Archives April 2025

Bengaluru, India – April 7, 2025: Samsung Electronics is taking another step in democratizing AI with Awesome Intelligence — now available on the Galaxy A56, A36 and A26. This platform introduces a range of AI-powered features designed to make mobile experiences more accessible, creative and productive for everyone.

Multitasking Made Simple

Awesome Intelligence delivers a range of powerful capabilities. Besides eliminating the need to toggle between apps to search for information, one of the fan-favorite AI-powered features — Circle to Search with Google — now goes beyond images to recognize and identify music as well.

AI Select provides contextual suggestions based on on-screen content — including text, images and videos — allowing users to perform actions like scanning QR codes or creating GIFs with a single tap. Additionally, the new Read Aloud function enhances multitasking by converting online text into audio.

Maximizing Creativity with Easy-To-Use, Intelligent Tools

Awesome Intelligence delivers a range of powerful capabilities. Besides eliminating the need to toggle Awesome Intelligence includes a suite of AI-powered editing tools to supercharge creativity. Object Eraser allows users to seamlessly remove unwanted objects from photos, while Edit Suggestion recommends enhancements such as Erase reflections and Background blur to deliver cleaner, more refined images.

On the Galaxy A56 5G, exclusive tools offer even more creative control. Best Face lets users select the best facial expressions of up to five people from motion photos and merge them into a single group shot — ensuring everyone looks their best. Auto Trim, meanwhile, analyzes multiple videos to extract the best moments and compiles them into ready-to-share highlight videos.

National, 07 April, 2025: Fanoz, the fan-first sports engagement platform by PlayCKC Interactive Pvt Ltd, has launched an exciting new video featuring its brand ambassador Ajinkya Rahane, former Indian Test captain and current KKR skipper. In this entertaining film, Rahane explores the question, “Who is a fan?”, stepping into the shoes of different characters, each embodying the quirks, rituals, and passion that make sports fandom truly special.

As the brand ambassador of Fanoz, Rahane masterfully portrays four distinct fan personalities, celebrating the diverse ways in which people experience and express their love for the game. Whether it’s the superstitious supporter, the overanalytical strategist, the emotional die-hard, or the loud and proud cheerleader, the video encapsulates the essence of fandom in all its vibrant forms. The video has been shot and produced by Scooter Media, headed by Richaa Agarwal.

Speaking about the launch, Ajinkya Rahane said: “Being a fan is about passion, emotion, and connection. I loved bringing different fan personalities to life in this video, and Fanoz truly captures the spirit of fandom. No matter who you are, if you love the game, you’re a part of the Fanoz family.”

Commenting on the latest video, Anuradha Sinha, Cofounder & COO said “Fanoz continues to revolutionize sports engagement, creating a fun, interactive, and immersive space for fans to connect with the game they love. The new campaign sets the tone for what’s to come—a celebration of fans in all their glory.”

Fanoz is more than just a platform—it’s a home for every fan. With every campaign video, Fanoz is redefining sports gaming. Whether you cheer from the stadium or your sofa, the game just got a lot more personal. The brand has always created engaging content that has very well resonated with its fans. Fanoz also had dropped a high-energy rap anthem last week that captured the raw passion, thrill, and community spirit of sports fans across the globe. The rap was written and performed by Anmol Gawand and the music and post-production was done by Deepraj Raorane. With the ongoing IPL season, the anthem pumped up the adrenaline of match days. The anthem was more than just music – it’s a rallying cry for fans who live and breathe their favourite sport. The video, prepared by Ulta Cube Technologies, featured a smart use of AI, to show the celebrations of the modern fan – from living the highs and lows of every play to engaging with their favorite teams and players beyond the screen. It mirrored the mission of Fanoz: to turn passive viewership into powerful participation.

How Fanoz is revolutionizing the fan experience:

– Live sports gaming: Fans play dynamic prediction games during live matches and win real rewards

– Fan-centric approach: Moving away from the promise of big bounty wins, Fanoz rewards fans for being fans, where all fans can win by engaging in simple gameplay.

– Low cognitive load, high Fun: Designed to be easy, intuitive, and engaging – perfect for casual and hardcore fans alike

Kunal Varma, Co-Founder and CEO, Freo:

“As we begin the new fiscal year, the subsequent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting will be keenly observed for signs on the direction of interest rates. Though inflation seems to be gradually easing, global uncertainties and food price volatility remain on the radar. We do not expect a rate cut in the near term; however, it would not be surprising if the pause extended in a more dovish manner. For borrowers, interest rates can still remain stable in the near term, but the latter half of the year might bring some relief if inflation keeps softening. The attention will still remain focused on growth support while keeping a lid on inflation.”

Rohit Garg, CEO and Co-Founder, Olyv:

“As the MPC meeting draws near, the fintech industry is keenly watching for signs of a possible rate cut—especially with inflation easing and global economic uncertainties in play. A rate cut could catalyze borrowing, accelerate digital lending, and boost financial inclusion—all of which are key pillars of fintech growth. However, the RBI faces a delicate balance between supporting growth and maintaining financial stability amid global market volatility. For fintechs, lower rates could improve credit accessibility for both consumers and small businesses. That said, we remain cautious of external shocks. The right policy move at this juncture can further digitize India’s financial ecosystem and build long-term resilience.”

Manipal, April 7, 2025 – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dure Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to drive innovation in research, education, and healthcare through technology-driven solutions.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, emphasized the partnership’s potential: “Collaborations like this are crucial for shaping the future of research and technology. We anticipate transformative advancements in healthcare, education, and professional development.”

Mr. Vipin Yadav, Founder and CEO of Dure Technologies, highlighted the shared vision: “Innovation is key to solving healthcare challenges. By combining MAHE’s academic expertise with our technological capabilities, we can develop impactful solutions.”

The partnership will focus on joint research, academic enhancement, and advanced training programs. Dr. Raviraja N. Seetharam, COO of MAHE, noted the synergy between the institutions, while Dr. Giridhar P. Kini, Registrar, MAHE, underscored the opportunities at the intersection of technology and healthcare.

Dr Cherian Varghese, Professor and Director of Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), commented, “This collaboration with Dure Technologies aligns perfectly with MAHE’s commitment to fostering strong industry-academic linkages. We believe that by working together, we can create meaningful opportunities for our students and contribute to advancements in the public health and social development sectors.” This alliance reinforces MAHE’s leadership in academia and healthcare while leveraging Dure Technologies’ expertise to address real-world challenges.

Chandigarh, April 07: Shree Cement, one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, announced the commissioning of its new grinding unit in Etah. With an annual capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), the Etah unit from Shree will be one of the largest grinding units in the region, adding to the growth journey of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The project, entirely funded through internal accruals, entails an investment of ~₹850 crore and is expected to create more than 500 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement said, “At Shree Cement, we are committed to supporting Uttar Pradesh’s rapid infrastructure and housing development. Our manufacturing units also contribute to a sustainable future for local communities by creating job opportunities, establishing educational facilities and improving infrastructure.”

The strategic location of the unit, closer to the railway infrastructure, enables cost-effective transportation of raw materials from Rajasthan, while cement dispatch will leverage both roadways and railways for optimal distribution. A newly constructed road provides direct highway access, enhancing transportation efficiency, and streamlining logistics.

The Etah plant will serve as a model for sustainability, featuring zero-waste operations, air-cooled screw compressors to minimize water consumption and advanced filters to ensure minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the plant has collaborated with an adjoining Jawaharpur Thermal Power Plant to consume its 100% fly ash waste – about 5000 tons per day, enhancing operational efficiencies. In line with Shree Cement’s commitment to green energy, a solar installation is planned within the next 2-3 years.

The Etah grinding unit is equipped with cutting-edge German technology, not only for the core operational part but also in advanced pollution control systems, including the Mill Bag House with Epoxy cages. This technology ensures exceptional efficiency in pollution control, reducing dust emissions to levels well below the prescribed norms and minimizing environmental impact. The plant has 100% covered storage for raw materials to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality. Additionally, advanced filters maintain air quality, reinforcing Shree Cement’s commitment to a sustainable and pollution-free environment.

Technological innovations at the plant include an AI-based Bag Counter System for precise inventory management, a laser-based Online Particle Size Analyzer for optimized cement quality, and enhanced safety measures, including thermal sensors and rear door limit switches in HT panels. The plant also features an industry-first Wagon Tippler System, adhering to the latest Railway RDSO guidelines, with German-designed Twin Hybrid Samson Feeders that reduce power consumption, lower lift, save time and eliminate water seepage issues. This state-of-the-art facility exemplifies a commitment to innovation, excellence and sustainability in the cement industry.

As part of its CSR initiatives, Shree Cement will also focus on infrastructure development and providing education in the nearby village of Nigoh Hasanpur, benefiting 2500 residents.

Shree Cement Limited is a leader in sustainability, operational efficiency and innovation. Committed to eco-friendly building solutions, the company utilizes synthetic gypsum, maintains 6x water positivity and harnesses multiple fuel sources, including waste materials. It also advances sustainable transportation by increasing railway usage and adopting electric and CNG vehicles.

By-Dr. Bilal Thangal T M, Medical Lead, NURA

AI-driven health screening is transforming the way we approach early detection, prevention, and personalized care. By leveraging AI in areas like heart and cancer screening, lifestyle assessment, and nutrigenomics, we can identify risks at an early stage, enabling timely interventions that lead to healthier lives. With AI-powered tools, individuals can gain deeper insights into their health, make informed lifestyle choices, and proactively manage potential health risks.

This World Health Day, as we focus on ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,’ it’s essential to embrace AI and other advanced technologies to create a future where diseases are detected earlier, healthcare is more accessible, and people can lead longer, healthier lives. Through awareness, early screening, and AI-driven insights, we can redefine preventive healthcare and ensure better health outcomes for generations to come.

Hyderabad, 7th April 2025: Dr Rohit Khanna, Network Director for public health at the L V Prasad Eye Institute, was re-elected as the Regional Chair for the Southeast Region of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Founded in 1975, IAPB is a premier eye health body and an alliance of over 250 member organizations worldwide drawn from international charities, eye hospitals, academic institutes, professional bodies and corporate organizations.

As the regional chair for IAPB, Dr Khanna will work closely with stakeholders across the region in coordination with the IAPB global office, to advocate for universal eye health and strengthen regional and national activities for the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. Regional chairs also serve as IAPB Trustees and thus contribute to the strategy and governance of IAPB globally.

He will work to take forward IAPB’s agenda as a global leader in eye health advocacy, coordinating major campaigns such as World Sight Day (WSD) and leading initiatives like 2030 In Sight, the UN Friends of Vision group, VISION 2020 and Vision for the Commonwealth.

It is the global voice for the eye care sector working to end avoidable sight loss and ensure everyone has affordable, accessible and inclusive eye care and rehabilitation services.

IAPB Southeast Asia member states include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, People’s Republic of Korea, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste.

Hyderabad, April 5, 2025 – The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in partnership with the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) and Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZs (EPCES), conducted a comprehensive knowledge session on “Exports – Strategies, Procedure, Documentation and Export Credit Guarantee” at FTCCI Surana Auditorium, Hyderabad.

The two-hour session, attended by business leaders and export professionals, featured industry experts who provided valuable insights into various aspects of export operations, with special focus on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs).

Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the critical role of exports in India’s economic growth. Mr. Avinash Chukkapalli, Chairman of IACC AP & TG chapter, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of Indo-American trade relations in strengthening export capabilities.

The technical session was led by Mr. Vinodh D R, Associate Director-Tax, and Mr. N Mallikarjun, Executive Director-Tax from Grant Thornton Bharat LLP. Their presentation covered the evolving landscape of Special Economic Zones, documentation procedures, and compliance requirements for both SEZ and EOU units. They emphasized recent government initiatives to promote ease of doing business, including the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Free Trade Agreements, and in-bond manufacturing facilities.

Mr. Amlendu Bipul Mishra, Assistant General Manager & Branch Manager of ECGC Limited, addressed export credit guarantee schemes that protect exporters against payment risks. His session provided valuable information on how businesses can secure their international transactions through appropriate insurance coverage.

A special address was delivered by Mr. Srikanth Badiga, Chairman of Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZs and Director of NEC IACC, who shared insights on export promotion strategies and upcoming regulatory changes expected in the SEZ framework.

The speakers highlighted several key points for exporters:

• The current operational status of SEZs in India, with over 276 operational SEZs employing 3.19 million people and generating exports worth INR 12,063 billion annually
• Documentation requirements and compliance processes for SEZ and EOU units
• Recent policy changes allowing SEZ units to continue filing certain documents on SEZ-Online system
• Benefits of the Authorized Economic Operator certification
• Advantages of various Free Trade Agreements and preferential tariff schemes

 Mr. K K Maheshwari, Vice President of FTCCI ; Mr Kamal Jain, Director Cargomen , Mr Satish Lakhraju, CEO, Garudavega LLP , Mr Iqbal Patni, Director Batco CFS were some of the important dignitaries who also attended the program.

Chandigarh, 5 April, 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today inaugurated a new dealership for its Light Commercial Vehicles in Chunar (Mirzapur). This is the 22nd Light Commercial Vehicle dealership in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The new channel partner RDS AUTOSALES, has a 3S (Sales, Service and Spares) facility strategically located at Chunar Road, Jamui Jamuhar Distt. Mirzapur. The facility is equipped with advanced tools, and has state-of-the-art infrastructure to ensure superior customer experience. The company currently offers a range of LCV products – SAATHI, DOST, BADA DOST, PARTNER and MiTR.

Mr. Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland said, “Recognising immense potential of Uttar Pradesh as a key market for us, we are thrilled to strengthen our presence in the region. Our new dealership in Chunar (Mirzapur) would go a long way in reinforcing our presence in the state. The phenomenal success of our ‘DOST’, ‘BADA DOST,’ and the new ‘SAATHI’ range underscores the robustness of our products – thanks to their best-in-class mileage, superior performance, and higher payloads. We take immense pride in our exceptional service retention levels, with nearly 70% of our customers returning to our dealer workshops even beyond the warranty period. This new dealership marks yet another milestone in our journey to provide the best possible experience to our valued customers.”

Ashok Leyland’s products are launched to meet the evolving needs of Indian LCV customers by offering best-in-class technology at competitive costs. Today, over 5,50,000 (5.5 lakh) LCVs operate across India, reflecting our strong presence in the segment. Expanding our portfolio, we have recently entered the sub-2-ton segment with the launch of the Ashok Leyland SAATHI—a premium entry-level SCV. Powered by a next-generation 45 HP engine delivering 110 Nm of torque, SAATHI boasts the largest loading area in its segment and an industry-leading payload capacity of 1,120 kg. Designed to set new benchmarks in the entry-level small commercial vehicle market, SAATHI is poised to be a game-changer, redefining efficiency, performance, and reliability for our customers.

BADA DOST is the first product to be built on an all-new robust LCV platform and has multiple variants – i2, i3+, i4 and i5, powered with 80 hp BS6 engine delivering best-in-class power & mileage, best-in-class payload, and best-in-class load body length and space that helps customer earn more profit per trip. Owing to its low turning radius and best-in-class ground clearance, BADA DOST is the ideal vehicle for inter and intra city applications and can negotiate all terrains with ease.

Our DOST range comes in following avatars – DOST XL and DOST+ XL to cater to different segments and applications.

PARTNER, a modern & highly fuel-efficient load carrier, caters to the 4 ton payload segment and is available in both 4 tyre and 6 tyre options. It comes with load body options of 10ft, 11ft, 14ft and 17ft. PARTNER is based on an internationally acclaimed vehicle platform & carries the renowned ZD30 CRDI engine.

MiTR bus, based on the same platform as PARTNER, comes in both standard bus & school bus options. It provides superior mileage even in stop and go conditions. MiTR School Bus complies with all school bus safety norms & compliance codes and offers unmatched ride comfort.

Chandigarh, 5 April 2025: Raymond Limited (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its 100% owned step-down subsidiary, Ten X Realty East Limited, has signed a Joint Development Agreement of a prestigious residential project in the prime location of Wadala, Mumbai.

This landmark project is estimated to have a gross development value of approximately Rs. 5,000 crore and marks the Company’s maiden venture in this sought-after area of Mumbai. This also represents the 6th Joint Development project undertaken by the Company outside of its existing developments in Thane, underscoring its strategic expansion within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This project will be the first residential project that the company will be developing in Wadala, Mumbai.

This significant development aligns with Raymond Limited’s growth strategy to capitalize on opportunities within the dynamic MMR real estate market. The project is poised to contribute substantially to the Company’s future growth and solidify its presence as a key player in the region. With this addition, the Gross Development Value of Real Estate projects of the company will be close to Rs. 40,000 crores.