LG Unveils AI Home Solutions for Mobility at CES 2025

Jan. 2, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is showcasing an innovative, new solution that extends the convenience and comfort of the LG AI Home into mobility spaces at CES 2025. The “Lifestyle Solution for Mobility” concept vehicle, on display at the company’s booth, introduces the LG Mobility Experience (MX) platform. This groundbreaking mobility space solution […]

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IN PICTURES: NEW AIR INDIA IN NEW YORK

• Air India’s cabin crew recreated iconic New York City moments and visited popular movie locations to celebrate new Air India’s arrival in New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR) 02 January 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today began operating its flagship A350-900 aircraft on non-stop flights between Delhi and Newark’s Liberty International Airport […]

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Ninety One Cycles Surpasses 3 Million Sales, AlphaVector Enters Electric Vehicle Market

Mumbai, 2nd January 2025 – AlphaVector’s (India) Pvt. Ltd. brand Ninety One Cycles, has crossed a milestone of selling 3 million bicycles including selling a record 440,000 units sale in the calendar year 2024. The company witnessed sales growth in excess of 100% in markets like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Orissa and Jharkhand where demand for reliable and aspirational mobility is on the rise. Riding on this growing demand and strong customer base, AlphaVector will also be foraying into the growing Electric Vehicle (EV) segment with low speed electric two Wheelers.

AlphaVector’s Ninety One has rapidly grown into one of India’s leading active lifestyle and mobility brands. Ninety One bicycles are particularly popular in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where cycling is increasingly embraced for both fitness, and daily commuting. The brand’s diverse product portfolio including mountain bikes, fat tyre bikes, hybrid bikes, and electric bicycles (e-cycles) catering to a broad demographic, ranging from urban youth and fitness enthusiasts to rural commuters and eco-conscious families. The company’s focus on cutting-edge design, superior engineering, and affordability has resonated strongly with consumers, particularly in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities.

Mr. Sachin Chopra, Co-founder & CEO of AlphaVector (India) Pvt. Ltd. stated, “Achieving the milestone of 3 million bicycles sold is a proud and humbling moment for us at AlphaVector. This achievement underscores the trust and confidence our customers place in Ninety One and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional mobility solutions. With a steadfast focus on superior design, advanced engineering, and affordability, we are excited about augmenting our customer offering with the foray into the low speed two-wheeler segment. As we forge ahead, we are driven by a vision to revolutionize mobility through innovation and lead the charge in the electric mobility space.”

Ninety One’s strategic entry into the low speed electric two-wheeler (e-scooter) market underscores its commitment to addressing the evolving mobility needs of its existing customer base. While AlphaVector has been in the electric cycle segment for the last four years, the foray into e-scooter segment will ensure affordable, innovative, and reliable personalised mobility for its consumers. AlphaVector aims to bridge the gap between conventional and electric mobility particularly in regions where infrastructure development, including electrification and road development, are making EVs a more viable transportation option. Leveraging the comparable customer segment and robust distribution network that propelled its bicycle success, the brand aims to make eco-friendly transportation accessible and aspirational for urban youth, fitness enthusiasts, and rural commuters alike. The expansion into EVs aligns with Ninety One’s mission to empower India’s diverse communities with innovative and sustainable mobility solutions, bridging the gap between conventional and electric transportation options.

The low-speed electric vehicle market in India is gaining traction, driven by growing demand for cost-effective, eco-friendly mobility solutions. With increasing infrastructure development in Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, low-speed two-wheelers are becoming a preferred choice for short-distance commuting, combining affordability and reliability. This segment caters to a broad demographic, including urban youth, rural commuters, and eco-conscious families, seeking sustainable and aspirational transportation options.

Ninety One’s success has been fuelled by its D2C (direct to consumer) omnichannel strategy and the customer-centric 91CARES program, which ensures every purchase is seamlessly connected to 91 service through a robust network of 1,000+ retail stores across 500 cities. This unique approach guarantees personalized assembly, servicing, and post-purchase support, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction.

MediBuddy’s ‘MakeItCount’ Campaign Helps Transform New Year Health Goals into Achievements

Mumbai, 02 January 2025 – MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, is entering into the New Year with a powerful campaign that addresses one of the year’s most pressing questions: ‘How to make health resolutions stick.’ With millions pledging to live healthier each year, the campaign sheds light on the reality of New Year’s resolutions and inspires individuals to adopt a more effective, sustainable approach to achieving their health goals.

With studies revealing that 80% of New Year resolutions fail by February, the campaign tackles a critical pain point in personal health journeys. The narrative is built around striking statistics: while 50% of people aim to get more active, 43% want to improve their diet, 36% focus on weight loss, and 22% prioritise better sleep—highlighting the diverse aspects of health goals that people struggle to maintain.

The campaign centres on a simple yet powerful equation: small, sustainable goals plus persistence equals long-term success. By breaking down ambitious resolutions into manageable steps, this approach tackles the common reasons why health goals fail and provides a practical pathway to success through MediBuddy’s comprehensive healthcare support system.

Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Saibal Biswas, SVP and Head of Marketing, Partnerships & PR at MediBuddy, said, “The New Year symbolises an opportunity for fresh and healthy start, but achieving meaningful change requires a disciplined and consistent approach. We understand that the journey to better health isn’t about dramatic transformations but about taking consistent, small steps. Our #MakeItCount campaign demonstrates how MediBuddy’s ecosystem supports users in breaking down overwhelming health goals into achievable milestones. By providing accessible healthcare support and expertise, we are helping users actualise their New Year resolutions into sustainable lifestyle changes.”

This campaign is conceptualised and produced by MediBuddy’s in-house creative team. The campaign video is titled #MakeItCount and is 1 minute and 09 seconds in duration. The video will be amplified across all social media platforms of the brand.

From Small Ventures to Big Aspirations: ACCA Supports India’s Entrepreneurial Growth

Mumbai, 2 January 2025: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide, has partnered with Schbang to launch its newest integrated campaign, ‘#SapnoKeShutter’. This campaign aims to highlight the importance of having the financial acumen to run a business sustainably, whether you are managing a small enterprise or working within a company.

Celebrating the backbone of India’s economy—family-owned businesses—this campaign recounts the tale of the dreamers behind small businesses, capturing their tenacity, achievements, and the critical role financial expertise plays in their path to success.

#SapnoKeShutter is a tribute to all entrepreneurs who have the courage to dream, develop, and succeed. The short clip masterfully illustrates the emotional bond small business owners have with their companies—seeing them as sites of purpose, reverence, and generational identity—by employing the metaphorical ‘shutter’ as a creative method.

While showcasing the assistance that financial acumen offers to safeguard their legacy, the film recounts the hardships and triumphs of entrepreneurs throughout India.

Pooja Seth, Regional Head of Marketing – India & Africa, ACCA said, “#SapnoKaShutter is our way of giving back to the community of small business owners who have been the key contributors to India’s growth story. It’s our commitment to be partners in their resilience, passion and hard work by empowering them with financial knowledge and professional skills. With this integrated campaign, we reaffirm this partnership and commitment.”

Varsha Rohani, Associate Vice President – Brand Solutions, Schbang expressed, “We began the ACCA project with primary research, conducting one-on-one conversations with entrepreneurs across Tier-2 India.”

In one of our conversations with a businessman from Jaipur, we asked him about the shop’s closing time, saying, “Dukaan kab band hoti hai?” He immediately got offended and corrected us, saying, “Shutter kab badhta hai.”

This incident made us realise how deeply emotional and significant the “shutter” is to business owners. In several other conversations, we noticed similar sentiments, which inspired us to craft “SapnoKeShutter”—a campaign that beautifully showcases the dedication and hard work of Indian business owners to keep their shutters up and businesses running.

This campaign allows ACCA to emotionally connect with an audience that has grown up in family businesses or dreams of starting one. To amplify its impact, we are collaborating with regional influencers to share the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs from Bharat.”

By addressing these challenges, #SapnoKeShutter not only celebrates the resilience of entrepreneurs but also emphasises the vital role of financial expertise in ensuring their dreams endure for generations. Through this campaign, ACCA aims to inspire a future where businesses are not just built to survive but thrive, securing their legacy in India’s vibrant economic landscape.

Rahul Dua Steals the Show in Season 1 Finale of STOK’s ‘Agla Comic Kaun’

India, January 2, 2024: STOK, the premium brand from Indore known for urging consumers to “live the chill,” concluded the first season of its comedy talent hunt, Agla Comic Kaun, with a spectacular finale. The event, held at The Laugh Store in Delhi’s Vegas Mall, saw celebrated comedian Rahul Dua steal the show with his signature blend of charm, wit and sarcasm. Accompanying him in the funny shenanigans were Raj Vikram and Chitresh Bhauraha the top 2 finalists of ‘Agla Comic Kaun- Season 1’.

The grand finale on 30th December was a laugh riot from start to finish as Raj Vikram and Chitresh Bhauraha set the stage alight with their hilarious one-liners and side-splitting anecdotes, warming up the crowd for the evening’s highlight—Rahul Dua. Known for his fun and engaging audience interactions, Rahul Dua then took the evening to new comedic heights with his comic genius. Here’s a sneak peak from the show. Powered by STOK, the champion of the ‘Chill Spirit,’ Agla Comic Kaun’s season finale was more than just a show – it was a celebration of the ultimate ‘chill’ lifestyle where great comedy pairs perfectly with STOK’s premium craft brews.

Conceptualized, created and executed by Qyuki Media, home to India’s biggest digital superstars, the debut season of “Agla Comic Kaun” unearthed fresh comedic talent from across the country with over 100 comedians shortlisted for a 10-round competition. The winners walked away with cash prizes, exclusive STOK hampers and once in a lifetime chance to share the stage with some of India’s top comedic names.

Talking about the event, Vedant Kedia, Chief Executive Officer, MEBL, said, “STOK represents the essence of the chill lifestyle, and what better way to celebrate this than with great and hearty laughter? Agla Comic Kaun was born out of our desire to discover the next generation of comedians who can bring joy and smiles to people’s lives. The response to this initiative has been phenomenal, and the finale was a true testament to this vision.”

Sharing his thoughts on the same, Nitin Gupta, Founder and MD at Asymmetrique, the partner agency behind the brand, said, “We had always envisioned STOK as a young brand full of cheer and laughter. Agla Comic Kaun thus was the perfect extension to this young brand, as it discovers some of the funniest young comedians from around the country. The season finale symbolized everything STOK stands for, joy, laughs and buzzy brews”.

STOK , the champion of the ‘Chill Spirit,’ continues to carve a niche among Gen-Z and millennials by fostering a vibrant community that celebrates craft and India’s thriving comedy culture. The season finale of Agla Comic Kaun was more than just a show—it celebrated the ultimate ‘chill’ lifestyle, where great comedy perfectly complements STOK’s premium brews. With the rousing success of Season 1, STOK hints at even more exciting surprises in the pipeline, setting the stage for unforgettable experiences that bring comedy and craft together in perfect harmony.

Ambuja Cements Joins ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Drive to Promote Cleanliness and Hygiene

Ahmedabad, 2 January 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, continues to drive impactful community initiatives in alignment with the government’s ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign. Aimed at promoting cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainable waste management practices, the campaign has been actively implemented across various villages in India, inspiring collective action and fostering long-term behavioural change.

In the Farakka block, West Bengal, the campaign engaged community members in a series of cleanliness awareness activities and practical efforts, such as cleaning public areas and spreading bleaching powder to improve sanitation. The initiative successfully collected an estimated 2.5 to 3 quintals of garbage from multiple identified black spots within the villages. The campaign emphasized sustained cleanliness and aimed to improve the overall hygiene in these rural areas.

Similarly, in Khambada block, Warora, Maharashtra, the community came together for a Cleanliness Rally, where all participants, including local villagers, took a cleanliness oath. The rally culminated in a full-scale village cleaning, further instilling the values of hygiene and sanitation among participants.

Ambuja Swachhata hi Seva

In Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, PRI members, school heads, teachers, and community influencers gathered to take an oath of cleanliness. A painting competition titled ‘Swachhata Hi Seva, Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata’ was held at Kashlog School, in collaboration with the ACL Mines Department. This was accompanied by a sanitation drive conducted by health volunteers and Swachhta Doots (Community Sanitation Volunteers), which targeted key areas of the village for a thorough cleaning.

The campaign also made significant strides in Bathinda, Punjab, where Ambuja Cements organised various activities including poster competitions in four government schools and cleanliness drives across Banwala Hanwanta village, Behak Khas village, Asafwala village, Fazilka, Punjab under the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP).

In Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, sanitation awareness programs were conducted in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat, farmers, women’s groups, and schools. These activities, which included plastic collection drives and painting competitions, were organized to foster a deeper understanding of sustainable waste management practices within the community.

An awareness meeting and rally on Swachhata Hi Seva were organized by Pragati Village Organization under WEP at Bhatapara. In Sankrail, a Swachhata Abhiyan cleanliness campaign was conducted with SHG women and adolescents, focusing on core village and school premises, followed by an awareness rally and garbage collection. In Chandrapur, various sanitation programs, including a painting competition and plastic collection drive, were held in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat and schools.

Ambuja Cements remains committed to uplifting rural communities through impactful campaigns such as Swachhata Hi Seva, which foster cleanliness, promote hygiene, and improve public health across India.

ODM International School, Durgapur, Celebrates Spectra-2024 with Heartfelt Tribute to Mothers

National, 2nd January 2025: ODM International School, Durgapur, a leading CBSE-affiliated school, hosted its Annual Day, Spectra-2024. The event, themed “The Saga of Motherhood,” was a spectacular celebration of the universal spirit of motherhood, showcasing the students’ artistic talents and dedication. The evening commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the esteemed chief guest, Kalamandalam Swarnadeepa, a renowned Mohiniyattam artist.

 Taking the event further, the school’s choir presented a soulful rendition of songs paying homage to Mother Earth and motherhood, setting the tone for the celebrations. Through captivating performances, students portrayed motherhood across eras, from ancient mythology to modern times—from Mata Kayadu’s devotion in Satya Yuga to Yashoda’s tender love in Dwapar Yuga, highlighting the challenges and resilience of mothers, leaving a profound impact on all.

 The ODM Durgapur principal, Mrs. Mannu Kapoor presented the Annual Report, highlighting the institution’s membership in the prestigious Round Square Club, marking a significant milestone in fostering international connections and values. Mrs. Kapoor further added, “Spectra-2024 was a testament to the power of love and celebration. As we honored the selfless spirit of motherhood, our students, teachers, and parents came together to create a truly unforgettable evening. At ODM, we go beyond academics to nurture our students. Our innovative teaching pedagogy guides our approach to delivering transformative learning experiences that shape confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.”

 The evening was interspersed by captivating dance performances that left the audience spellbound. The students’ impressive artistic talents and dedication were on full display as they seamlessly blended classical and contemporary styles to pay tribute to the universal spirit of motherhood. The evening drew to a close with a special dance performance featuring mothers and their children, beautifully capturing the unbreakable bond between them.

SANY India Launches Cutting-Edge Facility Expansion for Improved Manufacturing Efficiency

Mumbai, 2nd January 2025: SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art factory at its sprawling 90-acre manufacturing facility in Pune. This expansion is a significant stride in enhancing production capacity & localized manufacturing in India. Further reinforcing SANY`s commitment to the Indian market and developing India as a global sourcing hub.

Designed with advanced, process-driven manufacturing methodologies, the new facility is a testament to SANY India’s focus on delivering high-quality, reliable products tailored to diverse customer needs. With an annual production capacity exceeding 14,000 units, the facility also supports a robust fabrication capacity over 100,000 metric tons per year. These capabilities position SANY India to efficiently cater to increasing demands across construction, mining, and energy sectors in India and overseas while maintaining flexibility and accuracy in its operations.

Chairman Xiang Wenbo and SANY India’s senior team mark the factory expansion inauguration

The inauguration ceremony, held at Sany India‘s Pune facility, was graced by Mr. Xiang Wenbo, Chairman of SANY Group, who was joined by senior leadership team. Together, they unveiled the new production facility, designed to support Sany India’s mission of enhancing its product offerings and delivery timelines.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Xiang Wenbo, Chairman of SANY Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the expanded facility. He stated, “This new factory represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering world-class products with utmost precision. By incorporating the latest manufacturing technologies, we are positioning ourselves to meet both the challenges of today and the demands of tomorrow.”

Mr. Wenbo further underscored India’s long-term potential, describing the country as a critical operational hub for SANY’s overseas business and a cornerstone of the company’s global strategy.

Adding to this, Mr. Deepak Garg, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, SANY India, remarked, “The inauguration of our new factory Expansion represents a significant leap in SANY India’s manufacturing capabilities. This facility also supports our commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ by enhancing exports to key markets and driving increased localization in our manufacturing processes. These efforts not only boost India’s manufacturing prowess but also strengthen our role in the nation’s infrastructure development story.”

This investment not only enhances production efficiency but also underscores SANY India’s focus on streamlined operations, reduced timelines, and superior customer satisfaction.

As a leader in the heavy equipment industry, SANY India continues to set benchmarks for innovation and excellence. With this expansion, the company reinforces its position as a key driver of India’s infrastructure development, meeting the evolving needs of a dynamic and competitive market.