BMW Group India Is The Luxury Mobility Partner At VIP Terminal Of Bengaluru International Airport

* VIP guests to be ushered in the first-ever BMW i7 and the all-electric MINI Countryman at Kempegowda International Airport.

The first-ever BMW i7 and the all-electric MINI Countryman are now official choice for all VIP movements at VIP Terminal, Kempegowda International Airport - Bengaluru. The flagship BMW and MINI cars will now be used by all dignitaries, leading businessmen and eminent personalities transiting through the VIP Terminal of Bengaluru International Airport.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, "At BMW Group India, we are committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility with innovation, luxury, and responsibility. The first-ever BMW i7 and the all-electric MINI Countryman, now the official choice for VIP movements at Kempegowda International Airport’s VIP Terminal, redefine premium travel with their unmatched elegance and zero-emission performance. As dignitaries, business leaders, and eminent personalities transit through Bengaluru, they will experience the epitome of electric luxury and cutting-edge technology, setting new benchmarks for responsible mobility in India."

BMW i7 is a true all-electric luxury sedan that clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. BMW’s flagship luxury sedan with its enhanced level of comfort and the unique in-car entertainment system takes a pioneering route to maximising wellbeing inside the car. The i7 offers all-electric innovation, visionary design, and powerful driving dynamics so that you can make a striking impression everywhere you go.

The all-electric MINI Countryman represents a significant step forward in MINI’s commitment to sustainability and innovative design. Combining the iconic MINI charm with cutting-edge electric technology, this model offers a spacious interior and versatile cargo space, making it perfect for urban adventures and weekend getaways alike. With its electric powertrain, the Countryman delivers instant torque and a smooth, quiet ride. It is equipped with advanced connectivity features and driver-assistance systems, ensuring a modern driving experience that aligns with the needs of eco-conscious consumers. As part of MINI's electrification strategy, the all-electric Countryman showcases the brand's dedication to creating fun, stylish, and environmentally friendly vehicles.

BMW Group India

With BMW, MINI and Motorrad, the BMW Group has its sight set firmly on the premium sector of the Indian automobile market. Along with cars and motorcycles, BMW Group's activities in India comprise of financial services for its premium clientele. BMW India and BMW India Financial Services are 100% subsidiaries of the BMW Group and are headquartered in Gurgaon (National Capital Region).

BMW India started operations in 2007. The wide range of its activities include a manufacturing plant in Chennai, a parts warehouse in Pune, a training centre in Gurgaon NCR and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country. BMW Group Plant Chennai locally produces 10 car models.

MINI has successfully established itself as a premium small car brand in India since its launch in January 2012.

BMW Motorrad officially started its operations as a part of the Indian subsidiary of BMW Group in April 2017.

With BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad, BMW Group India currently has over 80 touchpoints across the country.

BMW India Financial Services, a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), started operations in 2010. It operates with three business lines: Retail Finance, Commercial Finance and Insurance Solutions (as corporate agents). The services offered through BMW India Financial Services are significantly valuable to the premium clientele who require exclusive and flexible financial solutions.

wienerberger India Revolutionizes Façade Architecture With T-Brick: A Super Premium And Sustainable Building Solution

wienerberger India, a leading provider of green building materials has recently launched T-Brick, a façade tile system that redefines the future of modern brick architecture with a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality.

T-Brick Façade Tiles combine robust design, rich textures, with advanced dry cladding system to create a premium and sustainable brick architecture. With an extensive range of colors & finishes, architects and façade consultants can create visually stunning and impressive structures.

"T-Brick is a game-changer in the façade tiles industry," said Mr. Monnanda Appaiah, Managing Director, wienerberger India. "Its unique blend of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability makes it the perfect choice for premium and sustainable architecture."

T-Brick's innovative design provides a faster, cleaner, and more secure installation process, saving time and money for builders and developers. Its unmatched durability and weather resistance ensure that buildings adorned with T-Brick tiles retain their elegance for decades.

Key Features of T-Brick:

- Unique and sleek design with extensive range of finishes and colours

- Advanced dry cladding technology for faster, cleaner, and more secure installation

- Unmatched durability and weather resistance for long-lasting elegance

- Sustainable and eco-friendly, integrating seamlessly with green building practices

- Special designed installation board makes the system unique

- Ideal for premium projects, T-Brick can be used in few, exclusive places

"We are committed to providing sustainable and innovative building solutions," added Mr. Appaiah. "T-Brick is a testament to our dedication to excellence and our passion for revolutionizing the facade industry."

With T-Brick, wienerberger India aims to revolutionize the façade architecture industry with a luxurious and sustainable building solution. The company's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence makes T-Brick an ideal choice for architects, builders, and developers seeking to create iconic and eco-friendly structures.

About wienerberger India

wienerberger India provides innovative building solutions, focusing on environmental responsibility and sustainable development. With a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, wienerberger India strives to minimize its ecological footprint while promoting sustainable development.

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

Doctors At Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru Performs Asia’s First AI-Designed Intraocular Lens Implantation

·         Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and CMD of Nethradhama, became the first surgeon in Asia to carry out the procedure, which helps cataract and astigmatism patients achieve clear vision across all distances with reduced dependence on glasses.

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, a pioneering institution in eye care, has performed Asia’s first AI-designed intraocular lens implantation. Under the leadership of Professor Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman & Managing Director of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital and Founder Trustee of Shraddha Eye Care Trust, the hospital achieved this milestone, making him the first surgeon in Asia to carry out the procedure using Rayner RayOne Galaxy and Galaxy Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs).

“Our goal is always to provide the best solutions for our patients, and this innovation allows us to offer superior vision outcomes with minimal side effects,” said Dr. Sri Ganesh. “By leveraging AI-driven technology in intraocular lens design, we can achieve greater precision, enhanced customization, and improved patient satisfaction.”

This represents a notable advancement in AI-driven vision correction and a significant step forward in refractive cataract surgery, bringing us closer to more personalized vision solutions.

“The biggest challenge with previous IOLs has been balancing vision quality with night vision clarity,” explained Dr. Sri Ganesh. “This new lens overcomes this by using AI to optimize light distribution, giving patients an exceptional visual experience. It revolutionizes vision with its non-diffractive, AI-optimized spiral design, ensuring seamless clarity at all distances while enhancing contrast sensitivity. Unlike traditional trifocal lenses, it evenly distributes light across all focal points, reducing halos and glare for improved night vision. Its innovative optical structure enhances contrast even in low light, and the toric variant offers optimal rotational stability for precise astigmatic correction."

These lenses are specifically designed for patients with cataracts and astigmatism who seek reduced dependence—or complete independence—from glasses.

“For our patients, achieving true spectacle independence has always been a priority. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who require excellent vision across all distances while maintaining good night vision for driving and other low-light activities,” noted Dr. Sri Ganesh.

According to Dr. Sri Ganesh, the initial post-operative results have been extremely promising, with patients reporting excellent visual clarity within the first 24 hours. He added that long-term studies will continue to assess patient-reported experiences, particularly in real-world conditions like night driving and low-light environments.

Dr. Sri Ganesh is widely recognized for his expertise in high-risk surgeries, earning a stellar reputation in the field of advanced eye care. With an impeccable track record, he has performed over 100,000 Phaco surgeries and 50,000 Refractive surgeries, demonstrating exceptional surgical precision and innovation. His expertise is highly sought after on the global stage, serving on the advisory boards of leading companies such as Carl Zeiss Meditec Germany and J&J Vision USA. Beyond surgery, he has played a pivotal role in ophthalmic innovation, holding multiple patents for groundbreaking solutions that continue to shape the future of eye care.

To ensure an informed decision-making process, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital offers comprehensive counseling and visual simulation sessions for patients considering these AI-designed IOLs. These sessions allow patients to preview their expected vision outcomes, including night vision improvements.

“With AI-driven advancements like these, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in ophthalmology. Our mission at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital is to continually push the boundaries of innovation to provide our patients with the best possible visual outcomes. We are thrilled to bring this revolutionary technology to Asia and look forward to its impact on the future of vision correction,” added Dr. Sri Ganesh.

Under Dr. Sri Ganesh’s leadership, Nethradhama is committed to innovation and excellence, continuously integrating state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the best possible visual outcomes for patients. Through its dedication to research, training, and compassionate care, it has established itself as a trusted name in eye health, both in India and globally.

TKM Reaffirms Its Commitment To Environmental Stewardship And Sustainable Practices On World Forest Day And World Water Day 2025

As the world marks ‘World Forest Day’ and ‘World Water Day’, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reaffirms its commitment to environmental conservation, embodying the global Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 (TEC 2050) consisting of six visionary challenges ‘Going Beyond Zero Environmental Impact and Achieving Net Positive Impact’, which includes minimising and optimising water usage as well Establishing a Future Society in Harmony with Nature.

Since its inception in 2015, Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 continues to guide the company’s sustainable initiatives, enabling positive contributions to the restoration of the earth’s ecosystem, by addressing pressing challenges such as carbon emissions, resource depletion, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss across its entire value chain. At the heart of TKM's commitment lies a profound philosophy of ‘Respect for the Planet’, that inspires the company’s efforts to minimize environmental impact while enriching ecosystems and local communities.

In this direction, recognizing water as an invaluable & shared resource, Toyota Kirloskar Motor at its plant facility follows a holistic ‘4R’ strategy—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recharge—to optimize water usage. An impressive 89.3% of TKM’s total water requirement for production is met through recycled water and rainwater harvesting. With rainwater harvesting ponds boasting a storage capacity of 51,000 cubic meters and 18 groundwater recharge pits, TKM consistently elevates groundwater levels within its premises annually. A state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant recycles up to 60% of effluent using advanced technologies like MBR & RO, which is then used for industrial and gardening purposes. Further, the groundwater level monitoring showcases clear benefits: pre-monsoon (May-June 2022) levels stood at 25.8 feet, improving significantly to 16.1 feet post-monsoon (November-December). These initiatives help position TKM toward becoming a Zero Liquid Discharge plant progressively moving towards water positivity.

Committed to biodiversity conservation, TKM actively champions extensive afforestation initiatives. Through the Toyota Greenwave Project, TKM has planted over 328,000 saplings across its premises since 2009, nurturing an ecosystem with more than 790 varieties of flora and 410 species of fauna. Following the Miyawaki concept of afforestation, TKM has achieved significant carbon sequestration—totalling 4,826.69 tons—with Miyawaki plantations sequestering 30.86 tons of carbon per acre as compared to 8.45 tons per acre for conventional plantation methods.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. B. Padmanabha, Executive Vice President & Director – Manufacturing at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “For us, sustainability is deeply woven into every aspect of our business. Over these 26 remarkable years of our successful operations in India, our journey has always been driven by a commitment to creating lasting value through innovation, corporate responsibility, and meaningful relationships with the communities. Guided by TEC 2050, we integrate pioneering sustainability practices not only in our plant operations but across the entire value chain, driving real change in the society. Our vision is clear—to create a future where sustainability and well-being thrive together, enriching lives, while protecting our planet.

We take pride in the impact we have made and remain committed to driving lasting, sustainable change. Our work continues, building a brighter, happier future for all.”

Central to TKM’s environmental and community outreach is the 25-acre Ecozone, a state-of-the-art experiential environmental learning hub established under the 'Today for Tomorrow' initiative. Since FY 2020, the Ecozone has been instrumental in conserving native biodiversity and serves as home to over 650 species, including endangered wildlife. This vibrant educational space has reached over 40,000 school children and various stakeholders, creating eco champions, fostering collective environmental responsibility and adopting sustainable practices towards nurturing mother earth.

Expanding community-driven sustainability efforts, TKM adopted the 3.4-acre Abbanakuppe Lake, significantly improving local environmental quality. An impact assessment conducted in FY 2023-24 highlighted remarkable community feedback: 90% noted better water quality, 87% reported increased bird sightings, 72% observed reduced garbage dumping, and 69% appreciated enhanced aesthetics and recreational spaces. Overall, 94% of community respondents expressed high satisfaction, recommending similar projects in the region. Approximately 8,000 residents from six surrounding villages currently benefit from this rejuvenation project.

TKM embraces sustainability as a collaborative endeavour, actively engaging with stakeholders—including community members, employees, suppliers, dealers, schoolteachers, and students. Since FY 2020, more than 250,000 saplings have been distributed within TKM premises, creating expansive green spaces covering over 100 acres.

Moving forward, TKM remains committed to sustainable innovations, strengthening community lives, and diligently preserving natural ecosystems—dedicated to leaving a legacy of environmental stewardship and holistic development for future generations.

Kotak Mutual Fund launches Choti SIP - A Small Way To Plan For Your Dreams

Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd (“KMAMC” / “Kotak Mutual Fund”) today announced the launch of the “Choti SIP” facility. Choti SIP will be available for all eligible schemes of Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund*. SEBI and AMFI recently introduced the Choti SIP (Small Ticket SIP), offering an excellent opportunity to bring more Indians into the wealth creation journey.

Nilesh Shah, Managing Director, KMAMC, said, “Only about 5.4 crore unique investors of India’s population are mutual fund investors—leaving a massive, untapped opportunity for penetration and bringing the Indian saver closer to financial freedom. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have been an excellent way to bring new investors and kick-start their mutual fund journey. With the launch of Choti SIP, a new investor can begin their wealth creation journey with a minimum amount of Rs. 250. We can call it ‘Choti Rakam – Bada Kadam’.”

This initiative enables new investors to invest via SIP with a minimum amount of Rs. 250. The rationale behind "Choti SIP" (small Systematic Investment Plan) is to make mutual fund investments more accessible to a wider audience, particularly first-time investors, by lowering the entry barrier. The investor must not have previously invested in mutual funds (SIP or Lumpsum) at the industry level. The investor must invest in the Growth Option and commit to a minimum of 60 instalments on a monthly basis. The payment of instalments should be made through NACH or UPI auto-pay only.

Investors should consult their financial experts and tax advisors if in doubt about whether the plan is suitable for them. Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (KMAMC) does not guarantee or promise any returns/futuristic returns.

About Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co. Ltd.

Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Limited (KMAMC) - a wholly owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (Kotak), is the Asset Manager for Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund (KMF). KMAMC started operations in December 1998 and as of 31st December 2024, has over 70.43 Lakh unique folios in various schemes. KMF offers schemes catering to investors with varying risk - return profiles and was the first fund house in the country to launch a dedicated gilt scheme investing only in government securities. The company is present in 96 cities and has 104 branches as of 31st December 2024.

*Please refer the addendum on our website for complete list of eligible schemes & detailed key features.

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://www.kotakmf.com 

Samsung Announces Exciting Offers And Deals On Its AI-Powered TVs, Celebrating The Month of Festivals With Awesome India

* Consumers can avail exciting offers on Samsung’s premium range of Neo QLED, OLED, and Crystal 4K UHD TVs, with up to 20% cashback, zero down payment, and Long tenure EMI up to 30 months

* Consumers purchasing any Samsung TV during this period can enjoy additional benefits, including a free TV worth up to Rs 2, 04, 990 or a free soundbar worth up to Rs 90,990 on select purchases.

* The Festive Campaign will run from March 5 to March 31, 2025, with exclusive deals available at Samsung.com and select retail stores across India

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has announced its exclusive Festive Campaign to celebrate Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Holi with incredible deals on its premium AI big-screen TVs, including Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, and Crystal 4K UHD TV models. Running from March 5 to March 31, 2025, this campaign presents consumers with unmatched offers to upgrade their home entertainment experience.

Elevating home entertainment to the next level, Samsung’s premium range of TVs offer AI-powered picture quality, immersive sound, and sleek designs. Consumers can also avail a free TV worth up to Rs 2,04,990 or a free soundbar worth up to Rs 90,990 on select purchases. To make these innovations more accessible, Samsung is offering up to 20% cashback, zero down payment, and easy EMI options starting at just INR 2990 for up to 30 months. Additionally, they can enjoy up to 45% off on Samsung Soundbars with the purchase of any Samsung TV, making it the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a cinematic viewing experience. These offers will be available on Samsung.com, leading online portals, and select Samsung retail outlets across India.

“At Samsung, we continuously strive to enhance the consumers viewing experience by offering cutting-edge technology combined with attractive deals, bringing best-in-class technology into their homes. Our premium AI-powered TVs redefine entertainment, offering unparalleled picture quality, immersive sound, and seamless connectivity. As we celebrate the month of festivals with Awesome India, we are excited to offer exclusive deals on Samsung’s range of AI-powered TVs. Through these exciting festive offers, we aim to make premium home entertainment more accessible, allowing consumers to elevate their viewing experience and celebrate with their loved ones in the most immersive way possible,” said Viplesh Dang, Senior Director, Visual Display Business, Samsung India.

Samsung’s latest festive offers, running in the month of March, are designed to make AI-powered home entertainment more accessible. The premium TV range ensures consumers enjoy immersive visuals with advanced AI upscaling, lifelike color accuracy, and superior sound quality. Samsung TVs, equipped with Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony, deliver multidimensional audio, making every scene more captivating. Moreover, with Samsung Knox security, users can enjoy a secure and seamless smart TV experience. Powered by AI and Quantum Matrix Technology, these TVs deliver superior contrast, clarity, and brightness, transforming any living room into a home theatre.

Samsung’s festive campaign underscores its commitment to innovation and consumer delight, offering the perfect blend of technology, design, and value. The offers are available on 55” & above TV  sizes across the Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED TV and Crystal 4K UHD TV range.

Samsung TV Models:

Neo QLED 8K

Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K range features the NQ8 AI Gen2 Processor, enabling a transformative AI-powered viewing experience. With 256 AI neural networks, this processor optimizes picture and sound quality, delivering an unparalleled 8K experience, whether streaming, gaming, or watching live sports. Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro ensures consistently crisp visuals and ultra-fast speeds for a smooth gaming experience.

Neo QLED 4K

Samsung’s Neo QLED 4K lineup, powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, enhances any content to stunning 4K resolution. Quantum Matrix Technology ensures impeccable contrast, while the world’s first Pantone Validated display guarantees true-to-life color accuracy. With Dolby Atmos integration, the Neo QLED 4K range provides an immersive cinematic experience.

QLED TV

Samsung’s QLED TVs utilize Quantum Dot technology to deliver 100% color volume, ensuring vibrant visuals at any brightness level. Designed to blend seamlessly into any home, these ultra-slim TVs offer a perfect combination of style and performance.

OLED TV

Samsung’s glare-free OLED TV eliminates unwanted reflections while preserving deep blacks and crisp images in all lighting conditions. Featuring the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, Real Depth Enhancer, and OLED HDR Pro, these TVs redefine picture quality. With Motion Xcelerator 144Hz, Samsung OLED TVs offer ultra-smooth visuals, making them the ultimate choice for gaming enthusiasts.

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, please 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.

Bandhan AMC Introduces Vedartha – A Wealth Creation Platform For Onshore And Offshore Investors

Bandhan AMC, a leading name in the Indian investment management industry, announced its new alternate investment platform, Vedartha. The new platform seeks to offer products using listed equities and fixed-income solutions under Bandhan AMC’s Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) as well as Portfolio Management Services (PMS). Equity-focused products offered under Vedartha will be managed by a team led by Mrinal Singh, Head – Alternates (Listed Equities), whereas Fixed Income products offered under Vedartha will be managed by a team headed by Bhupendra Meel, Head – PMS & Alternative – Fixed Income.

Link to Vedartha page: https://bandhanamc.com/vedartha

“Vedartha was born out of a vision to cater to a niche audience with distinct needs. Vedartha derives its essence from Sanskrit words— Veda, embodying the timeless pursuit of wisdom through knowledge, and Artha, signifying prosperity through purposeful wealth creation. Together, they reflect a philosophy where expertise drives prosperity, and wealth becomes a means to create enduring impact. Vedartha is supported by a dedicated and seasoned investment team with proven expertise, along with a senior management team with an average experience of 15-20 years. It is backed by Bandhan AMC’s 25-year legacy and supported by Bandhan Group, GIC (Singapore), and ChrysCapital.” said Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC.

“Vedartha reflects our commitment to offering bespoke solutions that cater to the nuanced financial aspirations of our clients. By combining innovation, expertise, and purpose-driven strategies within the listed equity space, we aim to support our clients in their wealth creation journey.” said Mrinal Singh, Head – Alternatives (Listed Equities), Bandhan AMC.

“At its heart, Vedartha echoes our belief that wealth creation is a journey guided by knowledge, expertise, and purpose. In the PMS and Alternative space, Vedartha is designed to create unique solutions for our clients, simplifying the complexities of navigating dynamic markets with trust & confidence.” added Bhupendra Meel, Head – PMS & Alternative – Fixed Income.

Vedartha’s investment philosophy is built on identifying high-potential opportunities, crafting pertinent strategies, and constructing portfolios. Vedartha provides customised investment solutions that balance today’s opportunities with tomorrow’s possibilities. It provides a commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience through rigorous reviews, proactive insights, and personalised strategies.