Archives February 2024

Publicis Worldwide India, part of Publicis Groupe India, has conceptualized an exciting ad film, ‘Seekh,’ for HDFC Mutual Fund. This film is an extension of the highly successful ‘Zindagi Ke Liye SIP’ campaign launched last year and highlights the ease of investing in mutual funds through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).

The film aims to forge a strong emotional connection with first-time investors, emphasizing that investing in mutual funds through SIP is as simple and familiar as our daily lives, contrary to how consumers perceive it.

“We, as a society, believe that starting something early is very important and a prerequisite for success.  It’s a principle that’s equally true for SIP. This observation forms the premise of our second film for the campaign ‘Zindagi Ke Liye SIP’. The film tells a simple yet poignant story of vulnerability and honesty. The film is authentic and relatable. And like always we have tried to keep the narrative honest,” added Srijan Shukla and Pratheeb Ravi, Executive Creative Directors at Publicis Worldwide India.

Bengaluru, February 13, 2024:  udaan Capital, one of India’s leading fintech players, today announced that it has facilitated disbursals of over INR 170 crores of working capital to the distribution network of Saint– Gobain Glass Business, a subsidiary of Saint–Gobain, one of the world’s premier glass manufacturers. The disbursals were enabled through a partnership with Saint–Gobain for their distributors and retailers via udaanCapital’s Channel Financing program for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterpises (MSMEs). As part of this collaboration, approximately 200+ distributors of Saint–Gobain have been successfully onboarded by udaanCapital over 20 months, spanning 122 cities and 23 states across India. 

Post Covid, brands have been keen to explore solutions that boost the liquidity in their MSME buyer base without building up receivables on their books or taking excessive credit exposure. Saint–Gobain’s core objective while evaluating a channel financing partner was to ensure widespread adoption of the program pan India and a technology enabled solution capable of leveraging their existing cash discount structures for the MSME buyers. udaanCapital emerged as a preferred partner to create a win-win proposition for the brand and their MSME buyers udaanCapital‘s app seamlessly onboards borrowers and facilitates immediate invoice payments to Saint–Gobain, this fosters cash flow management, boosts sales, and strengthens relationships with channel partners. The program allows access to inventory without upfront payment, facilitating a smooth flow of goods and contributing to business growth. 

As more distributors join the financing program, liquidity increases, enabling higher purchases from Saint–Gobain. udaanCapital‘s customized solution plays a key role in reducing Saint–Gobain‘s Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), providing buyers with an extended credit period. Additionally, buyers have flexible payment terms or incentives in form of cashback for early payments. The credit limits tied to purchases are reusable upon repayment, further contributing to the overall efficiency of the financial process. 

Anand Santhanam, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Saint–Gobain India Glass Business, said, “At Saint–Gobain, we believe in true partnership with our customers. One of the best demonstrations of partnership is business growth. Channel Financing and thereby effective working capital management is integral to the business growth of our partners and we believe that our partnership with udaanCapital will foster an environment that nurtures distributors while facilitating the smooth flow of goods throughout the distribution chain. udaanCapital was our preferred partner because they are known for their quick disbursal, fast turnaround time & low default rate. So far, our distributors across 100+ cities have been successfully onboarded to enjoy collateral-free loans, access inventory and sell products without upfront payment.”  

Chaitanya Adapa, Head, udaanCapital said, “At udaanCapital, we believe in forging strong partnerships to advance our goal of building next-gen working capital products for India’s trade. Our Saint–Gobain program is a testimony of how we’d want our ideal brand partnerships to look like – thanks to the clarity and commitment that the Saint–Gobain team had in supporting their channel partners. We are very glad to have partnered with them in that journey & are committed to deepening our engagement.” 

The introduction of udaanCapital‘s technology-driven behaviour shaping has accelerated sales for Saint–Gobain, especially among their trade partners. This collaboration aims to empower MSMEs across India by transforming the landscape of channel financing.

Mumbai, 13 February 2024: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (Mahindra Finance) today announced a strategic collaboration to build a super app that would serve as a single digital interface for consumers to access multiple businesses within Mahindra Finance.

This app will enable consumers from both metros and non-metros to have 24×7 digital access to avail and manage products & solutions in a secure, streamlined, and simple manner. This would be by housing Mahindra Finance’s various vehicle and non-vehicle lending businesses, including personal loans, enterprise loans, mortgage loans, leasing solutions, payments, fixed deposits, insurance solutions, and other investment & wealth management solutions under one roof. The app will further provide superior and immersive experiences to the customers of Mahindra Finance and strengthen the company’s position as the financial solutions partner of choice for emerging India.

Speaking on the development, Raul Rebello, MD & CEO-Designate, Mahindra Finance said, “We at Mahindra Finance are keen to accelerate delivery of our digital financial solutions to better serve our customers. The super app is a strategic lever that will expedite growth of key businesses in an operationally efficient manner that combines omnichannel capabilities. It will also empower us to create hyper-personalised solutions for emerging India”.

“Super apps have the potential to bring a paradigm shift in the financial services industry, enabling significantly superior customer engagement and unleashing new business models,” said Rishi Aurora, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting India & South Asia. “Having worked with multiple financial organizations that are in different stages of their growth journeys in India and across the world, we are happy to collaborate with Mahindra Finance in their endeavor to build a seamless digital journey. Leveraging future-ready hybrid cloud capabilities, the super app will help Mahindra Finance move up the value chain through unique differentiated customer experiences.”

IBM Consulting will leverage human-centred design methodology to enhance the super app experience, covering every stage of the customer journey. This approach will involve integrating deep understanding of Mahindra Finance’s customer needs with superior application UI design to offer an experience that creates customer value as well as unlocks business value for the company. At the foundation level, IBM Consulting will bring cloud transformation and cloud management expertise to help design a secure, scalable, and resilient digital platform architecture to be deployed on a hybrid multi-cloud environment that will enable easy integration of new technologies in future, including generative AI.

New Delhi 13 February 2024: vivo, the innovative global smartphone brand, announced the National Winners of its country-wide initiative – ‘vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Awards’, in collaboration with NCERT and iHub DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee. The event was held on Feb 10th at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, in the presence of Chief Guest Shri Rajendra Prasad Singh, Chief Scientist and Head, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.

10 National Finalists presented the most scientifically innovative and socially relevant projects, out of which the Top 5 were declared National Winners.

vivo is committed to the idea that development of young minds is the bedrock for lifelong learning, and vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Awards stands as a testament to its dedication to offering bright minds a captivating opportunity. The initiative was open to all Indian students of grades 8 to 12 and was conducted in three stages between November 2023 to February 2024.

With more than 19,000 registrations and over 4,000 projects received countrywide, SMART STREET – Where innovation meets sustainability won the first prize worth INR 7 lakhs for presenting a prototype aimed at implementing smart streets for safer, greener, scenic roads.

Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all the students, stating, “It is a joy to embrace the spirit of innovation and creativity, with the vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Awards. We’re profoundly inspired by the ingenuity and creativity demonstrated by these young minds. Through our CSR initiatives like vivo Ignite, we aim to nurture and empower emerging talent, offering a platform for their sustainable and globally competitive ideas. With an overwhelming response of over 19,000 participants and 4000+ projects nationwide, we’re thrilled to witness the exponential growth and enthusiasm surrounding vivo Ignite, building upon the success of previous years.”

The runners-up were Multi-Functional Eco-Friendly Agro Machine, Automatic Machine For Ready To Grow Oyster Mushroom Bags, Optimization For Cyclists’ Posture Using Real-Time Embedded System And Data Analysis, and STEMLY, sharing cash prizes worth INR 14 lakhs. As a token of appreciation towards their dedication and commitment towards building innovative solutions for social good, the 6^th to 10^th National Finalists were rewarded with a cash prize worth INR 25,000 each.

“The vivo Ignite Awards serve as a testament to the remarkable creativity and problem-solving abilities of our youth. It’s truly inspiring to see young minds channel their energies towards finding solutions to pressing societal issues. The winning project, ‘Smart Street – Where Innovation Meets Sustainability,’ exemplifies the potential of innovative thinking to create safer, greener, and more efficient urban environments. We applaud vivo’s commitment to fostering innovation among Indian students and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of this collaborative effort.” said Prof (Dr.) Indu Kumar, Head, Department of ICT and Training Division, CIET – NCERT

Manish Anand, CEO, iHub DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee, expressed his delight, stating, “The vivo Ignite Awards, in collaboration with iHub Divyasampark, IIT Roorkee, represent a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship among India’s youth. The winning projects, including the top 10 most innovative business ideas, showcase the ingenuity and potential of young minds to address complex societal challenges through technology and innovation. As partners in this initiative, iHub is proud to actively support and recognize the efforts of these students in creating impactful solutions. The success of vivo Ignite underscores the importance of nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India, and we are excited to see the continued growth and impact of such initiatives in the future.”

Furthermore, certificates and exciting goodies will be awarded to all 10 National Finalists and 200 zonal winners. The Top 25 ideas, selected based on video submissions, are being evaluated and considered for research study/incubation/start-up by iHUB DivyaSampark – the innovation center of IIT Roorkee. (Refer to the next page to read more about the projects)

The jury comprised of academicians from prestigious institutes of the country and distinguished industry experts who closely evaluated all the projects based on criteria such as creativity, innovation, utilization of science and technology, scalability, cost effectiveness and potential societal impact. The initiative’s success underscores its alignment with the “Scientific Social Responsibility” agenda taken up by the Department of Science and Technology, GOI.

Last year, vivo Ignite, Science and Innovation Awards recognized ten National Winners from over 2000 entries for their impactful projects, awarded cash prizes totalling over INR 25 lakhs.

There’s something about the magical, pristine beauty of snow that makes you look at romance differently! This year, why not do something different with your loved one for Valentine’s Day? Plan a snow-date at Skyview By Empyrean, the 22-acre mountain harbour that does snow romance like a pro! At this stunning winter paradise, you can get on a gondola ride, dine in the most romantic setting and enjoy a room with a view of the majestic mountains.

So, swap the concrete jungles for a White Valentine in the refreshing mountains this year. From snow-kissed landscapes to blazing sunrises and sunsets, lose yourself to the beauty of Jammu.

The all-weather Skyview Gondola glides between Sanget and Patnitop through forests bathed in white in just 10-13 minutes saving you an hour’s drive through hilly terrain. On days when it’s not snowing, the gondola treats you to crystal clear  and panoramic views of lush green meadows and mountains.

A hot cup of Kahwa and a blazing fireplace will warm your soul and set the mood for deep conversation in Skyview by Empyrean’s cozy and luxurious rooms & suites that will brew your romance for years to come! Wake up and be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped Pir Panjal range. 

After a memorable day spent enjoying each other’s company in the snow, unwind under the starlit sky at the property. Indulge in a romantic candlelight meal with views of the snow-covered mountains as you relish in the gastronomic delights at their barbeque restaurant whilst you immerse yourself in the picturesque views of Patnitop and its untouched environs. Located at the Patnitop terminal of Skyview Gondola by Empyrean, Skyview Terrace is the perfect location for private celebrations and get-togethers

Breathe in pure mountain air and be swept off with views of clear blue skies and dazzling white snow as you sip your morning coffee or munch on a hot breakfast plate at the Banana Leaf Restaurant. Skyview’s highly decorated team ensures that you get the best service and F&B while you gaze away looking at the magnetic view.

Bengaluru, India  February 13, 2024: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today said that consumers can start pre-reserving Galaxy Book4 series in India from today. Pre-reserved customers will be eligible for early access and special offers on purchasing the Galaxy Book 4 Series.

Customers can pre-reserve Galaxy Book4 series by paying a token amount of INR 1999 across Samsung.com, Samsung Exclusive Stores, leading retail outlets and select online portals. Consumers who pre-reserve will get benefit worth INR 5000 on the purchase of their Galaxy Book4 device.

The Galaxy Book4 series comes with a new intelligent processor, a more vivid and interactive display and a robust security system, beginning a new era of AI PCs that offers ultimate productivity, mobility and connectivity. These enhancements not only improve the device itself but also elevate the entire Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, advancing the PC category and accelerating Samsung’s vision of AI innovation — for both today and tomorrow.

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Imphal, 13 February 2024: Taking a giant stride in its commitment to community support by empowering the youth of the society, Honda India Foundation (HIF) along with the Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission and Visan Foundation launched “Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhar” that aims at

providing employment to the unemployed youth from the marginal sections of the society. The project plans to establish four distinct foundations of collaboration with Honda India Foundation being the funding partner, State Government being the Infrastructure and Mobilization Support partner, Visan Foundation being the Training partner and all the leading hotels and hospitals being the Placement partner. It aims to provide 100% job placement to the youth from the North-eastern states in the hospitality sector. 

The project was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N Biren Singh, in the august presence of Shri Vinay Dhingra (Trustee, Honda India Foundation) along with other dignitaries from Government of Manipur at Classic Grande Hotel, Imphal with more than 100 Participants.

Speaking on HIF’s commitment towards building a relationship of trust with community to contribute to developing a sustainable society, Mr. Vinay Dhingra, Trustee, Honda India Foundation said, “Education & Skill Development go together with our dedication to inclusivity and ideally aligns with our long-term mission of becoming a ‘Company that Society wants to Exist’. Honda Foundation is proud of launching this project today, which will focus on skill development in the Hospitality Sector for youths from the marginalised Community. With Project Buniyaad, we envision a brighter future for the youth of Manipur, where learning knows no bounds and opportunities are limitless. It is our sincere belief that by investing in ‘skill development’, we are also investing in ‘self’ development and ‘societal development’. 

The hospitality sector often faces challenges due to various factors, including economic downturns, global crises, and shifts in consumer behaviour. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have particularly impacted the sector due to travel restrictions and reduced consumer spending on leisure activities. Additionally, the seasonal nature of some hospitality jobs and the industry’s sensitivity contribute to periods of unemployment. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of supportive training programs and strategies to enhance the sector’s adaptability. To address these obstacles, Honda India Foundation (HIF) has taken the inaugural move. By providing targeted training programs tailored to the needs of the hospitality industry, Project Buniyaad not only meets the demand for skilled workers but also empowers young people in the region to pursue fulfilling careers.

Under this program, unemployed youth will receive two months training from Visan Foundation in Hospitality Management post which a certification will be provided from Tourism & Hospitality Skill Counsil. 

Honda’s corporate philosophy is founded on the fundamental principles of “Respect for the Individual” and the “Three Joys” to support Honda’s universal passion: to improve the quality of people’s daily lives. This project aligns with Honda’s fundamental principles and harmonises its long-term mission of becoming a ‘Company that Society wants to Exist’.

The project aims to train 550 plus youth in the North-Eastern states. It aims to provide opportunities for marginalized youth to build dignified careers in Hospitality Management.

Ahead of Valentines, Bhima Jewellers launches Virtue Valentine Collection, a stunning range of gold and diamond jewelry that celebrates the essence of love. The collection offers jewellery in 18 carat across chains, rings, bracelets and earnings. Each piece is designed to reflectcraftsmanship and sentiment that embody the depth of heartfelt emotions.With precision and attention to detail, each piece of jewelry encapsulates the exquisite beauty of flowers and the enduring symbolism of hearts.

The collection offers a wide range of gold pieces, each with its own unique charm. From lovely floral pendants to stylish heart-shaped earrings, there’s something for everyone’s taste. One piece that stands out is the exquisite rose pendant, crafted to depict the graceful bloom of a rose in all its splendor, embodying love and beauty with the added brilliance of diamonds. The collection also features heart-shaped earrings, available in a multitude of styles, from classic simplicity to ornate extravagance. There is something to cater to every taste and style preference.

Ranging from INR 13,000 – 78,000, the ‘Virtue Valentine’collection embodies the very essence of love and appreciation. The combination of gold and diamonds in each piece ensures that the Virtue Valentine collection from Bhima Jewellers stands as a testimony to the enduring nature of love, making it an ideal gift for Valentine’s Day.Choosing a piece from this collection isn’t just about giving a gift; it’s about giving a meaningful symbol of love that will be cherished for years.

This exclusive collection is available on www.bhimagold.com

Rishihood University, India’s pioneering impact university, announced a significant collaboration with the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management (MIGM), Japan. This partnership was formalized during a noteworthy visit by a high-level delegation from MIGM to Rishihooduniversity’sSonepat campus on February 8th, 2024.

The collaborative efforts were marked by extensive discussions, resulting in a shared commitment to initiatives spanning four crucial domains: startup and innovation, policy and governance, Indo-Japan collaboration, and education and human consciousness.

Guiding this vibrant exercise were key figures, Masaaki Hieda, General Manager at MIGM, and Yoko Asada, Global Director at MIGM, along with Rishihood University’s Vice-Chancellor, ShobhitMathur. Their leadership and strategic vision laid the foundation for a partnership aimed at encouraging innovation, bridging policy gaps, and strengthening bilateral ties.

“Indian people have confidence in developing, as the population is high it will have high gross GDP,” quoted Masaaki Hieda, General Manager at MIGM.

Masaaki Hieda, as the General Manager of MIGM, played an important role in steering the collaborative discussions, bringing insights and expertise. Yoko Asada, MIGM’s Global Director, contributed significantly to shaping the strategic direction of the partnership. Their combined efforts with RU’s leadership promise exciting developments in the realms of academia, innovation, and international collaboration.

Rishihood University recognized as India’s first impact university, looks forward to leveraging this collaboration to create a lasting impact on societal progress and global partnerships. The alliance with the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management marks a significant milestone in Rishihood’s commitment to advancing education and creating positive societal change.

Rishihood University is India’s first impact university, dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. With a commitment to overall education, Rishihood University empowers students to become compassionate and capable leaders who drive positive change in the world.