All posts by K S Krishna

This brand collaboration is based on one of the most trending topics ‘Get Ready With Me’, which features The Quick Style crew breaking the dance floor in their signature high-octane moves wearing The Bear House.

January 13, 2024—The Bear House, a contemporary men’s apparel brand specializing in smart work casuals, has set the bar high for its contemporaries by becoming the first apparel brand to partner with the much-in-demand international contemporary dance crew ‘The Quick Style’.

Part of this exciting new collaboration is a dance video where the crew is getting ready in The Bear House clothes that features members of the dance group delivering their signature high-energy performance.

“The Quick Style enjoys a massive fan following here in India. Their unique smart-casual fashion choices perfectly align with The Bear House’s contemporary designs, making this collaboration a match made in heaven! We are confident that through this unique partnership, we will connect with India’s young, fashion-forward consumers who value comfort and sophistication,” said Tanvi Somaiya, Co-Founder at The Bear House.

The video has the dancing sensations flaunt pieces from The Bear House’s versatile smart-casuals collection of shirts, polos, jackets, t-shirts and shackets. The featured brand styles include Noia, Ardea, Kumi, Roliver, Ume, Klint, Itado, Atoll, Elmira, and Hellin.

January 11th, 2024: The School of Management at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi is pleased to announce the opening of admissions for its flagship MBA in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DS&AI) program for the batch of 2025-27. The flagship MBA program, launched in 2022, has already established itself as a leader in AI-driven business education. This program is designed to create future-ready management professionals with a deep understanding of data-driven decision-making and AI-powered business strategies. The program offers a stimulating and rigorous business curriculum based on industry needs and a data-driven approach that nurtures the next generation of Indian business leaders who command technology for business decision-making.

Program Highlights:
● Techno-Management Focus: Integrates management concepts with data science, AI, and machine learning techniques.
● Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Tailored to meet contemporary business challenges and industry demands.
● Cutting-Edge Facilities: Access to advanced labs, research infrastructure, and IIT Mandi’s business incubator.
● Practical Exposure: Internships, live projects, and industry collaborations to provide hands-on experience.
● Global Outlook: International exchange programs and collaborations with leading academic and corporate institutions.

Why Choose IIT Mandi’s MBA Program? Located amidst the scenic Shivalik range, IIT Mandi has quickly risen as an institute of excellence achieving the 8th rank in the Innovation Category in the NIRF 2024 Rankings by the Ministry of Education. The School of Management offers interdisciplinary education and research opportunities, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship. The school hosts a range of expertise through its faculty members in areas including data science, artificial intelligence, operations management, financial management, marketing management, consumer behavior, human resource management, strategy, and others.

The MBA program leverages the institute’s expertise in allied fields to deliver a unique fusion of managerial and technical acumen. The program boasts an average CTC of 16 LPA and the highest CTC of 39 LPA in previous placements. Key recruiters include top firms across Analytics, Consulting, Finance, and AI-driven domains.

Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, said, “Our MBA program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence addresses the growing need for professionals who can leverage data and AI to make impactful business decisions. IIT Mandi continues to focus on innovation and practical learning, equipping students to meet modern business challenges with confidence and competence.”

Prof. Anjan K. Swain, Chairperson of the School of Management, added, “This MBA program blends analytics, management, and technology to cultivate sharp business acumen, preparing the students to excel in today’s data-driven economy. We are committed to providing a transformative learning experience that fosters innovation, enhances thinking abilities, and develops strong leadership aptitudes.”

A student can apply for admission by choosing one of the two categories of eligibility. In the first category, the school admits candidates who have earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from centrally funded technical institutions or institutions ranked among the top 100 in the NIRF 2024 rankings (Overall Category or Engineering Category). In the second category, the applicants who have appeared in CAT 2024 can apply based on their CAT score. The applicants are required to have a minimum CGPA in their qualifying degree. Full details of the eligibility criteria can be found on the school of management website.

The applicants can apply online through an application process available on the school website. The application process includes a group discussion and/or personal interview after the basic screening process based on eligibility criteria. The deadline for online applications is January 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

11th January 2025: The opening day of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival 2025 witnessed an enlightening session with William Dalrymple, one of the most celebrated historians and travel writers of our time. Dalrymple, whose career spans decades of exploring history, culture, and geopolitics, humbly declared, “I have no talent other than writing” in a session moderated by fellow historian Rana Safvi.

He recounted the genesis of his debut book, In Xanadu, which stemmed from his desire to undertake an extraordinary journey during his time at Cambridge. Fueled by a grant of £750, Dalrymple retraced the path of Marco Polo, traveling through Israel, Syria, Cyprus, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China. This audacious adventure not only became the foundation of his book but also earned him a place on the front page of The Times.

During the session, Dalrymple discussed the 1980s travel writing phenomenon and its influence on his works. He fondly remembered his time writing the book City of Djinns and his deep love for the Middle East, having explored Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon extensively.

Another of his seminal works, From the Holy Mountain, delves into the lives of Christian minorities in the Middle East. Dalrymple shed light on the intricate links between Islam and Christianity, emphasizing how Eastern Christian communities act as bridges between the two faiths. “A world still survives there,” he remarked, painting a vivid picture of resilience and coexistence.

Dalrymple also reflected on the pivotal shift in his career from travel writing to history, which he credited to a personal turning point after the birth of his daughter. “I could no longer put myself in dangerous situations,” he shared, explaining how this life change encouraged him to explore narratives that could be told from the safety of archives and historical records.

This transition gave rise to his acclaimed historical works, including The White Mughals. Talking about his new book, The Golden Road, he said, “The unprecedented success of The Golden Road lies in its flattering portrayal of India as the center of the world, celebrating its historical and cultural significance.”

January 11, 2025: Indian Bank, on the occasion of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 unveiled its exclusive Mahakumbh Mela Special Edition ATM Debit Card today in Prayagraj. The launch event was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji, alongside Indian Bank’s senior officials, including CGM Lucknow Shri Sudhir Kumar Gupta, FGM Allahabad Shri Navin Kumar Shrivastava, ZM Lucknow Shri Pranesh Kumar and ZM Allahabad Shri PN Upadhyay, along with senior government dignitaries.

The Special Edition ATM Debit Card combines financial empowerment with a celebration of Uttar Pradesh’s cultural heritage. The co-branded ATM card with the iconic Mahakumbh Logo and Indian Bank logo is exclusively available to Indian Bank customers in Uttar Pradesh. The card will be issued with zero annual charges, making it both accessible and customer-friendly.

Indian Bank plans to issue approximately 2 lakh Special Edition ATM Debit Cards during the 45 days of Maha Kumbh Mela. These cards serve as a memoir to the spiritual grandeur of the Maha Kumbh while empowering customers to manage their finances efficiently.

The Special Edition ATM Debit Card is a step forward in merging tradition with technology, offering a unique banking experience while fostering a sense of pride in State’s rich heritage.

11th January 2025: Justdial, India’s no.1 local search engine achieved its highest-ever quarterly revenue in Q3 FY25, further solidifying its position as a leader in digital services. Reporting a revenue of ₹287.3 crores, with a robust year-on-year (YoY) growth of 8.4%, this milestone reflects the continued trust and confidence of vendors in Justdial’s platform. More businesses are recognizing the unparalleled value and consistent results delivered by the brand.

Operating EBITDA stood at ₹86.6 crores, marking an impressive YoY increase of 43.4%. This robust performance demonstrates the company’s ability to achieve top-line growth while maintaining a strong focus on operational efficiency. Meanwhile, net profit stood at ₹131.3 crores, registering a healthy YoY growth of 42.7%. This solid growth in profitability reflects Justdial’s disciplined financial strategies and its commitment to creating value for its stakeholders

Justdial continues to serve as an indispensable resource for millions seeking trusted and reliable local services. The platform recorded a significant 15.3% YoY growth in user traffic this quarter with 47.5 million businesses listed on its platform. This milestone highlights Justdial’s unwavering commitment to innovation, strategic execution, and delivering tangible results for both users and business partners.

Mr. Shwetank Dixit, Chief Growth Officer, Justdial, commented, “Our focus remains on driving top-line growth while maintaining operational efficiency, as reflected in our Q3 results. By enhancing our offerings for users and providing businesses with easy-to-use, advanced tools, we are creating sustainable growth for all stakeholders. Stories of growth of small and medium businesses through Justdial continues to inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and unlock opportunities for MSMEs”

Justdial’s success this quarter has been driven by a series of strategic initiatives. A key emphasis was placed on enriching platform content to drive traffic. This included the creation of in-depth information, comprehensive catalogs, Buying guides and Price ranges for different services. By expanding the volume and quality of information, Justdial has enabled users to make more informed decisions, while significantly increasing visibility and opportunities of growth for Business owners.

The company also prioritized empowering SMEs by introducing tools designed to simplify campaign management and streamline lead conversion processes. These user-friendly features allow businesses to optimize their time and resources.

In addition, Justdial is transforming its sales strategy from cold calling to a targeted, multi-platform approach, using social media, email, messaging apps, and in-platform interactions to engage businesses at various stages of the buying journey. This aims to achieve a cost-effective sales process by building channels of high-potential leads. This shift has driven stronger monetization outcomes while building a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

11th November 2024: Life Insurance Council has released updated industry business numbers for the month of December 2024. Indian Life insurers register record new business figures in December’24; premium collection swell by 9.91%.

According to data released by the Life Insurance Council, the life insurance industry saw individual single premiums growing by 13.52% on a Y-o-Y basis to close at ₹ 4633.12 Crs for Dec’24 while YTD growth stood at 13.68%. Individual non-single premiums came in at ₹ 12467.51 Crs and grew by 4.53% in Dec’24, even as YTD collections settled at 14.53% higher than the corresponding period last year.

This strong performance can be ascribed to the fact that life insurers are increasingly focusing on encouraging first-time life insurance buyers to buy essential life insurance solutions, contributing to the 6.82% growth in combined individual premium collections for the month of Dec’24 and 14.26% growth on a YTD basis.

The life insurance industry in India has been making significant strides forward by expanding access to insurance and making an effort to reach out to areas and segments of the country’s population that were previously underserved when it comes to their insurance needs. Towards this end, life insurers added more than 757236 individual life insurance agents, with an overall 3.46% growth in cumulative agent count. Still, the sustained pace of agent addition is being complimented by the high speed of digitisation by life insurers, paving the way for additional gains in insurance penetration that should provide a significant boost to new business premiums in FY25 and beyond.

11th January 2025: Universal Pictures (distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery) is thrilled to announce their release of Horror Fantasy Wolf Man hitting theaters on 17th January 2025. Wolf Man tells a chilling tale of a family’s desperate fight for survival after a brutal animal attack. Directed by Australian filmmaker Leigh Whannell, known for his writing on Insidious: Chapter 2, Saw, and Dead Silence. A reboot of the classic Wolf Man (1941), the upcoming horror film has a stellar cast like Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, Matilda Firth, and Sam Jaeger, promising audiences an unforgettable eerie experience.

Wolf Man is about Blake and his family who are attacked by an unseen animal and, in a desperate escape, they barricade themselves inside a farmhouse as the creature prowls the perimeter. As the night stretches on, however, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognizable that soon jeopardizes his wife and daughter.

Golden Globe nominee Christopher Abbott, who portrays Blake in Wolf Man, discussed how the prosthetics team worked to ensure that his portrayal of the Wolf Man would not hinder his performance, saying.“I could still act through the prosthetics” He continued, “They didn’t shackle my performance. My face would move in different ways when I was wearing them. I would look in the mirror and play with it. The prosthetics did a lot of the work. An idea can only go so far, but when you have physical limitations, they force you to make a choice.”

Buckle Up and Prepare your mind for an edgy & chilling start to 2025, Wolf Man, releasing in English.

Brace yourself for terror as the film hits theatres across India on January 17th!

11th January, 2025: JSW MG Motor India today announced its partnership with KMPL to offer a finance solution for its innovative Battery-As-A-Service (BaaS) ownership program to EV customers. With this partnership, KMPL becomes one of the first leading auto financers to support the BaaS concept and will help in furthering its reach to prospective customers.

BaaS is a flexible ownership program that significantly reduces the initial acquisition cost, ensuring an economical and hassle-free ownership experience. Launched in September 2024, BaaS has regenerated customer interest back to EVs, which has translated into the growth of EV sales. The growing consumer interest in this one-of-a-kind ownership model was a catalyst in KMPL joining the BaaS bandwagon and curate finance solutions for EV customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Gupta, Chief Growth Officer, JSW MG Motor India said, “Our pursuit for innovation is relentless and we remain committed to creating experiences that enhance consumer delight. With BaaS, we have created a disruption in the market and created a benchmark in the Electric Car industry. It remains our priority to enhance its reach through various finance partners, to enable rapid EV adoption. I welcome and thank the KMPL team for partnering with us to extend the BaaS concept to customers. KMPL’s vast network and connection with dealer partners will surely be an added advantage for an enhanced penetration of the unique BaaS concept, thereby boosting our EV sales.”

Sharing views on the partnership, Vyomesh Kapasi, Managing Director and CEO, Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited said “At KMPL, we are dedicated to driving innovation in vehicle financing. We are excited to partner with JSW MG Motor India on their pioneering BaaS EV ownership program. This collaboration aims to enhance the EV financing ecosystem in India by offering innovative and customer friendly finance products across various segments. We are confident that this partnership will further strengthen our finance offerings and support the adoption of electric vehicles.”

With BaaS, JSW MG Motor India has created a platform that provides the right momentum for rapid EV adoption, by splitting the battery cost from that of the body shell. This means that now customers can own an EV at an affordable price in India by opting for separate financing options for the body shell and the battery

KMPL has had a business relationship for channel finance and retail finance with JSW MG Motor India since the carmaker’s inception in India in 2019.

10th January 2025: Gurugram-based IoT startup Proxgy, founded by Pulkit Ahuja, has unveiled two innovative wearable devices, the Hat+ Band and the ProHat Band, aimed at transforming workplace safety and productivity for industrial workers. Designed to combat extreme conditions like India’s scorching 40°C+ temperatures, these smart wearables promise to enhance comfort, boost efficiency, and reduce risks in high-stress work environments.

Industrial workers globally face a multitude of challenges, including extreme heat, safety risks, and a lack of connectivity in remote operations. The International Labour Organization estimates that over 2.3 million workers globally succumb to work-related accidents or diseases each year, many of which stem from unsafe working environments. Additionally, industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing—which collectively employ over 250 million workers worldwide—report a significant loss in productivity due to heat stress and inadequate communication tools.

About the products
The Hat+ Band is designed to combat the persistent issue of heat-related stress. By retrofitting standard helmets with air-conditioning functionality, it provides relief for workers in high-temperature environments, such as mines, construction sites, and factories. This lightweight, battery-operated device offers uninterrupted cooling for 8–10 hours, ensuring workers remain comfortable and productive throughout their shifts. Heat stress, a leading cause of fatigue and accidents in these sectors, can reduce productivity by up to 15%, according to studies by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

The ProHat Band, on the other hand, transforms ordinary helmets into smart devices by integrating cutting-edge technology. With features such as 4G connectivity, BLE communication, AI-powered edge processing, and real-time video conferencing, this product addresses the growing need for efficient communication and hazard detection in industrial operations. In sectors like oil and gas, security, and manufacturing, connectivity is often a matter of life and death, where delays in communication can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The ProHat Band ensures that workers and supervisors stay connected, enabling faster decision-making and improved safety.

Founder’s Quote

Pulkit Ahuja, Proxgy’s Founder and CEO, explained the motivation behind these products: “A few months ago, during market surveys for our SmartHat safety helmets, we engaged directly with workers to understand their challenges. They expressed concerns about the prohibitive costs of AC helmets and the reluctance of employers to invest in such solutions. The Hat+ and ProHat Bands are designed to overcome these barriers—affordable, adaptable, and effective in addressing real-world problems.”

Context

In India alone, over 40 million workers are employed in industries that demand personal protective equipment (PPE), yet studies reveal that only a fraction have access to advanced safety tools like AC or smart helmets. Proxgy’s innovations aim to bridge this gap by offering accessible solutions priced under INR 9,990, significantly lower than traditional alternatives.

Celebrity Investor Says

Investor Ajinkya Rahane commended the initiative, stating, “I am really impressed with the discipline and speed of execution of the entire team, where they are solving actual problems for a mass audience.”

Mission

From a technology and IoT perspective, the ProHat Band leverages AI for edge computing, a critical advancement in enabling real-time decision-making in environments with limited connectivity. The device also aligns with global trends in wearable IoT, a market projected to grow to $60 billion by 2030, as industries increasingly adopt connected solutions for workforce safety and efficiency.

Proxgy’s efforts align with a broader mission to use innovation for social impact, focusing on blue-collar industries often overlooked by tech advancements. These new products complement Proxgy’s portfolio of wearable Industrial IoT devices, which have already gained traction in sectors like policing, inspections, oil and gas, and construction.

Both the Hat+ Band and ProHat Band are now available for pre-order, with shipments beginning next month. Proxgy invites businesses, safety officers, and industry leaders to explore these solutions and redefine workforce safety and operational efficiency in their sectors.

This version integrates industry statistics, workplace challenges, and market trends to provide a broader context, ensuring its appeal across multiple journalistic beats. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!

10th January 2024 — Trailytics, a leading data analytics solutions provider, has been awarded the mandate to oversee the complete eCommerce analytics and marketing strategy for Allana Group as they gear up to launch their popular Bowlers products. This partnership marked a significant step for both companies, aligning their expertise to establish a strong footprint across multiple eCommerce platforms.

The Allana Group, a global leader in the manufacture & export of various consumer products, including Frozen & Chilled Halal Meat, Frozen & Aseptic Fruit Pulps, Coffee, Cereals & Pet Food. is set to diversify its portfolio with the launch of Bowlers. Bowlers offers a range of pet food products, including dried dog food, pet treats, dehydrated chews, natural bone products, meat jerky variations, Nutrimax, a range of dog food that aims to offer premium quality at an affordable price, and Rawhide chews and dried chews to promote teeth and gum health. Recognising the importance of data-driven insights and dynamic marketing in today’s eCommerce-driven world, the Allana Group has entrusted Trailytics to spearhead their entry into the digital marketplace.

Trailytics will provide a comprehensive suite of services, including advanced analytics, Root Cause Analysis, tailored marketing campaigns, and optimization across eCommerce channels. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and market expertise, Trailytics aims to enhance consumer engagement, improve conversion rates, and ensure seamless integration of Bowlers into the competitive eCommerce landscape.

Speaking about the partnership, at Trailytics Mr. Anirudh Varshney, Founder and CEO said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Allana Group as they launch Bowler. Our focus will be on delivering actionable insights and impactful marketing strategies to make this launch a resounding success. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and creating meaningful connections with consumers.”

The mandate encompasses a comprehensive, end-to-end approach to ensure the success of Bowler in the eCommerce space. This includes leveraging data-driven insights through in-depth market research and analytics to understand consumer behavior and emerging trends. It also involves crafting customized marketing strategies with personalized campaigns that resonate with diverse consumer demographics and highlight the unique essence of Bowler. Additionally, the focus extends to channel optimization, ensuring seamless operations across popular eCommerce platforms to maximize reach, enhance engagement, and drive sales.

The Allana Group views this collaboration as a critical milestone in its journey toward digital transformation. Bowlers’ launch represents its dedication to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

As Trailytics continues to grow, partnerships like this highlight the company’s ability to address complex challenges across industries.