Yamaha Launched ‘The Call Of The Blue’ Version 4.0 Brand Campaign For The Young And Dynamic Customers

* The latest version of the brand campaign reinforces Yamaha’s ethos, core values and global heritage,

* while re-igniting the brand’s aspirational appeal

Carrying forward the momentum of the previous versions of ‘The Call of The Blue’, India Yamaha Motor (IYM) today launched the version 4 of its flagship brand campaign, reinforcing its premium positioning in the Indian two-wheeler market. The campaign slogan - ‘Hear the Call Now’ is a progression of the previous one - ‘Have You Heard the Call?’ and targeted towards reaching out to new motorcycle riders who are coming of age, adding to their aspirations for Yamaha products.

The latest campaign is designed for the youth and primarily emphasizes on Yamaha’s ethos, core values and global heritage. Further, it also focusses on elevating their desire to become a true riding enthusiast. It aligns perfectly with the shift in taste and preferences of today’s customers toward superior performance as well as premium experiences in the country. Through the introduction of world-class products across higher engine displacements and immersive consumer engagement initiatives that this campaign will drive, Yamaha intends to grow its market share in the premium segment and underpin itself as the brand of choice for India’s most ardent motorcyclists.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “At Yamaha, we are extremely proud of extending the joy of motorcycling to Indian consumers through our impeccable product portfolio and immersive ownership experience over the years. We are streamlining our strategies to the unique needs of the youth of today. By introducing the 4th edition of ‘The Call of The Blue’ brand campaign, we are reinforcing our brand values by inspiring young afficionados to awaken the rider within them. We are confident that this new version will be a success and will help in strengthening our position in this dynamic market, while also differentiating us from others.”

Yamaha has also launched a new film to announce the latest campaign. In the film young kids are seen captivated by a film in the theatre, showcasing Yamaha’s iconic two-wheeler models, including global favourites. As they step out, they are thrilled to find these models right in front of them on the road. Taking it a notch up, the film also features a new “The Call of The Blue” anthem, tailored to resonate with the musical preferences of today’s youth.

YouTube link of the latest Brand Campaign film : The Call of the Blue Version 4.0

Since its inception in 2018, in each iteration of ‘The Call of The Blue’ campaign, India Yamaha Motor has realigned its product planning, marketing and customer strategies with the brand’s image of ‘Excitement, Style and Sportiness’. Along with the product line up, Yamaha will also revitalise its customer engagement activities like Track Day, The Call of The Blue Weekends, Overnight Tours, and Blue Streaks Community rides, and penetrate even deeper into the country.

About Yamaha Motor India group of companies:

Yamaha Motor made its initial foray into India in 1985 as a joint venture. In August 2001, it became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). IYM's manufacturing facilities comprise State-of-the-art plants at Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). The infrastructure at these plants supports the production of motorcycles and parts for the domestic as well as overseas markets. YMC has established its subsidiaries - Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt Ltd. (YMRI), Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd. (YMIS) and Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd. (YMI) in India to independently support IYM in the development, sales & marketing of its products and overall business planning & regional control respectively. Presently, its product portfolio includes YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc),  MT-15 V2 (155cc); FZS-Fi Version 4.0 (149cc), FZS-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), AEROX Version S (155cc), AEROX (155cc) and scooters like Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc).

MAHE Researchers Ranked Among The Top 2% Globally For 2024 In Prestigious Citation Database

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is thrilled to announce that 36 of its eminent researchers have been recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, as per the latest citation rankings. This recognition, which honors their outstanding contributions to global research during the previous year, is based on the "August 2024 data update for Updated Science-Wide Author Databases of Standardized Citation Indicators," released by renowned scholar Prof. John P.A. Ioannidis on September 16, 2024. Additionally, six distinguished MAHE researchers have been lauded for their remarkable career contributions to their respective fields.

This achievement is a testament to the relentless dedication, innovation, and excellence of MAHE’s academic community. In comparison, 19 of the university’s researchers were honored in 2023, marking a significant rise in the number of scholars recognized this year. The list, offers a transparent evaluation of citation metrics, including h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, and citations across different authorship roles. It highlights the global impact and significant contributions of researchers worldwide, placing MAHE’s researchers at the forefront of academic excellence.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M.D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, expressed his immense pride on this recognition: “This is a remarkable achievement for MAHE and a reflection of our researchers' relentless pursuit of knowledge. Their hard work and dedication not only elevate the university’s standing but also push the boundaries of global research and innovation. We are committed to supporting pioneering research and fostering a thriving academic environment.”

The six researchers recognized for their career contributions are:

1.Dr. Unnikrishnan (KMC Mangalore, MAHE)

2.Dr. Srinivas Mutalik (MCOPS, MAHE Manipal)

3.Dr. Shashidhar Acharya (MCODS, MAHE Manipal)

4.Dr. Satheesha B. Nayak (DBMS, MAHE Manipal)

5.Dr. Kulmani Mehar (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

6.Dr. Ranjeet Kumar Mishra (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

The following are the other researchers recognized for their contributions in 2023:

1.Dr. Raja Selvaraj (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

2.Dr. Ramesh Vinayagam (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

3.Dr. Nithesh Naik (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

4.Dr. Thivaharan Varadavenkatesan (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

5.Dr. Shiva Kumar (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

6.Dr. Tanweer Ali (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

7.Dr. Nitin Joseph (KMC Mangalore, MAHE)

8.Dr. P. Dinesha (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

9.Dr. U. Raghavendra (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

10.Dr. Prasanna Mithra (KMC Mangalore, MAHE)

11.Dr. Ravilla Dilli (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

12.Dr. Choudhari Rajashekhar (MIT Bangalore, MAHE)

13.Dr. Nirmal Mazumder (MSLS, MAHE)

14.Dr. Vakkalakula Sreenivasulu Bharath (MIT Bangalore, MAHE)

15.Dr. Dhanya Sunil (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

16.Dr. Mohammad Hifz Ur Rahman (MTMC, MAHE)

17.Dr. Usha Y. Nayak (MCOPS, Manipal, MAHE)

18.Dr. Nithin Kumar (KMC Mangalore, MAHE)

19.Dr. Chythra R. Rao (KMC Manipal, MAHE)

20.Dr. Rekha Thapar (KMC Mangalore, MAHE)

21.Dr. Bhageerathy Reshmi (MCHP, MAHE)

22.Dr. K. Devaraja (KMC Manipal, MAHE)

23.Dr. Sajan D. George (DAMP, MAHE)

24.Dr. S. Varadharajan (MIT Manipal, MAHE)

25.Dr. Vinod C. Nayak (KMC Manipal, MAHE)

26.Dr. Kavitha Saravu (KMC Manipal, MAHE)

27.Dr. E. Dawson Varughese (MCH, MAHE)

28.Dr. Ashwin Kamath (KMC Mangalore, MAHE)

29.Dr. Ramesh Holla (KMC Mangalore, MAHE)

30.Dr. Jagadish Rao Padubidri (KMC Mangalore, MAHE)

The full list of recognized researchers is available in the publicly accessible citation database, reinforcing MAHE’s position as a leader in research excellence. The university’s growing representation in these rankings underscores its commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and contributing to the global scientific community.

As MAHE continues to excel in academic research, this prestigious recognition serves as inspiration for future generations of scholars. The university remains dedicated to addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge that benefits society at large.

For further details, the complete list of recognized scholars can be accessed at https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/7

This Daughter Day Celebrate Her Brillance With A De Beers Forevermark Diamond

This Daughter’s Day, take a moment to celebrate the unique brilliance your daughter brings into your life. De Beers Forevermark presents a specially curated collection of natural diamond pendants - each piece thoughtfully designed to honor her strength, grace, and individuality. These timeless pendants serve as a beautiful way to express your love and admiration.

Today’s daughters symbolize so much: strength, resilience, and boundless potential. They are shaping the future with confidence and determination. A De Beers Forevermark pendant is a meaningful gift, a tribute to her unique spirit, and a reflection of the love she brings into your life. Every pendant features a natural diamond as rare and precious as she is, offering a lasting symbol of your bond.

Crafted in 18k gold, Forevermark pendants seamlessly blend modern elegance with classic design, making them perfect for daily wear. Whether dressing up or staying casual, these versatile pieces add a touch of understated luxury to any look. Each pendant becomes a reminder of the love, support, and recognition she carries with her every day.

A De Beers Forevermark natural diamond symbolises uniqueness, beauty and strength. The designs are created with attention to detail, highlighting the brilliance of each Forevermark diamond reflecting the essence of the wearer to serve as a reminder of her inherent qualities and potential.

For more information or to explore the collection, visit the brand's official website or find the nearest De Beers Forevermark store to shop for these exquisite pieces. To locate a store near you, click here.

For more information, please visit Forevermark.com

Visit the De Beers Forevermark boutique in Mangalore: Shop no 9 & 10, Souza Arcade, Balmatta Rd, Hampankatta, Mangaluru

About De Beers Forevermark 

De Beers Forevermark is a Jewellery House offering contemporary designs featuring responsibly sourced diamonds that are hand-selected for their beauty. Created for marking special moments and wearing every day, Forevermark diamond jewellery is timeless with a twist.

The unique Forevermark inscription is proof that each diamond is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. De Beers is committed to Building Forever, ensuring that every diamond it discovers creates a lasting positive impact for the people and places where it is found. This comes with a pledge to build a better future – one that is fairer, safer, cleaner and healthier, ensuring communities thrive, ethical practices are maintained and the natural environment is protected.

De Beers Forevermark jewellery is sold through www.forevermark.com

Make Your Festivities Unforgettable With The G0VO GoSurround 320 Soundbar

G0VO, a pioneer in home audio innovation, has raised the bar with the launch of its latest product – the GoSurround 320 Soundbar. This compact audio system is a remarkable addition to G0VO's home audio line-up, delivering exceptional sound quality and a range of versatile features. Engineered to provide a deeply immersive entertainment experience, the GoSurround 320 Soundbar is at the forefront of advanced home audio technology.

Globally, the soundbar market is experiencing remarkable growth, projected to soar from USD 8.80 billion in 2024 to USD 13.12 billion by 2029, with a robust CAGR of 8.30%. G0VO’s new launch underscores the increasing consumer demand for high-quality audio solutions in home entertainment systems.

Commenting on the launch of the GoSurround 320 Soundbar, Mr. Piyush Jalan, Co-founder and COO of G0VO expressed his happiness, stating, “We are excited to introduce the GoSurround 320 Soundbar, our newest innovation designed to improve users’ music experience. Our latest product aims to meet our vision of delivering top-notch audio quality, and can turns any event into a party. We are seeing increasing demand for Soundbars, and with every new launch we keep innovating to meet the evolving needs of our customers."

Salient features of the GoSurround 320 Soundbar include:

·         Immersive 3D Surround Sound: The soundbar has a portable speaker, powered by 58mm drivers, delivers a potent 50-watt output, and provides a cinematic audio experience at home. It can be used for gaming marathons, movie nights, and everyday music listening

·         Dynamic LED Lights: Take your acoustic experience to the next level with G0VO's signature RGB colours. The dynamic LED lights create the perfect ambiance for any occasion, whether you are enjoying some alone time or hosting a hangout with friends

·         Long-lasting Battery: It is equipped with a 4000mAh battery, offering up to eight hours of playtime. Enjoy your favourite music, movies, or games for longer without worrying about interruptions

·         Multiple Connectivity Options: It offers a variety of connectivity options for your convenience. Connect your devices via Aux, USB, TF Card, FM Support, or stream music wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is all about offering you the flexibility to enjoy your music your way.

·         Bluetooth V5.3: Enjoy a seamless, high-quality audio experience with the latest Bluetooth V5.3 technology. Connect your mobile device automatically and play your favourite tunes louder and clearer than ever

·         Warranty : 1 year

The G0VO GoSurround 320 Soundbar is available on Amazon at an exclusive launch price of just Rs. 1,999/-.

About G0VO:

G0VO is an emerging audio technology company that is making waves in the industry. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences, G0VO is quickly gaining recognition for its cutting-edge products. From wireless Bluetooth speakers to powerful Soundbars, G0VO seamlessly integrates advanced technology with sleek designs to create immersive audio solutions. With a strong emphasis on quality, performance, and customer satisfaction, G0VO is poised to become a leading player in the competitive audio technology market.

BLS E-Services Partners With SBI General Insurance To Enhance Customer Access To Essential Insurance Products Pan India

*        The partnership offers Hospicash, providing daily hospitalization benefits tailored to customer needs

*        It will also streamline insurance access to regional rural areas of India

BLS E-Services has partnered with SBI General Insurance to offer a range of essential insurance products directly to customers across India. This partnership aims to broaden access to key insurance offerings, such as Hospicash, vehicle insurance, personal accident insurance, and shop insurance, leveraging BLS’s extensive network.

Hospicash, a flexible income protection plan that offers daily hospitalization benefits to those who are primarily earning their livelihood daily and giving a security of not losing on it. Customers can choose between ?1,000 and ?2,000 daily benefits, tailoring the coverage to their specific needs to secure their financial well-being during medical emergencies. The partnership has enabled BLS E-Services to leverage its strong presence in the E-Governance sector - where it has already benefited over 40,000 customers - to provide these crucial insurance products.

This strategic partnership aims to simplify the insurance acquisition process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. Customers will benefit from:

*       Easy access to a wide range of insurance products

*       Simplified policy management through BLS E-Services

*       Faster claim processing and enhanced customer support

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Chairman, BLS E-Services said, "This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards financial inclusion. By bringing insurance products, we're not just facilitating transactions – we're empowering individuals and businesses also to secure their futures with confidence. This is about transforming the way India thinks about and accesses insurance."

SBI General Insurance, Business Head, Ms. Priya Kumar said, "Our partnership with BLS E-Services isn't just about expanding our reach – it's about reimagining the insurance experience for customers in the current digital era. We're excited to leverage BLS's innovative platform to create more responsive insurance solutions fulfilling the mission of improving insurance penetration in rural areas. This collaboration will allow us to gather real-time insights into customer needs, driving product innovation and setting new benchmarks in customer-centric insurance services."

About BLS E-Services:

BLS E-Services, a subsidiary of BLS International, stands as a leading technology-enabled digital service provider in India, offering a diverse range of services that encompass Business Correspondent (BC / Rural Banking Outlets) services, Assisted E-services, and E-Governance Services. These offerings are all geared towards grass-roots empowerment, revolutionizing how essential services are accessed. Through its robust network, BLS E-Services plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to a wide spectrum of essential public utility services, social welfare programs, healthcare, finance, education, agriculture, and banking services. This array of services caters to governments (G2C) and businesses (B2B), while also catering to the diverse needs of citizens (B2C) across urban, semi-urban, rural, and remote areas. Operating within a unique integrated business model, BLS E-Services bridges the digital gap in areas with low internet penetration by offering solutions through phygital strategy, i.e., physical, and digital.

About SBI General Insurance:

SBI General Insurance, one of the fastest-growing private general insurance firms, backed by the robust support of SBI upholds a legacy of trust and security. We position ourselves as India's most trusted general insurer amidst a dynamic landscape. Since our establishment in 2009, our expansion has been substantial, growing from 17 branches in 2011 to a nationwide presence of over 143 branches. In FY 2023-24, SBI General Insurance achieved significant growth, with a notable 17% increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP), reaching INR 12,731 crores.

The company has also received notable accolades including the ‘Domestic General Insurer of the Year’ - India at the Insurance Asia Awards 2023 in Singapore, recognition as one of the Best Brands 2023 at the ET Edge Best Brands events and being honoured as one of the Best BFSI Brands at the ET Now Best BFSI Brands Conclave 2024. We have also received recognition as the runner-up for Highest Growth – General Insurance at the ASSOCHAM 15th Global Insurance Summit & Awards and were named the winner in the ‘Best Large General Insurer’ category at the Mint BFSI Summit & Awards 2023.

PAFI Annual Forum Discusses Pathways To The Smart Route To A Global Export Powerhouse

* India has showcased significant potential in the services sector, which continues to grow well and will lead the runway to a trillion dollars of service exports

At the 11th Annual Forum of the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), Mr. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, discussed India's focus on innovative strategies and actionable insights to enhance economic growth.

Mr. Goyal said, If you see the Journey of the last 10 years or even the last 100 days, every effort has been made to strengthen the foundation on which we hope to make India a developed nation by 2047.” Efforts are underway to realize the vision for 2047, focusing on making work more intelligent and effectively engaging with modern technology. Every effort has been made to strengthen the foundation on which we hope to make India a developed Nation by 2047.

The nation is preparing in diverse ways to compete globally, particularly through foreign trade initiatives and collaborations. India has showcased significant potential in the services sector, which continues to grow well and will lead the runway to a trillion dollars of service exports. The manufacturing sector is also evolving through innovation and close collaboration with various industries. Our focus is on fostering growth across all sectors. Additionally, India should prioritize increasing Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), as there remains a considerable gap between GDP and PPP.

The Minister said, “In the last 9 to 10 years, we have increased the patent approval from 6000 to 103,000 last year. “Work is being done in the area of trademarks. AI has been brought in to improve efficiencies to expedite the process with an aim to reduce six months’ time frame to a week or two. The goal of renewable energy has been achieved in 2022 which was targeted for the year 2030. We are preparing in various ways to engage with the world on equal terms in a position of equal strength with a spirit of competitiveness.

The Minister said the close coordination with which the Commerce Ministry and the Foreign Ministry are working is remarkable. This has led to improved trade agreements, enhanced diplomatic engagements and targeted outreach to key markets.

He highlighted that today, India, charting its own course and protecting its national interest, has helped us remain a robust economy and bridge our trade deficits with significant foreign inflows.

The welcome note was given by Virat Bhatia, Past President PAFI and Co-Chairman PAFI Annual Forum and the vote of thanks was given by Maj. Ranjeet Goswami (Retd.), Member, Managing Committee, PAFI, Global Head, Corporate Affairs, Tata Consultancy Services.

PAFI (Public Affairs Forum of India)

Founded in 2008, the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) is India’s premier organization focused on public affairs, policy advocacy, and corporate affairs in India. PAFI represents a diverse array of Indian and foreign companies, promoting ethical dialogue and professional growth. Its objectives include aligning business, society, and government, fostering trust, and developing collaborative policies. PAFI organizes impactful events, including its annual forum, which unites industry leaders and policymakers for meaningful discussions. With a strong commitment to transparency and inclusion, PAFI aims to build a well-informed public affairs community to address contemporary challenges in India.

For more details:

Visit: www.pafi.in and Twitter: @PAFI_India

Freshworks Appoints Shelton Rego As Vice President Of Sales To Drive Growth

Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH), announced today the appointment of Shelton Rego as the new vice president of sales to drive growth in India to strengthen the company’s market presence and deliver value to customers in the region. Freshworks currently serves over 68,000 customers worldwide and in India and works with recognizable household brands like Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Consumer Products, Asian Paints, Dunzo, PhonePe, Purplle, WinZO Games and more. 

Rego brings extensive experience in sales leadership, business development, and customer acquisition, and has a strong track record of building successful teams. He previously worked at Jio Platforms, the technology subsidiary of the Reliance Group, where he served as country head for its cloud business, Jio Cloud. Prior to Jio, Rego held roles at business software companies including Google Cloud, SAP Concur, and Oracle.

“Shelton Rego has the experience and accomplishments building exceptionally strong market share for SaaS industry giants in India. We believe he can do the same for Freshworks,” said Abe Smith, Chief of Global Field Operations at Freshworks. “His home court advantage will serve our customers and employees well as we continue to gain traction in Freshworks’ home country.”

In his new role, Rego will oversee regional business strategy for India, focusing on expanding market share, fostering customer relationships, and identifying new partnership models for growth. He will take Freshworks’ AI-powered customer experience and employee experience solutions to Indian businesses and work closely with the global go-to-market leaders as Freshworks aims to reach $1 billion in annual revenue in 2026. 

Rego said, “I am thrilled to take on this new role at Freshworks, an Indian-founded company that has built a significant global business. Freshworks stands out from competitors with its simple and effective software that delivers near immediate return on investment. I’m excited to contribute to Freshworks' mission of helping businesses forge meaningful customer relationships while empowering teams with technology powered by generative AI. As businesses navigate the Gen AI wave, I believe Freshworks, with Freddy AI, will be the de facto solution for those eager to lead and build the future.”

About Freshworks Inc.

Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH) makes it easy for companies to delight their customers and their employees. Our AI-powered customer and employee-experience solutions increase efficiency and improve engagement for companies of all sizes. The result is happier customers and more productive employees. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Freshworks operates around the world to serve more than 68,000 customers, including American Express, Bridgestone, Databricks, Fila, Nucor and Sony. For the latest company news, visit www.freshworks.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.