Toyota Kirloskar Motor Expands ABCD Program To Benefit 400 Additional Schools In Raichur

Building on the success of its A Behavioural Change Demonstration (ABCD) initiative, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is proud to announce the expansion of the program to an additional 400 government schools in Raichur district for Financial Years 2024-25 and 2025-26. After successfully implementing the program in 100 schools over the past two years, positively impacting more than 26,000 students, the initiative will now benefit over 68,000 students in this next phase.

The program’s expansion officially commenced today with a one-day orientation session for the headmasters of the participating schools, held at the Krishi Vigyana Kendra (KVK) in Raichur. The orientation was inaugurated by Mr. Nitish K., IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Raichur, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. This session was aimed at equipping the headmasters with tools and strategies to effectively deliver the program’s hygiene and sanitation curriculum.

As part of the program, TKM will actively promote essential hygiene practices among students through a series of training sessions that focus on handwashing, sanitation practices, water conservation, waste management, and personal hygiene. Additionally, the program will provide sanitary pads to 24,000 adolescent girls till March 2026. This initiative aims to ensure effective menstrual hygiene management and support young women in their health and well-being, empowering them to take charge of their menstrual health and advocate for their needs. Through this project, essential sanitation supplies, including buckets, mugs, cleaning agents, handwashing soap, and mopping items will be provided to support hygiene maintenance.

Beyond hygiene education, the program aims to strengthen school cabinets and School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs), empower students to advocate for better sanitation, and encourage families to build household toilets where needed. Community engagement will also play a pivotal role, with awareness campaigns, video demonstrations, and annual quiz and drawing competitions to reinforce the lessons learned in schools.

Present at the occasion, Mr. Nitish K, IAS Deputy Commissioner, Raichur, said, “Education today is not just about academic excellence but about nurturing responsible, aware citizens who understand the importance of health and hygiene. The ABCD program by Toyota Kirloskar Motor is a shining example of how private enterprises can meaningfully contribute to community well-being. By teaching essential sanitation and hygiene practices to young minds, the program creates a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities. It’s heartening to see Toyota's commitment to expanding this initiative further into Raichur, reaching thousands of students and families. We look forward to the transformative outcomes this program will bring.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that true progress is driven by collective responsibility, and our ABCD program stands as a testament to this. The success of our first phase has encouraged us to scale up our efforts and reach an additional 400 schools in Raichur. We remain deeply committed to supporting the Swachh Bharat mission by promoting hygiene education and sustainable practices. Through this expanded initiative, we aim to not only improve sanitation in schools but also foster a culture of awareness and positive change across the community.”

Launched in 2015, the ABCD program has profoundly influenced Karnataka, especially in the Ramanagara district. By 2019, the initiative had reached 1,004 schools, benefiting 58,000 students and positively impacting 430,000 community members. Following its revitalization in August 2023, the program continues to align with the national "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" mission, contributing to India’s ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene.

TKM remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering sustainable change through community development initiatives. By collaborating with the Education Department, local authorities, and other key stakeholders, TKM is dedicated to driving long-term improvements in sanitation practices across Raichur district.

Nikon India Inaugurates India’s First Experience Centre Dedicated To Its Healthcare Range

Nikon India Private Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of Nikon Corporation today inaugurated India’s first experience centre dedicated exclusively to the healthcare product range at its headquarters in Gurgaon. The Healthcare Business is one of the largest Business Segments of Nikon Corporation that owes the responsibility to lead a Life Science Market through core Optics and Image analysis technologies.

Nikon has been a significant player in the Indian market for over four decades, primarily through its imaging and precision technologies. With the launch of this healthcare experience centre, Nikon India aims to provide a hands-on experience to healthcare professionals, researchers, and academic institutions to explore and utilize its cutting-edge microscopy solutions. This Experience Centre will also focus on microscopy workshops and trainings for skill development of the latest microscopy technologies in this region.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India Pvt. Ltd., said, “Nikon’s century-old legacy in manufacturing microscopes has always set benchmarks for quality and precision. The launch of India’s first experience centre dedicated to healthcare technology reaffirms our commitment to supporting the scientific research and pathological, clinical communities with world-class solutions. This facility will serve as an important touchpoint where professionals can explore and experience our advanced healthcare products firsthand before making informed purchasing decisions. We believe this initiative will help elevate the standards of Scientific research and Pathology across the country.”

The healthcare product range showcased at the experience centre includes Nikon’s flagship Confocal Microscope System AX R with NSPARC, renowned for offering the largest Field of View (25mm) on both inverted and upright microscope. Additionally, it also showcased prominent products like Digital Imaging Microscope ECLIPSE Ui and The Smart Imaging System ECLIPSE Ji.

Nikon expects its healthcare business unit to contribute significantly to its overall business in India with respect to Indian microscopy market. Nikon India is targeting 300% growth of the healthcare business in India by the end of this fiscal year since they started the direct operations on 1 April 2022. 

MoEngage And TimesMobile Join Forces To Transform Customer Engagement

* Strategic Alliance Brings Hyper-Personalized SMS and WhatsApp Solutions to Indian Brands

MoEngage, a leading insights-led customer engagement platform, has announced a strategic partnership with TimesMobile, a prominent CPAAS provider in India. This collaboration aims to enable consumer brands with hyper-personalized customer experiences across two of the most popular communication channels - SMS and WhatsApp Business. TimesMobile joins the MoEngage Catalyst Partner program, designed to help brands scale at speed.

Industry reports indicate that over 75% of Indian consumers prefer WhatsApp for business interactions, while SMS continues to boast an impressive 98% open rate within minutes of receipt. Recognizing the power of these channels, the MoEngage and TimesMobile partnership will help businesses leverage personalized, real-time communication across these platforms, thereby boosting engagement and customer satisfaction. The partnership enables consumer brands to send targeted, contextual messages through SMS and WhatsApp Business. By integrating MoEngage's customer engagement platform with TimesMobile's reliable messaging infrastructure, businesses can ensure that their messages reach customers at the right time on the right channel, thus improving the relevance and impact of communication.

This collaboration offers brands across sectors such as retail, e-commerce, and financial services the ability to deliver personalized messaging at scale, optimizing customer interactions and driving better engagement. The integration ensures that businesses can enhance customer retention, improve conversion rates, and create more meaningful customer relationships.

Sanjay Kupae, Head of Partnerships at MoEngage, said, "At MoEngage, we are constantly innovating to help consumer brands engage with their customers more effectively. This partnership with TimesMobile is a step in the same direction, enabling businesses to leverage key communication channels (SMS and WhatsApp) and drive long-term growth and customer loyalty by delivering actionable insights."

Nitin Chowdhary, Business Head of TimesMobile, added, "We are excited to join hands with MoEngage, a leader in the customer engagement space.This partnership inspires confidence that it will enable brands to elevate their customer engagement efforts and achieve better outcomes."

About MoEngage

MoEngage is an insights-led customer engagement platform built for customer-obsessed marketers and product owners. MoEngage enables hyper-personalization at scale across multiple channels like mobile push, email, in-app, web push, on-site messages, and SMS. More than 1350+ brands across 35 countries use MoEngage to send 50 billion messages to 500 million consumers every month. MoEngage is recognized as a Leader in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Mobile Marketing Platforms, a Strong Performer in the 2020 Forrester Wave for Mobile Engagement Automation, and a Leader in G2 for Fall 2020 Grid® Reports for its solutions. MoEngage is also listed in G2's Top 50 Best Marketing Products in the world for 2021.

For more information, visit www.moengage.com.

About TimesMobile

TimesMobile is a leading CPAAS provider in India, offering comprehensive messaging services such as SMS and WhatsApp Business Platform to businesses across industries. Serving over 150+ brands, TimesMobile provides secure and high-volume messaging infrastructure and is a part of the Times Internet ecosystem, helping businesses engage their customers effectively.

For more information, visit www.timesmobile.in.

Phoenix India Light Festival Begins At Phoenix Mall Of Asia: Invites All To step Into A World Of immersive Light And Wonder

* India’s first-of-its-kind interactive light festival to take place from October to December 2024 boosting the festive spirit

Phoenix Mall of Asia, renowned for its unparalleled shopping experience, culinary indulgence and cultural enrichment has proudly commenced the festive celebration today with the unveiling of Phoenix India Light Festival. Designed by Surreal Design Studio, this is the country’s first immersive lighting experience taking place at the heart of Bengaluru; promising to redefine the convergence of art and technology into a mesmerizing, interactive sensory experience, evoking a sense of storytelling, imagination and unbound happiness. The dazzling display of vibrant and interactive lights at the mall’s stunning plaza area, will transform the premises into a magical wonderland from October to December 2024, celebrating the festive spirit.

Marking a significant milestone in India’s cultural celebration, Phoenix India Light Festival (ILF) will display the transformative power of light through the combination of technology and creative brilliance, like never before. ILF will feature a curated collection of interactive light displays—from stunning tunnels of colours to psychedelic visual experiences—each crafted to engage the senses and ignite wonder. The launch of this first edition of India Light Festival during Diwali signifies the power of hope and connection fostered by the festival of light all across the country and ways Phoenix is committed to elevate the experience of its visitors to enjoy the festivities at its fullest and create lasting memories with loved ones.

During the India Light Festival, Phoenix Mall of Asia will be entirely adorned with stunning array of illuminated installations. Each décor element is designed to elevate the experience and create a magical, immersive atmosphere for visitors. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a monumental metal structure, the Prismatic Pavilion with neon lights and mesmerizing colours and geometry, which would create a dynamic and captivating visual experience from every angle. A centrally positioned ILF lit signage further enhances the visual impact. Followed by this, the Light tunnel decorated with curtain LED string lights will invite visitors to explore deeper into the mall, while blue neon lights illuminate the entrance, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue. Apart from this, there are two Shimmering Towers featuring metal structures with crystal string lights suspended beneath a mirrored acrylic ceiling, to cast a dazzling shimmer and creating an enchanting atmosphere. The visitors will also bask in the Radial Reflection, a metal structure with MDF cladding and mirror acrylic from inside with neon lights flushed in it, a Blooming Echoes, metal structure with sensor-based neon lights and lit heart in the center with ILF signage and six Prismatica installations with iridescent acrylic with neon lights inside, enhancing the festive ambience. The beautifully intricate décor will transform the space into a dynamic landscape of colour and light, evoking a sense of awe and wonder with every step.

Key Features of the Festival:

Interactive Installations: Engaging light displays that respond to visitors' actions.

Tunnel of Colour: A stunning, immersive space that invites exploration.

Psychedelic Visuals: Thought-provoking displays that challenge perception.

Sensory Journey: A curated experience designed to engage all senses and inspire wonder.

Ms. Ritu Mehta, Centre Director of Phoenix Mall of Asia and Senior VP - Marketing for South, expressed her excitement about the festival: “We, at Phoenix Mall of Asia are thrilled to bring the first-ever immersive light festival to India in this festive season. The Phoenix India Light Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of inspiration, creativity, and connection. This festival embodies our commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring that our patrons are continuously amazed and keep experiencing pieces of global excellence. By introducing this immersive light festival, we elevate the festive atmosphere during Diwali while providing a unique and opulent experience that aligns with our top-of-the-line positioning. In the coming years, we hope to bring this celebration to different corners of India, spreading the festive glow from city to city across the seasons.”

Mr. Gajendra Singh Rathod, President - Malls (South), also shared his enthusiasm: “The Phoenix India Light Festival is a unique opportunity for us to showcase the transformative power of light. We aim to create an environment that fosters connection and joy, allowing our visitors to experience the magic of light in a new and exciting way. This festival is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and enriching experiences at Phoenix Mall of Asia.”

This initiative not only captivates visitors but also reaffirms Phoenix Mall of Asia's dedication to delivering extraordinary experiences that resonate with our discerning clientele. The Phoenix India Light Festival exemplifies the mall's mission to be a leader in the luxury retail landscape, setting new standards for elegance and engagement while continually striving to exceed expectations. Phoenix Mall of Asia welcomes everyone to the mesmerizing Phoenix India Light Festival. The celebration is open for all, opening doors for the visitors to step into a world where light shines brightly, bringing joy, inspiration, and connection to all who visit.

wienerberger India Receives Prestigious CII National Award 2024 For Environmental Best Practices

wienerberger India, a leading provider of innovative green building solutions, has been conferred with the esteemed CII National Award for Environmental Best Practices 2024. This recognition honors the company's ground-breaking project, "Utilization of Renewable Energy - Thermal for Bricks Manufacturing," which harnesses biomass to meet thermal energy needs in brick production.

"We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award, which validates our unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices," said Mr. Monnanda Appaiah, Managing Director, wienerberger India. "Our innovative approach to renewable energy demonstrates our ability to balance business growth with environmental stewardship, setting new industry benchmarks."

wienerberger India's pioneering project has been recognized as one of the TOP 10 "Most Innovative Environmental Projects" and one of the three most "Useful Environmental Projects" amidst numerous renowned companies. This achievement underscores the company's strategic vision, relentless effort, and dedication to excellence.

The CII National Award for Environmental Best Practices 2024 reinforces wienerberger India's position as a leader in sustainable building solutions. By leveraging biomass energy, the company has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

"This award is a testament to our employees' hard work and dedication to sustainability," added Mr. Appaiah. "We will continue to innovate and strive for environmental excellence, promoting eco-friendly practices and responsible business growth."

For more information log on to : https://www.wienerberger.in/

India’s First Gen-AI Aggregator Platform - OneAIChat Announces Partnership With Haiper AI, For Text To Video Generation

“Subscribers can unleash their creativity with unlimited prompts for native and Haiper AI models in gen-AI videos”

OneAIChat, India’s first Gen-AI aggregator platform, is announcing the launch of its text-to-video generation feature, developed in partnership with Haiper AI, a U.K.-based generative AI startup building perceptual foundation models for next-generation visual content creation. This first-of-its-kind technology allows users to create lifelike videos from text prompts, which is set to transform the content creation landscape.

The text-to-video feature is built on native technology and open-sourced diffusion models to deliver high-quality outputs eliminating the need for extensive time and manual filming. Along with significant cost benefits this platform allows users to benefit from multiple gen-ai platform access, making the technology widely available for various modules.

“OneAIChat committed to continuous innovation, and we plan to introduce additional tools that will further enhance the capabilities of this exciting new feature. We are happy that this feature has already garnered positive feedback from early adopters, who have praised its ability to facilitate content creation and simplify the 3D modelling process and we are aiming to onboard 50K subscribers by Q1-2025”, Prasad Paresh Kale, CEO & Founder of OneAIChat.

All current subscriptions will include unlimited prompts for both native and partner models, providing current users with increased creative flexibility.

About OneAIChat:

OneAIChat, a flagship product of Kaletech Private Limited, is the first Gen-AI aggregator platform unveiled in India in April 2024. It's built on Native models and an in-house bot, 'Somebody,' which excels in Generative AI text-to-text, text-to-image, text-to-video, text-to-document, and text-to-music capabilities. 'Somebody' offers 11 ultra-focused, knowledge-specific categories, enabling users to cut through the noise and focus on domain-specific tasks. We’ve made 'Somebody' a comprehensive aggregator by powering it with world-class LLMs, allowing users to easily access the full potential of Generative AI with a single, unlimited subscription.

'Somebody' offers 11 ultra-focused, knowledge-specific categories, making it a comprehensive aggregator powered by world-class Large Language Models (LLMs). This enables users to seamlessly access the power of multiple Generative AI platforms through a single subscription.

OneAIChat brings together cutting-edge technological innovations - such as domain-specific knowledge categories, advanced LLMs, intuitive interfaces, and cloud-based delivery - into a single, seamless platform. Additionally, OneAIChat has partnered with other AI platforms like Haiper, Ideogram, and BeatOven to further enhance its capabilities. More information is available at https://oneaichat.com/

Bandhan Mutual Fund Opens New Branch Office In Mysore

Bandhan AMC Limited (Bandhan AMC) opened a new branch in Mysore to help serve investors and mutual fund distributors (MFDs) better. The new branch office is located at First Floor, 12th Main, 6th Cross, Kamli, Saraswathipuram, Mysore, Karnataka- 570009. The new branch in Mysore will include a fully equipped meeting cum training room which aims to enhance its customer service and investor awareness activities in Mysore. 

Talking about the new branch launch, Mr. Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC said that, “Mysore has been a high-growth market for us, and we are happy to have received strong feedback and support from our partners and investors over several years. Our new office further strengthens our commitment and presence in this key market, and we are confident that our team and partners in Mysore will use it to further increase financial awareness, generate greater interest in mutual funds, and provide superior service to our customers.”