5, Jan 2024
Zillion launches Rewards-as-a-Service for brands
Bengaluru, January 05, 2024: Zillion, one of India’s largest multi-brand loyalty programs, that is part of the BharatPe Group, today announced the launch of Rewards-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform for brands that have an existing loyalty currency, but would need a robust rewards redemption platform to offer a best-in-class experience to their customers. With this newly launched product, the company will be targeting to onboard banks and large enterprises, including those with an extensive distribution network.
Rewards-as-a Service platform will enable brands to have the flexibility of running their own loyalty currency, while offering an exciting redemption platform for their customers. The platform offers a host of options to choose from, including e-Vouchers, Products, Utilities, Air Miles and more. This will also eliminate the hassle of brands having to onboard multiple partners so as to offer a plethora of redemption choices to their customers. The pricing will be competitive as the platform will operate on a bidding model which will ensure customers get the best price at all times.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Rijish Raghavan, CEO, Zillion, said, “Loyalty industry has undergone a transformational shift over the last few years. Today, the loyalty industry is democratized and loyalty is not limited to only big brands. Young and unconventional brands have realized that loyalty is a great tool to drive customer stickiness and hence, are investing in a robust loyalty program. However, in a majority of cases, the redemption process is broken or very sub-standard with minimal redemption options as brands usually have a select set of options for customers to choose from. Our rewards platform with over 250 choices in e-vouchers, over 4000 products, Air Miles etc., will enable these brands to offer a superlative loyalty experience to their customers. Rewards-as-a-Service will widen the offering from Zillion and allow us to partner with brands who are looking for pure-play rewards management versus overall loyalty management. We are confident that this will be a game changer in the industry and will help us further strengthen our foothold in the market.”
Zillion (erstwhile PAYBACK India) is a unique multi-brand loyalty program, designed to engage with customers and reward them for their purchases with loyalty coins that can be redeemed later. Currently, its members can earn coins at 50+ brands – instore & online and redeem them at select partners or for products and vouchers from leading brands. The customers can earn ‘Zillion coins’ for their routine spends, across the network of offline and online partners, including groceries, fuel, entertainment, travel, apparel and more. The partners of Zillion include renowned brands from multiple industries including retail, fuel, banking, payments, entertainment, hospitality and travel. Some of its key partners include HPCL, BookMyShow, American Express, Amazon, Flipkart and many more.
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- By Rabindra
5, Jan 2024
Retailers Association of India and VMentor.ai forge groundbreaking partnership to elevate retail education
Mumbai, January 5, 2024: Retailers Association of India (RAI), the unified voice of Indian retailers, and VMentor.ai, a prominent technology-driven mentoring company, have announced a landmark collaboration aimed at revolutionising retail education in India. This partnership, formalised on December 26, 2023, underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the skills and competencies of professionals in the retail sector.

Under this strategic alliance, RAI and VMentor.ai will jointly develop and launch specialised short-term courses tailored for the retail industry. These courses are designed to cater to the current employees of RAI member organisations, providing them with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills essential for thriving in the dynamic retail landscape.
Innovative Learning Approach
The curriculum will be delivered through a hybrid model, blending in-person instruction with online learning. This approach ensures flexibility and accessibility for participants, accommodating their diverse learning needs and schedules.
Empowering Retail Professionals
Participants of these courses will undergo a rigorous training process, culminating in a certification upon successful completion. This certification not only enhances their professional profile but also contributes to elevating the standards of retailing in India.
This partnership is not just about delivering courses but is also about continuous improvement and adaptation. Regular assessments and evaluations will be conducted to ensure the courses remain relevant and impactful.
A Step Towards a Brighter Future in Retail
This collaboration between RAI and VMentor.ai marks a significant step towards nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and growth in the Indian retail industry.
“We are excited about our partnership with VMentor.ai, which marks the beginning of a significant initiative to enhance the capabilities of professionals in the retail sector. Our goal is to arm our retail professionals with not just skills but a vision for innovation and excellence. This partnership is a testament to our commitment towards nurturing a workforce that is equipped to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving retail sector. We believe that through this initiative, we will be able to significantly contribute to the development of a more dynamic, knowledgeable, and customer-centric retail community,” said Dr Lawrence Fernandes, Director, Retail Learning & Member Relationship, Retailers Association of India (RAI)
“The collaboration with RAI signifies a commitment to empowering the retail workforce with the right skill set for success in the evolving industry. VMentor.ai is proud to contribute to the growth of India’s retail sector and enable retailers to navigate the dynamic landscape with confidence.” Dr. Srinivas Chunduru, CEO & Founder, VMentor.ai.
4, Jan 2024
Mphasis Boosts Leadership to Drive European Business and Global Business Process Services
Mumbai, 4 January 2024: Mphasis (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS), an information technology (IT) solutions provider specializing in cloud and cognitive services, today announced a strategic reallocation of leadership responsibilities to accelerate growth across multiple vectors. Effective immediately, Ashish Devalekar will assume the role of Head of Europe while Anurag Bhatia, the current Head of Europe, will lead Mphasis’ Global Business Process Services business (BPS).
Ashish Devalekar, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in driving consistent growth in Europe across industry verticals, will be responsible for spearheading Mphasis’ Europe business. With a proven track record of transforming businesses into high growth units. Ashish brings a wealth of expertise in originating and closing large deals, building high-performing teams, and implementing effective Go-to-market (GTM) strategies.
Anurag Bhatia’s move to Head of Global BPS, a critical service offering in driving operational efficiency and amplifying the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across client organizations; aligns with Mphasis’s recent initiatives, including the launch of a dedicated AI Business Unit, aimed at unlocking the potential of AI including Gen AI. In his new role, Anurag will focus on driving growth, with a strong focus on playing in the expanded addressable market with adoption of AI solutions, driving adoption of multiple AI powered deal archetypes, leveraging AI and automation to improve efficiency and effectiveness in client operations.

“Nurturing and harnessing talent is at the heart of Mphasis. Ashish’s deep understanding of the UK & European market, combined with his strong focus on customer success and building strategic partnerships, makes him the ideal leader to transform Mphasis’ European business to the next level. We are confident that under Ashish’s leadership, we will continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients and further strengthen our position as a leading IT solutions provider in Europe,” said Nitin Rakesh, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director of Mphasis. He also added, “Anurag’s expertise in service transformation and his deep understanding of Mphasis’ business make him the perfect fit to lead our Global Business Process Services. This move will allow us to focus on operational excellence through AI driven transformation, a crucial area that will be instrumental in driving our future success.”
Ashish Devalekar, the incoming Head of Europe, expressed his excitement about the new opportunity. “I am thrilled to be joining Mphasis and confident that together with the talented team in Europe, we will build on the strong foundation that has been laid and achieve even greater success.”
Anurag Bhatia, now Head of BPS, commented, “I am excited to lead the charge in aligning operations and AI to drive transformative outcomes for our clients. This realignment positions Mphasis to pioneer innovation and excellence in the evolving landscape of IT services.”
4, Jan 2024
Elevate Your Lohri Celebrations with Shrikhandd’s Exclusive Delights
New Delhi, January 2024 – Making memories with traditional Indian sweets, Shrikhandd is delighted to announce its special Lohri menu, blending the time-honoured tradition of Indian sweets with a fresh and innovative twist. At Shrikhandd, the team is dedicated to crafting sweets that seamlessly mix tradition with contemporary presentation and unique flavours. In the heart of Lohri celebrations in India, Shrikhandd invites its patrons to step into the enchanting world of handcrafted indulgence—a realm like no other. The Lohri curation is a journey through exquisite flavours and specially crafted hampers that encapsulate the true essence of this joyous time.

A Special Lohri Family Hamper Box:
The epitome of grandeur for the festive celebration, the Lohri Family Hamper Box is a lavish assortment that indulges the senses with a selection of nine exclusive Lohri special sweets. Patrons can personalise their hampers with the option to choose up to three delectable varieties from a distinguished array, including the aromatic Punjabi Pinnis, the rich and nutty Til Dryfruit Barfi, the exquisite Til Dryfruit Buggah, the luscious Khajoor Ladoos and the vibrant Gajar Pak.
Adding an extra layer of sophistication to this opulent hamper are four thoughtfully curated jars, each cradling a unique and delightful confectionery experience. These jars house an array of mouthwatering options, elevating the overall indulgence. Furthermore, the hamper boasts four selections of Mix Seeds and Berries Balls, Gur Till Patti, Peanut Rolls and Gur Kaju Rolls, each meticulously crafted to offer a symphony of flavours and textures. The meticulous attention to detail in the Lohri Family Hamper Box ensures that every moment of celebration is enhanced, creating an unparalleled experience that embodies the spirit of the festive season.

Lohri Special Menu Highlights:
At the heart of Shrikhandd’s Lohri offerings is a carefully curated menu that blends classic favourites with contemporary twists. The special menu features a range of delectable treats, including the exclusive Special Slim Peanut Gajak Box and a diverse box of sixteen mouth-watering mithai along with opulent hampers
To celebrate the essence of Lohri, Shrikhandd has curated three hampers including their delectable delights, featuring a choice of Gulab Dryfruit Chikkis and Til Chikkis along with classic selections such as Gur Peanut Ladoo, Honey Rewris, Candy Gur Rewris and Kesar Rewaris. Patrons can also choose a special box of 12 winter mithai along with an added choice of special Rewri collections and Ladoos.
This Lohri season, Shrikhandd extends a warm invitation to embark on a captivating culinary journey that effortlessly intertwines tradition with innovation. Elevate your festive celebrations with the opulent offerings curated by Shrikhandd, where each sweet narrates a tale of passion, creativity, and the profound cultural heritage of India.
4, Jan 2024
GreenCell Mobility & EKA Mobility sign MoU to deploy 1000 electric buses
Mumbai, 04 January 2024: GreenCell Mobility, a prominent player in the electric mass mobility space, and EKA Mobility, a leading EV & technology company (partnered with Mitsui Co., Ltd. & VDL Groep), announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). As part of this agreement, EKA Mobility will supply GreenCell Mobility with 1000 intercity electric buses in the 12-meter and 13.5-meter category over the next few years. Both companies are dedicated towards driving a significant shift in the global automobile sector by introducing industry-leading electric buses to revolutionize public transportation.
Mr. Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO of GreenCell Mobility, commented on this partnership, saying, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with EKA Mobility, a leader in the electric vehicle domain. This partnership not only strengthens our position in the market but also significantly aligns with our long-term vision for sustainable mobility. At GreenCell Mobility, as market leaders, we are setting a new benchmark in the industry. Our combined efforts are poised to transform public transportation, offering a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solution. This initiative is a significant stride towards our commitment to innovation and sustainability, and it underscores our dedication to a greener, more sustainable future. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership opens up and are committed to leading the charge in the evolution of electric mobility.”

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, emphasized the strategic synergy, saying, “Our collaboration with GreenCell Mobility is strategically positioned to usher in a cleaner, more sustainable future through electric mass transportation. Public transportation, especially the intercity bus transportation is the primary mode of transport for more than 50% of Indians. Electrification of public transportation will pave the way for cleaner air, quieter streets, more efficient, convenient, safer, and cost-effective travel for all. At EKA, we are committed to developing sustainable, environmentally conscious, and profitable products. By combining our expertise, we hope to set new standards in the commercial electric mobility, contributing considerably to the nation’s sustainability objectives.”
GreenCell has become India’s most reliable shared electric mobility player by leveraging proven global experience, developments in e-mobility technology, and the Government of India’s strong push for electrification of transportation. NueGo, the intercity arm of GreenCell, achieved a remarkable feat by being recognized in the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records for launching India’s First Ever All-Woman Electric Intercity Bus in 2023.
EKA Mobility will be responsible for the supply, sales, and service of these e-buses, ensuring the highest standards in this collaborative endeavour. The initiative will save annual fuel cost of INR 700 mn and avoid 12 mn gallons of diesel, equivalent to the impact of growing 1.5 mn trees. Moreover, around 0.6 mn individuals are estimated to benefit daily from a sustainable public transit system. Overall, this initiative is anticipated to result in a saving of 32400 Tonnes of CO2 emissions, substantially contributing to the reduction of tailpipe emissions fostering a cleaner future.
4, Jan 2024
Zuari Farmhub Launches Revolutionary Nano Fertilizers
Bengaluru, 4 January 2024: – Zuari Farmhub Ltd, a leading agricultural solutions provider, today unveiled its nano fertilizers in the form of Nano Shakti Nano Urea and Nano Shakti Nano DAP. ZFHL has received an approval for manufacturing nano fertilisers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP from the Govt. of India, vide Gazette of India notification dated 29th November, 2023. These nano fertilisers are designed to boost crop yields and improve soil health.
Zuari Farmhub has developed the nano fertilisers in collaboration with The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) using cutting-edge green nano bio-technology. Nano fertilisers are nano-sized nutrient particles that are readily absorbed by plants, leading to superior nutrient utilization and reduced wastage.

Compared to conventional fertilizers, these advanced fertilizers offer several compelling advantages:
• Enhanced Nutrient Uptake: Nano-sized particles effortlessly penetrate plant cell walls, ensuring faster and more efficient nutrient delivery, leading to healthier and more productive crops.
• Increased Crop Yields: Improved nutrient uptake translates to demonstrably higher crop yields, empowering farmers to maximize their output and income.
• There are no chances for fertiliser runoffs into nearby water sources hence avoiding adverse health and environmental impact.
• Reduced Fertilizer Usage: Nano fertilizers require significantly less application compared to traditional fertilizers, leading to substantial cost savings for farmers and a reduced environmental footprint.
Marketing a Revolutionary Technology:
These Nano fertilisers will be exclusively marketed by Paradeep Phosphates Ltd (PPL) under the brand name of Jai Kisaan Navratna Nano Shakti. This move will ensure widespread accessibility of this technology to farmers throughout the country.
A Green Collaboration for a Sustainable Future:
“The development of nano fertilizers is a testament to the transformative power of green nano bio-technology. TERI’s expertise in this field, coupled with Zuari Farmhub’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, has resulted in a technology that can revolutionize Indian agriculture. This collaboration represents a significant step towards a greener future for the agri inputs industry” said Mr. Madan Pandey , MD of ZFHL
The launch of Zuari Farmhub’s nano fertilizers is a pivotal moment for Indian agriculture. With its potential to enhance yields, this technology has the power to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for farmers and the nation as a whole.
4, Jan 2024
Amber Group company ILJIN acquires 60% stake in Ascent Circuits Pvt. Ltd.
New Delhi, 04 January 2023: The Amber Group, a home-grown manufacturing major, and a diversified B2B electronic manufacturing services (EMS) company, has today entered into definitive agreements with Ascent Circuits Pvt. Ltd (“Ascent”) to acquire 60% stake in Ascent. The acquisition has been affected through ILJIN Electronics, a part of Amber Group company.
Ascent Circuits, a South India based home-grown company is a leading player engaged in the manufacturing of Printed Circuit Boards (Single-sided, double-sided, multi-layered and RF PCB) catering to marquee customers such as ISRO, BEL, BHEL, Automotive, Telecom, Consumer Electronics clients both multinational & domestic. The company provides solutions for various applications such as Aerospace & Defence, Medical, Energy Solutions, Automotive, Telecom, Data Centres, Consumer Electronics, IT, Lighting etc. The company also exports its products to global markets.
This acquisition will help Amber strengthen its EMS portfolio by increasing its local value addition and backward integration into passive components of PCB Assemblies. This is in sync with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of the Government of India and is in line with the group’s strategy of strengthening backward integration for its electronics (EMS) play into various applications such as Aerospace & Defence, Medical, Telecom, Consumer Electronics and Automotive.
Enthused by the Government’s encouraging policy framework for domestic manufacturing, Amber plans to expand its portfolio in the electronics (EMS) space by further strengthening its R&D and PCBA manufacturing capabilities through backward integration of Bare PCB Boards. This uniquely positions Amber as a leading player in the electronics EMS space even as the sector is poised for double-digit growth in FY’25 and beyond.
The Amber Group, a diversified manufacturing major operates across three business verticals spanning consumer durables, EMS and Railway subsystems and mobility. While the consumer durables vertical comprises RAC (room AC) finished goods, room AC components including motors and non-room AC components, the EMS business (ILJIN Electronics & EVER Electronics) delivers solutions in telecom, automotive, smart energy meters, consumer electronics and appliances, hearables and wearables. Another important vertical for the group pertains to Railway sub systems & mobility. Amber provides integrated solutions to rolling stock customers for HVAC, Doors, Gangways, and Pantry Systems catering to the mobility sector, namely Indian Railways, Metro, RRTS and also buses. Besides this, it also provides solutions in the segment of Defence.
4, Jan 2024
Iex Power Market Update, December’23
Bengaluru, 04 January 2024: Indian Energy Exchange, India’s premier energy exchange, achieved 9,707 MU overall volume in December’23, including 10.52 Lac Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) (equivalent to 1052 MU), marking a 14.9% increase on YoY basis. IEX achieved 8,655 MU total electricity volume in December 2023, registering an increase of 8.7% on YoY basis.
For the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024, IEX achieved 28,326 MU overall volume, registering an increase of 16.9% YoY basis.
According to government data published in December ’23, the country’s energy consumption remained flattish at 119.07 BUs.
The Market Clearing Price in the Day Ahead Market for the month was Rs. 4.54/unit, marking a 13% YoY decrease. With favourable Policy and Regulatory interventions, the sell bids on the exchange (Day Ahead Market plus Real Time Market) during the month increased by 18% on YoY. Going forward, the sell liquidity is expected to further improve, leading to a decline in power prices on the Exchanges. This will present an opportunity for Discoms and Industrial consumers to optimize their power procurement costs.
ELECTRICITY MARKET: DAY- AHEAD, TERM- AHEAD & REAL-TIME MARKET
The Day-Ahead Market (DAM) volume was at 4,798 MU in December ’23, as compared to 5,001 MU in December ’22. The DAM segment registered total volumes of 14,684 MU during Q3 FY ’24, a marginal increase of 1.5% over Q3 FY ’23.
The Real-Time Electricity Market (RTM) volume increased to 2,405 MU in December ‘23, from 1,763 MU in December’22, registering an increase of 36.4 % YoY. The RTM segment registered volume of 7,166 MU during Q3 FY ’24, increasing 31.9% over Q3 FY ’23.
Day Ahead Contingency and Term-Ahead Market (TAM), comprising of contingency, daily & weekly and monthly contracts up to 3 months, traded 1,220 MU during December ’23, higher by 48.4% on YoY basis. The total volume on the segment during the quarter was 3,810 MU, growth of 91.4% over Q3 FY’23.
*PowerX is the price index of Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and is calculated based on weighted average price of Day-Ahead Market and Real-Time Market discovered for the previous day delivery.
GREEN MARKET: GREEN DAY-AHEAD & GREEN TERM-AHEAD MARKET
IEX Green Market, comprising the Green Day-Ahead and Green Term-Ahead Market segments, achieved 232 MU volume during December’23. During Q3FY24, the segment achieved volume of 609 MU.
The Green Day-Ahead Market (G-DAM) achieved 216.6 MU volume during the month, with a weighted average price of Rs 4.86 per unit. The segment saw participation from 187 market participants during the month. During Q3FY24, the segment achieved volume of 579.6 MU.
The Green Term-Ahead Market (G-TAM) achieved 15.4 MU volume in December ‘23, with average monthly price of Non-Solar- Rs 6.08/unit. During Q3FY24, the segment achieved volume of 29.9 MU.
RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE MARKET (REC MARKET)
A total of 10.52 lac RECs (equivalent to 1052 MU) were traded in the trading sessions held on 13th December ’23 and 27th December’23, at a clearing price of Rs. 370/REC and Rs. 360/REC respectively. REC traded volume in December’23 increased by 115.9% on YoY basis. A total of 20.24 lac RECs (equivalent to 2,024 MU) were traded during Q3 FY’24.
4, Jan 2024
AOC launches G4 series gaming monitors in the Middle East
Dubai, UAE – 4th January 2024 – AOC the world’s leading display solution provider, announces the launch of AOC Gaming monitors – 24G4 and 27G4. The new G4 series gaming monitors are made with a fast IPS panel, 24G4 is a 23.8-inch monitor, on the other hand the 27G4 is a 27-inch monitor. Both models are equipped with Adaptive-Sync technology, guaranteeing its users an unbeatable gaming experience with 1ms (GTG) response time and 180 Hz refresh rate. The HDR10 feature captivates visual quality and raises the gaming performance to the next level! Gamers can experience an ultra-smooth gaming experience with this AOC monitor.
Carol Anne Dias, Deputy Sales Director, Middle East & Africa (AOC Monitors) said that “The purpose of technology is to drive human progress, and in AOC we are keen to deliver the products that meets users’ expectations, so we designed 180Hz gaming monitors, that enables the users to experience a display which is comfortable and with an outstanding view, while the forefront of smoother experience is the core of our products”
For AOC it is of supreme importance to manufacture products of highest quality, and ensure the products are equipped with high resolution and multiple connectivity options. The aim is to deliver products as per the preferences of modern gamers.

Rule the Competition with Fast IPS
Fast IPS annihilates the competition with a speed 4x faster than conventional IPS. Guaranteeing the user true 1ms (GTG) response times and captivating visual quality, raise your gaming performance to the next level!
The e-sports professional standard for gaming
With a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, the display is equipped to perform at the pro gaming standard. Enjoy an ultra-smooth experience with no visible screen blur to ensure you’re always prepped to win.
A universally respected anti-tearing solution
Get fluid, artifact-free performance at virtually any framerate with Adaptive-Sync technology, smooth quick refresh and ultra-fast response time.
Illuminate your visuals
Enjoy an immersive visual experience with HDR10, the industry-standard high dynamic range for delivering a rich palette of colors, brightness, and contrast that far exceeds the capabilities of ordinary monitors.
Bringing depth to your colors
AOC Super Color technology enlivens the viewing experience with more passionate reds, enchanting greens and soothing blues. With this hardware solution, the user can enjoy better color accuracy and true-to-life color reproduction in photos, videos and more.
Connecting your eyes with your hands
Unleash your reflexes by switching to AOC Low Input Lag mode. Forget graphical frills: this mode rewires the monitor in favor of raw response time, giving you the ultimate edge in a hair-trigger standoff.
Protect your eyes from screen flicker
Flicker-free technology reduces flicker to give you a more comfortable gaming experience. AOC flicker-free technology provides a more comfortable and healthier viewing experience, minimizing the effects of eye fatigue during long, intense gaming sessions!
Reducing shortwave blue light output for healthier eyes
Low Blue Mode setting ensures a healthier viewing experience for prolonged computer use without compromising the naturally vivid colors of the display.
Connectable with other devices
The monitor provides convenient connectivity options, with both HDMI and DisplayPort support to suit both professionals and home users.
Carol concludes: “Building a new generation of upgraded products requires the best creative and smart infrastructure; in AOC we depend on our R&D results adding the globe trends & needs that help us deploy a custom cluster much more quickly than other producers could have, we pursue our work to create advanced products with much stronger reasoning abilities.”
The models are available in UAE with SDC FZE, 24G4 comes with RRP of AED 649 and 27G4 with RRP of AED 749. In Saudi Arabia it is available with Ibdaa Al Mohammadiya International Trading Company, 24G4 comes with RRP of SAR 749 and 27G4 with SAR of 899. The models will be available in Egypt with the distributor Quality Durable Systems (QDS). All AOC monitors come with 3 years of warranty.
