28, Dec 2023
Varun Sood leaves us drooling as Ahaan Kothari in Disney+ Hotstar’s Karmma Calling
Flamboyant, vulnerable and trying to find his footing, Ahaan Kothari – the prodigal son & apple of Indrani Kothari’s eye, is here to charm you with his simplicity and style in Hotstar Specials’ Karmma Calling. Played by the handsome hunk Varun Sood, he is an integral part of the Alibaug society and the world of glitz, glamor, deceit and betrayal. He is torn between his family legacy and listening to his heart.
Produced by R.A.T Films, adapted for India and directed by Ruchi Narain, the series is releasing on January 26, 2024 exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.
Talking about his character, Varun Sood said “With Karmma Calling, I am making my series debut. When I first encountered Ahaan Kothari on paper, it felt like an immediate connection. Being empathetic towards him came naturally as I found our personalities to be quite similar. I also wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone with Ahaan Kothari and his flamboyance.”
Decoding his workout routine, he added, “I took my workout routine and diet to another level, this is something that I do to live the character a little more. It’s my own way of living in the skin of the character. I just wanted to bring Ahaan to life in every sense. I am sure that even the audiences will like Ahaan Kothari and enjoy seeing me in this new avatar”
Karmma Calling is based on the U.S. original series Revenge, which aired from 2011-2015 and was produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios.
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- By Rabindra
27, Dec 2023
EKA Mobility joins forces with Mitsui and VDL Groep to create a leading global OEM in India
- EKA, Mitsui & VDL Groep have entered a strategic long-term partnership, that will include joint investments, equity & technology cooperation
- With a joint investment of over USD 100 million (~ INR 850 crores) in phases, the cooperation will position India as the global manufacturing & sourcing hub for electric vehicles
New Delhi, Wednesday, 27th December 2023: – EKA Mobility, a leading electric vehicles & technology company based in India, is thrilled to announce a partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Japan) and VDL Groep (Netherlands). This strategic cooperation marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Indian automotive industry, propelling India toward becoming a global hub for sustainable transportation. The alliance is set to establish most cutting edge global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the region.
This is one of the largest and most significant partnerships in the new mobility segment in India bringing together the strengths and expertise of three leading automotive conglomerates in Asia & Europe to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative electric mobility solutions globally. Under the cooperation, EKA Mobility, known for its cutting-edge electric vehicles and comprehensive EV ecosystem, will receive significant and strategic investments from Mitsui, a global trading and investment company with a rich history of contributing to industrial innovation, and technological support & equity partnership from VDL Groep, a leading Dutch technology and manufacturing company. The combined expertise and resources of the three entities will usher in a new era of sustainable transportation and manufacturing excellence.
Key Highlights of the cooperation:
Strategic Investment: Mitsui & Co., Ltd. will make significant financial investments in EKA Mobility, enabling the company to scale up its manufacturing operations and expand its product portfolio. Mitsui will also provide support to EKA for exports to select emerging markets as well as establishment of systems & process.
Technological Leadership: As part of this partnership, VDL Bus & Coach, a subsidiary of VDL Groep and Europe’s frontrunner in electric buses & coaches will support EKA Mobility by transfer of technology to produce electric buses in India for the Indian market.
Strengthening ‘Make in India’: The alliance is firmly aligned with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at promoting local manufacturing and job creation.
Sustainability: The cooperation emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and environment conscious mobility solutions, furthering the reduction of carbon footprints.
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, expressed his views about the cooperation, stating, “This partnership with Mitsui and VDL Groep represents a significant step toward making India a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. We are proud to join forces with such distinguished partners who share our vision of sustainable, profitable & efficient transportation.”
Nobuyoshi Umezawa, GM of Mobility Business Division in Mitsui & Co. India: “Through the cooperation of EKA, VDL, and Mitsui, we aim to contribute to “Make in India” by leveraging EKA’s excellent engineering and local network, and VDL’s cutting-edge technological capabilities. Furthermore, we would like to utilize our Mitsui’s global network to promote exporting EKA’s competitive products to overseas markets and contribute to creating eco-friendly societies”.
Rolf-Jan Zweep, CEO VDL Bus & Coach: “We are delighted to partner with EKA Mobility and Mitsui. Although the basis of our high-quality development and manufacturing competences lie in north-western Europe, we see many opportunities in India, which is obviously a promising growth market. With this cooperation, we foresee especially many synergy benefits in the areas of procurement and development”.
EKA Mobility is one of the commercial vehicle manufacturers approved under the Champion OEM Scheme & EV component manufacturing scheme of the Government of India’s Auto PLI policy. EKA is the only Indian company offering end-to-end design, manufacturing & technology of new energy vehicles from scratch in India. The company has set up a state-of-the-art research, development, engineering & innovation center in Pune, Maharashtra, and has significantly grown its order book, with more than 500 electric buses and 5000+ electric light commercial vehicle orders in the pipeline. All these vehicles will be completely designed & manufactured in India, at EKA’s proposed state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In last two years, the company has introduced electric city bus, staff carrier & school bus, 9 meter hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus, and is now all set to enter the last mile delivery with its range of e-LCVs designed & customized to suit Indian customers and businesses.
27, Dec 2023
NMIMS STME Students Craft Digital Solution for City Parking Woes
iPark prototype gets approval from Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
A team of students from NMIMS STME win the Smart India Hackathon 2023
Indore, 27 December, India: Addressing the growing problem of unorganised parking in major urban centres of the country in their prompt statement at the Grand Finale round of ‘Smart India Hackathon 2023’, a team of six exceptional students developed a working prototype of an innovative application called, ‘iPark’. The application leverages technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computer Vision (CV), and is designed to help traffic regulators live-track and detect unorganised and illegal parking.
Sam Varghese, Nishtha Pandya, Suhani Khandelwal, Priyansh Chhablani, Arohi Jain and Shalom Ram were part of the team from SVKM’s NMIMS School of Technology, Management and Engineering (STME) Indore that participated in the All-India Council for Technical Education’s (AICTE) ‘Smart India Hackathon 2023’, a national-level competition for young innovators. The team was selected among the top 5 teams for the ‘Grand Finale’ round of the competition. Participants included teams from NMIMS Mumbai, KIET, <mention the three other colleges>. The team were adjudged the winner of the competition.
For the Grand Finale round, participating schools were required to organise internal hackathons at their respective campuses and select the top 30 teams. The AICTE then selected the top 5 teams from all the participating teams for the finale. Participants were provided with problem statements from various Ministries of the Government of India. The finalists had to select one problem statement, develop a working prototype of their innovative product, and present it in front of a panel of judges in the final round of the competition. Each problem statement could have a maximum of 500 teams applying for it, out of which 5 teams were shortlisted for the Grand Finale.
This year, the esteemed judges included Product Managers from top companies such as Wipro as well as owners of US-based start-ups. Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the event virtually and interacted with the participants, encouraging them to think innovatively to usher in new chapters of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’.
The winning team from STME selected the problem statement by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which required them to solve the problem of parking spaces across cities in India. They were required to develop and present their innovation within 2-3 weeks. In the endeavour, they received help at every step of the way from the esteemed faculty at NMIMS Indore and were mentored by <mention the name of the mentor>
They developed ‘iPark’, a mobile application, which uses Computer Vision, Live Tracking and Artificial Intelligence technologies to aid traffic regulators in solving this problem. The app assists drivers in finding authorised parking spots across the city. This helps in tackling problems relating to traffic violations, congestion and pollution resulting from illegal and unorganised parking. The team presented a fully functional working prototype of their product in front of the judges at the finale.
The students behind the innovation received a cash prize of INR 1,00,000 as well as appreciation from the judges. The participants will use the cash prize to further improve and develop the mobile application. Moreover, in the next few months, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will start testing ‘iPark’ across the country.
Speaking about the learnings from the competition, Sam Varghese, a student from the winning team said, “Participating in events like the Smart India Hackathon 2023 provides you with global exposure. They provide you with a unique platform for knowledge exchange and interaction with students from top educational institutions such as IITs.”
Expressing his thoughts on this student achievement, xx, designation, NMIMS Indore, said, “The success at the Smart India Hackathon 2023 is the result of the relentless efforts of the students and their fascination towards innovation and technology.”
Appreciating the achievement of the NMIMS Indore team, Dr. Anshuman Jaswal, Director, NMIMS Indore, said, “We welcome the victory of our students at the Smart India Hackathon 2023. iPark is a first-of-its-kind application that uses AI technology to manage parking and traffic adherence and can transform urban infrastructure by decongesting road traffic. We look forward to their collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.”
27, Dec 2023
Pride Hotels Group, Unveils “Pride’s Festive Soiree”, an Extravaganza That Embodies Elegance in Celebration and Pride in Tradition
Pride Hotels Group unveils “Pride’s Festive Soiree”, an extravaganza that embodies elegance in celebration and pride in tradition. Step into the realm where tradition meets luxury and the spirit of India’s rich heritage merges with a tapestry of joy, elegance, and celebrations. Throughout the month of December, patrons can partake in festive delights, extended long stays, and gala lunches and dinners in their own cities like Bangalore, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and 32 amazing locations across India.
“We at Pride Hotels Group truly believe in providing luxury along with traditions, inviting guests to revel in the spirit of the season at all our locations. Guests can immerse themselves in an extravagant celebration of traditions, blending with India’s rich heritage, promising to create timeless memories that reflect the season’s festive soiree “said Mr. Atul Upadhyay, Executive Vice President, Pride Hotels Group.
Anticipate a gastronomic journey curated by master chefs, offering a menu that seamlessly blends classics and festive with innovative delights. The event comprises diverse elements, including music, buffet and on-table menus, poolside dinners, and packages with and without alcohol. Elevate the celebration at the mixology stations, where skilled mixologists curate signature festive drinks. Engage in interactive zones that capture the essence of the season, featuring a gourmet chocolate corner and personalized festive hampers, each telling a unique story of celebration.
Chef Shailendra Singh, Corporate Chef, Pride Hotels Group shared his excitement, saying “At Pride’s Festive Soiree, our culinary team have curated a special menu that blends tradition and innovation to serve up a celebration at gala lunches, and dinners that promise a tantalizing experience for your taste buds to captures the joy of the season.”
As the festive season unfolds, Pride Group invites guests to enjoy the long weekends that transcend the ordinary. Immerse yourself in the magic of live performances, showcasing renowned artists and entertainers who will set the stage ablaze with captivating music, dance, and laughter. The atmosphere will be charged with infectious energy, ensuring that every moment becomes a cherished memory.
27, Dec 2023
Pop Star Zaeden Collaborates with Siddartha Tytler to Launch ‘Unchained’ Fragrance D2C, Redefining Luxury Retail”
Mumbai, India – December 27, 2023: SOL, the revolutionary fragrance brand launched by Indian pop icon Zaeden this year, proudly announces the launch of ‘Unchained’, the much-awaited addition to their esteemed fragrance collection. The new variant is born out of the dynamic partnership between SOL and leading fashion designer Siddartha Tytler, setting a new standard in olfactory artistry and style fusion.
Inspired by Tytler’s vibrant palette and daring couture, ‘Unchained’ embodies a sensorial journey mirroring his iconic design philosophy. The fragrance is a testament to Tytler’s journey through fashion, encapsulating his signature elements of sharp cuts, vivid hues, and exquisite crystal applications.
‘Unchained’ is composed of a symphony of fragrance notes – at its peak, bursts of orange, amalfi lemon and calabrian bergamot top notes with an alluring scent of Madagascar vanilla and mixed fruits accompanied by white musk and amber forming the base notes, creating an irresistible and empowering aroma. The packaging of the enchanting fragrance is also inspired by Tytler’s visionary creations, boasting bold colours and modern aesthetics, inviting consumers into the realm of daring sophistication.
Sharing his excitement around the launch, Zaeden, the visionary behind SOL, says, “With the launch of ‘Unchained’, we bring together the worlds of fashion and fragrance. After the successful launch of ‘Mystic Voice’ and ‘Sweet Sea’, our third fragrance represents the evolution and diversification of SOL as a brand, while staying true to our philosophy of capturing ‘Stories Of Life’. Siddartha Tytler’s creative boldness resonates with our commitment to provide our users with unique sensory journeys. Personally, this fragrance reflects my values as an artist of freedom and self-expression, and is sure to leave a blissful mark. This launch is just an indication of our continued efforts towards innovation and our commitment to think out of the box in order to create the most distinctive aromas.”
Siddartha Tytler adds, “As a person who has been obsessed with fragrances since childhood, it has always been a dream to create one myself. Thanks to ‘SOL’ and Zaeden, to ignite my imagination and for making this dream come true. Hopefully it continues in the future. The fragrance ‘Unchained’ is absolutely divine and evocative — I’m simply obsessed.”
‘Unchained’ by SOL in collaboration with Siddartha Tytler is an olfactory experience crafted for the free-spirited, confident souls who embody the synergy between fashion and fragrance. Launched by Zaeden out of his passion for fragrances, SOL marks his first venture as an entrepreneur. The fragrance is available exclusively on SOL’s website and invites all to break free from conventions and embrace their individuality.
27, Dec 2023
Feel Alive with Sony BBC Earth: A Year of Unforgettable Premieres and Inspiring Narratives
National, December 27, 2023:
Closing an extraordinary year, Sony BBC Earth shares some key milestones of 2023. Guided by the unwavering commitment to being one of the greatest storytellers, the channel embarked on a journey that brought forth a grand visual spectacle, positive insightful storytelling, and a fresh perspective on knowledge and entertainment. Let us rewind the tape and relive the remarkable journey of Sony BBC Earth.
Key Tentpoles for the year
In March, the channel premiered ‘Dynasties II’ – a visual extravaganza narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough. This six-part program delved into the intricate social structures of charismatic animal species, conveying the powerful message that ‘family is power.’ The channel collaborated with an Indian a-cappella band for a song around the show theme ‘Legacy Must Live On’. The composition featured a-cappella renditions of animal sounds from the series’ legendary creatures. Exclusive screenings were conducted in key metros – Mumbai (Nehru Science Centre), Delhi (India Habitat Centre), and Chennai (Dakshina Chitra). A standout moment was the integration with the critically acclaimed film ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’.
In July, ‘Changing Planet’ visually explored Earth’s delicate ecosystems, showcasing innovative solutions that transcend boundaries and foster sustainability. The two-part series revealed remarkable changes in six critical territories over the past two years, featuring presenters meeting those dedicated to restoring Earth’s balance.
As we usher in the joyous season of December, Sony BBC Earth held a grand prime-time premiere of ‘Earth’, a captivating five-episode biography of our planet, narrated by Chris Packham, unfolding Earth’s epic narrative from a barren rock to a vibrant home for eight billion people.
Special Days, Special Impact
Sony BBC Earth launched a PSA campaign titled ‘Care For Earth, Care For Life’ around Earth Day. Adding a dash of quirk, the channel curated three animated short films around environmental issues such as drought, global meltdown, and plastic impact on aquatic life. The videos shed light on the current scenario of the planet through animal characters such as elephants, polar bears, and blue whales. The videos were shared by Garvita Gulati the Water Girl of India, Ann Mathew (Geeks of Green), and Ekta Chaudhary (Garden UP). Mad Over Marketing showcased the campaign idea and its narrative. It was supported with a relevant line-up of shows such as Water Brothers, Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline, Ocean Rescue, etc.
In October, the channel launched a Diwali-special property ‘The Festival Of Life’ premiering 12 shows. This curated lineup guaranteed a blend of entertainment, enlightenment, and inspiration. Broadcasted from October 16th to November 10th, the show list included Chasing Monsters Season 3 and 4, Wild Scandinavia, Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure, Dogs In The Wild, South Korea With Alexander, Vitamin Pills – Miracle Or Myth?, Horizon Hair Care Secrets, Serengeti Season 3, Alexander Armstrong In Sri Lanka, Panorama Are You Scared Yet, Human?, and Africa With Ade Adepitan.
In December, the channel curated a Christmas Special anthology titled – ‘All Things Sweet’. It featured captivating shows such as ‘Inside The Factory’, delving into the intricate processes and technology of foods and goods, ‘Inside the Chocolat’, and ‘Inside The Christmas Factory’ showcasing Britain’s largest independent chocolate maker and the fascinating processes of UK’s beloved festive treats. It also included ‘Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico’, adding a flavorful touch to the holiday cheer.
Brand IPs and Engaging Contests
In March, the channel marked its 6th anniversary by presenting viewers with an exclusive lineup of iconic shows that captured the essence of ‘Feel Alive’ over the six years. The special programming featured shows such as Planet Earth II, Blue Planet II, Seven Worlds, One Planet, A Perfect Planet, Eden – Untamed Planet, and Frozen Planet II. Additionally, the channel utilized its social media platforms by hosting viewer contests.
The ‘Earth In Focus 3’ online photography contest, celebrated the Pride of India. It encouraged photographers to narrate compelling stories through captivating images. The recently concluded contest witnessed an impressive turnout with 6,030 entries and garnered 124,490 votes. The channel had a 3-day activation with Doodle walls installed at the Phoenix Market City, Kurla. It saw participation from people of all ages and encouraged spot registrations for the contest. Further, building on the community engagement Doodle and Photography workshops were planned across two days.
Sony BBC Earth’s property ‘Earth Champions’ saw a quirky makeover with the channel showcasing the journey of real-life heroes in a rap format. The 3-minute capsules reflected the work of the changemakers. The debut episode featured ‘Mr. Jadav Payeng,’ the Forest Man of India, recognized for his selfless efforts in environmental conservation. The same featured on-air along with extensive social media promotions.
Sony BBC Earth’s 6th edition of ‘Feel Alive Hours’ concluded in 2023 along with the launch of the 7th season. As an industry first initiative, a nationwide quiz was launched in a digital format where students participated in batches of two, in senior and junior categories. The 7th season allows students to register as individual participants. Feel Alive Hours also includes school contact programme providing an immersive experience through science experiments, interactive adventures, and diverse content genres. Content-viewing sessions on science, wildlife, adventure, etc., and DIY activities to spark creativity and curiosity add to the engagement of the sessions.
On-Ground Integration and Metaverse Magic
Sony BBC Earth organised a Science Movie Festival at Nehru Science Centre in October. The 3-day fest ignited students’ passion for science, immersing them in the vast expanse of space over three days. With participation from 1000+ students across Mumbai, the event became an educational odyssey.
Blurring the lines between reality and imagination, Sony BBC Earth’s Metaverse experience offered a virtual walkthrough of two worlds – Polar regions and the Tropical rainforest at The Lil Flea (MMRDA Ground, BKC). From small kids to senior citizens, all had firsthand experience of it, leaving a lasting impact on them. The channel also extended the Metaverse experience to underprivileged children of the Udaan Foundation, making the festive season special for them.
Upcoming Premieres
As we wrap up the extraordinary journey of 2023, Sony BBC Earth, with its diverse array of stories, competitions, and on-ground engagements, stays dedicated to making people Feel Alive. Moving into 2024, January brings exciting offerings, including ‘World’s Most Dangerous Roads’ and the enchanting exploration of ‘Ancient Powers’. Delve into the depths with ‘Spy in the Ocean’, and don’t miss the Republic Day Special. Here’s to a future filled with more captivating stories and shared experiences.
27, Dec 2023
Bramhansh Technologies Triumphs as Tech Innovation Startup of the Year 2023 at Half Brick Startup Connect Event
Bangalore, India – December 27, 2023 – The vibrant energy of Bangalore’s thriving startup ecosystem reached its peak recently as The Half Brick Startup Connect Event hosted its much-anticipated award ceremony, recognizing and celebrating the most promising ventures in the region. Amidst stiff competition, Bramhansh Technologies emerged as the shining star, securing the prestigious title of TECH INNOVATION STARTUP OF THE YEAR 2023.
The Half Brick Startup Connect Event stands as a renowned platform that brings together leading entrepreneurs, potential investors, ecosystem partners, and industry leaders. The award ceremony serves not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a valuable opportunity for networking and gaining insights from experienced professionals. Bramhansh Technologies, a rising force in the startup landscape, clinched the top honor, showcasing their dedication, innovation, and commitment to making a significant impact in the tech industry.
A diverse panel of industry veterans and investors graced the event, emphasizing the depth and potential of Bangalore’s burgeoning startup scene. However, when the category “TECH INNOVATION STARTUP OF THE YEAR 2023” was announced, all eyes turned to Bramhansh Technologies. The company’s groundbreaking ideas and commitment to addressing critical needs while demonstrating social value and impactful outcomes set them apart.
Bramhansh Technologies’ victory aligns strategically with the award’s rigorous criteria, which focused on unparalleled novelty, social value, impactful outcomes, market potential, and sustainable scalability. The company not only offered a solution but presented a compelling vision for a future where technology empowers a healthier and happier society.
Jaideep Tiwari, Founder & CEO of Bramhansh Technologies, expressed gratitude and excitement while accepting the trophy alongside K. Kartik, Co-founder & COO of the company. “We are overwhelmed and deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. This recognition fuels our passion and reinforces our commitment to provide innovative solutions to treat health issues globally.”
The Half Brick Startup Connect Event is not merely a stage for individual triumphs; it embodies the collaborative spirit that thrives in Bangalore’s startup ecosystem. The event brings together mentors, investors, and entrepreneurs, fostering connections and cross-pollination of ideas.
For Bramhansh Technologies, the award represents more than just a trophy—it symbolizes an opportunity to amplify their impact and accelerate their growth. The network garnered and the validation received will empower them to attract talent, secure funding, and bring their innovative solutions to a global audience.
As The Half Brick award concluded with a resounding message, Bangalore’s startup ecosystem is a breeding ground for groundbreaking ideas and unstoppable entrepreneurs. With Bramhansh Technologies leading the charge in technological innovation, the future of Bangalore’s startup scene looks brighter than ever.
27, Dec 2023
Uno Minda unveils the durable range of commercial vehicle filters powered by Roki
National, 27th December 2023: Just like we need nostrils to breathe clean air. An automobile’s engine needs high quality filters to function properly and extract optimum performance. The engine and other costly internal components of an automobile can easily be corroded by pollutants such as dirt, dust, and other debris. The air filters act as an effective barrier against them, ensuring the engine’s and other critical components’ efficiency and longevity. However, the locally available filters not only are ineffective against small particles but also can damage costly engine components. Thus, Uno Minda, a leading Tier 1 supplier of Proprietary Automotive Solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), has introduced a promising range of automotive filters in the Indian aftermarkets for commercial vehicles, consisting of air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter. Harnessing the power of cutting-edge Japanese technology, this superior range of commercial vehicle filters is manufactured in collaboration with Roki, a Japanese leader in producing automotive filtration equipment. ROKI-UNO MINDA’s manufacturing processes meet the highest industry standards, thereby demonstrating their commitment to producing long-lasting and superior quality filters.
The latest Uno Minda car filters, which block even fine particles, improve performance and reduce wear and tear of engine components. The air filter is designed to effectively safeguard the engine against impurities, whereas the fuel filter is designed to screen out dust & dirt particles and water content from the fuel which can have adverse effects on the fuel injection & engine components. Finally, the oil filter reduces wear and tear caused by impurities in engine oil. All three filters shall work in tandem to extend engine life, reduce fuel consumption, and provide a more comfortable driving experience.
According to Mr. Anand Kumar, Head of Product & Strategy, Aftermarket Domain, Uno Minda Ltd. “We at Uno Minda, believe that commercial vehicles have a huge role in the Indian economy as they ensure timely material transportation across nations. We came in contact with a lot of commercial vehicle owners to understand their major pain points related to their vehicle. The most common problem faced by them was clogging in their vehicle’s engine which can cause damage to costly internal components. It results in the engine losing its power, consumption of more fuel, thereby emitting higher pollution as a result. This can have a significant impact on the environment as well as the road safety. Therefore, to solve this problem, we have introduced superior quality commercial filters in the aftermarket in association with Roki Japan to ensure availability of effective filter design with advanced filtration technology. In order to maximize engine performance and ensure smooth and effective operation under all driving conditions, our filters are made in controlled manufacturing facilities in India using imported advanced filtration paper. They are extensively tested for their durability and performance and we are confident that our new range of filters will not only meet or surpass customer expectations but also increase the general efficiency and lifespan of their vehicles.”
The fact that the filters are made to withstand the challenging driving conditions in India and guarantee performance that meets OEM standards makes this latest range of automotive filters from Uno Minda a class in itself. The icing on the cake is the company’s assurance that its entire line of automotive filters is available for all makes and models of commercial vehicles.
27, Dec 2023
A mega Annual Personal Finance Survey
Money9 Mega Annual Personal Finance Pulse Survey Unveils India’s Financial Dichotomy: Dreams Persist Amidst Economic Struggles
Synopsis: Money9’s annual survey, the most extensive examination of Indian households, covers more than 35,000 households across 20 states, revealing a diverse cross-section of income levels, age groups, and geographical locations. Notably, Karnataka surpasses Maharashtra in average monthly household income, reaching Rs 35,411.
New Delhi, December 27, 2023: Startling revelations from the Money9 Mega Annual Personal Finance Pulse survey shed light on the financial landscape of India. More than 22% of Indians have been forced to deplete their lifetime savings due to unexpected medical emergencies. Despite signs of economic recovery, a daunting 56% of Indian households live in constant fear of job loss.
However, amidst these challenges, India continues to dream. The survey indicates that 3% of families plan to purchase a two-wheeler or car in the next six months, while over 10% have their sights set on acquiring a smartphone within the same period.
This groundbreaking data comes from Money9’s annual Personal Finance Pulse survey, the most extensive and comprehensive examination of Indian households’ income, expenditures, standard of living, savings, investments, and future aspirations. Money9, India’s first multi-media and multi-language Personal Finance platform, is also the fastest-growing super app, and it is part of the TV9 Network, India’s premier news network.
The 2023 edition of the survey has covered more than 35,000 households across 20 states, spanning 1,170 locations and 115 districts in India. It represents a diverse cross-section of age groups, income levels, and geographical locations, encompassing both urban and rural populations. Special attention has been given to urban and suburban households.
This survey was conducted in collaboration with Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International. RTI International has a proven track record of conducting research studies for various clients, including esteemed organizations such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and the World Health Organization.
“Amidst the financial challenges revealed by the Money9 Mega Annual Personal Finance Pulse survey, the resilient spirit of India shines through. The data puts a spotlight on both the struggles and dreams of our people. As the MD and CEO of TV9 Network, India’s No.1 News Network, I see a nation unyielding in its aspirations, adapting to change, and crafting unmeasurable layers that define the complexity and richness of India’s financial landscape.” said, Mr. Barun Das, MD and CEO, TV9 Network
“Navigating the intricate threads of India’s financial narrative, I find inspiration in the resilience of our people. The Money 9 Mega Annual Personal Finance Pulse survey unravels the stories of challenges and aspirations, painting a vivid picture of our economic landscape. Through these revelations, we empower individuals with knowledge, fostering a community that dreams, adapts, and charts its course towards financial well-being,” said Anshuman Tiwari, Editor, Money9.
Post covid recovery and risks:
The survey reveals that the return of migrant labourers post-Covid has contributed to an increase in the income of India’s urban households in 2023. The average monthly income has surged by over 12% to reach Rs 25,910, up from Rs 23,000 the previous year. However, a staggering 77% of Indians still earn less than Rs 35,000 per month. The Money 9 personal finance survey’s financial security index categorizes 65% of Indian households as financially vulnerable. Alarmingly, only 30% of households reported an improvement in their financial situation in the last five years, while over 70% experienced a decline or stagnation during the same period.
Big upset in state’s ranking:
In a surprising turn of events, Karnataka has surpassed Maharashtra to claim the top spot in terms of average monthly household income. Karnataka now boasts an impressive figure of Rs 35,411, dethroning Maharashtra, which held the title in the 2022 survey.
Insurance penetration grows:
Despite the changing financial landscape, the affinity of Indians for gold and traditional bank deposits remains unwavering. Approximately 77% of Indians prefer to safeguard their hard-earned money through bank deposits, while 21% choose to invest in gold. Encouragingly, the survey indicates a positive trend in insurance penetration, with over 27% of households holding life insurance policies in 2023, up from 19% in the 2022 survey. However, a concerning 53% of households still lack health insurance coverage.
Stocks and Mutual Funds shine:
India’s burgeoning stock market is gradually making its way into the pockets of investors, with the percentage of stock market investors surging from a mere 3% to 9% compared to the previous year. Additionally, 10% of Indian families have now embraced mutual fund investments, up from 6% in 2022.
Not Just India, it is about your city:
Regional variations persist, with southern Indian cities such as Bengaluru (69%) and Thiruvananthapuram (66%) leading in gold savings. In terms of insurance penetration, Madurai (84%) claims the top spot, followed closely by Amravati (79%) and Aurangabad (76%).
Aspirations Amid Challenges:
Despite facing challenges, India continues to aspire to greater heights. The percentage of Indian households affording a luxurious lifestyle has increased from 3% in 2022 to 5% in 2023. While luxury remains concentrated primarily in metro cities, these findings underscore India’s relentless pursuit of progress.
27, Dec 2023
Universal Halwasiya Group Successfully Completes Rs. 113-Crore Open Offer of Cupid Limited
Mumbai, India, December 27, 2023: Columbia Petro Chem Private Limited (“Acquirer 1”) and Aditya Halwasiya (“Acquirer 2”), (collectively referred to as “Acquirers”) have successfully completed Rs 113-crore open offer to acquire up to 3.47 million equity shares or 26 per cent stake of Cupid Limited at ₹325 per share.
Only 367 shares were tendered by public shareholders against an Open Offer for up to 34,67,880 fully paid up equity shares.
The open offer was followed by Universal-Halwasiya Group and Family through Columbia Petro Chem Private Limited and Mr. Aditya Halwasiya, after acquiring 5.58 million shares constituting 41.84 per cent of issued and paid up capital of Cupid Limited at Rs. 285 per equity share aggregating to Rs. 159.06 crore from its outgoing promoter / promoter group, Mr. Omprakash Garg and Mrs. Veena Garg.
The Acquirers of Cupid Limited have successfully completed its Open Offer as per all relevant SEBI guidelines. The Issue opened on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 and successfully closed on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
Monarch Networth Capital Limited was the Manager to the open offer.
“Completing this open offer marks a pivotal moment for our group. It’s a testament to our team’s relentless dedication and strategic vision. We’re grateful for the trust shown by our stakeholders and excited for the opportunities this success brings. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to excellence and innovation, inspiring us to set even higher benchmarks. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this milestone and look forward to continued growth and collaboration in our journey ahead.” said Mr. Aditya Halwasiya.
