Archives September 2024

Mumbai, 25th September 2024: Keeping sustainability at center, Sajjan Jain Trust, an initiative by Arkade Developers – One of Mumbai’s leading real estate developers, collected over 100 kg of plastic and e-waste in a month-long cleanliness drive. The brand gathered 92 kg of plastic and 10 kg of e-waste from their various projects and construction sites in a month.  The brand recently completed 38 years in the business of real estate and has 29 completed projects across Mumbai. Their residential projects are recognized with platinum certification for eco-friendliness, reflecting their long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility.

The collected materials include a variety of plastics — such as bottles, tetra packs, milk pouches, and single-use plastics—as well as e-waste like wires, cables, headphones, and old mobile phones. This waste, which often ends up in landfills or oceans, poses serious environmental issues. Through a partnership with Project Mumbai, the organization recycles this waste into practical items such as benches, pens, pencil boxes, gardening pots, and tiles. These products will be donated to BMC schools and gardens, benefiting the community and improving local infrastructure.

India is a leading producer of plastic waste, generating 10.2 million tonnes annually—more than double the amount produced by the next largest contributors. Addressing this crisis requires urgent action from both individuals and corporations. Arkade Developers’ initiative is a step in the right direction, demonstrating how businesses can make a substantial impact on reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.

Sajjan Jain Trust, an initiative by Arkade Developers hopes to inspire other companies and developers, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Mumbai.

Lucknow, 26th September 2024: The grand finale of the 14th Ed Leadership Summit, was held as part of the First Global Learning Lab Conclave, which saw the launch of “One Tara Initiative” which is an EdTech tool that lowers barriers, empowering ordinary citizens with the know-how, skills and materials they need to open an informal education centre. This initiative is in the loving memory of Educationist Shri. Jagdish Gandhi, the founder of City Montessori School, Lucknow. The launch marked a significant highlight with the attendance of over 100 children from various slum regions of Lucknow. The event showcased the transformative potential of education but also celebrated the achievements of young learners through the “One Tara Initiative”. The pilot project of 3 months was conducted for 100 slum children who are part of City Montessori School Shalimar One World Campus, City International School, One Tara Jawahar Nagar and Umeed Foundation. 20 children who passed grade 5 and were part of the pilot project were awarded certificates of NIOS.

DEVI Sansthan has signed MoUs with 3 NGOs working at the grassroot levels namely Shambhuka Foundation represented by Mr. Anurag Goel, Prayaas Ek Sankalp represented by Ms. Garima Prakash and Umeed Foundation represented by Mr. Balbir Singh for implementing “One Tara” Schools in their respective areas. One Tara schools will be launched in Lucknow, Ayodhya and Khushinagar by Umeed Foundation which will benefit the children in these areas. Shambhuka Foundation signed an MOU which will cater to students studying in One Tara schools by providing them meals, organising health camps, counselling sessions, communication skills coaching and more.

Dr. Sunita Gandhi, Founder of DEVI Sansthan, added, “One Tara app will empower individuals to become changemakers by enabling anyone to start their own ‘One Tara School.’ The aim is to strive to decentralise high quality and learner-centred education, enabling millions of children to benefit from the groundbreaking accelerating learning for all pedagogy. The app will enable us to reach the goal of getting the children to pass the NIOS exams thus giving them a chance to join mainstream school thereafter.”

One Tara School is a free school for children and adolescent girls who have been deprived of an education and is powered by Accelerating Learning for All (ALfA). One Tara School gives this hope to children that they are not alone in their fight for survival. The school’s “One Tara” app has several key features like teaching the children through videos, storybooks, roleplays, etc. Free study material can also be downloaded from the app. The persons running the “One Tara” centres can also add information like number of teachers, number of students and their attendance, teachers’ attendance can also be tracked and more such features. The app will enable the children to learn foundational skills which can guide them on a successful path towards education and employment.

For more information visit One Tara School is a free school for children and adolescent girls who have been deprived of an education and is powered by Accelerating Learning for All (ALfA). One Tara School gives this hope to children that they are not alone in their fight for survival. The school’s “One Tara” app has several key features like teaching the children through videos, storybooks, roleplays, etc. Free study material can also be downloaded from the app. The persons running the “One Tara” centres can also add information like number of teachers, number of students and their attendance, teachers’ attendance can also be tracked and more such features. The app will enable the children to learn foundational skills which can guide them on a successful path towards education and employment.

Hyderabad, 25th September 2024: Since its inception, Zee Telugu has captivated Telugu speaking audiences with unique fiction and non-fiction shows and blockbuster movies. Continuing its streak, the channel is launching a new season of its most successful show this weekend for its viewers! In a bid to give the audience a true talent show, Zee Telugu is all set to present another exciting season of its popular non-fiction show – Sa Re Ga Ma Pa season 16 – The Next Singing Youth Icon, which will premiere on 29^th September Sunday at 6 PM and air every Sunday at 9 pm from 6^th October only on Zee Telugu!

Zee Telugu will launch Sa Re Ga Ma Pa season 16 with an epic premiere episode this Sunday. The popular singing reality show, which has won everyone’s heart over the years, is returning to Telugu television for its sixteenth season. But what’s even more interesting is that the contestants of this seasons will be divided into three teams – Village Vocals, City Classics and Metro Melodies. Throughout the season, the teams will be mentored by Revanth, Ramya Behara and Anudeep Dev respectively. The season will be judged by the evergreen Koti, SP Sailaja and Kasarla Shyam and will present the finest singers to the industry and audience as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa season 16 – The Next Singing Youth Icon kickstarts from 29^th September, only on Zee Telugu. After successfully completing fifteen seasons, Zee Telugu is all set to bring to the fore new and hidden talents from across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and globally. They will give the contestants a massive platform to grow as singers, while entertaining its audience.

For the uninitiated, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa season 16 will be hosted by popular anchor Sreemukhi, who is promising to keep the audience entertained and engaged throughout. She will kickstart the launch episode on a spectacular note with her charismatic entry and hilarious banter with the audience, judges and the contestants. As they grace the stage for the launch episode, Village vocals will be represented by Penchal Das, City Classics by Chinmayi and Metro Melodies by Kayden Sharma. The launch episode will also see an electrifying performance by Kayden Sharma which is sure to make everyone go gaga.

To present the grandness of the show and to share more about the 16^th season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Zee Telugu conducted a press conference on 25^th September in Hyderabad, where the host, judges, mentors and contestants of the new season were present. During the event, the judges spoke about the upcoming show to the media and shared their bond with music.

Talking about the show’s grand launch, the Chief Content Officer of Zee Telugu – Anuradha Gudur also mentioned, “We, at Zee Telugu, have shaped Sa Re Ga Ma Pa over the years for it to emerge as an iconic platform that consistently finds and nurtures exceptional young talent across AP and Telangana. And this season promises to be no lesser than that! It will be our most spectacular yet as we’re not only seeking exceptional voices; but we’re also searching for the next groundbreaking music sensation. The raw energy, passion, and unparalleled talent that we’ve witnessed so far are truly awe-inspiring. So, get ready and be prepare to be captivated as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa redefines the future of Telugu music.”

Bengaluru, 26th September 2024

Homevista Decor & Furnishings Private Limited, the parent company of interior brands HomeLane, Doowup, Cubico and Wrapzap, today announced its offer to acquire DesignCafe, a prominent player in the home interiors market. This acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, will result in the creation of the largest entity in the interiors category in India, in terms of projects delivered.

Post-acquisition, the combined entity is expected to achieve a revenue of ₹1,000 crore in FY25, up 33% from Rs. 761 crore in FY24, and be EBITDA profitable. HomeLane, Doowup and DesignCafe will continue to operate as distinct end-to-end interiors brands, each catering to different segments of the market.

 Strategic Synergies to Drive Growth and Profitability

The acquisition is poised to unlock significant synergies across areas such as manufacturing, design, procurement, and technology. These synergies will not only enhance operational efficiency but will also drive innovation and customer satisfaction across the combined entity’s offerings.

“We are incredibly excited and see immense potential in combining our tech-driven approach with DesignCafe’s design expertise, to create a true powerhouse in the home interiors industry,” said Srikanth Iyer and Tanuj Choudhry, Co-Founders of HomeLane. “The combined entity is already at a Revenue ARR of ₹900Cr, is cash profitable and at -2% EBITDA.”

Gita Ramanan and Shezaan Bhojani, Co-Founders of DesignCafe, added, “Joining forces with HomeLane propels our vision of democratising design for Indian homeowners even further. We are thrilled to continue our journey together with HomeLane, and look forward to jointly building India’s most-loved house of interior brands.

“I believe that this transaction marks the start of an exciting chapter, as it brings together two strong teams that are now the clear leaders in the Home Interior space,” said Sandeep Singhal, managing partner of Westbridge Capital and investor in DesignCafe. “Both teams have shown strong execution in the past, and together, we believe that they will deliver industry-leading performance for all stakeholders. We are excited to invest in & continue to be a part of this journey.”

 INR 225 Crore Fundraising Round

In conjunction with this acquisition, HomeLane also announced a ₹225 crore funding round. This round features contributions from both existing investors of HomeLane and DesignCafe, as well as external investment from Hero Enterprise.

The participation of Hero Enterprise highlights their strong confidence in the strategic vision and growth potential of the combined entity. Commenting on the investment, Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman of Hero Enterprise, said, “We are delighted to support HomeLane in this ambitious expansion. Our investment reflects confidence in their business model and it also presents meaningful synergies with Hero Realty. We look forward to seeing the innovation and growth that this partnership will bring.”

Bengaluru, India, September 25, 2024: The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) is proud to announce that it has been selected for the highly esteemed International Green University Award 2024. Receiving the award for the second consecutive year highlights IIIT-B’s holistic approach to sustainable practices, aligning with UNESCO’s Greening Education Partnership.

The International Green University Award 2024 honors educational institutions that demonstrate outstanding efforts in promoting environmental sustainability and instilling eco-conscious values in students. IIIT-Bangalore’s initiatives, which have significantly contributed to reducing the institution’s carbon footprint, promoting sustainability, and raising environmental awareness, were instrumental in securing this award.

The award was officially presented on September 24, 2024, at the 8th NYC Green School Conference held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future in New York. Mr. Jagdish Patil, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of IIIT-Bangalore, received the award on behalf of the institute.

The jury of the International Green University Award 2024 praised IIIT-Bangalore’s dedication and commitment to fostering a sustainable learning environment and inspiring future generations to become responsible stewards of the planet.

Speaking about the award, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said, “Receiving the International Green University Award 2024 is a tremendous honor for IIIT-Bangalore. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation in education. We take immense pride in fostering an eco-conscious campus that inspires the next generation of leaders to prioritize the health of our planet. This award energizes us to continue leading by example in creating a sustainable future.”

Speaking from New York after receiving the award, Mr. Jagdish Patil said, “This recognition for the second consecutive year places IIIT-Bangalore among an elite group of global universities making remarkable contributions to environmental conservation. It underscores the institute’s leadership in sustainability and its role in shaping the future of education through eco-friendly practices.”

New Delhi, September 25, 2024: Between July and September 2024, residential demand (searches), increased 12.3% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), amidst an 8.3% increase in residential prices, according to the recently released PropIndex Report (Jul-Sep 2024) by Magicbricks, India’s leading real estate platform.

Drawing on preferences from over 20 million customers on the Magicbricks platform, the report further detailed that cities such as Noida (16.9% QoQ), Gurugram (15.5% QoQ), and Greater Noida (15.1% QoQ) saw the highest increases in residential prices during this period.

According to the report, the average rate in Noida reached INR 11,625 psf as compared to INR 9,945 psf in the previous quarter. Average property rates in Gurugram reached INR 14,650 psf, and in Greater Noida, it increased to INR 7,752 psf between July and September 2024.

Commenting on the trends, Abhishek Bhadra, Head of Research at Magicbricks, shared, “The residential real estate market is witnessing strong interest for both primary homeownership and investment. Demand is increasing at its highest pace in the past two years, with satellite cities around major urban centers such as Delhi and Mumbai attracting significant attention. Possibly there is also a fear of missing out (FOMO) among investors, which continues to drive market activity. However, as more supply enters the market, residential prices are expected to continue rising in the short term, though at a more moderate pace.”

The report further observed that growing interest in under-construction (UC) properties has resulted in a capital appreciation of 11% QoQ across the tracked cities, with significant growth seen in Thane (19.5% QoQ), Gurugram (17.3% QoQ) and Noida (14.5% QoQ). Additionally, the report indicated that demand for 3BHK units continues to dominate, accounting for 50% or more of total demand in most cities, except for Chennai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, where 2BHK units remain the preferred choice.

Bangalore/Hyderabad, September 24, 2024: French Consumer appliances brand THOMSON announces biggest deals of the year on Smart TVs, Washing Machines & Speakers during the FLIPKART BIG BILLION DAY SALE from 27th September, 2024. The 10-day-long Flipkart sale for plus members will begin with an early access on 26 th September, 2024.

 Customers will also receive a free 3-month OTT play subscription to SonyLIV, ZEE5, and 27 other original apps exclusively on their THOMSON android Tvs.

 With prices starting as low as INR 5,999/ Thomson is set out to make some unparalleled offers, giving out the most affordable products in each segment. THOMSON also announces the launch of the Top Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine model with an attractive Maroon color  at an extremely competitive price of INR 12,999.

 THOMSON has recently announced the launch of its new category, Audio, with two flagship soundbars, AlphaBeat25 and AlphaBeat60. Thomson is gearing up to launch over 20 models in the next six months. The two new sound bars are specially priced for BBD at INR 1499 & INR 3599 respectively.

 The AlphaBeat Series: Built for Performance, Designed for Every Space

●     AlphaBeat60: The Ultimate Sound Experience for Indian Homes
The AlphaBeat60 is a 60-watt powerhouse sound bar equipped with a sleek subwoofer, designed to fit any room size while delivering deep, immersive sound. The new design philosophy combines high-end audio engineering with elegance, making it the perfect fit for modern Indian living spaces. With a 2.1 channel audio system and RGB lighting modes, the AlphaBeat60 elevates both the sound and aesthetics of your home entertainment setup. The metal mesh grill adds a touch of sophistication, while the RGB lights at the base allow for customization with multiple colour modes to match your mood.

●     AlphaBeat25: Portable Power with Unmatched Clarity
For those seeking a portable yet powerful sound solution, the AlphaBeat25 is the perfect choice. This compact 25-watt soundbar comes with a 2000mAh battery, offering 16 hours of continuous playback. Despite its small size, the AlphaBeat25 delivers clear, punchy sound, and the integrated RGB lighting adds a dynamic, vibrant feel to any room. Designed for flexibility and ease, this model fits seamlessly into any setup without compromising on audio quality.

September 23, 2024, Hyderabad/New Delhi – In an exciting new collaboration, CheQ—India’s leading credit management platform—has partnered with Flipkart’s iconic The Big Billion Days sale to bring customers an exclusive opportunity for EXTRA savings on top of already unbeatable deals.

From September 23, 2024, CheQ users will have the chance to earn up to 2x more CheQ Chips, CheQ’s highly rewarding loyalty points. For every CheQ Chip earned, users will receive ₹10 worth of discount vouchers on CheQ. These chips can be redeemed for discount vouchers, offering an extra layer of savings on Flipkart’s Big Billion Days across 12+ categories including TV, Fridge, Mobiles and many more home appliances.

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, CheQ’s rewards page will be completely transformed with Big Billion Day deals, enabling users to unlock additional discounts by redeeming their CheQ Chips. To grab these exclusive offers, users can simply apply a coupon code from the CheQ app at checkout on Flipkart between September 26 and October 6, 2024—the official Big Billion Days sale period.

The partnership promises to elevate the shopping experience for millions of Flipkart customers by providing enhanced savings on a range of products, including electronics, home appliances, and more. Notably, CheQ users can also take advantage of an exclusive bumper deal on the much anticipated Nothing 2A Plus phone.

Talking about the #CheQIntoBBD partnership, Aditya Soni, CEO and Founder of CheQ said, “We are glad to collaborate with Flipkart for the Big Billion Day sales, the biggest shopping events in India. At CheQ, our mission is to make Credit super rewarding for our users, and through this partnership, we’re offering them the opportunity to save big. By providing Extra CheQ Chips, and each Chip with extra conversion on Big Billion Day vouchers, we’re making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy seamless savings on their favorite products on the sale of the year. This also showcases the REAL REWARDS promise that CheQ stands for.”

New Delhi, September 23, 2024: London-based consumer tech brand, Nothing, the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the country with 567% growth in H1 2024, announced incredible discounts on the latest and most sought-after Nothing and CMF products, for upcoming Flipkart Big Billion Days.

Nothing Phone (2a):

The Phone (2a) features the Dimensity 7200 Pro processor and a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W Fast Charging. It has 50 MP + 50 MP rear cameras, a 32 MP front camera, and a 6.7” AMOLED display with 1,300 nits peak brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Running on Nothing OS 2.6 with Android 14, it offers enhanced widgets and AI features. The Phone (2a) was a bestseller and sold 60k units in 60 minutes on launch day. For the Big Billion Days 2024 sale, Phone (2a) will be available at ₹18,999 (including a bank discount of ₹1,000). Additionally, customers can get the Power 65W for just ₹1999 with the Phone (2a), available at Flipkart or select retail stores.

Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:

The Phone (2a) Plus, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G processor, triple 50 MP camera system, a first for Nothing smartphones. The front camera will now capture 4K video at 30 FPS, an upgrade from the previous model. All three sensors support direct 50 MP photo output, HDR photo capture, and 4K video recording. Phone (2a) Plus features 6.7” FHD+ AMOLED display with 1300 nits peak brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate. It has a 5,000 mAh battery with 50W Fast Charging for up to two days of use. Running on Android 14, it promises three years of software updates and four years of security updates. Available in two metallic colorways, the Phone (2a) Plus will be sold at ₹23,999 (including a bank discount of ₹2,000) during Big Billion Days. Additionally, customers can get the Power 65W for just ₹1999 with the Phone (2a) Plus, available at Flipkart or select retail stores.

CMF Phone 1:

The CMF Phone 1 boasts the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G processor, co-engineered with Nothing to provide fast, efficient power. It features a 5,000 mAh battery for up to two days of use, up to 16 GB RAM with RAM Booster, and a high-performance camera system with a 50 MP Sony rear camera and a 16 MP front camera. The 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth, vibrant visuals. CMF Phone 1 boasts an adaptable design which allows users to express their personalities through interchangeable covers of different colours, materials and finishes. With Android 14 and Nothing OS 2.6, customers can purchase the CMF Phone 1 at just ₹12,999 (including a bank discount of ₹1,000) on Big Billion Days. Customers can get CMF Lanyard and Stand with the purchase of CMF Phone 1 at just ₹1 and opt for the Power 33W at ₹799 with CMF Phone 1, available at Flipkart or select retail stores.

CMF Watch Pro:

CMF Watch Pro features a sleek aluminium alloy frame and a 1.96-inch AMOLED display with an aluminium alloy frame and a 58 fps refresh rate for smooth performance. It supports built-in GPS, 110 sport modes, and comprehensive health tracking, including heart rate and blood oxygen levels. The watch boasts up to 13 days of battery life, and its IP68 rating ensures water resistance. AI technology enhances call clarity with noise reduction via its built-in microphone and speaker. CMF Watch Pro will be available at the lowest ever price of ₹2,499, during the Big Billion Days.

CMF Buds Pro 2:

CMF Buds Pro 2 are designed for an elevated audio experience with dual drivers, LDAC™ technology, Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, 50 dB Smart ANC, and a customisable Smart Dial. Smart Dial’s customisable functions include next song, previous song, volume up, volume down, voice assistant, and switching between Noise Cancellation Modes. For those seeking deeper immersion, the Spatial Audio Effect envelops listeners in a three-dimensional soundscape. They offer 43 hours of total battery life and a quick 10-minute charge for 7 hours of playback. During Big Billion Days, CMF Buds Pro 2 will be available at a special price of ₹3,299.

CMF Buds Pro:

With 45 dB Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, CMF Buds Pro effectively minimises ambient distractions, making them suitable for both busy environments and quiet moments. The earbuds promise up to 39 hours of total playback, supported by a rapid charging capability. Six HD microphones enhance call clarity, while customizable sound profiles via the Nothing X app allow for a personalised listening experience. Their IP54 rating ensures durability against dust and water, making them a practical choice for everyday use. CMF Buds Pro will now be available at an exclusive Big Billion Days price of ₹2,499.

CMF Neckband Pro:

CMF Neckband Pro introduced the first 50 dB Hybrid ANC in its category, offering crystal-clear sound in any environment. With Environment Adaptive ANC and an AI noise cancellation algorithm tested with over 30 million sound samples, call clarity is unparalleled. Designed for both leisure and fitness, it features 5 HD mics with Clear Voice Technology and a 3-in-1 Smart Dial for effortless control. With an IP55 rating for water, sweat, and dust resistance, it withstands daily rigours. Neckband Pro boasts of providing 37 hours of playback or 18 hours with a 10-minute charge. Customers looking to buy Neckband Pro can buy it at a special price of ₹1,699.

Nothing Ear:

Nothing Ear features a custom 11 mm dynamic driver with a ceramic diaphragm for clear sound, advanced Smart ANC noise-cancelling, and lasts up to 40.5 hours with the case and 8.5 hours on a single charge. It supports wireless charging and integrates with ChatGPT for seamless AI interactions. Nothing Ear will now be available at an exclusive Big Billion Days price of ₹7,999.

Power 100W Charger:

The Power 100W GaN Fast Charger, launching on 26th September at a discounted price of ₹3,499, delivers a powerful 100W output, while remaining compact and lightweight and is 40% smaller than a regular charger. The charger allows you to power up to 3 devices simultaneously with wide compatibility, enabling you to use both USB-C ports or a combination of USB-C and USB-A ports. The charger has 9 advanced safety mechanisms – including protection against overcurrent, overvoltage, short circuits and more.