Godrej Appliances Forays into Health and Hygiene Space with Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0

The COVID 19 pandemic has made a significant change in Indian consumer behavior when it comes to the priority accorded to safety and hygiene. Consumers are doing their best to protect themselves from the COVID 19 virus, investing time and effort in washing or sanitizing or quarantining things for daily use and consumption that come into the house – without any certainty of the effectiveness of the methods deployed. A consumer dipstick conducted by the company revealed that more than 60% consumers are isolating all parcels and packets for more than a day, washing vegetables and leaving them aside for more than a day and in some cases even washing them in soap water!

Godrej Appliances, a leading Indian consumer durables manufacturer for 62 years, has always endeavored to offer relevant technology suited to Indian consumer needs. During this pandemic, the brand again rises to the occasion to offer another relevant India made product for the Indian consumer to help them tide over these testing times – Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0, a UV-C technology-based device which disinfects against more than 99% COVID 19 Virus in 2-6 minutes. It operates at ~254nm UV wavelength which is optimal for neutralising COVID – 19, other viruses and bacteria. The brand which is known for its trusted offerings has ensured that VIROSHIELD is tested and certified by ICMR empanelled lab for its UVC Irradiance. 

Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 is designed to ensure that both safety and hygiene are addressed. With UV surround technology, Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 uses 4 UV-C tubes & 6 Side Reflective Interiors, which is the highest in the market in its capacity segment, ensuring 360° UVC coverage. Moreover, the cubic design of VIROSHIELD helps in uniform dissemination of the UV-C rays. It is well placed to disinfect anything - from grocery packs to vegetables, mobile phones and masks to gold ornaments, headphones to car keys, toys to currency notes, wallets to spectacles, etc.

Its larger volume of 30 L helps you disinfect more Items together at one go or larger item and saves time & energy. No more spending time washing, soaking, isolating things without knowing if it is helping enough. 

The brand is very particular about consumer safety. Prolonged direct exposure to UVC is harmful to human health. And hence, VIROSHIELD is designed with no see-through surfaces, thick side & door walls, and a gasket-based magnetic sealing system and Auto Cut-off facility as soon as the door is opened, Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 is thus 100% UV leak-proof for human safety. Its leak-proof effectiveness has also been tested and certified. 

The Godrej VIROSHIELD comes with a 1-year comprehensive warranty including on the UVC Lamps and is backed by the highest-ranked Godrej after-sales service assurance. 

Available in pure white, the feature-rich, 30 L, Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 is attractively priced at Rs. 9490, inclusive of taxes. 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Kamal Nandi, Business Head and EVP – Godrej Appliances said, “The pandemic has clearly impacted consumer behaviour. Health and hygiene are paramount concerns of our consumers currently. We have always endeavoured to put forth offerings based on consumer insights and current needs, staying true to the brand philosophy of ’Things made thoughtfully’. We are working on various technologies and innovations, around the themes of health, hygiene, and effort minimisation. In line with the same, we bring to our consumers – Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0, a UV-C technology-based disinfecting device that can protect our consumers and their loved ones from COVID-19, other viruses and bacteria. We want our consumers to not take any chances and be worry-free as they embrace the new normal.” 

Mr. Anup Bhargava, Product Group Head – Refrigerators, Godrej Appliances, further added, “Happy to share that we are launching the brand-new Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 to safeguard our consumers from COVID – 19, other viruses and bacteria, as they deal with the fear of pandemic every day. Certified by ICMR empaneled lab for UVC irradiance, it delivers 99%+ disinfection against COVID-19 in just 2 to 6 minutes. With 360° UV Surround Technology, the 100% UV leak proof Godrej VIROSHIELD 4.0 is feature-rich and very competitively priced for a 30 L offering. With this unique offering, we are targeting a revenue of INR 40 Crore in the year of launch. It has been made available on Amazon already, during its annual event. We are working closely with our e-com partners for online promotions as well. We will be making it available pan India across our network this month itself. Its superior value proposition and positive trade feedback give us the confidence to target a 20% share in this financial year. 

Global Consumer Electronics Giant Hisense to Introduce Next Gen Tech Products in India

Next Gen Tech Products

* Announces the launch of its range of QLED, UHD & Smart televisions on August 6th on Amazon, Flipkart, TataCliQ and Reliance Digital

* Aims to upgrade buyers with entire 4K range having Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technology

* Also plans to bring in Laser TV, 8K Dual Cell TVs along with UHD, Intelligent ACs with Wifi and premium refrigerator in India at enticing prices

Hisense, a leading consumer electronics and appliance manufacturer of the world is entering the India market with a range of products including next generation technology display products like 100” Laser TV, 86” 8K TVs, Dual Cell QLED TV & OLED TV. Besides these futuristic technology products, the brand will be launching its range of QLED, UHD and Smart televisions on August 6th on Amazon, Flipkart, TataCliQ and Reliance Digital followed by Intelligent ACs and premium Side by Side Refrigerators this year.

Known for its glorious 51 Years, Hisense is a global technology leader and has recently acquired the premium European brand Gorenje and leading Japanese brand Toshiba TV in addition to existing portfolio of brands with an aim to expand globally. With both Hisense and Toshiba, the Hisense group is targeting 40 million TV sales aiming at number two position globally. The brand is operating in over 160 countries and is committed to continuous production innovation with 14 Intelligent manufacturing bases and 18 R&D hubs across the globe. The brand also invests 5% of its revenue back into R&D every year. Sports has also been one of keen area of association for the brand and has been associated with FIFA World Cup, Australian Open, Red Bull F1 Racing, UEFA Euro Championships etc and is also the official partner of UEFA Euro 2020.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Rishi Tandon, COO Hisense India said, “We are extremely excited to be a part of one of the biggest growing markets in the world. Our goal is to become an aspirational premium brand offering niche, innovative products and solutions at very competitive prices. Our new Made in India range of Smart & 4K televisions are fully loaded and enhancing consumer delight to make their life better will be a key focus area for us. Our products offer uncompromised quality with a seamless, smart and enjoyable viewing experience.”

Hisense will be launching next generation TV Products including Laser TV’s, World’s first DUAL CELL TV products by end of the year. The brand will also be bringing in a range of Toshiba TVs next month.  Apart from the smart television range, Hisense Group will also introduce its Air Conditioners range with intelligent health filters with smart cooling and big capacity refrigerators in French door concept which is currently out of reach due to limited options for the consumer.

The upcoming new Made in India television series of Hisense Amazing 4K LED TV are specially designed, manufactured and packed with innovation and top-notch technology features based on feature insights from the Indian market at the most competitive price points. In collaboration with Dolby, Hisense 4K TVs will be equipped with Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos for full immersive & engaging cinematic experience.  Dolby Vision, the advanced form of HDR with its Frame by frame processing to brings out the ultimate brightness, color and contrast on screen. Moving audio on screen of Dolby Atmos transports you to the middle of action for a breathtakingly immersive experience The Quantum Dot technology in the TV’s create huge amount of color combinations to present stunning picture quality and Full Array Local Dimming with more dimming zones for better contrast ratio and a bezel-less slim design identity across entire range.

The entire range of Hisense televisions come equipped with the official Android TV 9.0 PIE operating system and official Google Play Store app preloaded giving access to 500,000+ TV shows and movies. The entire range has a Built-in Google Assistant and Built-in Chromecast for a seamless casting of any HD or Full HD content on the big screen.  The range also comes with One touch access feature on the remote, the applications Youtube, Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, Prime Video can be easily browsed through the press of a button.

Starting with Hi to Hisense campaign, the entire range of 4K & Smart televisions will be available online on Amazon, Flipkart, TataCliQ and Reliance Digital starting August 6, 2020.  As an introductory celebration offer and as reinforcer of its confidence on product quality, the brand shall be offering 5 Year warranty on the panel along with certain inaugural discount over its normal operating prices for the first three days of launch i.e. from 6th to 9th Aug 2020.

To ensure consumer delight, the brand shall be ensuring that its service is readily accessible with fast response time and a wide cover having network across more than 18,000 pin codes with 400+ service centers.

Hisense Group has regularly been awarded at international platforms for their product innovation and leadership. The brand received 8 awards in the beginning of 2020 at CES including CES 2020 TOP PICK, Best of CES 2020 for its premium range of LED and Laser TV and Best Fridge Freezer and Induction hob by Trusted Review.

About Hisense

Hisense is global technology leader in manufacturing premium televisions with an impeccable track record of providing top quality products. It is known for its glorious 51 Years of Global Trust and Innovation worldwide. Striving to push the boundaries of innovation and working tirelessly on the research and development, it is one of the world’s leading television manufacturers. Hisense is a leading TV brand worldwide and is also the leading TV brand in countries like Australia, USA, Japan, Mexico and South Africa. Hisense is having footprints globally with presence in over 160+ countries having 14 manufacturing facilities located including countries like Mexico, Slovenia, Serbia, Mexico, Czech, South Africa etc. The group is committed to continuous innovation with 18 R&D hubs across the globe and invests 5% of its revenue back into R&D every year with the sole aim of delivering first-rate and affordable products that improve the lives of consumers.

Godrej Protekt, Indian Railways Parner for Hygiene-Based Safe Rail Travel Program by Introducing Personal & Home Hygiene Range

Travel Safe

* With new products, Godrej Protekt forays in segments like soaps, disinfectant sprays, face masks, fruit & veggie disinfectant and dish washing liquid

* Partnership with Mumbai division of Central Railway for a social initiative to promote safe rail travel and hygiene

To empower people to live fearlessly in the ‘new normal’, Godrej Protekt, India’s trusted hygiene brand from Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), introduces a complete personal and home hygiene range of twelve products. Offering 99.9% protection against germs, bacteria and viruses, the range includes Godrej Protekt Health Soap, Body Wash, Germ Protection Fruit & Veggie Wash, Germ Protection Dish Wash Liquid, INR 1 Hand Sanitiser Sachet, Air & Surface Disinfectant Spray, On the Go Disinfectant Spray, Surface & Skin Anti-Bacterial Wipes, PW95 Face Masks, and Multipurpose Disinfectant Solution.

Till recently, Godrej Protekt was present only in hand hygiene segment with hand sanitisers and handwashes including Mr. Magic – India’s first powder to liquid handwash, in its portfolio. With the new range, Godrej Protekt becomes a complete personal and home hygiene brand. It is foraying for the first time in segments like soaps, disinfectant sprays, face masks, fruit & veggie wash and dish washing liquid. Thus, Godrej Protekt will now offer hygiene based protection for home, kitchen and personal use.  It has also introduced hand sanitiser in a sachet format at INR 1 for the first time.

 

Commenting on the occasion, Sunil Kataria, CEO - India and SAARC, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, “Godrej Protekt's purpose is to alleviate hygiene concerns of consumers with the personal and home hygiene range. We have become a complete hygiene-suite for home, kitchen and personal use. Our key new products include Germ Protection Fruit & Veggie Wash, Germ Protection Dish Wash Liquid, INR 1 Hand Sanitiser Sachet, Air & Surface Disinfectant Spray, On the Go Disinfectant Spray, Surface & Skin Anti-Bacterial Wipes, and Multipurpose Disinfectant Solution. As a brand, Godrej Protekt aims to be INR 500 crore in next 3 years.”

 

He further added, “We have partnered with the Indian Railways' Central Railway zone to promote travel hygiene amongst passengers and rail employees. 2 lac products of our new range like Hand Sanitiser Sachets, On the Go Disinfectant Spray will be used in passenger trains for a safe travel experience. Our Air and Surface Disinfectant Spray will be used to disinfect surfaces of ticket booking counters as well. We look forward to the partnership with Central Railways to build an initiative which will positively impact people's lives.”

As a purpose-driven brand, Godrej Protekt has effectively utilised the new range for an initiative in partnership with Indian Railways’ Central Railway zone. In the new normal, regular activities like rail, flight, and road travel, will be impacted. Health risks perceived by people will need immediate acknowledgement, to boost their confidence and reassure a safe travel experience. Under the aegis of Protekt India Movement, Godrej Protekt and Mumbai division of Central Railway will run a joint program to improve travel hygiene and its awareness amongst passengers and rail employees. The following activities will be undertaken as part of the joint program: 

* Safe travel awareness-raising activities will be conducted at railway stations under Central Railways

* Godrej Protekt Health Soap will be given to railway employees to boost their hand hygiene

* Godrej Protekt Hand Sanitiser sachets to be distributed amongst passengers on Central Railway local trains as well as long-distance trains originating from Mumbai for cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Patna, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, and Gadag

* Godrej Protekt’s On the Go Disinfectant Spray, with 99.9% germ protection and anti-bacterial capabilities, will be used in the above mentioned long-distance trains to disinfect hard surfaces like passenger’s luggage along with handles, seats, armrests, door handles

* Surroundings and surfaces of ticket booking counters of Central Railway stations in Mumbai will be disinfected with Godrej Protekt Air and Surface Disinfectant Spray, an aerosol spray which kills 99.9% germs and bacteria. 87 ticket booking counters of 53 stations between CST upto Karjat, Panvel and Kasara, will be covered

* Both entities will co-create digital content around hygiene practices necessary for rail travel during COVID-19 times. This will be to build awareness amongst 4.12 lac combined followers of Central Railways on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The program will cover close to 400 local and long-distance COVID-19 special trains. The on-train activities will benefit passengers of long-distance trains traveling from Mumbai to states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana, Kerala and other parts of Maharashtra. Passengers of Mumbai local trains running under Central Railways will benefit as well. Around 2 lac products from Godrej Protekt new personal and home hygiene will be offered by Godrej Protekt for this program.

Commenting on the joint program, Gaurav Jha, Sr. DCM, Mumbai Division, Central Railway, said, “Through a joint awareness program with Godrej Protekt, Central Railways highlights its commitment towards health and safety of our passengers and employees. This is a unique social initiative aiming to boost hygiene standards awareness as well as gear them with relevant solutions at select touchpoints. This will encourage people to travel more by rail. We will connect with passengers on-ground, in-train and via digital media through this program. Seeing its success, we can replicate this program across various zones of Indian Railways.”

About Godrej Consumer Products Ltd:

Godrej Consumer Products is a leading emerging markets company. As part of the 123-year young Godrej Group, we are fortunate to have a proud legacy built on the strong values of trust, integrity and respect for others. At the same time, we are growing fast and have exciting, ambitious aspirations.

Today, our Group enjoys the patronage of 1.15 billion consumers globally, across different businesses. In line with our 3 by 3 approach to international expansion at Godrej Consumer Products, we are building a presence in 3 emerging markets (Asia, Africa, Latin America) across 3 categories (home care, personal wash, hair care). We rank among the largest household insecticide and hair care players in emerging markets. In household insecticides, we are the leader in India, the second largest player in Indonesia and are expanding our footprint in Africa. We are the leader in serving the hair care needs of women of African descent, the number one player in hair colour in India and Sub-Saharan Africa, and among the leading players in Latin America. We rank number two in soaps in India and are the number one player in air fresheners and wet tissues in Indonesia.

But for us, it is very important that besides our strong financial performance and innovative, much-loved products, we remain a good company. Approximately 23 per cent of the promoter holding in our Group is held in trusts that invest in the environment, health and education. We are also bringing together our passion and purpose to make a difference through our 'Good & Green' approach to create a more inclusive and greener India.

At the heart of all of this, is our talented team. We take much pride in fostering an inspiring workplace, with an agile and high performance culture. We are also deeply committed to recognising and valuing diversity across our teams.

Emami Healthy & Tasty Unveils Edible Oil Brand with Smart Balance Immunity Booster

Emami Agrotech Ltd., producer of well-known edible oil brand Emami Healthy & Tasty brings yet another innovation in its latest variant of edible oil for the consumers.   The new variant Emami Healthy & Tasty Smart Balance Immunity Booster Oil, offers unique value addition of “immunity’ in edible oil for the very first time in India. 

With 5 scientifically proven immunity boosting nutrients Vitamin A, C, E, D & Omega 3, Emami Healthy & Tasty Smart Balance Immunity Booster Oil, is the 1st edible oil brand in India that promises to enhance one’s immunity from within helping to fight health hazards as a part of one’s regular meal.

The pandemic attack of COVID 19 virus has exposed the vulnerability of humankind like never before. Building up immunity in face of such public health concerns has gained immense relevance in a new normal world all over again.  The new variant from the popular brand Emami Healthy & Tasty addresses this basic need of a consumer to build immunity from within.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Aditya V. Agarwal, Director, Emami Group said, “There is a rising concern of family wellbeing in general in the post COVID 19 world. Consumers are in search of food products and supplements to enhance their family’s immunity.   Amidst this, our Research & Development team has developed India’s 1st Immunity Booster Cooking Oil under the brand name of Emami Healthy & Tasty that promsies to provide ‘Har Nivala, Immunity Wala’.

Emami has a legacy of deep consumer insight and offering product solutions for possible consumer need gaps and we believe that our target consumers would appreciate this product also which will help them to take care of their immunity derived from their daily & regular intake of food.”

Mr.  Manish Goenka, Director, Emami Group commented, “We do strongly believe that Emami Healthy & Tasty Smart Balance Immunity Booster Oil will delight our consumers with both its immunity boosting properties and taste.  It is the first time that any edible oil in India is having 5 key immunity building nutrients together to make this variant a one-stop solution to good health.  Moreover, addition of Vitamin C, well known for its immunity building properties, in an edible oil is also the very first in the country.  Use of Emami Healthy & Tasty Smart Balance Immunity Booster Oil will ensure immunity in every bite one takes.”

Emami Healthy & Tasty Smart Balance Immunity Booster Oil will be available nationally in 1 litre pouch pack priced at Rs 140.

Emami Healthy & Tasty is manufactured and marketed by Emami Agrotech Ltd, India’s second largest edible oil producer enjoying a turnover of over Rs.12500 crores.  Emami Agrotech Ltd, also produces Himani Best Choice range of edible oils, Rasoi Vanaspati, Bake Magic Speciality Fats and Emami Healthy & Tasty Mantra Spices & Tastemakers.  Renowned celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Soumitra Chatterjee, Sabyasachi Chakraborty and others endorse the brands nationally and regionally.

Godrej Appliances Unveils New Refrigerator Ranges and New Age Semi-Automatic Washing Machine Godrej EDGE Ultima

New Range 

* Newest additions to the brand portfolio – all three models perfectly combine style with functionality

* The brand introduced models through a virtual event to trade, another first in the Indian Home Appliance industry

Godrej Appliances, a leading player in the Home Appliances with a rich legacy of 62 years, has always put forth products based on consumer insights, and the pillars of innovation and sustainability. Staying true to the brand philosophy ’Things made thoughtfully’, Godrej Appliances recently launched 3 new models - Godrej EDGE RIO Refrigerator, Godrej EDGE NEO Refrigerator and Godrej EDGE Ultima Semi-Automatic washing machine. These new models attest the brand’s unabated commitment toward enabling brighter living for its consumers, always.

The brand took the baton of innovation a step forward by opting for a virtual medium for the Pan India launch, engaging its entire trade network. This is yet another attempt at breaking the barriers by the brand in its series of trade partner engagement initiatives.

Godrej EDGE RIO and EDGE NEO

Godrej EDGE RIO and EDGE NEO are uniquely designed to cater to the underlying need for more storage for the discerning Indian consumers. With the lockdown and social distancing increasing the need to store more in the refrigerator and for longer durations, Godrej Appliances has launched ‘Godrej EDGE RIO’ and Godrej EDGE NEO, the tallest refrigerators in the 192 litres single door category, standing at 1192 mm, with maximum space utilisation. It offers the largest freezer in the category of 16.3 litres capacity, and the Largest Bottle Space of 13.5 litres - making it a perfect companion for the harsh summers. It also comes with a large vegetable tray of 16.4 litres which gives consumers enough space to store all their veggies and also keeps them Farm Fresh for longer.

The 5-star rating as per the 2020 energy rating norms coupled with advantages of the Advanced Inverter Technology, makes Godrej EDGE RIO and EDGE NEO refrigerators highly energy-efficient and power-saving. With the PUF thickness of 54mm, the refrigerator models provide best-in-class cooling retention, even during power cuts. 

The refrigerators are equipped with ‘Turbo Cooling Technology’ that ensures up to 20% Faster Ice Making and up to 20% Faster Bottle Cooling. Its ‘Hygiene+ Inverter Technology’ ensures no defrost water spillage, convenient cleaning and no germ and insect breeding. In line with Godrej’s commitment to environment and sustainability, the refrigerator uses the most eco - friendly refrigerant, R600a, with zero ozone depletion potential and thus helps in reducing its carbon footprint.

A Curved Door design, alluring transparent interiors and an array of attractive and fresh floral fascia/ pre-coats the refrigerators are a treat. Available in 192L capacity with 5-star, 4-star, 3-star and 2-star variants, the new Godrej EDGE RIO and EDGE NEO refrigerators are priced starting INR 14000.

The 190 – 195 litres capacity segment is 50% of the single door refrigerators which in turn forms ~77 % of the refrigerator industry.

Godrej EDGE Ultima – the new age Semi-Automatic

Godrej Edge Ultima ushers in the new-age high performing Semi-Automatic washing machines, with mesmerizing looks thanks to its borderless design. The 5 Star Rated washing machine optimizes electricity consumption and provides higher savings.

Redefining the concept of cleaning, the range of Godrej Edge Ultima semi-automatic washing machines are designed to deliver a thorough and better wash with the 460W Power Max Motor, making it easy to wash heavy laundry as well as everyday clothes, while its 1440 RPM Spin Motor ensures faster drying, making it a must-have for your homes, especially during monsoons. 

A superior wash experience is assured with many distinct useful features built into these machines.

* Unique Active Soak feature to create turbulence in the drum during soak time, which helps in loosen tough stains.

* Spin Shower program to rinse clothes with a rainfall mechanism for better detergent removal

* Tri-Roto Scrub Pulsator that combines 3 ridges and 3 mini-pulsators to generate turbulence and scrubbing for a better wash every time.

* In-built Cartridge Lint Filter that collects lint, fluff, and particles even at low water levels, so that clothes come out clean and fresh after every wash.

* Soft-shut lid of Edge Ultima lifts and shuts gently to prevent any injury to the user.

* Its 100% rust-proof polypropylene body ensures greater durability while the toughened glass lids provide enhanced strength.

The Edge Ultima keeps you worry-free with a 5-year warranty on wash motor, and a 2-year warranty on the entire washing machine.

Godrej Edge Ultima washing machines place convenience at the heart of its design philosophy, making them easy-to-use whilst also standing out from the competition.

Available in 3 colours of Crystal Red, Crystal Black and Crystal Blue in 8 kg and 8.5 kg variants, the washing machines are priced at Rs. 16,400 onwards.

Currently, the 8 – 8.5 kg washing machine variant contributes to 23% of the Semi-Automatic Washing Machine segment and this segment is growing at the rate of 11% for the industry.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Kamal Nandi – Business Head and Executive Vice President, Godrej Appliance said, “Godrej Appliances has always been known for providing high-quality home appliances. As Indian households fight the pandemic, home appliances can go a long way in reducing their burden and easing out their stress. Our newly introduced range of appliances – Godrej EDGE RIO, Godrej EDGE NEO and Godrej Edge Ultima, available in the high volume popular segments are meant to cater to consumers across the country. Placing convenience and efficiency at the heart of its human-centric design, these products are an embodiment of Godrej’s meticulous product quality and design, guided by ‘Soch Ke Banaya Hai’ philosophy at the highest level of craftsmanship. These are being manufactured at our state-of-the-art factories, yet another step towards supporting ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic placed restrictions on large scale gatherings, Godrej Appliances has been the first in the industry to swiftly adapt to launching new products in a virtual format. These zone wise segregated launches were designed to engage with 5000+ trade partners from the comfort of their home. For a more interactive approach, the virtual event had a live chat window wherein all the participants could share their views and received tremendous feedback from the trade network.

Mr. Sanjeev Jain, National Sales Head, Godrej Appliances, further added ‘’At the beginning of the lockdown, we took the herculean task of enabling our network of trade partners to reach customers digitally. We have been breaking barriers across all fronts – from product cataloging and showcasing, multiple cashless online payment facilities to initiation of video-assisted remote selling initiative. By exploring alternative ways to communicate and engage, we were able to offer fantastic opportunities to our trade partners. The launch of our new models - Godrej EDGE Rio, Godrej EDGE Neo and Godrej Edge Ultima – is in sync with our ongoing approach of breaking the barriers through innovation. We plan to launch new products across the year across different segments. These launches are a testament towards our commitment to a culture of strategic and innovative thinking across the organization which enables us to live up to our brand promise of ‘Soch Ke Banaya Hai.’“

Intel to partner with telecom major ITI

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is planning to participate in bids invited by Indian state-owned telecom equipment maker ITI Ltd to set up joint ventures, the Business Standard reported on Friday.

ITI intends to be a minority partner in the proposed joint ventures with a 26 per cent stake according to the bid proposals, the newspaper said.

It said Intel was interested in making the hardware and consumer premise equipment around WiMAX technology, which provides for wireless transmission of data up to 75 megabytes per second.

Though interested parties have been asked to participate before Jan 29, 2010, the telecoms ministry is holding a pre-bid conference before selecting them, the paper said.

Other global players that have showed interest include Huawei, Alcatel-Lucent, Samsung and Hitachi, the paper said.

A spokeswoman for Intel in India could not immediately respond to the report.

Agencies

Is Nokia set to cut 1,700 jobs globally?

Nokia Oyj, the world’s biggest maker of mobile phones, plans to cut 1,700 jobs globally by scaling back sales, marketing and some technology functions to adapt to falling consumer demand.

The company, based in Espoo, Finland, will start consultations with unions regarding the cutbacks, which are part of previously announced plans to adjust to a shrinking market, Nokia said in a statement today. Of the cuts, about 700 will be in Finland, spokeswoman Eija-Riitta Huovinen said by telephone.

“Nokia continues to seek savings in operational expenses, looking at all areas and activities across the company,” Nokia said in the release.

In January, Nokia said that it would slash its dividend for the first time in seven years and forecast a 10 percent slide in industry sales as the global crisis saps consumer demand. Nokia sold 15 percent fewer phones in the fourth quarter than a year earlier and cut its industry sales forecast for a third time since November.

Agencies