Archive: March 31, 2025

‘Presence of Absence in Man’: Maneka Sanjay Gandhi Launches Art Exhibition for Animal Welfare

‘Presence of Absence in Man’ Exhibition Launched by Maneka Sanjay Gandhi to Aid Animal Welfare

New Delhi, March 31st, 2025: The acclaimed art exhibition Presence of Absence in Man – The Elephant in the Room opened with an inspiring inauguration by Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, renowned environmentalist, animal rights activist, and founder of People for Animals, at The Stainless Gallery in New Delhi. The exhibition, presented by Visual artists and curators, Anoop Kamath and Anuradha Nalapat is running from March 23rd to 30th, 2025, has been organized by Matters of Art (MoA) and Arteflick as a fundraiser to support the Walking Eye Foundation for Animal Advocacy (WEFAA).

Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, a key advocate for animal rights, graced the event on March 22nd, offering her keen observations and heartfelt reflections on the artwork. In her note, she said, “I am truly pleased to have experienced this exhibition, which is excellently curated. The sadness of the artists is palpable, as they capture the gradual extinction of species and their longing for the beauty of nature. Kerala, blessed with nature’s best, is home to some of the most sensitive people. Yet, the disregard for species and the cruelty shown by its people is hard to understand. Cruelty breeds unhappiness, and Kerala’s human inhabitants would likely rate very highly on a scale of unhappiness.”

She further added, “Each artwork in this exhibition carries a powerful lesson. From the luminous banana clump by Matin OC to Rathidevi’s elephant that lights up the room, the tender family photos of elephants by T. Narayan, Ritu Kamath’s botanical drawings, Biji Bhaskar’s mossy mountains, and the canvas illustrating the space left for animals—each piece invites us to reflect and learn.”

The art showcase features over 50 powerful artworks created by eminent artists across India, focusing on the theme of the impact of human nature on animals and the environment. The exhibition continues to serve as a catalyst for change, advocating for compassion and empathy for the world we share with all living beings.

Participating artists include Akhilesh, Anoop Panicker, Anup Kumar Chand, Anuradha Nalapat, Babu Xavier, Biji Bhaskar, Deepak KJ, Harmandeep Keerti, Ishrath Humraih, Jattinn Kochhar, Nabibakhsh Mansoori, Neeraj Bakshi, Pratul Dash, Prriti Mann, Pooja Singh, Ranjit Raman, Rathidevi, Ritu Bhutani, Ritu Kamath, Roy Thomas, Shanmukh Tamade, Shuvendu Sarkar, Siraj Saxena, Sonaali Durga Chaudhri, Tapan Dash, T. Narayan, Vinod Ambalathara, Varghese Kalathil and Venkat Shyam.

Ahead of the exhibition, Anuradha Nalapat reflected on the exhibition’s theme as, “The Elephant in the room nobody wants to talk about is Man, man, man. This Presence of Absence that man always feels, the absence of contentment, joy, and reprieve in his life is replaced with the tango of angst, fear, and greed. The result is discontentment and inadequacies felt in a forever state of turmoil, making him the most cornered, violent,t and destructive animal of all.”

She continued, “As far as the artists who have come together for this show are concerned, it is more of placing the responsibility and focus right where it should belong, rather than politicizing it. The focus being the Elephant in the room – Man himself. And the insanely beastly path he proudly walks. The artists here in their own committed ways attempt to explore and expose the many crusted and hardened layers that asphyxiate the true compassionate man. Having said that, they now also become voices of the voiceless. They only have these creatures to thank for, provoking and enabling them to rise to the occasion, and to evolve and fall back into their true compassionate nature.”

Anoop Kamath shared his views as “This exhibition is an exploration of the complex relationship between man and the world around him. Through the lens of contemporary art, we aim to shed light on the uncomfortable truths that often go unaddressed, the destructive path humanity has chosen and the profound impact it has on the natural world and animals. Presence of Absence in Man challenges us to reflect on our actions and reimagine a world rooted in compassion, empathy, and coexistence.”

Art has the ability to influence perceptions, ignite conversations, and inspire action. The artists featured in this exhibition utilize powerful visual narratives to highlight humanity’s role in ecological imbalances—showing how our absence is, ironically, always present in the very issues that impact us.

Jim Tharakan, Founder, Arteflick said, “Art has the power to shape perceptions, spark discourse, and drive action. The artists featured in this exhibition use compelling visual narratives to raise awareness of humanity’s role in ecological imbalances—revealing how our absence is paradoxically ever-present in the very issues that affect us.

Arteflick is committed to empowering individuals to experience the transformative power of art. By championing living artists, offering curated experiences, credible advisory, and consulting, Arteflick supports those on the journey of collecting and investing in art. Through fostering deeper engagement with artists and their work, Arteflick continues to build a dynamic space where creativity flourishes and meaningful connections are made.”

Sleepyhead’s ‘SIT Games’ Challenges Bengaluru Youth to Stay Still for ₹1 Lakh Prize

Sleepyhead’s ‘SIT Games’ Dares Bengaluru Youth to Win ₹1 Lakh by Doing Nothing31st March 2025: Sleepyhead, a sleep and lifestyle solutions brand, is transforming relaxation into a sport with the launch of ‘SIT Games’ – a first-of-its-kind competition where participants can win INR 1 lakh simply by sitting for 8 hours straight. Reflecting the brand’s belief that chilling and unwinding deserve to be celebrated, SIT Games playfully asks—why shouldn’t the youth be rewarded for taking it easy? Set for April 5 in Bengaluru at Sleepyhead’s Koramangala store and hosted by popular content creator @bekarobar, participants will face a series of quirky challenges with just one rule: absolutely no standing up!

To build excitement around SIT Games, Sleepyhead has launched an out-of-home (OOH) campaign across Bengaluru, turning the city into a hotspot for ‘chill’ seekers. Eye-catching bus shelters and mobile vans with witty taglines like, ‘We spent money on this van so you could earn ₹1 lakh for just sitting,’ are grabbing attention in high-traffic areas. Adding to the intrigue, Bengalureans are spotting posters teasing the upcoming SIT Games across the city. Each activation features a scannable QR code, making it easy for passersby to register on the spot.

Ullas Vijay, Chief Marketing Officer, Duroflex Group said, “At Sleepyhead, we are building a brand that understands what young India really wants – genuine comfort that fits into their lifestyle. The youth loves to ‘chill’ and we are here to reward the art of unwinding with SIT Games. This campaign embodies our mission to make relaxation fun, proving that sometimes, the best wins come from simply sitting back and enjoying the moment.”

Registrations for SIT Games are now open, inviting Bengaluru’s finest chillers to take on the ultimate sitting challenge. If you have what it takes to stay seated for 8 hours and outlast the competition, scan the QR codes featured on Sleepyhead’s OOH activations across the city or visit mysleepyhead.com to secure your spot. Don’t miss this chance to turn your sitting skills into an INR 1 lakh win—sign up now and get ready to lounge your way to victory!

Purabi Dairy Bolsters Distribution Network with Leading Online Grocery Tie-Ups

Purabi Dairy Taps Online Grocery Platforms to Strengthen Distribution Network

Guwahati, March 31st, 2025: In a significant step towards enhancing consumer convenience, Purabi Dairy has expanded its distribution network by making its range of fresh and high-quality dairy products available on leading e-commerce platforms—Blinkit, Flipkart, BigBasket, and Swiggy Instamart.

This move aligns with Purabi Dairy’s commitment to ensuring easy access to nutritious dairy products for consumers across Guwahati. With the growing demand for doorstep delivery services, customers can now order their favourite Purabi milk and milk products with just a few clicks, enjoying the goodness of fresh dairy without stepping out of their homes.

Speaking about Purabi’s expanded market reach, Syed Mujaddid Hussain, Head of Sales and Marketing at WAMUL, said, “The integration of Purabi’s products with leading e-commerce platforms marks a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and convenience for consumers. As demand for high-quality dairy products grows, this initiative ensures that fresh and nutritious milk and milk products reach households seamlessly. At WAMUL, our focus remains on strengthening Assam’s dairy ecosystem, and this digital expansion not only benefits consumers but also creates better market opportunities for our dairy farmers.”

Purabi Dairy has been at the forefront of Assam’s dairy development, offering a diverse range of products, including milk, sweet curd, plain curd, and paneer. The integration with leading online grocery platforms marks another milestone in WAMUL’s efforts to modernize the dairy supply chain and enhance customer convenience.

The digital expansion follows recent initiatives to strengthen Assam’s dairy sector, including the National Dairy Development Board’s (NDDB) collaboration with WAMUL to double the milk processing capacity at Purabi Dairy’s Panjabari plant. These efforts aim to meet the growing demand for dairy products while ensuring better market opportunities for local dairy farmers.

With this development, consumers can now experience Purabi Dairy’s trusted quality with the convenience of online ordering, reinforcing its position as a leading dairy brand in the region.

A Grand Tribute to Indian Classical Arts – Swaranjali Delhi Presents Colours of India

Colours of India

A Festival of Indian Classical Music & Dance

Indian classical music and dance hold an esteemed place in the country’s rich cultural heritage, transcending time and boundaries to mesmerize audiences across the globe. Embracing this tradition, Swaranjali Delhi proudly presents “Colours of India”, a vibrant festival celebrating the diverse classical art forms of India. This grand event will take place at the esteemed Sri Sri Madhavadeva International Auditorium, Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Society, Panjabari, Guwahati – 781037, Assam, on the 9th and 10th of April at 6 PM daily.

A Celebration of Indian Classical Arts

“Colours of India” is an exquisite confluence of Indian classical music and dance, featuring distinguished artists from across the country. The festival promises to be a spectacular showcase of artistic excellence, where every performance will reflect the deep-rooted traditions and spiritual essence of Indian culture.

Event Highlights

Day 1 – April 9th, 2024

Hansaveena Recital by Pt. Subhasis Bose – A mesmerizing performance on the rare and soulful Hansaveena, offering audiences a journey through divine melodies.

Vocal Recital by Pt. Sankumay Debnath – A spellbinding vocal performance rooted in the classical tradition, displaying the richness of Indian ragas.

Odissi Dance by Roopchanda Sarma & Shaivi Shiv – Disciples of Guru Vidushi Dr. Anjana Moyee Saikia, these talented dancers will present the graceful and expressive movements of Odissi.

Day 2 – April 10th, 2024

Sitar Recital by Pt. Subrata De – A soulful rendition of classical compositions on the sitar, demonstrating the intricacies of Hindustani instrumental music.

Kathak Dance by Vidushi Sangita Chaki & Smt. Sahelee Bose – A display of rhythmic footwork, elegant spins, and emotive storytelling in the classical Kathak style.

Sattriya Dance by Namrata Goswami, Pratishtha Mazumdar, Violina Hazarika, Manjisha Choudhury, and Tiyasha Bera – Disciples of Guru Vidushi Anita Sharma, SNA Awardee, these talented artists will present the divine and spiritually uplifting Sattriya dance form.

Accompanying Artists

Adding to the grandeur of the festival, eminent musicians will provide live accompaniment to the performances, enhancing the immersive experience for the audience:

Pt. Subir Thakur

Shri Bijon Tarafdar

Shri Dibyajyoti Changmai

An Enriching Cultural Experience

“Colours of India” is more than just a festival; it is a tribute to the timeless beauty of Indian classical arts. By bringing together maestros and emerging talents, the event aims to nurture and promote the essence of India’s artistic heritage. Attendees will witness an enchanting blend of melody, rhythm, and expression, making this festival an unforgettable experience.

Mark your calendars for April 9th & 10th at 6 PM and be part of this grand celebration at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra Society, Guwahati. Let the beauty of Indian classical music and dance illuminate your soul!

About Swaranjali Delhi

Swaranjali Delhi is a renowned cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Indian classical music and dance. Founded with the vision of nurturing artistic talent and fostering a deep appreciation for India’s rich heritage, Swaranjali Delhi has been actively organizing concerts, workshops, and festivals featuring eminent artists and emerging talents. Through its unwavering commitment to the arts, the organization continues to be a beacon of cultural excellence, connecting audiences with the soulful traditions of Indian classical art forms.

For More Information, Contact:

Sh. Subrata De Founder, Swaranjali|Tel: +91-9910300319|Website: www.subratade.com |Website: www.swaranjali.org

Samsung Showcases Futuristic ‘AI Home’ Concept at Bespoke AI Event

Samsung Electronics Redefines Home Innovation with ‘AI Home’ Vision at Bespoke AI Event

Gurugram, India March 31st 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, unveiled its refreshed “AI Home” vision and innovative appliance lineup at its global launch event, Welcome to Bespoke AI, in Seoul, Korea. With a focus on providing a more secure and intuitive user experience, the company introduced an AI Home experience, showcasing advanced AI features and a wider range of screen-enabled appliances.

Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics, opened the global press conference by introducing the company’s vision for creating an AI Home that harmoniously connects various devices and, as a result, caters to user needs in every room of the home.

“Through our Bespoke AI appliances, Samsung has brought an AI Home to life that not only enhances everyday convenience but also enables energy savings and care,” said Jeong Seung Moon. “We will continue to expand the advanced AI Home to more households, leveraging smart screens, Bixby and Knox security.”

The 2025 Bespoke AI Appliance Lineup

During the event, Samsung introduced its Bespoke AI appliances for 2025, which bring new and innovative functionalities to solve users’ difficult problems.

At the heart of the company’s vision is the AI Home display.1 Built upon the innovation of the first introduction of the AI Home display last year, the AI Home with new size options has been expanded to a broad range of new products, such as Bespoke AI Refrigerators, the Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo, Washers and Dryers.2

The 9-inch AI Home screen on the Bespoke AI Refrigerator lineup increases consumers’ options by offering a similar experience to what’s available on the larger AI Family Hub™ screen. With the upgraded AI Vision Inside,3 food management has been enhanced with new features such as automatic recognition of processed food items,4 for models with the AI Family Hub™ and those with the AI Home. Through the 7-inch AI Home in the Bespoke AI Laundry, users can intuitively control the washing and drying cycles, as well as monitor and control other connected devices.5

Moreover, the new Bespoke AI appliances bring enhanced features that adapt to consumer needs. For example, the Bespoke AI Hybrid Refrigerator utilizes AI to efficiently cool the inside of the fridge, detecting its current status and predicting internal temperature changes to effectively adapt cooling.

The Bespoke AI Laundry includes new functions to enhance consumer convenience, with new standalone models that have upgraded AI Wash and AI Dry to AI Wash+ and AI Dry+,6 as well as models to be launched in Europe, using up to 55% less energy than class A minimum requirements for the washer.7 Also, Samsung unveiled the new Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo, which is the first ever vented combo in its class.8 It significantly reduces drying time, finishing both washing and drying in 68 minutes with its Super Speed cycle.

Samsung is continuing to innovate its vacuum cleaner lineup, as well. The cordless stick vacuum cleaner, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, will be launched with the world’s most powerful9 suction power of up to 400W.10 The upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.011 classifies more diverse environments12 like corners13 and the type of carpets14 for improved cleaning performance.

Samsung also revealed the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra.15 Not only is the robot vacuum cleaner designed to climb thresholds, but it is also enhanced with AI Object Recognition for complex environments,16 which can recognize obstacles as small as 1cm, and even transparent liquids17 for better cleaning results. And when it encounters corners or walls, the brush pops out, allowing it to clean areas that can be difficult for typical robot vacuum cleaners to deal with.

Samsung Home Appliances Bring Easy To Use, Care and Saving to Consumers

Samsung elaborated further on its “AI Home” vision and its commitment to integrating AI across the connected experience to cater to diverse lifestyles — through the core benefits of Easy to Use, Care and Saving.

Thanks to the adoption of the AI Home display, users will find it easier than ever to engage with the full functionality of their Bespoke AI appliances. The smart screen is now an even better central control hub, even connecting third party devices through SmartThings without the need for a separate hub device.18 Users can also utilize features like the refrigerators’ Daily Board to receive personalized information and better manage their day — or use Map View to effortlessly monitor and control other connected devices.

The upgraded Bixby allows for easier control of appliances through voice commands and enhances usability through new features like Voice ID.19 It personalizes services by recognizing the user’s voice, automatically switching to the Samsung account of the speaker and showing their calendar on the screen. And if that person also uses the low vision option on their Galaxy smartphone, it will be automatically synced to the screen for a better viewing experience.

New SmartThings services were also introduced during the event, including Family Care,20 which sends an alert to other family members if a user’s movement is not detected at the set time — or if there is no activity for a certain amount of time after the last activity. It is also possible to use the robot vacuum cleaner to look for signs of an emergency, with all of this functionality being tightly secured by Samsung Knox.

Continued Efforts To Deliver Reliable Experiences

To complete its “AI Home” vision for 2025, Samsung shone a light on how it is pushing the boundaries of innovation, prioritizing a trusted experience for users.

First, Samsung will apply enhanced Knox security to devices across the lineup so that users will be able to enjoy their AI Home experience with peace of mind. This year in particular, Trust Chain, which is part of Knox Matrix, is applied to all Wi-Fi enabled appliances launching in 2025. Users can continuously monitor products’ security status in real time through the dashboard.2

Knox Vault is also applied to home appliances for the first time,22 storing particularly sensitive user information, such as passwords and authentication information, in a separate hardware chip to ensure protection. Furthermore, to protect against the potential of future quantum attacks, Samsung’s security is also equipped with post-quantum cryptography (PQC), a part of Knox Matrix Credential Sync, for its screen-applied products.23

Another key priority for Samsung is making sure that customers can use the latest software features on their existing appliances without buying new ones. With Smart Forward,24 the software update service through SmartThings, Samsung continuously updates its appliances with new features to enhance the consumer experience.

Samsung is also actively improving product maintenance. SmartThings Home Care utilizes AI to diagnose each appliance’s status, and if signs of malfunction are detected, it sends a notification in advance. In addition, a technical support representative can provide guidance on remote measures based on pre-diagnosis results.25 This support feature has already expanded to more countries, including France, Netherlands and Canada, following Korea and the United States.

By integrating all of these wide-ranging initiatives, Samsung aims to create safer and more reliable smart home experiences that users can enjoy with comfort and peace of mind.

Eleganz Interiors Wins Landmark ₹187 Crore Airport Contract

Mumbai, India, March 31, 2025: Eleganz Interiors, a leading design and execution firm for corporate and commercial interiors, has secured a prestigious ₹187 crore contract from one of India’s largest airports, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. This three-year project, comprising comprehensive execution services, will solidify Eleganz Interiors’ position as a key partner in high-value infrastructure development.

“This new airport project is a testament to Eleganz Interiors’ expertise and commitment to delivering world-class interior solutions,” said Mr. Sameer Akshay Pakvasa, Managing Director, at Eleganz Interiors, “We are proud to be entrusted with such a prestigious project. Our continued growth reflects our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and client-centric solutions. Following our NSE SME listing, we are expanding our presence, increasing our financial efficiency and enhancing our capabilities by attracting, retaining and training qualified personnels. As we strengthen our industry leadership, our robust order pipeline underscores our ability to meet evolving market demands, sustain momentum, and create lasting value for our stakeholders.”

As on December 31, 2024, Eleganz Interiors executing 47 projects, having total project value of ₹ 70,589.66 lakhs and unexecuted order value of ₹ 43,486.33 lakhs. Eleganz Interiors serves a diverse client base that includes corporate offices, R&D facilities, laboratories, airport lounges, flexible workspaces, and retail environments, showcasing its versatility in the interior solutions sector.

With a manufacturing facility in Mumbai and strategically located warehouses in Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore, Eleganz Interiors has built a robust operational infrastructure to support its pan-India projects. The company has further expanded its reach with branch offices in six major Indian cities – Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Ahmedabad, and Chennai – and has established an international presence through subsidiaries in Rwanda and Singapore.

In Financial Year 2024, the company achieved ₹221.29 crore in revenue and ₹12.2 crore in PAT. The company’s success is driven by its team of over 155 skilled professionals, including designers, architects, and engineers, who bring creativity and technical expertise to every project.

Backed by Improved Credit Ratings, Hyundai Card Accelerates Overseas Growth

SEOUL, March 31st, 2025: The Credit Finance Association of Korea reported that Hyundai Card secured the top position in credit sales among eight credit card companies in 2024, achieving credit sales totaling approximately KRW 166.3 trillion, an 11% increase compared to 2023. Hyundai Card, a leading financial and technology company in Korea, has received upgraded credit ratings from global credit rating agencies — Fitch, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s, and the Japan Credit Rating Agency.

These agencies have highlighted Hyundai Card’s strong business ties with its parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, as a key factor in their favorable assessments. Additionally, the agencies have reflected the ongoing growth of the company’s credit card business and its advanced data science capabilities which have transformed it into a financial technology company.

Enhanced credit from global rating agencies

In February this year, Hyundai Card maintained its BBB+ Stable rating from Fitch, which was upgraded during last year’s evaluation. Fitch upgraded the rating from BBB Positive to BBB+ Stable in March 2024, followed by a similar upgrade from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) in August 2024. In March 2024, Moody’s affirmed Hyundai Card with the Baa1 issuer rating with a Stable outlook. Over the past several years, Hyundai Card has continuously increased its credit ratings from trusted global credit rating agencies.

The Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) also raised Hyundai Card’s credit rating to AA- Stable in December 2024. Notably, just a year after it became the only Korean card company rated in Japan in November 2023, JCR aligned the credit level of Hyundai Card with that of its parent company, Hyundai Motor Group.

Balanced business growth between GPCC and PLCC

Unlike other prominent credit card companies, such as American Express and Synchrony, which have dominated the GPCC and PLCC sectors individually, Hyundai Card has been able to achieve success in both domains.

Hyundai Card provides a diverse array of services to a broader customer base through its flagship GPCC products, such as Hyundai Card M. Renowned for its customer-focused approach, Hyundai Card M stands out with its innovative M Points system, prioritizing the essentials of points accumulation. As a result, M Points have become Korea’s leading points program. Building on the success of the Black Card, Korea’s first VVIP card, Hyundai Card has expanded its lineup to include the Purple and the Red. Most recently, the company has made strides in the premium card segment by introducing the Green and the Pink, designed to target younger consumers.

Since its introduction in 2015, Hyundai Card has steadily grown its PLCC partnerships, providing tailored benefits through collaborations with top industry leaders. The company continues to build strong alliances with both domestic and international businesses across various sectors, including aviation, automotive, retail, food and beverage, internet portals, fashion, gaming, finance, and entertainment. Notably, the company has fostered a data alliance among its PLCC partners, enabling shared data analysis, strategic insight utilization and collaborative marketing efforts.

Conversely, other Korean credit card companies have struggled to grow their PLCC partnerships to the level achieved by Hyundai Card. While many credit card issuers have ventured into the PLCC market to challenge Hyundai Card’s business model, they have seen limited success. Hyundai Card stands as the leading issuer of PLCCs in Korea, commanding a dominant 78% market share. Additionally, its proportion of PLCC members has seen a remarkable rise, climbing from 10% in 2018 to 44% in 2025.

The well-balanced growth of GPCC and PLCC is the factor that strongly supports Hyundai Card’s sustainable growth. In July 2024, the number of Hyundai Card cardholders exceeded 12 million. This represents the highest growth rate among Korean card issuers, occurring within a mere two years and eight months after reaching the milestone of 10 million cardholders at the end of 2021.

Data science as a pillar of GPCC and PLCC business

Hyundai Card’s balanced growth in both the GPCC and PLCC businesses can be attributed to its data science capabilities. In an unprecedented move within the global financial sector, Hyundai Card has invested KRW 1 trillion over the past decade to develop data science and AI capabilities. This investment resulted in Korea’s largest software export deal. In October 2024, the company secured a contract to export UNIVERSE to SMCC (Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company), one of Japan’s top three credit card companies. This agreement represents the largest single software export in Korean history and marks the first software export from the Korean financial industry.

UNIVERSE is a hyper-personalized AI platform based on Hyundai Card’s proprietary data science expertise and technology. It predicts individual customer behavior, preferences and conditions through “tags” that structure data, enabling direct customer targeting. This platform can be applied across all business areas, regardless of industry. Internal tests results showed that by utilizing UNIVERSE, targeted marketing campaigns resulted in being 6 times more efficient than before.

With the help of UNIVERSE, Hyundai Card can predict and analyze customer spending patterns using data defining and structuring systems, along with AI. With data science-based technology, Hyundai Card is actively involved in various business collaborations within the data alliance of its PLCC partners. Following the successful export of Hyundai Card’s AI platform to the rigorous Japanese market, inquiries for UNIVERSE are increasing globally, including in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States.

Strong business ties with Hyundai Motor Group

Global credit rating agencies have emphasized the strategic business ties between Hyundai Card and Hyundai Motor Group. Fitch noted that Hyundai Card plays a significant role in supporting the group’s domestic retail passenger vehicle sales by providing credit purchase services, which account for 40%-45% of the sales amount. In addition, Hyundai Card collaborates with the group on business opportunities such as ICP (in-car payment) solutions.

In August 2024, S&P raised Hyundai Card’s credit rating to BBB+, expecting that the company would maintain a pivotal role in Hyundai Motor Company and Kia’s new car sales strategy. S&P highlighted that Hyundai Card’s strategy is closely aligned with the group’s long-term vision of developing an in-car payment system using credit cards, in addition to the launch of a PLCC (Private Label Credit Card) with Hyundai Motor Company and Kia. Similarly, JCR provided a favorable outlook, emphasizing the robust business cooperation.

Robust financial soundness and proactive risk management

Another strength, noted by global rating agencies, is Hyundai Card’s solid financial soundness and proactive risk management capabilities. Despite the challenging economic and financial environment in Korea — marked by persistently high interest rates, inflation, and slow growth — Hyundai Card proactively seeks external credit ratings. This pursuit reflects the company’s confidence in its financial standing and comprehensive risk management practices.

Despite the challenges faced by many credit card companies in Korea in maintaining stability due to rising funding costs, Hyundai Card has distinguished itself through its exceptional risk management capabilities, consistently upholding industry-leading financial soundness. Impressively, the company has continued to achieve the industry’s lowest delinquency rates of 0.89% in 2021, 0.89% in 2022, and 0.63% in 2023 (delinquency rate based on 30 days).

Pursuing capital raising abroad

Hyundai Card is leveraging its improved credit ratings from leading global rating agencies to seek capital in the global capital market. The ratings from three most reputable global agencies and Japan’s JCR serve as crucial benchmarks for institutional investors when evaluating and analyzing companies.

A representative from Hyundai Card stated, “With objective evaluations from global rating agencies, we anticipate more stable capital acquisition in international markets, particularly through the issuance of foreign currency bonds, which may lead to a reduction in funding costs. We aim to leverage these favorable ratings as a foundation for future expansion in the global business arena.

This Ugadi, Shine Bright with the Timeless Elegance of Platinum

Celebrate Ugadi with the Eternal Brilliance of PlatinumBengaluru , 31st  March 2025: Ugadi, the festival of new beginnings, marks the arrival of spring, symbolizing hope, abundance, and prosperity. As families gather to celebrate tradition, share joy, and welcome a fresh chapter, elevate the festivities with the rare and precious beauty of platinum. With its purity, rarity, and enduring brilliance, platinum stands as an eternal symbol of strength and renewal, making it the perfect complement to Ugadi’s spirit of new opportunities and aspirations.

Whether you seek to indulge in something extraordinary for yourself or find a meaningful gift for a loved one, platinum jewellery embodies both sophistication and sentiment. Choose from Men of Platinum’s bold, statement pieces that reflect resilience and ambition, Platinum EVARA’s exquisite designs celebrating modern femininity, or Platinum Love Bands, symbolizing a celebration of love. Platinum’s understated elegance beautifully complements the vibrancy of Ugadi, making every piece a reflection of purity and prosperity.

Renowned for its exceptional 95% purity—one of the highest standards in precious jewellery—platinum is a true marker of rarity and resilience. Crafted from a metal born in the stars, platinum retains its brilliance and form through daily wear, making it an ideal choice to mark special moments and celebrations. Whether it’s a striking chain, or kada from Men of Platinum, intricately designed rings, earrings, or bracelets from Platinum EVARA, or the everlasting charm of Platinum Love Bands, each piece is a testament to refined craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

This Ugadi, explore an exquisite range of platinum jewellery from Men of Platinum, Platinum EVARA, and Platinum Love Bands, available at leading jewellery retail stores across India.

Bengaluru Traffic Police Partners with CMH to Improve Emergency Care Amid Brain Injury Awareness Month

CMH and Bengaluru Traffic Police Unite to Strengthen Emergency Response for Brain Injury Awareness MonthBengaluru 31st March 2025: In a concerted effort to address the alarming rise in road traffic accidents and associated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), Chinmaya Mission Hospital (CMH), in collaboration with the Bengaluru Traffic Police (East Division), successfully conducted a First-Aid and Trauma Response Workshop. This initiative, part of Brain Injury Awareness Month, aimed to equip traffic police personnel, ambulance staff, and first responders with critical life-saving skills to manage trauma effectively.​

India accounts for nearly 10% of global crash-related deaths despite having only 1% of the world’s vehicles. In Bengaluru, pedestrian injuries constitute a significant portion of road traffic incidents. A study from the National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) revealed that pedestrians accounted for 20.7% of head injury cases, with two-wheeler accidents being the most common. ​

The workshop focused on essential trauma treatment skills, including spinal stabilisation, hemorrhage control, CPR administration, and safe patient transfer. Key attendees included the Chief Guest Shri Sahil Bagla, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) – East, Bengaluru Traffic Police, Shri Gopal B. Hosur, IPS (Retd.), Chief Executive of CMH; Dr. Sudhir U, MD, Medical Director of CMH; Dr. Kiran M, MCh, Neurosurgeon & Head of Neurosciences at CMH.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sahil Bagla emphasized the importance of empowering first responders:​ “Traffic police are usually the first responders at accident scenes, and their quick actions can truly save lives. Many accidents occur when we neglect to follow traffic rules, like not wearing helmets on bikes or forgetting to buckle up in cars. Thanks to this training, our personnel have gained essential first-aid skills, allowing them to provide quicker and more effective medical help at accident sites.”​

Following the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, Dr. Kiran gave a presentation with some important observations on trauma care. He presented critical statistics on annual cases of accidents and stressed that a large number are related to brain injuries. His lecture also included important do’s and don’ts in treating trauma cases. To give a better understanding, he showed three critical case studies, accompanied by rigorous photographs and scans of the injuries.

Dr. Kiran M highlighted the impact of early medical assistance and said, “Timely first aid significantly improves survival rates in trauma cases. This workshop is a crucial step in ensuring that police officers and emergency responders are well-prepared to manage accidents effectively before professional medical teams arrive. It’s very crucial to have the right knowledge and understanding while handling such cases because one wrong move can cost a life”​

The event featured live demonstrations, interactive simulations, and training on emergency protocols, emphasizing the need for robust cooperation between healthcare institutions and law enforcement to enhance Bengaluru’s road safety measures. ​

Oman Oil Marketing Company Celebrates the Completion of Ata’a 8 This Ramadan

OOMCO

Muscat, Oman – 30 March 2025 – Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) continues its commitment to social responsibility and community enrichment through the 8th annual ‘Ata’a’ program, launching seven impactful initiatives during the holy month of Ramadan.

As part of its efforts to support the community, OOMCO has partnered with the Food Bank to provide Iftar meals to university students residing in dormitories or living away from their families, ensuring they receive healthy nutrition during Ramadan. The company also partnered with Ihsan Association to provide the necessary fuel for ambulances transporting the elderly, ensuring their continued access to essential healthcare services.

To support underprivileged families, OOMCO distributed Ramadan grocery baskets, provided by ‘Ahlain’ stores, to deserving families. To further support the elderly, the company presented Eid clothing as gifts to the elderly at the Social Welfare Home, bringing joy to their hearts.

Beyond direct community support, OOMCO fostered cross-cultural understanding through the ‘Taaruf’ program, implemented by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. This initiative introduces non-Muslims to Islamic culture and values, promoting inclusivity and dialogue. Furthermore, OOMCO continued to support small and medium-sized enterprises through the Eid Market, allowing them to showcase their products to company employees, thereby boosting their business growth and expanding their customer base.

To broaden the scope of charitable work, the company activated the points donation service through its smartphone application, raising a total of 10,000 Omani Riyals from subscriber donations. OOMCO also contributed a portion of this amount to support the ‘Fak Kurbah’ initiative, which aims to assist individuals facing financial hardship. The application allows customers to contribute their points, fostering a spirit of social solidarity.

On this occasion, Tariq Mohammed Al Junaidi, CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company “OOMCO is committed to actively contributing to the well-being of the community and positively impacting the lives of individuals and families. The ‘Ata’a 8’ initiative is a key manifestation of this commitment, and we are pleased to uphold this tradition into its eighth year. This year’s program underscored our dedication to addressing a range of community needs during this significant period.”

Through these focused efforts, OOMCO aimed to create lasting, positive change, reinforcing its role as a responsible corporate citizen within Oman.