Archives May 2024

Global hospitality technology company OYO has announced that it will launch 35 company-serviced hotels in Mumbai this year. During the pilot phase of the program, OYO has already launched seven hotels in this category Townhouse Vista Suites PBG Mall Vashi; Super Townhouse Blue Diamond Vashi; Townhouse Ace Marol Near Mumbai, International Airport, Super OYO Kailash Park Near Shivaji International Airport; Super Collection O in Kalyan West; Collection O Milona, Airoli and Palette Irayos Lifestyle Retreat in Palghar.

OYO is also looking for partnerships with real estate developers to identify and develop new hotel properties across various regions. These hotels will be operated by OYO’s most professional hotel operators, which will allow them to grow and expand their business.

These hotels will be listed on OYO’s app and website as ‘Company Serviced’ hotels to signal OYO’s active involvement in their operation.

OYO plans to accelerate its expansion by combining OYO’s innovative technology and hospitality solutions with the real estate sector’s insights and local knowledge. The program will allow its top hotel partners to earn additional revenue without taking the risk of leasing or the overhead costs of starting a new hotel. These operators will get dedicated relationship managers and access to OYO’s network of over 15,000 corporate accounts and more than 10,000 travel agents.

Most of these hotels will be onboarded under the company’s premium hotel offerings such as Townhouse, Townhouse Oak, and Collection O.

In the process, OYO is also providing property or hotel owners an opportunity to give out their property to a large organization at a fixed rental, revenue sharing or management contract basis and be assured of safe upkeep of their property.

The company will closely monitor the hotel’s upkeep and customer reviews to evaluate and reward the top operators.
The initiative aims at establishing a collaborative ecosystem where OYO, hotel operators, and property owners will work together to run guest-focused, well-run hotels in line with the company’s aim of fostering economic growth in communities through partnerships.

The program underscores OYO’s commitment to providing a comprehensive range of choices to customers. Whether it’s a business trip, family vacation, or solo adventure, guests will have more stay options in top-rated properties that complement their travel styles, budgets, and preferences.

Speaking on the development, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, OYO said “Our new serviced hotels in Mumbai are designed to cater to the diverse needs of business and leisure travelers alike. With a focus on comfort, convenience, and personalized service, these properties offer a blend of modern amenities and exceptional value.”

Commenting on the opportunity, BuntySayal of Hotel Blue Diamond, Vashisaid “”OYO has made managing my hotel operations incredibly convenient, allowing me to oversee everything without being physically present throughout the day. I receive regular updates and assured returns, all without the worry of property upkeep. Their efficient management and reliable service have truly been beneficial for me.”

OYO Rooms has simplified, modernized, and digitalized its tech stack to help patrons increase their visibility and in turn, improve their revenue. Its revamped technology products, like Co-OYO, allow patrons to design and run their promotional offers to increase occupancy. The AI-based self-onboarding tool OYO 360 provides a simple two-click platform to enroll patrons on its platform. With a simple review, in a single click, the property will be live in just 30 minutes across all platforms.

May 24th, 2024 – As the summer heat rises, families around the globe are gearing up for the ultimate retreat to Kuda Villingili Resort in the breathtaking North Malé Atoll. Nestled amidst the tranquil turquoise waters of the Maldives, Kuda Villingili Resort offers an unparalleled escape for those seeking a slice of paradise. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical surroundings, every corner of this tropical haven promises to captivate and rejuvenate the soul.

At Kuda Villingili Resort, guests are welcomed into a world of luxury. One of the resort’s standout features is its expansive pool, spanning approximately 150 meters, making it one of the largest in the Maldives. This impressive pool provides the perfect setting for families to soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip, or simply unwind together.

For those seeking privacy and comfort, Kuda Villingili Resort presents its exclusive Beach Villas with Private Pools. These luxurious villas, nestled along the pristine shoreline, offer breathtaking views of the ocean and direct access to the beach, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Dining at Kuda Villingili Resort is an adventure of taste and discovery. The main dining venue, known as The Restaurant, serves breakfast in the mornings and transforms into three distinct dining experiences in the evenings: Fire, Earth, and Ocean. Additionally, The Hawkers presents three separate restaurants: Spice, East, and Med, offering a diverse array of global cuisines. MarUmi, the signature restaurant, is beloved for its South American cuisine during lunch and Japanese-Peruvian gourmet offerings at dinner.

Families traveling to Kuda Villingili Resort can rest assured that their little ones will be well taken care of at the Kuda Fiyo Kids Club. A hub of fun and excitement, the Kids Club offers a wide range of tailored activities designed to engage and entertain children of all ages. From arts and crafts sessions to outdoor adventures and educational workshops, our dedicated team of trained professionals ensures that every child’s experience is filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments.

Kuda Villingili Resort offers a plethora of exhilarating water sports activities for those seeking adventure. Guests can surf the majestic waves at the nearby Chicken Break, and explore crystal-clear waters through kayaking, wakeboarding, jet skiing, or windsurfing, ensuring endless excitement for all.

With warm hospitality, world-class services, and a host of amenities, Kuda Villingili Resort provides families with the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and bonding. Whether you choose to unwind in the privacy of your villa or indulge in exciting water sports activities, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Book the special summer offer – applicable for stays 4 nights and longer and valid for bookings and stays until 31 August 2024; visit https://www.kudavillingili.com/offers

Hyderabad, May 24, 2024….The Technology enables drug discovery faster, more efficiently and cheaper, said Mr Deepak Sapra, CEO of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories while delivering an opening address at DXEM 2024–a day-long Summit on Navigating Digital Transformation in Engineering and Manufacturing initiated by Hyderabad-based Plural Technology, organised at HICC Madhapur on Friday to sensitise relevant industries on the importance of Digital Transformation in Engineering & Manufacturing sector.

Deepak Sapra, a prominent leader from the pharmaceutical industry said, that with so many new waves of technologies around such as AI and Machine Learning, the vast amounts of data both drug and molecular data, can be harnessed to build complex models automatically. This makes the drug discovery process far easier—and faster—to predict how drugs might behave in the body, allowing many early experiments.

Speaking further he added drug discovery is a very complex affair. It takes anywhere from 10 to 15 years. It is a very costly affair. It involves US $ 2billion, INR 16000 crore. After so much effort, the probability of success is just 1 in 10,000, probability is not more than 3O%. Even after so much, the price control on the companies by regulators is another challenge that looms large. The only few ways to address these challenges are Innovation and collaboration powered by Technology.

Our healthcare lies in our mobile phones. The biggest diagnostic device is our mobile phone and why don’t we use it? It transforms a large diagnostic lab into our palm which is always with you and follows you like your shadow.

To prove his point on the role of technology in drug discovery he spoke about personalised medicine, which he described as precision medicine that enables different medicines to different people suffering from the same disease. The medicine is tailored to the individual patient based on his or her predicted response or risk of disease.

This is not new. It has been existing for well over a decade. But it is making a comeback in a big way now, said Deepak Sapra. He shared a few examples such as MYCIN and IBM WATSON.

MYCIN is a knowledge-based consultation program for infectious disease diagnosis. This consultation system is designed to assist physicians in the diagnosis of and therapy selection for patients with bacterial infections. In addition to that it gives an explanation system which can answer simple English questions to justify its advice or educate the user. It is believed to have done better than an actual doctor he said.

IBM Watson is used to help doctors diagnose diseases by analyzing patient data and identifying patterns that may indicate a particular condition. Both are revolutionary products that work on patients’ data. But unfortunately failed as they were not user-friendly.

The research is on personalised medicines, not just in Western countries but here in India, he added. Car T, a unique cancer individual medicine, is gaining ground now. The world will see at least 15 to 20 new drugs in this area, Deepak added.

More and more pharmaceutical companies are increasingly spending a higher percentage of amount on R & D. Some are spending as high as 48% of their revenues and some are spending even more, he said.

By automating the drug discovery process, you can reduce the time and resources required to identify promising drug candidates, he added. Technology helps to transform from I to We, illness to wellness, he added.

The data required for technology-driven decision-making is key. The data is huge, an individual produces 1100 terabytes of data every year. The power lies in analysing that data.

Further, Deepak added that the animals used in clinical trials can be replaced by simulated modes. AI and technology can be optimised. This can save time by 25 to 30%. The regulators such as USFDA (The Food and Drug Administration (FDA); European Medicines Agency (EMA); Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) are now recognising the importance of technology in drug discovery. The pace of technology is much more and regulatory bodies need to catch up with the pace of technology, Deepak said. Every serious regulatory body in the world is making earnest attempt, he added.

Peter Bilello, CEO, and President, of CIM Data delivered a Keynote address on Digital Transformation and said digital enablement starts with end-to-end connectivity and ends with digital skills transformation.

Giving opening remarks earlier Sunil Savaram, Founder & CEO, of Plural Technology, the company specialized in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Software services said if you don’t go digital, you might be washed away by those who have gone digital. It is like a shape-up or ship-out. Automate and elevate your business. You will lose out on competitiveness if you remain in the brick-and-mortar model. Thrive, not vanish. Our mission is to help companies thrive and become more competitive.

According to recent studies, embracing digitalization in manufacturing could potentially add USD 1.04 trillion to India’s GDP by 2025, representing a significant boost to the economy, Sunil added.

South Korea spends 5.2% of its profits on R & D. Against this India spends just 0.8%. So, it is better to invest in technology and improve your engineering efficiency. Thrive with the might of technology and not vanish, he said.

The day-long summit saw a panel discussion moderated by Dr Ramgopal NC, Technology & Innovation Director, Spantech Engineers, ex-Program Director of Emirates ID and led large-scale digital transformation projects for the Government. The panellists of the same included Mr Sudhakar Rao, APAC Head, Ui Path; Dr Rajaram Iyer, VP, Lauras Labs; Mr Siva Kumar Rachakonda, President, Zetatek Group; Mr Dhanraj Tirumala, Founder & CEO, CGI Simulations Pvt Ltd.

Few successful case studies were discussed.

Over 100 industries of engineering and manufacturing sectors participated.

Nonprofit’s nine-week program features free books and ice cream for children.

(St. Louis, Mo., May 24, 2024) A Red Circle will host its first annual Sundae Stories, a nine-week program where special guests will read aloud to the community’s children pre-K through fifth grade. Sundae Stories will be held every Sunday beginning June 2 through July 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Heaven’s Creamery located at 10835 W. Florissant Ave. in Ferguson, Mo. The event is free and open to the public.

All children will receive one free scoop of ice cream from Heaven’s Creamery, which is celebrating its first anniversary in business, plus a copy of one of the two books read weekly. Reading specialist Dr. Vanessa Howard will provide literacy resource support and Individualized Education Programs (IEP) consultations on June 2 and July 7. A Red Circle representative will discuss parent networking opportunities for the nonprofit’s Virtual Parent Café, a monthly resource featuring guest speakers and educational information for parents.

Special guest readers include Missouri state legislators Senator Angela Mosley, representatives Yolanda Fountain Henderson and Raychel Proudie, and former State Representative Rochelle Walton Gray. St. Louis children’s book authors Arika Parr and daughter Ava Johnson will introduce their book “But What Can You Do? A Story for Kids about Perseverance and Positive Thinking.”

Founded in 2017, A Red Circle is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of racial equity in North St. Louis County, Mo. The organization creates economic and community betterment solutions through education, employment, and empowerment. A Red Circle has four Missouri locations – Healthy Flavor Community Garden in Riverview, North County Agricultural Education Center in Pine Lawn, The Creative Spot in Ferguson, and North County Community Nexus in Bellefontaine Neighbors – to best serve the community and improve wellness opportunities for its citizens who experience healthy food access disparities in the region.

Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA; estd 1961), the country’s leading fully integrated producer of ferro alloys, announced Q4 FY24 results today for the period ending March 31st, 2024.

Business Highlights:

• Chrome Ore raising crossed the 6 lakh tonnes mark for the first time.
• Receipt of ₹132 crore as part compensation for Utkal ‘C’ Coal Block.
• Foray into the Ethanol Business to utilize surplus land and bulk material handling capacity.

 Management Comment:

Commenting on the annual results, Mr Subhrakant Panda, Managing Director said: “Excellent operational performance during the year with highest ever ferro chrome production, chrome ore raising, and captive power generation set the stage for a strong financial performance. We are poised to embark on our expansion and diversification plans on the back of a robust Balance Sheet with zero debt, and this will create substantial value in times to come.”

Addressing the demand outlook, Mr Panda said: “Even as there are some concerns due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts, economic stimulus measures announced by the Chinese Government augur well for commodities in general. Meanwhile, China remains a relatively high cost producer of ferro chrome which provides a base to prices. India’s focus on infrastructure with a large capital expenditure outlay in the interim budget will boost demand for stainless steel and, hence, ferro chrome.”

The Company is expanding into the ethanol business by utilizing surplus land and other infrastructure available at its Therubali unit which will diversify the product portfolio; however, the management’s focus will continue to be on its core business of smelting.

Audited results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2024, are available in the Investor Relations section of our website.

New Delhi, 24th May 2024: According to ancient Indian texts, the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is known as Manaskhand. Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and IRCTC have jointly started a special tourist train named Manaskhand Express to promote lesser-known destinations of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, whose first journey was successfully operated with 280 tourists on 22.04.2024.

After the successful operation of the first journey of the train, now the second journey started from Pune on 22.05.2024 with 302 tourists and will reach Tanakpur Railway Station in Uttarakhand on 24.05.2024. The tourists were welcomed in the traditional Marathi way, with Drums and Musical instruments, Aarti was performed traditionally, Tilak was applied and flowers were showered. The tourists were quite enthusiastic about this tour and expected to see some of the new destinations through this tour package.

In this journey of 10 nights/11 days, all the tourists will be taken to various tourist places of Kumaon region like Purnagiri Temple, Hatkalika Temple, Kasar Devi, Katarmal, Kainchidham, Chittai Golu Temple, Jageshwar Dham, Sharda Ghat, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, Nanakmatta Gurudwara, Bhimtal, Nainital, Almora, Chakori, Tea Garden of Champawat, Baleshwar Temple, Mayawati Ashram etc. will be visited. Besides, Uttarakhandi cuisine will also be served to all the passengers traveling on the train.

Train travel is in 3AC Train. However, only four persons in one Coupe have been booked to enhance the comfort of the tourists. The train’s exterior is a showcase of Uttarakhand’s rich natural, cultural, architectural, and spiritual heritage. The pantry car coach depicts various dishes from Uttarakhandi Cuisine, one of the coaches depicts various folk festivals, and on another coach, there are people wearing different attire from the State. Various temples and other places of importance are also depicted on the coaches.

The train is equipped with an air-conditioned pantry car which will serve various dishes including Uttarakhandi cuisine to the tourists during the journey. After deboarding at Tanakpur the tourists will be taken to various destinations where they will stay at hotels/homestays and visit various places as per the Itinerary with nights halts at Tanakpur, Champawat/Lohaghat, Chaukori, Almora, and Bhimtal.

Shri Sachin Kurve, Secretary Tourism/Chief Executive Officer, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board said that given the immense success of the Manaskhand Express operated in the first phase and the enthusiasm of the tourists, the department has started the Manaskhand Express from Pune in the second phase also.

Shri Kurve said that this unique initiative of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board is the first of its kind in India, in which efforts are being made to promote tourism in lesser-known places through tourist trains.

Chennai, India: Signature Vegetarian Restaurant, Royal Vega invites connoisseurs of fine dining to embark on a culinary journey celebrating the vibrant flavors of summer with its scrumptious ‘Grishma Ritu’ menu. Celebrating the vegetarian culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations, by showcasing locally-sourced traditional recipes and cooking techniques, Royal Vega offers a dining experience unlike any other, characterized by its regal ambiance, impeccable service, and meticulously crafted vegetarian dishes. The set menu is curated keeping the Chennai summers in mind, using specific ingredients that have cooling properties.

Grishma Ritu, named after the Indian summer season, brings forth an array of delectable dishes meticulously curated to capture the essence of this time of year. There are refreshing appetizers like Singhara Soya Tikkiya – grilled patties of clove smoked water chestnut and fresh edamame served over pea mash. Indulgent mains such asBesaniPoori – leavened Bengal gram flour bread flavored with spices and fried in desi ghee; Gucchi Pulao cooked on Dum with Himalayan morel stuffed with nuts and cheese andKamlini Kofta – dumplings of lotus stem stuffed with khubani, napped in velvety tomato gravy. Tantalizing desserts likeKacheAam Ka Halwa, Kesar Laklaki and Gulab Jamun to end with. Each dish is a testament to the mastery of Royal Vega’s culinary artisans.

“Grishma Ritu is a tribute to the diverse and vibrant vegetarian traditions of India. We’ve blended time-honored recipes with modern techniques to curate dishes that are both authentic and innovative. Each recipe is crafted with utmost care and passion, ensuring an unforgettable culinary journey for our guests. Our team has worked tirelessly to curate a nutritious menu that showcases the best of seasonal ingredients while staying true to the essence of Indian cuisine.” Mayank Kulshreshtha, Area Executive Chef – South Food & Beverage Production remarked.

With a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Grishma Ritu promises to delight everyone. “At ITC Grand Chola, we are delighted to unveil Grishma Ritu at Royal Vega, a culinary journey that encapsulates the vibrancy and abundance of the summers. From intimate gatherings to personalized family get-togethers, our restaurant is open for weekday dinners and Sunday lunches. We also exclusively reserve and curate the ultimate Royal Vega experience for a minimum of 30 guests for lunches on weekdays and is a great option for corporates and families looking for a unique experience,” Ganesh Kuppusami, Food and Beverage Manager, ITC Grand Chola further added.

Grishma Ritu at Royal Vega is available at 2995 + taxes for a limited time until July 15, 2024, providing diners with the perfect opportunity to indulge in the seasonal bounty of summer.

Mumbai, 24th May 2024: P&G Shiksha, the flagship CSR program of P&G India launched its new campaign – #StandUpForLearningGaps, to spotlight the issue of learning gaps in children, which affects over 6 crore children in the country as per National Achievement Survey 2021. While access to education has improved significantly, ensuring quality learning outcomes remains a challenge. A thought-provoking panel discussion highlighted the impact of these learning gaps on children who perpetually keep trying to cope, and often face mockery or ridicule owing to lack of public understanding of learning gaps.

The engaging panel discussion centered around the theme #StandUpForLearningGap, moderated by Priyanka Khanna, Author and Former Journalist, brought together a diverse group of speakers: Konkona Sen Sharma, two-time National Award-Winning Actress / Indian Actress and Filmmaker, Abhishek Desai, Vice President – Brand Operation and Category Leader – Grooming, P&G India and Rahul Dua, Stand-up Comic. The panelists discussed the challenges faced by children with learning gaps through their own experiences while growing up, as well as the importance of collaboration between educators, parents, and the community to create a supportive learning environment for all children in India. Konkana and Rahul also took a test to determine their own learning levels, spotlighting the need to focus on conceptual understanding and building a strong foundation. At the event, P&G Shiksha unveiled its new campaign film – a first-of-its-kind that uses relatable humor and a stand-up sequence to engage audiences, prompting them to take notice of learning gaps and stand up for the cause.

The film takes a leaf from memes flooding the internet recently where – children are seen struggling to respond or being mocked if they give a wrong answer to a question. In fact, as per a Forbes report, a recent video of a child incorrectly answering to a journalist was one of the top 10 most searched memes in 2023 in India. However, this laughter often masks a more serious issue: a lack of understanding that hinders a child’s academic progress. When faced with a question they don’t understand, they might struggle or be made fun of if they give the wrong answer. Therefore, this year, P&G Shiksha is recreating a life-like situation through the campaign, where it leverages humor to engage the audience, helping them pause to realize the issue of learning gaps. One’s entertainment can be another’s crisis! With a completely fresh outlook, the campaign “Stand Up for Learning Gap” aims to address this problem and urge collective action.

Speaking on the occasion, Actor Konkona Sen Sharma remarked, “I truly believe education is essential for unlocking a child’s full potential. Through my association with P&G Shiksha, I’ve become acutely aware of the learning gaps that affect many children who fall behind expected learning levels. Children who may not know the right responses may face mockery or ridicule. When I first saw the film, the question stayed with me for a while – Would you laugh if it was your child? It’s encouraging to see that P&G Shiksha is not only driving awareness about these gaps but also working to bridge them with effective interventions. Awareness is the first step towards action, and I am glad to be part of this journey with P&G Shiksha. Together, we can create an environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential through holistic education. Together, let’s #StandUpForLearningGap.”

Speaking about the new film, Abhishek Desai, Vice President of brand Operation and Category Leader – Grooming, P&G India said, “For 19 years now, P&G Shiksha has championed access to education for millions of underprivileged children in India, impacting over 45 lakh children. We have reinforced this with our commitment to driving large-scale awareness regarding learning gaps, which impact over 6 crore children in India. These gaps can lead to frustration, a lack of understanding, and even ridicule. However, what often gets missed is the reason

behind. By raising a pertinent question – “Would you laugh, if this happened with your child?” we are seeking to educate parents, guardians, teachers and well-wishers on the existence and impact of learning gaps, while also empowering them to identify and take steps to bridge these. We can come together to #StandupForLearningGap. Timely action can unleash a child’s full potential in leveraging education as an enabler for a brighter future.”

P&G India’s flagship CSR program, P&G Shiksha, has been working to provide access to education to underprivileged children since 2005, impacting over 45 lakh children.

As part of this, to improve learning outcomes in children, P&G Shiksha leverages AI-backed technology with ‘Mindspark’, a computer-based adaptive learning tool, in partnership with Educational Initiatives. The program also implements on-ground remedial learning interventions in partnership with Pratham Education Foundation, using both community-based and in-school models supported by trained volunteers and teachers. Additionally, P&G Shiksha focuses on early childhood education through Pratham Education Foundation, developing motor, cognitive, social-emotional, language, and creative skills in children to prevent learning gaps, and laying a strong foundation as they begin school.

The film opens with a stand-up act by Comic Rahul Dua in which he showcases memes where children stumble on basic math questions. While laughter erupts amongst the audience, the mood shifts as Rahul shares his own childhood struggle with similar concepts. He highlights the plight of over 6 crore children who face learning gap leading to a moment of realisation and posing a powerful question “Would you laugh if it was your child?” Further emphasizing the reality of learning gaps, the film then showcases P&G Shiksha’s on-ground interventions with NGOs to address these gaps and empowers viewers to act and #StandUpForLearningGap.

Bengaluru, 24th May 2024: Astral Limited, a leading innovator in the building construction segment and one of the fastest-growing building material companies, is proud to announce the launch of its extensive new paint line, Astral Paints. The new exciting brand by Astral Limited offers a vast array of options to meet the needs of every painter, designer, and homeowner, featuring a diverse selection of colors, finishes, and specialized formulations.

After acquiring a majority stake in Gem Paints in 2022, Astral Limited thoroughly prepared to enter the paint industry. The company has strategically launched its first phase in Bengaluru, leveraging three state-of-the-art paint units. Moreover, the company will expand its paint line across India in phases, starting with Karnataka and Gujarat.

Mr. Sandeep Engineer, CMD of Astral Limited, stated, “The launch of Astral Paints marks a significant milestone in Astral Limited’s journey. It’s a strategic move to diversify and solidify our presence in the ever-evolving Indian market. Our deep understanding and extensive experience within the building materials ecosystem give us a distinct advantage. We are confident that Astral Paints will revolutionize the industry with its versatile paints, extensive colour options, and unwavering focus on quality. Paints have always held a special place in my heart, stemming from my father’s association with the industry. We embody Astral’s core value – ‘TRUST’ – and deliver on our promise: ‘The trust of Astral, now in Paints.”

Mr. Saumya Engineer, CEO of Astral Adhesives & Paints, added, “We are launching Astral Paints not merely to add a feather in Astral Limited’s cap, but to establish it as a leading business within the Astral Group. Our consistent and strategic approach has proven successful with our other ventures such as adhesives, construction chemicals, and bathware, and we will maintain this same momentum with paints. While we are not in a rush to go pan-India, we will strategically and incrementally introduce our products into different markets, with the aim of covering the entire country within the next three years.”

Astral Paints is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of applications, ensuring there is a perfect solution for every project. The range includes decorative paints for interior and exterior emulsions in luxury, premium, and economy segments, under various product names: Elita, Esteema, and Styla for interior emulsions, and Extura Plus, Extura, and Raga for exterior emulsions. Additionally, Astral Paints offers a wide range of undercoats through primers and putties, synthetic enamels, and ancillary products like rollers and brushes.

Astral Paints also boasts an extensive colour palette, with over 1400 refreshing colours ranging from timeless classics to the latest trends, providing an unparalleled selection to bring any vision to life. Understanding consumer needs, Astral has also introduced specialty paints, such as Kitchen Special Paint, which features high durability and oil-resistant properties.

The company hosted a launch event at a leading hotel in Bengaluru that saw the attendance of over 300 channel partners and featured the presence of promoters, the Engineer family, alongside the senior Astral Limited team. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from all attendees, with the Engineer family unveiling the ‘Astral Paints Logo’ followed by the launch of the ‘Astral Paints Product Range’.

Astral Limited, which recently celebrated 25 years in the building construction industry, has become a renowned household name across the nation. Originally, a pipes company, Astral quickly rose to become one of the leading pipe manufacturing company in India. In a short span, the company diversified into various product categories, including water tanks, adhesives, construction chemicals, waterproofing, and now paints.

Mumbai (24th May 2024 ) Acer today announced the launch of its new eco-friendly Vero projectors, designed to elevate home entertainment experiences while minimizing their environmental impact. Two new models are equipped with 4K UHD resolution and HDR10 compatibility to deliver stunning visuals and enhanced brightness with 4000 ANSI lumens from its laser/LED hybrid light source. The Acer Vero HL6810ATV comes with an Acer-exclusive Android TV embedded dongle design, giving users access to smart home features at their fingertips.

In line with the Vero line’s advocacy for sustainability, the new laser projectors are designed to consume less power without sacrificing performance and offer long-lasting brightness consistency with up to a 30,000-hour lifespan. Their hybrid light source is also 100% mercury-free and the devices incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in their chassis and recycled paper for packaging.

Acer Vero HL68 Series Projectors: Cinematic Viewing and Gaming Experiences in 4K

The latest projector offerings feature the Acer Vero HL6810 and Acer Vero HL6810ATV smart projectors for home entertainment. These models feature 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) resolution and 4,000 ANSI lumens through their laser/LED hybrid light source so crystal-clear images and vibrant colors come alive when streaming or gaming on the big screen, even in well-lit environments. Details are vivid even in the darkest of scenes thanks to their 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and the ability to reach 105% of the Rec. 709 color gamut for pinpoint color accuracy. Plus, these are HDR10/HLG compatible, producing a larger spectrum of color and brightness accuracy through four available modes to accommodate various types of content. Acer’s tailor-made Football mode is also available on these models to optimize scenes projected on larger surfaces to make them more realistic and vivid, like watching everything unfold in front of their eyes.

Unlocking More Experiences with Android TV Features

The Vero HL6810ATV features an embedded Android TV dongle located at the back of the chassis, helping simplify installations and eliminating unnecessary cables for a cleaner setup. With an Android TV dongle, the smart projector offers direct access to in-demand entertainment content and streaming applications such as Netflix and YouTube without the need to connect to external devices. The smart projector can be controlled using voice-activated prompts with a dedicated remote or a smartphone for added convenience.

With support for 4K UHD resolution, viewers can enjoy next-level visual fidelity when streaming their favorite content. The projectors offer 1.3x zoom capability to allow for more flexibility when adjusting and projecting in different viewing spaces and go hand in hand with the HV keystone and 4 corner correction technology for the best possible views. In terms of protection, the devices are IP5X-rated to protect against potential damage from external factors and help lessen the negative effects of blue light exposure to viewers’ eyes thanks to Acer BlueLight Shield technology. Audiovisual enthusiasts can easily connect their amplifiers or external speakers through the projectors’ HDMI 2.0 (audio return) port and enjoy 3D cinematic experiences in the comfort of their own homes thanks to Blu-ray 3D support.

Eco-friendly All the Way

The third generation of the Acer Vero HL68 Series projectors now adopts highly efficient and high-performance laser/LED hybrid optical engines projecting the desired color and brightness while saving up to 48% power as compared to lamp-based projectors. This not only helps minimize the impact on the environment with less power consumption but also extends the devices’ usability and lowers the total cost of ownership with up to a 30,000-hour lifespan for its light source. Power saving mode and the instant-on-off features further support the Vero cause by instinctively minimizing power usage when using the different modes or when left idle. Plus, the light source of the Acer HL68 Series projectors is 100% mercury-free and utilizes post-consumer recycled plastic in the chassis and paper in its fully recyclable packaging to minimize the devices’ carbon footprint.