iluvia, a salon professional hair care brand, celebrates National Hairstylist Appreciation Day

30th April 2024, Bangalore: In the world of personal grooming, the impact of a professional hair salon extends far beyond merely changing hairstyles. A salon visit offers a transformative experience, empowering individuals to express their unique personalities and boost their confidence through expert styling. In such an ever-evolving industry of beauty and fashion, hairdressers emerge as influential figures, shaping trends and redefining standards with their creativity and expertise.

On the occasion of National Hairstylist Appreciation Day on April 25th, iluvia, a professional haircare brand under Renaura Wellness Pvt. Ltd, acknowledges the significant contributions of hair-gurus to the craft and the industry. As a token of appreciation, iluvia undertook the initiative to honour hairstylists in over 200 salons, acknowledging their expertise and dedication to exceptional customer service.

Speaking on the occasion, Nishant Gupta, Co-founder of iluvia, said “Hair stylists and hairdressers are our biggest influencers in the salon industry. Their commitment towards pushing boundaries to achieve excellence in their craft and customer service is something, we as a brand, would like to honour. The occasion of National Hairstylist Appreciation Day has presented us with this opportunity, one which we would like to continue. As hairstylists, their ongoing contributions not only transform appearances but also uplift spirits and inspire confidence. Our objective is to continue enabling these dedicated individuals, acknowledging their invaluable impact in the world of professional hair care.”

iluvia as a brand believes in recognising the community’s role in pushing boundaries and innovating trends and techniques constantly to meet the evolving customer landscape. This ethos resonates with iluvia’s focus on performance-driven and tailored products, reflecting a commitment to excellence in every aspect of their endeavours.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Introduces New Grade of the Toyota Rumion

Bangalore, April 30, 2024 – Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), today, officially announced the opening of bookings and the price of New Grade G-AT of the Toyota Rumion along with reopening of E-CNG bookings. The newly launched G-AT variant is expected to further boost the market acceptance of the Rumion with its unmatched space and comfort, excellent fuel efficiency, stylish and premium exterior design.

The latest offering by TKM will be available at an attractive ex-showroom price of Rs. 13,00,000 with deliveries expected to commence from 5thMay onwards. Customers can book the vehicle at any of the authorized dealerships or online with a booking fee of Rs 11,000/-.

Toyota Rumion G-AT variant is powered by the 1.5-litre K series petrol engine with 6-speed Automatic Transmission, featuring the Neo Drive (ISG) technology ensuring responsive performance. While the petrol grade has a power output of 75.8 kw @6000 rpm and torque of 136.8 Nm @4400 rpm for, the CNG grade boosts of 64.6 kw output @5500 rpm and torque of 121.5 Nm@4200 rpm. The Toyota Rumion is now available in seven variants of Neo drive MT: S, G and V grade. Neo Drive AT: S, G and V grade. E-CNG: S grade offering a wide range of options for customers.

The G-AT variant is enhanced with advanced technology including a 17.78 cm Smartplay Cast Touchscreen audio system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Equipped with Toyota i-Connect, it offers remote control for climate, lock/unlock, hazard lights and many more connected features. The Toyota Rumion also prioritizes safety for its owners with advanced safety features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill Hold, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and more.

Making the announcement, Mr. Sabari Manohar, Vice President – Sales and Strategic Marketing, TKM said, “We are excited to announce the addition of the new grade to the Toyota Rumion lineup thus offering a wider choice and more options to customers based on their mobility needs and requirements. Bookings for the G-AT variant is now open. Since its launch in August ’23, the Toyota Rumion has generated much excitement among customers, leading to strong inquiries and healthy bookings. We deeply appreciate the love and trust shown by our valued customers.

In line with Toyota’s customer centric approach, we have continued to deepen our focus towards catering to the evolving customer demands by introducing new products and variants at regular intervals with a focus on delivering them ever-better cars. We believe that with its unmatched space, advanced features, and exceptional performance, backed by Toyota’s value-added proposition and excellent after sales service, the Toyota Rumion will become a preferred choice for the discerning families looking for awesome ownership experience, ensuring every drive is filled with comfort, joy, and peace of mind.”

The Rumion brings in a stylish and premium exterior design for a tough appearance with robust characteristics like Toyota MPV signature front grille, Front Bumper with chrome finish, LED tail lamps with back door chrome garnish and machined two tone alloy wheels that exude style and sophistication. The luxurious interior offers premium dual-tone with wooden finish dashboard and door trims, premium dual-tone interiors, and a range of convenient amenities.

Toyota Rumion also beholds the highest safety standards. It comes with Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Engine immobilizer, ESP, Hill Hold assist, and ISO Fix Child seat anchorages further enhance the safety quotient. Its features also include front seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, seat belt reminder for all seats, and a high-speed alert system.

The Toyota Rumion is packed with the legacy of Toyota service offerings with a host of customized finance schemes and unmatched value additions to enhance the customer ownership experience. The offers include – finance options for Value Added Services like Extended Warranty & Toyota Genuine Accessories, focusing on affordability and flexibility that will be beneficial to the customers. Other options include upto 8-year finance schemes, low EMI with increased affordability, pre-approved funding for value added services and Toyota Smart finance [ Balloon Finance] to support aspirational buying and present customers with a wide variety of choices.

Other value benefit services include Toyota’s newly introduced 5-year complimentary Roadside assistance, warranty – standard warranty of 3 years/1,00,000 km, which can be extended to 5 years/2,20,000 km at a nominal cost.

In addition, the company also recently launched an industry-first “Awesome New Car Delivery Solution” that extends vehicle logistic services till delivery touchpoints by eliminating possible drive down of new cars by the dealer staff to the delivery location. As an industry first, the new initiative will enable Toyota dealers to transport new vehicles from dealer stockyards to their sales outlets on a flat-bed truck.

Sonic Sanctum Studios A Haven for Musical Creation powered by Neumann

Fueled by a deep-seated passion for music and an unyielding pursuit of excellence, Sonic Sanctum Studios was established in March 2023 by renowned violinist and composer V. Sanjeev. More than just a recording studio, Sonic Sanctum is Sanjeev’s vision of an artist’s retreat where industry professionals across various fields, such as music production, film, and commercials, gather to unleash their creativity and create music. His quest for acoustic perfection permeates every facet of the studio’s operations, that is powered by world-class equipment and recording tools, including not but limited to an impressive collection of Neumann studio microphones and studio monitors.

The studio is named “Sonic Sanctum” to reflect the studio’s philosophy and dedication to the craft of music making. “Music is such a big part of everyone’s lives and the process of making it is so integral to the outcome. At Sonic Sanctum Studios, our mission is to empower artists, producers, and sound engineers to unleash their creativity. By employing state-of-the-art technology, providing personalized mentoring and maintaining our uncompromising commitment to quality, we aim to cultivate a vibrant community of music creators, and together create unique sonic experiences that set new benchmarks in the industry,” shared Sanjeev.

Technology meets artistry.

Stepping into Sonic Sanctum Studios is like entering a sonic wonderland. The studio boasts a 2.1 setup featuring a pair of KH 420 midfield studio monitors as the left and right speakers and a KH 750 DSP as the subwoofer. The studio boasts a large collection of Neumann microphones, such as the TLM 103, TLM 67, KM 184, M 147, as well as a good range of Sennheiser microphones, including the AMBEO VR Microphone. Depending on the production needs, and whether it is purely vocals or instrumentals, different microphones are deployed based on the specific requirements of the project to ensure optimal sound capture.

Sanjeev shares his personal experience with the KH 420s, which are some of the latest additions to his set-up. “After integrating KH 420s into my setup, I could immediately feel the difference in terms of the exceptional audio clarity. The lows had a distinct tightness, the mids enunciated the lifelike textures of vocals and instruments with remarkable precision, and the highs managed to retain their crispness without inducing listener fatigue. The stereo imaging and depth are also really remarkable, which has significantly simplified the process of instrument positioning through enhanced spatial cues,” Sanjeev explained.

“Most importantly, the KH 420 maintain good balance and detail at different volumes, which minimizes ear fatigue during long studio sessions. I have to say, the KH420s are a huge step-up, and have really made a difference in my mixing and mastering process,” he added.

A symphony of collaboration

Sanjeev shared his opinion about the seeming lack of awareness and understanding of sound quality, particularly within the Carnatic music scene in Chennai. But having an appreciation for the importance of community within such a niche industry, Sanjeev hopes that as Sonic Sanctum continues to grow, he can also build a strong community and foster a spirit of collaboration to help push the boundaries of music exploration. “My hope is that one day the music production in India can meet international standards. And my vision is for Sonic Sanctum to be part of the key drivers in bridging this gap by offering exceptional recording, mixing, and mastering services,” shared Sanjeev.

PayNearby partners with MyShubhLife to provide MSMEs with easy access to revolving credit

Mumbai, 30 April 2024: PayNearby, India’s leading branchless banking and digital network, has announced a strategic partnership with MyShubhLife, an embedded credit platform. This collaboration aims to provide the distributors with easy access to revolving credit lines, enhancing financial agility in the MSME sector.

This partnership comes at a crucial time, with a growing demand for digital financial services among MSME distributors, particularly in underserved and remote areas. By leveraging innovation and technology, both companies are poised to meet the evolving needs and drive financial progression at scale.

MyShubhLife’s innovative technology platform, powered by advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning from its Datasciences Centre of Excellence (CoE), enables the scoring of thin credit files and facilitates simple micro-lending experiences for customers. This enables them to secure loans seamlessly, based on PayNearby’s bharosa score parameters.

PayNearby, with its extensive reach and presence, serves 75% of India through its DaaS network. The platform offers a wide range of services, including cash withdrawal, ecommerce, bill payments, savings, travel and insurance. With over 12+ lakh microentrepreneurs spread across 22,000+ PIN codes, PayNearby is at the forefront of driving financial accessibility across Bharat.

Commenting on the partnership, Anand Kumar Bajaj, Founder, MD & CEO, PayNearby, said, “We aim to provide our distributors with enhanced access to revolving credit lines, enabling them to secure better working capital and drive growth in their businesses. This partnership underscores our commitment to empowering our distributors with the financial tools they need to thrive in today’s dynamic market. By leveraging innovative solutions and technology, we strive to address the evolving requirements of our distributors and provide financial access. Together, we are dedicated to creating a lasting impact and fostering economic growth across the country.”

Monish Anand, CEO and Founder, MyShubhLife remarked, “The company has always focused on building a solid data-science-based platform to help speed up financial inclusion, with a special focus on the underserved MSME merchants across the country. The MSME segment in India is still largely ignored by the traditional banks and financial institutions due to issues such as a lack of documentation and poor or no credit history. As an organization our focus has always been the underserved and unserved segments. Our sophisticated embedded credit platform offers several advantages to the end customer. This strategic collaboration will help us achieve our shared goal of boosting the accessibility of credit and creating financial agility in the MSME space,”.

Together, we are committed to unlocking new opportunities, advancing financial accessibility, and empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age.

PUER, D2C Brand reported 130 percent Yearly Growth, Expects a 200 percent Rise in the Coming Years

New Delhi, 30th April 2024: D2C brand PUER has experienced remarkable growth from 2021 to 2024, boasting an average annual surge of 130%. The brand, which has a good hold in e-commerce platforms and quick commerce, has built a community of over 1 lakh loyal consumers who have shifted from chemical-based cleaning products to plant-based home care. Significant expansion has been concentrated in key metropolitan areas such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune.

PUER is planning to further boost its growth, with an anticipated 200% increase in year-on-year growth projected over the next three years, by using multi-channels like Modern Trade and starting with General Trade to make the products more accessible across India.

Ankit Daga, Co-Founder of Brand Nourish’s PUER shared, “The entire homecare market is about 53000 Cr. Among this, the persona of the customers is gradually shifting towards a more sustainable and conscious way of living in retrospect to lifestyle and all choices. PUER is driving the change, from conventionally chemical-based home cleaning into a safer and sustainable option by using plant-based ingredients. Our goal is to redefine the standards of homecare. We want to offer solutions that are not only effective but also free from harmful toxins. We want our customers to feel confident that they are making a positive choice for their homes and the environment.”

He further added, “PUER’s expertly formulated blends harness the power of plant-based enzymes to effectively combat dirt and stains, guaranteeing a pristine home environment while prioritizing safety and efficacy. Crafted with bio-enzymes and natural surfactants, the brand’s products are free from LABSA, bleach, sulphates, and phosphates. These products offer a cleaning experience without compromising on environmental or personal wellness.”

Drawing inspiration from the concept of ‘Do Better’, Brand Nourish introduced its PUER range, encompassing Home Care, Personal Care, and Baby Care essentials. In the same vein, ‘Do Better’ was also the key theme of the ‘Catch Up with Her’ video campaign that PUER launched featuring rapper ERP Iyer for International Women’s Day. The video celebrated the spirit of womanhood by showcasing how women are stepping up their game in every field and it’s men who need to ‘do better’ to catch up with them.

Shedding light on the brand’s products, within the home care lineup, PUER offers thoughtfully crafted liquid detergents, dishwashing gels, fabric conditioners, and floor cleaners. Meanwhile, the personal care selection includes gentle hand wash and liquid antiseptic solutions. Driven by a commitment to promoting the use of natural and nature-derived ingredients, the formulations of PUER’s products underscore the potency of these botanical treasures. This underscores the brand’s philosophy that efficacy doesn’t necessarily stem from harsh chemicals but rather from harnessing the power of nature’s bounty. Furthermore, PUER prioritizes sustainability. Their commitment is evident in their 100% recyclable packaging and their dedication to responsible sourcing practices.

IAAPI Delegation Thrilled by Spectacular Malaysian Adventure & Hospitality

An enthralling journey unfolded as a delegation of 30 vibrant individuals from India embarked on an exhilarating expedition to Malaysia, graciously hosted by MATFA. The three-day escapade was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride through the wonders of Malaysian amusement and entertainment.

With water parks, amusement parks, indoor theme parks, and even an awe-inspiring aquarium on the itinerary, MATFA left no stone unturned in ensuring a spellbinding experience for the Indian delegation. From insightful visits to tantalizing lunches and delightful dinners, every moment was crafted with precision, leaving the delegation enamored by the sheer warmth of Malaysian hospitality.

The event was an absolute triumph, with the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) extending heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Richard Koh, the esteemed Chairman of MATFA. Each park visit provided invaluable insights, with MATFA’s meticulous arrangements ensuring that every aspect of the delegation’s journey was met with excellence.

Networking reached new heights as IAAPI delegates mingled with members of MATFA, forging connections and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Both sides are eager to synergize and work hand in hand, inspired by the shared passion for the amusement industry.

Day 2 of the adventure was nothing short of a Bollywood extravaganza, as IAAPI hosted a ‘Bollywood Dhamaka’ dinner night for the delegation. Amidst music, dance, and a delectable Indian feast, bonds were strengthened, and memories were made that will last a lifetime.

Mr. Richard Koh expressed his deep affection for India, highlighting his long-standing friendships within the Indian amusement industry spanning an impressive 35 years. His sentiment was echoed by IAAPI Chairman, Mr. Shrikant Goenka, who lauded the event as a resounding success and marked the beginning of a promising new chapter in international collaboration.

For IAAPI, this landmark event signals the dawn of a new tradition. Mr. Goenka expressed excitement about the prospect of making such foreign delegation tours an annual affair, providing members with unparalleled opportunities to explore, learn, and grow within the global amusement landscape.

In retrospect, the Malaysian adventure orchestrated by MATFA stands as a testament to the power of unity, collaboration, and boundless enthusiasm within the amusement industry. As the curtains close on this unforgettable journey, IAAPI eagerly awaits the next chapter in their quest for knowledge, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences on foreign shores.

Tata Motors signs MoU with South Indian Bank for seamless commercial vehicle financing

Hyderabad, 30th April 2024: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Indian Bank to offer convenient financing solutions to its commercial vehicle customers and dealerships. South Indian Bank will offer financing across the entire commercial vehicle portfolio, and customers will benefit from the bank’s wide network and specially curated easy repayment plans. The alliance represents a significant stride towards providing enhanced support to dealerships, fostering growth, minimising collateral requirements, lowering rate of interest and streamlining credit processing.

Speaking on the development, Mr. P R Seshadri, MD & CEO, South Indian Bank, “At South Indian Bank, we are dedicated to fostering a secure, agile, and dynamic banking environment tailored to the needs of fleet owners and dealerships. Our collaboration with Tata Motors enables us to deliver seamless vehicle financing solutions to commercial vehicle dealers and customers. We are confident that our partnership with Tata Motors will result in best-in-class financing solutions, setting a new industry benchmark for excellence.”

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the reputed South Indian Bank, which understands the needs of our customers. For our customers, easy access to financing solutions for their commercial vehicles is one of the key priorities for their operations. Our alliance aims to empower fleet owners and dealerships to achieve their business goals. We look forward to providing greater convenience and support to our valued customers and partners.”

Tata Motors offers extensive range of sub 1-tonne to 55-tonne cargo vehicles and 10-seater to 51-seater mass mobility solutions, ranging in small commercial vehicles and pickups, trucks and buses segments to address the evolving needs of logistics and mass mobility segments. The company ensures unparalleled quality and service commitment through its extensive network of 2500+ touchpoints, manned by trained specialists and backed by easy access to Tata Genuine Parts.

South Indian Bank excels in dealer finance by providing unmatched financial solutions to dealers nationwide. Leveraging on its extensive branch network and deep understanding of the industry, the Bank offers flexible, competitive financing to dealership needs. The Bank supports dealers in their growth with attractive interest rates, flexible terms, and efficient processing, making it the preferred choice for dealers seeking reliable financial support.

Maverick Global Secures Digital Marketing Mandate for Shiv Naresh Sports

New Delhi, 30th April 2024 : Shiv Naresh Sports, a prominent figure in the sporting landscape, has partnered with Maverick Global, a leading digital specialist agency, as its digital marketing and communication partner.

With a strategic focus on developing impactful campaigns aligned with Shiv Naresh’s objectives, Maverick Global, a global marketing agency aims to enhance the brand’s digital presence and reach, particularly targeting Gen-Z and Millennials. By leveraging innovative digital strategies, Maverick India seeks to strengthen Shiv Naresh’s positioning as a prominent player in the sports industry. By deploying targeted digital campaigns, the collaboration aims to uphold Shiv Naresh’s reputation as a trailblazer in the sports industry, catering to the evolving needs of sports enthusiasts.

Mr. Omm Dev Sharma, Director of Maverick Global, expressed their enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with the esteemed brand Shiv Naresh Sports. Shiv Naresh has a long-standing reputation for supporting Indian players with high-quality sports apparel and equipment. Our objective is to expand its reach and create awareness among aspiring athletes. As sports enthusiasts ourselves, partnering with a brand that shares our commitment to motivating athletes brings us immense joy and energy to deliver innovative campaigns.”

Commenting on the association, Shiv Naresh Managing Director – Mr. Shiv Prakash Singh, “We are pleased to appoint Maverick Global as our communication partner. While we have been actively involved in various initiatives, we recognize the need to enhance our mass appeal and digital presence. With Maverick Global expertise, we aim to amplify our brand visibility and educate a wider audience about Shiv Naresh products. We trust that Team Maverick Global will elevate our brand to new heights.”

Shiv Naresh Sports Pvt. Ltd., based in New Delhi, India, is a well-established sports company recognized for its manufacturing, supply, and export of high-quality sportswear, sports shoes, synthetic tracks, sports kit bags, electronic scoreboards, and LED display screens across India and international markets such as Spain, USA, Canada, U.K, Australia, and West-Indies. Notably, the company has recently endorsed Rio Olympic players, hockey India, and swimmers.

Bluevine Invests in Financial and Mental Well-Being to Help Improve Personal and Professional Lives for Employees

30th April 2024 : With a vision to create balance and growth in the lives of its employees and long-term investment in its human capital, Bluevine India has announced expanded employee benefits through enhanced plans with Modern Health and NorthStar, a leading mental health platform and an all-in-one financial advisor, respectively.

These new tie-ups have been introduced under Bluevine’s new Employee Value Proposition (EVP) program, comprised of five foundational pillars: Culture, Wellness, Growth, Rewards, and Values. This approach defines the essence of employment at Bluevine, highlighting the company’s commitment to holistic employee well-being.

Talking about how these new programs have been benefiting the employees, Mr. Ritesh Kumar, Manager, Customer Success, Bluevine India said, “Partnering with Modern Health and NorthStar has truly transformed how my team and I approach well-being. Having the benefit of accessibility to mental health resources and financial guidance at the workplace allows me to focus on my performance while not ignoring other crucial aspects of my life. This holistic support system empowers me to thrive both personally and professionally.”

Modern Health is a leading mental health platform that provides employees at Bluevine with a comprehensive suite of mental health solutions allowing them to come to work with a positive mental attitude. The facilities that Bluevine employees can access through these resources include virtual therapy sessions, coaching, self-guided resources, and community support groups. Every January, the annual package renews, offering 12 sessions per calendar year to all employees and their dependents, regardless of their joining date, ensuring that the employees always have access to sufficient support at all times.

Through Bluevine’s partnership with NorthStar, an all-in-one financial advisor and personal finance tools platform, the Company aims to increase employee satisfaction by ensuring that their compensation packages are working to help employees achieve larger life goals. The employees benefit from personalized financial guidance, budgeting assistance, and decision-making tools that help them make informed financial decisions and optimize their compensation and benefits packages.

Speaking about Bluevine’s dedication towards its employees’ well-being, Ms Payal Singh, Head Of People, Bluevine India, said, “At Bluevine, we prioritize the overall well-being of our employees. We chose to work with Modern Health and NorthStar to provide comprehensive support beyond traditional benefits that create long-term impact. By offering mental health solutions and personalized financial guidance, we aim to better the quality of life of our employees. We firmly believe in creating a harmonious workplace where both positivity and productivity are given outcomes.”

Complementing these partnerships are crucial initiatives such as Bluevine Voices – employee-led groups promoting inclusivity. Notable groups include Women’s Voices, Pride Voices, and Abled Voices, each addressing unique aspects of diversity and fostering a sense of belonging.

Recently celebrating 10 years in business that included passing milestones for 500,000 customers served and over $14 billion in loans delivered, and currently trusted with more than $1 billion in managed customer deposits, Bluevine continues to be a pioneer and U.S. market leader with its small business digital banking platform. All these initiatives underscore Bluevine’s commitment to creating a workplace that sees each employee as a whole person – prioritizing mental health, financial well-being, and inclusivity, and fostering an environment where all employees feel seen and valued.