Edtech Major To Impact One Million Plus Workforce Through Its B2B Offering, upGrad For Business

* Becomes one of the most trusted and preferred L&D partners by top companies across sectors 

upGrad, India’s largest online higher edtech, is all set to add yet another milestone to its credit by impacting additional one million plus professionals in the workforce through its B2B offering, upGrad for Business. Realising the importance of reskilling and the pace of digital transformation accelerated by the COVID-19, companies across various sectors such as PSUs (Power Grid Corporation of India), ITeS (Hewlett Packard Enterprise), Manufacturing (Welspun Group), Consulting (PwC), Analytics (Fractal Analytics), BFSI (HDFC Life Insurance), Media (Bennett, Coleman and Company Limited) and PR (Adfactors PR) among others have chosen upGrad for Business as one of their most trusted L&D partner.

With industries racing towards being data-driven, organizations seek to have the twin power of data and technology to add to their competitive advantage. Data skills have turned into the single largest skill gap in organizations followed by Digital Technologies. In order to address these skill gaps, upGrad for Business has aligned its programs across the critical pillars of Data, Technology, Management and Behavioral skills. According to a report titled, ‘The Human Impact of Data Literacy’ by Accenture and Qlik, despite nearly all employees (83 per cent) recognizing data as an asset, few are using it for informed decision-making. While 53 per cent of employees trust their decisions more when they are based on data, four in five (80 per cent) still frequently defer to a “gut feeling” rather than data-driven insights when making decisions.

Minaxi Indra, President (Head) - upGrad for Business, commented, "The upGrad for Business team is customer-obsessed and takes pride in ‘hyper-contextualising’ learning for our customers. We build industry-relevant case studies based on the customer's industry and their business needs. Our focus on creating a specialist-level workforce makes us a pioneer in the online B2B learning space. We ensure our customer's workforce contributes to their organisational business outcomes by learning from our world-class university partners. upGrad for Business enables leadership competency building and a future-forward business across entry-level and middle management employees."

Deepesh Hiran, Director - PwC US Advisory, further added, "upGrad has a very strong brand name from an analytics perspective in the market and a very strong client portfolio. We realised that the maturity of understanding the analytics business and the maturity of the analytics content was reflecting while we were evaluating upGrad as a partner."

upGrad for Business aims to build a lifelong learning partnership with firms and organisations to deliver expected and exceptional outcomes. Today, as companies are continuously transforming, the Learning and Development (L&D) culture is evolving too. Organisations need to adapt their corporate training strategies to keep abreast with the changing business needs. Keeping the speed and scale of digital transformation in mind, upGrad for Business is focused on delivering measurable business efficiencies for organizations across Employee Productivity, Business Profitability and Growth.

Consumers Can Now Buy Star Labelled Deep Freezers From Godrej Appliances

* Reiterating its commitment to the environment, Godrej Appliances offers energy efficient products across every product category

Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced today that its business Godrej Appliances is the first appliances brand in India to opt for and receive the BEE ratings for its range of Deep Freezers. It will now offer its consumers the choice to buy 4 star and 3 star rated deep freezers to store frozen foods. Staying true to its commitment toward the environment, Godrej Appliances recently participated in the voluntary phase of getting BEE star rating labels for its range of Deep Freezers. With this, Godrej Deep freezers are the first in the industry to receive the BEE star rating. Godrej Deep Freezers not only save energy but also reduce CO2 emission. The brand has been relentlessly focusing its Research and Development initiatives towards designing products that encompass high energy efficiency as one of its core design features.

Godrej Edge - Penta series Deep Freezers are available across 4 star and 3 star energy ratings.Consumers can visit this link and check the star labelled products themselves -  https://www.beestarlabel.com/SearchCompare

Last year, as a step further towards its vision of building an energy-efficient India, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) extended the ‘Star Labeling Programme’ to Deep Freezers and Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC). Deep Freezers, like Refrigerators, are used 24x7 to ensure the stored products last longer. Given the longevity and higher energy consumption, switching to a star labelled more efficient product delivers significant savings to consumers.  

With consumers refraining from frequent visits to the stores as a matter of convenience and now during pandemic times as a matter of safety too, the need for storing food in bulk at home, especially frozen food products has increased in the past year. Consequently, the retailers too need more energy efficient cold storage solutions to store more. The Indian deep freezer market is expected to reach INR 2300 Cr by 2026-27, with a projected CAGR of 14.4% growing from INR 600 Cr in 2015-16.

Commenting on the star labeling, Mr. Kamal Nandi, Business Head & Executive Vice President, Godrej Appliances, said, “We are proud to be the first brand in the deep freezer industry to have received the BEE energy star rating. We stand by our commitment to deliver offerings that are high performing and also high on energy efficiency and environment friendliness. This is why we were one of the first organizations to have registered with BEE, during the voluntary phase. As an organization, we have been actively involved with the Energy Efficiency movement right from its inception and will continue to do so in future also.”

About Godrej Appliances

Godrej Appliances, a business unit of the highly diversified Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. is one of the leading Home Appliances players in India. Godrej was the first Indian Company in 1958 to manufacture Refrigerators and has since then, expanded its portfolio across many other categories like Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Microwave Ovens, futuristic Thermo-electric cooling solutions, Air Coolers, Deep Freezers, highly specialized Medical Refrigerators and more recently, UVC Technology-Based Disinfecting devices and Dishwashers, all powered by the driving philosophy of 'Things made thoughtfully’/ ‘Soch Ke Banaya Hai’. 

This thought extends from human-centric design to planet centric design. Environment is a core value at Godrej Appliances. Both manufacturing units of Godrej Appliances’ - in Maharashtra and Punjab, became the first in the country to win the coveted Platinum Plus Green Co certification for their pioneering green manufacturing practices. 

The brand takes pride in not just its carefully designed products and environment-friendly technologies, but also best in class after-sales service delivered through over 680 service centers and more than 4500 SmartBuddy service experts spread all over the country.

Nickelodeon’s Latest Edition Of Together For Good Urges Kids To Share & Care With “Give More, Grow More”

 

While the pandemic showed us the flip side of life and divided nations more than ever, it also enabled us to realize the importance of resilience and humanity. Leveraging this opportune time to educate kids about sharing, Nickelodeon has returned with the latest edition of the India leg of the global pro-socio campaign “Together for Good”.  A pioneering leader in the kid’s entertainment space, this year Nickelodeon along with NGO partner Goonj is inspiring kids to share with those in need and spread happiness, with the message of “Give More & Grow More.”

In their quintessential creative style, the campaign will see Nicktoons bring the message of fostering kindness through two engaging,  fun and light hearted on-air films that show kids the difference that they can bring in the lives of others by sharing and learning to give more. Link https://www.nickindia.com/together-for-good/.

Speaking about the initiative Nina Elavia Jaipuria Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV Network at Viacom18 said “As a responsible broadcaster for kids, their well-being and growth is at the center of all our initiatives at Nickelodeon. Over the years we have introduced several social initiatives themed under ‘Together For Good’ to inspire positive behavioral change amongst kids. We believe that kids are the change agents of society and teaching them the importance of sharing is a key step towards helping instill a sense of empathy and high EQ.”

As part of the campaign, Nickelodeon will be using several creative outreach methods to drive the message of Give more & Grow More amongst kids. The highly engaging digital campaign will see promotions on high reach platform like Youtube which will be further supported by a social media plan on FB & IG.  This apart, the campaign will also come to life through engaging with mommy networks and influencers across cities who will help amplify the reach and ensure the message reaches far and wide.

Together for Good is Nickelodeon's worldwide initiative that believes anyone, anywhere, anytime, can help make the world a better place. The previous editions of the campaign highlighted hard hitting topics including the academic pressure faced by young kids, child safety, sexual abuse among kids and more.  This edition will once again take a step towards fostering a sense of community and care, most relevant in the current global scenario of nations coming out of a global health crisis.

About Nickelodeon India

Nickelodeon India has established itself as a thought leader by being the No 1 channel in the kids’ category with a household availability in about 120+ million households. The franchise boasts of a bouquet of channels like Nick, Sonic, Nick Jr and Nick HD+ catering to kids across all age groups from tots to teens. The franchise today has the largest original content library in the country with over 500+ hours of content and plans to add over 200 hours this year. The franchise is a home to the most legendary iconic characters like Motu Patlu, Rudra, Golmaal Jr, Pakdam Pakdai and Shiva on Nick and Sonic; and Dora The Explorer, Paw patrol , Peppa pig on Nick Jr and marquee international properties like Kung-fu-panda, Avatar, Penguins of Madagascar etc on Nick HD+. The channel continues to engage and entertain kids across India through large scale experiential formats, consumer product range and with digital and online presence.

About Viacom 18

Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. is one of India's fastest growing entertainment networks and a house of iconic brands that offers multi-platform, multi-generational and multicultural brand experiences. A joint venture of TV18, which owns 51%, and Viacom Inc., with a 49% stake, Viacom18 defines entertainment in India by touching the lives of people through its properties on air, online, on ground, in shop and through cinema..

TECNO Expands Its Accessories Portfolio With A Range Of New Products At Disruptive Price-Points

* Launches four new products including a TWS device, two earphones and a fast charging, micro USB cable priced aggressively

TECNO, the global premium smartphone brand, today announced the launch of a series of smartphone accessories in a bid to extend its product portfolio and strengthen its connected device ecosystem. The brand is rolling out the all new TWS BUDS 1, Hot Beats J2 and Prime P1 earphones along with a fast charging micro USB cable M11, that will give consumers a wide array of products to choose from. The new product offerings will enable TECNO to firm up its position in the value sensitive accessories segment, at aggressive price points.

Mr. Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of TRANSSION India, said, “The smartphone accessories market in India has been growing consistently and is expected to further proliferate in 2021. The increasing focus by consumers on audio, portability and smart assists along with fast charge ability have propelled the smartphone makers to ramp up their in-house accessories portfolio to provide a high quality connected device ecosystem that enhance the overall user experience at an affordable price. With the new products, TECNO’s portfolio becomes more robust and lends to the enhancement of the TECNO’s connected device ecosystem that will elevate consumer experience. We launched Hipods H2 & Minipod M1 last year and the response we received for these 2 products propelled us to come out with more accessories to make a robust TECNO product portfolio.” 

TECNO EarBuds 1 (TWS): When you think of the best bang for your buck, the TECNO EarBuds 1 embody the phrase quite literally.  The wireless BUDS 1 houses a 40mAh*2 battery, providing music playback time of 4 hours on a single charge, and together with the 300 mAh charging case provides for over 12 hours of uninterrupted audio listening experience. It is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable connection and smooth audio transmission. The Smart Touch sensor controls calls, music, voice assistance and user friendly pop-up connection interface on TECNO smartphones enhance the audio experience. It also comes with IPX4 protection to resist water and sweat that lets you enjoy them while jogging or during an intense workout.  The soft silicone ear tips and ear hooks provide a gentle grip to your ears during strenuous activities. The wireless earbuds have two modes, including single and double, ensuring a better switch between the pair, mainly while driving when it is essential to hear background noise. With this feature, one can quickly switch off one of the earbuds to take calls and keep the other ear free to be in touch with outside traffic.  The TECNO EarBuds 1 is priced aggressively at INR 1,299.

Wired earphones - If you are looking for a sturdy, stylish and reliable set of earphones to fulfill your music on the go needs, then this new set of earphones from TECNO is just the perfect pick for you.

Hot Beats J2: The Hot Beats J2 earphones are equipped with Dual Sound Driver for a crystal-clear sound. It also comprises an in-line control unit with functions like play, pause, adjusting of volume, accept or decline calls and even an in-built microphone.  The mega bass complemented with quad speakers provides for better noise cancellation. The Hot Beats J2 earphones are protected with TPE Thread Wire 1.2m. Hot Beats J2 is priced at INR 349.

Prime P1: The TECNO Prime P1 is encased with a sleek glossy metallic design and protective TPE wire. It also has a microphone for hands-free calling and a multi-function button remote for ease of access to play, pause and adjust volume. The Prime P1 earphones comprise of a strong mega bass for a super-clear audio quality. The lightweight and comfortable Prime P1 is priced at INR 225.

Cable M11: The ultra-long, 2A fast charging, micro USB, Cable M11 provides for high speed data transfer with an output of 5.0 V/2.1 A. The 1-meter cable is built with superior durability PVC to prevent against damage or breakage. Cable M11 is priced at INR 125.

The company also provides three months’ replacement warranty on wired earphones and data cable and six month’s warranty on Buds 1. The accessories can be purchased across offline retail outlets of TECNO.

About TECNO

TECNO Mobile is a premium global smartphone brand from TRANSSION Holdings. TECNO is committed to giving the masses access to latest technology, allowing the consumers to reach beyond their current limitations and uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations across a product portfolio featuring smartphones, tablets, smart AIoT products covering smart audio, smart wearables, smart home gadgets. TECNO is a major global player with presence in more than 60 emerging markets across the world. It is also the global Official Handset Partner of Manchester City Football Club.

First Glimpse Of The Highly Anticipated Hyundai ALCAZAR Released

 * Hyundai ALCAZAR Design sketches present the rugged elegance and splendour of the upcoming 7-Seater Premium SUV

Interior sketches depict modern and lavish comfort through space innovation 

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), country’s First Smart Mobility Solutions provider and the largest exporter since inception, today released the design sketches of its most anticipated 7-Seater Premium SUV – Hyundai ALCAZAR. Developed on Hyundai’s Global Design identity of Sensuous Sportiness, Hyundai ALCAZAR synchronizes vital design elements of proportion, architecture, styling and technology, forming a modern and premium 7-Seater SUV. 

With its unmistakable design, Hyundai ALCAZAR portrays a confident and bold stance, while its charismatic appeal and rugged elegance characterizes a unique design theme that is extraordinary among the ordinary. With rich yet solid volume wheel arches and bold character lines, Hyundai ALCAZAR epitomises a masculine expression of design and dynamic proportions.  

Exuberating the finest characteristics of space innovation that ensures ample room for 2nd and 3rd row passengers, Hyundai ALCAZAR brings to the fore lavish comfort and modern in-car experiences. Based on a Wing-Surrounded architecture, the cabin of Hyundai ALCAZAR is the exemplary incarnation of a superior future leading experience. The widespread Wing-Surround architecture enhances the bold and dynamic design of the interiors, perfectly complimenting the magnificence of Hyundai ALCAZAR.  

Continuing its drive to redefine benchmarks, Hyundai will offer its customers superior mobility experiences. The upcoming 7-Seater Premium SUV - Hyundai ALCAZAR is all set to rewrite the next era of SUV dominance for Hyundai Motor India.. 

Leading Tech, Lifestyle Brand - Crossloop Has Appointed Sameer Katole As The New CEO

* With a deep understanding of the consumer durable market, Sameer Katole aims to make the designer tech brand a leader in the India’s wearable technology segment

Crossloop, a leading tech and lifestyle brand of India has appointed Sameer Katole as the CEO to lead the operations across India and Europe. Sameer will be responsible for bolstering Crossloop’s operations and leveraging his expertise to drive stronger countrywide growth. He has an extensive experience in the consumer durable market.

A veteran with almost 14 years of experience in the consumer durable and retail industry, Sameer has a distinguished track record of sales and market accomplishments. He will be focusing on product, sales, marketing, corporate development and the overall growth of the brand. Sameer will bring in his experience and expertise of managing dynamic clients’ expectations, cross-functional team leadership, boosting sales and business potential, technology innovation, and large scale strategy to fuel Crossloop’s’ journey, in India as well as other potential markets.

Backed by Sanjay Hira, Chairman, Hira Group - Texet Technologies Pvt Ltd, a UK based consumer electronics focused MNC in existence since 1959, Crossloop was launched with a vision to enhance the customer experience within the consumer electronics industry. The startup had received an Investment of 7Mn USD by Hira Group in 2019.

Sameer Katole, CEO, India and Europe said, “I am delighted to embark on this new journey at Crossloop as the CEO. The role brings immense honor and responsibility. I am glad to work with Sanjay and the team to help drive forward the next stage of growth. I am looking forward to contributing to company’s growth in India and international markets as well as its long-term vision of bringing innovations that never stops at Crossloop.”

He also added, “The consumer behavior in the digital age is evolving constantly and with our strong product portfolio, in 2021, we have the vision to ensure that every consumer owns a well-designed, high performance fashion tech accessory and we become their first choice. We aim to achieve minimum 3X topline growth and lead the fashion tech accessory segment in India.”

Today millennials and Gen Z play an increasingly important role in driving the consumer market segments. They are focusing more modern technologies and fashionable tech accessories as this marks a style statement for them. Addressing the personalized needs of the consumer, Crossloop delivers consumer-tech focused, high performance, and designer wearable tech accessories.  The startup aims to bring high-end technology to the masses with its present and future offerings. The current product portfolio includes Pro series earphones, Daily fashion earphone series, Crossloop Gen TWS and Volar, Dorm and Akorn Bluetooth speakers.

About Crossloop

With its audio accessories products, Crossloop is offering customers a perfect cross between design, utility, performance and functionality. Crossloop designer earphones are uber stylish and are for those who would love to flaunt them. A lifestyle brand, primarily focusing on fast moving electronics, accessories and gadgets. Backed by Hira Group, an UK based consumer electronics focused MNC in existence since 1959, Crossloop was launched with a vision to enhance the customer experience within the consumer electronics industry. (https://crossloop.co.in/)

28% Borrowers Opted For Loans To Purchase Electronic Gadgets In Bengaluru: IndiaLends

* A year after lockdown borrowers positive about opting for personal loans 

In Bengaluru, 28% loan applications received were for the purchase of electronic gadgets while; 21% borrowers opted for a personal loan to start their own business. 12% applications were for upskilling courses which points out to the fact that a lot of people utilised their free time to upskill or upgrade themselves.

Infographic_Borrower Pulse Report_March 23, 2021These were some of the significant findings of Borrower Pulse Report by IndiaLends — a new-age digital lending platform to understand the borrower sentiments since the country went into lockdown a year ago. The nationwide study was based on data collected from over 1,50,000 borrowers belonging to the age group of 21-55 years, from Tier 1 and 2 cities, during the period 25th March 2020 to 20th March 2021.

According to the national data, around 25% borrowers opted for a personal loan to start their own business, while 18% borrowers opted for a loan to manage their medical expenses and 17% borrowers opted for a loan to either buy a 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler vehicle, largely due to Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant social and economic impact.

While Delhi NCR saw the maximum number of loan applications, there has also been a 38% increase in loan applications from Tier 2 cities. Due to a decline in luxury expenditure, loan applications from Tier 1 cities saw a muted demand.

Some of the other significant findings of the report were:

·  In Mumbai, 27% of the borrowers opted for a personal loan to start their own business; while 15% borrowers opted for a loan to purchase electronic gadgets like laptops, tablets etc. given the shift to a remote working culture

·  Delhi witnessed 31% loan applications for the purchase of household durables like washing machine and dishwasher; while 25% applications were for medical expenses owing to to the pandemic

·  In Hyderabad, 20% borrowers opted for personal loans to cover their medical expenses whereas 15% of the loan applications were for upskilling courses.

·  In Chennai, 19% loan applications were for purchasing 2-wheeler or 4-wheeler vehicles; while 17% borrowers opted for loans to purchase electronic gadgets like Smart TVs, laptops etc.

IndiaLends Founder and CEO, Gaurav Chopra said, “Covid-19 and the pandemic induced financial constraints made the last 12 months one of the most challenging time of our lives. Economic downturn coupled by job losses dealt a big blow to many across the country. However, as IndiaLends’ Borrower Pulse Report suggests, a strong sense of resilience was shown by millennials deciding to take complete control of their financial future. The entrepreneurial spirit showcased by such a large percentage of our borrowers who opted for starting their own businesses during the pandemic is a positive development. It is also heartening to see that a majority of the loan applications came in from Tier II cities which clearly indicates that there is a huge pent-up demand in these under-tapped markets. Our study makes me optimistic about a faster post-pandemic economic turnaround.”

Interestingly, Tier-2 cities consisted of 54% loan applications as compared to 46% from Tier 1 cities. The tier2 cities with maximum loan applications were Coimbtore, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Indore and Kochi.

Among other key findings of the survey, wedding and travel expenses saw a dip in percentage, thus confirming the fact that the younger population is now considering low-key weddings and budget-friendly travel options.

Almost 52% borrowers in the study were in the age group of 25-35 years, thus making it a millennial centric report. The report constituted of both male and female borrowers, who were seeking loans ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,00,000.