Archives December 2023

09th December 2023: Infinix, a trailblazer in the mobile technology industry, is thrilled to introduce the highly anticipated Infinix Smart 8HD, the latest addition to the Smart series. Priced at INR 5669*, Smart 8HD comes equipped with remarkable features, setting new standards for the segment and delivering an enhanced smartphone experience.

Designed to provide users with a delectable mix of performance and elegance, the Infinix Smart 8HD features significant upgrades over the previous releases in the Smart series. With 90Hz refresh rate, 8MP selfie camera, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and dynamic expandable notch feature, the Smart 8HD redefines the possibilities for affordable smartphones.

“The sub-10K smartphone segment is currently characterized by a lack of innovative offerings. With the introduction of the Smart 8 series, our goal is to redefine this segment and provide a much-needed refresh in terms of premium design and innovative features. The Smart 8 HD, with its timber texture design and iconic camera module, is poised to be the preferred choice for users seeking a stylish smartphone. The innovative MAGIC RING function enhances user interactions and improves ease of use.

Beyond its design and software capabilities, the smartphone boasts several first-in-segment features, including a 6.6HD+ Punch-Hole 90Hz Display, a Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and an 8MP selfie camera with flash.

We take pride in consistently pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the realm of smartphones, aligning with user preferences. We eagerly anticipate our users joining us on this exciting journey as we strive to create a genuine breakthrough in the smartphone segment”, said Mr. Anish Kapoor, CEO, Infinix India.

Stylish Design and Dynamic Features

The Smart 8HD is not only a powerhouse but also a stylish device. It features a timber texture finish back panel available in four appealing color variants, creating a premium and ergonomic design. The iconic camera module with a Ring Flash and a color-matched frame adds a touch of sophistication to the device. To cater to diverse preferences, the Smart 8 HD comes in four striking Color Variants Crystal Green, Shiny Gold and Timber Black. The 6.6-inch HD+ Sunlight Readable display with 500 Nits peak brightness ensuring optimal visibility even in bright conditions, further elevating the user experience.

For added convenience and security, the Smart 8HD incorporates a face unlock function and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a first in the segment. This feature enables fast and easy unlocking of the device, ensuring your data remains secure.

The device’s 90Hz punch-hole display provides a stunning visual experience. This dynamic notch feature, known as the Magic Ring, not only enhances the aesthetics but also adds functionalities such as Face Unlock, Background Call, Charging Animation, Charge Completion Reminder, and Low Battery Reminder.

Unmatched Performance and Speed

Smart 8HD is designed to elevate your smartphone experience. One of the key features is the introduction of a 90Hz refresh rate, a remarkable upgrade over its predecessor, the Smart 7HD, which had a 60Hz refresh rate. This innovation ensures smoother scrolling, more responsive touch interactions, and an overall enhanced visual experience.

Powered by the efficient UniSOC T606 processor, the Smart 8HD promises impressive performance with an AnTuTu score of 230K+. With upto 6GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage (expandable up to 2TB with a microSD card), users can multitask with ease, store more photos, videos, and apps, and enjoy a seamless and responsive user experience. The device also comes with UFS 2.2 fast storage.

Revolutionary Camera Capabilities

The Infinix Smart 8HD boasts an impressive camera system with a 13MP dual AI camera and a Quad LED Ring Flash, allowing you to capture stunning photos in various lighting conditions. Plus, the Smart 8HD introduces an 8MP selfie camera with LED flash, a significant improvement over the 5MP camera in the Smart 7HD. This enhanced selfie camera ensures that your self-portraits are crisp, clear, and detailed, even in low-light settings.

Optimized Performance and Battery Life

The Smart 8HD runs on Android 13 Go with the latest XOS 13 version, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user interface. It’s optimized for better performance, allowing you to enjoy a lag-free experience even with demanding apps and games.

To keep you powered throughout the day, the Smart 8HD is equipped with a 5000mAh battery. With Type-C charging and Power Marathon technology, you can enjoy extended usage without frequent recharges.

Smart 8HD to go on sale on Flipkart and offline channels starting 13^th Dec.

* 10%  Instant discount on Axis Bank card

New Delhi, 9th December 2023: Dr.Rashel, a leading beauty and wellness brand under the esteemed Petrol Perfume umbrella, announces a groundbreaking move into the franchise model with a vision to establish over 150 stores across India in the next two years. This strategic initiative aims not only to expand the brand’s footprint but also to provide entrepreneurship opportunities, create job opportunities, and bring the renowned Dr.Rashel experience closer to consumers nationwide.

Currently, Dr. Rashel products enjoy widespread accessibility through an extensive network, with over 325,000 retail outlets and distribution facilitated by a network of over 1,500 distributors spanning the length and breadth of India.

Strategically positioned in the market, Dr. Rashel’s product range is poised to leverage the upward trend and cater to the evolving needs of consumers in the dynamic beauty and personal care sector in India According to Statista, this thriving market is expected to generate a substantial revenue of US$30.54 billion in 2023, with an impressive annual growth rate between 2023-2028.

Dr.Rashel’s remarkable growth can be attributed to the brand’s adeptness in staying ahead of industry trends. Notably, the surge in the hair care market, projected to grow at a remarkable CAGR of over 8% from 2022-23 to 2027-28, has played a pivotal role in propelling Dr.Rashel to new heights. This foresight into emerging trends has enabled the brand to craft a comprehensive hair-care range that aligns perfectly with the evolving preferences and needs of consumers.

As consumers increasingly prioritize quality, diversity, and affordability in their beauty and personal care choices, Dr.Rashel has responded by offering a range of products that not only meet these criteria but also exceed expectations. The brand’s commitment to clean and safe beauty, with products that are ISO Certified, GMP Certified, Dermatologically Tested, Silicone-free and paraben and sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and devoid of mineral oil, underscores its dedication to providing high-quality and environmentally friendly solutions.

As a testimony to our commitment to growth, Pravin Bera, Co-founder of Dr.Rashel, stated, “Our foray into the franchise model is a significant step forward in realizing our vision of making Dr.Rashel a household name across India. We believe that this expansion will not only strengthen our presence in the beauty and wellness industry but also empower aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Devji Hathiyani, Co-founder of Dr.Rashel, added, “Our growth journey has been remarkable, with a staggering 300% increase over the last four years. This expansion into the franchise model aligns perfectly with our mission to make quality beauty and wellness products accessible to a wider audience while creating opportunities for business owners and job seekers.”

“We recently launched a comprehensive hair care range, including shampoo, conditioner, hair spa, and hair oil with six different variants capitalizing on the rising demand in this segment. It is also noteworthy to mention that the high-performance hair care products are formulated with 100% natural actives, free from Paraben, sulphates, and SLS. Furthermore, we have also introduced a range of innovative lip balms and foot masks. These additions not only enhance our product diversity but also reflect our commitment to meeting the evolving preferences in the dynamic beauty and personal care market in India. With 29+ categories and 300+ variants all Made in Bharat, Dr.Rashel has become a preferred choice for consumers seeking affordable, high-quality beauty solutions,” explained Pravin Bera.

Dr.Rashel attributes its sustained growth to having an in-house manufacturing unit, offering products in the economical range, and maintaining stringent quality standards. This has set Dr.Rashel apart from competitors in the industry. Looking ahead, Dr.Rashel plans to continue its growth trajectory by launching new products and expanding overseas.

Notably, Dr.Rashel has actively participated in various exhibitions and events, showcasing its commitment to the beauty and wellness industry. The brand has been a title and associate sponsor for events such as the Professional Beauty Salon Expo, Aakar Beauty Salon Expo, Cosmoprof – Mumbai, Franchise India Expo, Beauty West Africa in Lagos, Nigeria, and International Iconic Awards.

Furthermore, Dr.Rashel proudly sponsored cultural events, concerts, and sports events, including being a title sponsor for Idol Superstars Concert in Mumbai, Rangilo Re Navratri Festival at Nesco, and supporting events in colleges like Mithibai and SIES, as well as ODI matches.

This Saturday, Sony Entertainment Television’s popular singing reality show, ‘Indian Idol Season 14’, will be ‘Celebrating Raj Babbar’ on its iconic stage. Known for his commendable work in the film industry, Raj Babbar will grace the show along with Salma Agha. The contestants will pay him a musical tribute and belt out some of their hit chartbusters to impress Judge Shreya Ghoshal and Kumar Sanu.

Faridabad’s Adya Mishra will seamlessly showcase her versatility by singing ‘Mee Raat Takali’, from the 1977 classic Marathi film ‘Jait Re Jait’, and ‘Dil Ke Armaan Aansuo Mein Bah Gaye’, from the 1982 film Nikaah.

Complimenting Adya’s performance, Raj Babbar says, “Your singing is infused with emotion. I must say, Salma Agha, who herself was a singer and actor in the song ‘Dil Ke Armaan Aansuo Mein Bah Gaye’, must have sung with the same passion as you did. Coming to ‘Mee Raat Takali,’ the visuals of the song evoked a sense of inspiration and aspiration and these are the exact qualities I felt during your performance. The way you sang the song, reminded of me Smita Patil, on whom the song was picturised.”

Judge Shreya Ghoshal also lets the celebrity guests know that Adya, who is a star performer, is all of 17 years old, and yet, with the power of her voice, she has successfully managed to leave a lasting impression on everyone! Complimenting Adya, Shreya said, “The emotions conveyed through your performance will be etched in our memories for years to come. The way you delivered the songs was truly exceptional, and I must acknowledge that you possess extraordinary talent. It brings me immense joy to have you on Indian Idol!”

Salma Agha joins in and tells Adya, “You are in perfect harmony with your singing, the melody and rhythm reflect a meticulous process, and I appreciated that when listening to you sing. You truly understand your craft!”

Later in the show, Salma Agha extends her gratitude to Raj Babbar, who was her first co-star when she entered the world of acting with the film ‘Nikaah.’

To witness more such moments, be sure to tune in to ‘Indian Idol Season 14’ this Saturday at 8:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television!

India, 9th December 2023 In a significant step towards reinforcing its environmentally responsible credentials, Tata Steel has received the GreenPro Ecolabelling Standard certification for its Automotive Flat Steel products. Developed by the Green Business Centre of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the GreenPro ecolabel assesses ‘how green a product is’ based on a comprehensive framework, forging the way forward for achieving environmental performance excellence.

As part of the evaluation process, the Company’s automotive flat steel products have undergone end-to-end evaluation at every stage of their product lifecycle which would lead to measurable environmental benefits. This recognition highlights the Company’s commitment to sustainable practices and contribution to automotive industry’s transition towards eco-friendly manufacturing.

Rajiv Mangal, Vice President, Safety, Health & Sustainability, Tata Steel, said: “We are proud to achieve the GreenPro Ecolabel certification, reaffirming our dedication to producing environment friendly steel solutions. This recognition from CII validates our ongoing efforts to set new standards for sustainability in the steel industry. From rigorous Life Cycle Assessment studies to Environment Product Declarations (EPDs) for key products, Tata Steel continues to strive towards a sustainable tomorrow.”

Prabhat Kumar, Vice President, Marketing and Sales (Flat Products), Tata Steel, said: “GreenPro certification reinforces our commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing and helps strengthen our status as a preferred supplier to the Automotive industry in line with their transformation journey towards sustainability.”

Over the last two decades, Tata Steel has consolidated its position as the preferred supplier to the automotive industry, supplying Hot-Rolled (HR), Cold Rolled (CR) and Galvanized products to all major automotive OEMs and ancillaries in India.

Tata Steel has taken the lead in the Indian Steel Industry for manufacturing sustainable steel solutions and providing environmental certification of its products. As of today, CII’s GreenPro certification has been conferred on the Steel Rebars (Tata Tiscon), Tubes (Tata Structura, Tata Pipes, Tata EzyFit), Steel Doors and Windows (Tata Pravesh), and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (Tata Aggreto). Additionally, the Company has published Environment Product Declaration (EPD) for several of its products. Tata Steel Europe is also the first steel manufacturer to become an approved Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) programme operator in Europe. To promote the purchase of cleaner and greener products by customers, Tata Steel also conducts Life Cycle Assessment studies for many of its products to evaluate the environmental impact across various life cycle stages.

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. today announced the opening of three new state-of-the-art “Blue Square” outlets in Karnataka. These new Yamaha exclusive outlets are launched under the banner of ‘Eye Automobiles Pvt. Ltd.’ with 8,945sqft. space in KR Puram, ‘Garuda Wheels’ 4,071sqft. space in Hoskote and ‘Chirag Motors’ with 5,800sqft. space in Mandya, all around Bangalore. The new Blue Square outlets are designed to deliver a superior experience to customers across end-to-end sales, service, and support through a highly personalised approach.

Yamaha Blue Square outlets embody the brand’s true spirit and have been meticulously designed to provide customers with a superior end-to-end experience. They exemplify a personalized approach, ensuring every customer feels valued and satisfied. By leveraging these exclusive outlets, the brand aims to offer customers a gateway into the world of Yamaha Racing.

Each section of these premium outlets has been thoughtfully crafted to instil a sense of pride in being associated with a global brand deeply rooted in international motorsports. Guided by this philosophy, Yamaha has formed an instant connection with customers through the combination of “Blue,” representing the brand’s proud racing legacy, and “Square,” symbolising a curated platform for customers to connect with Yamaha’s exhilarating, sporty, and stylish range of two-wheelers.

Alongside providing an industry-leading experience, these blue square outlets also serve as a platform for the Blue Streaks riders, Yamaha’s exclusive biker community, allowing riders to engage and interact with other riders. Including the two new outlets, Yamaha will now have 20 exclusive Blue Square Showrooms in the Karnataka market and 270 outlets PAN India.

While Yamaha’s maxi-sports AEROX 155 scooter is exclusively sold through Blue Square showrooms, these premium outlets also showcase the updated 2023 line-up premium two-wheelers including the YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc), MT-15 V2 (155cc); Blue-Core Technology-enabled models such as FZS-Fi Version 4.0 (149cc), FZS-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), and scooters like Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 Fi Hybrid (125cc). Delivering on the promise of proving a more comprehensive experience, these premium Blue Square outlets also have the latest Yamaha genuine accessories, official apparel, and Yamaha genuine spare parts on display and sales for customers.

By Mr. Susheel Tejuja – Founder & Managing Director at PolicyBoss.

“Today, insurance commissions have been fairly simplified, thanks to EOM guidelines brought in by the regulator earlier this year. Post these guidelines coming into effect, all insurers have by and large streamlined and aligned to the new way of life and hence there is no shade of gray on this subject.

Malpractices as you mentioned by you have largely been put to check and if at all anyone still continues to do so, they would pose a big risk both personally and to the insurance company. Over time, all such malpractices will cease and it’s the policyholder who benefits from this all at the end of the day as their is greater transparency and clarity on making an informed insurance choice”

Leading digital marketing agency, Social Beat, has secured the D2C digital mandate for Mankind Pharma, one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies after a multi-agency pitch. The partnership with Social Beat will mark a significant step forward in Mankind Pharma’s digital marketing efforts to strengthen its online presence and engage with a wider audience.

Mankind Pharma, known for its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare solutions, has chosen Social Beat as its digital partner to drive sales through the brand’s own website and drive growth in the digital space. With a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical products, Mankind Pharma aims to connect with consumers across various demographics and geographies.

“We are delighted to be chosen as the digital marketing partner for Mankind Pharma,” said Suneil Chawla, Co-founder of Social Beat. “This collaboration presents a fantastic opportunity to leverage our expertise in digital marketing to help Mankind Pharma reach new heights in the online landscape. We look forward to crafting a highly impactful website and campaigns that resonate with Mankind Pharma’s objectives and growth.”

Social Beat, known for its data-driven approach and creative digital solutions, has a track record of delivering outstanding results for a wide range of clients across industries. The agency will be responsible for crafting and executing comprehensive digital marketing strategies for Mankind Pharma, encompassing various channels such as social media, search engine optimization (SEO), content marketing, and more.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr Joy Chatterjee, AVP at Mankind Pharma, said, “In today’s digital age, it is imperative for us to have a strong online presence and engage effectively with our customers. Social Beat’s expertise in the digital marketing arena and their proven track record make them the ideal partner for our digital journey. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring and are confident that together, we will achieve great success.”

Social Beat’s experience in the pharmaceutical sector, coupled with its understanding of the Indian market, positions it well to assist Mankind Pharma in achieving its digital marketing objectives.

New Delhi, 08th December 2023- Phoenix Marketcity Pune in collaboration with TURBOCHARGED, India’s youngest automotive publication, is set to ignite Pune with a thrilling automotive spectacle on December 9th and 10th. On these days, attendees can expect a fusion of style and speed, with a dazzling display of 12+ supercars at Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. This collaboration promises a captivating celebration of speed, style, and immersive storytelling, bringing together the dynamic world of high-performance vehicles with the vibrant ambiance of Phoenix Marketcity.

TURBOCHARGED, renowned for its immersive storytelling and visual prowess, is set to elevate the excitement of high-performance vehicles to new heights in partnership with Phoenix Marketcity. As the premier automotive publication in India, TURBOCHARGED is dedicated to injecting passion into every automotive narrative, redefining the way automobiles are perceived and is committed to providing a fresh perspective on the high-octane world of supercars. Their partnership with Phoenix Marketcity signifies a merging of creative forces, aiming to offer attendees more than just a visual spectacle of impressive vehicles.

The spectacular Supercars Festival, boasting a dazzling display of over 12 supercars, will be a testament to cutting-edge design and engineering excellence. The festival promises an unforgettable experience, seamlessly blending the glamour of supercars with the vibrant atmosphere of Phoenix Marketcity. Enthusiasts and casual admirers alike will revel in the spectacle, from the thunderous roars of engines to the awe-inspiring design on display.

This unique event offers an opportunity for attendees to witness the convergence of style, speed, and storytelling at Phoenix Marketcity Pune. Join us for a weekend of automotive excellence and embrace the thrill of the Super Cars Festival on 9th & 10th Dec.

Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers proudly introduces their latest wedding collection ‘The Rajwadi Roshni collection’—a fusion of timeless elegance and modern aesthetics inspired by India’s rich heritage. Meticulously crafted with a blend of antiques, pearls, and semi-precious stones, this collection pays homage to the cultural opulence of our country.

The brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence led to the exclusive sourcing of rare and pristine elements from Bikaner, renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship in antique jewelry. Over four months, artisans dedicated their expertise to curate 25-30 exquisite pieces tailored explicitly for the upcoming bridal season.

As wedding festivities draw near, the jewellers envisioned creating pieces that encapsulate tradition while embracing modern sensibilities. This collection aims to cater to a diverse clientele. Featuring iconic long chokers and necklaces weighing between 200-300 grams, these designs resonate with the elegance desired by today’s brides.

Drawing inspiration from Rajasthan’s illustrious ‘teriya,’ several designs exude an evergreen appeal. Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers’ creative team incorporated a contemporary twist to these timeless pieces, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.

“This collection reflects our dedication to infusing classic designs with a touch of modern sophistication,” remarked Diksha Rajawat, Director, Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers. “Our aim was to create jewellery that not only honors our heritage but also resonates with the discerning tastes of today’s brides.”

The Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers’ wedding collection celebrates India’s glorious legacy intricately woven with finesse to cater to the refined preferences of contemporary brides. With each piece, the brand seeks to adorn the journey of love and union, symbolizing timeless beauty and grace.

New Delhi, 8th December 2023 The Global Bio-India 2023 event, hosted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, and its pivotal Public Sector Undertaking, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), has hosted the transformative gathering of biotech enthusiasts from December 4-6, 2023.

Having reached $92.3 billion in 2022, the Indian biotech industry aims for an impressive $150 billion by 2025 and an ambitious $300 billion by 2030 (Source). This remarkable path presents a compelling opportunity for individuals and companies worldwide to engage in and contribute to the flourishing biotech market. The robust community of over 6,000 biotechnology startups reflects the sector’s evolution from just 50 startups eight to nine years ago, emphasizing the transformative potential of this industry (Source). The country’s vast biodiversity, particularly in the Himalayan region, provides a rich resource pool waiting to be harnessed, positioning India as a global leader in Biotechnology.

In a strategic move to improve global collaboration in the biotech sector, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is proud to bring five cutting-edge startups from around the world in partnership with Global Business Inroads. These innovative ventures are set to contribute to India‘s dynamic biotech landscape and further strengthen the nation’s position in the global biotechnology arena. They are:

• Water&Soil, (Hungary)- Antal Vattay MD said- “BIRAC‘s initiative provides us with a unique platform to integrate our innovations into this vibrant market.”

• Gecco Biotech, (Groningen, The Netherlands)- Dr. Niklo Loncar, CEO of Gecco, views participation in this initiative as an opportunity to contribute expertise to India‘s thriving biotech ecosystem. He said, “Our collaboration with BIRAC signifies our commitment to fostering global partnerships.”

• UKCAS Cultural Innovation (Sri Lanka): Darshana Naulla, CEO of UKCAS Cultural Innovation notes- “BIRAC‘s efforts align with our mission of cultural innovation, and we are eager to explore new avenues in this market.”

• Crop BioLabs (Brazil): Aruã Prudenciatti, CEO of CROP Biolabs said- “India‘s biotech sector is on a trajectory of remarkable growth, and Crop Labs is eager to contribute our innovations to this dynamic ecosystem.”

• Genera Smart Lab (Romania): Septimiu Ilea of General Smart Lab notes “Being selected by BIRAC is a tremendous honor for Genera Smart Lab. India‘s burgeoning biotech landscape presents an exciting opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange.”

 “This is a unique opportunity provided by BIRAC to international start-ups who generally don’t have access to information on markets like India and how to navigate and penetrate one of the fastest growing economies. Global Business Inroads (GBI) has built a network, platform and process to create access to technologies and enable more deployment. This partnership with BIRAC will scale the level and pace at which innovative technologies from around the world become available in India to solve global challenges.”said Leena Pishe Thomas, Director, Global Business Inroads (GBI).

 Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC, underscores the significance of global collaboration in the biotech sector: “The true potential of biotechnology lies in transcending geographical boundaries. BIRAC‘s endeavour to bring these international startups to India reflects our commitment to harnessing global expertise for mutual growth. We believe that this collaboration will not only benefit India‘s biotech sector but will also contribute to the global advancement of biotechnology.”