Yamaha Revises R3 & MT-03 Prices To Meet Growing Customer Demand; Celebrates 1 Decade Of R3 Globally

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd., in line with its customer-centric approach and to cater to the growing demand for premium motorcycles, has announced a price reduction of up to INR 1.10 lakh on its flagship models – the Yamaha R3 and MT-03 effective from 1st February 2025. These models, known for their superior performance and Yamaha’s signature racing DNA, are now available at unbeatable prices. As Yamaha celebrates a decade of the R3 legacy globally, this price revision reinforces the brand’s commitment to its customers and the premium motorcycle segment. 

The Yamaha R3 is now priced at INR 3,59,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is available in Icon Blue and Yamaha Black colour options. Meanwhile, the MT-03, with its bold design and street performance, is priced at INR 3,49,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and comes in Midnight Cyan and Midnight Black colour options.

Over the last 10 years, the Yamaha R3 has built a cult following among riding enthusiasts globally for its track-oriented precision, exhilarating performance, and timeless design. With its lightweight diamond frame, aerodynamic design inspired by Yamaha’s iconic YZR-M1, and a powerful 321cc engine the R3 offers a thrilling riding experience. The 50/50 weight distribution, sporty riding posture, and advanced braking system make it the perfect companion for both track and road enthusiasts.

The Yamaha MT-03, a hyper-naked streetfighter, stands out with its aggressive styling and torque-focused performance. Designed for agility and everyday usability, it features an upright riding position, twin-eye LED headlights, and mass-forward bodywork that highlights its bold character. The MT-03 is powered by the same 321cc engine as the R3, ensuring thrilling acceleration and smooth performance, while its compact design and mono-cross rear suspension offer unmatched manoeuvrability in city traffic.

With this change in pricing, Yamaha reaffirms its commitment to offering accessible premium motorcycles that deliver on performance, design, and innovation. This strategic move is expected to further strengthen Yamaha’s foothold in the premium motorcycle segment in India and attract a wider audience of riding enthusiasts.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series With Ultra-Durable Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2 Is Ready To Pre-Order Starting At INR 80,999

* Gorilla Armor 2 is a landmark achievement in glass ceramic technology, combining superior toughness with excellent clarity on a smartphone display.

* Galaxy S25 series boasts AI-driven features powered by One UI 7, enhanced by the new Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform.

Samsung, India’s leading consumer electronics brand, has officially launched its highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series, featuring the latest Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 smartphones. Taking the user experience to the next level, the new Galaxy series introduces Corning® Gorilla® Armor 2, the industry’s first anti-reflective glass ceramic, offering exceptional scratch resistance and enhanced display clarity. The series is available for pre-order in India, with prices starting at INR 80999 for Galaxy S25, INR 99999 for Galaxy S25+, and INR 129999 for Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Gorilla Armor 2 is a landmark achievement in glass ceramic technology, combining superior toughness with excellent clarity on a smartphone display. With the ability to withstand drops from up to 2.2 meters, it offers superior protection and ensures a premium display experience with reduced surface reflections, delivering clarity in all lighting conditions. Compared to first-generation Corning® Gorilla® Armor, Gorilla Armor 2 offers enhanced durability — devices equipped with Gorilla Armor 2 are even better able to withstand the rough and unpredictable nature of daily life. Specifically, when dropped on rough, challenging surfaces, Gorilla Armor 2 is engineered to better resist damage, such as breakage, more effectively than ever before.

In addition to its groundbreaking durability, Galaxy S25 series boasts AI-driven features powered by One UI 7, enhanced by the new Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform. These advancements offer more intuitive, personalized mobile experiences, enhanced camera technology with the ProVisual Engine, and exceptional processing power for seamless performance.

Galaxy S25 Ultra leads with a 50MP ultrawide camera sensor, offering exceptional clarity in all conditions, even in low light. With 10-bit HDR recording, Audio Eraser to eliminate unwanted noise, and Galaxy Log for pro-level video editing, Galaxy S25 series is the perfect tool for both casual and professional content creators.

Designed for durability and sustainability, Galaxy S25 Ultra also features a premium titanium frame, while the S25 and S25+ models incorporate recycled armor aluminum. Galaxy S25 series also offers seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

Customers who pre-order Galaxy S25 Ultra will get pre-order benefits worth INR 21000. This includes a storage upgrade worth INR 12000 wherein customers will be able to get 12GB 512GB variant at the price of 12GB 256GB variant; along with an INR 9000 upgrade bonus. Alternatively, customers can avail INR 7000 cashback when they purchase Galaxy S25 Ultra with 9 months no cost EMI plan.

Customers who pre-order Galaxy S25+ will get benefits worth INR 12000 under which customers will be able to get 12GB 512GB variant at the price of 12GB 256GB variant. Meanwhile, customers who pre-order Galaxy S25 will get benefits worth INR 11000 as an upgrade bonus. Alternatively, customers can avail INR 7000 cashback when they purchase Galaxy S25 with 9 months no cost EMI plan. Samsung is also offering customers the option to avail 24 month no cost EMI through all leading NBFCs for both Galaxy S25 as well as Galaxy S25+.

Pre-order for Galaxy S25 series has started from January 23 across all leading online and offline retail stores and on Samsung Live at https://www.samsung.com/in/live-offers/ 

TKM Signs MoU With Watershed Organisation Trust For Launch Of ‘Project Jeevan Dhara’ For Development In Aurad Taluk, Karnataka

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and community upliftment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) to implement Project Jeevan Dhara, an initiative to transform rural lives though integrated watershed management. This marks TKM's first such initiative, aiming to revitalize the drought-prone Aurad Taluk in Bidar District, Karnataka, by addressing critical socio-economic and environmental challenges.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head of State Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Mr. Roshan, General Manager, representing TKM’s management, during a formal ceremony held in Aurad Taluk. Spanning 9 villages and 5,322.34 hectares, the initiative will directly benefit 11,026 community members across 2,063 households, addressing pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges in the region.

Aurad Taluk faces recurring drought conditions due to its average rainfall of only 800 mm annually. Over 80% of the land is degraded, with declining groundwater levels and less than 7% of the area under irrigation. These factors have led to widespread reliance on rain-fed, single-crop agriculture, forcing many families to migrate in search of better livelihoods.

Project Jeevan Dhara adopts a ridge-to-valley approach to soil and water conservation, focusing on ecological rejuvenation, agricultural sustainability, and livelihood enhancement. Key objectives include:

Improve soil moisture and year-round water availability for drinking, domestic, and irrigation purposes.

Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices to ensure sustainable crop production.

Introduce need-based livelihood activities to support marginalized and asset-less families.

Strengthen community-based institutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of resources.

The project involves:

Construction of check dams, gabions, and other water resources to recharge groundwater and create additional irrigation potential.

Implementing measures to reduce soil erosion and enhance in-situ moisture conservation.

Promoting both farm-based activities such as dairy, poultry, goat-rearing, and nurseries, as well as non-farm activities like tailoring to provide alternative livelihoods.

Active engagement with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Development Committees (VDCs) will ensure that the local community is involved throughout the program, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring the project’s success and sustainability.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs - Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we are deeply committed to driving sustainable change that aligns with our global philosophy of ‘Creating Sustainable Societies.’ Project Jeevan Dhara is a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges in Aurad Taluk, where water scarcity and soil degradation have severely impacted livelihoods. By partnering with WOTR Trust and engaging local communities, we aim to implement holistic solutions that not only improve water availability and agricultural resilience but also empower families with sustainable livelihood opportunities. We firmly believe that collaborative efforts like these can create long-term value, transforming the lives of over 11,000 community members and setting a benchmark for sustainable rural transformation. At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we are proud to be a part of this journey toward building a more resilient and inclusive future for all."

Project Jeevan Dhara is expected to rejuvenate the region’s ecosystem, improve agricultural resilience, and significantly enhance the quality of life for the local community. By integrating environmental stewardship with socio-economic development, TKM continues to set benchmarks for sustainable rural transformation and reaffirms its dedication to creating long-term value for society.

IPRS Launches Season 2 Of “My Music, My Rights” With A Power-Packed Session

The first session of Season 2 of the “My Music, My Rights”: Creators Connect Programme’ by the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) unfolded as a resounding success yesterday, with a strong turnout of music creators, independent artists and industry professionals.. Hosted at Ajeenkya DY Patil University in Pune, the event provided a valuable platform for music creators to gain firsthand knowledge on IP rights, creators’ royalties, music publishing, enhancing music production, and leveraging YouTube’s potential. It also featured insightful panels on navigating the music industry as an emerging artist and fostering diversity in the music ecosystem.

Attendees received exclusive insights and expert guidance from some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, making it a truly enriching experience.

The engaging panel discussions and insightful presentations provided actionable go-to-market solutions, as industry leaders shared their expertise, strategies, and personal experiences with the participants. Speakers included Karan Grover, Senior Director (India, Middle East & Africa) at Dolby Labs; Sagarika Das, CEO of Sagarika Music; Bhaskar Nair, Partner Engineer & Nikhil Nerkar, Strategic Partner Manager at YouTube Music; Chandrika Shah, India Head at Horus Music; Saee Tembhekar, Singer, Songwriter; and Murtuza Gadiwala, Founder Partner Outwrite Publishing. Their collective knowledge inspired attendees to take proactive steps in safeguarding their work and advancing their music careers. Additionally, Rumpa Banerjee, Head of Marketing, Communication & Member Relations at IPRS, shared valuable insights on managing rights and royalties as a creator and highlighted the crucial role of music copyright societies like IPRS in enhancing the careers and earnings of authors, composers, and publishers across all levels of the industry.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, expressed, “It’s immensely rewarding to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the creators today. The overwhelming response reinforces IPRS’s commitment to empowering music creators by educating them about their rights and the resources available to them. To see such a diverse group of creators come together to learn, share, and grow is inspiring. This initiative is all about fostering a culture where creators are empowered, and their contributions are acknowledged and rewarded.”

The sessions not only equipped participants with essential tools to navigate the rapidly evolving music industry but also provided a valuable platform for creators to connect, collaborate, and engage with industry leaders and peers. Building on this momentum, upcoming sessions of ‘My Music, My Rights’ are scheduled in Ahmedabad on 6th Feb, Bangalore on 20th Feb, Chennai on 6th March, Lucknow on 26th March, and Patna on 9th April.

The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) remains committed to empowering music creators across the country, ensuring their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and fostering a more equitable and thriving future for both music and its creators.

Safer Roads And Healthier Drivers: Project Abhay Boosts Vision, Health And Social Security For Truck Drivers

~ Project Abhay enhances health and wellness of 50,000 Indian truck drivers thereby improving the road safety ~

Project Abhay, a pioneering initiative by the Centre for Rural Development & Technology (CRDT), IIT Delhi, in collaboration with Foresight Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), has achieved remarkable success in enhancing the health, vision, and safety of India's truck drivers. The findings were presented by Prof. Vivek Kumar, CRDT, IIT Delhi, in the esteemed presence of Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon'ble Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways & Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi during culmination ceremony today at IIT Delhi.

Launched in March 2024, Project Abhay has successfully screened over 50,000 truck drivers across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, addressing critical health and vision challenges faced by this indispensable yet underserved workforce.

Unveiling the report, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road and Transport said, “Project Abhay is not just about improving road safety; it’s about improving driver's lives. We are committed to uplifting the quality of life of truck drivers who majorly belong to economically and socially backward communities, which is crucial to enhancing India’s Domestic Happiness Index. With 70% of traffic on roads and logistics costs soaring at 14-16%, India faces significant challenges in transportation. If we want to grow exports and enhance national efficiency, we must cut these costs.”

He also added, “A critical issue is the shortage of drivers—there are only 75 drivers for every 100 trucks. We’re addressing this by focusing on driver training, wellbeing and we are committed to digitization and app integration to improve their lives. With 5 lakh accidents and 1.80 lakh deaths annually, the integration of advanced technologies like automatic emergency braking, electronic stability control and prioritizing human behaviour training, particularly from a young age, will be key in reducing fatalities. With the support of IIT research, we are also exploring innovative solutions to reduce costs and improve the sector’s efficiency. Through these integrated efforts and initiative like Project Abhay, we are laying the foundation for safer roads and more efficient & equitable logistics system.”

According to the report, 55.1% of truck drivers suffer from compromised vision, with 53.3% requiring distance vision correction and 46.7% needing near-vision correction. Remarkably, the initiative achieved a vision correction rate of 93.7%, with spectacles provided on-site at Abhay Health Camps.

Prof. Vivek Kumar, Head of CRDT at IIT Delhi, expressed pride in the project’s outcomes. “Project Abhay’s holistic approach, integrating vision care, behavioral training, and technology, has yielded remarkable results. With more than 93% of vision issues corrected during the camps, we have directly enhanced road safety and driver well-being. Behavioral workshops promoting road ethics further amplify this impact,” he said.

Beyond vision care, health screenings revealed widespread concerns: 44.3% of drivers had high or borderline BMI, 57.4% showed elevated blood pressure, and 33.9% reported moderate stress. Social security coverage surged from 51.5% to 86.16%, extending benefits to over 62,700 family members with a total cumulative value of Rs 502 crore.

The Abhay App played a pivotal role in enabling real-time data collection, streamlining camp operations, and ensuring transparency. Live dashboards provided actionable insights, ensuring immediate corrective measures during implementation.

“India’s logistics backbone depends on its truck drivers & presently there is a huge shortage of truck drivers which is affecting the whole sector.  Project Abhay lays a strong foundation for changing the perception about the profession by improving driver’s lives which will help in joining new people to truck driving profession” said Praveen Arya, President of Foresight Foundation.

This transformative initiative blends technology, social impact, wellness and behavioral training to empower India’s truck drivers—key players in driving the nation’s economic vision for 2047.

Blue Dart Records Robust Quarter 3 Sales At Rs 1,512 Crores

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia's leading express air, integrated transportation, and distribution logistics company, announced its financial results today for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, at the Board Meeting.

The company posted a profit after tax of Rs 79 crores for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. Revenue from operations for the quarter stood at Rs 1,512 crores.

Reflecting on the company’s performance, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express Ltd., said, “Our Q3 performance reflects the resilience and adaptability of our diverse B2B & B2C solutions. This quarter’s achievements highlight our ability to navigate market dynamics effectively, leveraging disciplined execution and operational excellence. We continue to deliver consistent growth and long-term value, reinforcing our role as a trusted partner for all stakeholders.”

Discussing the business outlook, he emphasized, “We remain focused on building a future-ready logistics ecosystem by investing in sustainability, scalability, and service excellence. Our strategic initiatives focus on enhancing efficiency and environmental responsibility, enabling us to deliver seamless and reliable solutions. These efforts reinforce our position as the logistics provider of choice for the nation, meeting India’s evolving logistics needs.”

Blue Dart’s exceptional service quality, supported by automation and technology, continues to provide customers with seamless, one-stop logistics solutions. Building on its legacy of leadership, innovation, and customer-centricity, Blue Dart is accelerating sustainable growth through strategic initiatives that capitalize on structural tailwinds in key markets and industries. The company’s positive outlook highlights its drive to enhance market presence and increase customer engagement across its portfolio, delivering exceptional value to its partners. Recently recognized as India's Top Value Creator 2024 in the transport and logistics category, Blue Dart reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence and its position as the nation’s leading trade enabler.

MediBuddy Wellness League: Celebrating Corporate India's Commitment To Employee Health And Well-Being

MediBuddy, India's leading digital healthcare company, today hosted its first-ever physical awards ceremony for the MediBuddy Wellness League (MWL) 2024. Building on the success of its previous edition, the second edition of  MWL continued to drive significant corporate employee engagement, with rewards worth INR 1.5 crore distributed to recognize excellence in employee health and wellness  initiatives.

The event celebrated the top performers from both corporate and individual categories who actively championed wellness initiatives throughout the league. This year's MWL achieved record-breaking participation, reinforcing its position as a game-changer in the corporate wellness space.

MediBuddy's commitment to fostering health and wellness across Corporate India took shape through the MediBuddy Wellness League (MWL) 2024, a pioneering initiative to empower employees to prioritise their wellbeing. Through an engaging gamified framework, the 2.5 months league transformed the wellness journey of corporate employees into an exciting competition, where participants earned points by completing activities across physical fitness, nutrition, mental health, and sleep. This innovative approach not only drove remarkable engagement but also fulfilled MediBuddy's mission of giving back to Corporate India by helping employees develop lasting healthy habits that enhance their overall quality of life.

MWL 2024 by the Numbers:

*        Engaged 500+  leading corporates across India

*        Attracted over 1.4L+  total registrations and engagements in wellness activities

*        A gamified system featuring real-time leaderboards and milestone-based rewards

Top 10 Corporate Champions 2024:

*        Tata Consultancy Services

*        Cisco Systems

*        Wells Fargo

*        Tata Steel

*        JP Morgan

*        State Bank of India

*        Accenture

*        Cognizant Technology Solutions

*        Walmart

*        State Street Corporation

Mr. Saibal Biswas, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing, Partnerships, and PR at MediBuddy, emphasised the significance of this milestone event:. “MWL’s first-ever physical awards ceremony marks a pivotal moment in our journey to transform corporate wellness. Bringing together leading organisations and individuals under one roof allows us to go beyond recognising their achievements; we are reinforcing the importance of prioritising employee health at scale. The enthusiastic participation we've seen demonstrates that our gamified approach to create healthy habits is successfully creating lasting behavioural change across corporate India. At MediBuddy, our vision is to make high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion people, and this event is a step forward in realising that mission by inspiring corporate India to prioritise holistic well-being.”

The ceremony recognised both corporate achievers and individual champions who exemplified extraordinary commitment to health and wellness.

Through initiatives such as the MediBuddy Wellness League, MediBuddy remains committed to revolutionising corporate wellness in India. As MWL continues to grow, it promises to inspire even more organisations and employees to prioritise health, fostering a healthier and more productive workforce across the nation. The program continues to serve as a powerful engagement lever for HR leaders, helping them drive meaningful participation in health and wellness activities while improving overall productivity.