ORRA’s Festive Fiesta: Stunning New Jewellery and Exciting Offers Kickstart From Navratri

·       Exquisite Mangalsutras and Pendant sets unveiled before the Navratri season kicks off

·       Customers can avail up to 25% off on Diamond Jewellery and get financing with 0% interest EMIs

With the festive season kicking in, and Navratri and Dussehra celebrations just around the corner, ORRA Fine Jewellery unveiled its latest Festive Collections featuring exquisite diamond studded Mangalsutras crafted to reflect the grace and tradition of this vibrant period. With consumers looking to accessorize their trendy festive look, ORRA has come up with diamond pendant sets that will capture the essence of timeless elegance and traditional design philosophy that exudes festivity and accentuates their look. From intricate diamond designs to grand statement pieces, ORRA has designed each jewellery with the modern woman in mind.

ORRA is also presenting the exquisite Mangalsutras, a new collection where modern luxury meets timeless tradition, and each meticulously crafted design will become the perfect statement piece for women to wear during this festive celebration. Adorned with dazzling diamonds and intricate goldwork, embodying a perfect balance of sophistication and cultural reverence, the new Mangalsutra collection will glamorize each festive look this season. Complementing this is the opulent diamond Pendants. These pendants, renowned for their delicate artistry and spectacular diamonds, will elevate any ensemble with their minimalistic yet undeniable glamour. Each pendant will be a testament to refined taste, offering a touch of elegance for Navratri and Dussehra festivities.

What’s more is that this festive season, ORRA is inviting its valued customers to celebrate in style, not only with an exclusive range of designer sets specially curated for the festive season, but also along with special offers like never before. Visit your nearest ORRA Fine Jewellery store to avail these exclusive offers:

·       Up to 25% off on Diamond Jewellery

·       Flat 25% of on making charges of Gold Jewellery

·       0% interest EMI

·       0% deduction on old gold jewellery

*Terms and Conditions apply

This limited time offer is exclusively available during Navratri and Dussehra for now

So, whether you're looking to add to your collection or find the perfect gift for your loved ones, beginning from Navratri, the festive period is the ideal occasion to make a memorable purchase from ORRA for a trendsetting look.

About ORRA:

The journey of a million gazes began in 1888 before it metamorphosed into ORRA. From sculpting and manufacturing diamonds to crafting and retailing the finest diamond and gold jewellery, ORRA has come a long way since its inception. Today, ORRA is one of India's finest diamond jewellery brands having spread its glow with 94 stores in 39 cities and has consistently been at the forefront of design, leadership and product innovation.

Master craftsmen who have inherited the centuries - old legacy of jewellery making, brilliantly cut Belgian diamonds, delicate designs in diamond jewellery, elaborate bridal sets in colored stones, India’s brightest 73-facet patented diamond- ORRA Crown Star, the one-of-its-kind ORRA store. These are just some of the facets that go into making ORRA - The Finest Diamond Destination.

For more information, visit – https://www.orra.co.in

IT Q2 Earnings Preview - Steady Quarter; Pinning Hopes On FY26 Recovery: Emkay Global Financial Services

Emkay Global Financial Services has released a note on the earning expectations for the Indian IT companies for Q2FY25. As per the research IT companies’ revenue growth is likely to reflect the steady demand environment and usual seasonal strength, although discretionary spending is yet to recover. Emkay Global expects YoY growth trajectory to improve further on the back of a stable demand environment, benefits of large deal ramp ups, and no further deterioration in discretionary spending.

The research note further states that the delay in decision-making due to macro uncertainties continue to restrict meaningful pick-up in the growth momentum. Margin performance is likely to remain stable to sequential improvement, except for companies where wage hike is implemented. Commentary on recovery in demand will be keenly watched to gain confidence on sustainable improvement in YoY revenue growth trajectory. The number of deal announcements have increased on sequential basis which indicates some improvement in the pace of deal closures.

Emkay Global believes the uptick in technology spending in CY25 hinges on confidence on macro stability and resilience of the economy after start of the interest rate-cut cycle; some clarity on it is expected earliest in early-CY25. Nifty IT index has outperformed the broader markets by ~9% in the last 3 months on the back of anticipated recovery in demand; however, it underperformed in the last 1 month by ~4% as its premium to broader market leaves limited scope for outperformance in the absence of a real uptick in demand. Their pecking order is Infosys, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, TCS, Wipro, and LTIMindtree in large caps. Among mid-caps, the preference eClerx Services, Cyient, Birlasoft, Firstsource Solutions, and Zomato.

YoY revenue growth to improve as demand environment remains fairly stable

The revenue growth is expected to improve on YoY basis for the companies under Emkay Global’s coverage on the back of a steady demand environment, benefits from large deal ramp ups, and some recovery in the BFSI vertical. Emkay Global expects select mid-cap companies to outgrow large caps. For Tier-1 companies, the estimated revenue growth of 0.9-3% QoQ, whereas mid-caps are expected to grow 2.1-4.5% (Coforge reported numbers would be higher due to integration of Cigniti). Among verticals, the companies highlighted green shoots in BFSI (particularly in North America) in Q1FY25, and the trend continued in Q2 as well. Retail and Hi-tech are seeing some softness, while healthcare and manufacturing are expected to remain relatively resilient. The underlying demand in Communications remains weak. Deal wins are expected to remain steady this quarter.

Emkay Global expects Infosys to raise its revenue growth guidance to 3.5-4.5% CC YoY (current 3-4%) for FY25, while retaining EBITM guidance of 20-22%. HCL Tech is expected to retain its revenue growth guidance of 3- 5% and EBITM guidance of 18-19%. Wipro is expected to guide for -1% to +1% growth in Q3FY25.

Margin trajectory to improve sequentially

Margin performance is likely to improve sequentially, except for a few companies implementing wage hike in Q2. Absence of visa costs and cost-optimization measures would support margin, whereas ramp up of large deals should partly negate it. For Tier-1 companies, margins are expected to remain flattish to 110 bps expansion on sequential basis, while the same for Tier-2 companies should be in the wider range of -180 to 260 bps QoQ, due to wage hike and M&As. Attrition should remain steady. Hiring is likely to see some uptick due to fresher intake, while lateral hiring trends should remain muted.

Key monitorables

i) FY25 revenue/margin guidance changes, ii) Management commentary on – demand trends across geographies, confidence on H2 growth uptick, furlough requests by clients, recovery in discretionary spending, and signs of optimism in client conversation after recent interest rate-cut in the US, iii) pace of decision-making, iv) demand trend in key verticals of BFSI, Retail, Manufacturing, Communications, and Hi-Tech, v) deal intake and pipeline, vi) attrition and hiring trends, vii) progress on Gen AI, and viii) pricing environment.

On The Fast Track: BMW Group India Posts Best-Ever Year To Date Car Sales

* At an all-time high of YTD Q3 car sales (BMW + MINI): 10,556 units, +10% growth.

* Overwhelming demand for Long Wheelbase models. (BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series).

* BMW 5 Series stars the festive season with strong deliveries.

* BMW Luxury Class affirms the symbol of exclusivity with BMW 7 Series, BMW i7 and BMW X7.

* BMW X1 dominates the Luxury Compact SAV segment.

* Leadership in Luxury Electric segment continues with the widest portfolio.

* BMW i7 is the largest selling BMW EV.

* #BMWGroupIndia #BMW #MINI #BMWMotorrad

BMW Group India continues its success story by posting best-ever year to date car sales (January – September 2024) with 10% growth. In the first nine months, 10,556 cars (BMW and MINI) and 5,638 motorcycles (BMW Motorrad) have been delivered. BMW sold 10,056 units and MINI 500 units.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “BMW Group India is scaling new heights with consistent and robust business results. The highest ever car deliveries during January to September this year, reflects the synergy between a successful strategy and an unparalleled customer experience. BMW Group India is changing the game with its long wheelbase product portfolio and a strong electric mobility offensive. Key models like the BMW 7 Series Long Wheelbase, BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase and BMW X1 are leading in their segments and demand for the new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is overwhelming. Excellence across the entire spectrum of sales, aftersales, processes and customer engagements set our brands apart, creating an intense pull for both existing customers and aspiring individuals who want to enjoy sheer driving pleasure.”

BMW Joy Days complimented the festive seasons as a catalyst for strong sales performance. The newly launched BMW 5 Series has already garnered sales of over 300 units with a strong order bank over 600 units.

BMW Group Electric Vehicles (EV)

With the widest and most attractive range of electric vehicles in the luxury segment, BMW Group India maintains its top position in the electric mobility space. 725 units of fully electric BMW and MINI cars were delivered YTD Q3 2024. BMW i7 was the largest selling BMW EV.

BMW Group India now offers six electric cars and two electric scooters in India –

BMW: i7, i5, i4, iX, iX1 | MINI: Countryman Electric | BMW Motorrad: CE 04 and CE 02.

BMW Group India is the first luxury car manufacturer in the country to cross the milestone of over 2,000 EV deliveries till date. BMW iX is the most popular luxury EV in India with over 1,000 units sold till date.

Apart from the strong product offensive, a key differentiating factor in this success is building a robust electric ecosystem for customers. BMW Group India has one of the largest fast-charging networks at its dealerships across 51 cities in India. Additional facilities like complimentary home charger with installation, Destination Charging and Smart E-Routing come together to build strong trust in electric mobility services from BMW and MINI.

BMW Long Wheelbase Range

BMW India possesses the largest portfolio of long wheelbase models in the luxury segment – BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 3 Series. Designed keeping the requirements of Indian clientele in mind, these strategic models are highly successful due to enhanced space, comfort and luxury.

BMW Luxury Class (BMW 7 Series, BMW i7, BMW X7 and BMW XM)

BMW Luxury Class vehicles contributed 17% to total sales and BMW X7 was the highest-selling model. Launch of new exclusive editions such as BMW X7 Signature heightened the opulence of the segment.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Sedans

With around 50:50 ratio between sports activity vehicles and sedans sales, BMW Group India is strategically positioned across the entire product spectrum in the luxury segment.

BMW Sports Activity Vehicles contributed 55% to sales. BMW X1 was the most popular SAV with around 20% share in sales. BMW 3 Series was once again the highest selling BMW sedan with a 19% share in sales.

BMW and MINI 360°

Customers enjoy great value proposition and complete peace of mind with the 360? finance plan from BMW India Financial Services which offers attractive low monthly instalments, assured buy-back, flexible end of term options and an opportunity to upgrade to a new car amongst other benefits. 7 out of 10 cars financed by BMW India Financial Services are through BMW and MINI 360?.

For BMW Joy Days festive offers, BMW India Financial Services has introduced exclusive finance plans with interest rates as low as 7.75% per annum and comprehensive EMI plans starting from just INR 49,999 onwards. (Valid on select models)

BMW Group India

With BMW, MINI and Motorrad, the BMW Group has its sight set firmly on the premium sector of the Indian automobile market. Along with cars and motorcycles, BMW Group's activities in India comprise of financial services for its premium clientele. BMW India and BMW India Financial Services are 100% subsidiaries of the BMW Group and are headquartered in Gurgaon (National Capital Region).

BMW India started operations in 2007. The wide range of its activities include a manufacturing plant in Chennai, a parts warehouse in Pune, a training centre in Gurgaon NCR and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country.

MINI has successfully established itself as a premium small car brand in India since its launch in January 2012. BMW Motorrad officially started its operations as a part of the Indian subsidiary of BMW Group in April 2017.

With BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad, BMW Group India currently has over 80 touchpoints across the country setting high benchmarks in service quality and customer service. With launch of Retail.NEXT, BMW Group India aims to create a future-forward retail space that not only showcases its vehicles but also embodies the brand’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The new retail concept entails new design, new digital tools, new roles, and new processes. With a total investment of INR 365.6 crores, Retail.NEXT will be implemented across 56 facilities in 33 cities over 36 months.

BMW India Financial Services, a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), started operations in 2010. It operates with three business lines: Retail Finance, Commercial Finance and Insurance Solutions (as corporate agents). The services offered through BMW India Financial Services are significantly valuable to the premium clientele who require exclusive and flexible financial solutions.

Bengaluru Based NGO Association Of People With Disability Wins Jury Commendation At Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards 2024

* The Association of People with Disability from Bengaluru won the Jury’s special recommendation for their project ‘Rehab on Wheels’ (ROW) for ‘Mobility for Increased Access to Resources and Opportunities’ category

Bengaluru based NGO The Association of People with Disability won the Jury’s Commendation at the 4th edition of Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards for 2024. Introduced in 2021, Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards (MSIA) is an initiative of Bridgestone India to promote safe and sustainable mobility for all. The awards aim to identify, recognize and promote innovations in sustainable mobility that address social issues and advance social development through the work of Not-for-Profit Organizations.

The 4th edition of the awards selected the winners under the categories of ‘Mobility for empowerment of vulnerable groups’ and ‘Mobility for Increased Access to Resources and Opportunities’..

“Bridgestone’s mission of ‘Serving Society with Superior Quality’ lies at the core of how we contribute towards people and communities around us. As a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions, these awards represent our commitment to support and celebrate mobility innovations for the greater good. This is the 4th edition for Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards and we are enthused to see the calibre and impact of all participating organisations in providing solutions for the pressing needs of communities and working towards improving the quality of life of those whom they serve.” said Mr. Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director Bridgestone India.

The Association of People with Disability from Bengaluru, Karnataka received Jury’s commendation for their project Rehab on Wheels (ROW) “Reaching the Unreachable – Comprehensive Rehab Service in the Last Mile”. The project created affordable rehabilitation care at the last mile for the socio-economically vulnerable communities in Bengaluru’s urban & rural areas. This included therapy services made available at geriatric centers and orphanages along with health and wellness camps at the doorsteps.

Talking about this first of its kind rehabilitation on wheels initiative for Persons with Disabilities, Dr N S Senthil Kumar PhD (Rehab) CEO of Association of People with Disability mentioned “We are incredibly proud of the impact Rehab on Wheels has made in its very first year. Bringing crucial rehabilitation services directly to communities has empowered over 1600 individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. We are grateful to our donor partner in making this initiative a reality and we look forward to expanding our reach and impact in the coming months.”

About Bridgestone India:

Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd, a group company of Bridgestone Corporation, started its operations in 1996. In March 1998 with the setup of its manufacturing facility in Kheda, Madhya Pradesh, Bridgestone achieved its objective of running Indian manufactured Bridgestone tyreson Indian Roads. It expanded its facilities by setting up one more facility in Chakan, Pune in 2013. The Indore plant rolled out its 100 million tyre in 2023. In a short stint of more than 25 years, Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd has become one of the leading tyre companies in both the OEM & Replacement market.

About Bridgestone Corporation:

Bridgestone is a global leader in tyres and rubber building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company employs approximately 130,000 people globally and conducts business in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tyres and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play. 

98% Of Chili farmers Used Gracia Last Year – Godrej Agrovet

Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) today said that 98% of Chili farmers used Gracia last year, an effective pest management solution for chili crops. Releasing the findings of the survey, which was carried in Chili markets across south, the company witnessed 57% of the farmers using Gracia between 15-35 DAT (Days After Transplanting).

“With Gracia offering a prolonged duration of control against thrips if chili crops are treated early, the findings clearly showcase that farmers are finding value in using Gracia early. Additionally, 71% of farmers we surveyed used the solution more than 2 times last year. This reiterates that Gracia is the most popular and go-to-brand for farmers,” said Rajavelu N.K, CEO, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet.

Gracia’s benefits extend beyond pest control. It enhances overall crop health, promoting better-established crops that lead to increased fruit production. The product’s quick knockdown of pests ensures pest-free chilis. Particularly notable is Gracia’s effectiveness in controlling thrips and lepidopteran pests, a major threat to chili crops. Early application prevents thrips build-up, providing long-lasting protection. Moreover, the use of Gracia results in healthier seedlings that require fewer resources, making crop management more efficient and economical for farmers.

Added Rajavelu, “Gracia’s translaminar action effectively controls both chewing and sucking pests, even those hiding under leaves. This comprehensive protection ensures that chili plants remain healthy throughout their critical development phases. Hence for optimal results, we recommend 2 applications of 160 ml of Gracia per acre – first within 15-25 DAT followed by a second application 10 days later.”

As the chili season approaches, Godrej Agrovet encourages farmers to “Start Healthy, Start with Gracia” for pest-free chilis, enhanced plant health, and prevention of thrips buildup.

About Godrej Agrovet:

Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) is a diversified, Research & Development focused food and agri-business conglomerate, dedicated to improving the productivity of Indian farmers by innovating products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields. GAVL holds leading market positions in the different businesses it operates - Animal Feed, Crop Protection, Oil Palm, Dairy, Poultry and Processed Foods. GAVL has a pan India presence with sales of over a million tons annually of high-quality animal feed. Our teams have worked closely with Indian farmers to develop large Oil Palm Plantations, which is helping in bridging the demand and supply gap of edible oil in India. In the crop protection segment, the Company has strong presence in the B2B segment through its subsidiary Astec Lifesciences and through its extensive distribution, network pan-India delivers innovative agrochemical offerings catering to the entire crop life cycles. In Dairy, Poultry, and Processed Foods, the company operates through its subsidiaries Creamline Dairy Products Limited and Godrej Tyson Foods Limited. Apart from this, GAVL also has a joint venture with the ACI group of Bangladesh for animal feed business in Bangladesh.

Cyient DLM Expands Global Footprint With Strategic Acquisition Of US-Based EMS Manufacturer

Cyient DLM, a leading integrated electronics manufacturing company, announced today its acquisition of Altek Electronics, a prominent EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) company based in the United States. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Cyient DLM's growth plan, expanding its presence in the North American market and strengthening its capabilities across key sectors.

Altek Electronics, with its strong footprint in the Medical & Healthcare and Industrial sectors, strengthens Cyient DLM’s capability in these sectors and adds a diverse customer base to Cyient DLM. The acquisition adds a number of Fortune 500 clients to Cyient DLM's portfolio and strategic engagements with multiple other key clients. Additionally, Altek Electronics, with its ITAR certification, positions Cyient DLM well to address the growing US Defense market. Through this acquisition Cyient DLM will also significantly expand its manufacturing capacity adding additional 80,000 sft of manufacturing area to cater to its clients globally.

This acquisition is in line with Cyient DLM’s strategic roadmap to expand geographic footprint, add strategic clients and increase client proximity.

Krishna Bodanapu, Executive Chairman of Cyient DLM, commented, "This acquisition is a pivotal moment for Cyient DLM. It expands our global footprint, brings us closer to our strategic customers, and significantly strengthens our capabilities. With this acquisition, Cyient DLM is not only broadening its reach into the Medical & Healthcare and Industrial sectors but also bolstering its capabilities for the Defense sector through ITAR compliance. Altek Electronics’ proven track record with key industry leading clients will accelerate Cyient DLM's ability to deliver high-performance, reliable services across these sectors.

Anthony Montalbano, CEO of Cyient DLM, added, "This acquisition is more than just an expansion, it is an important milestone for Cyient DLM. With the addition of Altek Electronics' expertise, we are enhancing our manufacturing capability & capacity, and strengthening our competitive position in the North American market. This allows us to continue offering world-class services that meet the evolving needs of our customers."

David Altschuler, CEO of Altek Electronics, mentioned, "Joining forces with Cyient DLM opens new avenues for us to scale our operations and leverage their global resources and industry expertise. As we enter this new chapter, we remain committed to upholding the values that have defined our success and look forward to leveraging expanded resources and capabilities to better serve our customers, suppliers, and stakeholders."

This acquisition highlights Cyient DLM's commitment to expanding its global footprint, diversifying its customer base, and positioning itself as a leader in the EMS sector for highly regulated and safety-critical industries. This move sets the stage for Cyient DLM's next phase of growth, ensuring long-term success and greater value for its customers worldwide. 

KMC Manipal Junior Resident Represents UN MGCY At The United Nations General Assembly

Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, takes immense pride in announcing that Dr. Poorvaprabha Patil, a second-year junior resident in the Department of Ophthalmology, recently made a remarkable contribution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held at the UN Headquarters in New York. Dr. Patil represented the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (UN MGCY) at the global forum, which brings together 193 countries to address pressing global challenges, including peace, security, climate change, and human rights.

Dr. Poorvaprabha Patil had the honour of moderating the Intergenerational Equity and Solidarity session at the UNGA Summit of the Future Action Day on September 20th. The session, held in the prestigious Trusteeship Council, was attended by world leaders, including ministers from Bahrain, Spain, and the Dominican Republic. Key topics discussed during the session included youth engagement, economic empowerment, green skills, civic engagement, and health.

In addition to her role as moderator, Dr. Patil also participated in several high-profile events during the UNGA high-level week. She had the unique opportunity to witness the speech delivered by India's Honourable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during the global forum, further enriching her experience at the United Nations.

On this proud occasion, Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE Manipal, extended his congratulations, stating "Dr. Poorvaprabha’s representation at the United Nations General Assembly is a shining example of the incredible global impact our students and residents can have. Her leadership and commitment to the causes of youth engagement and sustainable development reflect the values that MAHE stands for. We are proud of her achievements and look forward to the remarkable heights she will continue to scale."

Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, also expressed his admiration "It is truly an honour for KMC Manipal to have one of our own residents play such a pivotal role on the global stage. Dr. Poorvaprabha Patil’s involvement in such a prestigious forum is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for creating positive change. Her contribution to the global conversation on youth engagement and sustainable development is inspiring, and we are immensely proud of her."

Dr. Poorvaprabha’s participation in the UNGA highlights the growing role of young leaders in shaping global policies and driving sustainable change across the world. Her voice, alongside other esteemed global leaders, contributes to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.