20, Jan 2024
STAAH partners with ‘The World’, luxury hotel in Surat

Mumbai: January 20, 2024STAAH, the leading New Zealand-based hospitality solutions provider, has partnered with premium new luxury hotel – ‘The World’, located in Surat, Gujarat. As part of this collaboration, STAAH will enable the +200-room luxury property to integrate and streamline a range of functions seamlessly with the ultimate aim of generating healthy revenues and long-duration, repeat bookings.

the world

By deploying STAAH suite of hospitality solutions including the STAAH Max Pro Channel Manager, SwiftBook Booking Engine Solution, Integrated Payment Gateway, and PMS, the property aims to better overall revenue generation, optimize online bookings, and enhancing its overall guest experience.

“Having launched in 2023, we are a fairly new property. However, right from the start we were clear that we will run a tight ship with the help of advanced technological interventions. We chose STAAH because we found their platform reliable, easy to use and efficient. Since we are located in Surat’s bustling diamond and textile hub, the profile of our guests is very different from any other hotel. Our guests require a living space for longer durations where they can enjoy the pleasure of home and the service of a hotel. We look forward to benefitting from STAAH’s targeted customized approach,” said Mr. Anurag Shrivastav, GM,The World.

‘The World’ located in Surat Smart City, is part of the Hindva Group, a premium global organisation that runs businesses across the Constructions & Real Estate Development, Textiles, Hospitality, Education and IT verticals. The property is centrally located with easy connections to India’s first Bullet Train Station as well as to the Surat airport. Surat is the 4th fastest growing city of the world.

new technology

“The technology requirements of ‘The World’ were very specific. Its location attracts more business travelers and it is a fairly new property. We are delighted that they chose the STAAH stack to help meet all their short-term and long-term goals. We look forward to a long and fruitful collaboration with them,” said Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head, India

The technological expertise of STAAH will empower the group with tools like Channel Management — that helps hotels to list and manage their inventory across booking channels, to drive more business and boost revenue.

20, Jan 2024
Centricity expands its footprint into the South Market with a new office in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 20th January 2024: Centricity, a Gurugram-based wealthtech startup, proudly announces the grand inauguration of its new office in Bengaluru, expanding its footprint into the south market. Strategically located on the bustling Church Street, it will cater to a diverse set of requirements in wealth management and financial product distribution across the region. Centricity has started hiring select talent across a range of capabilities and is welcoming new hires in Bengaluru. Since Centricity started operations in April 2023, it has created a vast network of more than 1600 financial product distributors across 12 states and 15 cities, onboarding over 2000 clients.

manu awasthy

Highlighting the strategic significance of the Bengaluru office, Anirudh Mahanot, Founding Team Member and Business Head (South & West India) at Centricity, expressed, “Bengaluru is a pivotal market for us, and this new office represents our commitment to innovation. With this new office, we are aiming to reach more people and bridge the gap among Investors, Wealth Managers & Asset Managers. Our tie-up with IIT Madras Research Park is working on specialized modules to integrate elements of AI and ML to make this platform efficient.”

Founding Partners, Manu Awasthy (CEO) and Gaurav Tiwari, along with senior team members Vinayak Magotra, Arpita Hegde, and Abhay Mishra, and Centricity team graced the event. The Bengaluru office will be led by Anirudh Mahanot and his dedicated team, including Attaur Khan (Branch Manager, Bangalore) and Shankar PA (Branch Manager, Bangalore).

Centricity’s “OneDigital” is India’s first tech-enabled multi-asset class, multi-product platform that enables MFDs to access a comprehensive digital financial product listing, execute transactions digitally, and deliver multi-product and multi-advisor client portfolio reports seamlessly. It also equips MFDs with tools such as goal planning, a learning & development library, portfolio analytics, and more.

Centricity’s second platform, “INVICTUS,” caters to single-family offices, UHNI, and corporate treasuries with portfolios exceeding 100cr. INVICTUS serves as an insight engine, simplifying investment management processes and offering holistic reporting, investment reckoner, portfolio scanner, liquidity profile, and performance tracking.

Having also achieved ISO27001:2022 and RIA licence, Centricity has ambitious plans for the upcoming year, including expanding business development teams, adding tech talent, achieving ESG compliance. Initiatives such as setting up a support call centre, applying for broking licenses, conducting many more distributor partner roadshows, and offering mortgages for distributors are also in the pipeline.

20, Jan 2024
Kia Seltos Introduces Seltos Diesel with 6-speed Manual Transmission

Mumbai, 20 January 2024: Kia, India’s leading premium carmaker, today launched 5 new Seltos 6-speed manual transmission variants in Tech line trims, featuring diesel engine options. Starting at a competitive price of INR 11,99,900 (Ex-showroom) across India, Seltos now comes with a total of 24 variants, offering its discerning customers the most extensive range of drive options. Launched in July 2023, the New Seltos has achieved remarkable success, with sales reaching 65,000 units to date.

The new Seltos offers 32 safety features, including Robust 15 Hi-safety features (standard across the range) and 17 most evolved Level 2 ADAS autonomous features. The mid-SUV boasts features like a dual-screen panoramic display with a 26.04 cm Full Digital Cluster and 26.03 cm HD Touchscreen Navigation, Dual Zone Fully Automatic Air Conditioner and R17 43.66 cm Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels. Other remarkable features include a Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof and an Electric Parking Brake.

Seltos_1 kia

Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales and Business Strategy Officer, Kia India said, “We always believe in empowering consumers with choices when it comes to drive experience. A lot of customers wanted to experience the joy of shifting gears, and hence, we are introducing 6-speed manual transmission in 5 Seltos diesel variants for true enthusiasts who love to have full control on the road. This inclusion in the new Seltos will make its positioning as the smartest, safest driving experience even stronger.”

Seltos, since its first launch in 2019, has sold 6 Lakh units in Domestic and International markets. The Seltos contribute more than 51% to Kia India’s total domestic dispatches. Seltos is one of the biggest brands for Kia Corporation, with 1 out of every 10 Kia cars sold globally being a Seltos. The new Seltos will grow the mid-SUV segment by reinventing and revamping it with its best-in-segment features and stunning design.

Price List:

Engine

Variant Transmission Price (INR)

1.5l CRDi VGT Diesel

HTE

6MT

11,99,900
HTK 13,59,900
HTK+ 14,99,900
HTX 16,67,900
HTX+ 18,27,900

  Customers can book their variant of choice through the Kia India official website: www.kia.com/in, and via any of the authorized dealerships of Kia India.

20, Jan 2024
Ayodhya Embraces Pakka’s Vision with Artful Cleanliness Brand Campaign

20th January 2024, New Delhi: Pakka Limited, formerly known as Yash Pakka Limited, a manufacturer of compostable packaging solutions, has launched a unique, art-centric brand campaign in Ayodhya. Ahead of the much-anticipated Ram Mandir inauguration, the campaign aims to raise awareness about cleanliness in the holy city. Themed around ‘Cleanliness is Service’ and ‘Cleanliness is Abundance’, the campaign echoes the Indian Government’s “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” initiative spearheading UP government’s Single-Use Plastic Free Ayodhya Campaign – RACE.

Pakka x Ram Mandir Trust_Brand Campaign

Pakka’s campaign is centered on adorning Ayodhya with vibrant illustrations depicting the ‘Swachhta hi Seva’ motif. These eye-catching visuals will strategically be placed on hoardings, painted police booths, and bio-toilets, reinforcing the message of responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.

In a significant move, Pakka has collaborated with the Ram Mandir Trust to further improve the campaign’s impact. Pakka’s flagship brand, CHUK, known for its compostable tableware, will exclusively distribute tableware before and after the Ayodhya Mandir inauguration event. This collaboration is a testament to Pakka’s dedication to promoting and spreading the message of sustainability.

Gautam Ghosh, Executive Director of Pakka Limited said, “The Ram Mandir consecration is undoubtedly one of the most momentous occasions in the history of the country. With this illustrative campaign, we aim to create awareness on the menace of single-use plastics that would benefit the community and city. The overarching goal of the campaign is not just solving end-to-end needs for disposables throughout the event but also cementing our position as the flag-bearers of sustainability originating from Ayodhya.”

20, Jan 2024
BMW Golf Cup 2024 held in Bengaluru

Bengaluru 20th Jan 2024: BMW India kickstarts its India edition of the largest amateur golf tournament – The BMW Golf Cup 2024 in Bengaluru. The much-awaited golf tournament will be held at spectacular golf courses across Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Noida, Kolkata and Gurgaon. The winners of the regional tournaments will compete at the national finals which will be held later in 2024.

02 (L-R) Ms. Vasanthi Bhupati, Dealer Principal, KUN Exclusive with day 2 winners Mr.NK Lenka, Ms. Dhanalakshmi Rice and Darshan Reddy

BMW Golf Cup, one of the world’s largest amateur golf tournament series can trace its roots back a quarter of a century to a British-based initiative that ran on its own for five years before going international. The tournament started as the BMW Invitation Tournament in UK. It has now developed into a global series with 1,000 qualifying tournaments involving 100,000 players in up to 50 countries. The best players from each nation qualify for the highlight, the BMW Golf Cup World Final.

An exclusive, invitation-only event, the BMW Golf Cup 2024 is open to golfers who are members of recognised golf clubs in country. The tournaments are held in accordance with the rules of the respective local golf club. It is also a loyalty program that rewards BMW customers with a chance to qualify for one of the largest amateur golf tournaments in the world. BMW India dealers identify amateur golfers amongst BMW owners who would be interested in participating in the tournament.

03 BMW Golf Cup 2024 Bengaluru Tournament

India is one of 50 participating countries at the World Final of BMW Golf Cup 2024 which is a global series with 1,000 qualifying tournaments involving 100,000 players. The BMW Golf Cup is an amateur golf tournament series designed for customers, prospects, and opinion leaders and provides the right mix for an exclusive social interaction.

The BMW Golf Cup has three categories, A (for handicaps up to 12), B (for handicaps 13 – 28), and Ladies Category (for handicaps up to 28). The winners, runners-up and second runners-up of the individual handicap categories qualify for the National Final. The winners in each of the three handicap categories in the National Final qualify to take part in the World Final of BMW Golf Cup.

20, Jan 2024
Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR Hosts Inaugural Industry Partners Meet

New Delhi, January 20, 2024: Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, held its inaugural Industry Partners Meet today. Themed “Innovate, Educate, Elevate,” the event was attended by industry leaders from over 100 organisations spanning 11 major sectors: IT, core engineering, consulting, financial, FMCG, semiconductor, automobile, social sector, think tanks, startups, telecom, and more. The guests included CEOs of Microsoft, PwC, LinkedIn, and HR leaders from GAIL, McKinsey, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise India.

Industry Partners Meet Image 1

Speaking at the event, Mr. Shikhar Malhotra remarked, “To be the youngest university in India to get an Institution of Eminence tag tells us about the work done by Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR. This also puts pressure on us to deliver the best talent. Shiv Nadar University thrives on the symbiotic ties with the industry and holds a mutually interdependent relationship.”

The meet featured insightful sessions, including Leadership Panels. The CEO Panel, discussing ‘Elevating Innovation through Strategic Education Partnerships: A CEO Perspective,’ was a vibrant discussion with panelists including Mr. Shikhar Malhotra, Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR; CEO & Vice-Chairman, HCL Healthcare; Trustee, Shiv Nadar Foundation; Mr. Puneet Chandok, President Microsoft India & South Asia; Mr. Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC in India and Mr. Ashutosh Gupta, Country Manager, LinkedIn India.

The HR Leaders Conversation included Ayush Gupta, Director of HR at GAIL; Sailesh Menezes, VP and Head of HR at Hewlett Packard Enterprise India; and Harsh Sawnani, Head of India Recruitment at McKinsey & Company. They engaged in a discussion on the Art of Talent Management in the evolving employment landscape.

Dr. Ananya Mukherjee, Vice Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR

Thanking the guests for attending the event, Dr. Ananya Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR said, “We would like to deepen the partnerships with the industry through the various ideas exchanged during the event. We hope to follow up on these ideas exchange with some concrete steps.”

The event concluded with a fireside chat featuring Ms. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech and Trustee of Shiv Nadar Foundation, with the university’s alum Kartik Arora, Co-Founder & CTO at Elevate HQ.

The Industry Partners Meet, besides offering a platform for meaningful conversations and strategic collaborations, also celebrated the vibrant community at Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR. As the first inaugural meet, it set the stage for future engagements and partnerships, reinforcing the university’s commitment to excellence in education and industry collaboration.

20, Jan 2024
Biggest Aerial Action Film ‘Fighter’ Launches Exclusive Merchandise Line

fighter

Mumbai, 20th January 2024: In anticipation of the much-awaited release of India’s Biggest Aerial Action Film, ‘Fighter,‘ the production team is thrilled to announce the launch of its own merchandise line. Collaborating with prominent platforms including FlipKart, Souled Store, HRX, Vega, A47, and more, ‘Fighter’ introduces an extensive range of exclusive merchandise to delight fans and enthusiasts alike.

The strategic partnership with renowned platforms is designed to transcend the cinematic experience and provide fans with an immersive connection to the world of ‘Fighter.’ The merchandise line encompasses a diverse array of offerings, ranging from trendy apparel and accessories to coveted collectibles and memorabilia.

Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios, shared “We are thrilled to bring the captivating world of ‘Fighter’ to life beyond the screen. Delighted to partner with multiple platforms for ‘Fighter’s’ exclusive merchandise line. Through a meticulously curated collection of apparel and accessories, fans will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrilling universe of ‘Fighter’.”

“This is the first instance when such a comprehensive range of film merchandise has been curated for an Indian film. We are very proud of this work,” shared Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios.

The merchandise line is a testament to ‘Fighter’s’ commitment to delivering an unparalleled cinematic experience. Fans can now not only witness the heart-pounding action on the big screen but also carry a piece of the ‘Fighter’ legacy in their daily lives through these specially curated items.

Prepare to be part of the ‘Fighter’ universe both on and off the screen. Stay tuned for the theatrical release of ‘Fighter’ on January 25th, 2024, and gear up to own a piece of this cinematic brilliance through the exclusive merchandise line.

20, Jan 2024
India’s Premier ESDM Event to accelerate “Design-Led Manufacturing and Semiconductor Ecosystem”

New Delhi, January 20, 2024: The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), the premier trade body representing the Indian Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) industry, is all set to launch the 18th edition of its flagship event, IESA Vision Summit 2024, on January 24-25, 2024, at the Hilton Convention Centre, Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.

The theme of this year’s summit ‘Design-Led Manufacturing – Leveraging the Semiconductor Ecosystem’, will bring together over 1000 delegates from around 275 companies, 25+ top government officials and policy makers, 75+ top industry leaders from across the globe, multiple state pavilions encompassing prominent figures from deep tech, MSME and startup ecosystems, incubators, the latest products, innovations and embedded electronics solutions from 80+ exhibitors, industry report launches, MOUs, product launches, policy announcements from participating states.

Sanjay Gupta, Chairman IESA, and Ashok Chandak, President IESA commented, “We are delighted to welcoming all the stakeholders of the ESDM sector to the 18th edition of IESA Vision Summit theme of Design-Led Manufacturing – Leveraging the Semiconductor Ecosystem. We believe that India has the potential to become a world-class ESDM hub, by leveraging its strengths in design, innovation, and talent, and by creating a conducive ecosystem that supports the entire value chain of the semiconductor industry.”

Some of the notable attendees and keynote speakers at the event include Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of India, Shri Priyank M. Kharge (Hon’ble Minister, IT, BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka), Shri S Krishnan, IAS (Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India), Mr. Gary Campbell (EVP, Central Engineering, ARM), Lars Reger ( CTO NXP Semiconductors), and leaders from world renounced companies such as Alphawave Semi, D- Matrix, Lam Research, Synopsis, KLA, Applied Materials, Kaynes, Siemens, Renesas, National Instruments and many more.

The two-day event will also host the IESA Technovation Awards, one of the most prestigious awards of the ESDM industry which recognizes and honors the most innovative and impactful individuals and organizations for their contributions to India’s ESDM ecosystem. The summit will also feature several sessions, panel discussions, and B2B meetings on topics such as semiconductor design, Electronics manufacturing, packaging, Product creation, Skilling and Talent Development, Multiple States ESDM policies, AI, automotive, and more.

20, Jan 2024
Seth M. R. Jaipuria School launches CBSE School in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan

Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, January 20, 2024: Seth M. R. Jaipuria Schools, India’s most respected education brand, renowned for its exceptional K-12 educational approach, has begun operating a CBSE school in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. This expansion aims to provide a unique educational experience, blending modern perspectives with traditional values. This would be the group’s first K-12 School in Rajasthan, and 55th overall across the country. The legacy of the group has been for 7 decades in education.

jaipuria school

Mr. Shreevats Jaipuria, Vice Chairperson of Jaipuria Group, emphasized the group’s historical commitment to elevating the quality of education in India. He expressed optimism about further impact in Rajasthan. “Our denim manufacturing unit, Ginni International, runs very close from here in Neemrana; we have been running internationally acclaimed MBA college at Jaipur under name Jaipuria Institute of Management. And now, setting up of a K12 School in Rajasthan validates our commitment towards national transformation PAN India, and I am glad that we’ve come to Bhiwadi”!

Mr. Jaipuria emphasized the significance of focusing on social skills alongside academic excellence. He stressed that “holistic development rests upon a foundation of curricular and co-curricular learning, grooming students to be not only accomplished professionals but also compassionate human beings. Our best-in-class educational pedagogies, training, and facilities will make this a School of Choice in the region. Our experience of working with 42,000+ students and 2,500+ educators shall pave way for excellence in Rajasthan as well. This is the start; we envision operating at least 10 more top-of-the-line K-12 schools in Rajasthan in the near future”. Further he emphasise on the purpose of education towards societal development. India, that is Bharat will benefit and become world leader through focus on Ruchi, Yogyta, and Vishwas.

Dr. Priti Ojha, Principal outlined the school’s progressive, co-educational vision. “With overall vision of the Jaipuria Group, the school is set to provide a robust educational foundation, centered on activity-based learning, holistic development, and a child-centric approach. The CBSE Affiliated School from Nursery to 12, features top-tier facilities and initiatives, interactive digital classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, library, and a global curriculum aligning with NEP 2020. The school also plans to offer 40+ activities, including sports, arts, and more” said the Principal. “We are probably the only K-12 School offering conversational Sanskrit curriculum – Devabhasha – from pre-primary levels. Music labs, video labs, coding, and all will happen, but I am mostly committed to holistic development of students along with values enhancement”.

Addressing the gathering, The Chief Mentor of the School, Mr. Harit Sharma said “The school shall function with focus on educational expertise, and with the constant supervision of the Jaipuria Group Corporate Office from New Delhi, we would be able to provide for the foundation of a great building block for the future. I am looking forward to the group’s strength of events such as Crescendo, Pinnacle, Siddhi, Upskill and others. Jaipuria will enhance the quality of education in the region”.

 Mr. Kanak Gupta- Director of Jaipuria Group said, “The response from parents and students has been overwhelming since news of the school spread. This has reaffirmed our faith in our vision. We believe the child should be at the centre of the teaching-learning process, we believe in activity-based learning, we believe there should be a good mix of academic and co-curricular activities for overall development of the child, and at Jaipuria, we will provide each and every child with such opportunities. Over decades, we’ve had 99% first divisioners in Board exams. Our students get access to sports, cultural and activities to enhance their 21st century skills”.

 Mr. Jaipuria concluded saying “My vision for the Bhiwadi Campus is one of eminence and global impact. We’ve often believed Jaipurians don’t merely read history, but create history, and I am sure that students of Bhiwadi are destined for greatness and creating history”!

The beautifully designed campus (Nursery to K-12) of Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Bhiwadi is well equipped with world-class infrastructure, which includes interactive digital classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities including language labs, a well-equipped library, and a global curriculum benchmarking very well with Sweden, Finland and the USA. There are provisions and plans for 40+ activities at the School, including swimming pool, archery, a variety of sports and games, dance, drama, horse-riding etc.

20, Jan 2024
Noise launches Noise ColorFit Chrome, Redefining Luxury with a Niche Metallic Design

New Delhi, 20th January 2024: Noise, India’s leading smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand today launched their latest luxury smartwatch, Noise ColorFit Chrome. The luxurious smartwatch seamlessly marries timeless elegance with advanced technology. Positioned asLuxury in Metal,’ the Noise ColorFit Chrome is designed to cater to a discerning audience who values craftsmanship, durability, health and the convenience of modern technology. The Noise ColorFit Chrome boasts a robust construction, combining stainless steel and alloy materials. This heavy metal build not only enhances the watch’s durability but also exudes a sense of opulence, making it a statement accessory for any occasion. The smartwatch is available for purchase on Amazon and gonoise.com at a price of INR 5,000. 

 The Noise ColorFit Chrome is set to redefine the smartwatch landscape, providing a compelling option for those who seek a sophisticated and durable timepiece with cutting-edge technology. The ColorFit Chrome showcases a stunning 1.85-inch AMOLED display with a high resolution of 390*450, delivering crystal-clear visuals even in bright outdoor conditions providing a hassle-free experience. The addition of an always-on display feature ensures convenience and a touch of classic charm, while the impressive 600 nits brightness and hands-free communication with BT calling, in-built microphone, and a speaker. The smartwatch also provides direct access to the dial pad and recent call logs directly from your wrist, cutting down the hassle of taking out your smartphone when indulging in an outdoor experience. In addition to this, one can save up to 10 favourite contacts for quick and easy calling as well. It comes in a range of 3 exciting colours including Elite Black, Elite Silver and Elite Midnight Gold.

 The Noise ColorFit Chrome offers a diverse range of features for both productivity and health monitoring. With the Noise Health Suite™ users can effectively monitor essential health metrics such as heart rate, SpO2, sleep patterns, and stress levels, among others. The smartwatch offers an impressive battery life of up to 10 days, and up to 5 days with BT calling. On the other hand, the integrated Productivity Suite keeps daily reminders and weather forecasts easily accessible. The IP68 water and dust resistance ensures durability in any environment along with 100+ sports mode and watch faces. It also offers seamless pairing with the NoiseFit App delivering a comprehensive suite of features for tracking, monitoring, and strengthening the wellness journey.

 Product Specifications

Noise ColorFit Chrome

Screen

1.85-inch AMOLED

Resolution

390*450 px

Brightness

600 nits

Waterproofing

IP68

Battery Usage

Up to 10 days, and up to 5 days with BT calling

Sports Modes

100+ modes

Watch-faces

100+ cloud-based

Highlight Features

Heavy metal build

(stainless steel + alloy)

Sturdy and analog like build