Archive: June 2, 2023

Radisson Hotel Group advances on its 2023 expansion plans with 11 new hotel signings in India

New Delhi, 02, June 2023: Radisson Hotel Group continues its ambitious growth and development plan in India with the signing of 11 new hotels across brands between January and April 2023. Located in key gateway cities and emerging destinations, these new hotels are present across Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ujjain, Raipur, Sonamarg, Manali, Kerala, and Visakhapatnam. 

The group also announced the debut of its luxury lifestyle brand, Radisson Collection in India with the signing of the first hotel in Hyderabad while expanding its portfolio across other brands, including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Radisson Individuals Retreats, a brand extension of Radisson Individuals. These signings further solidify the Group’s leading position in South Asia, with 110 operating hotels in 64+ locations. 

Further strengthening its partnership with Ruptub Solutions Private Limited, the Group also signed three new hotels under its Park Inn & Suites by Radisson brand in Bengaluru and Kerala. With one signing every month since the brand launch in November 2022, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson is a smart hotel investment designed to maximize returns through a conversion-friendly business model that delivers a heartfelt experience. 

The full list of signings between January and April 2023 includes: 

Radisson Collection Hotel Hyderabad Financial District: The 300-room hotel is close to Hyderabad’s financial district, which houses business centers, IT Parks, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Once open, the hotel will feature 300 elegant rooms and suites. Equipped with alluring and contemporary interiors, guests can select their preferred stay from standard rooms, executive suites, deluxe suites, and presidential suites. The design of the hotel will be curated with a sophisticated tone, elegant architecture, local nuances, and in totality, an exceptional experience for all backed by Radisson Hotel Group’s global service standards. It is expected to be operational by Q2, 2026. 

Radisson Blu Resort Hyderabad Chevella: Located in Chevella, the hotel enjoys proximity to key tourist attractions, including Charminar Fort, Nehru Zoological Park, and Salar Jung Museum amongst others. The 160-room hotel will provide standard room and executive room categories along with facilities such as all-day dining, specialty restaurant, bar, ballroom, lawn, kids club, spa, and fitness center. It is expected to open by Q2 2026. 

Radisson Hotel Sonamarg: Located in picturesque Sonamarg, the hotel is surrounded by 360-degree scenic views of the Himalayan mountains. It enjoys proximity to Thajwas Glacier and Srinagar- Ladakh highway. The hotel is currently operational and equipped with spacious rooms, all-day dining, and a tea lounge. 

Radisson Hotel Sonipat: The hotel is strategically located between two industrial towns – Panipat and Sonipat and is also the first branded offering in these cities. The 120-room hotel will offer standard and suite rooms to guests and would also be equipped with a gym, spa, and banquet space. It is expected to open in Q4 2024. 

Radisson Hotel Ujjain: Situated in the pilgrim city of Ujjain, the hotel is located close to the famous temple of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. The 150-room hotel will be the first branded offering in the city and when it opens will offer guests a choice between standard and executive suite rooms. It would further be equipped with an all-day dining, specialty restaurant, ballroom boardroom, banquet garden, swimming pool with deck, gymnasium, spa, yoga, and meditation center. It is expected to be operational by Q1 2026. 

Radisson Hotel Raipur: Strategically located in Chhattisgarh’s capital city, the hotel boasts excellent visibility along the main road connecting Raipur with New Raipur. The 130-room hotel will offer standard rooms and executive suites along with other facilities, such as all-day dining, lounge bar, boardroom, conference room, ballroom, swimming pool, gymnasium, and spa. It is expected to open by Q4 2025. 

Radisson Hotel Visakhapatnam: Strategically located in the Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone, the 120-room hotel will provide standard room and executive room categories along with facilities such as all-day dining, bar, tea lounge, banquet hall, meeting rooms, swimming pool, health club, and a spa. It is expected to open by Q2 2026. 

Palchan Hotel and Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats: Located in one of India’s most prominent leisure travel destinations, Manali, the hotel offers scenic views of the Beas River and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Major tourist attractions such as Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Gulaba Viewpoint, Jogini Waterfall, and Hidimba Devi Temple are located at a convenient 10-minute driving distance from the hotel. It will offer guests standard and suite category rooms along with facilities such as all-day dining, restaurant, bar, rooftop specialty restaurant, banquet hall, swimming pool, gymnasium, and spa. It is expected to open by Q3 2023. 

Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, APAC, Radisson Hotel Group said “India is an important market from a global strategy standpoint, and solidifying our footprint here is our long-term goal. Strong wins in 2022 established a robust path for growth this year. We are focused on doubling our footprint by 2025 and remain invested in identifying the right partners for signing and opening brand-defining hotels.” 

Commenting on the development, Zubin Saxena, Managing Director & Area Senior Vice President, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group said “2023 marks a significant milestone for us at Radisson Hotel Group as we have successfully completed our 25-year journey in the Indian market. To translate our ambitious five-year expansion plan, we have signed 11 new hotels since January and have a strong pipeline ahead for this year. Our focus remains on strengthening our brand structure while enabling quality hospitality for guests across India.”

Radisson Hotel Group continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country’s largest international hotel operators with over 150 hotels in operation and development. With hotels dotted across 64+ locations in India, there is a Radisson hotel in every 4 hours of drivable distance across the length and breadth of the country operating under brands, including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and Radisson Individuals. 

To learn more about working with Radisson Hotel Group, please visit www.radissonhotelgroup.com/development

120 Years HOFFMANN MINERAL – Success Through Innovation and Responsibility

120 years of Neuburg Siliceous Earth – how do you explain such an unprecedented success story?

The history of using silica goes back much further than 120 years. The ancient Romans already used it because of its refractory properties. Modern times associate the history of siliceous earth above all with the colour ultramarine blue, which was first produced in the 19th century using siliceous earth or kaolin. It was not until 1903, when interest in Neuburg Siliceous Earth as an ingredient in metal polishes increased, that my great-grandfather Franz Hoffmann started to extract, process, and sell this special raw material. The fact that this success story continues to this day is due, above all, to its versatility. As early as the 1920s, my grandfather and his brother became the second generation to enter the rubber industry. And Neuburg Siliceous Earth still continues to prove its strengths in a range of modern elastomers, for example, rubber profiles and seals.

Myntra and Kotak Mahindra Bank Join Forces to Launch Co-Branded Credit Card Offering Unmatched Benefits for Shoppers

Mumbai, 02nd June 2023: The online fashion market is about to witness something unique as Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL”/Kotak) in partnership with Myntra, one of India’s leading fashion, beauty, and lifestyle destinations, today announced the launch of its first-of-its-kind co-branded digital fashion & lifestyle credit card.

Offering loads of benefits, the co-branded Kotak Myntra Credit Card will empower fashion-conscious consumers to unlock great value on their savings through unlimited transactions. The card can be availed through a hassle-free digital journey within minutes, across Myntra as well as Kotak mobile applications. Existing Myntra customers will be able to apply for the card through a completely digital journey on the Myntra app itself.

The Kotak Myntra credit card will be available on MasterCard and RuPay networks. Frederick Dsouza, Business Head – Credit Cards, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. said, “Myntra is synonymous with the best in fashion and customer experience. We are excited to partner with Myntra to offer this unique product for discerning fashion enthusiasts. Our partnership is a confluence of all that stands for customer delight and trust. This credit card has been designed with exclusive privileges and unmatched benefits tailored to the lifestyle and fashion shopping habits of our target customers. We are committed to fulfilling their credit needs and delivering unparalleled service.”

The co-branded credit card is designed with an aim to provide trendy and new-age consumers an apt choice for their fashion needs. The card also aims to tap into the fast-growing fashion e-commerce market in India, which presents a huge opportunity. The growth in fashion e-commerce will be led by digital native customers comprising Millennials, as well as GenZ customer segments.

Santosh Kevlani, Vice President, Partnerships and Monetization, Myntra, said, “As the first-of-its-kind card in the industry, the Myntra Co-branded Credit Card will be dedicated to fashion shoppers across metros, tier 1, tier 2 & 3 cities, creating stickiness and excellent brand recall. With this collaboration, we aim to enhance our customers’ shopping experience on Myntra by offering them an unparalleled and rewarding payment option. The Kotak Mahindra Bank is among India’s largest and most trusted financial institutions, and its position of being a progressive partner bank stands tall and resonates well with a brand like ours. We are confident that this association will help us provide our customers with a seamless and rewarding shopping experience while also enabling them to save more on their purchases.”

Aditya Murthy, Vice President, Digital Partnerships, South Asia, Mastercard, said “Mastercard is delighted to collaborate with Kotak Mahindra Bank and Myntra to bring a unique proposition for consumers who like to stay up to date with the latest in fashion trends. The Kotak Myntra Credit Card is a game-changer in the fashion and lifestyle space, offering unparalleled benefits to consumers who enjoy shopping the wide collection at Myntra.

Mr. Nalin Bansal, Chief of Corporate and Fintech Relationships and Key Initiatives, at NPCI, said, “We are excited to partner with Kotak Mahindra Bank to launch Myntra Kotak cobrand card on the robust RuPay network. With our proposition of RuPay Credit Card on UPI, we are confident that our partnership will offer a secure, delightful, and rewarding shopping experience to the users of this card.”

All cardholders who activate their cards will be onboarded on Myntra’s loyalty program – Myntra Insider as well as get a complimentary Rs 500 e-voucher. The card will be promoted across multiple touchpoints ranging from the Myntra app, social to digital platforms, digital assets of the Kotak Mahindra Bank, along with other offline marketing channels.

The joining fee and annual fee for this unique credit card is Rs. 500 only.

To know more about the card, please click here.

NMDC Records Best Ever May Month Performance

Hyderabad, 1 June 2023: State Miner NMDC produced 3.71 MnT and sold 3.62 MnT of iron ore in the second month of FY24, recording the highest ever May month production and sales in company history.

Registering an upswing of 16% in production and 37% in sales over CPLY, NMDC has made a strong start to the fiscal. Country’s largest iron ore producer has achieved its best ever April and May performances since inception in FY24.

NMDC’s cumulative production and sales in FY24 witnessed a 13.7% and 22% growth respectively. In the first two months of the financial year, the company produced 7.22 MnT and sold 7.05 MnT iron ore.

Commenting on this performance, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge) said on Wednesday that “India’s volume of iron ore production has been predicted to grow by about 10% in FY24. As the largest contributor to this volume, NMDC has set the momentum right with record production and sales at the start of FY24. Our investment in new age tech and digitalization is paying rich dividends to the company and the industry.”

PayU, Visa and YES BANK launch Business Payment Solution Provider program for businesses

New Delhi, 1 June 2023: PayU, India’s leading online payments solution provider has launched Business Payment Solution Provider (BPSP) for Visa Commercial Card customers in collaboration with Visa & YES BANK as the acquiring bank.

BPSP offers several benefits including flexible commercial offerings, which reduce costs for merchants. It also helps them improve their cash flow by utilizing credit lines provided by their commercial card issuer bank. This solution allows businesses to pay their vendors digitally, by supporting them to accept commercial card payments. BPSP offers efficient & secure payment methods, automates supplier and buyer reconciliation and creates a beneficial value proposition for each stakeholder of the payment ecosystem. BPSP supports the digitization of small and medium businesses in particular, enabling them to accept digital payments easily and facilitates easy credit access.

While the BPSP solution is applicable for all eligible merchant transactions, it is especially helpful for Corporate Travel Agents. As a pilot, one of the largest airline services will use this program and will gain favorable flexible commercials while facilitating corporate bookings for corporate clients through its CTA program. This is a novel CTA program offering flexible commercial by a payment aggregator as a BPSP entity. PayU has also launched the Vendor payments platform, a solution within BPSP that helps merchants digitize payments to vendors (e.g., automated reconciliation, monitoring etc.) lowering the cost of invoice processing, which improves efficiency and enables them to handle payments outside of banking hours. Moreover, it helps control fraud and leakages, driving significant business value and growth.

Commenting on the announcement, Mohit Gopal, Chief Operating Officer, PayU payments said, “PayU is strengthening its existing relationship with its strategic partners Visa & YES BANK to launch this novel BPSP program. BPSP bridges the gap between card-enabled businesses and non-card accepting suppliers. We are excited to embrace this program as it is in sync with our vision to support technology advancements that drive financial inclusion among businesses in the country. BPSP will digitize the entire value chain for businesses, especially small SMBs, who often lack resources to digitize payments or access credit without considerable expenditure and effort. We are committed to introducing and supporting payment solutions that enable ease of digital payments in the country and help us bring more and more merchants online.”

Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Head – Products, India and South Asia, Visa said, “Numerous sectors rely on a long tail of small suppliers and businesses who are either not digitized or have limited acceptance of digital payments. We are delighted to launch the BPSP solution from Visa in collaboration with PayU & YES BANK for merchants across sectors like airlines and travel, insurance and FMCG. This solution enables non-card accepting suppliers to accept card payments, giving them a host of advantages and access to formal credit, while the payer merchant gets the myriad benefits of using Visa commercial cards. We believe this can bring a host of small businesses into digital payments and aid the growth of the business landscape.”

Mr. Ajay Rajan, Country Head, Transaction Banking and Digital Transformation, YES BANK said, “YES BANK’s market leadership in the digital payments space is attributed to its ability to provide customized and integrated payment solutions to its customers. In line with this approach, we are delighted to co-create alongside our strategic partners PayU and Visa, a novel Business Payments Solution Provider (BPSP) initiative for small and medium enterprises. This proposition will help SMEs facilitate their vendor payments, while additionally boosting their cash-flow with added benefits of secured credit lines having differentiated MDR pricing, up to 50 days interest free credit period amongst other benefits. We believe this solution with embedded financial inclusion features will significantly contribute towards the country’s vision of creating a digitally empowered economy for its SMEs.”

MediBuddy Strengthens Leadership with the Appointment of Seema Vijay Singh as Senior VP of People & Culture

India, 1st June 2023: MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, announces the appointment of Seema Vijay Singh as the Senior Vice President (VP) of People & Culture. With over 25+ years of experience in the human resources sector, Seema will help build the team and culture to drive the next phase of growth at Medibuddy. She brings an extensive wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success in building consumer technology organisations across both multinational corporations and startups.

Seema played a key role in the conceptualization and launch of Amazon.in in India, where she led the HR function during its rapid growth into a multi-billion-dollar operation. She was also a crucial member of the core team that drove InMobi, India’s first unicorn, to achieve EBITDA-0 in 2016. In her recent endeavors, Seema has served as an advisor to prominent Indian startups and non-profit organizations, including Vedantu, Udhyam Learning Foundation, Avanti Fellows, Scaler Academy, and MediBuddy.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Satish Kannan, Co-Founder and CEO, MediBuddy, “We are thrilled to have Seema join our organization. Her inclusion in the leadership team at MediBuddy is instrumental as we embark on an exciting growth journey. With her leadership skills and deep functional expertise, she will focus on attracting and nurturing top talent while cultivating a culture of excellence and innovation at MediBuddy. We aim to create an environment where everyone can achieve their highest potential and contribute to our mission of making quality healthcare accessible to a billion Indians .”

Seema Vijay Singh, Senior Vice President of People & Culture said, “I have been deeply involved in the startup community and have gained valuable insights into the people and organisational management practices within this dynamic industry. I am committed to ensuring that each member of the MediBuddy family experiences personal and professional growth while making a profound impact on society. My primary objective will be to establish systems that allow every member of the team to gain the expertise necessary to accomplish our shared goal. As I embark on my journey with MediBuddy, a significant amount of time will be dedicated to the development and growth of the company’s personnel. This will ensure that leading a purposeful life becomes a tangible and meaningful experience for every employee at MediBuddy.”

With Seema Vijay Singh’s strategic hire, MediBuddy is poised to elevate its organizational capabilities and further cement its position as a pioneer in revolutionizing healthcare accessibility in India.

Unleashing the Wild: Exploring the Adventurous Summers of Madhya Pradesh

During the summers in Madhya Pradesh, adventure enthusiasts flock to this central Indian state in search of thrilling escapades amidst its diverse landscapes. In Madhya Pradesh, there are many exciting things to do for adventure lovers. You can explore ancient forts and enjoy the beauty of stunning waterfalls. It’s a perfect place to satisfy your craving for thrilling experiences. Let’s go on a journey to discover the exhilarating summer adventures that await in the heart of India.

Trekking and Camping: The rugged terrain of Madhya Pradesh provides ample options for trekking and camping enthusiasts. One of the most popular destinations is Pachmarhi, a hill station nestled in the Satpura Range. With its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views, Pachmarhi offers a perfect backdrop for adventurous hikes and overnight camping experiences. The Dhupgarh Peak, the highest point in Madhya Pradesh, is a favorite among trekkers, rewarding them with breathtaking sunsets and a sense of achievement.

River Rafting: The gushing rivers of Madhya Pradesh, especially the Betwa and the Narmada, provide thrilling opportunities for river rafting during the summer months. Orchha, a historic town situated on the banks of the Betwa River, is renowned for its exhilarating whitewater rafting experiences. River rafting in Madhya Pradesh is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters because they have different levels of difficulty. It guarantees an exciting adventure that gets your heart racing, all while you enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty around you.

Hot Air Ballooning: Soar high above the landscape of Madhya Pradesh and witness its captivating beauty from a unique vantage point with hot air ballooning. The town of Ujjain, famous for its religious significance, offers hot air balloon rides that allow you to float gently above its ancient temples and holy ghats. The panoramic views of the city and the serene tranquility of the experience make hot air ballooning a must-try adventure during the summer season.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling: The tall cliffs of Bhedaghat near Jabalpur offer an exciting challenge for rock climbers. There are different levels of difficulty to match your skills. Rappelling down the magnificent Dhuandhar Falls is another thrilling experience that combines adventure with the stunning beauty of nature.

Wildlife Safaris: Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts. Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha Tiger Reserve, and Pench National Park are just a few of the famous destinations where you can embark on thrilling safaris and witness majestic tigers, elusive leopards, and a plethora of other wildlife species in their natural habitat.

As you explore the adventurous summers of Madhya Pradesh, it is essential to prioritize safety and respect the natural environment. Always follow the guidelines provided by local authorities and adventure operators, ensuring a memorable and responsible experience.

So, pack your bags and get ready to experience an incredible adventure in Madhya Pradesh. The rugged terrains, gushing rivers, serene hot air balloon rides, and captivating wildlife encounters await you. It’s time to unleash your wild spirit and set off on an unforgettable journey through the adventurous wonders of Madhya Pradesh.

Infinix Note 30 5G to sport JBL’s immersive stereo speakers and the segment’s highest-resolution 108MP camera

Mumbai, June 01, 2023: Infinix is preparing to expand its Note series by introducing Note 30 5G in mid-June. The device will feature JBL-powered stereo surround sound, taking entertainment to new heights. The new Note Series with Sound by JBL will deliver enhanced audio with distortion-free volume, deeper bass and JBL’s signature sound that users will enjoy, especially when listening to music or watching videos.

“The JBL brand is all about delivering the fullest sound experience, and we are therefore extremely proud to collaborate with the Infinix team to deliver superior audio through Sound by JBL. Rooted in a shared passion for sound, we know the Infinix team is committed to audio excellence in their mobile devices, and we will continue to work together bringing upgraded sound quality to more consumers as we look forward to deepening our cooperation with Infinix for more product development.” – Roumu Hu, Vice President and General Manager, HARMAN Embedded Audio.

Consumers can also expect Infinix Note 30 5G to surpass all others in the segment with 108MP high-resolution imaging camera system, guaranteeing unmatched clarity, sharpness and depth in photos and videos. The upcoming device from Infinix to come with a film mode for shooting videos with a cinematic flair and a super night mode for low-light images with exceptional clarity and minimal noise. The smartphone is also expected to include a dual-view feature of recording videos simultaneously from the front and rear cameras, giving them a unique and immersive feel.

Make an Informed choice this Summer for Water Storage

By Aditi Taluja, Director of Digital Marketing, Sun Stellar

During this time of the year, when water demand tends to increase due to outdoor activities, gardening, and higher consumption rates, having a reliable water storage system in place becomes even more critical. By taking the time to assess your specific needs and understanding the available options, you can ensure that you have an adequate and efficient solution to meet your household’s water requirements.

In fact, with the full might of the summer heat and unexpected temperature rise, it becomes imperative that we choose the right water storage solution. When we talk about the right storage, we of course need to bring to attention the various flaws associated with the popular usage of plastic tanks to store water. And, with that said, perhaps households and businesses should take a look at a sustainable and modern approach to water storage – layered insulated stainless steel water tanks.

This decision plays a crucial role in ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of clean and safe water at all times. To make an informed choice that prioritizes your well-being, it is also essential to gather valuable insights and information about various water storage options. On that note, here is a list of factors you might want to consider when opting for an optimal water storage solution.

1. Water Quality and Health Risks 

Water stored in plastic and concrete tanks can be prone to contamination, especially due to the summer heat, potentially leading to various health issues. However, it is important to highlight that plastic tanks, due to their characteristics, may pose a higher risk. Plastic tanks can release harmful chemicals into the water, especially when exposed to sunlight and heat. These chemicals, such as BPA (bisphenol A), have been associated with neurological, dermatological, and other health problems.

Stainless steel water tanks n the other hand, with their non-reactive nature, help maintain water quality and reduce the risk of contamination, safeguarding your family’s health during the summer season. The food-grade stainless steel used in the construction of these water tanks ensures that water is not contaminated even with time.

2. Durability and Longevity

 When considering the durability of water storage tanks, stainless steel emerges as the superior option. Stainless steel tanks are highly resistant to corrosion, cracks, and dents, ensuring a long lifespan and minimizing the risk of potential water leaks. On the other hand, plastic tanks, although lighter and more affordable, are prone to wear and tear. This leads to the deterioration of the structure and opens up the storage to external concerns. Investing in a durable stainless steel tank can provide peace of mind knowing that your water remains safe and uncontaminated.

3. Thermal Resistance

In the hot summer months, no one really appreciates scalding hot water for a bath. However, that is exactly what you would get from water stored in plastic tanks, which can’t resist the water temperature, with its single layer of protection. Plastic tanks are also more susceptible to expansion under extreme heat, increasing the risk of leaks.

Stainless steel tanks, which come effectively layered with insulation excel in thermal resistance, maintaining their structural integrity and preventing heat-related issues. By opting for a stainless steel tank, you ensure that your water storage solution remains robust and unaffected by the summer heat and the possible decaying microplastics into the water from the plastic water tanks because of the UV rays of the sun

4. Environmental Impact 

Considering the environmental impact of water storage solutions is essential. Stainless steel tanks are a sustainable choice as they are made from recyclable materials and have a longer lifespan compared to plastic tanks. Plastic tanks, contribute to plastic waste and can harm the environment if not properly disposed of. By choosing stainless steel, you contribute to a greener future while maintaining water quality and your family’s well-being.

5. Cost Considerations 

While the upfront cost of plastic tanks may be lower than stainless steel tanks, it is important to consider the long-term investment. The potential health risks associated with plastic tanks can lead to higher healthcare expenses in the long run.

Stainless steel tanks require minimal maintenance and have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Prioritizing your family’s health and well-being by investing in a stainless steel tank is a wise choice that can provide long-term value and peace of mind.

When it comes to summer water storage, prioritizing water quality and your family’s health is of utmost importance. Stainless steel tanks offer significant advantages over plastic tanks in terms of water quality, durability, thermal resistance, and environmental impact. By choosing stainless steel water tanks, you reduce the risk of harmful chemical exposure and safeguard against neurological, dermatological, and other diseases. By switching to stainless steel tanks, you choose a reliable water storage for a refreshing and healthy summer season, while enjoying the summer with confidence.