Enterprise AI Platform Glean Technologies Debuts its India Presence

* Company marking this launch to solidify its position as the only cutting-edge global AI company with significant operations based in Bengaluru

Leading enterprise AI platform Glean Technologies, Inc. based in Palo Alto, California, announces the launch of their first office in India, located in Bengaluru. The office will be the center of operations for India, and will house Finance, Sales, R&D and business operations functions.  This innovation site will play a key role in enabling Glean’s customers to deploy GenAI assistants and applications at scale globally.

Glean’s launch in Bengaluru underscores its commitment to empowering Indian enterprises through advanced AI technologies. The company has so far raised $350mn+ from top VCs that include General Catalyst, Kleiner Perkins, Sequoia Capital, Lightspeed and others and is currently valued at $2.2B+. Additionally, Glean's Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) is growing at an impressive rate of 300% year over year.

Located at the heart of Namma Bengaluru, Glean Technology, Inc’s new office spanning ~26,000 Sq.ft, features a dedicated cafeteria, a games room, and collaboration of spaces. The space is chosen to accommodate the company’s headcount growth for the coming years and fosters a an environment conducive to innovation and growth. The inauguration of the facility was followed by CEO’s address to the media at an exclusive press conference, where he shared the vision for AI innovation in India, the capabilities of its platform, and the impact on local industries. The event was also graced by Garvit Juniwal (R&D - Site Lead, Product lead), Vivek S (R&D - AI lead), Tapas Satapathy (Head of people) and partners, customers and employees of Glean Technologies, Inc.

Investment in India Operations: Glean Technologies is actively expanding its customer base in the APAC region, forging partnerships with leading enterprise companies, including a top Southeast Asian commercial bank, the leading ridesharing platform in the region, a global electronics and entertainment company, and a global automotive manufacturer. In a short span of time, the company has grown multi-folds and now boast of representing almost all corporate functions of the company in India.

Headcount and Hiring Plans: The Company plans to triple their headcount to over 450 (3X) from 150 by next year highlighting the ongoing annual growth aligned with Glean Technology Inc’s ambitious roadmap. Glean is establishing itself as a day 0 employer at the top 5 IITs—B, D, K, M, Kgp. Since December 2023, the company has already recruited 12 top students and plans to expand its hiring efforts moving forward.

Technological Expertise and Roadmap for the Next Five Years: As the leading provider of secure, trustworthy generative AI for enterprises, Glean’s roadmap for the next five years is ambitious and focused on advancing the frontiers of generative AI and agentic automation. Since introducing its platform offering in preview, in an effort to help companies build custom generative AI apps and agents securely at scale, more than 100 companies have created and deployed more than 1,000 unique AI apps and agents. The company has seen continued demand from enterprises that are looking for generative AI solutions that meet their stringent security, data governance, and permissions requirements.

While addressing the media, Arvind Jain, Founder and CEO at Glean Technologies, Inc said, “We are thrilled to establish our presence in India, especially in Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of the country, and a market with immense potential and a steady demand for advanced AI solutions. Our Bengaluru office will enable us to closely collaborate with Indian enterprises, helping them unlock the full potential of their knowledge through our state-of-the-art AI platform. Additionally, this office will serve as a crucial hub for our global operations, driving a significant portion of our international projects. In fact, it will be our biggest investment outside of the US."

Ageas Federal Life Insurance Unveils “Golden Years Pension Plan With Bluechip Pension Fund”

Select from the Classic or Golden Waiver of Premium options

Get Early Investment Booster for an early start between age 18-35

Flexibility to choose premium payment option

Guaranteed Loyalty Booster to boost investment

Limited Time Offer: Flat NAV of Rs 10 per unit on Bluechip Pension Fund

Ageas Federal Life Insurance, a leading private life insurer in India, launches its newest offerings: Ageas Federal Life Insurance Golden Years Pension Plan with Bluechip Pension Fund. This plan offers a comprehensive solution to secure the financial futures of policyholders, ensuring your retirement years are comfortable and fun.

The Ageas Federal Life Insurance Golden Years Pension Plan is a Unit Linked, Non-Participating, Individual Pension Plan designed for retirement security. The plan offers two first-of-its-kind features: the Early Investment Booster, which provides additional allocations to encourage early retirement planning for those aged 18-35, and the Golden Waiver of Premium, which helps in retirement corpus accumulation for policyholders' loved ones even after their demise. It allows entry ages of 18-70 years for the Classic Option and up to 60 years for the Golden Waiver of Premium Option.

The Bluechip Pension Fund invests in listed equities and aims to generate high returns by investing in established and emerging bluechip stocks that have a good track record. The Fund aims to diversify risk by investing in stocks across multiple sectors and making it an excellent choice for a secure and prosperous retirement.

Khushali Girish, Deputy Vice President & Head of Products at Ageas Federal Life Insurance, stated, “We are thrilled to introduce the Golden Years Pension Plan, a product meticulously crafted to cater to the unique retirement needs of our Indian customers. This plan embodies innovation and a futuristic outlook with features like the Early Investment Booster, which aims to encourage young individuals aged 18 to 35 to start their retirement planning early by providing additional units. The Golden Waiver of Premium option ensures future premiums are waived, thereby safeguarding the retirement plans of the policyholder's loved ones in case of an unfortunate event. We believe this plan will set a new benchmark in retirement planning and provide peace of mind to countless families across the country."

The Ageas Federal Life Insurance Golden Years Pension Plan also offers a Guaranteed Loyalty Booster which is added annually with timely premium payments and an active policy status. To add, the Premium Allocation charges are returned, enhancing the value of the plan. In case of the policyholder's death, beneficiaries receive 105% of total premiums paid, and future premiums are waived under the Golden Waiver of Premium Option.

The Bluechip Pension Fund is a new fund offering which would be launched with a limited time offer of flat NAV of Rs 10 per unit. It invests in equities, reverse repos treasury bills and mutual funds amongst others. The fund based on market outlook, aims for steady returns through active management, diversification, and a blend of growth and value investing.

With this new offering, Ageas Federal Life Insurance will provide robust financial solutions for a secure and fun retirement. Designed to transform retirement into a chapter of freedom and fun these plans help policyholders seize every moment of their golden years with confidence, promising a brighter and more secure future.

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) Releases Vehicle Retail Data for June'24 for Karnataka

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for June'24 for the State of Karnataka.

June'24 Retails

Commenting on how June'24 performed, FADA Karnataka State Chairperson, Mr Dharma Teja G said, “The month of June 24 has faced some demand challenges in segments like CV, PV and tractors despite better availability. This was primarily due to dip in rural demand and tightening of credit on the rural side by financiers. 3W and 2 W have registered a growth of 24% & 4% respectively.”

Disclaimer:

The All India numbers above do not have figures from TS & LD.

Vehicle Retail Data has been collated as on 03.07.24 in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India and has been gathered from 1,567 out of 1,700 RTOs.

Motorola Launches “Moto Razr 50 Ultra”; Disrupts The Foldable Smartphone Market In India

Key Highlights

The motorola razr 50 ultra is the world’s first flip phone that comes with the largest external display offering users a more immersive viewing experience on the 4.0" external display and also comes with the fastest refresh rate of 165 Hz and the highest resolution in its class.

The external display is also the most intelligent on a flip phone9 – giving access to Google’s Gemini – a personal AI assistant - directly from its external display.

razr users will also receive Gemini Advanced for 3 months with access to Google’s most capable AI models, at no extra cost. They’ll also get 2 TB of cloud storage and Gemini in their favorite Google apps like Gmail, Docs, and more—all included in the Google One AI Premium plan – worth approximately Rs. 1950/month.

When flipped open, the motorola razr 50 ultra reveals a 6.9" pOLED   display that’s smooth to the touch and is also the largest, virtually creaseless internal display on a flip phone.

The motorola razr 50 ultra is also equipped with moto ai features seamlessly integrated to elevate user interactions, offering them effortless content creation, phone personalization and accomplishing more in less time

The razr 50 ultra also comes equipped with the best razr camera system yet, effortlessly capturing stunning photos and videos with advanced camera technology powered by moto ai. Some key AI features included in the camera are 30X AI Super Zoom, AI Action Shot, AI Adaptive Stabilization, Intelligent Auto Focus Tracking and much more.

The razr 50 ultra is also the most durable razr yet with support for IPX8 underwater protection, Gorilla Glass Victus protection and has been successfully tested for over 600,000 folds.

The motorola razr 50 ultra in India comes with the unique proposition of the incredible moto buds+ (worth Rs 9,999) in-box - Motorola’s premium TWS headsets with sound by Bose.

The motorola razr 50 ultra, available in a single 12GB RAM and 512GB Storage variant will go on sale in India starting 20th July at an incredibly effective price of just Rs. 89,999* (including an introductory early bird price of Rs. 94,999 plus a Rs. 5000 Bank discount) across Amazon, Reliance Digital, motorola.in and leading retail outlets across India.

Consumers can also pre-reserve the Motorola razr 50 ultra on Amazon as well as Retail stores starting 10th July 2024.

Consumers can also own the razr 50 ultra starting at just Rs. 5,000 per months with No cost EMI options from leading banks.

Consumers can also avail benefits worth Rs. 15,000 from Reliance Jio.

Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and innovation, today has flipped the script of foldable smartphone technology yet again with the launch of its most advanced smartphone in the razr franchise, the “motorola razr 50 ultra”. This flip phone highlights Motorola’s commitment to evolution and excellence with its various industry leading features such as the largest, most intelligent external display of any flip phone.

Imagine a world where your smartphone isn't just a device, but a personal assistant, creative studio, and productivity powerhouse all in one. By collaborating with Google, Motorola has turned this vision a reality by bringing AI-driven experiences and convenient features to the new motorola razr 50 ultra.

For the first time, razr users can access Gemini¹ directly from the external display. Google’s Gemini app is a personal AI assistant to supercharge your creativity and productivity. Whether users need step-by-step instructions for a new project, help planning trips and activities, or assistance in writing thank-you notes or emails. Gemini can even help brainstorm ideas for enhancing daily life and seamlessly access information from Google apps and services like Maps, YouTube, Flights, Gmail, and Drive. Gemini is always there to provide support.

Plus, motorola razr 50 ultra users will receive Gemini Advanced for 3 months with access to Google’s most capable AI models, at no extra cost. They’ll also get 2 TB of cloud storage and Gemini in their favorite Google apps like Gmail, Docs, and more—all included in the Google One AI Premium plan.

To further improve the external display experience on the new razr devices, we’ve added access to Google Photos. This allows users to view, delete, favorite, or share photos or videos stored locally or in the cloud without opening their phone, making it easier to access memories and find photos quickly. Google Photos will soon offer Ask Photos, a new way to search photos with Gemini. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

When it's time to edit these photos, users can open the new razr and use the latest AI-powered editing tools in Google Photos including Magic Editor, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and more.

Users can also reimagine daily tasks - like texting - with a few unique features that are built into Google Messages. Photomoji transforms their favorite photos into personalized emojis and stickers, adding a visual flair to messages. And with Magic Compose², users can receive suggested texting responses in various styles like Excited, Chill, Formal, and Short, enabling them to get creative with their messages.

The motorola razr 50 ultra allows users to flip less and do more with its largest and most intelligent external display. Offering them a more immersive viewing experience on the 4.0" external display which also comes with the fastest refresh rate and the highest resolution in its class. It comes protected with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus to prevent unwanted scratches and potential damages. With an incredibly smooth and fluid refresh rate of up to 165Hz, users can switch between apps and websites with incredible smoothness. Moreover, the external display boasts of a 1272x1080 high-resolution screen which provides breathtaking clarity and over a billion shades of 10-bit color with a 25% wider color range thanks to HDR10+ certification and DCI-P3 support. The smartphone’s high brightness mode automatically adjusts the external display outdoors for improved visibility and is capable of reaching maximum brightness levels of 1500 nits. Its HDR peak brightness can reach up to 2400 nits. The larger display allows users to scroll through a better organized, streamlined content layout with the convenience of replying to messages, playing fun games, getting directions with Google Maps, taking selfies, or even giving friends a preview of their pose.

When flipped open, the motorola razr 50 ultra reveals a 6.9" pOLED display that’s smooth to the touch and is also the largest and virtually creaseless internal display on a flip phone. Similar to the external screen, users can immerse themselves in infinite contrast of deeper blacks and richer colors and view over a billion shades of 10-bit color. Plus, with HDR10+ certification and 120% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, users can watch shows and movies in true-to-life colors that meet the industry’s latest standards for accuracy. High Brightness Mode automatically adjusts brightness to 1500 nits, which can also reach up to 3000 nits with HDR. The refresh rate can adjust from 1Hz to 165Hz effectively reducing stutter and ghosting in compatible games, putting users a step ahead of the competition.

The razr 50 ultra comes equipped with the best razr camera system yet, effortlessly capturing stunning photos and videos with advanced camera technology powered by moto ai. The AI features included in the camera are, AI Action Shot which quickly takes blur-free photos even if the subject is in motion, AI Adaptive Stabilization that uses AI to recognize movement while filming, and dynamically adjusts the stabilization level for the best results while Intelligent Auto Focus Tracking automatically focuses on the primary subject without manually selecting it. Additionally, the AI Photo Enhancement Engine improves the dynamic range, boosting the ratio between the brightest and darkest parts of an image while delivering finer image details, which is essential when zooming. Moreover, its 50MP high-res camera delivers outstanding low-light performance that can capture with 32x more focusing pixels using Instant All-Pixel PDAF and provide faster, more accurate performance no matter the lighting conditions. Its Optical image stabilization (OIS) automatically compensates against blurred images and videos due to unwanted camera movement, so even when exposure takes longer, clarity and detail shine through. Additionally, the smartphone also features an exceptional 50MP telephoto camera for incredible portraits and with 2x optical and 30X AI Super zoom capability plus machine learning algorithm for high quality photos.

The new photo booth feature captures gorgeous selfies in different poses and pictures timed perfectly for each pose, with a simple open palm gesture. Color Optimization analyzes a scene to deliver enhanced segmented tuning. It detects the sky, skin, hair, clothes, grass, etc., and optimizes the colors for each one individually. It can also record and play breathtaking videos in 4K resolution that meet strict HDR10+ standards for color accuracy, color range, brightness, and contrast. While Auto Night Vision improves the lighting of nighttime photos automatically. After capturing a 10-bit RAW image, the Image Signal Processor (ISP) converts the file to a JPEG and the result is a low-light photo with reduced noise and increased clarity. Other modes and features include Video Night Vision, Dual Capture, Mirror Mode, Tilt Shift Mode, and Portrait Mode among others.

The moto ai is not limited to the cameras. The smartphone boasts of numerous AI features such as Style Sync and Magic Canvas with AI Generative Theming along with exceptional AI powered cameras. Style sync can generate wallpapers and themes that match the unique styles of each user with just a photo of their outfit or any interesting pattern. While the Magic Canvas feature can turn imagination into stunning visuals with just a text prompt and screenshots with an auto-blur function to protect sensitive content in screenshots.

This latest iteration of the flip phone that changed everything is now even more compact and comfortable allowing flipping open or shutting easily with just one hand thanks to the redesigned hinge. The motorola razr 50 ultra is built to last, that’s why Motorola has put the screen and hinge through rigorous stress tests, ensuring they’ll withstand use for the life of the phone. The gapless, creaseless design with perfectly contoured edges comes with durable Corning ® Gorilla® Glass Victus and IPX8-rated underwater protection. Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus keeps the external display safe from drops and scratches. While IPX8-rated underwater protection means motorola razr 50 ultra can withstand submersion in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. Plus, the display is specially designed to respond to every touch, tap, and swipe even when wet – with smart water touch capability. The phone can be folded into a camcorder to record videos owing to Flex View, which lets users fold their phone at multiple angles, and display their content using tent mode or stand mode on the large external display. The smartphone will also be available in vegan leather finish in 3 Pantone Curated colors.

The motorola razr 50 ultra features the latest Snapdragon® 8s Gen 3 mobile platform, so it’s even faster and more efficient than the previous generation. Generating speeds up to 3GHz for faster multitasking and improved efficiency. The supercharged Qualcomm® AI Engine enables on-device AI at swift speeds with support for multi-modal models, including 30+ large language models (LLMs) and large vision models (LVMs). It also features up to 12GB of the latest generation LPDDR5X memory, the fastest available, and the latest 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. Along with blazing-fast 5G speeds today, and provisions for WiFi 7 networks of tomorrow.

In terms of the battery performance, the motorola razr 50 ultra can go a full day and night on a single charge of the 4000mAh battery. Owing to the 45W TurboPower™  consumers can get power for a day in about 12 minutes3. It also comes with the freedom of 15W wireless charging and users can also share power with other devices using reverse charging.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. T.M. Narasimhan, Managing Director, Motorola India said “Being the pioneers of flip phone technology, we have once again set a new standard in the segment with the launch of the most intelligent flip smartphone- razr 50 ultra. This cutting-edge device embodies our relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries, bringing together exceptional design, AI technology, remarkable functionality, and unrivaled user experience. We are confident that the razr50 ultra will not only redefine the future of foldable smartphones but also exceed the expectations of our valued customers.”

Ranjit Babu, Director, Wireless and Home Entertainment, Amazon India added “The Motorola Razr 40 ultra was our first launch for Prime Day last year, leading to significant acceptance among customers that wanted an innovative fold form factor. This year, we will have the widest line-up of new smartphones ever launched during Prime Day, and the Motorola Razr continues to have pride of place in our lineup. On July 20 till 21, Prime customers will not only get their hands on the newly launched Motorola razr 50 ultra, but will also have access to attractive no cost EMI, bank and other offers- on Amazon.in, India’s most trusted destination for smartphones.”

Users can enjoy an intuitive, personalized, and secure experience like no other with the new Hello UI with Android 14. They can easily customize their device by choosing fonts, colors, and icons, using intuitive gestures like twist and tap to control different features, or launching their favorite apps. Even set limits on screen time and control access to apps, so kids can learn and play in a safe, dedicated space. Hello UI features include, Moto Gestures, Moto Secure with Thinkshield, Family Spaces, and Moto Unplugged. Smart Connect seamlessly unites multiple devices, enabling effortless task transitions across phone, tablet and PC’s making it a key component for a unified and efficient digital life. Within Smart Connect, users will get multiple functionalities like Swipe to Share, Cross Device Control, Context Aware Phone, Universal Clipboard, Share Hub, App Stream and much more. Each with its own unique advantages designed to facilitate seamless integration.

Apart from this, the motorola razr 50 ultra also features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos® and 20% louder sound and 25% stronger bass. Dolby Atmos® unlock new levels of emotion in user’s favorite songs, drawing them closer to the artists they love. Plus, Dolby Atmos® features Spatial Audio, an enhanced experience where sound can flow around them in a virtual space. The smart power amplifier ensures that even louder audio won’t crack, and since the speakers are working together, sound travels from one to the other to match the action on screen. Additionally, the motorola razr50 ultra offers 3 OS updates and 4 years of security patches with Moto Elite Care benefits.

Finally, the smartphone will come with Moto buds+ worth Rs 9,999 and boasting Sound by Bose within the box, with an eco-friendly packaging.

Availability:

The Motorola razr 50 Ultra will be available in a single 12GB RAM and 512GB Storage variant, in 3 stunning pantone curated colours, namely – Midnight Blue, Spring Green and Colour of the year 2024 – Peach Fuzz.

The product will go on sale, starting 20th July 2024 and will be available for pre-reserve 10th July onwards on Amazon, Reliance Digital, Motorola.in and leading retail stores across India.

Pricing:

Motorola razr 50 Ultra (12GB + 512GB)

Launch Price: INR 99,999

Limited Period – Early Bird Pricing: INR 94,999*

Effective price including Bank offer: INR 89,999*

Offers:

Limited period – Early Bird offer: INR 5,000 flat discount

Instant Bank Discount worth INR 5,000 + No Cost EMI starting INR 5,000/month from leading banks

INR 15,000 worth benefits from Reliance Jio. See details at  https://www.jio.com/en-in/jio-motorola-razr50ultra-offer-2024

3 months of Google Gemini Advanced Subscription along with 2TB of cloud storage space.

UPI Goes Live At Galeries Lafayette’s Flagship Store In Paris

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), in partnership with Lyra, a French leader in securing e-commerce and proximity payments, is delighted to enable the acceptance of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at Galeries Lafayette’s flagship store in Haussmann, Paris. Known for its rich culture, stunning architecture, and world-class shopping, Paris is a favourite destination among Indian tourists. This new integration allows them to make secure and convenient UPI transactions at this historic luxury department store, enhancing their overall Parisian experience.

Following the successful implementation of UPI for online ticket booking at the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette becomes the second major French merchant to enable UPI under the NIPL-Lyra partnership. The official announcement was made in Paris in the presence of His Excellency Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France and Monaco, along with distinguished guests including Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette, and Alain Lacour, Chairman of Lyra Group.

This partnership will benefit multitude of Indian tourists visiting Paris every year, allowing them to use UPI, their favored payment method, at the prestigious Galeries Lafayette flagship store. The integration of UPI ensures effortless shopping and seamless transactions through UPI-powered apps, enhancing the memorability of their visit to Paris. By simply scanning QR code at the store, Indian tourists can complete their payments with transparency in exchange rates.

Recalling the success of UPI launch at the Eiffel Tower in January 2024 and the meeting hosted for potential merchants with NPCI International in February 2024, Ambassador Jawed Ashraf welcomed the quick conclusion of the agreement and engagement of UPI at the world-famous Galleries Lafayette, specially ahead of the Paris Olympics. Starting July 26, 2024, Paris Olympics is expected to draw large number of Indian visitors. Ambassador hopes this will pave the way for wide acceptance of UPI in France and support its internationalization as a means of digital payments. He thanked NPCI International and Lyra for their cooperation.

Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NPCI International said, “Our collaboration with Galeries Lafayette in Paris not only enables UPI payments at a prestigious venue but also boosts UPI adoption as a convenient and secure cross-border payment method for Indian tourists. We are confident that UPI will continue to gain traction as a reliable and efficient payment option, further strengthening its presence in international markets.”

Christophe Mariette, Chairman of Lyra India said, “Lyra is happy to have enable for the first time in Europe the in-store acceptance of UPI in the iconic Department stores Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris. Thanks to the collaboration with NPCI International, Galeries Lafayette and the cash register editor Lundi Matin it has been done in a very short time. One more reason for Indian tourists to come to Paris for the Olympic Games.”

Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette said, "We are delighted to be the first department store in Europe to offer the UPI payment solution at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. By introducing UPI, we facilitate seamless and secure transactions for our Indian guests and strengthen cultural and economic ties between France and India. As the number of visitors from India is growing, we are proud to offer this innovative payment option, ensuring a convenient and memorable shopping experience. With the opening of our first Indian store in Mumbai in 2025, followed by New Delhi, this initiative becomes even more significant, symbolizing our commitment to reinforcing the ties between our two countries."

The integration of UPI at prominent French retail and tourist destinations is set to boost its popularity among European merchants. This initiative aims to broaden UPI’s market presence in France and Europe, driving further growth and adoption as a secure payment solution.

About NPCI International:

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) was incorporated on April 3, 2020, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). As NPCI’s international arm, NIPL is devoted to deploying NPCI’s indigenous, successful real-time payment system—Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—and card scheme (RuPay) outside of India. NPCI has successfully developed and proved its products and technological capabilities in the domestic market by transforming the payment segment in India. Currently, there are several countries that seek to establish a real-time payment system or a domestic card scheme. NIPL, with its knowledge and experience, can offer these countries technological assistance through licensing and consulting for building real-time payment systems to meet the rapidly evolving needs of fast-growing global businesses. NIPL focuses on transforming payments across the globe through technology and innovation. It will not only enable payments for Indians but also support other countries by enhancing their payment capabilities using technological assistance, consulting, and infrastructure.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2024: Unfold Your Story

Ahead of Galaxy Unpacked on July 10, Samsung has released a new global film to build anticipation for the unveiling of the next frontier of Galaxy AI.

In the newly released video, multiple faces are illuminated by a sliver of light, symbolizing the opening of a whole new world and the unlocking of new possibilities made possible by revolutionary innovation.  Through the campaign, Samsung invites fans around the world to step beyond boundaries and enjoy new, unique experiences.

Be ready to watch the next frontier of Galaxy AI – offering new ways to accelerate creativity, productivity, communication, and much more. Check out the video below to see how Samsung is opening a new world of opportunity and stay tuned until the cutting-edge innovation comes to life.

A new chapter is set to begin with Galaxy AI. Stay tuned on samsungmobilepress.com for more updates and be sure to join us for Galaxy Unpacked on July 10.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com. 

The AUM Of Women Investors In Karnataka Has Grown 4.1x In The Last Five Years: Reveals Axis Mutual Fund Study

Key Highlights:

·         While 70.4% women seek advice from professionals, friends, and family, nearly 72% women take the final call on their investment journey.

·         25% higher amount invested per woman investor with average investment corpus 37% higher than men, indicating growing confidence and a strategic approach to investing.

·         Survey respondents prioritized past performance as a crucial factor influencing their mutual fund investment decisions.

Axis Mutual Fund, one of the fastest growing fund houses in India, analysed data from over 1 crore existing Axis MF customers and conducted a nationwide survey, to unveil an interesting study titled “Women Investment Behaviour Report 2024”.

In the last five years (31st Mar 2019 to 31st Dec 2023), women investors have grown 3.6x in Karnataka. In the same time period, the AUM of women investors has grown 4.1x in Karnataka.

The findings of the study indicate that nearly 72% of women investors now make independent investment decisions. The report further highlights the proactive approach undertaken by women investors to achieve financial autonomy and growth, underscoring their commitment to long-term investing.

Addressing the significance of the study, B Gopkumar, MD&CEO, Axis AMC asserted, “The mutual fund industry is undergoing a dynamic shift as more people, particularly women, embrace investing in mutual funds as part of their financial strategy. Our research into the investment patterns of Axis MF investors reveal that women constitute 30% of Axis Mutual Fund customer base and hold ~35% of the total AUM. Understanding the evolving investor landscape, especially regarding women's preferences, is crucial for continued growth and our report aims to shed light on this aspect. By analysing their distinct needs and investment behaviours, Axis AMC aims to refine our offerings to empower their financial journeys. This is fuelled by innovative digital tools and comprehensive education programs.”

Key Insights from the report:

A)      Better persistency and Long-Term Vision: Shattering stereotypes, women investors are emerging as strong proponents of long-term investing. The report finds they exhibit a strategic approach, demonstrated by both higher amounts invested (25%) per woman investor and higher corpus on an average by a female investor (37%) compared to men. This translates to a long-term vision, with women showing 22% higher persistency in their mutual fund investments over a five-year period. This preference for long-term wealth building fosters financial security and stability, not just for individual households but also for the broader economy.

B)      Embracing the Digital Future: The digital revolution is transforming the mutual fund industry, and women are at the forefront of this change. The data is striking: in just five years, the proportion of Axis MF women investors using fintech channels has leapt from 14% to 55%. This surge highlights the pivotal role of technology in making financial services more accessible.  The pandemic further accelerated this shift, exemplifying the versatility of women in adapting to market fluctuations.  Digital tools not only simplified investing but also broadened reach for women across regions. Coupled with educational efforts, these technological strides have equipped women with the knowledge to make savvy investment choices, significantly boosting their participation in the mutual fund segment.

C)      Independent Decision Makers: Dispelling the stereotype of passive women investors, the study reveals that a remarkable 71.9% women make independent investment decisions.  The trend more pronounced in the younger generations, with 75% of women aged 25-34 and 70% aged 35-44 taking control of their financial futures by making their own investment choices. This signifies a powerful shift towards financial empowerment and autonomy for women across all demographics, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse investment landscape.

D)      Investment Preferences: The report uncovers an intriguing geographical distinction in investment choices. Women in B30 cities (beyond the top 30) show a preference for traditional investments such as fixed deposits and gold, apart from MFs. Conversely, their counterparts in T30 cities (beyond the top 30) are embracing newer investment avenues like mutual funds, stocks, and even startups. This highlights a nuanced understanding of investment options among women across diverse demographics.

Ashish Gupta, CIO, Axis AMC further added that, “The findings of our 'Women Investment Behaviour Report 2024' paint a truly inspiring picture. Women participation in the investor base is rapidly rising with demonstrably high independence and increasing sophistication. They have a data-driven approach and have quickly adopted digital tools for their investing. Their focus on long term goals and consistency is driving impressive investment outcomes for them. The fact that our 2.2 million women investors have made an average gain of over Rs. 80,000 speaks volumes about their growing financial acumen.”

Overall, this report demonstrates the remarkable transformation of women in finance. Their growing confidence and strategic approach, evident in their long-term investment focus and digital adoption, are not just fuelling their own financial success but also contributing significantly to the broader economy.

As they continue to navigate and reshape the investment landscape, empowering women investors remains paramount. Axis Mutual Fund is dedicated to providing them with the tools, resources, and educational opportunities they need.  Our commitment is to ensure they have the confidence and knowledge to make informed financial decisions and achieve their long-term goals.

Source: Axis MF Internal Research, AMFI

(Internal data as on 31st December 2023 | Survey conducted between 22nd to 29th February 2024)

About Axis Mutual Fund: Axis Mutual Fund is one of India`s fastest growing assets managers offering a comprehensive bouquet of asset management products across mutual funds (https://www.axismf.com/), portfolio management services and alternative investments (https://www.axisamc.com/homepage).

Note on methodology: With the objective of mining insights on women investor’s investment behaviour, Axis Mutual Fund conducted a PAN India survey with existing investors via email where more than 1100 investors actively participated. Axis Mutual Fund further conducted a study on over ~1 cr existing investor data to understand the investment trend. The survey consisted of 9 questions on mutual fund investments and 6 demographic questions to understand the profile of the respondent.

Top 30 cities refers to Top 30 cities in India and Other than top 30 cities refers to beyond Top 30 cities in India as on 31-Mar-2022, on AMFI: https://www.amfiindia.com/distributor-corner/circulars-and-announcements/listoftop30cities.

Code AI: 2 Day International Conference On AI And Data Science Wrapped Up In Bengaluru

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), a constituent institute of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru, hosted CODE-AI, powered by CGI and in collaboration with Linnaeus University, Sweden, and SUPSI (University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland) on the 3rd and 4th of July at their campus in Bengaluru.

To set the event in motion, on 3rd of July, post a rousing invocation by Ms. Bhavana (Research Scholar) MIT and welcome speech by Dr. Dayananda P (General Chair) HOD - IT, MIT -B’LRU the lamp was lit by the present dignitaries, signalling the start of the event.

Dr. Gururaj H L (Program Chair) Associate Professor, IT, MIT B’LRU made some insightful opening remarks about the conference, following which chief guest Ashok Chaturvedula, Senior Vice-President, Financial Services, Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence, CGI was introduced by Dr. Gopalkrishnan T (Program Chair), Associate Professor, IT, MIT B’LRU. Dr Yashaswini, Assistant Professor, IT was the master of the ceremony.

Addressing the attendees, Ashok Chaturvedula said “As Artificial Intelligence continues to advance and rapidly transform the way we live and work, the collaboration between industry and academia is crucial to address the war for talent in the coming years. As industry leaders, it is our responsibility to collaborate with academic institutions to nurture the next generation that is not only skilled in AI but also prepared to embrace innovation. CGI is pleased to be affiliated with Manipal Academy of Higher Education - MIT, and this conference further highlights our commitment to leading the next wave of change by example”.

After the conference remarks by the chief guest, the audience was addressed by Dr. Prema K V (Associate Director & General Chair) and the Guests of Honour, Dr. Francesco Flammini (Professor, SUSPI, Switzerland) and Dr. Sandip Chakraborty (Associate Professor, IIT Kharagpur) were introduced.

Speaking about the event, Dr. Francesco Flammini said “The primary goal of this event is to showcase global talent and shine a spotlight on innovative minds. Leveraging AI is crucial in tackling the myriad societal challenges we face today, and this conference aims to inspire individuals to thoughtfully integrate AI into their solutions. This platform offers an exceptional opportunity to network with experts across various disciplines and collaborate on groundbreaking solutions."

Director & General Chair, MIT-B, Dr. Jagannath Karody provided thoughts and remarks on the conference. He said “We are inaugurating a very interesting conference. A B.Tech. in Data Science and AI is a new and much needed combination in India and the event will provide insights to students from both fields, by bringing in required experts. I congratulate the faculty and CGI for coming together and making this a successful event for our students.”

Dr. Madhu Veeraraghavan (Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE BLR) said “I heartily congratulate the faculty and the CGI and would like to draw attention to the collaborative work with the practitioners. We believe in changing with time, and in learning from the industry experts, so we can impart our learnings to our students”.

An enlightening panel discussion was held on the topic “Being Future Ready in Gen AI World” with panellists Deepa Jayanna (Director Consulting Delivery, CGI), Dr. Francesco Flammini (Professor, SUSPI, Switzerland), Raghav Kumar P (Vice President Consulting, Energy and Utilities APAC Solutions), Badri Ramakrishnan (AI Explorer, Technology Leader Lulumelon India) and moderated by Harikrishnan KS (Vice-President and Director Consulting and Sub BU lead Manufacturing, CGI). Various elements of AI and data science were covered, and panellists explored the possibility of students and trainees being prepared to work with AI to their best capabilities in the future.

Following the conclusion of the conference, a series of sessions were held on the topics Data Science (Chaired by Dr. Ramesh B, Professor, Department of CSE, MCE Hassan & Dr. Sandeep Chaurasia, Manipal University, Jaipur and co-ordinated by Dr. Soumyalatha Naveen), Industrial Application (Chaired by Dr. Chandrika J, Professor & Head ,Department of CSE , MCE Hassan & Bharathi Mekala, Director Consulting Expert, CGI and co-ordinated by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Godi), IoT, Security, Cloud Computing, Networks (Chaired by Dr. Sunitha N R, Professor & Head , Department of CSE , SIT, Tumkur & Manohar Reddy Gali, Director Consulting Expert, CGI and co-ordinated by Dr. S. Vaishnavi), Image, Video and Signal Processing (Chaired by Dr. Sowmyarani CN , Associate Professor, RVCE Bengaluru Dr. Swamy D R, Executive Director, Research, KS Group and co-ordinated by Dr. Madhura K), Data Science (Chaired by Dr. Paramesha K , Professor ,Department of CSE , VVCE, Mysuru & Sriram Padmanabhan, Manager Consulting Expert, CGI and co-ordinated by Dr. Anitha Premkumar), Computer and Information Technology (Chaired by Dr. Prakash K Sonwalkar, Professor and Head, Dept. of CSE (AIML), Jain College of Engineering and Research, Belagavi & Sudev Bhat, Manager Consulting Delivery, CGI and co-ordinated by Dr. Amreen Ayesha), Data Science (Chaired by Dr. M V Sudhamani, Professor, ISE, BMSCE Bengaluru & Dr. Mohana Kumar S, MSRIT Bengaluru and co-ordinated by Dr. Anil Kumar), Industrial Application (Chaired by Dr. SANJEEV S. SANNAKKI, Professor & Head, Dept. Of CS&E, Gogte Institute of Technology, Belgaum Dr. Vindhya Malagi, Professor, Dept. of AI & ML, DSCE and co-ordinated by Dr. P. Devisivasankari), IoT, Security, Cloud Computing, Networks (chaired by Dr. Rajendra A B, Professor, Dept. of ISE, VVCE, Mysuru & Dr. S Srividhya , Professor and Head, Department of ISE, BNMIT, Bengaluru and co-ordinated by Dr. Abhijit Das), Image, Video and Signal Processing (chaired by Dr. P V Bhaskar Reddy, Professor, School of Computer Science and Engineering, REVA University & Saji Gopi, Director Consulting Delivery, CGI and co-ordinated by Mr. Prakash B Metre) Dr. Shreyas J (Program Co-chair), Assistant Professor, IT, MIT B’LRU delivered the vote of thanks to conclude the conference on day 1. 

The 2nd day of conference on 4th of July began with a welcome speech by Dr. Gopalkrishnan T (Program Chair), Associate Professor, IT, MIT B’LRU, followed by a report on the conference by Dr. Shreyas J (Program Co-Chair). Closing remarks on the conference were then provided by Dr. Dayananda P (General Chair) HOD - IT, MIT -B’LRU and participants of the conference provided their feedback, following which the Best Paper Award was presented to the awardees and the conference was addressed by Dr. Jagannatha Karody (Director & General Chair, MIT-B).

A series of sessions were carried out, before the start of the day’s events, on the topics Data Science (Chaired by Dr. Geeta R Bharamgoudar, Professor, Dept. of CSE, KLEIT, Hubli. Dr. Mamatha T, Professor and Head, Dept of MCA, ATRIA Institute of Technology and co-ordinated by Dr. Preethi) Industrial Application (chaired by Dr. Supreeth S, Associate Professor, CSE, Reva university & Dilip K Pulamathi, Manager Consulting Delivery, CGI and co-ordinated by Dr. Kshama S B) IoT, Security, Cloud Computing, Networks (Chaired by  Dr. Shashikumar G Totad, Professor, Dept. of Robotics and Automation, KLE University, Hubli & Dr. Jayanthi, Associate Professor, Dept. of ISE, CiTech and co-ordinated by Dr. Ruhul Amin Hazarika) Data Science (Chaired by Dr. Naveen Kumar C M, Associate Professor, Department of CSBS , MCE Hassan Dr Rekha K S, Associate Professor, Dept. of CSE, NIE Mysuru and co-ordinated by Dr. Sumanth V) Data Science (Chaired by Dr. Krishna Prakasha K, Associate Professor, Department of Information Communication and Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal & Dr. Manju N, Associate Professor, Dept. of ISE, JSSTU, Mysuru and co-ordinated by Dr. Yashaswini K A) Computer and Information Technology (Chaired by Dr. Manjula R Bharamgoudar, Professor and IQAC Vertical Head, School of Electronics and Computer Engineering, REVA University, Bangalore & Dr. Ramesh G, Associate Professor | Dept. of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Alvas Institute of Engineering and Technology, Moodbidre and co-ordinated by Dr. Sangeeta Sangani) Data Science (Chaired by Dr. Suresh L, Professor, Dept. of ISE, RNSIT, Bengaluru Dr. Niranjanmurthy M, Associate Professor, Dept of AI ML, BMSIT Bengaluru and co-ordinated by Dr. Amreen Ayesha) Industrial Application ( Chaired by Dr. Malathi S Y, Associate Professor, Dept. of Information Science and Engineering, KLEIT, Hubli & Dr. S K Lakshmanprabhu, Assistant Manager, Tech Lead and co-ordinated by Dr. Karthik S A) Computer and Information Technology (Chaired by Dr. Jayanna HS , Dean-Academics, SIT Tumkur & Apurba Kalita, Director Consulting Delivery, CGI and co-ordinated by Dr. S. Vaishnavi) Image, Video and Signal Processing (Chaired by Dr. B M Sagar, Professor & Head, Dept. of ISE , RVCE, Bengaluru & Prof. Manjunath TK Assoc Prof. and HOD, Dept. of AI&DS, KS SCHOOL OF ENG. AND MANAGEMENT and co-ordinated by Mrs. Snigdha Sen) Computer and Information Technology (Chaired by Dr. Preethi, Prof. & Head, Dept. of ISE, CiTech, Bengaluru & Anindya Ghosh, Director Consulting Delivery, CGI and co-ordinated by Ms. Sapna R) Data Science (Chaired by Venkata S M, Manager Consulting Expert, CGI& Dr. M S Bhargavi, Associate Professor, Dept. of CSE, Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bengaluru and co-ordinated by Dr. Madhura K) IoT, Security, Cloud Computing, Networks (Chaired by Dr. S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Professor and Head , Dept. of AI & DS, NMIT, Bengaluru & Manjunatha Mallesh, Manager Consulting Delivery, CGI and co-ordinated by Dr. Soumyalatha Naveen)

To wrap up the 2-day event, a vote of thanks and a token of appreciation was provided to organizers and volunteers by Dr. Gururaj H L (Program Chair) Associate Professor, IT, MIT B’LRU.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bengaluru (MAHE B’LRU):

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.

Raymond Announces Vertical Demerger Of Its Real Estate Business

Raymond Limited today announced the vertical demerger of its Real Estate Business into its wholly owned subsidiary, Raymond Realty Limited (RRL). Upon completion of this demerger, Raymond Ltd and Raymond Realty Limited (RRL) will operate as separate listed entities within the Raymond Group post all statutory approvals. The new entity will seek automatic listing on stock exchanges and according to the scheme of arrangement, each Raymond Ltd (RL) shareholder will receive 1 share of RRL for every 1 share held in Raymond Limited.

This strategic move comes as Raymond's Real Estate Business has achieved scale, reporting revenue of INR 1,593 Cr. (43% YoY growth) and EBITDA of INR 370 Cr. in FY24, positioning it well to chart its own growth path as a separate entity. Raymond Realty has ~100 acres of land in Thane with ~11.4 mn sq ft RERA approved carpet area of which about 40 acres is currently under development. There are five ongoing projects worth ?9,000 crore on its Thane land, with an additional potential to generate more than ?16,000 crore, making a total potential revenue of over ?25,000 crore from this land bank. Leveraging an asset-light model, recently Raymond Realty has launched its first JDA project in Bandra, Mumbai. Additionally, Raymond has signed three new JDAs in Mahim, Sion, and one more in Bandra East Mumbai, taking the combined revenue potential from four JDA projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to over ?7,000 crore. With the development of Thane Land Bank and current 4 JDA’s gives company the potential revenue of ? 32,000 crore.

Commenting on the development, Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman C Managing Director, Raymond Limited said; “Having stated that now we have clear three vectors of growth at Raymond group i.e. Lifestyle, Real Estate and Engineering, this corporate action is in line with creating shareholder value creation. This strategy to demerge the Real Estate business into a separate company that will be listed through automatic route is another step to enhance the shareholder value. The existing shareholders of Raymond Limited will get the shares in the new listed Real Estate company in a ratio of 1:1.”

The demerger aligns with Raymond Group's stated objectives of simplifying its corporate structure and enhancing shareholder value for operational and structural benefits. Leveraging Raymond's institutional strength, the move will allow for independent, dedicated management teams with industry-specific expertise to sharpen business focus and tailor investment strategies to each sector's unique dynamics.

About Raymond

Raymond is India’s largest integrated worsted suiting manufacturer that offers end-to-end solutions for fabric and garmenting. Over the years, Raymond has been synonymous with quality, innovation and market leadership. It has some of the leading brands within its portfolio ‘Raymond Ready to Wear’, ‘Park Avenue’, ‘ColorPlus’, ‘Parx’, ‘Raymond Made to Measure’ and ‘Ethnix by Raymond’ amongst others. Raymond has one of the largest exclusive retail networks in the country with about 1,450 stores in more than 600 towns. The group has a presence in the engineering space engaged in precision engineered products with an expansive presence in national as well as international markets. Raymond forayed into realty sector through the launch of its maiden project Ten X Habitat spread across 14 acres housing ~3,100 residential units, followed by launch of a premium residential project – The Address by GS housing ~550 residential units, Ten X Era with ~ 900 residential units. Recently, Raymond launched a new project The Address by GS 2.0 with ~ 440 units and The Invictus by GS with ~ 102 residential units. Recently company has launched its first JDA project in Bandra, Mumbai with ~ 782 residential units.

To know more, visit us today at  www.raymond.in

The All-New BMW R 12 NineT And The All-New BMW R 12 Launched In India

* Classic, purist design as a retro Roadster (BMW R 12 nineT) and as a casual Cruiser (BMW R 12)

* 2-cylinder Boxer engine with a capacity of 1,170 cc

* Exemplary craftsmanship with classic trellis frame, a flatly arranged shock absorber and a revised engine periphery.

* Headlight Pro, Key less ride & Riding Modes available as standard.

* #BMWMotorrad #R12 #R12nineT

The all-new BMW R 12 nineT and the all-new BMW R 12 have been launched in India. Both motorcycles will be available as Completely Built-up Units (CBU) and deliveries will commence from September 2024 onwards.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “BMW Motorrad established the segment of classic bikes with the R nineT. This particular segment invites purists riders who want to focus on the original, and at the same time enjoy dynamic riding. The all-new R 12 series takes this path of emotional, original motorcycle riding even further. While the all-new BMW R 12 nineT as a classic roadster aims to make a stylish impression in urban environments, the all-new BMW R 12 embodies a classic cruiser for every day that makes you feel good and allows you to enjoy freedom. The most important values are charisma and individuality. Both motorcycles combine the authentic character of the boxer engine and the design language of traditional motorcycle eras with innovative technology and modular concept that offers the rider maximum customization options.”

The motorcycles will be available at ex-showroom prices as follows –

The all-new BMW R 12 nineT            -           INR 20,90,000

The all-new BMW R 12                      -           INR 19,90,000

*Prices prevailing at the time of invoicing will be applicable. Delivery will be made ex-showroom. Ex-showroom price (inclusive of GST and compensation cess) as applicable but excludes Road Tax, RTO statutory taxes/fees, other local tax/cess levies and insurance. Prices and options are subject to change without prior notice. For further information, please contact your local authorized BMW Motorrad Dealer.

The all-new BMW R 12 nineT is available in the following color schemes – Base in Blackstorm metallic, Optional Style–Option 719 “Aluminium” in brushed aluminium / Night Black solid paint and Optional Color San Remo Green metallic. The all-new BMW R 12 is available in the following color schemes – Base in Blackstorm metallic, Optional Style – Option 719 in Avus Silver metallic and optional Color Aventurine Red metallic.

To enable customers to own BMW Motorrad motorcycles of their choice, BMW Financial Services India offers customized and flexible financial solutions. Customers can also get their loans approved before delivery takes place. For complete peace of mind, all BMW Motorrad bikes come with a standard warranty for ‘three years, unlimited kilometers’, with an option to extend the warranty to fourth and fifth year. Road-Side Assistance, a 24x7 365 days package further ensures prompt services in case of breakdown and towing situations.

The all-new BMW R 12 nineT and the all-new BMW R 12.

The all-new BMW R 12 nineT and the all-new BMW R 12 are available as a roadster and cruiser, each offering a classic design and optimal ergonomics. The all-new BMW R 12 nineT and the all-new R 12 are built on a common, versatile base with a now one-piece tubular spaceframe, an airbox positioned flat under the seat and an angled spring strut. It offers freedom in designing the seats and side lines. On the all-new BMW R 12 nineT the aluminium tank with brushed and clear-coated side panels, the seat, and the tail-hump create a rising, dynamic line. The focus on essential design is supported by the compact and short rear end. The shorter fuel tank, which is 30 mm shorter and narrower in the rear, ensures significantly improved ergonomics and a more front-oriented seating position compared to its predecessor. On the all-new BMW R 12, the steel tank, reminiscent of the so-called “Toaster Tanks” of the 1970s BMW /5 models, emphasises the typical design language of a cruiser in a classic teardrop shape and forms a descending line with low-mounted rear wheel cover. The large 19-inch front wheel and the small 16-inch rear wheel complement this harmoniously. The classic cruiser design is also reflected in the relaxed seating position with low seat height and wide handlebars.

The new Heritage models display a strong attention to detail. This is evident in numerous features, such as the intricately designed front fender bracket or the LED headlight - with a black-framed light guide element on the R 12 nineT. The instrument panel also seamlessly integrates into the overall style. On the R 12 nineT, it features two round instruments in a traditional design, while the R 12 has a single round instrument. The LED turn indicator lights on the upper fork bridge are harmoniously equipped with tinted smoke lenses. The all-new R 12 nineT also has smoke-lens turn indicator lights at the rear, while the all-new R 12 features integrated functional turn indicator lights.

Both the all-new R 12 models feature an air/oil-cooled boxer engine, providing both powerful and character performance. The engine with 101 mm bore, 73 mm stroke and 1,170 cc capacity delivers 80 kW (109 hp) in the R 12 nineT at 7,000 rpm and the maximum torque of 115 Nm is reached at 6,500 rpm. In the R12, 70 kW (95 hp) are available at 6,500 rpm and 110 Nm are generated at 6,000 rpm.

The centrepiece of the all-new BMW R 12 models is the completely newly developed tubular bridge steel spaceframe. The new frame eliminates the need for previous fastenings, reducing weight and giving the new R 12 models a cleaner and more classic appearance. The rear frame, also made of tubular steel, is bolted to the main frame. The left-mounted “Twin Pipe” exhaust system with two rear silencers with reverse cone design caters to both the desire for a classically designed roadster and a cruiser. On the all-new BMW R 12 nineT, the manifolds and the front silencer are chrome-plated and the rear silencer is electro-polished. The all-new R 12, on the other hand, features electro-polished manifolds along with a front silencer and rear silencer with a brushed surface.

The all-new R 12 nineT and R 12 feature upside-down telescopic forks with a 45 mm slider tube diameter. The rear wheel suspension of the R 12 nineT features a Paralever swinging arm combined with a directly linked sprint strut, which is now angled diagonally compared to the previous R nineT series.

On the front wheel of the all-new R 12 nineT and the all-new R 12, a twin disc brake with two radially mounted 4-piston monobloc brake callipers and 310 mm diameter provides stable and efficient braking power. A single disc brake with 2-piston floating calliper and 265 mm diameter is used on the rear wheel. The all-new R 12 models are already equipped with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro as standard. ABS Pro also offers more safety when braking in bends by enabling ABS-assisted braking when leaning into corners.

Both all-new R 12 models are equipped with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), which ensures a high level of driving safety when accelerating. In addition, the all-new R 12 Models equipped with standard engine drag torque control and Tyre Pressure Control.

The revs of the R 12 models are now shown with the multiplication factor 100 in the standard round instruments. The standard adaptive Headlight Pro light system in both the models offer even more safety at night. The standard Keyless Ride system replaces the conventional ignition lock on the new R 12 models.

The all-new R 12 nineT already features the "Rain", "Road" and "Dynamic" riding modes as standard and the new R 12 has the "Roll" and "Rock" riding modes so the rider can adapt the riding behaviour to his personal preferences.

Optional Packages:

The Hill Start Control Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, heated grips and cruise control are all available as part of the optional Comfort package in both the models.

Option 719 “Aluminium” Style in the all-new BMW R 12 nineT stylishly combines traditional and dark look milled components together with the vibrant solid Racing red frame complete the heritage look of the bike. The single seater lends a touch of dynamism to the motorcycle.

Option 719 Style Avus Silver metallic paintwork sets the machine apart with the dark contrasts highlighting the high-grade milled component package. Another standout optional package in all-new BMW R12 is the Option 719 seat with gold-coloured stitching and the design option exhaust system.

A comprehensive range of original BMW Motorcycle accessories & gears are available for further individualization.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Accelerates ‘Green Wave Initiative’ Through ‘Miyawaki Concept’ Driven Afforestation And Sapling Distribution

Towards its commitment to environmental sustainability, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) further accelerates the ‘Green Wave Project’ commemorating this year’s environment month. Aimed at enhancing its nature conservation activity in the community, TKM distributed saplings to its employees, under its sixth challenge namely ‘Establishing a Future Society in Harmony with Nature’, contributing towards the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050. This eco campaign continues to drive active community involvement to promote greenery, through employee engagement.

The company has successfully distributed 7000+ saplings to its employees, marking significant progress towards its 8,000-sapling target set under its plantation activity. In this direction, TKM employees are encouraged to plant and nurture the distributed saplings within their neighbourhoods and submit periodic reports on plant growth. They have been enthusiastically involving their local communities in afforestation activities, fostering a collective effort to create a greener environment.

Towards this, it is noteworthy to mention about Toyota’s tree plantation activities that are strongly driven by adopting a unique concept namely the ‘Miyawaki Method of Afforestation’ since 2009, and TKM was the first corporate in India to implement such plantation methodology. TKM’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and ecological restoration is yielding remarkable results, as evidenced by the numerous advantages of the Miyawaki approach. A comprehensive study conducted in collaboration with experts from Bangalore University revealed that the Miyawaki method excels in carbon sequestration, capturing an impressive 30.86 tons of carbon per acre.

By doing so, TKM not only restored native habitats but also created self-sustaining ecosystem that contribute to a healthier planet. Under the guidance of Late. Dr. Akira Miyawaki himself, TKM initiated its maiden Miyawaki plantation drive, way back in 2009, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards conservation of greenery and eco-consciousness. Since that momentous day, TKM's plantation drives have continued to evolve and expanded to 112 acres of green cover within the factory premises, out of which 32 acres of afforestation has been developed using Miyawaki method. Today, Toyota’s manufacturing facility, located in Bidadi, proudly boasts more than 328,000 trees of over 790 native species planted within its premises. The results have been truly awe-inspiring, with a remarkable increase in biodiversity observed over the years. From a mere 181 plant species, the count has surged to an impressive 790, while the number of faunal species has risen from 76 to 284. The vibrant ecosystem now encompasses 88 bird varieties, 38 butterfly species, 107 insects, 17 reptiles, 8 mammals, and 6 amphibians, reflecting the successful development of a thriving native forest ecosystem.

In addition, TKM has created an experiential environmental learning centre ‘Ecozone’ (spread across 25 acres with 17 theme parks and home to 65,000 trees with 650 native species) for children, teachers, community members and other stakeholders, within its manufacturing facility aimed at creating the environment leaders and change champions for the future, to usher in desired behavioural change in the communities. This green zone depicts the creation of dense forest within the plant facility using the ‘Miyawaki Concept’ of plantation. The forests are dominantly planted with species of 4 major forest types such as Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous, Semi-evergreen and Evergreen Forest, covering 21 different sub-concepts such as Pollination meadows, herbal garden, plants for spices etc. So far, more than 42,000+ students & other stakeholders have been covered through ecozone initiative.

Expressing his thoughts, Mr. B. Padmanabha, Executive Vice President & Director of Manufacturing - Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we recognize that environmental and social sustainability are just as crucial as economic progression. Guided by Toyota’s Global Environmental Challenge 2050 (six challenges announced in 2015), our sustainability efforts are far reaching that go beyond product zero emissions. While the first three challenges seek to achieve zero carbon emissions covering the entire life cycle of our products, across manufacturing operations as well as our value chain, the last three challenges focuses to achieve water conservation, establishing recycled based society and living in harmony with nature.

We believe that a sustainable future is built through collective action and community involvement, as exemplified by one of our eco initiatives - Green Wave Program that covers afforestation (plantation drives, distribution of saplings), sharing best practices (e.g. Miyawaki plantation methodology), creating awareness on nature conservation and imbibing good eco behaviour (Toyota Ecozone – Experiential Eco Learning). Together with our employees and other stakeholders, we aim to catalyse positive change in the community to safeguard the environment to the future.”

Last year, over 5,000 saplings were planted by TKM employees, driven by both company’s plantation efforts as well individually, promoting mass afforestation within and outside the company premises. We also encourage our employees to visit Ecozone and confirm the growth of the plants. Building on these successes, TKM continues to enhance the nature conservation activities by encouraging and sharing the best practices on plantation activities across its value chain, including its suppliers and dealers, promoting the wider adoption of greenery along with other sustainable initiatives such as 'No Plastic' campaign, reducing water usage, and minimizing carbon footprints in operations.

TKM remains dedicated to its vision of "Mass Happiness for all" and strives to inspire individuals and stakeholders to actively participate in environmental conservation.

Samsung Opens Pre-Reserve For Next Galaxy Z Series Foldable Smartphones

Samsung, India’s largest electronics brand, said consumers can now pre-reserve its next Galaxy Z series foldable smartphones to become eligible for early access and special offers.

Customers can pre-reserve the next Galaxy Z series foldable smartphones by paying a token amount of INR 2000 on Samsung.com, Samsung Exclusive Stores, Amazon.in, Flipkart.com and leading retail outlets across India. Consumers who pre-reserve the next Galaxy Z series smartphones will get benefits worth up to INR 7000 on purchase of these products.

Samsung had recently announced that it would launch the next generation of Galaxy Z series smartphones and ecosystem devices at its global event on July 10. The Galaxy Unpacked event will be hosted in Paris — where the iconic cultural nexus and trend epicentre becomes the perfect backdrop for the rollout of our latest cutting-edge innovations, Samsung said in a statement.

“The next frontier of Galaxy AI is coming. Prepare to discover the power of Galaxy AI, now infused into the latest Galaxy Z series and the entire Galaxy ecosystem. Get ready for a world of possibilities as we enter a new phase of mobile AI,” the company added.

Samsung India also announced pre-reserve for the next Samsung Galaxy wearable and hearable devices. Customers can pre-reserve Samsung’s next Galaxy ecosystem products with a token amount of INR 1999 and avail benefits worth up to INR 6499 on purchase of these products.

Samsung will optimize the Galaxy AI experience for the upcoming foldable devices to deliver a completely new and unique AI experience, according to analysts.

Mahindra Lifespaces Closes Deals Worth Rs 2050 Crore, Strengthening Presence In Key Markets

* Secures third redevelopment project in Mumbai with a GDV potential of Rs 1800 crore

* Acquires land parcel in Bengaluru's Singasandra with a GDV potential of Rs 250 crore

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, today announced the closure of two deals aggregating to Rs 2050 crore in Gross Development Value (GDV). These strategic moves include securing a third redevelopment project in Mumbai and acquiring a prime land parcel in Bengaluru, further strengthening the Company's foothold in two of India's most dynamic real estate markets.

Mahindra Lifespaces has been chosen as the preferred partner for the redevelopment of seven residential societies in prestigious Borivali West, Mumbai neighborhood. This project offers an estimated Gross Development Value of approximately Rs 1800 crore. The project will be developed under state’s cluster redevelopment policy.

The Company has recently acquired 2.37 acres of land in Singasandra, South Bengaluru, located next to its existing Mahindra Zen project, which received a stupendous response at launch. The land is estimated to have a developable potential of approximately 0.25 million square feet, with a Gross Development Value of around INR 250 crore.

Amit Kumar Sinha, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd., said, “These strategic moves in Mumbai and Bengaluru, with a combined GDV potential of ?2050 crore, mark a significant milestone in our growth trajectory. Our third redevelopment project in Mumbai, with a GDV of ?1800 crore, reinforces our commitment to urban renewal by creating value in established neighborhoods. Simultaneously, our ?250 crore GDV land acquisition in Bengaluru's Singasandra area positions us to further capitalize on the city's robust real estate demand. Both deals align with our focus on high-potential markets and underscore Mahindra Lifespaces' dedication to delivering quality living spaces across diverse urban landscapes. As we strengthen our presence in key markets, we remain poised for sustained growth and value creation in India's dynamic real estate sector.”

Rain And Shine: The Brilliance Of Diamonds During Monsoon

A relentless summer is in retreat and raindrops are starting to fall on our heads!  This monsoon, pair your waterproof makeup and chic rain wear with brilliant diamond jewellery. Natural Diamonds are tough stuff and resistant to the vagaries of nature.  They won’t discolour, fade or wear down and can literally take all the pressure the earth has to offer. Rain, or shine, they make delightful companions and can multitask from day to evening or from school runs to board meetings. What’s more, they remind us of happy moments and chase any monsoon blues away.

Toranj Mehta, Director - Marketing, De Beers Forevermark, forecasts major trends to perk up your rainy day look.

Solitaire Diamond Pendant

A classic diamond pendant is simple and eternal piece of jewellery. When the weather Gods promise drama in the skies and waterworks on earth, stay grounded with a timeless, solitaire pendant. This is a timeless trend that can be worn comfortably from day to night and accentuates any outfit.

Hoop Earrings

Here’s a fun idea that you don’t have to jump through hoops for. Monsoon fashion involves dressing for convenience that can be beautifully complemented with rings, not just on your fingers, but on your ears! Diamond hoops in all sizes are making waves this season. From tiny to oversized hoops, and from delicate hoops to bold ones, there is a pair for every personality. Let them frame your face, elongate your neck and lift your mood as you take cover from dark clouds.  

Tennis Bracelets

Monsoon jewellery trends emphasize functionality and versatility, aligning with the practical considerations of the season. Diamond tennis bracelets are fast becoming a daily wear diamond staple that weathers all seasons. The best thing about tennis bracelets is how they add elegance to any outfit.  Sport one and sway all with their fluid charm - its game set and match with all advantage to you with this one!

Two Stone Diamond Rings

What’s better than a solitaire?  Two solitaires! Let unique two stone diamond rings hug your fingers during a wet spell. Innovatively designed with a pave finish on two lines, these rings keep the spotlight shining on you even on washed out days. If the weather is too overcast to refresh your manicure, simply glam up your digits with these big bling rings!  Yes, they offer a look of opulence and can be worn as statement rings too. Pick up your cuppa chai causally while wearing one and watch conversations spark!

HDFC Life Certified As One Of ‘India’s Best Companies To Work For’ 2024 And ‘Best In Industry For Life Insurance’

* HDFC Life, a leading life insurer in India, has been recognised as one of ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For’ 2024 by Great Place to Work.

The company achieved the 11th position overall and was honoured as the ‘Best in Industry’ for Life Insurance’. It also features among the Laureates, marking a decade of recognition.

One of India’s first private life insurers, HDFC Life has over 32,000 employees and upholds a strong organisational culture founded on the values of Excellence, People Engagement, Integrity, Customer Centricity & Collaboration (EPICC).

This certification reflects the Company’s value-driven culture and commitment to delivering value to all stakeholders.

Vibhash Naik, Chief Human Resources Officer, HDFC Life, stated “We are honoured to be recognised as one of ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For’ in 2024 and as the ‘Best in Industry for Life Insurance’. Our teams’ dedication and commitment drive our success, and we are devoted to their growth and wellbeing. As we strive towards financial security for all Indians, we remain focussed on our goal of ‘Insurance for all’ by 2047.”

About HDFC Life

Established in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited ('HDFC Life'/ ‘Company’) is a leading, listed, long-term life insurance solutions provider in India, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs such as Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity, and Health. The Company has more than 83 products (including individual and group products) and optional riders in its portfolio, catering to a diverse range of customer needs.

HDFC Life was promoted by erstwhile Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC Ltd.), and Abrdn (Mauritius Holdings) 2006 Limited (abrdn) (formerly Standard Life (Mauritius Holdings) 2006 Limited), a global investment company. Consequent to implementation of the Scheme of Amalgamation of HDFC Ltd. with HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank (“Bank”), the Bank has become promoter of the Company, in place of HDFC Ltd, effective from July 1, 2023.

Further, consequent to reclassification of abrdn from “Promoter” category to “Public” category in accordance with Regulation 31A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, HDFC Bank has become sole promoter of the Company, effective December 12, 2023.The name/letter 'HDFC' in the name/logo of HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (HDFC Life) belongs to HDFC Bank Limited.

HDFC Life has a nation-wide presence with its own branches and additional distribution touch-points through several tie-ups and partnerships. The count of distribution partnerships is over 300, comprising banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, and new ecosystem partners amongst others. The Company has a strong base of financial consultants.

For more information, visit www.hdfclife.com.You may also connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Kenstar, Leader In Air Cooler Segment, Now Launches “Large Appliances”

Kenstar proudly hosted its Annual Business Meet at the prestigious Hyatt Manesar, gathering over 1000 partners for a day of celebration, collaboration, and future planning.

Record-Breaking Achievements in BY 2023-24

The business year 2023-24 marked a milestone for Kenstar as the company achieved a remarkable 130% target with an impressive 55% growth.

In his keynote address, Kenstar CEO Mr. Sunil Jain highlighted the regional and global triumphs of Kenstar: "Leading in the entire South region, we have reclaimed our number 1 position in Karnataka. Our dominance continues in the East and West markets, with strengthened positions in Orissa and West Bengal. Here in the North, the demand for big coolers is surging. Our journey to becoming a leader in this segment has shown tremendous response. With these achievements, we are on our path to becoming the No. 1 Air Cooler Brand in the country.

We kept pace with today’s customers’ needs. We started our online e-commerce and large format association journey. In just a few years, we are already one of the fastest-growing brands in the country on both e-commerce and large format channels.

Our success extends beyond India, with footprints in over 30 countries. We are leaders in the SAARC, Middle East, and Africa regions."

The event was graced by the presence of Kenstar’s brand ambassadors, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa, who added star power to the occasion by unveiling Kenstar’s latest range of large appliances.

Kenstar unveiled a comprehensive range of large appliances, including double-door frost-free refrigerators, split air conditioners, and fully automatic washing machines. With this launch, Kenstar now offers a full stack of Home Appliances, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

In addition to expanding into large appliances, Kenstar showcased its commitment to offering the latest technology to customers by launching new BLDC cooler models at the Annual Meet. This advancement highlights Kenstar’s dedication to providing energy-efficient and high-performance products.

Kenstar also continues to maintain a strong focus on its core categories, including Air Coolers, Small Home Appliances and water heaters. The company has significantly expanded its SKUs in these categories, now boasting over 100 SKUs in small home appliances alone.

About Kenstar

For over 27 years, Kenstar has been a pioneer in delighting customers with best in class appliances that bring joy and comfort to everyday living. Kenstar today offers appliances across a wide variety of categories including coolers, small home appliances, heating appliances, washing machines, refrigerators & air conditioners. Kenstar prides itself in continually innovating to bring the latest products to its customers, earning a loyal and happy customer base.

Rummytime And ClearTax Join Forces To Empower Rummy Players For Seamless ITR Filing And Nation Building

Rummytime, one of India’s first leading skill-based rummy platforms offering multilingual game options, recently announced its strategic partnership with ClearTax, India’s premier tax and finance platform. This collaboration aims to assist all Rummy players in filing their Income Tax Returns (ITR) seamlessly and cost effectively.

All Rummy players, whether they are users of Rummytime or other Rummy apps, can avail the benefits of this offer by registering with the platform. As part of this association, all Rummy players registered with Rummytime, who file their taxes either self or CA assisted through ClearTax will get the amount paid by them to ClearTax, in the form of ‘Discount Credits’ in their game wallet maintained on the Rummytime application. Additionally, the option of using CA Assistance in regional languages will also be provided on Cleartax. Through this association, Rummytime is supporting the government’s efforts in increasing the number of people in the income tax net and aligning with the nation’s broader efforts to promote financial inclusion and compliance.

Divya Alok Agarwal, Director - Rummytime said, “As one of the country’s leading Rummy platforms, Rummytime doesn't just focus on its own players but on the entire Rummy playing community. We are thrilled to partner with ClearTax to enable effortless ITR filing for all Rummy players. This collaboration will not only make tax filing easier and ensure that our community complies with tax regulations without any hassle, but also make the experience rewarding via our exciting credit point offers. At Rummytime, we are dedicated to enhancing the overall experience of our users and making their gaming experience seamless.”

To avail the ITR filing service, Rummy players who use other apps need to register on Rummytime. This step ensures they too can enjoy the streamlined tax filing process offered by ClearTax.

Avinash Polepally, Consumer Business Head, ClearTax, said, “Our mission at ClearTax has always been to simplify financial lives for Indians. By teaming up with Rummytime, we can extend our expertise to a broader audience, helping Rummy players navigate the complexities of tax filing easily and confidently.”

ClearTax will also offer CA-assisted filing services for those who prefer expert assistance. The expert assisted services will be available in multiple regional languages, making it easier for players across India to understand and manage their tax obligations.

This partnership marks a significant step towards merging technology and user-centric services, ensuring that the vibrant community of Rummy players can focus on enjoying their games while remaining compliant with their tax responsibilities.

About Rummytime

Rummytime is a leading skill-based online game crafted for rummy lovers characterised by its numerous game variations and other features like quick withdrawals. It is one of  India’s first multilingual rummy platforms for all rummy enthusiasts, offering multiple online rummy variants with the added guarantee of safety, security, and fair play.

The Rummytime app is based on technology and design that aims to infuse the game of rummy with features that are truly a class apart, thanks to its superior gameplay, visually pleasing graphics and exclusive rewards.

About ClearTax

ClearTax is India's premier tax filing solution provider, offering a range of services to simplify tax compliance for individuals and businesses. With cutting-edge technology and expert support, ClearTax has revolutionized the way Indians file their taxes, making the process fast, easy, and stress-free.