Archive: September 23, 2022

Arvog announces Investment Plans in Vyapaar Vistaar Tech Private Limited, a futuristic tech-based distribution start-up

Mumbai 23rd September 2022: Arvog Finance (Finkurve Financial Services Limited) is an advanced, rapidly-growing smart-tech-enabled diversified finance and venture growth investment company that has been recognized for lending simple yet relevant Finance and Leisure products and services. The brand’s approach is to provide a varied set of offerings through partnerships with well-known and significant industry players who share an alike vision. Arvog has been tactically making use of its venture arm for investments in the Indian start-up space, aiding and contributing towards the progression and evolving the start-up ecosystem. The company has recently announced its investment in Vyapaar Vistaar Tech Private Limited, a tech-based distribution start-up focused on supply chain innovation.

Conceptualized in 2020 by Satvik Kumat, Vyapaar Vistaar has been providing end-to-end solutions for the supply chain of the Indian retail industry, thus fostering sustainable business growth in the Indian FMCG segment. To tighten its market focus and venture growth plans, the brand has been setting up a Pan-India distribution network, enabling it to provide immediate retail market access to rural towns and villages to companies. The brand has been outperforming by integrating technology into the sales channel which is proven to be far more effective and efficient as compared to the conventional salesman model. The solution provided by Vyaapar Vistaar will enable brands to have greater control over the sales process and right market feedback, to plan and strategize for efficient resource utilization and to provide better service to retailers. The brand will be launching products under their own brands which will be traded through order booking solutions within their own distribution network and will monetize sales generated through order booking.

The brand also offers a complete distribution solution which includes market development, sales team management, tele order booking, right market feedback, managing and setting up the distribution network, and a real-time market update alongside tech-based offerings like a complete retail market coverage and enhanced services to retailers to name a few. Through its offerings, Vyapaar Vistaar aims to create a seamless product flow from the brands to consumers, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional retail distribution.

Arvog Finance aims to achieve its vision to shape a data-driven digital finance network that is robust, convenient, reliable, secure, and transparent. It is using its years of experience as an NBFC to drive penetration for financing aimed at serving the society at large.

According to Priyank Kothari, Director, Arvog, says, “Through investing in Vyapaar Vistaar, Arvog Finance intends to double down on its core value proposition to its customers and partners in the ecosystem. The brand’s market revelation is aligned with our long-term vision of increasing the accessibility to technology by providing tech-enabled easy and cost-effective solutions to businesses. It is difficult for many companies to get their products available in a retail network, but Vyaapar Vistaar has been leveraging this huge retail network by introducing private label brands. The tele-order booking that has been started by Vyaapar Vistaar has proven to increase the partnered business’s sales for several companies by providing them with instant retail market access. Through this venture, Arvog Finance aims to surface into a strategic investor nurturing the brand towards materializing its industry growth plans”.

According to Satvik Kumat , Vyapaar Vistaar Tech Private Limited, says, “Vyapaar Vistaar has multiple revenue streams which helps the brand to capture the market way faster and opens various expansion opportunities. Our vision is to offer instant retail market access to every business in India and simplify the business processes that will help them grow. Arvog Finance’s scale and expertise will facilitate us achieve this goal faster in turn transforming the Indian business landscape.”

Hero Motocorp Revises Price of Its Motorcycles & Scooters from September 22, 2022

Bengaluru, September 2022: Hero MotoCorp has made an upward revision in the ex-showroom prices of its motorcycles and scooters, with immediate effect i.e. September 22, 2022. The price revision has been necessitated to partially offset the impact of cost inflation.

The price revision will be up to Rs. 1,000 and the exact quantum of increase will vary by model and market.

Cleartrip partners with Myntra to reward top 3 spenders of Big Fashion Festival with an all-expense paid Bali trip

Bengaluru, September 23, 2022: Cleartrip, one of India’s fastest-growing online travel portals, has partnered with Myntra to reward top three spenders of the Big Fashion Festival (BFF), an all-expense paid vacation to the tropical island of Bali.

This is part of the reward constructs during the Big Fashion Festival, scheduled to start from 23 September 2022 and all set to offer customers more than 1.5 million styles from over 6000 international and domestic brands across categories like fashion, lifestyle, home, and beauty and personal care. Offering exciting options that include the BFF Specials, Myntra’s curated collection of festive offerings, and BFF Showstopper, which flaunts select categories that are popular among cohorts, Myntra’s BFF is the go-to place for all things fashion this festive season, ensuring something for every member across various age groups in the family.

The reward trip to Bali will entail a four nights and five days stay, enabling the three highest spenders from Myntra BFF to enjoy Bali’s picturesque beaches, along with its magical blend of culture, people, nature, activities, culinary delights and nightlife. In addition to this, some of the shoppers from the BFF’s festive fashion frenzy will also receive assured coupons from Cleartrip that gives them a 12% off on domestic flights and a 20% off on hotels.

Myntra’s celebrated festive event across the country, the Big Fashion Festival (BFF) presents a wide range of value deals along with ingenious customer engagement propositions such as the curtain raiser deals and the deal o’clock. Additionally, shoppers can benefit by using their Axis and ICICI bank credit or debit cards, to unlock additional savings of 10%. Throughout BFF, Myntra will also offer consumers unprecedented BFF Rewards, like coupons from Lakme Salon, Zoomcar, Zee 5, Domino’s, Baskin Robbins, Lenskart, Cleartrip, PVR and Discovery+, among others, making the festive shopping experience a truly joyous one.

From Exciting Attractions To Fun-Filled Leisure Activities, Here Is Why YAS ISLAND, Abu Dhabi Is An Ideal Holiday Destination For Families

Mumbai – 23rd September, 2022: From the world’s fastest roller coaster, to its largest indoor theme park, to the highest indoor climbing wall and biggest skydiving chamber and more, there’s much to experience in 72 hours on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s leading entertainment and leisure destinations.

Holidaymakers can enjoy immersive and thrilling leisure activities within close proximity on the Island. Mapped around an area of 25 square kilometers, the destination features award-winning theme parks including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi which includes a variety of family-friendly rides and attractions, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi the world’s first and only Emirati-themed waterpark, and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, the incredibly immersive indoor theme park.

Adventure-seekers can soar in the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber or climb to the top of the region’s tallest climbing wall at the UAE’s ultimate adventure hub CLYMBTM Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, they can get behind the wheel of a myriad of vehicles Yas Marina Circuit. Home to the highly-anticipated FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX™, drivers can choose anything from go-karts, to race cars, and even Formula 3000, as well as car and bike track days to test out their own vehicles.

For some rest and relaxation, Yas Island has eight hotels including Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, as well as budget-friendly options on Yas Plaza Hotels. With over 2,000 rooms and suites and the magnificent Yas Beach with crystal clear waters, Yas Island has an incredible diversity of hospitality options. The destination is also a shopaholic’s paradise with the capital’s largest shopping destination, Yas Mall, with more than 370 leading international and regional retail brands, F&B outlets, along with 20-screen state-of-the-art cinema and other attractions.

When it comes to exquisite and award-winning dining experiences, Yas Island Abu Dhabi is virtually short of none. With 165 restaurants around Yas Island, the destination is a melting pot of cuisines and cultures. For a dining experience with a view, Yas Marina features seven restaurants including the Aquarium, Iris Yas Island, and the iconic Cipriani, overlooking the marina and Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious super-yachts.

As travel restriction to the capital have eased, Yas Island is the ideal destination for travelers looking for a quick 72-hour vacation.

Visitors can design their itinerary with a host of adventure-filled activities by visiting yasisland.com

SAVE Microfinance Pvt. Ltd., an NBFC-MFI achieves an Assets Under Management of Rs. 702.71 Crores as of 31st August 2022

23rd September 2022: SAVE Microfinance Pvt. Ltd., an NBFC-MFI (Non-Banking Finance Company – Micro Finance Institution), a subsidiary of SAVE Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has recently achieved an AUM (Assets Under Management) of Rs 702.71 Cr as on 31st August 2022. To accomplish this AUM, Bihar has contributed over Rs 350 cr, UP over Rs 100 cr, and Haryana over Rs 50 cr.

The company has also managed to close on 2.74 lakh loan accounts with a client base of 2.73 lakhs.

The firm aims to conclude at an AUM of Rs 1250 cr and a customer base of 5 lakh by the financial year 2023.

SAVE Microfinance is on the path to expanding its network. Along with crossing an AUM of over 700 crores, the company has already opened 52 new branches in the current financial year and also plans to open up to 33 more branches in the coming time, which will make a total of 255 branches. With its geographical developments and expansion, the company aims to strengthen the rural economy and create employment opportunities for the youth.

Through SAVE Microfinance, the company is also determined to make women financially independent and self-sufficient. It has over 222 branches of MFI to facilitate women empowerment and sustainable sources of income and is dedicated to improving the quality and standard of life for rural women, by offering them support for income generation activities.

Imagine Marketing (parent company of boAt) continues to rank among the top 5 global wearable companies for last 7 quarters

India, September 2022: Imagine Marketing, the parent company of boAt has been ranked 5th in the world as per the leading market research and advisory firm International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker Q2CY2022. In addition, Imagine Marketing continues to retain pole position in the overall wearables category in India for the third consecutive year (CY20, CY21, CY22 YTD) as per IDC India Monthly Wearable Device Tracker, August 2022. The brand has a wide portfolio of well-designed, indigenized, and distinctive lifestyle-oriented products offered at attractive prices.

Imagine Marketing leads the TWS category with 40% plus market share in July 2022. The phenomenal growth is due to the reasons such as availability, affordability, better features and functionalities like ANC, innovative designs, and low-latency mode for gaming. Watch-based wearables also tend to be the fastest-growing category for Imagine Marketing showing strong momentum with >145% growth over the last year (H12021 v/s H12022). In addition to the affordability, features such as Bluetooth calling, bigger screen sizes, and AMOLED displays are attracting both first-time users and upgraders.

Imagine Marketing (parent company of boAt) is buoyant about the festive sales season and is forecasting increased demand for its expansive product portfolio which is drawn on positive consumer sentiment, affordability, and a better feature set in its devices. Besides, during the festive period, people are also seeing boAt smartwatches and TWS devices as good options for gifting purposes. As ‘Make in India’ continues to scale up, it is enabling the brand to launch products faster and at lower prices. The brand plans on manufacturing 6 million units in H1FY23 under its Make in India strategy.

The company has a strong omnichannel strategy, and its products are available across marketplaces including Amazon India, Flipkart, Myntra, Paytm, and more. The brand is available in more than 20,000 stores including Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more. Consumers can also experience the brand’s extensive portfolio on its website https://www.boat-lifestyle.com/. On the global recognition, Aman Gupta, Co-founder & CMO, boAt said, “Design, innovation, and customer centricity are core to our business. The success of our brand can be credited to our agility, fast innovation cycle, and constant listening to our boAtheads. We are humbled, overwhelmed with the confidence and support entrusted by customers over the years. It is a moment of pride for all Indians as it validates the growing acceptance of home-grown brands globally. With the support of our Govt., we will aim to become a global lifestyle brand. We at boAt understand the requirement of millennials and will continue doing what we do best to serve the community of boAtheads. “

Since the first quarter of the Financial Year 2022, many boAt products within the Rockerz, Bassheads, and Airdopes product ranges, as well as within the accessories (including cables and power banks) are being manufactured in India. boAt Bassheads 100, Bassheads 192, Bassheads 225, Rockerz 255 Pro, Rockerz 235v2, Airdopes 131, Airdopes 101, Airdopes 441, power banks, charging cables, and power bricks are among the current products available under boAt’s “Make in India” initiative.

The Diwali edition of “India Gem & Jewellery Show (GJS)” is all set to garner exponential sales during this festive season

 23rd September 2022 Mumbai: This Diwali Edition of the B2B GJS Expo was inaugurated today by the Guest of Honour, Mr Rajeev Garg, Joint Commissioner of Income-tax and the apex industry body. This prestigious expo will be held from 22nd to 25th September at Bombay Exhibition Center (NESCO), Mumbai. Also present at the inauguration was Shri Ashish Pethe, Chairman, GJC, Mr. Saiyam Mehra, Vice Chairman of GJC and Convener of GJS and other distinguished members of the trade.

GJS will have more than 400 exhibitors, spanning over an area of 2,00000 + sq ft area. The expo will also have interactive educational seminars & workshops on the various current & future trends by prominent players from the industry.

For years this expo has been creating a conducive atmosphere for retailers to explore various exclusive and trendsetting Jewellery from different cultures & places. This edition too it will encourage & facilitate strong business & commercial relationships catering to the right customers during the onset of this festive season.

Mr Rajeev Garg, Joint Commissioner of Income-tax said “ I am very happy to be a part of this trade event. It’s been majorly seen that Indian jewellery is a family business & brands & trust are built and passed over through various generations. I have seen that Gem & Jewellery is considered to be the cleanest & pious business in India. Indian Jewellery is also known for its range of craftsmanship, design & mastery the world over. I wish this event becomes one more epitome of success and an important podium as a torch bearer for this and many more editions to come”

Expressing his gratitude to the exhibitors and buyers, Mr Ashish Pethe, Chairman, GJC added “A show of this magnitude just before the commencement of the festive season is the need of the hour and we are happy that we could successfully organize it with the support of the exhibitors and visitors from across the world. I saw that this time exhibitors have come up with new and innovative products, especially for this festivities. I am hopeful that this edition will be a huge success & will set a new benchmark for the entire industry”

Mr Saiyam Mehra, Vice Chairman of GJC and Convener of GJS, said, “In this new edition of the show, we are happy to fulfil the request of our trade members who have been demanding an effective B2B show before the start of the festive season. I am sure the exhibitors and buyers will be highly benefited not only by the magnitude of this show but also by the upsurge in demand for gold & jewellery from India & globally, especially after the devastating pandemic & the beginning of the good times.

Mr Nilesh Shobhawat, Co-Convenor, GJS added “ I am very enthusiastic that after months of preparations, we are all here set to present this glorious edition to the trade and visitors. Our focus was to design & deliver a platform for the fraternity which will re-instil their confidence after the pandemic void. The idea was to make this show an apt marketplace for them for various exchanges ranging from new ideas, designs, strategies, trends & forthcoming plans

GJJS comprises of top-of-the-line manufacturers & wholesalers of Gems & Jewellery as well as dealers from all over the industry. The show assembles the best retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, traders, and delegates from across India. GJS is the ultimate sourcing platform for doing business and a must-attend event for every jeweller in the Indian market.

Comments from Prashant Jain & John Reade| Morningstar Investment Conference

Prashant Jain (ex-CIO, HDFC AMC) spoke at Morningstar Investment Conference

The Indian economy is extremely well placed and resilient to global volatilities as we have undertaken key policy reform measures in the last few years. There has been a significant improvement in business improvement in India with the work from home concept gaining mainstream acceptance during COVID phase. The reforms undertaken have unlocked lots of opportunities for India on the back of our demographic dividend which is one of the best in the world. Europe is in the throes of surging inflation and struggling with weak demographics while USA is grappling with dwindling labour productivity. Going forward, I foresee a strong professional workforce in India having not just strong software competencies but also the requisite soft skills needed to face a global competitive ecosystem.

At the same time, I feel that we should gear up our resources, both human and material, to scale up our manufacturing efficiencies on par with China. I think in the post COVID-19 world, the world has realized the importance of decoupling supply chains which were concentrated in China. The world is eager to accept and implement the China plus one model. The Indian government is very supportive of encouraging manufacturing through various initiatives. And finally, the continuing energy crisis in Europe which is likely to be exacerbated going further, will make manufacturing a challenging affair in the continent. In a nutshell, it would not be an exaggeration to suffice that given our favourable demographics, key policy reforms that have been undertaken in the country and our bandwidth to accelerate our manufacturing and service delivery capabilities place us at an advantage to become a global industrial and economic power over the next 10 years.

John Reade, Chief Market Strategist, World Gold Council spoke on the asset at Morningstar Investment Conference 

The biggest thing that affected gold in the first half of the year 2022 was the war in Ukraine. The risk and uncertainty component saw gold go up. But now six months into the war, investors have become complacent about that. They are no longer critically worried about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

If you look at the forecast ranges, for all of the components of gold demand, which obviously are major contributors to the price, they’re really wide. And they’re wide because of the uncertainty that has been introduced, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We’re going to see lower jewellery demand this year, we believe, principally because of the ongoing COVID lockdowns in China, that had a big impact on the second quarter, probably a lesser impact in the second half of the year. Central banks, including the Reserve Bank of India, have been buying gold now for the last 12 years, and we expect that to continue this year. But there’s a huge amount of uncertainty about what will happen since Russia produces more than 300 tonnes of gold a year. I believe, based on the work that we’ve done, that gold is a unique asset because it is the best diversifier of portfolios.

If you look at what crypto assets have done to your portfolio, over the last 10 years, they have benefited that portfolio. And they’ve benefited from that portfolio, because of the strong returns they’ve given you. They haven’t benefited your portfolio, thereby reducing volatility, they’ve increased the volatility of that portfolio. So if you’ve owned crypto, you’ve done okay. But what you haven’t done is you haven’t diversified it’s the equivalent of sticking more high-risk equities into your portfolio. So when people say that gold is going to be threatened by crypto, I completely disagree. I think it’s going to probably benefit gold as well as crypto adoption, which may or may not take place.

India is a very important market for gold. 69% of demand for gold each year is driven by emerging markets. When people ask you how much gold you should have in your portfolio, there’s no one answer. It depends on what else we’ve got. In general, around the 10% level seems to be about right for India. And I find that interesting, because it’s higher than most other countries.

Bring Home Your Favourite Acer Television At Attractive Prices This Festive Season

Bengaluru, September 23, 2022: Setting the mood for the festive season, Indkal Technologies has announced never seen -before prices on the entire range of Acer televisions. This includes the recently launched premium H and S Series with exceptional display features and unparalleled sound and out of the box Android 11 operating system. The new range of products are packed with next-generation features like Dolby Atmos and Vision ensuring customers an unparalleled visual experience with MEMC technology for smoother picture quality. The televisions are also equipped with Hi-Fi Pro audio system with a 60-watt sound output in the H series and a 50-watt soundbar on the 65-inch model that delivers an exceptional audio experience to consumers.  All of this is topped with an industry-leading comprehensive 3-year warranty on all the 4K-UHD models. The products are available through Amazon.in and through a large set of retail stores.  Also, a never seen before price was announced on the brand’s bestselling I Series.

During the sale period that starts from September 23, 2022, consumers can bring home the premium range of Acer televisions available in 32” HD, 43” UHD, 50” UHD, 55” UHD, and 65” UHD options, at a great price. The offer will continue till September 30, 2022, or until stocks last which the brand informed is limited.

Acer Television S-Series 

The Acer television S-Series Android 11 Smart LED TV is the latest generation of Acer televisions that come with an in-built soundbar providing users with an unparallel audio experience. Powered by Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the smart television comes with an extraordinary 4K ultra high-definition display. The premium S-Series is packed with a plethora of segment-first features and connectivity options including Dual-band Wi-Fi, 2-way Bluetooth, 2 HDMI ports 2.1 (HDMI 1 supports eARC), and 2 USB ports 2.0 to connect hard drives or other USB devices.

Available in two screen size options – 32” HD and 65” UHD, the S-Series will be available at a starting price of Rs. 12,999 during the sale period. Consumers can also avail of additional bank discounts on select debit and credit cards.

Acer television H-Series 4K Ultra HD Android Smart LED TV

The H-Series is one of the most advanced Acer televisions, powered by Android 11. Available in a frameless design, the television comes in a premium metal finish shell body with matt finish metal stands offering consumers great value at a great price. Powered by Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the H-Series is also packed with MEMC to create an immersive television viewing experience. Further, complemented by powerful 60W HiFi Pro speakers, H-Series has a gamut of features that allows customers to experience world-class television from the comfort of their homes.

The H-Series Android 11 Smart LED TV is available in 3 size options – 43”, 50”, and 55”. The 43” which is priced at ₹ 29,999 will be available at an attractive price of ₹ 25,999. The 50” variant is available for ₹ 28,999 and the 55” for ₹ 33,999. Consumers can also avail of additional bank discounts on select debit and credit cards during the sale period.

Great Place to Work® Felicitates India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion™ 2022

23^nd September 2022, New Delhi, India: Great Place to Work® India has announced India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion™ 2022 on 22^nd September 2022. This is the 2^nd edition of India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion™. The prestigious award ceremony occurred during the Great Place Inclusion Summit 2022.  Multiple organizations were assessed as a part of this research, based on which, the Top 5 have been identified as India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion™ 2022. To be eligible for this study, the organizations were required to have historically excluded groups constitute 10% of the total workforce, and be accredited for inclusive practices, apart from the workplace experience of the historically excluded communities.

The Great Place to Work® Institute’s study on India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion™ is the only study in the country that captures voices from historically excluded communities. This year’s study represents the voices of over 68,000 employees of which 33% come from historically excluded groups – women, persons with disabilities, employees who identify as being part of the LGBTIQA+ community, opportunity-deprived Indians, and employees from marginalized socio-economic backgrounds.

The Great Place to Work® study substantiates that the structure of the practices, especially in integrating, developing, and supporting diverse communities, along with leadership action, are key differentiators of the Best Workplaces, and are far superior to the rest. Research highlights that the higher the experience of bias at the workplace, the higher the intent to attrite. Thus, the Best Workplaces foster a listening culture, that allows them to take the necessary action to create a great workplace experience For All™.

Sandhya Ramesh, Head – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Great Place to Work® Institute India said “The mandatory reporting of ESG performance by the Top 1000 Listed organizations, as ordered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, is an anchored step in the right direction to promote more inclusive economic development. Insights from India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion™ 2022 conducted by Great Place to Work® Institute India, highlights that the pivotal differentiator between the Best Workplaces that are inclusive of all communities and the Rest is Leadership action and Inclusive Practices.”

She further added that “We learn from the Best Workplaces that sustaining a culture of inclusion is not a choice anymore, it is a key differentiator of the New-Age Organization – that drives Purpose and Performance. We congratulate the Best Workplaces for continuously striving to create inclusive ways of doing business, and hope this inspires others to join the journey of making India a great place to work for all”.

Great Place to Work® India has released a research report titled Bridging the Intent – Action gap, highlighting the insights from India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion™ and what sets the
Best Workplaces apart from the Rest. The report and the complete list of India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion™ 2022 can be viewed here.

The organizations that made it to the Top 5 – India’s Best Workplaces in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion™ 2022 are:

Mastercard Incorporated

• NatWest Group India
• Aegis Customer Support Services Private Limited (A Startek Company)
• Synchrony International Services Pvt Ltd.
• VOIS