Ohm Mobility Rebrands As Ohm Daily; Offers Sachet Financial Services To Daily Income Workers Like Mobility Drivers

* From delivering financing solutions to thousands of EV users as Ohm Mobility, the end-to-end clean mobility financing technology platform, in its new avatar as Ohm Daily, will now offer sachet products and financial services targeting the 140 million daily income earners like auto drivers and mobility workers.

Ohm Mobility, an EV financing technology platform that has enabled thousands of EV users to efficiently access institutional capital from financial institutions like IDFC, EvFin, Bike Bazaar, and Ecofy has rechristened the brand as Ohm Daily.

Founded by Oxford alumni and Skoll scholars Nikhil Nair and Nikhil Saigal, Ohm Daily aims to address a critical cash-flow challenge faced by gig workers and mobility professionals: aligning their irregular, daily income with monthly financial obligations. The shift to Ohm Daily marks an evolution in the company’s focus—from financing electric vehicles to becoming a platform offering sachet products and financial services for daily earners, particularly auto drivers and mobility workers.

As part of the new brand vision, Ohm Daily’s innovative sachet-style financial products and services will enable their customers to make small, daily payments, towards the repayment of their loans, that match their income streams. Most gig-workers in India struggle to avail loans from traditional financial institutions, and when they do, find it challenging to make large monthly payments. Through their new offering, Ohm daily aims to reduce the financial stress of their customers and help them improve their overall financial management.

“Why should a driver struggle to pay Rs 9,000 at the end of the month when they can break it down into manageable daily payments? Our proposition is simple: we transform all your financial obligations into manageable, daily sachet payments and we simplify financial access for the informal workforce, giving them tools that align with their cash flows,” said Nikhil Nair, Co-founder and CEO of Ohm Daily. “Now is the right time for solutions of this nature, thanks to the rise of UPI and the rapid formalisation of incomes for daily earners. Our product aims to drive meaningful change for a historically underserved segment. Financial inclusion isn’t just about having a bank account—it’s about ensuring that all products and services are accessible to everyone in ways that truly work for them”.

From processing over 120,000 micro payments during its validation phase, Ohm Daily is now gearing up to scale its operations, leveraging digital payment adoption and increasing financial formalisation among daily earners. The company is focused on creating a robust financial ecosystem for the 25 million mobility workers and eventually expanding its services to 140 million informal workers living on daily-income.

www.ohmdaily.in

Experience The First Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial: New Displays Turn Abu Dhabi And Al Ain Into Open-Air Galleries

* Running until 30 April 2025, this showcase features curated installations and performances, making art accessible to all

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative.  This landmark event transforms Abu Dhabi and Al Ain into vibrant open-air galleries, celebrating creativity and culture.

Running until 30 April 2025, the Biennial explores the concept of ‘public’ in the context of Abu Dhabi, showcasing how art cultivates connections across communities. Designed with accessibility in mind, the exhibition is strategically located in the downtown areas of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain to welcome visitors and residents alike to engage and explore with its installations.

Visitors and residents can explore works by over 70 artists from around the world. The Biennial brings together site-specific installations and performances that directly engage with communities and reflect on the intersection of community, environment and identity.

Key highlights include:

Farah Al Qasimi's Homesickeness: An auditory sculpture immersing listeners in ocean sounds, symbolising the sea's cultural and environmental significance in the region.

Seema Nusrat’s Floating Fragments: Depicting a terracotta-roofed house submerged by an imagined flood, it explores urban life and the increasing risks of flooding due to climate change.

Christopher Benton’s Where Lies My Carpet Is Thy Home: A transformation of the traditional Carpet Souk to a vibrant community space, encouraging attendees to engage and connect with the community.

Afra Al Dhaheri’s D-constructing Collective Exhaustion: A thought-provoking piece which draws on time, presence, and attention in an immersive installation made of wooden structures, tangled ropes, light, and sound. 

Wael Al Awar’s Barzakh: The installation refers to a boundary or liminal space, and rethinks how these materials and processes could shape future architecture. 

Designed to be explored on foot or by car, the Biennial’s especially curated routes invite visitors to discover prominent landmarks and hidden gems, all through an artistic lens. Even as Abu Dhabi continues to grow, its warm welcome and generous spirit remain at its heart. The Biennial celebrates these cherished traditions, sharing them with the world.

The Biennial will unveil another wave of art installations and activities beginning in January 2025, kicking off the second phase of the exhibition.

The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial provides a unique opportunity for visitors  to immerse themselves in the city’s culture and connect with its vibrant community, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists in the city from November – April 2025. For more information on the Biennial artists, programming, and locations, please visit: https://paad.ae/biennial

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

About Public Art Abu Dhabi

Public Art Abu Dhabi is the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)’s new initiative under its ongoing commitment to commissioning public art for the emirate. Integral to this initiative is its community engagement efforts. The initiative advances the creative legacy, cultural infrastructure, liveability, and wellbeing of the UAE capital’s residents through placemaking and collective memory. An investment of over 35 million US dollars is dedicated to the initiative annually, to support the emirate’s wider creative industries through public art.

Bengaluru Hosts The Historic Joy WPA World Junior HEYBALL Championship 2024

History is being made in Bengaluru as the city proudly hosts the inaugural Joy WPA World Junior HEYBALL Championship 2024, introducing the electrifying sport of HEYBALL to India for the very first time. This landmark event is a celebration of youth, talent, and the global evolution of cue sports, establishing a significant milestone for India on the international sporting stage.

The championship, held at the prestigious Karnataka State Billiards Association (KSBA), features 53 under-19 players from 25+ countries, including a talented Indian team of four players:

Junior Players Boys:

            •          Mayank Karthik (Karnataka)

            •          Laxminarayanan (Tamil Nadu)

Junior Players Girls:

            •          Natasha Chethan (Karnataka)

            •          Shruthi L (Tamil Nadu)

These young athletes, representing India, are poised to compete with determination and skill, making the nation proud. Further details on their performances will be shared in the coming days.

An Inspiring Opening Ceremony

The championship began with a grand opening ceremony today at 9:30 AM, attended by over 100 dignitaries, players, and enthusiasts. The symbolic first break was performed by:

            •          Mr. Kurt Jorgen Sandman, General Secretary of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)

            •          Mr. Pranit Ramchandani, HEYBALL Brand Ambassador for India

            •          Mr. I.H. Manudev, Karnataka’s celebrated snooker player

            •          Mr. Bhaskar, India’s world billiard champion

            •          Mr. Upendra Thapa Singh, Indian HEYBALL player and Managing Partner of Lux Billiards

            •          Mr. M. Mani, co-founder of KSBA and passionate cue sports advocate

            •          Mr. M.C. Manoj, former President of the Tamil Nadu Billiards and Snooker Association

The ceremony brought together legends, rising stars, and supporters, symbolizing the unity and excitement surrounding the championship.

Exciting Competition Format

The tournament employs a round-robin format, with matches divided into four daily sessions starting at 10 AM, each lasting 90 minutes, and a race to 7. With 40 boys and 13 girls competing, the event highlights HEYBALL’s universal appeal and its growing presence among youth.

HEYBALL’s Grand Introduction to India

This championship marks the official debut of HEYBALL in India, a dynamic sport innovatively developed by Joy Billiards, the pioneers who transformed Chinese 8-Ball into an international sensation. By hosting this event, India establishes itself as a critical part of HEYBALL’s global journey, inspiring the next generation of cue sports enthusiasts.

“HEYBALL is not just a game—it’s a movement,” said Mr. Pranit Ramchandani, India’s HEYBALL Brand Ambassador. “This championship symbolizes the aspirations of youth across the globe, and India is proud to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

An Open Invitation to Experience History

The Joy WPA World Junior HEYBALL Championship 2024 is open to all enthusiasts. Come witness the talent, energy, and determination of these young champions as they shape the future of cue sports.

Edu-Con 2024: Lighting The Path To The Future Of Education From Nov 28-29, 2024 At Lisieux MHSS, Coimbatore

The Lisieux Group of Institutions, a beacon of educational excellence for over half a century, is excited to announce the second edition of its annual education conclave, Edu-Con 2024: ENLIGHTENED: NURTURING FOR TOMORROW. This two-day event, scheduled for November 28th and 29th, 2024, at Lisieux MHSS, Coimbatore, will bring together a diverse community of educators, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the future of education. As India's education system continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing societal needs, Edu-Con 2024 aims to address the critical challenges and opportunities facing educators today. The conclave will feature a series of engaging keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, covering a wide range of topics, including: 

• The Impact of AI on Education: Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize teaching and learning. 

• Future-Ready Skills: Developing the skills and competencies needed to thrive in the 21st century. 

• Inclusive Education: Creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. 

• The Role of Technology in Education: Leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. 

A key highlight of Edu-Con 2024 is the Lisieux Acharya Award, which recognizes and honors outstanding contributions to the field of education. This award celebrates the dedicated educators who inspire and empower students to reach their full potential. Join us at Edu-Con 2024 to connect with like-minded individuals, gain new insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions to shape the future of education.  

CureBay's Tech-Powered Network Revolutionizing Rural Healthcare Posts 8x Growth,First Circle Hits Profitability

CureBay, a hybrid healthcare platform transforming last-mile access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in underserved areas of India, has recorded an impressive 8x growth in GMV during H1 FY25 compared to H1 FY24. The company has reached an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of INR 1,284 million and is on track to achieve INR 2,000 million by March 2025, driving meaningful impact in India’s $45 billion rural healthcare market. Committed to making quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all, CureBay operates over 150 eClinics and collaborates with 1,500 Digital Franchisees (Swasthya Mitras). Leveraging technology, the platform offers full-stack healthcare services—from consultations and diagnostics to tertiary care—bridging critical care gaps and ensuring holistic patient management in the most remote and underserved areas.

"What we're witnessing is not just growth in numbers, but a fundamental transformation in rural healthcare delivery," said Priyadarshi Mohapatra, Founder and CEO of CureBay. "Our network of world-class e-Clinics, powered by an intelligent tech platform and operated by trained, certified health workers, has profiled over 1.4 million patients, with a 20% conversion rate into active users. Additionally, 14% of these users have adopted preventive care memberships, reflecting the strong trust and engagement we’ve built in these communities. Achieving operational profitability in the Puri Circle of Odisha affirms our vision of delivering quality healthcare to every village, demonstrating that rural India is prepared to embrace technology-driven healthcare solutions."

CureBay continues to grow steadily, serving approximately 55,000 patients each quarter and enrolling 18,000 members in its subscription-based healthcare plans. Currently reaching over 18 million people across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the company aims to extend its services to 100 million rural residents across 16 regions in six states: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. To support this vision, CureBay is developing one of India’s largest rural health databases, leveraging AI and data monetization strategies, attracting interest from global healthcare platforms for data-sharing collaborations.

Through a hybrid healthcare model integrating micro-satellite centres, Swasthya Mitras, and a network of skilled providers, CureBay ensures that even remote communities can access timely medical services. The company's eClinics serve as strategically positioned hubs, equipped to offer basic check-ups, first aid, health education, diagnostics, and referrals. Trained local health workers, known as Swasthya Mitras, connect residents with medical consultations, diagnostics, and pharmacy services while creating economic opportunities for themselves.

CureBay's impact at the grassroots level is already evident in the Puri Circle of Odisha, where it covers 13% of the catchment population. The company's entry into new states, such as Chhattisgarh, reaffirms its commitment to delivering affordable and high-quality healthcare to traditionally underserved areas. Through CureBay Quantum—its AI-powered healthcare ecosystem—CureBay provides deep insights into rural health trends, facilitating targeted outreach and personalised care. By integrating cohort analysis with disease demographics, CureBay’s advanced technology platform fine-tunes healthcare interventions, improving health outcomes while enhancing operational efficiency. This approach also drives high GMV per employee, highlighting the scalability and sustainability of CureBay's business model as it pioneers accessible healthcare solutions for rural India.

About CureBay:

Founded in 2021 by Priyadarshi Mohapatra, Shobhan Mahapatra, and Sanjay Swain, and led by industry veterans like President Vasant Nangia, CureBay is a trailblazing hybrid healthcare platform transforming last-mile access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in India’s underserved regions. CureBay offers a full spectrum of services, including doctor consultations, medication delivery, diagnostic tests, surgery facilitation, annual health memberships, and a concierge service that supports patients throughout their healthcare journey—from admission to discharge.

Leveraging their proprietary platform, CureBay connects patients with affordable and quality healthcare services, regardless of their location, income, or insurance status. The company's innovative hybrid online and physical healthcare and fulfilment model has been successfully implemented across more than 32 districts in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with a network of over 150 eClinics and collaborations with over  300 service providers.

Since its inception, CureBay has served more than 3,84,000 patients across Odisha and Chattisgarh, demonstrating its commitment to making healthcare more equitable for the underserved.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Celebrates 1 Lakh Urban Cruiser Hyryder On Indian Road

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced that the Urban Cruiser Hyryder has surpassed the remarkable milestone of 1,00,000-unit sales in India. This achievement underscores the B-SUV’s strong market acceptance and Indian customers growing acceptance of hybrid technology.

Launched in July 2022, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder seamlessly combines Toyota’s world-class hybrid technology with dynamic design, premium comfort, and exceptional performance. It is available in three powertrains- Self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric [SHEV], Neo Drive and CNG powertrains.

At the heart of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is its 1.5-litre Engine with THS (Toyota Hybrid System) & e-drive transmission, delivering combined power output of 85 kW. Hyryder ’s hybrid system eliminates the need for external charging, ensuring convenience for customers at all times. Its cutting-edge hybrid system offers a seamless and silent drive, complemented by instant power delivery. This, combined with its responsive performance and quieter operation, provides an environmentally conscious yet dynamic driving experience. Additionally, Customers seeking versatility and power have also embraced the Neo Drive powertrain, which comes with an optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system—offering a superior driving experience for both urban commutes and challenging terrains.

The Urban Cruiser Hyryder is designed to deliver exceptional value, seamlessly combining advanced convenience and performance features with outstanding fuel efficiency. Reflecting TKM’s commitment to sustainable mobility, the SUV offers class-leading mileage: up to 27.97 km/l* in the Self Charging Hybrid Electric Vehicle variant, 21.12 km/l* in the NeoDrive (MT), and 26.6 km/kg* in CNG mode.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “The positive response to the Urban Cruiser Hyryder reflects our commitment to delivering innovative mobility solutions tailored to the evolving preferences of Indian customers. This milestone is not just a number; it signifies the beginning of a new era in SUV technology that prioritizes sustainability, performance, and customer satisfaction. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder continues to uphold Toyota’s legacy of driving change through innovation and environmental consciousness, and we are deeply grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers who have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”

The success and market acceptance of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is further complemented with Toyota’s exceptional and industry-leading service benefits to the customers.  TKM provides a comprehensive range of services under the umbrella “T CARE” that demonstrates the company’s dedication to enriching customer delight and fostering long-term relationships. Covering everything from presales to aftersales and repurchases, T CARE integrates these offerings under one unified brand that includes a wide array of offerings such as T DELIVER, T GLOSS, T ASSIST, T SAATH, T SECURE, T CHOICE, T INSPECT, T SMILE and more.

Recently, Toyota Kirloskar Motor also celebrated the remarkable milestone of 1,00,000 units sold for the Innova HyCross, underscoring the immense trust Indian customers have placed in the brand. As TKM celebrates this new milestone of the Hyryder, the company remains committed to redefining sustainable mobility in India with innovative and reliable products that align with the aspirations of dynamic Indian customers.

Unnati Coffee Partners With Tribal Communities In Odisha To Promote Sustainable Agriculture And Ecotourism

In the heart of Odisha’s Koraput district, a pioneering initiative is changing the lives of tribal communities of village Padalput by integrating sustainable coffee farming with ecotourism. Project Unnati Coffee, a partnership between ISWAR (Integrated Social Welfare and Research Centre) and Coca-Cola India is helping the tribal village of Punjishil, 500 km from Bhubaneshwar, home to 45 families of the Paroja tribe, build a sustainable source of income while preserving its rich biodiversity. This innovative approach is improving livelihoods and creating a new model of economic growth that is rooted in environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

Recognizing opportunities, ISWAR started working with the Paroja tribe, integrating sustainable coffee farming with ecotourism. We provided training and resources to help villagers cultivate coffee sustainably on the biodiverse land surrounding their village. Young tribals were trained as guides and are now leading treks through the coffee plantations and forest trails, offering travelers insights into coffee cultivation. The tribal families opened their homes to visitors, offering traditional meals and overnight stays, creating a bridge between cultures while providing a stable income for the village.

Piyush Ranjan Mishra, CEO, ISWAR, said: "Project Unnati Coffee has not only improved livelihoods but also inspired the community to embrace sustainable practices. By integrating coffee farming with ecotourism, we’ve seen a transformation in Punjishil. This initiative is enhancing productivity and quality, strengthening the Farmers Producer Organization, and creating strong market linkages. Together we are building a model that benefits not just farmers but the local economy at large.”

What sets Project Unnati Coffee apart is its focus on empowering women and promoting community-driven leadership. Women in Punjishil have are managing key roles in coffee production, food services, and tourism operations. Through cooperatives, they’ve been able to generate a stable income, leading to better health, nutrition, and education within the village. Children who had to drop out of school to help their families are now attending school regularly, with a hope of having a brighter future.

"After a lot of hard work and setbacks, we struggled to get fruit from our coffee plants in the last few years. But after the training, the yield has been much better, and we’re hopeful for a good income this season. Given the success, we plan to plant coffee across all the hillocks next season." – Tulabati Badanayak, a tribal farmer from Koraput.

Project Unnati Coffee exemplifies how sustainable development can positively impact both local communities and the environment. By combining agriculture with tourism, this initiative offers a model for other tribal communities across India to thrive while preserving their natural resources.

About ISWAR:

Integrated Social Welfare and Research Centre (ISWAR) a Non-profit Organization, registered under Societies Registration Act, is established in the year 1994. ISWAR has the prime focus to work in the direction of improving the inclusive quality of lives of the resource poor families. It is involved in a wide thematic spread ranging from Climate Action, Reduction of Carbon Footprints, Natural Resource Management, Livelihood Promotion, Value Chain Development, Health, Education and Gender Mainstreaming.

About Project Unnati:

The project is part of Coca-Cola India’s Fruit Circular Economy initiative, which is a key pillar of the Company’s ESG priorities – Sustainable Agriculture. Project Unnati aims to support the Indian agri-ecosystem by enhancing farming efficiency, strengthening forward linkages, and building food-processing capacity in the country. Over more than a decade, Project Unnati has helped empower and enable over lakhs of farmers across 13 states and Union Territories in India. Focused on seven crop varieties Mango, Apple, Orange, Grapes, Litchi, Coffee, and sugarcane, the program is aimed at propelling the horticulture supply chain and building agriculture production capacities across the country.