Category Archives: Business

Blue Dart Expands EV Fleet for a Greener Future on World Environment Day

1st July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  In a strategic move towards fostering sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, Blue Dart, South Asia’s leading courier and integrated express package distribution company, unveiled an expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) fleet, now boasting over 480 e-vehicles (2,3 & 4 wheelers combined). This initiative underlines Blue Dart’s commitment to environmental stewardship on World Environment Day, aligning closely with the company’s ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

The integration of EVs into Blue Dart’s fleet is poised to yield substantial environmental benefits, with an estimated reduction of 15.05 tonnes of CO2 emissions per month. Blue Dart’s proactive participation as a signatory to the ‘Climate Neutral Now’ (CNN) pledge by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) further underscores its commitment to global climate action. The company’s Sustainability Roadmap emphasizes initiatives such as planting over 111,000 trees annually—a measure projected to offset more than 13,320 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually once these trees reach maturity.

EV Fleet

Of the initiative Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said, “Blue Dart is driving sustainable logistics in India, paving the path towards a greener future. By integrating electric vehicles into our fleet, we are poised to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation. Our transition to a green fleet demonstrates Blue Dart’s commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable growth.”

Blue Dart remains dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in its pursuit of innovation while upholding its environmental responsibilities. The company’s adoption of electric vehicles marks a pivotal milestone in its journey towards long-term sustainability objectives, reinforcing its position as an industry leader committed to shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

Bata India Celebrates NINE WEST’s India Launch with a Star-Studded Evening

1st July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  It was a glamorous affair at the exclusive preview of Nine West’s latest collection in the capital hosted by Bata India! This event marks a significant moment as Bata India introduces New York’s renowned footwear and accessories brand, Nine West, to the Indian market. Actor Chitrangda Singh alongside Delhi’s top fashion influencers indulged in a stylishly curated evening as they adorned NINE WEST’s latest styles, brought to India exclusively by Bata.

Speaking at the grand unveiling of the Nine West collection, Deepika Deepti, Head of Marketing, Bata India said, “At Bata, our aim is to bring the best of world’s fashion to India for our discerning customers. Nine West, born in New York City and thriving globally, is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. With its entry in India exclusively in partnership with Bata, we are proud to continue to make truly high fashion & premium styles accessible to all.”

The latest collection is inspired by empowered women who dream, lead & slay. Iconic silhouettes & dainty designs range from sleek metallic stilettos to famed monogram style bags, each article is crafted to complement the fashion-forward women. The latest Nine West collection is now available exclusively at Bata.com and your nearest Bata stores!

Strengthening its portfolio of fashion footwear and accessories, Bata India announced in November 2023 a licensing and manufacturing deal with Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) for Nine West winning rights to manufacture, market, and distribute Nine West footwear and accessories across India.

TVS Motor Company’s May 2024 Sales Registers Growth of 12 percent

1st July 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  TVS Motor Company registered a sales growth of 12% increasing from 330,609 units in May 2023 to 369,914 units in May 2024.

Two-Wheeler

Total two-wheelers registered a growth of 13% with sales increasing from 319,295 units in May 2023 to 359,590 units in May 2024. Domestic two-wheeler registered growth of 7% with sales increasing from 252,690 units in May 2023 to 271,140 units in May 2024.

Motorcycle registered sales growth of 7% with sales increasing from 162,248 units in May 2023 to 173,627 units in May 2024. Scooter sales registered a growth of 20% with sales increasing from 121,156 units in the month of May 2023 to 145,305 units in May 2024.

Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles grew by 4% with sales increasing from 17,953 units in May 2023 to 18,674 units in May 2024.

International Business

The Company’s total exports grew by 27% with sales increasing from 76,607 units in May 2023 to 96,966 units in May 2024. Two-wheeler exports grew by 33% with sales increasing from 66,605 units in May 2023 to 88,450 units in May 2024.

Three-Wheeler

Three-wheelers of the Company registered sales of 10,324 units in May 2024 as against 11,314 units in May 2023.

Royaloak Furniture Inaugurates First Store in Rajasthan

1st July 2024 Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India  Royaloak Furniture, India’s renowned furniture brand, has expanded its presence with the inauguration of its first standalone store in Rajasthan, located in Sri Ganganagar. The new store is the brand’s 170th store in the country, marking its commitment to bringing one-of-a-kind furniture and home decor pieces to customers at accessible prices. Through this expansion, the pan-India furniture brand aims to further its mission of making high-quality, internationally-inspired designs more accessible to Indian customers.

The grand launch event also witnessed the presence and support of several dignitaries, including Mr. Vijai Subramaniam, the Chairman of Royaloak Furniture; Mr. Mathan Subramaniam, Managing Director; Mr. Kiran Chhabria, Franchise Head; Mr. Thammaiah Kotera, Head – VM & NSO, Mr. Parag Gautam, State Head – West & North, and Mr. Yashpal Sahu, Franchise Owner. To further mark the occasion and witness the beginning of a new chapter in Rajasthan, guests were welcomed to the sounds of the local band.

The new store covers an impressive 10,000 square feet and provides customers with the opportunity to shop for premium furniture pieces, ranging from sofas, beds, mattresses, dining tables, and home decor pieces. Offering an expansive range of trendy yet functional furniture, the store will be a one-stop- destination for all office and home furniture essentials.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Vijai Subramaniam, Chairman, Royaloak Furniture said, “Today commemorates a remarkable milestone for the entire team at Royaloak, as we not only celebrate the inauguration of our 170th store, but also our entry into the Rajasthan market. We are elated to bring top-quality furniture and home decor pieces at accessible prices to our customers in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Additionally, we are also grateful to be aligned with partners that share our vision of elevating lifestyles through international furniture. I extend my best wishes to the franchise owners and look forward to assisting customers in curating their ideal homes.”

To cater to customers’ preferences, the store features the unique ‘Country Collection’, which showcases extraordinary furniture options, specifically curated from countries like Italy, America, Malaysia, India, and more. With more than 200 standalone stores nationwide in 116 key locations including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad, the brand’s entry into the Rajasthan market is poised to further elevate the homes of customers with sophistication, charm and luxury.

B.C. Jindal Group Reaffirms Commitment to Overseas Operations with Strategic Reorganization

1st July 2024 Delhi, India  The B.C. Jindal Group has dispelled rumors about exiting their international packaging business by announcing a strategic reorganization of their global operations under a unified leadership team. This move highlights their dedication to expanding and strengthening their global business.

Over the last 10 years, the group has invested significantly in specialized packaging films across the globe, via multiple acquisitions. The global operations include multiple manufacturing plants in the US, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and France.

As a pioneer in sustainable solutions, the group supports global sustainability goals through its cutting-edge technology center in Virton, Belgium.

Recently, the group invested heavily in a state-of-the-art BOPP/BOPE production line at their Brindisi plant in Italy, set to increase capacity by 25%.

The group recently consolidated its US business at Shawnee, Oklahoma. They are fully focused on improving their profitability driven by the coated films business backed by strong technology. This business which was earlier being managed as a standalone entity is now under the banner of the Jindal Films global packaging films business and will be supplemented by their plants across other geographies.

“We remain fully committed to our operations in Europe and the US, and continue to invest in the business,” stated Mr. Bhavesh Jindal. “This reorganization will drive our continuous growth and create immense value for the group in our global operations. We aim to remain the preferred partner for technology-driven products and innovative solutions for our customers.”

Mr. Saurabh Jain, CEO of Overseas Operations, alongside Jindal Films Europe CEO, Mr. Manfred F. Kaufmann and his leadership team, will spearhead strategic initiatives to uphold the group’s market leadership.

“As one of the few specialized packaging film manufacturers in Europe and the Americas, I am confident we can leverage synergies across our international plants to enhance business performance and higher profitability,” said Mr. Jain.

Mr. Kaufmann added, “Our competitive technological edge in BOPP film specialties is the basis for establishing also a robust BOPE business with our ‘EthyLyte’ film grades. This aligns with our customers’ commitments to fully sustainable and recyclable plastic packaging by 2025. The new hybrid BOPE/BOPP line in Brindisi will provide the necessary capacity and technological advancements to support our customers.”

B.C. Jindal Group is over seven-decades old industrial conglomerate with an interest in PP/PET/PA-based flexible packaging films, downstream steel products, power plants, non-woven fabrics, and a photographic business. The group’s manufacturing operations span across India, Europe, and the US with a group turnover of ~USD 2.5 bn.

Kodate Parenting App Wins Grant from HDFC PARIVARTHAN as Innovative Mental Wellness Solution to Boost Parent-Child Engagement

1st July 2024  Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India  ​The Chennai-based Kodate Parenting and School Excellence Solutions has won a grant from Parivartan, the CSR wing of HDFC Bank, for its comprehensive solution comprising a mobile app and direct workshops for parents to engage with their children and change their behaviour for the better. The grant was awarded to Kodate as it was adjudged among the leading mental wellness solutions in the country at the Green Ribbon Fest, a mental health entrepreneurship event, hosted recently by STEP, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs.

Kodate was among the 30-odd apps shortlisted at the STEP Green Ribbon Fest. Its unique features include Kodate Behavioural Index, a tool that measures a child’s behaviour, going by the inputs from their parents; Kodate Parent Engagement Framework, which is a unique parenting wellness framework that helps parents identify the right activities to boost their children’s holistic development, and Kodate Nudges, sent to parents to carry out personalised parent-child activities every day.

The Kodate Behavioural Index takes into consideration four behavioural types: Well Adapted, Dependent, Rebellious, and Withdrawn. It identifies the areas where the child needs help, support, and encouragement. Kodate has about 4,00,000 unique nudges. The app also provides a detailed dashboard for milestones achieved by children in adopting positive habits.

Launched in 2021, Kodate has worked with about 2,000 parents who have children in the age group of 2-12 years. Studies on the effectiveness of Kodate’s solution find that it improves the responsiveness of parents by about 77% and transforms at-risk children into well-adapted children within 6 months.

Ms. Jeyappria Dhevi, Founder, Kodate

In her comments, Ms. Jeyappria Dhevi, Founder, Kodate, said, “We are very happy to have won the grant as it is a great endorsement of our solution, and a timely recognition of the growing mental health issues of children. Globally, 1 in 6 children are affected with mental wellness issues. However, after COVID, the scenario has worsened to 1 in 5 children, thanks mainly to increased screen time and reduced parent-child engagement. At Kodate, our focus is on preventive measures. Our solution helps parents identify their children’s unhealthy behavioural traits early on and step in at the right time to preempt the traits from becoming major mental or emotional health issues. The solution is centred on continuous evaluation, nudges, customised 10-minute activities for parents to engage with their children every day. These activities help parents discover various facets of their children’s ability, identify their interest areas, and develop their own parenting style.”

Kodate also works with schools in providing parental engagement and teacher training on classroom behaviour management solutions. As a result, schools witness an increase in student participation and learning ability, and a significant decrease in behaviour and conduct issues at schools.

Ascendion Unveils AI Studio in Chennai, Pioneering the Future of AI-Driven Innovation

1st July 2024  Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India  Ascendion, a leader in AI-powered software engineering, proudly announces the launch of its GenAI Studio in Chennai to gather, collaborate, and build the future. This state-of-the-art studio and engineering workspace embodies the growing demand for Generative AI and continues to advance Ascendion’s leadership in the GenAI landscape.

Thousands of “Ascenders” are already delivering business impact with GenAI solutions. (Some examples include: deploying AI models 30% faster for a tech giant; accelerating content creation by 40% for a hardware leader; and tripling go-to-market velocity for a Fortune 50 bank.)

The Chennai studio, part of Ascendion’s six major innovation hubs globally, builds on these successes by fostering creativity, learning, and collaboration. This new space will amplify client impact and drive growth by leveraging the high-quality GenAI talent in the Chennai area.

“Enterprise leaders are excited about the future of AI, but they need to see real-world results. Our new AI studio in Chennai is filled with expert talent, hands-on technology, and inspiration, all designed to excite, provoke, and generate applied GenAI solutions that will drive business forward and positively impact lives all over the world,” said Karthik Krishnamurthy, CEO of Ascendion. “Our new space, located in a global hub of business and technology innovation, will help us deliver what we call ‘Engineering ^AI’ as we create the future of work together with clients.”

A “First-of-its-Kind” Experience Center: This interactive, collaborative space allows clients to explore GenAI solutions hands-on.

Real-Time Problem Solving: Clients can work with Ascension engineers to customize real-time solutions that meet their business needs.

Immediate Value Demonstration: Within minutes, clients can see how AVA+ GenAI prototypes address their challenges, providing rapid insights and ROI.

Ascendion’s GenAI initiatives, including the development of our AVA+ platform, deliver radical transparency, and help clients accelerate impact, velocity, and productivity by >40% while offering double-digit savings from AI Arbitrage. Ascendion’s Digital Ascender platform enhances productivity across the entire software life cycle, and more than 1,500 people have already received GenAI training.

“We are thrilled to now have a physical space in Chennai to connect clients with technology solutions in real-time. Our AI-powered platforms ensure transparency, velocity, quality, and productivity, freeing up capital for innovation and providing clients the flexibility to meet modern business needs. Now, at our new GenAI Studio, they can experience GenAI co-engineering as we solution together in real-time,” adds Prakash Balasubramanian, Executive Vice President, Engineering Solutions at Ascendion.

Parimatch Launches Cricket Belongs to India Campaig

1st July 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India One of the major global cricketing events of the year, the Cricket World Cup, has just commenced, and Parimatch joyously celebrates its start alongside fans worldwide. This year marks a historic moment as the tournament is co-hosted by the USA and West Indies, with nine stadiums in the West Indies and three in the USA hosting the post-IPL 2024 action.

Since cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, there is a strong desire to see the Cricket World Cup return to India, a country with a deep and passionate connection to this sport. In light of this, Parimatch has launched the “Cricket Belongs to India” marketing campaign that features grand celebrations, exclusive offers, and generous rewards, all designed to make this Cricket World Cup truly unforgettable!

Win a Motorcycle from Kajal or Pooran in the Sports Tournament

This Cricket World Cup season, Parimatch launches a fabulous sports tournament with a total prize fund of Rs. 8,00,000. It runs from June 2nd to 29th and consists of 3 stages. To join the action, you simply need to place at least one promotional wager on the Cricket World Cup with a minimum of Rs. 750 and odds of 1.75 or higher.. The participants will share a prize pool worth Rs. 6,00,000, with Rs. 2,00,000 distributed among them in each stage. Also, the top 10 players on the Leaderboard will share an extra Rs. 2,40,000 with Rs. 80,000 allocated to them in each round.

Moreover, participants can win a motorcycle from Kajal Aggarwal or Nicholas Pooran, choosing between a Royal Super Meteor 650 or a Kawasaki Ninja 300. Reach the Top 1,000 of the Leaderboard in any round to qualify. Winners will be randomly selected, with one motorcycle drawn in each stage of the Tournament. Compete for a motorcycle in each new round!

Warmest Welcome Bonus for New Users

Parimatch presents the warmest welcome to all new users: with just Rs. 200, newcomers can support their favorites during the Cricket World Cup matches and stand a chance to claim up to Rs. 50,000 in real money. The more times you deposit, the more chances you have to win big! To get started, simply login to your Parimatch account and let the exciting journey begin!

Embark on a Patriotic Journey with PM Gurus

Adventure lovers can take advantage of Parimatch’s gamification feature, PM Gurus, where they can unlock achievements, participate in thrilling quests and tournaments, earn rewards such as wagers,, Avatars, collect exclusive stickers, and more. With a prize pool of up to Rs. 45,00,000, users can win big by completing tasks like making a sports or game prediction, trying out new markets, or forecasting unique outcomes.

Take Part in Action-Packed Gaming Tournaments

For those leaning towards games, Parimatch offers a series of 4 gaming tournaments running throughout June with a total prize fund of up to Rs. 7,60,000. Lasting around 10 days each, tournaments allow players to earn points by playing their favorite games. To increase their Leaderboard standing, players can earn extra points by making predictions on the Cricket World Cup matches.

Wrapping Up

The 9th edition of the Cricket World Cup season is the perfect time to get into the gaming spirit and prove that cricket belongs to India with Parimatch. With exclusive gamification features, personalized offers, and action-packed sports and gaming tournaments, there’s something for everyone.

Zupee Joins Forces with Gurugram Cyber Police to Promote Cyber Security Awareness

1st July 2024  Gurugram, Haryana, India  In its bid to strengthen the cyber security ecosystem, Zupee, India’s largest skill-based Ludo platform, has partnered with the Gurugram Cyber Police, for the 11th edition of the Cyber Security Summer Internship Program, called ‘Cyber Warriors’. The Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship Program (GPCSSI 2024) is a flagship event of the Gurugram Police since 2013. The month-long internship starts today, with Zupee as its knowledge partner.

The event was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Commissioner of Police, Gurugram, Shri Vikas Kumar Arora, along with Shri Siddhant Jain, DCP – South Gurugram, Shri Priyanshu Dewan, ACP Cyber Crime, Gurugram Police, Mr. Ashwani Rana, Chief of Policy at Zupee and Mr. Rubaab Sood, Associate Director – Policy at Zupee.

This year witnessed an overwhelming response, with 15,000 applications received and 1,100 interns selected from across India & overseas. Of this, 550 candidates, including working professionals and college goers above 18 years of age, will be trained under the Gurugram Cyber Police Department under the guidance of Cyber Security Expert Dr. Rakshit Tandon. The training is structured to provide young minds with an immersive experience in the field of cyber security, promoting cyber safety and building a network of law-abiding netizens. Post the completion of the program, a few selected candidates will gain hands-on experience by working directly with the Gurugram Cyber Police, tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Gurugram Police, Shri Vikas Kumar Arora, said, “We are always in pursuit of excellence for our Cyber Crime Detection Unit, and we understand the need to actively promote cybersecurity among the public. With the help of the latest technology, we are updating public interface systems and internal police processes, which will enable the department to improve our efficiency, effectiveness and transparency. With this internship, we want to work with engineering and management students and leverage their assistance to enhance the process.”

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Mr. Ashwani Rana, Chief of Policy, Zupee, mentioned, “At Zupee, we’re deeply committed to fostering a safer online environment and promoting responsible gaming. With our honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of achieving a 1 trillion dollar digital economy, we recognize the pivotal roles that the digital and online gaming sector will play. We believe in the importance of promoting a safe cyber environment to contribute to this monumental growth. Zupee is honored to lead this cyber security training program with Gurugram Cyber Police, a partnership that signifies a significant step towards nurturing a generation of responsible digital nagriks.”

Shri Siddhant Jain, DCP-South Gurugram, expressed, “We are in the 11th edition of the Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship. Our flagship program began with 22 interns in 2013, and has grown to be a strong force of 1100 bright minds today. This internship stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a generation of cyber-aware citizens. The interns represent students all across the nation united by a common goal to become the backbone of India’s cybersecurity. We received an overwhelming response with 15,000 applications in a week, which is a clear indication of the growing importance of the program.”

Emphasizing the importance of the internship, Dr. Rakshit Tandon, Cyber Security Expert, said, “We started this journey in 2013 and today, we have several cybersecurity experts from previous batches engaged with the Armed Forces and other key organizations. All these students, who belonged to different walks of life, interned for the Cyber Warriors program with Gurugram Cyber Police.”

The collaboration between Zupee and the Gurugram Cyber Police for the Cyber Warriors Program highlights collective efforts on the part of both organizations to offer comprehensive training on crucial aspects of cyber safety, while also striving to build a community of well-informed, vigilant digital citizens, paving the way for a more secure and informed digital future.

Escon Infra Realtors Bags the Emerging Developer of the Year 2024, Shines in North India’s Luxury Market

1st July 2024  Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India  Escon Infra Realtors achieved another milestone by winning the “Emerging Developer of the Year 2024” award for their exceptional contribution to luxury villa development in North India at the 9th Edition of the India Property Awards and Summit 2024. The award ceremony, held in Bangalore, celebrated the exceptional achievements of the Indian real estate sector.

Escon Infra Realtors, a name synonymous with luxury living, meticulously designs luxury villa projects, setting new benchmarks in the Noida-Greater Noida luxury realty market. By combining cutting-edge technology, innovation, and sustainable practices, these villas offer an unparalleled living experience to their esteemed residents. This award marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, reinforcing its position as a leading luxury real estate market player.

To know more about their projects, visit www.esconinfrarealtor.com.

Neeraj Sharma, Managing Director of Escon Infra Realtors, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are extremely honored to be named as the Emerging Developer of the Year 2024. This award reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence in developing luxury villas that offer unparalleled living experiences.”

The brand’s recognition as the top emerging developer underscores its commitment to transforming the luxury real estate landscape in North India. Renowned for its superior craftsmanship and timely delivery, Escon Infra Realtors envisions expanding its portfolio and meeting the surging demand for luxury living spaces.