Archives March 2024

The Vantage View video series is made in collaboration with Bloomberg Media Studios.

SYDNEY, March 22, 2024  — Award-winning, multi-asset broker, Vantage Markets (“Vantage”) is thrilled to announce the release of the third episode of its highly anticipated series, The Vantage View.

Produced in collaboration with Bloomberg Media Studios, this latest episode delves into the transformative power and investment potential of Asia’s electrified mobility landscape with a forward-looking focus on sustainable mobility. Viewers learn from Andrey Berdichevskiy, Partner & Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), who leads the Southeast Asia Centre for Climate & Sustainability.

Berdichevskiy discusses the evolving dynamics of the global automotive industry, where the rapid adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is poised to reach a staggering 59% of total light-vehicle sales by 2035. Meanwhile, the global fleet of electric two-wheelers – used largely in Asia – is expected to triple by 2040, highlighting Asia’s pivotal role in the EV transformation.

Berdichevskiy also identified a number of investment opportunities across the EV supply chain, from raw materials to battery component technology and charging infrastructure.

“We’re pleased to present our third instalment of The Vantage View, made in collaboration with Bloomberg Media Studios, to provide viewers with valuable insights into the transformative possibilities of Asia’s electrified mobility landscape,” states Jack Kelly, Head of Sales at Vantage Australia.

“As the shift towards sustainable transportation gains momentum, this episode offers a timely examination of the investment potential and market dynamics driving the future of mobility.”

NEW DELHI, March 22, 2024 — PayU, one of India’s leading digital financial services providers, is proud to announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind Downpayment EMI solution that enables customers to make a partial payment upfront while remaining can be converted into easy EMIs, making high-ticket purchases more affordable & accessible.

PayU merchant partners can now offer their customers the flexibility to decide the downpayment amount with Credit Card EMI, and even combine UPI with Credit Card EMIs for greater affordability and convenience. This no-code solution offers No Cost EMI with pre-decided downpayment options and control over subvention, helping merchants increase revenues and empower customers to save on EMI interests while fulfilling their aspirations.

Speaking at the launch, Manas Mishra, Chief Product Officer – PayU, said, “At PayU, we have always gone above & beyond to identify gaps in the online payment experience, and solve them with a customer-first mindset. With our first-of-its-kind Downpayment EMI solution, we have replicated the flexibility & convenience of downpayment options available in offline EMIs to disrupt the online payments space. This will not only empower consumers by making it easier for them to access the products they want, when they want, without compromising on their financial well-being, but also equip merchants with a powerful tool to drive sales with higher customer loyalty.”

As per Deloitte India’s ‘Future of Retail’ 2023 report, the country’s online retail penetration is projected to grow at an extraordinary rate, outpacing offline retail by 2.5X in the next decade. As India ascends to become the world’s third-largest consumer market, the online retail sector is expected to surge to $325B by 2030. As the Indian digital lending ecosystem grows at a rapid pace, key technological advancements such as the down-payment EMI solution are set to unlock new efficiencies and introduce millions of Indians to organized credit in years to come.

ADMISSION TO DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY AND POST GRADUATE PROGRAMMES – 2024

PUNE, India, March 22, 2024  — Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) is a Technological Institute of National repute of MoD/DRDO for higher learning. The Institute imparts education and training in the Advanced Technologies used for Tri-services, DRDO, DPSU’s etc.

The main focus of the institute is to evolve as an Innovative Unique Education/ Training and Research University to develop indigenous contemporary defence related technologies and also to provide technological solutions to the Services. DIAT is committed to generate high quality and talented human recourse in broad areas of Defence Technologies to cater the needs of DRDO, Armed Forces and other Defence establishments. The PG programmes are designed to include course of study, seminars, industry tours, Practice School and project/ thesis in association with DRDO/DPSU and other agencies through which a student may develop his/her concepts and intellectual skills. Above all, the students should have a capacity for free and objectives enquiry, courage and integrity, awareness and sensitivity to the needs and aspirations of society.

DIAT announces admissions to the following Doctor of Philosophy and Post Graduate programmes for the academic year 2024-25, to eligible Indian citizens:-

A.    MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY (M.TECH.) PROGRAMMES: Aerospace Engineering (Guided Missiles), Aerospace Engineering (UAVs), Modeling and Simulation, Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence), Electronics & Communication Engineering (Signal Processing & Communication), Electronics & Communication Engineering (Radar and Communication),  Electronics & Communication Engineering (Defence Electronics Systems), Electronics & Communication Engineering (VLSI & Embedded Systems ^), Technology Management, Data Science, Cyber Security, Renewable Energy, Green Technology, Nano Science and Technology, Quantum Computing, Sensor Technology (ST)/ Laser and Electro-Optics (LEOC), Materials Engineering, Automation and Robotics, Mechanical Engineering (Marine Engineering), Mechanical Engineering (Armament and Combat Vehicles), Mechanical Engineering (Mechanical System Design) and Systems Engineering ^@

MUMBAI, India, March 22, 2024  — Frost & Sullivan proudly announces the launch of its prestigious awards ceremonies- the 15th edition of the Sustainability 4.0 Awards and the 20th edition of the India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA). These awards aim to recognize and celebrate enterprises at the forefront of manufacturing excellence and sustainable practices. The Award ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 13, 2024.

India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA)

IMEA honors organizations across automotive, industrial engineering, FMCG, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and metals-based sectors for their manufacturing excellence. Over the past 19 years, IMEA has been instrumental in advancing manufacturing capabilities, optimizing supply chains, and enhancing production systems in India. The awards ceremony marks a significant milestone in recognizing the country’s earliest and most respected assessment-based manufacturing award.

Rahul Sharma, VP & Global Head, Digital Transformation & Sustainability Practice at Frost & Sullivan, highlighted the evolution of Indian manufacturing capabilities, stating, “With the implementation of advanced manufacturing practices and infrastructure enhancements, Indian manufacturing has undergone remarkable improvements in recent decades.” He underscored Frost & Sullivan’s pivotal role in enhancing operational excellence through rigorous assessment methodologies and collaborative knowledge-sharing initiatives, thereby delivering tangible value to clients and positively influencing their bottom-line performance.

Sustainability 4.0 Awards

In the dynamic industrial sphere of today, sustainability stands out as a crucial element influencing both manufacturing and service sectors, prompting organizations to integrate practices aimed at lowering carbon emissions and promoting responsible resource management.

Sustainability 4.0 Awards honors companies that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to sustainability across four pillars: purpose, partnership, planet, and people. Since its inception, Frost & Sullivan has been recognizing businesses that lead the change in sustainability, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to business, society, and the environment. Nominations are now open, with the deadline for submissions set for March 31st, 2024.

Emphasizing on the imperative of sustainable business strategies the upcoming edition, Rahul Sharma said, “In today’s ever-evolving world, implementing sustainable business strategies is not just an option, but a necessity for business continuum and long-term value.” He further highlighted Frost & Sullivan’s commitment to expanding the scale of the sustainability journey in India and fostering business value through the awards program.

The Sustainability 4.0 Awards program features three levels of recognition – ‘Believers,’ ‘Challengers,’ and ‘Leaders‘ – with predefined qualifying scores. The top two highest-scoring companies will receive the prestigious ‘Sustainable Manufacturer of the Year’ and ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ awards, respectively. Additionally, the ‘Jury Special Mention Award’ will be conferred for outstanding initiatives contributing to environmental protection, social well-being, and/or economic prosperity.

Individual Achievement Awards

In the 2024 awards editions, Frost & Sullivan introduced the Individual Achievement Awards, celebrating exceptional leaders in manufacturing transformation and sustainability/ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives. These prestigious accolades honor individuals who have exhibited outstanding leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to fostering transformative change within their industries.

Participation Information

Interested companies can download the application forms for both awards ceremonies via the following links:

Sustainability 4.0 Awards: https://frost.ly/7zb

India Manufacturing Excellence Awards (IMEA): https://frost.ly/80m

Bangalore, India – March 21st, 2024 – Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G with awesome innovations. The new A series devices have multiple flagship-like features including Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, camera features enhanced by AI, and a tamper-resistant security solution, the Samsung Knox Vault, amongst many other new features.

“Galaxy A series has been the highest-selling smartphone series in India for the last two years, showcasing its immense popularity among India’s MZ consumers. The launch of Galaxy A55 5G & A35 5G reinforces our commitment to make flagship-like innovations accessible to all. Galaxy A55 5G & A35 5G will help us consolidate our leadership in the 5G smartphone segment and the fastest-growing mid-premium (INR 30,000-INR 50,000) segment in the country,” said Ghufran Alam, Senior Director, MX Business, Samsung India

Flagship-like Design and Durability: For the first time, Galaxy A55 5G gets a metal frame and Galaxy A35 5G gets a premium glass back. These phones are available in three trendy colours – Awesome Lilac, Awesome Ice blue and Awesome Navy, and are rated IP67, which means they can withstand up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of fresh water. They are also built to resist dust and sand.

With a 6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Display and minimized bezels, the 120Hz refresh rate provides extremely smooth performance. These smartphones come with Flagship like durability with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the front and back

Flagship-like Camera Innovations: These new A series smartphones come with multiple innovative AI-enhanced camera features to take the user’s content game to the next level. These features include Photo Remaster, Image Clipper, and Object Eraser among many others. Galaxy A55 5G and A35 5G come with a 50 MP Triple camera with Nightography enhanced by AI Image Signal Processing (ISP) which produces stunning low-light images never seen before on A-Series.

Flagship level Security: Samsung Knox Vault Security comes for the first time in A-Series making Flagship level Security accessible to more people. The hardware-based security system offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks. It can help protect the most critical data on a device, including lock screen credentials, such as PIN codes, passwords, and patterns.

Best ever Performance: The all-new Exynos 1480 processor built on 4nm process technology powers the Galaxy A55 5G while the Galaxy A35 5G has been upgraded to the Exynos 1380 processor built on 5nm process technology. These power-packed phones come with several NPU, GPU, and CPU upgrades along with a 70%+ larger cooling chamber that ensures a smooth output whether you game or multi-task.

All these awesome enhancements coupled with the introduction of the 12GB RAM in Galaxy A55 5G, truly make this device a game changer in this price segment.

Awesome Experiences: Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G buyers will get access to Samsung Wallet, which is a mobile wallet solution that lets you carry your essentials conveniently and securely in your Galaxy device. Add your payment cards, digital ID, travel tickets, and more. These devices also have the hugely popular Voice Focus feature that lets users make and receive calls without worrying about ambient noise.

With Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G, Samsung will provide up to four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, optimizing the lifecycle of the devices by keeping them equipped with all the latest Galaxy and Android features.

Memory Variants, Price, Availability and Offers

*All prices inclusive of Bank cashback of INR 3000 on HDFC, OneCard, IDFC First Bank cards along with 6 month No Cost EMI Option.  Alternatively, customers can own the Galaxy A55 5G at just INR 1792 per month and the Galaxy A35 at just INR 1723 per month through Samsung Finance+ and all leading NBFC partners.

Other Offers:

• Samsung Wallet: Get an Amazon voucher worth INR 250 on the 1st successful Tap & Pay transaction
• YouTube Premium: 2 Months Free (until April 1, 2025)
• Microsoft 365: Microsoft 365 Basic + 6 months of Cloud storage (up to 100GB, offer redemption to be done before June 30, 2024)

Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G are available for purchase across Samsung exclusive and partner stores, Samsung.com, and other online platforms.

21 March 2024: Progility Technologies Pvt. Ltd., announced the appointment of Mr. Julian Wheatland as Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Mr Wheatland is relocating from London to Mumbai to take up this position.

With a rich experience spanning three decades in technology, finance, and management, Julian’s strategic foresight and leadership prowess are poised to propel the company’s growth initiatives forward, positioning Progility as a frontrunner in enterprise technology innovation.

Julian’s illustrious career includes key roles such as Chairman of SCL Group and COO/CFO of the Cambridge Analytica/SCL group of companies, where he led exponential growth and pioneering advances in advertising and data analytics. His tenure as CEO of Hatton International Ltd and Cornerstone FS plc cements his reputation for navigating complex markets and driving value for all stakeholders.

Commenting on Julian’s appointment, Wayne Bos, the Chairman of Progility Technologies Pvt. Ltd. said, “Julian’s remarkable leadership skills combined with his deep industry knowledge make him the perfect fit to lead our company into its next phase of growth.”

Julian expressed his excitement about joining Progility and emphasised the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. He stated: “I am thrilled to be joining Progility, an established leader in bringing advanced technology solutions to Indian enterprises. I am looking forward to working with Progility’s talented team at this exciting time in India, as we look for new markets and press forward on our mission to enable our customers worldwide with innovative technology solutions.”

Mr Julian holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Leeds, highlighting his multidisciplinary expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence in various fields.

The appointment of Julian Wheatland as CEO marks a pivotal moment for Progility Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Under his leadership, the company is poised to reach new heights of success by utilizing advanced technology to meet the evolving needs of businesses and governments across India. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Progility will redefine the future of enterprise technology under Julian’s leadership.

Delhi, 21st March 2024 – Greenpanel Industries Limited, India’s largest manufacturer of wood panel, partners with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN program and related state government school meal programs, to provide hot-nutritious mid-day meals to government & government-aided school children in the districts of Nellore and Kuppam. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Greenpanel has partnered with The Akshay Patra Foundation and supports their School Meals Program.

The collaboration has been underway since April 2023, which has enabled the provision of nutrition-rich mid-day meals to children in government schools, laying the foundation for a healthy childhood and a better quality of life. From April to December 2023 alone, this partnership has ensured in serving over 3.19 lakh nutritious meals to more than 2,016 children in government schools in Nellore and Kuppam. The continuous, long-term feeding has deepened the organization’s impact on these communities, enhancing their overall well-being.

Mr. Arvind Joshi, VP and Head Marketing, Greenpanel Industries Ltd., said, “Our collaboration with Akshaya Patra Foundation has been a resounding success in upholding every child’s basic right to proper nutrition. The program is a life-changing experience for the children who come to attend a government school, with the hope of getting educated, and having a full meal in their recess. Every meal has a direct impact on the health and well-being of a child, which lays the foundation for a healthy childhood. We are proud to witness the direct and lasting impact this program has had, and our ongoing contribution will ensure its continued success.”

Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are immensely grateful to Greenpanel Industries Limited for their generous support as this collaboration is a significant stride towards eradicating classroom hunger and ensuring that children in Nellore and Kuppam receive the nutrition they need to thrive academically. By providing over 3.19 lakh nutritious meals to more than 2,016 children, we are not just addressing providing nutritious meal but also are investing in the future of our nation. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier, more educated, and empowered generation. We look forward to nurturing this partnership and continuing to make a profound impact on the lives of the children we serve.”

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit implementing partner for the Government of India’s flagship PM POSHAN Abhiyan. Its programme is based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with various governments, corporates, philanthropic donors, and well-wishers. Akshaya Patra strives to ensure children’s access to nutrition by providing them hot, hygienic, and safe mid-day meals in government and aided schools every day. The programme positively impacts children’s education by improving their enrolment, attendance, retention, and concentration.

Hyderabad, March 2024: This March, The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts encourages guests to #EXPLOREINDIA with The Leela to discover India’s picturesque destinations, art, craftsmanship, diverse festivals, and rare culinary offerings like a local. Guests can immerse themselves in eclectic festivities with The Leela, where age-old customs are still setting benchmarks for future generations to follow.

The Leela Getaway is the perfect way to make the most of your time at leisure. Celebrate with much gusto, the festival of colours – Holi, a unique experience of India’s captivating and vibrant culture. Introducing #LeelaKiHoli, guests can revel in a kaleidoscope of organic colours, Phoolon ki Holi played with flowers, cultural performances, and scrumptious food and music, observing the diversity of celebrations across hotels. The Leela has uniquely partnered with Phool.co to produce organic gulaal made from flowers used at their hotels, upcycled and infused with the brand’s signature fragrance – Tishya by The Leela.

Iconic Palaces in New Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Bengaluru, and Chennai, city hotels in Mumbai, Gandhinagar, Gurugram, East Delhi, and Bengaluru, and serene resorts in Kerala each hotel celebrate their location, art and architecture, culture, and cuisine with thoughtful services, celebratory rituals, and immersive experiences that capture the essence of India and the richness within.

The Leela Palace Jaipur welcomes guests for a unique celebration, aptly titled the “Phoolon ki Holi” – an authentic and sustainable celebration of the festival. Guests can experience the joy of Holi with organic gulaal made from natural flowers from the hotel. Embrace eco-friendly practices while enjoying cultural activities, Thandai, and sweet and savoury treats. The celebration culminates with a thematic Holi brunch. All guests will enjoy curated stay amenities of Indian Mithai and an invitation to the hotel’s festive celebrations.

At The Leela Palace Udaipur, experience the vibrant spirit of Holi with thoughtfully designed colourful celebrations taking centre stage. Featuring traditional rituals such as the Holika Dahan, playful colour play with organic gulaal made from natural flowers from the hotel, live music, and a special Holi-inspired menu. Guests will also receive elegant traditional Indian attire as part of our gracious hospitality, perfect to immerse oneself in the joyous atmosphere of the festival.

The onset of April is marked by the long Easter weekend. This summer, indulge in a range of festive experiences at The Leela, from traditional Easter celebrations and a gourmet Easter Brunch to specially curated activities for children. Let your little ones delight in a classic Easter egg hunt, explore the art of painting special Easter eggs, and discover the craft of making edible Easter eggs and bunnies.

The Leela Getaway Package Inclusions are:

1. Holi Long Weekend

•  Buffet breakfast
•  Indian mithai as a special welcome and turndown amenity
•  Phoolon wali Holi – an invitation to the hotel’s festive celebrations
•  Stay souvenir – fragrant incense from upcycled flowers
•  INR 2,000 credit on hotel services per stay

Holi Long Weekend Stay Dates: 23rd March – 25th March 2024 (Saturday – Monday)

2. Easter Long Weekend

 Easter special breakfast

•  Themed welcome and turndown amenity
•  Invitation to the hotel’s Easter-inspired fun activity
•  Stay souvenir
•  INR 2,000 credit on hotel services per stay

Easter Long Weekend Stay Dates: 29th March – 31st March 2024 (Friday – Sunday)

Room Types: All rooms, suites, and villas

*Offer valid and available across 11 properties –

•  The Leela Palace Chennai
•  The Leela Palace Bengaluru
•  The Leela Palace New Delhi
•  The Leela Gandhinagar
•  The Bhartiya City Bengaluru
•  The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
•  The Leela Palace Jaipur
•  The Leela Palace Udaipur
•  The Leela Ambience Gurugram
•  The Leela Mumbai
•  The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel

Chennai: Castrol, a subsidiary of the bp Group and a global pioneer in lubricants, announces its strategic association with Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic Bollywood superstar, as its brand ambassador. This association marks a significant step in Castrol’s commitment to delivering high-performance lubricants.

Over the next two years, Shah Rukh Khan will feature in digital, print, and TV campaigns for bp and Castrol, showcasing their wide range of products.

Mr. Sashi Mukundan, President of bp India and Senior Vice President of the bp group, commented, “The association with Shah Rukh Khan reflects our dedication to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. This move embodies our shared values of performance, reliability, and sustainability. We are proud to be a part of this endeavor, as we shape the future of mobility together.”

Mr. Sandeep Sangwan, Managing Director of Castrol India Limited, added, “This association signifies Castrol’s dedication to innovation and excellence, mirroring the actor’s illustrious career. With Shahrukh Khan onboard, our commitment to enhancing vehicle performance is embellished for generations to come.”

Shah Rukh Khan, known for his versatile career spanning three decades, embodies Castrol’s spirit of continuous evolution. His passion for automobiles further strengthens the synergy with Castrol.

Expressing his excitement, the timeless superstar Shah Rukh Khan remarked, “I am thrilled to associate with Castrol, a brand I’ve long admired for its commitment to performance. As a fellow automobile enthusiast, I believe Castrol’s dedication perfectly aligns with my pursuit of excellence. Together, we aspire to inspire and empower drivers to revel in the joy and liberation of the open road, safely. I am eager to embark on this journey together.”

This association reflects Castrol’s vision for the future, anchored in innovation and technology. With Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador, Castrol aims to reach a wider audience and maintain its status as a premier choice for advanced lubricants and services.

Chennai: Nutella, the hazelnut cocoa spread, has been bringing smiles to the faces of millions of consumers globally for 60 years now and has evolved into a household name. To take the celebrations of its 60th year a notch higher, Nutella® wants to celebrate the power of smiles, simply because the more you practice, the more they spread. A celebrative line of 11 delightful limited-edition jars has been unveiled on this occasion, to nurture the emotional bonding with all generations and diverse personalities.

Each jar in the limited-edition collection represents a character recognizable amongst our friends, family or even ourselves. The 11 iconic Persona jars aim to share smiles among our loved ones and are uniquely labelled, representing different facets of consumers’ personalities like The Captain, The Best Friend, The Photo Maker, The Pet Lover, The Boss, The Fashion Icon, The Chef, The Explorer, The Superhero, The Rockstar and The No. 1 Fan. These limited-edition jars will be available across India.

To mark the launch of these limited-edition jars, Nutella has unveiled a series of digital films with brand endorser, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. Through the films, Ranveer asks viewers to spread smiles while showcasing all the 11 iconic jars, resonating the jar labels to himself and his loved ones. For instance, he relates himself as ‘The Fashion Icon ‘and ‘The Rockstar’, his mom as ‘The Chef’ and dedicates ‘The No.1 Fan’ jar to all his followers. He also encourages the audience to scan the QR code on the jars, where they can stand a chance to win an exclusive Nutella jumper and can dedicate a virtual jar with a message to their loved ones.

As part of the new campaign, Nutella® has launched an exciting on-pack promo. Consumers can scan the QR code on the lid of the jar, which will lead them to the website Nutella.com, where they can enter the contest and choose an Iconic Jar that most accurately represents their persona. 200 lucky winners will receive an exclusive Nutella 60 Years Jumper, and nearly 2000 lucky winners will receive exciting vouchers. Via the QR code, consumers can customize a virtual jar to write a message to a loved one also.

Zoher Kapuswala, Marketing Head, Nutella, Ferrero India, states: For 60 years, Nutella® has been a part of millions of households, spreading smiles and creating cherished memories. Through the campaign, we continue to celebrate ‘60 years of Nutella”, by inspiring our consumers to gift the most relevant jar to their loved ones or even themselves. These limited-edition iconic persona jars will instantly remind us of someone in our life who represents a persona and will create for a spontaneous gifting moment…thereby spreading smiles.