How A True AI Companion Can Unleash Your Creativity?

For over a decade, people all over the world have consistently enhanced their productivity and creativity by turning to Galaxy smartphones. Chief among them, the Galaxy S Ultra series, which is built on a legacy of innovation of our Galaxy Note series has become synonymous with boundless creativity and is loved by countless Galaxy fans.

With its incredible power, expansive screen and iconic S Pen, Galaxy S Ultra is renowned for helping people seamlessly follow their inspirations or capture ideas anytime, anywhere – even without unlocking the phone and digging for a note-taking app.

Creativity Like Never Before

Last year, Samsung Electronics introduced Galaxy AI, ushering a new era of mobile experiences. This groundbreaking technology helped the Galaxy S Ultra series evolve into an even more indispensable tool for maximizing creative freedom. And now, your creativity is about to reach new heights.

Sketch to Image, now integrated into Drawing Assist, is now evolving. Utilizing more than a single input, like drawing with the S Pen or one’s finger, to a multimodal experience. Now, users can breathe life into their ideas by sketching them, describing the image they want with text or using voice commands to tell their Galaxy smartphone what to draw. If it can be envisioned, Galaxy AI can create it. 

Let’s say you just want to really let your imagination run wild. With Galaxy AI’s multimodal capabilities, you can draw a cat using S Pen and then, type a “spacesuit” to put that cat in a space suit and send it to outer space. Or picture your dream home. Using the S Pen, you make a quick drawing of the facade. But maybe you’re not sure where you want that dream home to be. Simply type some possible locations, like “by the beach” or “up in the mountains” and Drawing Assist will help you see your future home in a new light. 

From Note to Ultra and Beyond

This level of creative freedom is built on a legacy of innovation that began in 2011, when we introduced the Galaxy Note to redefine what was creatively possible on a smartphone. That power and spirit of innovation lives on through the Galaxy S Ultra series, and it continues to evolve with Galaxy AI. 

With One UI 7, Samsung’s first integrated AI platform, Galaxy smartphones will become true AI companions that understand natural language through text, speech, and images. They will set a new standard of multimodal mobile AI for unprecedented creativity. But this is just a preview - tune into Galaxy Unpacked on January 22 to see how the next Galaxy S series can truly unleash your creativity. 

Finolex Cables Unveils FinoUltra: A Revolutionary Wire Powered By Electron Beam Technology

Finolex Cables, India’s leading manufacturer of electrical and communication cables, has launched “FinoUltra”, a cutting-edge range of wires designed to deliver unmatched safety, durability, and performance. The product leverages advanced Electron Beam (E-Beam) technology to meet the growing demands of modern infrastructure across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

FinoUltra wires utilize E-Beam technology to enhance mechanical and thermal properties, allowing them to sustain higher voltages with reduced radial thickness and extending their lifespan to over 50 years. The wires advanced E- Beam cross- linking technology delivers 75% higher current capacity, compared to standard wires, thus reducing energy loss, minimizes overheating and optimizes performance. It also maintains operational integrity at temperatures up to 125°C, making them ideal for use in outdoor and extreme environments.

The wires are engineered to resist temperature fluctuations, UV radiation, and chemical exposure, ensuring reliable performance in challenging conditions. With safety as a priority, FinoUltra wires emit negligible smoke during fire incidents, reducing hazards compared to conventional PVC wires. Their pest- and termite-resistant properties further lower risks of electrical damage and potential fire hazards, making them a safe and durable choice.

Mahesh Viswanathan, Dy. CEO & CFO of Finolex Cables, commented on the launch: "In line with our Capex plans, our E-Beam facility went live last month, allowing us to successfully introduce Solar cables, which have been extremely well-received. Now, we are proud to introduce FinoUltra, a wire that’s perfect for modern buildings, including malls, hospitals, metro stations, airports, and more.

FinoUltra wires also feature Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) technology, significantly reducing the emission of smoke and toxic gases during fires, that will help residents escape a high risk situation.This feature enhances safety, helping people escape hazardous situations during emergencies. In addition to their safety and durability, FinoUltra wires adhere to RoHS and REACH European directives, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Mathur, President - Sales and Marketing, Finolex Cables, said, “The launch of FinoUltra demonstrates our unwavering focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions. By adopting Electron Beam technology, we have developed a product that not only excels in performance but also addresses critical safety and environmental needs. FinoUltra wires are a reliable and future-ready solution for modern infrastructure.”

To promote FinoUltra, Finolex Cables is rolling out a nationwide brand campaign across TV and digital platforms to raise awareness and highlight the unique features of the product.

With FinoUltra, Finolex Cables continues its tradition of delivering innovative solutions that prioritize safety, reliability, and sustainability, setting new standards in the electrical industry.

Emaar India Sets A New Benchmark: Secures The Prestigious 'Great Place To Work™' Certification

Emaar India the Indian business entity of the globally renowned brand Emaar, famous for developing Burj Khalifa, announced that it has secured the prestigious 'Great Place to Work™' certification for the period of January 2025 to January 2026, awarded by the Great Place to Work Institute, India. The company has been recognized for its commitment to nurturing a positive, inclusive and empowering workplace culture, driven by trust, innovation, employee well-being & respect. This certification is a true recognition of the dedication, passion, and commitment that the Emaar India employees truly represent.

This achievement is a hard-fought significant milestone for Emaar India and also the result of a focused people agenda, collaborative efforts, and continuous efforts towards improvements over the last 2 years by the entire Emaar India HR team supported by all its employees, specially through the mentorship and advocacy by its department heads, across all functions. This certification is both well-deserved and symbolic of the special focus Emaar India has laid on bespoke talent management programs, regular employee engagement initiatives, leadership meets for timely communication, consistent & transparent compensation philosophy, best-in-class HR practices & policies, rolling out a strong employee recognition program and integrating a robust performance management system including mentoring programs and regular development feedback.

The certification is a validation of Emaar India’s focus on its commitment of creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, respected, empowered & inspired to achieve excellence. With a resilient and energetic workforce in India, Emaar is deeply committed to ensuring that employees’ voices are heard, recognized and acted upon, fostering enhanced experiences and empowering them to achieve their business objectives in sync with the Emaar core values – ‘Customer First, Fast Paced, Ownership Mindset, Winning Together & One Emaar’.

Commenting on this accomplishment, Ms. Madhuri Mehta, Chief Human Resource Officer of Emaar India, said: "We are thrilled to share that Emaar India is officially certified as a Great Place to Work. As a ‘People Centric’ organisation we strongly believe in a people-first culture and this highlights our ongoing commitment to build an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered. This accomplishment is a testament of the passion, collaboration and commitment to excellence demonstrated by our employees. This is a significant achievement and reflects Emaar India’s commitment in meticulously sculpting a safe, collaborative, and inclusive workplace. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and excellence and are confident that together we will maintain our position as a Great Place to Work.”

The Great Place to Work Certification is a globally recognized standard of excellence, awarded to organizations that prioritize creating a high-trust, high-performance culture. This certification is based on rigorous assessment, including employee feedback and workplace practices. Emaar India’s recognition is a result of its focus on employee-centric initiatives, a culture of inclusion, and opportunities for professional growth. With this milestone, Emaar India reinforces its position as an employer of choice in the real estate sector.

Visa: Digital Payments Surge In Non-Metros With 175% Growth In Card Spends

Key Highlights:

Credit card spends in Cat B and C+ cities grew by 4X between 2019 and 2024, outpacing the 1.4X growth in metro cities.

Share of online spending in Cat C+ cities soared from 53% to 73% across categories like apparel and travel, as well as digital services like gaming and online education.

Visa has identified emerging opportunities for financial institutions to meet the rising demand for customised, secure financial solutions.

India’s digital payments landscape is seeing a remarkable surge with non-metro cities, particularly Cat B and Cat C+, emerging as significant growth engines. A new whitepaper from Visa, the global leader in digital payments, called ‘Bridging the Gap: Payments in India Beyond Metros’ reveals that digital payment transactions in non-metro regions are growing faster than in metros, with card spending soaring 175% since 2019.

This study by Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA), Visa’s advisory arm, showcases growth trends in non-metro cities, fuelled by evolving consumer segments and improved digital infrastructure across the country. The whitepaper, based on insights from Visa’s data, dives into three categories: Cat A –  metros like Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and cities like Pune and Ahmedabad; Cat B – rapidly growing cities and districts such as Trichy, Bhubaneswar and Jaipur; and Cat C+ – emerging cities and districts like Tirupur (Tamil Nadu), Sangli (Maharashtra), and Tumkur (Karnataka).

Sushmit Nath, Head of Visa Consulting & Analytics, India & South Asia said, “In India’s rapidly evolving digital payments ecosystem, non-metro cities are the emerging vibrant hubs of opportunity and aspiration, driven by speedy digital adoption. As their ambitions evolve, these consumers seek tailored, flexible, and secure financial solutions. With its global experience and deep data expertise, Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA) is ideally positioned to enable financial institutions to better serve these segments. At Visa, we are committed to supporting the country’s progress by driving innovation in payments that meet the needs of consumers beyond the metros.”

Key Growth Drivers: Rising Income, E-Commerce and Digital Connectivity

The surge in digital payments in non-metro regions is fuelled by rising income levels, the rapid growth of e-commerce, and enhanced digital connectivity, supported by empowering Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY), Digital India Program and Goods & Services Tax (GST).

Visa’s data shows a remarkable 4X increase in Cat C+ consumers who spend over ?2 lakh annually on a single card (vis-à-vis 2019) —significantly higher than the 1.4X increase observed in Cat A cities. Ethe expansion of e-commerce is key to this growth; the share of online spending in Cat C+ cities jumped from 53% to 73%, with notable increases in discretionary spending across categories like apparel and travel. Moreover, there is a marked increase in consumption of digital services in non-metro cities, where online gaming spends rose by 16X and spends on digital content increased by 9X during the same period.

Transformative Opportunity to Unlock Financial Inclusion

Formal credit penetration in Cat B+ cities was only 10.5% in 2019, compared to 42.4% in metropolitan regions[1]. Though consumers in Cat B and Cat C+ cities have access to formal credit channels, they tend to depend more on informal credit sources, such as moneylenders or family loans due to limited credit history. Here lies a massive opportunity for lenders and businesses to innovate tailored credit products for this growing customer base.

Tailored Financial Solutions for Emerging Needs

Consumers in Cat B and C+ cities are increasingly seeking bespoke,  flexible, and inclusive products that address their specific needs, including dynamic pricing, flexible tenures, and transparent, low-cost options. To capitalise on this growing demand, Visa has identified four key pillars for success:

Affordability: With growing consumption, consumer preference for flexible repayment options too has increased.

Aspiration: These consumers seek financial products that offer rewards, loyalty programs, benefits and access to exclusive experiences that enhance their lifestyles.

Convenience: New-to-digital consumers prefer financial products that are simple, user-friendly and support multiple languages.

Trust: Consumers also prefer digital payment methods that are trusted, highly secure and have a robust redressal mechanism.

As India’s economy becomes increasingly digitised, Visa’s payment solutions can unlock new growth opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. Visa offers compelling solutions, coupled with best-in-class security, reliability, scale, and reach, enabling millions to realise their financial potential.

Methodology:

Insights in this report were are derived through Visa Consulting & Analytics’ expertise in payments strategy, data science, and economic analysis by leveraging credit card and debit card spending data.

City categories based on Visa transaction data:

Cat A cities - Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Gurugram, Ahmedabad & Gandhinagar

Cat B cities and districts - Trichy, Jamnagar, Ambala, Khordha, Malappuram, East Godavari, Jabalpur, Erode, Rohtak, Medak, Howrah, Anand, Palakkad, Muzaffarpur, Nizamabad, Kollam, Bhavnagar, Goa, Karimnagar, Rewari, Cuddapah, Jamshedpur, Moradabad, Solapur, Mangalore, Ahmednagar, Kannur, Hooghly, Ajmer, Surat, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Indore, Baroda, Chandigarh, Ghaziabad, Ernakulam, Faridabad, Ludhiana, Guntur, Rajkot, Vijayawada, Patna, Bhopal, Kanpur, Raipur, Thrissur, Bhubaneswar, Meerut, Varanasi, Kozhikode, Karimnagar, Karnal, Pondicherry, Kurnool, Vellore, Patiala, Nalgonda, Udaipur, Ranga Reddy, Khammam, Guwahati, Gwalior, Kota, Allahabad, Cuttack, Tiruvallur, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Kolhapur, Hisar, Mohali, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Panipat, Kakinada, Jammu, Kottayam, Rajahmundry, Warangal, Nasik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mysore, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Nellore, Madurai, Kanchipuram, Salem, Dehradun, Thiruvananthapuram, Agra, Chittoor, Jalandhar, Ranchi

Cat C cities and districts – Cities beyond those listed above, including Tirupur, Sangli, Junagadh, Tumkur, and others.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

Macquarie University And Manipal Academy of Higher Education Ink An Articulation Agreement

* This 2+2 articulation and credit recognition arrangement between the two prestigious institutions will cover Civil and Electrical Engineering courses

Macquarie University, one of Australia’s top 10 universities, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a leading educational institution in India, have entered into a milestone articulation agreement to provide a unique pathway for students in Civil and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. This agreement is in line with the commitment of both institutions to nurturing globally competent engineers with a blend of foundational knowledge and advanced expertise.

Under this agreement, students will benefit from a unique 2+2 articulation and credit recognition arrangement. They will complete the first two years of their Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program in Civil Engineering or Electrical and Electronics Engineering at MAHE, followed by two years at Macquarie University in Sydney to earn a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering or Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

This partnership highlights the strengths of both institutions in delivering academic excellence and global exposure. By combining foundational studies at MAHE with advanced specialisation and real-world applications at Macquarie University, students will have the skills and knowledge to address complex engineering challenges.

Prof. Aman Oo, Dean of Engineering at Macquarie University said, “Our partnership with Manipal Academy of Higher Education is a robust step towards advancing engineering education. By bridging theoretical learning with practical, real-world application, the proposed program will cultivate academic distinction and provide students with international exposure and technical expertise. We aim to collaborate to empower students to be agile, world-class engineers set to contribute meaningfully to the future of engineering.”

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, said, “This articulation agreement is a testament of MAHE’s commitment to providing students with transformative educational opportunities. This partnership with Macquarie University allows our students a global perspective while building on a strong academic foundation. We are confident this collaboration will enable our students to excel in their professional endeavours and make impactful contributions to society.”

Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT, applauded the partnership and appreciated the benefits students will receive from this. He said, “The partnership will help students receive a global perspective in Civil Engineering or Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Through such collaborations, MAHE can work on its commitment to fostering world-class engineers at MAHE who can meaningfully work on real-life problems.”

Program structure: In the first two years at MAHE, students will develop a foundation in engineering principles through courses such as Engineering Design, Engineering Mathematics, and Computer Programming, alongside core subjects like Geotechnical Engineering and Electrical Circuits. These years will prepare students for advanced learning and practical applications in their chosen field.

During the final two years at Macquarie University, students will delve deeper into specialised topics. Civil Engineering students will study advanced subjects such as Structural Analysis, Water and Wastewater Engineering, and Transport Engineering. Electrical and Electronics Engineering students will focus on areas like Power Electronics, Digital Circuits and Systems, and Electrical Machines. The program will culminate in capstone projects, enabling students to integrate their knowledge and tackle real-world engineering challenges.

Global opportunities: Through the articulation agreement, students gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and opportunities for international exposure. This pathway enhances their technical expertise and prepares them to thrive in a competitive global workforce.

The final years culminate in capstone projects and specialised electives, allowing students to apply their knowledge and prepare for professional careers in their respective fields.

Interested students can get more information by emailing admissions@manipal.edu

About Macquarie University

Founded in 1964, Macquarie University celebrates 60 years of strong tradition in pioneering thinking, ingenuity and exploration. We continue to break new ground as we work to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues to build a positive future for all. Ranked among the top 130 universities in the world (QS and Times Higher Ed Rankings 2024), the University produces highly sought-after graduates. In the QS World University Rankings by subject in 2024, the University was ranked among the Top 50 in the world for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy and Linguistics.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable academic track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life and for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches Toyota Mobility Solutions And Services To Redefine Pre-Owned Car Market In India

Emphasizing its focus on becoming a true mobility company with a commitment to delivering ever-better cars, Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced the launch of its wholly owned subsidiary, Toyota Mobility Solutions and Services India Pvt. Ltd. (TMSS) with Head Office in Bidadi near Bangalore in Karnataka. Marking a significant stride towards transforming India’s pre-owned car market, TMSS further reinforces Toyota’s commitment towards the philosophy of —Quality, Durability, and Reliability which ensures the best quality products and services heritage to all customers be in new car sales or pre-owned car market 

As an OEM-backed initiative, TMSS aims to lead India’ growing pre-owned car market by delivering high-quality certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles, refurbished with Toyota Genuine Parts and processes with a strong emphasis on safety, reliability, and transparency. Furthermore, the ‘one price for all’ policy approach guarantees fair and consistent pricing for every customer, fostering an environment built on trust and integrity.

Key Offerings of TMSS:

Certified pre-owned Toyota cars with assured quality

Seamless trade-in and exchange programs for pre-owned cars

Robust after-sales support, including warranty and roadside assistance

Customer engagement initiatives to build trust and awareness in the pre-owned car market

Highlighting TMSS’s unique proposition and early success, Mr. Atul Sood, President & Director of TMSS, said, "The pre-owned car market in India is rapidly evolving, with customers increasingly prioritizing trust, transparency, and value. TMSS is poised to meet these expectations by leveraging Toyota’s legacy of quality and reliability. In a short span, we have made significant progress in Bangalore, Delhi, and Guwahati through our operational pre-owned car outlets, previously part of our parent company Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd., achieving a milestone of retailing 1,000 certified pre-owned cars. This milestone underscores our commitment to delivering a seamless, transparent, and value-driven experience that instils confidence in every customer transaction."

Speaking at the launch of TMSS, Mr. Takashi Takamiya, Director of TMSS, said, "TMSS aims to build a trusted and organized network for pre-owned car buyers and sellers, upholding Toyota’s global standards of quality and transparency. Every vehicle undergoes meticulous refurbishment with Toyota Genuine Parts, including Maru Maru Cleaning (high quality deep cleaning technique) with premium T Gloss materials (Car cleaning & detailing materials), ensuring a new car-like finish. Safety is our top priority, each vehicle is subjected to thorough safety checks, ensuring exceptional reliability and peace of mind for our customers.

Our 'One Price for All' policy reinforces our commitment to transparency, offering fair and consistent pricing for every customer and ensuring a hassle-free experience. To guarantee superior quality and dependability, a comprehensive 203-point inspection is conducted during the vehicle procurement process, adhering to Toyota’s rigorous global standards. TMSS remains dedicated to providing unmatched quality, safety, and customer satisfaction in every transaction."

Discussing the company’s roadmap, Mr. Varinder Kumar Wadhwa, Director of TMSS, elaborated, "Building on our success in Bangalore, Delhi, and Guwahati, TMSS plans to enhance its reach across key metropolitan and tier-2 cities. By 2030, we envision a robust nationwide presence, offering customers a seamless and connected experience through our digital platform and physical outlets. This reach enhancement is not just a business goal but also our commitment to making high-quality mobility solutions accessible to every Indian household."

Toyota Kirloskar Motor ventured directly into the used car market in 2022 by opening its first facility in Bengaluru, becoming India’s first automaker to provide fully OEM-refurbished pre-owned vehicles. Continuing this momentum, TKM expanded to Delhi in June 2024 & Guwahati in Dec 2024, reinforcing its dedication to offering high-quality, dependable pre-owned cars to customers nationwide.

With its innovative services and commitment to excellence, TMSS is poised to become a benchmark in the organized used car market, setting new standards of trust, quality, and customer satisfaction.

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