U.S. Polo Assn. Opens India’s Largest Store In Bengaluru, India

·         The international sports power brand U.S. Polo Assn. inaugurates an all-new Brand Store in Jayanagar, Bengaluru - the brand’s biggest store to date.

·         The largest U.S. Polo Assn. store store in India, this will also be the first store to take the new womenswear collection live offline.

U.S. Polo Assn., India’s leading casualwear brand of the globally renowned United States Polo Association (USPA), unveiled its new brand store in Jayanagar, Bengaluru. Spread across a retail space of 6190 sq. ft, the brand’s store in Jayanagar – one of the largest residential hubs in India, and an affluent mixed residential and commercial neighbourhood in Bengaluru - located across 3 floors aims to transform the retail landscape for U.S. Polo Assn. in India, inviting customers to be part of the dynamic and engaging brand story.

With an authentic connection to the sport of polo, the brand-new retail space boasts modern décor and sport-inspired accessories that weave shoppers into the brand story all through their shopping experience. The store highlights the authentic, modern, and sporty elements of the brand while showcasing elements of fashion and style, keeping the product at the core focus. The store also features a special wall that embodies the spirit of the sport of polo - classic and cool. The new store is a part of the brand’s growth strategy, which equally focuses on brick-and-mortar, omni-channel, and e-commerce, as well as overall brand marketing through storytelling.

This U.S. Polo Assn. store at Jayanagar marks a special milestone - it's the first store in India to take the new SS’24 womenswear collection live in-store, which was previously available exclusively online. The store houses the entire range of product categories that the brand has to offer- USPA Mainline, USPA Sport, Denim & Co., Womenswear, Footwear, Kidswear, Accessories and Innerwear. Polo shirts, denims, sweaters, jackets, and t-shirts are just a few of the timeless favourites that are included in the featured collection.

Commenting on the launch, Amitabh Suri, CEO, U.S. Polo Assn. India said, “Our flagship store at Jayanagar isn't just a brick-and-mortar expansion, it's a statement and one-of-a-kind experience for Bangalore customers. It speaks volumes about the prowess of U.S. Polo Assn., a brand as legendary as the sport itself, and its commitment to Indian fans. Bengaluru has been a fast-growing market for USPA over the past few years, making it the perfect choice to open our largest flagship store. Jayanagar is one of the largest residential and commercial hubs in the country. We are working to cater to the ever-evolving fashion preferences of Indian consumers, which are on par with their global counterparts.”

Currently, the brand’s retail footprint in India includes more than 400 brand stores and over 2000 shop-in-shops across 200 cities in India.

About U. S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the country’s oldest sport governing bodies, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. A recent, multi-year deal with ESPN to broadcast the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., has made the thrilling sport accessible to millions of households globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized around the world with awards for global growth, expansion, licensing and digital presence. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, particularly in the last five years, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Modern Retail and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassn.in or uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn & @uspoloassnindia

About Arvind Fashions Limited

Arvind Fashions Ltd is India's no. 1 casual and denim player, a lifestyle powerhouse with a strong portfolio of fashion brands catering to consumers across sub-categories and price points. With a host of renowned brands, both international and indigenous, like U.S. Polo Assn., Arrow, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Flying Machine, it has a presence across lifestyle brands and prestige beauty.

EZEE Cycles Launches 2 Electric Bicycle Variants In Namma Bengaluru

* Ezee cycles are now venturing into the electric mobility space with completely indigenous and purpose-built electric bicycles that it has developed in-house.

* To Beat the Traffic, To Save the Planet - Personal Transport Redefined Completely

* MAKE IN INDIA innovation

EZEE CYCLES, electric cycles are crafted with precision and attention to detail. Whether you seek power, style, or performance in your ride, our electric cycles deliver on all fronts. Featuring robust frames, advanced battery technology, and powerful motors, our electric cycles offer an unmatched riding experience. From conquering challenging terrains to navigating city streets effortlessly, our electric cycles empower you to travel beyond.

Addressing the media Mr. Purushottam Naik, Ezee cycles founder, after the inauguration of the cycles in Bengaluru he said “Here at Ezee Cycles, we are passionate about bringing green technologies to life.  Launching the Gaur E1, E coon s1 to create a cleaner, greener and more connected urban environment. Our electric cycles produce zero emissions, contributing to leaner air and a healthier planet. Our electric cycles are not just eco friendly, they are also designed to turn heads, explore our range of electric cycles designed to cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles.

The key feature of this cycle is using a Li-Ion rechargeable battery, detachable for charging.. They produce 30-40nm Torque with a range of 50km with full charge and up to 70km with pedal assist feature. The RALSON Balloon tyres give extra support to the suspension to make your ride easy. It also has 7 gears for better ride conditions with economical, standard and power mode.

For inaugural price and for more information, please call: 8317492639

SIDBI Unveils “Prabhaav” – An Impact Study Of The Fund Of Funds For Startups

* CRISIL’s Assessment Reveals Heartening All-Round Impact

Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), a key component of the Startup India Action Plan launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji in 2016, is today one of the flagship programmes of DPIIT, Government of India and has proven to be a game changing intervention of Government of India in country’s Startup Ecosystem. The scheme is being managed by SIDBI on behalf of, and under the overall guidance and direction of DPIIT.

In this connection, a third-party assessment of the scheme was undertaken by CRISIL, India’s premier analytics company and pioneer of AIF benchmarking in the country. CRISIL’s impact assessment report viz. Prabhaav, was unveiled today by SIDBI.

Shri S. Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI along with Shri S P Singh, CGM Venture Finance, presented the report to Dr Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Dept. of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, GoI, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary, DPIIT and Shri Sanjiv, IRS, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The Fund of Funds for Startups, which contributes to the corpus of category I & II Alterative Investment Funds (AIFs), with a mandate for investment to startups, is one of the key initiatives which has transformed India into the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world today, by providing a sizeable catalytic pool of risk & growth capital to startups.

The report reveals heartening all-round outcomes of this initiative of GoI on aspects encompassing multiplied flow of capital, innovative solutions, inclusiveness & diversity in coverage of startups, deepening of startup funding ecosystem in the hinterlands of the country, strengthening of governance as well as wealth creation.

Key highlights of the report indicate that as on November 30, 2023, as many as 129 AIFs have been sanctioned commitment out of FFS across segments. The scheme has already catalysed investments to the tune of ~4x of the amount drawn with ?17,534 crore invested in 938 unique startups. Thus, the scheme resulted in significant multiplier effect, promoting enhanced capital flow into this segment. While FFS largely focusses on early-stage funding in young companies, as many as 18 of its startups have already become unicorns.

The scheme has also channelised investments in startups in emerging sectors such as deep tech, agri/agri solutions, health tech, financial services, and sustainability. Implemented with emphasis on diversity & inclusiveness, after launch of FFS, 129 startups beyond Tier 1 cities have received investments aggregating ?1,590 crore. Another heartening outcome was the increasing support to women led startups as well as women led fund managers.

The scheme has ushered in a revolution in Venture Capital Space in India too, emerging as hallmark of approval for the fund managers as well. As per the survey conducted by CRISIL as part of the assessment, 89% respondents confirmed that support under FFS was instrumental in anchoring their fund raise. More than 75% respondents said they experienced a positive impact in raising non-institutional domestic capital post commitment by SIDBI under the scheme. Further, out of the AIFs supported, as high as 35% are being managed by first time Fund Managers, which will help deepen and enhance the reach of the AIF / VC funding ecosystem, as summed up by CRISIL in its assessment.

The Secretary, DFS and Secretary, DPIIT appreciated the initiatives and progress demonstrated by SIDBI in managing the scheme and the outcomes already achieved.

Since, its formation in 1990, when the risk capital and VC ecosystem for innovative enterprises and startups was nearly non-existent in the country, SIDBI has been impacting the lives of citizens across various strata of the society through its integrated, innovative, and inclusive approach. Over the last 3 decades, SIDBI has taken several pioneering steps to support building up of startup ecosystem including support out of its own balance sheet. SIDBI supported setting up of several schemes on its own before emerging as a key partner of the Government of India and several State Governments for managing their vision in Startup space through Fund of Funds interventions. Apart from FFS, it also manages ASPIRE Fund of Funds of Ministry of MSME with focus on Agro and Rural enterprises, and state focussed Fund of Funds for Uttar Pradesh & Odisha.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):

SIDBI is the Principal Financial Institution for Promotion, Financing and Development of the MSME sector. SIDBI has been playing a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. The Bank has proactively been working towards Energy Efficiency (EE) in MSMEs since 2005-06 using support of multilateral institutions like World Bank, ADB, GiZ, FCDO, JICA, AFD, KfW etc. for energy efficient projects. Furthermore, SIDBI has been touching the lives of citizens across various strata of society through its integrated, innovative, and inclusive approach. Be it traditional, domestic small entrepreneurs, bottom-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs, to high-end knowledge-based entrepreneurs, SIDBI has directly or indirectly impacted the lives of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through various credit and developmental measures.

To know more, check out: https://www.sidbi.in  

Matrimony Reports Robust Revenue Growth Of 6.2% y/y

Matrimony.com Limited, the leading online matrimony company, announced its unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2023, as approved by its board of directors.

Murugavel Janakiraman, Chairman and Managing Director said, “We are working on various enhancements and also new initiatives. These ongoing measures are expected to provide the desired momentum in the coming quarters”.

Key financial highlights for the quarter ended December 31, 2023

Consolidated

Billing at Rs 116.2 crores (decline of 0.8% q/q and growth of 4.3% y/y)

Revenue at Rs 117.3 crores (decline of 3.6% q/q and growth of 6.2% y/y)

Profit After Tax (PAT) at Rs 11.1 crores (decline of 11.3% q/q and 4.3% y/y)

Matchmaking

Billing at Rs 114.1 crores (decline of 0.7% q/q and growth of 5.3% y/y)

Revenue at Rs 114.9 crores (decline of 3.5% q/q and growth of 6.7% y/y)

Added 2.6 lakhs paid subscriptions during the quarter (growth of 1.4% q/q and 10.8% y/y)

Other highlights

Launched a ‘Safe Matrimony’ campaign aimed at increasing awareness about online frauds, with Ace Actor Vidya Balan, as the face of this campaign

About Matrimony.com limited

Matrimony.com is India’s leading consumer Internet Company managing marquee brands such as BharatMatrimony, CommunityMatrimony and EliteMatrimony.  BharatMatrimony is considered the largest and most trusted matrimony brand which has also established a considerable retail presence with over 100 self-owned retail outlets across India.  Matrimony.com has also launched Jodii – an exclusive matchmaking service for non-graduates, in 9 Indian languages. The Company delivers matchmaking and marriage related services to users in India and the Indian diaspora.  The Company has pioneered several new business models such as WeddingBazaar.com, Mandap.com and CommunityMatrimony.com, a consortium of over 300 community matrimony services.

For more details, visit https://www.matrimony.com

51st Annual IAPSMCON 2024 Inaugurated At Kasturba Medical College Mangalore

* The Department of Community Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore is hosting a three-day national conference from 8th February to 10th February 2024

Pre-conference workshops were conducted over two days on 6th and 7th February 2024

The 51st Annual National Conference of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSMCON 2024) was inaugurated at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, setting the stage for three days of insightful discussions and knowledge exchange.

Hosted by the Department of Community Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, the conference commenced on 8th February and will continue till 10th February 2024 at the Dr. T M A Pai International Convention Center, Mangalore. Pre-conference workshops were held on 6th and 7th February 2024 to enrich the participants' experience.

The inaugural function witnessed the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Dr. R Balasubramaniam, Member-Human Resources, Capacity Building Commission of India, Government of India, and was presided over by Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE. Guests of Honour included Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Dr. A M Kadri, National President, IAPSM, Dr. Purushottam Giri, Secretary General, IAPSM, and Dr. B Unnikrishnan, Dean KMC, Mangalore. The conference was organized under the able leadership of Dr. Rekha T, Professor and Head of Community Medicine, KMC Mangalore, as the Organizing Chairperson, and Dr. Ramesh Holla as the Organizing Secretary.

During the inaugural event, experts deliberated on the theme 'Transformations for achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Innovate, Integrate, Implement,' emphasizing the imperative of collaborative efforts to overcome challenges and make significant progress towards a sustainable and equitable future by 2030.

Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Dr R Balasubramaniam, Member-Human Resources, Capacity Building Commission of India, Government of India, commented, "Preventive and social medicine is a dedication to creating healthier communities and a better future for future generations, not just a field of study. As we come together to talk about and reflect on important public health concerns, let's keep in mind that prevention is the key to promoting wellness and equity as well as minimizing sickness. By placing a high value on prevention and promoting social responsibility, we can build a society in which every person has access to high-quality healthcare and the chance to live a happy and meaningful life. Let's travel together in the direction of a more just and healthy future."

Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, reiterated MAHE's commitment to sustainability and excellence in quality,

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, "As we gather here for the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine's Annual National Conference, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and pushing public health objectives. To address the urgent health issues facing our country, this meeting provides a forum for knowledge exchange, the sharing of best practices, and the formation of partnerships. As we set out on this joint project, let's make the most of advocacy, innovation, and research to advance preventative care, fortify healthcare systems, and enhance community wellbeing. Let's work together to create a future where everyone is healthier and more resilient. I look forward to listening to more insightful lectures and presentations on coming two days and wishing everyone the best."

The inaugural event of IAPSMCON 2024 served as a platform for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge, ideas, and best practices in the field of public health. Through engaging debates, educational workshops, and fruitful collaborations, the conference aims to drive positive change and promote the well-being of communities across the country, ultimately contributing to healthier futures for generations to come.

Admission Open For UG And PG Programs At MAHE Bengaluru: Explore A World Of Academic Excellence

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru, the esteemed off-campus of MAHE, Manipal, welcomes aspiring students to embark on a transformative academic journey. Proudly announcing the commencement of admissions for the academic year 2024-2025, MAHE Bengaluru offers a diverse array of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs across Law, Liberal Arts, Commerce, Public Policy, Management, Engineering, Design, Regenerative Medicines, and Allied Health Sciences.

In the Commerce domain, a 4-year B. Com (Hons.) program awaits students, offering specializations in Corporate Accounting, Business Analytics, Banking and Finance, and Financial Technology. The program offers ACCA collaboration for global certifications in accounting, diverse internship opportunities, and optional international study abroad/exchange programs.

For aspiring legal professionals, Manipal Law School presents a 5-year program, offering BA LLB (Hons.) and BBA LLB (Hons.) degrees with various specializations and a three-year LLB program at the undergraduate level. The school also offers multiple LLM programs in Construction Law & Arbitration, Data privacy Law and Cyber Law, Information Technology Law, and International Investment & Commercial Arbitration. The programs have expert faculty members and adjunct/visiting faculty members from Kings College London, UK, New York Law School, USA, etc., along with regular guest lectures, workshops, and conferences by industry experts.

Manipal Institute of Technology provides a 4-year program for B. Tech enthusiasts, with specializations including Computer Science & Engineering, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Sciences, Information Technology, and Electronics and Communication Engineering.

In the field of Liberal Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, a 4-year BA (Hons.) program is offered, providing specializations in Journalism and Mass Communication, Psychology, English, and Double Major programs in History, Political Science, Economics, and Sociology. The courses will provide international recognition and support from renowned scholars.

In the field of Management, T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) provides a 4-year old BBA (Hons) program.

The Srishti Manipal Institute of Art Design and Technology offers various BVoC, BDes and BFA programs.

For those who would like to pursue post-graduation studies, MAHE Bengaluru offers a 2-year M. Com program with specializations in Finance & Accounting.

The Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers MA in Multimedia & Communication and English Language & Literature and also offers MSc in Applied Psychology.

The Department of Public Policy offers MA in the Public Policy program.

Manipal Law School offers LLM programs specializing in Construction Law & Arbitration Law, Data Privacy Law & Cyber Law, Information Technology Law, International Investment & Commercial Arbitration in regular and blended modes.

The campus also offers MSs program under Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine in research in translational immunology, research in translational neuroscience, stem cell technology, and regenerative biology.

In the Allied Health Sciences, the campus provides a 2-year MPT program with specializations in Musculoskeletal Sciences, Neurosciences, Pediatrics, and Cardio-pulmonary Sciences. Additionally, there is a 2-year M.Sc. program with diverse specializations such as Cardiovascular Technology, Clinical Psychology, and Laboratory Technology.

Also various PG diploma, MFA, MA, MPlan and MDes programs are offered under the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art Design and Technology offers various BVoC, BDes and BFA programs.

Speaking about the programs, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro VC, MAHE Bengaluru Campus expressed his thoughts, “MAHE Bengaluru stands as a beacon for aspiring students, providing a unique blend of academic excellence and holistic development. Our UG and PG programs are designed to empower students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to academia and industries. Through innovative teaching methods and a focus on interdisciplinary learning, we aim to nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that are essential for addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving world”.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE):

Established in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence and a Deemed to be University. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, honoured MAHE with the prestigious designation of Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. Currently ranked sixth in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience.

MAHE Bengaluru, an off campus of MAHE, excels in delivering comprehensive education to students, supported by highly qualified faculty, and dedicated mentors. The MAHE Bengaluru campus has an inspiring, future relevant learning ecosystem, on a new age tech enabled living campus. Here, the students immerse themselves, transform and discover multiple choices and opportunities. At MAHE Bengaluru, the potential for growth and the opportunities available are boundless.

Think Electronics For Valentine's Day Gifts At Croma Showrooms

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and it's the perfect time to show your love with thoughtful gifts that combine style, functionality, and innovation. Whether your significant other is a gadget enthusiast, a grooming guru, or a style maven, these selected Croma Own Label products promise to make their day extra special. From high-tech grooming kits to sleek smartwatches and practical accessories, we've got the perfect gift for your Valentine.

Croma Own Label products are designed to make life more convenient and enjoyable. It has seen massive growth over the past few years. Croma currently has 400+ products in the Own Label category that use the latest technology and are curated by in-house experts with competitive pricing.

Let's explore some amazing and latest feature-packed Croma products that will make your Valentine’s Day even more special:

Croma Hair Dryer with 2 Heat Settings Dual Voltage

Surprise your partner with the sleek and powerful Croma Hair Dryer Dual Voltage 1200W. Designed for dynamic individuals, this hair dryer combines versatility with performance. The dual voltage feature ensures it's travel-ready, perfect for your globe-trotting sweetheart. Two heat settings cater to different hair types and styling needs, ensuring a salon-like finish wherever they are. Compact and chic, it's a stylish addition to their beauty arsenal.

Price: INR 799

Croma Hair Dryer with 2 Heat Settings (Dual Voltage Knob, White)_1

Croma Hair Straightening Brush with Ionic Care Function

The Croma 30W Hair Straightening Brush is a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline their hair care routine. This innovative brush straightens hair while imparting ionic care to minimize frizz and static, leaving hair smooth, shiny, and manageable. The unique bristle design gently detangles and aligns hair for effortless styling. It's an ideal gift for those who value both efficiency and hair health, offering a perfect blend of technology and care.

Price: INR 2199

Croma ATC656 Hair Straightening Brush with Ionic Care Function (Silver)_1

Croma 4-in-1 Rechargeable Cordless Grooming Kit

Elevate his grooming experience with the Croma 4in1 Shaving Kit. This comprehensive kit is designed for the modern man who takes pride in his appearance. With tools for trimming nose, ear, eyebrow, beard, and moustache hair, this IPX6 water-resistant kit ensures a clean, precise grooming experience. Its cordless design and long runtime make it incredibly convenient, reflecting a blend of sophistication and functionality.

Price: INR 2490

Croma CRSHSH6HCA023303 4-in-1 Rechargeable Cordless Grooming Kit for Nose, Ear, Eyebrow, Beard & Moustache for Men (120min Runtime, IPX6 Water Resistant, Black)_3

Croma Velocity Smartwatch with Bluetooth Calling

For the tech aficionado in your life, the Croma VelocityAM Smartwatch offers the perfect mix of elegance and connectivity. This smartwatch features a stunning AMOLED display for crisp visuals, Bluetooth calling functionality for convenience, and an IP68 rating for water resistance. Whether they're in a meeting or on a hike, this watch keeps them connected and in style. Its sleek design and advanced features make it an ideal gift for those who love staying on the cutting edge of technology.

Price: INR 2999

Croma Velocity AM Smartwatch with Bluetooth Calling (45.2mm AMOLED Display, IP68 Water Resistant, Silicone Strap)_4

Croma Stride Smartwatch with Bluetooth Calling

The Croma Stride Smartwatch is designed for the active and style-conscious. With its large IPS display, comprehensive fitness tracking, and Bluetooth calling, it's a gift that supports their health and keeps them connected. IP68 sweat resistance ensures durability through intense workouts or daily wear. Its sophisticated black strap and versatile functionality make it a thoughtful gift for anyone who values fitness and fashion.

Price: INR 2299

Croma Stride Smartwatch with Bluetooth Calling (48mm IPS Display, IP68 Sweat Resistant, Black Strap)_4

Croma Polyurethane Leather Sling Bag for 14-inch Laptop

For the professional constantly on the go, the Croma File Case Blue combines style with practicality. Crafted from premium polyurethane leather, this sleek sling bag offers water-resistant protection for a 14-inch laptop, ensuring their tech is safe in any weather. The elegant blue hue and functional design make it a sophisticated choice for daily commutes or business travels. It's a gift that reflects thoughtfulness, blending professional needs with sleek aesthetics.

Price: INR 1399

Croma Polyurethane Leather Sling Bag for 14 Inch Laptop (Water Resistant, Blue)_1

These gifts from Croma are more than just items; they're an expression of love, thoughtfulness, and understanding of your partner's needs and preferences. Each of these gifts from Croma is curated with love, ensuring that your Valentine's Day present is as special and unique as your relationship. Visit Croma to explore these and more, and make this Valentine's Day unforgettable with a gift that truly resonates to find the perfect token of your affection this Valentine's Day for your loved one.

Valentine Day Sale For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Starting Rs 117,999*

Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift that combines style, innovation, and performance? Look no further than the all-new Galaxy S24 Ultra. This world's first AI smartphone is not just a device; it's a statement of love and appreciation for your special someone.

Samsung’s record-smashing Galaxy S24 Ultra is the ultimate Valentine's Day gift, blending cutting-edge AI features with revolutionary photography capabilities. Its intelligent temperature optimization ensures sustained performance, while the durable design and stunning display elevate the user experience. With a large 6.8-inch display, productivity is effortless, and Samsung's commitment to longevity guarantees years of reliable use. Plus, Customers in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai can now enjoy swift delivery of the Galaxy S24 Ultra in under 10 minutes via Blinkit. Treat your loved ones to the pinnacle of smartphone innovation this Valentine's Day with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Valentine Day Sale : Starting Rs 117,999*

-  *Incl. Rs 6000 Instant bank discount & Rs 6000 Upgrade Bonus.

Olio Pizza Opens 100th Location In India, Capturing The Hearts Of GenZ Pizza Enthusiasts

* Olio Pizza, from the house of Curefoods is amongst the fastest food brand to reach 100 locations across 21 cities in two years

* The digital-first pizza brand is close to hitting a 100 crore revenue run rate

Olio Pizza, India's fastest-growing pizza brand, from the house of Curefoods, announced the grand opening of its 100th location, marking an extraordinary achievement in just two years. This significant milestone solidifies Olio Pizza's position as the go-to pizza choice in the country and a formidable player in the rapidly expanding food industry.

From its humble beginnings to becoming a pizza powerhouse, Olio Pizza has disrupted the market with its innovative approach and commitment to quality. The brand's unparalleled success is attributed to its dynamic and modern image, resonating exceptionally well with the GenZ demographic, making it the preferred pizza destination for the younger generation.

Olio Pizza's rapid growth is a testament to its understanding of the evolving tastes and preferences of the GenZ consumer base. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a diverse menu that caters to varying palates, the brand has successfully captured the hearts and taste buds of pizza enthusiasts across the nation.

In a short span of two years, Olio Pizza has expanded its footprint to 21 cities, a remarkable feat that underscores the brand's dedication to providing a delightful dining experience to customers far and wide. Notably, the company is on the verge of hitting a staggering 100 Crore revenue run rate  further solidifying its financial success in the market.

"This remarkable feat of opening 100 locations speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity of the pizzas that our customers appreciate. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the overwhelming support from our loyal customers. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring Olio Pizza to more communities and share our passion for great food,” said Gokul Kandhi, Chief Business Officer, Curefoods.

Kshitij Budhani, Business Head, Olio Pizza said, “As we mark this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers and dedicated team who have fuelled our rapid rise. Olio Pizza is not just a brand, it is a flavourful experience that resonates with our customers and innovation and unwavering quality that we cater to.”

Olio Pizza's 100th location opening is not just a celebration of numbers; it symbolizes the brand's commitment to delivering an unparalleled pizza experience that transcends traditional boundaries. As Olio Pizza continues to redefine the pizza landscape, the brand remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of flavour and innovation.

About Olio Pizza:

Olio Pizza believes in redefining the art of pizza-making, intertwining tradition with innovation, and savouring every moment shared around our delectable creations. The story begins with a profound admiration for the Italian culinary heritage, coupled with an insatiable desire to infuse it with a unique Desi touch. Each pizza that emerges from the woodfired ovens is a harmonious blend of authentic Italian flavours and the soulful spices that define the Indian palate. Beyond the flavours and affordability that define them, Olio is an embodiment of the relentless passion for crafting memories. 

About Curefoods:

Curefoods is a leading house of F&B brands in India. It was founded by Ankit Nagori in 2020. It houses brands like EatFit, Cakezone, Nomad Pizza, Sharief Bhai Biryani and Frozen Bottle among others. It has over 200 cloud kitchens and offline stores that cater to over 10 cuisines, across 15 cities in India. Curefoods is the second-largest cloud kitchen player in India in terms of footprint with the largest manufacturing capability in the fresh food space. Additional information on Curefoods is available at https://curefoods.in

Lectrix EV Launches India's Only 2WEV With 2.3KW Battery At Rs.79,999/-

Lectrix EV, one of the top 10 OEM's in the EV segment, launches LXS 2.0 with a range of 98kms@2.3KW battery and unparalleled quality with 1.25L km tested at the unbelievable price of Rs. 79,999 (lowest in the category).

LXS 2.0 is the only EV in the 2W category that solves the 3 major problems for the consumers. It features the right range, the right quality and the right value for money.

LXS 2.0 has opened bookings to magnanimous response with 10,000 units already being sold. The pre booking is open with deliveries beginning March 2024 onwards.

K Vijaya Kumar, MD and CEO of SAR Electric Mobility, stated, "We understand the outlook of the value-conscious consumer in India. To further our contribution to the same and ensure a wider acceptance for EV2W, we have launched this new product. It is the perfect balance of 'value' and 'affordability' without compromising on innovation and quality. It is the only available 2WEV with 98km range @ 2.3 KW battery for Rs 79,999/-.” 

About Lectrix EV:

Lectrix EV is the e-mobility arm of SAR Group and was launched in 2020. The company is driven by a passion to provide reliable and advanced electric two-wheelers to consumers. With an initial investment of Rs 300 crore and supported by a production facility with an annual capacity of 1.5 lakh EVs, Lectrix EV plans to add a wide range of electric two-wheelers to its portfolio. With a keen focus on technology and innovation, the company aims to disrupt the electric scooter segment with technologically advanced products provided at affordable prices.

Climate Disasters Are inextricably interconnected: Experts During WSDS 2024

* A Policy Brief- ‘Benchmarking Industrial Water Use Efficiency in India: Opportunities for Water-Intensive Industries’ launched during the session

For a long time, climate change and biodiversity loss have been dealt with in siloes. The two are not only inextricably linked; it is impossible to find a solution for one without factoring in the other.

In the face of triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, preserving ecosystems is crucial. Taking note of the twin crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss, the 23rd edition of World Sustainable Development Summit organized leadership sessions on ‘Protecting Nature and Ecosystems-Towards Integrated Approaches’ today. The session delved into the challenges and actionable solutions relating to nature and ecosystems, such as data and interface between fragile ecosystems, socio-economic, and governance dynamics.

Earlier in the day a leadership session was organized on ‘Infrastructure, Resilience and Oceans’, highlighting the importance of establishing a robust coastal infrastructure.

Building on the lively discourses of the opening day, the Summit hosted a series of thematic tracks today engaging on several pertinent issues ranging from climate action, energy transition, decarbonization, sustainable agriculture, to building capacity on adaptation and resilience.

To combat severe impacts of climate change, the panelists stressed on developing actionable strategies for infrastructure resilience, and fostering stakeholder collaborations.

Stressing on the importance of innovation, Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI said,” We are collaborating with different ports of the country and trying to look into international regulations, what timeframe is required, what kind of partnerships and collaboration are essential. Innovation is as important as partnerships. Oceans must be protected; marine pollution should be prevented. The Govt of India had set up the Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways. They have set up the National Centre of Excellence for green ports and shipping in partnership with TERI.”

Mr Virginijus Sinkevi?ius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, European Commission, appealed to accelerate action for oceans. “Our oceans face unprecedented challenges -- climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. We need to accelerate ocean action and turn challenges into opportunities – opportunities for the ocean economy, opportunities to create jobs and support communities and all this while protecting fragile ocean ecosystem,” he said.

Mr Vatimi Rayalu, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Fiji, highlighted the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States due to the worsening effects of climate change and emphasized on the need for building a robust infrastructure. “Fiji is vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its geographical location. This poses major challenges to the achievement of our national development plan. Infrastructure in Fiji is mostly situated in coastal and floodplain areas making it vulnerable to many hazards such as sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion etc,” said Mr Rayalu, insisting on the urgent need to protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and strengthen their resilience.

“Water infrastructure is critical as a concern as water is a major input in agricultural activities, industry, electricity generation, sanitation, and of course human consumption. Climate change will restrict the efficacy of future possibilities of adaptation measures for infrastructure. Climate Change poses significant problems also for food and nutrition security in Fiji,” he said.

Citing example of maritime cooperation, Ms May-Elin Stener, Norwegian Ambassador to India, pointed out, “India-Norway ocean dialogue in 2019 created a good area of collaboration. Indian shipyards are delivering autonomous zero emission vessel. Recent technologies are contributing to state-of-art ship repair facility at Indian shipyards. It is an excellent example of maritime cooperation.

“Norway and India are also looking to establish a maritime cluster project to capitalize on knowledge sharing,” she said.

Acknowledging the increasing strain on world ecosystems, the experts at the Summit pushed for   adaptation measures and resilience building.

Prof Jeffrey D. Sachs, University Professor; Director, Center for Sustainable Development in the Earth Institute, Columbia University in a video message put spotlight on fragile state of world ecosystem and stressed on the need for regional cooperation. “The ecosystems are under profound stress everywhere in the world -- the rainforest, the alpine regions, coastal regions, oceans. We can’t solve any of these problems without regional cooperation. The mindset is absolutely opposite of what we need right now,” he said.

"We need systematic planning, financial models at scale that address market failures. We need regulations and financing beyond the market forces and third we need to solve this on a regional scale rather than national scale.

Mr Avinash Persaud, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister of Barbados, in a video message advocated for the rights of climate vulnerable countries. “The world is suffering from the actions of a small minority who put their interest above the planet’s health and the poorest are bearing the brunt of the damage.

Some of the rich (nations) are finally waking up to the reality of climate change, but they are still reluctant to pay for the damage they caused. The cost of mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage for developing countries, excluding China is over 2.4 trillion USD a year. We need to take action now,” he said.

Dr Erik Solheim, Sixth Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme and former Norwegian Minister in a recorded message complimented India’s progress in environmental stewardship. “I spent most of January in India and I came back really optimistic because I saw huge development. India has moved from 10 years ago from somewhat in the backseat of environment leadership to being in absolute front and center with China in the green revolution of the world,” he said.

Mr Ranjit Barthakur, Founder & President, Balipara Foundation, said, “The World must understand that there are three poles -- North Pole, South Pole and the third pole is the Himalayas. The entire process of the Himalayas being the third pole is critical because of glaciers. By 2100 there will be 70 percent of these glacial melt which means we won’t be alive for sure and people who will be alive are completely going to be challenged, if we do not address this issue.”

A policy brief on ‘Benchmarking Industrial Water Use Efficiency in India: Opportunities for Water-Intensive Industries’ was also launched. The policy brief is a comprehensive evaluation of water-intensive sectors in India, including thermal power plants, textile industries, pulp and paper industries, and iron and steel plants.

Complimenting TERI for its work on water sustainability, Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, in a recorded message said, “TERI in the last few years has worked with Ministry of Jal Shakti on water sustainability and water efficiency. Government of India is working towards ensuring that there will be no water shortage in the country.” 

Policy Brief Link

https://teriin.org/policy-brief/benchmarking-industrial-water-use-efficiency-india-opportunities-water-intensive

Ecom Express’s “Same Day Delivery Services” For D2C And E-commerce Is Now Available In Top 30 Cities

Ecom Express Limited, a leading end-to-end technology-enabled logistics solutions provider, announces the launch of “Same Day Delivery” (SDD) services, a significant stride in expedited shipping across top 30 cities in India. This move comes at a time when the company is building its portfolio of D2C brands in online and offline commerce. The D2C brands and e-commerce ecosystem is moving towards same day delivery and this product by Ecom Express is curated to serve this need and aims at enabling maximum user demand on customer platforms.

With a focus on elevating customer experience, the company has launched faster delivery services in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Patna, Guwahati and Pune. The Same Day Delivery service features pick-up cut-off time of up to 12 PM in metros and key cities, offering customers flexibility to comfortably place orders while still enjoying swift deliveries in the same city.

Expressing enthusiasm, Ajay Chitkara, CEO & Managing Director stated,"In a fast-paced world, our focus is on empowering customers with a seamless and swift delivery experience. The introduction of expedited services is not just a logistical milestone; it is a testament to our dedication in creating a more accessible and convenient e-commerce landscape for our customers."

In response to the growing trend, where 60-70% of online customers express their willingness to pay a premium for expedited deliveries, Ecom Express aims to solidify its position as a trusted logistics partner in India. The introduction of the SDD service, designed for products stored across a network of micro-fulfilment centers, further enhances efficiency for retail brands as well as enables brands to deliver shipments on the same day.

As Ecom Express invests in technology and infrastructure, it remains at the forefront of the logistics industry, contributing to the success of e-commerce businesses and enriching the overall customer experience. The company recently launched its AI-enabled address correction (bulls.ai) platform to help e-commerce players improve their fulfilment based on 2+ billion parcels delivered so far.

About Ecom Express:

Ecom Express Limited is a leading end-to-end technology enabled logistics solutions provider to the Indian retail and e-commerce industry. Ecom Express Limited has its presence in all 28 states of the country and operates in over 2,700+ towns across 27,000+ PIN codes covering 95%+ of India’s population. Through the company’s decade long journey, it has built scalable, reliable and automated infrastructure with 150+ gateways, processing and fulfillment centers. The company has served over 1 lakh online sellers, delivering nearly 1.6 billion shipments. The company has robust technology, AI/ML and data sciences capabilities supporting proprietary tech-stack and dedicated supply chain environment for reliable customer experience.

For more information,  visit: https://ecomexpress.in/ 

NetApp And Parikrma Humanity Foundation Join Hands To Raise Awareness About Climate Change At Innovations Conclave

In a pivotal stride towards creating a sustainable future, NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP), the intelligent data infrastructure company, furthered its long-standing partnership with Parikrma Humanity Foundation, an NGO committed to transformative education. Together they hosted the third edition of the Parikrma Innovations Conclave with the aim to inspire and equip children to become change agents by developing innovative ideas that contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change.

The theme of the Innovations Conclave - ‘Creative - Innovative Ideas to Impact Climate Change’ - served as a powerful catalyst for the young minds involved. Participating student-teams from 27 schools brainstormed over three months to develop practical solutions to help solve climate change related challenges. The winning teams from Inventure Academy, Parikrma Centre for Learning, and Government Urdu Higher Primary School presented their ideas as part of the event.

Working with young people within communities is not new to NetApp. Through a related initiative called the Data Explorers Program, NetApp empowers teens to discover and develop critical data science skills, preparing them to thrive and impact in a data-driven world. The program is designed to reach and engage under-represented youth in less-resourced communities and inspire them to bring about positive change at a social level. In India, NetApp has worked with over 1000 students to bring about sustainable data-related awareness and continues to expand the program’s reach.

Speaking about the Conclave, Ravi Chhabria, Managing Director, NetApp India, stated, "We're truly honoured to stand alongside Parikrma Foundation in their effort to empower the nation’s youth and encourage them to problem-solve with data. We believe such events play a pivotal role in the holistic development of our youth and provide them with the tools and inspiration needed to envision a brighter, more sustainable future.”

The event, which was graced by Prof. Balaram P, Retired Director, IISC, among other dignitaries, attracted an over 200 attendees, including students, educationists, and other thought leaders.

"The Parikrma Innovations Conclave stands as a testament to its transformative impact on young minds. This event's remarkable success is a result of collective dedication and collaboration. We deeply appreciate NetApp's support. The convergence of diverse ideas and perspectives, coupled with the shared commitment to innovation and transformative education, has created a platform that empowers tomorrow's leaders.” concluded Shukla Bose, Founder and CEO, Parikrma Humanity Foundation.

About NetApp:

NetApp is the intelligent data infrastructure company combining unified data storage, integrated data services, and CloudOps solutions to turn a world of disruption into opportunity for every customer. NetApp creates silo-free infrastructure, then harnesses observability and AI, to enable the best data management. As the only enterprise-grade storage service natively embedded in the world’s biggest clouds, our data storage delivers seamless flexibility and our data services create a data advantage through superior cyber-resilience, governance, and applications agility. Our CloudOps solutions provide continuous optimization of performance and efficiency through observability and AI. No matter the data type, workload or environment, transform your data infrastructure to realize your business possibilities with NetApp. Learn more at www.netapp.com or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.  

NETAPP, the NETAPP logo, and the marks listed at www.netapp.com / TM are trademarks of NetApp, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.  

BNP Paribas Partners With Nasscom Foundation To Empower 300 Women Students From Marginalised Backgrounds

In a move to bridge the digital skill gap among women, BNP Paribas has partnered with Nasscom Foundation to train over 300 engineering women graduates through an employment-linked training project called Skill Development for marginalised Young Women towards Employment.

Marking its first year since launch, this hybrid program is designed for technical skilling of the next generation of women engineers in India from marginalised sections of society. The program is currently working with women engineering graduates from tier two and tier three colleges in Bengaluru, Tumakur, Mumbai and Pune.

“Women’s empowerment has been identified as key lever to a Viksit Bharat by the Government of India. By supporting women-centric skill development and enhancement programmes through philanthropic grants, corporates can lower barriers and carve out an accessible gateway for women to enter into various sectors of the economy and contribute to India's progress,” said Sanjay Singh, CEO and Head of Territory, BNP Paribas India.

“At BNP Paribas, we pursue an active policy of Diversity, Equity and inclusion. Our partnership with nasscom is another step in this direction to drive inclusion in India. Through this partnership, we aim to deepen access to technology skills for economically weaker sections, thereby enabling improved and more inclusive livelihoods in India's digital economy,” Sanjay Singh, added.

The hybrid programme trained students from select colleges on a range of technical skills. These include Python Developer and data analytics and soft skills including (verbal / non-verbal reasoning, numerical aptitude, logical reasoning, business etiquette, problem solving, time management, customer orientation and interview skills.

“The World Economic Forum's 'Future of Jobs' report highlights the urgent need for new-age skills, with 60% of companies recognizing a deficit among candidates. Aligned with the government's Skill India Mission, Nasscom foundation is dedicated to advancing the skills of the youth and fostering equal opportunities for all. In our partnership with BNP Paribas, we embarked on a journey to cultivate a young, digitally skilled talent pool. We are committed to train 300 dynamic young women in tech, empowering them with future-ready competencies that align with the dynamic needs of the job market,” said Nidhi Bhasin, CEO, Nasscom Foundation.

The women students are provided opportunities to secure job offers through placement drives and job fairs conducted by Nasscom foundation. A large percentage of these students, who are in the age group of 18-25 years, have already been placed with companies like IBM, CGI, Unisoft, etc.

About BNP Paribas:

BNP Paribas Group has been in India since 1860 and is among the leading international financial institutions providing a wide range of financial services covering corporate & institutional banking, and personal investment services for individuals. As the second oldest foreign bank in India, BNP Paribas has branches in key metros and has a rich and broad offering across the entire range of corporate and institutional banking products and services, covering flow banking (transaction banking), financing, hedging, global markets, derivatives and investments. Asiamoney has also accorded “Best International Corporate Bank for India” to BNP Paribas in 2023 and 2022.

About nasscom foundation:

Established in 2001, nasscom foundation has been witness to the transformative power of technology for the last 20 years. Part of the nasscom ecosystem, we are the only neutral not-for-profit organization representing the Indian tech industry. We remain rooted to our core philosophy of TechForGood, where our efforts are focused on unlocking the power of technology by creating access and opportunity for those who need it the most. We work on helping people and institutions transform the way they tackle social and economic challenges through technology. We have five key areas of intervention - Digital Literacy, Skilling and Employability, Women Entrepreneurship, Scaling Social Innovation and Empowering NGO Ecosystem.

NEC Face Recognition Technology Ranks First In NIST Accuracy Testing

NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced that its face recognition technology has been ranked the world’s most accurate in a benchmark test*1 conducted by the globally recognized U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)*2. 

In this benchmark test, NEC received the highest performance evaluation in “1:N Identification,”*3 which consists of still images of 12 million different people, by achieving an authentication accuracy rate of 99.88%. 

NEC also ranked first in three other tests*4 – including an aging effects test, in which photos taken more than 10 years prior were used for identification – and placed in the top three in all categories of the Face Recognition Technology Evaluation (FRTE) 1:N Identification leaderboard that are posted on the NIST website. 

Since beginning participation in 2009, NEC has ranked first in the world multiple times in the “1:N Identification” test, which calls for the highest accuracy of all of the face recognition benchmarks conducted by NIST*5. While working to improve the performance of its core algorithm, NEC has simultaneously rolled out real-world implementations of face recognition, and its face recognition business now operates in more than 50 countries and regions around the world.

NEC face recognition technology has been implemented at approximately 80 airports worldwide and is used in applications including immigration, customs, boarding procedures and customer service. These applications have become one of the primary use cases of face recognition technology. In addition, more than 1,000 organizations have adopted NeoFace Monitor, a system that allows users to log in to their devices using face recognition, improving both security and convenience*6. NEC also continues to be an industry leader in the provision of face recognition cloud services, including more than 1 million registered users in Japan.

Teams

Going forward, NEC’s aim is to increase real-world adoption of its portfolio of biometric authentication systems, “Bio-IDiom*7” which includes face recognition as a core component. NEC will continue to develop and provide solutions for a wide range of use cases, including multimodal biometric authentication*8, which combines face and iris recognition to reduce false positive rates (the likelihood of authenticating the wrong person) to less than 1 in 10 billion, and gateless access control*9, which will improve ease-of-use by accurately authenticating multiple people at the same time. In addition, NEC anticipates the growth of a “self-sovereign society” in which people control their own personal information and will increase its commitment to new business in the web3 space, leveraging technologies such as decentralized identity and blockchain.

NEC is thoroughly committed to following the NEC Group AI and Human Rights Principles*10 in its use of AI, biometric data, and other data, placing the highest priority on privacy and respect for human rights. 

LG Electronics Introduces First Self-Laundry Service At Galgotias University

LG Electronics, India’s leading consumer durable brand,  has announced a new business venture - Innovative self-laundry service for University students. The first self-laundry service is being introduced at Galgotias University in Greater Noida. The ceremony, graced by esteemed dignitaries including Mr. Baek - Executive Vice President, Living Solutions, LG Electronics, Mr Jeon, MD, LG Electronics India, Mr. Kim Division Leader, B2B,LG Electronics India, Mr. Hwang-Division Leader Home Appliances-LG Electronics India, and Mr. Dhruv Galgotia- CEO, Galgotias University, marked the official commencement of this convenience for students. The new self-laundry facility will serve 1500 students.

LG's foray into the Commercial Washing Machine Multi-Housing business introduces a new line of services, bringing self-laundry solutions to college and university hostels. Students will have the convenience of utilizing LG Commercial Washing Machines through the user-friendly 'Laundry Crew' application, facilitating machine reservation, operation, and automated payments.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Hong Ju Jeon, MD, LG Electronics India said, “We, at LG, are committed to enhancing consumer’s lifestyle through innovative products & technologies. With self-laundry service at educational institutes, we are announcing a new business venture aimed at enabling convenience for young students. We will be investing USD 4M in this business & plan to open 200 self-laundry service centres by the end of 2024. We will continue to forge partnerships that drive innovation and help people enjoy a better life.”

Mr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to LG Electronics for introducing this valuable service on their campus and stated, “This partnership will significantly enhance our students' lives, allowing them to prioritize academics and extracurricular activities. We eagerly anticipate a sustainable relationship with LG, emphasizing our commitment to creating a lasting impact and continually improving the student experience on campus.”

LG looks forward to expanding its footprint in the education sector, providing students with convenient and time-saving solutions that align with the brand's reputation for cutting-edge technology and user-centric design.

About LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd               

LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. (LG Electronics), a wholly owned subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc, South Korea was established in January 1997 in India. It is one of the most formidable brands in consumer electronics - Home Entertainment, home appliances*, HVAC, IT hardware. In India, LG Electronics has earned a premium brand positioning and is an acknowledged trendsetter in the industry.  LGEIL's manufacturing unit at Greater Noida is one of the most eco-friendly units among all LG manufacturing plants in the world. The second Greenfield facility is located at Ranjangaon; Pune which manufacture LED TVs, air conditioners, commercial air conditioning systems, washing machines, refrigerators, and monitors.

*Home Appliances include- Refrigerator, Washing Machine, AC, Water purifier, Microwave, Fan, Dishwasher & Air purifier.

Tata Motors Creates Another Industry 1st : Launches Tiago And Tigor iCNG AMT - India’s 1st AMT CNG Cars

Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive manufacturer, today announced the launch of the Tiago and Tigor iCNG AMT - India’s 1st AMT CNG Cars. With an impressive mileage of 28.06 Km/kg, the cars will be available at a starting price of Rs 7.89 lakhs for the Tiago iCNG and Rs 8.84 lakhs for the Tigor iCNG (Ex-showroom Delhi). Adding to the current color palate, the company will be introducing an interesting new Tornado Blue in the Tiago, Grassland Beige in Tiago NRG and a Meteor Bronze in the Tigor. 

Commenting on launch, Mr. Amit Kamat, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “CNG, known for its widespread availability and accessibility, has garnered considerable acceptance over the years. Tata Motors has revolutionized the CNG segment with various industry firsts like the twin-cylinder technology (helping provide no compromise boot space), high end feature choices and direct start in CNG. In the past 24 months we have sold more than 1.3 lakh CNG vehicles. In our effort to further drive volumes and provide our customers with the best, we are now proudly launching the Tiago and the Tigor iCNG in AMT—Introducing India to its 1st AMT CNG Cars.

“Tata Motors boasts of the widest CNG portfolio, including Tiago, Tigor, Altroz and the Punch. As one of the top 2 brands in the CNG market, we have experienced a remarkable 67.9% growth in CNG sales in FY24 compared to the previous year. With the introduction of these Intelligent, Safe and Powerful twins, we are confident to further improve demand for this fuel option, in turn continuing to sustain our growth momentum in passenger cars.”

For more details on the product, please visit your nearest Tata Motors authorized dealership or visit the company’s website at https://cars.tatamotors.com/

Narayana Health Unveils State-Of-The-Art Rehabilitation Centre

Narayana Health, one of India’s leading healthcare providers, proudly announces the inauguration of its advanced Rehabilitation Centre at Hebbagodi in Electronic City, today. This state-of-the-art facility shall provide comprehensive care for patients requiring advanced rehabilitation services following an acute illness, underscoring Narayana Health's unwavering dedication to healthcare excellence.

The inauguration ceremony, was graced by prominent dignitaries including Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Health and Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka.

In his address at the inauguration, Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao commended Narayana Health for its commitment to addressing the critical need for top-tier post-acute rehabilitation services in the state. He praised the institution's holistic approach and emphasized the importance of personalized care facilitated by a team of experienced specialists and support staff.

Highlighting the key features of the Centre, Dr Devi Shetty said, "Our rehabilitation facility is very unique. The centre offers cutting-edge, cost-effective rehabilitation, catering to both in-patient and out-patient needs. What sets us apart is the seamless integration of clinical support from our multispecialty centre with rehabilitation that is done in a very serene environment conducive to healing. This ensures a continuum of care rarely found elsewhere. The initiative is a hallmark of Narayana Health’s commitment to provide comprehensive care and to constantly improve our patient outcomes."

Dr Emmanuel Rupert, CEO of Narayana Health emphasized that the centre would fill the gap in rehabilitative services that is present in healthcare delivery. Dr Srikant Venkatakrishnan,  Head of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, said “Our strength lies in our multidisciplinary team, comprising Rehabilitation Physicians/Physiatrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, orthotists,  psychologists and clinical social workers. We provide customized care plans for our patients focusing on functional goal setting, seeking to maximise patient outcomes. We seek to incorporate advances in health care and facilitate community re-integration of our patients and their families. “

The Narayana Health Rehabilitation Centre offers a comprehensive range of services, including post stroke rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury care, spinal cord injury management, cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation, chronic pain management amongst others. The centre is managed with the latest rehabilitation protocols and clinical equipment such as gamified rehabilitation, body weight support systems, virtual reality, automated assistive technology in addition to standard rehabilitation devices. With a focus on enhancing functional independence and reducing caregiver burden, the Centre endeavors to empower patients and their families towards holistic recovery and societal integration.

In addition to providing expert medical care, the Centre is committed to community engagement and wellness.

About Narayana Health

Narayana Health, founded by the visionary cardiac surgeon Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty and headquartered in Bengaluru, is a leading presence in the global healthcare landscape. As one of the largest healthcare providers in India, Narayana Health offers a comprehensive range of super-specialty tertiary care facilities, establishing itself as the ultimate destination for healthcare needs. Narayana Health has grown exponentially, expanding its reach to include a vast network of 45 healthcare facilities, both domestically and internationally. This network comprises 18 owned/operated hospitals, one managed hospital, three heart centers, 21 primary healthcare facilities, and a hospital in the Cayman Islands. With a total bed capacity of 6,164 beds, Narayana Health is committed to its mission of providing high-quality healthcare services to those in need.

Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP) Makes Strides, Creating Road Safety Champions By Adopting ‘Child-To-Community Approach

In a concerted effort towards road safety, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has been actively working towards creating a safer road environment through its Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP) - "Road Safety – My Right My Responsibility’. In line with the same, the company announced the culmination of its TSEP annual event held at IISc, Bangalore, witnessing the presence of Chief Guest – Mr. M. N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Government of Karnataka, Guests of Honour – Mr. C. Mallikarjun, Additional Commissioner of Transport Government of Karnataka, Dr. G. Gururaj, Former Director of NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences) & Consultant on Road Safety, Jury Members (incl. representatives from IISc, IIM, media, etc.) and TKM’s Senior Executive – Mr. Sudeep S. Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, and Senior Vice President & Director. With a mission to instil a sense of responsibility amongst future road users, TKM has strategically designed TSEP so that to reach out to the school children and transform them into road safety ambassadors.

TSEP adopts a distinctive ABC Approach – raising Awareness about road safety rules, promoting Behavioural Changes, and engaging in impactful Campaign. The program serves as a robust initiative designed to instil a profound understanding of road safety rules, induce positive and behavioural transformations, and further promote road safety. In addition, TSEP also benefits the schools by facilitating well-designed road safety training for the teachers and their capacity building, thereby enabling them to further train the children on this vital matter, while it also acts as a catalyst for the inclusion of this topic in school curriculum.

Following the roll-out of TSEP, 31 schools participated in the inter school club activity. In which, 25 clubs were finalised from across class 5th to 9th, wherein a team of 5 members each were formed by the participating schools’ basis grade-specific competitive road safety driven activities. Further, class-wise themes were framed covering Poster Making by Class 5 students, Road Safety Enactment by Class 6 students, Mad Ad by Class 7 students, Speech competition by Class 8 students, and Fact Video competition by Class 9 students. During TSEP club activities, participating schools submitted their top entries, and the best team were selected basis three primary assessment criteria: Knowledge Level, Behaviour Change Level, and School Interest. While the shortlisting for Classes 5, 7, and 9 completed during the implementation of TSEP at schools, Classes 6 and 8 were shortlisted on the event day via jury round. The TSEP winners represented by school children received exciting prizes, further recognised and awarded ‘Best Teacher’, ‘Best School’ and ‘Certificate of Association’, during TSEP annual event, presented by the chief guest along with the guests of honour and Toyota leadership, appreciating the enthusiasm, good learning, active participation, and contributions towards promoting road safety.

India with its huge population and diverse road networks, experiences a high road accident annually. The report for calendar year 2022* reveals that the number of road accidents, the number of persons killed, and the number of injuries has increased compared to previous years by 11.9%, 9.4% and 15.3% respectively. Further, young adults in the age group of 18 - 45 years accounted for 66.5 per cent of the fatal road accident victims during 2022.

(*As per the publication ‘Road Accidents in India 2022’, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways - Transport Research Wing, Govt. of India)

In this regard, TKM is actively addressing the issue through TSEP, adopting a visionary "Child to Community" approach that goes beyond manufacturing safe cars, to actively ensure the safety of individuals on roads. With specific focus on school children, TSEP aims to cultivate change agents to influence and facilitate road safety practices within their local communities as well.

Present at the TSEP Annual event, Mr. M. N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) - Government of Karnataka, said, “We commend Toyota Kirloskar Motor for their proactive efforts in promoting road safety through the Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP), thereby contribute to the goal of zero road fatality. In a country grappling with rising road accidents and fatalities, initiatives like TSEP play a crucial role in fostering a culture of responsible road behaviour from an early age.

The 'Child to Community' approach adopted through TSEP is visionary, as it not only enables road safety learnings amongst school children, but also empowers them to become advocates of change within their local communities. TSEP well aligns with the urgent need for comprehensive road safety initiatives in the state.”

Speaking during the TSEP annual event, Mr. Sudeep. S. Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer & Senior Vice President and Director - Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “TSEP aims to empower the next generation to be the architects of change, instil good road behaviour that extends far beyond the steering wheel. Our goal is not only to encourage road safety learnings amongst the children, but to inspire and create a ripple effect that extends from schools to the larger community, thereby adopting a sustainable approach through effective road safety initiatives such as TSEP. As we look back at the success of having reached over 7,90,000 school children through various road safety initiatives, we envision a future where the school children are not just road users, but responsible ones.

Additionally, various road safety initiatives (such as Toyota Hackathon, TSEP, etc) undertaken by the company includes capacity building for teachers, improved school recognition, road safety contributions to national and global priorities (UN SDG3), and development of life skill sets amongst school children.”

TKM has collaborated with more than 44 schools in Bangalore, implementing interactive content, assessments, club activities for experiential learning, intra-school events, and a national championship. The program's learning outcomes includes comprehending safe road user behaviour, advocating for good samaritan behaviour during accidents and instilling awareness of responsible road behaviour among students. Apart from the primary audiences such as students and teachers, the TSEP continues to enhance its outreach to the secondary audiences i.e., community including school bus drivers, family members, and so forth. Furthermore, TKM’s partnerships with various Schools, Bangalore Traffic Police, Think Tanks, and Influencers have played a crucial role in the success of TSEP. The program covers schools across all eight educational blocks of Bangalore urban districts.

Through TKM's dedicated road safety initiatives, the company envisions a future where school children become a responsible road user and contribute significantly to the goal of ‘zero road fatality’.

Big Boy Toyz Targets INR 200 Crores With New Bengaluru Showroom

Big Boy Toyz, a trailblazer in the pre-owned luxury car sector, is thrilled to announce the inauguration of its fifth showroom in Bengaluru, strategically positioned in the city's bustling centre. This expansion marks a pivotal step towards amplifying the brand's digital success, with a focus on driving revenue growth in Karnataka.

Located at Richmond Circle, the new showroom offers an extensive range of high-end luxury cars, including Audis, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces and Porsches.

Having witnessed a robust digital business that has already surpassed the INR 100 Crores milestone in Karnataka,  Big Boy Toyz has cultivated a devoted clientele in Bengaluru, where luxury car aficionados have embraced the brand's digital platform for seamless transactions. The new showroom is a strategic response to the growing demand for an immersive, in-person luxury car buying experience.

In a market traditionally characterised by its unorganised nature, the used luxury car segment in Bengaluru has emerged as a goldmine for  Big Boy Toyz, showcasing remarkable growth. The brand's fifth showroom will capitalise on this trend, delivering a meticulously curated selection of pre-owned luxury luxury cars that cater to the astute, value-conscious consumer. In an era of escalating new luxury car prices, the brand is well aware of the discerning buyers who seek not just opulence but also value for their investments.

This strategic expansion aligns perfectly with the current industry landscape, where automotive sales are breaking records year after year.  Big Boy Toyz is primed to make a significant impact, leveraging its existing strong base, as it targets a revenue milestone of INR 200 Crores in FY25 in Karnataka alone.

“We are thrilled to expand our physical presence in Bengaluru. As a customer-oriented pre-owned luxury car brand, we believe our core values and relationship-based dealing are an assurance of superior quality and this trust is what we have are extending to Bengaluru as well with a physical showroom. This is our fifth store pan India and we look forward to providing car connoisseurs with the best luxury car experience from 30 exotic brands. This strategic expansion aligns perfectly with the current industry landscape as well. We are primed to make a significant impact, leveraging our existing strong base, as we targets a revenue milestone of INR 200 Crores in FY25 in Karnataka alone”, shared Jatin Ahuja, Founder & MD, Big Boy Toyz.

With a keen understanding of Bengaluru's demographics and the city's surpassing of Delhi in total car ownership,  Big Boy Toyz is strategically positioned to meet the diverse needs of the flourishing luxury car market in the Silicon Valley of India.

Going beyond mere transactions, Big Boy Toyz is committed to delivering an unparalleled ownership experience. The brand will offer a suite of value-added services, including warranties, buybacks, maintenance packages, body kits, and top-tier car detailing services, enhancing its revenue-driven approach. 

Cleartrip Charts A Paradigm Shift In Corporate Travel With Launch Of The New Corporate Travel Management Product 'Out of Office'

Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, plans to be synonymous with the corporate travel space, and the launch of its new corporate travel management product - Out of Office (OOO) - is a starting step in this journey.  This unique corporate travel booking tool - OOO is designed to empower small, medium, and large enterprises. With 300 SMEs onboarded and ~10 large and enterprise corporations actively transacting, the platform is processing a monthly business volume of Rs 20 Crore.

The platform's flexible architecture and user interface design enables a seamless configuration to cater to the unique requirements of large enterprises and SME clients. The core principle of OOO’s approach is to enable the unique travel behaviour of every business.

Early-stage adopters of the OOO platform include reputed firms like The Federal Bank, Sify Technologies, MGM Healthcare, Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd and ACC Limited. Key features that make OOO stand out amongst its peers include the ability to change or build policies in real-time, Integrated travel expense with travel offerings, the ability to access self-contracted corporate fares, real-time invoice and reconciliation engine. A Native app for IOS and Android is due to be released shortly.

Speaking on the development, Ayyappan R., CEO, of Cleartrip, stated, “As businesses worldwide experience a notable resurgence, we observed an unprecedented spike in the demand for corporate travel. In this scenario, 'Out of Office' (OOO) emerges as a pivotal solution. Unlike conventional platforms, it provides an end-to-end travel experience, user-centric interface, policy adherence, and cost-effectiveness—all in one comprehensive package. OOO caters not just to the current demand surge but also helps redefine how businesses approach corporate travel."

OOO is a plug-and-play solution that adapts to organizational needs quickly. It can manage multiple booking behaviours (Self-booking, travel desk booking) and multiple entities in a single instance. The focus of the tool is 30% on bookings and 70% on policy adherence. Notably, the tool addresses a common pain point for corporates by enabling the procurement of hotel invoices.

Unique features of OOO

One-click onboarding feature provides a quick onboarding process allowing businesses to start transactions immediately.

Large enterprises can access savings through the GST billing function.

The detailed expense report dashboard ensures accurate reporting of all travel-related expenses for easy tracking.

The multiple provider options feature allows the tool to provide the cheapest fares from multiple vendors.

The one-click switch lets users switch between reseller and agency models based on invoicing preferences.

With OOO, Cleartrip has further strengthened its presence in the corporate travel domain. The tool’s unmatched adaptability, policy-centricity, and user-friendly interface make it a truly unique proposition that will help the company scale its B2B business to new heights.

To learn more about OOO, visit https://ooo.cleartrip.com/

About Cleartrip

Launched in July 2006, Cleartrip Pvt Ltd., a Flipkart company, has emerged as India’s fastest-growing online travel technology company. In April 2021, Flipkart acquired 100% of Cleartrip’s shareholding. Cleartrip recently emerged as the no. 2 OTA player as per a study by VIDEC. With an aggressive plan to emerge as a leading innovator in the industry, Cleartrip is on its way to building a differentiated value proposition for its customers looking for end-to-end travel solutions. With industry-first offerings such as ‘CT Flexmax, CT Flex, CT Upgrade and Cancel for No Reason’, Cleartrip has a clear vision to provide innovative solutions in the OTA segment. Combining intuitive products with a customer-centric approach and a wide selection of flights and hotels, Cleartrip brings a unique selling point to the market, offering its customers convenience, choice, competitive prices, and premium content.