playR Continues To Be The Official Merchandising Partner Of Rajasthan Royals

playR, one of the leading sports and lifestyle brands, announced today that they have associated with Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural champions of the T20 Tournament, as the team’s Official Merchandising Partner, the journey that started in 2023 continues for 2024 season.

This partnership will enable Rajasthan Royals to create a vast range of fan merchandise for their fans worldwide. The merchandise range will include apparel, accessories and lifestyle products for fans to show their loyalty to the team.

The objective of this partnership is to provide the Royals’ fans across the globe the opportunity to proudly don their team’s threads and sport various exclusive merchandise.    

Alok Chitre, Chief Business Officer, Rajasthan Royals said, “As a franchise which is fan-focused, we are always looking to provide our fans with the best quality merchandise so they can showcase their support for the teams. Through our extension of the association with PlayR, we are looking forward to the fans sporting the specially curated range of merchandise that captures the essence of the team,

Ravi Kukreja Co-Founder, Director - playR, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Rajasthan Royals for the 2024 season. This partnership will allow us to create a unique range of merchandise for Rajasthan Royals fans around the world. We look forward to working with the team and helping them to create a strong fan base.”

playR is a sport and lifestyle brand founded in 2021 and strives to provide customers with unique and edgy apparel, sports equipment, bicycles and accessories that celebrates their style and encourages them to express themselves. Currently present in over 100 retail stores in India and International and ecommerce, playR strives to cross 800+ stores over a period of 2 years. playR provides a wide range of products that includes t-shirts, jackets, shorts, tracksuits, bats, balls, leg-guard, gloves, bicycles, bags, yoga mats, bottles, etc, as well as limited-edition items. playR’s mission is to inspire customers to be creative, confident, and fearless by providing them with a unique and fashionable style.

About playR:

With the focus on “PLAYER FIRST” and with its slogan “LET’S PLAY”, playR strives to create “real” products — products that help make daily life healthier, more meaningful, and much more enjoyable. The products and services embody every ounce of their expertise and ideas. They are rooted in the mindset that sports are part of our daily life, part of our work, and even our way of life.

The wide range of products includes apparel such as t-shirts, jerseys, jackets, shorts, tracksuits; equipment such as bats, balls, gloves, pads; mountain, city, hybrid and road bicycles; accessories such as bags, yoga mats, bottles, etc., as well as limited-edition items. They are currently bootstrapped and present in over 350 retail stores globally and on all leading ecommerce sites apart from www.playR.in website, and aim to cross 800+ stores over a period of two years with a current growth rate of 100% year on year.  Website: https://playR.in/

About the Rajasthan Royals:

Rajasthan Royals were the champions of the inaugural 2008 season and are one of the 10 teams competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise completed a major shareholding restructure in 2021, with Emerging Media having the majority ownership of the franchise with support from new co-investor RedBird Capital Partners.

For more information, please go to www.rajasthanroyals.com/

Apollo Pharmacy Opens Of Its 6000th Store Opposite Kuvempunagar Bus Stand

Today, Apollo Pharmacy proudly inaugurated its 6000th store in JCST Layout, Kuvempunagar, opposite Kuvempunagar bus stop. The esteemed event was graced by Sri Sri Someshwaranatha Swamiji (Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Mutt) and Sri Arun Yogiraj (Sculpture Maestro), signifying a significant moment for Apollo Pharmacy's dedication to providing accessible healthcare solutions to communities. Mr. N.G. Bharateesh Reddy, Vice President – Operations & Unit Head – Apollo BGS Hospitals, Mysuru, and Mr. P. Jayakumar, CEO of Apollo Pharmacies Limited, also attended the event, emphasizing the company's commitment to its mission.

During the media address, Mr. P. Jayakumar, CEO of Apollo Pharmacies Limited expressed gratitude, stating, "As we celebrate the inauguration of our 6000th Apollo pharmacy in India, we extend our sincere thanks for the trust placed in us to safeguard your health and well-being over the years. Each new pharmacy marks a significant milestone in our ongoing dedication to improving lives and promoting wellness in every community we serve."

With the addition of this new store, Apollo Pharmacy's extensive network now spans 6000 outlets across the nation, effectively reaching over 19,000 pin codes through the Apollo 247 app. This expansion ensures seamless access to healthcare services for over 60 crore Indians.

Cleartrip Onboards A New Captain; Signs Up Mahendra Singh Dhoni As Brand Ambassador

* As part of this association, Cleartrip and Mahendra Singh Dhoni make an appeal for ClearChoice

Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, has onboarded the cricketing legend - Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its new brand ambassador. This collaboration marks a historic milestone for Cleartrip as it joins forces with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and advocates to make the right choices in travel. Under the bucket of "ClearChoice," the brand aims to inspire travellers to simplify decision-making and ensure seamless and anxiety-free travel experiences.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, fondly known as Captain Cool, epitomizes the values of, Transparency, Optimism and Straightforwardness, making him the perfect embodiment of Cleartrip's ethos. Through this association, Cleartrip seeks to leverage Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s universal appeal that transcends generations and geographies and reinforce its position as a trusted travel partner for a diverse user base. This is in line with Cleartrip’s vision to make travel accessible, aggressively expand its customer base and drive its market presence.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Cleartrip Brand Ambassador said, “Throughout my career, travelling across continents, I have been a true globetrotter, and I discovered my love for travel. After so many years, travel has become something I look forward to. I couldn’t be more thrilled to come onboard Cleartrip, a brand that mirrors what travel should be like - fun, memorable and meaningful. In my career, I continue to make tough decisions every day, but with Cleartrip, decision-making is easy and straightforward. Their commitment to transparency simplifies choices and allows anyone to go on a journey of their dreams confidently.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Ayyappan R., CEO, Cleartrip, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Mahendra Singh Dhoni to the Cleartrip family. He is a revered sportsman who has inspired an entire generation - he is known for his values and is often associated with building trust and great leadership skills. Through our association with him, we hope to empower individuals to make the right choices in travel, seamlessly. As we continue to grow in scale, we hope to make travel an achievable aspiration for everyone, no matter where they are from. With Mahendra Singh Dhoni aboard, we aim to encourage a large demographic to step out and explore the world with confidence.”

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will mark his debut innings with Cleartrip with an entertaining ad film that will soon go live. 

Together, Cleartrip and Mahendra Singh Dhoni aspire to inspire travellers across the country to trust in ClearChoice and embark on journeys filled with clarity, confidence, and unforgettable experiences. Come onboard Cleartrip, follow the captain's lead and make the right choice.

About Cleartrip

Launched in July 2006, Cleartrip Pvt Ltd., a Flipkart company, has emerged as India’s fastest-growing online travel technology company. In April 2021, Flipkart acquired a majority stake in Cleartrip. Cleartrip recently emerged as the no. 2 OTA player as per a study by VIDEC. With an aggressive plan to emerge as a leading innovator in the industry, Cleartrip is on its way to building a differentiated value proposition for its customers looking for end-to-end travel solutions. With industry-first offerings such as ‘CT Flexmax, CT Flex, CT Upgrade and Cancel for No Reason’, Cleartrip has a clear vision to provide innovative solutions in the OTA segment. Combining intuitive products with a customer-centric approach and a wide selection of flights, hotels, and buses, Cleartrip brings a unique selling point to the market, offering its customers convenience, choice, competitive prices, and premium content.

Celebrate Ugadi With The Timeless Elegance of Platinum Jewellery

Ugadi, observed on the first day of Chaitra, the initial month in the traditional Hindu calendar, signifies the arrival of the spring season. The southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ugadi, to mark the commencement of the Hindu New Year. It is the time for new beginnings and fresh starts. In the early hours of this special day, families partake in a traditional oil bath, and the surroundings come alive with the vibrant decor of flowers and mango leaves adorning the entrances of temples, homes, and shops.

Ugadi, a festival synonymous with fresh starts, calls for gifts that mirror the preciousness and timelessness of the occasion itself. What better way to convey this sentiment than with the gift of pure and precious platinum? This exceptional metal, believed to have celestial origins, is renowned for its resilience, maintaining its elegant white sheen and shape even through frequent wear.

With an unparalleled purity level of 95%, platinum jewellery emerges as the ideal choice for those seeking to purchase or gift jewellery during the festivities of Ugadi. The durability and versatility of platinum make it a symbol of enduring love and commitment. Whether it's an exquisite pendant, an elegant ring, or a sophisticated bracelet, the gift of platinum is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your loved ones.

This Ugadi, celebrate the beauty of new beginnings with the timeless elegance of platinum jewellery. Make a statement that echoes the enduring nature of your love and commitment. Embrace the traditions of the season with a gift as rare and precious as the metal itself – platinum.

Commenting on this auspicious occasion, Vaishali Banerjee, Managing Director, Platinum Guild International-India said, “As we embrace the joyous occasion of Ugadi, there is a renewed sense of excitement and exuberance among consumers. A harbinger of prosperity and good fortune, Ugadi, is expected to further enhance the demand for platinum jewellery, leading to higher footfalls across all retail partners. With the upcoming festivities, we anticipate a positive trajectory in sales, paving the way for a flourishing quarter for our valued retail partners."

Mr G.R. ‘Anand’ Ananthapadmanabhan, Managing Director of GRT Jewellers, said, “Ugadi is a time filled with hope, positivity, and joy, symbolizing a fresh start and bringing families and loved ones together in celebration. Precious jewellery always holds a special significance during our festivities, and this Ugadi, we anticipate a preference for platinum jewellery among consumers. Rare and precious, platinum jewellery appeals to those seeking unique, statement pieces with distinctive designs that complement a variety of outfits, from traditional wear to western attire and daily casual wear. From minimalist kadas for men to bold pendants and rings, as well as elegant necklaces, delicate bracelets, and earrings for women, we are thrilled to present a diverse range of platinum jewellery collections and eagerly await the arrival of our patrons this Ugadi!”

Mr G. R. Radhakrishnan, Managing Director, GRT Jewellers, said, “Ugadi is time to embrace the new and is celebrated with much fanfare across the southern states. Consumers have already started buying precious jewellery for themselves and their loved ones as a symbol of prosperity to mark this auspicious occasion. Platinum jewellery for men, especially minimalistic platinum chains and charming platinum kadas, have emerged as favourites and we expect to see the trend only pick up further momentum with the upcoming festivities. We wish all our consumers a very happy and prosperous Ugadi, made brighter and shinier with our precious jewellery.”

Rajesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director of Kalyan Jewellers said, “Ugadi is a symbol of new beginnings and prosperity. Consumers have already begun indulging in purchasing jewellery for themselves as well as their loved ones. Over the years given the resilience of the metal and the brilliance of the designs and the value that it encapsulates, platinum jewellery has emerged as the preferred choice, for the younger audience. We are extremely optimistic that Ugadi will generate a positive momentum that will only grow further throughout the festive season, with platinum jewellery standing out as the quintessential symbol for meaningful celebrations."

Joy Alukkas, Chairman Joyalukkas Group said, “Ugadi signals the beginning of a new year and fresh starts. The joy and excitement is palpable in the air, with consumers seeking to purchase jewellery to mark this festival of prosperity and good fortune. We are already witnessing higher footfalls with a rise in demand for platinum jewellery. The rare and precious platinum with its many unique qualities such as superior resilience and the alluring white sheen that does not fade with time, has made quite an impact on our discerning consumers. We expect platinum jewellery interspersed with precious stones to take centre stage this Ugadi and continue to drive our footfalls and sales as the year progresses.”

Vedanta Debt To Be Divided Among Demerged Firms In Ratio Of Assets

Mining conglomerate Vedanta is on track for the demerger of its key businesses, including aluminium, into separate listed companies and allocation of debt across the demerged entities would be done in proportion to their assets, sources familiar with the matter said.

Vedanta is in advanced stages of engagement with its lenders on the issue, and the process has proceeded smoothly, they said.

There is clarity about the allocation of debt across entities after the demerger. "The debt will get divided amongst the resulting demerged entities in the ratio of assets getting allocated to them as per the prescribed rules and regulations," a senior company official said at a recently concluded investor event.

Citing the example of Vedanta Aluminium, the official said the debt that would get allocated to the company would be in direct proportion to the book value of the assets held by it. This is to ensure that the transaction is tax-neutral.

Vedanta had in September last year announced the creation of demerger of metals, power, aluminium, and oil and gas businesses to unlock potential value. After the exercise, six independent verticals - Vedanta Aluminium, Vedanta Oil & Gas, Vedanta Power, Vedanta Steel and Ferrous Materials, Vedanta Base Metals and Vedanta Limited - will be created. For every share of Vedanta, shareholders will receive one share of each of the five newly listed companies.

After the demerger, the businesses of Hindustan Zinc as well as the electronics business will remain with Vedanta Limited. Immediately after obtaining the NOCs, the application will be moved to NCLT.

SBICAPs has been onboard to represent lenders with respect to debt allocation and they are hopeful to obtain the NOCs at the earliest, sources said. In parallel to the demerger, Vedanta is also undertaking a deleveraging programme to cut debt at the group level by $3 billion in the next three years, taking its net debt level below $9 billion.

The deleveraging is expected to be funded largely by robust internal cash flows, further supported by proceeds of strategic asset sales and potential equity partnerships.

"The demerger is expected to simplify the Group's corporate structure with sector-focused independent businesses. Each of our businesses is at a global scale hence the board decided to go for a demerger. We intend to build a corporate structure with asset ownership and entrepreneurship mind-set, where each company would chart out its growth trajectory.

"The demerger will give global investors, including sovereign wealth funds, retail investors, and strategic investors, direct investment opportunities in dedicated pure-play companies. With listed equity and self-driven management teams, the demerger would also provide individual units a platform to pursue strategic agendas more freely and better align with customers, investment cycles, and end markets," Vedanta had said in its demerger announcement.

BMW India Is The Luxury Mobility Partner At Hero Indian Open

BMW India is the exclusive ‘Luxury Mobility Partner’ at the 2024 edition of Hero Indian Open held from 28 – 31 March 2024 at the DLF Golf & Country Club. Showcasing the symbol of forwardism, BMW India will exhibit the all-new BMW 7 Series and the first-ever fully electric BMW i7.

The pinnacle of luxury and innovation can be experienced at the Hero Indian Open, where a prestigious fleet of BMW i7 will grace the event, reflecting the perfect blend of elegance and cutting-edge technology. The BMW iX xDrive50 will be awarded as a Hole in One prize.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “We're thrilled to further our commitment as the exclusive 'Luxury Mobility Partner' for the Hero India Open, bringing the unparalleled BMW experience closer to golf aficionados. With the fully electric BMW iX xDrive50 as the coveted 'Hole in One' award, we're excited to blend the spirit of innovation with the prestigious tradition of golf at the Hero Indian Open.”

The Hero Indian Open this year will be a part of the Asian Swing of the DP World Tour, bringing added benefits for the Swing Champion. The tournament will see 144 players compete for the trophy, with the winner receiving a handsome USD 382,500.

BMW iX

Born Electric: The BMW iX is the BMW Group’s new technology flagship. It is the first BMW without any numerals in its designation. ‘iX’ stands for the first BMW electric all-wheel drive vehicle (SAV – Sports Activity Vehicle). It effortlessly combines premium mobility with zero-emissions, sporting agility and a long operating range with luxurious spaciousness. The BMW iX is available as completely-built-up unit (CBU) in two variants - the BMW iX xDrive40 and BMW iX xDrive50 and can be booked through BMW dealerships across major metropolitan cities in India as well as shop.bmw.in.

Characterised by sculptural and monolithic design, the iX represents a new face that makes mobility easier and comfortable while creating powerful presence. Interior is minimalist yet spacious with a feeling of ease and relaxation with freedom of movement giving it a lounge-like atmosphere. A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continue to break the innovation barrier. The Fifth generation BMW eDrive technology features a highly integrated drive unit within a single housing that is powered by two electric motors (for front and rear axles), single-speed transmission and power electronics. The iX instantly accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers/hour in 6.1 seconds with an output of 326 hp. ‘My Modes’ switch changes driving character to Personal, Sport or Efficient. BMW IconicSounds Electric creates engaging driving sounds and pedestrian alerts. Two high-voltage batteries integrated in the floor have a combined capacity of 76.6 kWh and provide a range of up to 425 kilometers.

BMW i7

BMW i7 is a true all-electric luxury sedan that clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. BMW’s flagship luxury sedan with its enhanced level of comfort and the unique in-car entertainment system takes a pioneering route to maximising wellbeing inside the car. The i7 offers all-electric innovation, visionary design, and powerful driving dynamics so that you can make a striking impression everywhere you go.

"SecurEyes Urges Data Backup Vigilance On World Backup Day"

In today’s hyper-connected world, data is the kingmaker. As our lives become increasingly reliant on technology, World Backup Day on March 31st serves as an important reminder on the importance of protecting our valuable digital assets.

The primary goal of World Backup Day is to emphasize the significance of backing up data regularly to prevent data loss due to various reasons such as hardware failure, malware attacks, accidental deletion, or natural disasters.

The Day was first observed in 2011 by a group of Reddit (Reddit is a social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website)  users who wanted to promote the importance of data backup. Since then, it has gained recognition and support from individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide.

From cherished family memories captured in photos to critical business documents, the reliance on digital data has never been greater. This year, as we observe World Backup Day, SecurEyes, a pure-play cybersecurity consulting services, and products company that also provides cybersecurity training and education, advises people to understand the importance of backing up their data, which can save them from potential consequences of a cyber crisisdisaster.

Emphasizing the importance of backup, Karmendra Kohli, CEO of SecurEyes, opines, “Any data today is more vulnerable than ever before. Implementing robust backup strategies acts as strong mitigation measure to safeguard against data loss due to cyber threats.”

Seemanta Patnaik, CTO of SecurEyes, says, “I hope this World Backup Day serves as a catalyst to prioritize data protection, data security and data resilience. It is important to practice regular backups to minimize risks and ensure uninterrupted operations.”

Risks and Challenges 

The explosion of digital data is staggering, with projections indicating that the global datasphere could reach a massive 180 zettabytes by 2025. This includes everything from social media posts and emails to financial records and professional presentations. With such an overwhelming volume of data being generated, the risk of data loss looms larger than ever before.

One of the most potent threats to our digital security is the rise of ransomware attacks. These malicious programs encrypt your data, essentially holding it hostage until a hefty ransom is paid. In 2023 alone, ransomware attacks increased by 66%, reportedly, highlighting the urgent need for robust backup solutions – which can act as the primary mitigation against such attacks.

While many turn to cloud storage for its convenience and accessibility, it’s essential to recognize that it’s not infallible. Accidental deletions, service outages, and even account breaches can result in data loss. 

Understanding the Consequences of Data Loss

The repercussions of data loss reach far beyond mere inconvenience and can have profound emotional and financial impacts. Losing irreplaceable photos, videos, and documents can be heartbreaking, while businesses that lose critical data face lost productivity, reputational damage, and potential legal issues.

Common causes of data loss include hardware failure, software corruption, cyberattacks, and accidental deletion. Each of these poses a significant risk, with potentially devastating consequences in terms of both personal attachment and financial loss.

Harnessing the Power of Backups

Fortunately, the power of backups offers a lifeline in the face of digital disaster. A backup is simply a copy of your information stored on a separate device or location, acting as a safety net that allows you to restore lost or corrupted data with minimal fuss. Different backup methods, such as local and cloud backups, offer varying advantages, from faster access and control to convenience and accessibility.

Local backups involve storing your data on an external hard drive or USB flash drive, providing a tangible sense of security and control. On the other hand, cloud backups utilize online storage services, offering convenience and accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection. Regardless of the method chosen, the key is to ensure redundancy and regularly test backups to verify their functionality.

“On World Backup Day, we urge individuals and businesses alike to take action and create a simple yet effective backup plan. Start by identifying critical data and understanding what is most important to you, whether it’s personal photos, financial records, or work documents,” added Mr. Patnaik.

Consider a combination of local and cloud backups to ensure redundancy, following the 3-2-1 backup strategy (three copies, two different media, one offsite location) for added redundancy, resilience and security (availability).

Benefits of a Strong Backup Plan

Peace of Mind and Reduced Stress: A recent study found that data loss can lead to significant stress and anxiety. Knowing your data is safeguarded allows you to relax and focus on what matters most. 

Increased Productivity and Efficiency: When disaster strikes and data loss occurs, the time spent recovering information can significantly disrupt your workflow. Having a readily available backup minimizes downtime and allows you to resume your activities quickly.

As per reports (https://securitytoday.com/Articles/2024/03/11/Study-Insider-Driven-Data-Loss-Events-Cost-an-Estimate-15-million.aspx) , a study estimates that data loss events can cost businesses an average of INR 28,13,434 per hour. Implementing backups helps minimize such financial losses.