Archives July 2024

Markus Pinter Joins RevoQuant AI as General Manager for Middle East and Africa

Markus Pinter Joins

29th July 2024  Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India  RevoQuant AI, a leader in harnessing Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning Models to empower collaborative thinking within businesses, today announced a significant milestone with the appointment of Markus Pinter as General Manager – Middle East and Africa. Mr. Pinter joins RevoQuant AI not only in a leadership role but also as a strategic investor, demonstrating his strong belief in the company’s vision and future.

“We are thrilled to welcome Markus Pinter to the RevoQuant AI team,” said Kapil Soni, CEO of RevoQuant AI. “His extensive experience leading and growing businesses in international markets, coupled with his proven track record of fostering collaboration and achieving sustainable success, makes him an invaluable asset. Markus’s strategic investment further validates our approach and fuels our excitement for the immense potential we have together.”

Mr. Pinter brings over 32 years of professional experience, including more than 20 years spent working internationally across diverse geographies and cultures. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered impressive results, driving steady business growth, increasing profitability, and establishing strong compliance cultures within the organisations he has led.

His expertise encompasses implementing major restructuring programs, centralising finance functions, optimising business models, and creating legal structures.

“I am incredibly excited to join RevoQuant AI at this pivotal moment in the company’s journey,” said Markus Pinter. “The opportunity to leverage my experience in a technology-driven company that fosters collaborative thinking and empowers businesses to achieve more is truly inspiring. I am confident that my strategic vision and collaborative approach will perfectly complement the RevoQuant AI team, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued growth and success in the Middle East and Africa region.”

With Mr. Pinter’s leadership and strategic investment, RevoQuant AI is poised for significant expansion and impact in the Middle East and Africa. His expertise and collaborative spirit will be instrumental in shaping the future of the company and achieving its ambitious goals.

Wheebox India Skills Report 2025 Rolls Out to 500+ Vice Chancellors at AIU’s 98th Annual General Meeting in Hyderabad

29th July 2024  Hyderabad, Telangana, India  Wheebox ETS, a leading provider of talent assessment and remote proctoring services, presented ‘India Skills Report’ with the theme “Global Skills Mobility-India’s Decade” at the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) 98th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and National Seminar of Vice Chancellors. The event, themed “Higher Education @ 2047,” started on April 15th and ends on 17th, 2024, in Leonia Holistic Destination, Shamirpet, Hyderabad.

The AIU AGM serves as a significant milestone in the Indian higher education landscape. It acts as a platform for highlighting progress in the education and skills development sectors throughout the previous year, as well as informing participants about crucial inputs from other social opportunities. Representatives from the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, as well as the heads of apex bodies, councils, and other higher education stakeholders attend the inaugural ceremony.

Speaking on the event, Dr (Mrs.) Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities, said, “We are extremely happy to kick off the 98th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Indian Universities, which promises to be a watershed moment in our country’s higher education history. The different workshops planned will surely help students throughout the Indian subcontinent. The Wheebox ETS Global Employability Test is particularly remarkable, as it fully coincides with our goals of improving educational courses and boosting skill development. Through efforts like this, we can discover and nurture the future workforce, paving the path for a brighter and more prosperous future for our country.”

“We are thrilled to present the Wheebox ETS Global Employability Test at the AIU’s Annual General Meeting. Wheebox ETS, a proud subsidiary of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), offers dependable and secure solutions to help institutions test and improve their students’ skill sets. This event demonstrates our constant commitment to enabling educational institutions to develop potential and build future leaders. We think that by providing students with the required skills, we are establishing the framework for their long-term success in the ever-changing global landscape,” Nirmal Singh, CEO, Wheebox ETS.

Wheebox ETS’s Senior Vice President of Public Sector & Public Policy Affairs, Mr. Praveen Dwivedi, captivated audiences with a compelling session focused on skilling and hiring, emphasizing the importance of employability tests.

The event aims to draw attention to the Wheebox Global Employability Test. Wheebox ETS, a subsidiary of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the world’s largest nonprofit organization for educational assessment, remains committed to providing dependable and secure solutions that enable institutions to assess and improve their students’ skill sets, paving the way for their future success.

Drivio, Secures Pre-seed Investment from GSF, DHFO and Prominent Fintech Founders

Drivio, Secures

29th July 2024  Gurgaon, Haryana, India  Drivio, a tech-enabled platform revolutionizing lending in the Indian two-wheeler market, has closed a pre-seed investment round of an undisclosed amount led by key industry players Rajesh Sawhney and Niyaz Laiq of GSF, Dinesh Hinduja Family Office and Avinash Kumar of Credenc.

Joining the investment round are a distinguished group of angel investors and fintech founders, including Dinesh Agarwal and Dinesh Gulati of Indiamart, Murugavel Janakiraman of Bharat Matrimony, Ankit Agarwal of InsuranceDekho, Gaurav Kapur of Oaktree Sports, Ashish Sehgal of ZEEL, Rameshwar Gupta of Ambak, Himanshu Tyagi of Witness Chain, Vivek Pillai of Alteria Capital, Sahil Chalana of Collegedunia, and Vibhor Sahare of ANS Commerce.

Founded by Saurabh Tripathi, Ankur Bhardwaj, and Arvind Yadav, Drivio aims to streamline the two-wheeler lending market in India through innovative technology solutions. This latest round of funding follows an initial investment of USD 1 million from Karini Ventures and Vansun Capital.

CEO and Co-founder Saurabh Tripathi expressed excitement about Drivio’s future prospects, stating, “The Indian two-wheeler lending market is poised for significant growth, from its current levels of USD 10 billion to at least 3x over the next 5 years. Around USD 25 billion of financing will be required to support this growth. Drivio is dedicated to leveraging technology to revolutionize automotive lending, addressing critical pain points for dealers, lenders, and customers.”

Niyaz Laiq, Partner at GSF, stated, “We are thrilled to invest in Drivio, as Saurabh, Ankur and Arvind build out India’s pre-eminent two-wheeler financing platform. From our first meeting, we were struck by the founders’ decades of experience across the motor vehicle space. Drivio’s platform is a win-win for the entire two-wheeler ecosystem: democratizing access to finance for consumers across small towns who may not traditionally get a loan, consistently driving up revenue growth for its dealer network, and providing lenders on-ground presence across India’s small and medium dealers.”

The fresh infusion of capital will enable Drivio to expand its footprint across tier 2 and 3 cities, as well as drive further innovation in product development and technology. The company plans to forge deeper integrations with a broader network of lenders to enhance its offerings and better serve its growing customer base.

Explore Investment Opportunities for the New Financial Year on Bajaj Markets

Explore Investment Opportunities

29th July 2024  Pune, Maharashtra, India  The start of the new financial year is a good time for investors to re-evaluate their investment strategies. This is where a digital financial marketplace, like Bajaj Markets, comes in handy. It offers a range of financial products, including investments.

As individuals revisit their investment portfolios and identify rebalancing opportunities, they could browse tax-saving tools, and retirement schemes, or invest in stocks from foreign markets. On Bajaj Markets, investors can choose from the below-listed investment products:

1. Fixed Deposits

  • Flexible Interest Payout: Choose from monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or at maturity interest payout intervals
  • Tax Benefits: Consider tax-saver FDs to claim deductions up to Rs. 1.50 Lakhs per financial year u/s 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961

2. Mutual Funds

  • Regular Investments: Make affordable and consistent investments through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
  • Expert Management: Benefit from the expertise of professional fund managers who manage the fund’s investment strategy

3. Demat Account

  • Secure Storage: Safely store shares and securities electronically
  • Seamless Trading: Buy and sell shares conveniently

4. Bonds

  • Reliable Income: Receive interest payments at regular intervals
  • Tax-saving Advantage: Interest income earned from these bonds are tax-free under Section 10(15)

5. National Pension Scheme (NPS)

  • Retirement Planning: Individuals can start saving for their golden years with NPS
  • Tax Deductions: Enjoy tax benefits of up to 10% of salary (Section 80CCD) or Rs. 50,000 (Section 80 CCD(1B))

6. Sovereign Gold Bond

  • Gold Investment Simplified: Invest in gold without the hassle of physical storage
  • Assured Returns: Earn guaranteed additional interest of 2.5% p.a. on investments

7. US Stocks

  • Global Diversification: Expand investment portfolio beyond domestic markets with exposure to US stocks
  • Fractional Shares: Option to invest small amounts in expensive shares and ETFs, making it accessible for all investors

Besides investments, individuals can also browse other financial products such as insurance, loans, and credit cards. Simply download the Bajaj Markets app or visit the website.

KONE India Strengthens Presence in Bangalore; Opens New Centre for Stronger Customer Connect

KONE India Strengthens

29th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  KONE Elevator India, a fully owned subsidiary of KONE Corporation, is further strengthening its position as a leader in innovation and safety in the industry, by expanding its presence and setting up a new office in Bengaluru – ‘the Silicon Valley of India’.

Located at Abhaya Heights, Bannerghatta Road, J.P. Nagar, Bengaluru, this new office will further enable the brand to get even closer to the customers in the locality, in addition to the existing customer-centric office at HRBR Layout, Keshava Nagar, Bengaluru.

India plays an important role for KONE in its global strategy, given the large investments it has made in the Indian market over the years.

The new office in J.P. Nagar, Bengaluru, covers all aspects such as, sales, installation, service, and Modernisation, to support increasing customer demand and expectations in the city and deliver exceptional value for the customers. With the customer experience center at the new office, customers can now walk in and get a firsthand experience of KONE products and services. The company also has an extremely strong connection in the southern part of Karnataka, with a sales and service office in Bejai, Mangaluru.

Mr. Amit Gossain, Managing Director, KONE Elevators India said, “Karnataka is an important market for us, and we are excited to expand our presence here. With our new office and the increased workforce, we aim to get even closer to our customers and strengthen our relationships with them. We are committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. In the coming years, the country will have even bigger focus on urban development and our workforce is well equipped to lead this technological advancement and infrastructure development.”

KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, has been among the most innovative companies in the world eight times by Forbes. Innovation methods that allow co-creation with their customers and partners are at the core of KONE’s research, conception, as well as new products and services creation. They use new integrated technologies and connectivity to set new standards for customer service.

Over 110 years of innovation and collaboration for the best people flow experience has led to game-changing innovations as KONE 24/7 Connected Services, which brings artificial intelligence to maintenance, as well as KONE DX Class elevators, the world’s first digitally connected elevators. Supporting the mission of sustainable smart cities through enhanced eco-efficiency, performance, specialized people flow planning, and innovative technologies, KONE is helping the buildings turn smarter. At the heart of smart cities are intelligent buildings.

The firm takes pride in being the front-runner in sustainability, innovation, and technology in the elevator and escalator industry. Innovation is at the heart of KONE’s business, and the company has also been constantly investing in research and development to bring cutting-edge solutions to the market. By harnessing indigenous innovation, technology, and talent, the company has also started producing escalators from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, Chennai.

Actor and Producer Neha Dhupia Unveils the 3rd Edition of Utkrisht – Alumni Icons of Manav Rachna 2024

Actor and Producer Neha Dhupia

29th July 2024  Faridabad, Haryana, India  The highly anticipated alumni book, “Utkrisht: Icons of Manav Rachna 2024”, chronicling the remarkable journeys and accomplishments of Manav Rachna’s esteemed alumni was launched today. This book serves as a tribute to the exceptional alumni whose remarkable performance and outstanding brilliance have left a mark in their respective fields.

The Chief Guest for the event, Actor & Producer, Ms. Neha Dhupia, did the honor of unveiling the book in the company of Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President, MREI; Dr. Amit Bhalla, VP- MREI; and other senior dignitaries from Manav Rachna, students, teachers, and families of Manav Rachna alumni. The inaugural of book’s maiden edition was graced and unveiled by the legendary cricketer Mr. Kapil Dev in 2002, while the unveiling of its subsequent edition was elegantly launched by the esteemed Indian Film Director and Screenwriter, Shri Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Celebrating the Remarkable Odyssey of Our Esteemed Alumni

This year’s alumni book speaks highly of the esteemed alumni, including Dr. Abha Rani Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Indian Revenue Service; Prof. (Dr.) K G Suresh, Vice Chancellor, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Mass Communication; Prof. (Dr.) Victor Gambhir, President, JECRC University; Priyanka Mangla, Scientist, Indian Space Research Organisation; Kunal Chopra, Deputy Director, Directorate General of Civil Aviation; Amit Kumar, Scientist, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Om Prakash Karhana, Asian Champion, Shot put (Indoor & Outdoor); Shapath Bhardwaj, International Trap Shooter; Sanya Sharma, International 10m Rifle Shooter; Pranjal Tanwar, National Champion, Inline Hockey; Dr. Ashish Pruthi, Director of Marketing, Stanley Black & Decker; Nitin Aggarwal, Head of Generative AI, Google; Kaifi Bharti, Founder & CMO, Heights Group; Akansha Tripathi, Singer & Songwriter; Sumit Sharma, Actor, Indian Film Industry; Jatin Chaudhary, Producer and Film Maker, Indian Film Industry; Dr. Vaani Bhasin, Singer and Songwriter; Shivani Bhardwaj, Founder, Foxtalks & Social Worker; Arpit Tyagi | Gaurav Dua, Co-Founders, Hobit; Aarnav Kalra, Founder, Beforv; Palak Arora, Founder, SatGuru Superfoods; Saksham Gupta, Associate Director, PWC; Dr. Sonia Kinra, District Judge, Panchkula; Bhavesh Bhisht, Data Sc. Engineer, Nokia; Bani Dhall, Social Media Influencer; and Aakash Trikha, Co-founder, Kasturi Creations.

Chief Guest, Neha Dhupia, Indian Actor and Producer shared with joy, “I have always believed that education is a journey of perpetual growth, requiring openness and receptivity to new knowledge. It is through patience and dedication that one truly grasps the essence of learning. I congratulate Manav Rachna on fostering an environment that encourages both personal and academic development. It is often said that education and learning are distinct concepts, with the latter being a lifelong pursuit, and Manav Rachna institution exemplifies this belief by instilling a culture of continuous learning and growth in its students.”

Amazed with the scintillating performances of the alumni, Dr. Prashant Bhalla said, “It fills me with immense pride to stand here today and witness the fructification of our founder’s visionary ideals. Each accomplishment serves as a poignant homage to his enduring legacy. Our alumni and faculty consistently uphold his life and philosophy, ensuring that our institution remains aligned with his vision. As we welcome innovative and youthful minds, we are entrusted with guiding them in the right direction.”

Congratulating the Utkrisht Icons of Manav Rachna 2024, Dr. Amit Bhalla said, “As we gather here for the third edition of Utkrisht, envisioning a future where Manav Rachna’s students will indisputably excel on the global stage, we remain steadfast in our commitment to realizing the visionary aspirations of our Founder Dr. O.P. Bhalla.”

Ms. Sanya Bhalla, Head- Alumni Relations shared, “Utkrisht stands as an extravaganza, weaving remarkable narratives of all involved. Through mentoring programs, events, and extensive networking opportunities, we strive to foster growth and development.” She also introduced the recent launch of the “Give at MR” program, which aims to catalyze transformation in the lives of future generations. Each contribution made under ‘Give at MR’ serves as a ribbon of hope, igniting aspirations and paving the way for a brighter and more promising future.”

Prof. (Dr) Gauri Bhasin, Chief Operating Officer, MREI said, “Three years ago, Utkrisht – The Icons of Manav Rachna was conceptualized and developed with the aim of showcasing the achievements of our alumni, serving as an illuminating beacon for aspiring leaders. Its inception dates back to 2022 when 25 alumni were meticulously selected from a pool of 39,000 individuals spanning over 54 countries, and their stories were documented. Since then, Utkrisht has experienced continuous growth and elevation. As we gather today for the launch of the third edition, Utkrisht stands as a monumental testament, serving as a guiding light for every esteemed alum of Manav Rachna.”

The event also featured captivating performances by alumni such as Ms. Akanksha Tripathi and Dr Vaani Bhasin.

All the alumni reminisced about their days and shared anecdotes of their time at Manav Rachna, they also emphasized the importance of education in shaping future leaders and change-makers.

This annual event is a testament to fostering strong ties between the alumni community and the institution. Manav Rachna reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing support and opportunities for personal and professional growth to all its members.

The Wait is Over, MTG Launched the Revised 2024 -25 Edition of All SOF Olympiad Books

The Wait is Over,

29th July 2024  Gurugram, Haryana, India  MTG, the trusted name in academic excellence, has officially launched the revised 2024-25 edition of its popular range of Olympiad books for SOF Olympiads. SOF Olympiads offer a global platform for young talents to showcase skills and critical thinking, as emphasized by the National Education Policy NEP (2020). As the official academic partner of SOF since its inception, MTG has the authorization and experience to truly understand the needs of Olympiad aspirants. MTG Olympiad books are known as the No. 1 choice of SOF Olympiad Toppers for their 100% authentic and SOF Olympiad-relevant content.

Presenting the Latest Revised 2024-25 Edition of MTG SOF Olympiad Books

MTG’s SOF Olympiad books are meticulously prepared with the specific needs of Olympiad participants in mind, addressing every challenge they may encounter during all their preparation stages and phases. These physical books cover proven strategies to help students excel in their respective SOF Olympiad exams like IMO, NSO, IEO, IGKO, ISSO, ICSO, ICO, and IHO available in all subjects for classes 1 to 10.

1. MTG Olympiad Workbooks

For students looking for in-depth practice and to enhance their skills, MTG’s Olympiad Workbooks are the perfect tool. Packed with an interactive question bank, this workbook is designed to keep students engaged and motivated throughout their learning process with the following features:

  • Chapter-wise quick recap for thorough preparation.
  • Chapter-wise MCQs for extensive practice.
  • HOTS section to challenge and enhance critical thinking skills.
  • Hints and explanations for micro-level understanding.
  • Solved 2023 SOF paper to familiarize with the SOF exam pattern.
  • OMR sheets to master filling them and avoid blunders in the exam.
  • MTG’s Olympiad Workbooks for SOF Exam-Winning Preparation

2. MTG Olympiad Prep Guide

MTG’s Olympiad Prep Guide is best suited for an in-depth understanding of concepts. By utilizing these books, students can refine their skills and deepen their understanding of the application of concepts. These guides not only enhance students’ knowledge but also bolster their ability in reasoning, analysis, and problem-solving.

  • In-depth theory of complete SOF Olympiad 2024-25 syllabus.
  • Visual aids like tables, examples etc, for easy grasp.
  • Complete coverage of the CBSE, ICSE, IB, and other recognized boards’ syllabi.
  • Latest unique facts and extra information about concepts.
  • HOTS questions to improve lateral thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Multiple self-tests and exercises for practice and growth.
  • 2 Model test papers to master the SOF 2024-25 exam pattern.
  • SOF 2023 question paper with solution keys (Levels 1 & 2).
  • Answer keys are provided to help you assess your progress.

3. MTG Olympiad Previous Years Papers

Olympiad experts carefully curate MTG’s Olympiad Previous 5 Years Papers to give students’ final SOF Olympiad preparation an extra edge. It will boost confidence, identify areas of improvement, and familiarize students with the exam pattern and required knowledge for the SOF Olympiad exam. As only MTG is authorized to avail SOF Olympiad previous year papers, it is safe to say you will not find 100% authentic SOF Olympiad previous years’ papers anywhere else but MTG.

  • 10 SOF papers from the previous 5 years (Set A & B).
  • 2 Model test papers for rigorous practice and self-assessment.
  • OMR sheets after each practice paper for exam-like practice.
  • Analysis of 5 years of papers to know high-weightage chapters.
  • Chapter-wise analysis to gain insights into the most important topics.
  • Answer keys with hints and explanations are given for all questions.
  • MTG’s Latest and Real SOF Previous 5 Years’ Exam Papers

These books are the result of years of expertise and dedication from Olympiad experts with over 100 years of collective experience. With a deep understanding of the actual level of SOF Olympiad exams, these books are designed to help students excel in every SOF Olympiad.

Writuparna Chatterjee, the Principal of DPS, Joka Kolkata says, “The Books of MTG, that children use for preparation, over the years we keep stock in our library which really helps teachers to prepare questions papers for practice and even for our periodic assessments.”

One of the parents of the SOF Olympiad Topper says, “We have been following MTG for the last 5 years, and thanks to MTG’s help my child has also qualified level 2.” He also added, “You are helping many students especially who are not in metro cities, with your books they can learn and prepare themselves for the future.”

SOF IMO International Rank 1 winner, Vijval Gupta says, “I have used the MTG SOF Olympiad books and they were of great help, and most of the questions helped me. They were not just from the textbooks; they helped me get into the realm of the scientific world.” He added, “I just want to say that, if you are going to participate in SOF Olympiads, it will help you step into the future world of competitiveness.”

With the launch of the Revised 2024 -25 editions of all SOF Olympiad Books by MTG, students now have access to the expert-curated resources that will help them in their preparation and reach the top 1% of aspirants. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your academic performance and excel in the prestigious SOF Olympiads. Get your hands on these essential resources today from www.mtg.in and take the first step towards achieving academic excellence.

Bengaluru’s Shift to Smarter Spending: Pre-Owned Car Sales Jump 87 percent

Car Sales Jump

29th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Bengaluru is leading a significant shift in India’s automotive scenario, with a growing number of residents opting for pre-owned vehicles. Spearheaded by CARS24, India’s premier AutoTech company, the city has seen an impressive 87 percent growth in used car sales year on year. This trend highlights Bengaluru’s move towards more affordable and intelligent vehicle ownership options, catering to both budget-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. The rise in popularity of used cars in Bangalore reflects a practical approach to mobility, where quality and value meet sustainability.

Since its launch in Karnataka in 2015, with its first outlet in Bengaluru, CARS24 has rapidly expanded its presence and now serves customers in twelve (12) cities across the state. This expansion has established CARS24 as the preferred platform for both automobile enthusiasts and sellers alike, markedly transforming the pre-owned vehicle market. The city has witnessed a paradigm shift in car ownership perceptions particularly among the younger demographic. The surge in used car transactions in the city reflects a shared understanding of the economic advantages, convenience, and accessibility that come with pre-owned vehicles.

“The remarkable surge in used car sales is a clear sign of Bengaluru’s vibrant auto market,” observed Gajendra Jangid, Co-founder of CARS24. “This trend goes beyond a simple preference for pre-owned vehicles; it reflects a deeper change in consumer attitudes that are reshaping multiple industries. It highlights an increasing focus on practicality and cost-efficiency, signaling a shift in consumer values that is likely to influence the future direction of our economy.”

Car Financing Soars in Bengaluru: 47 percent OG Bengularians Opt for Financing on Used Cars

Car financing is becoming increasingly popular among Bengaluru’s car buyers, as more individuals opt for this convenient approach to own their desired vehicles. To enhance this appeal, CARS24 introduces a zero-down payment choice, simplifying the purchasing process even further. Bengaluru’s used market has recorded a 102 percent year-on-year increase in cars financed in Bengaluru. Data highlights salaried professionals as the main group of loan applicants, with an average monthly installment (EMI) of Rs. 10,200. Given the city’s notorious traffic, owning a car has become a necessity, coupled with the ease of securing flexible financing options, an increasing number of residents are opting for car loans in the city, making car ownership more attainable and manageable.

Hatchbacks continue their reign

Hatchback models have emerged as the ultimate choice in Bengaluru. Their versatility, fuel efficiency, compact yet spacious design, and ability to effortlessly navigate through congested cities make them the go-to option for urban dwellers, families, and adventure enthusiasts alike. There is an increased demand for models like the used Maruti Swift, Hyundai Elite i20, Honda City, and Hyundai Grand i10 departing from conventional preferences.

SUVs in High Demand in the High traffic city

As the Bengaluru car market continues its transformative journey, the rise of SUVs and Mini SUVs deserve a special mention too. These rugged, powerful, and stylish vehicles are capturing the imagination of Bengaluru’s car enthusiasts. With their versatile designs and spacious interiors, SUVs are becoming the preferred choice for those seeking both city-friendly practicality and adventurous spirit. Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Mahindra XUV 500, and Ford Ecosport are among the popular choices.

Mileage Remains the Top Concern for Bengaluru’s Car Buyers

While there’s a noticeable shift towards premium cars in Bengaluru, one crucial factor still dominates the minds of car buyers in the city: mileage. In the first quarter of 2024, prospective buyers in Bengaluru were consistently enquiring about the mileage and fuel efficiency of various cars. These questions reflect a mature and thoughtful approach from buyers, prioritizing not just the immediate appeal of the car but also its long-term financial implications.

Investing in Experience: Premium features are a Must!

Premium features like airbags, driver’s assist systems, android auto/apple carplay, large screens, sunroofs, and have gained more popularity, indicating that Bengaluru’s car buyers are willing to invest in added comforts and advanced technologies as they wish to enhance their overall car ownership experience.

Color Trends: Bengaluru Matches Cars to Vibes

The palette of automotive preferences is undergoing a notable transformation. They want their cars to reflect their personalities, so expressive hues are the way to go. This quarter, we’ve witnessed an embrace of more expressive hues – vibrant reds and cool blues have become popular choices, signaling a departure from the conventional. Additionally, an unexpected contender, earthy brown, has emerged, challenging the dominance of primary colors and illustrating a broader trend toward vehicles that reflect personal style and ethos.

Bengalureans Sell CARS WORTH INR 140 Crore in the First Quarter of 2024 (JFM)

CARS24’s data reveals a remarkable milestone in Bengaluru’s car market, as people sold cars worth almost INR 140 crores to CARS24 in the first quarter of 2024 alone. The current trend of replacing cars within a few years has significantly contributed to this exponential growth. This could be attributed to factors such as changing preferences, the desire to own newer models with advanced features, or the availability of attractive financing options. This trend highlights a dynamic shift in the market as more individuals opt to sell their vehicles, creating a vibrant market for platforms like CARS24 that offer convenience, trust, and a streamlined selling process.

LPU In Top Positions in QS World University Rankings by Subjects for 2024

LPU In Top Positions

29th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  World’s largest global higher education network, connecting universities, business schools & students-Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) recently announced its ‘World University Rankings by Subject-2024’, where Lovely Professional University (LPU) is ranked among the top Indian Institutions for different six domains. LPU is also included among the top global band of 251-300 for the subjects of Pharmacy & Pharmacology.

LPU is ranked 7th among all top government & private Indian universities for Agriculture & Forestry; 9th for Pharmacy & Pharmacology; 12th for Social Sciences & Management; 15th for Engineering & Technology; 18th for Chemistry; and, 25th for Computer Science & Information. These rankings are under different top bands as per the concerned subjects.

This 2024 edition of QS World University Rankings features 55 individual subjects across five broad subject areas. 1,559 institutions have been ranked across these subjects, with 64 universities debuting. Published annually, it helps prospective students to find the leading schools in their field of interest.

Congratulating all at the helm of diverse affairs at the university, Founder Chancellor at LPU & Member Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal further inspired all to continue with the progressive leaps to lead the university among the top 200 universities of the world – “Such illustrious rankings are to make us stronger than before with new responsibilities to excel and win over in an exemplary way. For this, we should identify and deliver those higher education strategies that help students, in particular, accomplish their goals and aspirations.”

The QS rankings are based on a methodology using indicators including academic and employer reputations; faculty-student ratio; citations per paper; international research network; faculty staff with a PhD; international students and faculty; and, inbound & outbound exchange.

Several worldwide university rankings are made annually, where the longest-established and most influential global rankings are those produced by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Aviation Most Promising Sector in the Indo-French Business Landscape at the Indo-French Business Awards 2024

29th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) in partnership with Business France, organized the sixth edition of its flagship event, the Indo-French Business Awards (IFBA) and Grand Prix VIE, under the patronage of H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India. The award ceremony brought together close to 150 CEOs, business leaders, and CXOs of leading French and Indian companies representing diverse and important business sectors such as Aerospace & Defence, Mobility, Energy, Consumer Goods, Agro, and Luxury, among others at the Residence of France in New Delhi.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, said, “There has been a dynamic momentum in Indo-French economic ties these past years, with many success stories contributing to making the Indo-French strategic partnership stronger. This truly unique relationship between our two nations has created a framework for French and Indian companies to invent, produce and create flourishing businesses together. The Indo-French Business Awards and Grand Prix VIE, instituted by Team France Export in India, annually recognises their accomplishments. My heartfelt congratulations to the winners of this year’s edition!”

The Indo-French Business Awards had announced 11 categories for which more than 100 applications were received from across India and France. The maximum number of applications received was for the ‘Most Innovative Product/Service of the Year’ category, showcasing France’s prolific innovation sector.

Before the award ceremony, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, special guest of the evening, addressed the IFCCI CEO Committee and highlighted the importance of the aviation industry in India. Mr Elbers presented the key figures of the booming aviation industry in India and how India is set to become the leading country in civil aviation in the coming years. He also reiterated IndiGo’s commitment to the Indian aviation industry and its aim of doubling the size of international routes and destinations by 2030.

The winners of the 11 categories were awarded by Ambassador Thierry Mathou. The awards jury comprised highly recognized Indo-French business leaders, Embassy of France officials, and CEOs of IFCCI’s member companies.

Ms Payal S. Kanwar, Director General, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI), said, “The Indo-French Business Awards and Grand Prix VIE enables and recognises the efforts of Indo-French businesses and their most significant accomplishments. IFCCI is proud to witness French companies focussing on innovation and sustainable business approach while doing business in India.”

The event was addressed virtually from France by Mr Guillaume Faury, CEO, of Airbus, who was awarded the ‘Personality of the Year’ for his outstanding contribution to the Indo-French business ecosystem.

The award ceremony also highlighted the VIE programme of the French Trade Commission. VIE is a programme enabling young French and European talents from 18 to 28 years of age to do a 6 – to 24-month assignment in South Asia, working for a company registered in France. Business France organizes a Grand Prix VIE every year to distinguish and reward the best talents posted at French companies on VIE assignments in this region.

Winners – Indo-French Business Awards 2024

S.no.

Award Category

Winner 2024

1

SME of the Year (Indian/French)

The Works

2

Entrepreneur of the Year (Indian/French)

Ms Chandni Israni – LADUREE

3

Indo-French Cooperation of the Year

Biomerieux

4

French Group of the Year

Axon & Schneider Electric

5

Most Innovative Product/Service of the Year

SNF Flopam

6

La French Tech Award

Axelor

7

Personality of the Year

Mr Guillaume Faury (CEO, Airbus)

8

Jury Special Award

Airbus India Pvt. Ltd.

9

CSR Project of the Year

Technip Energies

10

Choose France-Best Indian Investment in France

Dishman Pharma

Winners – Grand Prix VIE Awards 2024

Prix VIE – Talent 2024 Large Enterprise – Ms Audrey Collignon, VIE at Dassault Aviation, based in Delhi

Prix VIE – Talent 2024 Small/Medium Enterprise – Mr Raphaël de Villeneuve, VIE at Nereides, based in Mumbai

Prix VIE – Enterprise 2024 – SAFRAN represented by Mr Jetendra Gavankar, CEO Safran India

Prix VIE – Jury Special – Sarah Bernard, VIE at CEVA Logistics