Archives December 2024

11th December 2024: Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) announced the inauguration of its 4 new branches in Tamil Nadu today. These branches will offer a comprehensive range of banking services like accounts, deposits and loans including savings and current accounts and locker facilities etc.,

During the financial year 2024-25, the bank added 24 branches and the bank now has 862 branches.
The new branches that were opened today:
1. 859th Branch – Madurai (Othakadai) – inaugurated by Mrs. N. Usha, Joint Commissioner (Commercial Taxes), Intelligence, Madurai
2. 860th Branch – Tirupur (Muthur) – inaugurated by Mr. M.S. Shanmugam, Correspondent, Vivekananda Educational Institution, Muthur
3. 861st Branch – Krishnagiri (Gandhi Road) – inaugurated by Mrs. A. Aftab Begum, Secretary, District Panchayat Office, Krishnagiri
4. 862nd Branch – Chennai (Kolathur) – inaugurated by Mr. Hanish Chaabra, IAS, Managing Director, New Tirupur Area Development Corporation Ltd, Chennai

The new branches shall cater to all basic banking transactions and also specific needs of customers, offering the entire spectrum of banking products and financial services covering Retail, Institutional and Consumer lending.
KVB offers Internet Banking and Mobile Banking facilities. KVB DLite, the Mobile Banking app of the Bank offers convenience of financial and non-financial services through 150+ features. The app has been recently upgraded with several customer friendly features.

11th December, 2024: The vibrant city of Kolkata is set to host an extraordinary musical event as renowned Indian music composer and singer B Praak takes the stage for a spectacular live concert, “Kolkata Odyssey,” on 20th December, 2024 at PC Chandra Garden (Gold Acre), Kolkata. This grand event promises to deliver more than just a concert; it aims to offer a transformative musical journey into the next dimension of live performances.

Kolkata Odyssey is not merely an event but a grand festival dedicated to celebrating Kolkata’s rich cultural and musical heritage. Attendees can anticipate a mesmerizing fusion of breathtaking visuals and immersive soundscapes designed to elevate their concert experience. The festival is crafted to honor the vibrant spirit of Kolkata, offering an unforgettable night of music and celebration.

B Praak, a leading figure in the Indian music industry known for his distinctive voice and emotionally charged compositions, will take center stage. His recent work from the movie Animal, particularly the soul-stirring track Saari Duniya Jala Denge, has become a fan favorite. Alongside this latest sensation, B Praak will perform his chart-topping hits such as Teri Mitti, Zohrajabeen and Filhaal, which have deeply resonated with audiences. This performance will elevate his iconic songs to new heights, creating an emotionally powerful experience for all.

On this Occasion, Pranav Jaiswal, Organiser & MD of Bivita Events & Co. said, “We are excited to announce that the event originally scheduled for October 20th will now take place on December 20th. Due to unforeseen weather conditions, we had to postpone Kolkata Odyssey with B Praak for two months. However, we are confident that this winter evening will bring an even more magical experience. We can’t wait to celebrate Kolkata’s vibrant spirit with an unforgettable night of music, visuals, and energy

December 11, 2024: FlashCharge Energy Solutions, a Trivandrum-based company providing EV charging solutions, has announced the launch of its first project in Kerala. Through a partnership with chargeMOD (https://chargemod.com/), a Kerala-based energy-tech startup, FlashCharge aims to install 40 advanced 180 kW EV superchargers across the state, paving the way for a comprehensive EV charging infrastructure in both urban and rural regions. The primary aim of the company is to establish EV charging hubs across Kerala, creating a comprehensive network that ensures seamless accessibility and convenience for EV users throughout the state.

In addition to deploying ultrafast chargers, the joint venture plans to utilize 1–2 MW of renewable energy to power its charging needs. By integrating solar-powered charging stations, the initiative seeks to promote sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions

” Our collaboration with chargeMOD is a step towards realizing this vision by addressing the challenges of charging accessibility and speed. Together, we aim to create a robust EV ecosystem in Kerala that empowers individuals and businesses to transition to electric vehicles seamlessly,” said Rajesh Nair, CEO of FlashCharge Energy Solutions.

“chargeMOD has always been at the forefront of delivering state-of-the-art EV charging solutions. Partnering with FlashCharge Energy Solutions aligns perfectly with our mission to make EV charging an effortless and reliable experience for users,” said M. Ramanunni, Co-Founder and CEO of chargeMOD.

The introduction of 180 kW ultrafast chargers aims to eliminate range anxiety by ensuring fast and dependable charging options for EV users across Kerala

December 11, 2024: Bliss Body, a leading name in functional nutrition, is proud to participate in the “National Conference on Building Sustainable Agricultural Start-ups in India“, hosted at the ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The event, held from November 12–13, 2024, serves as a platform for agricultural start-ups and innovators to share solutions for creating sustainable, health-focused businesses.

Located at Stall No. 10, Bliss Body is showcasing its range of Ready-to-Drink beverages crafted from millets, a nutrient-rich, eco-friendly crop. Known for their flavonoids, antioxidants, and polyphenols, these beverages are designed to support gut health and overall well-being.

Founded by Mr. Sailesh, a pharmacist inspired by his mother’s journey with diabetes, Bliss Body aims to create delicious and nutritious products that promote a healthier lifestyle. The company prioritizes sustainability by using glass bottles for its health drinks and biodegradable packaging made from crop waste, helping to reduce plastic use and support a greener future.

“At Bliss Body, our mission is to redefine the way we think about nutrition,” says Mr. Sailesh, Founder of Bliss Body. “By focusing on plant-based ingredients like millets, we’re not only enhancing the health of our customers but also making a significant contribution to the environment. This conference provides us with an excellent opportunity to engage with like-minded innovators who share our passion for sustainability and wellness.”

Bliss Body’s participation in the conference aligns with its mission to promote wellness and sustainability. The company looks forward to engaging with like-minded organizations and individuals to further its vision of transforming nutrition through innovation.

11 December 2024: Magicbricks, India’s leading real estate platform, highlights a sharp rise in residential demand across hill stations such as Nainital, Dehradun, Shimla, Karnal, and Rishikesh, as more buyers explore serene alternatives to bustling urban centers.

According to the platform, Nainital saw a remarkable 60.89% increase in demand over the past year, while Dehradun observed a 43% increase, followed by Shimla (34%), Karnal (28%), and Rishikesh (26%). The rising interest indicates a growing trend toward holiday homes and lifestyle investments in these scenic locations.

The demand surge is mirrored by increasing supply in most hill stations. Supply grew by 10% in Nainital, 12.8% in Dehradun, 13.87% in Shimla, and 9.35% in Karnal. Rishikesh was an outlier, with residential supply reducing by 14.5% in the past year

11th December 2024: VIP Clothing Ltd, a pioneer innerwear brand in the Indian market, is now taking a leap ahead in 1its business operations by tying up with Swiggy’s quick commerce platform, Instamart. With this move, the brand’s popular collection of men’s innerwear, called Frenchie, can be availed by users of the q-comm platform in 10 minutes. This integration comes at a strategic time as customers, especially millennials and Gen-Z, are depending more and more on such platforms for their needs and wants, furthering the scope for instant gratification.

Highlighting the collaboration of a legacy brand and q-comm, Senior Category Manager at Swiggy Instamart, Udbhav Prasad said, “Swiggy Instamart has partnered with Frenchie, a legacy brand from the house of VIP Clothing Ltd and a market leader in the men’s innerwear category. Through quick commerce, we aim to redefine convenience—get your favorite Frenchie products delivered to your doorstep in just 10 minutes!”

VIP Frenchie is a range of men’s innerwear and briefs, which promise long lasting comfort and durability to its users. An extension to this product line, Frenchie Plus offers innerwears in a range in various colours including blue, black, grey, etc. These are made from breathable cotton fabrics which combine functionality and fashion for today’s young consumers. In the current market, VIP Clothing Ltd. is among the select few brands that are available on quick commerce platforms.

Speaking about this exciting opportunity, the D2C Head of VIP Clothing Ltd., Mr Kanishk Pathare said, “At a time when innerwear was a taboo, we launched VIP Clothing Ltd. Making bold moves and being a pioneer has always been a part of our brand ethos. Now, as the times progress, it is important for us to stay ahead of the curve too. This is why we launched Frenchie on Instamart. Given the perks of quick commerce for businesses as well as consumers, we believe this is the right move that will be mutually beneficial in the long run.”

Following the predicted success of Frenchie on Swiggy’s q-comm platform, we may see more collections by VIP Clothing made available to a wider audience.

11^th December: vivo, an innovative smartphone brand, today unveiled a collaboration with National Geographic, spotlighting the revolutionary camera capabilities of the vivo X200 Series. This collaboration embarks on an inspiring journey with some of India’s most acclaimed photographers to explore and document nature’s untamed beauty and untold stories—all through the lens of the vivo X200 Series.

The association celebrates a shared vision of innovation and creativity, merging vivo’s cutting-edge smartphone technology with National Geographic’s long-standing legacy of exploration and visual storytelling. Designed to push the boundaries of what’s possible in smartphone photography, the vivo X200 Series features transformative advancements, including Telephoto Zoom, Telephoto Macro, Low-light Photography, and the ZEISS Multifocal Portrait Mode, enabling photographers to capture intricate details of elusive wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, even in the most challenging conditions.

Commenting on the collaboration, Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, said, “At vivo, our mission is to empower consumers by pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography. Partnering with National Geographic represents a unique fusion of technological innovation and world-class storytelling. The vivo X200 Series isn’t just a smartphone—it’s a gateway for dreamers and creators to uncover the unseen and immortalize moments of extraordinary beauty. Together, we aim to redefine creativity and inspire a profound connection with the world around us.”

“At National Geographic, we believe photography is a powerful medium of exploration and visual storytelling driven by our quest to capture the world’s mostbreathtaking stories. Collaborating with Vivo for their X200 Series underscores our commitment to exploring new horizons, leveraging technology to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world and its untold stories. The association encourages photographers to venture into uncharted territories and reimagine wildlife photography through innovative lenses.  This collaboration further exemplifies National Geographic’s dedication to blending the art of photography with technological innovation, bringing untold stories of our planet to life like never before,” said Anu Sikka, Business Head – Kids & Infotainment, Jiostar.

Rooted in the spirit of exploration, this partnership sets a bold new standard for smartphone photography. The vivo X200 Series x National Geographic collaboration invites audiences to experience the transformative power of technology and creativity, delivering breathtaking visuals and unforgettable stories that redefine the way we see the world. As part of this collaboration, audiences will witness:

• Images shot on vivo X200 Series featured in outdoor advertising (OOH)
• A four-episode documentary series
• Comprehensive digital content showcasing the synergy between innovation and artistry

: vivo, an innovative smartphone brand, today unveiled a collaboration with National Geographic, spotlighting the revolutionary camera capabilities of the vivo X200 Series. This collaboration embarks on an inspiring journey with some of India’s most acclaimed photographers to explore and document nature’s untamed beauty and untold stories—all through the lens of the vivo X200 Series.

The association celebrates a shared vision of innovation and creativity, merging vivo’s cutting-edge smartphone technology with National Geographic’s long-standing legacy of exploration and visual storytelling. Designed to push the boundaries of what’s possible in smartphone photography, the vivo X200 Series features transformative advancements, including Telephoto Zoom, Telephoto Macro, Low-light Photography, and the ZEISS Multifocal Portrait Mode, enabling photographers to capture intricate details of elusive wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, even in the most challenging conditions.

Commenting on the collaboration, Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, said, “At vivo, our mission is to empower consumers by pushing the boundaries of smartphone photography. Partnering with National Geographic represents a unique fusion of technological innovation and world-class storytelling. The vivo X200 Series isn’t just a smartphone—it’s a gateway for dreamers and creators to uncover the unseen and immortalize moments of extraordinary beauty. Together, we aim to redefine creativity and inspire a profound connection with the world around us.”

“At National Geographic, we believe photography is a powerful medium of exploration and visual storytelling driven by our quest to capture the world’s mostbreathtaking stories. Collaborating with Vivo for their X200 Series underscores our commitment to exploring new horizons, leveraging technology to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world and its untold stories. The association encourages photographers to venture into uncharted territories and reimagine wildlife photography through innovative lenses. This collaboration further exemplifies National Geographic’s dedication to blending the art of photography with technological innovation, bringing untold stories of our planet to life like never before,” said Anu Sikka, Business Head – Kids & Infotainment, Jiostar.
Rooted in the spirit of exploration, this partnership sets a bold new standard for smartphone photography. The vivo X200 Series x National Geographic collaboration invites audiences to experience the transformative power of technology and creativity, delivering breathtaking visuals and unforgettable stories that redefine the way we see the world. As part of this collaboration, audiences will witness:
• Images shot on vivo X200 Series featured in outdoor advertising (OOH)
• A four-episode documentary series
• Comprehensive digital content showcasing the synergy between innovation and artistry

December 11, 2024: Scania India has announced the opening of its advanced Training Centre in collaboration with its dealer PPS Motors in Chandrapur. This milestone underscores Scania’s unwavering commitment to enhancing technical expertise and improving operational efficiency in India through focused investments in skill development via advanced simulated and hands-on training modules.

The all-new facility, located in Chandrapur, is dedicated to providing specialized training for service engineers, technicians, and drivers. Equipped with high-tech driver training simulators, the facility offers a realistic and immersive learning environment, designed to manage advanced control systems, allowing trainees to learn enhanced vehicle operations, optimize fuel efficiency, and ensure safer driving practices. Additionally, the centre employs innovative technology in Mining and is supported by two Technical Trainers and one Driver Trainer, aiming to strengthen Scania India’s presence in India.

Speaking at the inauguration, Munhoz Silvio, MD, Scania India, said, “With this new training centre, we are taking a significant step toward empowering Indian industry by bridging the gap between advanced technology and operational expertise. By equipping engineers, technicians, and drivers with the skills they need, we aim to help our customers enhance safety, boost productivity, and achieve sustainable growth in their operations.”

This new training facility will play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for skilled service engineers and trained drivers in mining segment. Through this initiative, Scania reinforces its commitment to driving innovation and sustainability, equipping customers with the expertise and resources to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and overall productivity across diverse industries.

11th December 2024: Naukri JobSpeak Index, India’s leading indicator of white-collar hiring activity, reported modest trends in November, coming in at 2430 points, reporting a 2% year-on-year growth.

However, given the festival dates this year varied significantly as compared to 2023, when we compute the Naukri JobSpeak Index for the consolidated festive window of October and November, we see a resilient job market posting a healthy 6% year-on-year growth. This positive trend is driven by strong growths in key Non-IT sectors like Oil & Gas (+16%), Pharma/Biotech (+7%), FMCG (+7%), and Real Estate (+10%), alongside sustained momentum in emerging domains like AI-ML (+30%) and GCCs (+11%). The IT sector continues to hold steady, registering a flattish trend vs last year.

In November specifically, standout performers included Oil & Gas (+14%), Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning (+20%), FMCG (+6%) and GCCs (+4%), highlighting the continued buoyancy in these domains. Other sectors witnessed moderation in hiring activity, largely expected during the festive season

Non-IT Sectors Emerge as Fresher Hiring Hotspots

While the IT sector has historically been a dominant force in fresher hiring, the current trend shows a significant upsurge in fresher recruitment across non-IT domains. Sectors like Architecture/Interior Designing (+29%), Chemicals/PetroChemical/Plastic/Rubber (+18%), Facility Management (+27%), KPO/Research/Analytics (+28%), Steel (+37%), and Wellness/Fitness/Sports/Beauty (+32%) have witnessed substantial YoY growth in fresher hiring.

AI/ML Fuels Tech Hiring

While the broader IT sector contracted, the landscape of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning painted a different picture. This field experienced a significant 20% YoY growth, being particularly pronounced in cities like Kolkata and Delhi NCR, which witnessed a staggering 58% and 47% increase, respectively.

GCCs: Beyond Back-Office Operations

Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are no longer mere back-office operations. They are evolving into strategic innovation hubs, driving business growth. This transformation is evident in the 62% YoY growth of GCCs in Strategy and Management Consulting, highlighting their steady shift from operational support to strategic advisory roles.

Emerging cities like Ahmedabad (+17%), Kolkata (+16%), and Hyderabad (+11%) are emerging as key players in this evolution. These cities, with their burgeoning talent pools, are attracting investments and driving growth in sectors like Semiconductors/Electronics (+17%) and Accounting/Finance (+25%).

The Wellness Revolution: Redefining White-Collar Careers

With an impressive 18% growth in Beauty & Personal Care and 17% in Fitness & Wellness, the industry is witnessing a surge that reflects more than just market dynamics — a holistic lifestyle movement. The striking growth in entry-level hiring (0-3 years at +32% and 8-12 years at +30%) signals a sector actively nurturing young talent.

Metropolitan hubs like Bangalore (+21%), Delhi NCR (+20%), and Mumbai (+22%) are becoming epicenters of this wellness revolution, indicating an urban-driven transformation.

Regional Diversity Continues to Shine

Cities in Rajasthan sustained remarkable resilience. Jaipur (+14%), Udaipur (+24%) and Kota (+15%) emerged as notable bright spots, wherein Jaipur saw a 20% YoY growth in hiring by Foreign MNCs. Towards the eastern end, Bhubaneswar impressed with a 21% YoY increase.

Dr. Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer of Naukri.com, observed, “We typically observe muted trends on white collar hiring during the festive period and the 2% growth In November broadly reflects that. However the combined October and November trends reflect good resilience. Additionally, the rise in non-IT fresher hiring is a good development with respect to the younger talent.”

11th December 2024 : Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), shared his insights on India’s renewable energy prospects during the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 in Jaipur. Speaking at the session on “Indo-German Cooperation in Renewable Energy Sector: Current Initiatives and Future Opportunities,” organized by Germany, Shri Das emphasized Rajasthan’s critical role in advancing India’s renewable energy goals and outlined immense investment opportunities for Germany in the sector.

Highlighting Rajasthan’s remarkable progress, Shri Das noted that state has achieved a total installed capacity of 46.6 GW as of October 2024. Out of this, 31.8 GW comes from renewable energy sources, with solar power contributing a significant 24.6 GW. He pointed out that IREDA’s loan portfolio for Rajasthan stood at approximately Rs. 8,600 crores as of 30th September 2024, accounting for 13.30% of its total loan book. This underscores Rajasthan’s vast potential in renewable energy development and its significant contribution to India’s green energy targets.

Shri Das underlined the importance of Indo-German collaboration in building a sustainable future and proposed specific measures to achieve shared goals. These included fostering globally integrated and diversified renewable energy supply chains in India, improving access to affordable financing, advancing technology and innovation, strengthening the renewable energy ecosystem and increasing women’s participation in the sector.

He reiterated IREDA’s commitment to supporting Rajasthan’s renewable energy journey and building strategic international partnerships with Germany for speedy development of renewable energy sector.