Category Archives: News

AI and Sustainable Energy Take Center Stage at FTCCI-CDSRI Pre-Conference Workshop

Hyderabad, December 7, 2024: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with Chadradeep Solar Research Institute (CDSRI), organized a pre-conference workshop on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Sustainable Energy Solutions. The workshop, held at the FTCCI premises, Hyderabad, was a precursor to the upcoming International Conference on the same theme slated for next year. The event garnered support from prominent organizations including COWE Telangana Chapter, MeitY, TASK, Atal Incubation Centre, T-Hub, Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, and Beyond Scale.

The primary objective of the workshop was to convene industry experts to deliberate on contemporary challenges and opportunities in sustainable energy. The discussions aimed at developing a comprehensive agenda and action plan for the forthcoming international conference.

Dr. Sandeep Chattopadhyay, Founder of CDSRI, underscored the transformative role of AI in enhancing the efficiency of renewable energy resources. Moderating the technical session, Dr. Chattopadhyay emphasized how AI and IoT(Internet of Things) can serve as catalysts for achieving the net-zero emissions goal by 2070.

Mr. Ajay Mishra, Former Special Chief Secretary, highlighted the potential of AI in improving vehicle efficiency and performance monitoring. He noted that organizations leveraging AI-integrated products and systems would gain a competitive advantage in the global market.

FTCCI President Mr Suresh Kumar Singhal stressed the importance of harmonizing advancements in AI with the pursuit of sustainable energy. He remarked, “The insights shared by experts will help make the world smarter, greener, and more sustainable.”

The workshop featured in-depth discussions on renewable energy domains such as solar, wind, hydrogen-powered, and electric vehicles, focusing on their integration with AI and IoT. Industry leaders shared actionable insights and strategies for incorporating AI into these sectors to optimize efficiency and drive innovation.

Key contributions included:

Mr. Kamal Jain, Chair of FTCCI’s Shipping and Logistics Committee, addressed trade barriers and challenges in the import of machinery and equipment critical to the renewable energy sector.

Mr. Mohan Raidu, Chair of FTCCI’s ICT Committee, elaborated on the urgent need for AI adoption in the energy sector to foster technological advancements.

The workshop outlined preliminary recommendations and a roadmap for the upcoming International Conference on AI in Sustainable Energy. Participants left with a shared vision to advance the integration of AI into sustainable energy solutions, making significant strides towards a greener future.

In another function held on Thursday evening H. E. Aaref Alnuaimi Consul General of UAE in Hyderabad visited FTCCI. Mr Suresh Kumar Singhal, president, Mr R. Ravi Kumar, Sr. Vice President, Mr Meela Jayadeva, Immediate Past President and Mr A.V.S. Chakravarthi interacted with him. They had a discussion on trade opportunities between the countries and particularly with Telangana Industries in various areas such as Pharma, Information Technology, Jewellery etc

Film on Mahayogi Spreading Love Amid Religious Strife to Release on 13th December

Kolkata, 7th December 2024: God has created mankind with a lot of love and he searches for the image of his own love in humans. But would God be happy to see humans fighting among themselves in the name of religion and politics? Never, friends. God has tears in his eyes today. In a world where millions of people are still homeless, crores of children sleep hungry on the streets, in the same world, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, all religions are considering each other as their enemies. Casteism, apartheid, racial discrimination is at its peak. Neighbouring countries are bent on war. There is unrest, bombs, missiles and death everywhere.

In such a situation, a volcano of anger is erupting from inside the earth. There is devastation everywhere, somewhere tsunami, somewhere epidemic, somewhere earthquake, somewhere flood. Interference with nature is at its peak. Somewhere trees are being cut, somewhere birds and animals are being killed, somewhere the black smoke of pollution, somewhere the spread of virus is proving fatal for humans.

Today, evil forces are raising their head everywhere. Man has forgotten that he is the incarnation of God. In such a situation, Mahayogi has come to tell all of us that this will not happen now. Now it is the turn of humanity to wake up. Kalyug is in its last phase and Mother Earth, nature, the entire universe and God himself are now ready to suppress the evil. He has called upon all of us through Mahayogi that we should forget religious, social and internal discrimination and walk on the path of mutual love, peace and global unity. Only then will Kalyug end and Satyug begin.

Producer director Rajan Luthra is conveying the same words of God to the people through his film “Mahayogi Highway 1 to Oneness” that God resides only in their love and mutual harmony, and nowhere else.

Mahayogi, who brings God’s message to you, is coming to theaters near you on 13 December 2024. This film has been shot in the US cities of San Francisco, Los Angels and in the beautiful locations of Haridwar and Kedarnath in India.

This Hollywood film has been made by USA’s production house Triloc Films Inc. This movie also has a very good message and inspiration for the audience. The film will open their eyes and change their thinking about life and the world.

Rakesh Sabharwal of Prince Movies is releasing the film all India. The mastermind of this Hollywood picture is Rajan Luthra who has written and directed it. Mr Satadeep Saha, SSR Cinema Pvt Ltd Kolkata is the West Bengal Distributer.

Quest Global Recognized with Top CSR Award for Impactful Education Programs

Bangalore, December 7th, 2024 – Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, was honored with the “Best Scholarship Programme Initiative of the Year” at the Indian CSR Awards 2024. The award felicitated Quest Global’s initiative across Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra where over 900 scholarships were given to students in primary and secondary schools, Junior Technical Schools (JTS), and those pursuing engineering and other undergraduate degrees. The program helped students hone their communication skills, technical proficiencies, and a multitude of soft skills.

The honour, which was conferred at the 4th edition of the Indian CSR Awards in New Delhi, is an endorsement of Quest Global’s contribution to supporting education at multiple levels which spans from primary and secondary education to college, covering institutions like Junior Technical Schools (JTS), engineering programs, and other undergraduate degrees. For instance, the JTS scholarship program offers end-to-end aid including infrastructure support, computer labs, uniform distribution, and salaried computer lab staff to oversee the modernization of rural students’ skill sets. The overall initiative continues to add to its proven track record, under which more than 500 students have gone on to pursue higher education.

“We believe that empowering individuals with knowledge and skills creates a better future. The programs we have implemented go beyond financial support by offering mentoring and career guidance that helps youth build their confidence. Education is the catalyst for societal change, and we are committed to building on the remarkable progress the initiative has achieved so far in India. This CSR award is a testament to our organization’s commitment to excellence in social responsibility, and we are honored to be recognized for our efforts in this space,” said Cheryl Rodness, Global Head of Brand, Quest Global.

As part of its efforts to bolster education in rural and urban India, Quest Global has partnered with several outstanding organizations such as the IEEE, Nasscom Foundation, Smile Foundation, Uthishta, Y4D and Youth for Seva. Through these collaborations, Quest Global has contributed to sustainable development goals such as Quality Education, Decent Work & Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities. The robust partnerships have resulted in job placements for over 300 diverse students. Through these initiatives, Quest Global strives to create a brighter future for young Indian from all backgrounds by empowering them to achieve their professional goals.

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya Star Sneha Wagh Reflects on the Power of Spirituality in Today’s World

In a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast, actress Sneha Wagh who portrays the character of Chathi Maiyya in Sun Neo’s show Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya has found a sense of calm and purpose through her spiritual journey. Recently, Sneha opened up about how this journey began and the profound impact it has had on her life.

Opening up about her spiritual journey, Sneha Wagh shared,“My spiritual journey began around 2016-2017 when I started seeking inner peace. Over time, especially in the last three to four years, my connection to spirituality deepened. This happened as I visited many of India’s authentic temples, listened to the stories and teachings associated with them, and read about their significance. During these visits, I discovered temples in the most remote parts of India, places many people don’t even know about. These experiences made me realize how incredibly rich our country is in terms of culture and heritage.”

The Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya actresss further added, “Initially, it was the temple architecture that attracted me. Later, the deities within these temples started drawing me in, and that’s when I began exploring mythology. Through mythology, I connected with the broader narrative of how life and civilization evolved. This realization strengthened my faith and interest in spirituality, leading me to immerse myself in learning more about our culture and civilization.”

Sneha Wagh also reflected on the cultural exchange and said, “Today, I see an interesting shift—while we are adopting western culture, many people in the West are embracing Indian traditions. They recognize the value of our practices after conducting thorough research and proving their benefits scientifically. Observing this, I became even more motivated to delve deeper into our heritage. I started reading extensively and researching various aspects of Indian spirituality, which helped me find internal peace and a path that feels truly meaningful. This journey has shown me the richness of Indian culture and inspired me to follow a life rooted in these timeless values.”

Sneha Wagh replaced Devoleena Bhattacharjee as Chhathi Maiyya in the Sun Neo show, and viewers are captivated by her performance. Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, airing on Sun Neo at 7 PM, follows Vaishnavi (Played by Brinda), an orphan who draws strength and comfort from her unshakable faith in Chhathi Maiyya, who acts as a motherly figure in her life. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit.

TGH Onco Life Cancer Center’s Day-Care Chemotherapy Department Inaugurated By Ms. Priya Dutt

The TGH-Onco Life Cancer Center located in Talegaon, Dabhade is well-known for its top-notch cancer services, ensuring that patients from rural areas can receive timely intervention without the need to travel to the city. Now, to further provide seamless services to the patients without any delay, the Hospital has started a dedicated daycare chemotherapy ward with 12 beds. This department was inaugurated by Mrs. Priya Dutt, the Chairperson / Trustee- Nargis Dutt Foundation.

Present on the occasion were Mr. Ganesh Khandge (President- TGH), Mr. Shailesh Shah (Chairman- TGH), Dr. Satyajit Gadhokar (Secretary- TGH), Mr. Uday Deshmukh, Chairman and Founder of Onco Life Cancer Center. This program was organized under the leadership of Sachin Deshmukh, Managing Director of Onco Life Hospital, and Center Head Dr Santosh Sahu.

Ms. Priya Dutt, Chairperson of Nargis Dutt Foundation said, ” This facility represents a significant step forward in cancer care. Patients now have access to state-of-the-art technology and advanced facilities, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment and care. I offer my heartfelt wishes to Onco Life Centre for its continued success and growth in serving the community’s healthcare needs.”

While announcing this program, Uday Deshmukh, the chairman and founder of Onco-Life, expressed that through our four centers in Satara, Chiplun, Talegaon (Pune), and Wagholi (Pune), we are consistently striving to provide advanced cancer treatments to the people of Western Maharashtra. These treatments, delivered by highly experienced cancer specialists, are offered at government and affordable rates. He emphasized the sincere effort to bring these services closer to patients in rural areas, enabling them to combat diseases like cancer without having to travel to big cities. He further acknowledged the support of Priya Dutt’s Nargis Dutt Foundation, which will extend services to even more patients, and expressed gratitude for their contribution.

Suntek Energy Systems Introduces Truzon Solar Brand

December 6, 2024 – Suntek Energy Systems Pvt Ltd, a leading provider of clean energy solutions and a pioneer in India’s solar energy sector, is proud to announce the launch of its new brand, TRUZON SOLAR. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, TRUZON SOLAR aims to revolutionize India’s renewable energy landscape by focusing on sustainability, affordability, and cutting-edge technology while contributing to a greener, more sustainable planet. With a vision to become one of the Top 5 Solar EPC Companies in India, the brand aims to drive global expansion and lead the way towards a sustainable future by harnessing the power of solar energy.

In an effort to raise awareness about solar energy and its transformative benefits, TRUZON SOLAR has partnered with superstar Mahesh Babu as the brand ambassador. The brand’s new television commercial (TVC), featuring Mahesh Babu, seeks to leverage his star power to educate and inspire audiences about the power of solar energy. The campaign aims to showcase how TRUZON SOLAR can transform lifestyles while being both environmentally friendly and economically accessible for consumers. Through this collaboration, TRUZON SOLAR is striving to inspire a nationwide shift towards solar energy adoption.

The launch comes at a time when India is intensifying its focus on renewable energy, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a sustainable future. This is further supported by government initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and Muft Bijli Yojana, which provide financial incentives and subsidies. With over 200 GW in renewable capacity and a goal of 500 GW from non-fossil sources by 2030, TRUZON SOLAR’s efforts to promote solar energy are perfectly in tune with India’s push for a greener, more sustainable future.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the TRUZON SOLAR launch, Ch. Bhavani Suresh, Founder and Managing Director of Suntek Energy Systems stated, “Solar energy is no longer just the future—it is becoming a necessity for households and businesses alike. TRUZON SOLAR is more than a brand; it is a movement that aims to make sustainable energy accessible to everyone. With India’s increasing focus on renewable energy and the Telangana government’s ambition to become a solar hub, we are proud to contribute to the nation’s vision for a greener future. We are also honored to be recognized as the No. 1 Solar Company for Renewable Energy by TSREDCO (Government of Telangana) and MNRE (Government of India). Our collaboration with Mahesh Babu strengthens our mission and drives awareness about the need for solar energy adoption. His support will help accelerate the transition to solar power across India, further aligning with our vision of making solar energy accessible to all.”

Mahesh Babu shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “I am truly honoured to be part of TRUZON SOLAR, a brand that is committed to delivering high-quality solar energy solutions and making a positive impact on society and the environment. I believe that sustainable energy is essential for the well-being of future generations. Representing TRUZON SOLAR goes beyond endorsing a product—it’s about taking meaningful steps towards a cleaner, brighter future for all.”

At the launch of the brand, Sri Ajay Mishra, IAS (Retd.), Chairman of IRCS Telangana, emphasized India’s growing commitment to renewable energy, stating, “India’s emphasis on renewable energy is crucial for sustainable growth and addressing environmental challenges. Clean energy is essential for ensuring a greener, self-reliant future for our citizens. TRUZON SOLAR’s innovative approach to solar energy aligns with India’s vision to expand renewable energy capacity and promote sustainability. By focusing on affordability, quality, and accessibility, TRUZON SOLAR is well-positioned to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across the country, contributing to our mission of a cleaner, greener India.”

As part of its ambitious growth strategy, TRUZON SOLAR is expanding nationally with plans to establish fulfilment centres in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra by March 2025. Additionally, the company is expanding its dealer network in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, ensuring robust support for its growing customer base across the country.

To enhance the customer experience, TRUZON SOLAR is launching a state-of-the-art mobile application that allows users to track the performance and savings of their solar systems in real-time. Building on the success of the SUNTEK Refer & Earn app, the company continues to innovate with tools that make the adoption of renewable energy seamless, rewarding, and accessible.

Godrej Yummiez Decodes India’s Snacking Preferences in New Frozen Snack Report 2024

Mumbai, December 5th, 2024: Godrej Yummiez, the ready-to-cook brand by Godrej Foods Ltd., launched India’s Frozen Snack Report, decoding how India snacks. Building on the inaugural report’s five pillars—Safety, Technology, Taste, Ease, and Mood Uplifter—STTEM 2.0 dives deeper into the perceptions, myths, and realities shaping the world of frozen snacks in India today. The report was launched, amongst the crème de la crème of the culinary world, at the recently concluded India Food and Beverages Award 2024, organized by the Food Bloggers Association of India (FBAI)held in Goa.

The latest research, conducted by YouGov, revealed, 57% of Indians now believe that frozen snacks are safe for consumption, with extensive input from healthcare professionals backing this finding. Based on an online survey of 2,004 respondents, the study ensured balanced representation across genders, age groups, marital status, and socio-economic classes using a quota-based sampling approach. By highlighting the safety standards maintained by regulated manufacturers. STTEM 2.0 upholds frozen snacks as a safe and convenient option that’s compatible with modern lifestyles.

Commenting on the launch, Abhay Parnerkar, CEO, Godrej Foods Ltd, stated, “As the frozen snacks category continues to grow in India, the STTEM 2.0 report plays a crucial role in deepening our understanding of consumer preferences and perceptions. By gaining insights into what customers are feeling, what they think, and how aware they are of our products, we can continuously improve our offerings. This report helps us better align with consumer needs and expectations, driving a shift in perception that not only benefits the industry but also strengthens Godrej Foods’ position in the market, fostering greater trust and increasing demand for our frozen snack range.”

Changing Lifestyles & Festivals Influencing Growing Acceptance of Frozen Snacks

The study reveals the versatility of frozen snacks in Indian households. From a quick bite between meals to a full meal solution, over 53% of Indians incorporate frozen snacks into their daily diets. This growing trend reflects the diversity of snacking occasions in India, as consumers seek convenient and tasty options to suit their busy lifestyles.

There is a snack for every moment and there is moment for every snack; From the grand celebrations of Diwali and Eid to the quiet comfort of a personal binge-watching session, STTEM 2.0 uncovers the diverse occasions that drive snack consumption. Together, these insights reveal how specific events across demographics are driving a growing acceptance and integration of frozen snacks into India’s modern culinary landscape.

The key Consumer highlights across five pillars (STTEM) are as below:

SAFETY:
67% Indians consume Frozen Snacks because it is made by trusted brands
57% of Indians believe that Frozen Snacks are safe for consumption
35% Indians would like manufacturing brands to talk about the fact that frozen snacks are preservative- free
TECHNOLOGY:
72% Indians prefer frozen snacks because it can be easily heated or microwaved as against frying.
51% of Indians have at least heard or read about IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) Method – a very crucial technology used to safeguard the quality of frozen snack foods
TASTE:
51% Indians believe that Frozen Snacks are very tasty and delicious
44% Indians believe that Frozen Snacks offer restaurant-like taste
EASE:
69% believe that Frozen Snacks have led to a reduction in the dependency on housekeepers
71% Indians believe that men have taken to cooking because of the convenience offered by Frozen Snacks
59% parents believe that Frozen Snacks are a convenient fix for hungry children
34% believe it is a cheaper alternative due to rising food prices/inflation
33% believe it is made by trusted brands
MOOD UPLIFTER:
An average of 67% Indians consume Frozen Snacks depending on their mood or emotional state
41% believe that today’s Indian households have reasons to celebrate at home

 Chef Amrita Raichand, a celebrated culinary expert, shared her thoughts, saying, “In India, snacking isn’t just about eating—it’s about connecting. From sharing plates during festive get-togethers to those chai-time chats, snacks bring us closer. Now since many cannot always get into the kitchen and cook from scratch because of lack of time etc. frozen snacks serve as quite a saviour as these give them the joy of cooking at home. In fact, it is amazing to see that 57% of Indians now trust frozen snacks as safe and convenient. Now for someone like me who loves experimenting with food and always encourages people to learn how to cook, I see this as a sign that people are accepting towards new ways of enjoying their favourites at home. Frozen snacks are not just a shortcut anymore—they are a delicious way to keep up with our fast-paced lives while still savouring every bite.”

New Relic and AWS Collaborate on Cutting-Edge Observability Platform for Amazon Q Business

Bangalore,India- December 5, 2024 – New Relic, the Intelligent Observability Platform, announced it is connecting New Relic AI, its in-platform generative AI assistant, into Amazon Q Business, AWS’ enterprise generative AI assistant for streamlining complex workflows. By connecting New Relic’s Intelligent Observability Platform with Amazon Q Business, New Relic goes beyond a simple API data pull to provide deep, intelligent insights and recommendations. The collaboration integrates Amazon Q Business’ built-in retrieval augmented generation (RAG) capabilities with New Relic’s real-time monitoring and intelligence to help enterprises quickly detect and resolve operational issues—such as application performance slowdowns, server malfunctions, and network bottlenecks. Now, anyone across an enterprise organization can detect, understand, and address issues, and receive intelligent recommendations to inform escalation decisions—all within Amazon Q Business. This enables more intelligent, faster, and cost effective business operations for enterprises.

“Enterprises are focused on unlocking the value of their data, leveraging the potential of AI, and driving business growth,” said New Relic CEO Ashan Willy. “New Relic is built to support agentic AI systems. We are the only intelligent observability platform to enable AI agent to AI agent integrations, or agentic orchestration. This allows us to go beyond simply bringing your observability data into other AI applications—we unlock the full power of our AI-strengthened platform with intelligent recommendations so any user can automate observability workflows to drive faster operations.”

Centralizes critical observability insights to streamline workflows, break down team silos, and automate incident response

Business interruptions can severely impact revenue and customer experience, especially during high-traffic periods. With data scattered across tools and knowledge sources, switching tools can lead to missed service level agreements (SLAs), confusion, and slow incident mitigation, which can prolong incidents and increase operational costs. By analyzing complex data and centralizing critical observability insights and actions into one interface, the two powerful AI systems break down team silos, streamline workflows, accelerate time to resolution, and automate incident response.

“Switching tools and context is one of the most painful problems enterprises face in modern incident response. Data and knowledge can end up in silos, making it hard to understand what your tools are telling you and when to escalate problems,” said New Relic Chief Product Officer Manav Khurana. “Together, New Relic and AWS are helping enterprises improve their business workflows and outcomes with AI. Bringing observability directly into the business application workflow is a game changer for gaining fast insights and intelligent recommendations on complex data so you can troubleshoot in real-time.”

Natural language allows any user to query and resolve issues with intelligent recommendations

New Relic AI and Amazon Q Business now work together to enhance enterprise productivity. New Relic brings real-time production data like errors, logs, traces, security vulnerabilities, and alerts directly into Amazon Q Business experiences and workflows. All information and insights are presented directly within the Amazon Q Business interface, eliminating switching tools between New Relic and Amazon Q Business. By providing a unified interface for querying and resolving issues, the solution empowers the entire team to maintain and improve digital services, regardless of their technical expertise.

Key features include:

Natural language unlocks access for any user: Leverage natural language to access information, generate summaries, and complete tasks securely based on information in enterprise systems—lowering the barrier to entry for resolving issues and speeding up resolution.

Real-time service analysis and intelligent recommendations: Query specific services, hosts, and system components for performance insights drawn from current performance data and compare it against historical trends and best practices—providing detailed insights and actionable recommendations based on the latest production environment information.

Alert intelligence reporting: Package sophisticated insights and intelligent recommendations based on deep analysis into the health of an application–preventing or reducing negative business impacts from incidents.

View information and insights directly within Amazon Q Business: Eliminates the need to switch between the New Relic and Amazon Q Business interfaces, enabling faster problem resolution.

Agentic orchestration: Amazon Q Business and New Relic AI coordinate to automate research and incident response tasks. This helps eliminate human toil, prevent human error, and enforce best practices.

OnePlus Commits Rs 2,000 Crore Annual Investment for Product and Service Growth in India under Project Starlight

December 5, 2024, New Delhi, India – Global technology brand OnePlus today announced an annual investment of ₹2,000 crores over the next three years to accelerate innovations in products and services in India. This investment plan was launched under the name of Project Starlight as a strategic vision for the brand’s future investment in the region.

“At OnePlus, we are deeply committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs of our Indian users,” said Robin Liu, CEO of OnePlus India. “The Project Starlight is a demonstration to our dedication to going beyond the surface to tackle the challenges faced by our users in their daily lives. From the intense heat and humidity to heavy usage, high screen on-time, and longer replacement cycles of OnePlus users, we recognize the need for our devices and services to serve our users reliably for years to come. India remains a top priority for us globally, and we continue to strive to earn the trust and affection of our Indian community. “

The Project Starlight investment focuses on three key areas – making even more durable devices, exceptional customer service, and developing India-specific features.

Prioritizing Durability Technology for Lasting Performance

OnePlus’s first Project Starlight commitment, making devices even more durable, starts immediately with two significant display technology advancements – the creation of the world’s first DisplayMate A++ display and the rolling out of OnePlus’s Green Line Worry-Free Solution.

The new display is set to premiere in an upcoming flagship device and is designed to excel in the harsh sunlight of India, redefining clarity, brightness, and color vibrancy. The 2K 120Hz ProXDR Display’s peak brightness of 4500 nits allows for clear visibility even under the brightest sunlight, ensuring that colors remain true and images remain vivid without any washout. OnePlus then takes the display experience a step further by providing a comfortable viewing experience that is particularly beneficial for users who spend extended periods using their devices, even in low-light conditions or during late-night use. Coupled with the sophisticated touch technology inside the forthcoming flagship, the new series from OnePlus is designed to offer users a seamless and intuitive experience.

Meanwhile, OnePlus’s Green Line Worry-Free Solution aims to allay the green line concerns seen in mobile devices across the industry. It involves OnePlus adding a new protective layer to all AMOLED displays, undertaking even more rigorous and extreme hardware testing minimizing risks to the lowest levels possible, and extending its new lifetime warranty program to all OnePlus devices against green line on display issues. These strategic measures are designed to give OnePlus users unwavering confidence and assurance in the exceptional quality and proven reliability of the brand’s products and services.

Elevating Service Quality: Expanding Access and Enhancing User Support

Next, the Project Starlight goes beyond hardware improvements, extending its commitment to elevating the overall user experience through enhanced service quality.

This year, OnePlus successfully increased its service centers by 22%, including an 11% rise in exclusive service centers directly owned by the brand. The company aims to expand its service centers by 50% by mid-2026. To accommodate a growing and diverse user base, OnePlus is enhancing its online service offerings, which include hotline support, WhatsApp assistance, and live chat options. Improved training programs for technical staff will ensure prompt and effective support, while a more transparent repair process will allow users to track the progress of their service requests. Additionally, OnePlus is upgrading half of its flagship retail stores to provide a better in-store experience and is empowering third-party stores with enhanced service capabilities. All of these initiatives aim to make service more accessible and satisfying for Indian users.

Innovating with India-Specific Features for a Superior Experience

The third focus of the Project Starlight will see OnePlus dedicate itself to developing features that are tailored to address the distinct requirements of our Indian user base.

The company has identified critical areas of focus that resonate with the Indian customers, including meaningful and advanced local AI functionalities, and a consistent demand for stable, high-speed connectivity. OnePlus is also implementing targeted solutions to enhance overall user experience across a variety of settings.

In today’s interconnected world, reliable network connectivity is essential for both personal and professional endeavors. OnePlus 13 Series will be the first smartphone to deliver a 5.5G connectivity experience in India, with an average speed enhancement of 380%. Additionally, OnePlus is debuting a customized signal optimization feature specifically for places such as Delhi Metro, ensuring that our users enjoy seamless connectivity and superior network performance across diverse settings.

Meanwhile, in India, OnePlus 13 Series devices will also introduce Steady Connect which extends Bluetooth connection range to up to 360 meters. This means gym enthusiasts can secure their phone safely in a locker and just take their Bluetooth headphones with them to work out. Steady Connect will also help Bluetooth connections stay active in areas of heavy traffic and interference like subway stations.

Through the Project Starlight, OnePlus reinforces its commitment to the Indian market, focusing on long-term performance, innovative features, and superior service. By addressing the unique challenges faced by Indian consumers, OnePlus is enhancing the durability and user experience of its products while solidifying its position as a trusted technology leader in the region.

SMFG India Achieves AA- Rating from Japan Credit Agency, Outperforming India’s Sovereign Rating by 4 Levels

National, 05 December 2024: SMFG India Credit (SMICC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), has been awarded an international credit rating of “AA-” with a stable outlook by the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR). This exceptional outcome places SMICC four notches above India’s sovereign rating and only one notch below its parent financial group SMFG’s own “AA” rating.

JCR highlighted SMICC’s strategic importance to SMFG’s Asia Multi-Franchise Strategy, which is supported by robust governance and alignment with SMFG’s ethos of promoting financial inclusion and empowering underserved communities in India.

Mr. Pankaj Malik, Chief Financial Officer, SMFG India Credit, said “This AA- rating by JCR is a testament to SMFG India Credit’s commitment to maintaining financial discipline, operational excellence, and customer-centric growth with the help of innovative products offerings. SMICC’s consistent growth trajectory and strategic alignment with SMFG’s global objectives position us as a key player in India’s rapidly expanding retail loan market. This recognition further motivates us to continue fostering financial inclusion and delivering value to our stakeholders.”

JCR also observed that SMICC’s business scale has grown significantly, driven by the expansion in the domestic consumer credit market and strong support from SMFG. The company’s growth trajectory remains robust and it continues to maintain a healthy loan book. The company has also kept its interest rate risk and liquidity risk appropriately managed through risk management committee.