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Bengaluru, 20th Feb 2024: Style Icon of the Year (SITY) 2023-24’ presents a pool of talent that is sure to take the industry by surprise. Our talent this time exudes confidence & charisma, with heaps of signature ‘SITY’ spunk.

We are super pumped to see them transition from raw youthfulness to polished professionals. These amazing individuals evolved under the mentorship & rigorous training of Watermark Productions, and the grand finale conducted at the Bowring Institute was a testament to that.

35 finalists that were narrowed down from a pool of 4,000+ students across 25 colleges in Karnataka. They were fully charged with the right blend of original style, spunky walk & confidence personified. Our expert judges were very impressed, making it truly hard for them to crown the final two winners.

Our judges’ panel included actor Sharmiela Mandre, renowned Bharatnatyam dancer Rukmini Vijayakumar, fashion photographer Wasim Khan & fashion designer Sounak Sen Barat. Before arriving at the grand finale, Style icon finalists underwent an intensive two-month grooming program that trained them in ramp walking, etiquette, fitness, acting, dance, skincare, and mental wellness. The results were nothing short of phenomenal.

Winners of Style Icon Of The Year 2023 are Lakshita Thilagaraj & Rohan Rangnath.

The Style Icon of The Year competition by Watermark Productions was a star-studded event with several industry luminaries in attendance. Drawing a crowd of nearly 1500 people from all quarters, to watch the gala night.

“Fashion is what you make of it. The right attitude can make anything look fashionable, and that’s why our hunt has been to find luring personalities, as opposed to typical models.

Yes, fashion is ever-evolving and we have to stay attuned to current trends. But what remains constant is your unique personality. That’s literally half the battle won. Our focus has been on empowering individuals to embrace their unique style journeys. We take immense pride in witnessing the transformation of our students, from fresh, raw enthusiasts, to becoming polished professionals, ready to take on a multitude of industries. There’s nothing more satisfying than helping these energetic young students in shaping their flourishing careers”: Zulfikher Ahmed, Co-Founder, Watermark Productions

Quote “India, is soon to be the world’s 3rd largest economy, and the fashion landscape in our country is only expanding. We have insane talent but limited platforms for them to shine. All we do here at Watermark’s Style Icon is give them a nudge in the right direction. Considering the competition in the field, it’s important for aspirants to have the right skills. Here we are, giving them a crash course in everything they can imagine. You want to act, dance, ramp walk, polish yourself for a corporate job… or just understand your unique style… the Style Icon platform is a golden stage to unveil your true self. I needn’t say more. Honestly, the opportunities our previous contestants have got should give you an insight into the quality of our program. Style Icon opens doors to endless possibilities, the sky is the limit for aspiring fashion luminaries- Ria Jamal, Partner, Watermark Productions

Watermark is set to widen its horizons to be the largest talent-scouting platform in the country.

India, 20 February 2024 – Canon Inc. announced today that the company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share[1] of the global market for 21 consecutive years from 2003 to 2023.

Canon’s EOS series of interchangeable lens digital cameras are imaging systems based on the basic concept of “Speed, Comfort, and High Image Quality,” for which the company has developed proprietary key components, including CMOS image sensors, the DIGIC image processors, and interchangeable lenses. Putting together a wide-ranging product lineup—from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy full-scale shooting with easy operation, as well as a rich selection of over 115[2] RF and EF series lenses that make possible a wealth of creative expression—Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.

During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. By launching this groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, Canon spurred growth in the digital SLR market, capturing the top share of the global market and heralding the age of digital SLR cameras. Since that time, Canon has continued to launch a range of groundbreaking products, including the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. Canon’s desire to further expand the boundaries of visual expression led to its next-generation EOS R System, launched in October 2018, that includes the full-frame mirrorless camera EOS R5—the first camera to feature 8K video recording[3]—released in July 2020 and the EOS R3 in November 2021, which features tracking of fast-moving subjects and continuous shooting performance. In addition, Canon launched the EOS VR System, designed to record video for virtual reality content, in December 2021.

In 2023, Canon led demand for mirrorless cameras and lenses by further expanding its lineup of EOS R series cameras and lenses. This expanded lineup included the EOS R50 (released in March 2023), an APS-C size mirrorless camera complete with easy-to-use and convenient functions, the EOS R8 (released in April 2023), a full-frame camera that is both small and lightweight while demonstrating high performance and the EOS R100 (released in June 2023), an APS-C size mirrorless camera that even beginner photographers can use to enjoy full-fledged shooting, and 9 RF lenses[4].

Additionally, Canon-brand cameras comprised the number one share[5] of Rugby World Cup France 2023, demonstrating that they have earned the deep trust of professional photographers. Based on the support of this wide range of customers, Canon managed to secure the No. 1 share of the global market for the 21st consecutive year.

Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies while bringing fulfillment and excitement to people’s daily lives as well as promoting the spread of photo and video culture by providing products, services, and solutions that meet its customers’ diverse needs.

Kolkata, 20th February 2024: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has appointed Mr. Anirban Aditya as the Chair of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) National Expert Committee on Sports, marking a pivotal moment in the organisation’s strategic expansion into the dynamic realm of sports.

With an illustrious career, Mr. Aditya’s dedication to societal betterment is evident through initiatives such as the Aditya School of Sports and his support for individuals like IqraRasool in pursuing their sports aspirations. With a vision for global recognition, Mr. Aditya aims to establish sports schools both in Dubai and nationwide. His leadership style embodies courage, patience and confident decision-making, serving as an inspiration for future entrepreneurs. Through this, Anirban continues to make a positive impact on education and society.

In his new role, Mr. Aditya is expected to lead and drive events, policies and business promotion services, contributing significantly to the competitiveness of the sports sector.

Ameya Prabhu, President, ICC, expressed delight in the appointment and stated, “The appointment of Mr. Anirban Aditya as the Chair of ICC National Expert Committee on Sports aligns with ICC’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in diverse sectors. His visionary leadership and dedication to societal betterment make him an ideal choice. This strategic move reflects ICC’s motive to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports in our nation.’’

Mr. Anirban Aditya, Chairman, Aditya Group shared his enthusiasm and said, “I am honoured and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. My commitment extends beyond mere representation; I am determined to leverage my experience to spearhead events, formulate progressive policies and drive business promotion services. Together, we will enhance sportsmanship and contribute significantly to the sector’s competitiveness, fostering a positive impact on the nation’s sports landscape.”

The ICC is dedicated to playing an integral role in fostering strong ties, promoting competitiveness and contributing to the holistic development of sports in the nation. With Mr. Aditya at the helm, we look forward to making significant strides.Together, let’s build a future where sports thrive and our collective endeavour’s create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

New Delhi | February 20, 2024: News18 India has announced the launch of its upcoming debate show, titled ‘News18 India Goonj’. Presented by popular news anchor Rubika Liyaquat, the show is set to debut on February 21 and will air on weekdays from 5 PM to 6 PM.

‘News18 India Goonj’ is a hard-hitting political news debate show which promises to reverberate in the households of millions of news consumers every evening. Launched against the backdrop of the upcoming general elections, the show will cover the biggest political news stories with participation from prominent faces across the political spectrum. The show will inform, dissect, analyse, and debate the issue(s) in a format never seen before on Indian television.

Each episode will commence with a concise overview of the selected news story, presented with impactful visuals and graphics. This will be followed by an exclusive segment revealing research-based, untold facts about the story, enriching viewers’ understanding on the topic. The debate segment will then take the centre stage, with short initial comments from the panel with a countdown running on screen for each participant. Adding an interactive element to the show, both TV and digital viewers will get to vote and comment in the audience poll. The results will be announced towards the end of the show, reflecting the public pulse on the debated issue. To ensure balanced and meaningful discussions, one prominent journalist/analyst on the panel will act as the show’s referee, providing insightful information and adding depth to the dialogue. The show will conclude with the poll results and Rubika Liyaqat’s take on the topic, leaving viewers with a consolidated understanding of the discussed topic.

Speaking on the upcoming show, Jyoti Kamal, Editor, News18 India and Hindi Digital said, “In the lead-up to the general elections, this show is our effort to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of key election issues and major news stories from diverse perspectives. The show is designed to empower the audience to form well-informed opinions by presenting information that enables them to draw their own conclusions, with accurate and valuable insights. This debate show will be unlike any other, and I am eager to see how the audience embraces it.”

Mumbai: February 20, 2024 – STAAH, a leading New Zealand-based hospitality solutions provider, has partnered with the UK-headquartered Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts to deploy its hospi-tech solutions at the group’s three premium properties in India.

The Astroport Treetop by Eight Continents – Sariska, Dhora Resort & Spa Signature Collection, Jodhpur and Maati Signature Collection by Eight Continents – Nainital, have deployed the flagship product of STAAH, the Max Channel Manager along with ReviewMinder, and RateStalk solution to help the properties do away with multiple operational roadblocks and seamlessly manage the show to maximize revenue and drive more bookings.

Within the diverse portfolio of properties managed by the hospitality group, Eight Continents establishes its presence in the UK, Romania, and India. Out of which they have deployed STAAH’s stack of distribution technology for their one property in Romania and three properties in India

“Before we partnered with STAAH, we were using tech solutions that worked well initially but the reporting was not great. They were not compatible with Android phones and didn’t regularly factor in any tech enhancements. Even the post-sales support was mediocre. With STAAH’s suite, we see the difference instantly. Their solutions are high-quality, safe, secure, easy to use and compatible across platforms. They work quickly and efficiently, saving us time and effort. We are excited to strengthen our world-class digital infrastructure with STAAH’s support in India and Romania,” said Haninder Sachdeva , Managing Director , Eight Continents

STAAH Max Channel Manager help hotels to list and manage their inventory across booking channels, the ReviewMinder is a reputation management tool while the RateSTalk is a competitor rate checker tool, to drive more business and boost revenue.

The technological expertise of STAAH will empower the group with tools like Channel Management — that helps hotels to list and manage their inventory across booking channels, ReviewMinder — a reputation management tool, and RateSTalk Solution — a competitor rate checker tool, to drive more business and boost revenues.

“We are glad that our best-of-breed solutions have enabled the properties of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts to address their pain points to function seamlessly and efficiently. The fairly new global group wanted to inspire a connection with the consumers to their brand through exceptional and personalized service that exceeds expectations. We are confident that they will be able to achieve all this and more with STAAH’s solutions,” said Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head at STAAH.

Actress Jaswinder Gardner, known for her roles in Ready, V for Victor, and Missing, recently portrayed the role of Divya Ahuja, the wife of Ansh Ahuja (played by Ashmit Patel), in the Watcho Exclusives series State v/s Ahuja. The actress has now revealed insights into her character and what made her say yes to being a part of the series, which is streaming on Watcho.

Sharing deets on her character Divya, Jaswinder said, “I play the character of Divya Ahuja, Ansh Ahuja’s wife in the Watcho Exclusives series State v/s Ahuja. So, Divya’s life changed after marriage. In one scene, she describes how she went to college, fell in love, her dream was to help Ansh fulfil his dream, and after marriage that became her priority. All she wanted was for him to achieve everything he dreamed of, always standing by his side. She also had to adjust to his stardom, which involved more betrayal, affairs, and mistreatment than she ever expected. She thought she would always be the one he would be with, so it all came as an unexpected shock to her.”

Revealing what convinced her to be a part of the series, “Divya’s character has a lot of range; she is a wife who undergoes turmoil when her husband is accused of a heinous crime such as rape. Her happy-go-lucky life suddenly goes haywire; it’s in bits and pieces. I liked the characterization and the character arc, which is challenging to play, but it also allows me to perform as an artist, to show my potential as an actor. So, I wanted my audience to see my potential, and I signed up for the role without any second thoughts. Also, it’s an intense thriller, which usually interests viewers. Plus, I got the opportunity to work with a fantastic team.”

State v/s Ahuja delves into the life of Ansh Ahuja (Ashmit Patel), a Bollywood superstar whose world is rocked by scandal when his maid accuses him of rape. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are immersed in a captivating realm of suspense, investigation, and courtroom theatrics, where unexpected revelations keep them on edge. The series poses a gripping question: Did Ansh truly commit the alleged crime, or is there a darker conspiracy lurking beneath the surface? Produced by Suresh Thomas under the banners of Crescendo Films and Amicable Crew, the show boasts an ensemble cast, including Anurekha Bhagat, Sarika Singh, Swapnil Ralkar, Apeksha Verma, Drishti Patil, Manish Jaitley, Arjun Krishna, Vicky Baidyanath, and Harsh Gautam. This Watcho Exclusives series is streaming on Watcho.

Saqib Iqbal, a financial analyst at Trading.Biz has found an auto stock bound to yield 41% in Q1 2024. He is referring to Allison Transmission Inc., (NYSE: ALSN). As one of North America’s leading manufacturers of commercial auto transmissions, Allison Transmission Holdings designs and manufactures high-quality automatic transmissions. Quality, reliability, and fuel efficiency are among the company’s strongholds.

He says, “When I found the intrinsic value of the stock, it’s undervalued by 29%. When you combine this undervaluation with the company’s overall growth, it can yield up to 41%. The company bought back half of its shares while its market value has been reduced most likely due to concerns of electric car adoption.”

Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) ended 2023 on a high note, with record year revenues of $3.035 billion, a 10% increase aided by a 13% increase in the North American on-highway market and an 18% increase in the service parts sector. Earnings per share reached a record high of $7.40, representing a 34% increase. Free cash flow also increased to $186 million.

Saqib says, investing $1000 right now in the stock is worth the try. He states,

“The stock price is $70.57, and for a $1000 you can buy around 14.28 shares. If you look at the undervaluation of 29%, then the price becomes $99.74. So, potential capital gains becomes $412.67. And add a current dividend yield of $0.23 per share. Then the total yield becomes $415.95 (0.23 x 14.28 = $3.28) which is a gain of 41.59%.”

To calculate, he used the following formula:

Potential gains = (Final stock price – Initial stock price) x Number of shares
Dividend earnings = Dividend amount x number of shares
Total = potential gains + dividend earnings

Mumbai, Maharashtra – [19th February, 2024] – Following its acquisition of Just Watches in May last, Timex Group India is all set for a robust expansion plan for India with new Just Watches stores at the prestigious Lulu Mall, Kochi end of 2023 and 3 new stores in the state of Maharashtra with two stores in Mumbai and one in Aurangabad. This expansion marks a significant step in Timex Group’s strategic plan to bring its curated selection of timepieces closer to discerning customers.

With the launch of the new Just Watches stores in Andheri (525 sq. ft.) and Malad
(436 sq. ft.) in Mumbai, and Aurangabad (392 sq. ft.), Timex Group is set to amp up its premium to luxury positioning. These expansive showrooms boast a curated portfolio of luxury and fashion watch brands such as Versace and Daniel Wellington. The store will also showcase Timex’s global iconic Marlin and Waterbury range alongside the latest from Guess, Guess Collection, Philip Plein, Plein Sport and Nautica, catering to a wide range of audience.

 “We are thrilled to expand our geographical footprint across the country with our
association with Just Watches.” said Mr. Deepak Chabbra, MD, Timex. “With these stores we are bringing a one stop shop for watch enthusiasts to discover watches from Timex and other leading brands under one roof. We are confident these new stores will not only elevate the Just Watches experience but also contribute to the flourishing watch retail ecosystem in Maharashtra, offering a wider range of choices to our customers.”

The latest wave of store openings cements Just Watches by Timex Group’s mission to become India’s ultimate watch haven. These new outlets bring their diverse watch collections closer to customers across the country, offering one-stop shopping convenience. This isn’t just a recent burst of growth. Timex Group has been steadily expanding the Just Watches footprint, reaching a total of 76 exclusive stores spanning 39 cities. With each new location, their reach and commitment to providing accessible, diverse watch options become even stronger.

Bengaluru, February 19, 2024: Relanto, a global leader in AI-driven business advisory and consulting services, announced a key milestone in its growth journey with the launch of its AI-first lab, a global innovation and incubator hub, at its new state-of-the-art office at IBC Knowledge Park in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The company also unveiled its Relanto Cares initiative, a community service engagement program focused on uplifting local underprivileged and underserved communities across the globe by bridging the digital divide.

Rajan Gaur, CEO of Relanto said, “As part of our global expansion strategy, this new office and AI Innovation lab in Bengaluru will be a catalyst for our next phase of growth and support our mission to build an AI-first world in collaboration with our customers and partners. Through the launch of our Relanto Cares initiative, we remain committed to fostering positive change in the communities we live in and pledge $1 million USD towards this global community service initiative.”

“Our AI lab is designed to foster research and collaboration for breakthrough innovations and to build the next generation of AI solutions. Bengaluru’s vibrant tech ecosystem is the perfect backdrop for our lab launch, symbolizing our commitment to creating pioneering IP & solutions to accelerate AI monetization.” remarked Yeshwant Nayak, COO of Relanto.

Relanto is also looking at strategic growth opportunities by expanding its global footprint. Sharing some details, Shankar Chowhan, President of Relanto added “Our recent expansion in Canada, Mexico, UAE, and India reflects our global vision, positioning us to tap into diverse markets and talent pools, ultimately driving growth and innovation across continents.”

As it moves forward, Relanto remains committed to leveraging its resources and expertise to foster innovation, reduce the digital gap, and create a more inclusive and educated global community.

“As part of the Relanto Cares initiative, we are pledging towards building and equipping a new computer lab along with additional classrooms at Neraluru Government School with an aim to support our local Bengaluru community” highlighted Venkatesh Kodangal, Chief Strategy Officer.

“Our AI lab will be a collaborative hub to nurture innovation where we reimagine the AI-led future of our customers and partners. It will also be an idea exchange platform between industry and academic institutions,” stated T.P. Vincent, Chief Technology Officer.

This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Relanto, one where growth and social commitment go hand in hand, to help drive a meaningful impact in enabling and empowering local communities.

Mumbai, INDIA – February 19, 2024: After decades of development, AI has left the computer science lab and is now beginning to impact how business is conducted. And yet, no single technology advance in the past several decades has attracted more attention – or created more fear – than Generative AI. Between over-inflated expectations and doomsday predictions, business leaders have been left stranded without clear guidance, meaningful insight, or a playbook for the future of business.

 HFS Research, in partnership with Ascendion, is now releasing Your Generative Enterprise™ Playbook for the Future, a first-of-its-kind applied research series offering enterprise leaders a head start in the race to succeed with GenAI technology. Data and insights provide practical guidance, real-world insights, and tactical recommendations honed from extensive quantitative surveys and in- depth interviews with executive business leaders and AI innovators from companies with $500+ million in revenue.

 According to HFS Research Executive Research Leader David Cushman, “Study respondents have effectively visited the future. They like what they’ve seen and want more of it. The next few quarters and years will be a rocket ride for companies correctly timing innovation with GenAI and balancing investment with return. Leaders sitting on the sidelines could face an extinction event.”

 More than 120 early adopters interviewed call GenAI the most disruptive technology they have ever experienced and state the benefits for enterprises will swiftly move beyond quick wins and savings to impact revenue and market valuation.

 Ascendion is on a mission to help businesses move GenAI from a test case to the fast track of how work gets done. “The key to generative AI isn’t bots, it’s brains. The right human skills empower us to harness its power. To build the last mile where enterprises will reap the most value depends on the intersection of technology plus talent,” said Prakash Balasubramanian, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Engineering Practices and Delivery at Ascendion.

Some top highlights from the research include:
· We need more humans in the loop. A striking 75% of the surveyed cohort ranked having sufficient GenAI-skilled talent as a top obstacle for effective deployment, highlighting the talent gap as a significant challenge.
· Invest in humanities to meet the GenAI talent gap. Nearly 88% of respondents believe GenAI will make power skills like communication, empathy, curiosity, and emotional intelligence far more important, highlighting the evolving skillset required in the GenAI era.
· AI will deliver more than just cost savings. While initial benefits include cost savings and
productivity gains, GenAI’s true potential lies in driving revenue growth and market valuation.
· AI will unlock value from every business function. Around 47% of leaders identify customer service as the key business function where GenAI will create high value over the next 12 to 18 months, illustrating its immediate applicability.
· Generative AI will re-shape business economics. The study finds that approximately 40% of respondents expect GenAI to deliver a more than 10% improvement in overall productivity, signaling the urgency for businesses to adapt.

“GenAI will deliver significant, if not spectacular, benefits for business economics in most companies. For companies not making the right moves right now, the velocity of this shift will likely become an existential threat,” says HFS Research CEO and Chief Analyst Phil Fersht. “Based on our data, ignoring critical lessons learned and informed opinions from our GenAI  pioneers is unwise.”