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Category: Marketing

  • Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor & ambassador Rocky Singh test Bolt delivery

    Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor & ambassador Rocky Singh test Bolt delivery

    Mumbai: Swiggy Food CEO Rohit Kapoor recently shared his experience as a delivery partner testing Bolt, Swiggy’s new 10-minute food delivery service. He was joined by food enthusiast and Swiggy ambassador Rocky Singh, known for ‘Highway on My Plate’.

    Using GoPros, they documented their journey delivering Bolt orders across Gurgaon and spoke with other delivery partners over chai. Senior Swiggy leaders also participated, with profiles created on the rider app for the task. Rocky noted that delivery partners don’t know if an order is a Bolt order, ensuring consistent service without penalty for delivery time. Kapoor later reflected on the experience of 10-minute deliveries on social media.

  • Beyond Retirement: How to Use An SWP Calculator to Plan for Big Life Events

    Beyond Retirement: How to Use An SWP Calculator to Plan for Big Life Events

    Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) are often associated with retirement planning. SWPs allow you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments at regular intervals and can help create a regular income stream. This makes them popular amongst retirees.

    However, SWPs can be useful for other milestones too. They can be used to plan for significant life events like your own higher education or that of your child, a big purchase, a career break, and many other events. In this article, we will break down how an SWP calculator can help you plan for these important goals and factors to keep in mind when considering an SWP.

    What is an SWP calculator?

    An SWP allows investors to withdraw a fixed amount of money at regular intervals (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc) from their investments. Instead of redeeming all your investments at once, you can receive a fixed amount regularly while letting the balance funds continue to potentially grow.

    An SWP calculator is a tool that helps you plan your withdrawal strategy. The calculator factors in the total investment value, withdrawal amount, expected growth on the balance investments, and the period over which you want to make withdrawals. It then helps you plan your withdrawals in such a way that you can potentially meet your requirements without depleting your corpus too soon.

    What goals can you use an SWP for?

    Financing higher education or taking a mid-career break requires significant resources. Often, people dip into their savings or take loans to cover these expenses. However, an SWP can offer a more planned approach to financing these goals. With an SWP, you can tap into a portion of your investments to cover such costs while the rest of your investment continues to get market exposure and access growth potential.

    Thus, an SWP can help you balance current financial needs with long-term wealth creation potential. Instead of pulling out all your investments at once, you can tap into a portion of them while the balance amount can continue to potentially grow.

    SWPs for education

    Let’s say you’re planning for your child’s higher education. You’ve built up some savings and invested in mutual funds, but you’re not sure how to manage withdrawals when the time comes to pay tuition fees, accommodation, and other related expenses. This is where an SWP calculator can be beneficial. Here’s how you can use it:

    1.  Estimate the total cost: Start by estimating how much money you will need for your child’s education. Consider tuition, living expenses, books, and other related costs.

    2.  Set your investment goal: Input the total amount you have invested in your mutual funds or any other investment.

    3.  Determine the withdrawal period: You’ll need to figure out how long you’ll be withdrawing the money. For example, if this is a four-year course, set the withdrawal period to four years.

    4.  Use the SWP calculator: The calculator will help you figure out how much you can potentially withdraw each month or each year. It ensures that your withdrawals are spaced out evenly, so you’re not withdrawing too much or too little at once.

    With an SWP, you get regular payments that you can use to pay for your child’s education while the rest of your investment continues to grow in the background. You can also similarly use an SWP to generate an income stream during a mid-career break or to generate a supplementary income stream when you are trying to set up your own business, among other scenarios.  Moreover, you can also use it to finance EMIs for a purchase.

    Factors to consider before starting SWP

    As tempting as it may be to generate income from your investments even before retirement, it is important to make sure that this aligns with your larger financial goals. The longer you stay invested, the more you can potentially benefit from the power of compounding – which can help your investments grow exponentially over a period of time by generating returns on returns. This is especially true when you invest in equity-oriented schemes, such as large cap funds, large and mid cap funds, flexi cap funds, etc.

    So, an SWP should not be used solely for its convenience; rather, it should be a well-considered part of your financial strategy.

    For this, you must also identify how long you should stay invested before you initiate your withdrawals so that you don’t significantly affect the long-term growth potential of your investment. Withdrawing too much too soon could deplete your funds faster than anticipated, leaving you with less for future needs like retirement or other big goals.

    Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your SWP fits within your broader financial plan so that you can supplement your income when needed, without compromising on your overall wealth-building strategy.

    Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.

  • Tape-based Object Storage with Multi-Tenancy: New Partnership between PoINT and Auwau

    Tape-based Object Storage with Multi-Tenancy: New Partnership between PoINT and Auwau

    Siegen, Germany/Copenhagen, Denmark. With their new partnership, Auwau and PoINT present their joint solution for storage service providers. Bringing together the two products Cloutility and PoINT Archival Gateway enables providers to offer tape-based object storage “as a service”, with user and authorization management entirely on the customer side.

    To enable customers of cloud storage services to manage users and authorizations themselves, service providers must offer a suitable user interface. Danish company Auwau has developed Cloutility, a web service that provides flexible and secure multi-tenancy: Cloud providers and their resellers and customers organize storage, repositories and authorizations for departments and users in a hierarchical structure.

    Point

    The cooperation with PoINT enables the integration of the S3-to-Tape solution PoINT Archival Gateway into this user administration. This greatly simplifies the user-friendly integration of a tape storage class. Cloud providers can now offer a cost-effective Glacier storage class on which their customers can create users and buckets as tenants and define authorizations themselves via the Cloutility interface.

    Cloutility also allows the configuration of subscription-based recurring billing automation for all tenants.

    “We are excited about this important strategic partnership,” said Thomas Bak, CEO of Auwau. “With Cloutility and PoINT, cloud providers can significantly expand their S3 offering while providing their customers with maximum flexibility.”

    For more information, please visit www.point.de.

  • HCL Technologies reports strong Q2FY25 with 8 per cent revenue growth

    HCL Technologies reports strong Q2FY25 with 8 per cent revenue growth

    Mumbai: HCL Technologies showcased a robust financial performance for the second quarter of FY25, ending 30 September 2024, with an 8 per cent year-over-year growth in revenue, driven by solid gains across its key business segments. The company’s board of directors, during a meeting on 14 October, approved the unaudited financial results and declared an interim dividend of Rs. 12 per share. This underscores HCL’s commitment to delivering consistent value to its shareholders amid the dynamic global tech landscape.

    The company recorded consolidated revenue from operations amounting to Rs. 28,862 crore, an increase from Rs. 26,672 crore during the same period last year. The growth was fueled by a rise in demand across IT & business services, which contributed Rs. 21,544 crore, and the engineering and R&D services segment, with revenues of Rs. 4,545 crore. HCL software also posted a healthy rise, achieving Rs. 2,773 crore in revenue.

    Profit before tax for the quarter stood at Rs. 5,687 crore, while the net profit reached Rs. 4,237 crore, showing an increase compared to Rs. 3,833 crore in Q2FY24. “Our strong financial performance in Q2FY25 is a testament to the resilience of our diversified business portfolio and our focus on delivering customer-centric innovations,” stated  HCL Technologies, CEO and MD, C. Vijayakumar.

    The approved interim dividend of Rs. 12 per share is set to be paid out on 30 October 2024, to shareholders on record as of 22 October 2024. The company’s ability to sustain dividend payouts reflects its solid financial health and cash flow management.

    HCL Technologies reported a total comprehensive income of Rs. 4,793 crore for Q2FY25. The company’s cash flow from operations reached Rs. 9,349 crore for the six months ending September 2024, underscoring its liquidity position. Total assets amounted to Rs. 99,763 crore, with an equity base of Rs. 68,887 crore.

    The balance sheet showed a slight increase in current liabilities to Rs. 21,626 crore, which aligns with seasonal trends in the technology sector. Non-current liabilities also rose marginally to Rs. 9,250 crore, reflecting increased lease obligations.

    Segment Performance:

    – IT and Business Services: This segment continued to be the primary revenue driver, witnessing a 8.2 per cent growth year-on-year, reaching Rs. 21,544 crore. The segment also recorded improved profitability due to efficiency enhancements.

    – Engineering and R&D Services: The segment saw an impressive 5.9 per cent rise in revenue to Rs. 4,545 crore, buoyed by increased investment in digital engineering initiatives.

    – HCL Software: Showing resilience, the software segment’s revenue increased to Rs. 2,773 crore, backed by strong licensing activity and cloud adoption trends.

    The quarter also marked the divestment of the company’s stake in a joint venture with State Street, generating a gain reflected in the Q1FY25 financials. This strategic move allows HCL to focus on core competencies while streamlining its portfolio.

    Looking forward, HCL Technologies remains optimistic about sustaining growth through digital transformation initiatives, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and cloud services. While challenges such as global economic uncertainties and fluctuating exchange rates persist, the company’s diversified service offerings and strategic investments are expected to support stable growth.

    Pix courtesy HCL Tech annual report

  • Mothercare and Reliance Brands form joint venture to expand in South Asia

    Mothercare and Reliance Brands form joint venture to expand in South Asia

    Mumbai: Mothercare plc, a global leader in parenting and young children’s products, partners with Reliance Brands Holding UK Ltd to form a new joint venture, JVCO 2024 Ltd, aimed at strengthening the brand’s presence across South Asia. The joint venture will manage the mothercare brand and all related intellectual property (IP) assets for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, creating new opportunities for growth in the region.  

    Under the agreement, Reliance Brands Holding UK (RBL UK) will acquire a 51 per cent stake in the joint venture for a cash consideration of £16 million, while Mothercare Global Brand Limited will retain a 49 per cent stake. This strategic move further solidifies the long-standing partnership between the companies, with RBL UK set to take on franchising responsibilities to ensure brand consistency and deepen customer engagement.  

    Reliance Brands Ltd, managing director, Darshan Mehta shared his excitement about the deal: “Mothercare has been a trusted name for parents in India for years, and this joint venture marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside the talented Mothercare team, and this deeper collaboration reflects the strong relationship we’ve built over time. I’m excited about the opportunities this new era brings as we continue to expand the brand’s presence across South Asia.”  

    Reliance Brands first brought Mothercare to India in 2018, and currently operates 87 stores across 25 cities, as well as having a strong e-commerce presence. The joint venture aims to expand its footprint in the region while retaining the quality and heritage associated with the Mothercare name.  

    Mothercare chairman, Clive Whiley commented on the significance of the agreement: “Today’s agreement strengthens our operations in South Asia through an even closer working relationship with Reliance, our existing valued franchise partner, and underlines the intrinsic value of the Mothercare brand strength. We have renewed confidence in the opportunity that this reinvigorated joint venture now presents. We look forward to working even more closely with Reliance Brands as our joint venture partner and not just as a franchisee in the region, moving forward together.”  

    Key highlights of the joint venture:  

    – Ownership and Management of IP Assets:JVCO 2024 Ltd will hold all rights to the Mothercare brand and related IP for the specified regions.  

    – Franchise Operations: The joint venture will oversee franchising and brand management across South Asia, ensuring a consistent customer experience.  

    – Strategic Investment: RBL UK’s 51 per cent stake acquisition underscores the partnership’s strength and Reliance’s commitment to growing Mothercare’s reach.  

    This collaboration is set to bring fresh momentum to the Mothercare brand in South Asia, blending Reliance’s market expertise with Mothercare’s global reputation to offer quality products to parents across the region.  

  • PVR Inox Q2 FY25 results show mixed performance amid strategic changes

    PVR Inox Q2 FY25 results show mixed performance amid strategic changes

    Mumbai: PVR Inox has reported its Q2 FY25 financial results, indicating a quarter of mixed performance as the company navigates post-pandemic recovery and strategic adjustments. Revenue reached Rs 16.2 billion, marking a 36.2 per cent increase quarter-over-quarter (QoQ), though it declined 18.9 per cent year-over-year (YoY). This growth was driven by a resurgence in Hindi films and improved footfall, which rose 27.6 per cent QoQ, although occupancy rates remained below pre-covid levels.  

    The company’s EBITDA stood at Rs 4.7 billion, down 32.2 per cent YoY but up significantly by 90.6 per cent QoQ, with a post-IndAS EBITDA margin of 29.5 per cent. However, net losses persisted at Rs 0.1 billion for Q2 FY25, compared to a Rs 1.7 billion loss in Q1 FY25. Average ticket prices (ATP) and spend per head (SPH) showed growth, increasing 9.4 per cent and 2 per cent QoQ, respectively, signalling steady progress despite challenges.  

    The balance sheet reflects a cautious but optimistic outlook. Total borrowings declined from Rs 17.9 billion in FY23 to Rs 17.2 billion in FY24, indicating the company’s efforts to reduce debt. Free cash flow turned positive, helping to stabilise liquidity, and cash reserves grew from Rs 3.3 billion to Rs 3.9 billion over the same period. However, with profit margins still tight and interest expenses continuing to rise, sustained improvement in box office performance and cost management will be essential to achieve profitability.  

    Looking ahead, PVRInox anticipates strong performance during the festive season, driven by major releases such as “Singham Again”, “Pushpa 2,” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3”. The company remains optimistic about reaching a 32 per cent occupancy rate in Q3, supported by a robust content lineup.  

  • JICA and Kampai celebrate launch of Japan’s first locally made soy sauce in India

    JICA and Kampai celebrate launch of Japan’s first locally made soy sauce in India

    Mumbai: Chiba Shoyu Co. Ltd., a Japanese soy sauce manufacturer with over 170 years of heritage, and Kampai, a renowned Japanese restaurant in India, have made culinary history by unveiling India’s first locally produced authentic Japanese soy sauce. Supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this initiative marks a significant step in the ‘Development of the Soybeans Industry through Japanese Traditional Koji in India’, promoting sustainable practices and local enterprise growth.  

    The launch event at Kampai saw key figures like Kampai, founder & MD Avantika Sinha Bahl,  Ankur Chawla Kampai, Chiba Shoyu, president, Kyosuke Iida, JICA India, senior representative, Tomohiro Arima and representatives from the Japanese Embassy. Guests savored the soy sauce through a curated menu, showcasing its potential to elevate the Indian culinary scene.  

    Commenting on the initiative, Arima said, “It is an immense pleasure to be part of this collaboration, which is not just about introducing a Japanese product to the Indian market but also represents a deeper cultural exchange between Japan and India. The partnership between Chiba Shoyu, known for its expertise in authentic soy sauce production, and Kampai, recognised for its commitment to bringing true Japanese flavors to the Indian culinary scene, sets a new benchmark for quality and taste. Through this initiative, we aim to empower local industries by sharing Japanese expertise and contribute to the ‘Make In India’ initiative in line with the Indian government’s goals.”  

    The collaboration began with a pilot project in November 2023 at Kampai’s facility in Gurgaon, where soy sauce production was initiated using locally sourced materials and Indian workers, with guidance from Chiba Shoyu’s technical experts. After a meticulous 10-month fermentation process, the first batch was ready by September 2024. Chiba Shoyu’s team conducted quality control checks throughout, ensuring that traditional koji fermentation methods were upheld.  

    Looking ahead, Chiba Shoyu and Kampai are planning to establish a full-scale manufacturing facility in Gurgaon or Haryana to expand production for both domestic and international markets, including the Middle East and Europe. The facility is set to begin commercial production within a year, promising to generate local employment and foster sustainable processing practices.  

    JICA remains dedicated to supporting ventures that drive sustainable development, boost local industry, and reinforce cultural connections between India and Japan. The success of this project serves as a model for future collaborations in the food processing sector and beyond, aligning with JICA’s mission to create enduring value for communities in both nations.  

  • Asics SportStyle revives Skyhand OG with Shraddha Kapoor

    Asics SportStyle revives Skyhand OG with Shraddha Kapoor

    Mumbai: Asics SportStyle has brought back the Skyhand OG sneaker for the first time since 1994. The reimagined design updates the original Skyhand handball shoes with modern materials and cushioning for daily wear. Asics India brand ambassador Shraddha Kapoor showcases the collection, combining style and comfort.

    The shoes maintain their slim, low-profile aesthetic, now featuring Flytefoam propel cushioning and an EVA heel wedge for added comfort without losing their minimalist design. Available in two versions, one highlights synthetic leather with suede details, and the other features suede paired with synthetic leather accents. Priced between ₹8,999 and ₹9,999, they are now available in select stores and online.

  • Why is a Personal Loan for Diwali a Smart Choice?

    Why is a Personal Loan for Diwali a Smart Choice?

    Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of celebration, joy, and togetherness. It signifies the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil, and celebrated with grandeur. Families come together, decorate their homes, and make new purchases, such as clothes, home appliances, etc., to mark the occasion.

    It is a time when everyone wants to welcome happiness and prosperity into their lives. But, with all the excitement, expenses can quickly add up. In moments like these, a personal loan online can be a prudent way to bridge any financial gaps.

    Whether purchasing new furniture, renovating your home, or buying gifts for your loved ones, personal loans can offer flexible and quick funding. Now you may wonder, “Why should I apply for an instant personal loan for Diwali?”

    Let’s understand why this can be a stress-free way to celebrate Diwali to the fullest.

    1)  Instant approval and disbursal

    During Diwali, quick access to funds is important for taking care of expenses like event planning, shopping, decoration, etc. Traditional loans usually have lengthy approval processes, but instant personal loans provide a much faster solution. Here’s how:

    •  Apply online: You can complete the entire application process from the comfort of your home through a user-friendly digital platform.  
    •  Quick approval: With automated systems assessing your credit score and eligibility instantly, many lenders provide loan approvals on the same day of application. This eliminates the stress of waiting for days or weeks.  
    •  Instant disbursal: Once your loan is approved, the funds are directly transferred to your account, allowing you to make timely preparations and purchases for Diwali.

    This process ensures you can focus on celebrating the festival without stressing about financial constraints or delays.

    2)  Flexible loan amounts

    Diwali expenses differ from individual to individual – whether it is for buying gifts or making home improvements. Instant personal loans permit you to borrow the amount that best matches your specific needs.

    You can avail amounts ranging between a few thousands to a few lakhs, catering to both small and large financial needs.Borrowing the exact amount ensures you can cover all your expenses without over-borrowing or under-borrowing. This flexibility helps avoid unnecessary debt, while ensuring your needs are completely met.

    So, in case you are looking to refurbish your home for Diwali, you can opt for a higher loan amount, or if you just need funds for buying gifts, you can go for a smaller sum.

    3)  Convenient tenure

    Repayment schedules can be daunting, but personal loans offer flexible repayment tenures, making it easier to manage post-Diwali finances. This is useful particularly when dealing with larger expenses.

    •  Flexible repayment tenures: With repayment periods ranging between one and four years, you can choose a timeline that aligns with your financial scenario.  
    •  EMI option: Option to choose an Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) plan that fits your monthly budget and spreads the repayment over several months or years.

    This flexibility helps you enjoy Diwali stressfree, knowing you have enough time to manage theloan repayment.

    4)  Competitive interest rates

    Personal loans often come with competitive rates, making them an affordable borrowing option compared to high-interest alternatives like informal lending.

    •  Interest rates: With interest rates beginning as low as 10.49% p.a., personal loans offer a cost-effective way to fund your Diwali celebrations.  
    •  Lower repayment costs: The lower the interest rate, the smaller the overall repayment amount, helping you manage future financial obligations more efficiently.

    Note that opting for a personal loan with competitive interest rates means you can celebrate the festival without the stress of excessive financial burdens.

    6)  Personal loan calculators for better planning

    Proper financial planning is essential, particularly when borrowing money. Online personal loan calculators are valuable instruments that help you plan your loan effectively.

    •  EMI computation: These online calculators allow you to figure out the monthly EMI amount depending on your loan amount, interest rate, and selected repayment tenure. This enables you to choose a loan that matches your monthly budget.  
    •  Overall interest: You can also compute the overall interest payable over the loan’s tenure, helping you plan better for future expenses.  
    •  Budget management: Using such online tools before applying for a loan ensures that you do not overextend yourself financially, making for a more stress-free repayment experience.

    So, before applying for a personal loan, you must ensure to use a personal loan EMI calculator to understand exactly how much you will need to repay monthly.

    7)  Versatile financial solution for all your Diwali needs

    Personal loans are designed to offer complete freedom in how you use the funds, making them a prudent option for covering various Diwali expenses. Whether you are looking to renovate your house, purchase gifts, or plan a festive gathering, personal loans provide the flexibility to address all your financial needs without restrictions.

    Despite all these benefits and conveniences, lenders often falter at choosing the right lender. If you are trying to figure out one of the best lenders for an instant personal loan, consider IndusInd Bank.

    IndusInd Bank Instant Personal Loans offer the following benefits:

    •  Repayment tenure: One to four years  
    •  Loan amount: ₹30,000 to ₹5 lakh  
    •  Interest rate: Starting from 10.49% p.a.  
    •  Paperless process: 100% digital with no physical documentation required

    By opting for an IndusInd Bank Instant Personal Loan, you can enjoy a hassle-free, paperless process and secure the amount you need with flexible terms and competitive rates. This ensures quick access to funds, allowing you to celebrate Diwali with financial ease and peace of mind.

    Ending note

    With quick approvals, flexible amounts, and convenient repayment terms, instant personal loans provide a smart way to handle your Diwali expenses without dipping into your savings.

    Whether you are looking to make significant purchases or simply manage festive costs, applying for an instant personal loan online allows you to celebrate Diwali in a stress-free manner.

    Additionally, to avoid financial stress, using an online personal loan calculator is recommended. Doing so allows you to plan your finances effectively.

  • Pokémon Go onboards Riteish & Genelia Deshmukh as brand faces in India

    Pokémon Go onboards Riteish & Genelia Deshmukh as brand faces in India

    Mumbai: Pokémon Go, an augmented reality mobile game by Niantic, has announced Indian cinema couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh as brand ambassadors for India. The couple will engage with the game’s growing fan base in the country.

    Genelia Deshmukh, an avid Pokémon Go player, made a special appearance at the Pokémon Festivities celebrations in Mumbai, where Pikachu wearing a saree was showcased to highlight the cultural collaboration. Genelia, known for her family values and blending tradition with modernity, is excited about her partnership with Pokémon Go.

    “As a mom and a proud Indian, the Festival of Light event is a beautiful blend of tradition and technology. It’s incredible to see Pokémon Go celebrate Indian culture in such a fun and engaging way, with characters like Pikachu wearing a saree! Pokémon has always been special to me, and Pikachu is also both my kid’s favourite Pokémon. Seeing it in a saree is a wonderful experience and being able to share this joy with my family and the world through such an innovative approach is truly exciting,” said Genelia.

    Riteish Deshmukh echoed her excitement, adding, “As someone who loves technology and gaming, being part of the Pokémon Go family feels like a natural fit. Playing this game for so long since it came to India in 2016 and now associating with the brand to promote it truly thrills me as it not only encourages fun but also keeps our cultural heritage alive in such an interactive way.”

    Niantic’s senior director, strategic partnerships & special projects, Yuki Kawamura stated, “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Riteish and Genelia D’Souza Deshmukh to the Pokémon Go family. Their deep connection with Indian culture and passion for gaming makes them the perfect ambassadors. We’re always striving to create experiences that resonate with our diverse player base, and with this unique celebration, we’re bringing a special piece of Indian heritage to our global platform.”

    As part of their ambassadorship, fans can look forward to special videos featuring Riteish and Genelia sharing their experiences with Pokémon Go.

    Additionally, Pokémon Go is hosting exciting festival of lights celebrations, including a special event in Bengaluru on 2 November 2024, at Phoenix Marketcity, where Pikachu will appear in a saree, alongside surprises and giveaways for trainers.

    A sweepstake on Instagram will also offer two lucky winners from India a chance to attend the Pokémon GO City Safari in São Paulo.

    This partnership emphasises the couple’s appeal and Pokémon Go’s commitment to cultural localization in India, enhancing gaming experiences for its diverse player base. In September 2023, Niantic added Hindi language support to the game, reinforcing its focus on inclusivity and encouraging more players to join their Pokémon Go adventures.