Archive: March 30, 2023

ASUS India Launches ‘Select Store’ in India for Refurbished PCs

New Delhi, 30th March 2023: ASUS India, a Taiwanese tech giant, today announced the launch of the first ‘Select Store’ in India for refurbished personal computers (PCs). The new store will provide customers with access to high-quality refurbished PCs that have been carefully inspected and restored to excellent condition, at an affordable price.

The ASUS Select Store is located at Nehru Place, New Delhi. The store will feature a modern design, with a spacious and comfortable layout that encourages customers to browse and explore the refurbished products.

The ASUS Select Store will feature a wide range of products, including consumer laptops, gaming PCs, creator series laptops, desktops, etc. that have been thoroughly tested, restored, and certified by ASUS to meet the same high standards as brand-new products with 1-year company warranty. The ASUS Select store aims to enhance the immersive journey for consumers by providing them with first-hand knowledge and improving the customer experience with the purchase of refurbished PCs.

Commenting during the launch, Arnold Su, Business Head, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, said “Asian countries are witnessing exponential growth in demand for refurbished products. With the growing focus on sustainability and circular economy, refurbished products are driving a new trend in almost every business territory. At ASUS, we are committed to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact. By launching the first Select Store for refurbished PCs, we are providing customers with more affordable options for their computing needs.”

He added, “Nehru Place, widely regarded as the largest electronics market in India, has been selected as the site for our Select store, considering the high volume of customers who visit the market seeking to purchase new or refurbished computing devices. Keeping this in mind, we have chosen this location and have kept the pricing of the high-end product units with an attractive discount offering of 20% – 30% on retail price. As part of our expansion plans, we aim to establish additional Select stores across the country and look forward to having at least one store in each division of West, East, and South India. Further, ASUS incorporates cutting-edge technology in all its retail outlets for a smooth and safe shopping experience.”

The ASUS Select Store represents a significant stride towards a sustainable future, offering customers a chance to acquire superior quality products at accessible prices. The company leverages technological advancements to promote sustainability across its operations, encompassing a range of eco-conscious practices such as carbon footprint reduction, incorporation of eco-friendly packaging, and collaborations with recycling companies to ensure proper disposal of e-waste.

Galaxy F14 5G with Segment-only Features – 5nm Processor and 6000 mAh Battery Goes on Sale in India

Gurgaon, India – March 30, 2023: Galaxy F14 5G, Samsung’s latest F series smartphone, goes on sale in India starting today. The stylish, new addition to the popular Galaxy F series comes with segment-only features that set it apart from its predecessors and give a superior smartphone experience to aspirational Gen Z consumers.

Galaxy F14 5G is a powerful smartphone that comes with Exynos 1330 chipset, a segment-only 5nm processor that enables users to multi-task and play games seamlessly. Its 6000mAh battery, also a segment-only feature, provides up to 2 days of battery life and is supported by 25W Super-fast charging technology. The phone supports 13 5G bands, which allows for lightning-fast download and streaming speeds. Galaxy F14 5G comes with a 6.6” Full HD+ 90Hz display which provides an immersive viewing experience. The display comes protected with Gorilla Glass 5, which lets users stay worry-free.

Galaxy F14 5G supports Secure Folder for enhanced security & privacy when it comes to storing personal data & applications. It comes with One UI 5 based on Android 13. Samsung will provide up to 2 generations of OS upgrades and up to 4 years of security updates for Galaxy F14 5G, ensuring users always have the latest features and are always secured.

Galaxy F14 5G also supports the Voice Focus feature & Samsung Wallet for providing an all-in-one application for storing your financial applications, personal IDs, and other confidential documents.

Bimaplan partners with Impex to provide its customers with extended warranty

National, 30 March 2022: Bimaplan – a Y Combinator-backed insurtech startup has recently announced its exclusive partnership with Impex – a leading manufacturer of consumer durables appliances, to provide complementary extended warranty on its range of televisions as an add-on benefit to its customers.

As part of the exclusive partnership, Impex will integrate Bimaplan’s warranty extension into its existing product to provide 48 months of warranty coverage to boost new customer acquisition and retention in the Southern region of India, starting with Kerala. Almost every consumer durable comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for electrical and mechanical failures. However, the tenure remains valid only for a short period (usually 12 to 24 months) which makes it challenging for customers to claim the cost of the manufacturing defect after the manufacturer’s warranty period is over.

Avinash Gaikwad, CSO of Bimaplan, said, “The consumer durables market has faced the heat of the last two years of pandemic slowdown. However, the economy is coming back on track as the Indian homegrown brands have demonstrated the fastest growth to register a record 22 percent share of overall TV shipments in the Q3 of 2022. We are all set to provide Impex customers with the add-on benefits of extended warranty plans that will steer the company’s sales in the South India region. Additionally, we believe this partnership will also help us enhance our new customer base in the region.”

India extended warranty market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 11.65% during 2023-2028. Impex believes that warranty benefits for high-involvement purchases such as LED TVs will create a loyal customer base and therefore, has partnered with Bimaplan to simplify the extended warranty process for its customers following a completely paperless approach and authorized repairs and partners.

Talking about the partnership, Nuvais C, Managing Director at Impex said, “Impex is delighted to have partnered with Bimaplan which will provide extended warranty on a range of Impex televisions. Bimaplan’s reputation for their commitment to customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with Impex’s values and we are excited to see the success this partnership will bring.”

Impex has over 400 products in its portfolio and partnered with more than 100 regional partners and 500 retailers. With a huge customer base and product line, the brand understands the significance of service claims which can be achieved through advanced technology. Using the API integration with Bimaplan, end-to-end digital claim processes will soon be a hassle-free experience for customers, which will increase customer satisfaction. The integration is going to set an industry benchmark for a quick turnaround for claims settlement and will reduce the customer’s out-of-pocket repairs

Bimaplan is an InsurTech startup that helps drive insurance adoption through technology. Through its full-stack embedded insurance platform, UNO, businesses can seamlessly distribute relevant insurance products to their customers. Businesses can unlock new revenue streams by using the embedded insurance platform while delivering value to their customers.

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Network18’s Green Ribbon Champions Event Puts Focus on Building a Greener Future for All

New Delhi, 30th March 2023: A thriving business is one that has a strong commitment towards both society and the environment. The concept of corporate sustainability is no longer a mere choice, but rather an essential component for enduring growth. It is imperative to acknowledge India’s commendable efforts towards creating a greener and cleaner tomorrow, and in light of this, Network18’s exceptional initiative, Green Ribbon Champions, recognized and applauded individuals and prominent businesses for their remarkable contributions towards preserving our planet. The event, held on March 25 at Hyatt Regency in Delhi, emphasized the pivotal role of sustainability and unwavering dedication to maintaining a pristine and verdant environment across all industries.

Marya Shakil, Anchor at Network18, delivered a resolute opening address, setting the stage for an event that honoured esteemed personalities working towards sustainability. Commenting on the occasion she said, “As per the Global Risk Report 2020, the likelihood and impact of environmental hazards, including the failure of climate change initiatives, and other global challenges highlighted by the World Economic Forum, are substantial. Network18 has launched the Green Ribbon Champions initiative to recognize individuals who have demonstrated steadfast dedication to fostering a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for future generations. This initiative brings together visionary leaders who have been instrumental in shaping India’s sustainable energy landscape under one roof, nurturing a collaborative effort towards creating a better tomorrow.”

The esteemed Chief Guest of the event Shri RK Singh, Union Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, delivered the keynote address and said “India’s per capita emissions are the one-third of the global average. We have about 14-15% of the world’s population and we are responsible for about 6% of the legacy carbon dioxide emissions oppressing the environment. India has achieved 40% of its power generation capacity from non-fossil sources, nine years ahead of schedule, making it an inspiring example for sustainable practices around the world.” He further added, “India aims to become a green hydrogen and green ammonia powerhouse, leading the charge towards a sustainable future, and setting the standard for environmental stewardship.”

The evening moved forward with the felicitation of the individuals and organizations for their exemplary efforts toward sustainability. The event also had various panel discussions and fireside chats. During the first-panel discussion on the topic ‘The Race For Net Zero: Future Proofing India’s enterprises,’ esteemed panellists including Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary to the Government of India, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution; Shri J P Gupta, Chairman, Environment & Climate Change, Ph.D. Chamber of Commerce; and Prof Sagnik Dey, Institute Chair Professor, Centre Atmospheric Sciences, IIT Delhi, shared their valuable insights. Shri Rohit Kumar Singh specifically emphasized the significance of Hon Prime Minister’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) and discussed the role of consumers in the circular economy.

Furthermore, there was a fireside chat with Shri Venkateshwara Pradeep Karumuru, Chairman & MD, Olectra Greentech Ltd who shared his opinion on Sustainable Mobility, Opportunities, Challenges, and the road ahead along with Anand Narasimhan, Anchor, Network18. The evening concluded with a second-panel discussion titled ‘The Energy Transition, Sustaining Growth and Protecting the Environment’ which featured panellists such as Shri Atul Bagai, Country Head, UNEP; Shri Saket Dalmia, President, PHDCCI; and Shri Rajnish Kumar, Chairman, MDI Group.

Below is the complete list of the felicitation done at the event-

Ophelia – The Symbolic Fine-Dining Bar, Reopens with a Fresh Experience and Aesthetic

An evocative dining experience with ambient vibes, Ophelia-Delhi’s favorite bar, is tucked away in a cozy corner of The Ashok hotel in Central Delhi. The place has been revamped and relaunched, sure to transport guests to the serene wildness of Africa and provide an immersive experience of the lush green forests and safari.

Owned by Akshay Anand and Ashish Begwani, Ophelia was started back in 2019, by giving a new meaning to old-school glamor and a grandeur dining experience. This opulent restaurant chain has been awarded ‘The Best Luxurious Lounge Bar 2021’ and ‘The Concept Lounge of the Year 2020’ by Times Food & Nightlife Awards. Making it a perfect place for lunches, drunches, and dinners.

A pulsating high-energy place, the fine-dining bar now stands more inviting than ever, draped in warm, earthy tones and plush jungle-inspired accents spread throughout the serene rustic decor, a stark contrast to its previous floral and cool aesthetic.

Offering a lusciously tempting getaway from the bustle of the city, Ophelia’s unmatchable venue, outdoor seating, and exclusively diverse dining menu, coupled with its well-stocked eclectic drinks and cocktails make for a sensorial experience that elevates the everyday dining experience.

The truly global cuisine at Ophelia is the best of continental foods with a touch of modern sensibilities. Seasonal produce, contemporary techniques, and innovative pairings, while playing with traditional favourites, set the new Ophelia kitchen apart. The extensively diverse menu is an homage to the flavours of how memorable meals should be. From the heart of Rome to the fringes of Japan with soups like mushroom cappuccino topped with dill foam, truffle oil, and an umami-rich mushroom confit or the Shiro Miso, a tribute to Japanese White miso, green onion, and wakame, there’s something for everyone. The carpaccio, ‘Raw’ menu includes fine dishes like Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio with avocado mayo, dill, olive oil, and Salmon Sashimi, lightly flavoured with Kikkoman and wasabi. Ophelia has also launched an exquisite variety of Asian and Mexican cuisine. With a wide selection of sushi, dim sum, and baos, the menu is completed with wood-fired pizzas, Turkish mezze, and kebab platters. The highlights of the large plates focus on Thai curries, Japanese Katsu, Nordic Stroganoff, and exotic dishes like New Zealand lamb chops and Chicken Cordon Bleu. To conclude, a wide range of delightful desserts like apple crumble cheesecake and Baklava sundae offer the ultimate sweet finale. The Head chef at the Ophelia- Omer Levent is there to take guests on a gastronomic journey; with a variety of flavourful preparations, that make every experience a memorably wholesome one.

For all food connoisseurs who love a good wine-and-dine spot, Ophelia offers the ultimate blissful escapade- a slice of rustic amber-lit paradise in the heart of the capital.

Rario Mobile App Takes the Cricket World by Storm with 150+ Cricketers as Exclusive Ambassadors

New Delhi, 30th March 2023 – Rario, the world’s largest digital collectibles platform for cricket fans, has unveiled its highly anticipated mobile app. The platform has also onboarded over 150 exclusive players as brand ambassadors, which includes some of the biggest names in cricket, like Sachin Tendulkar, Faf Du Plessis, Kane Williamson, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Rashid Khan, Virender Sehwag, KL Rahul, and Smriti Mandhana. Furthermore, Rario has established partnerships with cricket boards, leagues, and IPL teams, giving them a roster of over 1500 cricketers.

Rario’s new mobile app provides a seamless and personalized experience for its users. The app offers an improved search, buy-and-sell functionality, integrated gameplay features as well as customized alerts, and a personalized interface. The app also includes D3, a free-to-play cricket strategy game that offers exciting rewards. Rario’s blockchain technology ensures that all digital cards have a tamper-proof record of ownership and transaction history, providing users with peace of mind and increased security.

Ankit Wadhwa, Co-Founder and CEO of Rario expressed excitement at the new product launch and stated, “We are a fan-first company, endlessly striving to transform the landscape of cricket fandom, through digital sports memorabilia and curated fan experiences. With the latest edition of the IPL, we’ve incorporated new features to make the experience safe and enjoyable.”

Rario’s impressive lineup of players and its revolutionary mobile app make it the go-to destination for cricket fans around the world. The platform has partnerships with some of the biggest cricket boards, leagues, and teams worldwide, including Cricket Australia, New Zealand Cricket, Zimbabwe Cricket Board, Afghanistan Cricket Board, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans, as well as renowned cricket leagues such as Big Bash League, Women’s Big Bash League, Super Smash, Hero Caribbean Premier League, Lanka Premier League, Abu Dhabi T10 League, and Legends League Cricket.

Watch Atypical, the soulful story of Sam Gardner, this World Autism Day exclusively on Comedy Central

30th March 2023: World Autism Day, observed on April 2, creates awareness around autistic individuals, the hardships they face, and how we can come together as a society that allows them to lead better lives. Celebrating this important day and doing their bit to enlighten the audience about autism, Comedy Central will showcase the extraordinary life story of Sam Gardner. It is about this teenage boy on the autism spectrum, who takes charge of his life and deals with the issues he faces regularly like a superhero. The narrative highlights Sam’s self-confidence, which allows him to believe that no one can stop him from doing anything that he puts his mind to. Don’t forget to binge-watch Atypical, the enticing story of Sam, all throughout 2nd April, i.e., World Autism Day, starting at 6 am, exclusively on Comedy Central!

To get you started, here’s taking a sneak peek into some of the extraordinary confident moments of Sam Gardner’s life from Atypical!

A Presentation –

It was very evident to everyone in the classroom that Sam is very fond of penguins, but he never accepts this or shares his admiration for the penguins with anyone. One fine day, he prepares a complete mix of media arts and goes up to the dais to give a stupendous presentation about his favorite animal. It was indeed an unpredictable moment for all.

A life-changing speech –

It was during the time when due to an issue Paige lost her voice and she was supposed to deliver a speech in her college. Here is when something unexpected happens. Sam took the charge confidently and stood by his love, which was indeed something a never-seen-before sight. Everyone was both shocked and happy to see his confident side when Sam gave the speech on behalf of Paige.

A soulful confession –

Paige was in awe of Sam when he came to support her in her convocation and delivered her valedictory speech in the college. Though his friends and everyone around clearly saw his feelings for her, he was not very sure. This speech delivery gave Sam a logical reason to accept his feelings for Paige. He then decides to pour his heart out and expresses his love to her with a sweet and innocent proposal.

A silent disco –

Sam is not really a fan of music, clubbing, or fancy clothes and it was evident to everyone in his friend circle. Even Paige was aware of his reservations about loud parties. However, just to complete her wish to go out for an evening, Sam agrees to visit a discotheque. Paige chooses to make the evening special for Sam as well by taking him to a silent disco. He appreciates her effort and joins her in creating some beautiful, fun memories. This was yet another brave and confident move on his part.

News18 Rajasthan honours brave warriors of the state at Shoorveer Samman

Jaipur, 30th March 2023: News18, India’s No. 1 network, successfully hosted Shoorveer Samman, an award ceremony honouring the brave hearts who have shown extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity for the safety of our nation. Held on 28th March at Hilton, Jaipur, the event was attended by several renowned dignitaries, army personnel of Rajasthan, and their families.

The event aimed to highlight the crucial role played by the Indian army in Rajasthan in safeguarding the country. The event was divided into various sessions, each dealing with a specific topic along with honouring the brave hearts and their families present.

The keynote address was delivered by Cabinet Minister, Shri Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, on the theme of bravery and its importance in today’s world. He emphasized the significance of recognizing and honouring the heroes of our society who have displayed exceptional bravery and selflessness in the face of danger.

The event also featured an insightful panel discussion by Brig. Virendra Singh Rathore. He recalled his experiences from war times in China and narrated the challenges faced by the army professionals such as disruptive weather conditions, the uncertainty of life, etc. He further advised the youth who want to join the armed forces to enter the field with interest and not consider it only as a profession stating that this would help them make the most of their experiences and proudly serve the nation.

The honourable guests and dignitaries then presented the awards to the deserving heroes in various categories, including those who have shown remarkable courage in warfare and the families of those who sacrificed their lives in service.

Overall, the event was a great success, serving as a fitting tribute to the real-life heroes who inspire us with their courage and selflessness. News18 is proud to have organized such an impactful event and reaffirm its commitment to recognizing and honouring the achievements of the Indian army.

Tune in to News18 Rajasthan on 31st March at 11.30 am to watch the highlights of the event.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Scholarship for Asia students showcase contemporized collection at a fashion event in collaboration with Pearl Academy

March 30, 2023, Education New Zealand administers the Prime Minister Scholarship for Asia, a unique scholarship program that enables a rich exchange of languages, cultures, skills, and opportunities. The program highlights the New Zealand government’s commitment to India and its education relationship, particularly to help grow strong connections between young New Zealanders and Indians.

As part of the joint effort, a cohort of 15 students from Whitecliffe School of Fashion & Sustainability, also the recipients of Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Asia, visited India and worked with the students of Pearl Academy and artisans of Kala Raksha for five weeks.

Collaborating with the NGO Kala Raksha from Bhuj, Kutch – 30 students went on a trip and stayed with the artisans for over two weeks. The larger group was distilled into groups and assigned to make each garment. The embroidery work was done collaboratively with an indigenous group and students.

The students showcased their work through an innovative fashion event titled NO:MAAD: ISH on Tuesday 28th March at the New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi. Speaking about the event, HE David Pine, New Zealand High Commission to India, said, “New Zealand and India hold strong education ties and the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia symbolizes New Zealand government’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties between both countries.”

“We are thrilled to have 15 Prime Minister’s Scholarship recipients from Whitecliffe College visit India and take this opportunity to collaborate with Pearl Academy students in fashion and sustainability. We believe such initiatives welcome diverse perspectives, develop students’ ability to think creatively and collaboratively, and widen the avenues of knowledge around different cultures.” he further added.

Lenovo Launches New Storage Solutions; Jumps to #1 in IDC Global Storage Rankings

March 30, 2023 – India. – Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) announced new solutions to enable customers to better solve rapidly growing data management needs, coupled with new milestones in its enterprise storage momentum. For the first time, Lenovo is ranked as the #1 storage provider in the “Price Bands 1-4 (storage <$25K) external storage” category, which represents 61% of the total market for storage device units sold globally1.

Lenovo also rose to the #5 storage provider position globally in all segments, according to IDC Worldwide Quarterly Enterprise Storage Systems Tracker, 4Q 22.

Coinciding with this accomplishment, the company has launched its new enterprise-class storage solutions that deliver major power efficiency increases and data center space savings to help support sustainability goals. The new ThinkSystem storage systems help safeguard critical data with advanced ransomware protection.

The company reported record-breaking growth across its infrastructure solutions business:

• Lenovo’s storage portfolio records 138% YTY revenue increase
• Lenovo sees over 100% YoY growth in the All-Flash Array (AFA) category and 22% growth in midrange storage
• Lenovo TruScale Infrastructure as-a-Service grows more than 600% YoY Year-to-Date

“The rise to the #1 storage provider rank in the price bands <$25k category globally and the #5 storage provider in all segments worldwide is a testament to our product performance and customer centricity, said Sumir Bhatia, President – of Asia Pacific, Lenovo ISG. “With data being the new currency, CIOs must become smart bankers in how they manage, leverage, and protect data while meeting sustainability goals. Our new enterprise-class storage solutions offer more power efficiency and data center space savings, while our ThinkSystem storage systems provide advanced ransomware protection”.

“India has been witnessing a rapid growth of data, fueled by the proliferation of new technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and cloud computing. It is predicted that the country will become a global hub for data centers with a projected growth of USD 8 billion by 2026. This explosion of data has led to a pressing need for enterprises to adopt better data management solutions,” said Amit Luthra, Managing Director – India, Lenovo ISG. “Businesses are leveraging Lenovo’s comprehensive range of data management and storage solutions to address complex challenges and stay competitive in the digital landscape. Our remarkable achievements in the enterprise storage segment with an extensive data management portfolio are a direct result of the success our customers find with Lenovo as the right technology partner. We remain dedicated to providing our customers with cutting-edge solutions that cater to their business requirements.”

New Storage Innovation

Lenovo offers a comprehensive portfolio of enterprise-class data management solutions from entry to high end, including enterprise storage arrays and infrastructure, Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI), Software Defined Storage (SDS), TruScale Infinite Storage as-a-service, and vertically focused workload solutions working with ISV application software partners.

Leveraging in-house design and manufacturing capabilities to drive innovation, Lenovo is releasing new storage solutions to protect against threats to customers’ critical data and help support sustainability goals by more effectively powering today’s demanding data management and analytics needs. The new solutions include:

• D4390 High-Density JBOD for Software Defined Storage: Delivers power and space savings to help support sustainability goals:

Up to 62% less power consumption as compared to the previous generation3
Lower OPEX – up to 60% reduction in data center space
Higher overall performance – 24G SAS connectivity increases data throughput

• ThinkSystem DM Systems 9.12 Software Release: Delivers advanced innovations that reduce threats from cyber-attacks and increase data management efficiency:
• New automated ransomware protection

Autonomous ransomware protection

One-click defense against malicious files

Tamper-proof snapshots prevent ransomware deletion

• Hardened Zero Trust architecture that increases defense from insider threats

Advanced multifactor authentication

Immutable, tamperproof logging

Enhanced auditing

• 33% storage efficiency improvement over the previous generation with new 4 to 1 efficiency

Lowers CAPEX by storing more data with less storage

• Recently announced high-performance data management solutions with WEKA, selling across 160 markets globally. The solutions accelerate AI and analytics for high-performance workloads by speeding time to insights while reducing cost.
• TruScale Infrastructure as a Service, which enables all of Lenovo’s data management offerings to be consumed via a pay-as-you-go model