Zupee - A Skill-Based Gaming Platform Adds Kapil Sharma As A Brand Ambassador, Announces New Campaign “India ka Apna Game”

·       Kapil Sharma kicks off his collaboration with online gaming platform Zupee, promoting Ludo as the quintessential "India ka Apna Game" in his signature entertaining avatar. The campaign aspires to celebrate Ludo, as the nation’s favourite game.

·       This new campaign will be amplified via a 360-degree approach including a television commercial alongside digital, radio, outdoor, and social activations.

Zupee, one of India’s leading online skill-based gaming platforms, today announced popular entertainer Kapil Sharma, as its new brand ambassador. By joining forces with Kapil Sharma, Zupee seeks to expand its presence in the rapidly expanding realm of skill-based online gaming and cementing its leadership position in Ludo, while also offering a wide array of engaging casual and board games.

Zupee announced its latest campaign, “India ka Apna Game” which celebrates the deep bond and nationwide popularity of Ludo, honoring its strong connection among the masses, while further extending the platform’s outreach. With this partnership, Zupee further adds to its esteemed celebrity associations which also include stars like Salman Khan.

The campaign's objective is to evoke a deep-rooted affection for Zupee’s flagship product, Ludo. This initiative goes beyond just fostering a spirit of enjoyment and thrill, it also aims to democratize Ludo, making it accessible and inclusive across various social backgrounds and diverse audiences.  

Dilsher Singh Malhi, the CEO and Founder of Zupee expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "Kapil Sharma, one of India's most beloved entertainers, joins Zupee as our brand ambassador. With his comedic genius, relatable charm, and ability to connect with the masses, Kapil truly personifies our quest to deliver joyful and meaningful entertainment. With the ‘India Ka Apna Game’ campaign, we aim to celebrate the widespread popularity and sentimental bond people have with the game of Ludo, honoring the affection it holds in the hearts of the nation.”

Kapil Sharma, the acclaimed and adored actor, says, "I am delighted to be a part of Zupee, a brand that shares my passion for gaming. Their innovative approach and commitment to meaningful entertainment make them stand apart in the online gaming industry. Ludo, their flagship product, has won the hearts of millions with its engaging gameplay. I am excited to join in spreading the love for Ludo, and be a part of this incredible partnership”.

In addition to the presence of Kapil Sharma, the campaign also includes esteemed sports personalities including former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, freestyle wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, former professional hockey player Sardar Singh, and Indian Kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat engaging in a playful discussion about which game truly represents "India ka apna game." 

Rajdeepak Das, CEO & Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett South Asia, says “Ludo is ingrained in our cultural fabric and appeals to large audiences across ages. Our campaign takes a light-hearted approach to celebrate the country’s love for Zupee’s Ludo as 'India ka Apna Game' in a fun and quirky way. 

This association is structured by PAB - People As Brand, conceptualized by Leo Burnett and produced by Prodigious. 

About Zupee - Zupee is one of the fastest-growing Indian online gaming platforms & dominates the casual and boardgame segment in the real money gaming (RMG) industry. Zupee offers ‘games of skill’, in which a player’s skill, knowledge, attention, experience and capabilities are crucial to success. Zupee’s product portfolio of skill-based casual & board games is redefining the online real-money gaming ecosystem by providing meaningful entertainment & bringing moments of joy. Zupee seeks to offer a learning-driven gaming ecosystem in the country. Founded by IIT Kanpur graduates, Dilsher Singh Malhi and Siddhant Saurabh in 2018 and is backed by marquee investors such as WestCap Group, Tomales Bay Capital, Nepean Capital, AJ Capital, Matrix Partners India, & Orios Venture Partners. Recently, Zupee has also been recognized & applauded as the ‘Future Ready Organization”.

Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) Contributes To Skill India Mission Through ‘Toyota Kaushalya’ Program

* Aims to empower students including female candidates from rural Karnataka through holistic development

In its constant endeavour to support ‘Skill India’, Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) through its ‘Toyota Kaushalya’ Program continues to admit students from rural Karnataka to cultivate a pool of skilled industry-ready technicians. This program provides training to academically oriented students from economically challenged backgrounds in Karnataka  free of cost, empowering them to become skilled technicians in the field of automobile sector.

Given the present era of technological advancements and the pressing need for skilled professionals, knowledge of advanced technologies and skilled training is of paramount importance to be future ready. In this regard TTTI addresses the industry's requirement for skilled manpower by imparting world-class skills training to aspiring individuals from rural Karnataka, including the overall development of the student from rural youth to world class technician.

The Toyota Kaushalya program offers a two-year free residential course that provides a unique opportunity for youth to acquire skills relevant to the manufacturing industry and enhance their employment potential. The program follows a 'Learn and Earn' approach, combining theoretical learning with On-the-Job Training (OJT). During their training, these aspiring students will have the privilege of being mentored by experienced supervisors who are Master Trainers in their respective field. This ensures that they receive high-quality training and develop expertise in line with industrial culture and standards. The trainees will also be provided with a high skill, deep knowledge and healthy body and mind training.

Mr. G. Shankara, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer,  TKM & TKAP, expressing his thoughts, said “Toyota's unwavering dedication lies in imparting expertise and nurturing young talent into world-class resource. The Toyota Kaushalya program has effectively cultivated a talent pool of industry-ready technicians, making profound contributions to the Skill India Mission, and upholding our values of 'Producing Happiness for All.' Through this initiative, we empower youth with the skills and knowledge of advanced technologies to meet the ever-growing requirements of the Auto industry.”

The graduates of TTTI have consistently enjoyed high employment rate, and excellent job opportunities within Karnataka, India and overseas. Additionally, TTTI's efforts have been acknowledged by the Japan India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) for their contribution to the Make-in-India and Skill India Mission initiatives. Over the years, TTTI has successfully graduated more than 900 students, many of whom have achieved commendable feats at prestigious competitions such as the National Skill Contest and World Skills Contest, thereby bringing pride to the nation.

TTTI also offers the regular 3-year free training course to students from economically challenged sections across Karnataka to become skilled technicians in Auto sector. The curriculum focuses on holistic development of the students through knowledge, skill, body and attitude development. 

The Toyota Kaushalya program was started in the year 2021 and the admission for the 2023  program is currently open as per the details below. TTTI invites applications from students including female candidates, across Karnataka for Toyota Kaushalya admissions.

Ness Digital Engineering Acquires Germany-Based MVP Factory

* A LEADING GERMAN HEADQUARTERED PRODUCT DESIGN, DIGITAL INNOVATION AND VENTURE BUILDER

Ness Digital Engineering is pleased to announce its acquisition of MVP Factory - a leading German headquartered corporate venture builder & product design studio.

“MVP Factory’s expertise in helping clients incubate and scale digital ventures and design software products further strengthens our strategy to be a specialist in digital engineering” said Ranjit Tinaikar, Chief Executive Officer, Ness. “We have been deeply impressed by MVP Factory's leadership and team in their distinctiveness and design-based approach to digital innovation. We are truly excited to have them join our team".

Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, MVP Factory provides an end-to-end service for digital venture and product building and has successfully pioneered the venture studio model with global clients such as DB Schenker. It allows clients to ideate, validate, launch and scale digital ventures using lean and agile methodologies. Additionally, MVP Factory’s cross-functional team offers an entrepreneurial mindset helping identify new opportunities and business models in rapidly changing industries.

“Joining Ness Digital Engineering, backed by KKR, offers a fascinating opportunity for the global expansion of MVP Factory,” said Philipp Petrescu, MVP Factory’s Founder & CEO. “Through our combined offering, Ness can further solidify its position as one of the few at-scale pure digital engineering players that seamlessly manages projects from new venture ideation and incubation to technical execution. The synergies will offer immediate value to our clients”.

The transaction is expected to close at the end of June 2023. Financial details were not disclosed.

About Ness Digital Engineering

Ness Digital Engineering, which funds managed by global investment firm KKR acquired in 2022 is a full life-cycle digital engineering firm offering digital advisory through scaled engineering services. Combining our core competence in engineering with the latest in digital strategy and technology, we seamlessly manage Digital Transformation journeys from strategy through execution to help businesses thrive in the digital economy. For more information, visit www.ness.com.

Rivaah by Tanishq Presents Wedding Jewellery Show - The Brides Of Bengaluru

~ Three brides have been shortlisted to become the face of the brand ~

Rivaah by Tanishq, the wedding jewellery sub-brand from India’s largest jewellery retail brand Tanishq from the house of Tata presents ‘The Brides of Bengaluru’. A special customer connect and bespoke initiative that makes a chosen few customers the face of Tanishq in Bengaluru. The exclusive event was held at Hotel Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru at 6:00 pm with 25 participants wherein fashion shows and dance sequences were the highlight of the event. The event was judged by Mrs Nandini Nagraj, Fashion Icon, Film Producer, Fashion producer and Social Activist, Mrs Chitra Bhat, Teacher & Vice president of Tata Nagar Welfare Association & Ms Sandra  Anges D Souza - Director South, JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

The Rivaah Brides of Bangalore initiative puts into the limelight the real brides of Bengaluru adorning the charm and allure of bride. Brides-to-be and married women, between 20-40 years of age were invited by Tanishq to participate and experience walking the ramp and recreate a special memory as a Rivaah Bride. The entire range of bridal trousseau from Rivaah by Tanishq has been meticulously designed and skillfully crafted to be a reflection of the rich, timeless traditions that adorn the brides and make them feel cherished on their special day.

The event welcomed participants from all across Karnataka, where the top 25 brides were selected as finalists. In the end, three brides were declared winners to be the face of Tanishq after rigorous rounds of ramp walks, and exclusive bridal photoshoots, followed by a Question and Answer round to evaluate their knowledge and personality. The duration of the entire judging process, which unfolded over three hours and showcases the beauty, style and talent of contestants who were competing for the coveted title.

A Diamond session by Mr. Lalit Digari was given and introduced the exclusive collection "Impression of Nature" calling it a soulful collection radiating the symphony of nature's timeless patterns. The winners were announced and prizes were distributed to the deserving contestants followed by a group photo session to capture the memorable moments of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vasudev Rao, Regional Business Manager, Titan Company Limited said “At Tanishq, we are not just about selling jewellery, our focus is on building strong relationships with our customers. The Rivaah Brides of Bengaluru is a unique initiative that reflects our commitment to providing the best experience to our customers. We want to accompany them on their journey and be a part of their special moments. This initiative aims to create beautiful wedding memories for all our brides. Our customers are valuable to us, and we consider them as our true brand advocates. For us, customers are our real brand ambassadors and through this bespoke initiative we feel privileged to be a part of their joyous moments.”

The President of India Droupadi Murmu, Will Preside Over Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence On July 03

Smt. Droupadi Murmu – The Hon’ble President of India will preside over the second convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence here on 03 July 2023 in the presence of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, the Founder of the University, it was announced here today. The varsity provides  higher education completely free of charge to rural, underserved, and below-the- poverty-line first-generation literates.

Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai said in a statement: "It’s a proud moment for us that, Smt. Droupadi Murmu – The Hon’ble President of India, would be coming to Sri Sathya Sai University (in Chikkaballapur district, near Bengaluru) for our annual convocation on 03 July. The Hon’ble President would be conferring honorary doctorates to six eminent Indians who have been contributing to the process of nation-building for the last many decades."

“Sixty-six percent of graduates who would be awarded their degrees this year come from below-the-line (BPL) families, and fifty-two percent are rural youths,” the Founder said, adding that “The presence of the Hon’ble President for the convocation, who rose to India’s highest constitutional office despite coming from a humble background, would be the most inspiring for the graduating students.”

President Murmu, herself a first-generation literate, started her life journey in a small tribal village in Odisha. She crossed many obstacles, and with the help of her resolve, she became the first daughter of her village to go to college.

The Hon’ble President will also confer honorary doctorates on six eminent Indians who have excelled in their fields and contributed to nation-building to the best of their capacities. Prof Ajay K Sood – Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India (Science and Technology); Ganakalabhushana Vidwan Dr R K Padmanabha – renowned Carnatic music vocalist (Music and Art); Mr Pullela Gopichand – Chief National Coach of the Indian Badminton Team (Sports and Fitness); Dr Pratima Murthy – Director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Healthcare); Vedic Scholar and Padma Shri Awardee Prof Vijay Shankar Shukla – Faculty, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts for Education (Education), and Padma Shri Awardee Mrs Tulsi Gowda – Indian Environmentalist (Social Service and Philanthropy).

With over 70% of the current students coming from the BPL segment, the institution is proving true to its goals and philosophy of long-term nation-building and unflinching adherence to universal human values, with the aim of serving the last man.

The university offers free education to first-generation literates, both men and women, across the country and adheres to the highest academic standards with diverse educational programmes, top faculty, and modern infrastructure. A record 64% of pass-outs this year are female students.

Forty-three percent of the current students come from rural India, and the aim of the founder is to give them an academic environment that matches the highest global standards and best practises in higher education from across the globe.

The University has established Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SMSIMSR), India’s first free medical college imparting free values-based medical education, which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India – Shri Narendra Modi on 25 March 2023. Apart from MBBS course, the Medical College also offers bachelor programmes in allied health sciences and nursing. The 360 bedded teaching hospital also cater to the needs of the rural patients by providing free multi-speciality healthcare. On any given day around 1,000 outpatients and 300 inpatients are being treated.

To know more, kindly visit: https://sssuhe.ac.in/

Elevate Your Sound Experience With The All-New GOVO GoBuds 945 True Wireless Earbuds

·         Indulge in unparalleled audio with GOVO's GoBuds 945 True Wireless Earbuds

GOVO, a new challenger in the audio technology industry, is elated to announce the highly anticipated launch of their latest masterpiece, the GOVO GoBuds 945 True Wireless Earbuds. This revolutionary product is poised to redefine the audio experience. The GOVO GoBuds 945 represents a significant leap forward in the world of audio, with the potential to change the way we perceive and enjoy sound. By pushing the boundaries of bass performance to unprecedented heights, the GOVO GoBuds 945 aims to deliver an unparalleled audio experience that will leave users astounded and immersed in a new realm of sonic bliss.

The global earbuds market is poised for significant growth, with an estimated worth of USD 9,520 million in 2022, projected to reach USD 16,860 million by 2029. This impressive market expansion is driven by the increasing demand for earbuds, fuelled by notable advancements, innovations, and convenience. Setting a new benchmark in the industry, the GOVO GoBuds 945 True Wireless Earbuds redefine the audio experience, delivering exceptional design, advanced sound quality, and remarkable bass performance. Seamlessly integrating wireless Bluetooth technology and other innovative features, the GOVO GoBuds 945 caters to the discerning needs of Indian consumers, offering exceptional sound quality and immersive audio enjoyment.

Commenting on the launch of the GOVO GoBuds 945 True Wireless Earbuds, Mr. Piyush Jalan, Co-Founder and COO, GOVO said, “Launching the all-new GOVO GoBuds 945 True Wireless Earbuds marks a significant milestone for us. With a relentless focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, we have created a product that redefines the audio experience. The exceptional design, advanced sound quality, and remarkable bass performance of the earbuds provide users with an immersive listening journey. We are excited to bring this cutting-edge technology to our customers, enhancing their audio enjoyment like never before.”        

Here are the salient features of the GOVO GoBuds 945 True Wireless Earbuds:

·         Rich Bass: The earbuds boast dynamic 12mm drivers that deliver deep bass and true audio, providing an immersive and rich sound experience

·         52 hours battery: With an impressive battery life of up to 52 hours, powered by a 400mAh battery capacity and supported by Type-C input, it ensures uninterrupted music playback for extended periods

·         Quad Mic ENC: Equipped with 4 Mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), the earbuds ensure crystal clear call quality by effectively reducing background noise and enhancing voice clarity

·         Elegant Design: With the Chrome X technology finish, GoBuds 945 features a premium design, combining style and durability to enhance your listening experience with a touch of elegance

·         Bluetooth V5.3: With the latest Bluetooth version of V5.3, the earbuds offers up to 30 feet of seamless connectivity

·         Gaming Mode: With less than 60ms latency, the earbuds provide a lag-free experience, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in their favourite mobile games and enjoy a uninterrupted gaming session without any delays

·         Voice Assistant: With a simple touch, the earbuds allows to effortlessly access and utilize your Google or Siri voice assistant

·         Super Touch Control: With the touch control feature on the GOVO GoBuds 945 users can conveniently interact with their earbuds, allowing them to seamlessly navigate through music tracks, adjust volume and answer calls

·         Fast Charge: The earbuds provide a fast charge feature, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted music for extended periods without the need for a lengthy charging session

The GOVO GoBuds ChromX 945 True Wireless Earbuds is priced at Rs. 4,999/- and can also be easily purchased from Amazon at an introductory limited-time price of just Rs 1,199/- . This product comes with a one-year warranty and is available in the colours Dark Knight and Artic Silver.

About GOVO:

GOVO is an emerging audio technology company that is making waves in the industry. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences, GOVO is quickly gaining recognition for its cutting-edge products. From wireless Bluetooth speakers to powerful soundbars, GOVO seamlessly integrates advanced technology with sleek designs to create immersive audio solutions. With a strong emphasis on quality, performance, and customer satisfaction, GOVO is poised to become a leading player in the competitive audio technology market.

Transforming India's Business Scene: Paving Way Forward For Women Entrepreneurs

Bangalore, popularly known as the Silicon Valley of India is one of the top 50 cities providing a beneficial business environment for women entrepreneurs. (Source - Dell Technologies’ 2023 Women Entrepreneur Cities (WE Cities) Index).

Women are increasingly donning the role of founders and co-founders. Success stories of female led startups from various industries – ecommerce, fashion, tech etc., has had a positive impact on the growth of women-led businesses. A common thread in the success of these businesses is the adoption of digital platforms, which has had a transformative impact on their success in the recent years.

With increased technology penetration, businesses have been able to use digital platforms to reach new customers, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences. Ms. Meera Sampath Kumar, who has been a regular customer of digital platform Justdial for last 15 years, attests to this fact. Ms. Kumar, proprietor of Meeraa Sampathkumar Sujok Therapy, started as a Therapist and Counsellor 23 years ago and has been associated with Justdial for last 15 years. It has played a significant role in increasing her clientele. Commenting on her association with Justdial, she mentioned, “I would encourage more businesses to use Justdial as the platform has helped me in reaching a wider audience of individuals who are seeking relief from their problems. The platform has helped me in growing my business and I am extremely happy with their services.”

Another woman entrepreneur from Bangalore, Ms. Nayana Nagabhushan, the owner of Drishti Communications, has benefitted from her association with Justdial by receiving majority of her clients through the platform. Recommending the platform, she says “If you have a startup and want to grow your business, it is definitely value for money. And everyone aspiring to be entrepreneurs should try it”. Her positive experience and the continuous influx of clients has made her a loyal advocate of Justdial.

A level playing field provided by digital platforms acts as an enabler for women entrepreneurs, pushing them to test the waters and take measured risks. One of the most significant advantages of digital platforms is the ability to reach a wider audience. Through social media, email marketing, and other digital channels, businesses can connect with potential customers who may not have otherwise heard of them. This expanded reach has been a key driver of growth for businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations.

Varshini, a professional makeup artist and owner of V2 Makeover, shares her experience with Justdial platform that has taken her business to the next level. Expressing her gratitude for the company’s sales support, Varshini says, “The dedicated relationship manager assigned to me offers valuable advice and guides me in optimizing my account. I rate the company’s sales support highly and the staff’s patience and excellent service stand out for me”.

These testimonials by successful women entrepreneurs from Bangalore highlight the crucial role played by a supportive environment, effective relationship managers, robust sales support, digital tools, tailored digital marketing strategies and enhanced visibility, in attracting new customers and driving their growth and success. Ultimately, it is the combination of these factors that empowers women entrepreneurs in Bangalore to thrive, creating a powerful ripple effect that paves the way for a more inclusive and prosperous business landscape.