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New Delhi, February 22, 2024 – In a landmark initiative, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and MakeMyTrip have today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signifying a ground-breaking public-private partnership, the very first of its kind. This collaborative effort aims to propel tourism in Goa into a vibrant, year-round destination, moving beyond its iconic sun, sand, and beaches.

Goa is the first state in India to launch Regenerative Tourism initiative. The MoU, which outlines a series of innovative initiatives aimed at showcasing Goa’s lesser-known inland treasures, its rich cultural tapestry and delectable culinary traditions, is the next step ahead. The Tourism Minister of Goa expressed immense pride in this collaboration, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transforming Goa.

A Historic Partnership: Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism & MD, GTDC Goa Administration, and Mr Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, shake hands after signing a landmark MOU in the esteemed presence of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister of Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing and Stationery, Government of Goa, and Mr Sanjeev Ahuja, Secretary, Goa Tourism. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting tourism in Goa.

During the signing ceremony Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister of Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing and Stationery, Government of Goa said, “Our collective vision of Goa Beyond Beaches is to bring the hidden splendours of Goa to the forefront, celebrate its rich cultural heritage, take tourism to the hinterlands of Goa and ensure sustainable and regenerative tourism practices that preserve our natural resources for generations to come. Our partnership with MakeMyTrip will help us introduce tourists to the heart and soul of Goa, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are equitably distributed across the state.”

MakeMyTrip’s involvement is critical in this endeavour, as the company brings its expertise in digital innovation and marketing, contributing to further broaden the reach and appeal of Goa tourism. The travel major will highlight the state’s inland cultural richness and culinary traditions, which usually take a back seat to popular coastal attractions by curating a Cultural Map of Goa, pushing various initiatives to promote the multi-faceted state, and exposing potential travellers to the depth of delights that the state has to offer.

“We are excited to embark on this journey with the Government of Goa,” said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip. “Our efforts will be directed towards showcasing the unexplored facets of Goa, promoting homestay penetration across the interiors of Goa and collaboratively nurture a sustainable tourism ecosystem.”

The spokesperson outlined MakeMyTrip’s plans, including curating unique travel itineraries, and promoting various festivals of Goa. “Through this MOU, we are not just promoting tourism – we are nurturing it to be adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable. This is about contributing to create a Goa that is as enduring as it is enchanting.” Rajesh emphasized.

Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism & MD, GTDC Goa Administration, who was also in attendance at the ceremony added, “We are also focused on spotlighting Goa on the spiritual tourism map of India combining it with the wellness options the state has to offer. We have launched the Ekadasha Teertha campaign as part of our Regenerative Tourism initiative where we are connecting eleven places of worship to form a travel circuit. We are working towards building plastic-free and sustainable ecosystems in and around these sites to ensure the growth is in the right direction vis-à-vis the hosts and the tourists. Our endeavour is to make Goa a host-centric, people-first tourism destination.”

A central feature of this MOU is the commitment to sustainable tourism, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasized by Goa Tourism and the Goa Roadmap, a significant outcome of India’s G20 Tourism Track. MakeMyTrip’s involvement will extend beyond promoting sustainable stay and visit options to the realm of education for visitors to the state. Goa has a well drafted Homestay policy for this purpose. In collaboration with the Government of Goa, the company will use over 500,000 single use plastic bottles to construct a public art display that serves as a symbol to environmental preservation and a stark reminder of the importance of sustainable practices in tourism.

With Goa being the first state in India to launch Regenerative Tourism, in the next thirty-six months the department’s goal is to promote environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment by means of four paths – spirituality, indigeneity, civilizational and cultural nationalism, and conscious tourism.

The Ekadasha Teertha or the Eleven Places of Transformation are centred around local communities, especially the women and the youth and meant to encourage the travel and tourism sector in India to adopt maintainable practices that benefit both the environment and the human population.

The Goa Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte concluded by emphasizing that this MoU is more than just an agreement, it is a testament to a long-term vision for Goa, ensuring the preservation of its cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

India, 22nd Feb 2024 – Starbuzz.ai, an innovative AI-driven influencer marketing platform, has announced the successful closure of its seed funding round, securing $500,000 (Rs 4.15 crore) from an undisclosed investor. This substantial investment will fuel the company’s expansion efforts, including team growth, product refinement, and market exploration.

Incubated within India’s leading startup ecosystem, T-Hub, Starbuzz.ai has emerged as a promising player in the influencer marketing space. With its advanced AI-powered solutions, the platform offers brands and agencies the tools to streamline and optimize influencer marketing campaigns. By leveraging sophisticated algorithms, Starbuzz.ai enables brands to discover relevant influencers, manage campaigns effortlessly, and derive actionable insights through advanced analytics. Notably, Starbuzz.ai’s adeptness in detecting fake followers and delivering comprehensive analytics empowers brands to make data-driven decisions, safeguarding maximum ROI and upholding brand integrity.

With an estimated worth of around 12 billion Indian rupees and projected to further grow at a CAGR of 25% over the next five years (Statista), Starbuzz.ai is well-positioned to capitalize on this burgeoning market. The company’s plans for expansion into new markets, including the Middle East, Canada, and Australia, underscore its ambition to become a global leader in influencer marketing automation. T-Hub’s invaluable contributions in nurturing Starbuzz.ai’s early development through mentorship, industry connections, and access to crucial resources have significantly shaped their growth trajectory.

Krishna Priya Akella, Founder, Starbuzz.ai, said, “At Starbuzz.ai, our aim is to revolutionize influencer marketing through cutting-edge technology. This latest funding round not only validates our vision but also propels us forward on our journey to reshape the industry with innovative solutions. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, we stand ready to empower brands and agencies, unlocking unparalleled success in their influencer campaigns.”

According to Mahankali Srinivas Rao (MSR), CEO of T-Hub, “Starbuzz.ai exemplifies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that T-Hub seeks to foster within its ecosystem. We congratulate Starbuzz.ai on their latest funding achievement, which not only reaffirms their commitment to revolutionizing influencer marketing but also reflects the collective vision of T-Hub to nurture and support cutting-edge startups in India. We look forward to witnessing Starbuzz.ai’s continued journey of innovation and impact in the growing influencer marketing industry.”

Since its inception in 2021, Starbuzz.ai has swiftly become a trailblazer in the influencer marketing landscape, achieving remarkable milestones along the way. By February 2023, the company seamlessly transitioned to a SaaS model, marking a pivotal moment in its journey and experiencing an impressive monthly revenue growth of 3x. Within a mere three months post-launch, Starbuzz.ai garnered over 500 B2B users and established connections with an extensive network of 70,000 influencers. This exponential growth is further underscored by the expansion of the team within just 8 months, bolstered by substantial investments totaling Rs. 4.4 Cr, with a notable contribution of Rs. 40L from AIC Banasthali.

Developed by Envisage, an Interior and Architecture firm, The Ramayana House gracefully resides within a beautiful gated community called Shalimar Paradise in Lucknow. An exquisite ode to the Indian epic of Ramayana, the house is not only a literal, religious, or traditional recreation of the epic but a contemporary adaptation and manifestation of the spiel itself.

The Ramayana House embodies a profound design philosophy centered around recreating the enchanting and immersive journey depicted in the timeless narrative. By seamlessly integrating local art and crafts, the house becomes a living canvas that vividly narrates the story.

“The client and their three siblings grew up listening to Valmiki’s Ramayana from their family elders, and this abode celebrates those cherished associations. Each space within the house has been conceptualized to beautifully depict various chapters of the epic, evoking memories and nostalgic happiness. Through a fusion of contemporary Indian design and Bohemian aesthetics, the residence seamlessly transitions visitors from one chapter to the next, akin to the progression of the Ramayana.” Meena Murthy Kakkar, Design Head and Co-Founder of Envisage

Bala Kand
A Gateway to New Beginnings: Representing the beginning of Ramayana
The entry foyer serves as a gateway to the house and symbolizes the beginning of the Ramayana with the Bala Kand. The right wall is adorned with the Ram Gayatri Mantra, introducing Lord Ram and extending a warm welcome. On the left, a hand-made, hand-painted console showcases sketches from Devdutt Pattanaik’s book “Sita”, capturing pivotal scenes from the Bala Kand. The entry wall features an artwork by Prasun Mazumdar, encompassing Valmiki’s Ramayana and providing a summary of the tale that unfolds within the house.

Ayodhya Kand
A Passage of Transition: Representing the transition from the court to the forest in the Ramayana
The house’s transitional spaces such as the staircase and the passageway are conceptualized and designed to bring out the essence of Ayodhya Kand. The passage floor is adorned with a mosaic, mimicking the uneven textures of a forest bed, while a black and white Madhubani wall mural portrays forest scenes from the epic. The passageway ceiling features a groin vault, reminiscent of the forest’s tree geometry, complemented by hanging lights. Earthy tones and paneled doors further enhance the passage’s organic ambiance. The staircase risers are adorned with custom hand-printed tiles, and an upper-storey corner displays a mural of a tree, both elements inspired by the forest. The Ayodhya Kand theme extends to the powder room, where a modern rendition of the forest’s moods and colors is created using a palm leaf wallpaper from Good Earth, a green vanity, and a muted grey color palette.

Aranya Kand
A Space for Serene Communication: Representing the family’s settlement in the forest, immersing them in a fulfilling life
The living area is transformed, showcasing three distinct spaces: the opulent formal living room resembling a Regal Darbaar, adorned with vintage elements like a hand-tufted rug, camelback sofas, a wooden jhoola, and a grand center table. The adjacent informal seating area designed as baithak, captures the love of the forest abode, featuring wooden roof rafters, a wooden-finished fan, and an ikkat border symbolizing the Laxman Rekha. The dining area, surrounded by lush greens, showcases a deer-inspired console, paying homage to its significance in the epic.

Sunder Kand and Uttar Kaand
Nurturing Growth, Reflection, and Togetherness: Representing familial support, growth, and introspection
The family room on the first floor beautifully embodies the essence of the Sunder Kand. This cozy space serves as a gathering spot for intimate conversations, where the family can come together. Clayman face sculptures representing thbe Vaanar Sena adorn the room, symbolizing their unwavering and immense support. In keeping with the significance of prayer in the Sunder Kand, a Puja/prayer room is incorporated within this zone, flanked by two exquisite Chettinad pillars displaying intricate craftsmanship. The master bedroom tells the story of the Uttar Kand, with a foyer showcasing a handcrafted painting of Luv and Kush with the Ashwamedha horse, symbolizing the reunion of a family. Inside the master bedroom, a blend of patterns and textures is thoughtfully curated. The brown-grey walls create a dynamic backdrop, evoking a sense of relaxation and homeliness. Wood is generously used throughout the space, imbuing the furniture and accessories with a distinct Indian character.

Kishkinda Kand and Yudh Kand
A Natural Haven Embracing Harmonious Chaos: Representing the birds and animals, war and chaos
The outdoor spaces beautifully portray the essence of the Kishkinda Kand and the Yudh Kand. The Kishkinda Kand, with its focus on birds, animals, and outdoor journeys, comes to life in the garden area. Birdhouses placed on wooden pillars, adorned with greens and pebbles, embellish the outdoor space, which also serves as a delightful home for the family’s canine companion. On the other hand, the garden gazebo reinterprets the chaos and war depicted in the Yudh Kand. Surrounded by lush greenery, the gazebo is accompanied by a water body with steps, symbolizing the army’s journey to Sri Lanka. Inspired by the epic, Ashok trees are planted to create an Ashok Vatica around the gazebo, while a central Sheesham tree represents the spot where goddess Sita once sat in the Ramayana.

The house celebrates local craftsmanship through elements like chikan work sheers and handloom upholstery, which seamlessly blend contemporary design sensibilities with Indian traditions and heritage. Metal and brass work from Muradabad, Chikankari from native artisans, and Madhubani art further enhance the storytelling experience through architecture and interior design. This journey transcends time and leaves a lasting impact on all who encounter it.

The beauty of the Ramayana lies in its limitless possibilities and its ability to mould cultural sensibilities. The house skilfully weaves a contemporary narrative into a traditional tale, evoking emotions such as determination, righteousness, serenity, and awe. By exploring the house, one’s own childhood memories are reignited as they reminisce about the Indian Epic. Every corner and space in the house resonates with an unforgettable story.

Gurugram, India – February 22, 2024: Samsung Electronics today announced the availability of Galaxy AI features on more Galaxy devices through a new One UI 6.1 update engineered to further the democratization of mobile AI. The update will be available across the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series, starting to roll out from the end of March. Aligning with the recently launched Galaxy S24 series, this update elevates the standard of users’ mobile AI experience through a hybrid approach that combines on-device and cloud-based AI.\

 “Our goal with Galaxy AI is not only to pioneer a new era of mobile AI but also to empower users by making AI more accessible,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “This is only the beginning of Galaxy AI, as we plan to bring the experience to over 100 million Galaxy users within 2024 and continue to innovate ways to harness the unlimited possibilities of mobile AI.”

Communication That Transcends Barriers

Even more Galaxy users will now be able to take advantage of the communication-enhancing Galaxy AI features available on AI-supported models. The features include the ability to adjust message tone and translate messages in 13 different languages using Chat Assist. Galaxy users can experience the power of real-time interactions through Live Translate, which provides voice and text translations for phone calls. With Interpreter, users can also engage in spontaneous conversations with locals while traveling as the split-screen feature generates text translations for live conversations.

Productivity Unparalleled

The broader integration of Galaxy AI across the Galaxy ecosystem also enables a seamless user experience in day-to-day tasks on AI-supported models, driving new levels of efficiency. Search functions are improved through Circle to Search with Google, which generates intuitive search results with a swift circle-motioned gesture. Life-enhancing organization features such as Note Assist allow users to create formats, generate summaries and translate notes, while Browsing Assist enables individuals to stay up to speed faster by generating comprehensive summaries of news articles. Transcript Assist can also easily transcribe meeting recordings and generate summaries and translations.

Unstoppable Creativity for Your Inner Artist

With Galaxy AI, Samsung is doubling down on its role in unlocking individuals’ creative potential. Galaxy’s latest update delivers a suite of Galaxy AI tools that encourages creative freedom even after a photo is taken. Through Generative Edit, AI-supported devices can easily resize, reposition or realign objects in photos to perfect a great shot. Users can also polish any photo faster and easier than ever with Edit Suggestion. No need for multiple re-shots as Instant Slow-mo10 can generate additional frames for slow-motion videos to capture action-packed moments.

Creativity and personalization do not stop there. Customizing Galaxy devices is even easier than before through AI-generated wallpapers, enabling AI-supported devices to bring users’ creativity to life.

National, 22nd February 2024: Barista Coffee, a pioneer in India’s coffee culture, is thrilled to announce its latest Limited Time Offer (LTO) for February 2024, titled “Romantic February – Love, Brew, Repeat.” Customers can embark on an unforgettable getaway with Barista’s specially produced offerings for the month of February, infusing every moment with love and warmth for their loved ones.

Barista Coffee’s latest limited edition range includes three tempting options: Choco Berry Latte, Strawberry Cream, and Strawberry Cake. Crafted keeping with the consumer’s taste palette in mind, this new launch provides an exquisite display of range, making it the ideal way to express your affection for your loved ones this season.

Rajat Agarwal, CEO of Barista Coffee, says, “We are excited to introduce our limited edition range, ‘Romantic February – Love, Brew, Repeat,’ by creating limited editions, we aim to create unforgettable experiences, build anticipation, and highlight the artistry behind our products. Each limited period launch demonstrates our dedication to innovation and originality. Each product has been curated to elicit feelings of affection and warmth.”

With the month of love, these scrumptious treats and beverages will enable warm conversations. Whether you’re celebrating with your loved one or simply indulging yourself, Barista’s new range is sure to make this February memorable.

BENGALURU, February, 22th 2024: Saber. Money announces its partnership with Pyse.Earth from the house of Pyse, a prominent retail investment platform for sustainability focused projects. Through Saber.Money, Pyse.Earth will now be able to streamline KYC integration, accept investments and onboard its users seamlessly to invest in its innovative green asset class.

Saber facilitates faster transactions, ensuring speed, security, and compliance. This partnership brings together the strengths of Saber in facilitating transactions and Pyse’s commitment to making climate action profitable for the consumer by enabling them to invest in sustainable projects based in the UAE. Through this partnership, Pyse.Earth’s investors can now invest in international assets.

Saber.Money is a product of Mudrex. Until now Saber.Money has partnered with Firedrops by Flipkart, Polygon, IndiGG, Glip, ANQ Finance, Rage Fan, Colexion, Acme, and others. Saber.Money aims to become the largest crypto on/off ramp solution for businesses globally.

Commenting on this, CEO & Co-founder of Mudrex, Mr Edul Patel said, “We believe Pyse users will benefit from enhanced convenience and efficiency with our Saber.Money’s solutions”.

Commenting on this, CEO & Co-founder of Pyse, Mr Kaustubh Padakannaya said, “This partnership aligns with Pyse’s commitment to financial inclusion and democratizing access to impactful green investments, all within a secure and compliant environment”.

Hyderabad, 22nd February 2024: As a continuation of the efforts during Endometriosis Awareness Month of March, PAIR Academy along with Dr Rooma Sinha, arranged a flagship initiative at the open-air Amphitheatre, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills Hyderabad, today. This was a mass awareness initiative that brought together EndoWarriors and their families, healthcare providers, researchers, and patient advocates. The goal is to raise awareness about endometriosis, spark a national conversation around the condition, and call for greater support and resources for individuals and families affected by it. The awareness initiative saw more than 150 participants from the general public, patient groups, medical students and nursing colleges.

Dr Rooma Sinha (standing – 7th from left), Sr. Consultant, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon; Mrs Divya Devarajan (standing – 8th from left), IAS, Director, Municipal Administration; Mrs Upasana Kamineni Konidela (standing – 9th from left), Vice Chairperson – CSR, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited; Dr Ratna Devi (standing – 10th from left), Director, Pair Academy; along with Doctors and staff participating in the mass awareness campaign on Endometriosis, a common, chronic, gynaecological condition, affecting over 42 million women in India; hosted by Endometriosis Society of India & Apollo Hospitals, today at Apollo Hospitals.

Endometriosis awareness events are being organised for the last 7 years under Senior Gynecologist, Dr Rooma Sinha’s leadership and Apollo Hospitals.

Endometriosis is a common, chronic, gynaecological condition, which affects over 247 million women globally and 42 million women in India1. It is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus2. Women with endometriosis suffer from chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, depression, and infertility. Diagnosis of the condition is often delayed by 6-10 years, significantly reducing a woman’s overall quality of life.

The event was graced by Dr Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, Mrs Divya Devarajan IAS, Director of Municipal Administration, Mrs Upasana Kamineni, Vice Chairperson, CSR, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises, Dr K Manohar, Dean of Apollo Medical College, Dr Rooma Sinha, Senior Gynecologist, Robotic Surgeon and Endometriosis specialist Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad and Dr Ratna Devi, Director, Patient Academy for Innovation and Research. They spoke on the importance of endometriosis awareness, the current challenges faced by women, and the need for clinical advancements in this area.

“Endometriosis is a health condition affecting millions of women in India and across the globe. We are delighted to partner with Worldwide EndoMarch, Endometriosis Society of India and PAIR to support initiatives that will contribute to helping women access better healthcare solutions. As we commemorate EndoMarch and EndoRun today, I commend the traction and engagement this initiative has garnered. Such initiatives encourage open conversations about women’s health issues ” said by Dr Sangita Reddy.

Dr Divya Devarajan said, IAS Director Municipal Administration said, women form 50% of our society. Their health and wellness should be a priority if we have to keep the community and family healthy. Prioritising issues of pain, infertility and stigma associated with conditions like Endometriosis will help dispel myths about endometriosis.

Mrs Upasana Kamineni said, women need to speak up more and come forward to share their stories. It is through stories of change that we can bring a shift in mindset and help women receive the care they deserve in a timely way.

Dr Rooma Sinha said, the gathering and stressed the importance of coming forward to discuss such sensitive problems so that early diagnosis can be made. She said the treatment of Endometriosis requires a multi-disciplinary effort of medical and surgical treatment but one must not forget the help that dieticians, Physiotherapy yoga and psychologists can provide to help women cruise through their lives with this chronic disability. If advised a surgery- Please ask Why- When- Where and Who should do the surgery? The first surgery gives the best outcome and repeated surgeries should be avoided.

Dr Ratna Devi said, “Raising awareness is crucial to address the issue of delayed diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing severe symptoms and excruciating pain. Unfortunately, their voices often go unheard or are dismissed as women’s health takes a backseat in many households. It is imperative to advocate for improved early detection and treatment options. Creating a safe and supportive environment where women can openly discuss their experiences and provide mutual support is urgently necessary.

A coffee table book which is a collection of patient stories, detailing their personal experiences, to empower the community to connect with gynaecologists to understand their condition better was also relaunched. The book will equip fellow endometriosis patients to understand their condition through the perspectives of these women.

Dr Carman Nezhat, Clinical Professor of OBGYN at Stanford Health, San Francisco, USA & Director, Centre for Special Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery; in his video message appreciated the efforts of Dr Rooma Sinha as the India Captain for the Worldwide EndoMarch and Apollo Hospitals, for joining hands for last several years creating this awareness.

Dr Pramathes Das Mahapatra, President of the Endometriosis Society of India, says, “While conditions like polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD) are widely discussed, endometriosis is still not talked about. “The first step is making doctors aware of the extent of the disorder and ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis. In most cases in India, diagnosis is generally delayed because painful periods are considered normal.”

The main messages are

1. Don’t Suffer with pelvic or period pain in silence- You are not alone!

2. Early diagnosis can help the progress of disease

3. Although medical and surgical treatment are the mainstay, Exercise, Yoga, Diet and Mental well-being can help women cruise with this chronic debilitating disease

4. If in doubt ask for Apollo second opinion!

Bengaluru, February 22, 2024: Myntra has appointed Venu Nair, as its Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Omni Channel. Venu brings with him more than 30 years of experience in Retail, Sourcing, Business Analysis and Strategy and joins Myntra’s Senior Leadership Team where he will be responsible for strengthening Myntra’s existing international brands portfolio, while building strategic partnerships with leading global brands and will also be managing omni channel strategy for brands. He will work closely with an able team of professionals, towards forging stronger partnerships, further elevating Myntra’s position as the strategic partner of choice for the world’s leading fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, as they look at tapping into the burgeoning potential of the India market.

Venu joins Myntra from Shoppers Stop, where he was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. A leader with rich and varied experience in the Retail & Apparel Industry across parts of South Asia & Europe, Venu has also served as the CEO of Westside, a part of Trent Limited. In addition, he has led the commercial operations of Zudio and Landmark during his stint at Trent. Prior to this, he was the Managing Director of Marks & Spencer Reliance, the India operations of M&S, where he spearheaded the brand’s growth, doubling the number of stores, while also significantly strengthening the business.

Venu graduated with a Bachelor of Technology(Hon) from NIT, Calicut. He also holds an MBA in Marketing from SPJIMR, Mumbai.

Bengaluru, February 22, 2024: In the rapidly evolving fashion industry, transformative technology has become key to engaging consumers and driving purchases. With the help of AI-powered data, businesses can now precisely target shoppers in India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities and thus maximize their market reach and impact, said Meghna Apparao, Director of Meta India at the India Fashion Forum 2024 in Bengaluru.

Highlighting on Meta platforms’ role as a powerful touchpoint for fashion businesses to connect with consumers and drive spontaneous purchases, she said, “There are 3.8 billion monthly active users of Meta across the globe, including India as a significant market, and an astonishing 2 billion people re-share reels daily worldwide. With AI-powered insights, businesses can effectively tap into the sheer affluence of Tier 2 city shoppers and leverage vernacular content to resonate with diverse consumer demographics.”

Delving into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and fashion, emphasizing its transformative potential. Shubha Pai, Head of Sales and Solutions at YouTube India, highlighted, “YouTube’s rise as the quintessential fashion destination is underscored by a staggering achievement of 5 billion views for fashion and clothing content in December 2023 alone.”

She further added, “The platform’s diverse content formats, especially trending ones like ‘Get Ready with Me’ (GRWM) and ‘Outfit of the Day’ (OOTD) videos, have witnessed a remarkable 500% growth in watch time, thereby gaining great influence in shaping fashion trends and consumer behaviour.”

Talking about the roadblocks in the fashion business, Shailesh Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, Arvind Fashions, said, “We need to re-look at the fundamentals of how we run our businesses and effectively utilize our capital.”

Saloni Nangia, President & MD of Technopak Advisors, emphasized the evolving nature of consumer behavior and the importance of leveraging technology to meet changing demands. “Technology will be the largest value creator. AI will be an enabler and a disruptor, and sustainability will continue to hold importance.”

The integration of generative AI, from chatbots to personalized content creation and data visualization is revolutionizing marketing strategies and reshaping the fashion retail landscape.

As the India Fashion Forum 2024 progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that AI-powered innovation is not just a trend but a fundamental driver of change, poised to usher in a new era of dynamic and consumer-centric fashion retail in India.

With the integration of generative AI, ranging from chatbots to personalized content creation and data visualization, the horizons of possibility expand exponentially. As an increasing number of companies embrace this technology, its seamless integration into every facet of marketing becomes a foreseeable reality.

Hyderabad, February 22, 2024: The classical Jugalbandi series, UTTAR DAKSHIN, is all set to be held at Ravindra Bharathi Auditorium on Saturday, March 2.

Presented by Vivid Arts in collaboration with Surmandal, Hyderabad and support from LIC of India and ONGC. Uttar Dakshin to present a captivating duet featuring this year’s Grammy Award Winner, Rakesh Chaurasia, on the flute, and illustrious Carnatic virtuoso, Dr. Jayanti Kumaresh, on the Saraswati Veena with solos followed by Jugalbandi. These luminaries of the classical music world are poised to enchant audiences on Saturday, the 2nd of March, 2024, at Ravindra Bharati, Hyderabad.

Joining these maestros on stage are a lineup of accomplished accompanying artists, including Ojhas Adhiya on the tabla, Vidwan Jayachandra Rao on the mridangam, and Vidwan Giridhar Udupa on the ghatam, adding depth and richness to the musical tapestry.

This 13th edition of Uttar Dakshin promises to be a celebration of musical diversity, showcasing the distinct styles of two masterful artists. The evening kicks off at 6.15 PM, with the musicians guiding listeners on an unforgettable musical odyssey. Tickets for this extraordinary event are available on Book My Show.

Uttar Dakshin, concert series fosters regional harmony between North and South India through the melodic interplay of two distinct musical traditions. As part of its six-city tour spanning Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Ranchi, and now Hyderabad, this edition aims to continue its tradition of spreading musical joy and cultural unity.