16, Jan 2025
The British Council announce GREAT scholarships 2025 for Indian students

Bangalore, 16 January 2025: The British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities has announced the GREAT Scholarships 2025, in partnership with the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign. The GREAT Scholarships offer students from India the opportunity to undertake postgraduate studies in the UK across various fields of study.

Offering 26 scholarships in India from UK universities across diverse subjects for students from across the country, each scholarship is worth a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course. For the 2025 admissions cycle, scholarships are available across three primary categories. Twenty-one scholarships are offered for students pursuing diverse academic disciplines within core subjects. Two scholarships are dedicated to those undertaking postgraduate studies in justice and law, focusing on legal and justice-oriented fields. Additionally, three scholarships are available for aspiring leaders in science and technology, specifically within STEM disciplines.

The UK is renowned for its high-quality education and globally respected universities, many of which consistently rank among the top in international rankings. Studying in the UK provides students with access to high-quality education and world-renowned universities. The UK’s robust post-study work options further enhance employability, offering students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and boost their career prospects on an international scale.

Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director of Education India, British Council, said “The GREAT Scholarships provide an invaluable opportunity for Indian students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK, opening doors to a wide range of disciplines such as Finance, Marketing, Business, Psychology, Design, Humanities, and Dance. Studying in the UK not only grants access to world-class education from renowned universities but also immerses students in diverse cultural experiences and global networks, preparing them to excel in their careers and thrive in a competitive global job market. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering global education and empowering students to excel in their chosen fields”.

16, Jan 2025
Centre for Fertility Preservation at KMC Manipal Celebrates a Decade of Excellence

Manipal, January 16, 2025 – Kasturba Medical College, Manipal celebrated 10 years anniversary of its Centre for Fertility Preservation (CFP) on January 8, 2025. CFP has established itself as a leader in providing clinical care, advancing research, and disseminating knowledge in the field of fertility preservation, over the past decade.

CFP Press relese pic 2-min

The anniversary event brought together distinguished international experts from Germany, Sweden and UK along with contributors who have played pivotal roles in the Centre’s journey. Dr. Satish Kumar Adiga, Coordinator of CFP, welcomed the attendees and presented the Centre’s milestones. He highlighted CFP’s remarkable progress over the past ten years in addressing the fertility needs of patients and its commitment to advancing this critical field through innovation and collaboration.

Dr. Naveen Salins, Coordinator of the Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, emphasized the uniqueness of CFP in offering comprehensive fertility preservation care to young cancer patients. “CFP’s integrated approach stands out among major hospitals across the country, making it a beacon of hope for patients facing fertility challenges due to cancer treatment,” said Dr. Salins.

Dr. Karthik Udupa, a medical oncologist and consortium member, underscored the importance of early discussions about fertility preservation between oncologists and their patients. “Providing fertility preservation options is vital to helping patients secure their future fertility while undergoing cancer therapy,” he remarked.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dr. Sharath Rao, congratulated the CFP team for their dedication and achievements. “In the next five years, CFP aims to expand its network across the Manipal group of hospitals, extending its services to children and young adults affected by cancer. This will ensure that patients at risk of losing their fertility to cancer therapies receive the care and support they need,” he announced.

16, Jan 2025
Goyal Salt strengthens brand in Tier 1 to 6 cities

Jaipur, January 16, 2025: Goyal Salt Limited, leading FMCG player which specializes in salt, is strengthening its brand presence in Tier 1 to 6 cities. The brand is leveraging digital media to strengthen its positioning in the Tier 1 to 6 cities. While Karisma Kapoor is the face of this campaign, Goyal Salt is also employing a robust marketing spend to amplify the campaign aimed at building brand awareness and affinity.

The company has its largest consumer base in North India with presence in Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. It is followed by brand presence in Western and Eastern part of the country like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam and Odisha.

Pramesh Goyal. MD, Goyal Salt

To lead its brand campaign, Goyal Salt has roped in actress Karisma Kapoor as its brand ambassador. With this association, Karisma Kapoor is a part of the brand’s campaigns in which she is seen promoting all the brand’s products including its latest launch – Goyal Black Salt. Goyal Salt produces premium industrial and edible salts which Includes Triple Refined Free Flow Iodized Salt, Industrial Salt, Double Fortified Salt, and Triple Refined Half Dry Salt.

Pramesh Goyal, Managing Director said, “With Karisma Kapoor as our brand ambassador, we aim to communicate directly with our customers, building a strong relationship. Her brilliance in acting has wowed audiences and has conquered millions of hearts. We too have built class products for masses and on a loyal customer base with a strong relationship of over a decade. With her strong persona and our commitment to offering the incredible taste and health benefits of Goyal Salt, we want to strengthen the trust of our users.”

Goyal Salt has also appointed Oberoi IBC as a digital agency which runs regular campaigns on social media for better brand outreach. Its digital campaign ‘Ek Chutki Swad aur Sehat Ki’ is aimed to create a more intimate connection with its audience.

Sharing how the concept fits the brand perfectly, Pramesh Goyal, Managing Director said, “The aspirations of people in smaller cities are growing at a big scale and so is their appetite for taste and health. Sprinkled with sehat and seasoned with swad, the brand’s philosophy of ‘Ek Chutki Swad aur Sehat Ki’ connects with New India which yearns for better taste and great health in just one pinch. The brand’s digital campaigns are a befitting extension to our mission of bringing unparalleled quality products to a wider audience. Goyal Salt’s overall performance has been strong, buoyed by the rapid growth. The marketing spend as a percentage of the sales would be 2.5% from FY26 onwards.”

Goyal Salt has been focusing on increasing its production capacity, expanding its product portfolio and market presence. The company currently works with more than 60 distributors in Northern markets and have appointed distributors in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam and Odisha. Currently the company has a reach of 5000 retail outlets and is expecting to reach to every household in the country in the next five years.

16, Jan 2025
India’s First User Research Conference IGNITE debuts next month

Hyderabad, 16th January 2025: User Connect Consultancy (UCC), a global leader in user research, proudly presents IGNITE, India’s first-ever User Research conference. It aims to bring together thought leaders, practitioners, educators and innovators in the field of user research to discuss trends, real-world applications and impact of user research strategies on business outcomes.

The conference is set to take place on the 7th & 8th of February, 2025, at T-Hub, Hyderabad, the world’s largest innovation hub for startups and entrepreneurs. Over two action-packed days, IGNITE 2025 will bring together a vibrant mix of user research practitioners, business leaders, academia, and startup founders to spark conversations and actions that shape the future of product design and innovation. Participants will engage in insightful keynote sessions, expert-led workshops, dynamic panel discussions and talks by industry leaders.

shipra

The conference has an exceptional lineup of speakers, including design and research experts from leading tech and innovation-led companies. Joining them will be distinguished professors from premier institutions such as NID, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur and BITS, offering a perfect balance of industry and academic perspectives.

“IGNITE is more than a conference—it’s a call to action for business leaders, start-up founders, educators and designers to infuse user centricity into critical decision-making processes,” says Shipra Bhutada, Founder & Director of User Research at UCC. “Our goal is to foster a community where empathy and curiosity drive innovation, creating meaningful impact for businesses and society alike.”

During the conceptualization phase, UCC conducted a survey with user research professionals to shape the format and topics for the conference, ensuring it serves as a collaborative platform. It will feature discussions on thought-provoking topics such as ‘The Role of Kindness in Design Innovation & Business Impact,’ ‘User Research in India: Global Influence vs. Local Growth,’ and ‘Advocating Evaluative Research for Actionable Design Decisions.’ Workshop sessions will delve into practical themes like ‘The Art & Science of User Experience (UX) Research’ and ‘From Insight to Impact: User Research for Product Success,’ providing valuable insights for attendees.

16, Jan 2025
Macquarie University and Manipal Academy of Higher Education ink an articulation agreement

Manipal; 16.01.2025: Macquarie University, one of Australia’s top 10 universities, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a leading educational institution in India, have entered into a milestone articulation agreement to provide a unique pathway for students in Civil and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. This agreement is in line with the commitment of both institutions to nurturing globally competent engineers with a blend of foundational knowledge and advanced expertise.

Under this agreement, students will benefit from a unique 2+2 articulation and credit recognition arrangement. They will complete the first two years of their Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program in Civil Engineering or Electrical and Electronics Engineering at MAHE, followed by two years at Macquarie University in Sydney to earn a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering or Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

This partnership highlights the strengths of both institutions in delivering academic excellence and global exposure. By combining foundational studies at MAHE with advanced specialisation and real-world applications at Macquarie University, students will have the skills and knowledge to address complex engineering challenges.

Prof. Aman Oo, Dean of Engineering at Macquarie University said, “Our partnership with Manipal Academy of Higher Education is a robust step towards advancing engineering education. By bridging theoretical learning with practical, real-world application, the proposed program will cultivate academic distinction and provide students with international exposure and technical expertise. We aim to collaborate to empower students to be agile, world-class engineers set to contribute meaningfully to the future of engineering.”

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, said, “This articulation agreement is a testament of MAHE’s commitment to providing students with transformative educational opportunities. This partnership with Macquarie University allows our students a global perspective while building on a strong academic foundation. We are confident this collaboration will enable our students to excel in their professional endeavours and make impactful contributions to society.”

Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT, applauded the partnership and appreciated the benefits students will receive from this. He said, “The partnership will help students receive a global perspective in Civil Engineering or Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Through such collaborations, MAHE can work on its commitment to fostering world-class engineers at MAHE who can meaningfully work on real-life problems.”

Program structure: In the first two years at MAHE, students will develop a foundation in engineering principles through courses such as Engineering Design, Engineering Mathematics, and Computer Programming, alongside core subjects like Geotechnical Engineering and Electrical Circuits. These years will prepare students for advanced learning and practical applications in their chosen field.

 During the final two years at Macquarie University, students will delve deeper into specialised topics. Civil Engineering students will study advanced subjects such as Structural Analysis, Water and Wastewater Engineering, and Transport Engineering. Electrical and Electronics Engineering students will focus on areas like Power Electronics, Digital Circuits and Systems, and Electrical Machines. The program will culminate in capstone projects, enabling students to integrate their knowledge and tackle real-world engineering challenges.

Global opportunities: Through the articulation agreement, students gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and opportunities for international exposure. This pathway enhances their technical expertise and prepares them to thrive in a competitive global workforce.

16, Jan 2025
India, Tanzania join hands for empowerment of youths through skilling initiatives

New Delhi, January 16: For advancing collaboration among Global South, India and Tanzania have joined hands for the empowerment and skilling of youths of both the nations, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, said, welcoming a Tanzanian delegation led by Permanent Secretary Ms. Carolyne Nombo.

India, Tanzania join hands for empowerment of youths through skilling initiatives 3

While assuring support for cooperation in equipping the skilling ecosystem and sharing best practices, Shri Tiwari reflected on Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan getting an honorary doctorate from a top Indian university in 2023, and said: “It was truly inspiring to reflect on Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s historic achievement as the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate.”

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship hosted a high-level Tanzanian delegation led by Prof. Nombo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), at Kaushal Bhawan here in the national capital to mutually share best practices about the skilling ecosystem for the welfare of youth and industries in both the countries.

“With immense potential for collaboration in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, we are certain that the delegation’s visits to NCVET, DGT, and Kerala will provide valuable insights into India’s skilling ecosystem,” Shri Tiwari said, adding that “guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for the Global South, we remain committed to supporting Tanzania” in building a future where for our youths.

The establishment of IIT Madras’ first global campus in Zanzibar in 2023, offering advanced programs in AI and ocean structures, exemplifies our shared commitment to empowering youth through robust TVET systems.

Further, the Tanzanian delegation is also set to visit premier Indian training and skilling institutes like the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Noida, and the Industrial Training Institute at Pusa Road, to get a first-hand insight into the workings of India’s TVET infrastructure.

India’s TVET ecosystem has been instrumental in creating a workforce by aligning training frameworks with global standards. The skilling programs cater to both emerging fields like green energy, digital technologies, and sustainable solutions, along with traditional sectors like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

India is on the path to becoming the global skill capital as it has stepped up efforts to empower millions of its youth under various initiatives, like the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, under which at least 2.5 crore registrations have been done, and over 15 lakh beneficiaries have received benefits. India aims to empower youth with market-relevant skills, meeting the demands of both national and global markets.

During the meeting with the Tanzanian delegation, Ms. Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary, MSDE, presented an overview of the robust skilling ecosystem and highlighted how the model is relatable and scalable. She emphasized on the strategies to bridge the skill gap and ensure alignment with the industry needs.

India is among the preferred countries for higher education for Tanzanian students. Many Tanzanian students are studying in India under self-financing schemes, ICCR, and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme scholarships under the Government of India fellowship.

16, Jan 2025
Knauf India Elevates Brand Presence with Nationwide Airport OOH Campaign

New Delhi, 16th January 2025: Knauf India, a leading provider of innovative building materials and solutions, has unveiled a sweeping Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising campaign across key airports in India. This ambitious initiative targets business travelers, architects, and builders, showcasing Knauf’s steadfast commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation in the construction industry.

Knauf's OOH Campaign at Delhi's Airport

Engaging the Captive Audience at Airports

As hubs for high-value business travelers and decision-makers, airports provide an unparalleled platform for impactful brand communication. Knauf India’s campaign capitalizes on this strategic advantage, with high-impact digital displays positioned at prime locations within major airport terminals. The creative visuals spotlight Knauf’s diverse product portfolio, including advanced drywall systems, efficient insulation solutions, and premium ceiling systems, underscoring the brand’s position as a leader in the building materials sector.

Extensive Reach Across India’s Major Airports

The campaign spans several airports across the nation, leveraging the heavy footfall of these transit hubs. Estimated impressions from the campaign include:

● Bangalore: 35 lakhs

● Delhi: 60 lakhs

● Hyderabad: 20 lakhs

● Goa: 5 lakhs

● Mumbai: 55 lakhs

With a combined reach exceeding 175 lakhs, this campaign effectively positions Knauf India at the forefront of the construction materials market while reinforcing its presence among a targeted and influential audience.

Reflecting on this milestone campaign, Sumit Bidani, CEO of Knauf India, shared, “Our airport OOH campaign is a testament to our dedication to excellence and innovation. Airports are gateways of opportunity, and we are thrilled to showcase our world-class solutions to a diverse audience of professionals and decision-makers. This initiative not only highlights our cutting-edge products but also our commitment to sustainability, which is integral to our vision for the future of construction in India.”

He added, “Through our focused efforts, we aim to redefine customer experiences, providing high-quality and environmentally conscious building materials that empower the construction industry.”

The Power of Airport Advertising

The OOH advertising market in India has experienced exponential growth, with airport advertising emerging as one of its most effective channels. Airports serve as ideal venues for engaging a premium audience, offering extended dwell times that ensure higher brand recall. The integration of advanced digital displays has further enhanced the medium, allowing brands to create dynamic and visually captivating campaigns. Knauf India’s initiative taps into these trends, setting a benchmark for impactful airport advertising.

Creative Excellence Driving Engagement

The campaign’s creatives are meticulously designed to resonate with its target audience. Bold visuals, compelling messages, and strategic placements work in harmony to convey Knauf’s core values of innovation, quality, and sustainability. The result is an engaging campaign that not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

A Strategic Move in a Competitive Market

By choosing airports as the primary medium for its campaign, Knauf India reinforces its position as a premium and forward-thinking brand. This initiative not only amplifies brand awareness but also positions the company as a preferred partner for innovative building solutions, especially among high-value stakeholders in the construction industry.

Knauf continues to set benchmarks in the construction industry through its unwavering focus on innovation, sustainability, and superior quality. This airport OOH campaign stands as a testament to its forward-thinking approach, aimed at empowering industry professionals and meeting the evolving needs of customers.

16, Jan 2025
National Startup Day – Quotes by Experts

Sameet Gupte, Co-Founder and CEO of EvoluteIQ

 “To me personally, Indian startups are not just businesses—they are “movements”. Fueled by bold ideas and a fearless commitment by a new generation of entrepreneurs to create something extraordinary, they are “movements” with a purpose. These “movements” are not just about technology innovation or funding – these are about real life impacts. It’s about the audacity of the Indian entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and lead with purpose. It is this new age spirit of innovation that is making the Indian startup ecosystem not just exciting, but also unstoppable. India’s startups are shaping the future, and I am proud to be part of this incredible journey.”

Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus

 “India’s start-up ecosystem, with over 1.50 lakh start-ups and over 100 unicorns, has emerged as a powerful engine of growth. Start-ups have not only created millions of jobs but also redefined industries through bold ideas and resilient entrepreneurship. As we celebrate National Start-Up Day 2025, start-ups in sectors like Web3, AI, and crypto are at the forefront of this revolution. As new companies solve new-age problems, there is a paradigm shift in the way business is transacted, and value is created. Effectively, the start-up revolution has enhanced transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency. For example, crypto startups are unlocking new opportunities for digital wealth creation, cross-border remittances, and tokenizing of assets. The startup journey is a testament to the immense potential of visionary founders who challenge the status quo. If policymakers and stakeholders continue to collaborate and foster a supportive framework, India’s startup ecosystem will remain a beacon of progress for the country.”

Rajat Tandon, President, IVCA 

 “Startup India has been instrumental in shaping a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering startups to innovate and scale globally. As we celebrate this milestone, it’s vital to focus on fostering collaboration, building a robust support system, and unlocking new opportunities for startups to continue driving innovation and economic growth. Congratulation to the Startup India team.”

 Ashley Menezes, Chairperson IVCA and Partner & COO, ChrysCapital 

 “Nine years of Startup India marks a defining chapter in India’s entrepreneurial story. This initiative has been a catalyst for innovation, unlocking opportunities for startups to scale and thrive globally. From unicorns that have redefined industries to grassroots ventures driving change at the local level, the impact is undeniable.

 The journey hasn’t been without its challenges- access to capital, regulatory hurdles, and scalability pressures-but the determination of India’s entrepreneurs continues to inspire. As we look to the future, the focus must shift toward building a more inclusive ecosystem that nurtures startups at every stage, strengthens domestic capital pools, and cements India’s place as a global hub for innovation and growth.

Mr. Sarvagya Mishra, Founder & Director at Superbot

“On the National Start-up Day, we’d like to commend the Honourable PM of India and the government’s earnest efforts in growing the start-up ecosystem in India. Today, we are the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem, and are only poised to grow bigger, bolder, and better! We have been able to accomplish this incredible feat, on the back of the Start-up India, Stand Up India program, and the strengthening of the overall digital infrastructure. At Superbot, we believe that emerging technologies like AI, Machine Learning, Conversational, and Gen AI are going to define the next phase of growth and start-up development. And we stay forever committed to helping the shining vision of India as a leading hub for start-up innovation and disruption, across the globe”

Mr. Sumit Singh, CEO and Co-founder at DashLoc

“National Startup Day is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation and drives change across industries. At DashLoc, we proudly embrace this spirit as we continue to redefine the possibilities for local businesses in the digital age. As a startup, we’ve embraced the challenges of the ever-evolving digital landscape and transformed them into opportunities for hyperlocal growth. In just a few years, we’ve empowered countless local businesses to thrive through data-driven marketing solutions, helping them engage with their customers at a deeper, more personalized level. Our journey from a vision to a thriving platform reflects the immense potential of startups to bring about meaningful change in industries. At DashLoc, we remain committed to scaling new heights in technology, innovation, and client success, as we continue to unlock growth opportunities for businesses around the world. On this special day, we honor all startups, whose relentless pursuit of creativity, resilience, and impact shape the future of the economy and the world”

Mr. Rajat Goel, Co-founder and CEO of Eye-Q Superspeciality Hospitals

“On National Startup Day, Eye-Q Super-Speciality Eye Hospitals celebrates the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that drives the growth of startups in India. As a healthcare organization that began with a vision to revolutionize eye care in the country, we understand the challenges and rewards of building a business from the ground up. Over the past 18 years, Eye-Q has successfully treated over 1 crore patients across more than 30 super-speciality hospitals, blending innovative treatments with advanced technology. We are particularly proud of our efforts to provide affordable, high-quality eye care to patients in smaller cities, ensuring that advanced treatments are accessible to a wider population. Startups like ours play a critical role in India’s evolving economy, not only driving technological advancements but also creating jobs and offering innovative solutions to pressing healthcare challenges. In the healthcare sector, especially, startups are instrumental in improving patient care by introducing breakthrough technology and new approaches. We believe that nurturing a robust ecosystem for startups, through policies that support investments, mentorship, and innovation, will pave the way for the nation’s progress. At Eye-Q, we remain committed to innovation and look forward to partnering with the next generation of entrepreneurs to build a healthier, more accessible, and equitable future for all”

Advocate Ayush Jindal- Founder of Be Legal

“On the National Start-up Day, it’s important to applaud the grit and resilience of the government in making India the world’s third largest start-up ecosystem. Today, India stands at the cusp of even greater achievements, owing to visionary initiatives like Start-up India, Stand Up India, coupled with a significant volley of favourable policies and frameworks. As India’s start-up ecosystem evolves, it also underscores the importance of having a robust and dynamic regulatory environment. It is with proper legal frameworks that we can safeguard intellectual property, promote innovation, and safeguard users’ interest and data privacy. At Be Legal, we stay forever committed to helping India’s growing start-ups carefully navigate the world of corporate governance and complex regulations, and contribute towards driving global competitiveness in India”

Ms. Simrat Kathuria, CEO and Head Dietitian at The Diet Xperts

“On National Startup Day, we recognize the transformative power of entrepreneurship to shape new industries and redefine the status quo. At TheDietXperts, we believe that startups have the unique ability to disrupt traditional sectors, including health and wellness, by offering personalized, scalable solutions that empower individuals to take control of their health. As a health-focused startup, our mission is to revolutionize the way people approach nutrition, making evidence-based dietary guidance accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. We recognize that true wellness begins with informed food choices, and we are committed to providing people with the tools, knowledge, and support to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. On this day, we renew our pledge to drive meaningful change and make wellness a way of life for everyone”

Dr. Nishanth Dongari’s (MD and Founder, Pure EV) 

“On National Startup Day, we celebrate the incredible strides made by the Government of India in creating a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship. The supportive policies and infrastructure have paved the way for startups to flourish, and the trust of consumers is integral to our collective growth.

Among the sectors experiencing significant transformation, the government’s remarkable support for sustainable mobility shines prominently. Their initiatives have both propelled the adoption of green mobility and established India as a frontrunner in electric vehicle innovation on the global stage.

As we look to the future, I envision India’s startup sector becoming a global hub of innovation, where groundbreaking solutions drive not only economic growth but also social change. With continued collaboration between government, entrepreneurs, and consumers, the next chapter of Indian startups promises to be more inclusive, scalable, and globally competitive than ever before.”

16, Jan 2025
Celebrating 10 years of its 1st ever order, Droom unveils Droom Rentals

New Delhi, 16th January 2025: On the 10th year anniversary of receiving its 1st ever order, Droom, India’s leading automobile marketplace, added a new category – Droom Rental. Droom Rental is tech and AI driven and offers the widest selection of automobiles from bicycles to planes, covering 25,000+ automobiles across 9+ categories – cars, buses, coaches, helicopters, planes, yachts, ambulances, scooters, bikes, and bicycles. Spanning over 25 cities, Droom Rental offers flexible rental options, from daily rentals (local, intercity, airports) to weddings rental, corporate rental, employee transportation solution, event rentals and self-drive. Within just 1st week of launch, Droom Rentals secured over 1,500 listings from 100+ rental suppliers across 25+ cities, making it one of the top 12 largest rental companies in India.

At present, the automobile rental market is highly unorganized, with serious trust deficit, lack of transparent pricing and non-standard experience with limited adoption of technology and AI for a $23bn automobile rental market in India. While the ride-hailing segment has successfully integrated advanced technology and streamlined operations, other rental categories such as daily rental, corporate rental, wedding rental, employee transportation solution and event rental etc remain largely unorganized, inefficient and full of fragmented providers.

Commenting on the announcement, Sandeep Aggarwal, Founder & CEO of Droom said, “automobile rental has been a long-standing pain-point for me as the sector lacks trust, transparency, standardization, large/diverse fleet or premium fleet option and technology played no role. I have heard similar experiences from my friends and family. We saw an opportunity that by leveraging Droom.in as our AI and tech driven marketplace platform for automobiles buying & selling and our tech and E-Commerce DNA, we could also disrupt automobile rental market in India. Very soon we will add highly advanced technology stack for corporate rental, employee transportation solution and all other rental types, brining India’s automobile rental market at par with global standards, if not better.”

Droom brings its rich legacy and advanced tech in the vehicle rental segments. Its fleet include top-quality, well-maintained vehicles, luxury and premium options, and also EVs that help earn carbon credits. With professional, courteous, and verified drivers, consumers get a premium experience for daily rentals, weddings, or special occasions.

Droom Rentals has over 25,000 automobiles, spread across 9 categories in 25+ cities. Customers can choose diverse fleet options, like Value, Mid, Premium & Luxury Cars, Bikes, Scooters, Bus/ Coaches. For the discerning users, there is also option to select luxury cars, super cars, vintage vehicles, limousines, helicopters and aircraft. With Droom Rentals, customers can also experience delightful & top-notch services with automobiles in mint-conditions, accompanies by trained professionals & courteous drivers. For eco-conscious consumers, EV option is also made available, while Droom Rentals, furthermore, gives offers complete transparency, no hidden fees and legitimate invoicing.

16, Jan 2025
BLACK+DECKER enters the Indian Smart TV market with its first-ever 4K Google TV featuring a Sleek Frameless Design and Next-Level Entertainment in association with Indkal Technologies Pvt. Ltd

Hyderabad, 16th January 2025 – BLACK+DECKER™, a Stanley Black & Decker brand setting the standard for design and innovation, in a licensing partnership with Indkal Technologies, is stepping into the television sector with an aim to redefine the way we experience entertainment at home. With a stunning 4-side frameless, cutting -edge smart functionality and a host of other intuitive features, the 4K TV promises to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience.

A Game-Changer in Design and Display

The BLACK+DECKER A1 Series Google TVTM is engineered to offer a breathtaking four-side frameless design—a sleek screen that maximizes the viewing area and makes every moment feel immersive. With a metal finish uni-body construction and a remarkable 98.5% visible area, this television delivers a truly cinematic experience that will captivate the user from every angle.

Equipped with an A+ Grade VA Panel, the TV delivers a jaw-dropping 3840×2160 ultra-high-definition resolution with a mind-blowing 1.07 billion colours. The powerful combination of HDR10 with HLG and Dolby Vision brings out the true beauty of your content, with stunningly lifelike colours and deeper contrasts. Whether it’s a blockbuster movie, a live sports match, or your favourite show, every frame is rich in detail.

4K upscaling, dynamic signal calibration (DSC), and micro dimming work in perfect harmony to optimize picture quality, transforming even standard-definition content into spectacular high-definition brilliance. The 120Hz VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and MEMC (Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation) allows users to enjoy buttery-smooth visuals, perfect for sports and action-packed scenes. Plus, super brightness ensures that the user can enjoy vivid colours in any lighting condition, while blue light reduction makes long viewing sessions more comfortable than ever.

Immersive Sound to Match the Visuals

The BLACK+DECKER TV delivers an immersive sound experience that matches its stunning picture quality. With 36W sound output and pro-tuned high-fidelity speakers, every sound comes to life, whether it is the deep rumble of a movie’s soundtrack or the crisp clarity of dialogue. The addition of Dolby Atmos transforms your living room into a surround-sound theatre, putting you at the centre of the action.

Next-Gen Smart Features with Android 14

The BLACK+DECKER TV isn’t just a display powerhouse—it’s a smart entertainment hub. It is bringing a completely intuitive and user-friendly interface to effortlessly navigate between favourite apps and content. Powered by Google Voice Assistant, the user can control the TV, search for content, adjust settings, and manage the smart home—all hands-free.

The AI Picture Optimisation feature automatically adjusts picture settings based on the content being viewed, ensuring that each scene is displayed in the best possible quality. The TV comes with pre-installed apps for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube, and more, providing seamless access to a wide range of content. GoogleCast enables easy streaming from mobile devices, while Google Meet integration allows for video calls directly on the TV screen.

Superior Performance and Connectivity

The BLACK+DECKER TV is designed to deliver top-tier performance. With Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz) and Bluetooth 5.2 technology, the TV provides enhanced and reliable connectivity options that can support smooth streaming, gaming, and video calling experiences.

Equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, designed for faster data transfer than previous versions, the TV enables low-latency performance for uninterrupted gaming and streaming. The TV also features USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, as well as an AV input, offering multiple options for connecting external devices.

At the core of the TV’s performance is the powerful DynamIQ Dual Al Processor Architecture, which integrates A75 x2 + A55 x2 cores for seamless multitasking and responsive app loading. The IMG BXE GPU is designed to support enhanced graphics rendering for immersive visuals during movies, gaming, and more.

Designed for the Modern Home

With its minimalist design and premium polycarbonate stand, the BLACK+DECKER TV is a perfect fit for modern living rooms. It enhances the overall aesthetic of the space while providing cutting-edge technology. Additionally, the TV is backed by a 1-year warranty, underscoring BLACK+DECKER’s commitment to quality and reliability.

““We are extremely excited to introduce BLACK+DECKER’s first-ever television to the Indian market,” said Anand Dubey, CEO of Indkal Technologies. “This launch marks a significant milestone for us, as it brings a globally recognized brand known for its innovation into the highly competitive TV space. The combination of stunning 4K visuals, next-gen smart features powered by Android 14, and immersive Dolby Atmos sound makes this TV an ideal choice for home entertainment. We are confident that the BLACK+DECKER A1 Series televisions will become a must-have product for technology enthusiasts and home entertainment lovers across India.”

“With over 100 years of innovation, BLACK+DECKER continues to expand its portfolio to meet the needs of our evolving consumers,” said Amit Datta, Commercial Director Licensing, Stanley Black & Decker. “We are excited to lead the way by bringing the first Next-Gen Smart TV featuring Android 14 technology to India.”