Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Samsung To Launch 2025 Line-Up Of Bespoke AI Appliances In India Next Week


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* AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Samsung, India's largest consumer electronics brand will launch its new range of Bespoke AI digital appliances on June 25. Through these appliances, Samsung aims to bring a new era of connected, intelligent, and personalized home experiences for Indian consumers.

The new range of appliances will come with intuitive, intelligent screens, two-way natural conversations, Knox security and SmartThings.

With its 2025 Bespoke AI range, Samsung is committed to transform homes into truly smart, secure, and energy-efficient spaces that respond proactively to consumer needs, making home living simpler and seamlessly connected.

Additionally, Samsung is organizing its first ever Bespoke AI Technical Seminar in India to showcase the technology behind its Bespoke AI appliances. Samsung will display its top of the line Bespoke AI Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Washer Dryer Combo and Air Conditioners at the Tech Seminar. Samsung will also demonstrate Multi-Device experience in action.

HDFC Life And Digamber Capfin Ltd. Collaborate To Cover Micro Loans And Make Life Insurance Accessible For All


HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers and Digamber Capfin Ltd. have come together with the aim of covering micro loans, thereby enhancing financial inclusion. This partnership would enable expanding access to life insurance across underserved regions of India.

This association will leverage Digamber Capfin’s extensive network across 120 districts in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, thus enabling deeper penetration of life insurance into semi-urban and rural markets.

This will give further impetus to the common objective of both organisations - to bridge the financial inclusion gap by reaching diverse and previously untapped communities. The initiative aligns with HDFC Life’s commitment to making life insurance accessible to every Indian, thus contributing to the larger goal of financial security and empowerment for all.

Speaking on this, Vineet Arora – Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Digamber Capfin Ltd. The life insurance industry has set out to achieve the goal of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’. At HDFC Life, we are endeavoring to achieve this collective goal by enhancing our footprint across geographies. We believe this association will play an important role in insuring individuals, especially those belonging to the economically weaker section of the society, thus securing the future for them and their families.”

Speaking on the partnership, Rajiv Jain – Chairman and Managing Director, Digamber Capfin Ltd. said, “We are extremely delighted to partner with HDFC Life to ensure that every loan extended to underprivileged entrepreneurs gives them social security. This collaboration will provide financial protection to their families in the unfortunate event of the borrower’s demise. HDFC Life’s strong focus on customer centricity and its simplified, end-to-end processes will enable Digamber Capfin Ltd. to effectively extend insurance coverage to low-income individuals at the bottom of the pyramid.”

About HDFC Life

Established 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.

Recognized 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.

About Digamber Capfin Ltd. 

Digamber Capfin Limited (Digamber Finance) started in the magnificent land of Rajasthan, Jaipur in 1995 with a sole mission to empower rural Indian minds with a range of financial services is today one of the leading providers of MFI Loans in the 8 states and 1 Union Territory with over 210 branches and more than 1850 employees working every day to enable the rural population to succeed and grow, who are striving to make a change in the society.

Having focused on serving the underprivileged who live in remote villages and who don’t have access to formal credit, Digamber Finance chooses to lend a helping hand to ambitious entrepreneurs who aspire to achieve big in life.

Today with a strong presence in 8 states and 1 Union Territory and covering over 120 districts, and giving smiles to over 1 million happy faces, Digamber Finance offers a wide range of microfinance loans for various purposes including Priority Sectors such as agricultural, small business loans etc.

Phoenix Shopping Festival 2025: A Festive Shopping Extravaganza Begins At Phoenix Marketcity


* This ultimate event promises a feast for your senses, offering an unparalleled experience of shopping, entertainment, cuisine, and prizes from June 14th to July 31st 2025

Phoenix Marketcity is gearing up to launch the “Phoenix Shopping Festival (PSF) 2025”, a month-long shopping extravaganza packed with unbeatable deals, live entertainment, gourmet delights, and surprises at every turn. From June to July 2025, immerse yourself in a world of excitement, filled with shopping delights, captivating entertainment, delectable cuisine, surprises, and the chance to win fabulous prizes. The Phoenix Shopping Festival 2025 promises to be an experience of a lifetime, offering something extraordinary for every customer. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make lasting memories and revel in the festive spirit at Phoenix Market City.

This year from June 13th to June 15th  get flat 50% off at the End of Season Sale at Phoenix Marketcity! Shop for ?10,000 or more and register for the Phoenix Shopping Festival and stand a chance to win prizes worth up to ?1 crore! With over 300 luxury brands to choose from, it's time to give your closet a stunning makeover with your favorite outfits, jewelry, footwear, bags, and more. Shop for Rs. 10,000 or above and stand a chance to win extraordinary grand prizes like an SUV car, domestic holiday vouchers, TVs, ACs, refrigerators, luxury watches, and more!

That's not all! The excitement doesn't end with shopping alone. This Year “Phoenix Shopping Festival" is here to fill your days with boundless happiness, unforgettable experiences, and delightful dining options. With an array of festivities and celebrations, Phoenix Marketcity is the ultimate destination to be in this festive season. Whether you're seeking the perfect gift or indulging in a well-deserved treat, you'll find everything you need to make this season truly special.

Join us at Phoenix Marketcity for the Phoenix Shopping Festival 2025, where shopping, entertainment, and culinary delights unite under one roof to create a unique experience.

About Phoenix Marketcity

A premier lifestyle destination, Phoenix Marketcity Bengaluru redefines urban indulgence by seamlessly blending fashion, gastronomy, and entertainment into one vibrant space. Home to over 300 renowned national and international brands including Zara, Armani Exchange, Sephora, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Aldo, MAC…the mall caters to a diverse audience with its expansive architecture, thoughtfully curated interiors, and a welcoming open-air courtyard.

Malaysia Airlines, MYCEB And LADA Host Global Trade Elevation Summit 2025 In Langkawi To Propel Visit Malaysia Year 2026 Vision


Malaysia Airlines, in strategic collaboration with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MYCEB) and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship Trade Elevation Summit (TES) from 10 to 12 June 2025. As the largest airline trade event in Malaysia, TES 2025 brought together key industry stakeholders on the stunning island of Langkawi – the jewel of Kedah and a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Following the resounding success of the inaugural summit in Kuala Lumpur last year, TES 2025 continued its momentum with over 300 delegates in attendance, including airline representatives, trade partners and key stakeholders from 68 cities across the globe, creating an exceptional platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Langkawi, attendees were immersed in curated experiences that celebrated the best of Malaysian culture, tourism offerings, and the national airline’s latest products and services.

The summit also serves as a timely and strategic catalyst in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), reinforcing Malaysia Airlines’ role as a national flagbearer and global connector.

Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officerof Airlines of Malaysia Aviation Group, said, “Malaysia is more than a destination—it is a story of rich culture, warm hospitality, and global potential. As the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines carries this story across continents, serving as a bridge between nations and a proud ambassador of everything Malaysia stands for. Langkawi has long been a cornerstone of our network—one of our earliest and most iconic leisure destinations. With 56 weekly flights connecting the island to key cities across Malaysia and beyond, we continue to champion Langkawi’s role as a vital tourism gateway and catalyst for regional growth.

Hosting the Trade Elevation Summit here reflects our long-standing commitment to uplifting Malaysia’s key tourism hubs and aligning our efforts with national goals. Through initiatives like the Bonus Side Trip, and ongoing investments in connectivity, product innovation, digital platforms, and customer experience, we are strengthening our foundations and positioning Malaysia Airlines as the top-of-mind carrier in the region. This summit is a strategic milestone in our journey towards Visit Malaysia Year 2026—where we will continue to champion Malaysia as premier global destination.”

As an annual flagship initiative by Malaysia Airlines, TES reinforces the airline’s mission to champion Malaysia as a preferred travel destination, drive innovation in aviation, and foster closer cooperation between international stakeholders and local industry players. Delegates engaged in curated business-to-business (B2B) sessions, immersive product showcases, and strategic forums focusing on aviation growth, regional connectivity, and destination marketing. This year’s edition in Langkawi not only reinforced Malaysia’s position as a premier travel destination in Asia but also underscored the airline’s commitment to supporting state-level tourism through strategic alignment with the nation’s tourism goals.

The summit also featured product showcases, business-to-business sessions, and forward-looking discussions on aviation growth, connectivity, and destination marketing. It was a testament to the strong alignment between Malaysia’s tourism strategy and the airline’s global network ambitions.

With strong support from MYCEB and LADA, TES 2025 underscores a unified national effort to strengthen Malaysia’s tourism and aviation industry —driven by strategic collaboration and shared ambition. With Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the TES 2025 served as a timely and strategic move to energise the tourism ecosystem, build lasting partnerships, and reaffirm Malaysia Airlines’ role as the nation’s proud flagbearer.

About Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering premium and full-service travel options to, from, and within the country. As the gateway to Asia and beyond, the airline carries up to 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s diverse heritage. Malaysia Airlines embodies the nation's rich traditions, cultures, and cuisines, delivering an unparalleled experience through its signature Malaysian Hospitality across every customer touchpoint.

Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. It is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) – a global aviation organisation comprising a range of aviation and lifestyle travel solution portfolios aimed at serving global air travel needs.

As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia Airlines offers enhanced connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories worldwide. For more information, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com or download the Malaysia Airlines app for the latest promotions at your fingertips.

Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group. 

Vestige Launches Assure Premium Fragrance Collection Across India


*          Introduces a new era of everyday elegance and self-expression with BLEU and AMOUR

Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., one of the leading home-grown direct-selling company, unveils a new sub-brand Assure Premium, under the Personal Care range. Introducing Assure Premium Fragrances under this sub-brand marks Vestige’s entry into the premium fragrance segment that is designed to elevate presence and confidence.

Meticulously crafted with excellent quality, the range debuts with two new fragrances: Assure Premium BLEU (For Men) and Assure Premium AMOUR (For Women). These perfumes offer a harmonious blend of top, middle, and base notes designed to evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression. Each layer unfolds gradually starting with fresh top notes, transitioning into a distinctive middle note, and settling into a long-lasting base note.

Assure Premium BLEU is a bold and sophisticated fragrance from the dry woody, fresh citrus, and fruity family. It opens with vibrant top notes of pineapple, bergamot, black currant, and apple, offering a refreshing and lively introduction. The middle note evolves into a rich blend of birch, patchouli, Moroccan jasmine, and rose, culminating in an enduring base note of musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla—embodying timeless masculine elegance. 

Assure Premium AMOUR captures modern femininity with a sophisticated floral fragrance signature. It opens with a top note of Lime, Lily-of-the-Valley, Lilac, Magnolia, Bergamot and Mandarin orange setting the tone with freshness and grace. At its middle lies an enchanting bouquet of Jasmine, Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang, Bulgarian Rose, Peach, Violet, Carnation and Nutmeg, settling into a base of Musk, Iris, Sandalwood, Amber, Vanilla and Cloves. AMOUR is graceful, empowering, and sensually refined.

Fragrance is more than a finishing touch—it’s a statement of confidence. Studies have shown that fragrance can have a significant impact on how individuals perceive themselves. A survey found that 90% of participants felt more poised when wearing perfume. Additionally, research by the National Institutes of Health revealed that participants who wore a pleasant fragrance reported higher levels of confidence. The Assure Premium range is rooted in this belief—transforming routine into ritual and confidence into expression.

Commenting on the launch of the Assure Premium Fragrance range, Mr. Gautam Bali, Managing Director and Founder of Vestige Marketing Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to introduce a new sub-brand Assure Premium under the Personal Care category and unveiled two new fragrances under Assure Premium making it a significant addition to this portfolio. As preferences continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for premium yet accessible self-care products. With BLEU & AMOUR, we aim to elevate everyday moment with perfumes that inspire, empower, and endure.”

With its refined packaging, long-lasting formulation, and evocative profiles, Assure Premium is not just a fragrance—it’s a personal signature. Priced at Rs. 2000, the fragrances set the tone for the Assure Premium brand’s next chapter, one that blends luxury everyday utility, and self-care becomes an act of empowerment.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Launches “2025 XL750 Transalp”


* ‘Bookings Open’

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) announced the launch of the new “XL750 Transalp”. Engineered for riders who seek freedom beyond boundaries, the XL750 Transalp is built to tackle everything from city commutes and cross-country road trips to rugged off-road adventures. The new “2025 Honda XL750 Transalp” has been priced at Rs. 10,99,990, ex-showroom Gurugram (Haryana). Bookings are now open at Honda’s BigWing dealerships across India and customer deliveries will begin from July 2025 onwards.

Announcing the launch, Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to introduce the new XL750 Transalp in India. Since its debut, the Transalp has been a symbol of reliable adventure riding and has been embraced by explorers around the world. With the launch of this updated model, equipped with advanced features and purposeful design, we are confident that the new XL750 Transalp will surely excite India’s adventure enthusiasts. This motorcycle reaffirms our commitment to bringing global icons to the Indian market.”

Commenting on this announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “The adventure motorcycle segment in India is growing at an exhilarating pace. We have already seen tremendous enthusiasm for our current ADV line-up. With the introduction of the updated XL750 Transalp, we are raising the bar for adventure touring in India. The mountains are calling — and the Transalp is here to answer with style, performance, and purpose. Bookings are now open, and we look forward to commencing deliveries from July 2025 onwards.” 

New Honda XL750 Transalp: Mountains Are Calling

Inspired by Adventure, the XL750 Transalp embodies the true spirit of an all-terrain machine. It has a purposeful look and feel with a sleek bodywork. This versatile adventure tourer also gets a redesigned front end with some styling cues taken from the flagship Africa Twin. It features a new headlight unit – comprising dual LED high/low unified projector lenses and a refined aerodynamic visor, enhancing both style and wind protection on long rides. The overall silhouette is sleek yet rugged, striking a perfect balance between urban agility and off-road capability.  

The new XL750 Transalp will be available in two colour options: Ross White and Graphite Black. In terms of equipment, it gets a new 5.0-inch full colour TFT screen that uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. The XL750 Transalp features Honda RoadSync app connectivity, through a simplified, easy-to-use, backlit, four-way toggle-switch on the left side of the handlebar, enabling riders to receive call & SMS alerts, access turn-by-turn navigation, and control music & voice commands on the go. It also gets an emergency stop signal feature that communicates sudden braking to vehicles behind by flashing hazard and there’s automatic turn signal cancelling function too.

At the heart of the 2025 XL750 Transalp is a 755cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, delivering a refined power output of 67.5 kW at 9,500 RPM and a peak torque of 75 Nm at 7,250 RPM. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Electronic aids running via Throttle-By-Wire (TBW) system allow the rider to choose between 5 riding modes to select their preferred combination of Engine Power, Engine Braking and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with ABS & assist slipper clutch. The different riding modes include Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel and User, which can be adjusted by the rider.

Offering the optimal versatility both on and off the road, the XL750 Transalp rides on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels. This adventure tourer is equipped with Showa 43mm SFF-CA™ upside-down (USD) front forks and rear shock operating through Pro-Link. The compression and rebound damping of suspension have both been increased, giving more control on uneven ground. Braking duties are performed by dual 310mm wave discs with hydraulic 2-piston calipers at the front and a 256 mm single disc with 1-pot caliper at the rear with dual-channel ABS as standard.

New XL750 Transalp: Price and Availability

The new 2025 Honda XL750 Transalp has been priced at Rs. 10,99,990 (ex-showroom Gurugram, Haryana). It will be available through all BigWing dealerships across India. With its iconic adventure heritage, the XL750 Transalp is set to create new benchmarks in India’s adventure touring landscape. Bookings are now open with deliveries commencing from July 2025 onwards.

Reliance General Insurance Delivers PAT Up YoY By 12.5% At INR 315 Cr, Gross Direct Premium Of INR 12,548 Crore - Up 7.4% YoY


* IndusInd International Holdings Ltd, Mauritius, acquired the Company in March 2025

Reliance General Insurance Company Limited (the Company), delivered a resilient performance in FY 2024–25, underpinned by its digital-first approach, customer-centric products, and diversified distribution strategy. Reliance General Insurance continued to expand its footprint across retail, corporate and government business segments while maintaining robust risk management practices.

The Company, which faced strong headwinds being under IBC for nearly 4 years, has been acquired by IndusInd International Holdings Limited. (IIHL) In order to resurrect the position of the Company, the new promoter has already infused Capital amounting to Rs 300 crores. Distribution channel being one of the core advantages in the insurance business, Promoter’s adjacencies to a vast pan-India network, will also be a boost to the company’s reach.

Key performance highlights for the year ended March 31, 2025, are:

Gross Direct Premium (GDP): INR 12,548 crore – a YoY increase of 7.4%, outpacing general insurance industry growth of 5.2%. With effect from October 1, 2024, Long-term Products are accounted on a 1/n basis, as mandated by IRDAI. Adjusted for the 1/n accounting impact, GDP growth stands at 8.5%.

Profit After Tax (PAT): INR 315 crore – a YoY growth of 12.5%.

Investment Book: INR 21,358 crore – up from INR 20,514 crore in FY24, with one of the best Investment AUM to Net Worth ratio of 6.2x, indicating a strong cash position.

Net Worth: INR 3,429 crore – an increase of 10.2% YoY.

Solvency Ratio: Maintained at 1.59x – comfortably above the regulatory requirement of 1.50x.

Capital Infusion: INR 100 crore infused in May 2025 by the parent company, Reliance Capital Limited, reinforcing the company’s financial strength and growth momentum.

Operational Highlights:

Expanded National Reach: Over 1,15,000+ customer touchpoints established across India, enhancing service accessibility.

Innovative Product Launches: Introduction of new-age insurance solutions across motor, health, and SME segments to meet evolving consumer demands.

Claims Excellence: Achieved a best-in-class claims settlement ratio of 99.57% (Claims settled < 3 months), reinforcing the Company’s reputation for reliability and customer trust.

Technology-Driven Growth: Continued investments in AI-led underwriting and digital solutions to improve efficiency, risk assessment, and customer experience.

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Rakesh Jain, CEO of Reliance General Insurance, said:

"FY 2024–25 marked a year of disciplined execution, strategic investments, and resilient growth, even in a dynamic and challenging market environment. Our continued focus on delivering seamless customer experiences, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and investing in talent has helped us build a strong, future-ready organisation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the aspirations of millions of Indians through innovative and trusted insurance solutions."

He further added that "The successful conclusion of the CIRP of Reliance Capital Limited in March 2025 has opened a transformative new chapter for us under the stewardship of IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL). With IIHL’s strong financial backing and proven expertise in financial services, we are confident in our ability to accelerate our growth journey and lead the next wave of innovation in India’s general insurance sector."

The strategic support and long-term vision of IIHL are expected to bring enhanced operational agility, capital strength, and digital innovation capabilities to RGICL. This partnership will empower the Company to scale new heights by deepening distribution partnerships, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and reinforcing its commitment to customer-first innovation.

Well-positioned in a growing market, Reliance General Insurance is now equipped to lead the next wave of growth in India’s general insurance sector, delivering greater value to policyholders, partners, and stakeholders alike.

The Company has been awarded the Best Brand award by ET Now, Best Use of Technology & Best CX Team of the year 2025 by Bharat BFSI Leadership Summit & Awards. The company is also recognised as a “WOW Workplace 2025” by Jombay, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering, and engaging workplace.

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