Hansgrohe Launches New Generation Of Intelligent Concealed Unit

* The Hansgrohe iBox universal 2: More Comfort, Safety and Flexibility in the Bathroom

Hansgrohe launched the hansgrohe iBox universal 2 the first universal concealed unit for all standard and thermostatic solutions matching AXOR and hansgrohe products. The new generation combines the proven advantages of its predecessor model and offers an increased level of convenience, safety and flexibility, clearing the way for future bathroom installations.

At last year's Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), the premium brand hansgrohe presented the iBox universal 2, a new generation of its pioneering concealed technology. Based on the proven iBox universal, the bathroom and kitchen specialist from the Black Forest designed a unit that is ideally equipped for future bathroom installations. "There is time pressure on the construction site. Installers are in demand more than ever for good reason. They perform miracles on a daily basis and we listened to their needs. The new generation iBox universal is designed to simplify the everyday lives of our most important partners and efficiently improve their workflows so that their customers' satisfaction also increases," says Axel Meissner, Product Manager, Hansgrohe SE. Simplified installation steps and new technical refinements make installation even more convenient, faster and safer than before. In addition, it also gives the installer more planning security for the installation effort.

Simple (and) Advantageous

The iBox universal 2 saves time and nerves. Thanks to pre-assembly, the function block forms a unit with the carrier rosette and the adapter. This eliminates the need to shorten the screws and the adapter must no longer be measured, cut and calibrated. Moreover, the use of tools is minimized.

Equipped with a new sliding sleeve for deep installation, the iBox universal 2 fits in easily and without cutting, regardless of the depth at which the flush-mounted body is installed. A pre-mounted sealing sleeve is tightly connected to the sliding sleeve and is thus automatically an integral part of a watertight installation. Thanks to the new mounting ring, the new concealed unit can be easily installed in, on or in front of the wall. The iBox universal 2 is particularly flexible in terms of its installation options: the basic body adapts to any standard wall depth between 80 and 108 millimeters. The iBox universal 2 offers the right solution for every installation situation: an extension rosette enables convenient installation even in the case of wall constructions that are too flat. The iBox universal 2 is made of expanded polypropylene (EPP). This sustainable material provides very good sound absorption and thermal insulation. The first rough alignment of the iBox universal 2 is child's play with an integrated circular level. It is located on the expanded polypropylene box, as is the pictorial representation of the easy installation. The documentation on the cleaning cap is thus not only always at hand, but also immediately in view when needed. The cleaning cap also protects the concealed unit from dust and damage during installation and transport.

Four Rp1/2 connection threads enable the installation of all hand and overhead showers from hansgrohe, regardless of the flow rate. These threads also enable the precision-fit installation of resource-saving showers, without any loss of comfort. Multiple tests and relevant standards guarantee reliable protection against backflow, for example with bath inlet, outlet and overflow fittings.

New Concealed Fittings

With the iBox universal 2, bulky faucet technology continues to simply disappear into the wall, revealing slim and elegant concealed faucets. The pre-assembled functional unit of the pre-fabricated set is made of metal, and thus ensures extraordinary stability. It can be installed in a flash without cutting off the plastic screws. As a result, the installation gains speed and safety, and the bathroom gains attractiveness and room to move. To match the upgrade of the iBox universal, hansgrohe also presents two new mixer solutions for the shower and bath. For example, the well-known and popular ShowerSelect shower control gets a visual and technical update with the ShowerSelect Comfort thermostat. The thermostat's full-surface Select buttons are made of metal and are therefore particularly durable and easy to clean. To meet every customer requirement, the flat hansgrohe thermostat is available in three geometric design lines (round, rounded, angular) and five FinishPlus surfaces. Elegant design tricks make the thermostat appear to float in front of the wall. Thanks to the integrated flow control with stop function, ShowerSelect Comfort ensures sustainable use of water. ShowerSelect Comfort also owes its name to the convenient control of the water volume via a separate, narrow lever. 

hansgrohe DuoTurn concealed mixer convinces with a slim design language. With a rosette height of only 7 millimeters and the filigree temperature handle at a height of only 40 millimeters, hansgrohe DuoTurn offers high freedom of movement and convenience. Operation of the concealed mixer is particularly intuitive. Consumers can be selected and water quantity and temperature regulated via a turning mechanism that no longer requires pulling when switching. The lower handle allows users to conveniently adjust the desired temperature. The upper handle allows users to switch from overhead to hand-held shower and control the amount of water with just one turn.  hansgrohe DuoTurn is also available in a wide FinishPlus surface range (matt black, matt white, brushed bronze).

Old faucet collections can be combined with the new iBox universal 2 thanks to the practical adapter. In addition to private use, the iBox universal 2 can be used in the public sector or in project business, as it complies with the current global standards and is variable with different installation systems, connection types and fittings. In the usual hansgrohe quality, it meets the technical standard proven millions of times over, is reliable and durable.

Mobil 1TM Partners With RPPL To Power Up The Streets of India With Exhilarating Motorsport Roadshow

Mobil 1TM, in partnership with Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL), successfully concluded the Bengaluru roadshow of F4 and Indian Racing League (IRL) cars ahead of the upcoming racing championship. Turning the streets of Bengaluru into a vibrant arena of specialized breathtaking performances and precision driving, the event marked a significant highlight in the ongoing partnership of Mobil 1TM with RPPL, aimed at nurturing and promoting motorsport culture in India.

Spectators in Bengaluru were treated with a preview of the upcoming racing championship season, witnessing a dynamic display of IRL and Formula 4 cars operated by emerging motorsport talents –Sohil Shah, one of the two champions of IRL 2023, and Rishon Rajeev, Formula 4 Vice Champion. As these cars thundered along the KTPO Convention Centre, people from diverse backgrounds gathered in large numbers, drawn by the powerful engines and thrilling action against the city's bustling backdrop.

The roadshow not only delighted local spectators with a taste of professional motorsport but also celebrated Mobil 1TM’s 50 years of innovation and leadership in synthetic motor oils, highlighting its ongoing contributions to automotive and industrial advancements in India. While the Bengaluru roadshow witnessed the debut of the golden Mobil1TM emblem for 50 years, the brand plans to feature a series of specially designed liveries and other highlights from Mobil 1TM’s extensive racing history, celebrating its legacy.

"The Mobil 1TM brand’s journey through the last 50 years is a testament to ExxonMobil’s ability to push boundaries and become the trusted choice of leading automakers, professional racers, and millions of drivers worldwide. The Mobil 1TM-RPPL show run is not just an event; it's a celebration of the spirit of motorsports. By bringing the action right to the city streets, we aim to bring to the fans an up-close and personal experience of the world of racing. This event marks a significant milestone in our ongoing collaboration with RPPL, a key player in advancing motorsports in India with our partnership significantly contributing to the growing enthusiasm and support for motorsports nationwide”, said Vipin Rana, CEO of ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.

"We are thrilled with the success of the Bengaluru show run, which kicked off our nationwide series in grand style. This event showcased the thrill and excitement of motorsports directly to the community, amplifying their anticipation for the full championship season. Mobil 1TM has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and together, we are committed to further enriching India's motorsport landscape. As we gear up for upcoming roadshows, we are excited to continue this journey, inspiring a new generation of motorsport fans and participants across the country”, said Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman of Racing

Promotions Private Limited.

Following the resounding success of the exhilarating Bengaluru roadshow, Mobil 1TM and RPPL are poised to expand the series, bringing the same thrilling display of speed, precision, and motor prowess to the streets of Mumbai, Chennai and other parts of India in the upcoming months. This initiative highlights Mobil 1TM and RPPL’s dedication to enriching India's motorsport culture and creating platforms that entertain and inspire the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts.

For more information about the Mobil 1TM -RPPL Showrun and other upcoming events, visit https://www.mobil.co.in/en-in .

About ExxonMobil in India

ExxonMobil has been powering India’s growth for three decades. The Company brought the first supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India in the early 2000s and is now a major LNG supplier to the country, helping to advance its transition to a gas-based economy.

ExxonMobil’s cutting-edge product solutions such as Mobil lubricants are driving productivity and energy efficiency in India’s automotive and industrial sectors, helping individual consumers and businesses achieve more with less. The Company’s chemical products are enabling Indian manufacturers to make high-quality products and deliver sustainability benefits across sectors including food processing, consumer durables, agriculture, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and construction.

ExxonMobil’s business and technology centers in Bengaluru provide critical support to the Company’s global operations. The technology centers help develop strategies to reduce global emissions and collaborate with homegrown manufacturers to enhance global competitiveness of made-in-India products.

Tech-Led Creativity Takes Center Stage At Pearl Academy’s Portfolio 2024

Celebrating the ideas, innovation, and ingenuity of the students, Pearl Academy presented its annual marquee event ‘Portfolio 2024’ at its Bengaluru campus. 

This year, the event was based on the theme of ‘Tech Nomads’, inspired by the fact that digital natives are like wanderers in the virtual world, seamlessly transitioning from one online space to another. The projects on display were an interesting blend of technology and creativity. The event was graced by industry stalwarts and distinguished alumni, alongside notable attendees such as Ms. Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy; Dr. Sanyogita Chadha, Regional Campus Director, Pearl Academy, Bengaluru; Antonio Maurizio Grioli, Dean, Fashion, Business and Interiors, and CB Arun, Dean, Communication Design, Film, and Gaming. Digital creator and gaming influencer Shashidhar M.R. and fashion influencer Shalini Chopra attended the event, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.

Pearl Academy recently strengthened its long-standing partnership with FDCI, offering co-certification for short-term courses, and masterclasses by top Indian fashion designers, providing students with invaluable learning experiences and firsthand exposure to the industry. The FDCI collaboration also gives students the opportunity to showcase their work at Lakme Fashion Week and India Couture Week.

In addition to the captivating displays, Portfolio 2024 witnessed curated workshops, a fashion show, and thought-provoking deliberations, fostering dialogue and exchange among creative aspirants.

Students, with the help of CLO 3D software, worked on some interesting fashion design projects that provide virtual, true-to-life garment visualisation with cutting-edge simulation technologies. Another project by Animation Design students called ‘Head Hunter’ displayed how a character is visualised and a 3D clay model is created.

Other innovative projects encompassed an art exhibition in metaverse, short films employing technologies such as Unreal Engine, Meta Humans, and AI Voice Cloning, alongside immersive virtual reality experiences and dynamic game design with reality manipulation. Students also collaborated with Snapchat and Outhouse Jewellery for a project to create a cutting-edge brand filter. Now Live on Snapchat, their creation stands as a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration and forward-thinking design.

These projects not only showcased ingenuity but also highlighted the transformative power of technology in shaping creative expressions.

Lauding the sheer talent and hard work of the students, Ms. Aditi Srivastava, President of Pearl Academy, said: “With Portfolio 2024, we celebrate the creative endeavours of our students, where they showcased the valuable impact of technology on the future of design and innovation through their works. The annual event encapsulates the essence of our institution — where imagination meets industry and every project tells a story of passion, ingenuity, and a deep understanding of the world we live in. Portfolio 2024 is not just a showcase; it’s a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the enduring spirit of exploration. Together, we shape the future, one inspired idea at a time.”

Kotak Mahindra Bank Appoints Ms. Ketaki Bhagwati As An Independent Director On Its Board

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited ("Bank") today announced the appointment of Ms. Ketaki Bhagwati as an Independent Director on the Bank’s Board for a period of four years, effective May 18, 2024, subject to the approval of the members of the Bank.

Announcing the appointment, Mr. C S Rajan, Independent Director and Part-time Chairman, Kotak Mahindra Bank, commented, “We are elated to welcome Ms. Ketaki Bhagwati to the Bank’s Board of Directors. Her extensive experience of over three decades in the banking and financial services industry will help the Bank achieve its growth objectives in the coming months and years. The Board looks forward to working together with Ms. Bhagwati and benefiting from her guidance in key business segments.”

Ms. Bhagwati currently serves as an Independent Director and Senior Advisor, providing leadership in strategy, business development, operations, governance, financial, credit, and risk management. She is an Independent Director on the Board of Bayer CropScience (India) Ltd and has previously served on the Boards of Axis Bank Limited, Omniactive Health Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and as a Nominee Director of IFC on the Board of Tikona Infinet Pvt. Ltd.

Before her board roles, Ms. Bhagwati was the Chief Investment Officer in the Financial Institutions Group at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where she worked for nearly twenty-five years, specialising in private equity, mergers & acquisitions, debt & structured finance, and distressed asset workouts across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. She began her career at Credit Rating Information Services of India (CRISIL) in Mumbai.

Ms. Bhagwati is a member of the Investment Committee at Encourage Capital, a US-based impact fund focused on investments in India. She is also a Senior Advisor to the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council (USA), focusing on major economic policy issues in India, and supports women leaders in business as a member of the Wellesley College Business Leadership Council.

Ms. Bhagwati holds a Master of Public Administration in Economic Development & Finance from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wellesley College.

Ms. Bhagwati added, "I am honoured to join the Board of Kotak Mahindra Bank, a leader in India's banking sector. I look forward to contributing to the Bank's strategic vision and working with the distinguished members of the Board to drive sustainable growth and innovation."

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd (KMBL).

Kotak Mahindra Group (Group) offers a wide range of financial services that encompass every sphere of life. From commercial banking, to stock broking, mutual funds, life and general insurance and investment banking, the Group caters to the diverse financial needs of individuals and the corporate sector. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked.

Kotak Mahindra Group has a global presence through its subsidiaries in UK, USA, Gulf Region, Singapore and Mauritius with offices in London, New York, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Mauritius respectively. As on 31st March, 2024 , Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,948 branches and 3,291 ATMs (incl. cash recyclers), and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at https://www.kotak.com

U.S. Polo Assn. Opens A New 4168 Sq. Ft Store In Indiranagar, Bengaluru

* The international sports power brand U.S. Polo Assn. inaugurates an all-new Brand Store SPANNING 4168 sq. ft at 100 ft road in Indiranagar, Bengaluru

U.S. Polo Assn., India’s leading casualwear brand of the globally renowned United States Polo Association (USPA), unveiled its new brand store at 100 Ft. Road in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. Spread across a retail space of 4168 sq. ft, the brand’s store in Indiranagar located across 2 floors aims to transform the retail landscape for U.S. Polo Assn. in India, inviting customers to be part of the iconic and engaging brand story.

With an authentic connection to the sport of polo, the brand-new retail space boasts modern décor and sport-inspired fashion and accessories that weave shoppers into the brand story all through their shopping experience. The store highlights the authentic, modern, and sporty elements of the brand while showcasing elements of fashion and style, keeping the product at the core focus. The store also features a special wall that embodies the spirit of the sport of polo - classic and cool. The new store is a part of the brand’s growth strategy, which equally focuses on brick-and-mortar, omni-channel, and e-commerce, as well as overall brand marketing through storytelling.

This U.S. Polo Assn. store at 100 Ft. Road houses the entire range of product categories that the brand has to offer- USPA Mainline, USPA Sport, Denim & Co., Womenswear, Footwear, Kidswear, Accessories and Innerwear. Polo shirts, denims, shirts, chinos, and t-shirts are just a few of the timeless favourites that are included in the featured collection. This is the second exclusive brand store in India to take the new SS’24 womenswear collection live in-store, which was previously available exclusively online.

Commenting on the launch, Amitabh Suri, CEO of U.S. Polo Assn. India said, “Our new store at Indiranagar isn't just a brick-and-mortar expansion, it's a statement and one-of-a-kind experience for Bangalore customers. It speaks volumes about the prowess of U.S. Polo Assn., a brand as legendary as the sport itself, and its commitment to Indian fans. Bangalore has been a fast-growing market for USPA over the past few years, making it the perfect choice to open more stores. Indiranagar is one of the busiest neighbourhoods in the city. We are working to cater to the ever-evolving fashion preferences of Indian consumers, which are on par with their global counterparts.”

Currently, the brand’s retail footprint in India includes more than 400 brand stores and over 2000 shop-in-shops across 200 cities in India.

About U. S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the country’s oldest sport governing bodies, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through over 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. A recent, multi-year deal with ESPN to broadcast the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., has made the thrilling sport accessible to millions of households globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors alongside the NFL, NBA, and MLB, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized around the world with awards for global growth, expansion, licensing and digital presence. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, particularly in the last five years, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Modern Retail and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world.

For more information, visit uspoloassn.in or uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn & @uspoloassnindia

About Arvind Fashions Limited

Arvind Fashions Ltd is India's no. 1 casual and denim player, a lifestyle powerhouse with a strong portfolio of fashion brands catering to consumers across sub-categories and price points. With a host of renowned brands, both international and indigenous, like U.S. Polo Assn., Arrow, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Flying Machine, it has a presence across major lifestyle brands.

Whisper Teaches Young Girls – Periods Ka Matlab Healthy Hai Aap!

 ·    Via it’s Keep Girls In School program, Whisper creates awareness about the early onset of periods in India to potentially prevent 26 million! girls from dropping out of school due to lack of period education and products

India’s leading feminine-care brand Whisper, from the house of Procter & Gamble, is raising awareness about— the early onset of menstruation among young girls — as part of the fifth edition of its #KeepGirlsInSchool (KGIS) movement. With girls starting periods as early as 8 years of age, the need to create awareness early on is crucial, as 26 million girls can be at the risk of dropping out of school without period education and access to period products.* Studies have found that one out of five girls could be dropping out of school due to lack of period education and access to period products.** In Karnataka sanitary napkin penetration is around 47%, implying that around 53% of households haven’t used a sanitary napkin in the past 12 months. In rural Karnataka, the penetration is just about 30%^

In India today, girls as young as 8 years of age are beginning their menstrual cycle, as per several reports, and so are at a higher risk of dropping out from school due to lack of period education. This could lead to escalation in absenteeism and increased drop out rate if they do not learn and are made aware at the right time. Whisper is at the forefront of educating girls across the country about the importance of menstrual hygiene, normalising any mthys and taboos about periods, with an aim to decrease dropout rates caused by insufficient information and lack of access to period products. To date, Whisper’s Keep Girls In School program has taught over 100 million schoolgirls and mothers about periods and period products, and provided free sanitary napkins to girls.

Whisper’s new emotional film features young 8-year-old girls who know nothing about menstruation and think up the worst possible scenarios as the cause of unexpected bleeding in one of their friends. The film aims to normalise this natural biological change in their body by educating young girls in school about the early onset of periods with a fun, catchy jingle that reiterates, “periods ka matlab healthy hai aap (periods means you are healthy)".

Rajdeepak Das, Chief Creative Officer, Publicis Groupe – South Asia and Chairman Leo Burnett - South Asia said “Our ongoing research about the changing conversations around menstruation identified a glaring anomaly - girls today are getting their periods much earlier than before. However, they are being educated about periods at a much later stage or oftentimes not at all. Whisper and Leo Burnett have been on a journey to keep girls in school for a long time and we wanted to bridge this gap. Our latest work talks to the 8-year-olds in a language they can understand, with a heartwarming song that teaches them that getting periods means they are healthy. The goal is to not just teach the little girls but also use the song as a tool to equip her ecosystem- parents and educators, enabling them to teach periods in an empowering manner.”

“There is a seismic shift happening in period biology. This heightens the need to educate girls early on and to prepare them to embrace this biological process. Through this initiative, we strive to educate them about how periods are healthy and how they can take care of themselves on their period days. Every year, Whisper goes to more than 60,000 schools to create period education programs and we are now also going to younger standards. Consumers too can do their bit buying a Whisper Ultra pack which will help us educate and donate pads to one girl to keep her in school,” said Girish Kalyanaraman, Vice President & Category Leader - India Feminine Care at Procter & Gamble

KGIS is an initiative by Whisper which aims to reduce the stigma attached to menstruation, create awareness and reduce the number of girls who drop due to the lack of information around menstrual hygiene. KGIS has taught over 100 million school girls about periods and period products till date. For the first time, Whisper has used music to raise awareness about periods; through a fun  and catchy jingle, “periods ka matlab healthy hai aap”.

ONDC And WinZO Collaborate To Boost Digital Commerce In India

* WinZO enables ONDC to access its over 175 million paying users to connect buyers and sellers to facilitate digital commerce.

In a move aimed at democratizing access to digital commerce and fostering transparent and fair market access, WinZO is collaborating with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This collaboration will leverage WinZO's extensive user base of over 175 million users, primarily accessing the internet in vernacular languages. WinZO is India's first skill gaming company to collaborate with ONDC.

WinZO is the largest interactive entertainment platform in India. The company partners with third-party developers to host games on their app, providing users with personalized multiplayer gameplay experiences in 12 languages. The WinZO platform facilitates over 4 billion micro-transactions per month across a portfolio of 100+ games and accounts for at least one out of every 300 UPI transactions in India, representing one of the highest volumes of UPI transactions driven by digital content players in India. WinZO is renowned for its unique user demographic, primarily hailing from Tier II-V cities of Bharat, characterized by high-frequency, low-value transactions or microtransactions. This makes it an organic partner for ONDC to reach the deepest corners of the country. Remarkably, over 20% of players on WinZO make their first-ever digital payment on the platform, thus connecting to the digital grid.

As a business model, WinZO connects game developers with paying users, generating revenue higher than alternative sources such as advertisements and in-app purchases prevalent on Play Stores and App Stores. ONDC's transparent, competitive, and open-market philosophy aligns with WinZO's broader vision.

WinZO Store, India's pioneering alternative to monopolistic multinational app stores, offers ONDC a remarkable opportunity to help digital businesses enhance revenue generation and reach a broader market. ONDC, which encompasses a network for grocery and food delivery, mobility, fashion, agri-products, and health and wellness, will list its services on the WinZO store, providing access to WinZO’s growing 175 million users.

WinZO Store charges a single-digit commission compared to the 30% of other leading distribution platforms. By significantly reducing commission rates compared to conventional app stores, WinZO Store empowers digital businesses to enjoy improved profit margins, creates value for end-users, and provides businesses access to expanded distribution channels. Already, over 300 digital companies have experienced unprecedented revenue growth through this revolutionary platform.

WinZO has also emerged as a more trustworthy and transparent alternative for multinational gaming studios to list and distribute in-app gaming assets through its WinZO Store, thereby facilitating value creation for developers and users. Integrating with WinZO Store aligns perfectly with ONDC's mission to empower businesses and foster innovation within India's digital landscape while eradicating power concentration in the hands of a few monopolistic influential players.

"We’re super excited and delighted in welcoming WinZO to the ONDC network to advance our mission of empowering local homegrown start-ups," said T Koshy, CEO of ONDC. "Together, we aim to revolutionize the digital commerce industry, fostering a vibrant ecosystem where Indian talent and innovation takes center stage. Our collaboration will help the growth of local commerce and showcase the immense potential of India's digital landscape."

“Our aim is to onboard diverse businesses and establish a public digital infrastructure akin to UPI, uniquely crafted for India. We're thrilled to see WinZO seamlessly integrated into this network, opening new avenues for engagement and innovation. Partnering with WinZO will enable ONDC to reach a wider user base, even in the remotest parts of the country, and create awareness about its importance in the rapidly growing tech-enabled commerce in Bharat. This will prove to be a massive push for adopting ONDC,” said Sanjeev Singh, Joint Secretary of DPIIT.

"In the digital age, democratizing innovation is key to unlocking the potential of tomorrow's entrepreneurs. Just as UPI revolutionized payments in 2018 and gave birth to companies like ours to emerge and scale across 175 million gamers. With the integration of WinZO and ONDC, we envision a future where many more WinZOs will emerge and innovate on top of this fertile layer of digital commerce that’s being built today through this partnership," said Paavan Nanda, Co-founder of WinZO.

With a vision to democratise and decentralize innovation and fresh wave of new companies emerge for example in 2018 when payments were democratised with UPI. WinZO on the back of UPI reached 175 million users and we are very happy and excited and hopeful that integration of WinZO and ONDC will lead to many more WinZO’s of tomorrow. Democratisation of entrepreneurship and employment.

The inclusion of WinZO will help ONDC acquire new and unique users of online gaming to expand its digital commerce journey. As the first skill-based interactive entertainment company to partner with ONDC, WinZO is pioneering a new era of innovation and accessibility in digital commerce. In line with the government's mission of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,' WinZO is also featured on mSeva, the government-owned mobile app store, further solidifying its commitment to supporting India's digital transformation journey.