Croma Rreaches A Milestone Of 500 Stores Across Indian Market

~ Celebrates by announcing its 'Happy 500 To You' campaign ~

~ Gives out unlimited 10% discount at checkout by using the coupon code 'H500TU' ~

Croma announces the opening of its 500th store, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth and expansion journey. This is being celebrated with the launch of the 'Happy 500 To You' campaign. This emphasizes Croma's efforts towards unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality electronics and exceptional customer service to a continually expanding customer base across the country.

To commemorate this remarkable achievement, Croma has launched a special promotion to express its gratitude towards the customers. From June 19th to June 23rd, all shoppers at Croma stores, on Croma.com, and Tata Neu can enjoy a 10% discount on their purchases by using the coupon code 'H500TU' at checkout. This limited-time offer is Croma’s way of saying thank you for the unwavering support and trust customers have shown over the years. Notably, the promotion is even more special as the coupon has no usage restrictions and is applicable across all sales channels, including Croma stores, Croma.com, and Tata Neu.

Mr. Shibashish, Deputy CEO of Croma Infiniti-Retail Ltd, commented on the milestone, saying, “Opening our 500th store is particularly special as it underscores our dedication of coming closer to the customer. With this, we have now reached all corners of the nation and will continue expanding our footprint, bringing gadgets to more communities across the country.”

Croma's journey from its inception to becoming a household name in electronics retail is marked by continuous innovation and customer-centric strategies. Today, Croma stands as India’s national large-format specialist omni-channel electronics retailer, offering over 16,000 products across 550+ brands in 180+ major cities. This vast product range and extensive reach ensure that customers have access to the latest and best in electronics, whether shopping online or in-store. 

For more details on the 'Happy 500 To You' campaign and to explore the extensive range of products, visit Croma stores, Croma.com, or Tata Neu. Celebrate with Croma and take advantage of this limited-time offer to enjoy unbeatable discounts on your favorite electronics.

About Croma-Infiniti Retail Ltd.

Launched in 2006, Croma was the first one-of-its kind large format specialist retail store that catered to all multi-brand digital gadgets and home electronic needs in India. Bringing alive the promise of a ‘Brighter Every Day’ for its customers, Croma offers its customers a world-class ambience and omnichannel customer experience to shop both in-store and online at www.croma.com. 

With over 16,000 products across 550+ brands through 500+ stores across 180+ major cities of India, Croma ensures that for each customer, a Brighter Tomorrow begins Today!  Croma is a brand of Infiniti Retail Ltd., which is a part of the Tata Group. 

AVPL International Secures Dual Certification From EASA For VIRAJ Drone, Paving The Way For European Market Entry

In a pioneering move, AVPL International has become the first Indian drone manufacturer to obtain dual certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its cutting-edge VIRAJ drone. This significant milestone highlights the superior quality and stringent safety standards of the VIRAJ drone, positioning AVPL International to commercially deploy its advanced technology throughout Europe.

The dual certification affirms the VIRAJ drone's compliance with the highest safety and performance benchmarks, enabling seamless integration into European airspace. Consequently, this certification endows AVPL International with a pronounced competitive edge, facilitating secure and efficient drone operations within the European market.

“We are honoured to become the first Drone company in India to achieve dual certification for our VIRAJ drone,” said Ms. Preet Sandhuu, Co-founder and Chairman of AVPL International. “This certification validates our commitment to excellence and allows us to expand further into the European market, bringing advanced drone solutions to the global industry. We believe that with this certification, we are on the anvil of becoming a global drones major, making India shine further in the global drones ecosystem.”

The VIRAJ drone, classified under the small category unmanned aircraft, is designed for efficiency and versatility in agricultural applications. It operates using a twin battery-powered system and offers both master and slave configurations. The drone features a 10-litre tank for spraying fertilisers and pesticides and a 10-litre seed dispenser, making it suitable for a variety of farming needs. With a flight time of up to 30 minutes per charge, the VIRAJ drone can cover 3-4 acres per charge for spraying or seeding.

“This achievement marks a pivotal moment for AVPL International,” added Mr. Deep Sihag, Co-founder and Managing Director of AVPL International. “Receiving this certification is a testament to our commitment to safety and quality. It will undoubtedly boost our scalability and penetration in the market. As we enter the European market, we are excited to continue our tradition of innovation and excellence, elevating the future of drone technology to new heights.Also we are focused on getting CASA certification for Australia Market in near Future.”

“The European market represents a significant opportunity for AVPL International,” said Mr. Himanshu Sharma, CEO of AVPL International. According to him, “The VIRAJ Drone has all the latest features like endurance, stability & performance. Securing dual certification is a critical milestone in our strategic growth plan. We are eager to engage with new collaborations and partners, and confident that the VIRAJ drone will set new standards for performance and reliability. As a well-established player in this burgeoning market, AVPL International is strategically positioned to become one of the industry leaders.”

ABOUT AVPL International: 

AVPL International is a prominent leader in the drone ecosystem, dedicated to uplift rural youth, and provides international and competitive training aimed at global employment. They offer comprehensive services including Drone and Skill Training, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), and Drone Manufacturing, alongside a network of agri-input retail outlets. AVPL International is also destined to open 85000 Farmer’s City agri input shops along with 65000 Drone entrepreneurs across India to provide all agriculture solutions to farmers. AVPL is upgrading drone manufacturing units with a capacity of 2000 drones per month along with development of tech platforms Farmer’s City and Drone Planet. Recently AVPL has entered into collaboration with NSDC (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India)for establishing 20 World Skill and Incubation Hubs (WSIH) and 50 Global Skill and Incubation Hubs (GSIH) across 12 states for Diploma and certificate programs on Drones ,IOT ,Agriculture and allied sectors to promote the international placements for indian youth.These programs will also have certificate programs prestigious from NSDC partner IITs /IIMs.

AVPL's VIRAJ drone recently got type certification from the Director general of Civil Aviation for 10 ltr agriculture drone. Also 16 ltr medium drone and surveillance drone has been submitted for type certification to DGCA. AVPL has planned to  enter the defence and surveillance sector in the next 18-24 months. They have partnered with IFFCO for spraying pesticides in 50,00,000 acres of land in 8 states. Recently, AVPL International has joined hands with IIT Kanpur in a strategic partnership to develop cutting-edge drones for transforming global agriculture, addressing key challenges faced by large-scale landholders.

AGS Transact Technologies Ltd Announces Fund Raise of Rs. 2,000 Mn; Promoter Group Commits Rs. 1,500 Mn To The Raise

The Board of Directors of AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451 & NSE: AGSTRA) approved Fund raise by way of preferential warrants to Promoter and Promoter Group along with Non-Promoters at a price of Rs. 79.25 / - each or at a price being not lower than the minimum price determined in accordance with the Regulations for Preferential Issue contained in Chapter V of the SEBI ICDR Regulations, whichever is higher, subject to the approval of regulatory/ statutory authorities and the shareholders of the Company. The Company will raise Rs. 2,000 mn via the proposed fund raise plan.  The Promoter group will infuse Rs. 1,500 mn while the balance will be infused by other investors.

Commenting on the fund raise plan, Mr. Ravi B. Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director said, “AGS Transact remains at the forefront of various opportunities in the payment solutions space and digital business in India. This fund raise is in alignment with the company’s long-term growth objective to capitalize on this changing landscape. With this, the company is strategically placed to drive growth in the coming years while strengthening its balance sheet."

The outcome of the Company’s Board Meeting is uploaded on BSE/NSE: https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/9af9e53d-133c-40a2-a468-a04a0eed48c9.pdf

About AGS Transact Technologies Limited (AGSTTL)

Established in 2002, AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451| NSE: AGSTRA) is one of the largest integrated omni-channel payment solutions providers in India in terms of providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients. AGS Transact provides customised products and services comprising ATM and CRM outsourcing, cash management and digital payment solutions including merchant solutions, transaction processing services and mobile wallets. The company operates in three broad business segments, namely, Payment Solutions; Banking Automation Solutions; and Other Automation Solutions.

Ongo is a fast-growing omnichannel digital payment platform by AGS Transact Technologies, which offers convenient payment solutions. Launched in 2015, Ongo offers merchant Acquiring and Prepaid Issuance services. Furthermore, Ongo is a non-bank prepaid payment instrument and offers dedicated open-loop Prepaid solutions for consumers in segments.

AGS Transact Technologies serves diverse industries such as banking, retail, petroleum, toll and transit, cash management and fintech in India and other select countries in Asia. As of March 31, 2024, the company has deployed 248,585 payment terminals and was one of the largest deployers of PoS terminals at petroleum retail outlets in India, having rolled out 41,756 terminals at various petroleum retail outlets.

For more information, visit www.agsindia.com

Coca-Cola India Launches Affordable Small Sparkling Package (ASSP) With 100% Recycled PET (rPET) Bottles

* With 100% recycled PET (rPET) in Coca-Cola's 250 ml ASSP, a 66%% reduction in carbon emissions is achieved compared to non-ASSP virgin PET.

Coca-Cola India, after pioneering the introduction of 100% recycled PET (rPET) by beverage industry in India, is taking another meaningful step towards creating a circular economy. The company has announced the launch of Coca-Cola in ASSP with 100% Recycled PET (rPET) in 250ml bottles, starting with the state of Orissa.

Manufactured by Coca-Cola's bottling partner, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. (HCCBPL), this initiative underscores the company's commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing carbon footprint and promoting environmental responsibility.

Compared to conventional virgin PET packaging, in the ASSP (Affordable Small Sparkling Package), emissions are reduced by 36% through the light-weighting of PET material.  Additionally, the shift from virgin PET to recycled PET in ASSP contributes to a further reduction in the carbon footprint, resulting in an overall 66% decrease compared to non-ASSP packaging with virgin PET.

Launching 100% rPET ASSP, Alok Sharma, Executive Director, Supply Chain, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), stated, "The introduction of recycled PET in ASSP is a crucial step towards plastic circularity, emphasizing a substantial reduction in the overall carbon footprint. This initiative aligns with our broader vision to scale up sustainable practices and lead the way in shaping a greener future for the beverage industry in India."

Enrique Ackermann, Vice President, Technical Innovation and Supply Chain, Coca-Cola India, and Southwest Asia, said, “Our efforts at expanding rPET in India is a testimony of our commitment to increase the availability of high-quality, food-grade, recycled plastic for consumers in India. With these eco-friendly bottles we seek to drive a circular economy for packaging, reduce waste and carbon emissions, bringing us closer to the World Without Waste goal of making bottles with 50% recycled content by 2030.

The Coca?Cola Company offers 100% rPET bottles in over 40 markets. With the launch of World Without Waste, an ambitious sustainable packaging program, it aims to help collect and recycle a bottle or CAN for every one it sells by 2030. The goal is to make 100% of its packaging recyclable globally by 2025 and to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030.

About Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’, offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Charged by Thums Up, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and juice beverages. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca Sportz, Smartwater, Kinley, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water and Kinley Club Soda. Premium products constitute Schweppes range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers Costa Coffee and organic green tea based beverage- Honest Tea amongst its range of coffee and Tea. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 4 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable agriculture initiatives and carbon emission reductions across its value chain.

Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages

HCCB was incorporated on February 14, 1997.  Since then, HCCB has come a long way in being able to serve 25 lakh retailers, 3,500 distributors, and 6,000 employees.  250,000 farmers grow the agricultural produce that HCCB uses in making its products.  The company is headquartered in Bangalore and its operations are spread in 22 states, 3 UTs, and 376 districts in South, West, and Eastern India.  Through its 16 factories spread across India, it manufactures and sells 60 different products across 7 categories.  Its products include some of India's most loved beverages - Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Minute Maid, Maaza, SmartWater, Kinley, Limca, Fanta, and a lot more.

Tata Motors Announces Price Increase Of Its Commercial Vehicles From July 2024

Tata Motors announced that it will increase the price of its commercial vehicles effective 1st July 2024, up to 2%. The price increase is to offset the impact of rising commodity prices. It will be applicable across the entire range of commercial vehicles, and will vary as per individual model and variant.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 150 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 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, fuelled 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, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Beyond Snack Announces Opening Of Its State-Of-The-Art Factory At India Food Park, Tumkur, Karnataka

~ Tripling Production Capacity and Pioneering Innovations to Fuel Global Growth

Beyond Snack,a leading Kerala banana chips brand, proudly announces the inauguration of its new factory at India Food Park, Tumkur, Karnataka. This state-of-the-art facility spans 60,000 sq ft over 2 acres of land and incorporates cutting-edge technology to ensure precision slicing and utmost control of the cooking process. With a daily production capacity of 6.6MT, this factory will triple Beyond Snack's current capacity, significantly enhancing the company's growth plans for the coming year. Constructed in a record time of 4.5 months under the leadership of co-founder Jyoti Rajguru, this swift execution underscores Beyond Snack’s commitment to efficiency and innovation.

Strategically located to enhance the banana value chain, the Tumkur plant will bolster Beyond Snack’s control over the entire supply chain. In addition to the production capabilities, the new plant includes an R&D center focused on driving future innovations, solidifying Beyond Snack’s position as a leader in the savory snacks industry. The facility is designed to accommodate four additional production lines, ensuring scalability to meet future demands. "We are thrilled to open this new facility, which represents a significant milestone in our growth journey," said Manas Madhu, Co-Founder of Beyond Snack. "Not only does it increase our production capacity, but it also underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability. 

Currently operating with an 80% women workforce, the facility aims to become a 100% women-run operation by 2026, a first of its kind in the industry. “With a workforce that is 80% women and plans to reach 100% by 2026, we are proud to support gender diversity and empowerment,” Manas added.

Beyond Snack has made several key hires in innovation, new product development, and supply chain management, further positioning itself for sustained growth.“This facility is not just a production hub; it’s a cornerstone of our global growth strategy,” added Madhu. “As we expand our presence in India and internationally, this plant will play a crucial role in meeting the rising demand for our products.”

Beyond Snack has experienced remarkable growth since its inception in 2020 and the subsequent investment from NABVentures in 2023. The brand also gained significant exposure when it was featured on the business reality show Shark Tank India in 2022. Beyond Snack’s products, known for their superior quality and diverse flavors, have become a staple in households across Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP, UP, Delhi and other regions, with plans to expand further in the coming year.

For more information about Beyond Snack and its newly launched products, please visit www.beyondsnack.in. Stay connected with Beyond Snack on social media for the latest updates, promotions, and irresistible snack inspiration.

About Beyond Snack:

Beyond Snack's mission is to give Kerala banana chips a global makeover and make the brand a household name. Just as Lay’s as a brand is synonymous with potato chips, Beyond Snack aims to become synonymous with banana chips. While upholding the highest standards of hygiene, these banana chips are made with superior raw materials and the highest quality bananas. Moreover, the chips are cholesterol-free, trans fat-free and GMO free with no artificial colours or flavours. Along with the new flavours, they also come in peri peri, salt and black pepper, sour cream onion and parsley flavours and the traditional salted flavour.

PhonePe Payment Gateway Launches Referral Program To Accelerate Growth

* The program offers the industry-best commission on every transaction

The PhonePe Payment Gateway today announced the launch of its referral program. PhonePe PG Partner Program is designed for anyone helping a business grow online. As a referral partner, they can refer their clients to accept online payments from their customers and accelerate business growth. The program offers businesses one of the most competitive commission rates in the industry, which is applicable for every transaction helping significantly boost their referral earnings.

Businesses can join the PhonePe PG Partner Program to offer their merchants best-in-class payment solutions. This partnership boosts credibility and helps businesses become the preferred vendor for clients, fostering trust and fueling business expansion. The program is open to various businesses, including developers and digital agencies to technology platforms like ERP, CRM, and SaaS companies. Partners benefit from scheduled monthly payouts, exclusive invitations to events hosted by the PhonePe PG, and a dedicated account manager to assist with any queries. Technology partners will receive additional support, including technical assistance for seamless integration with their products.

Speaking on the launch of the program, Ankit Gaur, Head PhonePe Payment Gateway & Online Merchants, said, “With the launch of PhonePe PG Partner Program, we are reaffirming our dedication to empowering businesses through cutting-edge payment solutions and rewarding partnerships. We’ve already witnessed over 10x growth in adoption of our referral program since launch. With this initiative, we seek to empower merchants to utilise cutting-edge fintech solutions and offerings to enhance the success of their online business.”

The PG referral program was launched at a grand event called Confluence in Ahmedabad. The event saw sessions led by Ankit Gaur, Head of PhonePe Payment Gateway, followed by networking opportunities. The event centred on knowledge exchange. Potential referral partners actively participated in discussions, sharing solutions for the common challenges businesses face when accelerating their online growth.

To join the program, just visit the PhonePePG Partner Program page and register. Post registration, a PhonePe representative will assist with the KYC and onboarding process. Upon completion of the process, merchants will receive a referral link via their registered email, enabling them to start referring clients and earning commissions immediately.

About PhonePe Group:

PhonePe Group is India’s leading fintech company. Its flagship product, the PhonePe digital payments app, was launched in Aug 2016. In just 7 years, the company has scaled rapidly to become India’s leading consumer payments app with 535+ million registered users and a digital payments acceptance network of 39+ million merchants. PhonePe also processes over 255 million daily transactions with an annualized Total Payment Value (TPV) of USD 1.5+ Trillion.

On the back of its leadership in digital payments, PhonePe Group has expanded into financial services (Insurance, Lending, Wealth) as well as new consumer tech businesses (Pincode - hyperlocal e-commerce and Indus App Store - India's first localized App Store). PhonePe Group is an India headquartered technology company with a portfolio of businesses aligned with the company's vision to offer every Indian an equal opportunity to accelerate their progress by unlocking the flow of money and access to services.