Blue Dart Recognized As A “Well-Known Trademark” By The Indian Trademark Registry

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia's leading courier and integrated express package distribution company, has been recognized with the prestigious ”Well-Known Trademark” status through the Indian Trademark Registry. This adds another significant milestone to its journey of excellence and solidifies its position as the Trade Facilitator of the nation.

A "Well-Known Mark" brings forth a multitude of benefits, further amplifying Blue Dart’s competitive edge in the market. This acknowledgement ensures enhanced protection under the Trademarks Act, safeguarding the brand from unauthorized use or infringement, even from marks that are deceptively similar, even if used for different goods or services. This protection not only secures Blue Dart's intellectual property rights but also maintains market clarity, preventing consumer confusion. Additionally, being recognized as a well-known mark significantly increases the brand's value, strengthening trust and credibility among customers and stakeholders even further.

Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Limited, expressed his pride in the company's achievement, stating, “This milestone reaffirms Blue Dart's eminent position in the logistics industry and emphasizes its commitment to excellence. As the company continues to innovate and redefine standards, it remains dedicated to delivering unmatched service and value to its customers.

Notably, Blue Dart was also recently conferred with the Top Employer 2024 in India by The Top Employers Institute, the Best Express Cargo Service Provider at the Indian Cargo Award 2023, and India’s Top Value Creator 2023 by Dun & Bradstreet, among other awards.

About Blue Dart:

Blue Dart Express Ltd., South Asia's premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, offers secure and reliable delivery of consignments to over 56,000+ locations in India. Blue Dart is a provider of choice for its stakeholders due to its customer centric approach and aims to further strengthen this partnership. As part of DHL Group’s DHL eCommerce division, Blue Dart accesses the largest and most comprehensive express and logistics network worldwide, covering over 220 countries and territories, and offers an entire spectrum of distribution services including air express, freight forwarding, supply chain solutions, customs clearance etc.

The Blue Dart team drives market leadership through its motivated people, dedicated air and ground capacity, cutting-edge technology, wide range of innovative, vertical specific products and value-added services to deliver unmatched standards of service quality to its customers. Blue Dart's market leadership is further validated by its position as the nation’s most innovative and awarded express logistics company for exhibiting reliability, superior brand experience and sustainability which include recognition as one of ‘India's Best Companies to Work For’ by The Great Place to Work® Institute, India, ranked amongst ‘Best Multinational Workplaces in Asia’ by The Great Place to Work® Institute, Asia, voted a ‘Superbrand’ and ‘Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand’, listed as one of Fortune 500’s ‘India's Largest Corporations’ and Forbes ‘India's Super 50 Companies’ to name a few. Blue Dart’s Diversity and Inclusion initiatives have also led to it being recognized as one of India’s ‘Best Workplaces for Women’ in 2021 and ‘Best Organisations for Women’ in 2022 by the Economic Times.

Blue Dart fulfils its social responsibility of climate protection (GoGreen), disaster management (GoHelp) and education (GoTeach) through its GoPrograms.

PNB, EaseMyTrip Collaborate To Introduce PNB EMT Credit Card

~ A unique travel-focused co-branded credit card that promises a seamless and rewarding travel experience for Indian customers ~

Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, has partnered with EaseMyTrip, one of India’s largest online travel tech platforms, to launch “PNB EMT Credit Card”. This power-packed co-branded travel credit card is aimed at mass to premium customer segments and has been meticulously designed to offer a variety of rewards for the Indian travellers.

Customers can log in to pnbindia.in or PNB ONE App or easemytrip.com to avail this credit card and earn rewards in a variety of categories, including flights, hotels, and holiday packages. Furthermore, this new credit card includes a wallet for contactless payments, which is completely hassle-free and secure as the card information is encrypted before being transmitted to the merchant’s PoS machine.

Speaking during the launch of the new co-branded credit card PNB, MD & CEO, said, “Innovation is key to our success, and as a result we continue to develop partnership models that provide customers with a unique value proposition that is tailored to their evolving needs. Our collaboration with EaseMyTrip reflects our shared commitment to provide customers unmatched benefits on travel related spends. We believe that this new offering will significantly add value to our customers and provide them an unparalleled travel experience.”

Sharing his excitement about the partnership, Shri Nishant Pitti, CEO, EaseMyTrip, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Punjab National Bank to unveil the ‘PNB EMT Credit Card,’ a distinctive co-branded travel credit card aimed at providing a seamless and rewarding experience to our customers. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With exclusive benefits in flights, hotels, and holiday packages, paired with a secure and hassle-free contactless payment option, we are excited to redefine the travel experience for our customers. This partnership reflects our shared dedication to offering unparalleled value to our users, making their journeys memorable.” 

New Research From Herbochem Reveals Unexpected Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha Extract

With a rich heritage spanning over five decades, Herbochem stands as a stalwart in the realm of botanical extracts, embodying the legacy of India's venerable herbal extraction enterprises. As a pioneering herbal supplement manufacturer, Herbochem takes pride in unveiling the findings of a recent study conducted by its dedicated team of researchers. This study illuminates the remarkable health advantages offered by Ashwagandha extract, shedding light on its potential to enhance holistic well-being.

Research suggests that Ashwagandha supplements can significantly reduce perceived stress and cortisol levels, leading to improved sleep quality.

Athletes may also find Ashwagandha to be a worthwhile supplement, as studies indicate beneficial effects on athletic performance. Furthermore, Ashwagandha has been associated with reduced anxiety.

Beyond stress management and mental health, Ashwagandha may boost testosterone levels and improve fertility in men.

While more research is needed, it shows promise in regulating blood sugar levels and relieving inflammation. Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used to enhance concentration and cognitive function.

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, has been revered for centuries for its adaptogenic expertise. It boasts healing constituents that facilitate stress management and foster vitality within the body. One of its key attributes lies in its classification as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with stress. By controlling mediators of stress, including heat shock proteins (Hsp70), cortisol, and stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1), Ashwagandha plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.

Research suggests that Ashwagandha supplements can significantly reduce perceived stress and cortisol levels, leading to improved sleep quality. Athletes may also find Ashwagandha to be a worthwhile supplement, as studies indicate beneficial effects on athletic performance. Furthermore, Ashwagandha has been associated with reduced anxiety. Beyond stress management and mental health, Ashwagandha may boost testosterone levels and improve fertility in men. While more research is needed, it shows promise in regulating blood sugar levels and relieving inflammation. Traditionally, Ashwagandha has been used to enhance concentration and cognitive function.

Mr. Karthik Kondepudi, Partner at Herbochem, said, “The outcomes of the research are truly helpful, and it uncovers Ashwagandha as a multifaceted health supplement. Herbochem stands for its long-term commitment to natural extracts and deep-rooted belief in the healing power of Ashwagandha”.

Iconic Beauty Brand Laura Mercier Makes Grand Debut Across India

* A Brand That Believes 'What Makes You Unique, Makes You Beautiful' 

Baccarose, a prominent name in the beauty and cosmetics distribution industry, is set to introduce the renowned French American makeup and skincare brand” Laura Mercier” to the vibrant and growing beauty landscape of India. The brand loved by people worldwide, is excited at the opening of its first store in Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai. This is a big step for the brand as it enters one of the world's busiest beauty markets.

Located in the heart of Mumbai, the new Laura Mercier store promises an immersive and unparalleled shopping experience for beauty enthusiasts across Mumbai. With its timeless elegance and commitment to quality, Laura Mercier has captured the hearts of makeup lovers for decades, offering a wide range of luxurious products designed to enhance natural beauty.

Founded by world-renowned makeup artist and pioneer of Flawless Face, Laura Mercier. Laura Mercier has established itself as a global leader in the beauty industry. Known for its exceptional quality and commitment to enhancing natural beauty, Laura Mercier's makeup and skincare products have garnered a loyal following worldwide.

Embracing the philosophy of "Less is More," Laura Mercier's signature approach revolves around the No Makeup-Makeup Look, famously referred to as "Laura's Flawless Face." At the heart of this beauty ethos are hero products meticulously crafted to achieve a subtle yet radiant appearance. Laura Mercier bridges the gap between skincare and makeup encouraging self-acceptance and moving away from full-coverage foundation.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Marco Ficarelli, Chief Revenue Officer of Laura Mercier Cosmetics., said, " We are thrilled to introduce the illustrious French American makeup and skincare brand, Laura Mercier, to the dynamic beauty market of India. A thriving market that holds immense potential The new store represents more than just a retail space; it's a destination where beauty enthusiasts can explore, experiment, and indulge in the art of makeup. With a growing demand for premium cosmetics and passionate beauty consumers who are influenced by global beauty trends and self-care, we are excited to bring Laura Mercier’s innovative and high-quality products that will empower Indian consumers and enhance their self-expression,”

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Kadambari Lakhani, Director of Baccarose Perfumes & Beauty Products Pvt. Ltd., said; "Baccarose is truly honored to collaborate with Laura Mercier in introducing this iconic brand to India. Our strategic move to bring Laura Mercier to the Indian market underscores our unwavering dedication to offering Indian consumers access to premium, internationally acclaimed beauty products. We are confident that Laura Mercier's innovative and high-quality products will strike a chord with Indian consumers who seek premium cosmetics, providing them with an opportunity to embrace and enhance their unique beauty through the art of makeup."

Laura Mercier's Flawless Face technique is a revolutionary approach, that extends professional artistry to everyone. Starting with the 1996 pioneer, Primer creates a flawless canvas for enduring makeup freshness. Foundation, prioritizing balance over concealing, offers choices like tinted moisturizers for a radiant glow or Laura Mercier foundations for perfected finishes. The Conceal and Camouflage step strategically hides darkness and blemishes with standouts like the Secret Camouflage palette. Culminating with the hero product, Translucent Loose Setting Powder, it ensures a natural skin finish, setting the stage for flawless, enduring beauty. Laura Mercier's Four-Step Technique effortlessly empowers individuals to showcase their best features.

Baccarose’s strategic move to bring this prestigious brand to India reflects a dedication to providing Indian consumers with access to premium and internationally acclaimed beauty products. As Laura Mercier makes its debut in India, beauty enthusiasts can expect a fusion of French sophistication and American ingenuity, tailored to suit the diverse beauty needs of the Indian market. The brand's arrival is poised to redefine beauty standards and empower individuals to express their unique selves through makeup, promising a universally accessible professional performance that resonates with the essence of Laura Mercier.

Hero Products of Laura Mercier in India, will include:

Primer:

It is the first step to a flawless, professional-quality base and transforms the appearance and staying power of products applied after it. Laura Mercier brought primers from the professional makeup artist’s kit to the consumer market in 1996, pioneering them as a daily makeup tool rather than an advanced professional technology. Pure Canvas Primers are essential to lock in skincare and to provide foundation with a surface to grip, ensuring that it won’t move or settle conspicuously, and will look fresh and natural all day while providing a protective, breathable layer on the skin. Pure Canvas Primers feature a comfortable serum-like gel texture which works intuitively with skincare to create an ideal base for makeup.

Foundation:

Rather than using foundation to cover blemishes or imperfections, Laura thinks of it as an integral tool for evening the complexion and revealing its best features. For a natural, glowing finish, plumping the skin and perfecting it with a sheer veil of color, opt for a tinted moisturizer. For an evening or a more dramatically perfected skin finish, choose the Laura Mercier foundation. Either can be worn alone or with concealer, camouflage, and powder; the Flawless Face technique can be adapted to every type of makeup look.

Conceal and Camouflage:

While Laura advises that concealing should be kept to covering darkness around the eye area with a creamy, crease-resistant, and highly pigmented formula that stretches in sync with the eye, camouflage involves seamlessly covering any blemishes, scars or pigmentation to even the overall complexion. Secret Camouflage, Laura Mercier’s bestselling camouflage palette, allows for impeccable, customized coverage wherever and whenever it is needed. Camouflage features a firmer, less elastic structure than concealer, making it the perfect solution for full, high pigment coverage that stays in place all day.

Translucent loose setting Powder:

Translucent Loose Setting Powder is the final step in the Flawless Face technique. Setting foundation and concealer with this no-flashback, hero loose powder also provides a base for any color powder products to follow. Translucent Loose Setting Powder was developed by Laura to be invisible, even in flash photography, and features a superfine, lightweight silky texture and natural skin finish that has made it an industry icon whose formula has remained a bestseller, unchanged and unrivalled since its creation.

ABOUT LAURA MERCIER:

Laura Mercier Cosmetics was founded in 1996 by renowned French Makeup Artist Laura Mercier, the pioneer of the Flawless Face. This global luxury line of Makeup, Skincare, Body & Bath and Fragrance is known for its iconic makeup artistry and techniques. Laura is the innovative force behind the award-winning products, French aesthetic, and artistry techniques — helping every woman look — and feel — her best. Acquired by Orveon in 2022, Laura Mercier Cosmetics are distributed through specialty, beauty and department stores across the globe. For more information, visit: www.lauramercier.com

Pearson India Launches Its First Book Vending Machine For Consumers In Bengaluru

Pearson India, the leading learning company, has unveiled its first book vending machine in India, marking a significant step towards reaching out to learners directly in the country. Through this initiative, Pearson India aims to provide easy access to a wide range of academic books, directly to the customers, enhancing their overall purchase experience. It has been installed at Pearson India’s office on Richmond Road, Bengaluru and will be available for customers from today.

Through this initiative, Pearson India will offer a wide selection of the latest editions of learning and education books that are currently published by Pearson. Customers, including students and professionals, can make direct payment at the vending machine through UPI and purchase their desired book easily and conveniently, in less than 30 seconds. Over the next few months, Pearson India will set up a few such vending machines across different parts of the country.

Vinay Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India, said, “It is our constant endeavour to enhance the accessibility of learning materials for our customers in India. There is an upward trend of students and learners buying reference material to prepare for their entrance exams and academic preparation in India. This book vending machine leverages the buying-on-the-go trend to capitalize on this market opportunity. We plan to expand this initiative in India by setting up more book vending machines across educational hubs in India that will create innovative touchpoints for consumers, who are looking for simple, easy, and convenient ways of purchasing books. Given the versatility of BVMs in accommodating a diverse range of book genres, we see them as a new point-of-sale opportunity for Pearson in India. We are confident that the people of Bengaluru will appreciate and utilize this new facility by Pearson, to build on their lifelong learning journeys.”

The book vending machine is stationed at the Pearson office, DivyaSree Chambers, Ground Floor, A Wing 11, O Shaughnessy Rd, Bengaluru, 560025, and will be accessible to customers during working hours.

About Pearson: 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning is not just, what we do. It is who we are. Visit us at www.pearsonplc.com 

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Posts Consecutive Record Wholesales Growth: Sells 25,220 Units In February’2024

* Achieves a remarkable growth of 74% over the corresponding period last year, the company has sold 49,829 units in the initial two months of CY 2024, compared to 28,578 units sold previously

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today reported its highest wholesale of 25,220 units in the month of February’2024, reflecting sustained growth and product acceptance by the customers from across the country. This also represents a sustained growth of 61% over the same period last year, where the company sold 15,685 units in February 2023. While domestic sales stood at 23,300 units, the company’s exports stood at 1,920 units in the month.

In the preceding month of January 2024, the company recorded its highest-ever monthly wholesales in India with 24,609 units.

Reflecting on the month’s achievement, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Our commitment towards delivering ‘Mass Happiness to All’ and maintaining a customer-first approach has been instrumental in ensuring steady month-on-month growth.

With this month recording the highest monthly sales, we continue to witness rising demand coupled with good customer enquiries from across the regions. Notably, the SUV and MUV models are at the forefront of this demand surge, with the Innova Crysta, Innova Hycross, Fortuner, and Legender maintaining their leadership positions and significantly contributing to our growth story. Recently, Innova HyCross set a remarkable milestone clocking sales of over 50,000 units since its launch in November 2022, underscoring our focus on offering customers a choice of vehicle that fits their lifestyle and needs.

We have begun the year with high optimism, we look forward to adding value and ensuring sustained market performance by fulfilling customer expectations with high-quality vehicles to meet the dynamic needs and evolving preferences of our customers. Continuing the momentum, we are confident that this trend will persist throughout the year propelled by the growing demand from tier 2 and tier 3 markets and ever-growing infrastructure which is creating newer opportunities."

In addition to the sales achievements, TKM also unveiled the "Awesome New Car Delivery Solution," a testament to enhancing the buying experience through innovative value-added services. This industry-first initiative, was rolled out by TKM's authorized dealers, revolutionizes the way new vehicles are delivered to customers. By utilizing flat-bed trucks for the transportation of new vehicles from dealer stockyards directly to sales outlets, the cars arrive in pristine condition, untouched by road travel. This approach not only elevates the customer's unboxing experience but also addresses the logistical challenges in rural and semi-urban areas.

Another thrilling ‘Great 4X4 Expedition by Toyota’ has gained lot of popularity and is set to offer another adventurous off roading experience to the 4X4 fraternity in Northeast region during March 2024. This will be the fifth in the series that aspires to connect 4X4 participants with their spirit of adventure.

Tata Motors Flags-Off Its Next-Gen, Eco-Friendly Fleet Of Commercial Vehicles To Tata Steel

* To make Tata Steel’s supply chain greener with tractors, tippers and buses powered by LNG and Batteries   

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today flagged off its next-generation, green-fuel powered commercial vehicles to Tata Steel. The fleet includes Prima tractors, tippers and the Ultra EV bus, powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and battery electric technologies. The vehicles were flagged off by Tata Son’s Chairman, Mr. N Chandrasekaran, as part of the Tata Group’s Founder’s Day celebrations in Jamshedpur. Present at the ceremony were Mr. T V Narendran, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Steel and Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, along with senior members of their leadership teams.

Speaking about the long-standing partnership with Tata Motors, T. V. Narendran, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Tata Steel said: “This delivery marks another significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with Tata Motors. As leaders in our respective industries, Tata Steel and Tata Motors share a common vision for sustainability and innovation. By harnessing our collective expertise and resources, we are not only revolutionising our industries but also leading the way in environmental responsibility. Together, we are committed to driving positive change and delivering eco-friendly solutions that not only benefit our businesses but also contribute to a greener tomorrow."

Speaking about the future-ready vehicles being flagged-off, Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors said, “Tata Motors is driving the global megatrend of sustainable, safe and smart mobility in India. Our green fleet of commercial vehicles will accelerate Tata Steel’s efforts towards making its supply chain carbon neutral. We have collaborated with them and their transportation partners to design holistic solutions for enhancing functionality, performance, connectivity and safety. Every aspect of these vehicles has been purposefully augmented to cater to varied duty cycles and special applications. We look forward to strengthening our historic partnership in our respective quests of reducing carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.”

Tata Motors new age fleet of commercial vehicles come equipped with multiple safety features including Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), Electronic Stability Control, Active Traction Control and Driver Monitoring System, amongst others. The vehicles were handed over to Tata Steel’s delivery partners for transporting steel products and raw materials.

Engineered for a variety of applications, the Tata Prima LNG range of trucks including Tippers (3530.K) and Tractors (5530.S) will be used for surface, mining, and long-haul commercial transportation. As part of the accelerated adoption of battery-electric range, 28T EV Tipper (E28.K) and 46T EV Tractor (E46.S) are being deployed for establishing real-world performance, as part of Tata Steel’s logistic movement. In addition to the zero-emission trucks, the company will also start using Tata Ultra EV buses for employee transport, across plant locations.

Tata Motors has been developing and manufacturing innovative mobility solutions powered by alternate fuel technology, including battery electric, CNG, LNG, Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine and Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology. It showcased the widest range of alternate-fuel powered commercial vehicles at Auto Expo 2023 and Bharat Mobility Global Expo in February 2024 across various segments. Till date, Tata Motors has supplied more than 2,000 electric buses across multiple cities in India, which have cumulatively clocked more than 12 crore kilometres, with an uptime of over 95%.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 128 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 42 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fueled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2023, Tata Motors’ operations include 88 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, three joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.