Kotak Mahindra Bank To offer An Exciting Cash-Back On The All-New iPhone 16 Lineup In India

* Instant Cash-back up to Rs 5000 on purchase of iPhone 16 lineup using Kotak Credit Card & Credit Card EMI

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL/Kotak”) is o?ering exciting deals on the new iPhone 16 line up, featuring larger display sizes, Camera Control, innovative pro camera features, and a huge leap in battery life — powered by the fast, efficient A18 Pro chip and built for Apple Intelligence.

Through this special o?er Kotak’s credit card customers will enjoy an instant cash-back of Rs 5000 on the purchase of the new iPhone 16 series using Kotak Credit Card and Credit Card EMI. The o?er is also valid on Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC.

The purchases becomes even more a?ordable with the Credit Card EMI, where the bill amount is split into a?ordable monthly payments with 6 month No Cost EMI.

The offer can be availed at select Apple Authorised Resellers in India.

O?er details: For complete o?er details, refer the link below: https://images.kotak.com/bank/mailers/ 2024/files/Applenewlauncho?er.pdf

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 ?agship 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, please visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/

Cleartrip Signals A New Era Of Travel With The Big Billion Days 2024

* Partners with nearly 50 airlines, 15k+ hotel partners, and 100+ bus operators to redefine travel this festive season

Cleartrip, a Flipkart company announces its highly anticipated year-end travel sale with The Big Billion Days (TBBD) from 26 September - 6 October 2024. This year, Cleartrip aims to set a new standard in India’s travel aspirations during the festive season with great deals on flights, hotels, buses, and holiday packages, empowering customers to escape their daily routines and embark on much-needed getaways. 

As consumer priorities shift towards valuing experiences alongside material purchases, travel has become a core part of festive celebrations. TBBD is perfectly aligned with this growing trend, offering value-driven travel deals that make the perfect festive escape possible while also making it affordable.

Speaking on the occasion, Anuj Rathi, Chief Business and Growth Officer, Cleartrip, stated, “We are witnessing a profound shift in Indian consumerism and travel is at the heart of this transformation. At Cleartrip, we are leading the charge to democratise travel by building an integrated ecosystem that connects airlines, hotels, and key travel partners, making us a one-stop destination for all.”

He added, “With 120 million leisure travellers and 27 million outbound travellers, India’s demand for international travel is stronger than ever. In response, Cleartrip has curated an exclusive selection of long-haul destinations to help users elevate their travel experience to luxury. Through strategic partnerships with airlines and hotel chains, we make these curated, high-end experiences not just aspirational but accessible and affordable.”

Cleartrip has introduced these specially curated offerings for TBBD to help customers avoid price surges closer to the booking date:

5-Star Hotels starting from INR 2499

Minimum 40% off on Hotels (Flash Sale - every day at 7 pm (until 9 pm)

Special Discounts from key chain partners such as Royal Orchid, Ferns, Clarks, Pride, Sterling, Mayfair, and Summit

International destinations starting at INR 5999

Special fares from Air India, British Airways, Lufthansa, Etihad, etc. for long-haul destinations such as London, Australia, Berlin, and Paris

Domestic destinations starting at INR 999

Child Flies Free - Family travelling with 1 child less than 12 years can opt for this (Flash sale - for a limited period and subject to availability.)

International Holiday Packages starting at INR 9999 per person for destinations such as Bali, Dubai, Maldives, and Thailand

Up to 30% off on Bus Bookings

Flipkart and Myntra users can avail of additional discounts of up to 15% over and above other discounts on hotels; cancellation of flights at INR.1, and can redeem extra discounts up to INR 1500 with Supercoins.

Cleartrip has continued to redefine travel with customer-centric innovations. The company’s latest offerings, Cleartrip For Work and Bus Pass, highlight its commitment to enhancing travel with exclusive benefits and unmatched convenience. The company recently clocked a remarkable 150% growth in the bus category since its launch in 2023.

About Cleartrip

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

AIFI Announces New Leadership Team for 2024-26: Mr. Yash Munot As President, Mr. S. Ravishankar As Vice-President

The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing the Indian forging industry, proudly announces the election of Mr. Yash Munot as the new President of AIFI for the term 2024-26. Mr. S.  Ravishankar  has been elected  as the Vice President of AIFI, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the organization's leadership.

Mr. Yash Munot, who previously served as Vice-President of AIFI from 2020 to 2024, is the youngest  to undertake the role of President in the organization's history. He succeeds Mr. Vikas Bajaj, who served as President from 2020 to 2024.

Mr. Munot currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Varsha Forgings Private Limited and the Managing Director at KCTR Varsha Automotive. His journey in the forging industry began in 2005 with him being inducted into Varsha Forgings Private Limited, the  family business.  Beyond his industrial achievements, Mr. Munot is recognized for his diversified business ventures in sectors such as lifestyle products, health food, hospitality and philanthropy, including the adoption of an orphanage and medical aid distribution during the pandemic.

His leadership within AIFI has been marked by significant contributions, including his contribution  in organizing major industry events like IFC 2011, Forgetech  India 2016, Asia Forge 2019 and ForgeTech India  2023. He has served as the Western Region Chairman from 2018 to 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Finance and Marketing from Regents Business School of London and a leadership degree from the London Business School. He is also a member of EO, an esteemed organization for entrepreneurs.

Mr. Yash Munot, President of the Association of Indian Forging Industry said “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of President of the Association of Indian Forging Industry. The forging sector in India is at a pivotal juncture, with tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth. Our focus will be on fostering collaboration within the industry, driving technological advancements and promoting sustainable practices. I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that our industry not only thrives domestically but also strengthens and enhances its global footprint. Together, we will build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and strive for excellence in every aspect of our work."

Mr. S. Ravishankar, Vice-President of the Association of Indian Forging Industry said, “I am truly honoured to take on the role of Vice-President of AIFI. Collaborating with Mr. Yash Munot and the committed AIFI team, I will strive for advancing our industry’s progress and tackling the challenges presented by a rapidly changing global landscape. Our priorities will include boosting competitiveness, driving innovation and equipping our members for future opportunities. I look forward to embracing the exciting prospects ahead and contributing to AIFI’s continued success during this transformative era”

Mr.  S. Ravishankar  currently serves as the Managing Director  at Super Auto Forge  Private Limited . Mr.  Ravishankar has over 25 years of experience in the Auto component manufacturing Industry. He is a Manufacturing Engineer with  Bachelors degree from Annamalai University and  Masters degree from The Ohio State University.

After working in Detroit for 2 years, Mr. Ravishankar returned to India and joined his family business at Super Auto Forge(SAF) in 1997 . He has been  instrumental in developing the international  business of SAF and led the initiative to establish marketing offices  in Detroit in 2001 and followed by Belgium in 2011. Mr. Ravishankar has been the Chairman of Indo American Chamber of Commerce for the period 2008 - 2009– Tamilnadu Branch and currently serves on the Southern Regional Committee of ACMA since 2021.

The Association of Indian Forging Industry community warmly welcomes Mr. Yash Munot and Mr. Ravishankar in their new roles and looks forward to their leadership in steering the forging industry toward a prosperous future.

EKA Mobility Partners With Skyline Motors To Deploy “Electric Buses” In Uttarakhand, Marking Its First Intercity Operations

EKA Mobility (Pinnacle Mobility Solutions Pvt. Ltd.), a leading electric vehicle manufacturer and a subsidiary of Pinnacle Industries, has announced supply of EKA 9 electric buses Skyline Motors (India) Private Limited for deployment.

The e-buses are operating on the Dehradun-Rishikesh route via Haridwar, covering a daily distance of 300 kilometers. The EKA 9 electric buses ensure efficient and eco-friendly commutes between the three cities. The deployment is designed to support Uttarakhand’s green transportation goals while reducing carbon emissions and offering commuters a comfortable, reliable, and cost-effective transit solution.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Chief Growth Officer of EKA Mobility, said, “This partnership marks an exciting step forward for EKA because it supports Uttarakhand’s ambition to become a hub for sustainable transport. We are proud to be working with Skyline Motors to provide an energy-efficient and emission-free commute for travelers. Our advanced electric buses are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, offering the best-in-class experience for both operators and passengers.”

EKA’s electric buses are equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance the passenger safety and experience, while reducing carbon emissions. This 9-meter AC bus features a seating capacity of 35+1, a floor height of 900 mm, and is equipped with a powerful 200 kW battery to ensure a smooth and energy-efficient journey.

Mr. Anil Dixit, Managing Director, Skyline Motors (India) Private Limited, added, “Our collaboration with EKA Mobility sets a new standard for intercity public transport in the region. With a daily 300-kilometer range, we are confident that these buses will not only serve as a green alternative but also offer passengers a superior travel experience, further boosting connectivity in Uttarakhand.”

This intercity deployment reinforces EKA Mobility’s leadership in electric vehicle innovation and strengthens its mission to provide smart, sustainable, and profitable transportation across India.

HDFC Pension Becomes First Private Sector Pension Fund Manager To Surpass Rs. 1 Lakh Crore In AUM

HDFC Pension Fund Management Limited (HDFC Pension), the largest private sector Pension Fund Manager under the National Pension System (NPS), has reached a significant milestone, surpassing Rs. 1,00,000 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM) as of September 12, 2024. This achievement marks a doubling of AUM in just 16 months, from Rs. 50,000 crore in May 2023, driven by a remarkable 34.1% growth in the Company's Subscriber base, now totaling over 21 lakhs.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd., HDFC Pension’s rapid growth underscores its leadership in the Pension Fund sector and its unwavering commitment to helping individuals secure their financial future.

HDFC Pension recently marked 11 years of successful operations and currently manages 43.6% of the total NPS AUM in the Retail and Corporate segment, with over 36.8% of all Subscribers in this segment choosing HDFC Pension as their preferred Pension Fund Manager (PFM), underscoring the Company's strong market leadership and the trust it enjoys amongst investors. The company has over 5000 committed Pension Agents and is the largest Corporate NPS Point of Presence working with over 2800 companies servicing over three lakh employees across these Corporates.

Sriram Iyer – Chief Executive Officer, HDFC Pension, remarked on this significant achievement, “We are truly humbled by the trust that so many individuals and institutions have placed in us. At HDFC Pension, our focus has always been on offering the best possible service to our Subscribers, Partners, Pension Agents, and Distributors. Reaching Rs. 1,00,000 crore AUM is a significant achievement and is the result of collective efforts and the faith of our stake holders. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers, regulator - Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), National Pension System Trust, and our CRA partners – Protean eGov Technologies, KFin Technologies Ltd. and CAMS NPS for all their support.”

He further added, “The National Pension System (NPS) is an invaluable financial tool, empowering individuals to plan for their retirement with flexibility and cost-effectiveness. We remain committed to growing alongside our Subscribers, and we are confident that the NPS will continue to empower more individuals to prepare for their future with confidence.”

Market Leadership: A Commitment to Excellence

Technological Advancements: HDFC Pension is at the forefront of leveraging technology to improve the NPS experience for its Point of Presence Subscribers and Partners. By investing in seamless digital journeys and introducing services such as WhatsApp BOT support, the Company aims to streamline processes and deliver exceptional customer service.

Operational Excellence: HDFC Pension's strong operational framework ensures seamless, smooth and efficient delivery of services. This dedication to operational excellence was recognised when the company was honoured with the 'Best Pension Customer Service Provider' award at the India Insurance Summit 2024.

In addition, HDFC Pension has been awarded the title of 'Best Performing PFM' by Money Today for three consecutive years, from 2019 to 2022, further solidifying its leadership position in the fund management sector.

About HDFC Pension Fund Management Limited

HDFC Pension Fund Management Limited (formerly known as HDFC Pension Management Company Limited) is a licensed Pension Fund Manager appointed by Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA) to manage pension corpus of citizens enrolled under the National Pension System. HDFC Pension is a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd, one of India's leading life insurance companies.

HDFC Pension is also licensed as a Point of Presence (PoP), and is managed by seasoned professionals with vast experience in Insurance & Pension Administration, Risk Management, Banking, Capital Market and Asset Management. The Company is committed to delivering superior risk adjusted returns strictly adhering to the prudent investment norms and guidelines laid down by PFRDA. As a PoP, the Company aims to provide seamless service to Individuals (under the retail NPS scheme) and Corporate Employees (under the Corporate NPS scheme) by helping them subscribe to NPS and for their ongoing service needs through the life of their investment.

Historic Achievement For India At WorldSkills Lyon 2024 In Culinary Excellence By WGSHA, Student

The 47th WorldSkills Competition, held from 10 to 15 September 2024 at EUREXPO Lyon, France, witnessed the participation of 1,400 competitors from over 70 countries, all vying for recognition in their respective skills. This prestigious international skills competition aims to inspire, develop, and influence by promoting skill development among young people and showcasing the vital role of skills in driving economies forward.

India had an impressive representation, competing in 52 skills with 60 competitors. The team returned with 3 Bronze Medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence, a testament to the country’s growing investment in vocational training and skill development.

Among the stars of the competition was Harshvardhan, a BA Culinary Arts student from WGSHA, who achieved a landmark victory by securing a Medallion of Excellence in the Cooking category. Competing against participants from 43 countries, Harshvardhan's hard work and dedication earned him this prestigious recognition — the first time India has received this honour in Cooking Skills.

Harshvardhan's success is the culmination of three months of rigorous training, which included mastering Hot Kitchen, Cold Kitchen, Buffet Presentations, and Bakery Module in alignment with WorldSkills standards. Six weeks prior to the main event, WorldSkills released the test project covering tasks such as Hot Kitchen, Cold Kitchen, French Bistro, and a Skill Test, all of which were meticulously practiced at WGSHA’s specially arranged training kitchens. Harshvardhan was also provided with physical and mental fitness training sessions to ensure his readiness for the challenge.

A key component of his preparation was competing in the Switzerland Nationals friendly competition, which offered invaluable exposure to international competition environments and standards.

Dr. (Chef) K. Thirugnanasambantham, Principal of WGSHA, Manipal, served as Harshvardhan’s Expert Mentor throughout the competition journey. Chef K. Thiru guided Harshvardhan through the rigorous training and competition process, ensuring that Harshvardhan not only excelled technically but also developed the resilience and focus necessary for such a global stage.

Reflecting on this experience, Chef K. Thiru stated, "Harshvardhan's success is a remarkable achievement on the global platform, and it showcases his confidence and ability to make a positive impact in the culinary world.

Team Effort and Appreciation

Chef K. Thiru expressed heartfelt appreciation to Chef Nitish, Chef Manish, Chef Daya, and Chef Nandheetha(WGSHA alumna) for their support in Harshvardhan's journey. Their collective efforts were instrumental in preparing him for this global challenge. This monumental achievement would not have been possible without the backing of and ITC Leadership teams, who provided consistent support and encouragement throughout the process. Dr. (Chef) K. Thiru also extended his gratitude to the NSDC and THSC teams for the invaluable opportunity to represent India on the world stage.

Lt. Gen (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Harshvardhan, saying, "Harshvardhan’s achievement on the global stage is truly commendable. It is a reflection of his dedication and skill, and his success highlights the standard of excellence that WGSHA and MAHE continue to uphold. We are immensely proud of him, and I have no doubt that he will go on to make significant contributions to the culinary world.

Mr. Sanjay Bose, Executive Vice President, HR, ITC Hotels, remarked, "WGSHA has once again showcased its excellence in culinary skills. Chef K. Thiru’s expertise and passion have touched many young minds, and I am confident that Harshvardhan will bring more laurels to our country with his exceptional culinary skills.

WorldSkills is not just about winning medals; it’s about building confidence, empowering communities, and driving economic growth. Harshvardhan’s achievement is a source of inspiration for aspiring young chefs and a demonstration of India’s growing prowess in the global culinary scene.

As we celebrate this historic moment, WGSHA and India look forward to continuing their journey of skill development and further international recognition in the culinary arts.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Represent India At WorldSkills 2024

In a significant stride toward furthering the "Skill India Mission" and the vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047," Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today proudly announced the achievements of its employees’ performance at the WorldSkills Competition 2024, held in Lyon, France. Known as the "Olympics of Skills," this premier global event brought together young professionals from across the world, competing in over 60 categories, ranging from engineering to creative arts.

Representing TKM, employees Harish Gowda, Mohit Umashankara, Nelson Vanidhara, Prem Kumar, Bhanuprasad S M, and Darshan Gowda C S had previously triumphed at the India Skills 2024 competition, earning the right to represent India on the global stage. Their success at both the national and international levels underscore TKM’s ongoing commitment to cultivating world-class technical talent and enhancing India's role in global vocational skills development.

Each employee brought unique strengths to the WorldSkills Competition 2024, contributing to the team’s remarkable performance. While Prem Vasanth Kumar achieved Medallion of Excellence in Additive Manufacturing, Bhanuprasad SM and Darshan Gowda CS showcased remarkable versatility to achieve the Medallion of Excellence in Mechatronics. Medallion of Excellence is awarded to the competitors with 700 or more points. Further, the Mechatronics candidates were awarded second place for Sustainable Practice Award having successfully completed tasks that are measured against industry sustainability standard with the highest level of performance.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. G. Shankara - Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are immensely proud of our employees’ performance at WorldSkills 2024. Earning the Medallion for Excellence at a global platform is not only a testament to their exceptional skills and dedication, but also sets an inspiring example for other employees to strive for excellence in their respective fields. We are truly grateful to the trainers, faculty members, Government of Karnataka, Government of India and all stakeholders who have contributed to this success and made us proud. The journey of these employees is a reflection of what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity, reaffirming our belief in transforming rural youth into world class competitive technicians.

This success also underscores our alignment with national goals like ‘Skill India’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ as we continue our mission to contribute to society by fostering a skilled workforce. Toyota’s commitment to creating opportunities and delivering a positive impact in the communities where we live and work remains at the core of everything we do, and we look forward to continuing this journey towards shared prosperity and development.”

The contestants were trained at the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI). Since its inception in 2007, TTTI has been committed to providing advanced technical education and fostering overall development among rural youth. The planned increase in intake reinforces TKM’s commitment to empowering economically challenged youths, creating world-class technicians, enhancing societal development, and employment. One of the recent initiatives to promote admission of female students, 'Toyota Kaushalya,' has been well-received by students. It offers a unique opportunity for youth to acquire skills relevant to the manufacturing industry, combining theoretical learning with on-the-job training (OJT) enhancing their employability. Furthermore, many of our employees after been trained at TTTI and TKM get the opportunity to be trained in Japan to gain hands on experience in global environment. Based on Toyota’s model of skill development, TKM has been developing 65 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Government Tool Room Training Centers across Karnataka.

About World Skills Competition

Initiated in 1950, the World Skills Competition is the global hub for skills excellence and development through international cooperation and development. It is the global meeting place for government, education, industry, and association leaders to discuss relevant and important issues related to skills management.

In 2024, the competition saw participation from more than 1400 competitors from 62 countries challenging each other in 61 skill sets. India took part in 52 skills, winning 4 Bronze and 12 Medallions of Excellence in respective categories. The team consisted of 60 talented young minds.  The participants were selected through a nationwide screening process under the guidance of the National Skill Development Council (NSDC).