HDFC Life Launches Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage To Enable Dreams And Goals For Everyone

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has launched its latest product HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage. This participating product has been designed keeping in mind milestones associated with the different life stages of an individual. As one continues to save for their growing aspirations/goals, it is observed that there is a preference for early liquidity (for short term needs), flexibility and financial security for the future.

HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage comes with following key features:

Policy Continuance Benefit (PCB) – Through this option, future premiums are waived in case of death of the Life Assured. The Death Benefit is paid out as a lump sum immediately and also the future benefits under the plan continue for the nominee or survivor.  

Choice of Death Benefit Multiple – This option enables one to choose a customised Death Benefit Multiple – 5x, 7x or 11x – as per their need.

Paid Up Addition – Through this option, one can convert partial or the entire cash bonus payable into Paid-Up Additions which can be encashed anytime during the term of the policy.         

Customers can choose any combination from the above options as per their future needs.

Along with life insurance cover for financial security of the family, the plan also offers:

Additional Life Coverage – One can choose to cover one’s spouse 

Tax benefits – As applicable for an individual, based on prevailing tax laws

Life insurance is a necessity for every working individual with financial responsibilities. HDFC Life has been an innovator in the life insurance space offering customisable products that meet the ever-evolving needs of Indian consumers. The Company offers a robust digital platform that provides multiple servicing options to customers as per their convenience. HDFC Life’s commitment to customers is reflected in its consistently high claim settlement ratio, which was 99.50% for FY24. 

Speaking on the product launch, Aneesh Khanna – Head Products & Segments, HDFC Life, commented, “We, at HDFC Life, believe that life insurance products need to be designed to fit the specific needs of every individual, depending on their age, life stage, current income and future plans. Every individual dreams of a financially secure future for their loved ones and also of achieving goals such as buying a home, sending their children for higher education to a prestigious institute, etc. These dreams need long-term planning with an instrument that offers flexibility, liquidity and financial security. HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage has been designed to offer a solution to individuals who endeavour to create a better future and protect their dreams against uncertainties with a financial safety net.”

About HDFC Life

Founded in 2000, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited (‘HDFC Life’ or the ‘Company’) is a leading provider of long-term life insurance solutions in India. It offers a broad range of individual and group plans across the Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity, and Health categories, with a portfolio of products and optional riders designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

HDFC Life is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private banks. The Company has a nationwide presence, operating through its own branches and a network of over 300 distribution partners, including banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, and emerging ecosystem partners. HDFC Life also maintains a strong base of financial consultants.

Recognised as a great place to work, HDFC Life is deeply committed to governance and sustainability, ensuring responsible business practices that align with its long-term objectives.

For more information, visit www.hdfclife.com or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.

CII Unveils Strategy To Position India As A Global Logistics Hub

·         This expanding sector is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1.5 to 1.7 crore jobs within India by 2030.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has outlined an ambitious strategic vision to establish India as a "Global Logistics Hub," leveraging the nation’s rapidly expanding logistics sector and economic potential. As India strengthens its position as a key player in the global logistics landscape, this initiative aims to harness its unique strengths to create employment opportunities, attract investments, and drive economic growth.

The logistics sector in India is fueled by the growth of e-commerce, manufacturing, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). India has already emerged as a preferred GCC hub for global enterprises seeking efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and innovation. This expanding sector is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 1.5 to 1.7 crore jobs within India by 2030.

India has all the essential elements to emerge as a global leader in logistics. The country boasts a rapidly developing logistics infrastructure, which lays a strong foundation for seamless connectivity and efficient supply chain management. Complementing this growth is a diverse and skilled workforce that spans all levels of management, ensuring expertise and adaptability across the sector.

Additionally, India has a strong talent pool of business and technology leaders who drive innovation and strategic growth within the industry. The expanding presence of Global Capability Centres further strengthens India's position as a hub for international business operations.

The nation's thriving startup ecosystem fosters creativity and technological advancement, fueling disruptive innovations in logistics solutions. This progress is supported by a robust education system that encourages early industry engagement, preparing the next generation of professionals to meet future challenges. Moreover, government policies have been increasingly supportive, creating an environment conducive to growth and international collaboration in the logistics sector.

‘Logistics for All’ – A Transformative CII Initiative

To achieve this vision, CII has launched the "Logistics for All" initiative, a collaborative effort to engage all stakeholders in the logistics ecosystem. This initiative will create a multitude of opportunities across industries and geographies, offering aspirational career paths, professional growth, and leadership opportunities.

“The ‘Logistics for All’, a CII initiative, engaging all stakeholders, is critical to realize the vision of positioning India as a global logistics hub. This initiative will create numerous opportunities, offering aspirational careers that span industries and geographies. This initiative will offer career growth, job satisfaction, and leadership opportunities in the increasingly important human-machine collaboration,” said Mr. R Dinesh, Chairman, CII-Institute of Logistics Advisory Council.

The CII Institute of Logistics serves as a collaborative platform that brings together policymakers, industry stakeholders (both logistics service providers and user sectors), academia, training centers, and aspirants to collectively work towards India's emergence as a global logistics powerhouse.

Strategic Workforce Development for Logistics Excellence

A key pillar of CII’s strategy is the comprehensive development of the logistics workforce. This approach emphasizes industry-aligned training programs designed to deliver strong placement outcomes, ensuring that trainees are well-prepared for real-world demands. It also focuses on providing early exposure to logistics careers for senior and senior secondary school students, fostering interest in the field from a young age. To meet regional demands, localized training centers are being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, expanding access to skill development across the country. Additionally, the strategy aims to promote logistics as an aspirational career path to attract skilled talent. Strategic collaborations are being pursued to develop internationally recognized training programs, ensuring global relevance. CII also engages with international industries to standardize knowledge and facilitate global placements for trainees, aligning India’s logistics workforce with global benchmarks.

CII’s six-pronged workforce development strategy is designed to bridge the rural-urban divide, address the unique needs of both SMEs and large enterprises, and enhance gender diversity in the logistics workforce. These integrated strategies will help shape aspirations for careers in global logistics and supply chain management, further solidifying India’s position as a dominant force in the global logistics industry.

MAHE, Manipal Introduces Integrated B.Sc. To M.Sc. Program In Clinical And Computational Neurosciences

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a premier Institute of Eminence and Deemed-to-be University, is excited to announce a pioneering new academic program. Starting from the academic year 2025, the Department of Basic Medical Sciences (DBMS) at MAHE, Manipal, will offer an integrated pathway from B.Sc. Medical Sciences to M.Sc. Clinical and Computational Neurosciences, making it the first of its kind in the academic field.

This innovative program is designed to meet the growing demand for advanced education in medical sciences while providing students with diverse career opportunities. MAHE’s commitment to excellence and cutting-edge teaching methods, including problem-based learning, self-directed learning, and small group discussions, ensures that students gain practical knowledge applicable to real-world scenarios.

The program offers multiple pathways, allowing students to customize their academic journey based on their performance and interests. Students begin their educational journey with a B.Sc. in Medical Sciences and have the flexibility to either complete their B.Sc. Basic Medical Sciences degree or continue into postgraduate studies. Those achieving a CGPA of 7.5 or above and ranking in the top 25% of their class can opt for a fourth-year research project, earning a B.Sc. Honors in Basic Medical Sciences with a minor in Clinical Neurosciences, which will be noted on their transcript. Graduates from this track will be eligible for direct Ph.D. admission without requiring a master’s degree, in alignment with NEP 2020.

Students with a CGPA of 6.5 or above but not selected for the research track can still progress to the fourth year and choose a specialization in Clinical Neuroscience or Computational Neuroscience. Upon completing the fifth year, they will be awarded an M.Sc. in Clinical Neurosciences or M.Sc. in Computational Neurosciences in addition to their B.Sc. degree.

Graduates of this program will have a wide range of career options across academia, healthcare, and industry. Opportunities in academia include teaching and research roles in Neuroscience departments. In medical research, graduates can work as research associates in neurology, neurosurgery, and oncology. The industry also offers career prospects in pharmaceutical companies, medical devices, artificial intelligence, and cognitive computing.

Interested candidates can now apply for the B.Sc. Basic Medical Sciences (UG) program through apply.manipal.edu under the Health Science stream.

For more details, contact 0820-2922520 or 0820-2922519. Alternatively, visit the DBMS Office, MMMC Building, 2nd Floor, MAHE Manipal.

This first-of-its-kind program at MAHE will create future medical sciences and neuroscience research leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking educational journey!

Samsung Transforms Smartphone Service Centres With Premium Design And Exceptional Customer Service

·       Redesigned service centres will feature comfortable lounge-style seating, built-in wireless charging, and dedicated kiosks for product support, showcasing new innovations and exclusive offers

·       Now, customers can pre-book their visiting slots from the comfort of their home and check-in schedule time to avoid queues

·       With over 3,000 service touchpoints, the new service centre features will be implemented in phases across major cities, ensuring improved after-sales support for all customers

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, is set to elevate its smartphone customer service experience with a comprehensive redesign of its service centres. This initiative aims to establish a seamless service-to-sales journey, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to superior after-sales support with a strong focus on premium customer care.

Designed to deliver an integrated omni-channel experience, the remodelled service centres incorporate advanced digitalised processes to cater to evolving expectations of Samsung’s young and dynamic customer base. They not only boast a diverse product portfolio but also lead the way in technological innovation with advanced diagnostic tools that detect issues with pin-point accuracy.

The upgraded centres break away from traditional layouts, introducing plush, sofa-style seating equipped with inbuilt wireless charging stations to create a lounge-like ambience. Reimagined accessory walls showcase Samsung’s extensive range of wearables, while ultra-large digital screens feature the latest product innovations, offering visitors an immersive experience.

“Over the decades, we have expanded a robust network of service centres to support our existing customer base which is concurrent to the needs of our sales partners. As consumer expectations evolve every day, we wanted to transform these spaces by infusing youthful and efficient design elements to make them more appealing, while keeping traditional customer needs in mind. At the heart of this is Samsung’s commitment to providing a premium experience to its customers,” said Sunil Cutinha, VP, Customer Satisfaction, Samsung India.

To enhance customer interactions, dedicated kiosks will enable visitors to connect with product support specialists, explore new product launches, and stay updated on exclusive offers and discounts. An online appointment booking system will allow customers to schedule their visits in advance, ensuring a hassle-free experience with minimal wait times.

Samsung currently operates more than 3,000 service touch points across India including physical service centres, resident engineers and collection points. The roll-out of the service centre redesign will be implemented in phases across key cities, ensuring an elevated customer experience nationwide.

SNI Link Samsung Transforms Smartphone Service Centres with Premium Design and Exceptional Customer Service – Samsung Newsroom India

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For latest news on Samsung India, visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

Renault Kwid, Kiger And Triber Now Available With CNG Kit Option

Eco-Friendly & Affordable: Enhances fuel efficiency while ensuring sustainability

Warranty & Safety: Comes with a three-year warranty and standardized fitment

Phased Rollout: Launching in key states, with nationwide expansion planned.

Competitive Pricing: Rs 79,500 for Triber & Kiger, Rs 75,000 for Kwid

Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Group, announces availability of government approved CNG retrofitment kits across all its models “Kiger, Triber, and Kwid”. This initiative does not only expand Renault’s reach to new set of customers but also underscores Renault's commitment to providing eco-friendly and efficient mobility solutions.

Strengthening commitment to customer centricity and peace of mind for the customers all CNG retrofitment cars will come with three-year warranty.

Mr. Venkatram M., Managing Director and Country CEO, Renault India, said, "Our commitment to innovation and sustainability drives us to continuously improve our offerings. The introduction of the Govt. approved CNG retrofitment kit across all models are a testament to our dedication to providing eco-friendly and smart solutions for our customers. We believe this initiative will make Renault cars even more accessible and practical, solidifying our position in India."

The CNG retrofitment kit is available for all variants and models except automatic and Turbo variants. The CNG kit is a retrofit carried out through a preferred vendor, using a homologated kit that meets all safety and performance standards.

The development and customisation of the fitment is detailed to the smallest hardware packaged as a kit to have uniformity and standardised fitments across the network.

Renault cars with the CNG kits have been duly validated to ensure there is no impact on driving performance ensuring that our customers enjoy the best driving experience.

The CNG retrofitment kit will be made available in a phased manner. Sales will start in five key states of Haryana, UP, Delhi, Gujarat & Maharashtra, contributing 65% of the market and subsequently cover 100% in the coming months.

Renault continues to focus on making its cars feature rich and smart, reinforcing its position as one of the most practical choices for SUVs and MPVs in the market. With the introduction of the CNG retrofitment kit, Renault is taking a step towards sustainable and efficient driving solutions.

*Price of the CNG fitment inclusive of all costs

Triber & Kiger        : INR 79,500

Kwid            : INR 75,000

GAIL Organizes Cyclothon As Part Of Sakhsam 2024-25 To Promote Clean Environment

GAIL (India) Limited, as part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, successfully organized a Cyclothon  in Bengaluru today at Sahakar Nagar playground as part of the Sakhsam 2024-25 initiative. This year’s theme, "Cleaner Environment through Green and Clean Energy," was brought to life through an engaging and fun-filled cycling event that highlighted the importance of clean energy and eco-friendly practices.

Around 100 members including GAIL employees and their family members actively participated in the event, reflecting the company's dedication to fostering a sustainable environment while promoting health and wellness. The Cyclothon provided participants an opportunity to actively engage in environmentally conscious activities while raising awareness about the critical role of green energy in protecting our planet.

The Sakhsam 2024-25 program, organized by GAIL (India) Limited, aims to accelerate the adoption of green energy solutions, promote energy efficiency, and reduce the overall carbon footprint across industries, residential spaces, and transportation. This initiative will also strengthen the country's efforts towards climate change mitigation and achieving its sustainability goals.

Main theme of Saksham is Promotion of Renewable Energy: The initiative focuses on advancing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. Through strategic investments and partnerships, GAIL (India) Limited aims to help transition to a low-carbon future by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Energy Efficiency Programs: A variety of energy-efficient solutions will be introduced to optimize energy consumption in both industrial and residential sectors. Programs to upgrade infrastructure and implement energy-saving technologies will be rolled out.

With the goal of reducing carbon emissions, the initiative aims to meet and surpass environmental targets set by national and global frameworks. Clean energy technologies and practices will play a vital role in this effort.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns are also held  by GAIL as part of this initiative in Resident Welfare Associations, Schools, Government offices etc. . to educate the citizens of Bengaluru and beyond about clean energy alternatives, eco-friendly practices, and the importance of energy conservation.

Fastrack Launches Award-Winning “BARE Collection” For The Fashion-Forward Youth

~The bold transparent design has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Designs at the prestigious 24th CII India Design Summit 2024~

Fastrack, India's leading youth fashion accessories brand has introduced its latest unisex collection BARE, an innovative transparent watch that celebrates raw authenticity and unfiltered self-expression. The collection has already garnered recognition as one of the Top 50 Designs in the Product Design Category at the prestigious 24th CII India Design Summit 2024.

The BARE collection showcases a striking skeletal dial complemented by bold aluminum bezel rings in 6 vibrant colours, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary watch design. Priced at INR 2195, the collection makes bold fashion accessible to style-conscious youth across India.

With the tagline of “Too Bare To Care”, the campaign highlights the unique design of the watch while celebrating those who keep are not afraid to show who they are.

Speaking at the launch, Danny Jacob, Head of Marketing at Fastrack, said, "Today’s youth navigate a digital world brimming with hyper-curated, picture-perfect content. But what often gets hidden are the raw, unfiltered realities—flaws, slip-ups, bloopers—that make us beautifully human. It takes boldness and authenticity to show up as your true self in a world that favors perfection. We want to celebrate those fearless enough to embrace the messy, imperfect, and wonderfully real moments of being unapologetically human!"

The Fastrack BARE collection has 6 SKUs and is now available across all Fastrack retail outlets, Titan World stores, authorised dealers, and leading online platforms. You can also browse the collection online at - https://www.fastrack.in/collection-bare.html.

The campaign is now live: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEKT2RvTizG/