Friday, August 22, 2025

Samsung To Introduce Bespoke AI Washer Dryer Launch Ahead Of The Festive Season


Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, is set to expand its premium home appliance portfolio with the upcoming launch of its Made in India Bespoke AI Washer Dryer Combo, specially designed for modern Indian households.

 

The launch of the new Bespoke AI Washer Dryer Combo comes just in time for the festive season, when Indian consumers actively upgrade to appliances that combine design, technology, and ease of use. The new Bespoke AI Washer Dryer Combo will help Samsung strengthen its foothold in the growing Washer Dryer segment.

 

The new Bespoke AI Washer Dryer Combo brings together intelligent innovation, signature Bespoke design, and advanced fabric care. Powered by AI Wash for optimized wash loads, detecting weight, fabric type, and soil level. AI EcoBubble™ for powerful stain removal, and Super Speed + QuickDrive™ to complete a wash in just a few minutes, it makes every cycle smarter and faster. Flex Auto Dispense delivers precise detergent use, while Air Wash refreshes and sanitizes clothes using heated air. With washing and drying in one seamless process, it redefines convenience, performance, and style for modern homes.

 

According to a recent consumer study by Samsung, India is witnessing a rising demand for washer-dryer combos, driven by space-saving needs and a growing preference for AI-enabled, efficient, and multifunctional appliances.

 

The launch of Bespoke AI Washer Dryer Combo is perfectly timed to deliver consumers a future-ready solution tailored for Indian homes.

Shoppers Stop Announces “First Citizen Club Fest” With Exciting Rewards & Experiences For Customers Across All Its Stores


 From 20th to 31st August – Celebrate loyalty like never before and win a chance to travel abroad!

With the festive spirit in the air, Shoppers Stop, India’s leading premium fashion, beauty, and gifting destination has launched its “First Citizen Club Fest”, a one-of-a-kind celebration for the country’s longest running loyalty program, First Citizen Club (FCC). The 12-day fest is activated across all Shoppers Stop stores from 20th August to 31st August, to elevate customer engagement and transform shopping into a thrilling adventure of rewards for its loyal customers.  Every customer will get guaranteed rewards on shopping.

The First Citizen Club Fest, reinforces Shoppers Stop’s unwavering commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction and nurturing lasting relationships with its valued customers, ensuring that every interaction with the brand is met with delight and excitement.

Highlights of the First Citizen Club Fest-

1. Exclusive Benefits for New Enrolments – Customers enrolling into the First Citizen Club during the Fest will enjoy welcome benefits worth ₹3,500, including bonus points and special privileges.

3. ‘Spin the Wheel’ Rewards – Every customer shopping during the Fest will get the chance to spin the wheel and win guaranteed prizes. The prize pool includes:

  • International Trip

  • EazyDiner Vouchers

  • Couple Movie Vouchers

  • 500 Bonus First Citizen Points

  • Apple Watch

  • Brunch for Two at a Premium Hotel

  • Shoppers Stop Brand Gifts

  • 2,500 Bonus First Citizen Points

3. Premium Member Privileges – In addition to the Fest offers, First Citizen Club members also enjoy year-round benefits such as:

  • Rewards from 100+ premium brands

  • Invitations to 50+ exclusive events and experiences

  • Personal shopper and lounge access

  • 10% discount on Shoppers Stop exclusive brands

  • Double Bonus enrolment Points

  • ₹250 off on the Shoppers Stop app

4. International Trip Giveaways – As part of the celebrations, six lucky customers stand a chance to win international holidays, making this season of rewards even more exciting.

5. Limited Time Offer – These special Fest rewards and enrolment benefits are available only till 31st August.

With daily winners and memorable experiences in store, Shoppers Stop is creating a festive atmosphere that blends fashion with fun and rewards. 

Commenting on the same Mr. Jiten Mahendra, Customer Care Associate and Chief Marketing Officer, Shoppers Stop Ltd., said, “The First Citizen Club is your key to an exclusive premium experience at Shoppers Stop. Gain access to a wealth of exclusive services and reap rewards from top brands. Don't miss out on this festival, enrol now to unlock 10 times the benefits and seize the opportunity to win incredible gifts!”

From welcome perks worth ₹3,500 to thrilling spin-the-wheel prizes, including an international trip, it’s Shoppers Stop’s way of turning everyday shopping into extraordinary moments. This fest is not just about shopping; it’s about creating stories and moments that customers will carry with them long after they leave the store.


Sharp Rise In Myopia And Astigmatism In City Over Last Decade, Linked To Increased Screen Time And Reduced Outdoor Activity


Amid rising eye health concerns in Karnataka, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital has introduced advanced Contoura Vision technology in Bengaluru, offering precise, personalised vision correction to patients across the state

Bengaluru is witnessing a worrying rise in refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism, particularly among children, young adults, and IT professionals with heavy screen exposure, according to doctors at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital. They attribute this surge to rising digital screen time, reduced outdoor activity, and the pressure of demanding academic and work schedules. In response to this growing concern in Karnataka, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital Launched new machine, Wavelight® EX500 Contoura Excimer Laser in Bengaluru, an advanced topography-guided LASIK system that delivers highly precise, customised treatments to help patients achieve sharper, clearer vision.

Refractive errors are vision problems that occur when the eye cannot focus light correctly, making objects appear blurred. In Karnataka, myopia and astigmatism have shown a sharp rise in recent years, especially among children aged 8–15 and young adults aged 20–35. Experts emphasise that early screening and timely treatment of refractive errors are vital to preventing long-term complications such as lazy eye in children as well as reducing eye strain in young adults and preserving overall quality of life.

Dr. Amod Nayak, Head Clinical Services at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, explained, We are witnessing a rapid rise in refractive errors, particularly myopia and astigmatism, in Bengaluru and across Karnataka. Children and young professionals are most vulnerable due to screen-heavy lifestyles. The Contoura Vision technology allows us to correct not only refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but also microscopic corneal irregularities that glasses or standard LASIK often miss for anyone above the age of 18 years. This means our patients enjoy sharper, more natural vision.”

Unlike conventional LASIK, Contoura Vision maps up to 22,000 unique points on the cornea to deliver highly personalized treatment. This advanced approach corrects even subtle irregularities in the eye’s surface, enhancing visual clarity and reducing side effects such as glare and halos, enabling faster recovery and sharper vision.

Dr. Sanjana Vatsa, Cornea and Refractive Eye Surgeon at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, said, “For many patients, refractive surgery is no longer just a cosmetic choice, it’s about comfort, productivity, and long-term eye health. This machine brings a new standard of precision and safety to Bengaluru, enabling patients to return to work within 48–72 hours of the procedure. We expect this innovation to significantly reduce dependence on glasses and improve quality of life across age groups.”

Contoura technology maps your eye with the same level of uniqueness as a fingerprint and then customizes the laser reshaping to match that exact pattern. This provides highly precise refractive outcomes for every individual’s cornea, treats Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs), reduces chances of glare and holes and thus provides overall excellent quality of vision and improves night vision.

“With five refractive machines already operational across Karnataka and over 65 across India, and 13 hospital facilities in Bengaluru alone, we are at the forefront of advanced refractive surgery. This expansion is not a trial run but an extension of a well-established practice that has transformed thousands of lives through safe, reliable, and personalised procedures,” 

Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital performs about 2,500–3,000 refractive surgeries every month, reflecting the trust and expertise it brings to advanced vision correction. As part of the launch, the hospital is offering Free Refractive Evaluation and Contoura procedures at the best value across all Karnataka branches throughout August.

MAHE Advances In Shangai Ranking Academic Ranking Of World Universities (ARWU) 2025


Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be-University, has advanced in its global academic standing through the prestigious 2025 Shanghai Ranking Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), improving to the 801–900 band and reflecting steady progress. MAHE has positioned itself competitively among the top 1,000 global universities evaluated from over 2,500 institutions worldwide. The achievement is particularly significant as only 15 Indian universities are ranked in ARWU 2025, making MAHE one of the select few Indian institutions to earn this prestigious recognition based on objective research data from Web of Science (2020–2024) with no self-reported institutional data.


Commenting on this achievement, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE said: "This advancement in the Shanghai Ranking reflects our commitment to research excellence and the quality of our academic output. Being among only 15 Indian universities recognized in ARWU validates our research-driven approach and positions MAHE as a leading institution in global academic circles." 

 

Key Highlights (2025 ARWU)

Rank Band:  801–900 (up from 901–1000 in 2024)


Strongest Parameters:

  • PUB (Publications indexed in Science Citation Index-Expanded™ & Social Science Citation Index™): 32.6

  • PCP (Per capita academic performance): 13.7

 

MAHE's advancement from the 901–1000 band in 2024 to the 801–900 band in 2025 serves as a testimony to MAHE’s commitment to excellence and demonstrates improved international recognition and research output.


About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable academic track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant research contributions, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life and for national & multinational corporates looking for top talent.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) Has Signed An MoU With Central Reserve Police Force


 Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading public sector bank, has signed an MoU with Central Reserve Police Force. PNB is offering bouquet of services with enhanced Insurance Coverage and other benefits to all the serving personnel and pensioners of the CRPF under the bank’s flagship scheme of “PNB Rakshak Plus”.

The addendum to its existing MoU was exchanged in presence of Shri. Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra, Executive Director, PNB and Sh. D S Negi, DIG(Adm) CRPF at office of Directorate General of Central Reserve Police Force, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.

MoU was signed by Shri. Binay Kumar Gupta, Chief General Manager PNB & Sh. Zaki Ahmad, IPS, Inspector General of Police (Adm), Directorate General, CRPF, New Delhi in presence of other senior officials of Bank & CRPF.

In addition, several benefits are being offered to the dependents and families of Rakshak Account Holder. 

The Bank is dedicated in its commitment to the Central Armed Police Forces and will strive to continue doing the same in future as well.

Marking 20 Years Of TVS Apache, TVS Racing Are GP Goes International In Season 2


Exclusive Women Media Category to debut in the grand finale in April 2026, further elevating inclusivity in motorsports

 

Marking 20 years of the TVS Apache’s racing legacy, TVS Racing, India’s pioneering factory racing team, is set to kick off the second edition of the TVS Racing ARE GP on September 15, 2025. Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural season, this edition represents a significant milestone as the championship expands to the global stage, reflecting two decades of TVS Apache’s racing DNA and innovation. The season will span three international markets—Mexico, Colombia, and Nepal—alongside 17 cities across India, culminating in a grand finale in April 2026 at Madras International Circuit, Chennai.

 

TVS Racing will also introduce an exclusive Women’s Media Category under the TVS OMC India Championship 2025, further strengthening its legacy as a pioneer in making motorsports more inclusive and accessible. Having introduced the world’s first all-women racing team in 2016 and nurtured talent through initiatives like the TVS OMC Women’s Category, the brand has consistently championed women empowerment in racing. This new category builds on that legacy, offering a dedicated platform for women riders to showcase their talent at a national level.

 

Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company said, “At TVS Motor Company, our racing DNA inspires us to lead with innovation and purpose. As we celebrate 20 glorious years of TVS Apache, the international expansion of TVS Racing ARE GP is a natural progression in our journey of pushing boundaries and creating new benchmarks. With the introduction of the Women Media Category, we are making this platform more inclusive and diverse. TVS Racing ARE GP was envisioned to democratize racing by offering TVS Apache riders a professional-grade experience. Today, with its growing global footprint, TVS Racing is building a vibrant, connected, and dynamic rider community – proudly taking Indian motorsports to the world stage.”

 

Introduced in 2007, the TVS Racing ARE GP Championship gives TVS Apache owners a safe, professional, and exhilarating platform to experience the thrill of racing on the TVS Apache series, showcasing the full capabilities of their machines. The global expansion of TVS Racing ARE GP underscores TVS Racing’s long-term vision of transforming this platform into a premier international motorsports championship, delivering world-class racing excitement under the TVS Apache brand. Over the years, TVS Racing has trained over 3,000 riders across categories, providing world-class mentorship, race-tuned machines, and top-tier safety gear. 

 

With a racing legacy spanning over four decades, TVS Racing has been instrumental in shaping the evolution of the TVS Apache series, which recently crossed the milestone of 6 million happy customers across the globe. As a leading premium motorcycle brand, TVS Apache continues to set benchmarks in performance, technology, and innovation.

Thursday, August 21, 2025

TVS King Kargo HD EV, Launched – Ushers In A New Era In Cargo Mobility


TVS Motor Company, a global leader in two and three-wheeler manufacturing, today launched the TVS King Kargo HD EV – engineered for the evolving needs of the urban and semi-urban logistics segment. The TVS King Kargo HD is purpose-built to combine cutting-edge technology, robust design, performance and reliability. The company also showcased the TVS King Kargo HD CNG variant, which will be launched before the end of the calendar year ’25.

The TVS King Kargo HD EV is designed to elevate safety, comfort, and connectivity for last-mile delivery operators. It introduces a host of segment-first features - LED headlamps and tail lamps for enhanced night-time visibility; a spacious cabin with fully rolling windows; stylish door trims for improved ventilation; and a dedicated Power Gear Mode that delivers superior torque under load. As India’s first Bluetooth enabled cargo three-wheeler, it comes equipped with TVS SmartXonnectÔ, offering 26 smart features. The twin-axis rear-view mirrors, enhance visibility, ensuring safer navigation through congested city streets.

 

Commenting on the launch, Rajat Gupta, Business Head – Commercial Mobility, TVS Motor Company, said, “The launch of the TVS King Kargo HD represents a transformative moment in the evolution of cargo mobility, aligned to our ‘Re-Imagine 2030’ vision. This three-wheeler will set new benchmarks by delivering an unmatched combination of smart features, high load capability, comfort, ergonomics and safety. Coupled with the TVS Connect Fleet, the vehicle will empower businesses and also improve the everyday life of operators. With the TVS King Kargo HD EV, we are confident of redefining customer expectations and enabling them to achieve more, every day, effortlessly.”

 

The TVS King Kargo HD EV is powered by TVS Connect Fleet, a robust web-based platform that empowers fleet operators of two and three-wheelers with complete control and visibility of their operations. With 31 advanced features including real-time tracking, remote asset control, APIs, alerts, reports, reminders, and intelligent dashboards, the platform ensures optimal vehicle utilization and enhanced uptime. Seamlessly integrated with TVS Motor’s connected vehicle ecosystem, it delivers intuitive dashboards, actionable analytics, and a mobile-responsive interface designed for dynamic, on-the-go fleet management.

 

In the first phase, the TVS King Kargo HD EV will be available across key markets including Delhi, NCR (Faridabad, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad), Rajasthan and Bengaluru at a price of Rs. 3.85 Lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).

 

About TVS Motor Company

 

TVS Motor Company (BSE:532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR) is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through sustainable mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in India and Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of trust, value, and passion for customers, it takes pride in making internationally accepted products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. TVS Motor is the only two-wheeler company to have won the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products have led in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS & APEAL surveys and J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiary in the personal e-mobility space, TVS Ebike Company AG, has a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 90 countries in which we operate. 

 

For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com

Total Pageviews