Category business

Mumbai, 13 February 2024: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (Mahindra Finance) today announced a strategic collaboration to build a super app that would serve as a single digital interface for consumers to access multiple businesses within Mahindra Finance.

This app will enable consumers from both metros and non-metros to have 24×7 digital access to avail and manage products & solutions in a secure, streamlined, and simple manner. This would be by housing Mahindra Finance’s various vehicle and non-vehicle lending businesses, including personal loans, enterprise loans, mortgage loans, leasing solutions, payments, fixed deposits, insurance solutions, and other investment & wealth management solutions under one roof. The app will further provide superior and immersive experiences to the customers of Mahindra Finance and strengthen the company’s position as the financial solutions partner of choice for emerging India.

Speaking on the development, Raul Rebello, MD & CEO-Designate, Mahindra Finance said, “We at Mahindra Finance are keen to accelerate delivery of our digital financial solutions to better serve our customers. The super app is a strategic lever that will expedite growth of key businesses in an operationally efficient manner that combines omnichannel capabilities. It will also empower us to create hyper-personalised solutions for emerging India”.

“Super apps have the potential to bring a paradigm shift in the financial services industry, enabling significantly superior customer engagement and unleashing new business models,” said Rishi Aurora, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting India & South Asia. “Having worked with multiple financial organizations that are in different stages of their growth journeys in India and across the world, we are happy to collaborate with Mahindra Finance in their endeavor to build a seamless digital journey. Leveraging future-ready hybrid cloud capabilities, the super app will help Mahindra Finance move up the value chain through unique differentiated customer experiences.”

IBM Consulting will leverage human-centred design methodology to enhance the super app experience, covering every stage of the customer journey. This approach will involve integrating deep understanding of Mahindra Finance’s customer needs with superior application UI design to offer an experience that creates customer value as well as unlocks business value for the company. At the foundation level, IBM Consulting will bring cloud transformation and cloud management expertise to help design a secure, scalable, and resilient digital platform architecture to be deployed on a hybrid multi-cloud environment that will enable easy integration of new technologies in future, including generative AI.

New Delhi 13 February 2024: vivo, the innovative global smartphone brand, announced the National Winners of its country-wide initiative – ‘vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Awards’, in collaboration with NCERT and iHub DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee. The event was held on Feb 10th at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, in the presence of Chief Guest Shri Rajendra Prasad Singh, Chief Scientist and Head, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.

10 National Finalists presented the most scientifically innovative and socially relevant projects, out of which the Top 5 were declared National Winners.

vivo is committed to the idea that development of young minds is the bedrock for lifelong learning, and vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Awards stands as a testament to its dedication to offering bright minds a captivating opportunity. The initiative was open to all Indian students of grades 8 to 12 and was conducted in three stages between November 2023 to February 2024.

With more than 19,000 registrations and over 4,000 projects received countrywide, SMART STREET – Where innovation meets sustainability won the first prize worth INR 7 lakhs for presenting a prototype aimed at implementing smart streets for safer, greener, scenic roads.

Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all the students, stating, “It is a joy to embrace the spirit of innovation and creativity, with the vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Awards. We’re profoundly inspired by the ingenuity and creativity demonstrated by these young minds. Through our CSR initiatives like vivo Ignite, we aim to nurture and empower emerging talent, offering a platform for their sustainable and globally competitive ideas. With an overwhelming response of over 19,000 participants and 4000+ projects nationwide, we’re thrilled to witness the exponential growth and enthusiasm surrounding vivo Ignite, building upon the success of previous years.”

The runners-up were Multi-Functional Eco-Friendly Agro Machine, Automatic Machine For Ready To Grow Oyster Mushroom Bags, Optimization For Cyclists’ Posture Using Real-Time Embedded System And Data Analysis, and STEMLY, sharing cash prizes worth INR 14 lakhs. As a token of appreciation towards their dedication and commitment towards building innovative solutions for social good, the 6^th to 10^th National Finalists were rewarded with a cash prize worth INR 25,000 each.

“The vivo Ignite Awards serve as a testament to the remarkable creativity and problem-solving abilities of our youth. It’s truly inspiring to see young minds channel their energies towards finding solutions to pressing societal issues. The winning project, ‘Smart Street – Where Innovation Meets Sustainability,’ exemplifies the potential of innovative thinking to create safer, greener, and more efficient urban environments. We applaud vivo’s commitment to fostering innovation among Indian students and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of this collaborative effort.” said Prof (Dr.) Indu Kumar, Head, Department of ICT and Training Division, CIET – NCERT

Manish Anand, CEO, iHub DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee, expressed his delight, stating, “The vivo Ignite Awards, in collaboration with iHub Divyasampark, IIT Roorkee, represent a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship among India’s youth. The winning projects, including the top 10 most innovative business ideas, showcase the ingenuity and potential of young minds to address complex societal challenges through technology and innovation. As partners in this initiative, iHub is proud to actively support and recognize the efforts of these students in creating impactful solutions. The success of vivo Ignite underscores the importance of nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India, and we are excited to see the continued growth and impact of such initiatives in the future.”

Furthermore, certificates and exciting goodies will be awarded to all 10 National Finalists and 200 zonal winners. The Top 25 ideas, selected based on video submissions, are being evaluated and considered for research study/incubation/start-up by iHUB DivyaSampark – the innovation center of IIT Roorkee. (Refer to the next page to read more about the projects)

The jury comprised of academicians from prestigious institutes of the country and distinguished industry experts who closely evaluated all the projects based on criteria such as creativity, innovation, utilization of science and technology, scalability, cost effectiveness and potential societal impact. The initiative’s success underscores its alignment with the “Scientific Social Responsibility” agenda taken up by the Department of Science and Technology, GOI.

Last year, vivo Ignite, Science and Innovation Awards recognized ten National Winners from over 2000 entries for their impactful projects, awarded cash prizes totalling over INR 25 lakhs.

There’s something about the magical, pristine beauty of snow that makes you look at romance differently! This year, why not do something different with your loved one for Valentine’s Day? Plan a snow-date at Skyview By Empyrean, the 22-acre mountain harbour that does snow romance like a pro! At this stunning winter paradise, you can get on a gondola ride, dine in the most romantic setting and enjoy a room with a view of the majestic mountains.

So, swap the concrete jungles for a White Valentine in the refreshing mountains this year. From snow-kissed landscapes to blazing sunrises and sunsets, lose yourself to the beauty of Jammu.

The all-weather Skyview Gondola glides between Sanget and Patnitop through forests bathed in white in just 10-13 minutes saving you an hour’s drive through hilly terrain. On days when it’s not snowing, the gondola treats you to crystal clear  and panoramic views of lush green meadows and mountains.

A hot cup of Kahwa and a blazing fireplace will warm your soul and set the mood for deep conversation in Skyview by Empyrean’s cozy and luxurious rooms & suites that will brew your romance for years to come! Wake up and be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped Pir Panjal range. 

After a memorable day spent enjoying each other’s company in the snow, unwind under the starlit sky at the property. Indulge in a romantic candlelight meal with views of the snow-covered mountains as you relish in the gastronomic delights at their barbeque restaurant whilst you immerse yourself in the picturesque views of Patnitop and its untouched environs. Located at the Patnitop terminal of Skyview Gondola by Empyrean, Skyview Terrace is the perfect location for private celebrations and get-togethers

Breathe in pure mountain air and be swept off with views of clear blue skies and dazzling white snow as you sip your morning coffee or munch on a hot breakfast plate at the Banana Leaf Restaurant. Skyview’s highly decorated team ensures that you get the best service and F&B while you gaze away looking at the magnetic view.

Bengaluru, India  February 13, 2024: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today said that consumers can start pre-reserving Galaxy Book4 series in India from today. Pre-reserved customers will be eligible for early access and special offers on purchasing the Galaxy Book 4 Series.

Customers can pre-reserve Galaxy Book4 series by paying a token amount of INR 1999 across Samsung.com, Samsung Exclusive Stores, leading retail outlets and select online portals. Consumers who pre-reserve will get benefit worth INR 5000 on the purchase of their Galaxy Book4 device.

The Galaxy Book4 series comes with a new intelligent processor, a more vivid and interactive display and a robust security system, beginning a new era of AI PCs that offers ultimate productivity, mobility and connectivity. These enhancements not only improve the device itself but also elevate the entire Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, advancing the PC category and accelerating Samsung’s vision of AI innovation — for both today and tomorrow.

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Imphal, 13 February 2024: Taking a giant stride in its commitment to community support by empowering the youth of the society, Honda India Foundation (HIF) along with the Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission and Visan Foundation launched “Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhar” that aims at

providing employment to the unemployed youth from the marginal sections of the society. The project plans to establish four distinct foundations of collaboration with Honda India Foundation being the funding partner, State Government being the Infrastructure and Mobilization Support partner, Visan Foundation being the Training partner and all the leading hotels and hospitals being the Placement partner. It aims to provide 100% job placement to the youth from the North-eastern states in the hospitality sector. 

The project was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N Biren Singh, in the august presence of Shri Vinay Dhingra (Trustee, Honda India Foundation) along with other dignitaries from Government of Manipur at Classic Grande Hotel, Imphal with more than 100 Participants.

Speaking on HIF’s commitment towards building a relationship of trust with community to contribute to developing a sustainable society, Mr. Vinay Dhingra, Trustee, Honda India Foundation said, “Education & Skill Development go together with our dedication to inclusivity and ideally aligns with our long-term mission of becoming a ‘Company that Society wants to Exist’. Honda Foundation is proud of launching this project today, which will focus on skill development in the Hospitality Sector for youths from the marginalised Community. With Project Buniyaad, we envision a brighter future for the youth of Manipur, where learning knows no bounds and opportunities are limitless. It is our sincere belief that by investing in ‘skill development’, we are also investing in ‘self’ development and ‘societal development’. 

The hospitality sector often faces challenges due to various factors, including economic downturns, global crises, and shifts in consumer behaviour. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have particularly impacted the sector due to travel restrictions and reduced consumer spending on leisure activities. Additionally, the seasonal nature of some hospitality jobs and the industry’s sensitivity contribute to periods of unemployment. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of supportive training programs and strategies to enhance the sector’s adaptability. To address these obstacles, Honda India Foundation (HIF) has taken the inaugural move. By providing targeted training programs tailored to the needs of the hospitality industry, Project Buniyaad not only meets the demand for skilled workers but also empowers young people in the region to pursue fulfilling careers.

Under this program, unemployed youth will receive two months training from Visan Foundation in Hospitality Management post which a certification will be provided from Tourism & Hospitality Skill Counsil. 

Honda’s corporate philosophy is founded on the fundamental principles of “Respect for the Individual” and the “Three Joys” to support Honda’s universal passion: to improve the quality of people’s daily lives. This project aligns with Honda’s fundamental principles and harmonises its long-term mission of becoming a ‘Company that Society wants to Exist’.

The project aims to train 550 plus youth in the North-Eastern states. It aims to provide opportunities for marginalized youth to build dignified careers in Hospitality Management.

Ahead of Valentines, Bhima Jewellers launches Virtue Valentine Collection, a stunning range of gold and diamond jewelry that celebrates the essence of love. The collection offers jewellery in 18 carat across chains, rings, bracelets and earnings. Each piece is designed to reflectcraftsmanship and sentiment that embody the depth of heartfelt emotions.With precision and attention to detail, each piece of jewelry encapsulates the exquisite beauty of flowers and the enduring symbolism of hearts.

The collection offers a wide range of gold pieces, each with its own unique charm. From lovely floral pendants to stylish heart-shaped earrings, there’s something for everyone’s taste. One piece that stands out is the exquisite rose pendant, crafted to depict the graceful bloom of a rose in all its splendor, embodying love and beauty with the added brilliance of diamonds. The collection also features heart-shaped earrings, available in a multitude of styles, from classic simplicity to ornate extravagance. There is something to cater to every taste and style preference.

Ranging from INR 13,000 – 78,000, the ‘Virtue Valentine’collection embodies the very essence of love and appreciation. The combination of gold and diamonds in each piece ensures that the Virtue Valentine collection from Bhima Jewellers stands as a testimony to the enduring nature of love, making it an ideal gift for Valentine’s Day.Choosing a piece from this collection isn’t just about giving a gift; it’s about giving a meaningful symbol of love that will be cherished for years.

This exclusive collection is available on www.bhimagold.com

Rishihood University, India’s pioneering impact university, announced a significant collaboration with the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management (MIGM), Japan. This partnership was formalized during a noteworthy visit by a high-level delegation from MIGM to Rishihooduniversity’sSonepat campus on February 8th, 2024.

The collaborative efforts were marked by extensive discussions, resulting in a shared commitment to initiatives spanning four crucial domains: startup and innovation, policy and governance, Indo-Japan collaboration, and education and human consciousness.

Guiding this vibrant exercise were key figures, Masaaki Hieda, General Manager at MIGM, and Yoko Asada, Global Director at MIGM, along with Rishihood University’s Vice-Chancellor, ShobhitMathur. Their leadership and strategic vision laid the foundation for a partnership aimed at encouraging innovation, bridging policy gaps, and strengthening bilateral ties.

“Indian people have confidence in developing, as the population is high it will have high gross GDP,” quoted Masaaki Hieda, General Manager at MIGM.

Masaaki Hieda, as the General Manager of MIGM, played an important role in steering the collaborative discussions, bringing insights and expertise. Yoko Asada, MIGM’s Global Director, contributed significantly to shaping the strategic direction of the partnership. Their combined efforts with RU’s leadership promise exciting developments in the realms of academia, innovation, and international collaboration.

Rishihood University recognized as India’s first impact university, looks forward to leveraging this collaboration to create a lasting impact on societal progress and global partnerships. The alliance with the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management marks a significant milestone in Rishihood’s commitment to advancing education and creating positive societal change.

Rishihood University is India’s first impact university, dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. With a commitment to overall education, Rishihood University empowers students to become compassionate and capable leaders who drive positive change in the world.

Mumbai, 13, February 2024: At the OTM 2024 at Mumbai, Asia’s premier travel trade show, Goa Tourism stood out by showcasing the state’s pioneering role as the first to launch Regenerative Tourism in the country.

At OTM over 35,000 industry professionals and buyers l connected with more than 1600 exhibitors from 60 countries and 30 Indian States & Union Territories. Over three days, from February 8th to 10th, OTM is showcased a sold-out event, emphasizing a commitment to fostering quality networking and connection. The exhibition spans two separate floors of over 250,000 sq. ft, including 35 country pavilions.

Goa Tourism’s pavillion at the OTM 2024 at Mumbai highlighted the states diverse initiatives that focuses on promoting responsible tourism practices. The set up depicted Goa’s dedication towards sustainable development through the approach marked under Regenerative Tourism principles.

Ekadasha Teertha Yatra, the new Homestay Policy, Caravan Policy, initiatives aimed at promoting heritage preservation, celebrating vibrant festivals, immersing visitors in the rich local culture, offering thrilling adventure opportunities, and providing world-class MICE  ( Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events) facilities in Goa were some of the highlights showcased at the pavillion.

In addition to highlighting existing initiatives, Goa Tourism highlighted the launch of new tourism services designed to cater to diverse traveler interests, all aimed at providing visitors with unique and memorable experiences while promoting sustainable practices. GTDC hotels and the services are also promoted during the exhibition.

“Our participation in OTM 2024 was an exceptional opportunity to showcase not only our commitment to regenerative tourism but also the exciting new initiatives and services we have to offer,” stated Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa. “Through innovative approaches like the Ekadasha Teertha Campaign and the introduction of new tourism services and policies, we are further cementing Goa’s position as a premier travel destination that prioritizes sustainability and visitor satisfaction.”

The event aimed to be a great platform that encouraged discussions and collaboration, thus strengthening partnerships with stakeholders and reaffirming Goa’s status as a leader in sustainable tourism practices. As the state continues to evolve its tourism offerings and initiatives, it remains dedicated to preserving and enhancing its natural and cultural wealth for future generations to enjoy.

Mumbai, 13th Feb 2024: NIQ-GfK, recognized as the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, hosted a panel discussion at a recent business summit in New Delhi. The session, attended by over 70 senior delegates and leaders from various industries, was aimed at discovering “Business resilience in the customer-centric era” in light of Tech Disruption, Data Culture, and Diversification for 2024 and beyond.

The panel discussion featuring – S Sunil Kumar (President – India, Henkel), Preeti Bajaj (CEO & MD – India, Luminous Power Technologies), Anurita Chopra (CMO – India SubContinent, Haleon), Manish Anandani (MD – South Asia, Kenvue) and Nikhil Mathur (MD – India, GfK – An NIQ Company), emphasized the importance of integrating GenAI into the data-driven landscape. Many brands are strategically using GenAI, ML, and AR techniques to build connections, utilize extensive datasets, and improve ROI despite post-pandemic supply chain disruptions.

NIQ-GfK ‘Leaders Pulse Poll’ reveals the high confidence of business leaders in the economy.

During the session, NIQ-GfK conducted a live ‘Leaders Pulse Poll’ to gauge the perspectives of senior leaders on their confidence in the state of the economy, investment opportunities, future growth drivers, and their stance on the data-driven decision-making maturity curve. Notably, 60% of senior leaders said that they are embarking on their data-driven decision-making journey, while only 26% are at the forefront of the maturity curve.

The poll results reveal that 3 in 5 senior leaders said they have high confidence in the current state of the Indian economy. Moreover, the results indicate ‘Customer Experience & Satisfaction’ and ‘Adaptability to evolving consumer preferences’ as paramount factors for business resilience in today’s consumer-centric era.

Key Insights from the NIQ Consumer Outlook & GfK Global CMO Report

On the occasion, Mr. Mathur shared insights from the GfK Global CMO Outlook report, revealing that 33% of senior marketers globally struggle to connect data from diverse sources, and 29% encounter resistance to changing approaches within their organizations. These are significant challenges, but they are not impossible to solve.

Quoting The NIQ Consumer Outlook 2024 report, Mr. Mathur added that manufacturers that innovate are 1.8 times more likely to boost overall sales. Notably, 63% of global consumers expressed a willingness to buy products that have been innovatively crafted to be as cost-effective as possible.

AI Adoption and Integration: Imperative for Success

Talking about how emerging technologies are going to be a significant disruption, Nikhil Mathur, Managing Director – India at GfK – an NIQ Company, said, “AI isn’t new; it’s already a part of our lives as brands, manufacturers, and consumers. However, like any technological advancement, it goes through denial, experimentation, and eventual adoption. Some adopt it early, while others wait and see.”

He added, “The excitement about GenAI is its ability to simplify tasks and boost efficiency without completely replacing jobs. The key is knowing where to use GenAI in business processes, customer interactions, and innovation efforts. Companies that invest in experimentation pave the way for others. It’s not a matter of if, but when GenAI becomes a crucial part of our tech landscape.”

Noida- Trisol RED, a Real estate developer in Noida, has appointed one of India’s leading PR firms, ICCPL, as its communications and strategic partner. Under this association, ICCPL will offer its result-oriented 360-degree solution to the brand. The company will also help Trisol RED increase its visibility among stakeholders and improve its brand value.

Integrated Centre for Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., ICCPL, is one of India’s leading Consulting PR & Brand Consulting Firm, that has transformed the industry with its exemplary result-driven performance. It is the first agency to amalgamate online PR with traditional PR. ICCPL has developed a mechanism to make clients more visible on digital platforms. Further, ICCPL has developed a complete regional coverage and media relations team, a feat achieved by no other agency.

Trisol RED is a vibrant developing brand among real estate companies, converging the most advanced knowledge in real estate from the accomplished people in the industry. This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment for Trisol RED as it seeks to elevate its brand presence and value in the highly competitive NCR’s real estate sector.