Archives April 2024

Bengaluru, 23rd April 2024: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, celebrates the remarkable milestone of 4 lakh happy customers of the Tata Magic – India’s most preferred van. On this momentous occasion, the company has introduced a new variant, the Magic Bi-Fuel, to further increase the convenience of its customers. Renowned for its reliability, efficiency, and affordability in last-mile transportation, the 10-seater Tata Magic has been the ideal choice of commuters and operators. The sleek design, safety and passenger comfort of the Tata Magic have been pivotal to its continued successes over the years.

The Tata Magic comes equipped with an array of value-added features such as an Eco switch, gearshift advisor and enhanced driver ergonomics, all aimed at reducing the total cost of ownership. The Magic is perfectly suited for student and staff transportation, and last-mile mobility. The Magic-Bi-Fuel is powered by a 694cc engine and comes with a 60-litre CNG tank along with a 5-litre petrol tank, with a cumulative range of ~380 kilometres on a single fill. Offering unparalleled performance and low maintenance costs, the Magic comes with an exceptional warranty of 2 years or 72,000 km.

Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Anand S, Vice President & Head – Passenger Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles said, “We are elated to achieve the milestone of 4 lakh happy customers for the versatile Magic brand. Celebrating 4 lakh journeys of trust, efficiency and comfort, the Magic continues to be the heartbeat of India’s bustling mass mobility. To commemorate this milestone, we are happy to introduce the first-in-its-segment Magic Bi-Fuel that couples the benefits of CNG with an extended range of petrol. The new variant is engineered to address the evolving transportation needs and further improve the profitability and convenience for our customers. We are thankful for the support and loyalty of our customers and we remain dedicated to continue providing superior mobility solutions.”

As a comprehensive mobility solutions provider, Tata Motors commercial vehicles come with advanced features, efficient powertrains, and richer value-additions. Fleet owners benefit from better fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, high vehicle uptime, real-time tracking, and analytics through Tata Motors Fleet Edge. Its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative provides unmatched vehicle lifecycle management services, including fleet management solutions, annual maintenance contracts,s and roadside assistance amongst others. With the widest service network of 2500+ touchpoints, staffed by trained specialists and backed by Tata Genuine Parts, Tata Motors ensures unparalleled quality and service commitment.

New Delhi,23rd April 2024: On the occasion of World Earth Day, Pacific D21 Mall, Dwarka joined hands with Bajaj Foundation to raise awareness on environmental protection. The four-day-long campaign from April 19, 2024 – April 22, 2024, aimed to serve as a reminder to people to cultivate a responsible living culture and the pressing priority of sustainable living.

The E-Waste Awareness Campaign saw various sculptures and models created out of waste on display in the mall. Various school kids came forward and participated in this campaign reflecting their conscious approach to e-waste innovation.

Some of the notable displays included an Eco-Nataraj made from discarded keyboards, wires, batteries, and more, a Chandrayaan 3 model crafted using discarded CDs, keyboards, used cartridges, and motherboards, and a flowerpot made from waste materials such as a cut-out plastic bottle, cardboard rolls, and metal wire.

On the last day of the campaign and World Earth Day, there were different Nukkad Nataks performed by students from Modern School Barakhamba Road, ASN Senior Secondary School, Mayur Vihar Phase 1, S.L. Suri D A V Public School, Janak Puri. Besides, there were talk shows by students throwing light on environmental protection.

The play aimed to raise awareness of environmental threats and encourage people to be more conscious of their impact on the environment and protect nature.

23rd April 2024, Mumbai: A design-led children’s furniture brand – Smartsters, comes closer home to more customers with its 35th new store in Linking Road, Juhu. Located within the recently opened Crossword Bookstore, this new store will allow more families to experience and plan home spaces for kids with furniture that is designed for development and growth.

The launch event created significant buzz and was marked by an insightful panel discussion featuring experts from the worlds of academia, child development, and design, focusing on the critical role of well-designed furniture in fostering children’s development by creating spaces where they can thrive.

The panelists included Aditya Patil, Founder & CEO of Ascend International School, renowned child psychologist Payal Narang, certified parent coach & educator Piya Marker, the founder duo of FN Design Studio Farheen Nanji & Naazish Reshamwala along with Bikram Mittra, the Head of Design at Smartsters. Following the panel discussion, the event continued with an engaging storytelling session with the classical tales from Amar Chitra Katha. Children and families gathered to listen to timeless tales that ignited their imagination and sense of wonder.

It is a significant milestone for the brand as it continues to expand its presence in key growth markets, catering to the growing demand for high-quality and premium furniture designed for children right from toddlerhood to their teenage years. With its strategic placement, the new Smartsters outlet is set to become a go-to destination for parents seeking furniture solutions that prioritize safety, functionality, and style.

Ashni Biyani, the visionary force behind Smartsters, expressed her enthusiasm, “As a brand we’re dedicated to crafting homes where every child’s potential is fostered through thoughtfully designed furniture. Partnering with Crossword has been a natural choice for us, as both brands share a passion for enriching lives and creating environments that inspire growth and imagination.”

Guests had the opportunity to explore the new Smartsters outlet through a guided store walkthrough, experiencing firsthand the innovative and vibrant range of children’s furniture and accessories. Smartsters’ extensive range of products, from playful bunk beds, and study desks, to décor & storage solutions, will soon be augmented with a new range of beds and study desks along with cots and cribs for the little ones.

Mumbai, 23rd April 2024: In an exceptional feat at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Dr Ravinder Singh Rao, (Interventional structural Cardiologist, TAVR and MitraClip specialist) and his team successfully performed life-saving Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures on five patients in a single day. The patients suffered from aortic stenosis, a critical heart issue that is averted by open heart surgery. However, the TAVR procedure was done to replace the faulty aortic heart valve without open heart surgery to save the lives of the patients.

The team consisted of Dr Ravinder Singh Rao (Interventional Structural Cardiologist, TAVR and MitraClip expert), Dr. Nitin Gokhale, (Head of Department), Anand Rao (Interventional Cardiologist), Dr Namrata (Cardiac Anaesthetist), Dr. Krishna Prasad Irniraya (Cardiac Surgeon), Dr Ramesh Dargad (Physician), and Dr. Pavan Kumar, (Cardiac Surgeon).

The five patients are all above 60 years of age and were placed at varying degrees of severity. All five surgeries were undertaken with no complications and were all successful. The five patients suffered co-morbidities like hypertension, pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, and Parkinson’s disease. Three patients had gone through prior surgeries like a CABG procedure, a breast mastectomy, colon surgery, and even previous aortic valve replacement surgery. The patients were suffering from symptoms like poor heart function and breathlessness, severely lowering their quality of life. All these patients had severe aortic stenosis and required a TAVR procedure to transform lives, after a medical evaluation consisting of 2D Echo Tests, and considering their age and comorbidities, the TAVR was planned. The patients expressed their gratitude toward Dr Ravinder Singh Rao and the entire team at Lilavati Hospital for giving them a new lease on life after the completion of this procedure.

Elderly patients like these five are at risk of increased morbidity and mortality rates when the aortic valve becomes narrowed due to calcium build-up, a condition known as aortic stenosis. This serious valvular disorder requires prompt intervention as it can result in symptoms like breathlessness, limited mobility, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks. Lilavati Hospital treats numerous patients suffering from heart valve dysfunction, many of whom benefit from the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure to enhance their quality of life.

Dr Ravinder Singh Rao, the lead interventional Cardiologist and expert on TAVR, said, “After the diagnosis of aortic stenosis, 95% of patients who do not receive prompt treatment lose their precious lives in 5 years after onset of symptoms. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a boon for patients with aortic stenosis. It is a safe and effective treatment for the patients suffering from aortic stenosis and suitable candidates for TAVR. This minimally- invasive non-surgical procedure is done in the Cath Lab where the damaged valve in the heart is replaced without opening up the patient’s chest or harming the heart muscles.”

TAVR is a game-changer procedure that improves the life expectancy of the patient without any complications. This procedure minimizes the hospital stay and aids quicker recovery of patients by averting open heart surgery which is generally not recommended to the elderly population due to their compromised health status. Currently, there are four TAVI valves approved by the DCGI (Government of India) for successful patient outcomes. Dr Rao adds, “With extensive TAVR expertise, selecting the appropriate valve for each patient is now achievable and can be done safely. Studies have shown that the outcome of the procedure is dependent on the operator volume and experience. Without highest of TAVR in the country, now we are able to do the procedure safely for our complex situations.”

Explaining the procedure, Dr Rao explains, “During the procedure, a hollow tube or catheter is inserted in the femoral artery from the groin to replace the new valve with the faulty valve and the new valve starts functioning immediately. The TAVR procedures were done with cerebral protection to prevent strokes by deploying a filter from the radial artery into the carotid (brain) artery. Any calcium particles dislodged during TAVR procedure are captured by the filter, thus preventing cerebral stroke. The filter is removed after the procedure. The procedure lasts for 1-2 hours and is done under conscious sedation which means the patient is awake during the procedure. All 5 patients have been discharged from the Hospital and are doing well.”

23rd April 2024: With the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya approaching, Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the house of Tata unveils ‘GlamDays’, a stunning and versatile range of contemporary daily wear jewellery inspired by designs from around the world. Combining elegance with a modern fashion-forward aesthetic, GlamDays promises to elevate your everyday style, becoming a treasured addition to every woman’s wardrobe. In addition to this versatile range, Tanishq will be hosting a series of engaging and interactive styling sessions at its stores. The styling sessions are curated to provide customers with a personalized experience with stylists offering expert advice and guidance to help customers discover the perfect daily wear pieces to complement their style and personality.

With over 10,000 unique designs to choose from and create a stunning new look every day you and your jewellery can #MakeEverydaySparkle. Drawing inspiration from diverse global designs, GlamDays redefines everyday elegance with stylish yet versatile daily wear jewellery that can be adorned every day from AM to PM. Whether it’s floral pendants exuding delicate charm, bold yet refined gold hoops, evergreen infinity rings, or chic gold bracelets, GlamDays offers a contemporary range of gold and diamond daily wear jewellery, that effortlessly transitions from daytime sophistication to evening glamour. The range caters to diverse style preferences to create a beautiful new look every day. To add to the excitement, Tanishq is also offering customers Up to 20%* off on Making Charges of Gold jewellery and on Diamond Jewellery Value. In addition, customers can also make use of Tanishq’s ‘Gold Exchange Program’ wherein customers can avail up to 100%* exchange value on old gold purchased from any jeweller in India. Wedding jewellery customers can avail of an exciting offer of 18% fixed making charges on gold wedding jewellery* as well. The offers are valid for a limited period* only. Each piece in this range is thoughtfully designed to complement the dynamic lifestyles of today’s women comprising extensive designs in 18Kt and 22Kt gold.

With designs inspired from around the globe and the use of differentiated techniques, GlamDays provides a unique assortment designed to be a versatile companion for every look, whether it is pairing for a polished professional look, family dinners, leisure days at home or incorporating them into your minimalist ensemble. GlamDays reflects Tanishq’s commitment to curating a jewellery line that enables self-expression and boosts confidence. With a variety of styles to choose from, GlamDays offers a diverse range of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings offering women to curate a personalized look that aligns with their unique preferences and daily wear styling.

Bengaluru, 23rd April 2024: The ‘Koti Vruksha Abhiyana’, a massive plantation drive under the Hon’ble Minister M B Patil, Ministry of Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure has successfully planted 1.30 crore trees in Vijayapura, Karnataka, in collaboration with the local forest departments and NGOs since its inception in 2015. This initiative not only aims to revive the once-arid landscape of the district but also to empower the local farmers in the region through the distribution of these saplings at 90% subsidized rates – incentivizing farmers to cultivate sustainable farming and living practices.

During FY2021-22, the Koti Vruksha Abhiyan succeeded in achieving its ambitious goal of planting one crore trees, by disseminating over 80 lakh saplings to farmers and the subsequent planting of over 50 lakh trees across over 100 block plantations, encompassing 5,000 hectares of land within the district. Notably, Vijayapur now houses one of the largest urban forest plantations, with over 60,000 saplings planted on over 600 acres on the city’s outskirts. The project’s resounding success has spurred the implementation of a second phase, with the new target of planting 2 crore trees.

Commending the success of the drive so far, Hon’ble Minister M B Patil noted, “The collaborative efforts of all agents – from field workers and guards, farmers, and the District Forest Officers, over the past eight years are the true torchbearers of this project. Through this initiative, not only did we aim to erudite farmers on the significance of the cause by encouraging the plantation drive through subsidised rates of saplings, but also ensure maintain the plant death rate to a minimum of 2%, a substantial feat considering Vijayapura’s complex topography. By ensuring sustainable planting techniques via solar-driven drip irrigation for each plant, the cooperative determination has enabled self-sustainability across the entire plantation. As we continue to enhance our efforts in the region, the next phase of the plantation drive aims to build one of the largest man-made block plantations around the village of Mamadapur, aiming to plant 2 lakh saplings in a single-block plantation – with 1 lakh saplings to be planted by the end of 2024, covering a total area of 626 hectares.”

The substantial contribution of the partnering NGOs, such as the Society for Protection of Plants and Animals (SPPA), in particular, further enabled the drive’s successful operations by raising awareness about the campaign in the rural region – by educating over 8,000 rural students in the district via a myriad of interactive campaigns/activities, such as building/making bird feeders.

Commenting on the crucial impact of the plantation drive to date, Mr. Dhruv Patil, President of the SPPA, noted, “We have witnessed immense progress in the region’s wildlife and environment only over a span of five years, with the forest cover of the district – which was the lowest in the state – improving from 0.17% to 0.24%. Further, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists have already documented over 185 species of birds residing in these plantations, while even acting as home to migratory species. Significant reductions in temperatures have also been witnessed, with the district enjoying the season’s first spell of rains, while the state met with soaring temperatures. We believe that the plantation drive was undertaken/implemented with future generations in mind – creating a vital lung space for the state to filter the urban air, and are immensely proud to be a part of such an ambitious yet noble cause.”

Surpassing the planting of 1.30 crore trees, the Koti Vruksha Abhiyan demonstrates unwavering determination, thriving on continuous growth, and serving as a global exemplar. Aiming to plant another 2 crore trees by 2025 the project aspires to continue to persevere, despite formidable challenges – fostering a flourishing green revolution.

By Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director at Check Point Software Technologies, India & SAARC

Cybersecurity solutions quietly stand as guardians of our society, ensuring the seamless functioning of economies, businesses, and critical infrastructure worldwide. While commonly associated with defending against data breaches and cyber-attacks, one often overlooked aspect is their contribution to securing our planet’s sustainable future. They play a vital role in monitoring environmental changes, predicting natural disasters, and safeguarding satellite systems tracking asteroids, thus shielding us from potential catastrophes.

In this blog post, we delve into this unseen yet critical facet of cybersecurity, shedding light on its significance beyond merely protecting digital assets. As we observe Earth Day this year, we also reflect on how cybersecurity solutions have evolved and become integral to securing life on Earth.

Cyber security as The Guardian of Our Planet

Cybersecurity has come a long way from its early days of simple virus protection. Today, it encompasses a broad range of technologies and strategies designed to protect networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

India’s ranking in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) has improved, with the country now ranked 7th in the 2024 index, up one spot from the previous year. This ranking is a testament to India’s efforts to address climate change and meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India’s NDCs include a commitment to reduce the emissions intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 45% by 2030 from the 2005 level and achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. As our reliance on digital technology has grown, so too has the importance of cyber security in safeguarding critical infrastructure, including those vital to our societal, environmental, and overall planetary well-being.

One of the most significant areas where cyber security intersects with environmental protection is in the monitoring and management of satellite systems. Satellites play a crucial role in tracking environmental changes, predicting natural disasters, and even detecting asteroids that could pose a threat to our planet. However, these satellites are vulnerable to cyber attacks that could disrupt their functionality or manipulate their data.

A notable case study is the 2019 incident involving the European Space Agency’s Aeolus satellite, which plays a crucial role in gathering data for climate research and weather forecasting. Cyber attackers attempted to gain control of the satellite’s communication systems, aiming to disrupt its data transmission and potentially compromise the accuracy of crucial environmental data. Thankfully, the attack was detected and mitigated in time, preventing any damage to the satellite’s operations and ensuring the continued reliability of its vital environmental monitoring functions.

This successful detection and mitigation of the attack on the Aeolus satellite underscores the critical importance of cyber security measures in protecting our planet, highlighting the need for vigilant and robust defenses to safeguard the data that informs our understanding of Earth’s changing climate.

India’s own space program, managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has made significant strides in satellite technology, including the launch of military satellites like GSAT-7, GSAT-6, and GSAT-7A, which have enhanced India’s maritime security capabilities.

The country’s focus on space-based assets, particularly in the maritime domain, underscores the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the reliability of satellite systems that play a vital role in environmental monitoring and disaster prediction. India has also been focusing on securing its satellite communication (SATCOM) systems, which play an important role in ship-to-ship and ship-to-land GPS navigation, and tracking. The Indian Navy has been ensuring adherence to cybersecurity protocols, strict inspections, regular software upgrades, risk assessments, and establishing best practices to deal with cyberattacks.

How Cyber Security Factors into Environmental Protection

The buck doesn’t stop there when it comes to the critical role that cyber security plays in securing our planet. For instance, cyber security infrastructure could be essential in protecting satellite systems used for tracking and predicting the paths of asteroids headed toward Earth.

Another instance is the protection of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, which are crucial for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, including those in the energy sector. A cyber attack on these systems could result in environmental disasters, such as oil spills or nuclear accidents in the worst case, or, similar to the case of the wide-reaching Viasat hack, result in critical malfunctions in the operation of renewable energy infrastructure.

Indeed, we are proud of the fact that Check Point’s cyber security solutions are pivotal in protecting such advanced and essential SCADA systems from such threats, thereby safeguarding our environment from potential harm, while ensuring the steady generation of climate-friendly renewable energy sources.

Cyber Security as a Smart Solution

The emergence of smart cities, smart buildings, smart transportation, and even smart health signifies a leap towards more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected environments. These advancements integrate various services, from traffic and emergency management in urban settings to global shipping coordination and remote healthcare, through digital platforms. They rely heavily on real-time data exchange and interconnected networks to improve living standards, streamline transportation, enhance energy conservation, and offer advanced medical care remotely. However, the backbone of these systems is their cyber security measures, which ensure the reliability and safety of these critical services.

Recent cyber incidents, such as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the SolarWinds hack, underscore the vulnerabilities that come with increased connectivity. These events demonstrate the potential chaos and severe repercussions that cyber attacks can have on national security, economic stability, and public safety. Cyber security is not merely a technical necessity but a critical infrastructure requirement that protects essential services and sensitive information across sectors including healthcare, energy, finance, and government.

A Secure and Sustainable Future is Essential

As we celebrate Earth Day, we also recognize the integral role that cyber security plays in ensuring a long and sustainable future. The development of cyber security solutions, as demonstrated by Check Point’s technologies, has been crucial in safeguarding critical infrastructure that prevents potentially large-scale environmental catastrophes, while ensuring the sustainability of our digital and physical worlds. It is a testament to the fact that in our interconnected world, securing our digital realm is inseparable from securing our Earth.

However, Check Point’s responsibility goes beyond its commitment to securing our environment and society. Check Point has set the notable goal of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2040, and we monitor our carbon emissions while committing to improving the environmental performance of our future generation of products. In addition, Check Point also embraces the need for more environmentally- friendly products for the betterment of the planet. For instance, in our latest firewall offering of Check Point Quantum Force, the solution offered the most power-efficient design in the market, meaning they consume less power per gigabyte per second of throughput than any seen in the market, to serve our society and the environment responsibly.

Furthermore, by fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive workplace, the company functions as an island of stability in an ever-changing world. The full scope of our commitments is outlined in our 2022 ESG Report, and we look forward to sharing our 2023 ESG Update in the coming months.

Finally, it is important to remember that our planet is the only home that we have. At Check Point, we will continue to work diligently to shape a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand, with the hope that we can play our part in shaping a secure and sustainable world for generations to come.

New Delhi, 23rd April 2024: Sustainability has become a top priority for governments and corporations across the world including heightened consumer awareness. In a recent PwC survey, 8 out of 10 respondents are willing to pay a premium of up to 5% for sustainably produced products. Against this backdrop of thriving sustainability frameworks, Locus.sh shared some key insights and trends based on internal industry assessment.

The industry assessment by Locus. sh on Decoding Asia’s Last Mile Maturity: Trends, Technology, Transformation, has uncovered significant gaps in how businesses are addressing sustainability and customer experience, two critical areas that have become imperative for organizations to excel in. While consumer awareness and willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products have grown significantly, the assessment found that follow-through on sustainability initiatives has been weak. Most respondents in three of the five industries do not factor in carbon emissions while tracking. According to the findings, 49% of global organizations are not confident that they can track sustainability metrics that can help reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

The assessment also delved into the customer experience landscape, where it uncovered significant room for improvement. As per findings from the assessment, when it comes to meeting and exceeding customer expectations around fulfillment, half of the respondents are still looking for ways to provide greater choice, convenience, and differentiated experiences, but at a viable cost to both the business and the customer.

On a sector-based level, e-commerce businesses were the lowest performers in customer experience, with more than 50% of the respondents in the sector responding that their customers were not satisfied with the timeliness of their fulfillment, while 45% were not satisfied with the kind of updates they receive on their order status. A large reason for this is that consumer expectations around seamless fulfillment experiences have been growing steeper. This has largely resulted from new benchmarks set by industry leaders in the past two decades. According to a McKinsey report, Amazon has reduced the time frame of its free-delivery service from eight days in the year 2000 to two-day shipping in 2015 – 75% drop in just 5 years. This clearly reflects the complexity of balancing customer expectations with sustainable operations.

India, 23rd April 2024 – Araiya Hotels and Resorts, led by the vision of Amruda Nair, granddaughter of renowned Captain C.P Krishnan Nair of Leela Hotels, is making waves in the Indian hospitality industry. Despite being a relatively new player, the company boasts of a legacy in hospitality spanning generations, infused with a fresh perspective and a commitment to excellence.

Murlidhar Rao, the Chief Operating Officer of Araiya Hotels and Resorts, reflects on the journey thus far, emphasizing the company’s deep-rooted hospitality heritage. “While the onset of Covid presented challenges, our resilience and dedication to quality prevailed. Araiya Palampur stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence, setting the stage for our future endeavors,” states Murlidhar.

Central to Araiya’s success is an unwavering focus on aligning with owner expectations while leveraging operational expertise to exceed guest satisfaction. With a robust foundation in operations, encompassing core brand standards, sales, marketing, technology, and guest engagement, Araiya ensures a seamless experience across all touchpoints.

Looking ahead, Araiya Hotels and Resorts embarked on an ambitious expansion journey. The upcoming Alibaug project, featuring the Araiya Spa in collaboration with Avas Wellness, showcases the brand’s innovative approach to holistic hospitality. Additionally, projects such as Soul by Araiya in Dharamsala and a boutique hotel in Kannur underscore the company’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio.

Expanding beyond the Indian shores, Araiya Hotels and Resorts is set to make its mark in international destinations, including the Maldives and Sri Lanka. With a keen eye on the midscale market, the brand remains steadfast in delivering unparalleled guest experiences, irrespective of location or property type.

“Whether it’s a serene resort or a bustling city hotel, our goal remains consistent – to evoke the unmistakable Araiya experience,” affirms Mr. Murlidhar Rao.

At Araiya Hotels and Resorts, the belief is steadfast in the power of business to drive positive change in society and the environment. As a responsible corporate citizen, Araiya is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives that create a lasting impact. Their CSR and ESG activities are integral to their core values of excellence, integrity, and social responsibility, guiding everything they do as they strive to build a better future for generations to come.

Araiya Hotels and Resorts continues to redefine Indian hospitality, blending tradition with innovation to create memorable experiences for guests worldwide.

Bengaluru, 23rd April 2024 – BluSmart, India’s leading electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing service and EV charging infrastructure network, is proud to announce the launch of its #SmartCitizen campaign to encourage Indian citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote on election day. This initiative aims to generate awareness, and empower and mobilize the voters in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Bengaluru to participate actively and responsibly in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

On polling dates in Bengaluru – on 26th April and in Delhi NCR – on 25th May, BluSmart will offer discounted rides to its customers, enabling eligible citizens to cast their vote including the youth of India and the first-time voters to exercise their fundamental right to vote conveniently and on time.

BluSmart passengers traveling anywhere within 30 kilometers of polling stations in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR will be provided a one-time 50% discount. This offer can be availed on BluSmart rides to and from the polling station from 6 am to 7 pm on the respective polling days in these cities. The initiative underscores BluSmart’s commitment in promoting civic engagement and responsible and smart citizenship.

“Every vote counts, and every citizen can make a smart choice to contribute to the democratic process. As a partner in driving India’s growth, our #SmartCitizen campaign is a call to action for all citizens to exercise their right to vote and be active participants in shaping a smarter future for our nation. The campaign reflects BluSmart’s values as forward-thinkers, fostering a sense of responsibility among citizens and empowering them with seamless access to the polling stations.” said Anirudh Arun, Co-founder & CEO, BluSmart Fleet.

A month-long election awareness campaign will be executed through online and offline channels such as communication inside BluSmart EVs, in-app notifications, emailers, and social media. The #SmartCitizen campaign will further educate users on the significance of voting and how one vote can make a difference. Moreover, the incorporation of a voting badge by BluSmart for riders who participate in elections will incentivize civic engagement and foster a sense of accomplishment.