Author: Team

Kia Syros crosses 20,000 bookings

Mumbai, February 25, 2025: Kia India, a leading mass-premium carmaker of the country, has made an impressive start to the year with the launch of its highly anticipated Syros SUV. The Syros have already started challenging its peers and have received over 20,163 bookings, reflecting an overwhelming customer response.

Syros also witnessed the customers preference towards the petrol-powered engine with 67% of the total bookings, the remaining 33% customers opted for the diesel engines. The premium appeal of the Syros is evident in the booking preferences, with 46% of buyers inclined towards owning the top variants. Glacier White Pearl emerged as the most preferred colour with 32% bookings followed by Aurora Black Pearl and Frost Blue with 26% and 20% respectively.

The pre-booking for the Syros began on January 3, 2025, and the SUV was officially launched on February 1, 2025, at an attractive price range of INR 8.99 lakh to INR 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom) with ADAS features are available at an additional cost of INR 80,000 over and above the price of the top trim.

The Syros is designed to meet the needs of the modern, tech-savvy urban driver, blending versatility with cutting-edge technology. Its bold exterior design, premium, lounge-like interior, and advanced features set a new benchmark in the segment, establishing Syros as a game-changer in the sub-compact SUV category.

Hardeep Singh Brar, Sr. Vice President & National Head Sales & Marketing, said, “We are truly delighted by the exceptional response to the Syros in such a short period. Syros launch was a defining moment in our Kia India journey, underscoring our commitment to redefining automotive excellence. With its cutting-edge technology, bold design, and pioneering features, the Syros represents our relentless pursuit of innovation and customer satisfaction. The significant preference for our HTX & above trims is a testament to the discerning taste of Indian customers, who increasingly seek sophistication, advanced technology, and unparalleled comfort. We are confident that Syros will not only set new benchmarks for the industry but will also become a disruptor in the sub-compact SUV segment.”

Innovative Features and Technology

Kia Syros introduces a range of innovative technologies, including a segment-first Over-the-Air (OTA) software update system. This feature allows automatic updates to 16 vehicle controllers without requiring a dealership visit—typically found in luxury vehicles.

The Syros is equipped with the latest Kia Connect 2.0 system, offering more than 80 features that provide seamless connectivity and intelligent vehicle management. In addition, Kia introduced Kia Connect Diagnosis (KCD), allowing users to remotely assess their vehicle’s health, and Kia Advanced Total Care (KATC), which proactively alerts customers of maintenance needs such as tyre replacements and service reminders for a hassle-free ownership experience.

Safety remains a top priority for 18% of customers opting for HTX+(O) ADAS equipped variant which boast a 20-item Hi-Standard Safety package, featuring 16 autonomous Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Other premium features include a 76.2 cm (30”) Trinity Panoramic Display panel, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, and first-in-segment rear seat recline, slide, and ventilation. The flexible boot space can also be adjusted as per need, offering enhanced practicality.

Premium Appeal and Customer Demand

Bookings are for higher-end trims, highlighting the strong demand for premium variants. This is a clear indication of the growing preference among Indian consumers for advanced features and high-tech offerings, positioning the Syros as a premium choice for discerning customers.

Innovative Ownership Programs

Kia India is also introducing a range of ownership programs to enhance the customer experience and ensure peace of mind. The My Convenience Secure add-on offers coverage for selected wear-and-tear parts, while the My Convenience program provides tailored maintenance packages based on individual care needs. For more comprehensive protection, My Convenience Plus combines maintenance, extended warranty, and roadside assistance.

ACC and Adani Foundation’s women-led initiative boosts rural welfare, touching 28,000 lives, unlocking Rs 612 Cr value

Ahmedabad, 25 February 2025: ACC, the cement and building materials company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, continues to drive social impact through the ‘Meri Sangini Meri Margdarshika’ (MSMM) programme. Implemented across 17 ACC locations, the women-led initiative has connected rural community members to more than 20 government welfare, insurance, financial schemes and entitlements, unlocking a total value of Rs. 612 crore. MSMM facilitators are all trained local women volunteers, called ‘Sanginis’.

By simplifying bureaucratic processes, MSMM has helped beneficiaries access schemes related to healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and livelihoods — boosting household incomes and social security. So far in FY’25, the programme has linked 28,000 beneficiaries to government schemes across Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and others.

MSMM has so far unlocked total value of Rs. 612 crore in government benefits during the fiscal, with Rs. 3.51 crore directly transferred into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, driving financial inclusion. Communities located around ACC’s Kudithini, Wadi, Sindri, and Madukkarai plants have received higher benefits amongst all the covered locations including Bargarh, Chanda, Chaibasa, Damodar, Gagal, Jamul, Kymore, Lakheri, Thondebhavi, Tikaria, Chilhati, and Salaibanwa.

Beneficiaries have gained access to eligible welfare schemes including Ayushman Cards, e-Shram Cards, Crop Insurance, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jivan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmnirbhar Nidhi, and others, significantly improving their financial security and livelihoods. Overall, MSMM has unlocked a value of 885 times the invested amount, underscoring its efficiency in driving social transformation.

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s commitment to inclusive growth and empowerment of women as changemakers is reflected through initiatives including MSMM, enabling maximum benefits from government schemes for thousands of underserved families in rural communities.

HDFC Life Launches New Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage to Empower Financial Success

Bengaluru, February 25, 2025: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has launched its latest product HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage. This participating product has been designed keeping in mind milestones associated with the different life stages of an individual. As one continues to save for their growing aspirations/goals, it is observed that there is a preference for early liquidity (for short term needs), flexibility and financial security for the future.

HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage comes with following key features:

• Policy Continuance Benefit (PCB) – Through this option, future premiums are waived in case of death of the Life Assured. The Death Benefit is paid out as a lump sum immediately and also the future benefits under the plan continue for the nominee or survivor.
• Choice of Death Benefit Multiple – This option enables one to choose a customised Death Benefit Multiple – 5x, 7x or 11x – as per their need.
• Paid Up Addition – Through this option, one can convert partial or the entire cash bonus payable into Paid-Up Additions which can be encashed anytime during the term of the policy.

Customers can choose any combination from the above options as per their future needs.

Along with life insurance cover for financial security of the family, the plan also offers:

Additional Life Coverage – One can choose to cover one’s spouse

Tax benefits – As applicable for an individual, based on prevailing tax laws

Life insurance is a necessity for every working individual with financial responsibilities. HDFC Life has been an innovator in the life insurance space offering customisable products that meet the ever-evolving needs of Indian consumers. The Company offers a robust digital platform that provides multiple servicing options to customers as per their convenience. HDFC Life’s commitment to customers is reflected in its consistently high claim settlement ratio, which was 99.50% for FY24.

Speaking on the product launch, Aneesh Khanna – Head Products & Segments, HDFC Life, commented, “We, at HDFC Life, believe that life insurance products need to be designed to fit the specific needs of every individual, depending on their age, life stage, current income and future plans. Every individual dreams of a financially secure future for their loved ones and also of achieving goals such as buying a home, sending their children for higher education to a prestigious institute, etc. These dreams need long-term planning with an instrument that offers flexibility, liquidity and financial security. HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve Par Advantage has been designed to offer a solution to individuals who endeavour to create a better future and protect their dreams against uncertainties with a financial safety net.”

BLUM SPACE TOWER: Elevating Home Organization with Innovative Storage Design

The SPACE TOWER is a product from Blum, which manufactures products in Austria and is a global leader in furniture fittings. If you’re looking for a tall storage unit with plenty of storage space, customizable inner pull-outs, and easy access to objects from all three sides, look no further than the SPACE TOWER. This is the most convenient and ergonomic way to store items.

For further user convenience, the unit can be equipped with a variety of motion technologies. It pulls out and opens automatically – with just a single touch — thanks to the SERVO-DRIVE electrical motion support system. They close again softly and effortlessly with soft-close BLUMOTION. Pull-outs can also be equipped with mechanical TIP-ON BLUMOTION, and handle-less doors can also be opened with TIP-ON, which requires just one push to open the door and a push to close.

The SPACE TOWER has full extensions that give you clear visibility and easy access to provisions from all three sides (left, right and even the front). Inner dividing systems or inner organizers tidy up interiors and give you clear visibility of contents. They also make sure that nothing falls over. Each drawer has an impressive load-bearing capacity (up to a total weight of 70 kg) so the larder unit can even safely hold heavy items such as bottles. It is available in a variety of heights, widths, and depths, and can be tailored to your individual storage space needs.

This SPACE TOWER is equipped with LEGRABOX or TANDEMBOX which is spacious enough to hold provisions for the whole family along with endless design options. It provides ample storage space and easy access to contents, making it ideal for kitchens, bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms, too. The unit makes everyday kitchen use easier by providing easy access and enhanced user convenience. Even smaller models of the SPACE TOWER can accommodate large amounts of food.

Cygnett Hotels and Resorts opens its third property in Jaipur

New Delhi, February 24, 2025: Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced the opening of its third property in the Pink City of Jaipur. Cygnett Inn Airport is a full-service, midscale hotel that will cater to the rising demand for quality and affordable accommodations in Jaipur.

The property is strategically located just 200 meters from Jaipur Airport. It offers unparalleled convenience, being a mere stroll away from the terminal. It has an inventory of 45 elegantly appointed rooms. As part of its F&B offering, the property houses an all-day dining restaurant C Pavilion and a stunning Rooftop Restro Bar, providing panoramic views of the Jaipur Airport aero strip.

“Jaipur is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations for domestic and international visitors. With the opening of Cygnett Inn Airport, we have further strengthened our position in Jaipur’s hospitality market. In the coming years, we are committed to expanding strategically across destinations with high tourism appeal and strong business activity,” said Mr Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

A spacious 3,000 sq. ft. banquet facility at the property is ideal for events and gatherings. Other modern amenities include a Health Club, Meeting Room, and Spa for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Quality hotels, value for money, safety, consistent service, good food and sustainable practices are some of the Cygnett Inn brand’s value propositions. The opening of Cygnett Inn Airport is part of the hospitality chain’s larger expansion plans to reach over 100 operational hotels by 2029.

TEDx IIM Sambalpur: A Platform for Visionaries to Ignite Ideas and Inspire Change

24th February 2025, Sambalpur: IIM Sambalpur, one the premier management institute continues to inspire the aspirations of young future professionals by organising TEDx Talks at the campus. This exceptional platform unites a diverse array of visionaries from across India, sparking inspiration, innovation, and transformative ideas. Under the theme ANAGAT: The Unmanifested Future, this insightful and enriching event featured erudite speakers who shared their perspectives and wisdom, laying the foundation for growth, resilience, and meaningful success among students.

A distinguished lineup of luminaries from diverse fields like Maharaj Kunwarani Sahiba Nivritti Kumari, Founder , Vottary Mewar of Udaipur, Litisha Mangat Panda, Head of Business Digital, Odisha Television Group, Ella D Verma, First runner-up Miss Trans Queen 2023, Mohini Sharma, Founder Mrs India Inc, and Femme International Mrs India World 2016, Dr. Itisha Nagar, Professor in Delhi University, Padma Lakshmi First Transgender lawyer of Kerela, Anjana Tudu, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Commissionerate Police, Odisha, Rohit Shrivastav, Founder, FoodFindo, and Nomadic Narrator and Captain Dharamveer Singh, Founder FORCE, and Ambassador, graced the event with their valuable experiences and knowledgeable perspectives left the audience enriched and inspired.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur extended warm welcome and stated,” TEDx at IIM Sambalpur is a platform where ideas transcend boundaries, innovation takes centre stage, and intellectual curiosity is ignited. It is more like a catalyst for transformative thinking, fostering a culture where students engage with thought leaders, challenge perspectives, and reimagine the future. By bringing together visionaries from diverse domains, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders to push boundaries, embrace change, and drive meaningful impact in the world.”

 The insightful TEDx event was embraced by the presence of esteemed faculty members and university associates enriched the discussions, encouraging meaningful dialogue and fresh perspectives. The event left a lasting impact on the audience, empowering future thought leaders to embrace continuous learning.