Author: Rabindra

Flyzy Partners with PhonePe to Simplify Airport Travel

New Delhi, 25th Sept 2024: Flyzy, one of India’s leading travel-tech platform has announced its partnership with PhonePe, one of India’s leading digital payments platform to provide Flyzy-powered airport cabs. Under this strategic partnership, PhonePe customers will have a hassle-free airport cab booking experience. With just a few taps on PhonePe app’s travel section, they will be able to book Flyzy airports cabs.

 Already live in 6 metros, Flyzy-powered airport cabs will soon be available at 20 more airports providing seamless airport travel solutions across India.

 Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Deepak Meena, Co-founder and CEO, Flyzy shares, “Our mission at Flyzy is to streamline travel experience and this partnership with PhonePe is a leap forward towards that. Airport travel has become cumbersome and legacy companies often fall short of addressing the pain points of the travellers. By integrating Flyzy airport cabs services with PhonePe app we aim to make airport travel smoother and accessible for millions of users.”
Ms. Sejal Bhatt, Category Growth, PhonePe shared, “We are constantly looking to enhance our user’s experiences and this partnership with Flyzy is a great fit! Airport cabs are a crucial part of travel and by offering this service in our app we are solving a major issue for our users and helping them access easy and reliable transportation to and from the airport.”

Samsung’s ‘Fab Grab Fest’ Returns with Unmatched Deals on Smartphones, Appliances, and More

BENGALURU, India – September 25, 2024: Samsung, India’s largest customer electronics brand, today announced its biggest festive sale ‘Fab Grab Fest’ starting 26th September, offering exciting deals and cashback on Galaxy smartphones, tablets, laptops, accessories, wearables, smart televisions, digital appliances and smart monitors. These never-before offers will be available on Samsung.com, Samsung Shop App and Samsung Exclusive Stores.

Buy More Save More

At heart of this festive sale will be Buy More Save More, where customers can avail an additional up to 5% discount when purchasing two or more products. This offer is only applicable on select smartphones, wearables, smart televisions and digital appliances while purchasing through Samsung.com or Samsung Shop App.

Samsung’s commitment of delivering more value is what’s sets Fab Grab Fest apart. Beyond price discounts, bank cashback offers and exchange deals, ‘Buy More, Save More’ ensures that Samsung.com customers get a little extra for every purchase, whether it is smartphones, accessories, smart televisions or digital appliances.

Fab Grab Fest will not only offer best prices but also unmatched value through Samsung’s trusted Direct-to Consumer channels. Alongside special deals, customers can be assured of the quality, authenticity, and product availability.

During ‘Fab Grab Fest’, consumers can get up to 53% off on select models of the Galaxy Z series, Galaxy S series, and Galaxy A series smartphones. Select models of Galaxy Book4 series laptops will be available at a discount of up to 27% off, while specific models of Tab A9 and Tab S9 series, Buds3 Series, Galaxy Watch Series will have up to 74% off.

The offers extend beyond smartphones with up to 43% off on Samsung Smart Televisions – Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, QLED, The Frame and Crystal 4K UHD, The Freestyle projector. Additionally, customers purchasing select 55-inch and above models will be able to get their hands on a free Samsung Smart Television or Soundbar. During this festive sale, Samsung will also extend a three- years Comprehensive Warranty for free on select 32″ and above Smart Televisions.

Samsung’s monitors will be available at up to 67% off. Additionally, select smart and gaming monitors can fetch instant cart discount of up to ₹ 10000.

The excitement doesn’t end here, Customers can get up to 39% off on a wide range of premium appliances such as Side by Side and French Door Refrigerators. They will also get a 20-year warranty on Digital Inverter Compressors. Front Load and Top Load washing machines of 8Kg, and above capacity will have up to 28% off and 20 years warranty on Digital Inverter motor. There will also be an instant cart discount of up to ₹ 2000 on select 9Kg Fully Automatic Front-Loading washing machines.

5 Reasons to Watch the Heartfelt Adventures of School Friends S2 on Amazon MX Player

Mumbai, 25th September 2024: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released School Friends S2, a slice-of-life teen drama series that captures the essence of teenage life through the lens of five quirky schoolmates entering 11th grade Commerce. As they navigate friendships, heartbreaks, and the challenges of growing up, this season takes viewers on a heartfelt journey filled with relatable moments. Ready to jump into Season 2? Here are five reasons why you won’t want to miss it!

● Authentic and Relatable Portrayal of Teenage Life: School Friends Season 2 offers an authentic exploration of what it means to be a teenager today. With subplots that reflect the real struggles of teenage life, such as managing relationships, academic pressures, and self-discovery, the latest season will surely resonate with everyone who has navigated this challenging phase. The relatable scenarios portrayed in the series will leave you reminiscing about your own teenage experiences while cheering for the characters as they spread their wings.

● New Adventures and Twists: This season is a treasure trove of fresh storylines! Stuti’s new responsibilities as head girl bring unexpected challenges that test her leadership and resolve. Meanwhile, Anirban’s journey into the world of art uncovers hidden talents and sparks conflicts. Each episode is filled with surprises and cliffhangers, keeping viewers anticipating what happens next, whether it’s a dramatic showdown or a heartwarming moment of growth.

● The Power of Friendship: Friendship is the backbone of School Friends, and Season 2 showcases the power of this bond in overcoming life’s hurdles. The characters rely on each other for guidance and strength, navigating the ups and downs together. Their bonds deepen as they confront various challenges, reminding viewers that true friends stand by you through thick and thin. This season beautifully depicts the true spirit of teenage friendship.

● Talented ensemble cast: This season boasts a stellar cast, including Navika Kotia, Alisha Parveen, Aaditya Gupta, Manav Soneji, and Ansh Pandey. Their performances make every moment, from comedic to dramatic, feel authentic and engaging. You’ll find yourself rooting for each character as their journeys unfold.

● Watch for free: Dive into the emotional rollercoaster that is School Friends Season 2 for free on Amazon MX Player. There is no need to pay anything to tune in to this high school drama on a subscription basis. It is now available to stream on Amazon MX Player and Fire TV within the Amazon Shopping App and on Play Store.

Tune in to School Friends S2, streaming for free exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, smart TVs, and Play Store!

GoTo Resolve Introduces Software Asset Management for Comprehensive IT Asset Visibility and Control

India, September 25, 2024 – GoTo, the company making IT management, support, and business communications easy, today announced new software asset management features for GoTo Resolve. Building on the solution’s existing hardware asset management capabilities, GoTo Resolve Software Asset Management empowers IT teams to gain full visibility and control over their entire IT inventory. From software licenses to application usage, IT teams can now track, manage, and optimize their software assets with the same efficiency and ease of use as GoTo Resolve’s hardware management tools.

More than 30% of software licenses are significantly underutilized or unused by intended employees, according to a recent survey from Vertice, potentially costing companies millions of dollars each year. GoTo Resolve Software Asset Management helps businesses address common challenges ranging from wasteful spending to security gaps. The new functionality delivers significant value and benefits across the software lifecycle, including:

• Unified Management: Centralized inventory oversight, security management, and asset lifecycle management enable streamlined software maintenance from a single pane of glass.
• Enriched Application Visibility: Automated real-time software discovery provides detailed lists of all devices an application is installed on, including usage per device and application versions, as well as hardware asset data such as assigned user, location, and serial number.
• Improved Spend Control: Effortless monitoring of software license agreements, automatic reminders and notifications of over-utilization, contract renewal management, and cancellation of inactive installations eliminate unnecessary costs and improve ROI.
• Enhanced Compliance & Security: Simplified regulatory compliance and license utilization tracking prevent compliance issues and reduce security risks from outdated software.
• Simplified Onboarding & Offboarding: Easily identify necessary software for new users based on department-specific needs and reclaim licenses on devices assigned to employees leaving the organization.

“With GoTo Resolve we can now see which software is deployed on which machines and oversee the full lifecycle of our assets from purchase to retirement – all in one place,” said Nate Anderson, IT Director at Central Illinois Radiological Associates. “This centralized oversight has been a huge time-saver.”

“IT ecosystems continue to grow more complex with employees and devices spread around the world, and with IT teams already overburdened, businesses need a simpler way to manage these systems,” said Olga Lagunova, Chief Product and Technology Officer at GoTo. “By offering a unified solution for managing both software and hardware assets, along with remote monitoring and management (RMM), remote support and access, and mobile device management (MDM) – with zero trust security controls – we’re enabling our customers to optimize their IT operations, reduce costs, and ensure compliance all within a single, easy-to-navigate interface.”

Naini Bridge in Prayagraj Set to Shine with Facade Lighting Ahead of Maha Kumbh 2025: Jaiveer Singh

New Delhi, September 25, 2024: The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has taken another step towards enhancing and beautifying the state’s tourist landmarks. One of the key attractions in Prayagraj, the Naini Bridge, will soon be illuminated with façade lighting. A budget of ₹11.22 crore has been approved for the same, said Jaiveer Singh, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh.

 He stated that, “Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a leading state in the field of tourism. Prayagraj, the city of Sangam, is home to many significant landmarks that attract a large number of tourists. Approximately 4.54 crore tourists visited Prayagraj between January to June this year. The tourism department is consistently working on the development of tourist spots and facilities. In this regard, the decision to install facade lighting on the Naini Bridge has not only been taken but the process has also begun. An initial fund of ₹4 crore has already been released and the work will start soon. Our aim is to make Naini Bridge a major attraction for tourists with facade lighting before the Maha Kumbh 2025.”

 He further added, “Preparations are underway to ensure that Maha Kumbh 2025 is grand and divine. Along with provisions for bathing, meditation and sightseeing, excellent arrangements for accommodations are also being made for tourists. In addition to hotels and guest houses, a large number of paying guest accommodations are being planned. Residents of Prayagraj can register with the regional tourism office under the paying guest scheme and benefit from this initiative.”

Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud for Travel and Hospitality Drives AI Innovation, Enhances Collaboration, and Transforms Customer Experiences

India– September 25, 2024 – Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, today announced the launch of the AI Data Cloud for Travel and Hospitality, uniting Snowflake’s data platform, AI capabilities, and industry-specific solutions to deliver best-in-class data insights for the travel and hospitality industry. Snowflake empowers airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel technology providers to harness data and artificial intelligence to improve operations and power five-star customer experiences across the sector.

As the travel and hospitality industry transitions from recovery to stable growth, businesses face new challenges and opportunities. Snowflake is uniquely positioned to support this growth, offering a unified platform that streamlines AI and ML development, providing top-tier security and governance capabilities, and democratizing data access. With robust data collaboration capabilities and effortless scalability, Snowflake enables organizations to harness their data’s full potential.

The AI Data Cloud for Travel and Hospitality addresses key industry trends and use cases, including dynamic pricing and sustainability tracking, developer efficiencies, reputation management, and performance advertising to help organizations across the industry both streamline operations and unlock new business value.

With Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud for Travel and Hospitality, businesses can build and optimize outcomes like:

• Hyper-Personalized Marketing: Personalized, privacy-focused marketing campaigns resulting in accelerated customer acquisition and reduced acquisition costs
• Improved Customer Experience: Optimized bot and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) performance plus preemptive messaging to reduce churn
• Loyalty & Co-Branded Experiences: Modernized customer data management, streamlined alliance point management, optimized hotel and partner coordination, and customer vs. member 360 personalization to enhance customer retention and engagement
• Reliable and Efficient Operations: Optimized routes and networks, simplified irregular operations (IROP) management, increased turn efficiencies, and improved crew coordination
• Maximized Revenue Management: Optimized maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) workstreams, fine-tuned scenario forecasting, optimized dynamic pricing, and focused ancillary revenue streams to drive profitability

 Snowflake’s vast partner ecosystem also facilitates seamless data enrichment via Snowflake Marketplace, allowing businesses to easily integrate and analyze third-party data sources such as weather patterns, economic indicators, and global events alongside their own data, enabling more comprehensive and better-informed decision-making in industries where external factors significantly impact operations and customer behavior.

“The travel and hospitality industry is at a pivotal moment, with AI and data-driven insights becoming critical for success,” said Whitnee Hawthorne, Global Head of Travel & Hospitality at Snowflake. “Our AI Data Cloud for Travel and Hospitality provides the tools and capabilities needed to not only keep pace with evolving customer expectations, but also to drive innovation and operational excellence in this dynamic and competitive sector.”

Some of the largest travel and hospitality businesses around the world are already using Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud for Travel & Hospitality to democratize data access and drive collaboration.

 “By creating a unified data foundation on Snowflake, we’re improving our ability to make data driven decisions and automate aspects of our business” said Raymond Boyle, Vice President, Data Analytics and Strategic Insights, Hyatt. “From guest preferences to functional decision management, Snowflake empowers us to advance care and further enhance the guest experience. Snowflake provides an important foundation for our work to redefine hospitality in the digital age.”

“Snowflake is an important part of Tripadvisor’s data strategy,” said Rahul Todkar, Head of Data and AI at Tripadvisor. “It unifies our enterprise analytics, marketing, and customer insights, providing the data foundation for our AI initiatives. Moreover, Snowflake has revolutionized how we collaborate with other brands in the ecosystem, allowing secure data sharing that benefits both our business and the broader travel industry. This comprehensive approach has not only streamlined our operations but also opened new avenues for growth and partnership.”

Bengal Shopping Festival 2024 Ends with Solidifying West Bengal’s Status as a Global Retail Powerhouse

Kolkata, 25th September 2024: Bengal Shopping Festival 2024, the first-of-its-kind shopping extravaganza, organised by the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Association (CWBTA) in collaboration with West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation Limited (WBIDC), came to a grand conclusion on Tuesday, 24th September 2024 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan. The festival aimed to transform West Bengal into a global shopping destination, highlighting the region’s thriving retail and commercial potential. The ceremony witnessed valuable insights from Mr Manoj Pant, Chief Secretary to Government of West Bengal; Mr Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Principal Secretary, Dept. of MSME&T, Government of West Bengal; and Ms Vandana Yadav, MD, WBIDC.

The five-day expo witnessed an impressive footfall of over 1.5 lakh attendees and generated sales worth INR 100 crore approximately. Featuring over 430 exhibitors from various sectors, including fashion, electronics, handicrafts and food, the event also included cultural performances and interactive sessions, making it a holistic experience for shoppers and businesses alike. The expo successfully showcased Bengal’s diversity, innovation and retail strength, further positioning the state as a crucial player in India’s growing consumer market. With the Bengal Shopping Festival, the state has taken a bold step toward integrating local businesses with the global retail ecosystem, fostering economic growth and strengthening West Bengal’s position as a preferred shopping destination.

Commenting on the successful expo, Mr Manoj Pant, Chief Secretary to Government of West Bengal, stated, “It has been a long journey of planning and collaboration and I am thrilled to witness the outstanding outcome today. To everyone who has been associated with this event, as well as to all the participants who contributed to its success, my sincerest appreciation and congratulations. The performances and displays across all the halls have been exceptional, especially the showcase of Geographical Indication (GI) products, which highlight the unique craftsmanship and heritage of our state. Looking ahead, I am confident that this event will grow even larger in the coming years, expanding its reach to encompass a wider audience and attract even more participants. The success we’ve achieved here marks the beginning of a new era of showcasing the best of West Bengal to the world and I am certain next year’s edition will be even grander.”

Delivering the closing statement, Mr Sushil Poddar, President, Confederation of West Bengal Trade Association (CWBTA), said, “The soil and air of Bengal possess a unique magic. It is here that we continually ignite innovative ideas, like the Bengal Shopping Festival, showcasing our ability to turn vision into reality. What the country thinks, Bengal does. We have once again demonstrated that Bengal is not just about heritage but also about innovation, growth and a dynamic force driving the Indian economy. This event sets the stage for future collaborations and positions West Bengal as a global retail hub. We look forward to making this an annual event that continues to raise the bar.”

Stenn Expands in India, Partners with FIEO to Boost SME Financing and Export Competitiveness

New Delhi, September 25, 2024 – Stenn, the fastest-growing online platform for financing small and medium-sized businesses engaged in international trade, has announced its strategic expansion in India to address the growing financing needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). With over $20 billion worth of invoices financed globally, Stenn has already made significant inroads in supporting international trade, of this approximately $147m has come from Indian suppliers over the last few years and this has steadily increased year on year. Stenn anticipates substantial growth in the next 1 to 3 years as India continues its growth and Stenn sets in place new initiatives to support the ever growing number of entrepreneurs in the region

 Over the next few years, Stenn aims to play a crucial role in driving India’s export economy, empowering SMEs to contribute significantly to the country’s ambitious trade targets. To further this vision, Stenn has partnered with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) an apex export promotion organisation of India set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India to provide tailored financial solutions that address liquidity challenges and enhance the competitiveness of Indian businesses in the global marketplace.

 This collaboration seeks to drive export growth by equipping SMEs with the necessary financial tools to scale their operations and seize international opportunities. The signed MoU was exchanged by Mr. Noel Hillman, Chief Commercial Officer of Stenn and Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General and CEO of FIEO in the presence of Mr Ashwani Kumar, FIEO President, Mr. Marcio Arnecke, Chief Marketing Officer of Stenn, Mr Pratik Ashok Navale, Asst Director, FIEO and Mr. Priyesh Ranjan, Senior Director Sales & Partnership (India), Stenn.

 Stenn’s financing tools, designed to unlock growth, allow exporters to scale up without the typical constraints of working capital. With seamless access to trade finance, Indian SMEs can take on larger orders, diversify into new markets, and strengthen their presence in existing ones. As part of this collaboration, Stenn and FIEO aim to support the global ambitions of Indian exporters by helping them break into new regions and seize emerging opportunities across the globe.

Echoing these aspirations, Mr. Noel Hillman, Chief Commercial Officer of Stenn said, “Our collaboration with FIEO represents a strong commitment to helping Indian exporters expand their global presence. By providing flexible financing solutions and mitigating payment risks, we empower businesses to scale rapidly and compete effectively with larger players. FIEO has been instrumental in facilitating trade and driving the growth of India’s goods and services exports. We are confident that FIEO members will benefit significantly from Stenn’s support in their growth journey, and we are grateful to FIEO for partnering with us in this shared opportunity to make a meaningful impact.”

 FIEO President, Mr Ashwani Kumar while addressing the event said that it is a momentous occasion to witness the unveiling of MOU signing between the two premier organisations – Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the apex trade promotion body in India and Stenn, the leading Fintech Co. providing post-shipment credit to SMEs in International Trade.

 Mr Ashwani Kumar reiterated that he is confident that the MOU will pave the way for addressing the working capital requirements of exports focussing on post-shipment. This will also lead to the healthy competition amongst the factoring companies in India helping in bringing down the cost thus benefiting exporters.

 The FIEO Chief added that the credit challenges have increased with geo-political head winds and interest rates moving upward in the last few years. However, with inflation softening, we have seen downward movement in the key rates led by the US Federal Reserve, which reduced the rate by 50 basis points last week. Mr Kumar also added that with inflation softening in India and GDP growth moving upward, our central bank will also take an appropriate call for revising the key rates. The FIEO President asked the media gathering at the event in urging the Government to re-introduce Interest Equalization Scheme on a sustainable basis to provide the continuity and stability in the business environment of the exports sector.

 Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General and CEO of FIEO, stated,India’s ambitious target of USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030 demands urgent action to address the critical financing gap faced by our exporters, particularly SMEs. With only 15% of SMEs’ addressable credit needs currently met by formal channels, we are stifling the potential of our most dynamic sector. This credit crunch is not just a business issue; it’s a national economic imperative. To achieve our export goals and secure India’s position as a global economic powerhouse, we must leverage innovative fintech solutions and strategic partnerships to revolutionize export finance. By harnessing technology for streamlined credit assessment and disbursement, and collaborating with forward-thinking financial partners, we can unlock the full potential of our SMEs. This is not just about providing capital; it’s about empowering our businesses to become global leaders, driving our nation’s growth, and realizing our vision of India as a titan of international trade. The government has made exports a national priority, and it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to rise to this challenge. Together, we will transform India’s export landscape and cement our place on the world stage.

 Dr. Sahai added, “We envision a future where Indian SMEs are leaders in global trade, contributing to the nation’s growth and prosperity. This partnership with Stenn aligns perfectly with India’s economic goals, and together, we are shaping a future where Indian businesses can excel on the world stage.”

 Stenn recently launched the BETA Hub, a digital platform aimed at revolutionising the way Indian SMEs engage in global trade. The platform serves as a space for collaboration, networking, and innovation, offering exporters access to cutting-edge financial tools and insights while also facilitating connections with potential partners across international markets. The BETA Hub will act as a catalyst for Indian exporters, helping them bridge the gap between local business practices and the demands of global trade.

 As India pushes towards self-reliance through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Stenn’s partnership with FIEO is particularly timely. By addressing critical liquidity issues, Stenn helps Indian SMEs become more self-sufficient, enabling them to seize global trade opportunities without depending on external financial pressures. The financing solutions provided ensure that Indian exporters are well-equipped to meet the demands of international buyers while retaining financial independence.

 Moreover, the partnership will include educational workshops and seminars designed to impart valuable knowledge on trade finance strategies and best practices, enhancing exporters’ financial acumen and operational efficiency. The collaboration will also support market expansion efforts, providing strategic financial planning and resources to help exporters explore new markets and scale their operations effectively.

IREDA and PNB Leaders Discuss Scaling Up Financial Support for Green Energy

New Delhi, 25th September 2024: Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), met today with Shri Atul Kumar Goel, MD & CEO of Punjab National Bank (PNB), to discuss enhancing their partnership in renewable energy financing. IREDA and PNB have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly lend for renewable energy projects.

During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the need for their organizations to play a greater role in meeting the growing financing needs of the renewable energy sector. They discussed strategies for strengthening this partnership to align with the Government of India’s vision of achieving ambitious renewable energy targets. Discussions also included lending by PNB to IREDA at a cheaper rate, as well as joint lending with IREDA for large-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring more competitive financing for the sector.

Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA said, “The renewable energy sector in India is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and the demand for financing is growing rapidly. Our collaboration with PNB is crucial in ensuring that we can contribute significantly to the country’s green energy transition. Together, we aim to support the Government’s vision and help India achieve its renewable energy goals.”

Union Bank of India’s U-Genius is back with an exciting and more challenging quiz program for students

Hyderabad, 25th September 2024: With its own branded National Level Quiz Competition building strong momentum, Union bank of India in its U-Genius 3.0 initiative, as of 22 September 2024 has completed events in 43 centres. The competition has witnessed a total participation of 11500+ teams with 3500+ schools already registered.

The intensely competitive event for students from Standard 8 to 12 is scheduled across 48 cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Lucknow, Kolkata Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi etc. Winners of the City level contests will test their mettle against the best from all over India at the Grand Finale set to happen in November in Mumbai where the Bank is headquartered.

The topics for the national quiz competitions covered General Knowledge, General Awareness and Banking & Finance.

The winners of the competition will receive a cash prize of Rs 2 Lakhs along with a certificate and trophy.

With the response and enthusiasm for U-Genius 3.0 among the students, The Bank foresees Nation Building and Youth Empowerment.