Category Archives: Business

ICICI Bank and Times Internet jointly launch a super-premium credit card

Mumbai: ICICI Bank and Times Internet, a digital arm of The Times of India Group, today announced the launch of a super-premium co-branded metal credit card. Powered by Visa, the ‘Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card’ provides exceptional experiences, travel benefits, luxury lifestyle services and curated privileges designed to cater to the tastes of high-net-worth individuals. Adding to its uniqueness, the inaugural cards are crafted with metal infused with historic printing plates of The Times of India, symbolising a blend of legacy and innovation.

The exclusive co-branded card offers seamless and efficient travel experiences like visa services at home, unlimited access to lounges at over 1,300 international airports, stays at luxurious hotel/resort, airport transfers, exclusive access to ‘The Quorum Club’ and lifestyle management services by CribLife.

Cardholders earn 2.5% reward points on international spends and 2% on domestic expenditures. They also receive exclusive entry to marquee events organised by The Times Group including Times Lit Fest, ET Startup Awards, ET Conversations, Art Soiree and more.

Mr. Rakesh Jha, Executive Director, ICICI Bank, said, “We are delighted to partner with Times Internet and Visa to launch the ‘Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card’. This aligns with our customer-centric approach and commitment to introduce compelling propositions that resonate with the refined tastes and preferences of our customers. We offer a wide range of credit cards designed to cater to diverse customer needs, including travel, e-commerce, and lifestyle preferences. We believe this new credit card is going to play an important role in the overall personal banking experience offered by ICICI Bank to its customers.”

Mr. Satyan Gajwani, Vice Chairman, Times Internet, added, “The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card is a testament to the shared vision of leading brands coming together to redefine luxury for India’s affluent segment. Combining ICICI Bank’s experience in financial services and Visa’s global payments expertise with Times Internet’s deep understanding of premium lifestyles, this card offers unparalleled experiences. Its distinctive metal design, crafted from historic Times of India printing plates, reflects our commitment to both innovation and tradition.”

Mr. Sandeep Ghosh, Group Country Manager, India and South Asia, Visa, shared, “Visa’s partnership with Times Internet and ICICI Bank to co-create The Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, combines our global payments expertise with our partners’ insightful understanding of consumer behaviour – especially, the ambitious affluent. Together, we have designed a unique card, offering elevated payment experiences and distinctive value propositions for ‘India’s influential’ who value time and premiumization.”

Below are some of the major benefits of the ‘Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card’:

Key benefits:

· Travel visa benefits: Enjoy biometric services for visa at home, waiver on visa fees, lounge access, and concierge services.

· Luxury stays: Experience a complimentary stay at a luxury resort.

· Special access to The Quorum Club: Receive discounts on dining and membership, along with access to exclusive events and co-working space at the club.

· Dining & food delivery: Get a complimentary annual membership of a leading food delivery partner.

Milestone benefits:

· Air mobility: Choose between helicopter rides or airport transfers by luxury sedans.

· Gift card: Receive a gift card worth ₹10,000 from a leading e-commerce brand.

· One-night luxury stay: Enjoy a complimentary one-night stay worth ₹20,000 in a luxurious resort.

· Annual fee waiver: Benefit from an annual fee waiver upon reaching a specified spending milestone.

Other benefits:

· Unlimited domestic & international lounge access: Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.

· Lifestyle management services: Enjoy services like securing reservations at a well-known restaurant, obtaining concert tickets or enhancing everyday experiences.

· Foreign currency mark-up: Benefit from a low mark-up of 1.49% on international transactions.

· Exclusive offers: Enjoy special offers and discounts at premium retailers, luxury brands, and fine dining establishments, both online and at merchant outlets.

Reward points:

· Reward points on all transactions: Earn 2% reward points on domestic transactions and 2.5% reward points on international spends.

Amaravati, Guntur and Vijaywada emerge as new residential favourites in South India in 2024

New Delhi, Dec 19, 2024: According to Magicbricks, India’s leading real estate portal, Amaravati, Guntur and Vijaywada are emerging as the new residential favourites in South India in 2024.

Based on the preferences of over 2 crore customers on the platform, Amaravati (49.10% YoY), Guntur (38.27% YoY) and Vijaywada (31.95% YoY) enjoyed increased searches (demand). At the same time, due to high uptick, residential supply (listings) in Guntur ( -22.57% YoY), Amaravati (-6.7% YoY) and Vijayavada ( -18.46% YoY) reduced.

Due to demand and supply mismatch, residential prices increased substantially in these markets. Average residential prices in Vijayawada increased 20.06% YoY to reach INR 5759 psf in Q3 (Jul-Sep 2024). Average residential prices in Guntur increased 3.27% YoY to INR 4962 psf and in Amaravati it increased 3.29% YoY to INR 4470 psf shared the portal.

Flyzy Partners with Adani Digital Labs to Enhance Dutyfree and Pranam Service for Corporate Travellers

19th December 2024, New Delhi: Flyzy, one of India’s leading travel-tech platforms has announced an exciting partnership with Adani Digital Labs, a subsidiary of the Adani Group. This strategic collaboration enables Flyzy customers to conveniently purchase duty-free items and avail Adani Pranaam services directly through the Flyzy’s dashboard. The integration is now live, offering Flyzy users the ease of accessing these premium Adani services from their devices.

The signature Pranaam meet and greet services by Adani Digital Labs are designed to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience, addressing key pain points for modern travellers.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Deepak Meena, co-founder & CEO, Flyzy shares, “We at Flyzy are always thinking of solutions that will streamline travel experience for our users. This partnership with Adani Digital Labs is also a step in that direction. Airport travel is all about convenience today and not many companies address the pain points of the travellers. By integrating Adani services with Flyzy dashboard we aim to make airport travel smoother for millions of our users.”

 Flyzy has disrupted the traditional B2B travel industry by redefining travel operations for its clients by ensuring transparency, profitability, and scalability. This collaboration reinforces Flyzy’s commitment to redefining travel experiences by leveraging technology and innovation to provide convenience and value to its users.

Federal Bank Expands Commercial Rooftop Solar Financing for MSMEs in Partnership with Ecofy

New Delhi, 18 December 2024: Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector Bank has announced a partnership with Ecofy, India’s first green-only NBFC, backed by Eversource Capital, to offer innovative financing solutions for MSMEs investing in commercial rooftop solar installations. This collaboration marks one of the first comprehensive co-lending partnerships specifically designed to address the unique solar financing needs of the MSME sector.

The program targets financing 3,600 kW of rooftop solar installations annually, benefiting numerous MSMEs while cutting over 2,500 tons of CO2 emissions each year—accelerating decarbonisation and fostering sustainable growth. Most manufacturing MSMEs predominantly use electricity during daylight hours, making rooftop solar an ideal solution. However, financial constraints have traditionally hindered their transition to renewable energy, with many institutions either reluctant to lend or offering loans at prohibitively high interest rates.

Shalini Warrier, Executive Director at Federal Bank commented, “This collaboration with Ecofy represents our commitment to supporting sustainable business practices. By offering accessible financing for commercial rooftop solar equipment, we are empowering MSMEs to reduce electricity costs while at the same time contributing meaningfully to India’s climate goals”

Commenting on this alliance, Rajashree Nambiar, Co-founder, Managing Director & CEO at Ecofy said, “The MSME sector represents a critical segment in India’s economic landscape, yet there are significant challenges in adopting sustainable energy solutions. Our partnership with Federal Bank is strategically designed to unlock financing opportunities for solar installations in the 20-200 KW range, which has historically been a challenging lending whitespace for financial institutions.”

The co-lending arrangement of Federal Bank with Ecofy for funding Rooftop solar installations is augmenting Bank’s commitment to support the green initiatives by businesses/industries in line with the vision of the decarbonization that is resonating across the country and the globe.

Federal Bank through its various business verticals is providing finance to support the growing MSME sector of the country. MSME loans contribute more than 20% of the total loan book of the Bank. The Bank also has a specific green loan scheme to fund solar and other green initiatives for Business Banking customers.

Ecofy brings extensive expertise to this partnership, having made remarkable strides in solarizing residential and commercial rooftops over the past 24 months. Partnering with leading OEMs like Tata Power, Waaree, Luminous, and Mahindra Solarize, Ecofy currently works with over 1,000 EPC partners, driving impactful green energy solutions.

LEAD Group Launches ‘Pinnacle,’ Aiming to Reach 60,000+ High-Fee Schools and 35 Million Students

Mumbai, December 18, 2024: LEAD Group, India’s leading School Edtech pioneer, today announced the launch of Pinnacle — a first-of-its-kind, modern curriculum solution that combines deeply researched curriculum, pedagogy and content — to address the unmet needs of more than 60,000 high-fee schools across India. Pinnacle brings the much needed innovation and academic excellence that India’s high-fee schools are seeking beyond regular curricula. Pinnacle not only combines deeply researched, NCF-aligned curriculum, pedagogy and content, but also blends AI and other advanced education technologies to enable a truly multi-modal, personalised and adaptive learning experience for students. Over the next 3 years, Pinnacle is expected to contribute 40% of LEAD Group’s total revenue, underscoring its importance in the company’s growth strategy.

Parental spend in the high-fee school segment is projected to reach Rs. 4,300 billion by 2030, reflecting a growing demand for quality education. Pinnacle’s deeply researched solutions will meet this rising parental demand for propulsive education.

Sumeet Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder, LEAD Group, said, “Designed and developed in India, Pinnacle is built on more than two years of research and insights from collaborations with schools nationwide. It addresses the long-unfulfilled needs of progressive Indian schools by offering a modern curriculum solution that builds on the best in curriculum, pedagogy and technology, and is fully aligned with NCF 2023. This is a first in school education in India and marks a significant shift from traditional approaches that have primarily focused on books, or standalone software or smart classroom content. We are building an education brand that is made in India and is the best in the world!”

Pinnacle’s flagship innovation, the TECHBOOK, introduces India’s first AI-enabled intelligent books, personalising learning through data-driven insights and AR-enhanced experiences to boost student learning outcomes. Pinnacle also includes Code.AI, a project-based coding and AI program with a free coding platform designed to nurture technology creators and innovators. The TECHBOOK and Code.AI build on Pinnacle’s Textbook series that leverages world-renowned pedagogies for deeper conceptual understanding Pinnacle also includes ACADEMIA for AI-powered assessments and teacher training for schools; and Pinnacle+ for comprehensive school support, including curriculum integration and infrastructure upgrades.

Pinnacle by LEAD Group meets the growing demand for innovation and integration in progressive Indian schools striving to distinguish themselves. It empowers schools to streamline operations while maintaining the highest standards of learning.

LyfeIndex Launches as the World’s First Digital Platform to Preserve Family Legacies

New Delhi, 18th December 2024 – LyfeIndex launches, the world’s first and only innovative platform that aims to honour the lives of departed loved ones by providing lasting digital space for writing and sharing memorials.

Founded by visionary entrepreneur Mr. Manoj Swarup on September 2, 2019, in London, LyfeIndex was born from a personal mission to help individuals and families preserve their legacies and memories. Today, the platform has rapidly evolved into a digital archiving solution with 10,000+ users globally, allowing people worldwide to create interactive, lasting memorials for their loved ones.

The platform allows users to create beautiful memorials for their deceased family and friends. One can create individual profiles that serve as digital tributes, containing important details such as their biography, photographs and significant milestones. This enables users to build a comprehensive narrative, that truly captures the essence and legacy of their loved ones.

LyfeIndex was created with a simple yet profound belief — every life tells a unique story that deserves to be remembered. The platform offers a comprehensive, interactive digital space where memories transcend geographic boundaries, enabling families to create lasting memories for their loved ones.

Commenting on the same belief, Mr. Manoj Swarup, Founder and Innovator at LyfeIndex expressed, stating, “Every life is a unique story that deserves to be remembered. Our platform provides families and individuals the tools they need to ensure that their stories are immortalized, transcending the boundaries of time and geography. We are incredibly proud of the journey we’ve undertaken so far and excited to continue growing LyfeIndex into a global platform that connects people through the power of memory and legacy.”

LyfeIndex differentiates itself by offering a range of features designed to provide users with the most comprehensive digital memorialization experience. The platform is designed with an optimised, easy-to-use interface, accessible – anytime, anywhere across the world, regardless of technological expertise. One can create, update and view memorials on the go through their smartphones and tablets, ensuring that one can honour their loved ones whenever inspiration strikes.

Key highlights include:

• Genealogy tracing capabilities: Helping individuals trace their family history with ease.
• GDPR-compliant data security: Ensuring that all personal data and information remain protected with the highest privacy standards.
• Global accessibility: Enabling families across the globe to create and share memories.
• Interactive memorialization: Allowing users to create dynamic, personalized memorials that evolve with time.

The company has already secured $100K in funding during its initial round and is poised for rapid expansion. With a growing team of 15 employees, LyfeIndex’s future is bright, with plans for a global user base expansion, enhanced brand awareness, and continued technological innovation.

LyfeIndex is not just a technological platform — it is a cultural movement. It empowers individuals and families to preserve their heritage, ensuring that the stories of past generations are not lost to time. The company is actively exploring partnerships with genealogy organizations, cultural institutions, educational platforms, and historical research centers to expand its impact globally.

LyfeIndex is on a mission to become the global standard for digital remembrance. As the company looks to the future, it is committed to reshaping the way societies document and celebrate individual narratives. Through the fusion of technology and emotional intelligence, LyfeIndex is setting new standards for how we remember, honour, and share the stories that define our lives.

Hyatt India Partners with Bollywood Star Vaani Kapoor to Launch Official Instagram Page

INDIA, December 18, 2024 –Hyatt India today announced the launch of it`s official Instagram handle @hyatt.india.swa in collaboration with Bollywood star Vaani Kapoor. This new platform invites followers to experience the World of Hyatt India, showcasing its distinctive blend of warm hospitality, exceptional service, and authentic, tailored experiences that celebrate the individuality of each guest.

Through this collaboration, Hyatt India Instagram page will feature a series of captivating brand films and exclusive content, highlighting Hyatt’s unwavering commitment to care and exceptional hospitality. The #HyattCelebratesYou truly epitomises how Hyatt makes every stay memorable.

Starring Vaani Kapoor, the launch features a teaser and 6 episodes that reflect the brand’s dedication to celebrating its guests and crafting unforgettable experiences. The episodes will take consumers on a journey inside Hyatt where one can see `The Art of Anticipation`, `Going Above and Beyond`, `Care straight from the Heart`, `Making every moment Delightful` and more that really shows how deeply Hyatt cares for all its guests.

“We are excited to launch our official Hyatt India Instagram page, elevating the luxury hospitality experience on social media. This platform will showcase more than just our stunning properties and exceptional service – it reflects our purpose-driven approach to hospitality, where we focus on caring for people so they can be their best. #HyattCelebratesYou is rooted in the principle of really knowing our guests, anticipating their needs and crafting bespoke experiences that truly resonate with our guests. We’re delighted to have Vaani Kapoor join us in bringing her elegance and warmth to this journey.” said Deepa Krishnan, Head of Marketing, India and Southwest Asia, Hyatt.

“”I’m thrilled to collaborate with Hyatt India on this exciting journey. Their commitment to personalised care and celebrating each guest’s uniqueness resonates with me. I look forward to sharing my personal experiences and favorite moments from my time with Hyatt, offering my followers an exclusive look into the World of Hyatt.” said Vaani Kapoor.

“Incredibly proud to partner Hyatt India for the launch of their corporate Instagram page. Leveraging our deep experience as a leading agency for the hospitality sector, our talented team at @Lintas Live conceptualised an engaging launch campaign – ‘Hyatt Celebrates You’. At the center of the concept is the ethos of making every customer experience special and truly brings to life the virtues of warmth and care that Hyatt stands for.” said Ameer Ismail, President Lintas Live -div. of Mullen Lowe Lintas Group.

To experience the ultimate in luxury hospitality and get a glimpse into Hyatt in India, follow @hyatt.india.swa on Instagram. Join the conversation using #HyattCelebratesYou and discover the authentic experiences at Hyatt India’s properties. We look forward to welcoming and celebrating you at Hyatt.

Mobec Kicks Off PledgeForChange Campaign This New Year to Promote EV Adoption and Green Initiatives

New Delhi, 17th December 2024: Mobec, leading EV charging solutions’ provider, has launched its #PledgeForChange campaign, a transformative initiative aimed at accelerating EV adoption, sustainability, and circular economy practices in 2025. The campaign aligns with the Delhi Government’s recent extension of its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy until March 2025, a move that reaffirms the city’s commitment to reducing air pollution and promoting clean transportation.

Mobec strongly supports this policy extension, recognising it as a vital step toward a cleaner and greener future. The #PledgeForChange campaign reflects Mobec’s dedication to addressing the EV ecosystem’s challenges and enhancing sustainable mobility solutions.

In the past year, Mobec has spearheaded multiple initiatives to revolutionise the EV sector. The company launched portable, fast-charging solutions, eliminating EV range anxiety and making charging accessible across diverse regions. Mobec also introduced large-scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS), offering energy efficiency beyond EVs for broader applications.

To minimise waste, Mobec implemented its Battery Second Life programme, refurbishing used EV batteries for less demanding applications. Additionally, advanced Black Mass Reduction techniques allowed Mobec to recycle batteries into reusable raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, contributing to the circular economy. By prioritising recyclable materials, Mobec significantly reduced mining dependency and environmental pollution.

Future Commitments
Under #PledgeForChange, Mobec is expanding efforts in key areas to further sustainability:

• Circular Economy: Increasing the use of recycled materials in production to reduce resource depletion.
• Advanced Recycling: Scaling black mass recycling operations to recover valuable metals and lower the environmental impact.
• AI Integration: Using artificial intelligence to optimise recycling processes and improve efficiency.
• EV Infrastructure: Introducing innovative charging and storage solutions aligned with the government’s sustainability goals.

While the EV sector has seen notable advancements, including record EV sales and improved infrastructure, significant challenges remain in scaling infrastructure and achieving cost efficiency. Mobec’s initiatives align with India’s 2030 sustainability goals, including 30% EV penetration, net-zero carbon emissions in transportation, and reduced air pollution in urban areas.

Harry Bajaj, CEO and Founder of Mobec, expressed enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, “The extension of the Delhi EV Policy is a demonstration to the government’s dedication to sustainability. At Mobec, we believe collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers is essential for a truly green future. The #PledgeForChange campaign embodies our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

Mobec’s #PledgeForChange campaign is an invitation for individuals, businesses, and policymakers to unite for a sustainable tomorrow. By advocating for circular economy practices, investing in cutting-edge recycling, and fostering EV adoption, Mobec aims to transform India’s mobility sector.

IMFA Partners with JSW Green Energy in Strategic Joint Venture

Bhubaneswar, December 17th, 2024: Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA), the country’s leading fully integrated producer of ferro chrome, announced a joint venture with JSW Green Energy to source renewable energy for its smelting operations. IMFA has signed a binding term sheet with JSW Green Energy One Ltd and JSW Green Energy Seven Ltd, and will invest Rs 83.26 crores in a hybrid project that combines 50 MW AC solar and 100 MW wind for a total contracted capacity of 70 MW. The Company will subsequently sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) as a captive consumer which will be valid for 25 years.

Mr Binoy Agarwalla, Vice President & Head – Power Business Unit said: “As a pioneer in the ferro alloys industry with backward integration into captive power, renewable energy is a key aspect of reducing our carbon footprint. By combining solar and wind power, we are taking a proactive step towards a green future and aligning with the global trend of sustainability.”

IMFA is putting up a 100,000 tonnes per annum greenfield facility at Kalinganagar, Odisha to augment its ferro chrome production in line with increasing demand.

India’s Exports Show Strong 9.6% Growth in November 2024, Maintaining Momentum Amid Global Instability: PHDCCI

India’s total exports accelerated to USD 67.7 billion in November 2024 from USD 61.8 billion in November 2023, registering a 9.6% growth. This robust growth is driven by a double digit growth in exports of electronic goods, engineering goods, rice, and marine products, said Shri Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI, in a press statement issued here today.

On cumulative basis, India’s overall exports registers a 7.6% increase from USD 498.3 billion in April-November 2023 to USD 536.2 billion in April-November 2024. This growth in exports is driven by strong year-on-year growth in services exports by 14.5% during the same period, said Shri Jain

This resilient momentum in India’s exports trajectory is a testament to India’s evolving manufacturing prowess, unwavering commitment to innovation and strategic policy making, said Shri Hemant Jain.