ASORT Unveils “Solasta”: Premium Accessories Tailored for Entrepreneurs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities

New Delhi, India – September 12, 2024: ASORT is proud to introduce “Solasta,” a new product line meticulously designed to address the unique needs of entrepreneurs and professionals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Solasta blends sophisticated design, durability, and versatility to offer a premium range of accessories that meet both formal and casual requirements.

Solasta’s offerings are characterised by their minimalist and sleek design, exuding a premium look and feel. Crafted from high-quality PU material, these products are built for longevity while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. The range includes versatile accessories such as belts and socks, which are tailored to meet the demands of both professional environments and everyday comfort. These products ensure that users experience the perfect balance of style and functionality.

“Our mission with Solasta is to create accessories that not only look good but also serve the practical needs of our customers,” said Roshan Singh Bisht, Co-Founder & CEO of ASORT.com. “We understand the specific requirements of young adults and professionals in smaller cities, and Solasta is our answer to those needs, offering premium quality at an accessible price point.”

Solasta is primarily targeted at men aged 15 to 55, focusing on those who seek elegance and functionality in their everyday accessories. However, ASORT plans to expand the range to include products for women, ensuring that everyone can benefit from Solasta’s quality-first approach. The product line will start with essential accessories like belts and cardholders for formal settings, as well as socks designed for comfort during long workdays or casual outings.

Key features of Solasta include the use of premium PU material, sleek and minimalist design, and a commitment to comfort and durability. The range is versatile, catering to a variety of needs, and is positioned as a premium yet affordable option in the market.

Solasta is available now through ASORT’s website and app, with products expected to sell out quickly due to high demand. ASORT’s direct sales approach ensures customers have early access to these sought-after products.

ICICI Bank in collaboration with PFRDA launches NPS Vatsalya, a pension account for minors

Mumbai: ICICI Bank today announced the launch of NPS Vatsalya, a pension scheme aimed at securing the financial future of children, at its service centre at BKC in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

The new pension scheme, which will run under the aegis of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), was proposed in the Union Budget 2024 -2025. It allows contribution by parents/guardians for the minor until they turn adults. On attaining the age of 18, the individual can convert it into a normal NPS account.

ICICI Bank’s announcement of this scheme is a part of the government’s formal launch across the country by Honourable Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi today.

Mr. Sriram H., Head – Deposit Products, ICICI Bank said, “We are delighted to be part of the NPS Vatsalya launch scheme with the Government of India and PFRDA. We have begun this journey by opening our first set of NPS Vatsalya accounts today. We have equipped all ICICI Bank business centres across the country to open the NPS Vatsalya account for customers. This account helps in long-term wealth creation, ensuring that by the time the minor becomes an adult, there is a financial corpus in place for them.”

ICICI Bank inaugurated the commencement of the scheme by registering accounts of a few children under NPS Vatsalya. They also received a symbolic Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) card for their NPS Vatsalya account.

Key attributes of the Vatsalya NPS account:

· Eligibility criteria: Any minor, having PAN card and Aadhar card, who is under the age of 18 is eligible

· Minimum contribution: A minimum of ₹1,000 per year can be contributed with no limit on maximum contribution

· Contributors to the scheme: Parents/guardians can contribute on behalf of their children

· Transition after the age of 18: The minor’s NPS account will transition to a standard NPS account, post the submission of required KYC documents

Avtr Meta Labs Collaborates with Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to Launch India’s First AI Avatar Creator Contest

Avtr Meta Labs, a leader in AI-driven virtual influencer technology, is excited to announce its partnership with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) for the introduction of India’s First AI Avatar Creator Contest. This unique contest will be a key feature of the upcoming World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, scheduled to take place from February 5th to 9th, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

As part of this grand summit, the Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has officially launched the “Create in India Challenge – Season 1”, a series of 25 distinctive contests across multiple domains. Among them is the highly anticipated AI Avatar Creator Contest, which offers creators, technologists, and marketers the opportunity to showcase their skills in developing AI-driven virtual avatars.

AI Avatar Creator Contest: Pioneering Digital Innovation
The AI Avatar Creator Contest is a landmark initiative aimed at driving innovation in the rapidly expanding field of AI influencers and digital content creation. Contest participants will have access to cutting-edge AI tools, both open-source and licensed, to build and design their own virtual avatars. The challenge will allow creators to push the limits of artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, and character design.

KLH Nurtures Innovation with Seed Funding for Student-Led Startups

Hyderabad, 19th September 2024 – KLH Aziz Nagar Campus proudly announces that seven student-led startups have received seed funding to further develop their innovative products, addressing real-world challenges across various sectors. These projects, supported through the Atal Community Innovation Centre (ACIC) – KL Startups Foundation Incubation, aim to translate visionary ideas into practical solutions for societal needs, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The seed funding empowers students to advance their projects, encouraging them to harness technology to solve pressing issues in today’s world. From combating poaching with AI to improving agricultural efficiency, these initiatives reflect the spirit of innovation encouraged at KLH Campuses across Bachupally and Aziz nagar.

Among the standout projects which received funding between 10-12k is Linga Sai Naresh Chowdary’s “Animal Protection and Poaching Using YOLO,” which uses AI to monitor and protect wildlife from poaching. G. Nandini’s “Anti-Theft Floor” employs smart sensors to enhance security by detecting unauthorized access. V. Sai Sathvika’s “Automated Public Lighting” improves energy efficiency by adjusting lighting based on environmental conditions. P. Harishith Chowdary’s “E-Clinic” provides remote healthcare access, making medical services more available. S. Sai Kiran’s “IoT-Based Plant Health Monitoring System” aids farmers in optimizing crop management through real-time monitoring. Maroju Manju Bhargavi’s “Omni-Directional Cooler” delivers uniform cooling while reducing energy use. Lastly, N. Rohith Kumar’s “Soil Moisture Monitoring System” helps farmers with water conservation and better irrigation practices.

Commenting on this achievement, Dr. G. Pardha Saradhi Varma, Vice Chancellor of KLH Deemed to be University, stated, “These initiatives are designed to promote a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship across our campuses. We inspire students to address pressing societal issues through innovative solutions. Such initiatives and events push students to think outside the box and develop solutions that benefit the community. We support them with crucial funding and resources. The seed funding provided facilitate these students in prototyping and testing their ideas, bringing them closer to developing market-ready products.”

KLH continues to play a significant role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among students, providing them with the necessary resources and mentorship to turn their ideas into successful ventures. Under the leadership of Dr. A. Ramakrishna, Principal of KLH Aziz Nagar, and Dr. Kartheek Thatikonda, Head of KLH Innovation & Entrepreneurship, along with dedicated faculty members, students are provided with ample opportunities to explore, innovate, and grow.

These projects present the university’s commitment to creating a brighter, more sustainable future through technological advancements and creative problem-solving. By nurturing the next generation of innovators, KLH is driving meaningful change and contributing to the development of solutions that positively impact society.

New Hitachi EverFlex Transforms IT Operations with Scalable, Cost-Efficient Hybrid Cloud and Infrastructure-as-a-Service Solutions

India – Sept. 19, 2024 – Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing IT operations with its new generation of the Hitachi EverFlex infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) portfolio. Hitachi EverFlex is designed to simplify and optimize IT capacity and operations by managing diverse and distributed infrastructure through advanced heterogeneous automation and flexible service options, meeting the evolving needs of enterprises seeking scalable, adaptable, and economical IT infrastructure for business outcomes.

As enterprises increasingly turn to hybrid cloud environments to meet their diverse IT needs, there is a notable shift towards consumption-based models that offer greater agility, lower total cost of ownership (TCO), and simplified operations management. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global IaaS market is expected to grow from $156.93 billion in 2024 to $738.11 billion by 2032, driven by the demand for scalable, cost-effective IT solutions and the surge in cloud adoption. Hitachi EverFlex addresses these needs with adaptable IaaS solutions that leverage AI to enhance efficiency and rapid decision-making.

The portfolio of services helps organizations tackle key IT challenges with a consumption-based model that aligns costs with actual business usage. This approach not only reduces initial capital expenditures but also ensures IT expenses are directly tied to business needs. By leveraging hyperautomation and AI-driven insights, companies also gain the agility to quickly diagnose and fix IT problems before they escalate, streamlining processes and boosting overall productivity. Additionally, the portfolio’s advanced services improve security and address skills gaps, enabling organizations to focus on strategic initiatives while benefiting from Hitachi Vantara’s trusted expertise and dependable support.

“Hitachi EverFlex provides organizations with the ability to scale resources and achieve the efficiency that modern businesses need,” said Jeb Horton, senior vice president of global services at Hitachi Vantara. “What sets the portfolio apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing IT environments regardless of vendor, providing a smoother transition to hybrid cloud operating models and ensuring that organizations can innovate without being held back by outdated infrastructure.”

Hitachi EverFlex’s key capabilities include:

• EverFlex Control: At the heart of Hitachi EverFlex, this software-as-a-service (SaaS) portal provides services management, extensive integration, advanced observability, process automation, real-time insights, and intelligent alerting. It enables administrators and operations users to dynamically scale their IT resources and manage their infrastructure efficiently, whether they choose a self-service model or a fully managed solution.
•  EverFlex Service Catalog: Hitachi EverFlex offers a comprehensive Service Catalog with modular options such as storage-as-a-service (STaaS), data protection-as-a-service (DPaaS), compute-as-a-service (CaaS), converged infrastructure-as-a-service (CIaaS) and financial operations (FinOps). These options are designed to meet specific business needs, helping organizations control costs, streamline operations, and handle the complexities of modern IT environments.
•  EverFlex Services Solutions: Additional professional services, blueprints, orchestration workflows, project resources, and management are available with TCO Consulting Services. Solutions include support for common use cases like virtual machine (VM)-to-container conversions, container and VM management, SAP, Oracle, AI workload enablement, private cloud, and data management requirements.

“Hitachi EverFlex has been a game-changer for us. Its flexible, consumption-based model aligns perfectly with our approach — providing clients with adaptability and cost efficiency,” said Steen Jensen, chief executive officer of Netic. “Just as we tailor our services to each customer’s needs, Hitachi EverFlex allows us to scale resources and manage IT operations with remarkable agility. The advanced automation and AI-driven insights complement our commitment to high-performance, reliable services, enhancing our ability to support clients and adapt to their evolving requirements.”

 Hitachi Vantara’s partner ecosystem, including strategic collaborations with industry leaders like Cisco, extends the capabilities of Hitachi EverFlex, providing customers with scalable, resilient, and cost-effective infrastructure options. The collaboration with Cisco on the joint Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud offering strengthens hybrid cloud expertise by providing integrated networking, computing, and storage solutions with adaptable consumption models.

 “The Hitachi EverFlex portfolio offers a practical solution for infrastructure consumption services, helping businesses manage hybrid cloud environments amidst evolving technology demands,” said Scott Sinclair, practice director for cloud, infrastructure and DevOps at Enterprise Strategy Group. “As organizations navigate the complexities of hybrid cloud environments and face IT staffing challenges, Hitachi EverFlex’s flexible model and extensive services provide key advantages. Its comprehensive approach enhances agility and supports digital transformation, making it essential for adapting to rapidly changing market demands.”

From Music to Fashion to Pop Culture: Prime Video’s Original Series Call Me Bae is the Must-Watch Series of the Season

MUMBAI—September 19, 2024— Since its premiere on September 6th on Prime Video, Call Me Bae has captivated audiences across age groups and become a part of the cultural zeitgeist. The series has reached audiences wide and deep, having been viewed in over 165 countries worldwide and in over 85% pin codes across India. As a testament to all the positive reactions, Call Me Bae has ranked #1 in the India top 10 list in India since its launch and featured among the top 10 trending titles on Prime Video in 50+ countries including the U.S., the UK, Canada, Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa and many more on its launch weekend. Following the overwhelming reaction from customers along with asks for a new season, Prime Video today announced that Season Two of Call Me Bae is officially under development.

Call Me Bae has drawn in audiences from across the globe, standing out for its light-hearted and spirited tonality with its self-aware take on privilege and spin on iconic pop-culture moments. Not just the light moments, the series’ emotional core too has struck a chord, as the central themes of #Behencode, self-identity and belief continue to resonate deeply with fans, adding a heart-warming layer to the show’s playful narrative. The series’ vibrant soundtrack continues to gain traction with four of the ten tracks on the album – “Vekh Sohneeya”, “Churaaiyaan”, “Khwaish Poori” and “Yara Tere Bin” trending on Instagram. With “Vekh Sohneyaa” gaining over 10 MM+ views on YouTube and featuring at #8 on Shazam’s Discovery India chart and #1 on the Top 50 chart in Mumbai and Delhi. The show’s fashion-forward styling has inspired content creators and brands to recreate Bae’s iconic looks as she gets set to “Seize the Day”. Overall, the series and cast led by actor Ananya Panday along with Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada,Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Mini Mathur are being applauded for their exemplary performances.

The series launched on the service following a vibrant and bold promotional campaign that perfectly encapsulated its spirit. The campaign launched with lead actor Ananya Panday, as ‘Bae’, making a grand entrance at Mumbai airport, with her ‘larger than life’ baggage. Ahead of the trailer release, Prime Video teased fans with a quirky video featuring Karan Johar, humorously ‘launching’ Ananya in her long-form streaming debut. In the lead-up to the premiere, the service transformed Mumbai’s busy Western Express Highway (WEH) metro station into a Bae-themed interactive wonderland for an entire week. With digital, influencer-led, and on-ground activations, and brand partnerships with ONLY, Tresemme, and Amazon Fashion, the campaign bought Bae’s world to life. Call Me Bae became one of the most talked-about titles of the year, making ‘bae’ the character a true cultural phenomenon.

“It’s been truly amazing to witness the overwhelming love and appreciation that Call Me Bae has received,” said Nikhil Madhok, head of originals, Prime Video India. “Encouraged by the response, we have commissioned development for season 2 and to embark on the next chapter of Bae’s journey alongside her tribe.”

“From the very beginning, our vision for Call Me Bae was to create a series that sparks light-hearted yet meaningful conversations, and brings characters that resonate with our audience,” continued Madhok. “We’re excited to see the impact the series has had, with admiration pouring in from India and beyond. The show’s perfect blend of humor, wit, and heartfelt emotion has connected with viewers in ways that have left us thankful.”

“We’re stoked to announce that we’re working on developing the second season of Call Me Bae,” shared producer Karan Johar. “The first season has been a game-changer for us, and we’re grateful for all the love and appreciation it has garnered from audiences across the globe. It’s been an absolute privilege to be a part of this journey, seeing the show go from script to screen and finally revel in immense love from viewers. The love Ananya, Collin, Ishita and the rest of the cast have received has been a true joy to witness. The series is a testament of our long-standing partnership with Prime Video and our shared commitment to delivering content that is entertaining and engaging. We’re genuinely excited to delve deeper into the characters and their stories, and we’re positive that the second season will be more Bae-misaal than before!”

“The success of our first season on Prime Video has been truly remarkable. We’re over the moon to have created something that has resonated with viewers across demographics.” said Apoorva Mehta. “We’re fully committed to continuing the momentum with the second season of Call Me Bae. The team at Dharmatic Entertainment is thrilled and is working hard to develop new character arcs and storylines for the upcoming season. I know I speak for the entire cast and crew of the series when I say we can’t wait to share more about Bae and her unique world with the audience.”

“I’m still in awe of the response we’ve received for the first season of Call Me Bae, which has been an absolute labor of love for us from the word go.” said Somen Mishra. “With Prime Video’s global reach, it is truly gratifying to see how audiences from across countries have fallen in love with Bae and her gang! Seeing this story go from concept to completion has been a truly rewarding experience. I’m grateful to Ishita, Collin, Ananya and the rest of the cast who have been the life and soul of Call Me Bae and I’m thrilled we’ve dived right back in for the second season.”

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State, MSDE launches Tata Skill Development Centres in Delhi and Bengaluru

Chandigarh 19th September 2024: Tata STRIVE, the skill development initiative of Tata Community Initiatives Trust (TCIT) and Airbus India Private Limited have extended their partnership in the areas of skill development and livelihood generation. As part of this joint initiative, a skill training centre called Airbus- Tata STRIVE Skills Training Centres are being established. The partnership aims to provide a platform to the students who want to make their careers in digital courses gaining valuable exposure in the training infrastructure that has been established at the centre.

During his address, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship mentioned, “I am delighted to launch the two skilling centers in Delhi and Bangalore in partnership with Tata Strive and Airbus, marking a significant step in equipping our youth with future-ready skills. During my visit to the center, it was inspiring to meet the bright and ambitious candidates who represent India’s next generation of innovators. This collaboration in critical sectors like Infrastructure, Logistics, Aerospace, and Defense highlights the importance of aligning skilling programs with the evolving needs of industry and the labor market. By leveraging India’s strengths and tailoring our approach to local demands, MSMEs, and state policies, we can meaningful opportunities for every individual across geographies.”

“Tata’s deep social engagement with national priorities is commendable, and I urge Airbus and Tata to further their efforts in skill development and higher education on a continuous basis. By integrating skilling with formal education, we can create a seamless path for students to explore new horizons and enhance their competencies in tandem with industry needs. Our youth must continuously aspire to reinvent themselves and embrace lifelong learning. The 120 students trained here will not only be skilled but confident, ready to soar higher. Airbus doesn’t just help the candidates fly—it inspires them to aim for new heights in both education and skills,” he added.

Other dignitaries present at the event were Ms. Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary, MSDE, Mr. Ameya Vanjari, COO, Tata STRIVE, Mr. Remi Maillard, President and MD, Airbus India and South Asia.

Located at Dwarka in New Delhi and Nagavara in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the institute is well equipped to train youths in each centre, placement linked skill training programs, spanning IT, Electronics and Aviation sectors, through courses such as AWS Cloud Computing, Junior Full Stack Developer and Cyber Security. Based on mutual agreement between both parties, courses in Aviation and Aero Space may also be introduced in future. The courses will be short term in nature, with duration ranging from 3 to 6 months, and would aim to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to the trained and certified youth.

Tata Group, long regarded as one of the most responsive and ethical business groups in India, responded to this national challenge by establishing the Tata Community Initiatives Trust (TCIT) in 2014. Tata STRIVE, an initiative under TCIT, address the pressing need of skilling India’s youth for employment, entrepreneurship, and community enterprise. Tata STRIVE aims to skill young people in the age group 18-35 years for jobs/entrepreneurship, with a special focus on youth from disadvantaged communities, including women, people with disabilities, SC/ST etc. The training process and course content is customized to enable youth to successfully transition to the workplace and thrive in it. Over the past decade Tata STRIVE has positively impacted more than 1.7 million lives through various direct and indirect skilling programs.

The youth from Delhi NCR and Karnataka will be the biggest gainer from the institutes. The institutes with its state-of-the-art facilities and future expansion plans will meet the demands to a greater extent. The Airbus-Tata Strive centres in Delhi and Bengaluru aim to upskill more than 900 youth from economically underprivileged sections of society over a period of three years.

NSDC collaborates with Ethnotech Academy and Cambridge to skill and upskill India’s workforce for emerging technologies

Chandigarh, September 19, 2024 – The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has launched the “Centre for Future Skills” an initiative in collaboration with Ethnotech Academy and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This state-of-the-art facility, a vibrant hub of innovation and learning aims to provide technology infrastructure and expert guidance in the latest technologies to higher education institutions (HEIs), creating a launch pad for students to excel in the rapidly evolving tech landscape and connecting the aspirations of our youth with the ever-changing demands of industry.

The key highlight of the event was to create partnerships between academic/ corporate partners and NSDC, alongside Ethnotech and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This was followed by panel discussions that delved into current challenges and potential solutions in the fields of emerging technologies.

The technology infrastructure will include all the major technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Analytics, AR/VR/Meta, Cloud computing, Cyber Security, Internet of Things, Industrial / Home Automation, Robotic Process Automation and Semiconductor Design.

Talking about the initiative, Shri Nitin Kapoor, Vice President, NSDC, emphasised the importance of equipping the youth with skills relevant to the future job market. He stated, “This is a significant advancement in India’s skill development landscape, as we strive to position India as the Skill Capital of the World, our focus on future-ready skills is paramount. Upskilling is no longer a luxury but a necessity, as it empowers individuals to stay relevant and adapt to technological advancements. NSDC International is playing a key role in bridging the global skill gap and Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) is the go to skill platform for all your skilling needs.

Our collaborations with Ethnotech Academy and Cambridge University Press & Assessment will bring in the global practices.” He also highlighted the necessity of collaboration between academia and industry to ensure that educational programs are aligned with market needs.

During his address, Dr Kiran Rajanna mentioned, “The Centre for Future Skills will act as an aggregator, bringing together industry and academia. The purpose is to provide inexpensive access to students, certified in global skills. Furthermore, the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) will be to skills, what UPI is to commercial payments.”

While addressing the audience, Mr. Peter Philips, Chief Executive Officer, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, “Cambridge University Press and Assessment is the largest single department within the Cambridge campus with over 100 million learners. Through Cambridge’s globally recognised certification and assessment resources, the collaboration aims to empower learners with new-age skills, improve their career prospects, and contribute to the global economy.”

Other dignitaries present at the event were Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE and Ms Hiroyaki Takashima, CEO, Zenken Corporation, Mr Alan Griffin, Senior Council Member, Victorian Institute of Technology and Former Minister, Commonwealth of Australia.

ISB Launches ‘PGP YL’ – A 20 Month Post Graduate Programme In Management For Fresh Graduates And Early Career Professionals

September 19, 2024: Renowned for setting new benchmarks in management education since its inception in 2001, the Indian School of Business (ISB), is poised to embark on another groundbreaking path in its mission to groom future leaders for India and the world. ISB has announced the launch of PGP YL – a 20 month Post Graduate Programme in Management for Young Leaders (PGP YL), a full time MBA equivalent residential management programme for high-potential aspirants with up to 2 years of full-time work experience.

 Commencing in mid 2025, ISB’s PGP YL will offer a comprehensive learning experience through an innovative and cutting-edge curriculum designed as a response to the rapidly evolving business landscape and technology disruptions. The research backed PGP YL curriculum will blend foundational business principles with advanced technology, data, analytics courses and global perspectives to develop students into innovative problem solvers.

 Given the students’ limited work experience, the PGP YL curriculum has been designed to incorporate significant experiential learning components, including a Business Design Lab and an Innovation Lab. Additionally, students will be required to complete a mandatory two-month summer internship, which will provide them with practical exposure to business environments in various settings. Students in the PGP YL programme will be taught by renowned faculty from ISB and other top international B-schools who will bring their expertise to the classroom.

 Speaking about the new PGP YL programme, Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, said, “Since our inception in 2001, ISB has been imparting world-class management education to create leaders for India and the world. Our many conversations with industry leaders and recruiters reveal a need for young professionals who can step straight into roles that require business acumen alongside deep expertise in data and technology. In line with these requirements, we have designed the PGP YL programme for fresh graduates and entry level professionals to transform them into exceptional problem solvers and innovators at the workplace.”

 Students interested in applying for the PGP YL programme will have to submit a valid GMAT, GRE or CAT score, in addition to the details of their educational qualifications and work experience, if any. The admissions process for the PGP YL programme includes a personal interview based on the students’ academic excellence, application essays and test score performance. The shortlisted students will then be interviewed by a panel consisting of leading industry practitioners, academicians, and ISB alumni in senior positions.

Spinny Q3 CY24 Report: Renault Kwid in Top 3 for Third Consecutive Quarter

Chandigarh, 19 September 2024: Rising new car prices have not slowed India’s enthusiasm for car ownership, as Spinny, India’s full-stack used car marketplace, continues to see significant growth in the last two quarters of CY24. According to Spinny’s Q3 report, significant trends have emerged in car buyer preferences, financing options, and delivery choices.

Among the standout trends is Honda’s return to the top three preferred car brands, with City and Amaze as key models, alongside Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, replacing Tata in the rankings. Additionally, Renault Kwid continues to be a customer favourite, securing its place among the top three car models for the third consecutive quarter with Hyundai Grand i10 and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R.

Moreover, the compact SUV segment is the highest-growing category with 12% growth over the last quarter.

Fuel preferences showed 83% of buyers opting for petrol cars, followed by 12% choosing diesel and 5% preferring CNG. The most preferred colours for car buyers are white, grey, and red.

Spinny’s data reveals a growing trust in its financial offerings, with a 6% increase in buyers opting for car finance. A notable 60% of all purchases were financed through Spinny’s seamless loan services, demonstrating the company’s customer-focused and transparent approach. The report also indicates a rise in digital car purchases, with 65% of buyers now opting to purchase cars online, a 5% increase from the previous quarter. This shift underscores India’s growing preference for digital transactions when buying cars.

In addition, there has been a significant rise in hub deliveries, with 82% of buyers opting to collect their cars from Spinny Hubs or Spinny Parks, as compared to 18% who chose home deliveries. This represents a 7% jump in hub deliveries from the previous quarter. 53% of these hub deliveries took place at Spinny Parks, highlighting the one-of-a-kind experience of test driving, assortment and deliveries at the parks. This trend aligns with the Indian consumer’s preference for an in-person experience, even when shopping online.

Spinny’s data also shows a strong rise in first-time car buyers, who make up 67% of all customers, with 30% of total buyers being women, reflecting Spinny’s effort towards growing women’s car ownership. Another interesting shift is the growing preference for manual transmissions, with 76% of buyers opting for them, up from 70% in the previous quarter, while automatic transmissions dropped to 24% from 30%.

The used luxury car market has experienced robust growth in urban regions, with an increasing number of young Indians favouring luxury cars. Delhi leads this trend, followed by Bengaluru and Mumbai. Popular models like BMW X1 and Audi A4 highlight India’s affinity for German luxury cars with Jeep Compass joining the top luxury picks.

Addressing the recent trends, Niraj Singh, Founder & CEO of Spinny, said, “The trust our customers place in us reflects our commitment to making car buying and selling simple and delightful. The consistent rise in car financing and the increasing number of women buyers are a testament to young India’s embrace of Spinny’s efforts to make used car transactions more transparent and customer-focused, fulfilling aspirations of car ownership and its significance for Indian households. It’s interesting how our dynamic nation continues to evolve every quarter with its diverse tastes, keeping us excited and encouraging us to enhance our services.”

During Spinny’s recent Freedom Days promotion from August 15-18, the company observed a 15% increase in traffic nationwide, with over a million users, every day. The top car-buying regions during this campaign were Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Pune entering as one of the top cities.

Additionally, the average age of buyers during the campaign was 36 years, indicating a slightly more mature customer base than the usual average of 32 years.

With the growing need and demand for EVs, Spinny’s partnership with Tata Motors has seen Nexon EV as a customer’s favourite, followed by Tiago EV in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune.