are brought to them at such affordable prices."

MPL Sports currently offers a comprehensive collection of official Team India merchandise, including player edition and stadium jerseys, training gear modeled after on-pitch styles and polos, available for both men and women. The Billion Cheers Jersey draws inspiration from the chants and cheers of a billion-plus fans and exhibits their passion on a jersey for the first time ever in the history of Team India. 

About MPL Sports 

MPL Sports is an athleisure, merchandise, and sporting equipment brand. It was named the official kit sponsor and merchandise partner for the Indian Cricket Team (Men’s, Women’s and Under-19 teams), for a three-year period till December 2023. The brand offers top quality merchandise across categories, professional-level sporting equipment, and affordable athleisure apparel made for all-round style and comfort. 

About udaan

Founded in 2016 with a vision to 'transform the  trade ecosystem and empower small businesses   by  leveraging technology,’ udaan is India’s largest B2B eCommerce platform. It has operations across categories including lifestyle, electronics, home & kitchen, staples, fruits and vegetables, FMCG, pharma, toys and general merchandise. udaan has over 3 million users, 1.7 million retailers and 30,000 sellers on the platform across the country. The platform enables supply chain & logistics operations, focused on b2b trade and built on strong technology, for daily delivery across 900+ cities and 12,000+ pin codes through udaanExpress. udaan enables financial products and services to small businesses, manufacturers, and retailers through udaanCapital to grow their business.

udaan is headquartered in Bangalore with offices in all leading metros and major cities across India.

India’s First On-Demand On-Requirement Data Center - Datasamudra - Inaugurated In Bangalore

In line with growing market demand & to offer value differentiation in data center market, Teleindia Networks unveiled its Greenfield Hyperscale Data Centre, DataSamudra in Bangalore today. Inauguration event was joined by top dignitaries from govt of Karnataka, Corporate sector and Teleindia Customers.  Dr. C N Ashwath Narayan, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education; IT & BT, Science & Technology; Skill Development, Entrepreneurship & Livelihood, Government of Karnataka, and Mr. Amajit Gupta Chief Executive Officer - Lightstorm Telecom Connectivity did the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The other Chief Guests included Mr. Sujai Karampuri, Managing Director of T-Fiber and Director of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Telangana, Mr. W L Ryan Perera, Vice President & Country Head - Ciena India, Ms. Daisy Chittilapilly, President – CISCO India and SAARC, Mr. S Shadakshari Chairman, Ramanashree Hotels & Resorts, and Mr. V Gopala Gowda Rtd. Justice, Supreme Court.

While Inaugurating Data Samudra, Dr Ashwath Narayan laid stress on opportunities such projects bring to the state and add value to its IT industry. Employment generation, Global focus and creating new avenues for emerging businesses are some of the immediate outcomes such projects bring about. Data Samudra will be a key contributor for such growth, he added.

Sharing Data Samudra Vision, Mr. Mahanthesha KA, CEO & Managing Director, Teleindia group said “We all know the future is all about Digital Transformation, Cloud & Data. It was natural for us to look at setting this Data Center as we believe in aligning our future vision with market trends and futuristic business proposition. Data Samudra is a stepping stone for us to move from traditional services business to a Customer centric Outcome based value proposition. We envision growing Data Samudra to multiple locations and geographies across India in time to come”.

Datasamudra, is located in the new KIADB IT Park, also being the recently built corporate campus of Teleindia, closer to the Bengaluru’s International Airport. The location is an added advantage providing customers and partners the flexibility, for travel and/or accessibility.

Datasamudra with a built-up area of 1.0 Lakh SQFT, have State-of-the-Art facilities. The facility will provide 500 high density rack, IT power load of 3 MW, with all of the futuristic IT and Core Infrastructure catered to a Secure and Reliable Data Centre facility. Offering high level of Security, 24x7 Global NOC (Network Operations center) and core infrastructure aligned to global standards, Datasamudra will provide ‘Co-Location, Hosting and Cloud Services’, to its Customers in India as well globally.

Datasamudra, in line with India's, Data Protection policy and Localization norms, (in final stages), will offer, to international clients extending services to Indian businesses & individuals, first of its kind - “DATA RESIDENCY as a SERVICE” – a service wherein critical data storage is facilitated “locally”. Another, first of its kind, offering Datasamudra intends to provide is the niche Cloud services with focus on 4 A's - Automation, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Augmentative Disruptive Technologies.

Mr Amajit Gupta, CEO Lightstorm Telecom Ventures shared his vision of future of Data Centres. He commended Data Samudra for the location as Bangalore has been traditionally a software led business but with rising demand for Infrastructure, Data Samudra comes at a very right time.

Mr Sujay Karampuri, MD T-Fiber Congratulated team Data Samudra & was impressed with state-of-the-art infrastructure deployed. He also stressed on expanding Data Samudra to other locations as well.

Ms. Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco INDIA & SAARC, Chief Guest, on the opening ceremony, articulated “Datasamudra -The Unstoppable – Turning Vision into Reality with Cisco”, a massive task, with multiple complexities, which required working with many vendors & meticulously integrating several features shaping it to one solution. Partnering with Cisco’s combination of SDN & Leaf & Spine Architecture, provides a robust & reliable service & solution platform.

About Teleindia:

Teleindia began its operations in 2006, in India, in the telecom vertical as a ‘Service Provider’ business unit with proven expertise, quality standards, and efficient delivery processes, making it a reliable partner for a new digital age, reshaping the future of people, nations and businesses. Teleindia’s strong vision is, to provide a competitive advantage to its customers & OEMs by lowering their operating costs and improving the operating reliability.

The firm set out with wireless equipment installation & gradually diversified its services into new areas - Commissioning, Testing, Network Integration, Operation & Maintenance as well into newer domains Optical, IP, Enterprise, additionally in providing Consultancy and as an OEM’s equipment reseller. Not only into newer domains, but also expanded the business by establishing offices in UAE – serving the needs in the Middle East and Singapore – serving the needs in APAC.

Teleindia has provided more than 4500 employment opportunities in their core business and will add another 500 employees for Data Samudra. Future vision is to have more Data Samudra extend its Data Centers to more locations beyond Bangalore.

Volvo Car India Launches Petrol Mild-Hybrids In Karnataka Markets

* Introduces New S90 & New XC60 with attractive Volvo Service Package

* XC90 Petrol to be launched soon

* Google Services, Advanced Air Cleaner & Volvo Cars App among new technologies with the new cars

In order to offer the best global technology to the savvy luxury consumers in Karnataka, Volvo Car India today launched two new petrol mild-hybrid models-the luxury sedan S90 and the Volvo’s best-selling mid-size luxury SUV XC60. These launches are in line with the company’s aim to a complete petrol portfolio by end of 2021. The launch took place at Martial Motors, Devaraja Urs Road, Race Course Road.

The New Petrol mild-hybrid Volvo S90 is priced at Rs. 61,90,000, ex-showroom and the New Petrol mild-hybrid Volvo XC60 is priced at Rs. 61,90,000, ex-showroom. Both these models come with advanced features that enhance the Volvo driving experience. Features like Digital Services giving access to Google apps, other apps and services which offer hands-free help with Google Assistant, best-in-class navigation through Google Maps are available in both the models. The cars also feature the intuitive, next generation infotainment system that offers customers unprecedented personalization and an unparalleled connectivity.

In addition to the new petrol mild-hybrid cars and new technologies, the company also announced 3 years’ Volvo Service Package at a special price of only Rs 75,000 plus applicable taxes. This can be bought with the new launched cars. This is an introductory offer only during the current festive season which includes regular maintenance plus wear & tear cost over 3 years.

“Karnataka has been a very important market for us. Bangalore is among the fastest-growing metro cities and home to aspiring and affluent families. Volvo Cars believe in providing the best-in-class experience to its esteemed customers and ensures a top-notch customer experience throughout the customer journey. The luxury mobility customer in Karnataka has always beensafety and features conscious and we are confident that they will find our technology loaded new offerings exciting” said Mr Kalpit Shishodia, Director, Customer Service, Volvo Car India.

Volvo Car Group has teamed up with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services. Volvo is committed to safety and sustainability and offer its car users the most advanced features.

The S90 is Volvo’s premium 4-door, 5-seat flagship sedan. It is built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), Volvo’s advanced modular vehicle platform. The SPA platform has resulted in the strongest Volvo cars to date because of extensive use of boron steel, as well as numerous safety systems designed to protect people inside and outside the car.

Winner of the World Car of the Year title in 2018(the immensely popular XC60 has now advanced safety upgrades like Volvo Cars’ latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensor platform, a modern, scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors.

Key specifications for the new cars:

The New S90 B5 Inscription (Petrol Mild-Hybrid)

The New XC60 B5 Inscription (Petrol Mild-Hybrid)

Capacity: 1969 cc

Max output: 250 hp

Max Torque: 350 Nm

Automatic 8-speed FWD (S90)

Automatic 8-speed AWD (XC60)

Advanced Air Cleaner with PM 2.5 sensor

Android powered infotainment system with Google Services

Adaptive Cruise Control

Pilot Assist

Lane Keeping Aid

Blind Spot Information System with Cross traffic alert

Collision Mitigation Support (front)

Collision warning and Mitigation support (rear)

360-degree camera

Parking Assistance (front, rear & side)

Volvo Cars in India

Swedish luxury car Company Volvo established its presence in India in 2007 and has since then, worked intensively to market the Swedish brand in the country. Volvo Cars currently markets products through 25 dealerships in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi NCR – South Delhi, West Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Raipur, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, West Mumbai, South Mumbai, Pune, Raipur, Surat, Vishakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

Vi And Athonet Partner For Trials Of Industry 4.0 Solutions On 5G

* Tests to be conducted on 5G spectrum allocated by DoT, Govt of India, to VIL for 5G trials in Pune

Leading telecom operator, Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) today announced its partnership with Athonet, a private LTE and 5G solutions platform provider, to test 5G-based solutions to build Industry 4.0. The partnership with Athonet includes demonstration of enterprise use cases on 5G in several areas including smart construction, smart warehouse, smart agriculture and smart workplace.

This collaboration will validate industrial use cases demonstrating high reliability, critical monitoring and control applications in primary product industries like construction, railways, warehouse, factories, etc. The trials will be conducted on 5G spectrum allocated by Department of Telecom (DoT), Government of India for establishing relevant use cases for India. 

Commenting on the 5G trials and partnership, Abhijit Kishore, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, said, “Vi Business has a significant presence in enabling smart utility and smart infrastructure solutions to large and small enterprises. Our partnership with Athonet to demonstrate and validate 5G solutions is a critical step towards building Industry 4.0 use cases, which will be a significant growth driver of the digital economy in the future.”

“This partnership with Vodafone Idea Limited shows the real use cases and benefits that 5G-SA can bring.” said Gianluca Verin, Chief Executive Officer, Athonet. “Over the last decade, Athonet has built a complete solution for private LTE and 5G cellular allowing best of breed networks to be delivered with cutting edge applications. These solutions can now be used to build the Industry 4.0 use cases needed today for smart construction, smart warehouse, smart work place and smart agriculture.”

Vodafone Idea Limited is the only telecom company in India to offer a secure end-to-end IoT solution offering that comprises connectivity, hardware, network, application, analytics, security and support. Integrated IoT Solutions by Vi Business provides comprehensive range of IoT solutions across Industries for - Smart Infrastructure, Smart Mobility and Smart Utilities, on its 5G-ready network.

Vi has deployed its 5G trial in a setup of end-to-end captive network of Cloud Core, new generation Transport and Radio Access Network, in Pune city. In its initial test results, Vi has achieved peak speed in excess of 3.7 Gbps with very low latency on the mmWave spectrum band. These speeds were achieved with state-of-the-art equipment in 5G Non-Standalone network architecture and using NR Radios.

Vi has been allocated mmWave high bands like 26 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum band by the DoT, for 5G network trials and use cases. Vi has also achieved peak download speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps in 3.5 Ghz band 5G trial network with its OEM partners.

The high speed and low latency characteristics of 5G network has many capabilities such as improved surveillance and video streaming/broadcast which enable the evolution of 5G smart cities and smart factories. Smart city and Industry 4.0 will help accelerate 5G deployment and usher in a promising new era of Digital India.

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is India’s leading telecom service provider. The Company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G ready platform. With the large spectrum portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”.

About Athonet

Athonet is a leader in private cellular network technology delivering a mobile core to enterprises and communication service providers to connect applications, devices and radios. With more than 10 years of experience in delivering 4G/5G mobile core solutions to customers and partners in every region of the world, Athonet supports key industries where network control, mobility, security, performance, and cost are important for business outcomes.

Find out more www.athonet.com. 

Curefoods Acquires 7 Food Brands To Expand Its Cloud Kitchen Footprint In India

• Curefoods has added multiple popular D2C brands to its portfolio and is becoming a major player in India’s booming cloud kitchen segment

• It is looking to on-board 25 more brands of which 15 LOIs have already been signed

• Curefoods’ domain expertise and tech-driven farm-to-fork model will give a major push to these brands and help them expand kitchens across India

Curefoods, a leading cloud kitchen company which operates brands like EatFit announced its acquisition of multiple D2C food brands across the country. Currently, Curefoods has 10 brands in its portfolio, of which 7 are new acquisitions featuring the likes of CakeZone and MasalaBox.

It has also acquired exclusive online franchising rights for 3 brands namely YumLane, Sharief Bhai, and Aligarh House.

Tapping further into India’s booming cloud kitchen segment, Curefoods is looking at on-boarding a total of 25 brands. The company has already signed 15 more letters of intent (LOIs). Typically, it follows a 21-day period of end-to-end closure while on-boarding such brands.

Curefoods is leveraging its end-to-end farm-to-fork technology and highly adept consumer-facing marketing stack to integrate these brands into the business. Moreover, Curefoods’ expertise in running significantly advanced central kitchen facilities allows it to power these food brands and help them grow at a faster rate.

Curefoods’ acquired brands include the following –

• MasalaBox, which includes subscription-based home-cooked meals, is currently present in Bengaluru and Kochi with Hyderabad added post its acquisition. MasalaBox’s business model provides entrepreneurial opportunities to passionate home-cooks and the product has successfully been scaling since it was acquired in June;

• Paratha Box is a Bengaluru-based brand specialising in all-day Indian breakfast meals. Since acquisition, it has scaled from 3 to 35 kitchens across multiple cities by the end of October;

• Cake Zone is one of India’s largest online confectionary chains. While currently focused in southern India, Curefoods aims to take CakeZone to the northern and western Indian markets and achieve a 10x growth projection in the next five years;

• Ammi’s Biryani is a Bengaluru-based brand serving up one of India’s most popular dishes – biryani. After a complete brand buyout, Curefoods will be rebuilding the brand and relaunching it soon;

• Two Hyderabad-based pizza brands - Olio and Crusto’s are also now part of Curefoods’ roster and will see their business expand rapidly in coming months;

• Chaat Street, Bengaluru’s leading online ‘chaat’ brand has joined the Curefoods umbrella to scale its operations to multiple cities.

Aside from these, brands that Curefoods has obtained exclusive online franchising rights for include –

• YumLane, a Mumbai-based Pizza cloud kitchen brand which has scaled from 15 to 40+ outlets since it was acquired by Curefoods;

• Aligarh House, an Indian and Mughlai food cloud kitchen delivering in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, and Mysore;

• Sharief Bhai, a popular brand known for its fragrant biryanis which aims to now open 100 new cloud kitchens under Curefoods.

Commenting on these developments, Ankit Nagori, founder, Curefoods, said: “We are on a mission to make good food easily accessible at affordable prices, and to do this, we are acquiring a host of brands that people recognise and love. Given the accelerated growth of cloud kitchens in India, especially since the pandemic, we want to leverage our market expertise and advanced technology in order to elevate and amplify the experiences these brands offer. By having them under the Curefoods banner, we will be able to ensure the creation of a highly standardized, efficient, and hygienic kitchen network across the nation. We are excited to have all the newly acquired brands on board and look forward to serving India some really great food.”

Gokul Kandhi, Business Head, Curefoods, added: “We are thrilled to have on board some really great food brands that are serving up delicious meals across geographies in India. Now, having them as part of our network, we will be doubling down on improving scale, operations, technological integration, and marketing for each of these. We are already seeing some of these companies grow much faster with us than they did before the pandemic. This is a pattern we hope to see for each brand that we integrate into Curefoods. We look forward to working with them and becoming a major contender in India’s growing cloud kitchen segment.”

About Curefoods:

Curefoods is a leading cloud kitchens operator in India. It commenced its operations in 2020. It operates brands like EatFit, Yumlane, Aligarh House Biryani, CakeZone and Masalabox. It has over 50 kitchens across ten cities in India. Additional information on Curefoods is available at https://curefoods.in

Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE Ropes In Tiger Shroff As Brand Ambassador For Its New Campaign

* Digital campaign showcases Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE’s

* 5-in-1 full synthetic formula that offers ‘Performance That Surprises’

Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE, India’s premium engine oil brand for two-wheelers has launched a new digital campaign around #PerformanceThatSurprises highlighting the brand’s 5-in-1 full synthetic formula that offers superior engine health for two-wheelers. The campaign features Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff as the face of Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE, whose persona resonates with the idea of a ‘performance that surprises’.

Conceptualized by Schbang, the campaign explores the idea of ‘The Man & the Machine’ and showcases a performance face-off between Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE and Tiger Shroff. In the face-off, both Tiger and Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE compete against each other to emerge as the ULTIMATE performer.

Speaking about the campaign, Jaya Jamrani, Vice President – Marketing, Castrol India, said, “At Castrol, we have consistently delivered industry-leading products that offer unmatched protection and performance for vehicles. Our new campaign #PerformanceThatSurprises creatively illustrates how our consumers can unlock the ULTIMATE performance by using Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE. Looking ahead, we will continue to innovate our offerings and communications with the purpose of providing superior performance and experience to bike enthusiasts.”

Link to the YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaYCtXYRHtI

Commenting on the new film, Harshil Karia, Founder, Schbang, said, “Every bike enthusiast wants to get the ULTIMATE performance from their bike. This is especially true for Indian consumers, given their heightened enthusiasm for better performance from bikes. Taking a cue, we conceptualised a face-off between Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE and Tiger Shroff, to offer a visual delight for bike enthusiasts who want to unlock the ultimate performance from their vehicles.”

Sharing his excitement about the launch of the new campaign, Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE brand ambassador and Bollywood superstar, Tiger Shroff said, “It's an absolute pleasure to represent Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE. I don't think a brand has embodied what I believe in so perfectly as this campaign has. When Castrol approached me for Castrol POWER1 ULTIMATE, I knew this was a natural fit cause we both deliver performance that surprises. The creative, the tech, the use of digital, I am sure my fans will love the film and everything else that the brand is planning."

Castrol’s POWER1 ULTIMATE campaign will go live on key digital platforms from 22 October and will be bolstered by strong on-ground execution to leverage Castrol’s wide retail network; including independent auto workshops through product displays, key visuals, and demonstration videos. 

Rakuten Medical, Karkinos Healthcare Collaboration To Expand The Reach Of Novel Cancer Care To India

Rakuten Medical Inc, and Karkinos Healthcare Private Limited announced a strategic collaboration to expand the reach of novel cancer care to India. This includes a minority stake acquisition in Karkinos Healthcare by Rakuten Medical. Rakuten Medical’s investment marks Karkinos Healthcare’s first international investor.

Rakuten Medical is focused on developing and commercializing innovative cancer treatments for multiple indications based on its IlluminoxTM platform. Karkinos is a healthcare technology platform focused on delivering quality healthcare by providing access to, and availability of, cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment options. This strategic collaboration will enable continued innovation in cancer care with the goal of transforming cancer care in India and abroad. 

Rakuten Medical’s first pipeline drug developed on its Illuminox™ platform, ASP-1929, has received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, and is currently the subject of a global phase 3 clinical trial for recurrent head and neck cancer. Karkinos Healthcare is pioneering the Distributed Cancer Care Network model in India addressing clinical needs that will bring quality care closer to patients. Karkinos already offers its services in Kothamangalam, Chottanikkara, Thodupuzha, Munnar locations across Ernakulam and Idukki Districts, in Kerala and is planning to ramp up its operations across India.

“We are happy to partner with Karkinos Healthcare, who is committed to transforming cancer care”, said Mickey Mikitani, Chief Executive Officer of Rakuten Medical, Inc. “We believe this partnership will open up more opportunities for cancer patients in the Indian market, help Rakuten Medical further develop and commercialize our treatment based on our Illuminox platform, and ultimately deliver on our mission to bring this technology to as many patients as possible”.

“Our collaboration with Rakuten Medical will allow us to introduce their breakthrough therapies and vital support structure for cancer patients in India”, said Venkataramanan R, Chief Executive Officer of Karkinos Healthcare. “We at Karkinos believe platforms like Rakuten Medical’s Illuminox platform can revolutionize cancer care in the country and beyond.”

Karkinos Healthcare counts Tata Group and business personalities including Ratan N Tata, Venu Srinivasan, Ronnie Screwvala, Bhavish Aggarwal, and others as investors.  

Nokia C30 Launches In India With 6.82” HD+ Screen And With 6000 mAh Battery

* Equipped with the impressive 13MP dual camera and 3/32GB and 4/64GB configurations

* Will be available with JioExclusive offer- across retail stores, Nokia.com and leading e-commerce platforms

* Love it: Battery for up to three days1, quality imaging, and a screen that means business

* Trust it: Pure android with two years quarterly security updates that will protect your data

* Keep it: Sturdy device which has passed durability tests tougher than the industry average

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has strengthened its popular C-series portfolio of smartphones by introducing the Nokia C30, with a strategic partnership with Jio in India. Launched in the midst of the ongoing festive season, the budget-friendly Nokia C30 is the most powerful C-series smartphone, with the largest battery and biggest screen yet in a Nokia smartphone. This is the fourth Nokia smartphone which comes with the benefits of the special JioExclusive program.

With a colossal 6.82” HD+ display, the Nokia C30’s screen means there’s more to see, share and cherish. Due to its huge 6000 mAh battery that can last up to three days on single charge, you can binge on your favorite shows, listen to music, do long video calls with your friends and family, click photos whenever you want to and more, without worrying about the battery life. Capture your best ideas in authentic quality with the impressive 13MP dual camera. And, thanks to regular quarterly security updates for at least two years, the Nokia C30 will not only stand the test of time but will also keep you and your work safe for the entirety of it.

Commenting on the new launch, Mr. Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President, HMD Global said: “The new Nokia C30 is the most powerful addition to our C-series range, and it epitomizes what this range stands for – a holistic smartphone experience at an accessible price point. It’s the ultimate device, from a brand you know and trust, for people who want to transition into the world of smartphones. The Nokia C30 is an answer to what people have been asking for – more time between charges, bigger screen, our signature security and durability, and an accessible price point.”

More screen, more room for your bold ideas

The huge 6.82” HD+ display on the new Nokia C30 is here to supply what fans have been asking for. Give your work the attention it deserves – on the Nokia C30, all viewing angles are the good ones, so you can show your ideas with ease. When it’s time to unwind, settle in for some well-earned catching up with your favourite series.

A battery that can keep up

Hard-working individuals and busy days ask for a battery that can keep up. On the Nokia C30, it’s been supersized to an impressive 6000 mAh, giving you enough energy to work up to three days on single charge – so you can upskill, stream, and connect to those that matter most. Complemented by the quality feel that only a truly durable build can provide. The Nokia C30 is wrapped in a sturdy polycarbonate shell that you can trust, giving you a device that will last.

Love the camera

Treasured moments can be relived thanks to the dual 13MP camera - highest resolution on a C-series device yet. The added depth sensor will give your portraits the quality they deserve.

Safety first with industry-leading security

When it comes to your ideas, you can’t put a price on security. Just like the rest of the C-series family, the Nokia C30 comes with a security update promise. Updated quarterly for two years, you can trust that your best work will always be protected. Plus, with fingerprint and face unlock, your work will be well guarded.

Pricing and availability

The Nokia C30 is available in India in Green and White and comes in 3/32GB and 4/64GB configurations starting at a recommended best buy price of INR 10999 & 11999 respectively, across leading offline retail stores, e-commerce platforms and Nokia.com.

Customers who choose to avail the JioExclusive offer will get an instant price support of 10% or a maximum of Rs. 1000 on the best buy price, and will have to pay INR 9999 & 10999 for the 3GB & 4GB variant respectively.

Customers can avail the offer at participating Retail stores or through the MyJio app. In case of self-enrolment via MyJio app, they can opt for JioExclusive offer within 15 days of activating the device and the Price Support benefits would be passed directly to customer’s bank account via UPI within 30 minutes of successful enrolment.

Additional Benefits for all Jio Subscribers:

Jio subscribers doing recharge of INR 249 and above would also be eligible for benefits worth INR 4000 across Myntra, PharmEasy, Oyo & MakeMyTrip.

Star India Introduces Series Of High-End Innovations For The ICC Men's T20 Wold Cup 2021

Audiences are in for a special experience during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 as the broadcast production gets a major facelift. Star India, official broadcaster of the marquee tournament, announces a revamp of design and technology and the debut of some industry first broadcast innovations ahead of the Super 12 stage that gets underway on October 23rd, 2021. The new tech has been developed under Star and Disney India’s R&D arm -- Star Lab that spearheads innovation in emerging technologies.

Star India is deploying new tools for analytics, camera technology, immersive AR graphics, virtual and automated sets, and a plethora of new cricket broadcast experiences. Notably AI is powering a range of integrations, from a robotic statistic genius ‘Cricko’, to automated cameras, optical tracking of fielding positions and even super slow-motion replays. Design philosophy has been transformed to attract youth audiences who will #LivetheGame through the course of the tournament. These new additions will elevate the viewing experience to be more immersive and give a unique look and feel to the tournament.

Venues on-ground will witness high-tech integrations with ultra-modern cameras, creating 360-degree highlights using multiple patented technologies. These facilitate the ability to showcase detailed analysis of player movements during the game. Player graphics will be refreshed and will consist of unique symbols inspired by gaming that highlight a specific trait or quality of that cricketer.

Speaking about the technological innovations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 on the Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar, a Star India Spokesperson said, “The broadcast design for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 receives a complete makeover where our major focus will be to enhance the viewing experience and get fans to live the game with us. Technology has been used to bring alive some facets of the game which are generally ignored to the human eye – the look and feel of the presentation will be completely new as we aim to attract youth to engage and be a part of the marquee tournament. This will be achieved using world class technology such as enhanced 4D replays, AI interfaces, and automated cameras in the studios which will elevate the broadcast as we foray into new and innovative mechanisms.”

Technological integrations introduced in the studio include the use of artificial intelligence to aid in-depth analysis revolving around statistics in order to help the audience to better understand the nuances of the game. A digital model of the stadium will be embedded to showcase fielding placements, wagon wheels, scoring area percentages, and countless more statistics as well as tech which produces the illusion that presenters are teleporting between the ground and the studio. AI driven gesture control will enable the experts to display and analyze graphical representations relevant to the game. There will also be the inclusion of indoor drone cameras in the studios, the first ever indoor installation in the Indian Subcontinent. These flying cameras give an untethered 360-degree perspective to the audience for a new viewing experience

In the regional broadcast studios, robotic auto framing face tracking cameras will follow the precise movements of the presenters, using computer vision. Larger than life augmented reality graphics create stunning visuals on ground, while back in the studio presenters are using mixed reality headsets in a broadcast world first. The tool allows presenters to be able to see and physically interact with dynamic graphics during analysis of fielding positions, weather conditions and more. The solution has been developed using Unreal Engine by Epic Games to create the next generation of sports broadcast experiences.

Star and Disney India, also marked a historic day in sports broadcast with the live production of a total of six ICC T20 World Cup matches (Round one & warm-up) on the same day no less than twice, on October 18th & 20th 2021. This scale of production for any major Cricket event is unprecedented and has been a first for Cricket in Asia.

So, gear up for a tech savvy and high-end production broadcast of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 LIVE & Exclusive on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar VIP.

Urban Company Conducts Breast Cancer Awareness Sessions For Service Partners & Employees With HCG Cancer Chain Of Hospitals

* An esteemed group of oncologists led the workshops across India in Mumbai, Bangalore, Gurugram, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Vizag, Jaipur, and Kolkata 

In India, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every four minutes while another loses her life to the illness every 13 minutes. Aiming to educate its female employees and service partners about breast cancer, Asia’s largest tech-enabled home services marketplace, Urban Company, tied up with HCG Cancer Chain of Hospitals. As part of this initiative, oncologists from HCG conducted workshops on self-breast-examination to create awareness on breast cancer. These sensitization workshops were held pan-India for all female employees and partners at Urban Company on 20th and 21st October 2021. 

With the incidence of breast cancer steadily increasing in India, it becomes imperative for women to understand symptoms and be able to self-diagnose the condition. Urban Company hosted over 500 women employees and service partners from across the country in these sensitization sessions. All attendees were taught to conduct a self-examination for breast cancer by renowned oncologists such as Dr. Sasikala Prabaharan, Dr. Indoo Ammbulkar, Dr. Mansi Shah, and Dr. Amrita Chakraborty, associated with the HCG Cancer Chain of Hospitals. 

Commenting on the initiative, Neha Mathur, SVP - Human Resources at Urban Company said “At Urban Company, we care about the well-being of our employees and partners. Breast cancer is becoming an alarming health issue in India with the rising number of cases from across the country. An early diagnosis of breast cancer can save lives, making self-examination an important first step. Through this partnership, we are extending our support to ensure the well-being of our female service professionals across India.”

Dr. B S Ajaikumar, Executive Chairman, HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd. said, “We are extremely delighted to collaborate with Urban Company for this Pan-India breast cancer awareness and self-breast examination session on the most opportune occasion of the breast cancer awareness month. Beyond doubt, the most efficient intervention for breast cancer control is early detection, especially given the high incidence of breast cancer among Indian women. This tie-up with Urban Company is yet another manifestation of HCG’s unflinching commitment to serve the larger cause of healthcare with the support of like-minded organizations.” 

The sessions were conducted both physically and virtually across cities including Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Vadodara. 

According to recent estimates by the World Health Organization, 2.3 million women globally were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, with the number of deaths reaching 685,000. Between 2015 and 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer. 

Nykaa Acquires Home-Grown Skincare & Fashion Ecommerce Platform Brand - Dot & Key

* Addition of the D2C brand To Grow Skincare Category

Nykaa, India’s leading beauty and fashion ecommerce platform, today announced the acquisition of the Indian skincare brand Dot & Key. This is the first D2C (direct to consumer) beauty brand acquired by Nykaa and following this investment by Nykaa, Dot & Key will join Nykaa’s stable of owned brands

Founded by Kolkata-based Suyash Saraf and Anisha Saraf, Dot & Key is a new age brand focused on providing solutions to skincare concerns. It offers premium skincare products such as serums, face masks, toners and cleansers. The brand has recently expanded into nutraceuticals under the brand ‘IKWI’, whose products are dermatologically tested and cruelty free. Ernst & Young LLP was the exclusive advisor to Dot & Key on the deal.

Commenting on the strategic development, Falguni Nayar, Founder and CEO, Nykaa said, “We are excited to bring Dot & Key into the Nykaa family in time to serve the demand in high quality skincare by Indian consumers.  Dot & Key’s product range presents an exciting opportunity for Nykaa as it allows us to extend the brand’s reach to a larger landscape of consumers and enter the nutraceutical space as well. Dot & Key is a consumer centric brand with a growing base of consumers and a range of skincare solutions.”

“We created a niche brand with Dot & Key, focused on making products based on consumer needs. Our passion to differentiate ourselves has inspired us to take an unconventional angle to skincare. Nykaa’s position in the beauty landscape in India and its resources will allow Dot & Key to grow further as a brand and scale to the next level.” said Suyash Saraf, Co-Founder, Dot & Key.

About Nykaa

Nykaa (FSN E-Commerce) was founded in 2012 by Indian entrepreneur Falguni Nayar with a vision of bringing inspiration and joy to people, everywhere, every single day. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nayaka’, meaning one in the spotlight, Nykaa has emerged as one of India’s leading lifestyle focused consumer technologies platforms. Since its launch, Nykaa expanded its product categories by introducing online platforms Nykaa Fashion and Nykaa Man. Delivering a comprehensive Omnichannel ecommerce experience, Nykaa offers 4,078 brands and over 3.1 million product SKUs through its website and mobile applications as of August 31, 2021. The Nykaa Guarantee ensures that products available at Nykaa are 100% authentic and sourced directly from the brand or authorized retailers. Through engaging and educational content, digital marketing, social media influence, robust CRM strategies, and the Nykaa Network community platform, Nykaa has built a loyal community of millions of beauty and fashion enthusiasts.

Signify Launches Philips HexaStyle, India’s First Hexagon-Shaped LED Downlight

* Hexagonal shape can be used to create unique patterns in the ceiling

* Fits in regular round cut-outs in ceiling, enabling easy installation

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, today launched its Philips HexaStyle LED downlight in India. It is a unique, first-of-its-kind hexagonal shaped downlight that can be arranged in different patterns to create unique designs in the ceiling. Moreover, it is built with a round fitment, making it easy to install in regular round-shaped cut-outs in the ceiling.

The downlight offers high energy efficiency of 100 lumens per watt and is available in both warm white and cool white options and three wattages - 8W, 12W and 15W. It also features the company’s EyeComfort Technology which is designed to be easy on the eyes.

Downlights are a growing category in India and are very popular amongst people building new homes or making structural renovations. Currently, downlights are only available in 2 shapes - round or square, that are installed as single units offering functional and ambient lighting. With its Philips HexaStyle downlight that can be arranged in unique patterns, Signify is redefining the usage of downlights as a design element as well, in addition to offering just functional and ambient lighting. Customers can use their imagination to create unlimited designs in their ceiling by placing the hexagonal shaped downlights in different configurations.

Commenting on the launch, Sumit Joshi, CEO and Managing Director, Signify Innovations India said, “We are proud to introduce our latest innovation – the Philips HexaStyle downlight in India. Its hexagonal shape will enable consumers to express their creativity and design a truly personalized lighting experience for their home, by creating unique patterns in their ceilings. With this innovative product, we have expanded the product functionality from only illumination to illumination and design as well.”

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals and consumers and lighting for the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact connected lighting systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. With 2020 sales of EUR 6.5 billion, we have approximately 39,000 employees and are present in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We achieved carbon neutrality in 2020, have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for four consecutive years and were named Industry Leader in 2017, 2018 and 2019. 

24th JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship 2021 To Kick Start This Weekend In Coimbatore

* JK Tyre presents Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup all set for its grand debut

As the country is regaining its feet from the second wave of Coronavirus pandemic and sporting events resuming across the country, JK Tyre is all set to host the 24thJK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship (JKNRC) 2021 at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore on Oct 23-24, 2021. The weekend will also mark the debut of the first ever Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup. Built on Royal Enfield’s most capable racing motorcycle - the Continental GT 650 - this  introduction adds thrill and provides much more thrust to JKNRC 2021.

Royal Enfield has been at the forefront of creating and growing the leisure riding culture, and the brand has also been a significant part of niche motorcycling sub-cultures like endurance races, cross-country trails, road racing, among others. Royal Enfield has announced its debut into track racing with the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup 2021. The Continental GT Cup is India’s first retro racing format aimed at building accessible entry into track racing for new entrants as well as experienced racers.

The first ever season of the JK Tyre presents Royal Enfield GT Cup has seen overwhelming response from racing enthusiasts in the country. From an application list of more than 300 aspirants, 100 racers were shortlisted and invited to Coimbatore for the selection on Monday, October 18. A final grid of 18 riders who qualified for the races on Saturday and Sunday were identified along with two Media Wild cards. The qualifying rounds indicated a close competition between the shortlisted racers, and promised some nail biting racing action this weekend.

Topping the time charts in the category was Anfal Akdhar from Thirssur. With a  timing of 1:23.126, he has shown  that he is capable of providing some knee-scraping action, along with other well-known riders like Anish Damodara Shetty. However, it was Lani Zena Fernandez, a young lady from Puducherry, who took the track by storm. She brimmed with confidence and enthusiasm as she competed with the boys while going through the gruelling sessions to be identified as one among the best.

Raivat Dhar, a young motoracer from Jammu who has made it to the final grid, showed he was not going to be left behind on the track and is eager to put on a great show for the final races on Sunday. With majority of the racers being from Southern India, Raivat is a proud representative from the Northernmost state of the country.

The qualifying selection round was conducted under professional guidance and safety controls. The entire grid was within 2.75 seconds of each other on the timing sheet, which shows the level of competence, skill and quality of talent that has made the grid.

The rider representation is truly a national one with riders from all corners of India battling it out over the weekend.

With a  well-known brand like Royal Enfield to be part of the JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship, which spreads over four rounds comprising eight races, the season will be watched with utmost interest.

In the four-wheeler category, which has been the staple diet for racing fans in India who are well versed with JKNRC, the LGB Formula 4 category evokes the same passion and interest. These Formula cars designed at home have withstood the test of time and given drivers ample chance to showcase their skills. Names like Vishnu Prasad and Ashwin Datta are well known to fans. There is also a strong presence of woman driver, led by Mira Erda. But one young man who took the season by storm last year, Amir Sayed will perhaps be watched with greatest interest in the new season. It's a full grid this time, with 26 cars in fray.

The LGB Novice Cup provides the necessary platform for young and new drivers to showcase their talent. The difference between the LGB Formula 4 and novice category is mainly one of seasoned drivers being there in the first category. It’s a packed grid for Novice Cup too as 24 talented drivers representing different parts of the country including cities like Guwahati, Ranchi, Nagpur, Coonoor, Vadodara will be fighting for the title.

JK Tyre Motorsports has produced a galaxy of champions over the last two decades and the next bundle of talent could well emerge from this category. Going by the on-track action seen in last few years, this grid is definitely the one to watch out for this weekend.

Like last year, all safety protocols relating to Covid-19 will be followed by the organisers.

About JK Tyre Motorsport:

JK Tyre has been closely associated with the world of motorsports for almost three decades back. The company laid down a long term plan to popularise and promote the sport in the country. Its first target was to change the notion that this was a sport for the elite. So it packaged and redesigned it in a spectator-friendly way, drawing the masses to the sport.

The company then endeavored to spot, nurture and sharpen the drivers to turn them into world champions. With this goal in mind, we conceptualized the JK Tyre National Racing Champion in 1997. Our efforts started paying dividends in just a few years’ time, with the likes of Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandok going all the way to the F1 rung, the highest level of single-seat racing in the world. Since then, a number of stars emerged, including Armaan Ebrahim, the Maini brothers (Kush and Arjun), Anindith Reddy Konda, amongst many others. 

Before all this, JK Tyre had a successful stint in rallying too, conquering the scene in the early 90s. At the same time, gradually, we moved on to various disciplines, including cross-country rallying and off-roading, leaving a mark in each of them with their unique and innovative ways.  

JK Tyre Motorsports is also very proud of the role it has played in bringing women into motorsports in a big way. Apart from encouraging them to get into the sport through karting as kids, we also gave them opportunities in various national championships. Last year was particularly rewarding for us as an All-Women Racing team was introduced for the first time in the LGB 4 category. In addition, the company also undertook various other initiatives to encourage them to try motorsports, even if for fun to begin with.  

To supplement JK Tyre’s entry into the two-wheeler market, the JKNRC hosted the Suzuki Gixxer Cup and the Red Bull Road to Rookies Cup categories and saw enthusiastic participation from across the country.

Today, the company is synonymous with motorsports, and even more so with racing, creating a lot of goodwill for the brand. Right from budding racers to accomplished drivers in the country, everybody owes their rise and success to JK Tyre.  

OPPO Officially Launches The Global Version Of ColorOS 12 In India

* Based on Android 12, the new ColorOS brings a clean, inclusive UI with smoother performance

OPPO, announced its new ColorOS 12 for its global users. The operating system promises a seamless experience that is closer to stock Android 12 and introduces an all-new inclusive UI, a smoother performance, along with features that boost everyday productivity, as well as help achieve a better work-life balance.

With this launch, OPPO officially rolls out the ColorOS 12 public beta to its user base to become one of the first OEMs to run on Android 12. The update will first come to the Find X3 Pro devices in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. It will roll out in the Indian market from November 2021 starting with the Reno series – Reno6 Pro 5G, Reno6 Pro Diwali Edition, and Reno6 5G.

OPPO ColorOS 12 is based on Android 12 and together we bring the fastest and widest-reaching OS update in the history of OPPO. We thrive towards consumer requirements, and thus, ColorOS 12 has several features related to security and privacy showcasing our commitment to data protection and confidentiality,” says Manoj Kumar, Senior Principal Engineer, ColorOS India R&D.

Inclusivity Now a Central Theme

Inclusivity has been a central theme in the creation of ColorOS 12 with its presence across 68 countries and a reach of 440 million users around the world. It supports 67 languages including 13 major Indian languages. The new OS builds on top of OPPO’s Infinite Design concept, which is lightweight, clean and customizable. It packs softer icons, animations and an information framework that is friendly to different languages and cultures. 

An OS that’s open to the Android developers

OPPO shares a relationship of healthy mutual exchange with its Android partners and contributes to building a culture of openness and technological exchange. ColorOS, for instance, has incorporated many stock Android features like the Wallpaper-based Theming system in Material You. On the other hand, the App Cloner from ColorOS now features in Android 12.

ColorOS aims to become a more developer-friendly OS. In addition to the free camera SDKs covering its most advantageous camera capabilities—including Ultra Steady Video Shooting, HDR, Super Wide-Angle, etc—OPPO has further opened its HyperBoost, Color Vision Enhancement to benefit app developers and enhance the Android ecosystem.

Smoother, Seamless Experience Powering Greater Productivity

The core principle of OPPO R&D and Innovation has always been to give users a smooth, seamless experience. And now—thanks to its long-term code decoupling efforts in ColorOS—OPPO has addressed issues of lags and stutters after prolonged usage, especially in anti-fragmentation and intelligent resource allocation. These efforts have led to a low 2.75% system ageing rate in 3 years, an average of 30% lower memory occupation and 20% lower battery consumption[1]. 

Its Quantum Animation Engine adopts more than 300 improved animations to achieve animated effects that are lifelike. By imitating physical habits of resistance, inertia and rebound, the feature makes the overall experience smoother and more aligned to the cognition and habits of the human brain so that the experience is more realistic and intuitive. 

Practical features such as 3-Finger Translate powered by Google Lens and Phone Manager allow ColorOS 12 users to stay productive through multiple scenarios.

Prioritized Privacy: Cutting the gimmicks and focusing on the basics 

OPPO has been listening to its user feedback and prioritizing privacy on ColorOS. The ColorOS 12 not only comes packed with all the improved security and privacy features from Android 12, including Privacy Dashboards, Approximate Location Sharing and Microphone and Camera Indicators, which empowers users to be the masters of their privacy with clear, visualized menus and buttons; but also keeps the well-received features developed within the OPPO team, such as Private System, Private Safe, App Lock and others.

Being aware that privacy to users is all about keeping transparency, OPPO has been improving data compliance through storage and process. With servers deployed in multiple locations across the world, OPPO guarantees that user data stay in the nearby servers, which is saved in a non-plain text format and is transmitted using a proprietary protocol.

It holds privacy certifications from authoritative organizations such as ePrivacy and ISO27001, and it even deploys third-party supervisors from the data security field to make ensure everyday process compliance.

ColorOS 12 Rollout Plan

OPPO will first roll out ColorOS 12 public beta in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia on the Find X3 Pro 5G. Rollouts will then continue step-by-step in other countries and on additional devices through the rest of 2021 and 2022. The company aims to bring ColorOS 12 to over 110 models with 150 million users with ColorOS 12.

OPPO’s Exclusive Upgrade Policy

For the very first time, OPPO is also announcing a major update policy. Specifically, for the OPPO devices releasing from 2019 and onwards the company will guarantee three major Android updates for its flagship Find X Series devices, and two Android updates for the Reno/F and some of the A Series and a single Android update for the low memory A Series models[2]. Together with four years of regular security patch updates for the Find X/ Reno/ F Series, and three years for the A Series. 

Samsung Enhances Customer Service; Launches Smart Touch Call Visual Interface For Faster Solutions Through Do It Yourself Options

* Through Smart Touch Call, customers will be able to find quick resolution to their most common queries

* New digital self-service option will reduce call wait time for customers

Samsung, India’s most trusted customer electronics brand, has launched the new ‘Smart Touch Call’ service that will reduce wait time for customers when they call Samsung’s Customer Care to resolve their queries, helping them save time as they manage their work and personal responsibilities from home.

Customers calling Samsung’s Customer Care will have the option to switch to a synchronized voice and screen interface instead of a traditional call center experience. Smart Touch Call is an intuitive service experience that captures the caller’s needs and enables them to interact with the system.

Using this digital self-service option, customers will be able to find a resolution to most of their common queries such as locating the nearest service centre from them, repair tracking, software updates, spare part pricing, warranty information, in-home service reservation, appointment booking, order status, product registration and several Do It Yourself product troubleshoots.

“The Smart Touch Call service has been intelligently designed keeping in mind the current needs of our customers, helping them save their time as they juggle between multiple personal and professional roles. At Samsung, we believe in creating innovative customer-centric solutions to meet the changing needs of our users and we are confident that this new service will reduce call wait time and provide customers quick self-service options for their queries,” said Sunil Cutinha, Vice President, Customer Service, Samsung India.

How Smart Touch Call Works

Any customer who dials in to Samsung’s Customer Care (1800-5-7267864) and opts for Smart Touch Call will get an SMS or a pop-up menu while being on call. Customers can select the self-help option or select their preferred communication mode like email support, WhatsApp support, chat support or voice support. Callers can fill out a form with their details and concerns even before getting connected with a customer service agent, for faster resolution.

With Smart Touch Call, customers can expect a lower call wait time and a faster call transfer time that is caused due to wrong menu selections.

To help customers resolve their product service issues without stepping out of their homes. Samsung has recently expanded its contactless service offerings in the country with a new pick-up and drop service for smartphone and tablet devices. Customers visiting Samsung service centers can also opt for drop-only service to get their mobile devices delivered to their home post repair. The pick-up and drop service I currently available in 46 cities and can be availed by connecting with Samsung customer service on Whatsapp number 1800 5 7267864.

In addition, customers who want to visit any of Samsung’s service centres to get their smartphones and tablets repaired can book their appointments online on www.samsung-appointment.com or through the Samsung MyGalaxy App and the Samsung Members App, for a preferred day, time and location.

Samsung also offers several digital service options to its customers, helping them resolve their issues without stepping out of their homes. Customers can opt for WhatsApp, Remote Support, Live Chat, technical assistance through the call center or access do-it-yourself videos on the Samsung Website and on YouTube.

At the service centres, apart from all hygiene measures being taken at the entry points – temperature checks and hand sanitization – service counters have been equipped with sneeze guards and queue management is in place allowing only limited customers in at one time.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the world of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN

Fintech & Healthtech Startup Dhani Raises Rs 1,200 Crores Of Equity By Selling 9% Stake

Dhani Services Ltd., one of India’s fastest growing transactional finance and primary healthcare platforms, announced an equity raise of Rs 1,200 crores for a 9% stake. Dhani is ranked at no. 3 on Google Play Store (India) in the Business category. Dhani has over 30 lac paid monthly subscriptions & 90 lac+ monthly active users.

Dhani’s flagship product - OneFreedom Card provides customers with an instant credit limit along with a bouquet of additional benefits such as access to doctors, discounted medicines, instant cashbacks, free trading account and many merchant offers at a nominal monthly subscription fee starting @ Rs. 250.

The leading investor in the equity raise is General Catalyst from the Silicon Valley, investing Rs. 375 crores. General Catalyst has invested in companies like Stripe in the fintech space and Livongo in digital healthcare. The investment firm is focused on early-stage and growth investments in the technology sector. 

The other investors in the round include Ribbit Capital, a leading global fintech investor with early-stage investments in Robinhood, Coinbase and Revolut. The founder of Dhani is also investing Rs. 375 crores alongside the other investors in the preferential round.  

About Dhani Services Limited: Dhani is a consumer business that operates through its app Dhani and provides transaction finance and digital healthcare to its customers. The company has a customer base of 3 crore customers spread across 500 cities in India.