Preethi Recognized As “The Most Powerful Mixer Grinder To Grind the Toughest Items” By Asia Book Of Records And India Book Of Records

-          The brand enlisted 120 influencers from Kochi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad to put the appliance to the ultimate test.

-          Adding to the festivities Preethi introduced a wide range of new products and consumer offers.

Preethi Kitchen Appliances, a leading mixer grinder brand from the house of Versuni India, today achieved a milestone in Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records for its flagship and power-packed mixer grinder, the Preethi Zodiac. This recognition, acknowledging it as The Most Powerful Mixer Grinder to Grind the Toughest Items, is a testament to Preethi's dedication to innovation, quality, and performance.

To showcase the impressive prowess of the Preethi Zodiac, the brand enlisted 120 influencers from diverse backgrounds to put the appliance to the ultimate test across four major cities: Kochi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. These influencers took on the challenge of grinding various tough materials, from bricks and wood to spices and more. This rigorous demonstration of the Zodiac's capabilities not only highlighted its exceptional power and durability but also earned it widespread acclaim. The recognition underscores the product's unparalleled performance and reliability, setting it apart in the competitive market. The claim was verified by the Adjudicators from the India and Asia Book of Records, Mr. Vivek R Nair, and Mr. Sagayaraj, who announced the record.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Gulbahar Taurani, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer at Versuni India Homes Solutions Ltd, said, " At Preethi, our commitment to consumers drives us to set benchmarks of perfection not only for ourselves but for the entire category. We are immensely proud to have the Preethi Zodiac recognized as The Most Powerful Mixer Grinder to Grind the Toughest Items by the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records. This accolade is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.

When we created the Zodiac, our intent was to meet the consumer’s need for a power-packed, reliable, and durable product that could make mixing, grinding, and blending easy and smooth. Over the years, Preethi has become a beloved choice for over a million consumers, known as a true kitchen powerhouse. Today’s recognition not only affirms our claims but also reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality and performance.

He further added “As a brand constantly innovating to meet evolving consumer demands and build stronger connections, we believe in continuously raising the bar for product innovation and consumer engagement. Today's achievement exemplifies this, showcasing the performance and efficiency of an everyday household appliance in an extraordinary way. The Preethi Zodiac effortlessly grinds the toughest ingredients to a fine powder, whether it's unusual items like brick and wood or everyday items like cinnamon or large amounts of batter.

The success of the Preethi Zodiac indicates that we are on the right path. We will continue to innovate, leading the market with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled user experience."

This Onam, Preethi is making celebrations extra special with a range of new products and enticing offers. To elevate the consumer’s cooking experience, Preethi has introduced a new 1600W and two 2100W Induction Cooktops, featuring Triple MOV for 4KV surge protection, pre-set menus, and soft touch operations. These cooktops come with a 1-year product warranty and a 3-year coil warranty, starting at INR 2484.

Additionally, Preethi has launched two new stainless steel gas stoves: the Glory (2 Burner) and Glory Plus (3 Burner). Starting at a price of INR 2500, the Glory stoves offer +68% thermal efficiency for faster cooking, ant guard jet for a consistent blue flame, sturdy pan support to accommodate all vessel sizes without the fear of falling or tipping, and ergonomic knobs for hassle free rotation. The Glory Plus also includes a removable drip tray for easy cleaning. Both models come with a 2-year product warranty and a 5-year body and burner warranty.

Enhancing the festive spirit, Preethi is offering a free Laopala 15-piece dinner set worth INR 1550 with its premium 2 and 3 burner gas stoves including Power Duo, Valentino, Mira, Stylo Steel and Glam Steel, and a 12-piece dinner set worth INR 1250 with its mid-range gas stoves including Jumbo, Jumbo Max, Blaze, Sparkle, Luxe Pro and Gleam. Additionally, a free 3-piece Milton casserole set worth INR 1525 is available with select 750w and 1000w Zodiac mixer grinders including Zodiac Cosmo, Zodiac 2.0, Zodiac Glitter, Zodiac Stardust, and Zodiac Black.

Staying true its commitment to consumers, Preethi continues to offer customers with lifelong free service across its entire product range to ensure a seamless and holistic brand experience.

About Preethi Kitchen Appliances

Founded in 1978, Preethi Kitchen Appliances revolutionised kitchen appliances with the introduction of several consumer-centric innovations like the powerful 750W Mixer-Grinder motor and the first Mixer-Grinder with food processing capabilities. Preethi is present across 14 categories including Mixer-Grinders, Gas Stoves, Electric Cookers, and Tabletop Grinders. Built on three growth pillars of innovation, quality and service, the vision of the brand is to provide a seamless cooking experience.

For more information on the brand and its products, visit www.preethi.in.

BMW Group Continues Profitability Course In A Volatile Environment

* BMW brand achieves sales growth of 2.3% in HY1 –double-digit growth for models in upper price segment

* BMW BEV deliveries climb 34% to over 179,500 units in first half-year

* Profitability targets exceeded: Group EBT margin of 10.9% for HY1

* Automotive EBIT margin at 8.6% in HY1

* Financial Services: New business posts significant growth

* Zipse: “Delivering high profitability in target corridor for past ten quarters”

* Outlook for 2024 confirmed

In a challenging environment, the BMW Group proves its high resilience and can confirm its full year guidance, after six months of 2024: Thanks to its extensive range of attractive products, with deliveries on a par with the previous year, the company posted an automotive EBIT Margin at 8.6% (Q2: 8.4%) in the first half of the year. Excluding depreciation from purchase price allocation related to BBA, the BMW Group posted an EBIT margin in the Automotive Segment of 9.6% (Q2: 9.4%). With a consistently high level of investment, the BMW Group also continues to strengthen its innovative power and enhance its future model line-up.

The sales success of the first half-year was largely driven by fully-electric vehicles (BEVs) and higher-priced BMW and BMW M models, which both saw double-digit growth. The BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands reported a 24.6% increase in BEV deliveries to 190,614 fully electric vehicles. The BMW brand is in third place worldwide, with almost 180,000 BEVs delivered. In total, the company delivered 1,213,276 vehicles to customers across all BMW Group brands between January and June, thus reaching the same high level as the previous year (2023: -0.1%; Q2: 618,743 units; -1.3%).

At 10.9% (Q2: 10.5%), the Group EBT margin outperformed the company’s strategic target of 10%.

“Our ambition has always been: BMW sets itself apart from the competition, especially in the face of headwinds. The first six months confirm this: under the challenging conditions in the first half of the year, we are leading within our direct competitive environment with our electric growth - and at the same time, we have delivered high profitability within the full year target corridor for ten consecutive quarters,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Thursday. "With this high degree of resilience, we can consistently invest in our future when the entire industry has to navigate through rough waters. In this way, we remain clearly on course for our largest future project, the NEUE KLASSE, with which we will raise BMW to a completely new technological level as of next year.”

BMW Group remains committed to strengthening its innovative power

In a difficult economic environment, the BMW Group has continued to push forward with the NEUE KLASSE as well as with electrification and digitalisation of its portfolio and its global facilities. As previously announced, research and development spending rose significantly, to € 4,169 million (2023: € 3,396 million/ +22.8%). The R&D ratio (according to the German Commercial Code) increased to 5.7% (2023: 4.6%). For the full year, the BMW Group expects a peak of R&D spending and an R&D ratio above 5.0%.

Higher manufacturing and personnel costs, as well as the cost of IT projects, all impacted Group earnings.

Group earnings before tax (EBT) for the first six months totalled € 8,023 million (2023: € 9,351 million; -14.2%; Q2: € 3,861 million; -8,6%). During this period, the BMW Group recorded a net profit of € 5,656 million (2023: € 6,620 million; -14.6%; Q2: € 2.705 million; -8.6%).

Share repurchase continues as planned

Following the authorisation of the Annual General Meeting of BMW AG on 11 May 2022, the company has continued to acquire treasury shares. As of 30 June 2024, BMW AG holds 11,056,731 treasury shares, with a nominal value of € 11,056,731. In total, BMW AG acquired shares amounting to 5.51% of the share capital as of June 30, 2024.

Automotive Segment with improved product mix

High sales volumes and positive product mix effects lifted Automotive Segment revenues to € 63,009 million in the first six months (2023: € 62,898 million; +0.2%; adjusted for currency translation effects: +1.8%; Q2: € 32,070 million; +1.4%; adjusted for currency translation effects: +2.1%). In China, in particular, revenues were impacted by heightened competition and weaker consumer sentiment.

The segment's EBIT stood at € 5,394 million after six months (2023: € 6,675 million, -19.2%), while for the second quarter it was down moderately year-on-year at € 2,684 million (Q2 2023: € 2,898 million; -7.4%). Segment earnings were impacted by higher manufacturing and fixed costs, as well as the planned increase in expenditure for research and development.

Automotive Segment invests heavily in the future

Higher capital expenditure in particular impacted the free cash flow of the automotive segment. It amounted to € 2,289 million (2023: € 3,141 million/ -37,2%) in the period from January to June. Total investments in intangible assets and property, plant and equipment amounted to € 4,971 million (2023: € 3,911 million/ +27.1%) – increasing by around one billion euros against the previous first half-year and thus affecting free cash flow.

Despite peak levels of capital expenditure, the BMW Group is targeting a free cash flow of > € 6 billion for the full year.

“The BMW Group aspires to be a leader in innovation. Today, we are investing more than ever, especially in the vehicles of the NEUE KLASSE and in innovative technologies. We are pushing forward with the digitalisation and electrification of our plants and introducing more efficient processes for our operating business. The future of the company has already begun – which we are implementing step by step,” said Walter Mertl, member of the Board of Management responsible for Finance. “We are maintaining our course of profitable growth, systematically managing our costs and boosting our efficiency through digitalisation and AI applications.”

Net financial assets of € 43.2 billion in Automotive Segment as of 30 June

Starting with the current Half-Year Report, the BMW Group is reporting a wider range of automotive net financial assets: In addition to the net financial assets of the Automotive segment, it now includes those of the holding companies within the Other Companies segment which receive distributions from subsidiaries. As a result of the inclusion of the net financial assets of holding companies, these intra-group distributions will continue to be reported as net financial assets. As of June 30, automotive net financial assets amounted to € 43,208 million (see Half-Year Report, p. 16).

Financial Services Segment posts significant growth

In the Financial Services Segment, the number of new credit financing and leasing contracts in the first six months of the year rose significantly to 849,908 units (+16.5%). The segment's volume of new business increased significantly to € 31,677 million (2023: € 26,797 million; +18.2%). The penetration rate increased to 41.2% (2023: 37.5%; +3.7 percentage points).

For the first six months, the segment reported pre-tax earnings (EBT) of € 1,481 million (2023: € 1,704 million/ -13.1%). The main dampening effect came from the normalisation of global used car markets, resulting in lower income from the resale of end-of-lease vehicles. During the reporting period, the credit loss ratio remained at 0.25% across the entire loan portfolio (2023: 0.15%).

BMW Group confirms guidance

Given the sustained demand for its attractive premium vehicles, the BMW Group is able to confirm its full year guidance for the year. The BMW Group expects to see slight growth in customer deliveries worldwide in the full year. In China, the company expects the economic situation to begin to stabilize in Q3. Positive momentum in H2 2024 is also expected on a global scale from the new BMW 5 Series and the current ramp-up of the MINI family.

Group earnings before tax are forecast to decrease slightly in the full year, due to higher manufacturing and fixed costs, especially personnel costs and R&D spending, than reported in the previous year. The anticipated price decrease in the global used car markets is also likely to contribute to this. In the Automotive Segment, the EBIT margin is expected to be within the corridor of 8-10% for the full year.

A slight increase in deliveries is forecast for the Motorcycles Segment, with an EBIT margin within the target range of 8-10%. The return on equity in the Financial Services segment is now expected to be in the range of 15-18% due to the current improved business development. These targets will be achieved with slightly higher employee numbers.

This guidance assumes that geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions will not deteriorate. Given the many uncertainties surrounding the existing risks and opportunities, the BMW Group’s actual business performance may deviate from current forecasts.

MAHE Appoints Dr. Chakrapani M. As Medical Superintendent Of Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Attavar

MAHE is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Chakrapani M. as the new Medical Superintendent at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Attavar. A highly esteemed senior medicine doctor in Dakshina Kannada, brings a wealth of expertise and leadership experience that promises to elevate the hospital's clinical and operational excellence. He is widely recognized for his exceptional clinical skills and has been a cornerstone of medical practice in the region. His contributions to the medical field have earned him widespread recognition and respect.

Dr. B. Unnikrishnan, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, warmly welcomed             Dr. Chakrapani to his new role, stating, "With a distinguished career marked by numerous leadership positions, He has previously served as the Head of the Department of Medicine. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping and enhancing the standards of medical practice within the department and beyond. We eagerly anticipate his guidance in propelling KMC Attavar Hospital to new heights and wish him every success in his endeavours."

Dr. Chakrapani's influence extends to his tenure as the President of the Dakshina Kannada district chapter of the Association of Physicians of India. In this role, he has made significant contributions to the medical community, fostering a spirit of collaboration and continuous improvement. As a pioneer in critical care, he has chaired the Mangalore Chapter of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, drove advancements and setting new benchmarks in critical care services. In addition to his clinical and leadership roles, He has also served as the Associate Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. His academic contributions include mentoring generations of medical professionals, guiding three PhD scholars, and authoring 82 publications, thereby enriching the educational fabric of the institution.

His appointment as the Medical Superintendent marks a new chapter for Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Attavar. His visionary approach and dedication to medical excellence will undoubtedly enhance the hospital's reputation as a leader in healthcare services.

Vizzhy Inc Wins Nasscom AI Gamechangers Award 2023-24 In Healthcare & Pharma Startup Category

Vizzhy Inc was honored with the Nasscom AI Gamechangers Award 2023-24 in the Healthcare & Pharma Startup category. The prestigious award was presented to Dr. Vishnu Vardhan, CEO of SML & Vizzhy and Founder of Hanooman AI, along with Harsha Vardhini, Co-Founder of Hanooman AI, at the Nasscom AI Confluence held in Bengaluru.

The award was handed over by Ankit Bose, Head of Nasscom AI, and Madhav Bissa, Program Director. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Vizzhy Inc, celebrating a year of remarkable achievements in the field of healthcare technology.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Vishnu Vardhan, CEO of Vizzhy & SML, stated, "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award. It has been a landmark year for us in terms of new achievements. We are hopeful that our MultiOmics platform healthcare products will significantly benefit mankind."

Vizzhy Inc continues to push the boundaries in healthcare innovation, leveraging AI to create impactful solutions for better healthcare outcomes.

About Vizzhy Inc:

Vizzhy Inc stands at the forefront of healthcare innovation, leveraging cutting-edge Multi-omics and Generative AI to create comprehensive solutions for the healthcare industry. Committed to the five Ps of healthcare and fostering international collaboration, Vizzhy is dedicated to enhancing both the lifespan and health span of populations worldwide.

Kotak - GOQii Smart Vital Plus Smartwatch Launched Across India

* Powered by RuPay On-The-Go, the smartwatch enables contactless payments upto INR 5000 without PIN

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd (“KMBL” / “Kotak”) has teamed up with GOQii to launch the Kotak - GOQii Smart Vital Plus smartwatch, revolutionizing the way customers make payments. Priced at INR 3499, this innovative wearable device combines contactless payments with health monitoring features. Powered by RuPay On-The-Go, the smartwatch enables seamless transactions up to INR 5000 without requiring a PIN.

Launching the product, Rohit Bhasin, Head – Retail Liabilities Product & Chief Marketing Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank said, “With the rise of digital payments, customers seek fast and cashless payments for frequent, low-value transactions.  The Kotak – GOQii Smart Vital Plus smartwatch eliminates the need for cash, cards, or smartphones, enabling secure and seamless banking on the go.”

The Kotak – GOQii Smart Vital Plus allows users to track blood pressure, body temperature, and SpO2 levels directly from their wrist. Additionally, its user-friendly interface ensures easy access to payments. Customers can seamlessly sign in with their Kotak accounts and enable contactless payments on the device, which provides the same level of safety and security as traditional contactless cards and mobile devices.

Vishal Gondal, Founder & CEO, GOQii, said, “Health is wealth is a timeless adage. At GOQii, we have always believed in the importance of preventive healthcare and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Partnering with Kotak Mahindra Bank to offer customers contactless payments integrated with GOQii’s advanced health ecosystem is a step towards making this a reality. This integration is crucial, as it enhances convenience, promotes health and safety, ensures secure transactions, and aligns with the growing trend of technological integration in daily life. This functionality supports the vision of a seamless, healthy, and efficient lifestyle, which is particularly crucial in today's fast-paced world”.

Rajeeth Pillai, Chief Relationship Management, NPCI said, "We are happy with the launch of Smart Vital Plus smartwatch for contactless payments on NPCI’s innovative RuPay On-The-Go range. This collaboration empowers users to carry out their day-to-day transactions conveniently and securely while on-the-go. Innovative form factors for payment solutions are redefining the payments ecosystem, offering an enhanced user experience, and making transactions swift and seamless. With the acceptance infrastructure growing rapidly, the demand for contactless payment solutions is poised to rise with tech-savvy consumers.”

Kotak Bank customers can purchase the smartwatch through the bank’s mobile app or website. Non-Kotak customers will need to open a Kotak account to avail this facility.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd (KMBL). Kotak Mahindra Group (Group) offers a wide range of financial services that encompass every sphere of life. From commercial banking, to stock broking, mutual funds, life and general insurance and investment banking, the Group caters to the diverse financial needs of individuals and the corporate sector. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. Kotak Mahindra Group has a global presence through its subsidiaries in UK, USA, Gulf Region, Singapore and Mauritius with offices in London, New York, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Mauritius respectively. As on 30 June 2024, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,965 branches and 3,279 ATMs (incl. cash recyclers), and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).For more information, please visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/.

About GOQii 

Founded in 2014 by serial entrepreneur and gaming guru, Vishal Gondal, GOQii is empowering consumers globally to lead healthier and better lives. GOQii’s smart-tech- enabled healthcare platform brings together the entire preventive healthcare ecosystem. Its Smart Health Ecosystem integrates tools for real-time personalized coaching, an explosive high-growth health e-commerce store, scheduling health check-ups, a health locker, and a unique ‘GOQii Cash’ program where healthy behavior is rewarded with cash discounts and insurance discounts based on health management data. Given the state of ‘Sickcare’ delivery infrastructure globally, the company strongly believes that preventive healthcare is the only viable, long-term, mass-market solution. As one of the official partners of the ‘Fit India Movement’ GOQii is a strong supporter of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision of making 130 crore Indians fit and healthy. GOQii counts marquee investors like Animoca Brands, Mitsui, Megadelta, DSG Consumer Partners, Galaxy Digital, Denlow Investment Trust, Edelweiss, Cheetah Mobile, GWC, Mr. Ratan Tata, and Mr. Vijay Shekhar Sharma.  Modality, one of the leading GP chains in the UK, is also an investor in GOQii as well as the JV partner for its UK roll-out.

About NPCI:

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was incorporated in 2008 as an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India. NPCI has created a robust payment and settlement infrastructure in the country. It has changed the way payments are made in India through a bouquet of retail payment products such as RuPay card, Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) and Bharat BillPay.

NPCI is focused on bringing innovations in the retail payment systems through the use of technology and is relentlessly working to transform India into a digital economy. It is facilitating secure payment solutions with nationwide accessibility at minimal cost in furtherance of India’s aspiration to be a fully digital society.

For more information, visit: https://www.npci.org.in/

realme Unveils realme 13 Pro Series 5G, Ultra Clear Camera With AI Alongside realme

*        Watch S2 & realme Buds T310 starting from INR 23,999, INR 4,499, & INR 2,199, respectively

*        The realme 13 Pro Series 5G, positioned as Ultra Clear Camera with AI comes with industry’s first AI photography architecture, HYPERIMAGE+ camera system and features a unique ‘Monet’ inspired design made in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA)

*        The realme 13 Pro+ 5G is available in two exquisite colors: Monet Gold and Emerald Green, and three storage variants: 8GB+256GB priced at INR 29,999, 12GB+256GB priced at INR 31,999 and 12GB+512GB priced at INR 33,999.

*        The realme 13 Pro 5G is available in three striking colors: Monet Gold, Monet Purple and Emerald Green, priced at INR 23,999 for 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB priced at INR 25,999 and 12GB+512GB priced at INR 28,999.

*        The realme Watch S2 comes equipped with Super AI Engine, AI Personal Assistance and a Smart Dial Engine for a personalized user experience. It features a 1.43" AMOLED Display housed in an Advanced Stainless Steel Texture Body available in a choice of three beautiful colors - Metallic Grey, Midnight Black & Ocean Silver, this feature-packed smartwatch is starting at INR 4,499.

*        The realme Buds T310 features a 46dB Hybrid Noise Cancellation and offers adjustable three-level noise reduction. It houses a 12.4mm Dynamic Bass Driver and 360° Spatial Audio Effect for an immersive auditory experience and available in three stylish colors: Monet Purple, Vibrant Black, and Agile White, these earbuds are priced at INR 2,199.

*        The early bird sale for realme 13 Pro Series 5G is scheduled for 30th July from 06:00 PM to 10:00 PM on realme.com and Flipkart and the pre-booking starts from July 31, 12 AM onwards on realme.com & Flipkart and July 30 after the launch on Mainline channels.

*        The first sale for realme Watch S2 and realme Buds T300 starts from August 5, 12 PM onwards on realme.com and Flipkart with cash benefits up to INR 500 & INR 300 respectively and the first sale for realme 13 Pro Series 5G is scheduled from August 6, 12 noon onwards on realme.com, Flipkart and Mainline channels

*        On purchase of all these products before August 12th, users will receive an exclusive benefit 30-day free replacement guarantee through the realme Care program.

realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, today announced four ground-breaking products in their smartphone & AIOT portfolio - the highly anticipated realme 13 Pro Series 5G, realme Watch S2 and realme Buds T310. The realme 13 Pro Series 5G, includes two models: the realme 13 Pro+ 5G and realme 13 Pro 5G. It features an Ultra Clear Camera with AI, combining cutting-edge camera technology with stunning designs inspired by one of the legendary masters of Impressionism, Claude Monet.

realme unveiled its ambitious plans to become a major player in the mid-to-high-end smartphone market. This ambition is evident in three key areas: Large Memory Popularization, Quality Upgrade, and our AI+UI Popularizer Plan. As a tech brand that deeply understands young users, realme promises that every future Number Pro Series will come standard with a 512GB memory option, meeting the expectations of this demanding demographic. To enhance the durability of its products, realme also confirmed that every future Number Pro Series phone will come equipped with a minimum of IP65 Water and Dust Resistance.

Commenting on the launch, a realme spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to unveil the realme 13 Pro Series 5G, realme Buds T310, and realme Watch S2 today. Understanding the needs of our young users, in June, we announced our Next AI Lab and AI+UI Popularizer Plan, aiming to bring next-generation AI experiences to at least 100 million users within the next three years. The launch of the realme 13 Pro Series 5G is the first step in realizing this vision. With its Ultra Clear Camera powered by realme's advanced AI capabilities, users can expect superior photography experiences. The realme Buds T310 and realme Watch S2 further exemplify our dedication to providing cutting-edge technology and quality. With these new additions to our AIOT portfolio, we continue to redefine the boundaries in the AIOT segment. We look forward to continuing our journey in bringing innovative and high-quality products to our users, pushing the envelope of what's possible with technology.”

“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with realme to unlock premium smartphone experiences for users in India,” said Saurabh Arora, Mobile, Compute and XR Business Head, Qualcomm India Pvt. Ltd.  “Equipped with convenient AI for smooth multitasking and seamless connectivity, the Snapdragon® 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform is committed to perform beyond expectations enabling a variety of use cases on the realme 13 Pro Series 5G for all your productivity and entertainment needs such as gaming, stunning photo and video capture and more.”

The realme 13 Pro+ 5G is a testament to realme's dedication in providing exceptional value and exceeding conventional flagship standards. Powered by the dual 50MP Sony AI cameras with the industry’s first AI photography architecture, HYPERIMAGE+ camera system, it ensures an ultra-clear shooting experience. It also features a unique design made in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), drawing inspiration from the legendary Impressionist master, Claude Monet, reimagining the Impressionist style for a new generation. With the introduction of AI capabilities, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G offers a smarter user experience, transforming how users interact with their device. The realme 13 Pro+ 5G is available in two exquisite colors: Monet Gold and Emerald Green, and three storage variants: 8GB+256GB priced at INR 29,999, 12GB+256GB priced at INR 31,999 and 12GB+512GB priced at INR 33,999 on realme.com, Flipkart and Mainline Channels.

The realme 13 Pro 5G is a testament to realme's commitment in delivering exceptional value and surpassing traditional flagship standards. Powered by the Snapdragon® 7s Gen 2 5G Chipset with a 3D VC Cooling System, it ensures a smooth gaming experience while providing an unprecedented cool experience. The device boasts a class-leading 50MP Sony main camera with the industry's first Al photography architecture, the HYPERIMAGE+ camera system, ensuring ultra-clear shooting experiences across various scenarios. It also features a unique collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), drawing inspiration from the legendary Impressionist master, Claude Monet, reimagining the Impressionist style for a new generation. The realme 13 Pro 5G is available in three striking colors: Monet Gold, Monet Purple and Emerald Green, and three storage variants: 8GB+128GB priced at INR 23,999, 8GB+256GB priced at INR 25,999 and 12GB+512GB priced at INR 28,999  on realme.com, Flipkart & Mainline Channels.

The realme Watch S2 is the latest addition to realme’s AIOT portfolio, boasting a range of key selling points that set it apart. Equipped with a Super AI Engine, the watch offers AI Personal Assistance and a Smart Dial Engine for a personalized user experience. The device features a 1.43" AMOLED Display housed in an Advanced Stainless Steel Texture Body, with an exquisite glass cover and high-end crafted body.  The realme Watch S2 stands out with its comprehensive sports and health monitoring capabilities. The smartwatch is also IP68 Dust & Water Resistant, ensuring durability and reliability. With a customizable 20-day battery life, users can enjoy extended usage without frequent charging. Available in a choice of three beautiful colors - Metallic Grey, Midnight Black & Ocean Silver, this feature-packed smartwatch is priced at INR 4,499  on realme.com, Flipkart and Mainline channels.

The realme Buds T310 is a testament to realme's commitment to providing exceptional audio experiences. Equipped with 46dB Hybrid Noise Cancellation, the earbuds offer adjustable three-level noise reduction for a personalized listening experience. The device features a 12.4mm Dynamic Bass Driver that delivers rich and powerful sound, complemented by 360° Spatial Audio Effect for an immersive auditory experience. The realme Buds T310 provides up to 40 hours of total playback, ensuring long-lasting music enjoyment. The AI Deep Call Noise Reduction feature ensures clear calls even in noisy environments, while the Smart Dual-device Connection allows seamless switching between devices. The dynamic sound effects enhance the overall audio quality, while the 45ms ultra-low latency ensures perfect sync between audio and video. Each earbud weighs as light as 4.2g and features a 110° earphone cover. Adopting an ergonomic design, it fits different ear shapes, providing a comfortable and non-sensory wearing experience. Available in three stylish colors: Monet Purple, Vibrant Black, and Agile White, these earbuds are priced at INR 2199 on realme.com, Flipkart and Mainline channels.

About realme

realme is a technology brand that specializes in providing leap-forward products with a comprehensive superior experience for global users. The brand was officially established on May 4th, 2018 by a young and strong team with rich smartphone industry experience. Currently, realme has 70+ million users in India, committed to creating a smart, connected, and trendy lifestyle for the youth, realme democratizes leap-forward technology to provide the best technology products in each price segment.

As per IDC Q2 2022 report, realme climbed to the second slot for a second time, with a robust YoY growth of 24% (highest among the top five brands) in 2022. It cemented its second position in the online channel with a 23% share.  realme has achieved a staggering QoQ growth of 51% in the second quarter of 2023, as reported by Counterpoint, a renowned market research firm. Additionally, realme secured the No. 3 position among the top 10 smartphone brands as per IDC's rankings for Q2 2023.

realme has introduced a new product mix strategy named the "Spire Strategy" approach, wherein each product series features a breakthrough technology that serves as the pinnacle of our robust product line. It includes prioritizing superior design, performance, and overall user experience for all products.

realme has also implemented a new marketing strategy that consists of cultivating marketing, eCommerce, and a simply better strategy. With the cultivating marketing strategy, realme is building local teams to leverage their experience and make engagement more personalized for users. In terms of eCommerce, realme is working closely with existing online partners and exploring more opportunities with leading eCommerce platforms to expand its reach across regions. Additionally, the simply better strategy focuses on exploring the future of tech with the GT series, a leap-forward performance flagship series while the number series brings leap-forward imaging and key leap-forward innovation, making it more accessible to consumers.

For more information, visit: www.realme.com/in/

South India's Investment Landscape Shifts: Gold Reigns, FDs Decline, Stocks Gain Momentum, Finds Way2News Survey

* The Way2News Survey, with ~65,000 respondents across five states, reveals a significant increase in stock market investments; Karnataka leads the way with a remarkable 16% increase

Way2News, a leading hyperlocal news platform, has released the findings of its recent survey titled "How South India Invests". The survey, which gathered data from over 65,000 respondents across 5 states—Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala—provides crucial insights into the region's investment habits. 

The survey indicates that gold remains the top investment choice, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where 34% of respondents prefer it over other investment tools. However, there is a notable rise in stock market investments, especially in Karnataka, where 16% of respondents are actively investing in stocks. This highlights a growing trend among South Indian investors who are beginning to see the stock market as a viable and lucrative investment avenue. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including increased financial literacy, the accessibility of online trading platforms, a growing awareness of potential returns, and higher disposable incomes, particularly in southern states where the average per capita income is 5.5 times the national average.

Recently, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India also highlighted that Indian households are increasingly favouring capital markets over traditional banks for their savings. This observation aligns with the findings of Way2News' survey, which illustrates this rising trend in South India. There has been a significant surge in Demat accounts, with the number reaching 15 crore within a decade, as reported by Motilal Oswal, compared to just 2 crore accounts in 2015 (NSDL). With 3.1 million new accounts being opened monthly, this growth underscores the shift in investment preferences in India towards more dynamic financial instruments such as stocks and mutual funds. Although bank deposits still constitute a significant portion of household financial assets, their share is declining.

Key Takeaways from the survey:

While gold remains a popular investment choice, especially in Tamil Nadu where 34% of respondents prefer it, there is a growing interest in stock market investments across South India. Karnataka leads with 16% of respondents investing in the stock market, followed by Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (14.47%), Kerala (14%), and Tamil Nadu (12%), reflecting a growing recognition of stocks as a wealth creation tool

There is a noticeable decline in traditional fixed deposits, recurring investments, and insurance across states, indicating a shift towards investment options with potentially higher returns. In Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, fixed deposits and recurring investments are at 12.67%, while insurance preferences stand at 8.95%. Kerala shows similar trends with fixed deposits and recurring investments at 14%, and insurance at 7%. Tamil Nadu reports fixed deposits and recurring investments at 13%, and insurance at 7%. Karnataka, with fixed deposits and recurring investments at 10%, and insurance at 9% 

Investment preferences in real estate vary significantly by state, reflecting regional differences -  Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (17.04%), Karnataka (14%), Tamil Nadu (12%), and Kerala (8%)

Mutual funds are favoured highest in Kerala (17%), Karnataka (13%), Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (9.41%), and Tamil Nadu (7%)

Bonds remain a niche investment option with lower interest levels across all states due to fixed returns

Provident funds (PF) and pension schemes are attracting growing interest, particularly in Kerala (11%), highlighting a focus on long-term financial planning and security.

“We are witnessing a clear shift towards diversification and dynamic investment strategies among South Indians. This trend reflects growing financial literacy and a desire for higher returns,” said Raju Vanapala, Founder and CEO of Way2News.

The findings of the Way2News survey underscore a pivotal transformation in the investment landscape of South India. While gold continues to be valued for its cultural significance, the increasing interest in stock market investments and other dynamic financial instruments highlights a maturing investor base. South Indians are not only preserving their wealth through traditional means but are also actively seeking growth opportunities, signalling a robust and forward-thinking investment culture.

About Way2News

Way2News is a leading hyperlocal news platform in India that provides relevant and reliable news coverage extending beyond districts to mandals and villages. The platform aims to inform and empower every Indian with the latest news in real-time, using artificial intelligence to personalize content based on language and preference. By promoting citizen journalism, Way2News aims to foster a more diverse and democratic media landscape by allowing citizens to share news stories from their local area. It combines the power of both human intelligence and artificial intelligence to provide the most relevant news to its users. The app has more than 50 million downloads and close to 13 million monthly visitors. The platform delivers real-time news in eight local languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati, using advanced technology.