Category Archives: Business

Uber sees highest ever Intercity trips booked in 2024, buoyed by travel demand

Bangalore, December 16, 2024: Uber, India’s leading ridehailing app today released the latest edition of its ‘Intercity Ride’ index, the annual data compilation of its popular Intercity mobility product, which revealed that the year-to-date number of trips in 2024 have already surpassed last year’s highs.

In 2024, Uber recorded its highest-ever Intercity trip bookings, fueled by Indians’ increasing penchant for travel, holidays and transformative improvements in the nation’s road infrastructure. The expansive network of national highways and expressways has significantly reduced travel times, making long-distance road journeys more seamless, convenient, and appealing than ever before.

The weekend continued to be the most favoured days for Intercity travel by Indians, with Sunday leading the pack with the highest number of trips booked, followed by Saturday and Friday, respectively.

Commenting on the strong growth momentum, Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals, Uber India and South Asia said, “It’s been amazing to see how much love Uber Intercity has received this year. People are using it in so many ways – whether it’s quick getaways, family visits, or just exploring new places. We’re thrilled to be a part of their journeys and can’t wait to make road trips even more fun and hassle-free for everyone, with features such as Reserve to aid journey planning, and Round Trips to expand travel possibilities.”

Riders can book Uber Intercity round trips for up to 5 days, with the flexibility to retain their car and driver while making multiple stops along the way. To simplify travel planning, Uber offers the option to reserve rides with pre-assigned drivers and riders can book up to 90 days in advance. This not only empowers riders to organize their journeys seamlessly but also provides drivers with the ability to predict their earnings and plan their schedules more effectively. In 2024, Reserve bookings for Intercity more than doubled, underscoring the growing trust and enthusiasm for this enhanced journey planning feature.

To make travel even more convenient and affordable for Indians this December, Uber has launched its ‘Big Intercity Sale 2024’, with attractive discounts on existing prices. Safety continues to be the top priority for Uber, and the company has introduced 24×7 live support for all Intercity trips, including pre-trip and on-trip assistance.

The round trip feature was loved way more by riders for their leisure travel and visits to places of worship as they could keep the Uber with them, while one-way trips were most booked by those going to visit their families, where the date of return could be flexible.

ShemarooMe Presents The World Digital Premiere of an Unconventional Love Story—Udan Chhoo

As winter blankets the country in its chilly embrace, families find warmth in shared moments—exchanging laughter and creating lasting memories. In this spirit of togetherness, ShemarooMe, Gujarat’s leading OTT platform, is set to present the world digital premiere of Udan Chhoo on December 12th. This quirky and unconventional love story promises to be the perfect way for loved ones to relax, reconnect, and enjoy quality time at home.

Directed by Anish Shah, Udan Chhoo explores the unexpected romance and escapades of two soon to be in-laws, challenging societal norms and raising the question—can love find a second chance, no matter your age? The film follows Hasmukh Mehta, a single father on a quest to find the perfect match for his daughter, Krina. During the process, he unexpectedly reconnects with his college sweetheart, Pankor, now a successful entrepreneur. In an ironic twist of fate, Pankor is the mother of the boy Hasmukh is considering for his daughter. This coincidence transforms a traditional matchmaking into an emotional journey of rekindled romance, rediscovery, and the complexities of family dynamics. With a refreshing storyline, the movie combines humour and heartfelt moments, making it a standout in contemporary Gujarati cinema.

Featuring a talented cast, Udan Chhoo stars Deven Bhojani as Hasmukh Mehta, Prachee Shah Paandya as Pankor, along with Aarohi Patel, Aarjav Trivedi, and supporting performances by Alisha Prajapati, Naman Gor, Pratik Nanda, and Sohni Bhatt. The stellar performances bring the story to life, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages.

Deven Bhojani, who plays Hasmukh, shared his excitement about the film’s digital release: “Udan Chhoo has been an extraordinary journey for me as an artist. Hasmukh is a wonderfully layered character, mixing humor, vulnerability, and deep emotion. It’s rare to find a role that allows you to explore so many dimensions. Working with Anish Shah, who brings such a fresh and genuine vision, has been an absolute joy. The way the film balances nostalgia with modernity makes it relatable across generations. I’m excited that with the film’s world digital premiere on ShemarooMe, even more people will experience this beautiful story, and I truly hope it finds a special place in the hearts of families everywhere.”

Prachee Shah Paandya, added: “Udan Chhoo is a celebration of relationships and second chances, delivered through a lens of humor and warmth. It’s a film that breaks barriers and explores relationships in a refreshing and meaningful way. Playing Pankor in the film has been so fulfilling. She is a strong and inspiring character who has built her own legacy despite life’s challenges. Bringing her emotional journey and love story to life was both challenging and rewarding. I believe the film will captivate viewers and leave a lasting impression.”

DKMS Achieves Milestone with First Allogeneic Transplantation of Cryopreserved Non-Directed Stem Cells

December 16, 2024 – The international non-profit organization DKMS has set itself the goal of giving people with blood cancer a second chance at life – and doing so even faster. For this, it has built a new and efficient infrastructure for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: at the center is the DKMS Stem Cell Bank, where surplus adult stem cells are cryopreserved and stored as Adult Donor Cryopreserved Units (ADCUs). These ADCUs are then made available for patients and transplantation centers worldwide for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. One year after the first ADCU was stored, the first patient was able to benefit from one of these cryopreserved donations.

Every 27 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with a blood cancer or a blood disorder. Despite the growing donor pool, transplantation centers are still facing challenges: the search for an unrelated donor until the subsequent transplantation is a race against time. And even after an initial treatment, a further transplant may be needed, requiring another donation. A second donation is not a single case. Generally, about one in 30 donors donates stem cells for a second time, mostly for the same patient.

In either case – the faster a suitable donor is identified and the faster the hematopoietic stem cells reach the patient, the better the chance of survival. But even when a match is found, it can take up to 12 weeks before a transplantation takes place. This urgent need was the initial motivation for extending activities to process and store Adult Donor Cryopreserved Units (ADCUs). These ADCUs should be accessible to transplantation centers and patients more quickly. If a suitable ADCU is already stored at the DKMS Stem Cell Bank, recipients will benefit from a full availability within a few days.

First ADCU transplantation

The first transplantation of such an ADCU from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank showed that this is not just theory. The patient received this ADCU as a stem cell boost. The stem cell unit used was cryopreserved and stored at the time of the first transplantation. That the cells have already been available in the DKMS Stem Cell Bank had many advantages: the confirmatory typing and preliminary examination of the donor material had already been carried out, only a few days passed between the request and the transplantation, the shipment was extremely fast and the donation arrived at the transplantation center in the appropriate quality. As a result, the patient received the stem cell boost he needed as soon as possible. At the same time, the donor did not have to undergo the mobilization and apheresis process again, since a second donation was not necessary – two stem cell grafts were obtained from a single collection, and both have now been used.

The first milestone on the journey of the ADCUs has thus been reached. “The whole team in Dresden was very happy about this first stem cell transplantation from the DKMS Stem Cell Bank. The delivery process from the cryotank to the patient and the transplantation went smoothly, but now we have to keep our fingers crossed. We truly hope that the treatment will now have the desired effect,” said Dr. Alexander Platz, Medical Director of the DKMS Stem Cell Bank.

Two stem cell grafts from a single collection

To date, the ADCU approach is worldwide unique, uncomplicated and ethically acceptable towards the donors, thus making a significant contribution to the further development of stem cell transplantation. The goal of this innovative approach is to provide two stem cell grafts with one donation:

• directed donation to a patient in immediate need of a stem cell transplant (PBSC)

• non-directed ADCU for future immediate availability for any patient

ADCUs therefore play an important role, especially for patients with urgent needs, since their use significantly shortens the time to transplantation. For cryopreserved stem cells, the time from initial consultation to transport to the clinic is typically no more than three days. Even if the initial donor is not available at short notice, ADCUs can be an alternative. “This is another important milestone in our lifesaving mission, we are thus significantly increasing the chances of survival for patients in urgent need of a transplant,” said Dr. Elke Neujahr, Global CEO of DKMS Group gGmbH.

At the moment, 100 ADCUs are already stored at the DKMS Stem Cell Bank in Dresden and can be requested by transplantation centers through the DKMS Registry. They are also listed in the database of the Central Bone Marrow Donor Registry Germany (ZKRD) and can be requested by transplantation centers there as well. DKMS is now working on to gradually increase the number of ADCUs and rapidly build up the inventory. The available ADCUs guarantee a one hundred percent availability to be faster in the race against blood cancer in the future.

The DKMS Life Science Lab, the Clinical Trials Unit, the DKMS Collection Center and the Collaborative Biobank are further facilities that contribute to research and development in the field of stem cell donation in the science hub of Dresden, Germany.

In this case, the DKMS does not disclose any further information in order to maintain anonymity. Patients should be given the opportunity to fully concentrate on themselves and their recovery during this physically and mentally difficult time. Only after a two-year period and with the consent of both parties can anonymity be rescinded.

New Season of Chilean Cherries in India

The much-awaited season of Chilean cherries has arrived, bringing the freshest and most delicious cherries to Indian markets. Known for their vibrant red colour, unmatched sweetness, and juiciness, Chilean cherries are the perfect fruit for the festive and winter months.

Chile, the world’s leading exporter of cherries, is celebrating another fruitful season and availability of Chilean cherries in India NewSeasonFreshArrivals!

Whether enjoyed as a healthy snack, a festive gift, or an ingredient in recipes, Chilean cherries promise to bring a burst of flavour and joy to every occasion.

Mr. Sumit Saran, In-Country Market Representative of Chilean Cherries, said, this season offers Indian consumers the opportunity to experience the unmatched quality of Chilean cherries. Through various promotional activities and campaigns, we aim to showcase their taste and versatility as the perfect snacking option.

Chile, a country in South America, is one of the largest producers of premium quality of cherries in the world.

Chilean cherries will be available across India for the next two months, and can be bought easily from any fruit store or any e-commerce platform.

Mahindra Integrates Dolby Atmos into Electric Origin SUVs BE 6 and XEV 9e for Premium Audio Experience

16 December 2024: Mahindra and Dolby Laboratories, a leader in immersive entertainment experiences, announced that Mahindra will integrate Dolby Atmos® in its Electric Origin SUVs – BE 6 and XEV 9e. This groundbreaking collaboration between the two brands has set a new milestone making Mahindra the first Indian automaker to bring Dolby Atmos to its Electric Origin SUVs.

Consumers will be able to experience their favourite songs in Dolby Atmos through Gaana, integrated into the infotainment system on the BE 6 and XEV 9e. Dolby Atmos will deliver an unparalleled auditory journey within the confines of the BE 6 and XEV 9e, equating the experience into a sonic studio experience. This collaboration will set a new benchmark for contemporary in-car entertainment experiences among Indian auto makers.

Dolby Atmos is a new way to create and experience entertainment that delivers artistic expression at its fullest capacity, immersing listeners in the content they love and forging a deeper connection between creators and their fans. In the car, entertainment in Dolby Atmos goes beyond the ordinary listening experience, revealing details with unparalleled clarity and depth. For consumers, it unlocks new levels of emotion for them to enjoy their music, podcasts, movies, and more. Dolby Atmos can turn just about every vehicle into a space where drivers and passengers get even more out of their favorite entertainment.

Karan Grover, Senior Director, Commercial Partnerships – IMEA, Dolby Laboratories said, “We are excited about the possibilities that our collaboration with Mahindra can bring for customers in India. Dolby Atmos in Mahindra’s Electric Origin SUVs – BE 6 & XEV 9e, will take the car journey to an entirely new level by transforming the interior cabin into an entertainment space that brings consumers closer to the content they love. With Dolby Atmos, every ride will be an extraordinary experience that complements the unlimited potential of the Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e.”

R Velusamy, President – Automotive Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Joint Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited said, “The BE 6 and XEV 9e embody Mahindra’s vision of delivering extraordinary experiences across every aspect of driving. By integrating Dolby Atmos, we are setting a new benchmark for in-car entertainment, ensuring that every journey is not only seamless but also truly immersive.”

BE 6 and XEV 9e boast 16 Harman Kardon speakers, which comes as standard with the vehicles. The speakers next to front seats are three-way speakers designed with a tweeter, mid-range, and a woofer. The centre is Harman’s patented Unity Speaker design and rear surround speakers are high fidelity mid-range. There is also a subwoofer and two speaker drivers in the ceiling which will help deliver an exceptional in-cabin audio experience with Dolby Atmos.

The Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e will offer a premium SUV experience that caters to those who demand the finest in every aspect of their lives. This aligns with Dolby’s vision of providing the best-in-class entertainment experiences for consumers. Together, with Mahindra, Dolby is set to redefine the future of in-car entertainment by allowing creators to place and move sounds all around listeners, unlocking new levels of emotion and filling the car cabin with greater details, clarity, and sound separation.

Go Colors Partners with Zepto for 10-Minute Deliveries

The Fastest Fashion Fix Ever: Go Colors Partners with Zepto for 10-Minute Deliveries

Get ready to level up your everyday glam in just 10 minutes!

Go Colors, the premium brand for bottom wear in India has joined forces with Zepto, the 10-minute delivery powerhouse, to revolutionize the way customers shop for fashion. Together, they’re delivering quality bottom wear to your doorstep in just 10 minutes, offering a shopping experience that’s quicker and more seamless.

Renowned for providing chic bottomwear in an array of sizes and hues across multiple categories, Go Colors boasts a wide offline footprint with more than 750 stores across 170+ cities in India. Having expanded extensively in the offline space, Go Colors is now vying for the fast-growing quick commerce sector through its partnership with Zepto and is currently available across Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The brand has decided to deliver a collection of leggings and churidars quickly, to perfectly complement your everyday attire.

“At Go Colors, we strive to bring unmatched convenience to our customers. By merging Go Colors’ trendsetting bottomwear with Zepto’s lightning-fast delivery, we aim to fix the hassle of last-minute wardrobe choices,” said Mr Gautam Saraogi, Founder and CEO of Go Colors. He further added, “We are excited to team up with Zepto to bring Go Colors’ fashion forward and comfortable bottomwear closer to millions of shoppers across India. This will facilitate us to make fashion more accessible than ever before.” stated Mr. Saraogi.

“At Zepto, we are honoured to team up with India’s top bottom-wear brand, Go Colors. This strategic partnership strives to bridge a significant selection gap in the women’s bottomwear category on quick commerce, delivering shoppers with quick access to a wide range of styles. Aligning with Go Colors will contribute to Zepto’s evolution in the women’s fashion sector,” stated Chandan Mendiratta, Chief Brand Officer, Zepto.

The India International Industrial Expo 2024 Concludes

Kochi, December 16, 2024: The India International Industrial Expo 2024, a premier industrial gathering aimed at driving collaboration, at the KINFRA International Exhibition Centre, Kakkanad, Kochi concluded. The three-day expo was organized by the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) and Metro Mart. The expo, which attracted nearly 10,000 visitors, featured 300 stalls and seminars covering relevant topics. The second edition of the Industrial expo is scheduled on January 2026.

The morning session featured a Symposium on Financial Assistance and MSME Schemes, inaugurated by K.N. Balagopal, the Minister for Finance.

“Kerala is witnessing extraordinary growth in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, and events like this expo are a testament to that progress,” said Minister during his inaugural speech of the symposium. “Economic development can only be achieved with increased focus on industry and trade. Additionally, changes in the banking sector are anticipated to align with these advancements, he added.

“It’s inspiring to see young entrepreneurs venturing into business. Organizing such exhibitions more frequently will undoubtedly create opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive and make a meaningful impact”, said UMA Thomas MLA, Thrikkakkara inaugurating the valedictory function. The MLA presented an honor to Radhamani Pillai, the Chairperson of Thrikkakkara Municipality.

The expo was conducted in association with the Kerala Government’s Department of Industries, KINFRA, KSIDC, and the Central MSME Ministry. The expo brought together over 300 prominent machinery manufacturers from India and abroad, offering a platform for exhibitors to showcase their cutting-edge products and services. Aspiring entrepreneurs had the opportunities to network with machinery manufacturers, while help desks of many banks were present to provide necessary financial assistance.

V. Prasad, Deputy General Manager, KFC, U.C. Lachithamol, Asst. Director MSME DI, Thrissur, Jiju Mohan, Chief Manager -SBI, took presentations. KSSIA members, entrepreneurs and exhibitors participated in the symposium.

Nizarudeen, State President-KSSIA, K.P. Ramachandran Nair Chairman-IIIE 2024, Joseph Paikada, General Secretary-KSSIA, P.A. Najeeb, General Manager, DIC-Ernakulam, Sajith Kumar K, General Manager, DIC-Kasaragod, P J Jose, A V Sunil Nath, and A. Fasiludeen State Vice Presidents -KSSIA, B. Jayakrishnan, Treasurer- KSSIA, M. M Mujeeb Rahman, Joint Secretary- KSSIA, Siji Nair, CEO- I.I.I.E 2024, Damodar Avanoor, Former State President -KSSIA, and S. Salim, News Chief Editor- KSSIA attended the valedictory function.

UltraTech boosts sustainable transport by leveraging inland waterways

Mumbai, 16th December 2024: UltraTech Cement Limited, India’s largest cement and ready-mix concrete company, is leveraging inland waterways to transport a large consignment of mineral gypsum via National Waterway 1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system) in a pilot project. UltraTech is the first cement company in India to leverage National Waterway 1 for gypsum transport at scale.

This pilot movement was flagged off by the Hon’ble Minister of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal at G.R. Jetty, Kolkata today. UltraTech’s participation in the pilot was supported by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). The consignment is being shipped from Haldia port in West Bengal to Gaighat terminal in Patna, Bihar and is being transported to Pataliputra Cement Works, UltraTech’s cement grinding unit located in Patna district, Bihar.

Use of inland waterways over roadways and railways will result in significant carbon emissions reduction. It will also help decongest roads and rail routes. UltraTech’s participation in the pilot provides a boost to the Government of India’s (GoI) efforts to promote use of inland waterways in the country. The project has been enabled by the GoI’s revised Cargo Movement policy, in line with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Mr. K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Limited, said, “Emerging and innovative transport solutions are a key lever in UltraTech’s shift towards sustainable logistics practices. Through this pilot, we are proud to partner the Government of India in promoting use of inland waterways in line with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The pilot movement over National Waterway 1 underscores UltraTech’s commitment to green logistics as an enabler to realise its Net Zero goal by 2050.”

In April 2023, UltraTech leveraged inland and coastal waterways to transport 57,000 metric tonnes of phosphogypsum from Paradeep port in Odisha to UltraTech’s integrated manufacturing unit Gujarat Cement Works located in Amreli, Gujarat, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. Guided by its Sustainable Supply Chain Framework, UltraTech aims to cultivate a resilient supply chain that supports its business and mitigates risks.

BEOX Professional Makes its Mark in India with Premium Hair care Products

BEOX Professional, a renowned Brazilian brand in the hair care industry, is thrilled to announce its launch in India, bringing its premium range of salon-quality products to one of the world’s most vibrant beauty markets. By seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with natural ingredients, BEOX Professional offers innovative solutions designed to meet the diverse requirements of various hair types, making it the preferred choice for hairstylists and beauty enthusiasts worldwide.

The debut in India highlights the cultural warmth and similarities between Brazil and India, such as shared values of celebration and beauty. Both nations boast rich traditions, diverse identities, and vibrant communities, making this launch a natural fit. BEOX sees this launch as an opportunity to build connections that foster mutual growth, reflecting the potential for collaboration between two flourishing markets.

The brand’s portfolio spans colouring, treatments, smoothening, curls, finishing, home care, and specialized products for blonde hair. Designed to address concerns like frizz control and nourishment, these solutions combine quality and sustainability to empower individuals with radiant, healthy hair.

Speaking about the launch, the head of Beox India, Mr. Huzaifa Mandsaurwala said “We are thrilled to bring BEOX Professional to India, a market that deeply values innovation and quality in hair care. As a brand recognized globally for its commitment to excellence, we are excited to offer Indian consumers and professionals access to our premium range of products. With solutions tailored to diverse hair needs, we look forward to empowering individuals across India to achieve healthier, more radiant hair while upholding sustainable practices.”

BEOX Professional not only addresses the needs of salon professionals but also provides individuals with eco-conscious, high-performance products. By prioritizing sustainable practices in product development and manufacturing, the brand aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible hair care solutions.

Experience the perfect harmony of innovation and nature with BEOX Professional, now available in India. Crafted for all hair types, these salon-quality products ensure flawless results every time, helping you embrace the confidence of healthy, radiant hair.