World
We will here show case the latest trends in the Globe from different industries and different verticals.
Top Print Advertisers from July to September 23, 23: TAM AdEx, SBS Biotech, Maruti Suzuki, and Kia
In 2023, Top10VPN calculated the worldwide economic impact of shutdowns, which included 79,238 hours of government-mandated internet outages, to be $9.01 billion. This indicates that India was responsible for approximately 6.5% of the total economic damage caused by internet outages worldwide.The cost of these disruptions—which included significant ISP throttling, internet blackouts, and shutdowns of social media—was estimated using a variety of metrics from the US Census, the World Bank, the ITU, and Eurostat.In India, internet outages are not unusual. India experienced 92 internet shutdown occurrences in 2023, and just a few days into 2024, the nation has already recorded another internet outage, according to SFLC.in's internet shutdown tracker. Furthermore, the Center has a history of taking action against particular websites and pressuring social media companies to remove content at their request. Authorities have disagreed with digital rights advocates over shutdowns, despite citing grounds including putting an end to rumors and misinformation.Since many users rely on online services for information and business, internet disruptions come at a high cost since they reduce trade, which has an economic impact.
Yellow Wood Partners will purchase Unilever's Elida Beauty division.
The Elida Beauty division of the Unilever group, which includes the brands Q-tips, Impulse, Caress, Tigi, Timotei, Monsavon, Brut, Moussel, Alberto Balsam, and VO5, has reached a deal to be sold to the Boston-based private equity firm Yellow Wood Partners. In 2022, the company's revenue was approximately EUR 0.8 billion.Due to the fact that these companies are essential to their everyday life, consumers all across the world adore them. "Our previous collaboration with the Unilever team aided us in comprehending Elida Beauty's potential," stated Tad Yanagi, a partner at Yellow Wood Partners.
Moves and win roundup: Week of January 2, 2024
The media agency for Publicis Groupe, Starcom, has announced a new win: starting in 2024, Starcom Indonesia will serve as BMW Group's media agency of record, joining Starcom in China and Singapore, which will continue to hold that title in their respective regions. As the media agency of record in these markets, Starcom will oversee strategic planning, media buying, and business transformation for all of BMW Group's most iconic brands, including BMW and Mini, after a regional media assessment by BMW Group.Former chief marketing and customer officer of AXA Hong Kong Andrea Wong has left the company to become senior vice president of group marketing and communications at Shangri-La Group. As stated in a LinkedIn post, Wong will work with new colleagues “to further strengthen the hotel brands, create impactful marketing campaigns and PR efforts, and further build up the Shangri-La Circle propositions to deliver superior customer experience.” She will report to Kuok Hui Kwong, the chairman of the group. Wong joined AXA in 2008 and has worked there for more than 20 years. She was appointed CMO of AXA Hong Kong and Macau. To improve its social media marketing service, Innocean has formed a social marketing organization called Innocean S, which is scheduled to open for operation in January 2024. Span Wealth is the newest client of Human, an integrated agency based in Mumbai that was created by Imran Khan and Chirag Raheja. The agency's brief calls for giving the brand a fresh look, incorporating classic elegance, and developing an influential, forward-thinking online presence. With more than 500 crores of assets under management, Span Wealth is a wealth management firm situated in Mumbai. Dorothy Peng announced on LinkedIn that she has become a partner at Deloitte Consulting in Singapore. Peng will be focusing on design and customer strategy in Southeast Asia. She spent more than eight years as an employee of RGA before joining Deloitte. In 2015, she started working for the agency as a group account director. In 2022, she received a promotion to SVP managing director Asia.
Anushka Sharma takes Priyanka Chopra's position as Rajnigandha Pearls' brand face for DS Group.
New Delhi: Bollywood star Anushka Sharma has been named the new brand ambassador for the mouth freshener brand Rajnigandha Pearls by DS Group, the company that makes Pulse sweets and Catch spices. Actress Priyanka Chopra, who has been marketing the brand since 2014, is replaced by her. Anushka Sharma was highlighted in a campaign by L&K Saatchi and Saatchi, an advertising agency, that emphasized the brand's innate goodness. In the TV commercial, Sharma saves a fellow model from a wardrobe malfunction by being the show-stopper at a fashion show. The underlying lesson is that even a small deed of kindness can benefit others.
MC Stan and MS Dhoni collaborate on Fire-Boltt
Leading Indian smart wearable manufacturer Fire-Boltt releases the #GaleTohMil advertisement, which stars the most unexpected pair—cricket great MS Dhoni and well-known Indian rapper MC Stan. This engaging movie seeks to showcase the exceptional qualities of Fire-Boltt's most recent invention, the ground-breaking Wristphone, which flawlessly blends the endless possibilities of a smartphone with the practicality of a smartwatch. With #GaleTohMil, Fire-Boltt showcases how technology is seamlessly incorporated into daily life while offering a new take on the marriage of sports and music.The video, which was conceptualized and filmed by the innovative powerhouse Moonshot, enthralls viewers with its distinctive fusion of humor, technology, and star power. The narrative takes place at a party, where MS Dhoni is approached by MC Stan and has an embarrassing encounter. As Dhoni struggles to remember Stan's name and songs, tension grows and the scenario takes an unexpected turn. The situation is amusing yet relatable.The story revolves around the Fire-Boltt Wristphone, which plays a pivotal role in saving Dhoni's life by giving him the knowledge he finds difficult to recall. The movie does a good job of conveying how useful the wristwatch is and why it is deserving of the hashtag #TheSmartestSmartwatch. "We are proud to introduce our first-ever Wristphone through this entertaining and engaging ad film featuring two iconic personalities, MS Dhoni and MC Stan," stated Arnav Kishore, CEO and Founder of Fire-Boltt. This wearable technology product is revolutionary, and we think the movie will do a great job of conveying to our viewers what makes it special. To guarantee broad visibility, the advertisement film will be heavily promoted on OTT channels and social media sites. Fire-Boltt wants to engage audiences from a varie
Many items in my business are designed: Piyush Pandey
I spent a brief time working at Ogilvy Mumbai in the early years of my profession. I was definitely looking forward to meeting Piyush and simply watching and learning from his talent. It was the strongest incentive to sign up. However, deep down I was also realistic about it. I was aware that he would never have a conversation with a junior. After joining, I came to the realization that he most likely would have, but I also understood it was impossible given the amount of work he had to accomplish each day. And boy, was I glad I was. Apart from the fact that he is an advertising genius, these are the things I picked up from him during my tenure, even though I never worked directly with him.I learned the power of words from him. On my first day there, I recall being sucked into a film short for a newly launched bank. I expected an assignment when I walked in, but instead I got a really good poem. It was exquisite. The story and the slogan were both brimming with skill. Written specifically for the pitch, Piyush delivered it to the group by reading it aloud. The client gave it their blessing because it was so clever. It was enjoyable to come up with ways to carry it out. That day made me proud to be a copywriter because he demonstrated to me the power of words to accomplish goals that so many rounds of PowerPoints couldn't. I learned from him that leaders are people too.Everyone gathered on the floor to celebrate Piyush's birthday by cutting cakes. He was asked to speak a few words, as custom would have it. He became so overcome by the festivities during his remarks that he started crying. The largest agency leader in our nation displayed weakness during a time when all of them exuded strength and conceit. Furthermore, this was taking place in front of 200 or more workers. And we all cherished it. He taught me early on that leaders are people too and that it's appropriate to occasionally display your feelings as a leader since it's the right thing to do.
Raaya's integrated marketing mandate is won by With & Chai Group.
Men's ethnic clothing company Raaya has awarded the marketing mandate to Pune-based advertising firm Wit & Chai Group. Following a multi-agency pitch, the mandate was acquired by Wit & Chai in October 2023.With online and offline promotions, Wit & Chai Group hopes to raise awareness of Raaya and bolster its standing as a high-end menswear brand. "Wit & Chai gave a strong pitch, and we think working with them will help our brand reach new audiences. Our goal is to set Raaya apart as a luxury brand that is reasonably priced and to highlight our exceptional craftsmanship. Preshit Jain remarked, "We are confident that Wit & Chai has our best interests at heart.Furthermore, Wit & Chai Group partner Nahush Gulawani added, "We are thrilled to collaborate with a brand like Raaya that has such an intriguing focus: men's ethnic apparel. We are eager to collaborate with the Raaya team and use our skills to further improve the brand image. Men's ethnic clothing company Raaya has awarded the marketing mandate to Pune-based advertising firm Wit & Chai Group. Following a multi-agency pitch, the mandate was acquired by Wit & Chai in October 2023.With online and offline promotions, Wit & Chai Group hopes to raise awareness of Raaya and bolster its standing as a high-end menswear brand. "Wit & Chai gave a strong pitch, and we think working with them will help our brand reach new audiences. Our goal is to set Raaya apart as a luxury brand that is reasonably priced and to highlight our exceptional craftsmanship. Preshit Jain remarked, "We are confident that Wit & Chai has our best interests at heart.Furthermore, Wit & Chai Group partner Nahush Gulawani added, "We are thrilled to collaborate with a brand like Raaya that has such an intriguing focus: men's ethnic apparel. We are eager to collaborate with the Raaya team and use our skills to further improve the brand image.
Day 20 Box Office Collection for Dunki, Shah Rukh Khans movie is getting about ₹500 crore worldwide.
Day 20 Box Office Collection for Dunki: "Dunki," Shah Rukh Khan's third Bollywood movie of 2023, is doing well at the box office. The Raju Hirani movie saw a drop on its third Tuesday; according to Sacnilk.com, early estimates indicate that the movie made ₹1.30 crore on Day 20. After 20 days after its premiere, the film has reportedly made over ₹219.27 crore in the Indian box officAccording to a Sacnilk.com assessment, the movie's occupancy on its twentieth day was 10.47 percent in Hindi, with morning shows seeing 8.72 occupancy, afternoon shows at 10.29 percent, evening shows at 10.25 percent, and night shows at 12.61 percent.In relation to the worldwide figures, Dunki is currently on track to surpass ₹500 crore worldwide. The industry tracker claims that the SRK film has made ₹430 crore in net revenue globally. According to a recent tweet by Red Chillies Entertainment on X, the movie has made ₹447.70 crore at the global box office.On the day of its release, Dunki brought in ₹29.2 crore net in India; however, Day 2 saw a sharp decline to ₹20.12 crore. Riding high on great word-of-mouth, the movie brought in ₹160.22 crore net in its first week, while the drama about immigration brought in ₹46.25 crore net in its second week in India.
Melissa Niebes is named CEO of Federal Package, effective January 1, 2024.
Melissa Niebes has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Federal Package, a turnkey contract manufacturer with its headquarters located in Chanhassen, MN. Her appointment will take effect on January 1, 2024. Niebes is Federal Package's President and Chief Commercial Officer at the moment. She will take over as CEO from Steve Dakolios, who recently declared his intention to become a Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor at Federal Package."Melissa has a strong track record as a growth-oriented leader in the consumer goods sector. She has given the business new life, direction, and energy. As the business grows, she will keep improving operational effectiveness and organizational procedures. The time is right for new leadership, and Melissa is qualified to advance our long-term plan and quicken
What is Kanye West’s latest accessory worth $850,000?
The accessory is reminiscent of the iconic 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me and 1979's Moonraker. Kanye West has once again made headlines with his latest extravagant accessory. This time, it’s not his clothing, footwear or music that has captured everyone’s attention, but rather his jaw-dropping grill worth a staggering $850,000!When news first broke about Kanye’s dental transformation, rumours suggested that he had undergone a complete dental overhaul, replacing his teeth with titanium dentures. However, it has now been clarified that the rapper has actually opted for a luxurious grill, reminiscent of the iconic 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me and 1979’s Moonraker. For those unfamiliar with grills, they are decorative covers made from precious metals such as gold or platinum that are worn over the teeth. They have become a popular accessory among celebrities and musicians, with Kanye West being no exception.He underwent a fixed prosthodontics operation in which his teeth were fitted with grills composed of titanium, palladium, platinum, and other precious metals that he and his specialist developed. As news of Kanye’s grill spreads, social media platforms are buzzing with discussions about the extravagant accessory, with many expressing awe and admiration for Kanye’s bold fashion choice.One netizen wrote, “You know you have too much money when you do stuff like this.” Another wrote, “850k?? For dat??? Nah.” A third added, “Look like silver bubble gum wrapper to me.” A fourth said, “Biggest waste of money I’ve ever seen.” A few more comments were even more hilarious. “Thought it was tin foil at first … I was waiting to see the grill unwrapped in the tin foil,” mentioned one user. While another said, “I didn’t know the gum wrapper grills we did as kids were worth that much.”
Exceptional service shines through as flyer praises Vistara for handling delay
In the midst of the recent surge in social media chatter about airport and flight services, a passenger took to X to share his experience with Vistara’s UK 963 flight, highlighting the airline’s exemplary handling of a significant delay. The passenger, who goes by @Akshay001, narrated a detailed account of his ordeal in a thread of posts, beginning with the revelation that his Vistara flight was delayed by a staggering six hours, with over three hours spent inside the plane waiting on the runway.“First, 100/100 on honest communication, what’s in their hands and what’s not, apologizing profusely, smile on their face.”He also commended Vistara for ensuring that air conditioning and ventilation systems ran throughout the ordeal. Despite the inconvenience, the airline did not compromise on the quality of service during the extended wait.With 5.1k views, the appreciation did not stop there, many users flocked to the platform to express their own fair share of love and support. One of them wrote, “My favourite is @airvistara.. hope they would keep up the great work..” The next lines read, “Food service ran for 45 mins to an hour, then some external safety drill, then something else.” This approach, described as the “simple Indian show-honest-effort-hack”, aimed to reassure passengers that efforts were being made to resolve the situation.A second added, “That’s why it’s worth to fly with them. Weather condition none of us responsible, but this service & there communication that what you need in such situation … good luck #airvistra”. The passenger concluded the tweet thread with a shoutout to specific Vistara staff members, namely Shreshtha, Nikitha and Jyoti, who were on the flight that day. Describing them as “true rockstars”, the passenger acknowledged the challenges faced by airline staff.X user Akshay Chaturvedi was all praises for Vistara even after his flight got delayed by six hours. Yes, you read that right. Chaturvedi shared how the airlines handled the 'mini crisis' and attended to all the passengers with a smile on their faces.Chaturvedi, in his tweet, wrote, "First, 100/100 on honest communication, what’s in their hands and what’s not, apologising profusely, smile on their face. Second, ACs/ventilation on throughout, not even for a second trying to cut corners from their standard brand experience is." (Also Read: Surbhi Chandna slams Vistara for ‘mentally torturing’ her, says the staff is ‘incompetent’)He also added that the passengers were served food every 45 minutes to an hour, and they were also taught about the external safety drill.Akshay Chaturvedi took to X to share about his experience with Vistara airlines after his flight was delayed by six hours.
‘Jungle tax’: Watch these elephants in South Africa pull off a juicy heist
Move over Ocean’s Eleven, because there is a new gang in town and they have trunks – literally. In a plot twist that could give Hollywood a run for its money, a group of elephants has left the internet amused as they made the best of a zesty opportunity.The caper unfolded on a remote road in South Africa where a truck carrying a load of succulent oranges suffered a breakdown. Before long a herd of elephants descended and managed to help themselves to a citrusy feast.As the jumbos calmly relished the oranges, the drivers were seen trying to fix the broken-down truck.The video on Instagram quickly went viral with memes and comments. Soon, netizens marvelled at the elephants’ audacity and even joked about the animals summoning Uber Eats. “That truck didn’t break down. The elephants sabotaged it. It was all part of the plan,” said one playful comment.“It’s not robbing. It’s jungle tax that they’re collecting,” a user said, while another observed, “There are multiple stories on the Internet of elephants extorting ransom on delivery routes”.“You say rob, I say they were lightening the load so the truck wouldn’t breakdown again,” said a user. Clearly the crowd was in favour of the wild animals.Just another day in the world of wildlife crime, where the culprits have trunks and the loot is juicy and vitamin-packed.
Man finds piece of metal in shawarma, gets no help from food delivery app
A resident of Bengaluru received an unpleasant surprise when he used a food delivery app to purchase a chicken shawarma. While he was eating he felt something metallic in his mouth, and later shared the startling find on Reddit. “This is what happened to me today, just a few minutes back. So I ordered a Shawarma from Absolute Shawarma (Near JMJ Hospital), Nagawara, Bangalore. I had ordered it through Swiggy, and once I started eating, I noticed something crisp, to my surprise, it was a metal piece from the flame grill used for the preparation of shawarma. I was so shocked to see the Swiggy support agent taking the matter so lightly. Is there any way for me to fight against this injustice legally or report it to concerned authorities who will definitely action on this?” wrote Reddit user.As people expressed concerns about food safety and related similar experiences, the episode soon gathered attention on the internet. While many seem to face the same issue with the app, users shared their own experiences.An individual wrote, “Yeah. The pizza cost almost ₹800 and I had eaten half of it anyway before I found the nail. Didn’t want to waste time since consumer complaints also take time to solve.”Second added, “I had found a finger nail in my pizza once and Swiggy refunded the entire amount for the pizza. I would suggest you try raising this issue through another complaint option on the app if the present guy isn’t helping you. Try to call them and speak to someone, if possible. That’s more effective than the chat. Otherwise, next best option is to file a consumer complaint against both Swiggy and the restaurant.” “Amazing! I was a Maldives regular till just when the pandemic hit, but I have been to the Andaman Islands too! Andamans is so beautiful and a good alternative. Other places like Lakshadweep should be made tourist friendly,” another user posted.Netizens also responded to her post. “No I’d not believe you were in Maldives when I can clearly see the red, volcanic soil of Maharashtra, home to all my known forefathers,” a user commented.“It’s the commercialisation that is lacking. I went to Munnar in Kerala to do some hikes (which i do all around the world). India was by far the hardest to access the natural beauty. Permission and police guards everywhere.” a user posted sharing his personal experience.”With 290 and continuing retweets, 1.8k likes and 658.5K views, wondering where to capture the essence of this scenery? Look no further than India.
Won’t join Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra without seat-sharing formula: Trinamool
On December 19, the party communicated to the Congress that it will be able to concede only two seats, an offer that the Congress finds unpalatable. The Congress had fought the 2019 Lok Sabha poll with an electoral understanding with the Left Front and won two seats, cornering 5.67% of total vote share. The Trinamool Congress argues that barring the two seats the Congress won, the party has less than four per cent vote share in the remaining seats. The Left Front has already refused to ally with the Trinamool. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had written to heads of all INDIA bloc parties inviting them for the yatra. Speaking to The Hindu, a senior Trinamool leader said, “We cannot participate in a Congress event without an electoral understanding in place.” Mr. Yadav, who flagged off "Samvidhan Bachao, Desh Bachao Samajwadi PDA Yatra" from the party office in Lucknow, said that the yatra will spread the ideologies of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia and Mulayam Singh Yadav down to the villages. PDA stands for Pichada, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak-Muslims (backward, Dalits and minorities, especially Muslims)."We have taken a pledge to fulfil dreams of old socialists and the yatra will cover many districts of the State. It will attempt to unite backwards, Dalits, minorities and also upper castes," he said, adding that SP was the only party which was fighting to save constitutional values and the constitution.Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Ajay Rai told PTI that Rahul Gandhi's yatra is expected to come to Uttar Pradesh on February 14. It will spend 11 days in the State and pass through Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi's constituency Rae Bareli, and Rahul's former constituency Amethi, currently represented by Union Minister Smriti Irani, among others.
Disability court asks DGCA to ensure airline websites are accessible to the blind
disabilities has ordered the aviation regulator to ensure that the websites of airlines and travel portals are accessible to people who are visually impaired, failing which they should be barred from selling air tickets. If the travel agents fail to do so, then the DGCA shall not allow them to sell air tickets on any websites throughout the country. The DGCA should also levy fines for non-compliance by the airlines or the travel agents,” the Court of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has said, according to the record of proceedings uploaded on Tuesday. The January 5 order to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also directed the regulator to submit a report on action taken within 30 days.In a significant move towards promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwD) in the aviation sector, the court of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) has issued a series of directives to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).The court's intervention came in response to a complaint highlighting critical accessibility issues faced by PwD in the aviation sector. One of the primary concerns raised was the non-compliance of airline and travel agent websites with accessibility guidelines mandated by the DGCA's 2014 instructions. This lack of conformity poses a significant challenge for individuals with total blindness, who are unable to independently book tickets, severely limiting their travel autonomy.Another issue brought to light by the complaint was the lack of awareness among call center and training staff regarding the assistance code required for passengers with disabilities. This oversight, coupled with limited options available in online reservation forms, creates additional barriers for PwD seeking necessary assistance.The complainant also highlighted the limitations faced by passengers with disabilities in web check-in processes. Citing concerns related to emergency seat allocation, airlines currently do not allow PwD to check-in online. This restriction further complicates the travel experience for individuals with disabilities.In response to these concerns, CCPD Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized that these issues fall within the framework of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and various judicial decisions. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the CCPD directed the DGCA to take decisive action to address these challenges.
Here’s A Detailed Look At 2024 Kia Sonet Facelift Mid-spec HTX Variant In 8 Images
Kia has just refreshed its popular subcompact SUV, the Sonet, with an updated design, refreshed interior, and new features. And if you are eyeing the 2024 Sonet with automatic transmission, the HTX variant serves as an entry-level option for it. Take a look at what the HTX variant has to offer. From the front, the HTX variant resembles the HTK+ variant (that sits right below it), featuring an updated grille with chrome surrounds. However, with the HTX variant you get LED headlights (halogen headlights in HTK+ variant) with LED DRLs and LED fog lamps. The lower section showcases a silver skid plate, providing a contrasting look. It is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels that are designed to mimic the look of an alloy rim. Moving onto the rear, the HTX variant is equipped with connected LED taillights, and the bumper gets a similar design treatment to the front with a silver skid plate. Stepping inside, the first thing you will notice is the dual-tone black and tan brown leatherette upholstery for the seats. The cabin features all-black dashboard with silver inserts on the AC vents and door handles that add a dash of contrast. Adding to the premium feel are the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.It's worth noting that opting for the turbo petrol with clutchless manual transmission or diesel with manual transmission gives you a lighter beige tone to the upholstery. Additionally, the rear seats offer a 60:40 split for added flexibility, and rear passengers benefit from adjustable headrests, and a rear centre armrest with cup holders.With the HTX variant, you get front ventilated seats (limited to the 1-litre turbo with 7-speed DCT and 1.5-litre diesel with 6-speed AT and iMT variants). Apart from this, it comes equipped with a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a 4.2-inch semi digital driver’s display, sunroof, Type-C charging ports, electrically foldable ORVMs, drive modes, paddle shifters in automatic transmission variants, and a 6-speaker sound system. Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, rear disc brakes, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors as well as seat belt reminders for all passengers.
Mid-spec Tata Punch EV vs Top-end Tata Tiago EV: Cross-shopping Simplified
Tata Motors recently launched the Punch EV, introducing a new electric micro-SUV in our market. It sports a refreshed look and is based on a completely new electric car-only platform. The Punch EV joins Tata's lineup of electric vehicles, including the Tiago EV. If you are considering both the Punch EV and Tiago EV, we have simplified your decision-making process with a detailed comparison. Check it out. The mid-spec Punch EV Standard Range marginally undercuts the top-spec Tiago EV Long Range. It's important to note that, we are considering the Tiago EV configured with a 7.2 kW AC fast charger, which comes at a premium of Rs 50,000. Both the vehicles come standard with 3.3 kW AC charger. Considering the segment, the Punch EV is undoubtedly a larger vehicle than the Tiago EV, offering more space and a larger boot. It also has a longer wheelbase and that should result in more room inside the cabin. Things change in the features department, with no significant difference between the two cars. In fact, the Tiago EV offers additional features such as rain-sensing wipers, a larger 8-speaker sound system, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. On the other hand, the Punch EV rides on larger 15-inch wheels and comes equipped with 6 airbags. As seen in the table above, there is barely any difference between the two cars in terms of powertrain specifications. However, the Punch EV's electric motor produces slightly more power. In terms of claimed range, both deliver a similar range. Do note that you get a second powertrain choice with both cars: Medium Range in the Tiago EV and Long Range in the Punch EV. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether to choose a larger micro-SUV or a hatchback with a smaller form factor, as both cars more or less offer a similar features set and power figures. Keeping the size factor aside, choosing the Punch EV means opting for a more modern product with an updated design. If you can configure it to higher-spec variants, you also get additional niceties like ventilated seats, and a larger infotainment and digital driver’s display. You also get the novelty factor of an SUVThe Tiago EV, on the other hand, is based on its petrol-powered counterpart, maintains the same design and feel, which might feel dated when compared to the Punch EV. Nevertheless, it does offer some additional conventional features if aesthetics are overlooked. That said, the new Punch EV is definitely the more modern product here and is our pick.
India overtakes Hong Kong as worlds fourth-largest stock market
India's stock market capitalization crossed $4 trillion for the first time on December 5, with about half of that coming in the past four years. India’s stock market has pipped Hong Kong for the first time. The combined value of shares listed on Indian exchanges hit $4.33 trillion as of Monday’s close, against $4.29 trillion for Hong Kong, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, making India the fourth-biggest equity market globally. Its stock market capitalization crossed $4 trillion for the first time on December 5, with about half of that coming in the past four years. India has all the right ingredients in place to set the growth momentum further,” Ashish Gupta, chief investment officer at Axis Mutual Fund in Mumbai, told Bloomberg. Hong Kong's slump is also due to an eroding China appeal. Some of China’s most influential and innovative firms are listed in Hong Kong. Beijing’s stringent anti-Covid-19 curbs, regulatory crackdowns on corporations, a property-sector crisis and geopolitical tensions with the West have hit Chinese stocks hard. The total market value of Chinese and Hong Kong stocks have tumbled by more than $6 trillion since their peaks in 2021. New listings have dried up in Hong Kong, with the Asian financial hub losing its status as one of the world’s busiest venues for initial public offerings. Overseas funds poured more than $21 billion into Indian shares in 2023, helping the country’s benchmark S&P BSE Sensex Index cap an eighth consecutive year of gains.“There is a clear consensus that India is the best long-term investment opportunity,” Goldman Sachs Group Inc. strategists including Guillaume Jaisson and Peter Oppenheimer wrote in a note Jan. 16 with results of a survey from the firm’s Global Strategy Conference.
Tech layoffs: Tencents Riot Games to lay off 11% employees
Riot Games, based in Los Angeles, is known for popular games like 'League of Legends'. The company stated that teams not directly involved in game development will be most affected by the layoffs.Riot Games, a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings, announced on Monday that it plans to lay off 530 employees, which is about 11% of its global staff. The news was shared in a blog post that included a letter from CEO Dylan Jadeja to the employees.Riot Games, based in Los Angeles, is known for popular games like "League of Legends". The company stated that teams not directly involved in game development will be most affected by the layoffs. The digital gaming industry is facing challenges as audiences are hesitating to buy expensive titles or are sticking to fewer games due to high inflation. This trend was also seen last year when Electronic Arts Inc cut 6% of its staff and reduced office space. In his letter, Jadeja explained, "We're a company without a sharp enough focus, and we have too many things underway. Some of the significant investments we've made aren't paying off the way we expected them to. Our costs have grown to the point where they're unsustainable."The layoffs will allow Riot to concentrate on its live games portfolio, which includes "League of Legends", "Valorant", "Teamfight Tactics", and "Wild Rift". This was mentioned in a separate blog post by Jadeja and co-founder Marc Merrill.Riot will halt new game development under "Riot Forge" and will reduce some staff and features in "Legends of Runeterra".Tencent, which bought a majority stake in Riot Games in 2011, also has a stake in U.S. video game developer Epic Games.
Tata Motors zooms to 52-week high on plans to hike vehicle prices
Shares of Tata Motors Limited traded over a percent higher at Rs 827 to hit a fresh 52-week high on January 23 after the company announced that it will raise the prices by 0.7 percent across its passenger vehicles portfolio, including electric vehicles, with effect from February 1. The automobile major said the main reason behind the hike is escalating input costs. Despite the announcement, specific revised prices for each car have not been disclosed by the company. At 9:26am, the stock was trading at Rs 825, up 0.7 percent from the previous close on the NSE. In the last year, the counter has had a stellar rally, gaining over 100 percent on the bourses. It was also the best performer on the Nifty in 2023. The hike isn't just restricted to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but also EVs where Tata Motors is the market leader. This comes after the company launched the new Tata Punch EV, its recent addition to the electric SUV segment. Before its launch, Tata had Nexon EV, Tigor EV, and Tiago EV. The development gains significance as Tata Motors isn't the first company to hike prices in 2024. Last week, Maruti Suzuki announced a 0.45 percent price increase for its models. The company’s diverse range of vehicles, from the entry-level hatchback Alto to the sports utility vehicle Jimny and the multi-utility vehicle Invicto.
Cipla shares rally 7% to hit 52-week high on strong Q3 earnings
Shares of Cipla rallied 7 percent to hit a 52-week high of Rs 1,409 in the opening trade on January 23, a day after the company reported a strong performance in Q3 on all key parameters of profit, revenue and profitability. The company's net profit for the quarter grew 32.7 percent on-year to Rs 1,049 crore despite an exceptional loss of Rs 194.8 crore. The bottomline growth was also aided by a 14.2 percent on-year increase in revenue to Rs 6,544 crore in the October-December period. Growth was largely broad-based across markets as the company clocked in its highest ever North American sales at $230 million, up 18 percent on year. The India business grew nearly 12 percent to Rs 2,859 crore, whereas sales from the South Africa recorded a near 10 percent rise to Rs 603 crore. Growth in the India business was driven by a strong performance across branded prescription, trade generics and consumer health, while that in North America was supported by continuing momentum in key assets and robust demand in base business along with some year-end buying.The South Africa business also benefitted from the increase in revenue in local currency terms. This performance was supported by positive traction in prescription, OTC (over-the-counter) and tender.
