Ookla Speedtest Global Index: India Tumbles In Its Global Ranking For Mobile Median Speed But Improves On Fixed Broadband Speeds

* India dropped three spots in rank globally for median mobile speeds, from 115th in May to 118th in June.

* Median mobile download speeds in India also slightly decreased from 14.28 Mbps in May to 14.00 Mbps in June.

* India increased three spots in rank globally for overall median fixed broadband speeds, from 75th in May to 72nd in June.

* Overall fixed median download speeds in India saw a slight increase from 47.86 Mbps in May to 48.11 Mbps in June.

Ookla®, the global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights today released an update on the Speedtest Global Index for June 2022. 

According to Ookla®, in June 2022, India recorded 14.00 Mbps median mobile download speeds which are slightly lower than the 14.28 Mbps, recorded in May 2022. This decrease in download speeds has brought the country to the 118th position in June from 115th in May 2022. However, India's median download speeds on fixed broadband witnessed an improvement from 47.86 Mbps in May 2022 to 48.11 in June 2022, taking the country’s global ranking three notches up, to 72nd position in June 2022 from 75th in May 2022. 

According to the June Speedtest Global Index, Norway continues to be at the No. 1 spot for overall global median mobile speeds, while Chile has reclaimed its No. 1 position from Singapore, which landed at the No. 2 spot for overall global fixed broadband speeds. The countries, namely Papua New Guinea and Gabon registered the highest growth for mobile download speeds and fixed broadband speeds respectively in June 2022.

Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index compares Speedtest data from around the world each month. Data for the Global Index comes from the hundreds of millions of tests taken by real people using Speedtest every month to test their Internet performance. 

About Ookla

Ookla® is a global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights. For almost two decades, Ookla has set the industry standard for both fixed and mobile network testing and analysis. From its world-renowned Speedtest® and Downdetector® platforms to an accompanying and growing suite of end-to-end enterprise solutions, Ookla’s mission is to make the internet better, faster, and more accessible for everyone.

Ookla’s enterprise solutions combine first-party crowdsourced data and scientifically controlled testing with tools that provide actionable insights across a network’s lifecycle and customer experience. Our insights empower operators, businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and more to analyze, optimize, and publicize networks around the world.

Ookla is part of Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD), a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity and martech. Ookla's headquarters is located in Seattle, WA, USA with additional offices around the world.

Residential Demand In Bengaluru Increased 18.8% QoQ While Supply Grew 6.7% QoQ:, Magicbricks PropIndex Report Q2, 2022

* Average residential prices increased 1.6% QoQ

* Preference for bigger homes with 3BHK constituting 49% of the total demand and 43% of the total supply

In Bengaluru, demand (searches) for residential real estate increased 18.8% QoQ, supply (listings) grew by 6.7% QoQ and average property prices increased 1.6% QoQ, revealed Magicbricks’ PropIndex Report Q2, 2022.

Further, 3 BHK configurations dominated Bengaluru’s residential market, accounting for 49% and 43% of the demand and supply, respectively. Properties priced in the range of INR 5,000 – 7,500 psf observed 46% demand in Q2 2022, against a share of 50% in supply.

The report also observed that the demand for the affordable segment under INR 5,000 psf is more as compared to the supply, underlining the shortage of affordable housing in Bengaluru’s residential market.

Commenting on the trend, Sudhir Pai, CEO, Magicbricks shared, “Across India, the rise in residential demand is reflective of economic recovery and income stabilisation. This is also fuelled by families returning to metros as offices and educational institutions reopen. While growing inflation, disruption of the global supply chain and increase in input cost of materials & mortgage rates are pushing up the prices, overall, we are seeing buyer’s confidence and expect India’s residential market to continue growing over the next few quarters as well.”

The report identified that eastern localities in Bengaluru such as Whitefield and Sarjapur Road which are well connected to employment hubs like Electronic City and Kanakpura Road, continue to be the most preferred locality for homebuyers.

About Magicbricks: India's no 1 property site  

As the largest platform for buyers and sellers of property to connect in a transparent manner, Magicbricks has monthly traffic exceeding 2 crores and an active base of over 15 lakh property listings. Magicbricks has metamorphosed into a full-stack service provider for all real estate needs, with 15+ services including home loans, pay rent, movers and packers, legal assistance, property valuation, and expert advice.

With 15+ years of experience and deep research-based knowledge, Magicbricks also presents a repertoire of insight-driven platforms like MBTV- India’s leading online real estate YouTube channel, and other proprietary tools so that home buyers can access all information related to price trends and forecasts, locality reviews and more.

Mahindra Electric Celebrates 50000 Electric 3-Wheelers Milestone

* India’s No.1 electric 3-wheeler company achieves the milestone with its Treo and e Alfa range.

 Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited (MEML), the last mile mobility arm of the Mahindra Group, celebrates its 50000 electric 3-wheeler customers milestone this month. Mahindra Electric started its electric 3-wheeler journey with the e Alfa Mini in 2017, and since then has successfully launched the Treo, Treo Yaari, Treo Zor, and e Alfa Cargo.

Out of all the electric Mahindra 3-wheelers sold, the Treo range has received the maximum awards with some notable mentions being the Global Awards for Excellence in auto retail marketing for electric 3-wheeler of the year 2019 and made-in-India Innovation of the Year by ET Global Automotive Summit 2022 for the Treo and Apollo SCV of the Year 2021and ET Shark Awards 2021 for the Treo Zor.

Suman Mishra, CEO of MEML said, “It is indeed a momentous occasion for all of us as we go from strength to strength in building this category, and we are thankful to our satisfied customers for this. Electric Vehicles are helping customers with increased earnings while delivering sustainability and therefore we expect the growth momentum to continue.”

Mahindra Electric has managed to touch the lives of driver partners, allowing them to become entrepreneurs thereby earning more and at the same time be sustainable. The 50000+ strong Mahindra Electric 3-wheeler family has seen several milestones during this journey – we have covered more than 133 Million electric kilometre, saved 27566 metric tonne of CO? that otherwise would have required more than 6.1 Lakh trees to be planted, received special recognition award from Apollo CV Magazine for the e Alfa, and also winning the Green Achiever 2022 award at the 3rd edition of the Green Vehicle Expo.

About Mahindra Electric

Mahindra Electric, a part of the Mahindra Group is a global pioneer in the development and production of electric vehicles. Mahindra Electric is India’s only EV manufacturer with indigenously developed EV technologies that have won global accolades. Over the years, Mahindra Electric has developed one of the most diversified portfolios of electric vehicles with the e2oPlus hatch, the Treo range of 3-wheelers, electric Alfa 3-wheelers, and the electrified eVerito sedan for the passenger & the commercial segment. Venturing into the paradigm of alternative technology has helped Mahindra Electric enable a clean, green & a smarter tomorrow for India.

About Mahindra

Founded in the year 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality and real estate.  

The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.

Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise/ For updates subscribe to https://www.mahindra.com/news-room

Emirates Flight Catering Opens World’s Largest Vertical Farm in Dubai

* Bustanica has unveiled its 330,000sqft environmentally controlled farm facility, with an investment of US$40 million.

* Bustanica will annually save in excess of 250 million litres of water and produce over 1 million kgs of produce that are free of pesticides, herbicides and chemicals.

 Bustanica has opened the doors to the world’s largest hydroponic farm, backed by an investment of US$40m. The facility is the first vertical farm for Emirates Crop One, the joint venture between Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), one of the world’s largest catering operations serving more than 100 airlines, and Crop One, an industry leader in technology-driven indoor vertical farming.

Located near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, the 330,000sqft facility is geared to produce more than 1,000,000 kilograms of high-quality leafy greens annually, while requiring 95% less water than conventional agriculture. At any point in time, the facility grows in excess of 1m cultivars (plants), which will provide an output of 3,000 kgs per day.

Bustanica is driven by powerful technology – machine learning, artificial intelligence and advanced methods – and a highly specialised in-house team that includes agronomy experts, engineers, horticulturists and plant scientists. A continuous production cycle ensures the produce is super fresh and clean, and grown without pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals.

Passengers on Emirates and other airlines can look forward to forking these delicious leafy greens, including lettuces, arugula, mixed salad greens, and spinach, onboard their flights from July. Bustanica is not just revolutionising salads in the sky – UAE consumers will soon be able to add these greens to their shopping carts at the nearest supermarkets. Bustanica also plans to expand into the production and sale of fruits and vegetables.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “Long-term food security and self-sufficiency are vital to the economic growth of any country, and the UAE is no exception. We’ve specific challenges in our region, given the limitations around arable land and climate. Bustanica ushers in a new era of innovation and investments, which are important steps for sustainable growth and align with our country’s well-defined food and water security strategies.

“Emirates Flight Catering constantly invests in the latest technologies to delight customers, optimise operations, and minimise our environmental footprint. Bustanica helps secure our supply chain, and ensures our customers can enjoy locally sourced, nutritious produce. By bringing production closer to consumption, we’re reducing the food journey from farm to fork. Congratulations to the Bustanica team for their remarkable achievements so far and for setting global standards and benchmarks in agronomy.”

Craig Ratajczyk, Chief Executive Officer, Crop One said: “After significant planning and construction, and navigating the unforeseen challenges of the pandemic, we’re thrilled to celebrate this tremendous milestone alongside our joint venture partner, Emirates Flight Catering. It’s our mission to cultivate a sustainable future to meet global demand for fresh, local food, and this first large format farm is the manifestation of that commitment. This new facility serves as a model for what’s possible around the globe.”

The farm’s closed-loop system is designed to circulate water through the plants to maximise water usage and efficiency. When the water vaporises, it is recovered and recycled into the system, saving 250m litres of water every year compared to traditional outdoor farming for the same output.

Bustanica will have zero impact on the world’s threatened soil resources, an incredibly reduced reliance on water and year-round harvests unhampered by weather conditions and pests. Consumers buying Bustanica’s greens from supermarkets can eat it straight from the bag – even washing can damage the leaves and introduce contaminants.

Note: factsheet and photos are available at our media centre.

Zynga’s Words, Friends Begins Countdown To “National Words With Friends Day” For Beloved Game Franchise’s 13th Birthday

* Pop Culture Sensation Marks Milestone With In-game Celebrations Culminating on July 19 Anniversary

Zynga Inc., a wholly-owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: TTWO) and a global leader in interactive entertainment, today announced that in conjunction with the 13th birthday of Words With Friends on July 19, which is “National Words With Friends Day”, the popular franchise has kicked off a celebratory campaign with its community. The in-game extravaganza, which will also be celebrated on the game’s social platforms, will feature a slate of exciting gameplay events, giveaways, challenges and sweepstakes celebrating the game’s love of words and ongoing spirit of friendly competition.

“Words With Friends has grown beyond a mobile game into a pastime that’s embedded in popular culture, and we’re excited to enjoy National Words With Friends Day with our community,” said Yaron Leyvand, Executive Vice President of Mobile Games at Zynga. “Every day, Words With Friends connects millions of players around the globe, and we want to recognize the importance of those connections by celebrating our franchise’s 13th birthday together in the game we all love.”

Some of the milestones Words With Friends has recently achieved are shown in the following infographic:

Key birthday promotions taking place in Words With Friends 2 include:

New Birthday Cake Tile Style Bundle (7/18/2022): Players can purchase this limited time bundle from the Premium Store including the Birthday Cake Tile, power ups and coins.

Word Of The Day and Free Facebook Gift (WOTD 7/19/2022): Themed for Words With Friends Day, the WOTD will lead players to the game's Facebook page, where players can claim an in-game reward and enter to win in-game prizes throughout the week.

Limited-Time Event (7/14 - 7/19/22): Players can match wits with “Baker Bella” to win an exclusive 13th birthday-themed profile frame.

Words With Friends Day Sweepstakes (7/15 - 7/22/22): Players have the opportunity to win one of 13 Words With Friends Day Prize Packs with in-game rewards.

 Zynga founded National Words With Friends Day in 2021 to celebrate the anniversary of its popular word game and to celebrate the players who share a passion for smart wordplay and intellectual competition. In 2021, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Words With Friends Day to be observed annually on July 19.

Launched in 2009, Words With Friends has grown from popular mobile game to global pop culture sensation. The franchise has expanded to new platforms like Facebook Messenger, launched a hit sequel with Words With Friends 2 and brought innovative new ways to play to people around the world. The franchise’s success through this more than decade-long journey has been powered by player connections made through quick and clever wordplay that has become a touchstone in fans’ lives.

Words With Friends 2 is playable on iOS and Android devices worldwide, as well as on Facebook. For more information and to connect with other fans, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit the game’s website at www.wordswithfriends.com.

Indian Businesses Transporting Over 76% of Goods Via Railways Expect It To Increase Further– Dun & Bradstreet Study

Businesses in the western region are the most optimistic about export freight demand Businesses already transporting more than 76% of goods via railways expect it to increase further.

·         More than 40% of businesses expect cost of transportation to increase in Q2 2022

·         Businesses in the western region are the most optimistic in Q2 2022

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, has released the 2nd edition of its all-India survey, Railway Freight Activity Optimism Index (RFAOI), in collaboration with Jupiter Group, a premier manufacturer of railway wagons, passenger coaches, wagon components and castings.

The RFAOI survey was conducted to measure the optimism levels of rail freight users (industry players and logistics service providers), to assess whether rail freight activity in India is expected to improve, remain steady or decline. The index is composed of 14 sub-parameters across four sub-indices - optimism around factors of supply, operational efficiency, investment, and demand.

Key findings

Railway Freight Activity Optimism Index (RFAOI) for Q2 2022 stands at 63, three points higher than the previous quarter; despite the uncertainty posed by the Russia Ukraine war and the eminent risks weighing upon the pace of recovery of businesses (global inflation and swift change in monetary policy)

The survey further highlights that businesses in the western region are the most optimistic in Q2 2022 (optimism index at 65). Both large and medium scale businesses are more optimistic about export freight demand compared with small and micro players.

Dr. Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet said: The improvement in consumer sentiment and resumption of business activities have helped improve the optimism level of businesses transporting goods via railways. Our survey finds optimism levels to transport goods via railways have increased in Q2 2022 from the previous quarter. We believe trade and logistic activity to gain momentum as India successfully executes more FTAs (foreign Trade Agreements) with other countries. However, soaring logistic costs and overall inflationary pressure, given rising fuel prices and depreciating rupee, might have impacted optimism level for import freight demand, which continues to be the lowest in Q2 2022 amongst all the parameters surveyed. Going forward, freight cost is likely to remain elevated or go up as 40% of businesses expect cost of transportation through railways to increase in Q2 2022.

Vivek Lohia, Director, Jupiter Wagons said: “Railway freight activity is expected to gain further traction in Q2 2022. We can gauge from the survey that businesses are inclined towards increasing their share of goods transported through railways, but they also anticipate the cost of transportation through railways to increase. Western region is the most optimistic for most of the survey parameters considered for the rail freight activity optimism index. Two areas of concern have emerged i.e. optimism level for availability of wagons and transit time has fallen from the previous quarter. However, even though optimism towards availability of wagons have fallen, optimism for utilization of wagons has increased and this is higher than containers compared to last quarter. As we track the pulse of the business activity across different sizes and locations in India every quarter, we aim to highlight the various challenges businesses perceive to transport freight through logistics by gauging the optimism level for 14 parameters relevant for the rail freight logistic sector”.

Key findings of the four sub-indices of RFAOI

Optimism around factors of supply

·         Optimism for factors of supply chain increased at the slowest pace (one percentage point gain) in Q2 2022 compared to the other three segments.

·         Optimism level for availability of wagons fell by 4 points in Q2 2022 from the previous quarter.

Optimism around operational efficiency

·         Optimism for operational efficiency in Q2 2022 improved by three points to 64 from Q1 2022.

·         In the survey, Businesses are most optimistic about loading and unloading of goods with

(optimism index at 69) and least optimistic about transit time (optimism index at 57)

Optimism around investment activity

·         Optimism level for investment activity is the highest at 66 in Q2 2022; the optimism level increased most by six points in Q2 2022

·         Businesses are most optimistic about loading and unloading of goods (optimism index at 69) followed by investment for mechanization (optimism index at 66)

Optimism around demand

·         Optimism for freight demand improved quarter on quarter yet remains lowest among all the four sub-indices in Q2 2022 at 59

·         Businesses are more optimistic about export freight demand (optimism index at 62) compared to domestic freight demand (optimism index at 60) in Q2 2022. Indicating strong export growth momentum to continue in Q2 2022.

·         In domestic freight demand, optimism level for import (optimism index at 57) and captive trade (optimism index at 58) increased by ­five and six points compared to optimism for domestic trade activity which increased only by two points

Signify Expands 3D-Printed Lighting Range In India With Launch of 3D-Printed Downlight For Professional Customers

* Available in multiple sizes to fit existing ceiling cut-outs, the Philips GreenPerform Perfectfit downlight allows for a faster and more convenient installation

* The new downlight is a more sustainable option compared to traditional models, given its recyclability and higher energy efficiency.

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has expanded its 3D-printed lighting range with the launch of the Philips GreenPerform Perfectfit downlight, India’s first 3D-printed downlight for professional customers. This unique product is available in six size options to fit any existing ceiling cut-out, thereby offering a perfect fit and eliminating the need for any additional accessories or expensive renovation.

The new downlight is more sustainable and has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional downlights, as it is manufactured with recyclable polycarbonate and is also more energy efficient with a 100 lumen/watt efficacy. Customers can also recycle these luminaires at the end of their lifespan, which feeds into the circular economy.

Commenting on the launch, Sumit Joshi, CEO & MD, Signify South Asia said: “Our Philips GreenPerform Perfectfit downlight offers a sustainable and convenient option for professional customers looking to either replace their existing downlights or to install new ones. Our 3D-printed range of lighting provides customers the flexibility to choose from a wide range of sizes and color options to suit their unique requirements, while also enabling them to lower their carbon footprint with a sustainably-manufactured luminaire that can also be recycled later.”

The Philips GreenPerform Perfectfit downlight is available in three light output options (900, 1400 and 1900 lumens) and five premium metallic color options to match an existing building’s interiors in various professional applications such as retail, office and hospitality.

Professional customers can view the range on https://www.tailored.lighting.philips.com/en/in/, where they can also customize their product by choosing the desired size, lighting color temperature, lumen and luminaire color. They can then download the specification sheet to share it with a Philips lighting partner for placing their order. 

Signify also offers a wide range of 3D-printed luminaires with innovative designs and an infinite combination of colors, textures and shapes for a truly unique and bespoke product. These are available on the same website.