Archives July 2024

1st July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India INDEX PLUS, India’s leading exhibition for interiors, architecture, furniture, and design now in its 36th edition, will be held from May 31st to June 2nd, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. INDEX PLUS brings together suppliers and buyers in a vibrant, collaborative environment dedicated to innovation and excellence in design.

Unlock the latest in furniture & interiors at INDEX PLUS

This year’s edition of INDEX PLUS will bring together over 200+ brands from India and abroad, showcasing a diverse range of products carefully curated to inspire and elevate living spaces. From the latest trends to timeless classics, visitors will be able to explore top-quality designs from leading manufacturers, all conveniently located under one roof.

The event will feature an exhaustive display of products including Furniture (residential, commercial, outdoor), Flooring, Furnishings, Kitchen Interiors, Architectural Fittings, Mattress & Bedding, home décor, Accessories for spaces, Art, Artefacts, Furnishings, and other interior products.

INDEX PLUS caters to a diverse audience including interior designers, architects, distributors, retailers, specifiers, project management consultants, procurement heads, institutional buyers, trade professionals, and high-net-worth individuals amongst others.

The timing for INDEX PLUS couldn’t be more opportune. The Indian Furniture Market size is estimated at USD 17.56 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 29.86 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 11.20% during the forecast period (2024-2029). The Indian furniture industry is one of the leading producers, consumers, and exporters of furniture. The burgeoning demand for interior design services is fueled by factors such as the growing real estate market, rising income levels, urbanization, and the influence of social media on lifestyle trends.

Additionally, the rising demand for home decor products and handcrafted items underscores the tremendous potential of India’s home furnishing market, making INDEX PLUS a must-attend event for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonia Prashar, Managing Director, and Chairperson of the Board at NuernbergMesse India, spoke about the potential of the event, “India is the 5th largest producer and 4th largest consumer of furniture globally. In fact, the Indian interior design market is currently thriving at a remarkable 10.3% annual growth rate projected to reach USD 51.4 billion by 2028. By 2030 it will become the largest and youngest consumer market in the world.”

In this favorable scenario, INDEX PLUS emerges as a dynamic platform for global enterprise and presents an unparalleled opportunity to forge new business ventures, Strengthen existing ties, as well as engage with diverse buyers, Industry leaders, and trade associations.

1st July 2024 Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India Biggen Technologies (BGT), a dynamic startup specializing in unmanned helicopters, drones, and automation, made a significant impact at the 2-day Defense Expo 2024 held at CODISSIA, Coimbatore. The company demonstrated their array of helicopters, including engine-powered, electric transmission, and multi-payload models, showcasing their cutting-edge technology and innovative designs.

Biggen Technologies Director Adarsh led the demonstration, illustrating the operational capabilities of the Chakra UAV helicopters. The event drew a large crowd, including many children, who were captivated by the two-hour performance. Various models of helicopters were on display for public viewing, and the demonstration of a helicopter capable of lifting 10 kg particularly impressed the audience. Children were especially interested in taking photos with the helicopters.

The startup’s Director, Mr. Adarsh, announced plans to enter the logistics market, targeting both the e-commerce and defense sectors with their advanced helicopters and drones. “We received a strong response from the defence sector, which provided us with several requirements that we have already begun addressing,” the Director stated.

Chakra version 1.0 helicopter can carry 4 kg of cargo for 45 minutes at a speed of 60 km/h. Another variant of version 1.0 can lift 10 kg and fly for 90 minutes, both of which are battery-powered. Chakra version 2.0, a petrol-powered model, can lift 6 kg and travel 60 km in 40 minutes. A newly developed petrol-powered helicopter can lift 10 kg and fly for 120 minutes at 60 km/h.

Adarsh highlighted the significance of these helicopters in government operations and emergency situations. “These UAV helicopters are essential in logistics, especially for transporting medicines during crises like the COVID-19 outbreak. They are also being used in various hilly states, including Manipur and Nagaland, flying at altitudes of 3000 to 4000 meters with GPS monitoring for precise tracking.”

Biggen Aerospace division, headquartered in Bangalore, designs, manufactures, and supplies specialized UAV helicopters for various governmental and para-governmental organizations. Their clients include the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Defense Research and Development Organization, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Parachute Regiment, NAL Lab, the Indian Institute of Science, and IITs in Jodhpur and Kanpur. The company operates in fields such as defense, navy, DRDO logistics, and automation.

Biggen Aerospace division is also developing advanced models capable of carrying up to 100 kg and has received approval to develop a two-person UAV helicopter. “These helicopters could revolutionize emergency medical transport, particularly in reaching remote and flood-prone areas,” added Adarsh.

The company had a stand at the Army Expo in Coimbatore, where they showcased their commitment to innovation and safety. With their helicopters set to play a crucial role in various sectors, Biggen Technologies continues to ensure reliable and efficient transportation solutions.

The event attracted a large crowd, especially students, with attendees captivated and inspired by the two-hour demonstration of Biggen Technologies’s unmanned aerial vehicles. The positive reception at the expo marks a promising step forward for Biggen Technologies as they continue to develop and expand their product offerings.

1st July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India As the Welsh Government continues to celebrate the year of Wales in India, Prof. Jas Pal Badyal FRS, the Chief Scientific Advisor (CSA) for Wales has this week met with India’s Principal Scientific Advisor, Prof. Ajay K Sood FRS, to discuss Wales’ leading circular economy, med-tech and agri-tech sectors.

Prof. Ajay K Sood is one the most influential decision-makers on science and technology in India – advising the Government’s cabinet on both domestic and international strategic scientific matters.

The visit forms part of a wider program of activities in New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai for Prof. Badyal, with the world-leading scientist, technology entrepreneur and advisor promoting the opportunities for partnership and investment in Welsh technology and cutting-edge science businesses.

Prof. Badyal said, “I’m delighted to be showcasing the best applications of Welsh-based technology and innovations at a global level to fast growing high GDP economies and speaking with Prof. Sood provided a unique opportunity to do so with someone of significant leadership and stature on the international stage.”

“With the year of Wales in India having already proven successful in forging strategic relationships between interested parties in both countries, I hope to see many mutual benefits develop from each other’s work and unique qualities which our countries represent. As well as leading to opening further doors for investment and collaboration.”

“Amongst other things we discussed was Wales’ world class circular economy sectors and where we might be able to benefit each other in future. Protection of the environment is one of the most significant challenges facing humanity today. We will now follow up some of the topics of mutual interest before another meeting later this year.”

Following the meeting, Prof. Sood, said, “I am very pleased that today’s exchange with Prof. Badyal will further deepen the engagement between India and Wales on the matters of mutual scientific interest. There is a high potential to scale-up our collaborations in areas ranging from green and renewable energy, biodiversity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, digital transformation to skill development. I laud the efforts made by Wales in the circular economy model – we have so much in common to increase our exchanges on this matter..”

“I welcome the opportunity to combine our strengths to develop innovative solutions, through shared R&D and investment, to address various common as well as global challenges.”

1st July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Global spiritual leader, Vedic scholar, mind management authority, and spiritual teacher of millions worldwide, Swami Mukundananda unveiled his latest book Spiritual Secrets From Hinduism. The intellectually engaging event was held at the Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas, amidst hundreds of applauding readers. The author also announced a 30-Day Challenge accompanying the book. The challenge will help solidify the learnings in the book through daily videos, interactive activities, and participation points. It is available on the Radha Krishna Bhakti App. This free app offered by JKYog is the world’s first AI powered app for Bhakti Yog.

The highly anticipated global launch on May 29, 2024, was also broadcast live on Swami Mukundananda’s YouTube Channel. It featured an insightful panel discussion where Swamiji clarified many spiritual concerns in depth based on the book. These include the various paths to God in Vedic scriptures, picking one’s own spiritual path, the importance of spiritual wisdom in handling emotions, finding a Guru etc. The author particularly pointed out the importance of determining one’s life purpose following one’s true nature. He encouraged readers to discover their own Self and thereby start the journey to the Absolute Truth.

Attendees appreciated the panel discussion and felt tremendously benefitted by the pristine clarity in Swamiji’s Vedic teachings.

“The author explains concepts of the soul, rebirth, and life’s higher purpose in a way that’s both engaging and easy to comprehend. The book delves into the different paths to God realization: Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti—making profound spiritual concepts accessible and practical. It is an essential read for anyone looking to explore Hinduism, enrich their spiritual journey, and find meaningful ways to apply these timeless teachings in everyday life,” said Sumitra.

Spiritual Secrets From Hinduism was released on May 27 worldwide by Rupa Publications and quickly became a bestseller under the Spiritual Self Help and Hinduism categories. It reveals the deepest eternal truths in Hinduism known to the wisest seers of India across millenia. It offers a complete guide to Vedic wisdom for discovering one’s true life purpose and experiencing the Absolute Truth. Preeti Malhotra, a reader, states, “Swami Mukundananda’s “Spiritual Secrets from Hinduism” presents a comprehensive perspective of Hinduism—with all its glory and learnings. It is brimming with wisdom and practical insights—a perfect resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of eternal spiritual precepts and embark on their transformative journey of self-discovery and connection with the Divine.”

There exists an inherent curiosity to understand the concepts of Hinduism, read its scriptures, and visit the country that is the spiritual leader of the world. However, without proper guidance, such endeavors to fathom the wide spectrum of teachings of Hinduism do not succeed, despite the best intentions.

“The author explains that the Vedic knowledge is non-sectarian and presents answers to existential questions like ‘Who am I?’, ‘What is the purpose of my life?’, ‘What should I do to be fulfilled?’etc. If we do not ponder and have meaningful answers to these questions then life becomes uninspiring and a chore to be endured.”

This book makes the perennial principles of Sanatana Dharma accessible for Indian and Western audiences to better grasp and apply its concepts in daily life to uplift the soul towards its highest purpose of God realization, and eternal bliss.

1st July 2024  Hyderabad, Telangana, India  FitGymSoftware®, a leading automation software company, announced the launch of its new automation software designed specifically for fitness and recreational centers. The software is customized for various fields, including Swimming, Yoga, Dance, Pilates, and martial arts. Its primary purpose is to increase efficiency, member engagement, and business revenue.

Critical features of FitGymSoftware® include Booking and Class Management, which enable effortless Scheduling and Attendance tracking for staff and members. The Biometric Technology features to ensure secure, quick access to facilities, improving security and convenience. Scheduling Classes is now simpler than ever, with real-time updates and modifications at instructors’ fingertips.

Another exciting feature is its Mobile App, which allows studio owners to manage client schedules, track progress, and engage with their fitness community directly from their smartphones. Additionally, the software provides robust Reports and analytics that deliver insightful data crucial for strategic planning and enhancing member satisfaction.

The Client Membership Management tool streamlines the administrative aspects of managing memberships, including registrations, renewals, and billing, thereby improving operational efficiency and customer service.

Navin Rajesham, CTO of FitGymSoftware® said, “Our automation suite is tailored to meet the dynamic needs of modern fitness centers. With these tools, our clients can focus more on delivering exceptional service and less on routine tasks. We believe that our technology will set a new standard in fitness management.”

FitGymSoftware® new software is now available for fitness centers looking to elevate their operational capabilities and provide ultimate service to their members. For more information, visit fitgymsoftware.com.

Availability and Pricing of FitGymSoftware®: FitGymSoftware® understands that every fitness business has unique needs and budgets. That’s why FitGymSoftware® stands out from the competition by offering all the exclusive features in every single plan, regardless of the billing cycle chosen. Whether owners opt for the quarterly, half-yearly, or annual plan, they can access all the features designed to simplify their operations and boost their business growth. Check more about the software pricing: fitgymsoftware.com/pricing.html.

1st July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Wacom, the leading innovator of digital pen and ink solutions, today announced the launch of Wacom Movink, its first OLED pen display designed and developed to meet the needs of creative professionals, digital artists and design students.

Wacom Movink is a radically new product category that combines the professional pen experience of the Wacom Pro Pen 3 with a brilliant 13.3” inch full HD OLED display in a super slim, ultra-light, highly versatile, portable device at a competitive price. Because it works with most operating systems, users have access to their full software suite without compromising on performance, precision and preferred operating system.

“Wacom Movink is a first-of-its-kind OLED pen display, designed to open up new possibilities for creative users. It is a great, competitively priced upgrade for many existing setups,” says Koji Yano, Senior Vice President for the Branded Business Unit at Wacom. “Market Data shows that 1 in 3 digital creatives use more than one creative pen device. They are also increasingly looking for portable solutions that deliver the same experience as their studio or desktop solutions. With Wacom Movink we can offer them the perfect solution that takes them wherever they need to be without compromising on performance, precision or experience. This quality could only be achieved with the cutting-edge OLED technology developed and provided by Samsung Display.”

“Wacom leaps into the next generation of display technology with the launch of a ground-breaking new product category. Wacom Movink unites the art of drawing and inking with moving and portability by combining a professional pen experience with a brilliant 13.3” inch, full HD OLED display in a super slim, ultra-light, highly versatile, sturdy device without compromising on performance, precision and software preferences,” says Rajiv Malik, Director, Wacom India.

Wacom’s thinnest and lightest pen display

Wacom Moving is the perfect device for creative professionals looking to extend their existing studio set up with a compact, portable solution that enables seamless transitions between various locations. Weighing only 420g and measuring a mere 4mm at its thinnest point, Wacom Movink sets a new standard as the thinnest and lightest Wacom pen display to date and many all-in-one devices currently on the market. The robust Corning Gorilla Glass and durable magnesium alloy body make Wacom Movink is a sturdy device that easily fits into any bag.

Deeper blacks, higher contrast and vibrant colors with OLED

The 13.3″ Samsung OLED display delivers a Full HD resolution with 10-bit color, a contrast ratio of 100,000:1 and perfect black point thanks to the exceptional qualities of OLED technology. Creators can expect rich, deep blacks and exceptional color accuracy, optimized to offer 100% DCI-P3 and 95% Adobe RGB coverage, with a Delta E difference of 2 or less. Wacom Movink is validated by Pantone® and Pantone® SkinTone™, factory calibrated to industry standards and stores up to 2 custom color profiles. For color critical workflows it can also be hardware calibrated with Wacom Color Manager.

Ultimate Wacom pen on screen experience

Wacom Movink achieves the fastest response time along with increased pen detection height and no visible parallax. Wacom Movink comes with a dedicated version of the Wacom Pro Pen 3* that offers impressive pen sensitivity and tilt detection for a wide range of artistic expressions, from powerful brushstrokes to delicate lines. Packed with a nib remover and three replacement nibs located in a dedicated holder within the pen, the refined design features a slim pen tip and narrow carbon shaft nib providing enhanced visibility and reduced obstruction.

Wacom Movink is also the first professional creative pen display to incorporate Wacom’s Dual Pen Technology, which supports a wide range of digital pens. This includes compatibility with older generations of Wacom Pro Pens, as well as the Wacom UD pens offered by the new Wacom One family and digital stationery partners like Staedtler, Lamy, Dr. Grip and others. Wacom Movink also supports all Samsung digital pens.

Wacom Movink is compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Android operating systems. It connects through a single USB-C cable and if the devices support power delivery of 15W or more, no additional cables, adapters or power supply are required. The advanced touch technology allows for smooth, intuitive input while two customizable touch keys in the slimmest bezel in any Wacom pen display can be assigned to shortcuts and other functions that will reduce clutter, support workflows and increase efficiency. Wacom Movink is also fully supported by Wacom Bridge, an innovative solution that radically improves working on supported remote desktop connections.

Prices, accessories and availability

Wacom Movink 13 is very competitively priced at 72,999 INR, respectively and will be sold exclusively through the Wacom eStore (India-is.in/products/Wacom-moving-13) and selected resellers for enterprise and education customers starting today.* Design studios, Art Departments, schools, and other B2B contacts can reach out to the Wacom Enterprise specialists for dedicated solutions.

The separately available Wacom Foldable Stand with its light but sturdy aluminium structure offers 6-point support for a comfortable 20 degree working angle and is easy to pack, carry and use. Additional accessories like the Wacom Movink Tablet Sleeve and the Wacom Rollup Case for storing your Wacom Pro Pen 3 are part of an all-in-one accessory package. A HDMI converter for Wacom Movink will be available at a later date.**

1st July 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India Credit cards have become an indispensable tool for managing finances and enhancing purchasing power. Bajaj Markets presents shopping credit cards that let users shop without worrying about the cost. All that the users need to do is make the payments within the stipulated period to enjoy interest-free shopping. Shoppers can explore the features and benefits of credit cards and apply for a credit card online.

Here are some benefits of shopping credit cards available on Bajaj Markets:

SBI Card PRIME

• Annual fee: Rs. 2,999 + GST
• Joining fee: Rs. 2,999 + GST
• Features:

• Welcome vouchers worth Rs. 3,000 from Hush Puppies, Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop, Aditya Birla Fashion, and Yatra.com
• Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on groceries, dining, movies, and departmental stores

SimplyCLICK SBI Credit Card

• Annual fee: Rs. 499 + GST
• Joining fee: Rs. 499 + GST
• Features:

• Amazon gift card voucher worth Rs. 500 on payment of annual fees
• 10X Reward Points on all online spends with exclusive partners like Apollo 24×7, BookMyShow, Domino’s, Myntra, ClearTrip, Swiggy, Yatra.com

Axis Bank NEO Credit Card

• Annual fee (1st year): Nil
• Joining fee: Rs. 250 + GST
• Features:

• 10% discount on movies, groceries, and online shopping
• 1 reward point for every Rs. 200 spent by user
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Apart from shopping credit cards, there are several other categories of credit cards available, such as travel, fuel, and entertainment credit cards. One can apply as per their needs with minimal documentation and a quick approval process. Shoppers can explore more credit cards and other financial products on the Bajaj Markets website or app.

For professionals who want premium audio on the go, portable speakers have become indispensable equipment. A durable speaker offers crystal-clear sound, improving communication and the whole experience—whether for music enjoyment, conferences calls, or presentations. They are essential in today’s fast-paced work situations due to their mobility and adaptability. Choosing the right portable speaker can significantly enhance your professional and personal audio experiences. These below listed 3 speakers are the best to elevate your conferencing experience:

1. EPOS SP 20 ML- A portable speakerphone that is ideal for business professionals looking for high-quality audio during conference calls is the EPOS SP 20 ML. It ensures dependable and transparent communication by integrating seamlessly with Microsoft Teams. This lightweight gadget is perfect for on-the-go use because of its elegant appearance, extended battery life (up to 20 hours), and user-friendly interface. High-definition sound is provided by the SP 20 ML, which improves multimedia presentations’ richness and voice clarity. It is a flexible addition to any professional’s toolset because it supports a broad range of devices and has simple connecting choices such a USB and 3.5 mm connector.
2. Jabra Speak 710- The Speak 710 by Jabra is a premium portable speaker designed for conference calls and music. It provides immersive sound quality and Hi-Fi grade audio for a better listening experience. Its omnidirectional microphone, which records sounds from all directions, guarantees clear communication. The speaker is simple to operate, requiring only a plug-and-play setup and USB or Bluetooth connectivity. It also has an impressive 15 hours of battery life, allowing for extended use without the need for regular recharging.
3. Bose SoundLink Mini II- Bose, a well-known brand in audio, uses the SoundLink Mini II to demonstrate its excellence. This little speaker packs a huge sound in a small box by producing strong music with deep bass. It offers straightforward, guided setup with voice prompts for Bluetooth pairing that is easy to use. Clear conference conversations are made possible by the integrated speakerphone, which makes it a useful tool for both personal and business use. The SoundLink Mini II guarantees prolonged listening periods without the need for regular recharging owing to its up to 10 hours of playback.

01st July 2024: Dastur Energy, a leading clean energy technology company, has been named winner of the “Decarbonization Excellence Partner” award by the Governing Council of The Global Refining & Petrochemicals Congress (GRPC 2024) & Organizers of the Downstream India Excellence Awards 2024.

The Award recognizes Dastur Energy’s significant contributions towards enabling industrial-scale clean energy transformation by offering deep expertise across the industrial decarbonization value chain including – renewable energy, clean fuels like hydrogen, production process changes, and carbon capture, utilization & sequestration. Dastur Energy’s team of industrial decarbonization, technoeconomic, regulatory, and project risk experts deliver – a cost-effective strategic approach that is designed to deliver significant business impact while enabling clean energy transition and carbon management.

The Award, held in association with the Global Refining & Petrochemicals Congress (GRPC 2024), recognizes industry leaders and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in thought leadership, management, research, technology, innovation, and overall operations in the Indian downstream Oil & Gas industry.

Atanu Mukherjee, CEO Dastur Energy, expressed his gratitude for the award, stating, “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award which recognizes our commitment to developing innovative solutions that enable the transition to a sustainable future.”

The award was announced and conferred during the ceremony and networking reception held on June 27, 2024, at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi, as part of the 5th edition of the Global Refining & Petrochemicals Congress (GRPC 2024).

Dastur Energy, a subsidiary of M. N. Dastur & Co. (P) Ltd., has been successfully delivering industrial-scale clean energy transition and carbon management solutions for companies in the ‘hard to abate’ sectors in North America, the Middle East, and India. In addition, the company has been closely associated as a partner and thought leader enabling pioneering projects funded by governmental entities like – NITI-Aayog, the United States Department of Energy, United States Trade and Development Agency.

1st July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Happiest Health announced the appointment of Arvind Krishnan to lead its Wellness Division as its President & CEO. This comes along with Happiest Health acquiring The Fuller Life to expand its corporate wellness offerings. This business will be available to customers under the HappiZest brand name. This acquisition will help Happiest Health strengthen its offerings in the corporate well-being sector and expand its reach in the ever-growing wellness industry.

Arvind is an IIM Calcutta alumnus and an engineering graduate from Mumbai and has over 25 years of experience. His professional journey includes pivotal roles in companies as diverse as indya.com, Kale Consultants, and Amitabh Bachchan Corporation.

Speaking about the acquisition Davis Karedan, Co-Chairman of Happiest Health, said, “We are excited to have Arvind and his team join the Happiest Health family. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for Happiest Health as it extends its reach in the health and wellness industry. We admire their commitment to holistic wellness, which aligns with our vision of offering accessible and comprehensive health and wellness knowledge and solutions.”

Arvind Krishnan, President & CEO, Wellness Division, Happiest Health, said, “We are delighted that our corporate wellness services are now combined with Happiest Health’s offerings and delivered under the brand name of HappiZest. We look forward to building a wellness business that is of value to individuals and companies across the country.”

Ashok Soota, Chairman of Happiest Health said, “The vision of Happiest Health is to provide comprehensive support for physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being. The focus will remain on holistic wellness, with an aim to empower individuals and corporate employees to lead healthier, happier lives by nurturing every aspect of their well-being.”