Archives February 2024

DoubleTree By Hilton Gurugram Baani Square is proud to announce its partnership with Dhagaa, a heartfelt endeavor dedicated to the sustainable development of handloom weavers in India.

 The hotel hosted the one day exhibition that was enthusiastically attended by guests and team members of the hotel at its beautiful lobby.

 This exclusive exhibition showcased a stunning collection of 100% natural handwoven sarees, stoles, dupattas, tote bags, indo-western dresses, artisanal handcrafted jewelry by incredibly talented Indian weavers and artisans especially women on 18th Feb 2024 from 10 am to 7 pm.

 As part of WTMRG (Women Team Member Resource Group) initiatives, Hilton started this drive across all Hilton Hotels in India and this time, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square had the honour to showcase the great work by underprivileged women and their artistry. The total sale from the event would solely be utilized to better the life of these artisans and bring out their talent to the fore.

Bengaluru, India – February 20th, 2024 – Easebuzz, a leading full-stack payment solutions platform, has been honored with the Outstanding DevOps Team Collaboration of the Year (FinTech) award at the prestigious 3rd Annual India DevOps Show 2024 by Quantic India. This recognition commends the team Easebuzz for their exceptional dedication, innovative approaches, and collaborative spirit in implementing Industry best DevOps practices.

The India DevOps Show recognizes outstanding contributions and innovations within the DevOps community, celebrating the teams and individuals who drive excellence and transformation in the field of technology. The coveted award acknowledges the committed effort by Easebuzz’s team in furthering the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and services to Indian businesses.

Speaking on this momentous occasion, Amit Kumar, Chief Technology Officer, Easebuzz, expressed gratitude on behalf of Team Easebuzz, stating, “We are truly honored to receive the Outstanding DevOps Team Collaboration of the Year award. It is a testament to the relentless efforts and cohesive teamwork exhibited by every member of our organization. At Easebuzz, we prioritize collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, and this award reaffirms our commitment to excellence in delivering transformative payment solutions to our clients.”

The 3rd Annual India DevOps Show, hosted in Bangalore, witnessed participation from leading industry experts, thought leaders, and technology enthusiasts, highlighting the latest trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in the DevOps ecosystem. This prestigious accolade not only underscores Easebuzz’s commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation but also reaffirms its position as a trailblazer in the FinTech landscape.

Mumbai, 20 Feb, 24: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently premiered the much-awaited final season of its teen romance series, Crushed. This season, the story takes a surprising turn with the unexpected reappearance of Samvidhan, emphasizing the emotional turmoil between him and Aadhya. The narrative further delves into the lives of Aadhya and her friends, Zoya and Jaz, as their bond becomes stronger after facing multiple hurdles along the way. Featuring Aadhya Anand, Arjun Deswal, Urvi Singh, Naman Jain, and Rudhraksh Jaiswal in pivotal roles, the series boasts a wholesome blend of emotions, drama, and heartwarming moments.

Rudhraksh Jaiswal, who essays the role of Samvidhan, made a comeback to Crushed for its final season. Elaborating on his character’s growth, from the first season to the fourth season, Rudhraksh shared, “In the first season, Samvidhan displayed a youthful and playful demeanor as a 9th grader. He had a joyful personality, cherished spending time with his family, and was fixated on a particular girl. These experiences are common during our formative years. Subsequently, he strives to establish a connection with this girl, aiming to spend a significant amount of time with her and empathize with her emotions. He also learns to navigate his own emotions, as maintaining a balanced emotional state is crucial in any relationship. Ultimately, it becomes a process of mutual discovery and understanding, as two individuals strive to find common ground.”

He also added, “In the fourth season, he has transformed into a more refined individual. He has gained wisdom through his life journey and has delved into the depths of his own complexities. Not only does he comprehend the essence of life, but he also possesses a deeper understanding of people and their perspectives. He has a profound understanding of his friends and their current situations. Hence, I believe that he has attained a sense of maturity, gradually evolving into a more composed version of himself. This theme resonates strongly with Samvidhan’s character development.”

Get ready to dive into the lives of the audience’s most loved teens and embark on a journey of nostalgia, love, and friendship with the final season of Crushed. All 4 seasons of the series are now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on the Amazon shopping app, FireTV, and Play Store.

INDIA, 20 February 2024 ‒ AirAsia today announced the launch of its much anticipated Big Sale Campaign with INR0* base fare seats from several cities in India to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and beyond!

Unearth the wanderlust in you by exploring the jewel of Malaysia ‒ Kuala Lumpur ‒ when you fly from Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Trivandrum, Ahmedabad, and much more. Planning a flight to bustling Bangkok? AirAsia has got you covered. Fly direct from Lucknow, Guwahati and so much more at no cost* for the seat. From Kuala Lumpur, make your way to hundreds of destinations in Malaysia and beyond that are also offering INR0* seats, such as the beachy island of Langkawi, the mountainous Kota Kinabalu, serene Bali, and much more! The airline offers affordable and accessible Fly-Thru options, where guests travelling from India to Malaysia can utilise Kuala Lumpur as a connecting hub to AirAsia’s more than 130 destinations in 22 countries and counting.

Seats booked during this campaign can be used for travel between 1 September 2024 till 18 June 2025. Simply visit the airasia app or www.airasia.com to book your seats and plan your trips!

AirAsia’s world-renowned Big Sale Campaigns have enabled travellers in India from all walks of life to travel the world affordably over the years. Under these promotional fares, the base fares of the flights are priced from INR0* for its base fare and guests need to only pay for the airport tax and relevant fees, allowing them to travel the world for minimal costs.

Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam said: “Everything about AirAsia, from our vast network to unique routes to inexpensive fares, is curated with our core value at heart ‒ being a ‘people’s airline’, and thus, we’re always pleased to offer more value-added deals with our signature Big Sale Campaign. This is also our humble way of expressing gratitude for our guests from India who’ve supported us over the years as we celebrate having flown close to an incredible 1 billion guests and counting.”

“Guests can seamlessly travel to Kuala Lumpur from these amazing cities in India and explore Malaysia and the region via our popular Fly-Through services. For those of you who love to experience adventure or explore the beautiful Kuala Lumpur, this is your chance, so grab your INR0** seats early.”

National, 20th February 2024 – LG Electronics inaugurated its fourth Business Innovation Center in Chennai today. This new facility is dedicated to showcasing LG’s top-line Enterprise and Consumer products and solutions and B2B2C products and solutions in an experiential setup, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness closely the latest innovations and explore the limitless possibilities with cutting edge offering.

The LG Business Innovation Center in Chennai is a testament to LG’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions across various sectors. It features a comprehensive range of products, including Information Displays, Commercial Air Conditioners, Information Technology, and state-of-the-art Consumer Durable products. The center serves as a platform for businesses & users to test and experiment with these solutions, fostering creativity and collaboration.

Among the key highlights of the Information Display category are the 136 All-in-One LED Screen, LG MAGNIT, LG Transparent OLED Signage and LG CreateBoard. In addition to this, the Business Center also features the System Air Conditioning products & solutions.

Attendees at the Business Center can explore LG’s industry-leading Multi V 5 and Multi V S series, renowned for their exceptional COP and compatibility with a wide range of indoor units. From customized air conditioning solutions to meet specific industry requirements to the latest flagship product, Multi i HOME, designed for premium residences and villas, LG demonstrates its dedication to providing innovative solutions for diverse customer needs.

Architectural favourites, such as the Round Cassettes and 1-way cassettes, both recipients of the prestigious “Red Dot Design” award, are also on display, showcasing LG’s commitment to aesthetics and design excellence. Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the innovative Hydro Kit, a popular solution in the hotel and hospital industries, offering simultaneous hot water generation (as a by-product) alongside air conditioning.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Hong Ju Jeon- MD, LG India, said, “We’re thrilled to expand our innovation journey with the launch of our fourth Business Innovation Center in Chennai. It’s not just a new facility; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to bringing the latest technology right to your doorstep. Our team in Chennai is ready to welcome you with open arms, offering hands-on experiences with our top-line products like the LG MAGNIT, Transparent OLED Signage, Multi V 5 and Multi V S series. We strongly believe in the value of teamwork and creativity, and we’re eager to collaborate with partners to explore limitless opportunities together.”

LG MAGNIT, the revolutionary Micro LED Display, redefines visual experiences with its cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. LG MAGNIT captivates audiences with its deep blacks and vibrant colours. Its efficient power consumption and real-time Connected Care service ensure reliability and longevity.

LG Transparent OLED Signage represents a new era of visual communication, offering high transparency and vivid colours that seamlessly integrate with the surroundings. With its slim structure and expandable design, it provides endless possibilities for creative expression in various environments.

The LG MULTI V 5 is a revolutionary HVAC solution for high-rise buildings, boasting advanced technologies that ensure maximum energy efficiency and minimized operational costs. With its Dual Sensing Control, it intelligently monitors humidity and temperature, optimizing comfort while conserving energy. Additionally, its innovative features such as Smart Load Control and Enhanced Heating ensure reliable performance even in challenging conditions, making it the ultimate choice for energy-conscious buildings.

The MULTI V S by LG offers a compact and eco-conscious VRF solution ideal for residences and small offices.. Equipped with the R1 Compressor and controlled via the ThinQ™ app, the MULTI V S delivers high performance with minimal environmental impact, offering users maximum comfort and convenience.

The opening of the LG Business Innovation Center in Chennai underscores LG’s commitment to driving innovation and empowering businesses across India. Through this center, LG aims to collaborate with partners and customers to co-create solutions that address their specific needs and challenges.

Bengaluru, 20th Feb 2024: Style Icon of the Year (SITY) 2023-24’ presents a pool of talent that is sure to take the industry by surprise. Our talent this time exudes confidence & charisma, with heaps of signature ‘SITY’ spunk.

We are super pumped to see them transition from raw youthfulness to polished professionals. These amazing individuals evolved under the mentorship & rigorous training of Watermark Productions, and the grand finale conducted at the Bowring Institute was a testament to that.

35 finalists that were narrowed down from a pool of 4,000+ students across 25 colleges in Karnataka. They were fully charged with the right blend of original style, spunky walk & confidence personified. Our expert judges were very impressed, making it truly hard for them to crown the final two winners.

Our judges’ panel included actor Sharmiela Mandre, renowned Bharatnatyam dancer Rukmini Vijayakumar, fashion photographer Wasim Khan & fashion designer Sounak Sen Barat. Before arriving at the grand finale, Style icon finalists underwent an intensive two-month grooming program that trained them in ramp walking, etiquette, fitness, acting, dance, skincare, and mental wellness. The results were nothing short of phenomenal.

Winners of Style Icon Of The Year 2023 are Lakshita Thilagaraj & Rohan Rangnath.

The Style Icon of The Year competition by Watermark Productions was a star-studded event with several industry luminaries in attendance. Drawing a crowd of nearly 1500 people from all quarters, to watch the gala night.

“Fashion is what you make of it. The right attitude can make anything look fashionable, and that’s why our hunt has been to find luring personalities, as opposed to typical models.

Yes, fashion is ever-evolving and we have to stay attuned to current trends. But what remains constant is your unique personality. That’s literally half the battle won. Our focus has been on empowering individuals to embrace their unique style journeys. We take immense pride in witnessing the transformation of our students, from fresh, raw enthusiasts, to becoming polished professionals, ready to take on a multitude of industries. There’s nothing more satisfying than helping these energetic young students in shaping their flourishing careers”: Zulfikher Ahmed, Co-Founder, Watermark Productions

Quote “India, is soon to be the world’s 3rd largest economy, and the fashion landscape in our country is only expanding. We have insane talent but limited platforms for them to shine. All we do here at Watermark’s Style Icon is give them a nudge in the right direction. Considering the competition in the field, it’s important for aspirants to have the right skills. Here we are, giving them a crash course in everything they can imagine. You want to act, dance, ramp walk, polish yourself for a corporate job… or just understand your unique style… the Style Icon platform is a golden stage to unveil your true self. I needn’t say more. Honestly, the opportunities our previous contestants have got should give you an insight into the quality of our program. Style Icon opens doors to endless possibilities, the sky is the limit for aspiring fashion luminaries- Ria Jamal, Partner, Watermark Productions

Watermark is set to widen its horizons to be the largest talent-scouting platform in the country.

India, 20 February 2024 – Canon Inc. announced today that the company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share[1] of the global market for 21 consecutive years from 2003 to 2023.

Canon’s EOS series of interchangeable lens digital cameras are imaging systems based on the basic concept of “Speed, Comfort, and High Image Quality,” for which the company has developed proprietary key components, including CMOS image sensors, the DIGIC image processors, and interchangeable lenses. Putting together a wide-ranging product lineup—from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy full-scale shooting with easy operation, as well as a rich selection of over 115[2] RF and EF series lenses that make possible a wealth of creative expression—Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.

During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. By launching this groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, Canon spurred growth in the digital SLR market, capturing the top share of the global market and heralding the age of digital SLR cameras. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. Canon’s desire to further expand the boundaries of visual expression led to its next-generation EOS R System, launched in October 2018, that includes the full-frame mirrorless camera EOS R5—the first camera to feature 8K video recording[3]—released in July 2020 and the EOS R3 in November 2021, which features tracking of fast-moving subjects and continuous shooting performance. In addition, Canon launched the EOS VR System, designed to record video for virtual reality content, in December 2021.

In 2023, Canon led demand for mirrorless cameras and lenses by further expanding its lineup of EOS R series cameras and lenses. This expanded lineup included the EOS R50 (released in March 2023), an APS-C size mirrorless camera complete with easy-to-use and convenient functions, the EOS R8 (released in April 2023), a full-frame camera that is both small and lightweight while demonstrating high performance and the EOS R100 (released in June 2023), an APS-C size mirrorless camera that even beginner photographers can use to enjoy full-fledged shooting, and 9 RF lenses[4].

Additionally, Canon-brand cameras comprised the number one share[5] of Rugby World Cup France 2023, demonstrating that they have earned the deep trust of professional photographers. Based on the support of this wide range of customers, Canon managed to secure the No. 1 share of the global market for the 21st consecutive year.

Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies while bringing fulfillment and excitement to people’s daily lives as well as promoting the spread of photo and video culture by providing products, services, and solutions that meet its customers’ diverse needs.

Kolkata, 20th February 2024: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has appointed Mr. Anirban Aditya as the Chair of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) National Expert Committee on Sports, marking a pivotal moment in the organisation’s strategic expansion into the dynamic realm of sports.

With an illustrious career, Mr. Aditya’s dedication to societal betterment is evident through initiatives such as the Aditya School of Sports and his support for individuals like IqraRasool in pursuing their sports aspirations. With a vision for global recognition, Mr. Aditya aims to establish sports schools both in Dubai and nationwide. His leadership style embodies courage, patience and confident decision-making, serving as an inspiration for future entrepreneurs. Through this, Anirban continues to make a positive impact on education and society.

In his new role, Mr. Aditya is expected to lead and drive events, policies and business promotion services, contributing significantly to the competitiveness of the sports sector.

Ameya Prabhu, President, ICC, expressed delight in the appointment and stated, “The appointment of Mr. Anirban Aditya as the Chair of ICC National Expert Committee on Sports aligns with ICC’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in diverse sectors. His visionary leadership and dedication to societal betterment make him an ideal choice. This strategic move reflects ICC’s motive to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports in our nation.’’

Mr. Anirban Aditya, Chairman, Aditya Group shared his enthusiasm and said, “I am honoured and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. My commitment extends beyond mere representation; I am determined to leverage my experience to spearhead events, formulate progressive policies and drive business promotion services. Together, we will enhance sportsmanship and contribute significantly to the sector’s competitiveness, fostering a positive impact on the nation’s sports landscape.”

The ICC is dedicated to playing an integral role in fostering strong ties, promoting competitiveness and contributing to the holistic development of sports in the nation. With Mr. Aditya at the helm, we look forward to making significant strides.Together, let’s build a future where sports thrive and our collective endeavour’s create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

New Delhi | February 20, 2024: News18 India has announced the launch of its upcoming debate show, titled ‘News18 India Goonj’. Presented by popular news anchor Rubika Liyaquat, the show is set to debut on February 21 and will air on weekdays from 5 PM to 6 PM.

‘News18 India Goonj’ is a hard-hitting political news debate show which promises to reverberate in the households of millions of news consumers every evening. Launched against the backdrop of the upcoming general elections, the show will cover the biggest political news stories with participation from prominent faces across the political spectrum. The show will inform, dissect, analyse, and debate the issue(s) in a format never seen before on Indian television.

Each episode will commence with a concise overview of the selected news story, presented with impactful visuals and graphics. This will be followed by an exclusive segment revealing research-based, untold facts about the story, enriching viewers’ understanding on the topic. The debate segment will then take the centre stage, with short initial comments from the panel with a countdown running on screen for each participant. Adding an interactive element to the show, both TV and digital viewers will get to vote and comment in the audience poll. The results will be announced towards the end of the show, reflecting the public pulse on the debated issue. To ensure balanced and meaningful discussions, one prominent journalist/analyst on the panel will act as the show’s referee, providing insightful information and adding depth to the dialogue. The show will conclude with the poll results and Rubika Liyaqat’s take on the topic, leaving viewers with a consolidated understanding of the discussed topic.

Speaking on the upcoming show, Jyoti Kamal, Editor, News18 India and Hindi Digital said, “In the lead-up to the general elections, this show is our effort to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of key election issues and major news stories from diverse perspectives. The show is designed to empower the audience to form well-informed opinions by presenting information that enables them to draw their own conclusions, with accurate and valuable insights. This debate show will be unlike any other, and I am eager to see how the audience embraces it.”

Mumbai: February 20, 2024 – STAAH, a leading New Zealand-based hospitality solutions provider, has partnered with the UK-headquartered Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts to deploy its hospi-tech solutions at the group’s three premium properties in India.

The Astroport Treetop by Eight Continents – Sariska, Dhora Resort & Spa Signature Collection, Jodhpur and Maati Signature Collection by Eight Continents – Nainital, have deployed the flagship product of STAAH, the Max Channel Manager along with ReviewMinder, and RateStalk solution to help the properties do away with multiple operational roadblocks and seamlessly manage the show to maximize revenue and drive more bookings.

Within the diverse portfolio of properties managed by the hospitality group, Eight Continents establishes its presence in the UK, Romania, and India. Out of which they have deployed STAAH’s stack of distribution technology for their one property in Romania and three properties in India

“Before we partnered with STAAH, we were using tech solutions that worked well initially but the reporting was not great. They were not compatible with Android phones and didn’t regularly factor in any tech enhancements. Even the post-sales support was mediocre. With STAAH’s suite, we see the difference instantly. Their solutions are high-quality, safe, secure, easy to use and compatible across platforms. They work quickly and efficiently, saving us time and effort. We are excited to strengthen our world-class digital infrastructure with STAAH’s support in India and Romania,” said Haninder Sachdeva , Managing Director , Eight Continents

STAAH Max Channel Manager help hotels to list and manage their inventory across booking channels, the ReviewMinder is a reputation management tool while the RateSTalk is a competitor rate checker tool, to drive more business and boost revenue.

The technological expertise of STAAH will empower the group with tools like Channel Management — that helps hotels to list and manage their inventory across booking channels, ReviewMinder — a reputation management tool, and RateSTalk Solution — a competitor rate checker tool, to drive more business and boost revenues.

“We are glad that our best-of-breed solutions have enabled the properties of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts to address their pain points to function seamlessly and efficiently. The fairly new global group wanted to inspire a connection with the consumers to their brand through exceptional and personalized service that exceeds expectations. We are confident that they will be able to achieve all this and more with STAAH’s solutions,” said Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head at STAAH.