20, Nov 2023
Novotel Hyderabad Airport Presents ‘Himalayan Delights’ – A Gastronomic Journey to Remember

20th November 2023, HyderabadNovotel Hyderabad Airport (NHA) located at GMR Aerocity Hyderabad proudly presents the ‘Himalayan Delights’ food festival, a culinary voyage thoughtfully crafted to immerse guests in the captivating essence of the Himalayan region. This festival is scheduled every Saturday from 04th November to 25th November 2023 at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport.

 ‘Himalayan Delights’ is a cuisine that often remains unsung, an undiscovered gem within the realm of culinary arts. This distinctive festival not only unveils the hidden treasures of the Himalayas but also accentuates its uniqueness when compared to more widely recognized culinary traditions. This event serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing our guests with extraordinary and unforgettable experiences that go beyond the ordinary. The ‘Himalayan Delights festival promises to be an unmissable opportunity for guests to savor the captivating flavors and aromas of Himalayan cuisine, all within the heart of Hyderabad. From Garwal Ka Fannah and Kale Channa Ka Katta to the iconic Kashmiri Rogan Josh and delectable Gud-Pak specialties, the festival’s menu showcases an exquisite array of authentic Himalayan dishes.

Himalayan Food Festival at Novotel Hyderabad Airport (NHA)

 According to Mr. Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, “We are thrilled to introduce ‘Himalayan Delights’ an epicurean adventure to the delightful cuisines of the Himalayan Region at Food Exchange. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to bring the authentic flavors of the Himalayan region to our guests. We invite everyone to join us in this remarkable culinary adventure.”

 ‘Himalayan Delights’ stands as a golden opportunity for culinary aficionados in the city to unearth the hidden treasures of the Himalayas. The festival will feature live cooking stations, where our talented chefs will artfully craft each dish to perfection, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic experience that will linger in your memory for years to come.

20, Nov 2023
Sony India announces next-generation APS-C Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera α6700

1. Highly accurate subject recognition with AI
2. Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120p 1
3. Mobility, operability, and connectivity unique to a compact and lightweight device
4. Environmental consciousness and accessibility

Bangalore, 20th Nov 2023: Sony India today announced the release of its newest APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700 (ILCE-6700). This new offering combines the cutting-edge still image and video capabilities found in the latest full-frame Alpha™ and Cinema Line series with the compact and lightweight design of the α6000 series, resulting in Sony’s most advanced APS-C mirrorless camera to date. Combining an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS image sensor boasting 26.0 effective megapixels with the speed and power of Sony’s advanced BIONZ XR® processing engine, the α6700 achieves exceptional imaging performance while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.

Alpha 6700 Camera (2)

 The camera supports high-resolution 4K video recording at up to 120fps 1, a wide latitude of 14+ stops 2 for capturing details in harsh or under-lit conditions, and features the S-Cinetone™ picture profile found in Sony’s professional Cinema Line for refined movie imagery that doesn’t require color grading, and it delivers stunning representation of human skin tones.

“With the launch of the α6700, Sony is steadfast in its commitment to empower creators at every level in India. We are dedicated to providing cutting-edge tools that empower their creativity. Sony will continue expanding its APS-C lineup, catering to the diverse image production needs of creators across the nation.” said Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business, Sony India.

1. Highly accurate subject recognition with AI
The latest APS-C size, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasts approximately 26.0 effective megapixels, paired with our advanced BIONZ XR engine for exceptional imaging performance. Standard ISO sensitivity spans 100 to 32000 for both stills and movies, allowing high-sensitivity, low-noise shooting. Enhanced color reproduction ensures subjects like people and plants are captured with natural hues, while Creative Look features allow unique visual expressions. The AI processing unit is inherited from the “α7R V,” enabling high accuracy “Real-Time Recognition AF (autofocus).” Beyond the α6000 series’ human and animal recognition, it now accurately identifies various subjects such as human, animal, bird, insect, car/train, and airplane, catering to diverse creative expressions. When paired with the recently launched FE 70-200mm F4.0 G Macro OSS II 3, it offers 105 mm to 300 mm focal lengths in 35mm full-frame equivalent, leveraging the power of telephoto zoom for high-quality shooting. Additionally, it’s compatible with a broad array of E-mount lenses, and Sony’s E-mount lenses cover full-frame and Cinema Line cameras with a single mount.

2. Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120p 
Harnessing data equivalent to 6K, the α6700 outputs superior 4K video, including support for high-frame-rate recording at 4K 120fps. It features S- Log3, offering a latitude of 14+ 2 above, for stellar gradation. Also equipped with S-Cinetone, the α6700 offers impressive skin tone depiction and subject highlighting, technologies honed through our Cinema Line development, while its AI-driven Auto-Framing 4 smoothly tracks subjects, eliminating the need for manual camera movement. The body houses a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe compatible with digital audio interfaces.

Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India.

 3. Mobility, operability, and connectivity unique to a compact and lightweight device

With a compact design (approx. 4 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 3 in. and weighing about 1 lb 1.4 oz 5 .), the α6700 is highly portable. It claims a user-friendly, touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, coupled with a modern touch menu for effortless operation. A customizable front dial and a switching dial for still images, movies, and S&Q modes are also featured. It is also equipped with an optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization system with 5.0 stops 6 of shutter speed advantage for stills and an Active Mode 7 ensures stable footage. In terms of connectivity, the camera now supports the Creators’ App 8 for seamless uploads of videos
and still images to cloud services.

 4. Environmental consciousness and accessibility
Over the past 10 years, Sony has replaced approximately 379 tons 9 of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLAS TM 10, are actively used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. In addition, it is equipped with a Screen Reader function 11 that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, supporting the creative activities of a wide variety of creators.

 

 

20, Nov 2023
Over 3000 runners at Kanha Shanti Vanam and 13000 from around the world participate in the Granules Green Kanha Run’s 2nd edition for a greener planet

Hyderabad, 20 November 2023: Heartfulness Institute in association with Granules India launched its second edition of the Granules Green Kanha Run at Kanha Shanti Vanam (the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad) with over 3000 participants from Kanha Shanti Vanam and 13000 more joinings virtually from 60 cities from India and abroad. The first edition was successfully held earlier this year edition of the Green Kanha Run. The second edition is aimed at ‘racing into a greener future’ – an initiation of a grand venture to plant 25,000 trees in the three editions of the half marathon. The Granules Green Kanha Run is being supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Fit India. Noted Indian cricketers Ravi Shastri, R Shridhar, and Bharat Arun have also voiced their support for the run.

 The run was flagged off by Ms. Nandini Agasara (Asian Games Bronze Medalist in athletics) and Coach Mr. Ramesh for the 21km timed Sai Reddy Gudda Lake Run category. 10km timed Yatra Garden run was flagged off by Ms. Uma Chigurupati- Director of Granules India, (the Title Sponsor of the Granules Green Kanha Run), and Mr. Prateek Srivastav, Community Impact Lead, PayPal Hyderabad flagged off the 5km timed Forest run. Mrs. Pratima K. Patel- wife of beloved Rev. Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission flagged off the 2km Family run. This is the first time the global run category has been introduced to encourage participants worldwide to join in from their locations, ensuring that distance is no barrier to making a difference.

 Mr. Anil Arora- President and Head of Global Operations of Granules India, Mr. Anant Sanjeev Doogar- Director of Nile Mile, Marathon Partner of Granules Green Kanha Run; and Rev Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission gave away the awards.

The flag-off timings (race timings) are 21km- 05:45 am; 10km- 06:25 am; 5km- 07:30 am and 2km- 07:50 am. Overall Winner was chosen based on Gun Time; Age Category winners were chosen based on Chip Time. A runner would start his race within 15 minutes from their respective Flag Off Time of the race. Cut-off time for finishing the race was 3hrs 30 mins for 21km; 90 mins for 10km; 60 mins for 5km: no cutoff time applicable for 2km.

 Mrs. Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director – Granules India Limited said, “It is an exhilarating experience to see the level of participation. Fitness and the environment are the core of my heart. The Granules Green Kanha run has given the platform for the runners to show their support for both fitness and the environment. I hope the message reaches more and more people and they start taking fitness and environment as part of their daily lives.”

 Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “Our mission is to raise the green cover on earth and sensitize people on the importance of a healthy ecosystem. It also begins with holistic wellness and our relationship with the environment. Our ancient traditions have always taught us to worship nature. We have also associated our holistic wellness with respect for nature. The Granules Green Kanha Run is successfully driving the message.”

This year’s marathon editions are themed around Water, and the subsequent two-year marathons will be themed around Fire and Earth respectively – making for the three important nature elements that symbolize Heartfulness’s commitment to nurturing and safeguarding the environment. At the end of the three-year cycle, participants will interlock their earned medals from each year, forming a unified symbol of their contribution to a unified, healthier world.

 In the first edition, 3,500 dedicated runners joined the movement, leading to the plantation of 4,000 trees. Esteemed personalities like Pulella Gopichand, Honourable Union Minister of Sports Shri Anurag Thakur ji, Honourable Minister of Sports for Telangana, Shri Srinivas Goud, and Uma Chigurupati from Granules were present, adding luster to the event and showing their staunch support for a healthier environment.

 The Granules Green Kanha Run is being supported by Granules Trust as title sponsor apart from Hyderabad Runners as a community partner, Medicover Hospitals as Recovery and Medical partner, Decathalon as Gifting partner, Timing Miles as timing partner, Nile Mile as a marathon partner, Hira Pipes as goodwill sponsor and T-tales and Smart Farmers as Goodies Partner, Westin, Eblu, HTC Global Services, and Fever FM. All the proceeds of the marathon will go towards the Forests by Heartfulness initiative.

 The Granules Green Kanha Run is a groundbreaking marathon event aiming to combine physical fitness and environmental responsibility. The event is a stride towards a significant change, nurturing a culture of health, unity, and environmental conservation.

20, Nov 2023
RBI’s new regulations for NBFCs by Mr. Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman, Shriram Finance

“The new regulatory measures from RBI certainly make everyone anxious and NBFCs will now do well to closely monitor their margins. The regulator is wary of multiple loans to individuals that are mostly happening in the digital lending space where the end use of the loan isn’t always crystal clear. I think most of the established NBFCs and banks are mindful of it and exercise fair control over their portfolio. Today, credit decisions rely heavily on data from the bureau and hence I believe there is no need to panic. The RBI must be having more data analytics and insight, maybe proactively drawing attention to the issue which is a good idea since it’s better to err on the side of caution.”

20, Nov 2023
Marut Drones Launches Seedcopter 2.0; India’s first reforestation drone services for Corporates and CSR

Hyderabad – November 20, 2023: Marut Drones, India’s premier Drone Manufacturing Company, has introduced its pioneering product, the Seedcopter 2.0 – India’s first reforestation drone. Marut Drones is delighted to announce the availability of Seedcopter services to corporate entities, enabling them to actively engage in CSR activities and reforestation efforts. Marut aspires to bring together corporate entities and their dedicated CSR teams to take the services of Seedcopters in the reforestation journey, an activity that would align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13, 15, 17 & 9) and actively participate in the management of their carbon footprint while making a lasting and transformative impact on the environment.

marutSC1

Deforestation remains a pressing global concern, with statistics revealing the loss of 1.3 million sq km. of forest cover between 1990 and 2016, resulting in the disappearance of a staggering 15 billion trees annually. In response to this environmental crisis, Marut Drones has been harnessing the power of Seedcopter 2.0 since 2021, which stands as a testament to how technology, combined with community engagement, can drive positive change, and mitigate the dire consequences of deforestation. Marut Drones has successfully utilized the Seedcopter for its ongoing mission ‘Hara Bahara campaign’ to plant One Billion Trees by 2030. The notable achievement of planting more than one crore trees across 9 states like Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and Assam in 2022 reflects the undeniable success of Seedcopter. Marut is on a mission to restore 900 forests through the ‘Hara-Bahara’ campaign which is already well underway.

Renowned actor and environmental advocate Rana Daggubati, joined forces with Marut Drones in 2021 to increase forest cover in India through rapid afforestation, using Seedcopter. On the launch of Seedcopter 2.0, he said, “At the heart of sustainable change lies community collaboration and empowerment. Marut Drones has developed an innovative and scalable solution for reforestation and revegetation that is faster and cheaper than traditional manual planting practices. By actively involving rural women to procure mass seedlings, Marut Drones is sowing the seeds of a greener future by making it a community exercise.”

Speaking on the launch Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO of Marut Drones, expressed his enthusiasm for making Seedcopter 2.0 available for corporate use with a CSR perspective, stating, “With Seedcopter, we’re not just planting trees; we’re sowing hopes of replanting a forest, one drone at a time. By making Seedcopter 2.0 available as a service for corporate entities, we aim to extend the reach of drone technology, inviting more stakeholders to contribute to India’s green coverage. As stewards of this planet, we have a duty to revive the forests we’ve lost.”

At the core of Seedcopter’s approach lies the fusion of community science and cutting-edge technology. So far, Marut has empowered 15000 women across 200 communities, Marut’s mission is to empower women and communities in 1400 districts to act and contribute towards reforestation and has been actively engaging local communities to play a vital role in preparing the seed balls, contributing not only to ecological well-being but also uplifting the socio-economic conditions of communities involved.

These drones are meticulously designed to disperse seed balls in challenging terrains, including valleys and foothills, providing access to even the most remote areas. The drones significantly reduce the time and labor required for afforestation, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution. Notable environmentalists like Padmashree Jadav Payeng from Assam, popularly known as the Forest Man of India, and Padmashree Daripalli Ramaiah from Telangana are key ambassadors for the ‘Hara Bahara’ campaign.

Seedcopter embarks on its mission with a comprehensive aerial survey and mapping of target areas, providing invaluable insights into the topography, soil conditions, and vegetation, enabling informed decisions during the seeding process. Seedcopter releases them with precision, ensuring an even distribution across the target terrain, resulting in a higher germination rate and increased chances of tree growth. Post-planting monitoring with data hubs established to track the progress of the planted seeds is a crucial aspect of Marut Drones’ efforts. This data-driven approach helps assess the success of afforestation efforts and fine-tunes strategies for future projects.

20, Nov 2023
Stumped by matchday hotel prices in Ahmedabad? Sleep for FREE at the Wakefit store!

National, 20 November 2023 — With the upcoming World Cup final set to delight fans in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023, Wakefit.co, India’s largest sleep and home solutions company, is rolling out the red carpet (rather, cozy mattresses) for cricket enthusiasts! With hotel prices skyrocketing in the city on match day, the company offers a few lucky winners a chance to enjoy a good night’s sleep post all the fun and frenzy.

 With not just hotels but even hospitals, caravans, and homestays fully booked out, Wakefit.co has come to the rescue with a solution that guarantees a night of comfort, camaraderie, and celebration. In the true spirit of celebrating the tournament, the brand is offering an exclusive opportunity for cricket aficionados to spend the night at Wakefit’s Bodakdev outlet in Sarkhej-Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad post the thrilling World Cup final.

Wakefit World Cup Final - Sleep for Free!

Wakefit.co will be offering a few lucky fans the chance to transform their night into a memorable snoozefest. The company is extending this offer exclusively to people who will be attending the match and can present a stadium ticket at the store. Interested applicants are requested to drop in a mail at IndiaJeetega@wakefit.co and share an image of their match ticket, with their name, contact details, and a catchy one-line description of why they would like to stay the night at the Wakefit.co store. Entries for emails will be open till 11 AM, November 19, 2023.

A few lucky winners will score a spot to sleep for FREE at Wakefit’s Sarkhej- Gandhinagar store: At the store, winners will be required to:
Visit the Wakefit store in Ahmedabad: Wakefit. co’s team of cricket and sleep enthusiasts will be set to open doors and extend a warm welcome for the night
Be a True Cricket Devotee: Show match ticket and winning email communication!
Ready, steady, sleep! That’s it! Enter, relax, enjoy, and sleep ‘over’ in style

Wakefit. co’s marketing strategy is deeply rooted in a customer-centric approach. The brand consistently strives to deliver informative, quirky, and innovative campaigns, all aimed at fostering a strong connection with its audience while enriching their lives. With viral campaigns such as The Sleep Internship, Right to Nap, Bartan Dho Liye, and more, Wakefit.co strives to build meaningful relationships with its audience.

20, Nov 2023
ENTOD Pharmaceuticals Joins Hands with Matanand Foundation to Mark National Myopia Week

Highlights:

 . The campaign, aptly tagged #MoreGreenLessScreen, is set to reach an audience of 10 million people. It will run from 20th to 26th November.
. The initiative will involve over a thousand ophthalmologists and pediatric ophthalmologists, coordinating various activities like CME/RTM sessions, webinars on myopia, hospital-school collaboration events, and free eye check-ups in schools.
. To appreciate the extensive work in the field of Myopia, ten pediatric ophthalmologists will be recognized as myopia warriors.

New Delhi, 20 November 2023: Building on the success of last year’s Myopia Awareness Week, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals is set to proudly partner with the Matanand Foundation for this year’s National Myopia Week. NATIONAL MYOPIA WEEK will be an initiative by the MATANAND Foundation in association with the Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmological Society of India (SPOSI) to raise awareness of MYOPIA as one of the major eye health issues around the world. This initiative will be supported by ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.

The campaign, aptly tagged #MoreGreenLessScreen, is set to reach an audience of 10 million people. It will run from 20th to 26th November, engaging influencers and generating Twitter trends. The initiative will involve over a thousand ophthalmologists and pediatric ophthalmologists, coordinating various activities like CME/RTM sessions, webinars on myopia, hospital-school collaboration events, and free eye check-ups in schools. Additionally, the National Myopia Week Celebration will be held at hospitals and clinics, where clinics will be decorated with danglers, posters, and banners. Children attending eye examinations will participate in coloring activities, and each participating child will be provided with a dragonfly flying toy to encourage outdoor play.

To appreciate the extensive work in the field of Myopia, ten pediatric ophthalmologists will be recognized as myopia warriors. The cities targeted for this impactful campaign will include Vadodara (Gujarat), Indore( Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Hyderabad (Telangana), Bhubaneshwar (Odisha).

Data indicates that myopia prevalence in urban Indian schools is alarmingly high, nearing 35%. Furthermore, a study by AIIMS underscores that over 13% of school-going children in India have developed myopia, a figure that has doubled in the past decade. This trend highlights the urgent need for initiatives like National Myopia Week, which aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of early intervention and preventive measures.

Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, significantly impairs distant vision without the aid of glasses. This condition typically emerges in early childhood, persisting and progressing until the age of 18. Research from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) reveals that 1 out of every 6 children in India between the ages of 5-15 years grapple with myopia, a statistic that underscores the gravity of the issue.

Untreated and moderate to severe myopia in adulthood carries a heightened risk of developing severe eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. For those with severe myopia, options for corrective vision surgeries like LASIK are limited. Hence, early diagnosis and management of myopia are crucial in safeguarding children’s vision and ensuring a brighter future. ENTOD Pharmaceuticals and Matanand Foundation’s week-long Myopia Awareness Campaign will aim to educate the public on childhood myopia, its causes, and the pivotal role of outdoor play and reduced screen time in preventing and slowing down its progression. Additionally, the importance of regular eye check-ups by qualified professionals will be underscored for early detection and effective management.

 Mr. Nikkhil, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, emphasizes, “Our collaboration with Matanand Foundation for National Myopia Week will underscore our commitment to safeguarding children’s vision. By empowering parents, educators, and healthcare professionals with knowledge and resources, we will aspire to create a future where myopia is a manageable condition. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the vision and health of our children.”

Dr. Jitendra Jethani, Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Director of Baroda Children Eyecare and Squint Clinic, Gujarat, says, “Addressing myopia as early as possible is paramount. This campaign will not only educate but also advocate for lifestyle adjustments that can positively impact a child’s vision for life. It will serve as a reminder that proactive measures in eye health can profoundly influence a child’s overall well-being. National Myopia Week will stand as a beacon of hope for children and parents alike. Together, we aim to create a future where myopia progression is a manageable condition, empowering generations with the gift of clear vision.”

20, Nov 2023
ZEVO Eyes Supercharged Growth, to become the go to Platform for Everything EV with the Launch of Its Tech-Based App

ZEVO India, a fast-growing EV enabler in sustainable supply chain solutions, is gearing up for a phase of meteoric rise. ZEVO’s recent strategic moves, including the launch of its cutting-edge mobile application and ambitious plans for fleet deployment and geographical expansion, herald a new era of growth and innovation.

 ZEVO’s new mobile application, available on both Android and iOS platforms, is set to redefine the landscape of logistics and mobility management. This application will serve as a crucial link between driver analytics, fleet management, and vehicle tracking, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and foster sustainability. The user-friendly app
will empower the startup’s drivers to connect with clients including real-time insight and controls.

  The EV provider is on the cusp of becoming the go-to platform for everything electric vehicles (EV), from two-wheelers to trucks. The application will serve as a vital bridge connecting drivers and large organizations, providing an integrated solution for EV-based transportation needs. ZEVO’s vision is to revolutionize the logistics and mobility industry, setting new standards for green, efficient, and technologically advanced transportation. The Delhi-based company plans for the deployment of 50,000 two-wheelers and 10,000 three/four-wheelers & trucks over the next three years, helping ZEVO provide a wider range of electric vehicle options, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, and promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions.

Mr. Dhruv Bhatia, Co-Founder, ZEVO and Mr. Aditya Singh Ratnu, Chief Executive Officer, ZEVO

 Mr. Aditya Singh Ratnu, Founder & CEO of ZEVO India expressed his excitement on the launch of the app and the company’s future plans quoting, “ZEVO is on the brink of an exciting new chapter in its journey. With the launch of our advanced mobile application, ambitious plans for fleet deployment, and discussions for a substantial funding round, we are poised for next-level growth across verticals. We envision ZEVO as the singular platform for all things EV, and we are well set to achieve the same in the times to come। We’re dedicated to transforming the way India moves, and green vehicles would be instrumental in it.”

 Mr. Dhruv Bhatia, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at ZEVO India, further added, “ZEVO’s expansion alongside the launch of our app represents a significant milestone in our journey. As we grow, we’re not only scaling our operations but also fortifying our financial foundation. Our ambitious fleet deployment and expansion plans are strategically aligned with our focus on delivering smart EV logistics, with business dynamics that align with our vision. ZEVO’s growth is about smart scaling, financial resilience, and creating a more efficient and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem for India, that’s future-ready.”

The company is actively engaged in discussions to raise the Pre-series A round of funding. These funds will play a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of the fleet and geographic reach of ZEVO. The company is poised to scale its operations to over 20 cities in India, underscoring its mission to transform the EV logistics and mobility landscape in the country.

20, Nov 2023
OTO and Ather Join Forces; Boost for 2Wheeler EV Enthusiasts Nationwide

Bengaluru, 20 November 2023: OTO, a pioneering digital commerce platform and a leading player in two-wheeler financing, today announced a strategic digital business partnership with Ather Energy, India’s leading electric scooter manufacturer, to help facilitate convenient and accessible ownership of Ather vehicles among the young and the GenZ demographic across India. This groundbreaking partnership will change the realm of two-wheeler ridership, especially for the generally overlooked premium customer segments. As a result, countless aspiring two-wheeler purchasers across India will now have the opportunity to access seamless financing options at their doorstep for acquiring their desired electric vehicle.

 This alliance will provide Ather customers with the full benefit of OTO’s innovative and appealing finance & commerce options, including Super EMI—an option offering 35 percent lower EMIs than banks and the advantages of an affordable, flexible, and convenient repayment structure. In addition to offering a broader array of tailored financing choices, this also ensures that buyers enjoy the well-known reliability and trust of transacting on the OTO commerce platform.

 The collaboration with Ather Energy marks a pivotal milestone in OTO’s trajectory, underscoring its dedication to harnessing cutting-edge technology for delivering seamless financial services. Through this venture, Ather, an in-demand brand for the young, urban consumer, gains entry to OTO’s expansive young, digital-savvy clientele in retail and digital commerce, particularly within the two-wheeler sector. This strategic alliance is poised to unlock new avenues of growth and innovation for both entities, ultimately benefiting a broader spectrum of customers seeking efficient buying options.

 Speaking on the alliance, Sumit Chhazed, Co-Founder and CEO of OTO, said, “The OTO-Ather partnership represents a momentous leap forward in our journey to redefine two-wheeler financing and help the EV industry grow and strengthen in India. By collaborating with Ather Energy, a trailblazing name in e-scooters, we are opening doors to a new level of convenience and accessibility for EV Enthusiasts on our platform across India. In addition to this, we are delighted to provide Ather customers with access to our innovative financial solutions, such as the Super EMI, delivering reduced EMIs and a versatile repayment framework. We believe in offering not only a wide range of personalized financing choices but also the unique advantages of our platform.”

The benefit of OTO’s unique and industry-leading initiatives in 2-wheeler finance shall be available to other customers in all the 22+ cities where OTO is present in India. This collaboration not only reasserts a significant milestone for OTO but is also a step forward in the world of two-wheeler mobility. OTO, together with Ather, is set to chart a course towards growth of the EV segment, ultimately benefiting a wide spectrum of customers.

20, Nov 2023
Spencer Savings Bank to Open New Financial Center in Edison

Elmwood Park, NJ, November 20, 2023: Spencer Savings Bank, one of New Jersey’s leading community banks, is preparing to open a new financial center in Edison, NJ. The new financial center is anticipated to open in December and will be located at 3900 Park Ave. (Ste. 108).

The Edison location is one of 27 full-service Spencer Savings Bank financial centers located throughout New Jersey, spanning 7 counties. This latest addition will be the bank’s first location in Middlesex County.

“We are excited to be opening our doors in the beautiful town of Edison, NJ. We look forward to building strong partnerships there and helping our Edison community grow and thrive,” stated Jose B. Guerrero, Chairman and CEO of Spencer Savings Bank. “We are very proud to offer the Edison community the best that community banking has to offer – exceptional service delivered by highly qualified consultative bankers who are personally committed to building long-term customer relationships by understanding their client’s financial needs and aspirations and providing solutions from an innovative suite of business and consumer products/services.”

The new 2,183 square-foot financial center features a contemporary design with an open, bright floor plan and the latest technology that features a drive-up facility, an interactive teller kiosk in the financial center which allows customers to self-serve or connect with bankers via video from our best-in-class, customer service team which will be available from 8 am-8 pm, M-F and 9 am-2 pm on Saturday. There will also be a team of banking professionals on hand in the financial center to help customers with more complex transactions and needs. The bank is highly committed to the communities it serves and will be offering, for free, the use of its conference room to businesses and community organizations in the Edison community. The financial center will also feature a business loan production office ready to assist the business community with all of their business and commercial loan needs.

Spencer Savings Bank meets the full range of individual, business, commercial, and municipal banking needs through a broad menu of banking products and services. With roots as a community bank, the bank is highly committed to supporting local businesses and community organizations. Celebrations are scheduled for January 2024. The bank will also be offering a number of attractive grand opening special offers. More information will follow soon.