Archives May 2024

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Celebrates Engine and Vehicle Production Milestones

Škoda Auto Volkswagen I

Chandigarh, 28th May 2024 – Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) is celebrating a series of significant achievements at its state-of-the-art vehicle and engine manufacturing facility in Chakan, India.

Since its inception, SAVWIPL has played a pivotal role in India’s automotive landscape. The company has surpassed a remarkable milestone, having produced over 1.5 million vehicles at its Chakan Plant since it rolled out the first car – the Skoda Fabia in 2009 from the facility. This achievement includes iconic models from Volkswagen Group such as the VW Vento and Polo, Škoda Fabia and Rapid along with new-age models based on the famed MQB-A0-IN platform – VW Taigun and Virtus, Škoda Kushaq and Slavia.

Over the past years, the Engine Shop at the Chakan facility has produced more than 300,000 units of world-class and highly efficient engines for the Volkswagen Group. This achievement is further strengthened by SAVWIPL’s dedication to domestic sourcing, with the 1.0L TSI engines highly relying on components manufactured within India. This commitment aligns perfectly with the nation’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. SAVWIPL has also established a well-balanced approach to automation. While leveraging technology for efficiency, the company recognizes the value of human expertise and continues to hone local talent further leveraging the ‘Skill India’ movement.

Adding to the list of accomplishments, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India also celebrated the 300,000 unit production milestone for the popular INDIA 2.0 car range, which includes VW Taigun and Virtus, Škoda Kushaq, and Slavia. Engineered in India, For India, and the World these are some of the safest made-in-India cars having achieved a full five-star safety rating for both adult and child occupants by the Global NCAP.

Looking beyond domestic production, SAVWIPL actively contributes to India’s global presence as a manufacturing hub. The company proudly exports over 30% of its car production, showcasing Indian capabilities and quality standards on the international stage. The Group has exports to over 40 countries and is among the top four exporters of India-made cars.

Commenting on these milestones, Andreas Dick, Škoda Auto a.s. Board Member for Production and Logistics, said, “In today’s ever-evolving global arena, India emerges as a vital contributor to Skoda Auto’s production prowess. The milestones achieved by Škoda Auto Volkswagen India resonate far beyond national borders, reflecting our commitment to excellence and innovation on a global scale. Our decade-long investment in the Engine Shop and the remarkable output of 1.5 million vehicles at the Chakan Plant, showcases India’s pivotal role in our global strategy. These achievements not only signify our capabilities but also highlight the immense potential of the Indian market in driving our growth trajectory forward.”

Dr Johannes Neft, Škoda Auto a.s. Board Member for Technical Development added, “Achieving the 1.5 million production milestone is a testament to the exceptional engineering capabilities of our Indian manufacturing facility. Our top-class R&D centre in India plays a crucial role in driving innovation and excellence. The global team greatly values the insights and expertise, and these contributions are integral to developing new, cutting-edge products for India and the world. This highlights the strength and ingenuity of our Indian operations, positioning us at the forefront of automotive innovation worldwide.”

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, said, “I am immensely proud of these achievements within our local landscape. The significant output of 1.5 million vehicles at our Chakan Plant, coupled with the production milestone of four successful MQB models and the 10-year journey of our Engine Shop stand testament to our dedication to India’s automotive industry and SAVWIPL’s significant contribution to the nation’s talent and workforce. As we outline our expansion plan in India, we remain steadfast in our mission to ‘Innovating Locally, Impacting Globally’. We aim to elevate India’s position as a global hub for automotive manufacturing, aligning with the national mission of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, driving growth and prosperity within our communities”.

By prioritizing research and development (R&D), building strategic partnerships, and investing in talent development, SAVWIPL is laying the groundwork for a future focused on innovation and sustainability in the Indian automotive industry. As SAVWIPL embarks on the next phase of its journey, it remains committed to driving progress and shaping the future of mobility in India.

TVS Racing Thrills with TVS Young Media Racers Program 8.0: Selection Round Concludes in Chennai

TVS Racing Thrills

Chandigarh, 28th May 2024: Being at the forefront of nurturing racing talent since 1982, TVS Racing has returned with its eighth edition of TVS Young Media Racer Program (YMRP) at Madras International Circuit (MIC). The selection round for the category successfully wrapped up with the fastest 16 racer representing young journalists from across the country. Since 2017, this program has been pivotal in nurturing racing talent, reflecting TVS Racing’s dedication to promoting motorsport in India and training young media enthusiasts passionate about racing.

Key highlights from the program include–

• TVS YMRP offers young racers a platform to experience the thrill of racing in a safe environment and compete for the prestige’s TVS One Make Championship which run alongside Indian National Motorcycle Championship

• Fastest 16 riders from 39 participants raced to become this season’s racers at the selection round of TVS YMRP 8.0 at MIC, Chennai

• TVS Racing training academy level -1 program included full-day rigorous training covering theory & practical sessions trained by the TVS Racing champions

• Fastest 16 racers will compete for the prestigious TVS India One Make Championship Young media program category, which run alongside Indian National Motorcycle Championship

• The selected racers to ride the race-spec TVS Apache RTR 200 4V in the media category throughout the entire season

• Over the years, the program has enhanced the racing skills of more than 200 journalists, some of whom are now taking part in several racing formats.

• Creating benchmarks in safety for its racers, first time in India, TVS Racing introduced Alpinestars Air bags Tech Air 5 & FIM Homologated helmets, as used by MotoGP racers, for the participants of TVS YMRP

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, said, “TVS Motor Company (TVSM) with a racing legacy of over 4 decades, has played a crucial role in democratizing motorsports in India and is dedicated to fostering talent on a global scale. Positioned at the forefront, TVSM consistently strives to support and nurture young racers, making racing more inclusive. TVS YMRP offers specialized training to media enthusiasts with a passion for racing, becoming a highly anticipated event among media professionals who share enthusiasm for the sport. Witnessing the participants’ enthusiasm and dedication during the selection round is truly inspiring. We are confident that the forthcoming training sessions will further develop their skills and performance. We wish all the riders the best of luck this season.”

TVS YMRP participants suited up in top-of-the-line safety gear that have been designed under the partnership between TVS Racing and Alpinestars, as announced late last year.

Helmets:

1. FIM homologated helmet 22.06

2. Carbon fiber shell: Multi-layer composite construction bonded together with advanced epoxy resin to maximize strength, mechanical performances and weight ratio

3. Aero dynamic: Overall helmet shape developed for aerodynamic efficiency and stability, Race spoiler and winglets further reduce drag by 4.54%

Airbags:

  • An active electronic system that features six integrated sensors (3 gyroscopes and 3 accelerometers)
  • Crash algorithm that leverages AI to accurately monitor when to deploy the airbag in the event of a crash
  • Reaction of Air bag opening with-in 30 millisecond
  • Developed from years of research with over 50% of the world’s top MotoGP racer

As India’s leading racing brand, TVS Racing pioneered the One Make Championship (OMC) in 1994, expanding into four categories: Rookie, Women’s, Media, and Expert. Additionally, TVS Racing organized its first-ever TVS Asia One Make Championship in 2022. So far, over 3,000 people have already participated across categories at the TVS OMC.

Gold Rush at Deltin Zuri: ‘Game of Gold’ Leaves Attendees fascinated

Gold Rush at Deltin Zuri

India, 28th May 2024 – Deltin Zuri, one of India’s most popular destinations for live gaming and entertainment owned by Deltin, has successfully concluded its iconic ‘Game of Gold’ event. The more than two months-long extravaganza which started on 15th March 2024 and went on till 26th May 2024 witnessed a harmonious fusion of high-stakes gaming, fun, and mega prizes, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

The standout feature of the dazzling occasion was the abundance of giveaways available to every attendee. Deltin Zuri kept the excitement going throughout the event with daily lucky draws from Monday to Friday. Monday through Thursday boasted three draws, each offering 10k worth of chips, while Friday through Sunday ramped up the stakes with three draws, each worth 20k chips. Moreover, Saturdays brought even more thrill with a Mega Lucky Draw, wherein fortunate winners walked away with Gold, amplifying the event’s allure and enchantment.

“As the curtains close on our iconic ‘Game of Gold’ event, Deltin Zuri stands proud, having orchestrated a two and a half month-long celebration of gaming, luxury, and pure excitement,” expressed Mr. Manoj Jain, Chief Operating Officer at Delta Corp. “The heart of the event lay in our generous giveaways, ensuring every guest felt the thrill of possibility. Deltin Zuri remains committed to delivering unforgettable experiences, and ‘Game of Gold’ was no exception.”

Echoing a similar sentiment Mr. Arindam Basu, Deputy Vice President of Marketing at Delta Corp, stated, ‘The overwhelming response and enthusiasm from our guests for Deltin’s second edition of ‘Game of Gold’ has been truly inspiring. We look forward to continuing to create unforgettable experiences for our patrons.’

With its blend of high-stakes gameplay, luxurious ambiance, and giveaways, the ‘Game of Gold’ event emerged as a must-attend event for gaming enthusiasts, setting new standards for entertainment in the industry.

Epson Launches EcoTank M1050 and M2050 Monochrome Printers for Enhanced Productivity and Affordability

Epson announces

India, 28th May 2024: Epson, a global leader in digital imaging solutions, unveils its latest cost-effective Monochrome Single & Multi-function EcoTank printers, the EcoTank M1050 and M2050. Building on the success of the popular EcoTank M100, M105, M200, and M205 models, these successors offer improved print speed, an integrated ink tank, and a compact design featuring a PrecisionCore print head.

Designed for seamless wireless and Ethernet printing, the EcoTank M1050 and M2050 cater to diverse media sizes through rear feeding and ADF support, significantly boosting office productivity. With the incorporation of DURAbrite ET Pigment Ink, users can expect sharp and water-resistant printouts, ensuring professional-quality results.

One of the key advancements is the enhanced print speed of 18 ipm, setting a new standard in the industry. The printers’ rear feeding capability accommodates a variety of media sizes, including legal and specialty media, making them versatile for different office needs. Additionally, the printers’ input capacity of 100 A4 sheets reduces the need for constant reloading, supporting high-volume printing.

Epson also takes a significant leap in environmental sustainability by utilizing recycled plastic in the construction of each unit, aligning with its commitment to responsible manufacturing practices. The printers also incorporate Precision Core Heat-Free Technology, reducing energy consumption to a mere 14W during operation, making them an ideal choice for environmentally conscious businesses.

The focus on a compact design, improved print speed, and the retention of the rear feed paper path addresses the diverse needs of sectors like SOHO (Small Office/Home Office), SMB (Small and Medium-sized Businesses), Retail, Medical, and Government. The compact design serves as beneficial for limited space environments which is often found in home offices or smaller businesses.

Key features of the newly launched Mono Single & Multi-function EcoTank printers:

  • Low-Cost Monochrome (B/W) printing
  • Water-resistant pigment ink with a high yield of up to 6,000 pages
  • Easy refill ink bottles
  • Low power consumption. Runs on a basic UPS
  • Support Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
  • Easy operation with Epson Smart Panel
  • Compact Design
  • Replaceable Maintenance Box reduces downtime
  • Rear feeding printer with input tray capacity of 100 A4 sheets which supports thicker media like legal paper.
  • 1-year warranty or 50,000 pages, whichever comes first (inclusive of printhead)
  • Powered by Epson Heat-Free Technology

Siva Kumar, Senior General Manager, Epson India says “Epson’s M1050 and M2050 printers are precisely crafted to align seamlessly with the dynamic demands of modern offices. The compact design, integrated ink tank, and PrecisionCore print head address the diverse printing needs of businesses, ensuring efficient and reliable performance. Furthermore, the incorporation of PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology not only enhances energy efficiency but also signifies Epson’s commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Bandai Co., Ltd. Partners With Xsolla to Launch the Tamaverse Ticket Shop Online

India, 28th May 2024: Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, has successfully helped power the Tokyo-based game Tamagotchi Uni, a Bandai Co., Ltd. service offered through the Xsolla Web Shop technology. Specializing in advanced game payment solutions for developers across various platforms, including mobile, PC, cloud, and the web, Xsolla is committed to enhancing player engagement and fulfilling the needs of gamers around the globe.

This partnership is set to provide “Tamagotchi Uni” users with a convenient payment environment for purchasing and downloading digital content, enabling them to play and pay for their gaming experience in any way they want. Additionally, leveraging this solution to support payment solutions in various countries worldwide contributes to securing global reach, scale, and revenue for “Tamagotchi Uni.

David Stelzer, President of Xsolla, expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “Partnering with Bandai Co., Ltd. to integrate our cutting-edge payment solutions into ‘Tamagotchi Uni’ represents a significant milestone. This partnership goes beyond technology integration; it’s about enhancing the gaming experience for users worldwide and expanding ‘Tamagotchi Uni’s revenue streams.”

iVOOMi Expands Dealer Network with First Appointment in Rajasthan

iVOOMi

New Delhi, 28th May 2024 – iVOOMi, a prominent player in the electric vehicle industry, proudly announces its entry into Rajasthan with the appointment of its first dealer in Ajmer. This pivotal move marks the beginning of iVOOMi’s ambitious expansion in the state, highlighting the company’s rapid and strategic growth across India.

Renowned for its innovative and sustainable EV solutions, iVOOMi’s move into Ajmer represents its dedication to broadening the accessibility of electric vehicles. This dealership marks iVOOMi’s first foothold in Rajasthan and exemplifies the company’s commitment to supporting the Indian government’s vision for a greener future.

With the new dealership in Ajmer, iVOOMi aims to provide consumers in Rajasthan with easy access to its high-performance electric scooters. The dealership will offer comprehensive services, including sales, after-sales support, and maintenance, ensuring customers receive a seamless and satisfying experience.

iVOOMi has been a trusted name in the electric vehicle industry for over three years, offering reliable and innovative solutions. Its electric scooters have been rigorously tested, ensuring their durability and performance even after covering over a million kilometers. iVOOMi offers a range of successful electric scooter models, known for their quality, performance, and reliability. The scooters feature removable batteries, showcasing the brand’s commitment to customer service and convenience. With a mileage of 170 KM with a Single Battery, and up to 300 KM with a Dual battery Option, iVOOMi’s scooters provide customers with extended range and flexibility.

Expressing his excitement, Mr. Ashwin Bhandari, co-founder and CEO of iVOOMi, stated, “We are delighted to establish our presence in Rajasthan by opening our first dealership in Ajmer. This expansion is a pivotal step in our mission to extend our reach across India. Our goal is to offer sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to every part of the country, and this new dealership is a key milestone in that journey.”

Fuelled by the surging demand for electric vehicles and a steadfast focus on customer satisfaction, iVOOMi is rapidly expanding its dealer network. The Ajmer dealership reinforces iVOOMi’s status as a leading EV brand, ensuring its state-of-the-art products reach an even wider audience.

The new dealership will feature iVOOMi’s latest models, including the highly praised JeetX ZE, known for its advanced features and outstanding performance. Customers will also benefit from exclusive offers and flexible financing options, making the transition to electric mobility more accessible and convenient.

6.1 Million Job Applications in Maharashtra Led by Freshers and Women: apna.co Report

Mumbai, 28th May 2024: Maharashtra’s job market has shown remarkable growth in the first four months of 2024, according to the latest report from apna.co, India’s leading jobs and professional networking platform. The report reveals a substantial 61 lakh job applications, underscoring strong demand for employment across multiple sectors such as Banking and Finance, Insurance, e-commerce, Hospitality, etc. Women contributed significantly to this surge, accounting for 27 lakh of the total applications.

apna. co has reported a remarkable 19 lakh job applications from freshers for key roles in Business Development, Customer Success Growth, and BPO, reinforcing its position as a leading platform for job seekers in India. The high volume of applications from freshers underscores Maharashtra’s importance as a critical market for apna.co in its mission to become the go-to platform for job seekers. Additionally, the platform received 14,000 applications for international jobs, showcasing apna.co’s commitment to supporting job seekers aspiring to build their careers abroad.

Women’s participation in Maharashtra’s job market is also noteworthy, with 27 lakh job applications, making it the second highest in India after Delhi NCR. This significant contribution reflects the active involvement of women in the region’s workforce. Historically, women in Maharashtra have been front-runners in seizing opportunities, and their strong representation in job applications continues this trend.

In a notable surge, apna. co has recorded 23,000 jobs in Maharashtra until April 2024, significantly boosting the job market. Particularly, SMBs from tier 2 cities like Nasik, Nagpur, and Aurangabad have emerged as key contributors to this growth. These cities are witnessing a pronounced increase in job opportunities, signaling a promising trend in regional employment dynamics. apna.co’s focus on expanding into tier 2 and 3 cities underscores its commitment to fostering inclusive economic development across Maharashtra.

Nirmit Parikh, Founder and CEO of apna.co, commented, “The substantial increase in job applications in Maharashtra mirrors the region’s dynamic economic development. This surge aligns perfectly with the Maharashtra state government’s visionary goal to achieve a $1 trillion economy within the next five years. At apna.co, we’re dedicated to fostering this growth by facilitating meaningful connections between employers and talented individuals, contributing significantly to Maharashtra’s economic prosperity and job creation journey.”

Amidst the surge of SMBs, established enterprises also trust apna.co for their expansion and growth. Serving as a reliable partner for top enterprises, apna.co has seamlessly met their hiring needs, solidifying its reputation as the go-to platform for talent acquisition. Renowned names like Lenskart, HDFC Insurance, Bajaj Finserv, Aditya Birla, and Tata are actively seeking top-notch professionals across diverse roles such as accounting, technical expertise, sales and marketing, BPO, and finance. With its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, apna.co continues to be the preferred destination for companies and job seekers alike, driving forward the narrative of progress and prosperity in Maharashtra.

EaseMyTrip posts Highest-Ever EBITDA

EaseMyTrip

Mumbai, 28th May 2024: EaseMyTrip.com, one of the leading online travel tech platforms in India, sustained its momentum during this quarter. For Q4FY24, the Revenue from Operations was INR 1,640 million, up by 41%
Y-o-Y. EBITDA was INR 577 million, up by 24% Y-o-Y and the Profit Before Tax was
INR 551 million, a Y-o-Y growth of 24%. Furthermore, the Gross Booking Revenue (GBR) was INR 20,900 million in Q4FY24.

In Q4 FY24, our non-air segment saw robust growth wherein the total hotel night bookings were 1.4 Lacs which grew by 39% and the other bookings were 2.7 Lacs by 53%. For FY24, the hotel night bookings and the other bookings were 5.2 Lacs by 49% and 10.4 Lacs by 67%, respectively.

For FY24, the Revenue from Operations was INR 5,906, a growth of 32% Y-o-Y. The EBITDA was INR 2,282 million, a 19% of Y-o-Y growth, and the reported Profit Before Tax of INR 2,151 million, a growth of 16% Y-o-Y. This strong performance underscores EaseMyTrip’s continued momentum and further strengthens its position as one of the few profitable new-age tech companies in the industry. Additionally, the company recorded a GBR of INR 85,126 million in FY24, further strengthening its market position.

In addition to achieving strong financial performance this quarter and FY24, EaseMyTrip initiated significant collaborations to position itself as a growth-oriented company. Following a significant event in Indian history, the company acquired a 50% stake in Jeewani Hospitality and partnered with the Radisson Hotel Group to develop a 150-room Radisson Blu Hotel in Ayodhya City. This strategic move positions the hotel near the recently established Ram Mandir, enhancing its appeal and accessibility to 1.5 Lacs per day visitors.

In this quarter, EaseMyTrip also launched its new wholly-owned subsidiary, EaseMyTrip Insurance Broker Private Limited, to diversify its services into the INR 7.9 Trillion insurance market.

EaseMyTrip deepened its collaboration with the government, establishing a stronger alliance to jointly pursue shared objectives. It became the first travel partner for CSC e-Governance Services Limited, offering travel services including flight, hotel, bus, cab, holiday and activity to 8 lacs Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLE). These dedicated VLEs, representing CSC, play a pivotal role in delivering various services to citizens, with travel services being one of the key offerings. Additionally, it partnered with the Ministry of Rural Development to empower women’s self-help groups through skill development under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana. A significant step towards empowering women.

Through its EaseMyTrip Foundation and contributing to CSR, the company established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This partnership aims to designate EaseMyTrip Foundation as the Smārak Särathi (Monument Mitra) for four of India’s most esteemed historical monuments, as part of the government’s Adopt a Heritage 2.0 program. As the designated Smārak Särathi, EaseMyTrip will be responsible for the upkeep and enhancement of four prestigious historical monuments: Qutb Minar in Delhi, the Sun Temple in Konark, Agra Fort, and the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho witnessing footfall of over 60 Lac visitors annually.

The company has played a pivotal role in expanding its range of products and services to provide a comprehensive solution for all travel needs. Embracing this approach, EaseMyTrip introduced the “PNB EMT Credit Card” in collaboration with Punjab National Bank helping EaseMyTrip reach out to millions of PNB customers through its 10,100 + branch network across the country.

Furthermore, EaseMyTrip partnered with Zoomcar to offer self-drive car rentals through its platform, enhancing travel convenience for its customers.

EaseMyTrip remains dedicated to expanding its domestic footprint by strategically opening physical franchise stores across the country by launching 4 franchise stores in Indore, Gurugram, and Jalgaon, in this quarter, underscoreing the company’s commitment to enhancing accessibility to travel services.

The company conducted its first nationwide roadshow aimed at fostering business connections and dialogue within the thriving tourism industry of the nation. The initiative witnessed roadshows in cities including Kolkata, Raipur, Nagpur, and Indore, and saw participation from 1800+ B2B agents. This initiative was conducted in close collaboration with EaseMyTrip’s recently acquired domestic travel brands, Guideline Travels, and Dook Travels.

Lastly, EaseMyTrip has been honored with the prestigious title of Online Travel Agent of the Year by the SATTE India Awards and also has been recognized with the Versatile Excellence Travel Award (VETA) 2024 for the Best Online Travel Agency. These accolades are a testament to EaseMyTrip’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the creation of a comprehensive travel ecosystem that caters to the needs of travelers across the nation.

Q4 FY24 Key Developments

Business Expansion

EaseMyTrip launched its latest subsidiary, EaseMyTrip Insurance Broker Private Limited. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to broadening its portfolio and venturing into the insurance sector with a tailored solution to address the rising customer demands. The establishment of this new venture is poised to strengthen EaseMyTrip’s foothold in the market, targeting a vast INR 7.9 trillion industry alongside its existing ~26 million user base. By venturing into insurance brokerage, the company not only enhances its service spectrum but also paves the way for diversified business operations and revenue growth.

Strategic Partnership

EaseMyTrip, acquired 50% stake in the Jeewani Group, and established a partnership with Radisson Hotel Group to develop a 150-room Radisson Blu Hotel in Ayodhya City. The upcoming Radisson Blu Hotel, Ayodhya, expected to open in 2027, represents a greenfield project positioned to cater to the substantial demand from 1.5 Lacs per day visitors visiting Ayodhya.

Government Tie-up’s

EaseMyTrip entered into a MoU with the Ministry of Rural Development to provide training for members of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission Self-Help Groups under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana. This initiative is designed to help over ~1.8 Crore identified Didis to develop their entrepreneurial abilities and empower them to achieve financial independence.

EaseMyTrip has collaborated with Common Services Centre (CSC) e-governance Services Limited, positioning itself as the first travel partner to provide comprehensive travel solutions including flight, hotel, holiday, bus, cab and activities to CSC and its extensive network of 8 Lacs VLEs. These dedicated VLEs play a crucial role in delivering various services to citizens, with travel services being a key offering.

EaseMyTrip Foundation, a wholly owned subsidiary of EaseMyTrip, has partnered with the government as part of the government’s Adopt a Heritage 2.0 program to spearhead a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the upkeep, maintenance, and visitor experience at heritage monuments. This collaborative effort encompasses infrastructure upgrades, provision of on-site amenities, and educational initiatives to promote awareness about the historical and cultural significance of these sites. As the designated Smārak Särathi, EaseMyTrip will be responsible for the upkeep and enhancement of four prestigious historical monuments: Qutb Minar in Delhi, the Sun Temple in Konark, Agra Fort, and the Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho witnessing footfall of over 60 Lac visitors annually.

Corporate Travel Solutions

EaseMyTrip has announced a partnership with Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited, a SaaS FinTech company specializing in spend management solutions for corporates. This collaboration aims to deliver integrated travel and expense management solutions to EaseMyTrip’s corporate clients. Through this partnership, EaseMyTrip’s corporate customers will gain seamless access to Zaggle’s Expense Management System (EMS) platform.

New Product Launches

EaseMyTrip has collaborated with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to introduce the PNB EMT Credit Card. The card offers a 10% discount on flight bookings, a 20% discount on Hotel bookings, and a flat INR 125 off on Bus bookings. Additionally, the PNB EMT Credit Card features a built-in wallet for secure and hassle-free contactless payments. Millions of PNB customers through its 10,000 plus domestic branches networks across the country

Roadshow

EaseMyTrip conducted our first nationwide roadshow aimed at fostering business connections and dialogue within the thriving tourism industry of the nation. The initiative witnessed roadshows in 12 cities starting from Kolkata and saw participation from 1800+ B2B agents. This initiative was conducted in close collaboration with EaseMyTrip’s recently acquired domestic travel brands, Guideline Travels, and Dook Travels.

Expanding Franchise Business

EaseMyTrip inaugurated its first physical stores in Indore and Jalgaon, alongside the launch of two franchise stores in Gurugram. The launch of these franchise stores reflects EaseMyTrip’s dedication to enhancing accessibility to travel services through a blend of digital and physical channels. Customers can now access a wide range of travel-related services, including air and hotel bookings, bus and rail reservations, group travel packages, visa applications, and exclusive vacation, cruise, and charter options.

Awards & Recognition

EaseMyTrip has achieved significant recognition, being honored as the Online Travel Agent of the Year by the SATTE India Awards and received the Versatile Excellence Travel Award (VETA) 2024 for the Best Online Travel Agency. These prestigious accolades underscore EaseMyTrip’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and the development of a comprehensive travel ecosystem tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers

Leading English Test Provider, Oet, Launches New Brand to Propel Global Healthcare Sector

 Leading English Test Provider

278th May 2024: OET, a leading English language test provider, has launched a revitalized brand and a comprehensive suite of new brand creatives. This initiative aims to better meet the dynamic needs of healthcare professionals globally, underscoring OET’s commitment to supporting nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers throughout their careers, and simplifying their journey towards global professional success.

For over a decade, the OET test has been at the forefront of English language testing for healthcare. The refreshed brand builds on this legacy, enhancing and synthesizing its offering to outpace competitors in the healthcare sector and solidify its position as a market leader.

The rebrand includes a new creative identity, an updated website, and a brand film directed by Dentsu Creative. The film tells the story of a Kerala nurse and a successful OET Test candidate, Revathy Subhash. It recounts Revathy’s journey from India to the UK, her childhood aspirations to work overseas, and how OET unlocked her dream of living in England. The film illustrates how OET serves as a bridge for healthcare professionals to achieve their global ambitions.

Rebranding film link – https://oet.com/from-here-anywhere

Revathy Subhash and her husband, who met in nursing school, shared a dream of working in Europe. They faced a significant hurdle: their proficiency in English. Recognizing the importance of language skills for their migration journey, Revathy and her husband turned to OET for assistance.

“OET provided me the resources, online classes, practice tests, and follow-ups I needed. With OET, I knew I was on the right track. We received the support to elevate our language skills, so we could live the life we dreamed of in the UK,” shared Revathy Subhash.

Marco Delgado, OET’s Chief Experience Officer, commented on the new brand positioning, saying, “The new brand unveiled today represents OET’s evolution to becoming the leading partner in empowering healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to excel in their profession, whether domestically or overseas. This new brand platform and campaign allow us to cultivate a nurturing community and environment for our healthcare professionals around the world, built around our market-leading OET test. From when they begin preparing to take the OET test, to finding the first role in their dream healthcare career, OET will support them every step of the way.”

Executive Creative Director of Dentsu Creative, Sarah McGregor said the brand film embodies OET’s customer journey simply, yet effectively.

“In a market that’s often focused on numbers, test scores, and function-first, OET’s new brand campaign puts the candidate first. OET is not a transactional assessment, but rather an accelerant towards a goal – bridging healthcare professions with their dream across the world.”

The new OET brand features an enhanced suite of products, prominently showcased on an intuitive new website, ensuring easier access to resources at all career stages. The brand extensions include:

OET Test

Created by professional language researchers, the OET test is the preferred English proficiency language test for healthcare professionals globally.

Accepted by regulators and healthcare employers globally, the OET test draws upon real-life healthcare scenarios to prepare test takers for real workplace scenarios, encompassing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

OET Ready

OET Ready is a comprehensive exam preparation offering.
The materials include practice tests, study guides and expert guidance, allowing test takers to boost their confidence while also achieving their best OET Test scores.

OET Career

OET Career provides healthcare professionals with employment resources like resume tips, career advice and destination guides, helping them find the best pathway to their dream destination.

OET Access

Geared towards organizations that use the OET test, OET Access includes a range of tailored products for employers, government, and healthcare regulators.

OET Access offers simplified results verification, and versatile solutions to support health institutions, empowering organizations to recognize English proficiency.

The brand campaign, launching on 27 May, will be promoted across digital, YouTube, and social media channels globally. These products are designed to support candidates beyond language testing, providing test-takers with employment opportunities, better test results, and support in moving overseas to achieve their career and lifestyle dreams.

The top 10 countries in which OET delivers testing include India, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, the USA, the Philippines, Kuwait, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe.

OET is a joint venture between Cambridge English (Aus) and Box Hill Institute.

The full OET product suite can be accessed through oet.com

Mygate partners with ACKO to deliver Smarter Insurance at Exclusive Prices to 4mn Households

Bengaluru, India, 28th May 2024: Mygate, a living experience tech company, has recently received its aggregator license from the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to make insurance policies available to its users. This follows the strategic partnership that Mygate entered with ACKO, the tech-first insurer.

Through this partnership, both companies endeavor to deliver intelligent digital protection solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the 4 million households on the Mygate app. By integrating ACKO’s insurance services seamlessly into its platform, Mygate aims to bring insurance closer to home, making it hassle-free and easily accessible to its users. To begin with, the partnership will enable Mygate users looking to opt for car insurance to have easy access to policies at exclusive prices, timely reminders for renewal, and instant paperless claims.

Mygate has also introduced the unique ‘auto insurance reminder’ feature, powered by cutting-edge technology. The feature will enhance the overall customer experience on the app and enable users to benefit from the vast variety of protection offerings.

To further strengthen the partnership, the companies will look at expanding the product offerings beyond motor insurance, adding health and life insurance to the portfolio with solutions such as outpatient department (OPD) covers and RWA liability insurance. This will provide holistic insurance solutions powered by ACKO to the Mygate ecosystem.

Abhishek Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, Mygate, said, “Our commitment to improving living experience via technology is strengthened by the ability to offer tailor-made insurance for the gated community residents. We are already seeing a very positive reception to the launch and availability of car insurance via the Mygate app, and are excited to uncover what the future holds, as we continue to bolster this partnership and innovate with ACKO.”

“At ACKO, it’s our constant endeavor to create for the customer. Together with Mygate, we are working at redefining protection beyond auto insurance, and trying to solve for every aspect of the customers’ lives with our holistic approach. This partnership will help us leverage the potential of our tailor-made solutions and establish us as an integral part of the everyday lives of many million households,” said Animesh Das, CEO, ACKO General Insurance.