Bringing New Ways For Businesses To Build More Meaningful Conversations On WhatsApp

* We hosted our first WhatsApp Business Summit in India to help businesses use messaging to connect with customers and get more done

* With our latest features and programs, we strengthen our commitment to supporting the growth of small businesses in India.

* Bringing best practices for businesses to build meaningful and valuable connections with people ahead of the busy festive season

At our first WhatsApp Business Summit in India, we announced several features and updates that will help businesses across the country build a presence, create great in-chat experiences for their customers and drive performance ahead of the upcoming festive season.

Speaking at the summit, Sandhya Devanathan, VP, Meta in India, said “The ubiquity and ease of WhatsApp places it at the center of India's transformation, helping businesses fuel compelling ideas and new models of growth. These features and programs, which we are announcing today, demonstrate our commitment to helping businesses maximize their value per dollar while providing exceptional customer experiences on WhatsApp.”

Bringing Meta Verified for All Small Business on WhatsApp

Millions of small businesses use the WhatsApp Business app in India, and they frequently tell us that they want to stand out and build credibility with their customers. Now, Meta Verified is available to all eligible small businesses in India using the WhatsApp Business app. With Meta Verified, businesses that choose to subscribe and demonstrate their authenticity will receive a verified badge, impersonation protection, account support, and premium features that help amplify their brand online and make it more efficient to chat with customers. The same badge will appear on their WhatsApp Channels and Business pages, making it easy to share on social media and websites.

Customized Messages on WhatsApp Business App

Starting today in India we are beginning to roll out the ability for small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app to send customized messages to their customers – like appointment reminders, birthday greetings or even updates on a holiday sale all in a faster and more efficient way. This new feature, available for a fee, gives businesses the ability to send personal messages with a customer’s name and customizable call-to-action buttons and will also enable them to schedule the day and time the messages are sent.

WhatsApp Bharat Yatra

While small businesses know why they need WhatsApp to grow and scale, most of them can derive even higher value by learning how to maximize the true potential of the app. In a first-of-its-kind initiative for WhatsApp, we will soon be launching the WhatsApp Business Yatra in India, where we will go to various tier 2 & 3 cities in India to provide on-ground, in-person training to small businesses. We believe that small businesses, with the right digital skills, can supercharge India’s digital economy, and therefore, as part of this initiative, we will train small businesses in setting up their WhatsApp Business accounts, creating catalogs, educating them on how to set up ads that click to WhatsApp, and much more. We will also build a resource center on our website, which will act as a quick-access tutorial center for these businesses.

Best Practices for businesses

People don’t want their WhatsApp to become overloaded like other channels, making them miss out on important messages from people and businesses they care about and want to hear from. That’s why we’re focused on helping businesses foster meaningful and valuable connections with people. Whether a business is creating a custom Flow or running a messaging campaign for a holiday sale, there are several things to keep in mind to help them be successful on WhatsApp:

Send messages customers want and seek customers’ permission for each type of message being sent – whether it’s a timely update on a delivery or a coupon for a holiday sale.

Being thoughtful about when and what messages are being sent to customers - Make sure the subject line or preview text clearly indicates the message's relevance and be thoughtful about when it’s being sent – evenings might not be the time when your customers want to hear from you.

Use the stats to know what’s working and what’s not - We provide businesses with basic information like read rates so they can see what’s working and what’s not. This can help determine the right frequency for messaging customers to avoid overload.

Listen to the customers - Customers will be the first to say that there can be too much of a good thing. So even when they’re choosing to hear from businesses about a sale or promotion they might not want to hear about it multiple times a day or week. That’s why we’re continuing to build tools right into the app so people can provide feedback on the types of messages they want to receive and how often they want to receive them.

As the festive season embarks in India, we believe that the latest updates, combined with best practices, will empower businesses to elevate their sales and accelerate growth. By leveraging these innovative solutions, businesses can capitalize on the festive rush and unlock new opportunities for success.

Tata Power Renewable Energy And Tata Motors Sign A MoU To Set Up 200 Fast-Charging Stations For Electric Commercial Vehicles

Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Limited, one of India's largest EV Charging solutions providers and a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, to set up 200 fast-charging stations for electric commercial vehicles in all metros cities viz.  Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata. This strategic move expands their ongoing collaboration, in providing sustainable mobility solutions, with a focus on easy charging solutions for small electric commercial vehicles. 

As part of this initiative, Tata Motors and Tata Power will provide exclusive charging tariffs for Tata Motors' electric CV owners, resulting in lower operating costs and increased profitability for its customers. Electric commercial vehicle users, across the country, will soon benefit from access to almost 1000 strategically located fast chargers, with the planned expansion of the charging network. 

Mr. Vinay Pathak, Vice President & Business Head – SCV&PU, Tata Motors, said, "We’re pleased to strengthen our partnership with Tata Power to transform the electric commercial vehicle landscape by ensuring ease of access of fast chargers at convenient locations across the country. It has been our endeavour to not only engineer and manufacture world-class electric vehicles, but also help develop the necessary ecosystem to democratize the use of these eco-friendly and emission-free vehicles. This partnership will also explore avenues to maximize the use of renewable energy to make electric vehicle operations greener.”

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & MD, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited said, "With one of the largest EV Charging networks across the country, Tata Power has been enabling electric vehicle owners through its reliable and accessible charging solutions across the country. Already present across diverse segments such as public, semi-public, bus/fleet, and home chargers, we are expanding to the commercial vehicle charging segment, delivering integrated EV charging solutions. This collaboration underlines our commitment to accelerating e-mobility by providing an expansive and reliable EV Charging network across India."

Tata Power has expanded its network under the brand name of EZ Charge to over 1,00,000 home chargers, 5,500+ public, semi-public, and fleet charging points, along with 1100+ bus charging stations across 530 cities and towns. These chargers have been strategically deployed at diverse and accessible locations such as highways, hotels, malls, hospitals, offices, residential complexes, etc. This concerted effort has been instrumental in facilitating the exponential growth of electric mobility in India.

Tata Motors offers the Ace EV, India’s most advanced electric small commercial vehicle, which is supported by over 150 Electric Vehicle Service Centres nationwide. The Ace EV features an advanced battery management system and 'Fleet Edge' telematics, utilizing smart technologies to improve vehicle uptime and road safety with real-time insights into vehicle status, health, location, and driver behaviour.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 165 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.

About Tata Power:

Tata Power is a leading integrated power company and a part of Tata Group, India’s largest multi-national business conglomerate. The company has a diversified portfolio of 15,010 MW, spanning across the entire power value chain - from renewable and conventional energy generation to transmission & distribution, trading, storage solutions and solar cells and module manufacturing. As a pioneer of clean energy transition in India, Tata Power has 6150 MW of clean energy generation, which constitutes 41% of its total capacity. The company has also committed to achieve carbon neutrality before 2045.Tata Power has established India’s most comprehensive clean energy platform, with offerings such as rooftop solar, microgrids, storage solutions, EV charging infrastructure, home automation et al. The company has also attracted global investors to support its growth and vision. Tata Power has successfully partnered with public and private entities in generation, transmission & distribution sectors in India, serving approx.13 million customers across the country. To know more about Tata Power, visit www.tatapower.com.

realme Unveils NARZO 70 Turbo 5G With Turbo Performance Along With realme Buds N1 Starting From INR 14,999 & INR 1,999

*        The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G features segments fastest MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy Chipset offering Turbo Performance, Segment’s largest stainless steel VC cooling system, a 120Hz OLED Esports Display and Segment’s Largest Dynamic RAM of 26GB.

*        The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G is available in three stunning colors: Turbo Yellow, Turbo Green, Turbo Purple and three storage variants: 6GB + 128GB, priced at INR 14,999, 8GB + 128GB, priced at INR 15,999 and 12GB + 256GB, priced at INR 18,999 .

*        The first sale for realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G is scheduled on 16th September, 12 noon on realme.com and Amazon.in.

*        The realme Buds N1 offers 46dB Hybrid Noise Cancellation for clear sound, 360° Spatial Audio for immersive listening, and 12.4mm Dynamic Bass Drivers for deep bass.

*        The Buds also provides 40 hours of playback, is IP55 Water & Dust resistant, features Dynamic Sound Effect for balanced audio quality and is available in Energizing Green color.

*        The first sale for realme Buds N1 is scheduled  on 13th September, 12 noon with prices starting from INR 1,999 on realme.com and Amazon.in

realme,  the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, today announced the launch of the realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G and realme Buds N1. The latest additions to the realme NARZO series and  AIoT devices are set to redefine the standards of quality in their respective segments.

The new realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G is a strategic step to introduce the Turbo concept for the young, tech-savvy consumers seeking high-performance devices that fit their lifestyle and aspirations. The device, powered by innovative Turbo Technology, redefines performance in the value-driven smartphone segment, exceeding the expectations of demanding users who prioritize power. The new Turbo Technology ensures enhanced processing speeds and a smooth user experience, making it particularly appealing for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Commenting on the launch, a realme spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to introduce the realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G and realme Buds N1 to our product portfolio. These devices embody our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and premium features to our gen-z users. As we continue to expand our footprint, reaching over 70 million users in India, we believe these products will set new benchmarks in the smartphone and AIoT industry.”

Anuj Sidharth, Director, Marketing & Communications, MediaTek, said, “The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy is a flagship-grade chipset utilizing advanced 4nm process technology. The SoC seamlessly integrates high performance with energy efficiency, thereby facilitating stable and smooth high-frame-rate gaming for extended periods. The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G, which is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset, offers swift multitasking, and exceptional photography capabilities. The SoC also incorporates a suite of Hyper Engine optimisations which allow the processor to prioritize network connectivity during gaming - be it on WiFi or 5G - and leverage advanced features such as VRS within an ever growing library of games.”

The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G offers Turbo performance and is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset and the segment's largest stainless Steel VC cooling system. It offers a fast gaming experience with 90fps and GT Mode + GT Gaming Features. The device boasts the segment's largest Dynamic RAM of up to 12GB + 14GB & 256GB ROM for ample storage. It features a 120Hz OLED Esports Display with the largest 92.65% screen-to-body ratio, housed in a 7.6mm ultra-slim, motorsport-inspired design weighing just 185g. The phone is equipped with a 50MP AI Camera, a 16MP Selfie Camera, and supports 45W Ultra Fast Charge with a 5000mAh massive battery. Additional features include IP65 Dust & Water Resistance, Rainwater Smart Touch, Dual Stereo Speakers, Air Gesture,and various AI Features. The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G is available in three stunning colors: Turbo Yellow, Turbo Green, Turbo Purple and three storage variants: 6GB + 128GB, priced at INR 14,999, 8GB + 128GB, priced at INR 15,999 and 12GB + 256GB, priced at INR 18,999 .

Key Highlights: realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G

Fastest Chipset in the segment

The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy Chipset, which offers powerful performance and features 4 × 2.5GHz A78 cores. It achieves an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of over 750,000 due to its advanced 4nm process technology. This chipset ensures potent performance with low power usage, enabling stable and smooth high-frame-rate gaming.

Segment’s largest Stainless Steel VC cooling system

The device features the segment’s largest stainless steel vapor cooling area of 6050mm², providing superior heat dissipation. The stainless steel vapor cooling area has seen a significant increase of 38% compared to the previous generation. This improvement provides a larger vapor cooling area, enhancing the device's overall performance. It employs the same stainless steel vapor cooling material as the GT model, ensuring flagship-level heat dissipation.

Unprecedented Gaming Experience with 90fps

The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G is the first to feature 90fps for multiple games in the segment, providing a smoother game control experience. When enabling GT mode, the device unleashes the turbo performance, pulling the frame rate to the maximum. Gamers can enjoy a smooth experience of 90fps full-frame games on major game titles.

GT Mode

The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G is revolutionizing the gaming experience with its GT Mode and exclusive gaming features. The GT Mode delivers turbo performance, transforming every game session into an esports-level competition. Unique features such as Geek Power Tuning allow players to customize the CPU/GPU frequency for a boosted performance. The quick startup feature enables gamers to swiftly return to their games, while the game filter and voice changer enhance the fun of the gaming experience. With the game focus mode and bullet notification, distractions are minimized, offering a truly immersive gaming experience.

TÜV SÜD Lag-free Mobile Gaming Certification

The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G has set a new benchmark in the gaming segment by being the first to receive the world's first e-sports level smoothness certification from TÜV SÜD, a respected German certification body. This prestigious S-level certification is specifically designed to measure e-sports smoothness, making it a reliable indicator of exceptional gaming performance. With this certification, players can be assured of uninterrupted and lag-free gaming sessions, without any concerns about device performance or longevity. This makes the realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G a top choice for gamers seeking an unrivaled gaming experience.

Segment’s Largest Dynamic RAM of 26GB

The device boasts the segment’s largest dynamic RAM of 26GB (12GB +14GB), offering superior performance for users. This is made possible by the most advanced DRE technology in the industry, which supports a maximum expansion of 12GB + 14GB. This innovative technology significantly improves the launching speed of applications and increases the number of apps that can be kept active in the background.

Immersive Viewing Experience

The realme NARZO 70 Turbo 5G features a 6.67-inch Samsung E4 OLED display that offers an immersive viewing experience. It offers the largest 92.65% screen-to-body ratio, 6,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and supports 16.7 million colors. With a color gamut of 106% NTSC, it delivers accurate color reproduction. The display boasts a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of 180Hz for smooth interactions.

Key Highlights: realme Buds N1

Advanced 46dB Hybrid Noise Cancellation Technology

The realme Buds N1 features a 46dB Hybrid Noise Cancellation technology. This feature utilizes feedforward and feedback microphones, the noise reduction design detects external sound waves and emits highly accurate anti-noise waves to cancel them out. The maximum noise reduction effect can reach up to 46dB. This six-microphone design provides a clear audio experience by accurately identifying and eliminating surrounding environmental noise.

High-Quality Sound with 12.4mm Dynamic Bass Driver

The earbuds are equipped with a 12.4mm Dynamic Bass Driver that brings more full bass, majestic sound field, and clear vocals. The titanium coating makes the diaphragm significantly more rigid, and the imported high-tension HTW Wire Coil and high-thrust N52 Magnets take the sound quality of realme Buds N1 to a new level. These plus-sized drivers feature a larger diaphragm with titanium coating.

Impressive 40 Hours Total Playback Time

The realme Buds N1 offers an impressive 40 Hours Total Playback time. With a large-capacity battery, users can enjoy 6 hours playback once, 26 hours with earbuds and charging case or 9 hours playback once. This long battery life means listening to music for 5 hours a day, without recharging for a week.

Immersive 360° Spatial Audio Effect

The earbuds also feature a 360° Spatial Audio Effect. The chipset at the earbuds end of the independent computing, through self-researched spatial audio algorithm, based on HRTF head function model, renders the surround sound field for the sound, to create a 360-degree surround sound experience that simulates theater space. This gives the user a sense of presence and a stronger musical atmosphere.

About realme

realme is a technology brand that specializes in providing leap-forward products with a comprehensive superior experience for global users. The brand was officially established on May 4th, 2018 by a young and strong team with rich smartphone industry experience. Currently, realme has 70+ million users in India, committed to creating a smart, connected, and trendy lifestyle for the youth, realme democratizes leap-forward technology to provide the best technology products in each price segment.

As per IDC Q2 2022 report, realme climbed to the second slot for a second time, with a robust YoY growth of 24% (highest among the top five brands) in 2022. It cemented its second position in the online channel with a 23% share.  realme has achieved a staggering QoQ growth of 51% in the second quarter of 2023, as reported by Counterpoint, a renowned market research firm. Additionally, realme secured the No. 3 position among the top 10 smartphone brands as per IDC's rankings for Q2 2023.

realme has introduced a new product mix strategy named the "Spire Strategy" approach, wherein each product series features a breakthrough technology that serves as the pinnacle of our robust product line. It includes prioritizing superior design, performance, and overall user experience for all products.

realme has also implemented a new marketing strategy that consists of cultivating marketing, eCommerce, and a simply better strategy. With the cultivating marketing strategy, realme is building local teams to leverage their experience and make engagement more personalized for users. In terms of eCommerce, realme is working closely with existing online partners and exploring more opportunities with leading eCommerce platforms to expand its reach across regions. Additionally, the simply better strategy focuses on exploring the future of tech with the GT series, a leap-forward performance flagship series while the number series brings leap-forward imaging and key leap-forward innovation, making it more accessible to consumers.

For more information, please visit www.realme.com/in/

Zoho Unveils AI-Rich Enhanced Zoho Analytics Version, Democratises Self-Service BI

* Introduces unified metrics, generative AI-powered reports and insights, and a custom ML model building studio

Zoho, a leading global technology company headquartered in Chennai, today launched a new version of Zoho Analytics—Zoho's self-service BI and analytics platform. Among more than 100 other enhancements, Zoho Analytics has developed powerful new AI and ML capabilities, enabling diagnostic insights, predictive analysis, automated reports, and dashboard generation.

Additionally, the platform now includes a custom ML model-building studio, seamless integration with OpenAI, 25+ new data connectors, and third-party BI platform extensions. This new version has added power, intelligence, and flexibility to serve a broader range of businesses and users than competitors in the market. 

"Zoho Analytics was launched in 2009 as Zoho Reports, long before technology had caught up to Zoho's vision for business intelligence," said Clarence Rozario, Director of Product Management, Zoho BI & Analytics Platform. "Since then, Zoho has made considerable investments around automation, no-code/low-code development, third-party integration, machine learning, and Zia, our in-house AI engine. The latest version of Zoho Analytics is one of the first solutions from the company that takes advantage of every one of these decades-long investments. The result is a democratised platform that is powerful, intelligent, and flexible enough to benefit everyone and anyone."

The company's BI platform, which has been built from the ground-up in India, is being leveraged by 30 lakh users, globally. In India, Zoho Analytics saw 67% growth in new revenue, making it the second largest market for the offering.  This growth is primarily driven by mid and large enterprises in sectors such as ITeS, Financial Services, Manufacturing, and Retail.

Today, businesses face three main data challenges: increasing data velocity and variety of data, the necessity for strong data management and governance, and the growing complexity and dynamism of analytical needs. To address these needs, and capture this demand, Zoho Analytics has advanced across four key areas: Data Management, AI, Data Science & Machine Learning, and Extensibility. Below are notable highlights of the platform across these categories.

Powerful Data Management Hub

To empower businesses to deliver high quality and properly governed data, it is imperative to build a robust data management hub. Therefore, the Analytics platform has expanded its data management capabilities, adding Stream Analytics, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) data pipelines, and metrics-layer enhancements to the mix to ensure broader access to more accurate data for businesses.

The platform has expanded its 500+ data connector portfolio by adding Stream Analytics, along with 25 other new data connectors. This will enable users to extract data streams in real-time, enhancing their ability to consume, analyse, and leverage data. Additionally, business users can now create and manage complex ETL data pipelines within the platform. Users can create end-to-end data pipelines easily using Zoho Analytics' visual builder. ?They will now also build Custom Transforms and ML models using the platform's Python Code Studio, enabling developers to bring these customisations within the platform. To simplify the transformation of data further, Ask Zia, Zoho's AI assistant, will enable natural language processing for users. Users will also be able to access robust data management with an automatic versioning system and a new Sandbox environment. The platform now also enables businesses and users to orchestrate data pipelines using Zoho Flow and manage, monitor, and orchestrate pipelines in one place. With the New Unified Metrics Layer, users can define, standardise, monitor, access control, and catalogue all business metrics in a single pane. The platform also extends to serve in a Headless BI mode, allowing data applications to consume the same metrics in real-time for consistent and dependable insights.

Business Intelligence (BI) Infused with Generative AI

Zoho Analytics has introduced Generative AI capabilities across the BI platform to accelerate the adoption of insights for a broad spectrum of user personas. The platform now enables Diagnostic Analysis, wherein Zoho's AI-powered, automated insights engine, Zia Insights, now provides diagnostic analytics contextually, bringing decision intelligence into the platform. With enhancements in Ask Zia, Zoho's multi-lingual Natural Language Querying AI copilot, users can now also trigger actions and build custom data models. Ask Zia can also be leveraged within IM channels, including Microsoft Teams, to generate deeper, faster, and more contextual insights and actions. Additionally, Zoho Analytics has added Auto Analysis, enabling AI-powered automated metrics, report, and dashboard generation.

Furthermore, Zoho Analytics' seamless OpenAI integration—enabled by Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)—drives more relevant and accurate query responses. Using OpenAI APIs with Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) encryption, users can more easily find public datasets and create formula & Structured Query Language (SQL) queries. All these AI-powered enhancements deliver more efficient, contextual, accessible, and intelligent insights and actions to the platform.

Data Science and Machine Learning Studio

Zoho Analytics now empowers users to build powerful custom machine learning models for specific business requirements, with the Data Science and Machine Learning (DSML) Studio. This Studio offers AutoML, a no-code assistant, to build custom ML models easily. With ?feature engineering, hyperparameter tuning, and comprehensive model analysis, it enables users to ?train, test, compare, deploy, and manage models. Zoho Analytics also features Code Studio, the platform's new integrated Python code environment where users can create custom ML models as well as import Python models or externally built libraries, which can be executed within the platform.

Platform Extensibility

Zoho Analytics is now more deeply extendable, with new capabilities such as its no-code builder for data connectors, actions framework, BI fabric, and client Software Development Kits (SDKs). Zoho Analytics is a composable platform on which any analytical solution can be built.

The new BI fabric enables businesses to consolidate insights from multiple BI platforms, such as Power BI and Tableau, onto one, easily accessible and searchable analytics portal. Access to the portal can be controlled with fine-grained access permissions. Moreover, within Zoho Analytics, users can trigger actionable workflows, including URL and Webhook actions. The platform integrates seamlessly with Zoho Flow, enabling 500+ app triggers. Zoho Analytics features a no-code data connector builder, allowing users to create custom connectors, to bring data from any custom application. Partners can also build data connectors that can be published and sold on Zoho Marketplace. The new update features over 100+ enhancements, including new visualisations, enhanced dashboard building, audit and admin controls, revamped mobile apps, Right-to-Left (RTL) support, and more.

Adoption Of Surgical Robotic Technology Pivotal In Addressing India's Rising Gynaecological Disease Burden: Dr. Preetha Reddy

·         Dr. Preetha Reddy spoke at the inaugural ceremony of the largest gynecological conference in the Asia-Pacific region, held at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai.

·         The four-day conference was organized by the Asia Pacific Association for Gynaecologic Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy (APAGE).

·         Over 90 Gynecologic surgeons were trained in robotic-assisted surgery using the advanced da Vinci robotic system at the event.

Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized that the adoption of advanced medical technologies, such as robotic-assisted surgery, is crucial in addressing the growing burden of gynaecological diseases on India's healthcare system. Speaking at Asia-Pacific’s largest gynaecological conference, Dr. Preetha Reddy delivered a special address during the live surgery workshop at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai. "To fully harness the transformative potential of advanced technology in gynaecological practices, we must commit to expanding training programs and fostering collaborations that elevate surgical proficiency. I am confident that this APAGE conference, in collaboration with Apollo Hospitals and leaders in surgical technology, will inspire many to embrace similar partnerships for the betterment of our healthcare ecosystem," she added.

The conference was organized by The Asia Pacific Association for Gynaecologic Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy (APAGE). During this event, over 90 gynaecologic surgeons received training in the latest robotic-assisted surgical techniques using the advanced da Vinci robotic system. The conference also saw the participation of IAGE members, and eminent surgeons from across India and other Asian countries.

The conference had live surgical workshops featuring latest techniques for gynaecological procedures like endometriosis, hysterectomy, and myomectomy, a range of collaborative sessions and master classes on the minimally invasive approaches in gynecological oncology and practical tips for beginners in robotic surgery.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Kurian Joseph, Chairman of Organising Committee, APAGE said, “It is with immense pleasure that we gather here at the 24th Annual Congress of APAGE. The participation of 500 national delegates and  international delegates made this conference a huge success and remarkable event with the exchange of scientific knowledge and surgical skills. As robotic-assisted surgery becomes more prevalent with significant advancements in the field of gynaecology, international conferences like these will give opportunities for healthcare professionals to network, share thoughts about the latest innovation and clinical practices”.

Highlighting the need to train more surgeons in robotic-assisted surgery, Dr. Arnold Advincula, Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgeon at Columbia University Medical Centre, New York, United States said, "The increasing incidence of gynecological disorders in India presents a significant health challenge for women. Advanced surgical interventions are crucial to effectively manage and address these evolving needs of patients. As new-age technologies emerge and we integrate them into clinical practice, there is a need for the healthcare ecosystem to address the existing skill gap by investing in comprehensive education and familiarization programs. These initiatives will help surgeons achieve proficiency in cutting–edge technologies like robotic-assisted surgery”.

“The conference offered insightful sessions on managing the breadth of complex benign and malignant gynaecologic pathology through various minimally invasive approaches. Surgeons also had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in performing fertility-sparing reproductive surgeries in using advanced robotic systems such as the da Vinci”, he added. 

Dr. Meenakshi Sundaram, a leading gynaecologist at Apollo Hospital said, “With keynote lectures, panel discussions, live surgical demonstrations and hands- on workshops, the conference cultivated a dynamic learning environment for the attendees, significantly contributing to their professional development and career growth. The conference served as an invaluable opportunity for all participants to learn from the experts in the industry, from beginners learning the fundamentals of minimally invasive surgeries to robotic surgeons advancing their skills and techniques. As more surgeons undergo training in robotic-assisted surgery through familiarisation programs at these conferences, India will see a wider adoption of the technology. Consequently, more patients will benefit from enhanced access to advanced treatments that offer better patient outcomes with less blood loss, and faster recovery.”

Encouraging India Towards An API-Driven Compliance System, Tally Eyes A CAGR Of 30-40% In 3 Years

~Redefines Connected Experience with fully Connected-GST capability and expands global multi-lingual integration, with the all-new TallyPrime 5.0~

With the continued vision to empower the backbone of the Indian economy – the fast-growing MSME sector; Tally Solutions today announced the global launch of the all-new TallyPrime 5.0, elevating its suite of Connected Services. A leading technology company providing business management software, Tally brings a new paradigm in connected services with API-driven tax filing. The launch is in line with the company’s vision to enhance business operations for the mid-mass segment both in India and globally.

The latest version with ‘Connected GST’ will serve as a consolidated interface for all online GST operations, without having to visit the GST portal. This release further strengthens Tally’s connected experience which includes e-invoicing and e-way bill generation capability, WhatsApp integration, etc. Additionally, addressing the increasing demand in the Middle East and Bangladesh, TallyPrime 5.0 adds advanced multi-lingual capabilities that will extend to Arabic and Bangla language interfaces with phonetic support.

The new solution encapsulates an array of unique features including a direct connect* to the GST portal which enables fast data upload/download, GSTR1 return filing, new recon flexibilities, including GSTR-1 recon and GSTR-3B recon features unique to Tally, Input Tax Credit (ITC) at risk identification and ledger creation. The feature also supports end-to-end ‘bookkeeping to return filing’, bringing an integrated experience.

With this new launch and other product pipeline initiatives, Tally is aiming to expand its current user base of 2.5 million+ by 50% over the next 3 years, while eyeing a CAGR growth of 30-40%. Sharing his views, Mr. Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions said, “We’re continuously innovating our technology to help simplify business operations for MSMEs. Our latest release is designed to make GST filing simpler and hassle-free for Indian businesses. Currently, only a small portion of businesses use API-based filing, but we’re aiming to change that. With this latest launch, our focus is to consolidate the end-to-end GST filing journey of MSMEs, enabling them to save 60%-70% of their time. This release will also give a real-time status of their suppliers’ GST, safeguarding their ITC.”

MSMEs are seeking effective tech solutions for their operations, and TallyPrime 5.0 provides a simple, secure, and reliable solution. It enhances business management with new features and builds on existing ones like e-invoice generation, user-friendly dashboards, WhatsApp integration, and Excel imports. This new launch is in line with Tally’s mission to connect businesses with their ecosystem and elevate user experience. The latest release is free for all active TSS subscribers.

*TallyPrime 5.0 allows online operation for GSTR1, GSTR2A, GSTR2B, GSTR3B and CMP-08.

Rapido Inaugurates New Bengaluru Office, Celebrates Captains, Customers, And Commitment To Empowerment

Rapido, the country’s largest ride-hailing and employment generator platform is proud to inaugurate its new 40,554 sq. ft. corporate head-office in Bellandur (Bengaluru), recognizing the invaluable contributions of its captains and loyal customers. Their trust and loyalty have been bedrock in driving the company's consistent growth and success.

Long-time Captains and customers took the lead in inaugurating the new office, symbolizing their pivotal role in Rapido's journey. The founders followed with a powerful message, reinforcing that the heart of Rapido’s success lies in the synergy between its Captains, customers, and the company.

As the largest ride-hailing platform, Rapido has significantly contributed to generating employment opportunities and empowering women. By providing a flexible and accessible platform for drivers, Rapido has enabled thousands of individuals to earn a livelihood. The company has also actively promoted women’s participation in the gig economy, offering opportunities for women to become independent and financially secure.

According to Pavan Guntupalli, co-founder of Rapido Shared, “Our growth and achievements of becoming the country’s largest ride-hailing and employment generator platform are deeply rooted in the dedication of our Captains, the trust of our customers, and our ongoing efforts to empower women and create employment opportunities. We are thrilled to inaugurate our new headquarters as we continue to scale our operations and expand our services. Inaugurating this new headquarters is a significant milestone. It represents not just a new workspace, but a hub of creativity and collaboration where our team will continue to tackle India’s mobility challenges.”

The new office, designed to accommodate over 700 employees, underscores Rapido’s commitment to providing an inspiring and inclusive workspace. It features modern amenities such as AI-enabled video conferencing systems, a podcast studio, and collaborative spaces like an amphitheater-style town hall. Inclusive facilities, including a Mother’s room, nap pods, and accessible restrooms, reflect Rapido’s dedication to women empowerment and employee well-being.

The grand opening follows the company’s successful $200 million Series E funding round, which elevated its valuation to $1.1 billion. This recent funding boost positions Rapido to accelerate its expansion,