Boys and Machines completes first year of operations, sets out ambitious growth agenda

Sakht khabar Correspondent,

Chandigarh, October 28, 2021: Boys and Machines, a premier dealership specialising in pre-owned luxury cars, today completed a successful first year of operations and marked the occasion by unveiling ambitious plans for future growth.

Founded exactly a year ago amid the COVID-19 pandemic by entrepreneur and luxury car enthusiast Siddharth Chaturvedi, Boys and Machines aims to clock revenues of Rs. 60-65 crores by the end of the fiscal year in March 2022 and aims to reach 100 crore of annual revenue by end of FY23

The first year has been full of milestones for the company as it established itself as a credible player in the used-car space.

Founder and Managing Director Mr. Siddharth Chaturvedi said, “I am incredibly proud of how far we as a business have come in just 12 months. Setting up a business in the midst of a pandemic was daunting to say the least. But our success thus far is testament to our commitment, dedication and passion for creating a pre-owned car business that sets a new standard for customer service and experience. While we can certainly take pride in what we have achieved in our first year, we have to at the same time look to the future. We have ambitious plans to build on our success in the years to come and are confident we can achieve all we have set out to do.”

The company’s sales included rare supercars like the Lamborghini Huracan Aveo CV Special Edition of which there are just three in India and 15 in Asia. That was also the company’s biggest ticket by far, selling for a price of Rs. 2.89 crore.

It also facilitated the sale of other rare automotive gems such as the Porsche 911 Carrera, Rolls Royce Ghost, Jaguar XKR and the Hummer H3.

Aggressive expansion plans

Boys and Machines plans to underpin its ambitious growth goals by expanding its presence aggressively across India.

It has established a foothold in four cities in addition to its Gurugram base in the first year alone and plans to start operations in three more cities – Ahmedabad, Indore and Chandigarh — in the coming year.

In addition to showrooms in new markets, the company also plans to open workshops in cities it is already present in so as to create a more convenient ownership and service experience for customers.

Digital-first approach

One of the keys to the company’s early success and indispensable to its future plans is its digital-first approach. We live in a world that is digitising at a rapid rate with even big ticket transactions moving online. The pandemic has only accelerated this shift.

Recognising this Boys and Machines developed its brick-and-mortar and digital sales architecture in tandem. The company’s customer base is online, well-researched and well-informed when it comes to passion purchases like luxury cars. The company’s inventory for instance is available for anyone, anywhere in the country to parse which has introduced a degree of transparency to transactions and interactions that hadn’t before been seen in the used-car space.

Having a strong digital presence from the outset has not only allowed Boys and Machines to establish its credibility early on but also put the company in touch with a much wider customer base, thereby broadening its presence.

Commitment to doing good

Boys and Machines since its inception has striven to uphold itself as an upstanding and responsible corporate citizen committed to doing good. As part of this commitment, the company has launched a campaign to raise awareness about community animals, commonly known as strays. Its flagship campaign is called ‘Each One, Feed One’. It calls on every individual to feed one animal in their neighbourhood one meal a day. The company itself provides food and water to 50 dogs in and around its Gurugram headquarters. It plans to expand this initiative further.

Rate this:

Sakht khabar Correspondent,

Chandigarh, 28^th October 2021

Vi Dials-Up #SpeedSeBadho Campaign with the Ookla Speedtest Award™ for India’s Fastest Mobile Network

Integrated campaign to run during ICC Men’s T20 World Cup & on surround

Ookla®, the global leader in fixed broadband and mobile network testing applications, has awarded Vi as the Fastest Mobile Network in India basis the Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1-Q2 2021*. Taking this forward, Vi, India’s leading telecom operator, has launched its next leg of the #SpeedSeBadho campaign.

Commenting on the award, Doug Suttles, CEO of Ookla said “Speedtest Awards, presented by Ookla, are reserved for an elite delegation of network operators that have delivered exceptional internet performance and coverage within a market. It is our pleasure to present Vi with the award for Fastest Mobile Network in India. This recognition is testament to their exceptional performance in Q1-Q2 2021 based on Ookla’s rigorous analysis of consumer-initiated tests taken with Speedtest.”

In the Post Covid-19 World, businesses and individuals have relied heavily on telecom operators for secure and reliable connectivity. The world has shifted towards digital and network speeds have become one of the most crucial factors. With the ever evolving lives and needs, the latest #SpeedSeBadho campaign reasserts Ookla’s validation of Vi powered by GIGAnet as the fastest mobile network of India.

With an aim to build awareness, the Vi campaign focusses on various stories that depict how network plays an important part in one’s life by enabling people to do their task in a faster way and get ahead in life.

Commenting on the campaign, Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi said “Vi has been consistently offering the fastest 4G experience for many quarters and with our continued efforts to provide superior experience, it is now the fastest mobile network in the country, as verified by Ookla. We believe in helping our customers thrive in the digital era – be it for learning & development, work, entertainment or just about anything. With our latest #SpeedSeBadho campaign, we narrate stories of how Vi GIGAnet – India’s fastest mobile network, helps customers do things faster and get ahead in life by solving for challenges and unlocking opportunities. The stories showcase how when & where there is speed, there is a way.”

The campaign comprises of 3 TVCs which showcase the power of Vi GIGAnet, the fastest mobile network, in resolving some relatable issues we face in our daily lives.

The first TVC focuses on a wedding planner and her intern who has to work on last-minute changes, completing the décor on time. With the help of Vi, India’s fastest mobile network, she is able to do so seamlessly. Link to the TVC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRq4orh5fOo

The other 2 TVCs will be launched in the course of the campaign.

The high visibility 360-degree campaign, conceptualized by Ogilvy, illustrates Vi’s continued commitment towards enabling customers to excel and will be seen across diverse media including TV, OOH and Digital.

Sharing his thoughts behind the campaign, Kiran Antony, CCO, Ogilvy South said, “This is the third campaign we are doing on ‘SpeedSeBadho’. Earlier 2 campaigns had a very different look and feel where we showed people thriving using Vi network. So when the brief came for this campaign, the challenge was to make it look different from the other 2 campaigns. We have used an interesting treatment where there are almost 35 shots in a 30 seconder. It’s like a short film condensed in 30 seconds”.

The 10 Week long campaign went live on 23^rdOctober, 2021 during the start of Super 12 stage matches of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

GIGAnet is built on 5G architecture and is the result of the largest network integration completed in record time and the first-of-its-kind spectrum refarming exercise in the world.

*Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data of India for Q1–Q2 2021. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

TVS Scooty achieves a new milestone, sales cross 5 million mark

Chandigarh, October 28, 2021: TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, today announced that TVS Scooty has crossed the sales milestone of 5 million units.

TVS Scooty range has been synonymous with female mobility in India for more than three decades in India. Since its launch, the TVS Scooty has been on an iconic journey by catering to the evolving needs of Indian women. TVS Scooty has matched the evolution of its consumer every step of the way. Today, the scooter is an ideal vehicle for the everyday commuter.

TVS Scooty is powered by an ETFi Ecothrust engine that ensures a long-lasting, trouble-free and comfortable ride to consumers with 15% better mileage and performance, making it India’s No. 1 economical scooter.

TVS Scooty is the longest consistent running gearless scooter in the Indian market. TVS Scooty promises an ultimate peppy comfort ride with best-in-class ground reachability and a telescopic suspension that makes bumpy rides comfortable. TVS Scooty is equipped with TVS Motor’s patented ‘Eazy’ stand technology, reducing the effort to put the vehicle on the centre stand by 30%.

YES BANK adds to the festive warmth with YES Family – a proposition to fulfil every family member’s needs

· Feature-packed proposition offers wide-ranging services and rewards to meet financial needs of entire family

· Benefits include priority servicing for whole family, huge savings and cashbacks, fee waivers, flexibility to maintain balance across family accounts and family privileges among other banking solutions

Chandigarh, October 28, 2021: Celebrating togetherness this festive season, YES BANK has launched its YES Family proposition enabling customers to care for the well-being of everyone in their family – with bespoke services and privileges meant to be enjoyed together as a family.

Packed with unique benefits and exclusive offerings, YES Family has been thoughtfully curated to make everything from shopping and dining together to availing loans more convenient and rewarding for customers.

Among the key attractions of the proposition are: family healthcare benefits; dedicated Relationship Manager for the entire family; flexibility to maintain minimum balance across family accounts; free domestic ATM withdrawals, fee waivers on digital transactions; YES Rewardz points on banking transactions that can be transferred within the family, and exciting cashback and lifestyle offers, among other features.

The proposition is available across YES Prosperity, YES Premia and YES FIRST programs – each of which is designed uniquely to cater to different customer segments.

Commenting on the launch, Prashant Kumar, MD&CEO, YES BANK, said, “As family lifestyles witness a dynamic shift, we see enormous potential for family banking to evolve and keep up with the times. Recognizing that the financial needs and expectations of the modern family unit have changed, YES BANK has endeavoured to curate a program that reflects current realities and factors in practical considerations that come with intra-family financial interactions today. With YES Family, customers of varying income levels can collaborate and coordinate their spending together with their families, creating the opportunity for all family members to learn smart spending and fiscal responsibility. Through this proposition, we envisage increasing our monthly retail customer acquisition by 15% till December 2021.”

Discounted locker rentals, competitive interest rates on fixed deposits, recurring deposits, home loans and auto loans along with offers on dining and shopping are among other benefits built into the proposition.

The YES Prosperity Family proposition is available to customers who maintain a combined average monthly balance (AMB) of INR 50,000; YES Premia Family for customers with an AMB of INR 2 lakh or a Net Relationship Value (NRV) of INR 10 lakh at a family level* while YES FIRST Family is available to customers maintaining AMB of INR 8 lakh or a NRV of INR 30 lakh at a family level*.

Eligibility criteria for YES Family proposition:

YES Prosperity Family An average monthly balance of INR 50,000* and above across savings accounts or a Fixed Deposit of INR 5 lakh and above at a family level*

YES Premia Family An Average Monthly Balance of INR 2 lakh* across savings accounts or Net Relationship Value of INR 10 lakh at a family level*

YES FIRST Family An Average Monthly Balance of 8 lakh* across savings accounts or Net Relationship Value of INR 30 lakh at a family level*

*TnC applies. For detailed information on the benefits and privileges, click here: https://www.yesbank.in/personal-banking/yes-family.

IHCL EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN ODISHA WITH THE SIGNING OF A NEW SELEQTIONS HOTEL IN BHUBANESWAR

Chandigarh, OCTOBER 28, 2021: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) today announced the signing of a new SeleQtions hotel in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Currently operating as “The Crown”, the hotel will be re-branded as an IHCL SeleQtions hotel. This hotel is in partnership with Sukhamaya Pvt. Ltd.

Commenting on the signing, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “The signing of this hotel further strengthens our presence in Odisha, which apart from its tourism potential, is fast becoming a key business hub. This new SeleQtions hotel is ideal for business travellers, while also offering distinctive experiences that embody the destination’s rich culture. We are delighted to partner with the Sukhamaya Pvt. Ltd. for this project.”

The hotel, featuring 80 rooms, will undergo renovation and open under the SeleQtions brand in a more contemporary avatar. Strategically located in the heart of Bhubaneswar, the hotel is well suited for both, business and leisure. With a variety of dining options and large outdoor spaces, the hotel also offers multiple banqueting and meeting venues.

Commenting on the partnership, Debasish Patnaik, Managing Director, Sukhamaya Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to partner with Indian Hotels Company for this hotel. Retaining “The Crown” in Bhubaneshwar and adding it to the SeleQtions brand portfolio will further boost the hospitality and tourism landscape in the state, as well as provide the current hotel a better reach.”

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have fivehotels across brands in Odisha.

GULF OIL TAKES A STEP TOWARDS FUTURE OF MOBILITY WITH LAUNCH OF E-FLUIDS

~ The e-fluids are specially formulated for Hybrid and Electric vehicles to help extend battery life, improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions ~

Chandigarh, October 25, 2021: Gulf Oil International Ltd (Gulf), part of the Hinduja Group, has launched a range of e-fluids for Hybrid and Electric (EV) passenger cars. These products were introduced in the international markets including Europe, Middle East and China earlier this year, and now Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. (GOLIL) is launching them in the Indian market.

The E-fluids are specially formulated to enhance performance and safety of the vehicle. Gulf eLEC brake fluids are designed to enhance the brake system and protect from corrosion, whereas the eLEC Coolant will keep the batteries of EV cool under extreme conditions. Gulf eLEC Driveline Fluid is uniquely designed for wide range of applications, including wet/ dry, single and multi-speed transmissions in rear axles and transaxles of electric cars. Its special formula ensures excellent electrical properties in both fresh and aged oil and is most suitable for applications where the axle fluid is in direct contact with electrical components.

Gulf Formula Hybrid advanced engine synthetic oil and transmission fluids for Hybrid cars will help in maintaining peak engine performance across a wide range of temperatures.

Gulf Oil has always been innovating with cutting-edge technologies to provide effective and tailored solutions to the new-age consumers and to electrify the future of mobility.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Ravi Chawla, MD & CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd said, “There is a change in demand in the automotive industry over the past few years due to constant evolution, technological disruption and policy reforms. Hence, the consequent development in EV space is evident and is foreseen to grow at a fast pace. Gulf Oil has always been at the forefront of superior technology and ever-evolving innovations to produce world-class products to cater to the growing and changing demands of customers. We, at Gulf, are focused to build accessible solutions to help build a sustainable future of mobility. We will soon be engaging with OEMs across various segments with our range of product offerings.”

Commenting on the launch, David Hall, Vice President Research and Technology, Gulf Oil International said,“Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) require lubricant type fluids, in fact they require very special fluids and that’s what we have developed at Gulf. EV transmission operates at higher speed and temperatures than transmission in a conventional vehicle. These transmissions contain imbedded electrical and electronic components such as E-motors and power electronics which needs to be cooled and protected. It contains sealing and coating materials that need to be maintained. The fluids exhibits cooling and high electrical resistance properties in order to prevent breakdown. E-Fluids are a fine balancing act of chemistry and physics. We, at Gulf, are proud to introduce these product technology in India, which is a major market for OEMs and electric vehicle.”

ANITA DESAI RECOGNISED FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT BY TATA LITERATURE LIVE!

Chandigarh, 25^th October 2021: Anita Desai, one of India’s best-known authors nationally and internationally, has been conferred with the Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021. A household literary name in India, Mrs. Desai’s authorship has spanned more than 50 years, with memorable works such as Fire On The Mountain, Cry The Peacock, A Village By The Sea, The Clear Light Of Day, Baumgartner’s Bombay, and In Custodywhich was made into a classic Merchant Ivory film starring Shashi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, and Amrish Puri.

Anita Desai’s blend of lyrical style, ease with different cultures, and a clear-eyed examination and confrontation of realistic truths about society and relationships, made for a unique reading experience that fast led her to occupy a leading place among her peers. She has received several awards and honours in the course of her long-spanning literary career, including the Padma Bhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award and later Fellowship, and the Benson Medal of the Royal Society of Literature. Thrice featured on the Booker Prize short list, she taught for many years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she is now an Emerita Professor.

On receiving news of the award, Anita Desai said, “An award given for a lifetime’s work is a great honour and I am deeply grateful to Tata Literature Live! for conferring it on me. I was convinced that I and my work belong to a distant past and my presence here is the presence of a ghost! To find one’s books are still read and remembered in such a changed world fills me with both amazement and gratitude. Thank you.”

Director of the Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest, Amy Fernandessaid, “Anita Desai’s well-thumbed books line the bookshelves of lakhs of homes in India where novels in English are read. They are testaments to the pioneering works of an author who took Indian writing in English to new heights, earning international recognition as well. Their universal themes, delicate prose, and deep insight ensure her novels are always relevant and topical, gently leading the reader to new avenues of thought. It is a privilege and honour for us to acknowledge her marvelous contribution to literature in this way.”

Harish Bhat, Brand Custodian, Tata Sons said, “It is an absolute honour to present the Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award to Ms. Anita Desai, one of India’s most respected novelists. She has had an exemplary journey spanning several decades, having published her first story at the age of 9 years. With her prolific writing, lyrical prose and keen insight into human relationships, she has achieved great accolades, not only for herself but for India as well.”

Past recipients of the Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award include Ruskin Bond, Shanta Gokhale, Sir Mark Tully, Sir V S Naipaul, Amitava Ghosh, Mahashweta Devi.

For more details about Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2021, please visit:

Website: https://tatalitlive.in/

Speakers: https://tatalitlive.in/speakers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatalitlive/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/litlivemumbai

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TataLitLive/

The Tata Group is the title sponsor of Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest, and the festival will also be supported by a few other Tata companies. The festival was conceived by Anil Dharker (1947-2021) who was also the founder and festival director of Literature Live! which organises the festival with the support of the Tata Group.

BharatPe Raises Rs. 100 crores in debt from MAS

· The company has raised over Rs. 600 crores of debt in 2021

· On track to meet debt raise targets for FY22

· Eighth round of debt raise for BharatPe in 2021

Chandigarh, October 25, 2021: BharatPe, India’s fastest growing Fintech company, today announced that it has raised Rs. 100 crores (~US$ 14 mn) in debt from MAS Financial Services Private Limited (MAS Financial), one of India’s leading Non-Banking Financial Companies that is committed to be a leading distributor of financial services and create value on a large scale. This is the eighth round of debt fund raise for the company in 2021. BharatPe has raised a total of over Rs. 600 crores (~US$ 84 mn) in debt at competitive rates, this calendar year.

BharatPe has been bullish about its lending vertical, having clocked 10x growth in the last financial year. Today, the company is the largest B2B credit provider in the country. In total, it has facilitated disbursals in excess of US$ 400 mn in unsecured loans to over 3 lac merchants, since the launch of the product.

BharatPe had previously raised seven rounds of debt financing in 2021, having secured over Rs 500 crores from top venture debt funds (Alteria Capital, InnoVen Capital and Trifecta Capital), banks (ICICI Bank and Axis Bank), NBFCs (Northern Arc Capital) and wealth management companies (IIFL Wealth & Asset Management) in the earlier rounds. The company is on track to meet its debt raise targets for FY22.

Commenting on the debt fund raise, Suhail Sameer, Chief Executive Officer, BharatPe said “As per industry reports, there is close to US$ 400 bn addressable SME lending opportunity in India. BharatPe is committed to address this credit gap for small merchants and kirana store owners in India with its compelling lending products for offline merchants. Our recent debt raises will give us the raw material to build our merchant lending vertical more aggressively. BharatPe is one of the largest B2B Fintech lenders in India today, facilitating loan disbursals of over Rs. 300 crores to offline merchants every month. As Indian businesses rebound and the impact of the pandemic fades away, we expect the lending vertical to grow multi-fold over the coming months. I would like to thank the MAS team for backing us and look forward to partnering with them and empowering millions of merchant businesses.”

Added Nishit Sharma, Chief Revenue Officer, BharatPe, ‘BharatPe’s lending vertical has been scaling fast over the last 2 years. In the coming months, we will not only focus on expanding our geographical coverage in India, but also launch a range of innovative lending products for merchants. We are on track to build a loan book of US$ 1 bn by March 2023 for our lending partners. I am thankful to MAS for showing trust in BharatPe’s vision. We will continue to raise debt as well as explore partnerships with Indian and international investors including banks, NBFCs, large pension funds, credit funds as well as development financial institutions.”

Rate this:

Chandigarh, OCTOBER 25, 2021: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has reached a significant milestone of completing 50 years of managing the iconic Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur. Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons graced the occasion and thanked Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, Chairman and Managing Director, The Lake Palace Hotels & Motels Private Limited, for entrusting IHCL with the care of this architectural marvel and a palace with such illustrious history.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “IHCL, since its inception has maintained a steadfast commitment in showcasing India’s glorious past with some of the country’s most celebrated and authentic palaces that date back to the pre-independence era. We remain grateful to Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar for reposing faith in IHCL for 50 years with the marquee Taj Lake Palace. We further strengthened this partnership with two more properties of HRH Group of Hotels through 2020-2021, Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur and the recently signed Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer.”

Taj Lake Palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II and opened in 1746. A luminous palace in the middle of Lake Pichhola, Taj Lake Palace is one of the most photographed properties in the world. This spectacular palace was also where the much acclaimed James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed.

Arvind Singh Mewar, Chairman and Managing Director, The Lake Palace Hotels & Motels Private Limited said, “Taj Lake Palace is a legendary icon of Udaipur. IHCL restored it sensitively to preserve its timeless elegance and its unique history, while blending it with the conveniences of modern luxury. We are delighted to have this long standing and successful relationship with the custodians of Indian hospitality. My family and I look forward to this continued association and enhancing the region’s tremendous tourism potential.”

IHCL is the largest hospitality operator in Udaipur with five hotels including two under development. In line with the Company’s commitment to developing the tourism eco-system, it recently introduced skill- building programs in hospitality for the underprivileged youth. These centres are present in Udaipur, Nagaur, and Chirawa in Rajasthan.

Nokia C30 launches in India with a whopping 6.82” HD+ screen and 6000 mAh monster battery and further strengthens strategic Jio Partnership

Equipped with the impressive 13MP dual camera and 3/32GB and 4/64GB configurations

Will be available with JioExclusive offer- across retail stores, Nokia.com and leading e-commerce platforms

· Love it: Battery for up to three days¹, quality imaging, and a screen that means business

· Trust it: Pure android with two years quarterly security updates that will protect your data

· Keep it: Sturdy device which has passed durability tests tougher than the industry average

Chandigarh, 25 OCTOBER 2021 – HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has strengthened its popular C-series portfolio of smartphones by introducing theNokia C30, with a strategic partnership with Jio in India. Launched in the midst of the ongoing festive season, the budget-friendly Nokia C30 is the most powerful C-series smartphone, with the largest battery and biggest screen yet in a Nokia smartphone. This is the fourth Nokia smartphone which comes with the benefits of the special JioExclusive program.

With a colossal 6.82” HD+ display, the Nokia C30’s screen means there’s more to see, share and cherish. Due to its huge 6000 mAh battery that can last up to three days on single charge, you can binge on your favorite shows, listen to music, do long video calls with your friends and family, click photos whenever you want to and more, without worrying about the battery life. Capture your best ideas in authentic quality with the impressive 13MP dual camera. And, thanks to regular quarterly security updates for at least two years, the Nokia C30 will not only stand the test of time but will also keep you and your work safe for the entirety of it.

Commenting on the new launch, Mr. Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, Vice President, HMD Global said: “The new Nokia C30 is the most powerful addition to our C-series range, and it epitomizes what this range stands for – a holistic smartphone experience at an accessible price point. It’s the ultimate device, from a brand you know and trust, for people who want to transition into the world of smartphones. The Nokia C30 is an answer to what people have been asking for – more time between charges, bigger screen, our signature security and durability, and an accessible price point.”

More screen, more room for your bold ideas

The huge 6.82” HD+ display on the new Nokia C30 is here to supply what fans have been asking for. Give your work the attention it deserves – on the Nokia C30, all viewing angles are the good ones, so you can show your ideas with ease. When it’s time to unwind, settle in for some well-earned catching up with your favourite series.

A battery that can keep up

Hard-working individuals and busy days ask for a battery that can keep up. On the Nokia C30, it’s been supersized to an impressive 6000 mAh, giving you enough energy to work up to three days on single charge – so you can upskill, stream, and connect to those that matter most. Complemented by the quality feel that only a truly durable build can provide. The Nokia C30 is wrapped in a sturdy polycarbonate shell that you can trust, giving you a device that will last.

Love the camera

Treasured moments can be relived thanks to the dual 13MP camera – highest resolution on a C-series device yet. The added depth sensor will give your portraits the quality they deserve.

Safety first with industry-leading security

When it comes to your ideas, you can’t put a price on security. Just like the rest of the C-series family, the Nokia C30 comes with a security update promise. Updated quarterly for two years, you can trust that your best work will always be protected. Plus, with fingerprint and face unlock, your work will be well guarded.

Pricing and availability

The Nokia C30 is available in India in Green and White and comes in 3/32GB and 4/64GB configurations starting at a recommended best buy price of INR 10999 & 11999 respectively, across leading offline retail stores, e-commerce platforms and Nokia.com.

Customers who choose to avail the JioExclusive offerwill get an instant price support of 10% or a maximum of Rs. 1000 on the best buy price, and will have to pay INR 9999 & 10999 for the 3GB & 4GB variant respectively.

Customers can avail the offer at participating Retail stores or through the MyJio app. In case of self-enrolment via MyJio app, they can opt for JioExclusive offer within 15 days of activating the device and the Price Support benefits would be passed directly to customer’s bank account via UPI within 30 minutes of successful enrolment.

Additional Benefits for all Jio Subscribers:

Jio subscribers doing recharge of INR 249 and above would also be eligible for benefits worth INR 4000 across Myntra, PharmEasy, Oyo & MakeMyTrip.

Kindly access the product images from here.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact HMD Global press office: hmd@adfactorspr.com

Ola Cars draws up growth plans to eye market leadership position of $2 Billion in GMV, to hire 10,000 people

● 5,000 vehicles sold on the platform in one month

● Started pre-owned vehicle sales in 7 cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad

● To expand this week to 4 more cities – Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kolkata and Indore

Chandigarh, 23 October, 2021: Ola, India’s largest mobility platform, plans to hire 10,000 new people, as it eyes a market leadership position with $2 Billion Gross Market Value for its vehicle commerce platform Ola Cars over the next 12 months. Ola Cars has already sold 5,000 pre-owned cars in its first full month of operation, the fastest growth achieved in this category for a new entrant.

In the middle of the ongoing festive season, Ola Cars has started pre-owned vehicle sales in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad and will also expand to Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kolkata and Indore by end of this week, all through the Ola app, to provide customers a reimagined vehicle commerce experience.

Over the next two months, Ola Cars will be operational in 30 cities and expand to 100 cities by next year. As a digital first platform, Ola Cars offers a dramatically better ownership experience superior to that of a new car ownership, with innovations such as doorstep test drive, 7 days no questions asked return of a purchased vehicle.

Arun Sirdeshmukh, CEO, Ola Cars, said, “With Ola Cars, we are redefining the entire car buying, ownership and resale experience. Our ‘better than new’ buying experience is driving tremendous demand with over 5,000 cars already sold in our first full month of operation. We are rapidly expanding to 100 cities in the coming months and are adding 10,000 people across key areas including sales and service centers”.

As part of Ola Cars, Ola is also setting up service centres across the country to provide a dramatically better experience through advanced telematics, AI and Vision based systems that ensure high quality repair work and advanced robotic paint shops will provide paint work that will match OEM factory finish, as well as the promise of genuine auto parts.

As part of its longer term plans, Ola will open this platform up for new vehicles from other automotive brands as well, providing them a seamless, trusted platform with unprecedented reach and understanding of consumers and their mobility needs.

Tata CLiQ Luxury’s new gifting campaign celebrates timeless bonds this festive season

Chandigarh, 23 October 2021: Great relationships, unlike everything fast in this world, are built over time. Through thick and thin, the people who stand by you are a handful of them, and they are the ones for whom going the extra mile is worthwhile. Aimed at celebrating such relationships which deserve to be cherished and chronicled, Tata CLiQ Luxury, India’s premier luxury lifestyle platform, announced the launch of their latest gifting campaign this festive season, today. The campaign encourages consumers to celebrate their deepest bonds with thoughtful gifts, while also positioning the platform as the go-to destination for #LuxeGifting.

Relationships are built and grow on strong foundations of trust, care, and love. At Tata CLiQ Luxury, we encourage people to honour relationships with individuals they treasure. A gift selected with the same passion, effort, and time as that put into the relationship becomes the conduit for expressing how much you value the person and the bond you share with them. With this campaign, Tata CLiQ Luxury casts a spotlight on thoughtful gifting by recognising and celebrating different kinds of relationships.

The brand film, titled ‘Soulmates’, portrays the bond between former spouses. The narrative briefly takes the viewer through their journey, showcasing how much they appreciate their time together and care for each other even after they’ve parted ways because they’ve been such an integral part of each other’s lives. It beautifully captures their bond, which is acknowledged by the gift they handpick from the platform for each other. The film highlights Tata CLiQ Luxury as a platform where consumers can discover a wide range of thoughtfully curated gifts to shop for this festive season to celebrate the people who matter most to them and the relationships they share.

On the launch of the campaign, Mohua Das Gupta, Head – Brand Marketing, Tata CLiQ Luxury said, “Festive season is indeed a time for celebration. At Tata CLiQ Luxury, we urge consumers to celebrate relationships which hold a special place in their hearts by expressing their gratitude and appreciation towards people who’ve played a significant role in their life through gifts that define their journey over time. Unlike this fast-paced world we live in, great relationships are built with time and so are the gifts worthy of them. Tata CLiQ Luxury provides curated premium and luxury brands across a wide range of categories that are crafted for the unhurried and perfected over time to celebrate special bonds and stories with thoughtful gifting options.”

Bobby Pawar, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, Havas Group India, “After the Slow Luxury commercial for Tata CLiQ Luxury, we had to carry forward that insight into the gifting season – and ‘relationships built over time’ was the perfect platform to take this proposition forward. But we did not stop there. We wanted to push the work, and we were blessed to have likeminded clients who wanted to push the conversation too. Rather than me talking about the work, I think the work speaks for itself”

As part of a digital-first strategy, the brand film will be widely promoted through a large-scale campaign across digital platforms followed by offline channels.

Tata CLiQ Luxury offers exquisitely curated gifting options from premium and luxury brands across a range of categories like Accessories, Apparel, Beauty & Grooming, Footwear, Gourmet, Home Décor, Stationery, Watches, and more, that one can shop from this festive season to celebrate the people and relationships they cherish. By embracing the principles of Slow Commerce, the brand elevates the online luxury shopping experience, where browsing is a delight and quality is nurtured.

ProNutiva Program from UPL increases yield and oil content in Groundnut Crop, brings Samriddhi to 50,000 Farmers covering 250,000 acres

~ Promotes sustainable agriculture for groundnut farmers

~ Increased yield & protein contents of fodder for Dairy Industry

Chandigarh 21 October, 2021 – UPL Ltd., global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, has delivered extremely promising results with its ProNutiva Sada Samrudh Groundnut program in Gujarat. The project, which was scaled up in May 2021, has resulted in astounding improvements in the crop yields, thereby increasing the income of the participating farmers as well. To showcase the same, UPL organized a live harvest demonstration at Rikadia Village, in Amreli that was attended by over 750 farmers, Village Sarpanchs, and agriculture department officials.

The first pilot program was implemented with 8,500 farmers, which was taken up in the year 2020 in the key groundnut belts in Gujarat which helped double their yields and income, now it has covered over 2.5 lakh acres of farm-land over 50 thousands farmers. The overall increase in groundnut yield is of 50-60%, with an increase in oil extraction of 1 percent. In addition, it led to an increase of fodder yield of 35%, which helped improve the farmers’ dairy income.

Under the ambit of the Pronutiva Sada Samrudh project, groundnut farmers were offered integrated agricultural services like IPM Kits, Soil Testing, Weather Services, Crop Advisory and High-Tech Enabled Farmer Mechanization Services to increase groundnut yield and income. They also used UPL’s groundbreaking product “ZEBA”, which absorbs water and nutrients and releases it to the plant when it’s needed by the plant. The project has not only demonstrated the significance of apt inputs and advisory along with technology services for upliftment of groundnut farmers, but also showcased the potential to stimulate highly remunerative groundnut farming across the nation which in turn can contribute to food as well as nutritional security, and help with the country’s Edible Oil Mission as well.

The program has been surveyed by We Governance Knowledge Services Pvt Ltd, Junagarh Agriculture University as well as Grant Thornton, all independent third parties.

The results of the We Governance Knowledge Services Pvt. Ltd. showed that with the use of “ZEBA” and all the other services under the program, the number of healthy plants increased by 20%, the number of peg formations increased by 25%, the number of pod count increased by 35% and all of these improvements lead to a higher pod weight by 51%. The study by Junagarh Agriculture University indicated an increase in Oil of 1.45%, an increase in the true protein of the nuts by 1.68% and an increase in the total carbohydrates of 0.72%. A study is still under process by The Grant Thornton and the report will be available soon.

Commenting on the success of the program, Savesh Kumar, Head, India Filed Marketing, UPL shares, “Gujarat is a key state in India’s groundnut production, and has the highest capacity of any state in the country. Farmers in the region are faced with problems such as white-grub infestation, water management, soil nutrient deficiency. Our program has shown extremely promising results and we hope to continue to improve yields and thereby the livelihoods of our nation’s farmers.”

Ashish Dobhal, Regional Head of India, UPL Ltd, mentions, “UPL strives to holistically and sustainably improve each crop, which is the aim of the ProNutiva Sada Samrudh program as well. We are delighted to see the incredible results from the program, which has led to not only led to an increase in the crop yield, but also helped farmers increase their income.”

Dinesh Bhai Rupala, a groundnut farmer from Ishwariya Village Amreli, said, “we were planning to abandon the cultivation of ground nut as there were very less yield and income but due to the intervention and support of the UPL team under Sada Samrudh Pronutiva project we are not only getting over 50 percent higher yields but also higher price of our crop due to better quality. The fodder quality and quantity has also increased that has helped us to get more returns from dairy business.”

Rohit Bhai Movaliya, Farmer, Rikadiya, Amreli, at whose fram the live event was organised, said, “I have found higher number of pods, weight, quality with bigger size pods, in my ground nut crop by using Pronutiva package in my farm that is providing me over 25-30 per cent higher income when compared with non Pronutiva farm. When due to intermittent rains other farmers’ groundnut crops were showing stress and were drying, my farm was still green and remained healthy without irrigation due to the use of Zeba that hold water and releases when the plant is in stress. It has also helped me to get good quality and quantity of green fodder as well for my cows and buffalows.”

Hansraj Bhai Happani, Dahida, Amreli said, “ India is importing over 70 percent of edible oil, if this project is implemented across India, soon we will be able to become Aatmanirbhar in oil that will save our foreign income aa well as make India a healthier nation. I have witnessed the results of Pronutiva impacts in my ground nut farm, where i have witnessed over 50 percent increase in yield and 1.5 percent higher oil content.”

A Stellar Line Up Of Brilliant Minds at Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2021

Chandigarh, 21 October 2021: Mumbai’s acclaimed Literature Festival, Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest will continue its tradition of presenting leading personalities from among the world’s best authors, thinkers, writers, and artists for its 12th edition. The Festival, to be held from 18-21 November, will be conducted in a virtual format for the second year running, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s Festival has been tightly curated to bring participants and audiences online for exceptional quality time.

As in previous years there will be an international stellar line up across literature, poetry, philosophy, science, business and the arts, including Amitav Ghosh, Salman Rushdie, Anne Enright, Steven Pinker, Nick Hornby, Shashi Tharoor, Indra Nooyi, David Baldacci, Ashis Nandy, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, Vidya Dehejia, Martin Kemp, Rebecca Solnit, Ruskin Bond, Amish, Neena Gupta, Ashwin Sanghi, Matthew Weiner, Marlon James, Shobhaa De, Rutger Bregman, Amy Blakemore, Matt Haig, Heather Morris, Thomas Homer-Dixon, Dolly Thakore, Jonathan Drori, Hilary Leichter, Daniel Lieberman, Farah Bashir, Sanjena Sathian.

Viewers can also look forward to the traditional highlights of the Festival: the Lifetime Achievement Award to a distinguished literary personality; the presentation to the annual Poet Laureate; the Great Debate; daily performances including for children, and the prestigious Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest Literary Awards for the First Book and Book of the Year in the Fiction and Non-Fiction categories, Business Book of the Year, and Publisher of the Year.

The popular Little Festival for children, the first such of which was begun alongside the Litfest two years ago, will also take place simultaneously, as will a Campus Festival – a series of talks by participating writers for college students.

Tata Literature Live! Mumbai Litfest has always had a tradition of regularly introducing a new element. This year will see the Introduction to Indian Languages with a session each on Marathi prose and poetry, along with a performance in Marathi.

The 2021 Festival will be an act of tribute to its Founder & Founder-Director Anil Dharker who passed away in March 2021. He pioneered the concept of a Literary Festival for Mumbai and made it into an internationally known and respected forum through the depth and range of his knowledge and access, and his extraordinary efforts. The Festival will also salute the memory of Shashi Baliga, its Executive Director, who sadly lost the battle to COVID-19 in May 2021. She was its supporting frame and exemplary advisor.

Speaking about the Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2021, Director of the Festival, Amy Fernandes said, “The Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest is a much-awaited annual event. Despite the enormous challenges of the past 18 months, we have been able to maintain an unbroken series to announce its 12th avatar this year. This Litfest will be a poignant event for us, our associates, and our regular audiences, who will miss Anil Dharker and Shashi Baliga, but it will also be a matter of pride to mount a Festival that will meet the exceptional standards that they set. As we once again host world leaders in thought and word across a range of subjects, we would like to most sincerely thank the Tata group for their continued support and their belief in the enduring value of the Litfest.”

Harish Bhat, Brand Custodian, TataSons, said,
“After the highly successful digital edition last year, we are ready to welcome everyone to the 12th edition of Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest, which will also be held in a digital format due to the current pandemic and will be accessible across the country and the globe. Literature and art have always stood as two strong pillars of elevating our community, and we believe that they will be even more important as we slowly regain normalcy from an unprecedented past 18 months. Once again, this year, the festival will bring together some of the most accomplished writers, artistes and intellectuals for meaningful conversations and debates, along with some stellar performances as well. We invite everyone to be a part of this brilliant line-up of events and hope to take forward the remarkable legacy left behind by Anil Dharker and Shashi Baliga.”

Website: https://tatalitlive.in/

Speakers: https://tatalitlive.in/speakers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatalitlive/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/litlivemumbai

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TataLitLive/

Some past participants: A C Grayling, Alexander McCall Smith, Amish, Amitabh Bachchan, Amitav Ghosh, Amy Tan, Anne Enright, Anthony Horowitz, Ashwin Sanghi, Atul Gawande, Ben Okri, Craig Brown, Christophe Jaffrelot, Emma Donahue, Faroukh Dhondy, Ferdinand Mount, Germaine Greer, Gulzar, Ian Jack, Javed Akhtar, Jayant Narlikar, Jeffrey Archer, Keki Daruwala, Lionel Shriver, Marcus du Sautoy, Margaret Drabble, Mark Tully, Martin Amis, Miriam Margoyles, Naseeruddin Shah, Neal MacGregor, Neil Gaiman, Raghuram Rajan, Ramachandra Guha, Roger Penrose, Ruskin Bond, Sebastian Faulks, Shanta Gokhale, Shashi Tharoor, Shobhaa De, Siddhartha Mukherjee, Stephen Daldry, T M Krishna, Tom Friedman, Tristram Hunt, Vikram Seth, William Dalrymple.

The Tata Group is the title sponsor of Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest and the festival will also be supported by other Tata companies. The festival was conceived by Anil Dharker (1947-2021) founder and festival director of Literature Live!, which organises the festival with the support of the Tata Group.

Vi Business Offers Google Workspace as part of its Business Plus Plans to Enable Hybrid Working for Indian SMEs

● Starting at Rs 399, Vi Business Plus users can now access Google Workspace, Google’s suite of offerings to work in remote and secure environments

Chandigarh; October 21, 2021: Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea Ltd. (VIL), has partnered with Google Cloud India to offer collaboration solutions for SMEs and start-ups. Aiding the right balance between business objectives and employee flexibility, Google Workspace will equip Vi Business Plus customers with a set of productivity applications like Google Meet, Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Slides, Docs, and Calendar at no extra cost.

The partnership is aimed at facilitating flexibility and connectivity to small businesses and their workforce, in an efficient and secure manner. Starting at a monthly rental of Rs 399, Vi Business Plus customers can mix and match plans to access various features such as real-time collaboration and communication, editing, preventing data loss, data security, seamless sharing of files, digitally sign and encrypt Gmail messages among others.

Commenting on the partnership and offering, Abhijit Kishore, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, “As we continue to work in this increasingly hybrid world, Vi Business Plus plans offer an array of value-added benefits to enterprises like Mobile Security, Location Tracking, Productivity and Entertainment. Our partnership with Google Cloud for Google Workspace will aid collaborative and productive remote working environments in an efficient and secure manner. Small & Medium Enterprises and Start-ups will find these solutions particularly appealing as they cater to their mobility, collaboration and security needs at no additional costs.”

“Google Workspace is built to help businesses of all sizes stay productive and secure even in remote working environments. Especially in the current times, we are delighted that our partner Vodafone Idea is taking this to market.” said, Amitabh Jacob, Head of Partners and Alliances, Google Cloud India

Vi Business Plus – Google Workspace Business Starter: Key Features

Product	Offerings
Office Suite	– Email, Calendar, Apps, Docs, Slides – Shared access across drives + offline access
Enterprise Class File Sync + Share	– Drive with 30 GB storage per user
Enterprise Class Meetings	– Meet + instant access with link
Device Management	– Centralized Admin + 24/7 support – 1 click setup + security policies for Android & iOS

Giving enterprises and working professionals the flexibility and freedom to function from anywhere – Vi Business Plus plans enable them to strike the right balance between business productivity and employee wellbeing.

NPCI launches NTS platform for Card tokenization

· The NPCI Tokenization system (NTS) will support tokenization of RuPay cards as an alternative to storing card details with merchants, to enhance customer safety

· RuPay Tokenization will allow a seamless and convenient shopping experience with heightened data security

Chandigarh – 21 October 2021: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced the launch of NPCI Tokenization system (NTS) to support tokenization of cards as an alternate to storing card details with merchants. The NPCI Tokenization System (NTS) will support the tokenization of RuPay cards to further enhance the safety of customers and provide a seamless shopping experience to consumers.

Based on the set of guidelines that have been mandated by the RBI, sensitive customer information is to be stored in the form of an encrypted ‘token’ to help secure transactions. These tokens then allow payments to be processed without disclosing the customer details or allowing the payment intermediaries to store customer data that could breach security and privacy.

NPCI’s Token Reference On File (TROF) service will help millions of RuPay cardholders, maintain the security of their financial data. The card details of the customers will be completely safe & secure at the RuPay Network Secure vault. With NTS, acquiring Banks, Aggregators, Merchants & others can get themselves certified with NPCI & can play the role of Token Requestor to help save the Token reference number (Token Reference On File) against all card numbers saved. All these businesses can maintain their RuPay consumer base utilizing TROF for future transactions initiated by their respective RuPay consumers.

This fool-proof and transparent system will ensure no customer-sensitive information will get released. In addition to enhancing security, tokenization will also help in reducing friction in the payment process by providing a faster check-out experience to the customers.

Kunal Kalawatia, Chief of Products, National Payments Corporation of India said, “RBI’s guidelines on Card Tokenization is to enhance the safety of the digital payments ecosystem in the country. We are confident that NPCI Tokenization System (NTS) for tokenization of RuPay cards will instill further trust in the millions of RuPay cardholders to carry out their day-to-day transactions securely. We believe that this unique Card-on-File Tokenization solution will not only safeguard customers’ confidential data but will also further strengthen the overall digital payments environment.”

TATA Health augments digital ecosystem for Online Consultations & Healthcare across the country

~ InstaDoc, provides 24*7 instant online consultations with physicians ~

~ Online/Clinic appointments with curated Specialists & Super specialists across 15 specialties~

Chandigarh, October , 2021: TATA Health, the digital health arm of the TATA Group, today announced the PAN-India availability of its Digital Health platform. Launched in Bengaluru, the online consultation App helped more than 6 Lakh people. With a vision to enhance health and happiness always, TATA Health provides instant consultation service through a wide network of Physicians and Specialists, enabling immediate medical advice for any health issue without having to wait for an appointment. They also have specialists and super-specialists in over 15 specialties and General Medicine doctors are available 24×7.

The doctors on the App are selected after a rigorous multi-step selection process. These curated doctors deliver personalized care with empathy, understand patient needs and only prescribe what is necessary. Users have access to a personal, pin protected Health Locker, which stores all their medical records safely online. This allows patients to access and share their medical information when needed. The App also enables pharma purchase as well as home collection of samples for lab tests with certified labs in select locations.

TATA Health App is one highest rated healthcare apps in the country. It has a whole range of functionalities including Steps Tracker for users to track their daily steps and set goals to stay fit, medicine reminders to ensure consumers regularly take medicines and also personalized content specific to user needs.

Mr. Manzoor Ameen, CEO, TATA Health said, “At TATA Health, we are committed to help people in India have better access to healthcare. Preventive care and early diagnosis can help delay/prevent the onset of chronic cases. Availability of 24×7 online care from professional doctors can help consumers address any healthcare need quickly and conveniently. The pandemic has shown us the importance of preparing for the unexpected when it comes to health, and TATA Health’s online consultation will put healthcare at every individual’s fingertips, giving instant access to curated services and transparent choices for peace of mind. As digitization of health increases, more and more people are looking for healthcare support and solutions that are easily accessible through their smartphones and it is here that TATA Health configured itself to provide quality health solutions.”

The specialties that are available for consultation with curated specialists include General Medicine, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Dermatology, Psychiatry, ENT, Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Diabetology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Psychology, Nephrology and Nutrition Counselling. COVID consultation is also available.

Mr. Ameen further added, “The global telemedicine market is expected to reach US$5.5 billion by 2025.[1]The Indian health tech industry also saw a boost driven by a surge in demand during the pandemic. Of the various segments of health tech, online consultations are one the fastest growing segments. Positive government policies such as the National Digital Health Mission are giving a fillip new investments in health technology. The release of the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines also gave clarity and provided a framework for online medical consultations. At TATA Health, we will ensure user confidence and authenticity in online consultations through transparency and strict compliance with data privacy and security laws.”

TATA Health has also launched a campaign to educate people in seeking timely medical advice for symptoms that may be confusing. The #SochMatPoochLe digital campaign encourages people to take action and address their health concerns by consulting with curated doctors through an easy to access platform.

The TATA Health platform can be access on web at https://www.tatahealth.com/. The app can be downloaded at TATAHEALTH+ for Android and TATAHEALTH+ for iPhone.

---

---

[1] https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/telemedicine-market-to-reach-us5-5-billion-by-2025-with-teleconsultation-e-pharmacy-making-up-90-ey-ipa-study/77993640

Godrej Properties ranked #1 amongst listed global residential developers by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, (GRESB) for a second consecutive year

Chandigarh, October, 2021: Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) (BSE scrip id: GODREJPRP), one of India’s leading real estate developers, announced today that GRESB, an organization that provides Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) benchmarks for real estate organizations across the world has recognized Godrej Properties as a Real Estate Development Sector Leader globally for listed residential real estate.

Each year GRESB recognizes and celebrates participants from across the world who have excelled with their leadership and commitment as real estate sector leaders with the expectation that these organizations will help drive ESG improvements across the industry. Godrej Properties has participated in the benchmark assessment since 2013 and achieved its highest score of 95 points this year retaining its leadership position with the highest GRESB score amongst listed residential developers. Amongst 450 listed real estate companies across the globe, GPL’s Public Disclosure score too has been improved significantly with a score of 100 and a rating of A. The company’s ESG disclosures are prepared in accordance with GRI requirements and are externally assured to meet the highest standards of transparency and integrity.

Godrej Properties is the only real estate developer in India to achieve this global recognition.

Mr. Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Chairman, Godrej Properties Limited, said, “Delivering environmental sustainability, a positive social impact, and good governance have always been an integral part of our values at Godrej. This prestigious global recognition will further motivate our entire team to continue to improve our ESG performance across all aspects of our business.”

LSAC to administer LSAT—India™2022 in January and May 2022 for law school aspirants

~Both LSAT—India 2022 tests to be held online ~

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has announced plans to administer the LSAT—India 2022 in two cycles using the online proctored format that will allow law school aspirants to take the test safely, from the convenience of their own homes. The first administration of the test will be conducted on January 15, 2022 and the second administration would be over a five-day period, starting May 9, 2022 to accommodate the larger number of anticipated test takers.

Registration for the LSAT—India 2022 will open on October 18, 2021. In our continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LSAT—India 2022 will again be administered through an online delivery system with artificial intelligence-assisted remote proctoring to ensure the integrity and validity of each test. This format enabled more than 7,600 aspiring law students, as well as law colleges, in India to enjoy an uninterrupted admission cycle despite the extraordinary circumstances of the global health emergency.

Regarding the administrations for the LSAT—India 2022, LSAC’s Vice President Yusuf Abdul-Kareem explained that two opportunities to appear for the LSAT—India will help aspirants maximize their law college admission process.

“The administration of LSAT—India test in January would help aspirants prepare for the exam in depth, as there would be no burden of other exams. With two opportunities to score well in the LSAT—India 2022, aspirants will be able to demonstrate their true ability to top colleges without worrying about other tests,” Abdul-Kareem said.

Students can register for the LSAT—India 2022 by visiting discoverlaw.in/register-for-the-test. Students who register before December 15, 2021 will be eligible for the special early-bird price of INR 3499. Students who register on or after December 15, 2021 will pay the standard price of INR 3799.

LSAT—India is one of the leading entrance tests for undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes in India. Please visitDiscoverLaw.in for a complete list of law schools that accept LSAT—India scores as one of their key admissions criteria.

After the closure of registration period, candidates will receive scheduling details and instructions on how to take the online test to ensure a seamless experience. LSAC will provide additional information about the online LSAT—India in the weeks ahead.

Applicants can prepare for the test using the variety of free and paid test material available on the Discover Law India website (discoverlaw.in/prepare-for-the-test). The LSAC LawPrep^sm learning platform enables students to access test preparation tools which simulate the testing environment. The ability to practice under real-time conditions helps aspirants build confidence for test day success.

LSAC to administer LSAT—India™2022 in January and May 2022 for law school aspirants

~Both LSAT—India 2022 tests to be held online ~

–The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has announced plans to administer the LSAT—India 2022 in two cycles using the online proctored format that will allow law school aspirants to take the test safely, from the convenience of their own homes. The first administration of the test will be conducted on January 15, 2022 and the second administration would be over a five-day period, starting May 9, 2022 to accommodate the larger number of anticipated test takers.

Registration for the LSAT—India 2022 will open on October 18, 2021. In our continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LSAT—India 2022 will again be administered through an online delivery system with artificial intelligence-assisted remote proctoring to ensure the integrity and validity of each test. This format enabled more than 7,600 aspiring law students, as well as law colleges, in India to enjoy an uninterrupted admission cycle despite the extraordinary circumstances of the global health emergency.

Regarding the administrations for the LSAT—India 2022, LSAC’s Vice President Yusuf Abdul-Kareem explained that two opportunities to appear for the LSAT—India will help aspirants maximize their law college admission process.

“The administration of LSAT—India test in January would help aspirants prepare for the exam in depth, as there would be no burden of other exams. With two opportunities to score well in the LSAT—India 2022, aspirants will be able to demonstrate their true ability to top colleges without worrying about other tests,” Abdul-Kareem said.

Students can register for the LSAT—India 2022 by visiting discoverlaw.in/register-for-the-test. Students who register before December 15, 2021 will be eligible for the special early-bird price of INR 3499. Students who register on or after December 15, 2021 will pay the standard price of INR 3799.

LSAT—India is one of the leading entrance tests for undergraduate and postgraduate law programmes in India. Please visitDiscoverLaw.in for a complete list of law schools that accept LSAT—India scores as one of their key admissions criteria.

After the closure of registration period, candidates will receive scheduling details and instructions on how to take the online test to ensure a seamless experience. LSAC will provide additional information about the online LSAT—India in the weeks ahead.

Applicants can prepare for the test using the variety of free and paid test material available on the Discover Law India website (discoverlaw.in/prepare-for-the-test). The LSAC LawPrep^sm learning platform enables students to access test preparation tools which simulate the testing environment. The ability to practice under real-time conditions helps aspirants build confidence for test day success.

Vi Partners Larsen & Toubro for Trials of Smart City Solutions on 5G

Chandigarh, October, 2021: Leading telecom operator, Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) and Smart World & Communication business of leading Engineering & Construction conglomerate Larsen & Toubro have partnered, for a pilot project to test 5G-based Smart City solutions, as part of its ongoing 5G trials on Govt. allocated 5G spectrum.

The companies will collaborate to test and validate 5G use cases built on IoT, Video AI technologies leveraging L&T’s Smart City platform – Fusion, addressing the challenges of urbanisation, safety & security and offering smart solutions to the citizens, in a pilot to be conducted in Pune.

Commenting on the 5G trials and partnership, Abhijit Kishore, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, said, “Telecommunications solutions are the backbone of building smart and sustainable cities. The advent of 5G technology opens whole new opportunities to address challenges of urban growth and provide end-to-end solutions to support sustainable creation of Smart Cities, in the future. Vi is happy to partner with Larsen & Toubro to test 5G based Smart City solutions and utilise our mutual expertise to find solutions that can help shape cities of the future.”

“In this constantly-evolving world, we are seeing an exponential rise in demand for smarter and more intelligent solutions and L&T Smart World is committed towards leveraging the latest technological innovations in the IoT and Telecommunications areas to benefit society at large. We are excited to partner with Vodafone Idea to bring to the table our experience, of having successfully executed several smart solutions across Indian cities, to develop customised, IoT-driven 5G solutions for various industry and enterprise verticals”, said Mr. J D Patil, Whole Time Director & Senior Executive Vice President (Defence & Smart Technologies, L&T). “This specific initiative is one of L&T’s portfolio of connected services that leverage 5G’s strengths to gather intelligence to provide value added and actionable insights in the digital and connected services domain, including healthcare where timely communication of critical patient health status to healthcare professionals can save lives,” he added.

The partnership between Vi and Larsen & Toubro aims to trial several 5G based use cases that cover 5G services such asenhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications(uRLLC) and Multi-Access Edge Computing(MEC). It will help to analyse performance requirements of Smart city applications and business models in 5G, design and implement 5G based Smart & Safe city applications and use data analytics tools to visualise and analyse the trial results.

Vi Business has been a steadfast provider for the Smart Cities with its range of innovative IoT, Mobility, Fixed Line data, Business Communication and Cloud Solutions.

Vi has deployed its 5G trial in a setup of end-to-end captive network of Cloud Core, new generation Transport and Radio Access Network, in Pune city. In its initial test results Vi has achieved peak speed in excess of 3.7 Gbps with very low latency on the mmWave spectrum band. These speeds were achieved with state-of-the-art equipment in 5G Non-Standalone network architecture and using NR Radios.

Vi has been allocated 26 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum in the mmWave band by the DoT, for their 5G network trials and use cases. Vi has also achieved peak download speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps in 3.5 Ghz band 5G trial network with its OEM partners.

The high speed and low latency characteristics of 5G network enables capabilities such as improved surveillance and video streaming/broadcast to permit the evolution of 5G smart cities and smart factories. Smart City and Industry 4.0 will accelerate with 5G deployment and usher in new era of Digital India.

Rajiv Sethu grabs a podium finish for IDEMITSU Honda SK69 Racing team on day 2 of Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2021 round 3

· The trio of Rajiv, Mathana & Senthil Kumar finished the close race 2 in Top 6 gaining valuable points for team

· Ullas Santrupt Nanda wins the dramatic race 2 of Honda Hornet 2.0 One Make Race followed by Alwin Sundar on 2^nd and Prabhu V on 3^rd

· Double 1-2-3 for Sarthak, Kavin & Mohsin in IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R

· IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup CBR150R rider Prakash Kamath solidifies the championship lead; Ikshan Shanbag & Theopaul Leander get double podium finishes in round 3

Chandigarh, 21 October 2021: Riding into the day 2 of Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2021 Round 3, the IDEMITSU Honda SK69 Racing team ended the round with one podium finish in Pro-Stock 165cc category.

Taking lessons from yesterday’s race, Rajiv Sethu showed strength on racetrack and was third to cross the chequered line in PS165cc category, clocking the fastest lap of 1:54:631. Rajiv finished the race with a difference of just 0.261 seconds with the race leader. His teammates Mathana Kumar and Senthil Kumar lapped back home at fifth and sixth positions respectively. The trio gained total 33 points for IDEMITSU Honda SK69 Racing team.

Speaking on riders performance, Mr. Prabhu Nagaraj, Senior Vice President – Brand & Communications, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The great show put up by our next-gen riders over the weekend clearly shows the fast pace with which these riders are developing in the world of racing. Performing with extreme finesse and skill on track, Kevin Quintal and Prakash Kamat continues to lead NSF250R and CBR150R categories respectively. Meanwhile, we saw a good come back by our seasoned rider Rajiv Sethu who earned a podium for the team. Mathana and Senthil too fought hard and returned with valuable points for team. We will come back to better our position in the next round.

Newly introduced Honda Hornet 2.0 One Make Race

In a highly competitive race 2 of Honda Hornet 2.0 One Make race, Chennai’s Ullas Santrupt Nanda took away the chequered flag with total time of 13:20.440. Starting the race from P3, Ullas went down up to sixth but his clean overtake in the penultimate lap moved him to 2^nd and got him into a tussle with Kevin K. While fighting fiercely in a bid to seal the win, Kevin unfortunately crashed in last lap thus making way for Ullas. Ullas’s patience and smart strategies in today’s race earned him a double podium finish in Round 3. Following him was Alwin Sundar who finished second with a difference of 0.427 seconds and closes the round 3 with 2 podium finishes, while Prabhu V finished third. Thrissur’s Anfal A who gave a tough fight for the top spot, had to settle at fourth due to some mistake.

IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup – NSF 250R & CBR150R categories

The race 2 of IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R saw a repeat of show by yesterday’s podium finishers Sarthak Chavan, Kavin Quintal and Mohsin P. Crossing the chequered line in 14:46.889 seconds, the 14-year-old Sarthak from Pune wins double gold in round 3. He was followed by Chennai’s Kavin (16 years) who stopped the clock at 14:53.056 and continues to lead the NSF250R category of IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup. Joining them on podium was 19 year old Mohsin from Malappuram, today marked his 3^rd podium finish of the 2021 season.

In 13 riders grid of race 2 of IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup CBR150R class, Bokaro’s Prakash Kamat took lead early in the race. Maintaining his pace till the end with a cool head, Prakash comfortably took first position with total 13:10.827 time and best lap of 2:10.177. While Satara’s Ikshan Shanbagh fought closely with Prakash and finished second followed by Chennai’s Theopaul Leander on third. After today’s race, the trio has earned a double podium finish in round 3 of CBR150R Novice class.

On World Sight Day, Titan Eyeplus Initiates Eye Screening for 10 Million Indians to enable a lifetime of clear sight for all

With more than 550M Indians suffering from eye related issues, Titan Eyeplus is committed to bringing greater awareness about eye care and eye health

Chandigarh, 21 October, 2021: The unprecedented circumstances of the past year brought on by the pandemic has given rise to multiple eye related issues. With the sharp increase in screen time due to virtual education and meetings, prolonged work from home hours, as well as entertainment, eye health has been on a steep decline. There are various other factors, additionally, which causes reduced eyesight such as diabetes, eye trauma, cataracts or glaucoma. Globally, over 2.2 billionindividuals suffer from vision impairment, and in almost half the cases the problems have yet to be addressed, or could have been prevented by early detection and timely intervention.

This year, as the world observes World Sight Day on 14 October, an annual day of awareness on blindness and vision impairment, Titan Eyeplus reaffirms its commitment towards increasing general awareness around eye health. They are kick starting an initiative to encourage mass eye screening through a simple test, known as Duochrome test. Through this initiative, Titan Eyeplus intends to familiarize users about their eyesight and offer insights into whether they need vision correction. While doing so, they aim to achieve a World Record for conducting 10 million digital eye screenings within a span of two months.

Mr. Saumen Bhaumik, CEO, Eyewear Division, Titan Company Limited sharing his vision behind the initiative commented, “In a country of 1.3Billion, 550M suffer from vision problems of which only 1/3^rd have adopted some solution. Access & awareness continue to remain the key concern resulting in low adoption. In a recent study done in Bangalore where we reached out to over 11,000 people, the result was even more shocking. 58% of these people needed vision correction but only 36% were users or aware of this requirement. To address this lack of awareness, we have created a simple, accessible and self-administrable screening. We have digitized one of the 20-step-eye-test that we conduct at Titan Eyeplus known as Duochrome test. As we approach World Sight Day, let this be a baby step towards” India with Clear Sight”.

The onslaught of COVID-19 has also led to an increase in screen-time for people across ages and has been a major contributing factor in declining eye health and increasing incidence of myopia. Eye care and eye health has become even more of a necessity and Titan Eye Plus hopes to encourage and motivate as many consumers as possible to pay attention to their eyes.

Inputs by Mr. Himanshu Chaturvedi, Chief Strategy Officer, Tata Projects Ltd. on GatiShakti initiative

Chandigarh, October 21, 2021:

GatiShakti is a significant ‘productivity’ boosting initiative for the infrastructure sector. One of the biggest bottlenecks was multiplicity of approvals and delayed clearances which this initiative will overcome. This initiative’s multiplier effects would lead to faster implementation of projects and keep costs under control. The government has shown remarkable foresight in implementing this initiative which is as transformative to the infrastructure sector as liberalisation was in the nineties.

India’s Olympic champions Mirabai Chanu and Bajrang Punia to endorse Amrutanjan’spain management range

The Olympic 2020 medal winners will feature in the brand’s upcoming campaigns and on-ground initiatives

Chandigarh, October 2021: Amrutanjan Healthcare, a 128-year-old company with a rich legacy and a pioneer in India’s healthcare industry has signed the Champions of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Weightlifting Silver medalist Mirabai Chanu and Wrestling Bronze medalist Bajrang Punia, as brand ambassadors.

The Olympic champions will endorse the company’s portfolio of Advanced Body pain management products which includes Back Pain Roll-On, Joint Muscle Spray, and Pain Patch.

As top-class sportspersons, these athletes have won honours for India on a global platform but the road to success in sports has never been easy. These players had to overcome their fair share of pain, hardship, and challenges.

Amrutanjan, a pioneer in pain management since 1893, has been helping millions of Indians to overcome pain and through this partnership, it will highlight its Body pain management products by narrating not only the success stories of these athletes but also their hardships on their journey towards excellence.

As part of the partnership, the brand ambassadors will feature in a series of campaigns including television and digital commercials for Amrutanjan’s Advanced Back Pain Roll-On, Joint Muscle Spray, and Pain Patch. All these products are a unique blend of health, science, and nature and are loyal to the roots of Ayurveda.

Both the athletes will also appear in various initiatives such as consumer and customer outreach programs.

Commenting on the association Mr. S. Sambhu Prasad, Chairman and Managing Director Amrutanjan Healthcare Limited said, “Amrutanjan has always been a pioneer in pain management products, and is India’s trusted choice for effective pain relief over the years. As a company, we are always striving to enhance the quality of life of consumers through our innovative products. Our expertise lies in combining science with the naturalness of Ayurveda and we have been honing this since 1893. Our products are known for being efficacious in providing the relief that our consumers seek. We are against the use of synthetic chemicals like Diclofenac which are known to cause serious side effects to personal health and impacts the larger environment”

The company is now focused on growing its portfolio by offering more superior pain management products that come with performance-based claims backed by scientific clinical trials. As a proud Indian brand, it gives us immense pleasure to sign our Olympic champions as our brand ambassadors. They have overcome immense odds to achieve success for our country on a global stage and we are proud to have them on board”.

Mr. Mani Bhagavtheeswaran, Chief Marketing Officer, Amrutanjan Healthcare Limited, said, “Mirabai and Bajrang have emerged as role models and youth icons for the future generation. They embody the spirit of never giving up despite pain or setbacks and that’s a value our brand resonates with. Through this collaboration and stories of the athletes we want to highlight the fact that pain can be overcome and it should not stop you from achieving your dreams.”

Ms. Mirabai Chanu said, “I am very excited to partner with Amrutanjan to promote their portfolio of pain management products. As an athlete, we have to endure physical pain and yet continue to perform. On days when the pain is almost unbearable, Amrutanjan’s range of products such as Pain Relief + Patch and Back Pain Roll-On has come to my rescue. It’s Hot Action’ heat therapy starts working within 30 seconds to give instant and long-lasting relief”

Mr. Bajrang Punia said, “As a high-performance athlete, I am always looking for any edge that I can get over my competition and am looking forward to using Amrutanjan’s Joint Muscle + Spray to help me in relieving joint, muscle, and overall body pain. Moreover, for athletes in combat sports like wrestling, recovery is just as important as peak performance. This spray reaches the affected muscle and kicks out pain instantly making it helpful for quick body recovery after an intense training session or between competition bouts.”

Centrum and BharatPe Set To Create India’s First Digital Small Finance Bank

Receives Banking License from Reserve Bank of India

Chandigarh, October 21, 2021 – The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has today issued a Small Finance Bank (SFB) license to the consortium of Centrum Financial Services Limited (Centrum), the established and profitable small business lending arm of the Centrum Group and Resilient Innovations Private Limited (BharatPe), one of India’s fastest-growing fintech companies. A new bank license has been issued after a gap of nearly 6 years, and we thank the RBI for the confidence shown in the abilities of Centrum and BharatPe.

The new SFB, has been incorporated as ‘Unity Small Finance Bank’. Unity as a name has tremendous significance on many counts for both Centrum and BharatPe. It is the first time ever that two partners are uniting equally to build a Bank. The proposed business model is one of collaboration and open architecture, uniting all its stakeholders to deliver a seamless digital experience.

Centrum’s successful MSME and Micro Finance businesses shall be merged into Unity Small Finance Bank.

Commenting on the development, Jaspal Bindra, Executive Chairman, Centrum Group, said “We are delighted to receive the license and excited to partner with BharatPe to create this new age bank, with a strong team. We aspire to be India’s first Digital Bank.”

“I wish to thank RBI for entrusting the Unity of BharatPe and Centrum with the SFB License. We will work tirelessly and smartly to capture this opportunity and build India’s first truly Digital Bank ground up.” added Ashneer Grover, Co-Founder and Managing Director, BharatPe.

IHCL PARTNERS WITH THE LANDMARK SUDARSHAN BHARAT PARIKRAMA RALLY

~ Taj hotels will host 47 NSG commandos in five cities across the country during their 7500 km journey

Chandigarh, OCTOBER 21, 2021: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), South Asia’s largest hospitality company, has partnered with the landmark Sudarshan Bharat Parikrama Rally as it hosts the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos at five of its hotels across the country. The rally, which celebrates ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to mark the occasion of India’s 75^th Independence, will see the 47 NSG commandos stay at Taj hotels in select cities through the course of their journey.

IHCL applauds the devotion and grit of the NSG commandos and is proud to host them at its iconic hotel The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai; Taj Mahal, Lucknow; Taj Bengal in Kolkata; Taj Krishna in Hyderabad and Taj Coromandel, Chennai, as they make their way across the length and breadth of India. Flagged off on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the rally will cover a distance of 7500 kms, making its way through 18 key cities in less than a month.

NSG is an elite counter-terror force and the commandos are brave, highly motivated and specially trained to win in the most difficult of situations. Starting from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, the ‘Sudarshan Bharat Parikrama’ will tour India’s major war memorials and monuments through Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Berhampur, Vizag, Vijaywada, Hyderabad, Ongole, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hublii, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Jaipur, celebrating the dedication and perseverance of the nation’s protectors.

IHCL salutes the NSG for their valiant service to the country.

TVS Motor Company accelerates the expansion plans for “TVS iQube Electric”; launches in 22 cities including Chandigarh

· The robust expansion plan reaffirms TVS Motor’s commitment to electrification; in line with the investment of Rs. 1,000 crores

· Equipped with next-gen TVS SmartXonnect, SmartXHome charging unit, and public charging support connected through TVS iQube app, the scooter will be available for online booking

Chandigarh, October 21, 2021: TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers globally, today announced the launch of the TVS iQube Electric scooter in Chandigarh today. As part of the company’s expansion plans, the scooter was launched in 22 new cities, including Chandigarh, on the same day. TVS iQube Electric is a green and connected, fun to ride urban scooter powered by an advanced electric drivetrain and next-gen TVS SmartXonnect platform.

Commenting on the launch,Shri. K.N. Radhakrishnan, Director & Chief Executive Officer, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Motor Company is transforming into a digital age company offering world class Green and Connected products. As India moves ahead, its mobility solutions would increasingly be experience-led, and nowhere is this felt sharper than among the youth of India. Our focus on India’s youth is embodied in the first of the TVS electric portfolio. TVS iQube Electric is a blend of an advanced electric drivetrain and the next-gen TVS SmartXonnect platform. After a successful response in 11 key markets in India, we are thrilled to bring our electric scooter to Chandigarh, along with 21 new markets on the same day, and are confident to scale great heights. The TVS iQube Electric ecosystem is built around digital platforms that enable complete digital retail experience to customers.”

Superior performance

TVS iQube Electric is equipped with a 4.4 kW electric motor to deliver high power and efficiency with no transmission loss. The scooter has a max speed of 78 kmph and traverses 75 kms with a full charge. The scooter comes with an impressive acceleration of 0 to 40 kmph in 4.2 seconds.

Superior connectivity

TVS iQube Electric is equipped with proprietory next-gen TVS SmartXonnect platform, advanced TFT cluster and TVS iQube app. This app offers multiple features such as Geo-fencing, remote battery charge status, navigation assist, last park location, and incoming call alerts/SMS alerts.

Innovative features for unmatched convenience and comfort

TVS iQube Electric comes with innovative features for delivering unmatched conveniences such as Q-park assist, multi-select economy and power mode, day and night display, regenerative braking, and provides a noiseless and comfortable ride.

New-Age Style

Available in a striking white colour, TVS iQube Electric is designed to reflect the contemporary lifestyle, and the design is stylish, subtle and functional. It is equipped with crystal-clear LED headlamps, all-LED tail lamps and sports an illuminating logo.

Test ride, Digital Booking & Availability

TVS iQube Electric can be booked through the website with a booking amount of INR 5,000. This will be followed by an end-to-end transparent digital purchase experience and dedicated customer relationship assistance for purchase and support. The customer can also avail of attractive finance schemes offered by TVS Credit. TVS has also initiated completely contactless delivery of vehicles to customers keeping their safety and convenience in view.

Charging ecosystem support

TVS Motor Company is committed to providing customers with comprehensive charging support, ranging across multiple charging options. Customers can avail of the recommended choice of SmartXHome, which offers a dedicated home charging solution with BlueTooth connectivity, live charging status and RFID enabled security. At present, charging units for the scooter will be installed at one location in Chandigarh. Further, the company is developing an expansive public charging ecosystem by expanding network strength across the city.

TVS iQube Electric will be available in select dealerships across Chandigarh from today, at an on-road price of Rs. 1,16,621(post FAME II subsidy). This is an estimated ORP, and the final price may vary depending upon the charges by respective state authorities.

For further information, please visithttps://www.tvsmotor.com/iqube

ICICI Bank announces ‘Home Utsav’, a virtual property exhibition

· It showcases over 350 projects by leading developers

· It offers exclusive benefits such as attractive interest rate, special processing fee, digital sanction of loan and discounts from developers

· Anyone, including those who are not customers of ICICI Bank, can avail of the benefits

Chandigarh: ICICI Bank today announced the launch of ‘Home Utsav’, a virtual property exhibition that digitally showcases real estate projects by renowned developers from key cities across the country. The exhibition offers enhanced convenience to prospective home buyers as they can select their dream home simply by browsing through projects, which are approved by the Bank, and avail exclusive benefits from the comfort of their home and office. The list of benefits include attractive interest rate on home loan, special processing fees and digital sanction of loans and exclusive offers from developers. Anyone, including those who are not customers of ICICI Bank, can avail of these benefits on buying a property through the exhibition. Customers of ICICI Bank can enjoy further benefits by availing of the Bank’s pre-approved home loan offers.

This is the second edition of the virtual property exhibition being organised by the Bank after the first edition receiving stupendous success last year. The ‘Home Utsav’ showcases over 350 projects by more than 200 leading developers across 12 cities, namely, Mumbai MMR, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nashik, Vadodara, Surat and Jaipur. The exhibition will go on till end of December 2021 and can be accessed on www.homeutsavicici.com. The platform provides convenience and hassle-free experience through its search feature, wherein a home buyer can look for properties as per his/her needs, based on parameters like budget, locality, configuration and construction status.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Sanjay Singhvi, Head – Secured Assets, ICICI Bank said, “We are pleased to introduce ‘Home Utsav’ again this year, after an impressive response we received last year. Our aim is to virtually showcase prominent real estate properties by leading developers from various top cities of our country to prospective home buyers. The exhibition offers unique features of a wide range of properties and a bouquet of exclusive benefits all from a single portal. We believe that this is a good opportunity for everyone seeking to buy a dream home in a hassle-free and convenient manner. This festive season, ICICI Bank intends to take prospective home buyers a step closer to their dream home and be a harbinger of happiness and festivities.”

Below are some key benefits of ‘Home Utsav’:

· Wide range: The exhibition showcases wide range of over 350 ICICI Bank approved properties by 200 leading developers from top cities across the country

· Convenience to customers: Customers can participate in the virtual exhibition of curated properties from the convenience of their home and office

· Special rates: The exhibition offers attractive home loan interest rates starting from 6.70%* and special processing fees

· Digital process: Any one, including those who don’t have any banking relationship with ICICI Bank, can avail digital sanction for home loans in easy steps through ‘Express Home Loan’ platform.

· Developer discount: Exclusive direct discounts are offered to customers by developers

One can participate in ‘Home Utsav’ by visiting: www.homeutsavicici.com

Notions of India’, an international design competition by Tata Steel, announces its winners

~ The international competition witnessed a thrilling finale, organised on Gandhi Jayanti ~

~ ‘Billion Impressions’ by Ar. Namdev Talluru and Ar. J K Jayakanth, emerged as the winner of the design competition ~

Chandigarh, October , 2021: Notions of India, an international design competition organised by Tata Structura, witnessed an impressive participation in its second edition and concluded on Gandhi Jayanti with “Billion Impressions” emerging as the winning design.

“Billion Impressions” by Ar Namdev Talluru and Ar J K Jayakanth was adjudged the winning design. “The Knot” by Midori Architects and “National Unity Pavilion” by Collaborative Architecture took the honours for the second and third place. Tata Steel announced that the winning design will be erected and installed in the city of Ranchi. Sumit Kumar Sharma from School of Planning & Architecture was adjudged the winner in the Students’ category for his design, “The Spirit”.

On this occasion, T V Narendran, CEO & MD, Tata Steel, said: “Steel is a very important material for the future. Designers conceptualize the beauty and Tata Steel, as a steel maker, provides the functionality to deliver that beauty. Tata Structura is one such critical offering, which helps showcase the beauty of steel. Notions of India is our endeavour to encourage the most creative and talented engineers and architects to bring to life innovative designs enabled by steel. I congratulate the winners and all the participants of the design competition. I would also like to thank the jury members for being a part of this journey and enabling a very healthy discussion and selection.”

As the keynote speaker for the event,Rajeev Sethi, Chairman & Founder Trustee – The Asian HeritageFoundation and Chairperson of the Notions of India jury, said: “I see this competition as a very reliable promise of implementation. Hundreds of samples of context-rich ideas in the competition were submitted but only a few were selected after the rigorous examination by the jury panel. I would like to congratulate all the winners and participants who participated in this novel endeavour of Notions of India. The way ahead remains full of possibilities. Replete with potential, the excitement of collaboration between Corporate India and Creative India remain huge.”

The finale, held on a virtual platform and attended by more than 400 technocrats, witnessed some of the brightest architects and engineers from across the world display their imagination that personifies India of today and tomorrow. The event was graced by the senior leadership team of Tata Steel including Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President, Corporate Services, and Rajeev Singhal, Vice President (M&S), Flat Products.

Earlier this year, the competition was launched by Ratan Tata, Chairman Tata Trusts and Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, and N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons. Spanning five months, the competition witnessed over 5,200 registrations with participants from 13 countries. With over 575 submissions, the rigorous selection process included five levels of Jury comprising most respected architects, designers and engineers from India and abroad including, Rajeev Sethi, Neil Leach, Gerry Judah, Ratan Batliboi, Sudarshan Shetty, Sanjeev Kumar Lohia, Prof. K Jaisim, Hariom Gera, P Surya Prakash, Sheila Sri Prakash, Engineer Dhananjay Dake and Anurag Sinha to name a few.

As part of the competition’s evaluation process, a total of 12 leading designs were shortlisted and declared as the finalists on August 15, 2021, India’s 75th Independence Day.

Summarising the overall participation received from the professional community,Sarita Vijayan, Curator, Notions of Indiastated: “Not only have Indian designers, but the international design professionals too have risen to this call. This is testimony that the ‘Notions of India’ competition has been well received by the design community.”

This thrilling and enriching concept is an endeavour of Tata Steel to encourage architects and designers to be bolder, experimental, and innovative, and create remarkable iconic steel structures that epitomise the essence of a New India.

Ambuja Cements Limited develops Science Based Targets in line with its Net Zero emission ambition

Ambuja Cements Limited following the lead of the Holcim group has developed and got validated its 2030 carbon emission reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) aligned with the reductions required to limit global warming to well below 2°C. The company has signed the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C” pledge joining the Race to Zero campaign of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Ambuja Cement commits to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 21% per ton of cementitious materials by 2030 from a 2020 base year. With this target, Ambuja Cement commits to reduce scope 1 GHG emissions by 20% per ton of cementitious material and scope 2 GHG emissions by 43% per ton of cementitious materials in this timeframe.*

“At Ambuja Cement, we are constantly dedicated and invested towards sustainable development and aim to include sustainability in all operational and project planning. With SBTs developed and validated, Ambuja Cement has now joined the group of global companies promoting an ambitious low carbon economy model for the industry. Being part of the Holcim group and one of the pioneers in the Indian Cement industry, we have taken another step towards strengthening our Climate Change adaptability by joining the Race to Zero. Ambuja Cement will continue to implement such best practices and adopt continuous improvement initiatives to achieve our business vision “To be most competitive and sustainable company in our industry”, said Neeraj Akhoury, MD & CEO, Ambuja Cements Limited and CEO India, Holcim.

With these targets, Ambuja Cement commits to reduce its CO₂ intensity in cement operations from531 kg in 2020 to 453 kg net CO₂ per ton of cementitious material by 2030**. In line with the parent company Holcim Group’s Net-Zero Pledge, Ambuja has taken several measures to reduce CO₂emissions, such as reducing the clinker factor, improving Thermal Substitution Rate, reducing Thermal and Electrical Energy intensity, implementing Waste Heat Recovery System and increasing capacity of renewable energy generation, and introducing new technologies. Ambuja Cement will continue to endorse low carbon products and sustainable solutions.

Ambuja Cement partnered with CDP India’s SBTi Incubator Program to develop its science-based targets. Science-based targets (SBTs) enable companies to develop a clearly defined decarbonization roadmap that aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and promotes a Net-Zero energy system. By committing to science-based emissions reduction targets, Ambuja Cement has positioned itself as an industry leader, showing the way for the sector’s transformation to a low carbon sustainable future.

Rajiv Sethu grabs a podium finish for IDEMITSU Honda SK69 Racing team on day 2 of Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2021 round 3

· The trio of Rajiv, Mathana & Senthil Kumar finished the close race 2 in Top 6 gaining valuable points for team

· Ullas Santrupt Nanda wins the dramatic race 2 of Honda Hornet 2.0 One Make Race followed by Alwin Sundar on 2^nd and Prabhu V on 3^rd

· Double 1-2-3 for Sarthak, Kavin & Mohsin in IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R

· IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup CBR150R rider Prakash Kamath solidifies the championship lead; Ikshan Shanbag & Theopaul Leander get double podium finishes in round 3

: Riding into the day 2 of Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2021 Round 3, the IDEMITSU Honda SK69 Racing team ended the round with one podium finish in Pro-Stock 165cc category.

Taking lessons from yesterday’s race, Rajiv Sethu showed strength on racetrack and was third to cross the chequered line in PS165cc category, clocking the fastest lap of 1:54:631. Rajiv finished the race with a difference of just 0.261 seconds with the race leader. His teammates Mathana Kumar and Senthil Kumar lapped back home at fifth and sixth positions respectively. The trio gained total 33 points for IDEMITSU Honda SK69 Racing team.

Speaking on riders performance, Mr. Prabhu Nagaraj, Senior Vice President – Brand & Communications, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The great show put up by our next-gen riders over the weekend clearly shows the fast pace with which these riders are developing in the world of racing. Performing with extreme finesse and skill on track, Kevin Quintal and Prakash Kamat continues to lead NSF250R and CBR150R categories respectively. Meanwhile, we saw a good come back by our seasoned rider Rajiv Sethu who earned a podium for the team. Mathana and Senthil too fought hard and returned with valuable points for team. We will come back to better our position in the next round.

Newly introduced Honda Hornet 2.0 One Make Race

In a highly competitive race 2 of Honda Hornet 2.0 One Make race, Chennai’s Ullas Santrupt Nanda took away the chequered flag with total time of 13:20.440. Starting the race from P3, Ullas went down up to sixth but his clean overtake in the penultimate lap moved him to 2^nd and got him into a tussle with Kevin K. While fighting fiercely in a bid to seal the win, Kevin unfortunately crashed in last lap thus making way for Ullas. Ullas’s patience and smart strategies in today’s race earned him a double podium finish in Round 3. Following him was Alwin Sundar who finished second with a difference of 0.427 seconds and closes the round 3 with 2 podium finishes, while Prabhu V finished third. Thrissur’s Anfal A who gave a tough fight for the top spot, had to settle at fourth due to some mistake.

IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup – NSF 250R & CBR150R categories

The race 2 of IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R saw a repeat of show by yesterday’s podium finishers Sarthak Chavan, Kavin Quintal and Mohsin P. Crossing the chequered line in 14:46.889 seconds, the 14-year-old Sarthak from Pune wins double gold in round 3. He was followed by Chennai’s Kavin (16 years) who stopped the clock at 14:53.056 and continues to lead the NSF250R category of IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup. Joining them on podium was 19 year old Mohsin from Malappuram, today marked his 3^rd podium finish of the 2021 season.

In 13 riders grid of race 2 of IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup CBR150R class, Bokaro’s Prakash Kamat took lead early in the race. Maintaining his pace till the end with a cool head, Prakash comfortably took first position with total 13:10.827 time and best lap of 2:10.177. While Satara’s Ikshan Shanbagh fought closely with Prakash and finished second followed by Chennai’s Theopaul Leander on third. After today’s race, the trio has earned a double podium finish in round 3 of CBR150R Novice class.

Swaraj Gen2 8100 EX SELF-PROPELLED COMBINE HARVESTER

to enable best-in-class acreage for farmers in Punjab this Harvest season

· Loaded with new features the Swaraj Gen2 8100 EX SELF-PROPELLED COMBINE HARVESTER offers enhanced durability, performance and operator comfort

· Designed and developed for rice, wheat and soyabean harvesting with world-class harvesting solutions

· Powered by a 101 HP fuel effecient engine, for higher acreage and higher farmer earnings & equipped with the latest GPS tracking system

The Swaraj Gen2 8100 EX Self-Propelled Combine Harvester, will offer paddy farmers in Punjab with enhanced productivity, performance and ease of operation, while maximizing potential grain yield, for best-in-class acreage.

Generating a power output of 101 HP, the Swaraj Gen2 8100 EX Self-Propelled Combine Harvester boasts of good ground clearance and a smaller turning radius, with a large grain tank with a capacity of 2140 litres, which is also easy to clean and service thanks to easily interchangeable parts. Moreover, it features five straw walkers and a sieve area of 4.72 Sq. meter, which minimizes the loss of grain.

Designed & developed to efficiently harvest rice, wheat and soyabean the new combine harvester by Swaraj will enable reaping, threshing, and winnowing of grains efficiently, with minimal grain loss and breakage.

Equipped with the latest GPS enabled tracking system, the Swaraj Gen 2 8100 EX ensures peace of mind to its owners with remote live tracking of location and performance parameter.

Commenting on the offering, Harish Chavan, CEO – Swaraj Division, M&M Ltd. said, “With a very short window for harvesting, and with agriculture increasingly becoming technology intensive, we at Swaraj are pleased to have the Swaraj Gen2 8100 EX Self-Propelled Combine Harvester being made available for the farmers, with complete on-ground sales, service and spares support at a time crucial for them. Our new product will ensure maximum productivity, quality and yield, with minimum wastage and downtime thereby ensuring maximum earnings for the farmer.”

The Swaraj Gen2 8100 EX Self-Propelled Combine Harvester is sold and serviced via Swaraj’s wide retail and service network across Punjab. The harvester is available at an attractive price with financing available from several banks and finance companies. The harvester is also made available in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The Swaraj Gen2 8100 EX Self-Propelled Combine Harvester is an addition to Swaraj’s legacy of rugged and reliable harvesters. Having launched its first harvester about four decades ago, today Swaraj is a leader in harvester technology in India with a rich product portfolio of wheeled, tracked and tractor mounted harvesters manufactured and developed in Mohali, Punjab.

Oyo eyes a $26 billion opportunity in India by 2030, Bernstein says

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh , October 8

Oyo sees a $26 billion opportunity in India by 2030 as it considersIndia its main growth area, which contributes over 90% to itsrevenues, Bernstein says.

Oyo’s decision to focus on markets with the best scale and economics, namelyIndia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Europe instead of 35 countries helped the hotel roomaggregator survive during the Covid-19 pandemic, said global equity research firmBernstein.

The short-stay accommodation market’s global total addressable market opportunity isexpected to increase from $1,267 billion in 2019 to $ 1,907 billion by 2030. Oyo sees a$26 billion opportunity in India by 2030 as it considers India its main growth area, whichcontributes over 90% to its revenues, the research firm said in a report.

“The global travel and tourism industry and the short-stay market have several favourable trends for Oyo. The world is getting wealthier, increased per capita income, and growingmiddle-class means increased traveling demand,” according to Bernstein.

According to Bernstein, Oyo’s unit economics has improved with contribution profit,increasing from 5.1% in FY20 to 18.4% in FY21, driven by stable take rates, lowerdiscounts, and no minimum guarantee. Oyo’s gross booking value grew 170% in FY20, ledby an increase in storefronts but declined 67% in FY21 due to storefronts ceasingoperations due to Covid-19. Gross margins stood stable at 33%, with substantial costmanagement, said the research firm.

Oyo Hotels & Homes filed its draft prospectus with the country’s capital market regulatorlast week, aiming to raise Rs 8,430 crore ($1.2 billion) through a public issue as it joins agrowing number of local startups tapping the public markets. The hospitality startupexpects to raise around Rs 7,000 crore ($950 million) through new shares, while thebalance will come through secondary share sales (offer for sale or OFS).

The company’s total income fell by nearly 70% to Rs 4,157 crore in FY21 due to thepandemic, but it also made progress in cutting down on its losses. Its loss for the sameperiod narrowed to Rs 3,943 crore compared to Rs 13,122 crore a year ago.

However, strong return on investment for hotel/homeowners helped them increaserevenue by 1.5 times to 1.9 times compared to revenue at independent hotels, saidBernstein.

For Oyo, one of the main ways to acquire consumers has been through marketing andpromotions, and it cut down on this vertical as well in FY21. It spent Rs 542.6 crore formarketing and promotions in FY21 compared to Rs 1,879.7 crore a year ago. Oyo said itcut down its employee benefits expenses by 63% to Rs 1,742.1 crore in FY21 against Rs4,765.2 crore in FY20.

“Oyo’s strong revenue retention cohort is a clear demonstration of its customer stickiness.Over 80% of the company’s revenues come from repeat and organic customers. Themeasure of direct demand on the platform measured as a percentage of booked nights was90% in India,” said Bernstein.

Oyo addresses the pain points of hotels and homes across key markets. The companyoffers offline to online on-boarding tools, 3rd party distribution and demand, onlinerevenue management, operations management, and customer service, all integrated into asingle place.

Putting aside Covid-19, the world is more accessible due to the increased connectivity andawareness of tourist destinations via social media. New generations are traveling more asthey have a higher propensity to travel, and there are more affordable travel options.

The research firm said that Covid-19 had brought higher prominence to domestic travel,especially with the work from home formats. “Globally stayed nights per capita in 2019(total of all room nights divided by population) is expected to reach 1.67x in 2025 from1.5x in 2019. Global trips are expected to expand to $16.7 billion in 2025 and stay nightsto $13.6 billion.

Regards,

Neetu

---

This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

TVS Motor Company launchesTVS Jupiter 125 Packed with Zyada Se Bhi Zyada industry-first features

· New 125 cc engine, with ETFi & TVS Intelli GO: Best-in-segment acceleration &mileage

· Industry Best: 33Litre under-seat storage which stores two full-face helmets, Longest Seat

· Unique: Progressive styling, LED Headlamp, Front External Fuel Filling, Metal MAXX body

Chandigarh, October 08, 2021:TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers in the world, today announced the launch of TVS Jupiter 125. The ZyadaSe BhiZyada feature-rich 125cc scooter is the new addition to the TVS Jupiter portfolio, bigger and more spacious with industry-first features such as the largest under-seat storage, segment-leading longest seat, progressive neo masculine styling and unrivalled mileage.

Commenting on the launch,Mr. KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company, “At TVS Motor Company, we have always focused on four parameters, namely, scooterisation, premiumisation, investing in brands and product innovations. Since its inception in 2013, TVS Jupiter has been one of the most admired scooters in the country with several first-in-segment features. The scooter customer of today seeks offerings that are aligned to their personal growth. We are confident that TVS Jupiter 125 will be a great fit for such evolving needs. This scooter embodies the same ethos as its predecessor with added elegance and distinctive features that make it a powerful, stand-out offering which will resonate well with our customers.”

Mr.Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President (Marketing) – Commuters, Corporate Brand & Dealer Transformation, TVS Motor Company,said, “TVS Jupiter has always stood for ‘Zyada Ka Fayda’ and has been one of the most loved scooters in the country. As the Indian consumers reimagine their mobility solutions, it inspired us to offer something that could give our customers ‘Zyada Se BhiZyada’.With TVS Jupiter 125, we have created a robust offering with many firsts to its credit, ranging from industry-firstspacious under-seat storage,which fits two full-face helmetsto the largest seat in the segment and superior mileage with ETFi and TVS intelliGO. The progressive neo masculine styling and features reinforce the premiumisation journey of the scooter customer.We remain committed to progressing with our ever-evolving consumers and their needs as they go from strength to strength in their lives. TVS Jupiter 125 will confidently continue TVS Jupiter’s legacy create its own space in the consumers homeand hearts and add to the evergrowing Jupiter community.”

Regards,

Neetu

---

This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. www.avast.com

TANISHQ LAUNCHES ITS FESTIVE COLLECTION -‘UTSAAH’

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, October 6, 2021: India’s top retail jewellery brand, Tanishq, has launched its festive collection – Utsaah – the Festival of Life. Tanishq’s latest festive edit is an aesthetic representation of contemporary jewellery set in pure Gold with a seamless blend of ethnicity and modernity.

The collection reimagines the rich Indian heritage into distinctive modern jewels while featuring intricate and exquisitely detailed designs in plain gold and ornate gold, the collection speaks Ethno- contemporary. The collection is particularly designed for women who seek modernity and versatility and has a discerning eye for designs.

The Utsaah collection features reimagined silhouettes with fresh styling and impeccable contemporary treatment with emphasis on modernizing traditional motifs in geometric forms. The bold and edgy collection boasts of the use of numerous Karigaritechniques like Modern Filigree, Stamp and wire work, Enamel, Jaali over stone, Tikli, Rawa and ball work to name a few. Celebrating the glint of gold, the assortment showcases varied textures and weave of patterns.

Foreseeing the festive trends this year, Tanishq has focused on the charm of layering exquisite neckpieces for a grandeur look and is one of the key highlights of the collection. ‘Utsaah’ by Tanishq is a seamless blend of intricacy, heritage and old contemporized designs with modern sensibilities, giving a new life to traditional craftsmanship. The collection stands out as one-of-its-kind modern-heritage jewellery inspired from patterns of Indian heirloom crafts, making it a perfect ancillary to complete any woman’s look this Diwali.

Speaking on the launch of the festive collection, Ms. Revathi Kant, Chief Design Officer, Titan Company Limited, says, “Like each year, and especially for Diwali, Tanishq brings to you beautifully designed products crafted to perfection by our Karigars that add to your festivities. Our latest Diwali edit- Utsaah has been designed keeping in mind the ‘Wearability’ aspect that has emerged as a key jewellery trend for this festive season.

Utsaah is a beautiful medley of intricate traditional motifs reinvented in minimalistic contemporary silhouettes and the design story is inspired by the idea of contemporizing the classical and traditional jewellery designs to present them in new avatars.

What makes Utsaah special is that there’s also a fusion of techniques with modern motifs and the use of layering gives it an expansive look. The intelligent use of design and karigari techniques have helped us achieve an absolute delight both in terms of affordability and aesthetics. We hope our latest festive collection will add a little bit of sparkle to your celebrations.”

The price range for products under Utsaah collection starts at Rs. 35,000 onwards. Visit:www.Tanishq.co.in for range of exclusive Utsaah products.

Here are some of the Showstopper pieces from the Utsaah collection:

A fine balance of intricacy and boldness, this beautiful neckpiece rejoices a new heirloom. This is a must have for every woman as it makes a perfect choice for small or big events.

The exquisite choker, a seamless blend of Indian elements in traditional patterns and a hint of modernity gives rise to a stunning necklet. The red accent makes it even more complete and a smart choice.

Modern with a twist of traditional craft. This blend of contemporary and royalty is a treasure to own. A drop of the Turquoise in a bloom on a beautifully modulated sheet of gold is what re- imagining heritage looks like.

Beautiful round discs layered on top of a bejewelled kundan jhumka, topped with a striking square with a seamless surround of rawa creates an enthralling glam quotient.

FIS Launches Recruitment Drive for Innovators Across India

Chandigarh,
October 6, 2021 – Financial technology leader FIS^® (NYSE: FIS) has announced a 12-month recruitment drive across India to fill thousands of positions across various roles at all levels to fuel its future growth. Recently recognized by Fast Company as a Best Workplace for Innovators, FIS has become the destination for innovation for many of the world’s most respected companies,

India is a strategic center of employment for FIS with nearly one-third of FIS colleagues living and working within the country’s borders. The FIS recruitment drive will focus on hiring new recruits through leading educational institutes across India such as Gurugram, Jaipur, Nagpur, Mangalore, Kanpur, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Jalandhar, Solapur, and Guwahati. The successful applicants will be staffed across FIS offices in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Indore, Mohali, Gurugram.

Speaking on the hiring announcement, Mr Amol Gupta, Chief Human Resources Officer – India & Philippines, FIS said “FIS has had a presence in India for more than two decades, and this recruitment drive underscores our continued commitment to providing rewarding career opportunities for India’s top talent. We are creating new opportunities across the country which will help FIS continue to advance the way the world pays, banks and invests. We provide our employees with an environment in which they can thrive, and we are excited to be adding top candidates to our talent pool as we continue to innovate our technology service offerings.”

At FIS, employees are provided with opportunities to be their own chief learning officer and grow their careers through internal and external training and mentorship schemes with senior leaders.

FIS has been encouraging a hybrid working model/flexi hours over the past 18 months with employees changing their workspace preferences over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hybrid work model is a good fit for some for improved work-life balance, which in return maintains a healthier and more productive workforce. FIS also greatly promotes an inclusive work culture for people from all types of social backgrounds including the differently abled and LGBTQ communities.

FIS maintained its commitment to its workforce in India and globally throughout the ongoing pandemic by executing various employee centric initiatives. The company organizes employee wellbeing initiatives on a regular basis to promote mental and physical health for a better work-life balance. FIS accomplished a successful vaccination drive across all its India offices for its employees and their dependents. The company has also created a toll-free helpline number for various kind of medical support such as ambulance service, oxygen requirement, hospitalization, critical medicines, doctor on call – dedicated and through the Practo App, and RT-PCR COVID-19 test appointments. FIS is also helping its employees with economic support through its ‘FIS Cares’ program.

Spotlight on Building holistic health: Tetley Green Tea Immune Sets Focus on Inner Wellbeing

Malaika Arora with Green Tea Tetley

Rahul Khatry,

Chandigarh, October 6, 2021: Consumer focus on health and wellness has grown exponentially as the need to look fit has become aspirational among many people. But all the buzz around external appearance of fitness, may have led us to lose focus on inner wellbeing. As the world settles into the new normal, it’s time to bring the discussion back to internal health and wellbeing to the center stage. Tetley Green Tea Immune brought together Malaika Arora, Actor & Fitness Enthusiast, Drashti Dhami, Actor, Celebrated author and Nutritionist Kavita Devgan and Mr. Puneet Das, President Packaged Beverages (India and South Asia), Tata Consumer Products for a virtual discussion on need to feel #LagoBaaharSeFitAurAndarSeBhi

Discussion on the importance of inner fitness with Malaika Arora, Drashti Dhami and Nutritionist Kavita Devgan

Tetley Green Tea Immune is one of TATA Consumer Products’ key innovations in the wellness segment keeping evolving consumer needs in mind. Green tea is mostly thought of as a hot beverage which may help in external fitness of that of staying in shape. Tetley Green Tea Immune has goodness of green tea along with Vitamin C which helps support immunity.

Tetley Green Tea Immune brings the focus on internal wellbeing with its latest offerings which has anti-oxidants that helps cleanse the body from within along with added Vitamin C known to aid in supporting the body’s immune system. Apart from the classic green tea immune – Tetley Green Tea Immune is available in exciting flavors of Lemon & Honey, Ginger, Mint & Lemon and the Naturally Sweet with Mango flavour,

Speaking on the subject, Puneet Das, President – Packaged Beverages (India and South Asia), Tata Consumer Products said, “We are seeing an acceleration of health & wellness trend among consumers. Our campaign on Tetley Green Tea Immune, uses a visual devise of ‘Bubble’ as to highlight the feeling of doubt/anxiousness that people are feeling regarding their fitness. With a holistic view of fitness, we wanted to burst this bubble of doubt in the consumers mind as we highlight that being fit is not just on the outside but being fit on the inside too. Through this #LagoBaaharSeFitAurAndarSeBhidiscussion with the best of fitness enthusiasts, we aim to encourage consumers to give equal importance to inner wellbeing, instead of just focusing on physical appearance and the outward aspects of fitness. Tetley Green tea Immune is an innovative product with added vitamin C which will be an enabler in feeling fit from the inside.”

Commenting on the panel discussion Malaika Arorasaid– “For me, internal fitness weighs over external appearance. The step towards a healthier you will always be one at a time. I always urge people to opt for heathier choices and watch what you consume as part of your daily diet. Tetley Green Tea Immune is my go to drink between shoots or my meetings. I think it helps me detoxify my body from within and now with added Vitamin C it could be an enabler in feeling fit from the inside. ! Time to change our #fitnessgoals to #innerfitnessgoals because aabh lago bahar se fit aur andar se bhi!”

Drashti Dhami, a lover of all things green and easy to consume states, “In a world which focuses just on external appearance, its time we all change the focal lens towards feeling internally fit as well! Inner Fitness should be well understood, accessible and actionable as physical fitness. We all have a tough lifestyle, accompanied with stress and strains, the requirement is not to look fit but actually feel fit from within. I often reach out to Tetley Green Tea Immune for my go-to drink right after my meals, it’s my everyday 4pm cup of wellbeing! High time we change the tide of trend towards inner fitness feels and let’s take the first step with one cup of Tetley Green Tea Immune”

“Inner wellness is far more than our external appearance important. The pandemic has taught us this lesson well. For this, we need to include the right foods and nutrients in our diet on a daily basis. Vitamin C is known to support immunity, and antioxidant-rich foods help scavenging free radicals . That is why Tetley green tea immune , rich in antioxidants and with added vitamin C is such a winning combination”, says, Kavita Devgan, Author and Nutritionist at Tata Consumer Products.

Jewellery Trends to make you sparkle this Diwali

Chandigarh,
The festive season

The festive season is here and so is the excitement to refresh the wardrobe with latest apparel and jewellery trends. With the festive cheer, it’s time to leave the past behind, as the good times beckon all of us. The year gone by has made all of us realise the importance of celebrating the little joys in life, find comfort in the now and celebrate the now. This year, the festive season is about celebrating today with all one’s heart. With the spirit of Diwali in the air, no celebration is complete without the sparkle of jewellery that can instantly add a glam touch to the festive look. Minimalistic contemporary silhouettes is the way to go this Diwali that is sure to add grace to your traditional Indian attire.

Here are some stunning jewellery trends by Tanishq that you can add to your ethnic numbers for this festive season:

1. Layered statement necklaces:

On occasions where more may be less; layered statement necklaces can accessorize a simple lehenga or an anarkali by adorning beautifully carved handcrafted chokers with multiple mid-length or long-length necklaces to create a majestic look and look grandeur for this festive season. You can opt for delicate and dainty combinations or mix contrasting, bold designs in chokers for a statement look and shine your way through the festivities.

2. Intricate Minimal designs- The trend in jewellery is shifting towards the ‘minimalism of maximalism’. Women are celebrating and adorning reimagined modern jewels inspired by rich Indian heritage and crafts. Intricate, delicate and minimal jewellery designs are a go-to trend this Diwali in Earrings, Bangles, and Necklaces. Contemporary and minimalistic designs gives a remarkable uniqueness to the wearer.

3. Statement earrings for the edgy look: With ‘Above the keyboard’ dressing, comfort and versatility are in the lead for preference. Statement earrings tops the style quotient and make an ideal choice for the fashionistas, keeping in mind the endless webcam moments .The trend is more inclined to designs that bring attention to the width and depth of earrings for an added charm. Bold and edgy Statement earrings, ear cuffs, linear drop and studs are best suited to create the perfect vibrant look.

4. Geometric Designs:Jewellery is not just an adornment, but a piece of art. From geometric shapes to architectural spaces, symmetrical patterns, the amalgamation of jewellery and art is becoming an ultimate trend. If one looks beyond the shine, each piece has its own story to tell. Geometric designed jewelleryembellished with ethnic symbols and mythological figures gives a bohemian vibe reflecting the rich culture and heritage of our country.

5.

Stones and a glint of gold: The use of coloured gemstones in jewellery is a notable trend. The scintillating and majestic jewellery made from gold with embedded colorful stones is an elegant combination with a classic touch and can amp up the style game for any traditional attire. Jewellery with coloured gemstones will add an instant vibrant touch to your evening or party look.

DESH DEKHO AND DISCOVER THE FESTIVE KALEIDOSCOPE OF INDIA

Chandigarh, October 6, 2021: Known for its rich culture and heritage, India’s festive season marks the beginning of celebrations, bringing families together. There has been a rise in demand for multi-generation leisure travel, with families looking for new ways to create experiences and bond. This World Tourism Day, Indian Hotel Company’s (IHCL) new festive offerinspires travellers to Desh Dekho and rediscover the myriad customs that are quintessential of Indian festivals across its Taj, SeleQtions and Vivantahotels.

Curated to bring alive classic traditions that mark each festival, the offer gives people an opportunity to revel in breath-taking destinations, while immersing themselves in authentic, local experiences that celebrate the vibrant cultural kaleidoscope of Indian festivals. Be it the magic of pujo in the charming city of Kolkata, twinkling nights lit up with the glow of a hundred diyas at the Royal Palaces in Rajasthan during Diwali, the evening air ringing with the sound of the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi or the classic customs that are synonymous with Christmas in Goa, traverse through India’s rich festive tapestry.

Rediscover the art of traveling together and creating memories of a lifetime while being assured of the highest levels of safety and hygiene. The ‘Desh DekhoFestive Offer’, with its special rates, curated meals and local festive experiences is available for bookings made between September 27, 2021 to October 15, 2021, for stays from October 1, 2021 until January 15, 2022.

72% of India’s workforce spends 9 hours or more a day connected to computer screens to meet work deadlines reveals a Godrej Interio study

· More than 50% of employees experience ear pain due to the prolonged use of headphones/earpods, both commonly used accessories.

Chandigarh, 2021: Godr^ej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its business Godrej Interio, India’s leading furniture brand in home and institutional segments has published the findings of an exclusive study ‘The Real World Repercussions of Virtual Fatigue’. To understand the challenges that employees face as they continue to work virtually, the Workspace & Ergonomics Research Cell at Godrej Interio conducted a nation-wide study to understand the challenges and suggest appropriate solutions detailed in the Whitepaper. A total of 235 office-going employees participated in the research, of which 68% belonged to the age group of 26–40-year-olds, most of them, working for MNCs and Indian corporates.

According to the whitepaper, virtual fatigue can be defined as the exhaustion felt on taking extended virtual calls. Visual fatigue, listener’s fatigue physical fatigue and mental fatigue have been identified as the factors contributing to virtual fatigue. Virtual fatigue has become a moniker for the health concerns arising out of unregulated participation in virtual meetings. Sitting in a spot for prolonged periods to attend long meetings can result in body pain and similar problems – a product of Virtual Fatigue. Ergonomic stressors like static postures and stances like leaning forward during virtual calls can cause one to feel physical fatigue.

Sameer Joshi, Associate Vice President, Marketing (B2B), Godrej Interio said “With the second wave of Covid-19 and the possible third being anticipated, it is fairly certain that virtual conferencing will be the preferred manner to conduct business engagements for the foreseeable future. In this scenario, organisations across the country need to be aware of the related occupational distress that employees are facing to find solutions which ensure the wellbeing of their workforce. Godrej Interio, through its Workplace & Ergonomics Research Cell endeavours to study issues that are of importance to our audiences and provide solutions through our whitepapers. We hope that organisations and individuals alike find this as an easy guide to mitigate some of the problems they are facing in this situation. As we ace this new working method, we believe, it is incredibly crucial to take care of ourselves and the strategies we adopt to meet professional needs.”

According to the research study, it was revealed that for the past year, as many as 46% of employees have been working from home. Since the onset of the pandemic, laptops and cell phones have played a critical role in ensuring that our professional obligations are always met. This has led to increased screentime. The study revealed that nearly 72% of the Indian workforce spends over 9 hours a day connected to computer or laptop screens to meet their deadlines at work. Additionally, 35% of respondents admitted to attending more than 20 virtual calls on a typical working day, one after another. In addition to this, 41% of employees experience moderate to extreme irritation levels and burning in their eyes at the end of long virtual calls. While, 19% of respondents claimed to experience blurry vision after extended video calls. The research further revealed that an alarming 86% of employees are experiencing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), with women suffering more than their male counterparts. Employees in the age group of 26 to 40 have reported the highest number of complaints of pain.

The research study propagates practicing digital wellbeing:

· To reduce stress caused to eye and neck muscles, the screen needs to be aligned with the user’s height by keeping it at eye level or slightly below it

· To reduce eye strain, adjust the gadget’s brightness or contrast levels.

· Set a timer on the phone or any app to remind to look away from the screen.

· Taking calls in audio mode can be more comfortable than video, especially for extended meetings. It enables attendees to conveniently take a posture break, walk around, multitask, and even attend to children and family members when needed.

· Blink eyes often and keep doing eye exercises to reduce fatigue

About Godrej Interio:

Godrej Interio is India’s leading premium furniture brand in both home and institutional segments with a strong commitment to sustainability and centers of excellence in design, manufacturing and retail.

Federal Bank launches RuPay Signet Contactless Credit Card

Chandigarh 2021:Federal Bank joined hands with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch the ‘Federal Bank RuPay Signet Contactless Credit Card’. One of the major highlights of this card is, it comes with the lowest Annual Percentage Rate (APR) starting from just 5.88% per annum.

The Federal Bank RuPay Signet credit cardholders will gain access to a wide variety of offers and deals across categories including travel, food and dining, shopping, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and much more. With a range of exciting offers, the card is presently offered to existing customers of the Bank. The offers include Amazon Gift vouchers as welcome benefits, attractive reward points, Buy One Get One (BOGO) free offer at INOX, complimentary membership programs, complimentary Swiggy vouchers, complimentary lounge access at Domestic and International airports and much more.

Adopting a ‘Digital First’ card approach, the card is immediately made available for use in FedMobile, the Bank’s Mobile Banking application, through a 3 click process. The physical card will be delivered to the customer in due course. Specially designed for millennial customers, this card offers an interesting 3-2-1 rewards structure personalised for them. They would get 3x rewards on spends for Electronics & Apparel categories, 2x rewards on Entertainment category and 1x rewards for other categories, using the Federal Bank RuPay Signet credit card.

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Praveena Rai, COO, NPCI said, “We are excited to launch with our partner bank – the Federal Bank RuPay Signet Contactless Credit Card. This card has a significant potential to attract new-age customers as it has a complete package of benefits suiting their lifestyle backed up with an innovative cashback scheme. At NPCI, for RuPay, we continue to work towards offering a delightful and contactless shopping experience to all our customers. We also believe our association with Federal Bank will provide a wider penetration of RuPay contactless cards in the country.”

Virtually launching the card, Shalini Warrier, Executive Director & Business Head- Retail, Federal Banksaid, “Federal Bank has, yet again, ensured that the mantra of “Digital at the fore, Human at the core” comes to life via this latest offering, the RuPay credit card. This card is also a symbol of our strong partnership with NPCI, an entity known for innovation in the retail payments space.

Federal Bank launches RuPay Signet Contactless Credit Card

Chandigarh – 2021:Federal Bank joined hands with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch the ‘Federal Bank RuPay Signet Contactless Credit Card’. One of the major highlights of this card is, it comes with the lowest Annual Percentage Rate (APR) starting from just 5.88% per annum.

The Federal Bank RuPay Signet credit cardholders will gain access to a wide variety of offers and deals across categories including travel, food and dining, shopping, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and much more. With a range of exciting offers, the card is presently offered to existing customers of the Bank. The offers include Amazon Gift vouchers as welcome benefits, attractive reward points, Buy One Get One (BOGO) free offer at INOX, complimentary membership programs, complimentary Swiggy vouchers, complimentary lounge access at Domestic and International airports and much more.

Adopting a ‘Digital First’ card approach, the card is immediately made available for use in FedMobile, the Bank’s Mobile Banking application, through a 3 click process. The physical card will be delivered to the customer in due course. Specially designed for millennial customers, this card offers an interesting 3-2-1 rewards structure personalised for them. They would get 3x rewards on spends for Electronics & Apparel categories, 2x rewards on Entertainment category and 1x rewards for other categories, using the Federal Bank RuPay Signet credit card.

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Praveena Rai, COO, NPCI said, “We are excited to launch with our partner bank – the Federal Bank RuPay Signet Contactless Credit Card. This card has a significant potential to attract new-age customers as it has a complete package of benefits suiting their lifestyle backed up with an innovative cashback scheme. At NPCI, for RuPay, we continue to work towards offering a delightful and contactless shopping experience to all our customers. We also believe our association with Federal Bank will provide a wider penetration of RuPay contactless cards in the country.”

Virtually launching the card, Shalini Warrier, Executive Director & Business Head- Retail, Federal Banksaid, “Federal Bank has, yet again, ensured that the mantra of “Digital at the fore, Human at the core” comes to life via this latest offering, the RuPay credit card. This card is also a symbol of our strong partnership with NPCI, an entity known for innovation in the retail payments space.

US-India Strategic Partnership Forum to Honor Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekharan, Deloitte Global CEO Punit Renjen and FedEx President, COO and Director Rajesh Subramaniam with 2021 Global Leadership Award

Chandigarh — The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) announced its fourth Annual Leadership Summit, titled “Looking Ahead: Strengthening Resilience, Expanding Prosperity,” which will convene virtually this year from September 29-October 1. The program will include a range of strategic discussions between USISPF’s board members, including Fortune 500 CEOs and senior government officials from both countries.

On Thursday, USISPF will honor Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Executive Chairman of Tata Sons, Punit Renjen, CEO of Deloitte Global, and Rajesh Subramaniam, President, COO and Director, FedEx Corp., with the USISPF Global Leadership Award 2021 for leading the corporate community in their heroic efforts of responding to India’s second wave of Covid-19.

· As part of these contributions, Punit Renjen led Deloitte’s efforts in donating oxygen concentrators to the Indian Red Cross and initiating an innovative program named “Sanjeevani Pariyojana” (the life project) to expand the hospital ward, helping patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 recover at home so hospitals can be freed up to treat the most critically ill.

· FedEx donated three Boeing 777F charter flights of oxygen concentrators, PPE, and other critical supplies to India in May and June 2021. Under Raj’s leadership, the FedEx charters flew into Mumbai and New Delhi. In all, FedEx moved more than 50,000 oxygen concentrators to India in collaboration with non-profit partners and customers.

· Natarajan Chandrasekaran led Tata in procuring medical equipment from other domestic and international sources. Tata Sons procured and distributed 1300 ventilators, 11,250 oxygen concentrators, in addition to many other medical supplies. Overall, Tata Sons committed Rs 1,000 crore (over USD $135 million) expenditure to COVID-19 response and related activities.

Congratulating the awardees, John Chambers, Chairman of the USISPF Board, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us in so many ways since the start of 2020. When the U.S. experienced the height of the pandemic, India stepped up to help us, sending critical medicines to Americans. It was amazing to then see that help reciprocated during the second wave of COVID in India. Partnership is built on trust, collaboration, and people-to-people connections. This year’s three awardees exemplify qualities of true leadership, as demonstrated by their tremendous individual efforts to help India in their time of need earlier this year. We are incredibly grateful for their courage, integrity, and hard work during this time of uncertainty, and are inspired by their actions to build a stronger U.S.-India partnership and more resilient global community.”

Mr. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Executive Chairman of Tata Sons said, “I am honored to accept the USISPF Global Leadership Award 2021 on behalf of my colleagues in the Tata Group working tirelessly on the Covid frontlines. I would also like to compliment my fellow award recipients for their contributions during the pandemic. USISPF has demonstrated remarkable leadership, strengthening the US-India partnership through a pivotal moment for our generation.”

Mr. Punit Renjen, CEO of Deloitte said, “I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Forum and to be included among such an esteemed and select group of honorees. Business leaders in the United States and elsewhere are near unanimous in their belief in India’s future and are eager to invest in its people and productive capacities. This can be attributed largely to the Forum and their work amplifying India’s message and communicating its strengths to the business community in the U.S. and beyond.”

YES BANK launches its Sustainability Report for FY 2020-21

Chandigarh October 6 2021

YES BANK has launched its latest Sustainability Report for FY 2021. The report details the Bank’s efforts to mainstream Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations within its core business strategy to deliver sustainable growth and create shared value for all its stakeholders.

YES BANK has always been mindful of its environmental and social impacts, in line with its aim to achieve sustainable growth. The Bank has constantly endeavoured to align its core business more closely with global frameworks such as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement, and UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB).

The Bank strives to align its business to the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, by reducing the carbon emissions from its operations and measuring and limiting its financed emissions. In FY 2020-21, the Bank became the first Indian Bank to measure and report the financed emissions of its electricity generation loan exposure. The Bank also achieved a 5% reduction in the carbon emission intensity of its operations in FY 2021, as compared to the previous year.

YES BANK took several steps towards greening its internal operations and reducing its carbon footprint. The Bank eliminated single-use plastic at all its facilities and in a first for the Indian Banking sector, announced switching to using 100% recycled paper (A4) in all its internal operations and back-end processes, across India. The Bank also successfully achieved the ISO 14001:2015 certification for its Environmental Management System (EMS) for the eighth year in a row and continues to have the highest number of ISO 14001:2015 certified facilities (732) amongst the BFSI sector, globally.

The Bank continues to be recognized as a benchmark organization for climate and sustainability disclosures, retaining itsrating of ‘A-‘ (Leadership Band) by CDP, for its Climate Change disclosures, for the second year in a row. YES BANK’s rating surpasses the average ratings for the Financial Services and the Asia Region, which stand at ‘B’ and ‘D’, respectively. The Bank also became the only Indian Bank to be included among the 100 Best Emerging Market Performers ranking by V.E, part of Moody’s ESG Solutions. The Bank’s Sustainability Report for FY 2021-21 continues to align with international benchmark disclosure frameworks such as Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, and PRB. The Report is also externally assured by KPMG Assurance & Consulting Services LLP in accordance with GRI standards.

In FY 2021, the Bank ’s Inclusive & Social Banking and Microfinance Banking divisions continued to deliver access to finance to 9.8 lakh women customers in rural and semi-urban areas. YES BANK employees supported their communities by contributing more than 200 volunteering hours to social causes and donating more than INR 21 lakh through the Bank’s payroll giving initiative.

Goodknight unveils latest innovation – Jumbo Fast Card, a unique paper-based mosquito repellent at just INR 1.5 per usage

Chandigarh October 6 2021

· Experts from Ministry of Health, ICMR, and HICA opine the need for innovation and partnership if India wants to be free of mosquito-borne diseases

India’s home-grown innovation, a paper-based repellent that instantly knocks down mosquitoes and effect lasts upto 4 hours, developed by Godrej Consumer Products

· Innovation launched as Goodknight Jumbo Fast Card, priced affordably at INR 1.5 per usage

· Experts from Ministry of Health, ICMR, and HICA opine the need for innovation and partnership if India wants to be free of mosquito-borne diseases

– As India deals with the ongoing pandemic, rising malaria and dengue cases has posed double health threat. Addressing this issue, a discussion themed on ‘The fight against mosquito-borne diseases and the need for innovation’ was organized featuring experts from The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India; Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); The Gates Foundation; Home Insect Control Association (HICA) and Godrej Consumer Products. During this discussion, a game changer innovation has been revealed that could make protection from mosquitoes accessible, effective and affordable for urban and rural masses. Created by the R&D team at Godrej Consumer Products, it is a paper-based mosquito repellent providing instant relief and upto 4 hours protection from mosquitoes.

Unveiled as Goodknight Jumbo Fast Card, it is a spiral shaped paper card. As soon as one light a Jumbo Fast Card, the technology activates fast action and an instant knock-down effect on mosquitoes. It also leaves a pleasing fragrance that lingers around the room.

In India, close to 50% mosquito repellents used are burning formats. Of this, almost 30% are using unapproved and illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks that has adverse health effectssince they use harmful chemicals as actives in the product. Jumbo Fast Card is a high quality standard and safe alternative for users of such formats. This revolutionary product does not depend on electricity, making it a viable option for both urban and rural areas, susceptible to mosquito menace. Goodknight Jumbo Fast Card is available in a pack of 10 cards and affordably priced at INR 15. This means the per usage cost is as low as INR 1.5 only.

Commenting on the innovation, Sunil Kataria, CEO – India, and SAARC, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), said, “As the leader in the household insecticides category, Goodknight is committed to innovate and provide effective yet safe solutions at very low cost. Jumbo Fast Card is our latest innovation which is the result of our deep understanding of the category and know-how of what the country currently needs. This revolutionary paper-based format will give people dual benefit of instant action and its effect will last upto 4 hours at only INR 15 for 10 cards. This makes Jumbo Fast Card an effective and affordable solution against mosquitoes in the urban and rural landscape.”

The panel moderated by wellbeing champion Dr. Marcus Ranney, comprising experts from the Ministry of Health, ICMR, The Gates Foundation, HICA, suggested the need for innovation and partnership if India wants to be free of mosquito-borne diseases. Though a major global health crisis, COVID-19 is a strong case example highlighting how innovations in record time played a key role to improve public health. From home testing COVID-19 kits, infection free taps, phone booth COVID-19 testing to the vaccines itself, all these innovations empowered people around the globe to fight the pandemic. Similarly, the panel suggested to adopt a collective approach and look at innovations to fight malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, among others.

To tackle malaria and dengue, experts urged for behavioural and mindset change amongst citizens. Personal intervention is a must by adopting proper hygiene practices, using mosquito repellents at home and personal repellents when outdoors, bed nets, wearing full-sleeve clothes, and ensuring no water gets collected in and around homes as it becomes mosquito breeding grounds.

Dr. PK Sen, Principal Advisor, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said, “India need innovations to be free of mosquito-borne diseases. Malaria and dengue have seasonal occurrence with high outbreak potential. The burden of these diseases on the economy and healthcare system is much higher. The COVID-19 pandemic is placing immense pressure on health care system worldwide. Concerted effort with inter-ministerial convergence is the key to strengthen community mobilization for effective vector control response. Supporting innovations will translate into development of unique tools and establish an eco-system fostering partnership. Addressing strategies with newer tools will give momentum for Universal Health Coverage to provide accessible, affordable and sustainable health care.”

Dr. Rajni Kant, Director, ICMR – Regional Medical Research Centre, Gorakhpur, commented, “We need to undertake research on priority areas such as drug resistance and identifying hot spots in case of malaria and demonstrate few model projects towards its elimination on a larger extent as well as creating awareness for prevention of dengue and work towards vaccine research. Due to growing population, urbanisation, global travel and climate change there is a need to equip ourselves in much better way to combat mosquito borne diseases. The analysis will help us to be better prepared. Supporting innovations, be it from public or private space, will empower India to possess solutions and tools for prevention and better treatment after disease occurrence.

Modan Saha joins Tata Digital as CEO – Financial Services

Chandigarh October 6 2021

: Tata Digital Limited, a 100% subsidiary of Tata Sons Private Limited, today announced Modan Saha as CEO – Financial Services at Tata Digital. Modan was the CEO of Tata Strategic Management Group (TSMG). In his role Modan would be responsible for building the Fintech business portfolio. In addition, he shall guide Strategy and Strategic Investments at Tata Digital.

Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said: “Modan brings deep experience in financial services along with strong strategy capabilities. As a part of the core leadership team at Tata Digital, he will play a key role in building the fintech business and guiding various strategic initiatives. His passion for building new businesses will be very valuable for Tata Digital.”

Mr. Pratik Pal, CEO, Tata Digital, said: “We are glad to have Modan join our core leadership team and his strong expertise in Financial Services will add tremendous value to our Tata Consumer Platform ecosystem.”

Mr. Modan Saha, CEO, TSMG said: “Having worked on various strategic initiatives of the Group over the last four years, joining Tata Digital in an executive role is an exciting new chapter in my career. In my new role, I hope to contribute towards building India’s leading digital ecosystem.”

Mr. Saha is a B.Tech from IIT Kharagpur and holds a MBA from IIM Calcutta. Modan Saha has been with TSMG for over four years, and in his role has worked on various strategic initiatives, including setting up of Tata Digital. Before joining TSMG, Modan spent more than 17 years in the financial services industry in various roles in payments, wealth management, online broking, risk management, strategy, fintech initiatives, and strategic investments.

Raymond Capitalizes on Casualization Trend in Shirting Fashion

Chandigarh October 6 2021

– Launches Vibez AW’21 collection of shirting fabrics – a mélange of vibrant prints imbibing traditional Indian motifs –

– Onboards designer Suket Dhir to seamlessly translate the vivacious fabrics into stylised silhouettes-

: Raymond, India’s leading manufacturer and retailer of premium fabrics and apparel announced the launch of its latest vibrant collection of shirting fabrics – ‘Vibez’. Being a popular menswear brand in India, Raymond has on-boarded famed designer Suket Dhir. Suket’s work has been recognized by one of the most prestigious honours in global fashion and he has crafted an exclusive collection of ensembles for the launch of Raymond Vibez.

Raymond Vibez, a vibrant range of shirting fabrics, gains inspiration from nostalgic Indian motifs and seamlessly combines them with highly contemporary aesthetics and boldly experiments with colour palettes. The collection consists of 7 distinctive prints – Watercolour Washes, Swirling Paisley, Bold Abstract, Tie-n-Dye, Checkerboard, Deep with Indigo, and Tribal Prints.

Commenting on the launch of the Vibez collection, S. Ganesh Kumar, COO, Raymond Lifestyle Business said; “As lives return back to normalcy, consumers are seeking a refreshing perspective on casualization and are increasingly experimenting with fashion sensibilities. Revamping a wardrobe can be a big mood enhancer that can uplift spirits to revel in the upcoming festive season. The launch of Vibez is apt in the current context wherein people are looking forward to shop with optimism.” Along with a wide assortment of unique prints, the collection offers a diverse colour palette for customers to choose from. The trendy and versatile prints can be tailored into multiple looks for several occasions – be it a casual hangout with friends, a clubbing night, or the long awaited road trip.

Speaking during the launch Suket Dhir said; “It was good to see Raymond come up with ‘VIBEZ’. Our interpretation for it is multi-utilitarian, versatile, cool and trendy. How clothing can change the entire atmosphere around the person wearing it, is well documented. We have played around with the fabrics in a classic SUKETDHIR style. The colours and patterns are such that it expresses the vibe or the mood of the wearer. A collection that is perfect to brighten up a gloomy winter day, and the combination of linens and corduroys to keep the cool breeze out and cool quotient in.”

The Vibez Collection is available across different fabrics such as cotton, Linen and various blends, starting at Rs. 850 onwards, per meter, across all fabric blends, and Rs. 1800 onwards for a custom tailored shirt, at all Raymond Shops and partner multi-brand outlets, as well as on www.myraymond.com.

BPCL and SBI Card launch co-branded RuPay contactless credit card

Chandigarh October 6 2021: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and SBI Card have joined hands to launch the ‘BPCL SBI Card co-branded RuPay Contactless Credit Card’. This card will provide the most rewarding fuel savings and benefits to the customers. Cardholders will also get accelerated savings on other categories of spends which include groceries, departmental stores, dining, and movies.

Users of BPCL SBI Card RuPay will get 13X reward points on every Rs. 100 spent on fuel purchases at BPCL petrol pumps and1% fuel surcharge waiver on every transaction upto Rs. 4,000, translating to 4.25% Value Back. Customers using this card will earn 2,000 activation bonus reward points worth Rs. 500 on payment of joining fee.

Apart from fuel-related benefits, BPCL SBI Card RuPay credit cardholders will also get 5X reward points on every Rs. 100 spent at multiple categories such as groceries, departmental stores, movies, and dining. This card offers 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent on non-fuel retail purchases as well.

P.S. Ravi, Executive Director(Retail), BPCLsaid, “The launch of the BPCL SBI Card RuPay credit card is a significant step in the association between BPCL, SBI Card, and NPCI consistent with our focus on driving digital transactions in our retail outlets. The BPCL SBI Card RuPay credit card offers value back of 4.25% on fuel across our 19000+ outlets across India, along with a bouquet of other best-in-class benefits. The launch of this co-branded credit card on the RuPay platform is also in line with BPCL’s endeavour to continuously provide our customers enhanced value for their fuel spends.”

Mr. Rama Mohan Rao Amara, MD & CEO, SBI Card said, “BPCL SBI Card RuPay credit card is India’s most rewarding fuel co-brand credit card. We are delighted to extend the BPCL SBI Card on RuPay Platform. BPCL SBI Card RuPay is packed with compelling benefits and targets mass affluent consumer segment who spends a significant amount on fuel. This card will also strengthen SBI Card portfolio on the RuPay platform. With this launch, we reaffirm our commitment to bring consumers value-added, secure, contactless, and cashless payment solutions.”

Praveena Rai, COO, NPCI said, “Partnering with SBI Card and BPCL, industry frontrunners, is a privilege for NPCI and a milestone for RuPay contactless credit cards. Whether one is commuting to work, running errands on weekends, or planning to take a road trip, using a fuel credit card help save more while enjoying the convenience of digital payments. The BPCL SBI Card RuPay credit card has been designed to ensure that customers not only save more on their fuel spends but also benefit from other shopping categories. We believe that this card is a step ahead in the journey of RuPay contactless to provide a smart, rewarding and delightful shopping experience to RuPay users.”