iPhone 16 dummy models leak, suggests Apple is making some design changes

While we are still months away from the launch of the iPhone 16 series, we are seeing fresh leaks of the next-generation iPhones every week. The dummy models of the iPhone 16 series have leaked online, offering a glimpse into the potential design changes Apple may have in store for its upcoming lineup. While we are still months away from the launch of the iPhone 16 series, we are seeing fresh leaks of the next-generation iPhones every week. So far, there have been leaks and rumours of the features that the new models could offer. Now, the dummy models of the iPhone 16 series have leaked online, offering a glimpse into the potential design changes Apple may have in store for its upcoming lineup. Macrumors citing multiple sources reported that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max could come with larger display sizes compared to their predecessors. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are speculated to maintain the same dimensions as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models. Initial impressions from the leaked images highlight the contrast in size between the iPhone 16 Pro and last year's iPhone 15 Pro, with the former featuring a reported 6.3-inch display and the latter offering a 6.1-inch display if leaks are to be believed. Similarly, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is said to feature a 6.9-inch display, compared to the 6.7-inch display of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Furthermore, detailed images shed light on potential changes in button placement, indicating Apple's plan to eliminate the Mute Switch on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The upcoming phones are said to have an Action button, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro models. Notably, the leaked images suggest that the Action button on the iPhone 16 models will be bigger than their predecessor. One of the most talked-about features is the rumoured redesign of the rear camera bump on the iPhone 16 dummy models. Sporting a pill-shaped bump, the setup is expected to include dedicated Wide and Ultrawide lenses on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, with the microphone situated alongside the lenses and the camera flash positioned outside of the camera module. Additionally, all four iPhone 16 models are speculated to introduce a novel button, dubbed the "Capture button." It is reportedly aimed at improving the photography and videography experience. Positioned alongside the Power button, the Capture button is rumoured to be mechanical and responsive to both pressure and touch, potentially improving the iPhone's capabilities as a camera alternative for quickly shooting videos.The iPhone 16 series is likely to be announced in September this year. The launch date is, of course, under wraps because we are still several months away from the iPhone 16 event. You can stay tuned to India Today Tech for all the updates.  

Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G series to launch in India in April, Flipkart reveals

A teaser published by Flipkart has revealed that the Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G series is set to make its debut in India in April. This follows the recent global launch of the Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G and Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G, both featuring the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 SoC.While the company has yet to confirm the exact launch date, the device is likely to launch soon. There have been reports suggesting that the Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G has made an appearance on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website, hinting the launch event might not be too far. The leaks haven't yet hinted what could be the India price of the new Infinix phone. But, the global launch gives us some hints about the same. The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G is priced starting from $309 (approximately Rs 25,000), while the Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G starts at $289 (approximately Rs 24,000).Both the Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G and Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G are equipped with a 6.78-inch full-HD+ curved AMOLED display. The panel refreshes at 120Hz. Powering these devices is an octa-core 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 7020 SoC. The devices run on the latest Android 14-based XOS 14 OS. Optics-wise, both models sport a triple camera setup, led by a 108-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and 3x zoom capabilities. Accompanying this primary sensor are a 2-megapixel depth sensor and a 2-megapixel macro camera. Additionally, they feature a 32-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls. Meanwhile, the Infinix Note 40 Pro 5G packs a slightly larger 5,000mAh battery under the hood. The company has given support for 45W wired charging and 20W wireless MagCharge. The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G stands out with the inclusion of Infinix's proprietary Cheetah X1 chip and is powered by a 4,600mAh battery. This device supports 100W wired charging and 20W wireless MagCharge technology.  

iPhone 15 is available with up to Rs 10,901 discount offer on Flipkart

The iPhone 15, a relatively recent addition to Apple's lineup, has swiftly found its way onto Flipkart's shelves, enticing consumers with an attractive starting price of Rs 72,999 for the 128GB storage variant. Adding to the allure, Flipkart sweetens the deal with a further Rs 4,000 discount for HDFC bank credit cardholders, effectively bringing the price down to Rs 68,999. The iPhone 15, a relatively recent addition to Apple's lineup, has swiftly found its way onto Flipkart's shelves, enticing consumers with an attractive starting price of Rs 72,999 for the 128GB storage variant. Adding to the allure, Flipkart sweetens the deal with a further Rs 4,000 discount for HDFC bank credit cardholders, effectively bringing the price down to Rs 68,999. This pricing strategy marks a notable departure from the iPhone 15's original announcement price of Rs 79,900 in India. With Flipkart's flat discount offer of Rs 10,901, including bank offers, consumers are being given an enticing proposition. Moreover, if people opt for exchange offer of up to Rs 55,500, they will be able to save even more. However, it's essential to bear in mind that the exchange value is contingent upon the age and condition of the old device being traded in. Also, no platform ever offers full exchange discount to users. So, you are likely to get less discount on exchange of your old phone, but then you will also be able to buy the iPhone 15 at an event lower price. The iPhone 15 is the first standard phone from Apple to receive a punch-hole design, which makes the content consumption experience even better than before. While there is no support for a 120Hz refresh rate, people who have been using a 60Hz screen won't miss the higher refresh rate feature. Nevertheless, the scrolling experience is mostly smooth and the display also produces vivid colours. Compared to the iPhone 14, a significant camera upgrade here is the inclusion of a 48-megapixel primary rear camera. You can expect to get sharper, more detailed images with richer colours. While the battery size sees a modest increase over the iPhone 14, Apple promises two days of usage, though real-world performance may fall short of this mark. Notably, iPhones fetch better exchange values than Android phones, making upgrading to the iPhone 15 more cost-effective. This holds true for the iPhone 14 as well, further reducing the device's price. For people who are on a tighter budget can buy the iPhone 14. It is capable of offering a smooth performance with decent camera output. The choice between models boils down to personal preferences and budget constraints. However, it's essential to remember that neither phone includes a charger, necessitating an additional purchase.  

TCS employees have 2 weeks to return to office or they will face strict action

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently urged its employees to return to office premises by the end of March, and it seems that the time for the remaining people who haven't yet returned is almost over. Here are the details.Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently urged its employees to return to office premises by the end of March, and it seems that the time for the remaining people who haven't yet returned is almost over. An ET report from last month claimed that TCS had issued a final ultimatum to its employees with strict repercussions for non-compliance with the work-from-office policy. And the end of March is almost nearing with less than 2 weeks left. Renowned for its rigorous work culture, TCS has time and again talked about the benefits of in-person collaboration, aiming to restore pre-pandemic norms and phase out remote work arrangements. While many companies worldwide have embraced hybrid work models, TCS's decision to call back all the employees to office shows how important it is for the company to go back to the traditional office setups. According to reports, TCS recently granted employees an extension until the end of March, marking it as the definitive deadline for returning to office premises. Any further delays will not be tolerated, as affirmed by the company's Chief Operating Officer NG Subramaniam. Employees failing to adhere to the prescribed timeline will reportedly face severe consequences, reflecting TCS's firm stance on workplace presence. Subramaniam talked about the significance of work culture and security concerns as driving factors behind the decision, aiming to mitigate vulnerabilities associated with remote work, such as cyber threats. TCS reportedly expects reinstating an office-centric environment to improve employee interaction and organisational development, transitioning away from the hybrid work model adopted during the pandemic. TCS's decision aligns with its October 2023 move to end hybrid work policies, mandating employees to return to office premises five days a week. This shift came amid concerns over 'moonlighting' and negative perceptions surrounding remote work policies, further emphasising TCS's commitment to traditional office-centric work environments. Besides, TCS is said to offer average salary hikes to employees this year. The increments are said to range from 7-8 per cent for offsite staff at TCS, which is basically the ones who are based in India. The onsite employees, who work internationally, will reportedly get a 2-4 per cent salary hike at TCS. The cited source also highlighted that the high performers will potentially receive a salary raise of 12-15 per cent.  

OnePlus Nord CE 4 is coming on April 1 with fast Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip

The OnePlus Nord CE4 will make its debut in India on April 1. Now we have the details of the chipset that is going to power it and it is going to be Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, the fastest chipset in its range.OnePlus is one of the most popular smartphone makers in India and users associate the brand's name with top-notch quality as well speed. As it seems to continue its focus on speed, the brand is going to equip its upcoming OnePlus Nord CE 4 with the fastest chipset in its category. The phone, which is launching in India on April 1, is going to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Now before we talk about the phone, and all that we know about it, just one line to note: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 means that the Nord CE4 will be among the fastest phones in its segment because Gen 3 is the fastest Snapdragon 7 chipset yet. The performance in a way is likely to be the centrepiece of all that Nord CE 4 will offer to consumers. The smartphone, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, promises to save 20 per cent more power when compared the its predecessors. The phone also promises a 15 per cent performance boost in CPU as well as a 50 per cent boost in GPU performance when compared to previous phones.At the same time, the Nord CE4's Qualcomm AI engine promises to result in 60 per cent better AI performance per watt. Thus, carrying out AI-related tasks on the smartphone could be a breeze. The phone also has a special surprise in store for gamers. As mentioned already, the phone's Qualcomm Adreno GPU promises to deliver over 50 percent faster graphics rendering for high-quality HDR gaming. Hence, you might get a top-notch gaming experience on the device. In addition to this, the Adreno Frame Motion Engine can double the frame rates to upscale content, while maintaining the same power consumption. This means that users will be able to boost their frame rates without losing the phone's battery.As noted earlier, the OnePlus Nord CE4 will be launching on April 1 in India. The phone will be unveiled at 6:30 pm IST. The phone's launch is expected to be streamed live on OnePlus' official YouTube channel. Users can visit OnePlus' website and click "Notify Me" to be among the first to learn about the device's launch. OnePlus has already confirmed that the phone will be available in two colours - Dark Chrome and Celadon Marble. In terms of storage, the phone will have 8 GB RAM and up to 2356 GB storage. Further, the storage can be expanded to up to 1 TB. Coming to the price, the previous model, OnePlus Nord CE 3, was introduced last year with a starting price of Rs 26,999. The upcoming model is anticipated to maintain its affordability, likely priced under Rs 30,000 in the Indian market.The OnePlus Nord CE4 boasts quite impressive features and specifications. A few of these specs and features have already been confirmed ahead of the launch. The OnePlus Nord CE4 will feature texture-based designs inspired by the OnePlus 11 Marble Odyssey. The phone will come with a triple-camera rear setup. More details about the phone's camera and design are kept under wraps.  

Samsung Galaxy M35 spotted on Geekbench listing

Samsung is reportedly all set for the launch of its much anticipated Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, which has recently been spotted on the Geekbench. This has eventually offered glimpses into some of the essential specifications of the upcoming smartphone. According to the Geekbench listing of Samsung Galaxy M35 5G, the model number of the upcoming smartphone is identified as SM-M356B. However, the South Korean tech giant is yet to confirm the device. As per Mysmartprice, tech enthusiasts have started to draw comparisons with the previous generation of the device. Furthermore, the Samsung Galaxy M35 has received a score of 656 points in the single-core testing and 1976 points in multi-core test. The listing adds that Samsung could offer the smartphone with its own Exynos 1380 chipset, which is likely to be supported by the efficient 5nm processor.  This processor features a configuration of four Cortex A78 cores clocked at 2.4GHz, along with four Cortex A55 cores that are supported by 2.0GHz and complemented by a Mali G68 GPU. Moreover, the listing suggests that the alleged smartphone is likely to be equipped with 6GB RAM and could be fueled by the latest Android 14. Although other major details are not out yet, more speculations are expected to be out soon as the device launch approaches. There are indications that the Samsung Galaxy M35 5G might share similarities with the recently launched Samsung Galaxy A35 5G. Rumors also suggest that the Galaxy M35 5G will utilize the Exynos 1380 chipset. With its strong performance capabilities and unique features, this smartphone is anticipated to have a significant impact in the competitive market. Meanwhile, Samsung's latest entrants into the bustling Indian smartphone market, the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, have made a splash with their recent unveiling. After much anticipation surrounding their pricing, Samsung has finally divulged the details, accompanied by enticing offers and comprehensive specifications, just days after their official launch.  

Ex-Google recruiter reveals list of things people should avoid doing during interviews

Navigating a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but former Google recruiter Nolan Church offers valuable insights to help candidates make a lasting impression. Throughout the interview process, he says it is better to maintain authenticity, humility, and problem-solving abilities. Navigating a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but former Google recruiter Nolan Church offers valuable insights to help candidates make a lasting impression. While it's essential to showcase enthusiasm and confidence, Church emphasizes the importance of avoiding certain behaviours that could potentially hinder your chances of securing the position, CNBC reported. One common pitfall to steer clear of is the temptation to respond to questions about areas for improvement with clichéd phrases like "I work too hard" or "I'm a perfectionist." According to Church, such responses can come across as disingenuous and may raise doubts about your authenticity. Instead, he advises candidates to embrace vulnerability by sharing genuine examples of past mistakes, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow. Remember, "I'm not hiring you to be perfect. I'm hiring you to grow with us," he said Additionally, Church advises against speaking negatively about former colleagues, managers, or organizations. Blaming others for shortcomings reflects poorly on your character and may suggest a lack of accountability. Instead, take ownership of your actions and highlight how you've learned from past experiences, showcasing humility and a commitment to personal development."You want to work with people who have the self-awareness to know when they were wrong and to update their own mental models to fix it," he said. Furthermore, when faced with questions to which you don't know the answer, Church advises against simply saying "I don't know." Instead, seize the opportunity to demonstrate problem-solving skills by offering hypothetical approaches to tackling the issue. This proactive attitude signals to employers that you're resourceful and capable of overcoming challenges, even in unfamiliar situations. Throughout the interview process, Church says it is better to maintain authenticity, humility, and problem-solving abilities. Candidates who can effectively convey these qualities are more likely to leave a positive impression on interviewers and increase their chances of securing the job at Google.  

Apple supplier Foxconns Q4 profit jumps 33% y/y, beats forecasts

Apple AAPL.O supplier Foxconn 2317.TW reported on Thursday a 33% rise in fourth-quarter profit, beating estimates, thanks to booming demand for AI servers and strong sales during the peak year-end holiday season.The world's largest contract electronics maker also forecast a slow start to 2024, but that the year would end with a significant revenue increase. The Taiwanese company said net profit for the October-December quarter rose to T$53.14 billion ($1.69 billion) from T$40 billion in the same period the previous year. The profit beat a T$43.52 billion LSEG SmartEstimate, which gives greater weight to forecasts from analysts who are more consistently accurate. In the fourth quarter, consumer electronics including smartphones accounted for 58% of its revenue while cloud and networking products, including servers, contributed 20%. Foxconn said it expects revenue for the first quarter to slightly decline from a year earlier, with revenue for smart computer electronics also likely to drop for the period. The company, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, has said it expects slowness in this year's first quarter to be similar to the same period of the previous three years. Apple last month reported sales and profit that beat Wall Street estimates, powered by growth in its iPhone business though its China sales missed analysts' targets.  

Poco X6 5G price drops on Flipkart, gets Rs 2,000 discount: Is it worth buying?

The Poco X6 has received a big discount on Flipkart, which makes it available for less than Rs 20,000 in India. The discount offer of Rs 2,000 makes the device a good deal that one can consider buying. The Poco phone has features such as a 6.67-inch 120Hz screen, a 5,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip, and more. Here is a look at the price and everything else.The Poco X6 was launched in India with a starting price of Rs 21,999 and it is currently listed on Flipkart with a starting price of Rs 19,999 without any terms or conditions. The mentioned price is for the 256GB storage model. There are no bank offers for the device, but consumers can claim the exchange offer. The website says that one can claim up to Rs 17,500 discount on the exchange of their old phone. Do keep in mind that the exchange amount is calculated based on your phone's age and condition. Additionally, you never get the full exchange amount for the old phone that is mentioned on the site. But, whatever exchange discount is given helps you get the new smartphone at a much lower price. For instance, if you are able to get the Poco X6 for less than (or around) Rs 15,000 (depending on your old device), you are in for a treat as it would be the best deal. Hence, one should claim exchange offers as well to get a new smartphone at a lower price. Yes, it is worth buying. The Poco phone has a sharper display than its rivals and it will offer the best overall screen experience as well. The Poco X6 features a 6.67-inch screen with 1.5K resolution. The panel has support for 30Hz to 120Hz refresh rate and 1,800nits of peak brightness. Surprisingly, Poco has given a 12-bit screen with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus at around Rs 20,000 price range. You are getting a good-quality display here. You mostly see a 10-bit screen (or sometimes 8-bit) in the lower mid-range price segment and a 12-bit gives you a great content-consuming experience because the higher bit depth is able to offer more colours, a smoother gradient, and better-highlighted details on the display. The 120Hz AMOLED display produces vibrant colours and it has super slim bezels around it, making the panel look bigger.  

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Using text prompts, a ChatGPT-powered chatbot can create AI music.

With just a brief text prompt, Suno, an artificial intelligence (AI) music generator, can produce original music. When the AI platform went into open beta and started accepting users into its Discord channel to test the model, it was first revealed in July 2023. Eventually, its web interface added the ability for users to create AI music. The platform and Microsoft worked together in December 2023 to add an extension for Copilot that let Chatbot users create songs as well. The Rolling Stones released a report on Sunday that shed light on the company's inner workings and mission. The report claims that Suno only creates original music in response to straightforward text commands. Within a minute of entering the prompt, the AI model creates a song that lasts 15 seconds. Pro and Premier are the platform's two paid tiers. In addition to numerous benefits, paid subscribers receive general commercial rights to the song; free account holders are not permitted to monetize the songs. The less expensive Pro tier currently starts at $10 (about Rs. 830) per month. After testing the Suno web interface, we at Gadgets 360 discovered that it was simple to use and intuitive. We were able to type our prompt and produce original tracks that sounded eerily realistic in a matter of seconds. Our response to the prompt, "A punchy pop song about an AI stuck inside the screen, jealous of real human beings," produced two different renditions of the song "Digital Envy" in less than a minute. You can listen to the generated song here. Suno, however, avoids creating any music that is sung in the manner of a true artist in order to get around the difficult situation. It won't play music when a prompt like that is entered. The AI startup is reportedly in contact with major record labels as well. Suno said that its V3 Alpha model, which it offers to Pro and Premier users, “creates more realistic, authentic music,” was made available to the public on February 23. For free users, only the V1 and V2 models are offered.  

iQOO may soon launch new Pad 2 in the market, likely to target gamers

iQOO has been making waves with its recent smartphone releases, including the iQOO 12 and iQOO Neo 9 Pro. Now, the company seems poised to broaden its product range further. There are indications that iQOO is gearing up to introduce a new tablet, likely named Pad 2, into the market. This upcoming device is expected to pack a powerful processor, possibly targeting gamers. It's worth noting that iQOO previously debuted its first tablet in China, also named Pad 2. While the earlier version didn't reach Indian shores, there's hope that the Pad 2 might make its way to Indian markets, giving consumers something to look forward to.According to a Weibo post by Tipster Digital Chat Station, the upcoming iQoo Pad 2 could come with a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC and a Mali-G720 Immortalis MP12 GPU. This tablet is speculated to feature a large LCD screen, similar to the previous iQoo Pad, which boasted a 12.1-inch 144Hz 2.8K LCD panel. The iQOO Pad 2, is codenamed as PA2473, is speculated to be a revamped version of the Vivo Pad 3 Pro tablet, as reported by MySmartPrice. The Vivo Pad 3 Pro is expected to debut alongside the Vivo X Fold 3 series, consisting of a base Vivo X Fold 3 and a Vivo X Fold 3 Pro model.The Vivo Pad 3 Pro may sport a 12.95-inch display with a resolution of 3,096 x 2,064 pixels and a 144Hz refresh rate. It's rumored to be equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of internal storage. Additionally, the tablet could house an 11500mAh battery supporting 80W wired fast charging, along with a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front camera. In the pipeline, Vivo is also expected to unveil a base model, Vivo Pad 3, in the latter half of 2024. This version might run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Notably, even Vivo has not launched a tablet in India.Coming back to the phones, the iQOO Z9 5G has hit the Indian market with a price tag of under Rs 20,000. Packed with features, this mid-range 5G smartphone boasts a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, a smooth 120Hz display, a hefty 5,000mAh battery, and a powerful 50-megapixel dual rear camera setup, among other impressive specs. The base model of the iQOO Z9 5G is priced at Rs 19,999 in India. Stay tuned for the sale date, launch offers, detailed specifications, and more.  

Nothing Phone 2a now available on sale and some users can get it for as low as Rs 19,999

Nothing Phone 2a is finally available for sale in India. It marks the third smartphone launch in the country and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, offering up to 12 GB of RAM and a 5,000 mAh battery. It features the signature Nothing transparent design, a glyph interface, and the minimalist Nothing OS UI. Priced starting at Rs 23,999, the phone is now available for as low as Rs 19,999, including bank deals and exchange offers.The base version of the Nothing Phone 2a, equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, comes with a price tag of Rs 23,999. Furthermore, the configurations of 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB are available for Rs 25,999 and Rs 27,999, respectively. These devices are offered in both White and Black colour options on Flipkart. Interested buyers can also avail an instant discount of Rs 2,000 on HDFC bank cards. Additionally, there are offers available on Axis bank cards, along with an additional Rs 2,000 discount on exchanges. As of today, buyers can purchase the new Nothing Phone 2a for Rs 19,999. Additionally, anyone who buys the Phone (2a) between March 12 and March 19 is eligible for up to 1 year of perplexity pro subscription. Moreover, Flipkart is also offering bundled discounts on accessories. CMF Buds are available for Rs 1,999 down from the original Rs 2,499 and a multiport 65W CMF GaN Charger is available for Rs 1,999 down from Rs 2,999 - compatible with the Phone (2a). This offer is valid for 30 days from the date of purchase. The Nothing Phone 2a is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, providing robust performance. It offers a base RAM capacity of 8 GB, but what sets it apart is the inclusion of an 8 GB RAM booster, effectively boosting the total RAM to an impressive 20 GB. This unique feature ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness. When it comes to photography, the Phone 2a doesn't disappoint. It features a dual-camera setup at the rear- A 50-megapixel main camera with an f/1.88 aperture lens and a 1/1.56-inch sensor size, complete with optical image stabilization. And an ultra-wide-angle camera with an impressive 50-megapixel resolution and a 114-degree field-of-view. For capturing selfies, the Phone 2a boasts a 32-megapixel front camera, delivering high-quality self-portraits similar to its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 2.  

OYO To Launch 13 Self-Operated Hotels Under Premium Brand ‘Palette’ This Year

"SUMMARY Using a format akin to OYO Rooms, the business plans to open Gujarat's Morbi as the first independently run location under the ""Palette"" brand. Last year, Oravel Stays introduced ten hotels under the Palette brand as part of a test program in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. OYO CEO Ritesh Aggarwal said last month that the company has doubled its PAT to INR 30 Cr in Q3 FY24, marking the second consecutive profitable quarter for the firm. By the end of this year, parent company Oravel Stays, a prominent player in the hospitality industry, plans to launch 13 independently run hotels under the upscale ""Palette"" brand. The business said in a statement on Thursday (March 7) that it will launch the concept by building a Palette hotel in Morbi, Gujarat, replicating an OYO Rooms model.  By the end of this year, Oravel Stays, the parent company of Oyo, a significant player in the hospitality industry, wants to open 13 upscale hotels under the Palette brand. The business established ten Palette resorts in Jaipur, Hyderabad, Digha, Mumbai, Chennai, Manesar, and Bengaluru as part of a pilot program last year. With this, there will be 23 hotels operating under the Palette brand overall. Similar to Oyo's hotels, the Palette hotels will run on a ""self-operated"" model. As a result, the corporation won't need to invest much capital in this move. This will be the company's reintroduction of its self-operated concept, which it abandoned in 2020. The company added that it will assume direct operational control of a few Palette hotels in high-growth and potential regions in order to guarantee improved guest experience and service delivery. Morbi, dubbed the city of ceramics in India, is a major economic center in Gujarat, according to Oravel Stays. Ninety percent of India's tile output is produced in the district, which is home to around 800 tile factories with an annual revenue of roughly Rs 50,000 crore. We can't wait to open our first independently run Palette hotel in Gujarat, and Morbi is the ideal place to do it. Morbi is a significant market for us because of its thriving economy and expanding commercial prospects, according to Aditya Sharma, commercial Head, Oravel Stays."

Accenture to acquire edtech Udacity to accelerate capabilities of Accenture LearnVantage

"Accenture, a technology corporation, recently revealed that it will invest $1 billion over the course of the following three years in Accenture LearnVantage, a new initiative. The goal of the development is to meet the pressing demand for data, AI, and technological capabilities across businesses. The company plans to acquire Udacity, an educational platform, in order to improve its capacity to provide customized, industry-specific training on a large scale.Reducing the skills gap with individualized education LearnVantage is intended to assist businesses in promptly recognizing and closing the skills gap caused by the swift growth of technology. The platform offers a variety of tailored learning experiences and serves a broad clientele, including company executives and board members who want to learn about generative AI and IT workers who require specific training in AI, data science, cloud, and cybersecurity. The tactical purchase of Udacity Accenture made a calculated strategic move when it acquired Udacity, an edtech platform with its headquarters in California that is well-known for its certified job-ready skills. With Udacity's experience with scalable learning technologies, professional services, and exclusive content, the agreement is anticipated to greatly enhance Accenture's learning and training offerings. Accenture will benefit from the addition of over 230 Udacity professionals, expanding its talent pool and capabilities. Putting money into labor forces. Accenture has always been committed to upskilling; the company provides about 40 million training hours annually and spends more than $1 billion on learning and training for its employees. Accenture hopes to further this commitment to its clients by assisting them in becoming independent ""talent creators"" through LearnVantage. It is anticipated that the development will enable clients to fully utilize the opportunities presented by technological transformation, spurring creativity and corporate expansion. Establishing a cooperative learning environment Accenture LearnVantage is going to work with top technology ecosystem partners like Microsoft, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services to deliver industry-relevant technology training along with state-of-the-art generative AI material. Additionally, the platform will provide certification services and nanodegrees, guaranteeing that students obtain practical experience and acquire abilities that are immediately useful in the field. "

CHEFLING secures Rs 40 lakh from Shark Tank India judges

"An inventive business called CHEFLING is changing the Indian food scene in the busy alleyways of Mumbai. CHEFLING, a company founded by Rounit Gambhir, is on a mission to introduce international cuisines into Indian homes' kitchens with its distinctive Do-It-Yourself (DIY) cooking kits. These kits are made to make cooking world cuisine easier, enabling everyone to enjoy and participate in gourmet cooking. The founder of CHEFLING, Rounit Gambhir, has a background deeply ingrained in the textile sector. But the collapse of his family's textile business in 2019 gave him the motivation to forge his own route. In 2020, Rounit launched CHEFLING after realizing the potential of DIY meal kits in the Indian market and being inspired by the idea. His vision was driven by his desire to find a simple, affordable, and sustainable answer to the difficulties he had in obtaining foreign goods and recipes. How Does Chewing Operate? CHEFLING uses a straightforward but efficient model. It sells homemade cooking kits that come with everything needed to make a certain cuisine. These kits cover a wide range of different cuisines, such as Mexican (Chalada and Taco), Italian (Lasagna), and Japanese (Sushi and Mochi). To make cooking easy, each kit includes a comprehensive recipe and, occasionally, a QR code that takes users to a video demonstration and enjoyable. The signature item of CHEFLING is their sushi kit, which is well regarded for both its convenience and high quality. The kits are reasonably priced and come in several sizes to suit the needs of singles, couples, and groups. Rounit says that although while the kits seem expensive, they are actually rather affordable when you compare the amount and caliber of sushi they can make to restaurant costs. CHEFLING expansion CHEFLING has reported remarkable sales figures since its founding; Rounit disclosed a total sales amount of more than Rs 60 lakh in a span of three years. Additionally, the firm has added new kits to its catalog, broadening its selection of products and target market. India's DIY food kit market is expected to grow rapidly, potentially reaching an estimated value of Rs 8000 crore by 2025.  Rounit hopes to gain a sizable portion of this market with CHEFLING. His goals are to showcase Indian cuisine to the globe and to make exotic cuisines available in every Indian home. His goals go beyond the available products; he intends to create a do-it-yourself bar kit and investigate other culinary advancements. Pitch to Shark Tank India A gourmet startup called CHEFLING sought Rs 40 lakhs for 10% equity in a compelling episode of Shark Tank India Season 3, valuing the company at Rs 4 crore. The pitch set off a bidding war that resulted in two primary offers: a combined offer of Rs 40 lakh for 25% stock from four investors, and an offer of Rs 40 lakh for 20% equity from Namita, Azhar, and Piyush. "

Shadowfax raises $100 million Series E round led by TPG New Quest

"Mumbai: Shadowfax, a modern logistics services provider, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $100 million for its Series E round, which is being led by TPG NewQuest, through a combination of primary and secondary funding. Those with knowledge of the situation claimed the deal values the nine-year-old company at $500-550 million, though specifics of the valuation were not made public.According to a press statement from Shadowfax, the round also included participation from current investors Mirae Asset Venture Investments (India), Flipkart, International Finance Corporation, Nokia Growth Partners, Qualcomm, and Trifecta Capital. The news of NewQuest's interest in the business was initially reported by Mint. To date, the company has raised close to $120 million from investors, including Flipkart, Qualcomm Ventures, Eight Roads Ventures, and US investment firm NGP Capital. Eight Roads Ventures, an early investor in the business that has supported it since its Series A in 2015, made a partial exit through this round, according to ShadowFax. In an interview with Mint, cofounder and CEO of Shadowfax Abhishek Bansal stated that the company has been growing profitably over the last four quarters, with an annualized revenue run rate of ₹2,400 crore for FY24. By March 31, 2024, it hopes to have closed its first year with a positive Ebitda. Bansal stated, ""We will be actively looking for more inorganic opportunities, given that we are already profitable."" The company also intends to list on Indian bourses over the next 24 months. Shadowfax intends to use the additional funding over the course of the next 18 months to expand last-mile delivery over all 20,000 Indian pin codes and increase its middle-mile network.  A portion of the money generated will be put toward expanding Shadowfax's express delivery network and creating services for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Due to the rapid growth of trade in the nation, logistics companies now need to operate quickly. We intend to enhance our technology capabilities and develop middle-mile delivery in order to establish ourselves as a fully-fledged courier within the 3PL space,"" Bansal said. The company, which was founded in 2015 by Bansal, Vaibhav Khandelwal, Gaurav Jaithliya, and Praharsh Chandra, provides services to online-first brands that range from pharmacy and food delivery services to larger e-commerce logistics. 30-minute deliveries are available for speedy commerce. ""Shadowfax is transforming India's e-commerce logistics industry. Their developed technology stack has impressed us. According to Amit Gupta, partner and head of TPG NewQuest's India and Southeast Asia, ""this helps with the delivery of superior service metrics and allows them to quickly adapt their services to client's changing needs at the lowest price."" "

Luminous Power Technologies puts the spotlight on #WomenInEnergy

In honor of International Women's Day, Luminous Power Technologies today released a digital short as part of their motivational campaign, #WomenInEnergy. The video, which is told from the perspective of a kid, masterfully depicts the prejudices and stereotypes that are pervasive in society regarding women in particular domestic contexts, such as a home terrace. Now in its second year, Luminous' #WomenInEnergy campaign seeks to inspire a better future for future generations while challenging gender preconceptions and biases that currently exist in the energy sector. The video, which was conceived by Autumn Grey, focuses on the routine domestic tasks that get accepted because they are only performed by female family members. With a small child watching his mother go about her daily business on the patio, In the film, those being taken up by other family members are beautifully shown, and the mother's role as a solar technician under the Luminous training program is shown. In this story, a boy challenges the idea of bias by judging his mother's worth by the labor she does on their terrace. Recognized for its creative energy solutions, the brand breaks beyond apparent bias to deliver a unique message. The idea of the IWD video was discussed by Neelima Burra, Chief Strategy Transformation and Marketing Officer of Luminous Power Technologies. She stated, "Although society has made significant progress and moved the needle for women in certain professions, there is still a lot to be addressed." Our movie emphasizes the need to change people's perspectives to embrace gender-neutral roles and provide everyone the same opportunity. Even if women have all the qualifications needed to work in the energy sector, they are nevertheless perceived as having a disproportionate number of men in technician positions. This movie will encourage viewers to reflect and alter their viewpoints. To hasten the nation's energy transition and promote the installation of solar PV rooftops, we must capitalize on the talent of women. The goal of our campaign, #WomenInEnergy, is to change people's perceptions and make careers for women in fields like solar technician practical and appealing. Luminous Power Technologies' chief human resource officer, Shikha Gupta, "The purpose of this film is to inspire viewers to think of traditionally male-dominated professions as safe and growth-oriented environments for women as well, such as solar technician." This movie offers a comprehensive message about the value of family support, which is the cornerstone for empowering women in non-traditional roles. When attitudes shift and everyone in the family assumes more responsibility for the home, closing the current gender gap will actually happen.

Shoppers Stop empowers women to embrace their choices fearlessly with #Don’tStop campaign

"Shoppers Stop launched the #Don'tStop campaign, which was created by Makani Creatives, in honor of Women's Day. The initiative aims to eliminate the biases and social pressures that women experience in the fields of fashion and beauty. Because of the unattainable standards that society has established, women—who are frequently the targets of unrelenting scrutiny and judgment—find themselves doubting their decisions and lacking confidence. The #Don'tStop campaign exhorts women to not hold back and to bravely embrace their choices. In the video, a girl receives criticism for being judged as ""Too Flashy,"" ""Too Bold,"" ""Too Revealing,"" ""Too Tight,"" ""Too Wild,"" and ""Too Fake,"" which is a reflection of the judgment many women face in all spheres of life. This realization served as the basis for Shoppers Stop's campaign, which encourages women to live freely and openly, without fear of repercussion. Women are frequently told what to dress, how to look, and how to portray themselves in society. #DontStop encourages women to reject these expectations and embrace their individuality. As longtime creative partners of Shoppers Stop, Sameer Makani, co-founder of Makani Creatives, commented on the campaign, saying, ""We wanted this topical campaign to authentically reflect the brand's ethos."" Our inspiration came from fashion, which is one of the most potent mediums for expressing oneself. The campaign is a powerful reminder to ignore unfavorable remarks and make decisions that suit one's comfort level and own preferences. ""We were struck by the power of simplicity in the storytelling and yet the impact it had on every woman in the room when team Makani presented the idea,"" Shwetal Basu, chief marketing and communication officer at Shoppers Stop and customer service associate, continued. It strikingly conveys the idea that, as a company, we are ardent supporters of self-assurance, tenacity, and inclusivity, opening doors for each and every woman to embrace her personal style."" The goal of the campaign film is to support women's uniqueness and give them the freedom to live boldly without fear of criticism or judgment."