Archives May 2024

Kolkata, 31st May 2024 Arohan Financial Services, a leading NBFC MFI, reported a 377.15% rise in net profit to Rs. 103.16 crore in the quarter ended March 2024 as against Rs. 21.62 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2023, backed by a steady rise in business and earnings. The Company saw a 33% growth in its Gross Loan Portfolio, surpassing INR 7,112 Cr with a Net NPA Zero status, showcasing its resilience and strategic initiatives in a challenging economic landscape.

Arohan Financial Services recorded a 38.47% increase in sales, reaching Rs 435.56 crore in Q4 FY2024, up from Rs 314.56 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. For the full year, net profit rose 343.75% to Rs 313.82 crore in the year ended March 2024 as against Rs 70.72 crore during the previous year ended March 2023. Sales rose 48.78% to Rs 1591.17 crore in the year ended March 2024 as against Rs 1069.45 crore during the previous year ended March 2023.

As of March 31, 2024, Arohan operates in 16 states, having expanded into Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Haryana, and established a Zonal Office in Bengaluru, Karnataka, marking its entry into southern India. With 9,333 employees, the Company served over 2.4 million customers across 975 branches by the end of the fiscal year.

Arohan’s remarkable achievements in FY 2024 garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, exemplified by a string of prestigious awards and accolades including an upgrade in credit rating to A (Stable Outlook), 3 prestigious “Award of Merits” at SKOCH 2023; Asset AAA IT/Cash management award; ISO 9001 recertification of our Internal Audit unit; ISO 27001 recertification of the IT Security network; Gold standard CPP certification by MFR, and Mr. Manoj Nambiar, our Managing Director, being back on the MFIN board, our SRO as the Vice Chair amongst many others. Notably, the organization’s attainment of the highest-ever score of 92 in the Great Place to Work® Trust Index© Employee Survey underscores its commitment to fostering a positive and empowering work culture. With this, the Company has achieved its position amongst the Top 25 BFSI, India 2024, amongst Top 50 Best Companies India across sectors, and has bagged the recognition of the coveted Best in the Microfinance Industry.

Urban Square Mall launched PVR INOX, the Biggest 6-screen Multiplex in Udaipur, as another feature added to its shopping and entertainment ambiance. With a leasable area of 40,000 sq.ft., PVR INOX promises an unparalleled cinematic experience to moviegoers.

The launch event was graced by esteemed Chief Guest Bhumika Poddar and Arvind Kumar Poswal, the honorable Collector of Udaipur, who expressed their enthusiasm for this significant addition to the Urban Square Mall’s entertainment landscape.

PVR INOX at Urban Square Mall includes Udaipur’s first-ever Insignia Gold auditorium, offering an immersive viewing experience. This state-of-the-art multiplex has a total seating capacity of 1009, which sets a new standard for luxury and comfort in Udaipur. Further, to celebrate the grand launch, the mall offers an opportunity to “Watch Movies @ Rs. 99 on May 31st, 2024,” allowing movie enthusiasts to enjoy the latest blockbusters in a luxurious setting.

Uddhav Poddar, Managing Director of Bhumika Group, expressed, “We are thrilled to bring the immersive PVR INOX experience to Urban Square Mall. Introducing the Insignia Gold auditorium exemplifies our commitment to offering the best in cinema experiences. We aim to provide movie lovers with an exceptional entertainment destination to enjoy the latest films in a luxurious and comfortable setting, further solidifying our position as the city’s premier shopping and entertainment destination.”

Over the years, various institutions and brands have introduced initiatives to highlight the harmful effects of smoking and educate young people about the severe health risks associated with tobacco use. In observance of World No Tobacco Day, Zing is launching the #SharingIsNotCaring campaign to encourage youth to quit smoking. With this initiative, Zing is urging Gen-Z to embrace the “#SharingIsNotCaring” mentality to cigarettes. Sharing a cigarette might seem harmless, but it’s not the encouragement you or your friends need—it’s time to break the chain. Tobacco use continues to be a significant public health issue in India, with over 267 million adults using tobacco products. This problem is particularly concerning among teenagers. According to the latest Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in 2019, about 8.5% of youth aged 13-15 currently use some form of tobacco, including 4.1% who smoke and another 4.1% who use smokeless tobacco products. Despite numerous public health initiatives, the widespread use of tobacco among youth in India persists, driven by easy accessibility and deep-rooted cultural acceptance.

Zing strongly advises against sharing tobacco products, as this can lead to the development of harmful habits and subsequent addiction. We are encouraging youth to make better choices by opting not to smoke and not encouraging others to smoke. Commenting on the initiative, Pankaj Balhara, Business Head at Zing, said, “Gen-Z has always been central to our mission. We recognize their aspirations and concerns, with tobacco use being a critical issue. At Zing, we strategically leverage the power of influence, ensuring our messaging is contemporary and impactful. This initiative is meticulously crafted based on the insight that youth often start smoking due to peer pressure. On this World No Tobacco Day, we are mobilizing everyone to act as positive influencers and disrupt the cycle of sharing cigarettes.”

Chandigarh, 31st May 2024 : Leading telecom operator Vi, today announced its partnership with the global streaming service provider – Netflix, further strengthening its entertainment offerings for its customers. With this partnership, Vi users will be able to enjoy world-class entertainment with the best streaming experience on any device of their choice – mobile, television or tablet. Vi has currently introduced Netflix offering for its prepaid customers and will soon be launching Netflix bundled postpaid plans too.

Home to an incredible variety of local and global stories like Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Amar Singh Chamkila, The Great Indian Kapil Show, Laapataa Ladies, Animal, Fighter, Dunki, Squid Game, Bridgerton, Mamla Legal Hai to name a few, Netflix in India recently announced its power-packed 2024 lineup, offering a wide range of films and series for the audience.

Vi has introduced two new Unlimited prepaid packs offering unlimited calls & data bundled with Netflix Basic subscription that will allow users to watch Netflix on mobile as well as TV.

Today, Vi is the only telecom operator to offer a Netflix Basic proposition at an attractive price point of less than Rs. 1000 bundled with a prepaid plan. Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, Vi users recharging with the 84-day validity product will also get flagship Hero proposition benefits such as Data Delight, Night Binge and Weekend Data Rollover.

Vi will soon launch its postpaid offerings with Netflix.

Chandigarh, 31st May 2024: In a resolute commitment to fortify the nation’s democratic fabric, Rapido, India’s foremost commute app, assumes a pivotal role in national duty with the launch of the “SawaariZimmedariKi” initiative. In collaboration with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab, Rapido sets forth to champion civic engagement during the Indian General Elections 2024. As part of this historic endeavor, Rapido pledges to provide free bike taxi rides to voters across Punjab encompassing major cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Patiala on 01st June 2024.

On election day, voters can avail of free rides on the Rapido app using the code ‘VOTE NOW’ and exercise their democratic rights. The initiative aims to facilitate residents’ voting rights and ensure a more inclusive electoral process. This concerted effort aligns with Rapido’s nationwide campaign, deploying over 10 lakh captains across more than 100 cities to provide free rides on election day.

Rapido’s partnership with the Office of Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab reflects its commitment to being a brand that drives positive change for a better society. Rapido’s Co-founder Pavan Guntupalli said, “We are undertaking this initiative to ensure that every voter in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Patiala can successfully fulfill their civic duty by casting their votes in the Indian General Election 2024. By offering these free rides, we are facilitating democracy in action. Our Rapido captains in Punjab are more than just drivers; they are ambassadors of civic engagement, enabling greater voter turnout and promoting a more representative electoral system in the world’s largest democracy.”

Rapido’s partnership with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab underscores its commitment to being a brand that drives change for a better society. Through initiatives like this, Rapido continues to demonstrate its dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people across the country. This initiative emphasizes Rapido’s dedication to empowering and encouraging the voter population of Punjab to exercise their democratic right by casting their vote.

Hyderabad, 31st May 2024- Motorola, India’s leading smartphone brand* has launched its latest entry-level 4G smartphone today, the moto g04s which features some significant upgrades in camera and display over its popular predecessor – moto g04 while keeping the pricing unchanged and disruptive at just Rs. 6,999. It comes with the segment’s leading 50MP main camera with Quad Pixel technology that can capture stunning pictures in both day and night conditions, has a premium design with acrylic glass finish (PMMA) available in 4 attractive colors, and a brilliant segment-leading 6.6” 90Hz punch hole display with segment’s best Gorilla® Glass 3 protection. Furthermore, the moto g04s boasts a 5000mAh battery that can run for days, comes with a 15W fast charger, the latest Android™ 14, and a powerful UNISOC T606 chipset in an in-built 4GB RAM with LPDDR4x memory type + 64GB UFS2.2 storage configuration and this can be extended up to 8GB RAM with the RAM boost option.

The moto g04s’sadvanced 50MP main camera comes with Quad Pixel technology which captures sharper more vivid photos. With Quad Pixel technology, users get 4x better low light sensitivity for more vibrant photos, and features like image auto enhance allows users to shoot photos like a pro. The moto g04s also comes with different modes like HDR, Night Vision, and Portrait mode to generate professional-looking shots automatically. On the front, users can enjoy social media-ready selfies using its 5MP selfie camera (f/2.2 | 1.12µm), which features Face Retouch and Face Enhance (a built-in algorithm) which improves the quality and texture of selfies by automatically detecting the focus, lighting, and noise, and then adjusting accordingly.

The moto g04s boasts an exceptional design, beautifully crafted from premium materials. Its streamlined camera housing feels great in hand and the device is extremely thin just 7.99mm and lightweight at just 178g of weight. Moreover, the side-mounted fingerprint reader ensures an easy and fast unlock along with a high-quality matte finish on the back of the phone making it look as good as it feels. Available in four vibrant colours, namely Concord Black, Sea Green, Satin Blue, and Sunrise Orange, the moto g04s complement every style. The IP52 water-repellent design also ensures the device stays protected even with light spills and splashes.

Users can enjoy a multidimensional audio-visual experience owing to the 16.66 cm (6.6”) 90 Hz display with a High Brightness mode complemented by a powerful Dolby Atmos® speaker. The display offers an immersive experience, eliminating all distractions, and comes with the segment’s most advanced Gorilla® Glass 3 protection to ensure that the consumer stays worry-free. High Brightness mode automatically adjusts the display outdoors so it’s easier to see, reaching peak brightness levels of up to 537 NITS. Conversely, the Night Light mode tints the screen amber, making the display easier to view in dim or poor lighting conditions. Matching such a remarkable display, Dolby Atmos® adds another dimension of audio, offering greater depth, clarity, and details.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. T.M. Narasimhan, Managing Director, Motorola India said “We are excited to launch the moto g04s – with significant upgrades over its predecessor at an affordable price. The moto g04s sets a new benchmark for entry-level smartphones which is aligned with our vision to democratize technology.”

The moto g04s comes with a massive 5000mAh battery that offers outstanding backup and comes with a 15W charger. Additionally, with Android™ 14 users can make their devices more personal, protected, and accessible while getting privacy updates for health, safety, and data. Ensuring unmatched performance, the smartphone equips UNISOC T606 processor with built-in 4 + 64GB RAM along with RAM Boost. The storage can be further expanded to 1TB via a dedicated microSD card and it also features a triple SIM card slot.

Availability:

The moto g04s will be available in four beautiful colours: Concord Black, Sea Green, Satin Blue, and Sunrise Orange, featuring acrylic glass (PMMA) finish with a matte texture that makes it scratch-resistant.

moto g04s will be available only in 4GB RAM + 64GB storage and will go on sale on Flipkart, Motorola.in and leading retail stores starting 5th June 2024, 12 PM onwards.

moto g04s

Mumbai, India, 31st May 2024 – The Insurance Institute of India (III), the federation of Insurance Institutes formed to build academic and professional capacity for the insurance industry and FPSB India(Financial Planning Standards Board) entered a strategic collaboration and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing professional development within the insurance and financial planning sectors.

This strategic partnership will see FPSB India and the Insurance Institute of India working together on several key initiatives, including a Fast Track Pathway for the III Fellows aspiring for CFP certifications. Recognizing the expertise of Fellow members of III, this collaboration will provide them with exclusive entry to the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) through the Fast Track Pathway, enabling them to leverage their existing knowledge and skills for advanced certification.

Speaking at the MoU signing Krishan Mishra, CEO, of FPSB India, “Our partnership with the Insurance Institute of India marks a significant milestone in our efforts to elevate the standards of financial planning and insurance education in India. Together, we will create pathways for professionals to achieve new heights in their careers and better serve the needs of their clients.”

Shri S. N. Satpathy, Secretary General of the Insurance Institute of India, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to join hands with FPSB India. We are confident that the collaboration will bring significant benefits to our Fellow members and the industry at large. By combining our strengths, we can provide unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development in the financial planning ecosystem of the country.”

FPSB India and III pledged to organize joint events, Management Development Programs (MDPs), and Executive Development Programs (EDPs). These initiatives aim to provide high-quality training and development opportunities for professionals in both sectors.

The two organizations will collaborate to co-create and launch joint certification courses on topics of mutual interest. These courses will address the evolving needs of the industry and equip professionals with the latest skills and knowledge.FPSB India and III will also work together on research projects, surveys, and questionnaires to generate valuable insights and contribute to the advancement of the insurance and financial planning community.

The MoU between FPSB India and the Insurance Institute of India signifies a commitment to excellence and innovation in the fields of insurance and financial planning. Both organizations look forward to a fruitful partnership that will drive the industry forward and benefit professionals and consumers alike.

MOU with Insurance Institute of India was signed at III Mumbai campus in the presence of Mr.S.N.Satpathy, Secretary General, III; Mr.P.Jaipuria, Director, III; Dr.Ramesh Satuluri, Assistant Professor(Research), III among other faculties and III officials.

Delhi – NCR – Vidyamandir Classes (VMC), the nation’s leading institution and a hub for JEE (Main & Advanced), NEET preparation, is gearing to conduct its flagship test for Admission & Scholarships, National Admission Test (NAT) on 2nd June 2024 through both offline and online modes to reward and encourage good students across the country and elevating them towards academic growth.

This Test will give a significant boost to the preparation of JEE and NEET aspirants with

· Mentorship / Motivational Sessions by VMC Founders & Experts

· Free Doubt Resolution and Hand Holding support at the nearest VMC centre all days a week,

· Well Researched & Scientifically driven E-study material and unlimited mock tests

Students who are in class 9th–12th or have passed class 12th have the chance to take this test to enroll in one of the many programs offered at Vidyamandir Classes, giving them a head-start and the chance to receive scholarships of up to 100%.

“Building a solid foundation of scientific and technical knowledge and thus to prepare competent and motivated engineers and doctors is the primary motto of Vidyamandir Classes.”

VMC conducts the National Admission Test across the country to choose students for its very successful and sought-after classroom and online programs. These programs have been specially designed to help students conquer prominent tests like the JEE and NEET as well as other competitive/scholastic exams like the OLYMPIADS & BOARDS.

For students who wish to directly compare themselves to their peer group nationwide, NAT is a terrific platform. The emphasis is given to our programs which will enable students to imbibe the fundamental concepts of Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics/ Biology and sharpen their analytical skills and parallel thinking process, making them capable to creatively solving complex and tricky problems by mere application of basic concepts.” Said Mr. Abhishek Sharma (Chief Business Officer, VMC)

We have recently started our New Phase Plan, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony among students, Parents, and the Institute itself in achieving the academic goals. VMC provides expert guidance, the best motivational support system, and a comprehensive study material & testing system to empower students to achieve success on all fronts (be it School and Board Exams as well as different Competitive and scholastic Exams) and improve their mental, physical, and academic well-being.

“Understanding students’ needs at different stages of their preparation has been the guiding force behind the teaching methodology at VMC. It is also the secret behind the success of our students in various National and International Level exams. At VMC the classes are led by the Founders & a team of highly experienced faculty who prepare students for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.” Said Mr. Brij Mohan (Co-Founder, VMC)

Students aspiring for the JEE & NEET who wish to study at the nation’s top engineering and medical schools should not miss this test.

New Delhi/ Bengaluru, 31st May 2024 – Admissions are now open to join Polaris School of Technology (PST), a groundbreaking BTech program designed to revolutionize tech education in India. Founded by Mukul Rustagi and Bhaswat Agarwal, the founders of Classplus, PST aims to groom the next generation of techies through a comprehensive and innovative 4-year BTech program.

Polaris School of Technology is offering students a unique blend of classroom learning and hands-on industry experience, ensuring they are well-equipped to enter the dynamic tech industry. With specializations in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, the program is designed to meet the highest standards of tech education. Mukul Rustagi and Bhaswat Agarwal, with their extensive experience in the tech, have launched PST to address the gap that exists between industry requirements and job preparedness of fresh graduates of traditional BTech programs.

Mukul Rustagi, Co-founder of Classplus and Polaris School of Technology, stated, “At Polaris, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of tech leaders. Our unique approach combines rigorous academic learning with real-world experience, ensuring that our graduates are not only skilled but also industry-ready. We believe that PST will set a new standard for tech education in India and globally.”

The program at PST is based on a work-integrated degree model, focusing on 5000 hours of live coding, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience right from day one. Students will also have the opportunity to start internships in their second year, gaining practical experience and industry exposure. The faculty at PST includes top IIT alumni, tech leaders, CTOs, and founders, providing 1:1 mentorship and guidance to students.

Beyond the classroom, PST also aims to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship in the students through their in-house incubator Polaris Tech Combinator, where students can launch and pitch their tech startups and raise seed funding of up to $10,000. Additionally, students can shadow CXOs from leading tech companies, participate in hackathons and live projects, and join tech communities like Web3, GenAI, and many more to connect with like-minded techies.

Located in Bengaluru, the tech hub of India, PST offers students an immersive campus experience with easy access to leading global tech companies. The corporate campus will provide an environment conducive to professional growth, inspired by US-based master’s programs where networking is at the core of the curriculum.

For the upcoming batch, PST has introduced a few first-of-its-kind scholarships, offering the students a chance to get up to a 100% waiver on the program fees. This includes merit-cum-need and merit-based waivers, scholarships for tech entrepreneurs as well as women in tech. These scholarships and waivers underscore PST’s commitment to making quality tech education accessible to deserving students regardless of their financial background.

New Delhi, 31st  May 2024: – Raj Comics, the venerated publishing house that has long been synonymous with Indian comic book superheroes, announces the launch of the live-action short film series, “The Alliance: Project Metamorphosis Chapter 1.” Scheduled for release on May 31, 2024, this ambitious project reintroduces beloved characters such as Super Commando Dhruva and Doga, reigniting the enchantment of Indian comics for a new generation. The inaugural installment of the film will be available on the ‘Raj Comics By Sanjay Gupta’ YouTube channel, bringing the excitement directly to fans’ screens.

In the 1990s, Raj Comics captured the imaginations of millions with its diverse roster of superheroes, featuring the indomitable Nagraj, the courageous and resourceful Super Commando Dhruva, the fierce vigilante Doga, and countless others. These characters became household names, inspiring readers with their gripping adventures and unwavering spirit.

At the helm of Raj Comics stands Sanjay Gupta, a visionary dedicated to breathing life into these iconic characters. With steadfast determination and a mission to amplify the legacy of Indian superheroes, Gupta has surmounted numerous obstacles to transform this dream into reality. Despite facing constraints in resources for this self-production project, his fervent storytelling passion and commitment to Raj Comics’ heritage have propelled this project forward. Directed by the talented Wickki Koul and scripted by Saurabh Sharma and Wickki Koul, the film is elevated by Brijesh Birua’s captivating cinematography, while Vasu Gupta, the executive producer, has overseen the seamless execution of this ambitious endeavor. With a stellar cast led by Shubham Matta as Super Commando Dhruva and Kshitij Sharma as Blake, alongside Kushagra Nautiyal, Cherry Sin, and Vashu Jain in mystery roles, the film is poised to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of fans.

“The Alliance: Project Metamorphosis Chapter 1” heralds a significant milestone in the resurgence of Indian comics. This live-action short film series underscores the enduring allure of Raj Comics’ characters and their relevance in today’s entertainment landscape. The film pledges to deliver a captivating narrative and breathtaking action sequences, breathing life into the heroes who dominate the fantasies of fans worldwide.

This film marks only the inception of a new era. The fervent reception to the trailer and the fervent anticipation for the movie’s premiere indicates that Indian superheroes are poised to make a resounding statement. With Sanjay Gupta and Vasu Gupta at the helm, Raj Comics is primed to once again captivate audiences’ hearts and inspire a new generation of aficionados. Do not miss the release on May 31, 2024, on the ‘Raj Comics By Sanjay Gupta’ YouTube channel.