ServiceNow Opens Two India-Based Data Centres In Response To Strong Customer Growth

* ServiceNow to reach 18,000 technology professionals in India, by year-end, to keep up with demand for ServiceNow expertise

ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), today launched local data centre facilities in Mumbai and Bangalore, strengthening its commitment to help Indian customers embrace innovative digital solutions and meet local data residency preferences.

“India is a top growth market for ServiceNow and we are seeing larger local organisations partnering with us to benefit from the power of our Platform to drive their digital transformation needs,” said Arun Balasubramanian, ServiceNow Managing Director India & SAARC. “ServiceNow is committed to manage data locally and meet India’s data protection and sovereignty standards. The new data centres enable even more financial services, technology and other regulated verticals to reap the benefits of ServiceNow’s single, unifying Platform for digital business.”

Mike Lents, ServiceNow Senior Vice President Global Cloud Services, said that the new data centres are large sites for ServiceNow with full network and capacity, to deliver performance at scale and increased sustainability. “ServiceNow has certified Data Centre Sustainability Professionals (CDCSP®) serving our customers and partners in every region we operate, including Asia Pacific.”

With forecasts for the India data centre market to grow more than 15 percent through to 2027, ServiceNow invested in the new data centre locations with sustainability top of mind.

“These data centres give ServiceNow’s customers and partners a sustainable way to responsibly source cloud data hosting in India and contribute positively to their own ESG commitments,” said Lents.

ServiceNow also announced a total of 18,000 people will be trained and certified in India by the end of 2022, together with partners and customers, to meet the burgeoning demand for ServiceNow product specialists.

“As more companies take bold steps to leverage ServiceNow’s innovative digital solutions to modernise their business and better serve customers and employees, more experts are needed to help them with integration” said Balasubramanian. “The skills drive supplements existing NextGen and Partner Training and Certification programs, enabling thousands of Indian workers the opportunity to build rewarding careers within our fast-growing ecosystem.”

Axis Bank Partners With RBI For Swanari TechSprint Initiative To Advance Digital Financial Inclusion For Indian Women

Axis Bank, India’s third largest private sector bank today announced its association with The Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub (RBIH) for Swanari TechSprint initiative that aims at advancing digital financial inclusion for women across the nation. RBIH will host Swanari (???-????) TechSprint from 18th - 22nd April 2022 to create and produce smart, creative and sustainable solutions for underserved, low and middle income (LMI) women and for women-owned enterprises in India.

With this launch, RBIH will create a platform for fintechs, financial service providers, innovators and subject matter experts to collaborate, ideate and solve specific problems and code prototype solutions in real time. This partnership will enable Axis Bank to strengthen its commitment towards financial inclusion and also reinforce its Bharat Bank strategy of ensuring last mile connectivity.

Speaking on the occasion, Munish Sharda, Group Executive & Head Bharat Banking, Axis Bank, said The Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub (RBIH) has been consistently demonstrating their commitment in developing new and innovative ways to accelerate financial inclusion in India, and it gives us immense pleasure to associate with RBIH for Swanari TechSprint initiative.  As a responsible citizen, we are committed to continue supporting emerging fintech solutions and work collaboratively for ensuring best financial outcomes for women."

An RBIH white paper entitled Gender and Finance in India supporting the program is also now available at www.swanaritechsprint.in. Participants can register for Swanari Techsprint till Midnight on 4th April.

About Axis Bank:

Axis Bank is the third largest private sector bank in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture and Retail Businesses. With its 4,700 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 11,060 ATMs across the country as on 31st December 2021, the network of Axis Bank spreads across 2,665 centers, enabling the Bank to reach out to a large cross-section of customers with an array of products and services. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge and Axis Bank Foundation.

Jaguar Land Rover Announces 2030 Sustainability Targets To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

* Jaguar Land Rover commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its own operations by 46 per cent, and 54 per cent per vehicle across its value chain, by 2030 

* Commitments are approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), confirming the company’s pathway to a 1.5°C emissions reduction in line with the Paris Agreement 

* Jaguar Land Rover is aiming for net-zero carbon emissions across the supply chain, products and operations by 2039 

Jaguar Land Rover has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its operations by 46 per cent by 2030. In addition, the company will cut average vehicle emissions across its value chains by 54 per cent, including a 60 per cent reduction throughout the use phase of its vehicles. 

The goals, which are approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), confirm the company’s pathway to a 1.5°C emissions reduction in line with the Paris Agreement. The commitment by Jaguar Land Rover meets the most ambitious goal set in Paris. 

By the end of the decade, Jaguar Land Rover will reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions across vehicle manufacture and operations by 46 per cent in absolute value compared to a 2019 baseline. The company has also committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per vehicle by an average of 54 per cent across the entire value chain, including a reduction of 60 per cent in the vehicle use phase. 

These targets represent Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to 2030, followed by a second-decade ambition for net-zero emissions across the supply chain, product, and operations by 2039, as part of its Reimagine strategy. To achieve this, the company will decarbonise across design and materials, manufacturing operations, supply chain, electrification, battery strategy, circular economy processes, and up to end-of-life treatment.  

To support its mission, Jaguar Land Rover has introduced the new role of Sustainability Director, appointing Rossella Cardone to drive its transformation and support François Dossa, Executive Director, Strategy and Sustainability. 

Rossella Cardone, Director and Head of Sustainability Office at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Sustainability sits at the core of our Reimagine strategy, with the aim to achieve net carbon zero by 2039, as the creator of the world’s most desirable modern luxury vehicles. As we move from climate ambition into action, we are now embedding sustainability into the Jaguar Land Rover DNA to minimise our carbon footprint across our value chain. Science-based targets tell us how much and how quickly we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as well as keeping stakeholders informed about our progress.” 

Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Managing Director, Science-Based Targets at CDP, one of the Science-Based Targets initiative partners, said: “We congratulate Jaguar Land Rover on setting science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement. By setting ambitious science-based targets grounded in climate science, Jaguar Land Rover is taking action to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change." 

Jaguar Land Rover first announced its commitment to the SBTi as part of its support for COP26, the climate change summit held in November 2021. 

Hero Motocorp Unveils Its New Destini 125 ‘XTEC In The Scooter Segment

In keeping with its aggressive growth strategy in the scooter segment, Hero MotoCorp the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycle and scooters, today launched the new Destini 125 ‘XTEC’.

The new elegant Hero Destini 125 ‘XTEC’ packs a host of new design and theme elements that add to its appeal. The new LED headlamps, enhanced retro design and unmistakable chrome elements, conveys a powerful sense of character. The new vibrant color Nexus Blue adds a striking statement to the contemporary urban mobility.

The enhanced technology features such as Hero’s revolutionary i3S Technology, (Idle Stop-Start System), front USB charger, New Digi Analogue Speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity with call and SMS alerts, Side-Stand Engine cut off  and Seat Backrest provides further increased comfort and enhanced riding experience.

Hero Destini 125 will be available at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country at a starting price of INR 69,900* for STD variant and Destini 125 XTEC starts at INR 79,990*.

*(Ex-Showroom, Delhi).

Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, The XTEC technology package has started to make a name of its self, being the signature for latest technology and segment first feature. We introduced XTEC editions on the Glamour 125, the Pleasure+ 110 with great success and today, on the Destini 125, which will further strengthen its popularity. The Destini XTEC combines a dash of classic elegance through its handle cover signed by a chrome strip, the elegant speedometer artwork, the embossed backrest, together with a load of technology through its new LED headlamp and Bluetooth connectivity. If you are looking for a timeless commuter that is smart, the Destini 125 XTEC edition is for you!”

Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Growth Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The Destini 125 scooter enjoys a strong connect with the customers. Riders waiting for a distinctive experience will be drawn to the multi-faceted Hero Destini 125 XTEC. The new Destini 125 XTEC shows our continued technological advancements and follows after our other key scooter portfolio brands including Maestro Edge 125 Connect and Pleasure+ XTEC.   Now in the new ‘XTEC avatar’, the Hero Destini 125 has upped the excitement once again in its segment. Designed with a clear focus on comfort and styling, the new Hero Destini 125 XTEC is surely going to strengthen our scooter portfolio in the country.”

Highlights - Destini 125 XTEC

LED Headlamp

The new LED headlamp provides unprecedented illumination. The new headlamp ensures more light intensity with a longer and wider road reach and anti-fog advantage offers maximum on-road visibility in all driving conditions.

Impressive Modern Retro Style

The new Destini 125 XTEC featuring numerous premium chrome elements, underlines a strong retro character of the scooter. The chrome additions on mirrors, muffler protector, and handlebar contribute to style and durability. The ‘XTEC’ badging, dual tone seat and colored inner panels give the scooter a powerful presence in terms of its overall appearance.

Enhanced Comfort

Whether the journey is long, or you are zipping through your daily city route, the branded seat backrest for the pillion promises high-quality comfort.

Connectivity

With Destini 125 XTEC, the rider can access vehicle and connectivity functions swiftly and conveniently. The New Digital analog Speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity displays incoming and missed call alerts, new message alerts, timings along with the RTMI and low fuel indicator.  It also gets a front USB charging port.

New Color Theme

Available in seven exciting colors, the Nexus Blue specially created for the Destini 125 XTEC ensures even further enhanced exclusivity.

Engine

The Destini 125 XTEC comes with a 125cc BS-VI compliant engine producing a remarkable power output of 9 BHP @ 7000 RPM and torque on demand of 10.4 NM @ 5500 for a high- performance ride. Delivering the brand promise of performance and comfort, the new Destini 125 XTEC comes with the i3S patented technology for a better fuel efficiency.

Safety

Ensuring utmost safety for both rider and pillion, the scooter has a side-stand visual indication and a ‘Side-stand Engine cut-off’.

Microsoft Enables startups In India From Idea To Unicorn With New Microsoft For Startups Founders Hub Platform

* New platform will support founders in India at every stage of their startup journey with access to more than US$300,000 in benefits including technology and tools from Microsoft and partners  

* Startups will also be able to gain mentorship and skilling opportunities with industry experts and Microsoft Learn

Microsoft today launched its Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub in India, to empower startups’ vision and fuel innovation to drive economic and societal progress for India and beyond. Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub  is a new digital and truly inclusive platform for startup founders in India. The platform offers over US$300,000 worth of benefits and credits, giving startups free access to the technology, tools, and resources they need to build and run their business. From the most trusted, secure, open-source friendly and compliant cloud platform, to best-in-class developer and productivity tools including GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise and Microsoft 365.

Beyond access to technology, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub will empower entrepreneurs to innovate and grow by connecting them with mentors who will provide them with industry, business, and technical support to guide them through their next business milestones. Microsoft is also partnering with innovative companies like OpenAI, a global leader in AI research and deployment, that develops AI systems such as GPT-3 and Codex to provide startups with exclusive benefits and discounts. In addition, founders will have access to Microsoft Learn for tailored startup-centric training and a variety of startup and unicorn programs to help them build connections with customers or industry veterans and accelerate their growth. 

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is designed specifically for early-stage startups to lower the barriers of business creation, be a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation, and contribute to easing the journey from an idea to a unicorn. It is available to all startups in India, including those without third-party validation or funding, as part of Microsoft’s commitment to empower startups’ ambitions to drive innovation from India to the world.

“Disruptive innovation in Indian startups is accelerating India’s position to become one of the leading startups hubs of the world. As a trusted partner, we want to empower every startup in India help scale their idea to become a unicorn and beyond. As a platform company, our cloud services and solutions are designed to empower founders to concentrate on what they do best – innovate at their own pace. Our aim is to provide startups access to the resources that will power their innovation, connect them with customers, and an ecosystem of developers, partners and investors to help them scale in India and beyond,” said Sangeeta Bavi, Director - Startup Ecosystem, Microsoft India. “Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub was created following extensive research and conversations with hundreds of founders who explicitly shared their need for access to a digital ecosystem that promotes opportunities and democratizes innovation regardless of background, location, progress, or passions. We look forward to how our new offering will support more founders in Asia and provide access to the technology, tools, and resources they need to build and run their business.”

As the third largest ecosystem for startups in the world, India holds tremendous opportunities for emerging businesses across industries. Microsoft continues to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to India’s startup ecosystem and founders through specially curated initiatives. Last year, Microsoft launched a program for nurturing and scaling startups that are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) called Microsoft AI Innovate. The program supports startups in India leveraging AI technologies, helping them scale operations, drive innovation, and build industry expertise. In collaboration with Accenture, Microsoft has also expanded Project Amplify to support startups focused on sustainability and social impact, with hands-on support and technologies, mentoring and collaboration opportunities.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Announces Price Of The Iconic Hilux At Rs. 33,99,000/-

* All variants come with a 4X4 drivetrain enabling customers to engage in smooth off-roading

* Automatic Transmission (AT) variant provides segment-leading power of 204 hp & torque output of 500 Nm; Manual Transmission (MT) variants generate 204 hp and 420 Nm

* Toyota Hilux is available in exciting colors – Emotional Red, White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Super White & Grey Metallic 

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), today, announced the ‘One Nation One Price’ of the iconic Hilux at Rs. 33,99,000/- (ex-showroom price for 4*4 MT Standard). Launched earlier this year, the Hilux is aimed to fulfil the needs of the customers seeking an incredible lifestyle utility vehicle that is best suited for off-roading adventure drives on tough terrains, and everyday city use.

Commenting on the announcement of the price of Toyota Hilux, Mr. Tadashi Asazuma, Executive Vice President of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Today, we are happy to announce the price of the Hilux. Ever since its launch, the sophisticated Hilux has managed to win the admiration and hearts of the customers with good response.  With our ‘customer first’ approach, drawing inspirations from the lifestyles of the people, our offering in the whole new lifestyle segment with Hilux is a step ahead to deliver ‘mass happiness to all’.  We are grateful to our valued customers for placing their confidence in our brand.

The Toyota Hilux is the epitome of world-class engineering, unparalleled safety, and best-in-class comfort, all perfectly channeled to create the incredible lifestyle utility vehicle for those who enjoy adventure, thrill, and creating enduring memories with friends and family.” he added.

Globally, the Hilux sales has surpassed 20 million units winning hearts of millions from over 180 countries. Through more than five decades and eight generations, the Toyota Hilux created extraordinary experiences and an unbreakable bond with those who desire awesomeness during their everyday drives, whether they are on business or with their families.

Hilux’s global reputation as a powerful performer is attributed to its rigid Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) platform and a powerful powertrain system with 2.8 L Four Cylinder Turbo-Diesel Engine & available in an option of 6- Speed Automatic or 6-Speed Manual Transmission. In addition to a variety of remarkable features coupled with a robust engine, the Hilux also offers exceptional endurance, low maintenance cost, and great practicality for a variety of usage purposes. Furthermore, the Hilux's water wading capability of 700mm makes it suitable for driving through Indian trails, setting new standards in its off-road capability.

Further to facilitate an awesome digital experience, the Toyota virtual showroom enables customer to enjoy the Hilux from the comfort of their home, a true reflection of ‘We Are Where You Are”. Now customers can seamlessly get a 360-degree external and internal views, check out all the available variants and colors, experience the key features and get variant-wise comparison.

Nielsen Enhances Identity System For Digital Ad Ratings In India

 

* Demographic data from multiple data providers will power up the Nielsen Identity System to bring scale for the digital measurement of the open web 

On April 1, Nielsen will enhance its open web methodology in India for Digital Ad Ratings through the Nielsen Identity System, alongside seven other markets: Germany, Australia, Japan, Spain, Indonesia, Canada and Brazil. 

The Nielsen Identity System revolutionises how digital ad campaigns are measured in a rapidly changing media ecosystem. The India launch of the Nielsen Identity System follows successful launches in Italy, France and the UK earlier this year. 

Dolly Jha, Nielsen India Managing Director said, “We’re leading the way in tackling digital consumer behaviour fragmentation. From granularity, to large-scale measurement, we’re delivering actionable insights to help advertisers measure, manage and optimise their campaign budgets and results.” 

Thanks to the Nielsen Identity System powering Digital Ad Ratings advertisers and publishers can measure reach and frequency of their audiences with confidence knowing that when a digital ad is viewed, demographics are deduplicated across mobile and PC platforms to get to true people-based metrics. 

The Nielsen Identity System measures digital campaigns for the open web alongside the integrations already in place for the walled gardens. The Nielsen Identity System connects digital ad impressions for the open web to Indian demographic data from both Nielsen and third-party data providers. In India, it is powered by more than 700 million device identifiers in a privacy-centric manner.

Nielsen is excited to be working with global & local data providers and will continue to expand its relationships with more data providers to further increase coverage within the Nielsen Identity System. 

These strategic relationships, combined with Nielsen’s unique data assets and sophisticated machine learning models, cement Nielsen’s position as a leader in digital ad measurement, both in India and globally.

Sarah Miller, SVP, Product Management at Nielsen commented “With this enhancement to our Identity System we are taking another step to assure the continuity of ad measurement amidst the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. Because of Nielsen’s unique data assets, we are not only able to adjust and correct licensed third party demographic data using panels, we have also developed sophisticated machine learning algorithms to cluster digital identifiers into people and correct for any possible imbalances from the market’s universe of users. It is this advanced data science methodology fueled by the sheer volume of Nielsen Identities that will empower the digital ad measurement into the future.”

April will also see the launch of the enhanced Nielsen Identity System in Japan, Germany, Australia, Spain, Indonesia, Canada and Brazil with Singapore, Mexico, Thailand, The Philippines and Hong Kong to launch in May. We will continue to launch the enhanced Nielsen Identity System in additional markets through the rest of 2022

This is an important milestone as we continue to evolve our technologies and methodologies as we move toward our global Nielsen ONE strategy, underpinning a strong digital measurement capability which helps with the vision of a true cross-platform that measures across all screens.

ABOUT NIELSEN DIGITAL AD RATINGS

Nielsen Digital Ad Ratings delivers people-based measurement of digital campaigns, including reach and frequency, against Walled Gardens (a closed ecosystem in which all the operations are controlled by the ecosystem operator) and the Open Web and can provide de-duplicated reach across all of these properties.

ABOUT NIELSEN

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviours across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future.

An S&P 500 company, Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) operates around the world in more than 55 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com or www.nielsen.com/investors and connect with us on social media.