Author: Rabindra

itel Elevates Style and Performance with the Launch of Alpha Pro Smartwatch

Chandigarh, 3rd September 2024: itel, a leading technology brand in India, strengthens its smartwatch lineup with the launch of the Alpha Pro. The smartwatch stands out with its stunning Cat’s Eye Opal design and a 1.43-inch AMOLED display boasting an impressive 700 nits of brightness, ensuring exceptional visibility even in bright sunlight. Marking a first for itel, the Alpha Pro debuts alongside the brand’s new iPulse app, offering users a seamless health-tracking experience. Packed with advanced features like an always-on display, over 150 stylish watch faces, 100+ sports modes and comprehensive 24-hour health monitoring.

itel has been aggressively expanding its smartwatch portfolio with the introduction of innovative, industry-first products, and the Alpha Pro is yet another standout in their lineup. This marvel from itel combines timeless design with versatile functionality, making it more than just a style statement. The Alpha Pro excels in smooth multitasking and offers enhanced health monitoring capabilities, all powered by the iPulse app. Together, the smartwatch and the iPulse app provide seamless fitness management, tracking steps, calories, cycle health, heart rate, sleep, and stress levels, making it the ideal companion for anyone committed to a healthy lifestyle.

Speaking about the launch, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of itel India, said, “itel is committed to redefining the wearable tech market in India by introducing products that resonate with Gen Z’s dynamic lifestyle. Our aggressive push into the smart gadgets segment, exemplified by the launch of the Alpha Pro smartwatch, reflects our dedication to providing high-tech solutions that merge style with functionality. With features like seamless single-chip Bluetooth calling, 24-hour health monitoring, and our very own iPulse app, the Alpha Pro is tailored for those who want to stay connected, fit, and ahead of the curve. This launch reaffirms itel’s ambition to empower the next generation with innovative technology at an accessible price point.”

The Alpha Pro offers high resolution and impressive brightness, enabling excellent visibility in bright sunlight complemented by better color accuracy and vibrant image quality. With single-chip Bluetooth calling functionality, the Alpha Pro allows the user to switch calls seamlessly between the phone and smartwatch and store up to 8 contacts. The smartwatch also comes equipped with several safety features that safeguard your privacy and data. Security features include password protection and Find My Watch.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Registers Strong Performance with Steady Growth of 35% in August 2024

Bangalore, 03 September 2024: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) continues to demonstrate its robust performance, reporting a wholesale of 30,879 units in August 2024. This marks a 35% month-on-month growth compared to the previous year further solidifying the brand’s strong presence in the Indian automobile industry. In August 2023, TKM had sold 22,910 units.

In August 2024, TKM achieved 28,589 units in domestic sales, with exports reaching 2290 units, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles both within India and internationally.

Additionally, the performance from the first eight months of the Calendar Year (CY) continues to surpass expectations with a 45% growth over the same period last year. From January- August 2024 company sold 2,12,785 units while CY 2023 recorded sales of 1,47,192 units.

Commenting on the strong sales performance, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “As we approach the festive season, demand for our products remain buoyant, and we are already witnessing increased consumer interest and higher footfall across all our dealerships. SUVs and MPVs continue to significantly contribute to our sales numbers, reflecting a growing preference for these segment vehicles. Interestingly, this trend is not limited to major urban centres but extends to tier 2 and tier 3 markets as well, demonstrating widespread customer acceptance for our offerings.

As a response to the market needs, we reopened the bookings in August for the Innova Hycross ZX & ZX (O) models, available in both self-charging strong hybrid electric (SHEV) and gasoline variants. With streamlined production and an enhanced supply chain, we’ve successfully reduced the waiting period, allowing us to commence bookings for the top-end grades. Additionally, increased supply of Urban Cruiser Hyryder has also enabled us to meet the market demand leading to reduced waiting period”Top of FormBottom of Form

RBL Bank, IOCL and Mastercard Announce Co-Branded Credit Card Partnership with an Innovative Launch

Mumbai, September 03, 2024: RBL Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks and India’s energy major, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), in collaboration with Mastercard, today flagged off a unique and thrilling bike expedition. This expedition marks the celebration of their newly launched co-branded credit card and showcases the innovative spirit of this partnership.

The bike expedition, which began with an exciting flag-off ceremony in Chandigarh, is set to take riders on an unforgettable journey through the majestic Himalayas. Participants will travel from the bustling cityscape of Chandigarh to the breathtaking landscapes of Leh, highlighting the theme ‘Further & Beyond.’ This adventurous ride will culminate in a grand finale in Leh on September 07, 2024, where the success of the expedition and the collaborative spirit of the partnership will be celebrated.

Expressing enthusiasm at the flag-off event, Mr Bikram Yadav, Business Head – Credit Cards at RBL Bank, said, “We are excited about this one-of-a-kind launch. This partnership is a valued addition to our comprehensive portfolio of co-branded credit cards, helping us further strengthen our scale of operations. It underscores our dedication to enhancing customer experiences and delivering lasting value.”

Mr Jitendra Kumar, Executive Director & State Head, Punjab State Office, IndianOil remarked, “IndianOil remains committed to creating seamless and rewarding experiences for our customers through strategic collaborations like this. Our co-branded credit card with RBL Bank is a testament to our dedication to promoting digital transactions and enhancing customer convenience. As we embark on this exciting journey, we continue to innovate and deliver value that goes beyond the fuel pump.”

Anubhav Gupta, Senior Vice President, Mastercard remarked, “This collaboration with RBL Bank and Indian Oil is crafted to deliver a seamless and rewarding experience. By combining RBL Bank’s innovative approach, Indian Oil’s expansive network, and Mastercard’s secure payment technology, this card is designed to offer greater convenience and value to cardholders”

The open-air partnership announcement will take place on September 07, 2024, in Leh, Ladakh, with the magnificent Himalayan Mountain ranges as the backdrop. This unmissable event will commemorate the successful completion of the bike expedition while highlighting the innovative solutions and offerings introduced by RBL Bank and IOCL to enhance both travel and financial experiences.

IIM Kozhikode and Emeritus Unveil CTO Programme to Boost Tech Leadership in India

Mumbai, September 03, 2024: According to Accenture’s Pulse of Change: 2024 Index, 61% of C-suite executives anticipate an acceleration in technology disruption over the coming year. While 76% view generative AI as an opportunity for revenue growth, nearly half (47%) feel unprepared for the rapid pace of technological change. Only 27% believe their organisations are equipped to scale up generative AI within the next six months. In this evolving landscape, the role of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is critical in driving innovation and ensuring technology aligns with business strategy.

To address this need, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), ranked 3rd by the Ministry of Education’s NIRF 2024, in collaboration with Emeritus, has unveiled the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Programme. This 12-month, high-impact programme features advanced modules on technology strategy, digital transformation, and is supported by online certificate courses from Kellogg Executive Education.

Programme Highlights:

Curriculum: The programme offers live online sessions led by IIMK faculty, masterclasses from industry experts, and a three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode. It includes business simulations, a capstone project, and real-world insights into topics such as disruptive technology strategies, AI, automation, and the distinctions between CTO, CIO, and CDO roles.

Online Certificate Courses: Participants will complete two online certificate courses from Kellogg Executive Education: ‘AI Applications for Growth’ and ‘Leading Growth Strategy,’ enhancing their global perspective and expertise.

Who Should Enrol: This programme is designed for senior leaders with over 10 years of experience, including aspiring and current CTOs/CIOs, as well as entrepreneurs and executives. It provides the skills needed to navigate technological change, drive digital transformation, and secure a competitive edge.

Key Benefits:

Enhanced Strategic Thinking: Develop and implement innovative technology strategies for growth.

Operational Efficiency: Improve IT asset management, cybersecurity, and alignment with ESG goals.

Leadership Development: Gain insights into governance, resilience, and advanced digital strategies.

Global Perspective: Leverage knowledge from Kellogg Executive Education to expand your professional network.

Statement from Leader:

Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, remarked, “The CTO role has evolved to become a key driver of business strategy and growth. Our programme is designed to bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic leadership, equipping CTOs to lead with vision and agility in today’s digital world.”

35North India Discovery Fund -II invests USD 3 Million in Global Care – Lavanya Medicare Solutions

New Delhi, 3rd September 2024: India’s largest non-Hospital Medical Tourism company, “Global Care” – Lavanya Medicare Solutions Pvt Ltd announced a subscription/funding of USD 3 million as a strategic investment by 35North India Discovery Fund -II (IDF-II) and its affiliates

This is the first-ever partnership of its kind in this domain.

Ashwani Singh, Managing Director at 35North, commented, “We strongly believe in both the company and the sector. The sector is benefiting from cutting-edge medical care across specialties in India, Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, Germany, and Thailand. This is coupled with the availability of high-end medical equipment and the time and price competitiveness of these destinations. Global Care has been doing remarkable work in this sector, and we are looking forward to supporting their expansion with this investment.”

Rajeev Taneja, Founder and CEO of Global Care, shared, “The company is now at the forefront of expanding healthcare services internationally and creating a global ecosystem of clinical services as healthcare consultants covering both aspects – building clinical corridors while supporting patients who cannot be treated in their home country.”

With this investment, 35North IDF-II will support Global Care’s aim to bridge healthcare divides worldwide, building clinical excellence through strategic consulting and facilitating convenient access to world-class patient care.

MeitY-Nasscom CoE, Startup India, and IIT Bombay launched a strategic initiative to bridge the industry-academia gap

Mumbai, 3rd Sep 2024: MeitY Centre of Excellence (CoE)-IoT & AI, a Digital India initiative established with the support of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the State Governments, and nasscom, organized Smart Manufacturing Research Conclave (SMRC) over the weekend in Mumbai. For this conclave, CoE formed strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions like Startup India, IIT Bombay & Panimalar Engineering College.

The conclave brought together more than 200 stakeholders i.e. Manufacturers, Deep-tech Startups, Researchers, and Tech Experts from across the country on a single platform while bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and its real-world implications in Smart Manufacturing.

The manufacturing sector is increasingly adopting smart solutions, with a strong shift towards automation and cyber-physical systems driven by advanced technologies. While some industry leaders are steadily advancing through digitalization, many are still navigating the complexities of these concepts and technologies, trying to understand how to tailor them to their needs.

Addressing this challenge was a selected group of researchers from top institutes in the country. They presented their latest findings covering a broad spectrum of topics, including advanced analytics, AI, IoT, robotics, and additive manufacturing. We had the opportunity to explore some of the most groundbreaking research by those who are not just exploring the frontiers of technology in manufacturing—they are defining them. Moreover, esteemed professors from IIT Bombay presented their research and observations on the topic, “Research in Action: Harnessing the Power of Smart Manufacturing.” They enlightened the audience on how their cutting-edge research transforms everyday manufacturing practices into groundbreaking innovations. Their insights highlighted the powerful intersection of academic rigor and real-world applications.

Manufacturing leaders and Tech Experts shared their on-ground experiences on Collaborative AI and Sustainability in Manufacturing, showing us a broader picture on how these technologies will increase efficiency and flexibility in the processes of manufacturing plants. Distinguished speakers from Hitachi Digital Services and Jio presented on the topic, “Bridging Innovation: Leaders’ Insights on the Need for Research in Smart Manufacturing,” encouraging research in manufacturing. The conclave witnessed industry stalwarts and speakers from renowned organizations like Pidilite Industries, Aditya Birla Group, Mitsubishi Electric, Whirlpool, Hindustan Zinc, Siemens, Gold Star Jewellery, and many more.

While completing this Mighty ecosystem were our home-grown deep tech startups showcasing their innovative solutions that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this rapidly evolving field. These startups are not just addressing key challenges in the industry—they’re driving progress with their fresh, new-age approaches. Deep-tech startups like E42 AI, SwitchOn, FluxGen, and Syskey OT presented their innovative solutions, and startups like Volar Alta, SiSco Engineering, Orangewood, and LeapSquare pitched their solutions to the investors and manufacturers at the Conclave.

Sanjeev Malhotra, CEO, MeitY nasscom CoE says, “The Smart Manufacturing Research Conclave represents a significant step forward in digitalizing India’s manufacturing sector. Researchers from top institutes in the country presented their latest findings on crucial topics including Smart Supply Chain Management, Predictive Maintenance & Condition Monitoring, Computer-vision & Camera-based Quality Inspections, and more. We are committed to implementing these findings in various manufacturing plants and advancing India’s journey towards Industry 4.0.”

MeitY Centre of Excellence has been the driving force in building the collaborative ecosystem to help industries adopt cutting-edge technologies by co-creating with academia and deep-tech startups.

Arvind Limited Launches Campaign with Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar for Primante Fabrics

Ahmedabad, September 03, 2024 — Arvind Limited, a leading integrated solutions provider in textiles with robust fiber-to-fashion capabilities, is thrilled to announce its first campaign featuring His Highness Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur as the brand ambassador for Primanté, the company’s premium suiting and shirting brand. The campaign, titled “Own Your Legacy, Own The Moment” celebrates the timeless elegance and sophistication that Primanté fabrics bring to the modern wardrobe.

The Primanté Collection is a testament to Arvind Limited’s commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. By collaborating with Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a symbol of heritage and tradition, Arvind Limited aims to weave a narrative that connects the grandeur of India’s royal past with the contemporary elegance of today’s fashion.

Arvind Limited, with its vast experience in textiles and an unwavering focus on quality and sustainability, continues to push the boundaries of innovation in fashion. The Primanté brand, with its luxurious fabric offerings, is set to redefine the standards of premium fashion in India and globally.

For more information about the campaign or to explore the new Primanté collection, please visit nearest Arvind Stores & muti-branded outlets.

Gillco International School Triumphs at Junior Poet Laureate Competition

Gillco International School is proud to announce the stellar performance of its students at the Inter-School Junior Poet Laureate competition, hosted by Banyan Tree School. Demonstrating remarkable creativity and eloquence, Deepitha from Class II secured First Position, while Ridhika from Class II received the prestigious Consolation Prize, highlighting the young talents nurtured at Gillco.

Expressing her delight, Principal Dr. Kritika Kaushal said, “We are incredibly proud of Deepitha and Ridhika for their remarkable achievements. At Gillco International School, we believe in fostering a love for language and creativity from a young age, and this success reflects our commitment to holistic education. Our young poets have truly made us proud!”

Once again, Gillco International School has demonstrated its commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and creative talent. By fostering the growth of young poets, the school continues to provide students with opportunities to shine on prestigious platforms, celebrating their outstanding achievements with pride.

Grab Exciting Onam Offers on Haier Appliances This Festive Season

Onam, the vibrant harvest festival and one of the most celebrated festivals in Kerala, marks a season of joy, cultural richness, and grand shopping sprees. On the auspicious occasion of Onam, Haier Appliances India has announced an array of exceptional deals and discounts across its extensive range of consumer durables, including air conditioners, washing machines, robo vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, LED TVs, microwave ovens, and more. These discounts are packaged with easy financing options to make this festive season a cheer for consumers.

Haier India has announced a generous 22.5% instant discount on products across all categories, making it the prime occasion to purchase consumer durables. The brand additionally offers a fixed EMI plan starting at just ₹994, along with flexible payment options of up to 36 months and an extended warranty, empowering customers to elevate their living experience using Haier appliances.

A Preview of Onam discount offers by Haier*:

• Enjoy up to 22.5% Instant discount on your purchase
• Benefit from Long EMI tenure of up to 36 months, providing flexibility in payments
• Extended Warranty available on your select appliance, ensuring peace of mind

 Seize these exciting offers by visiting any Haier retail outlet and bring home the best in innovation and quality. Enhance your Onam celebrations and make this joyous time even more special.

Meril expands its healthcare education network with opening of Satellite Academy in Kochi

New Delhi, 2nd September 2024: Meril, a global medical technology and education leader, has expanded its healthcare education network by launching the Meril Satellite Academy in Kerala’s port city, Kochi. This move reinforces the company’s dedication to advancing surgical standards and empowering healthcare professionals in India and worldwide.

In the fast-changing world of medicine, continuous learning and hands-on training are vital for healthcare providers. Recognizing this necessity, Meril Satellite Academies aim to balance theoretical learning and practical implementation, offering professionals a platform to enhance their skills and engage in global collaboration. Positioned within Kerala’s robust healthcare infrastructure and its emphasis on quality patient care, the Kochi Academy is strategically placed to meet the educational needs of healthcare professionals in Southern India.

The new academy is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, including advanced simulators and robotic systems, providing participants with an immersive, hands-on learning environment. The academy features lecture rooms, state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, and specialized simulation spaces, offering the right blend of theoretical knowledge and practical training.

In a state of jubilation, Manish Deshmukh, Chief Marketing Officer of Meril, said, “We believe that accessible, high-quality medical education is key to advancing patient care, and the new Meril Satellite Academy in Kochi is a critical part of that mission. By offering professionals in South India access to state-of-the-art technology and immersive training, we ensure they remain at the cutting edge of medical advancements. Our commitment is to provide healthcare professionals with the resources they need to succeed, and this academy is a step forward in that journey.”

Meril’s educational network already includes two prominent academies: the Vapi Academy in Gujarat, serving as the central hub for Meril’s global educational initiatives, and the Delhi Academy, which caters to healthcare professionals in Northern India with specialized training programs and advanced facilities. The company has ambitious plans to expand further its educational reach with the upcoming launch of new academies across the globe, including locations in Madrid (Spain); Philadelphia (USA); Seoul (South Korea); Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia); and Kolkata, (India).