Category Archives: News

IDC MarketScape recognizes F5 as a Web Application and API Protection Leader

India – 3rd October 2024 – F5 is proud to announce it has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) Enterprise Platforms 2024 Vendor Assessment.

IDC MarketScape notes, “F5 has demonstrated a long history of delivering high performance and advanced security capabilities to secure applications and APIs, often through strategic acquisitions of purpose-built point solutions. By combining these point solutions into a single coherent, flexible platform, F5 aids enterprises in their digital transformation journeys.”

According to IDC, the IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT suppliers in a given market. Through a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria, a vendor’s competitive position and market share is determined.

“In a threat landscape that is constantly changing, businesses of all sizes need a unified, simple to deploy and AI-ready WAAP solution”, said Adam Judd, Senior Vice President for APCJ at F5. “We welcome the findings of IDC MarketScape as our customers tell us they appreciate that our unified WAAP solution is deployable across complex hybrid, multicloud environments, and is available in various form factors, including hardware, software, SaaS, and as a managed service.”

Evaluated for the vendors’ three-to-five-year strategy as well as the capabilities of current offerings, IDC MarketScape notes, “The F5 strategic road map addresses AI security needs. GenAI is a new threat vector but also provides customers an opportunity for optimization such as penetration testing for large language models.”

As AI accelerates the growth of applications and the APIs that connect them, F5 brought API code testing and telemetry analysis to F5 Distributed Cloud Services in 2024. IDC MarketScape notes, “The F5 Distributed Cloud Services support management through APIs or user interface. These flexible options allow teams to support shift left initiatives through integrations with non-security team workflows.”

Beauty Garage Professional Stands Out at PBI Exhibition, Announces Gofab Genesis LLP Acquisition

Mumbai…October 03, 2024…Beauty Garage Professional, a leading Made-in-India brand revolutionizing the hair care industry, made a significant impact at the Professional Beauty India (PBI) exhibition held in Mumbai on September 30th and October 1st. This two-day event brought together industry leaders and experts to showcase the latest innovations in the beauty and salon sector.

Established in 2017 by Mahesh and Jigar Ravaria, Beauty Garage Professional has quickly become a success story, navigating challenges with a steadfast commitment to innovation. Renowned for its high-quality, premium, and safe hair care products, the brand leverages cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of both professionals and clients. With a strong focus on repairing and revitalizing damaged hair, Beauty Garage Professional has solidified its presence in the premium salon market.

A highlight of the event was Mahesh Ravaria, Co-founder and CEO, who participated in the Salon Management Conference (SMC) on Day 1, presenting on the topic of “Sourcing and Saving: Salon-Vendor Relationships.” In his discussion, Ravaria stressed that building long-term relationships with salon partners hinges on delivering high-quality products, innovative solutions, and maintaining a mutual alignment between brand and salon values. He emphasized the importance of quality and innovation, stating that the right product with the right ingredients, combined with excellent packaging, builds trust and loyalty between salons and their brand partners.

Reflecting on the challenges salons face, Ravaria noted: “Salons often encounter disparities in pricing, with some charging significantly different rates for the same product or service. This inconsistency creates confusion for consumers and reduces the potential earnings for salons. It’s essential for both salons and brands to collaborate closely and maintain uniformity in pricing strategies, which will lead to better margins and service quality.”

During the exhibition, Beauty Garage Professional shared details about its complete acquisition of Gofab Genesis LLP. This 100% buyout encompasses Gofab’s brand, products, and manufacturing facilities, representing a significant advancement in Beauty Garage Professional’s growth strategy. With this acquisition, the company will integrate Gofab Genesis’ revolutionary patented technologies—Color Fuel and Micro Fuel—into its product portfolio, expanding its offerings in the premium hair care segment. Mr. Akash Bhutak and Ms. Manisha Bhutak, founders of Gofab, were also present at the event to celebrate this important milestone.

Beauty Garage Professional is committed to its mission of repairing, restoring, and revitalizing hair, ensuring that every product developed delivers impactful results. The brand is dedicated to continuously introducing innovative solutions that cater to a diverse clientele, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in the industry.

Ravi Kumar Joins Clarks Avadh Lucknow as General Manager

September 2024, New Delhi: Ravi Kumar has been appointed as General Manager, Clarks Avadh, Lucknow, effective September 2024. With over 20 years of extensive experience in the global hospitality industry, Ravi brings his expertise from some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Andaz Delhi, Hyatt, Solaire Resort, Hilton, Marriott International, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Ravi’s career highlights include his recent tenure as Director of Food and Beverage at Andaz Delhi & Hyatt Delhi Residences, where he played a pivotal role in curating a dynamic F&B experience for both brands. Prior to that, Ravi held the position of Director of Operations at Hilton and Marriott International, where he was responsible for overseeing multi-departmental operations. In these roles, he streamlined operational processes, optimized guest satisfaction, and implemented innovative service strategies, contributing to overall revenue growth and service excellence. His leadership extended across luxury resorts in Pune, Thailand, and Manila, where he led diverse teams and enhanced guest experiences with a focus on personalized service.

At Clarks Avadh Lucknow, Ravi is set to lead the property with a vision of further enhancing service excellence and guest engagement. His goal is to elevate the guest experience while integrating the rich cultural heritage of Lucknow into the hotel’s offerings. Through strategic innovation, community collaboration, and a commitment to world-class hospitality, Ravi aims to position Clarks Avadh as a leading destination in the region.

NMIMS SBM, Mumbai Achieves Prestigious EQUIS Accreditation: A Mark of Global Excellence

October 3, 2024: The NMIMS School of Business Management (SBM), Mumbai, has secured the prestigious EQUIS accreditation, setting a high-quality benchmark for business education in India. The EQUIS accreditation is awarded to the best B-schools internationally that demonstrate high academic standards and overall quality. SBM’s initiative, the Pravin Dalal School of Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management, also received this accreditation, underscoring the institution’s commitment to excellence in business education.

Dr Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, NMIMS University, commented: “Achieving EQUIS accreditation for the School of Business Management at NMIMS, Mumbai, is an important milestone. This recognition underscores our dedication to academic rigour, research, industry connections, and the development of socially conscious global business leaders. The achievement opens new avenues for international collaborations, enhances our ability to attract exceptional students and faculty, and ensures NMIMS SBM’s position as a leader in business education in India and globally. The EQUIS accreditation provides a framework for governance, establishes clear quality benchmarks, and aligns us with international best practices. This accreditation not only validates our current efforts but also encourages us towards even greater excellence in the future.”

The EQUIS accreditation is a testament to SBM’s dedication to academic and research excellence, social initiatives, and industry connections. The achievement also positions SBM as the first B-school embedded within a university in India to achieve the EQUIS accreditation. SBM is the seventh B-school accredited by EQUIS and only the second private B-school to receive this recognition.

Dr Justin Paul, Dean & Provost (Management Education), School of Business Management, said: “The EQUIS accreditation places NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai, among the top global business schools. It reflects our commitment to delivering a transformative learning experience, strengthened by industry partnerships and a focus on ethics and sustainability. This recognition will enhance our global standing, facilitate international collaboration, and expand academic and career opportunities for our students.”

The EQUIS accreditation offers several benefits, including global recognition of the School’s practices and programs and positioning it among the leading B-schools internationally. It acknowledges the School’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and facilitates access to international academic communities. The accreditation allows SBM to benchmark its performance against global institutions and enrich its learning ecosystem for students and faculty.

For students, the EQUIS accreditation affirms the School’s continuous quality improvement in providing education that meets global standards, offering enhanced learning opportunities and international exposure.

The EQUIS accreditation process evaluated SBM across key areas, including student quality, graduate outcomes, and industry connections. Strengths that contributed to this achievement include a rigorous admission process, diverse student profile, comprehensive academic pathways, and strong industry connections that prepare students for real-world challenges. SBM’s commitment to research and ethical practices was also noted as an integral part of its educational framework.

Empowering women producers through digital sales platform greenkraft.co.in

Shri. Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, MoRD, announces the launch of greenkraft.co.in, a groundbreaking online sales platform exclusively owned by women producers from rural communities during the National Livelihoods Conclave in Varanasi. GreenKraft, incubated by Industree Foundation, is an initiative to offer solely made-in-India products, made and owned by women-led producer groups, who are members of different Self-Help Groups(SHGs) in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha.

Industree nurtures and specializes in high-quality, elegant hand-woven goods made from locally sourced natural materials such as banana bark, bamboo, and sal leaves. By eliminating middlemen and providing direct market access, GreenKraft is expected to significantly boost the income of these rural women entrepreneurs.

In this innovative business model, 100% of the revenue generated goes to the women producers, ensuring that they benefit fully from their labor and creativity. This initiative is aligned with the government’s mission to promote inclusive rural development by empowering women entrepreneurs and its commitment to strengthening livelihoods in rural India by harnessing the potential of digital technologies. This platform represents a significant step toward supporting talented women producers from rural India.

During the launch, Shri Charanjit Singh stated, “This approach ensures quality, competitiveness, and productivity while also ensuring transparency, fair wages, and stable incomes for women through direct sales of quality products in India and abroad.” The concept permits the construction of a vibrant, entrepreneurial, demand-driven ecosystem for inclusive growth, which could have an impact on a wide range of sectors. This initiative fosters sustainable livelihoods while highlighting the skill and craftsmanship of rural India.”

“Bamboo can drive economic change for women, creating opportunities to generate a million livelihoods by connecting their produce to markets. Government of India’s National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is committed to strengthening bamboo as a key sub-sector for sustainable livelihoods. These sustainable festive decorations from GreenKraft put forward the idea of celebrating festivals without affecting the planet, while also making our women happy”, said Mr. Neju George Abraham, CEO, Industree Foundation.

The event was attended by representatives from various SRLM’s, home buyers, and development organizations, who emphasized the role of digital platforms like GreenKraft in enabling rural producers to compete in a global marketplace.

Industree is supporting NRLM in achieving their mission of implementing bamboo sub-sector initiative, and building a million smallholder women farmers to cultivate bamboo and connecting them to the market.

Arcil Collaborates with Studeasy Bharat Foundation to Enhance Rural Education via Digital Classrooms

Mumbai, October 03, 2024 – Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Limited (Arcil) is pleased to announce its collaboration with Studeasy Bharat Foundation (SBF), Navi Mumbai, to provide digital classrooms to 30 government schools across Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa.

This initiative is one of the key component of Arcil’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of education for underprivileged students and equipping them with the skills necessary for a future in the digital economy.

Speaking on the initiative, Arcil MD & CEO Pallav Mohapatra said, “Arcil is proud to partner with Studeasy Bharat Foundation in this transformative initiative. By bringing modern educational technology to government schools, we are empowering students from under-privileged backgrounds with the tools they need to succeed in today’s increasingly digital world. Our goal is to empower these students to not only excel academically but to emerge as the next generation of IT professionals and leaders, equipped with the skills and confidence to drive tomorrow’s digital economy.”

Speaking further on the initiative, Studeasy Co-founder & Director, Lehar Tawde said, “We are pleased to be supported by Arcil in our mission to provide Quality Education to Govt. school students. Our Blended Learning Program with Arcil benefits over 10,000 underprivileged students across 30 Govt. schools, spread over 3 States in India. The program brings to life the Government’s vision to leverage technology to provide Govt. school students with Quality Education; not only in classrooms, but also at home, during their self-study time. Our association with Arcil has just started and, in time to come, we hope to empower Govt. school students across every State in India, and enable them to contribute to the India growth story.”

Through this partnership, Arcil is supporting the implementation of a digital Classroom infrastructure, a powerful integration of low-cost, hyper-scalable technologies, designed to offer students in government schools a better learning experience. The project, which includes the installation of 55” Smart TVs in classrooms with an access to customised software that allows for the seamless delivery of educational content both in school and at home through SBF’s Blended-Class Program. This unique model enables students from Classes 5-10 to access state-syllabi-based lectures, assessments, and educational videos in vernacular languages, ensuring an inclusive approach to learning.

In the initial three phases during 2024, digital classrooms were set up in 10 schools each across Jhajjar and Bhiwani districts in Haryana, Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh, and schools in Goa. The program is designed to engage both students and teachers, with SBF sharing valuable learning insights based on students’ progress to them and to Arcil to monitor progress of students and overall benefits of the programme. This data helps teachers refine their lesson plans, resulting in improved learning outcomes and educational development.

SBF’s innovative approach aligns with Arcil’s commitment to promoting educational equity. By providing digital infrastructure, the initiative bridges the gap between urban and rural education, offering students the opportunity to enhance their learning experience both inside and outside the classroom using the same software on their own/family digital platforms viz mobiles, computers etc.

With a strong focus on student engagement and teacher support, this program exemplifies Arcil’s long-term vision of fostering a future-ready workforce. As India’s digital economy continues to grow, Arcil’s CSR efforts will remain dedicated to ensuring that students in rural areas are not left behind in this transformation.

Couple Donates Land for Government Health Center in Kerala

Kottayam, 3 -10-2024: Retired Air Force officer and his wife, retired high school teacher Annamma Sunny, have donated 13.5 cents of land in the 12th ward of Neezhoor Grama Panchayat, at Madathiparambil, for the establishment of a government Health and Wellness Center. The foundation stone for the center was laid by the Honorable Minister for Cooperation, Registration, and Ports, V.N. Vasavan, during a ceremony held on Saturday. Kaduthuruthy MLA Adv. Mons Joseph, Kottayam Lok Sabha MP Francis George, local panchayat members, and officials from the health department also participated in the event.

In 2021, the couple had also donated land to build a house for a disabled family in the same panchayat, further demonstrating their dedication to community welfare. Minister V.N. Vasavan praised their selfless contributions to public health and social welfare, expressing the Kerala government’s gratitude. He noted that such initiatives will greatly improve the state’s healthcare system.

The couple’s elder son, Dr. Joseph Sunny, works as an occupational therapist for the Kerala Health Services at Govt.Mental Health Centre, Thrissur, and their daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ponnu Joseph, is the Director of Prayatna, a leading rehabilitation center in Kerala for autism and other psycho-neuro disorders.

Shantanu Maheshwari: ‘My Character Won’t Give Up on Love’ in Ishq In the Air

Mumbai, 3 October, 2024: Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently made headlines with its latest romantic drama, Ishq In the Air. With an impressive IMDb rating of 8.5, this series features Shantanu Maheshwari and Medha Rana in pivotal roles. It follows the story of Naman, a shy Indore boy with a passion for photography, and Kavya, a hairstylist from the bustling city of Mumbai. When they unexpectedly meet at the airport during a delayed flight, their contrasting backgrounds ignite an unexpected bond.

Shantanu Maheshwari who essays the role of Naman, shed some light on his character, “Naman is a smart and intelligent individual, but he struggles with confidence, having always lived in the shadows of his family. He has consistently followed the path laid out for him, never truly having the opportunity to explore his own potential. However, with Kavya entering his life, his confidence gets a boost. He is also deeply respectful towards his family, valuing their importance.”

He further added, “What truly stands out about Naman is that he is a giver, someone who deeply empathizes with others’ pain. He combines this empathy with logical reasoning, which is portrayed in various scenes for the audience to witness. Despite the challenges, Naman remains determined. He refuses to give up on their love and approaches every situation logically.”

Get ready for takeoff into a whirlwind romance as Kavya and Naman’s fates intertwine in Ishq In The Air, streaming exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, and Play Store.

Warivo Motor partners with Battery Smart to revolutionize B2B Electric Mobility

New Delhi, 03 October 2024: Warivo Motor India Pvt Ltd, a leading electric two-wheeler manufacturer, and Battery Smart, India’s largest battery swapping network for electric two and three-wheelers, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to integrate cutting-edge battery swapping technology into Warivo’s fleet, targeting the B2B market.

Following the recent launch of CRX- its first high-speed electric scooter, Warivo Motor aims to lower the upfront costs for fleet operators by decoupling the battery from the vehicle purchase. This innovative approach will not only make electric scooters more accessible to businesses but also ease their transition to sustainable transport solutions. Moreover, the integration of Battery Smart’s vast network of swapping stations will eliminate range anxiety, and also save time, by allowing fleet operators to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, ensuring uninterrupted service and greater efficiency in delivery and logistics operations.

By the end of 2025, Warivo plans to deploy over 20,000 electric scooters equipped with Battery Smart’s battery-swapping technology across India. This ambitious rollout underscores Warivo’s commitment to promoting clean mobility solutions and addressing the rising demand for sustainable transportation options.

Speaking about the partnership, Ms. Tanushree Bhattacharya, Assistant Vice President, Partnerships and Alliances, Battery Smart, stated, “The increasing demand for cost-effective and time-efficient solutions makes battery swapping a vital component of the EV market. Our collaboration with Warivo Motor allows fleet operators to utilize our extensive battery-swapping network, reducing operational costs and boosting efficiency. We are confident that this partnership will accelerate the electrification of commercial fleets across India, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

Mr. Yuvraj Garg, Director of Warivo Motor, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Battery Smart marks a pivotal step in our journey to transform urban mobility. By incorporating battery-swapping technology into our B2B solutions, we are not only lowering operational costs for fleet operators but also making electric mobility more practical and accessible. With the recent launch of our CRX, a high-speed electric scooter crafted for everyone, our goal is to ensure our product caters to all segments, B2B and B2C equally suitable for all ages. We are confident that this partnership will accelerate the adoption of electric two-wheelers in the enterprise sector, advancing our vision for a more sustainable future.”

This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in the electric mobility sector, empowering fleet operators with innovative solutions that enhance both cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.

 Together, Warivo Motor and Battery Smart are committed to transforming urban transportation, fostering a sustainable ecosystem that prioritizes clean mobility and supports the growth of electric vehicles in India.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Registers 14% Growth in September 2024

Bangalore, 03 October 2024: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) continues to record positive sales momentum by registering a 14% increase in wholesale sales in September 2024 compared to the same period last year. The company sold a total of 26,847 units, with domestic sales accounting for 23,802 units and exports totalling 3045 units.

In September 2023, the company had sold 23,590 units.

In the first 6-months of the Financial Year of 2024-2025, TKM achieved a notable increase in vehicle deliveries, reaching a total of 1,62,623 units. This marks the company’s strongest performance ever in India. For reference, the company had sold 1,23,939 units in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

Commenting on the strong sales performance, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “As the festive fervour picks-up footfalls and enquiries are charged up which makes us positive of a very good festive season. Notably, our SUV, MPV, and small car segments have experienced significant growth nationwide, contributing over 90% to our sales in in the month of September.

Key to meeting this rising demand has been our strategic operational improvements, such as the introduction of a third shift. This has significantly optimized our supply chain, particularly for high-demand models where waiting periods have been reduced.

We have also consistently implemented customer-centric programs and value-added services aimed at further building on market synergies. In keeping with the festive spirit, we’ve introduced the 555 Plus program that offers exciting new schemes and customer benefits such as extended warranties, free service, Roadside Assistance and attractive exchange offers across key models, giving our customers every reason to celebrate with Toyota this season. We recently, we introduced initiatives like TCare, which consolidates multiple value chain offerings under a single brand, providing top-tier convenience and a hassle-free experience.

Furthermore, with our 1,045 touchpoints and diverse product portfolio, we effectively meet our customers’ needs, whether they’re seeking lifestyle-driven options or solutions for family mobility.”