Archive: June 29, 2022

adidas Unveils its Largest Store in Bengaluru

Mumbai, June 2022: Leading sportswear giant adidas unveiled their largest store in Bengaluru, located at the heart of the city- Brigade Road. The store is a blend of multiple digital touch points and embodies the future of retail experience for consumers.

Spread across 6500 sq. ft of retail area across four floors, the store focuses on 3 important pillars which are Experience, Sustainability, and Credibility.

The store provides the consumer a glimpse into the world of adidas, offering a wide variety of products for men, women & kids across categories like running, training, sportswear, football, basketball, golf, tennis&outdoor. The store also has multiple sport & experience zones like an exclusive football floor with extended terrace play area, a gaming inspired lounge with anx-box and an activity area for kids. The store is also enhanced using advanced technology which includes immersive screens, digital plinths to give customers a superior digital shopping experience.

In line with adidas’ long-term vision and commitment towards sustainability, the store houses a dedicated ‘Sustainability Wall’ which has been designed using electronic waste, displaying the End Plastic Waste logo. That is not all, the central Atrium installation at the store has been created in collaboration with local artists using only recycled bottles and plastic containers.

Commenting on the store launch, Sunil Gupta, Senior Director, Brand adidas said, “We are absolutely thrilled to open yet another phenomenal store in the heart of Bengaluru. The store not only provides our consumers a global shopping experience, but also gives them a glimpse into the world of possibilities with adidas, be it through our experience zones, our digital touchpoints, or our commitment to sustainability which comes to life with the sustainability wall and the installation made from plastic waste. We consistently want to elevate the in-store experience for our consumers through innovation, creativity, and design”

World Boxing Champion and adidas athlete Nikhat Zareen inaugurated the store. Speaking on the occasion Zareen said “I am super excited to inaugurate this beautiful adidas store today. This makes me reminisce about my first store visit, when I got my first pair of adidas shoes. A monumental moment for me as it was a pair which empowered me and to this day, I cherish it.Thatwas my entry into the world of adidas, and from there on the possibilities for me have been endless.

I wear my three stripes with so much pride and I am sure, this store too will be the first step towards many more such monumental journeys for young athletes in the years to come.”

AMD targeted by RansomHouse | Comment from Satnam Narang, Senior Staff Research Engineer, Tenable

“Despite its name, the RansomHouse group doesn’t quite fit under the label of a ransomware group in the traditional sense. While the group does demand a ransom as part of their operations, it would appear that they don’t distribute malicious software into victim organizations. They are considered to be a pure-play extortion group, which we’ve begun to see a renaissance of in recent months. 

“RansomHouse itself has claimed that they are neither behind breaches nor do they develop or utilize any ransomware as part of their efforts. But it’s hard to trust the word of the group, who may be trying to shield themselves from being lumped into a category of ransomware and becoming a bigger target through law enforcement operations.

“Even with the success of double extortion, whereby ransomware groups encrypt files within a network and steal files and threaten to leak them on the dark web, the extortion factor appears to have become the central point amongst extortion groups like RansomHouse and Lapsus$.

“As the Conti ransomware group began to fold up its operations, part of its grand plans included splintering into several ransomware groups, including those that are extortion-focused like BlackByte and Karakurt.

“As we highlight in our recent Ransomware Ecosystem report, ransomware groups have evolved over the years, adopting a business-like approach to their efforts and forging business partnerships with other players in the ecosystem, like affiliates and initial access brokers. It remains to be seen if this trend towards an extortion-only focus will become part of its natural evolution.” — Satnam Narang, Sr. Staff Research Engineer at Tenable

Fintech Industry Success Formula – Security, Data Analytics and Product Development Driven by AI

Digital Payments are estimated to grow at a rapid pace to account for more than 70% share of all payments by 2025. The continued innovation and increased performance in digital technology, consumer demand for one-touch payments, policy push towards financial inclusion, desire to marginalize cash, and an exponential rise in digital applications and services are the mega-trends that are driving the Digital Payments revolution.

This increase in digital transaction has led to the growth in breach of data in 2021 by 10% YoY, with the average amount of financial damages caused to a record $4.24 million. Fraudsters who obtain this information can carry out various kinds of frauds, ranging from locking the users out of their online accounts to full-blown identity theft.

AI is by far the most effective preventive measure against financial fraud, as it can review through huge amounts of data to identify the risk patterns. Suspicious activities and individuals can then be separated for further review to distinguish between actual fraud and false positives. Artificial intelligence is being actively used to reduce the latest financial crime in bonuses from new deposit accounts or credit cards, as well as monthly subscription purchases made online. The Fintech industry is one of the first to embrace data science. It makes extensive use of algorithms to create services that are both faster and more precise than those provided by traditional banking institutions. The payment industry is increasingly being driven by information and data, as technology is the backbone of the Fintech sector, allowing financial institutions to quickly respond to changing customer preferences and emerging trends to drive future growth. The ecosystem, which includes loan issuers, credit card companies, retailers, and insurers, has recognised that big data processing techniques will not only simplify complex tasks like risk management and financial inclusion, but will also enable Fintech players to better serve potential customers.

Benefits Fintech industry can reap by using AI: 

· Stronger Security: AI in cyber security comes in the form of chat-bots that convert FAQs into simulated conversations. They have the ability to reset forgotten passwords and grant additional access as required. Artificial intelligence can analyse large amounts of data and improve successively over time using machine learning. Artificial intelligence is being used to identify fraudulent activity, suspicious transactions, and provide a boost to processing sensitive financial documentation, reducing security risk, by being able to discern patterns and suspicious behaviours.

· Enhancing operations through automation: AI has the ability to generate financial reports much faster and with a lower risk. It has the technological capabilities to provide employees with tracking and automating processes, data entry, fraud and security. It has the ability to watch, learn and verify events for anomalies.

· Improved customer service: Artificial intelligence has improved customer service, which is one of the most prominent area of fintech. Transactional calls and traditional helplines will become less important as deep learning algorithms and AI’s ability to understand human language and formulate convincing responses improve. AI can understand and follow workflows with minimal risk of error or duplicated processes, resulting in significant reductions in manual management.

· Analytics and insights: AI provides Fintech companies with game-changing insights, which are reliant on collecting and processing client data. Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are extremely useful for fraud detection and claims management, as the AI tools are used to track behaviour patterns and detect fraud by identifying warning signs. AI systems can adapt and incorporate undiscovered cases into their detection capacities over time with their self-learning abilities.

· Virtual assistants and chatbots: Fintech firms provide appropriate data and advice for each transaction. Personalization is becoming increasingly important in the fintech sector as the cost of labour in offshore outsourcing and robotics have increased. Chatbots and assistants powered by AI can reduce costs, as text-based personal assistants provide expertise and human-like interaction without having to increase the manpower.

· Automatic Damage assessments and claims management: Fintech firms provide damage assessment for assets like cars, mobile devices, goggles, shoes, cycles and many other kinds of assets in case of accidents or mishandling. However, it requires a lot of manpower and at times logistics costs as well which becomes a huge cost for both customers and companies. However, computer vision-based Artificial Intelligence solutions mitigate the need of manpower involvement and decrease logistics costs to a great level thus benefitting the brands positively on the bottom line while taking the customer service experience too to the next level.

As technology continues to rapidly advance, artificial intelligence might be the future of the Fintech industry. The ability to conduct financial transactions without the use of a traditional banking intermediary, technology is no longer centralised to monolithic databases and transaction engines. It is all about giving customers and employees the freedom to work smarter, make better decisions, and focus on what matters most. It is the best time to embrace the potential of AI as the driving force for the growth and development of the Fintech businesses.

Hair Care Range by Plantas (Hair fall Control & Repair and Extra Nourishment & Protection)

Plantas (India’s first & the only complete range of EcoCert Cosmos V3.1 certified organic beauty brand) has come up with an exclusive hair care range.

Plantas Organic Shampoo – Extra Nourishment & Protection 

Plantas Organic Extra Nourishment & Protection Shampoo is enriched with False Daisy (Bhringraj). Along with Henna, Methi & Shikakai extract, Plantas 100% Natural & 95%+ Organic shampoo strengthens weak & dull hair and makes them silky, Strong, and Beautiful. The shampoo helps in keeping the scalp clean & healthy and is suited for every hair type and is free from synthetic harmful chemicals such as Phthalates, Pesticides, & mineral oils. All Plantas products are certified by Ecocert Greenlife, France under COSMOS V3, the Highest Global Organic Cosmetic Standard.

Plantas Organic Conditioner – Extra Nourishment & Protection 

Plantas Organic Extra Nourishment & Protection Conditioner is enriched with Bamboo & Cucumber extracts. Along with Henna, Fenugreek & Shikakai extract, Plantas 100% Natural & 95%+ Organic conditioner refreshes the hair & preserves the shine. Fenugreek is a natural conditioner that helps in detangling the hair. The conditioner strengthens the hair to keep them silky, Strong, & Beautiful and is suited for every hair type and is free from synthetic harmful chemicals such as Phthalates, Pesticides, & mineral oils. All Plantas products are certified by Ecocert Greenlife, France under COSMOS V3, the Highest Global Organic Cosmetic Standard.

Plantas Organic Shampoo – Hair fall Control & Repair 

Plantas Organic Hair Fall Control & Repair Shampoo is enriched with Shikakai, Jatamansi, Heena & Jojoba extracts. Plantas 100% Natural & 95%+ Organic shampoo helps in reinforcing the hair strength & prevents hair fall thereby making them smooth & shiny. It is suited for every hair type and is free from Phthalates, Pesticides, & mineral oils. The hair fall control & repair shampoo helps in keeping the scalp clean & healthy. All Plantas products are certified by Ecocert Greenlife, France under COSMOS V3, the Highest Global Organic Cosmetic Standard.

Plantas Organic Conditioner – Hair fall Control & Repair 

Plantas Organic Hair Fall Control & Repair Conditioner is enriched with Grape seeds extracts. Plantas 100% Natural & 95%+ Organic conditioner has the best ingredients in hair care like Bhangra, Shikakai, & Heena. The conditioner helps in reinforcing the hair strength & prevents hair fall thereby making them smooth & shiny. It is suited for every hair type and is free from Phthalates, Pesticides, & mineral oils. The conditioner helps in keeping the scalp clean & healthy. All Plantas products are certified by Ecocert Greenlife, France under COSMOS V3, the Highest Global Organic Cosmetic Standard.

VAHDAM® India Makes UK Retail Debut with 400 Holland & Barrett Stores

June 2022: Global wellness brand, VAHDAM® India, which was recently a part of the Oscar Goodie bag has made its retail debut in UK with Holland and Barrett.

Five of the best-selling turmeric teas from the brand will be placed in over 400 stores of Holland & Barret and will also be available on the retailer’s online store. These teas blend premium-quality turmeric with superfoods like Ginger, Ashwagandha, Moringa, and an array of spices which are 100% natural, pure and caffeine free.

Bala Sarda, Founder and CEO, VAHDAM India said: “We are super excited to be making our UK retail debut at one of the world’s leading health & wellness retailers, Holland and Barrett.We have always strived to take the best of India to the world under a home-grown brand and it is a step forward in that direction. We continue to go deeper in our current key markets & grow our omni-channel distribution,”

With this, VAHDAM has further strengthened its omni-channel presence. It is available in over 1000 stores in the US that include Wegmans, Erewhon Markets, Sprouts farmers market, Gelson’s market in addition to other select stores. VAHDAM is also available in over 200 stores in Canada that include Healthy Planet, Nature’s Source, Nature’s signature and more.

The below five varieties of turmeric teas will be available in the Holland & Barrett stores in the UK: 

● Turmeric Ginger Herbal Tea Bag – An aromatic, healthy blend of diced turmeric and ginger.

● Turmeric Ashwagandha Herbal Tea Bag – A herbal blend with diced turmeric and ashwagandha, the ancient herb renowned for helping the body manage stress and referred to as ‘Indian ginseng’ because of its rejuvenating properties

● Turmeric Saffron Herbal Tea Tisane – A timeless combination of pure golden Turmeric chunks and ginger – soothing and smooth

● Turmeric Ashwagandha Latte Mix – An organic mix of turmeric & ashwagandha with bountiful botanicals. Sincerely healing and calming.

● Turmeric Ginger latte Mix – A soothing latte mix of hearty turmeric and healing ginger, known for boosting immunity and improved digestion.

Turmeric has long been known for its powerful healing properties for over 5,000 years. From being a fix for seasonal colds to healing wounds, providing anti-inflammatory benefits and boosting immunity, turmeric has a myriad of health-promoting benefits.

VAHDAM’s turmeric range amplifies these benefits by blending in black pepper, which is scientifically proven to enhance the bio-absorption of curcumin, the key active ingredient of Turmeric which is responsible for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and pain-relieving properties.

All VAHDAM® Teas are sourced direct from plantations & farmers within days of harvest, packaged garden fresh at their BRC Certified state-of-the-art facility, in India and shipped directly to our global fulfillment centers in various parts of the world.

This groundbreaking supply chain not only brings the consumers a fresher, better cup of tea but also helps in retaining most of the earnings at source while being ‘farm-to-cup‘ in the truest sense.

The company has raised over 290 crores in funding from marquee funds like IIFL, Sixth Sense Ventures, Fireside Ventures & more. The brand is on track to deliver a revenue of 500 cr over the next 2 years. The company gets ~95% of its sales via online channels. It is a Certified Plastic Neutral and Climate Neutral brand and directs 1% of its revenue towards the education of its tea growers’ children.

Apraava Energy completes solar electrification project in 14 villages of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, June 2022: Apraava Energy, a diversified provider of low-carbon energy in India, has completed a solar electrification project it had undertaken in 2020 to meet the energy needs of over 3687 households around its Satpura Transco Private Ltd (STPL) transmission project in Madhya Pradesh. Apraava Energy implemented the project in partnership with SELCO Foundation in 14 villages around Seoni Malwa in Hoshangabad district and Ashta in Sehore district.

The villagers were earlier facing multiple challenges due to inconsistent power supply. These included unsafe conditions for women and children to step out of their home after sunset; non-functional streetlights; thefts; lack of road safety for drivers; limited social gatherings; power cuts in schools and anganwadis and lack of modern teaching technologies For students.

To resolve these issues, under the project, 52 solar streetlights were set up in the common areas of the villages. Basic appliances such as fans and lights in anganwadis were powered by solar energy. Around 7 anganwadis were made smarter by equipping them with digital learning tools and digital content for kids. 13 schools and anganwadis were provided with digital education kits, which made the process of teaching and learning more contemporary and interactive. The teachers in anganwadis and schools have been trained in handling these digital tools. The content is offered in both the local language as well as English and follows the syllabus.

Dr. Priyesh Modi, Head – Corporate Social Responsibility, Apraava Energy, said, “Reliable supply of electricity is vital for enabling the socioeconomic development of rural India. We believe that every household and region in the country should be electrified – that too through green and sustainable energy. We are pleased that, as an action in this direction, we were able to meet the immediate needs of the communities surrounding our STPL project and make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

The beneficiary villages include Nayagaon, Narri, Gotabarri, Nandarwara, Malapat around Seoni Malwa, and Chancharsi, Richhadiya, Kannod Mirzi, Awali Kheda, Thuriya, Kitya, Deosiralya, Sonkhedi, JanjalKhedi around Ashta. The solutions implemented under the initiative generate approximately 13.9 MWh/year of solar power and lead to a reduction in carbon emissions to the tune of approximately 11.2 tonnes per year.

This Pride Month, pet care brand Wiggles walks the talk

June 29, 2022; National:  Pioneering pet care brand Wiggles continues to drive innovation and positive change with a purpose-driven strategy. Staying true to its values, and in an attempt to bring about real change, Wiggles joined the global Pride Month 2022 celebrations with its thought-provoking and action-oriented campaign, #MyPetMyPride. #MyPetMyPride celebrates and supports the rainbow community with a slew of online and offline initiatives and showcases a pets’ unconditional love. Through the campaign, Wiggles renews its promise of welcoming and accepting talent and partners irrespective of their choices and of nurturing an inclusive culture that does not discriminate, whatsoever.

Wiggles’ month-long campaign #MyPetMyPride kickstarted with the brand’s participation in the LGBTQI pride march in Pune organized by Bindu Queer Rights Foundation. Expressing support for the LGBTQI community members were Wiggles employees along with their pets. With the central thought – Paws for Pride, Wiggles employees including those from the LGBTQI community participated in the march and brought forward real stories from the rainbow community. Building upon the brand’s active participation in the pride march, Wiggles leveraged its growing digital presence to echo numerous instances where in queer members found support from their pets in their darkest moments and how their pets steered them in their journey.

“Since inception, we have built a brand that is inclusive and respectful of all choices. We have strived to create an environment that is safe for our people, partners and most importantly pets. We firmly believe that the onus to bring about real change rests upon new-age brands like us and have never shied away from touching upon topics that come with stigmas, taboos and debates, and sincerely urge others to also join and be a part of this change. It is our earnest effort to make a small and yet significant contribution with our campaign #MyPetMyPride and hope that we continue to learn, grow and evolve into a brand that is built upon purpose.” said Anushka Iyer, Founder & CEO, Wiggles.in.

Prior to #MyPetMyPride, Wiggles most recently launched a national campaign, #BondedByBlood to sensitize pet parents on understanding their pets blood type and registering them to be a pet blood donor.

#MyPetMyPride celebrates the unconditional love that pets have for their parents while encouraging queer pet parents to take pride and embrace their identities and choices.

Experience Elegance with Blum LEGRABOX

If you are looking for a lean, sleek and slim drawer system with an unprecedented level of performance, you do not need to look for anything other than the BLUM LEGRABOX drawer system. The box system strikes clear lines, parallel frame design, and accent lines as central design elements.

LEGRABOX is a drawer system that can make your kitchen furniture systematic by saving a lot of space in the kitchen, unlike cabinets. It is a trend in itself to have storage spaces like the LEGRABOX that are engineered in a way to mix style with utility for its consumers. It is easy to clean and maintain, thus making it an apt choice for working professionals.

LEGRABOX features customizable design elements that provide a simple open look, with various colours and stainless-steel anti-fingerprint material. The colours are universally usable and blend seamlessly into various furniture designs thanks to the matte metallic surface.

LEGRABOX Terra Black Matte is used for special furniture due to its dark elegance. The LEGRABOX stainless steel (Inox) anti-fingerprint has an elegant design and is ideal to combine with dark surfaces. Lastly, LEGRABOX Orion Grey Matte is suitable for all living spaces thanks to its delicate, elegant and versatile design.

The LEGRABOX guarantees maximum stability when opening and closing drawers even when it is fully extended and heavily laden, thanks to high dynamic carrying capacities of 40 and 70 kg. It also lets one print their brand name on the drawer sides.