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Mumbai, February 8th, 2024:  After setting a record for the highest first-day bookings in its segment, India’s Kia Seltos continues its winning streak, surpassing over 100,000 bookings since its launch in July’23. During this period, the company has received 13,500 bookings (approximately) every month. The starting price for the New Seltos in India is 10.99 Lakhs (Ex-showroom). Since its initial launch in August 2019, Kia has manufactured over 6 Lakhs Seltos units in India, with nearly 75% sold in the domestic market. In 2023, Kia sold a total of 1.04 Lakhs units of the Seltos.

The automatics emerged as the top choices among Seltos’ new-age customers, comprising nearly 50% of the total bookings. With growing awareness of advanced Active Safety features, approximately 40% of buyers are expressing strong interest in variants equipped with ADAS. Seltos booking trends mirror the enduring preference for sunroofs among Indian customers, with 80% of Seltos buyers opting for this feature. The ratio of petrol to diesel bookings also remains healthy at 58:42%. The premium appeal of the Seltos is evident in the booking preferences, with 80% of buyers inclined towards owning the top variants.

Commenting on Seltos success, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales & Business Officer, Kia India, said, “We are excited about the market success of the new Seltos. Undoubtedly, it stands out as one of the smartest SUV choices available, and the response from our customers resonates with this sentiment. The New Seltos is helping us consolidate our market leadership consistently in the mid-SUV segment. We are actively realigning our manufacturing processes to ensure that our customers gain access to their favourite SUVs as swiftly as possible. We are thankful to all Seltos and Kia fans in India who support and inspire us to do better with every product.”

Launched in July 2023, the New Seltos has maintained its stance as an aspirational vehicle in the Indian market, setting new benchmarks for SUVs. Featuring a refreshed design, enhanced performance with a sportier touch, a robust exterior, a futuristic cabin, and advanced technology, the vehicle boasts a total of 32 features, encompassing Robust 15 Hi-Safety features and 17 ADAS Level 2 autonomous features.

India, 08th February 2024: India retained its third spot on U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) annual list of Top 10 Countries and Regions for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in 2023. 248 projects, across both buildings and spaces, were certified for LEED in the country covering 7.23 million gross square meters (GSM). China topped the top 10 rankings for 2023 with over 24 million GSM certified followed by Canada with 7.9 million GSM. The annual ranking by USGBC highlights the significant progress made by countries and regions outside the United States in adopting healthy, sustainable and resilient building design, construction and operations.

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and the certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. The rating system is available for virtually all building types thus providing a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings.

Over the last few years, India has consistently ranked among the top three countries, underscoring its commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals outlined for 2030. The ranking highlights India‘s focus on climate change, with a particular emphasis on Green Development and the promotion of environmentally conscious practices. In India, LEED is administered by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which has been working to accelerate the adoption of green buildings across the country.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, Managing Director – Southeast Asia & Middle East, GBCI, said, “With India‘s rapidly growing urban landscape, the investment in green buildings becomes imperative, which extends beyond resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact; it is a fundamental step towards enhancing the well-being of our communities. India‘s consistent presence among the top countries for LEED underscores the dedicated pursuit of sustainable living and widespread adoption of green buildings. India has made a commitment to achieving the Net Zero emission target by 2070, demonstrating its active engagement in global climate initiatives.”

The list is compiled based on data and analysis of LEED-certified Gross Square Meters (GSM) space as of in 2023. While the United States is not included in the list, it remains the world’s largest market for LEED with more than 51 million GSM certified during the year. The ranking of the top 10 countries is as follows:

On a cumulative basis, India’s overall commercial projects under LEED stand at more than 2,200 buildings, representing more than 212 million GSM. India is also a global leader in net zero, leading the world in LEED Zero certifications. In 2023, India had 24 LEED Zero certifications. LEED is a recognized symbol of excellence around the world and continues to raise the bar in terms of sustainability for buildings, cities, and communities. LEED provides a pathway to certification for green buildings at the beginning of their sustainability journey, as well as those that are more advanced and looking to verify net zero performance.

Through LEED, USGBC pushes the market toward high-performing buildings. As part of its continued effort to set new benchmarks in the space, USGBC introduced a draft of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) v5 framework for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) in 2023. It is the first rating system to be released under the LEED v5 umbrella. LEED v5 for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) will be rolled out in 2024.

New Delhi, 08th February 2024: Merging cutting-edge tech with the spirit of love, Locus.sh, a global logistics technology company and prominent online gifting platform IGP have united to orchestrate smooth and seamless deliveries across major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and others.

By harnessing Locus.sh’ supply chain execution technology, IGP will streamline its last-mile delivery operations, ensure on-time and efficient fulfillment of its orders, optimize fleet management, and provide an enhanced end-customer experience. The online gifting platform will leverage an end-to-end tailored dispatch management solution to automate and optimize the process from order placement to delivery completion.

Nishith Rastogi, the CEO of Locus.sh expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration and said “By integrating Locus.sh’s advanced logistics technology with IGP’s passion for connecting people through meaningful gifts, we are redefining what it means to deliver not just parcels, but experiences. Our focus is on precision, efficiency, and the seamless integration of technology to meet and exceed the evolving expectations of today’s consumers. Together, Locus.sh and IGP are committed to ensuring that every delivery not only reaches its destination on time but also contributes to a memorable moment. This is the future of logistics—personalized, reliable, and consistently exceeding expectations.”

The Indian market has witnessed the expansion of Valentine’s Day into a multi-million dollar industry, marked by extravagant spending on gifts and experiences to convey love. Notably, metropolitan cities are at the forefront of this trend. With this partnership, IGP is poised to meet the escalating demand and enhance the Valentine’s experience for the customers.

Echoing similar sentiments, Tarun Joshi, CEO and Founder of IGP said, “In the spirit of celebrating love on Valentine’s Day, our partnership with Locus marks a pivotal moment for IGP, as we embrace smart technology to optimize the last mile delivery orders for us. With Locus at our side, we are poised to achieve impeccable and timely deliveries, ensuring that every heartfelt expression reaches its destination promptly. IGP is not only committed to enhancing customer satisfaction through Locus’s cutting-edge technology but is also thrilled to announce the launch of 30-minute deliveries on over 250 curated products across 400+ cities in India. This strategic collaboration with Locus is a testament to our dedication in providing innovative solutions, ensuring seamless and unforgettable moments for our customers throughout Valentine’s week and beyond.”

As Locus.sh and IGP come together this season, it also sets up the stage for future innovations in the world of e-commerce and logistics ultimately benefiting the end consumers.

Mumbai, 08th February, 2024: Senco Gold & Diamonds, the pan India jewellery retailer with a legacy of eight decades, is all geared up to embrace the sweet and endearing emotions that one feel towards their loved ones, aiming to create an unforgettable moment this Valentine’s Day with the introduction of their newest collection, “Romantique” and “Love 2024”. Poised to be a perfect gift, this new collection spreads its warmth to encompass the special bonds shared between warm hug of parents, cute love story of new couples and old couples, companionship of best friends and friendship with sisters. This new love collection is specifically designed to celebrate and cherish the spirit of love in various forms, making it a memorable experience for all.

• Capturing the essence of love and companionship, the recently unveiled “Romantique Collection” features exquisite necklaces adorned with diamonds and coloured stones, each hand crafted to perfection.
• The enchanting “Love 2024 Collection” from Everlite showcases irresistibly charming gold and diamond jewellery embellished with heart-shaped ruby stones. This new collection elegantly captures the cupid patterns of love in lightweight & everyday-wear jewellery for women.
• The breath-taking “Perfect Love” collection exudes timeless elegance in its representation. Crafted with impeccable precision, the laser-cut solitaires embrace the brilliance of expressing beauty and love in this Valentine month.
• Senco Gold & Diamonds’ “Lovely Solitaire” reflects immense expertise in its embellishment, adding to its charming allure.

Expressing her excitement about the launch of the latest collection, Mrs. Joita Sen, Director and Head of Marketing and Design at Senco Gold & Diamonds, stated, “We are thrilled to announce the unveiling of our new collection, celebrating the ‘Festival of Love’ as we do every year. This year, through our Romantique and Love 2024 Collection, we aim to celebrate love, joy and happiness, thereby calling our campaign “Festival of Love 2024”. The collection showcases innovative designs, featuring a diverse range of heart-shaped diamond jewellery and exquisitely crafted solitaire couple rings. With a focus on celebrating the spirit of togetherness, our diverse range redefines the simplicity of falling in love. We believe that our consumers will truly appreciate and enjoy this new collection.”

To add an extra touch of romance to this month of love, Senco Gold & Diamonds is delighted to unveil an enticing collection of offers on its jewellery collections as “Festival of Love 2024”. These exclusive offers will be accessible across all 150+ Senco Gold & Diamonds outlets and on its online platform sencogoldanddiamonds.com. The diverse range of offers include:

• Upto 20 % discount on Diamond Jewellery
• Also 24% off on making charges of Diamond Jewellery
• Upto 10% off on Diamond Value
• Free Gold on purchase above Rs 50,000
• 0% Deduction on Old Gold Exchange
• Attractive offers on Platinum, Polki, Silver & Gossip Jewellery

Senco Gold & Diamonds is renowned for its exquisite, handcrafted jewellery collections inspired by Indian culture and heritage. The company offers an extensive jewellery collection, including gold, diamond, silver, platinum, and precious and semi-precious stones. Its brands include Everlite, which specializes in lightweight jewellery; Gossip, offering silver and costume jewellery; and D’Signia, providing a premium jewellery shopping experience. Senco Gold & Diamonds also houses the Aham collection for men and the Vivaha collection, a premium designer wedding jewellery range.

New Delhi, 08th February 2024: PURE EV is thrilled to announce the launch of the X Platform 2.0 Limited Edition Variants for the ePluto 7G, PRO, and MAX models. This exclusive release is set to offer enhanced speed, improved mileage, and an unparalleled user experience.

The X Platform 2.0 Limited Edition Variants build upon the acclaimed X Platform, incorporating 12 standout features that set the standard for electric scooters. Additionally, PURE EV has taken innovation a step further by redefining speed numbers, particularly in the ecoMode, where riders can now enjoy speeds ranging upto 58 KMPH across all three variants (7G, PRO, and MAX). This surpasses industry standards, providing a significant advantage over competitors who offer a maximum of 35 KMPH in similar modes.

This transformative feature eliminates the need for constant mode switching, providing users with a seamless and enjoyable urban commuting experience. The Mileage numbers have seen significant improvements, meeting the demands of long urban commutes. Adding to the excitement, the Limited Edition Variants feature a revamped Sports mode, contributing to an overall increase in speed to 72 KMPH.

What sets these Limited Edition Variants apart is not just the increased speeds but also the meticulous performance optimization that has resulted in mileage improvements. PURE EV  has fine-tuned each model, ensuring that the enhanced speeds do not compromise the impressive Mileage/Charge numbers.

“We are delighted to introduce the X Platform 2.0 Limited Edition Variants for the ePluto Series. These models represent a new era in electric mobility, offering a power-packed user experience.Lot of effort has been invested in R&D over the past few months behind this groundbreaking release. This achievement is a result of rigorous research, innovation, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what electric scooters can deliver. With the ecoMode enhancements, users can now enjoy higher speeds while maintaining impressive mileage, addressing the long-commute needs of urban dwellers.” said Rohit Vadera, CEO, PURE EV. He expressed confidence that this innovation would not only elevate the user experience but also contribute significantly to the industry’s evolution.

PURE EV’s foray into the X Platform 2.0 Limited Edition Variants is poised to set new benchmarks in the electric scooter market. By combining speed enhancements with an unwavering commitment to addressing user needs, the company aims to contribute significantly to the ongoing evolution of the electric mobility industry.

These exclusive variants are available for a limited time on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bookings open on the 1st of February at PURE EV dealerships, and customers are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity.

PURE EV remains committed to shaping the future of sustainable transportation, and the X Platform 2.0 Limited Edition Variants stand as a testament to their dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. These models are poised to revolutionize electric commuting, setting new standards for speed, efficiency, and overall performance.

Mumbai, 08th February 2024: Habitat for Humanity India, a leading housing non–profit organisation, raised awareness about the need for decent shelter and sanitation at the recently concluded Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024. 189 professionals ran in support of Habitat India’s vision of building a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, fitness enthusiasts and school students put their best foot forward to raise awareness about Habitat’s work.

The runners consisted of 180 employees of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI). In addition to running the marathon, SPNI is making a significant impact by partnering with Habitat for Humanity India to build sanitation units for 2 Zilla Parishad (ZP) schools and provide 3 ZP schools with access to solar energy in Khed block of Pune district, Maharashtra. This noteworthy project is set to positively touch the lives of over 250 students across 5 schools, fostering a better environment and infrastructure.

The marathon also witnessed an active participation of 9 individual runners including several notable individuals such as Neeraj Roy, Founder, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.; Raunaq Roy, Senior Vice President, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.; Hemant Hemnani, Senior Financial Advisor; Shailaraj Karkera, Founder, Vikhroli Fitness Community (VFC); Vandita Jain, Nutritionist; Sanjay Mittal, Managing Director, Interra Systems and Atul Ladha, Director, Vectus Industries Ltd.

They were joined by Vir Kamath, an IBDP 2 student from Ascend International School (Bandra, Mumbai), who along with 15 other students – 5 from Ascend International School and 11 from Oberoi International School (Goregaon, Mumbai) – used the platform of Tata Mumbai Marathon to mobilise INR 3,03,547 to support Habitat for Humanity‘s mission.

James Samuel, National Director (Interim), Habitat for Humanity India said, “Year on year, business leaders, students, youngsters and corporate professionals who believe that everyone needs decent shelter, participate in the Tata Mumbai Marathon to support Habitat for Humanity’s vision of building a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We express heartfelt gratitude towards all the 189 runners who ran for us this year. We are thankful to Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), Ascend International School and Oberoi International School for their support. A big thank you to United Way Mumbai – the philanthropy partner of the Tata Mumbai Marathon for giving us this incredible opportunity to raise awareness about Habitat for Humanity India’s work. We encourage corporates, young professionals to join hands with Habitat for Humanity India through mediums such as Tata Mumbai Marathon so that families in need of decent shelter can build brighter futures.”

Rajkumar Bidawatka – Head CSR, Sony Pictures Networks India expressed pride in the company’s association with Habitat for Humanity India and said, “We support meaningful causes that create a positive and lasting impact on our community. The enthusiastic participation of our employees, each lacing up their running shoes to make a difference was heart-warming. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity is a natural choice for us owing to their impactful work in housing, sanitation, and disaster response management.”

By Mr. PratapsinghNathani, Director at LoanXpress (A Beacon group company)

> The interim budget has generated a wave of optimism among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India with an allocation of INR 22,137.95 crores including new clusters and technology centres, aiming for global competitiveness & providing financial stability and a robust framework for sustained growth.

> Key initiatives such as the Prime Minister Mudra Yojana, Start-Up India, and the Start-Up Credit Guarantee have been pivotal in providing substantial support to the MSME ecosystem.

>Furthermore, the allocation of an Interest free debt of corpus INR 1 lakh crore, with a 50-year interest-free loan can fuel R&D and paves the way for long-term financing or refinancing.

>The notable 11% increase in capex outlay promises significant expansion for infrastructure development, given the strong base of the last two years.

> Green initiative such as Incentivising biofuels, rooftop solarization, offshore wind energy, and EV expansion will promote sustainable investment on a large scale

New Delhi, 08th February 2024: Acharya Mukti, renowned astrologer, is set to revolutionise personal guidance with the upcoming mobile application and website, which aims to provide users with accurate and personalised astrological predictions. With more than 1000 skilled astrologers, the mobile application will be available by the end of this month. The application aims to redefine the way individuals seek astrological guidance.

With Acharya Mukti‘s expertise and the convenience of a mobile app, individuals can now easily access reliable astrological advice anytime, anywhere. The platform will also feature interactive features such as daily horoscopes, compatibility tests, and personalised reminders for important astrological events.

“I am pleased to carry on my family’s astrological history. Through this platform, I hope to bring the wisdom of astrology to a wider audience and help people navigate their lives with confidence and clarity. With the combination of ancient knowledge and modern technology, users can expect accurate predictions and insightful guidance tailored specifically to their needs. ”  – Daivagya Acharya Mukti Bhurtel, a renowned astrologer

This ancient Vedic astrology system will offer a comprehensive understanding of one’s personality, relationships, and life events. Users can also receive personalised recommendations for gemstones, mantras, and rituals to enhance their well-being and spiritual growth.

New Delhi, February 08, 2024: Socomec India, a leading global specialist in Low Voltage (LV) power management, has unveiled its ambitious expansion plan today. The Chennai-headquartered French powerhouse is set to venture into the markets of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, effective immediately. Termed as ‘Greater India,’ this strategic move consolidates the three countries into a unified business entity, marking a significant milestone for Socomec India and opening up new opportunities for business growth.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Meenu Singhal, Managing Director of Socomec India, stated, “Our commitment to meeting the evolving energy needs with innovative power solutions in the Asian market remains unwavering. Engineered in Europe and proudly manufactured in India, our products are poised to make a substantial impact in the markets of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This reaffirms our commitment to support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and energize the country, while also solidifying our dedication to the ‘Make in India’ initiative with India serving as a pivotal hub for Socomec’s strategic growth in the Asia Pacific region. Our adherence to global quality standards positions us to navigate this journey with ease. We look forward to building lasting partnerships and empowering businesses with sustainable and efficient power solutions, further strengthening Socomec‘s position as a trusted leader in the industry.”

With a recent €5 million investment by Socomec Group in the Indian market to enhance manufacturing capacity, the goal is not only to meet local demands but also to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh markets through exports.

Socomec India is energizing the country through its innovative power solutions, including Uninterrupted Power Supply, Power switching, and monitoring solutions. Leveraging cutting-edge Technology, these products are tailored for Data Centers, Manufacturing and Process Industries, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Commercial Buildings, and Renewable Energy. With a focus on local presence, these product categories will now be available in the Sri Lanka and Bangladesh markets. With this expansion, Socomec India aims to double its revenue in these regions within the next 3 years.

To fortify this ambitious growth plan, Socomec proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Suhard Amit as the General Manager, tasked with steering the company’s initiatives in the emerging markets of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Mr. Amit, with a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in diversified market segments, brings a wealth of expertise to the role, positioning him as a key driver of Socomec‘s strategic endeavors in these dynamic markets.

New Delhi, 08th February 2024: V-Trans, a prominent player in the logistics landscape, has unveiled ambitious plans for rapid growth, targeting a turnover of INR 3000 Crore by 2026. The company, known for its leadership position in the industry, has outlined a comprehensive strategy focusing on surface transport and leveraging technology for sustainable profitability. 

Key Highlights of V-Trans’ Growth Plan:

1.Strategic Focus on Core Competence: V-Trans will prioritize growth in its core competence area, surface transport, while also expanding its multimodal logistics operations, including air and road combinations.

2. Full Truckload (FTL) Segment: The company aims to capitalize on the $120 billion FTL market, intending to capture a more significant share by enhancing its presence in this lucrative segment. We are digitizing the process to bring in more efficiency and transparence in the entire process from procure to pay process.

3. Northern India as a Focused Market: With 30% of overall revenue coming from northern India, V-Trans will make substantial investments in expanding branches, warehouses, and infrastructure in this region.

4. Expansion in Northern Region: We are moving to new Transhipment facilities in Ghaziabad and Zirkapur apart from the existing large warehouses in Dharuhara and Raliawas in Haryana, which are already operational. The company plans further expansions by opening new branches in 3 & 4 tier cities eastern UP, western UP, Uttarakhand, and Punjab.2.

5. Technology Integration: Acknowledging the role of technology, V-Trans has invested in a new ERP system, ensuring advanced functionalities, and API integrations with government portals, customers, and vendors for seamless information flow. Also building on its commitment to transparence and compliance it is moving its financial system to Standard Global platform for the entire group.3.

6. Third-Party Logistics Operation: V-Trans is expanding its third-party logistics operation under the V-Logis brand in the northern region, providing employment opportunities and world-class facilities.4.

7. Sustainability Initiatives: The company is actively working on reducing its carbon footprint through optimization tools, efficient truck utilization, proper routing, and driver education. Already implemented Solar Panel installation in all our large hubs substantially reducing our electricity consumptions 

Commenting on this, Mr. Mahendra Shah, Chairman and Managing Director, of V-Trans (India) Ltd said, “At V-Trans, our vision goes beyond logistics; it encompasses building a future where growth is sustainable, technology is transformative, and our ecosystem flourishes. The INR 3000 Crore turnover target by 2026 reflects not just our ambition but also our commitment to a responsible and impactful journey. We are not merely transporting goods; we are creating opportunities, embracing innovation, and contributing to a greener tomorrow.” Further, he added, “I am proud of the team’s dedication, and I assure our customers, partners, and stakeholders that V-Trans will continue to be at the forefront of positive change in the logistics industry. Together, we are not just moving goods; we are propelling growth, fostering innovation, and building a future that transcends expectations.”