Category Archives: Business

Aditya Birla Capital announces the launch of omnichannel ABCD D2C platform to significantly scale up its digital transformation journey

Bangalore, 18th April 2024: Aditya Birla Group’s flagship diversified financial services conglomerate, Aditya Birla Capital (“ABC”) has embarked on a journey of transformation, charting strong growth over the past 2 years. Building on this momentum, Aditya Birla Capital announced the launch of its omnichannel D2C platform ABCD making “Everything Finance as Simple as ABCD”. Through this platform, ABC targets to add 30 million new users over the next 3 years. The launch marks a pivotal moment in its ambitious journey to drive growth and leadership and become a full-stack financial services provider.

Announcing the launch of the platform, Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman Aditya Birla Group said, “Our financial services business, Aditya Birla Capital, is now one of the fastest growing businesses within the group and has emerged as a key growth engine. I see this as a ‘coming of age’ moment for Aditya Birla Capital. In the arc of Aditya Birla Capital’s strong and steady progress, the ABCD D2C platform is a positive stride towards accelerated growth and taking a leadership position in the financial services space. I am confident, that this platform will serve as a growth catalyst across the ABC and ABG ecosystem, and the interplay between the financial services stack and the Group’s diverse businesses will foster a win-win synergy for superior product innovation and unique value creation for all stakeholders.”

Ms. Vishakha Mulye, CEO, Aditya Birla Capital Limited said, “At Aditya Birla Capital, we are guided by the ‘One ABC One P&L,’ approach, anchored on the principles of ‘One Customer,’ ‘One Experience,’ and ‘One Team’. This has played a vital role in driving quality and profitable growth across our businesses and creating long-term value for all stakeholders. Our consistent commitment to digital reinvention and reimagining customer experiences is reflected in our omnichannel architecture which gives customers the complete flexibility to interact with us through their channels of choice. In line with this vision, we formed ABCD to build the omnichannel layer that will help us acquire customers digitally at scale and meet all their financial needs through a unified digital-first platform.”

Backed by scalable infrastructure, user-friendly and intuitive interface, and robust functionalities, the platform offers a simple and differentiated experience across all touch points including a mobile app, website, branches, and virtual engagement channel. Guided by a Maximum Viable Product approach, the ABCD D2C platform offers a comprehensive portfolio of 22 products and services, including facilities of a payment platform – such as UPI, bill payment, and online recharges, with financial services like loans, insurance, and investments along with comprehensive personal finance tracking such as ‘My Track’ among others. The platform also features ABCD’s own stack of products such as Portfolio Consolidator, Spend Analyzer, Digital Health Assessment among others, and Payment solutions to address the diverse needs of customers through a single platform.

With features like multi-account payment, multi-mode receipt, and spend analysis tools, ABCD is set to redefine the digital financial experience. The platform has been built in a record time of 12 months, which is among the fastest in the Indian financial services sector. It is a culmination of 114,000+ development hours, 36,000+ design hours, 1,000+ APIs, and 5,000+ screens. The app is available on Android and iOS platforms. This platform is housed under Aditya Birla Capital Digital Limited (“ABCDL”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited (“ABCL”).

Over the last 2 years, Aditya Birla Capital has achieved significant milestones, signaling robust growth and profitability across businesses. The NBFC AUM has grown by about two times to over Rs 1 lakh crores, becoming the fourth largest diversified NBFC in the country. The housing finance loan portfolio has also witnessed an accelerated growth of 27% year-on-year, as of December 31, 2023. The health insurance business has grown at a CAGR of 43% over the past 2 years, becoming the fastest-growing Standalone Health Insurance player in the market. The total premium of life insurance business stood at Rs 11,101 crores in the first 9 months of FY2024. The average AUM of the AMC business was Rs 3.11 lakh crores, in the third quarter of FY2024.

With this, ABCL delivered strong growth with consolidated revenue growing by 22% year-on-year to Rs 23,566 crores and consolidated PAT growing by 44% year-on-year to Rs 2,090 crores in the first 9 months of FY2024. In terms of physical presence, ABCL has 1,462 branches across the country, with over 500 branches added in the last 2 years. In line with its One ABC approach, about 762 co-located branches across 218 locations were also set up to service customers seamlessly under one roof.

Savsol Lubricants Announces Bollywood Youth Icon Sidharth Malhotra as Brand Ambassador In Major Brand Revamp

Mumbai, 18th April 2024: Savsol Lubricants, a leading player in automotive and industrial lubricants, today announced the launch of a pioneering lubricants range with cutting-edge technology– Savsol Ester 5 – that is set to transform its product lines and the lubricants market.

Alongside this significant event, Savsol Lubricants announced it had signed Bollywood youthiconSidharth Malhotra as Brand Ambassador. With this strategic move, the company aims to enhance its brand visibility and reach and forge a stronger bond with customers and consumers. The partnership with Sidharth marks an important milestone in the journey to introduce its most advanced range of products under the Savsol Ester 5 brand name.

Savita Oil Technologies Ltd., Chairman and MD Gautam N. Mehra said, “We are thrilled to unveilourpath-breaking Ester Fluid technology,with a range of Ester products, that will set new benchmarks in the lubricants industry. With Sidharth Malhotra onboard, we are poised to achieve new heights of excellence and continue to deliver exceptional products and experiences for our customers.”

“Our commitment to innovation compels us to constantly push boundaries and redefine industry standards. Savsol Ester 5 is a range with revolutionary lubricant technology containing Esters that underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional products that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. After years of R&D efforts we are proud to be able to deliver this advanced chemistry across a product range, optimized for the everyday commuter” said Sidharth G. Mehra, Executive Director, Savita Oil Technologies Ltd.

On his appointment as Brand Ambassador, actor Sidharth Malhotra remarked, “I am delighted to partner with Savsol Lubricants and further its commitment to offering consumers a distinctive automotive driving experience. The collaboration with an innovative brand such as Savsol aligns with my pursuit of excellence, and I look forward to embarking on this journey together.”

The partnership with the celebrated actor is a reflection of Savsol’s forward-thinking vision rooted in innovation and technology. With Sidharth Malhotra as its brand ambassador, Savsol aims to extend its reach to a broader audience, while consolidating its reputation as the preferred choice for cutting-edge lubricants and services.

Birla Open Minds Joins Forces with Rohit Sharma Cricket Academy CricKingdom to Elevate Cricket Programs within their schools

Mumbai, India, 18th April 2024 – Birla Open Minds Education Pvt Ltd, a leading educational institution that provides a comprehensive solution for children’s learning needs from early childhood to K–12 schooling collaborates with CricKingdom India Pvt. Ltd. to enhance its cricket training programs by opening the CricKingdom Cricket Academy at the school. With this endeavor, they intend to change cricket coaching and create an environment that will support the future growth of upcoming cricket players.

The collaboration between CricKingdom Cricket Academy and Birla Open Minds School is to promote cricket to the grassroots and create a roadmap for the development program. The partnership focuses on providing regular, uniform, and efficient coaching to maximize results for prospective cricket players.

Mr. Nirvaan Birla, MD, Birla Open Minds Education Pvt Ltd expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Through this alliance, we aim to provide unparalleled opportunities for cricket enthusiasts at Birla Open Minds School to improve their skills and passion for the sport. Together, we will develop a nurturing environment where every student can thrive, both on and off the field. Our partnership with CricKingdom is a testament to our dedication to encouraging sportsmanship, giving kids the tools they need to realize their full potential.”

Bringing a team of sports professionals with national and international track records, CricKingdom India Pvt. Ltd. offers a plethora of experience and expertise to the table. The partnership’s importance was underlined by Indian cricket legend and brand ambassador Rohit Sharma, who stated, “We are a group of professional athletes with both national and international accomplishments. Our goal is to provide the best results for our clients by institutionalising sports coaching and making it reliable, uniform, and consistent. This partnership will provide young cricket players worldwide with a platform to develop, practice, and demonstrate their skills by offering them top-notch solutions for everything associated with the game, including coaching and tournament participation.”

Parag Dahiwal, of CricKingdom, said, “To develop students’ confidence and competence on and off the pitch, the CricKingdom Cricket Academy at Birla Open Minds School offers a thorough curriculum that guarantees our students are studying the strategies used by professional cricket players. Apart from the traditional coaching programs, the partnership would involve various endeavors such as fee exemptions for impoverished kids, specialised camps, and exchange programs. The academy also intends to encourage women’s cricket by providing free and discounted lessons for female students.”

With an eye towards the future, Birla Open Minds School and CricKingdom are dedicated to raising cricket awareness around the world. Their objective is to do this in a comprehensive, methodical manner, encompassing Tier 1, 2, 3, and 4 cities in India.

Cathay Cargo congratulates Hong Kong International Airport on being named world’s busiest cargo airport for the 13th time in 14 years

Cathay Cargo congratulates Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for once again being named the world’s busiest cargo airport in 2023, according to the latest data from Airports Council International (ACI). As the city’s home carrier for 77 years and the largest cargo operator at HKIA, Cathay Cargo is proud to be part of this success story.

Cathay’s Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “Hong Kong once again being named number one in the world for air cargo is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and collaboration of the Hong Kong air cargo community. With its world-leading infrastructure, expertise, and capabilities, supported by the increased development of intermodal connectivity within the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong continues to be at the forefront of the global air cargo industry.

“Cathay’s ongoing investments in our passenger and freighter fleets, our extensive cargo network, cargo facilities, and our digital and sustainability capabilities to meet the evolving needs of cargo customers, are a reflection of our deep confidence in the long-term future of the Hong Kong air cargo logistics hub. We certainly don’t take Hong Kong’s air cargo success for granted, and remain committed to continuing to work together with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong, all sectors in the air cargo industry, and countless other important stakeholders to continue to grow Hong Kong further as the world’s leading air cargo hub, and the premier air cargo gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world.”

Last month, Hong Kong International Airport and Cathay Cargo hosted the IATA World Cargo Symposium, one of the air cargo industry’s largest and most prestigious annual events, for the first time. The event achieved record attendance for an IATA event, and Cathay Cargo as the event’s host airline was proud to have the opportunity to showcase everything that makes the Hong Kong air cargo logistics hub truly best-in-class.

Cathay Cargo operates a fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighter aircraft and also carries cargo in the bellies of the Cathay Group’s more than 190 passenger aircraft. In December 2023, it announced the purchase of six new state-of-the-art Airbus A350F freighters and secured the right to acquire 20 additional aircraft in the future.

Axis Communications launches all-in-one audio-visual device for remote monitoring and communication

India, 18th April 2024: Axis Communications, the market leader in network video, announces a multipurpose dome camera combining sharp video, two-way audio, actionable analytics, and LED indicators to help improve safety, security, and operational efficiency. This all-in-one device makes it possible to optimize staff resources with proactive surveillance. For instance, it can be used for tele-sitting to observe patients in healthcare environments or to remotely detect and respond to loitering in retail environments.

AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera comes with coughing fit and stressed voice analytics adding an extra audible dimension to active incident management. It offers a great solution for remote monitoring and communication. With AXIS Live Privacy Shield, it’s possible to remotely monitor activities while safeguarding privacy in real-time. In addition, it includes both an LED indicator and an Audio LED so it’s clear to see when the camera is recording or when audio is being used.

Including Lightfinder 2.0, Forensic WDR, and OptimizedIR, it delivers sharp 5 MP image quality under any light conditions. With four built-in microphones and a built-in speaker with echo cancellation, this all-in-one audio-visual device offers clear two-way audio communication with great noise suppression. This makes it easy to transmit and receive audio even from remote locations.

This device features several notable attributes, including 5 MP video capability paired with two-way audio functionality. It comes equipped with preinstalled audio and video analytics for enhanced surveillance. Users can remotely monitor activities while ensuring privacy protection. Its resilience allows it to withstand chemical wipe-downs, ensuring durability. Moreover, it offers a cost-efficient solution as an all-in-one device.

This multipurpose dome camera ensures a cost-efficient solution and with just one device to install, it offers one-drop installation. Additionally, video and audio analytics are included at no extra cost. It’s vandal-resistant and can withstand daily wipe-downs with chemical detergents without deteriorating the plastic. Furthermore, Axis Edge Vault, a hardware-based cybersecurity platform, safeguards the device and protects sensitive information from unauthorized access.

SOMANY MAX Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT) — A New Standard in the Tiles Vertical

SOMANY Ceramics Limited, renowned globally for its innovation and design, proudly presents the much-awaited SOMANY MAX Glazed Vitrified Tiles range. With a stunning variety of designs, from sleek and minimalist patterns to intricate and ornate motifs there is a tile to suit every style and preference. These tiles are set to redefine interior spaces with their exquisite designs and superior quality.

The SOMANY MAX GVT Collection comes in an impressive size of 1200 mm x 1800 mm and in a thickness of 9mm. These tiles exude sophistication and luxury, elevating any space they adorn. From the luxurious sheen of Premium Polish to the timeless allure of High Gloss, the intricate textures of Engravo, the delicate matte beauty of Plume, and the rugged charm of Gritstone, the range has a wide selection of designs.

The glaze collection epitomizes SOMANY’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, consistently pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the ceramic industry. The exotic marble replicas from Italy and Spain showcased in this collection reflect the ceramics giant’s brand’s dedication to bringing unparalleled style and intricacy to interior spaces.

Glazed Vitrified Tiles have emerged as the future of the ceramic industry due to their innovative designs, diverse textures, and exceptional durability, garnering significant popularity among designers, architects, and consumers. SOMANY Ceramics continues to lead the industry with groundbreaking products that meet the evolving preferences of its discerning clientele.

In addition to the Glazed Vitrified Collections, the launch also unveiled new designs in the exquisite 200X200mm Italmarmi collection. These small tiles not only complement the SOMANY MAX large format tiles but also serve as standalone pieces of mosaic, enhancing a touch of luxury and style to any space.

With the introduction of SOMANY MAX Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT), SOMANY Ceramics reinforces its emphasis on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the ceramic industry.

Hitachi Vantara Announces Availability of Virtual Storage Platform One

New Delhi –18th April 2024 – As businesses face unprecedented challenges managing data with the proliferation of generative AI, cloud technologies, and exponential data growth, Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), today announced the availability of Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform One. The hybrid cloud platform is poised to transform how organizations manage and leverage their data in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

With organizations struggling to scale data and modernize applications across complex, distributed, multi-cloud infrastructure, the need for a comprehensive data management solution across all data types has never been more critical. Results from a recent TDWI Data Management Maturity Assessment (DMMA) found while 71% of IT experts agreed that their organization values data, only 19% said a strong data management strategy was in place. Complicating matters are rising cyberattacks, which leave business leaders increasingly worried about security and resiliency. A recent survey showed that 68% of IT leaders are concerned their organization’s data infrastructure is resilient enough.

• Virtual Storage Platform One products available now include:
• · Virtual Storage Platform One SDS Block
• · Virtual Storage Platform One SDS Cloud
• · Virtual Storage Platform One File

Virtual Storage Platform One simplifies infrastructure for mission-critical applications, with a focus on data availability and strong data resiliency and reliability measures, including mitigation of risks such as downtime, productivity losses, and security threats.

“Virtual Storage Platform One is transformational in the storage landscape because it unifies data and provides flexibility regardless of whether your data is in an on-premises, cloud, or software-defined environment,” said Octavian Tanase, chief product officer, Hitachi Vantara. “Additionally, the platform is built with resiliency in mind, guaranteeing 100% data availability, modern storage assurance, and effective capacity across all its solutions, providing organizations with simplicity at scale and an unbreakable data foundation for hybrid cloud.”

Virtual Storage Platform One tackles the challenges of modern data management by eliminating the constraints of data silos and allowing every piece of information to work cohesively and with the flexibility to scale up or down with ease, empowering data to thrive in an environment that prioritizes efficiency and speed. Additionally, Virtual Storage Platform One SDS Cloud is available in AWS Marketplace, a digital catalog with thousands of software listings from independent software vendors that make it easy to find, test, buy, and deploy software that runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This offers businesses seamless integration and accessibility to leverage Hitachi Vantara’s cutting-edge data management solutions within AWS.

A New Era of Data Management

At the heart of Virtual Storage Platform One lies a unified data ecosystem that seamlessly integrates block and file storage, eliminating data silos and fragmented landscapes. Powered by Hitachi Storage Virtualization Operating System (SVOS), Virtual Storage Platform One ensures every piece of information is collected, integrated, and accessible from any device or location, making it easier to access, view, and fuel their business.

“For more than a decade, we’ve forged a partnership with Hitachi Vantara, finding great satisfaction in their services, expertise, and product durability,” Deniz Armen Aydın, cloud data storage technologies manager, Garanti BBVA. “The introduction of Virtual Storage Platform One promises to revolutionize data management and efficiency within the GarantiBBVA, igniting anticipation for the cutting-edge automation and resiliency features it offers.”

The hybrid cloud platform sets itself apart from competitors with key differentiators that redefine the data management landscape:

• One Data Plane: Extending our storage portfolio into the public cloud with Virtual Storage Platform One SDS Cloud running natively on AWS.
• Simple Consumption: Automate Virtual Storage Platform One SDS Block and Cloud with Ansible playbooks available on Github from launch.
• Cloud Observability: End users gain insights into their entire portfolio in one dashboard with Hitachi Ops Center Clear Sight.
• Accelerated File Storage: Simplified and accelerated Virtual Storage Platform One File means unstructured conversations are on the table. Now with 100% data availability guaranteed.

Additional Virtual Storage Platform One products will be available later this year. For more information about Virtual Storage Platform One and its suite of solutions,

Additional Resources

• · Unleashing Your Data’s Potential: Virtual Storage Platform One
• · One Data Platform. No Limits.
• · Forbes: Architecting Future Innovation With Data
• · Blog: Delivering Data Clarity for Partners with Single Data Platform
• · Insights article: Driving Insights Across a New, Vital Data Infrastructure

Connect With Hitachi Vantara

• · LinkedIn
• · Facebook
• · X

Nurasoi Celebrates Women Entrepreneur Team

Ahmedabad,18th April 2024:Vyndo by NURASOI celebrated and empowered women entrepreneurs who came together as a robust sales network of the brand by organizing an inspiring meet-and-greet gala evening with the Vyndo family. The event was designed to create a deep connection with them and instill a sense of belongingness with the team.

Having reached a promising number of 30 since company’s inception in December 2023, this group of ladies has contributed substantially towards the total sales of the brand. Rightly named “Nu-Naari,” a term that combines “Nu” from Nurasoi with the Hindi word for “women of today,” these enterprising women have propelled Vyndo, the first brand in line from the house of Nurasoi to establish itself in the market.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the Nu-Naaries interacted with Nurasoi executives and amongst themselves. The event resonated deeply with them all, as evidenced by their heartfelt testimonials. Many expressed a sense of overwhelming joy at finally being recognized not just as wives or mothers but as individuals with their own identities and entrepreneurial spirit. This recognition, they shared, provided a powerful sense of motivation and empowerment, successfully coinciding with the objective with which this assemblage was created.

A highly excited Jayshree Ben said, “I endorse Vyndo snacks with a lot of pride. The fact that Vyndo is not just any other millet snack but is an outcome of profound research & development combined with latest technological advancements, makes it easier for me to find new clients and retain the older ones.”

Representing the emotion of Nu-Naaries, Mayuri said, “While countless communities work tirelessly for the underprivileged, the hidden struggles of women who prioritize family over their aspirations often go unnoticed. It’s incredibly motivating to be recognized and be able to make an income while staying home; seamlessly striking a balance between work and family.”

Seeing an overwhelming response received from the ladies, co-founder Dietician Komal Patel said, “My passion goes beyond simply creating healthy eating plans for my clients. It deeply troubles me to see our overall health habits declining. Which is why I’m eternally grateful to these amazing women who empower me to reach more women and ultimately, their families. After all, women are often the primary caregivers, and these Nu-Naaries are my powerful allies in this mission!”

Chandan Maloo, co-founder Nurasoi too shared the faith he has in the endurance women carry by saying, “We are fortunate to have such an incredible team of women with us! I am sure they don’t know what they are truly doing – they are not merely selling healthy snacks but creating an entire ecosystem of healthy habits by conditioning minds and inculcating healthy habits from one family to another. This is exactly what we as a brand aim for! To change the way we snack.”

The Head of Nu-Naari department Ruchi Vyas remarked, “We endeavor to put together an incredible team that believes in our intent towards creating a healthier ecosystem. In this ongoing journey, we seek to provide a sense of self-reliance to Nu-Naaries empowering them to achieve their dreams, to be well-appreciated for their efforts, and to be completely independent.”

Nurasoi is proud to have such a dedicated and impactful team of women leading the charge in healthy snacking. Committed to changing the snacking landscape, Nurasoi has created a well-spanned-out web that is successfully delivering health in the form of any-time, on-the-go millet based clean and healthy snacks under the name of Vyndo.

Clean Team OKC Offering Free Cleaning Estimates in Edmond, OK

Edmond, OK, April 17, 2024 — Clean Team OKC is a commercial cleaning service provider.

“We believe that a clean home is the foundation for a happy and healthy life,” said Chris Powell, Head of Customer Relations at Clean Team OKC. “That’s why we spare no effort in providing our clients with the highest quality cleaning services that exceed their expectations.”

Now, residents in Edmond, OK, can experience the difference for themselves with Clean Team OKC’s offer of free cleaning estimates. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who values a clean living space, Clean Team OKC is here to help you reclaim your time and enjoy the benefits of a pristine home.

To take advantage of this exclusive offer and schedule your free cleaning estimate, simply contact Clean Team OKC at 405-414-0651 or visit their website at https://www.cleanteamokc.com. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your home into a haven of cleanliness and tranquility with Clean Team OKC.