AbhiBus Launches Edge App For Bus Operators At Prawaas 4.0

* Now available on the Google Play Store, the Edge app is designed to streamline marketing and operational processes for enhanced efficiency

AbhiBus, one of India's leading bus booking platforms, announced the launch of its new Edge app aimed at revolutionizing how bus operators manage their campaigns, making operations more accessible, quicker, and smarter.

Unveiled at the prestigious Prawaas 4.0, the Edge app builds on the success of the Edge web platform. It harnesses the power of AI, offering intelligent campaign recommendations that are tailored to the specific needs of operators. With instant notifications and alerts, operators can stay updated on critical developments, allowing them to make informed decisions and respond quickly to any opportunities or challenges that arise. It also integrates the AbhiBus ads solutions, enabling operators to reach new customers across various channels and optimize their campaigns to drive sales with greater ease. Additionally, the Crew Performance Module provides detailed insights into operational efficiency, empowering users to manage their teams effectively and ensure smooth operations.

Speaking on the launch, Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, said, “The Edge App represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower bus operators with technology that simplifies their business operations. By making advanced campaign management tools available on mobile, we want to enable  our partners to run their operations more efficiently, make informed decisions and drive growth.”

With the edge app, operators can choose from a variety of pre-designed templates and go live with just one click, significantly reducing the time needed to set up campaigns. It offers instant access to the latest performance data, with real-time analytics that help boost campaigns and sales. It also comes with seamless auto-renewal and campaign extension features that ensure the smooth running of sales without interruption. The app further enhances campaign reach by offering flexible filters that enable operators to target specific routes, allowing them to strategically focus on the routes most critical to their business.

About AbhiBus

AbhiBus is a leading online bus-ticketing platform that aggregates over 4,000+ private bus operators and 25 leading State RTCs, covering more than 100,000+ routes across the country. The AbhiBus website and apps allow users to check amenities provided by bus operators, compare booking fares, check bus timings in the searched route, live tracking of the bus before arrival, cancellation protection options and other facilities. It is the official ticketing partner for several state road transport corporation bus tickets and IRCTC tickets. Apart from an e-ticketing platform, AbhiBus also provides an end-to-end technology solution to private and government bus operators. It provides a state of the art online passenger reservation system to more than 350 private bus operators and 5 State Road Transport Corporations, including APSRTC, TSRTC, KSRTC, HRTC (Himachal) and Kerala RTC across India. Its software solutions include fleet management solutions, vehicle tracking systems, passenger information systems, and logistics, providing a robust and customizable software solution to small and big size bus operators. The business of AbhiBus was acquired by ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited) in August 2021.

Greenply Industries of India And Samet of Türkiye Come Together Offering Exceptional Furniture Accessories To Elevate Living Spaces

~ This strategic collaboration under the brand Greenply-Samet has commenced its manufacturing activities and commercial production as per the Phase-I plan on 30th March 2024 at its state-of-the-art unit in Vadodara, Gujarat ~

Greenply Industries Ltd., a pioneer in the Indian plywood industry, and Samet, one of the leading global brands in functional furniture hardware have commenced their business operations together as part of their joint venture Greenply-Samet and are set to revolutionize the Indian furniture hardware market.

Greenply Industries and SAMET B.V. marked a signi?cant milestone on 26th October 2023 by forming a Joint Venture Company named "Greenply Samet Private Limited." This strategic collaboration under the brand Greenply-Samet is poised to bring a new wave of innovation and quality to the industry. The joint venture commenced its manufacturing activities and commercial production as per the Phase-I plan on 30th March 2024 at its state-of-the-art unit in Vadodara, Gujarat. The production capacity at this facility will be strategically ramped up in three phases over the next three years, ensuring a steady increase in output to meet growing market demand. With an investment of around 250 crores, the Vadodara plant is set to become a cornerstone of Greenply-Samet's operations, blending Greenply's industry expertise with Samet's advanced technological capabilities. This joint venture is dedicated to manufacturing and marketing premium furniture hardware, including state-of-the-art slide systems for wooden and metallic drawer systems, hinge systems, lift-up systems, and other innovative products.

This partnership not only aims to cater to the domestic market but also envisions making India a global hub for functional furniture hardware. The synergy between Greenply and Samet is expected to drive signi?cant growth and create new benchmarks in the industry. Through this joint venture, both companies are committed to delivering exceptional value and innovative solutions to their customers, setting the stage for long-term success. Built on the synergy of skills, resources, and market knowledge, Greenply-Samet provides a best-in-class range of furniture hardware products that are functional, aesthetic and tailored for the needs of every living area. With the manufacturing operations based in Vadodara and headquarters in Mumbai, the venture seamlessly integrates Samet's precision in production with Greenply's strategic market reach, setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Mr. Manoj Tulsian, Joint Managing Director and CEO, Greenply Industries Ltd., spoke of the vision for the venture, "Our strategic partnership with Samet represents a signi?cant leap forward in our journey to deliver unparalleled furniture hardware solutions in India. This venture combines Greenply’s deep understanding of the Indian market with Samet’s world-class technology and innovation. Together, we are poised to rede?ne the standards of furniture hardware in India, offering products that resonate with the needs of modern consumers."

Mr. M. Serdar Senemo?lu, Executive Board President, Samet, stated, "This joint venture with Greenply is a testament to our shared vision for growth and excellence in the Indian market. By leveraging Greenply’s strong market presence and Samet’s advanced technological capabilities with 51 years of corporate excellence, we are con?dent in our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality hardware solutions that will transform the landscape of interior design in India. We will transform our corporate strength that is already approved by Deloitte in 2022 with the best-managed company award to Greenply Samet operation as well. Our collaboration is set to create new benchmarks in the industry, driving both companies to new heights of success."

Greenply Industries Ltd. stands as one of India’s foremost interior infrastructure companies, with a legacy spanning over three decades. Known for its superior quality plywood, MDF, and allied products, Greenply has continually pushed the envelope in innovation and sustainability. The company recently achieved a signi?cant milestone by obtaining CARB and EPA certi?cations for its Zero Emission plywood product range, setting a new standard in the industry. Additionally, Greenply inaugurated a state-of-the-art MDF production line in Vadodara, Gujarat, in April 2023, equipped with the latest PRODI? NEO technology from Siempelkamp, Germany.

Founded in 1973 in Istanbul, Samet has established itself as one of the global pioneers in the furniture hardware industry. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, Samet has a rich history of innovation and excellence, offering over 6,000 types of cabinet hardware. The company is renowned for its commitment to European quality standards and its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of furniture worldwide.

Samet’s focus on research and development has driven its success, making it a perfect partner for Greenply in this ambitious joint venture.

Headquartered in Mumbai, with manufacturing operations in Vadodara, Greenply Samet India Private Limited combines the precision of Samet’s manufacturing and innovation expertise already registered with patented, value-added products in all furniture accessorize categories with Greenply’s extensive market reach. As one of the top-ten leading brands in that category, we will continue to heavily invest in strategic product groups- developed by the global R&D team of Samet- that will also add value to Greenply Samet cooperation. This partnership is set to address the growing demand in India for high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture hardware, reinforcing the market positions of both Greenply and Samet.

The furniture ?ttings sector is growing at a faster rate due to increased demand and availability of quality products in India, therefore GREENPLY-SAMET planned its investments according to key product categories throughout the 5-year projection. In addition to existing more than 6000 products in the portfolio, it has prioritized the Master hinge and GS-Class ball-bearing slide system for India production reference to the demand of the market and production has started in the fully integrated production centre in Vadodara as of 2024. The company’s local manufacturing presence and capability will become even stronger with the commissioning of Smart Slide full extension under-mount slide systems and Flowbox drawer box systems in the further Phases of Production.

In Phase 3, the production centre will achieve a full–scale volume with the manufacturing of Slide single-extension under-mount slides and a Slim-Mech single lift-up door system. In line with these developments, the rapid growth process of Greenply-Samet will be carried to a higher level on a segment and channel basis.

SAI International Education Group Introduces “Sign Language Dlasses” At SAI Angan

~ The introduction of Sign Language classes aligns with the mission of fostering inclusivity and empathy among young learners by equipping them with the skills and sensitivity ~

SAI International Education Group, known for its commitment to holistic education, is proud to announce the integration of sign language classes into the regular language curriculum for the students of SAI Angan, one of India’s largest and most prestigious play schools. This notable step, launched in the current session, aligns with the mission to foster inclusivity and empathy among young learners by equipping them with the skills and sensitivity. This initiative has significantly enhanced their listening abilities and deepened their sense of empathy, reinforcing the importance of understanding and communication in a diverse world.

Young students of SAI Angan, affectionately known as SAIoneers, have now embraced the opportunity to learn sign language and will master the basics of sign language with confidence and enthusiasm. They have already started sharing their newfound skills with their peers by making video content with sign language.

By incorporating nationally and internationally recognized sign languages into the curriculum, SAI International Education Group is committed to bridging communication gaps and nurturing a culture of inclusivity from an early age. This initiative empowers the students to connect with others in meaningful ways, fostering a sense of unity and understanding that transcends verbal communication.

Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, shared, “Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo had always focused on holistic education of children and through this initiative, we are following his vision. Nowadays, knowing sign language is incredibly valuable for many reasons, especially regarding enhancing communication, fostering inclusivity, and improving accessibility. This curriculum will enhance language development, improve vocabulary, and reduce frustration in early communication stages. This will not only help the kid to connect with the broader community in the future but also it will help them to build friendships and networks that might otherwise be limited by language barriers. We are extremely proud of our little SAIoneers for leading the way in promoting inclusivity. I am thrilled to see their enthusiasm to learn this new skill.”

SAI International Education Group believes that early exposure to different forms of communication is crucial in developing well-rounded, empathetic individuals. As the students continue to learn and grow, they will carry these valuable lessons with them, making a positive impact on the world around them.

Building A Positive Brand Image: The Role Of Public Relations (PR)

* Shruthi V Shetty, Assistant Professor-Senior Scale, Manipal Institute of Communication, MAHE, Manipal

Is brand image important? Every CEO and business owner would answer in the affirmative. The companies hiring reputation managers are a testament to this fact. The elephant in the room however is the question, is public relations (PR) the way to build positive brand image? Well, maybe not the only way but it is most definitely one of the ways that has proven its worth and the one that fetches long-term dividends. So, if you are a brand that is here to stay then PR is worth exploring.

How does PR help?

PR rests on the trifecta of visibility, credibility, and relationship. Regarding organic reach & engagement, PR is 90% more effective than advertising (Neilson report). Media mentions, being spoken about by opinion makers, or even the brand being positioned as a thought leader give the brand a more robust identity. PR keeps the brand at the center, unlike paid media which is more sales-centric. When it comes to retaining customers and their loyalty, PR’s worth is unparalleled.

Newer PR pathways

Today brands have newer avenues to build their image and reputation. Social media and its various platforms ensure that the PR content reaches its audience without media gatekeeping. Influencers (from nano to macro) and influencer marketing are growing in potential as effective PR tools. Brands can use podcasting to connect their top management directly with their audience. PR is no longer restricted to being the earned media, it can leverage paid, owned as well as shared media in the form of user-generated content or testimonials to convey the brand’s story, value, and purpose.

PR in higher education

Higher education brands are not mere commodities, they are institutions that represent trust and higher-order values.  Building relationships with the stakeholders- students, alumni, media, academia, industry, and community- is essential. These brands need more pull marketing than push marketing, PR provides this by giving brand communication much-needed authenticity and credibility.

The takeaway

How should the brand go about using PR to its optimum proficiency? A few points to consider. Do not use it only during crisis or reputation damage, PR is most effective when planned strategically and used continuously. It is essential to have patience as results take time; brands have to remember that although the effect of PR takes longer to reflect it also stays longer. This does not mean measurement should take a back seat. A few parameters to measure are media coverage value, story reach/impressions, website impact & share of voice apart from long-term revenue impact. 51% of PR professionals believe that social listening is one of the most effective ways to measure and assess reputation, according to a recent report by Meltwater. With realistic KPIs and timely evaluations, PR can play a crucial role in building a holistic identity and credible image for the brand.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Partners With Union Bank of India To Offer Comprehensive Vehicle Financing Options

* Partnership to offer innovative financing solutions for customers nationwide

* Provides up to 90% financing on the on-road price of vehicles for private use

In its continuous effort to enhance customer experience and streamline car ownership experience through innovative solutions, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Union Bank of India to enable comprehensive and accessible vehicle financing solutions. The partnership aims to offer innovative and attractive solutions curated to meet the evolving needs of the customers and making Toyota vehicles more accessible than ever. 

Key highlights of the partnership:

Enhanced affordability and accessibility: The partnership will allow customers to enjoy up to 90% financing on the on-road price of any Toyota vehicles purchased for private use, exempting them from any foreclosure, or part-payment charges.

Flexible Financing under Union Vehicle Scheme: The financing options under the Union Vehicle Scheme for private vehicle will aid customers to opt for flexible tenures up to 84 months with competitive interest rates starting from 8.80% per annum at present.

Flexible Financing under Union Parivahan Scheme: The financing option under the Union Parivahan Scheme for commercial vehicle will aid customers to opt for flexible tenures up to 60 months with competitive rates.

Broad Reach and Accessibility: Union Bank’s extensive network will provide all Toyota customers with easy access to financing options nationwide

Speaking about the new customer initiative, Mr. Sabari Manohar, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "We are delighted to partner with Union Bank of India for enhancing vehicle financing options across the nation. This collaboration signifies our dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences by simplifying and making vehicle financing more accessible. Our goal is to streamline financing options, offer seamless experiences, and provide timely support to make the vehicle purchase process enjoyable.

As an organization dedicated to customer satisfaction, our primary focus is on meeting the dynamic needs of the market. We achieve this by continually introducing innovative products and services that enhance the ownership experience. Through the latest partnership, our aim is to broaden reach and extend support to more customers nationwide, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, in their pursuit of owing a Toyota vehicle.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arun Kumar, General Manager, Union Bank of India, said, “As one of the largest Public Sector Banks, we are delighted to partner with Toyota Kirloskar Motor. The MoU is surely a big step towards providing financing solutions to a vast array of customers, nationwide. Union Bank of India's robust presence across India complements this partnership and we are confident that our digitized loan procedures will enable customers aspiring to purchase a new Toyota vehicle with utmost ease and convenience. Our commitment is to streamline the auto finance process, thereby enriching the customer experience in terms of both product and service.”

The newly launched schemes are applicable to TKM's entire product line, including the Innova Hycross, Innova Crysta, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Fortuner, Legender, Camry Hybrid, Vellfire, LC 300, Glanza, and Rumion. Additionally, the benefits extend to the newly launched Urban Cruiser Taisor. As the latest addition to TKM’s robust SUV lineup, the All-New Urban Cruiser Taisor upholds Toyota's rich SUV legacy, offering a perfect blend of style, high performance, and fuel efficiency with a striking exterior design. The Urban Cruiser Taisor is available with three engine options: 1.0L Turbo, 1.2L Petrol, and E-CNG.

Over the years, TKM has strived to improve customer experience throughout the purchase & ownership cycle by implementing timely and relevant schemes such as easy financing options. In addition to the latest tie-up and a plethora of in-house financing solutions through Toyota Financial Services (TFS), Toyota over the years has also launched several other tailor-made services with serval other financing institutes to offer customers choices and convenience of financial solutions to meet their diverse needs. The offers go beyond purchase of just new vehicles to cover used cars as well as service packages thus creating overall positive buying and ownership experience of Toyota cars.

Additionally, in pursuit of its customer centric approach, the company recently launched its second Company Owned Toyota Used Car Outlet (TUCO).  Operating under the brand name of “Toyota U-Trust” in New Delhi.  These outlets aim at offering customers high-quality and safe used cars whilst ensuring convenience, transparency, and peace of mind during the process of buying as well as selling Toyota cars. In addition, TKM also has a reach of 683 customer touchpoints nationwide.

Kotak Unveils Falcon Forex Card Exclusively For UAE Travelers

* Travelers using Kotak Falcon card get 100+ offers on tourist attractions, adventure sports, shopping, dining, and unique experiences

* Catering to the aspirational Indian traveling to UAE, including first-time travellers, the card offers savings of up to Rs 20,000

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL/Kotak”) today unveiled Kotak Falcon Card – a single currency prepaid forex card for the growing number of Indians travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Kotak Falcon Card’s USP is the safety & convenience and cumulative savings up to Rs 20,000* it offers, making it lucrative for aspirational Indians.

Travelers using Kotak Falcon card for payments in UAE will get instant discounts at 100+ tourist attractions, adventure sports, shopping, dining, and unique experiences. Additional benefits include complimentary insurance cover, 24*7 reload service, instant refund, and hassle-free card replacement

The Kotak Falcon Card was unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai by Rohit Bhasin, President – Head Affluent, NRI, Business Banking and Chief Marketing Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank; Muzaffer Hamid, CEO, Mercury Payments Services; and dignitaries from NPCI.

UAE represents an eclectic blend of modernity and luxury. It is also India’s third largest trading partner Kotak Falcon Card - single currency prepaid forex cardwith an integrated financial and digital payment system. It is no surprise then that 2.46 million   overnight travellers visited Dubai in 2023^ – the highest from any country, as per news reports. The large Indian diaspora, direct flights from many cities across the country and growing aspiration for international travel including first trip abroad continues to attract more Indians every year to the UAE.

Key Benefits:

• Safety & convenience of making payments during travel through prepaid forex card as against cash

• Travellers using Kotak Falcon card in UAE will get instant discounts at 100+ tourist attractions, adventure sports, shopping, dining, and unique experiences.

• Up to 50% off on tickets to explore various tourist attractions. 

• Up to 20% discounts across restaurants.

• Falcon forex cards will be accepted across all major merchant outlets and tourist attractions in the UAE.

Rohit Bhasin says, “As part of our focus to be most preferred bank for aspirational Indians, we are delighted to unveil a compelling value proposition – Kotak Falcon Card – exclusively for UAE travellers. The single currency prepaid forex card is a unique offering for the growing number of Indians traveling to the UAE, including first-time int'l travellers and provides them safety & convenience on payments made in the UAE and fantastic savings on payments towards leisure activities.”

Muzaffer Hamid says, “By enabling the Kotak Falcon Card, Mercury is advancing our vision of inclusive payments. We are partnering with NPCI International and Kotak Mahindra Bank to expand RuPay’s presence in the UAE, making financial services more accessible and reflecting our commitment to democratizing payments for the broader market.”

Kotak Falcon Card will be available for customers in the next two months.

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 Limited. The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. 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. As on 30th June 2024, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,965 branches and 3,279 ATMs (incl. cash recyclers), and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai). For more information, visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/. 

Photo Caption: At an event organised at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai today, Kotak Falcon Card – a single currency prepaid forex card exclusively for travelers going to the UAE was unveiled by Rohit Bhasin, President – Head Affluent, NRI, Business Banking and Chief Marketing Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank [2nd from left]; Muzaffer Hamid - CEO, Mercury Payments Services (UAE); Rajeeth Pillai, Chief Relationship Management Officer, NPCI [left]; and Rina Penkar, Product Head - NPCI International [right].

Eakadanat: A Cultural Convergence Through Art At The IIWC, Bengaluru

Lavanya International Art Foundation is thrilled to announce the upcoming art exhibition, Eakadanat, to commemorate Ganesh Chaturthi. This extraordinary event will take place at the Indian Institute of World Culture (IIWC) in Basavanagudu, Bengaluru, from August 31st to September 4th, 2024 between 10. 30 am to 7 pm.

Founded by the passionate artists Asima Choudhry and Piyali Sarkar, Lavanya International Art Foundation is dedicated to celebrating and promoting India's diverse artistic heritage. Eakadanat is more than just an art show; it's a cultural convergence that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. The exhibition will be inaugurated by renowned figures Dr. TS Sathyavathi, President of IIWC, and Kishore Joseph, Founder of Colorthon and Breathe Entertainment.

Featuring the works of over 50 talented artists from across India, Eakadanat showcases a breathtaking array of styles and techniques. From intricate pencil shading to vibrant oil colors and stunning metalworks, the exhibition offers a captivating journey through the evolution of Indian art.

Asima Choudhry, Co-Founder of Lavanya International Art Foundation, emphasized the exhibition's significance as a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work. "We aim to create a dialogue between tradition and innovation, highlighting how these elements coexist and enrich each other in the world of art," she said.

Piyali Sarkar, Co-Founder, added, "The exhibition also serves as a platform for fostering connections among artists, art lovers, and cultural enthusiasts, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the celebration of artistic excellence."

Eakadanat is a must-visit event for art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs. All are welcome to attend this free exhibition.

For more details call : 8660912728, 9933971982