Author: News Desk

Onam, a major festival in Kerala, marks the beginning of the Indian festival season. It kicks off a series of celebrations that continue with Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehra, and culminates in Diwali. For marketers, Onam is crucial because the early gains during this festival often set the tone for performance throughout the rest of the festive season. The Economic Importance of Onam In Kerala, Onam is the most significant shopping period of the year. The state sees a higher per capita expenditure during this festival compared to many other regions in India. Additionally, Kerala’s affluent diaspora, spread across the Gulf,…

The State Bank of India (SBI) Foundation has introduced the third edition of its prestigious Asha Scholarship Programme. This initiative aims to assist 10,000 talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across India, providing substantial financial aid to support their educational aspirations. Scholarship Categories and Eligibility Criteria Key Features of the Programme Application Process and Required Documents Selection Process The selection is based on academic merit and financial need, involving initial screening, telephonic interviews, and document verification. The scholarship amount is directly transferred to the students’ bank accounts. Program Impact and Vision Since its launch in 2022, the Asha Scholarship Programme…

JSW MG Motor India has launched the Windsor EV, an electric crossover utility vehicle (e-CUV) priced at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory). This marks the first vehicle introduced under the partnership between JSW and MG Motor. Positioned between the Comet EV and the ZS EV, the Windsor EV blends features of a hatchback and an MPV, offering a versatile hybrid design. Advanced Features and Design The Windsor EV, based on the Wuling Cloud EV sold in China, boasts a range of advanced features aimed at enhancing user experience. These include: With dimensions of a wheelbase of 2,700mm, a width of…

In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, shared that a major Abu Dhabi-based bank is in advanced discussions to acquire a significant stake in an Indian bank. While the names of the banks remain undisclosed due to market sensitivities, the potential investment could be valued at billions of dollars, signaling deepening economic ties between the two nations. Key Investment Opportunity with Challenges Ambassador Alshaali acknowledged the magnitude of the deal but emphasized that certain unresolved issues need to be addressed before the investment can move forward. “There are some matters that need to be sorted…

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, India’s leading firm by valuation, has announced a significant new partnership with Israel’s Delta Galil Industries. The collaboration involves a 50/50 joint venture to establish an innovative apparel platform. Delta Galil, renowned globally for its high-quality branded and private label products, specialises in intimate wear, activewear, loungewear, and denim for all ages. Strategic Goals and Market Expansion The new apparel innovation platform aims to meet the unique needs of Indian consumers. Delta Galil, known for its cutting-edge designs and premium products, will utilize this venture to bolster its presence in India’s rapidly expanding market. The joint…

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is rapidly climbing the ranks of the world’s wealthiest individuals. After a massive $51 billion increase in his fortune this year, Zuckerberg is now closing in on the top spot in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. His net worth has reached an impressive $179 billion, placing him just behind Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Bernard Arnault. Zuckerberg’s Rise in the Wealth Rankings Zuckerberg’s meteoric wealth surge has catapulted him from sixth place to third, briefly overtaking LVMH’s Bernard Arnault. Currently sitting in fourth place, Zuckerberg trails Musk (worth $248 billion), Bezos ($202 billion), and Arnault ($180 billion).…

Two groups of Indian expatriates from Kerala living in the UAE struck gold by winning $1 million (Rs 8.39 crore) each in the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Millennium Millionaire draw, held on Wednesday, September 11. Abdul Azeez Wins Big Abdul Azeez, a 38-year-old Indian national residing in Dubai, emerged victorious in Millennium Millionaire Series 472. He won with ticket number 3361, which he purchased on August 31. Azeez, who has been living in Dubai for 12 years and works as a driver/messenger, bought the ticket along with his brother and two friends. “I was thrilled when I heard my name…

Mumbai’s famed dabbawalas, renowned for their punctuality and dedication in delivering lunch boxes across the city, have reached a new milestone by being included in Kerala’s Class 9 English curriculum. A chapter titled ‘The Saga of the Tiffin Carriers’ highlights their remarkable journey from 1890 to their global acclaim. Celebrating an Inspiring Journey The chapter, authored by travel writers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, is part of Kerala’s updated 2024 curriculum introduced by the Kerala State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). It traces the history of Mumbai’s dabbawalas, starting with Mahadeo Havaji Bachche, who made the first delivery from…

Keltron has announced admissions for its Professional Diploma in Generative AI-Enhanced New Media and Web Solutions (GAINEWS). This course is designed to equip students with advanced skills in AI technologies, offering a modern approach to digital marketing and web solutions. Cutting-Edge AI Training The GAINEWS program provides comprehensive training in advanced AI tools and strategies, including Generative AI Engine Optimization (GEO), modern SEO and SMO techniques, AI-driven blog architecture, and digital accessibility. These skills enable participants to go beyond traditional digital marketing methods, which rely on existing search algorithms. Instead, GAINEWS leverages AI technology for a more dynamic and adaptive…

The Mahindra XUV 3XO has witnessed impressive sales growth since its debut, establishing itself as a popular choice among compact SUV buyers. Here’s a closer look at its performance and features. Strong Sales Growth Post-Launch Since its launch in May 2024, the Mahindra XUV 3XO has consistently performed well in the market. In its debut month, it sold an impressive 10,000 units. By August 2024, sales hit 9,000 units, nearly double the 4,992 units sold during the same month in 2023. This represents an 80% year-on-year (YoY) growth. Despite this YoY growth, the month-on-month (MoM) sales from July 2024 saw…