Archives April 2024

India;3rd April 2024: GreenCell Mobility, a pioneer in sustainable mass mobility solutions, is elated to announce a significant expansion of its operations for its electric intercity bus brand NueGo. In a strategic move to cater to the growing demand for its eco-friendly and comfortable services, NueGo now serves 100+ cities and multiple routes across India, further solidifying its leadership position in the intercity travel segment.

The newly launched routes across India include Delhi – Shimla – Delhi, Gurgaon – Chandigarh – Gurgaon, Delhi – Rishikesh – Delhi, Delhi – Amritsar – Delhi, Chandigarh – Amritsar – Chandigarh, Chandigarh – Dehradun – Chandigarh, Vijayawada – Vizag – Vijayawada, Bangalore – Salem – Bangalore, Bangalore – Trichy – Bangalore.

Devendra Chawla, MD & CEO of Greenwell Mobility, said, “We are thrilled to announce extensive expansion of NueGo’s services across the country. This strategic move aligns with our mission to improve intercity travel by providing eco-friendly, convenient, and technology-driven mobility solutions. With the introduction of new routes and amenities, we aim to elevate the travel experience for our guests while actively contributing to reducing tailpipe emissions and ensuring a greener future for all.”

NueGo, renowned for its emphasis on guest-centricity and comfort, ensures a reliable and delightful experience for both corporate and leisure travelers. With a wide schedule of buses operating around the clock and multiple boarding points across cities, NueGo offers unrivaled flexibility and convenience to its guests. Commuters on these new routes can expect an exceptional journey, where they are assisted to their seats, provided with clean, disinfected tissues and water bottles, and can indulge in a serene ride aboard NueGo’s noiseless AC electric buses.

NueGo has further enhanced its in-bus travel amenities for the guests and the brand has started pilot-testing the provision of food boxes to ensure a comfortable and worry-free experience. NueGo is also providing an additional discount on return ticket bookings for all its guests this holiday season.

Positioned as the preferred choice for safe and sustainable travel, NueGo sets the bar high with an array of safety features. These include robust measures such as CCTV surveillance, driver breath analyzers, driver monitoring systems, and speed limit checks. To ensure utmost safety, NueGo’s coaches undergo 25 meticulous safety checks, encompassing both mechanical and electrical inspections. This focus on safety makes NueGo a trusted travel companion, especially for female passengers seeking a secure journey.

Tickets for travel on these new routes can be conveniently booked through NueGo’s official website (https://nuego.in/) or via the NueGo app available on iOS and Playstore

New Delhi, 3rd April 2024– Inknibs, the one-stop destination for books, toys, office supplies, and party essentials, is proud to announce its strategic expansion initiative into key cities across India. The presence of Inknibs is spread throughout Delhi NCR, Dehradun, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. With a commitment to revolutionizing convenience shopping, Inknibs is set to establish its presence in the vibrant markets of Indore, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, and Varanasi.

Inknibs is a marketplace that operates on a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) model. They specialize in selling books, stationery, and toys, and they offer fast delivery services, promising to deliver products within 60 minutes. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Inknibs, as the brand continues to redefine the retail landscape with its diverse product offerings and unparalleled customer service. By venturing into these dynamic cities, Inknibs aims to provide a wide range of products including books, toys, office supplies, and party supplies. Inknibs promises to deliver orders to your doorstep within 60 minutes of placing them.

In a world where time is precious, Inknibs offers convenience for parents and students alike. With Inknibs, shopping for kids’ supplies is made easier and faster through online ordering, eliminating the need to wait anxiously for deliveries.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey of expansion and bring the Inknibs experience to new communities,” says Divyanshu Solanki, Founder, and CEO at Inknibs “Our mission has always been to provide a seamless shopping experience that caters to the diverse interests and preferences of our customers. With our expansion into Indore, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, and Varanasi, we are excited to connect with even more individuals and families, offering them a curated selection of products that inspire creativity and enrich everyday life.”

Inknibs’ expansion into these bustling cities marks its unwavering commitment to accessibility and convenience. By strategically locating its stores in prime areas, Inknibs aims to become the go-to destination for shoppers seeking quality products, exceptional value, and personalized service.

In addition to its expansive product range, Inknibs is renowned for its dedication to sustainability and community engagement. Through various initiatives, including partnerships with local artisans and retailers, Inknibs strives to make a positive impact on society. Additionally, Inknibs seems to provide value to manufacturers by offering them a distribution network through their retail partners. This means manufacturers can leverage Inknibs’ network of retailers to distribute their goods effectively, reaching a wider audience without having to establish their own retail channels.

By enabling local retailers to sell online and connecting manufacturers with a broader retail network, Inknibs plays a vital role in transforming the way traditional retail operates in the digital age. This business model benefits both retailers and manufacturers, enhancing their accessibility and visibility in the market.

As Inknibs embarks on this exciting new chapter, it invites customers, partners, and stakeholders to join in celebrating the brand’s growth and continued commitment to excellence.

Gurgaon | 3rd April 2024: AVPL, a leading agricultural drone technology firm based in Gurgaon, proudly announced its sponsorship alongside Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) for the 5th Dada Shyam Ji Cricket Tournament. The tournament, which took place last week at the esteemed Haryana Cricket Academy, saw the participation of 12 competitive teams, engaging in a series of thrilling matches totalling to 15 games.

IFFCO, known for its leading role in the manufacture and distribution of fertilizers, along with AVPL supported this exciting sporting event that brought together talented cricket players from various backgrounds.

Among the distinguished participants in the tournament were notable cricketers such as Hrithik Shokeen, a seasoned player with experience in IPL, representing Mumbai Indians and Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, and playing for Team Baba Haridas; Sarul Kanwar, another accomplished cricketer who has played for Mumbai Indians in IPL, Punjab in Ranji Trophy, and TT Sahgal in club cricket; Manan Vohra, renowned for his contributions to Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL, as well as playing for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy; and Deepak Punia, a versatile player who has donned the jersey of Mumbai Indians in IPL, and represented Delhi and Haryana in the Ranji Trophy. These players brought their expertise and passion for the game to the tournament, captivating spectators with their exceptional performances on the field.

The highly competitive tournament culminated in a thrilling final match, where Sahgal Cricket Club emerged victorious as the champions, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and talent. Ravindra Yorks Academy put up a commendable fight, finishing as the runners-up and demonstrating their determination throughout the tournament.

Ravindra Yorks Academy put up a target of 272 in the final, which Sahgal Cricket Club was able to meet with 2 balls left to spare, thereby winning by 4 wickets. Keshav Dabas from Ravindra Yorks Acamdey was the highest run scorer, with 249 runs in 4 innings.

Deep Sihag Sisai, Founder and Managing Director of AVPL, expressed his enthusiasm about the successful collaboration and the impact of such initiatives on the community. “We are delighted to have sponsored the 5th Dada Shyam Ji Cricket Tournament. Sports not only foster a spirit of competition but also promote camaraderie and unity. It’s wonderful to see such talented players come together and showcase their skills on this platform. AVPL remains committed to supporting initiatives that contribute positively to the well-being and development of our society,” said Sisai.

The 5th Dada Shyam Ji Cricket Tournament served as a platform for cricket enthusiasts to witness top-notch cricketing talent and celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship. AVPL and IFFCO’s joint sponsorship underscored their shared commitment to fostering sports and community engagement.

Nashik, 3rd April, 2024….Aaryan Shukla, an eighth-grade student from Delhi Public School Nashik, created a Guinness World Record for the ‘fastest time to mentally add 50 five-digit numbers.’ Aaryan achieved this remarkable feat in only 25.19 seconds. He accomplished this amazing record on the Italian TV show, ‘Lo Show Dei Record’ in Milan, Italy on 29th February 2024.

Human Calculator Aaryan Shukla is one of the leading Mental Math athletes representing India in international competitions. He has been practicing Mental Math and Calculation since the age of 6 years.

Aaryan has an impressive track record of mental calculation. He won the title of ‘World Champion’ at the 2022 Mental Calculation World Cup held in Paderborn city of Germany, where he represented India among the top 40 human calculators from 20 countries worldwide. Despite being only 12 years old then, Aaryan’s precision and talent allowed him to clinch the coveted title of World Champion, surpassing competitors from across the globe.

At the young age of 8, Aaryan represented India at the ‘Memorial Turkey Open Championship – 2018’ held in Istanbul, Turkey. He won an impressive 10 medals, including 7 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze, and set 2 Kids World Records. To this day, Aaryan holds the record for winning the highest number of medals in a single competition at Memorial.

In addition to being the Mental Calculation World Champion, Aaryan is also a founding board member of the Global Mental Calculators Association (GMCA). The GMCA is a geographically diverse elite association of mental calculators worldwide, focused on expanding and strengthening mental calculation. Remarkably, Aaryan became a founding board member of this association at the young age of 13.

Mr. Siddharth Rajgarhia, Chief Learner, and Director of DPS Nashik expressed his joy and pride in Aaryan’s achievement, stating, “He has not only made us proud, but it’s also a moment of great pride for the nation. Congratulations to him.”

Aaryan’s journey to this historic accomplishment showcases his brilliance and the nurturing atmosphere provided by Delhi Public School Nashik. The school takes immense pride in fostering an environment where students can excel and realize their full potential across various fields of endeavor.

As Aaryan Shukla continues to carve his name in the history books of mathematical excellence, he stands as an inspiration to aspiring young minds worldwide. He demonstrates that with passion, dedication, and determination, the impossible can indeed become possible. Aaryan’s Guinness World Record highlights the remarkable capabilities of the human mind, showcasing the limitless possibilities within each individual.

3rd April 2024, The Fresh Press, a cold-pressed juice brand based out of Mumbai has successfully raised a Pre-Series A round from Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund (GCCF). The brand was co-founded by Mithil Lodha and Rahul Jain, where actor-entrepreneur Dino Morea came on board as both an investor and co-founder. Since its inception in 2018, The Fresh Press has boasted over 36 stores nationwide. The brand has strategically partnered with PVR, INOX, and Reliance to strengthen its market presence and accessibility to a larger audience.

As of March, this year, The Fresh Press is also a part of the first cohort of Gruhas Gusto- a FoodTech accelerator program by Gruhas, Jubilant Family Office, DLF Family Office, and Anthill Ventures In the coming months, the brand aims to expand its market presence in Southern cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai, while also targeting key regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi for nationwide coverage. The goal is to establish 1000 Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) stores, solidifying The Fresh Press’s position as a leading juice brand in

3rd April 2024: Just over 2 years old, the D2C brand A47.in, has raised funding of an undisclosed amount from Aditya Pittie. The company will utilize the capital for ramping up, and expanding into new categories, collaborations, physical retail & marketing. The investment marks a significant milestone for A47, positioning it for accelerated growth and outreach. A47 celebrates India & its remarkable achievements and institutions through official merchandise.

Owned by India’s leading brand licensing and IP management company, Black White Orange, A47.in was bootstrapped for the initial 2.5 years after having launched with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) on August 15th, 2021. The company then also collaborated with the different units of the Indian Armed Forces like The Indian Infantry, LCA Tejas, Flying Instructors School, and more recently with the aerial action film ‘Fighter’ to pay tribute to our heroes in the skies.

Says Bhavik Vora, Founder & CEO at A47, “A47 is more than just a brand for us; it is a passion that celebrates the essence of India. Aditya believed in our vision & his support will empower us to reach new heights and continue our mission to build the biggest India-centric pop culture brand. I also feel that with the current positive sentiment and a growing sense of pride in national identity, A47 stands at the forefront of fostering love for India’s own.”

Adds Aditya Pittie, “For me personally, investing in A47 goes beyond just finances… it’s a strategic partnership to champion India’s story through innovative & beautifully designed merchandise. The contagious passion of the A47 team resonates deeply with my own, as we collaborate to create experiences celebrating India’s heritage, fostering pride and connecting with our audience. I am sure we are on the path of building something amazing.”

The funding from Mr. Pittie, reflects a shared vision for the brand’s potential in India and globally as well, contributing to the international narrative of India’s achievements & cultural richness. A47’s current product portfolio includes t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, posters, mugs, diecast scale models, caps & badges among others – all officially approved by the remarkable Indian institutions that the brand celebrates. The designs are created in-house after careful research and in-depth study, with the motto being ‘Celebrating India, One Cool Story At A Time’.

3rd April 2024 India: Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote Singapore as a key destination to Indian travellers. This is the first MOU between the two organisations.

Under the MOU, STB and MakeMyTrip will embark on joint activations and campaigns to boost inbound travel to Singapore in 2024. STB will also tap into MakeMyTrip’s market understanding and insights to curate unique travel holiday packages targeting consumers in India.

India is one of the top five markets for Singapore tourism, with the city-state welcoming over 1 million Indian visitors in 2023. Indian travellers enjoy good connectivity to Singapore, with 17 cities in India having direct flight connections. Furthermore, Singapore’s vibrant mix of attractions and experiences appeals to a wide range of Indian travellers.

Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said, “We are delighted to commence this journey with MakeMyTrip under our first-ever MOU with an online travel platform in India. Through this partnership, we want to deepen Indian consumers’ brand affinity for Singapore and reinforce the city’s appeal and enhanced offerings for various segments of Indian visitors. “

Mr Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip added, “Singapore was one of the top three searched international destinations on our platform last year, advancing from fifth place in 2022 . The widespread interest for this destination from across India underscores its appeal. With ongoing initiatives that refresh its offerings, seamless travel access, and amenities tailored to Indian preferences, Singapore holds significant potential to capture continued interest of more Indian travellers. We are excited to team up with STB and bridge the Indian travellers’ preferences with an impactful showcase of Singapore’s allure.”

2nd April 2024: Venture Catalysts, India’s first integrated incubator and the largest early-stage investment firm, today announced that it has led an undisclosed seed funding round worth for Plotch.ai, the country’s largest ONDC rails infrastructure company, playing a critical role in enabling seamless participation in the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). With Venture Catalysts and AC Ventures contributing this investment will fuel Plotch.ai’s continued growth and solidify its position as a leader in facilitating ONDC adoption.

Founded by Manoj and Monica Gupta, the visionary minds behind Craftsvilla.com, India’s largest ethnic marketplace, Plotch.ai is built upon a deep understanding of the e-commerce industry. Their comprehensive suite of software products acts as a one-stop shop for businesses of all sizes, streamlining essential processes like transaction flows, payments, and grievance management. This holistic approach ensures a frictionless experience for both buyers and sellers within the ONDC network.

Several key factors solidify Plotch.ai’s position as a frontrunner in ONDC infrastructure. The company boasts the fastest go-to-market (GTM) strategy, enabling businesses to join the ONDC network in a mere four weeks – a significant reduction from the traditional onboarding time of 9-12 months. Additionally, Plotch.ai offers the largest suite of ONDC-specific products, encompassing e-commerce, insurance, payments, CRM, and more, catering to the diverse needs of all ONDC network participants.

Expressing enthusiasm for the partnership, Dr Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, MD & CEO of Venture Catalysts, said, “We are incredibly excited to join forces with Plotch.ai as they spearhead the transformation of e-commerce in India. Their innovative solutions and deep understanding of the ONDC landscape position them perfectly to unlock the network’s immense potential. Venture Catalysts is confident that Plotch.ai will play a pivotal role in democratizing digital commerce for millions of businesses and consumers across the nation.”

Manoj Gupta, CEO, of Plotch.ai, echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “This investment serves as a significant validation of our vision for ONDC. We are steadfastly committed to empowering businesses and fostering a thriving e-commerce ecosystem that is inclusive and accessible to all. With Venture Catalysts’ invaluable support, we will accelerate product development, expand our customer base, and play a leading role in building a truly inclusive digital marketplace for India.”

“Technology service providers (TSPs) are catalyzing the growth of ONDC network. Plotch.ai has played a critical role in some of the key launches in the network. We hope to see a lot more enablers like Plotch.ai in ONDC network”, said T Koshy, CEO and MD of ONDC.

Plotch.ai’s impressive track record speaks volumes about its impact. The company currently processes close to 1 million transactions every month, experiencing a remarkable 100% month-on-month growth. They have fostered a strong client base that includes leading names like Snapdeal, Meesho, Paytm, Marico, and Bluestar, highlighting their industry credibility. Furthermore, Plotch.ai’s strategic partnership with Google to integrate AI into the ONDC network is a pioneering move that will promote local language adoption and enhance accessibility for rural India. This commitment to innovation has been recognized by ONDC itself, awarding Plotch.ai the prestigious “Best Tech Company” distinction.

With a strategic roadmap focused on achieving 10 million transactions per month within the next 12 months and reaching $100 million in revenue by the end of the decade, Plotch.ai is poised for exponential growth and innovation in the years to come. The funding infusion, led by Venture Catalysts, will primarily be allocated towards product development (70%), customer growth (20%), and client acquisition (10%), solidifying Plotch.ai’s position as a frontrunner in India’s digital commerce revolution.

India,2nd April 2024 No more stress and frowning while filing your tax returns! ClearTax, India’s leading online tax filing platform has come up with an innovative marketing campaign to showcase the future of tax filing in India. It unveils a groundbreaking technology, the Smile app, ahead of the 2024 ITR filing season to redefine the tax filing experience for millions of taxpayers across the country.

But why unveil such a revolutionary campaign on April Fool’s Day? ClearTax believes that while today it may seem like an April Fool’s campaign, it represents what the platform aspires for the future of taxation. ClearTax will continue to pursue this journey of constant striving and improvement until this progressive solution becomes a reality.

As part of the marketing campaign, the online tax filing platform has released a video that features senior folks from various teams at ClearTax talking about their experience and challenges while making the revolutionary product. They claim that with the help of ClearTax’s advanced AI technology, the entire process of ITR filing will be streamlined. The users are only required to smile and the app will analyze their facial features and collect essential financial data. By granting temporary access to biometric data, they can seamlessly link their PAN details for swift and effortless tax filing.

The video further discloses that the product is already operational, with hundreds of taxpayers actively utilizing it. Meticulously crafted after rigorous research and in-depth collaboration with over 5,000 customers and India’s top 100 brokers, the ClearTax team takes immense pride in its creation. Throughout the video, the enthusiasm and dedication of the ClearTax team shine through. However, the tone of the video takes an unexpected and humorous twist towards the conclusion.

Avinash Polepally, Senior Director- Category, ClearTax remarked, “In today’s changing world, technology is reshaping everything, even tax filing. With this campaign, we want to show our commitment to making tax filing easier and faster for you. While the notion of filing taxes with a smile may seem unconventional, we believe in making the process better for everyone. Through this innovation and a steadfast dedication to our customers, we aim to make tax filing seamless, stress-free, and even enjoyable. The Smile app represents not just a product, but a bold step towards realizing this vision. While some may view it as an April Fool’s campaign, we see it as a glimpse into the future of tax filing—one where technology empowers individuals and transforms experiences. We are confident that this progressive solution will soon become a reality, shaping the landscape of tax filing for years to come.”

So, this April Fool’s Day, join ClearTax in rewriting the narrative of tax filing, one smile at a time. With breakthrough features and a commitment to excellence, the platform is all set to redefine the future of tax filing.

Mumbai, 2nd April 2024: Tata International Limited, the global trading and distribution arm of the Tata Group has appointed Rajeev Singhal as its Managing Director. He will take over the new role on April 1st, 2024, from Anand Sen, who superannuated on 31st March 2024. Before this, Mr. Singhal was Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Tata International.

Noel N. Tata, Chairman, Tata International said, “I am pleased to welcome Mr Rajeev Singhal as the Managing Director. We are confident that under his leadership, Tata International will scale to greater heights into its next phase of growth.”

 

Rajeev Singhal, Managing Director, Tata International Limited said, “I am honored to take on the role of Managing Director at Tata International Limited. With the support of the dedicated Tata International team, I am confident that we will continue to drive value for our stakeholders.”

Mr. Singhal brings over 36 years of experience to his new position, having transitioned from Tata Steel. At Tata Steel he held various positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his most recent role as Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Flat Products.