Salesforce and Ather Energy Partner to Revolutionize Customer and Dealer Experience

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Bangalore, March 17, 2025: In a groundbreaking collaboration, Salesforce, the global leader in AI-powered CRM solutions, has partnered with Ather Energy Limited, one of India’s leading electric two-wheeler (E2W) manufacturers, to enhance dealership operations and redefine customer experiences.

With 350 dealerships across India and plans for further expansion, Ather Energy is set to implement a first-of-its-kind Dealer Management System (DMS)—‘Ather Dealer Central’, built on the Salesforce platform. This unified system will integrate Lead Management (LMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Dealer Management (DMS) into a scalable, AI-powered ecosystem, improving operational efficiency and customer engagement.

Next-Gen Dealer Management for India’s EV Revolution

Speaking about the initiative, Ravneet S. Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said:
“At Ather, we wanted a dealer management system that is agile, scalable, and truly customer-centric. With ‘Ather Dealer Central’, we are transforming how EV dealerships operate, offering our partners unprecedented insights, mobility, and efficiency to deliver exceptional customer service. This is a strategic asset that will shape the future of EV retail and customer engagement in India.”

The mobile-friendly DMS platform will enable Ather dealers to make real-time, data-driven decisions and optimize sales, service, and customer support—directly impacting customer satisfaction and business growth.

AI-Driven Future of Automotive Retail

Commenting on the partnership, Mankiran Chowhan, Vice President, Financial Services & Consumer Industries, Salesforce India, said:
“As India’s EV market matures, customer experience will be a key driver of growth. Our collaboration with Ather Energy showcases how AI-driven technology can redefine mobility, empowering businesses to deliver smarter, more connected experiences. Ather is setting a new benchmark for dealership management and customer engagement.”

Ather Energy will also leverage Salesforce Agentforce, an AI-powered digital labor solution, to automate dealership operations and customer interactions. Agentforce will enable AI agents to work alongside human teams, optimizing operations and delivering faster, more efficient service.

With this partnership, Ather Energy and Salesforce are pioneering a digital transformation in India’s EV sector, setting new standards for dealer efficiency, customer experience, and business scalability.

City Today News 9341997936

ICONiQ White Whisky Becomes India’s Youth Favorite, Surges Past 50 Lakh Cases as a top Trending Brand

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The brand sells 50 lakh or 5 million cases in just 344 days of its second year of national launch

ICONiQ White Whisky’s unprecedented growth strengthens ABD’s position in Prestige & Above spirits’ segment

16th March, 2025: Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD), the 3rd largest spirits company in India and, the maker of ICONiQ White International Grain Whisky, reports a significant milestone that its flagship brand has surpassed 50 Lakh or 5 million cases in FY24-25 with a good three weeks remaining in financial year, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing whisky brands globally. Since its launch in *September 2023,* ICONiQ White Whisky has gained momentum in the *Prestige & Above segment*, driven by its *contemporary product design and strong consumer demand.*

ICONiQ White Whisky recorded *3.2 Lakh cases in FY22-23* during its initial launch across East and North India. In *FY23-24,* sales surged to 22.7 Lakh cases, earning recognition as the *fastest-growing spirits brand in the world for 2023,* as per *Drinks International’s Millionaire’s Club Report 2024*. Continuing its remarkable trajectory, the brand has now surpassed 50 Lakh or 5 million cases in FY24-25.

Speaking on ICONiQ White Whisky’s milestone, *Alok Gupta, Managing Director, Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited*, said “Crossing 50 lakh cases in just 344 days of FY 25 is a defining moment for ABD, with ICONIQ becoming India’s number one trending whisky among young adults for its sophisticated blend and stylish packaging. We’re particularly proud of how the brand is capturing the imagination of coming-of-age consumers entering LDA bracket, while also gaining international recognition across 5 countries with ambitious global expansion plans. This milestone reflects our strategic focus on growing our presence in the high-margin Prestige and above segment while maximizing our integrated manufacturing and distribution strengths both domestically and globally.”

Speaking of ICONiQ White Whisky’s success, *Bikram Basu, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited,* said “I am happy that ICONiQ has done well. All credit to our teams who have driven this effectively and with so much passion. Grateful to get this kind of consumer love across markets with a simple thought and brand construct, and without so far accessing any television, major event, or celebrity endorsement. ICONiQ carries the potential to be a gamechanger.”
ICONiQ Whisky’s *success is further reinforced by its multiple international accolades,*

highlighting its superior craftsmanship. The whisky secured *Gold Medals at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2024, International Whisky Competition (IWC) 2024, and India Wine & Spirits Awards (IWSA) 2024.* Additionally, it was honored with the *Gold Quality Award at Monde Selection 2024* and the *Superior Taste Award at the International Taste Institute 2024 in Brussels*, reinforcing its standing as a premium whisky of international standards.

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ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ನೌಕರರ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ ಈಡೇರಿಸದಿದ್ದರೆ ಎರಡು ದಿನಗಳ ಮುಷ್ಕರ – UFBU ಘೋಷಣೆ

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು: ದೇಶದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ನೌಕರರ ಒಕ್ಕೂಟ ಯುನೈಟೆಡ್ ಫೋರಮ್ ಆಫ್ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಯೂನಿಯನ್ಸ್ (UFBU) ಮಾರ್ಚ್ 23 ಮತ್ತು 24, 2025ರಂದು ದೇಶವ್ಯಾಪಿ ಎರಡು ದಿನಗಳ ಮುಷ್ಕರವನ್ನು ನಡೆಸಲು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿದೆ. ವಿವಿಧ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಯೂನಿಯನ್ಸ್‌ ಒಳಗೊಂಡ ಈ ಒಕ್ಕೂಟವು ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಉದ್ಯೋಗಿಗಳ ಬೇಡಿಕೆಗಳ ಅನುಷ್ಠಾನಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಈ ನಿರ್ಧಾರ ಕೈಗೊಂಡಿದೆ.

ಮುಷ್ಕರದ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಬೇಡಿಕೆಗಳು:

ಹೊಸ ನೇಮಕಾತಿ: ಖಾಲಿ ಹುದ್ದೆಗಳನ್ನು ಭರ್ತಿ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು ಮತ್ತು ತಾತ್ಕಾಲಿಕ ನೌಕರರನ್ನು ಖಾಯಂಗೊಳಿಸಬೇಕು.

5 ದಿನಗಳ ಕೆಲಸದ ವಾರ: ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿಂಗ್‌ ಉದ್ಯಮದಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಐದು ದಿನಗಳ ಕೆಲಸದ ವಾರವನ್ನು ಜಾರಿಗೆ ತರುವುದು.

PLI ಸಂಬಂಧಿತ DFS ನಿರ್ದೇಶನ ಹಿಂಪಡೆಯಬೇಕು: ಇದು ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ನೌಕರರ ಹಿತಾಸಕ್ತಿಗೆ ವಿರುದ್ಧವಾಗಿದೆ.

ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗೆ ಸುರಕ್ಷತೆ: ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಿಂದ ನಡೆಯುವ ಹಲ್ಲೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಕಡಿವಾಣ.

IDBI ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿನಲ್ಲಿ 51% ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಪಾಲು ಉಳಿಸಬೇಕು: ಖಾಸಗಿ ಹಸ್ತಾಂತರ ತಡೆಯಲು.

ಗ್ರಾಚುಟಿ ಮಿತಿಯನ್ನು ₹25 ಲಕ್ಷಕ್ಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸಬೇಕು: ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಅದನ್ನು ತೆರಿಗೆ ಮುಕ್ತಗೊಳಿಸಬೇಕು.

ಹೊಸ ನೇಮಕಾತಿಯಿಂದ ಸೇವಾ ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟ ಸುಧಾರಣೆ: ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿ ಕೊರತೆಯಿಂದ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿಂಗ್ ಸೇವೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಸಮರ್ಪಕತೆ ಉಂಟಾಗಿದೆ.

ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕ ವಲಯದ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕುಗಳ ಸ್ವಾಯತ್ತತೆಯನ್ನು ಕಾಯ್ದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು: ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಹಸ್ತಕ್ಷೇಪ ತಪ್ಪಿಸಬೇಕು.

ಹೊರಗುತ್ತಿಗೆ ಮತ್ತು ತಾತ್ಕಾಲಿಕ ಉದ್ಯೋಗ ನಿಯೋಜನೆ ಸ್ಥಗಿತಗೊಳಿಸಬೇಕು.


ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರ ಸಹಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ವಿನಂತಿ
UFBU ಮುಖಂಡರು ಪತ್ರಿಕಾ ಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, “ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ನಿರ್ವಾಹಕ ಮಂಡಳಿಗಳು ನಮ್ಮ ಬೇಡಿಕೆಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಯಾವುದೇ ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಂಡಿಲ್ಲ. ಹೀಗಾಗಿ, ಈ ಮುಷ್ಕರ ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯವಾಗಿದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಹೋರಾಡುವ ಈ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರು ಸಹಕಾರ ನೀಡುವಂತೆ ಕೋರಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತೇವೆ,” ಎಂದರು.

ಮುಷ್ಕರದ ಪರಿಣಾಮ:
ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಮುಷ್ಕರದಿಂದ ದೇಶದ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿಂಗ್ ಸೇವೆಗಳು ಭಾಗಶಃ ಅಸ್ತವ್ಯಸ್ತವಾಗುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆ ಇದೆ. ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರು ಮುಷ್ಕರದ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ತುರ್ತು ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿಂಗ್ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ಮುಂಚಿತವಾಗಿ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವಂತೆ ಸಲಹೆ ನೀಡಲಾಗಿದೆ.

ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆ
ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ನೌಕರರ ಈ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆಯನ್ನು ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಆಡಳಿತ ಮಂಡಳಿ ಗಂಭೀರವಾಗಿ ಪರಿಗಣಿಸುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆ ಇದೆ. ಬೇಡಿಕೆಗಳ ಈಡೇರಿಕೆಗೆ ಮಾತುಕತೆ ನಡೆಯುವುದಾ, ಅಥವಾ ಮುಷ್ಕರ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯುತ್ತದೆಯಾ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಕಾದು ನೋಡಬೇಕಾಗಿದೆ.

City Today News 9341997936

Syed Sha Ali Ul Hussaini Elected as Karnataka Waqf Board Chairman Amid Controversy

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru: Syed Sha Ali Ul Hussaini has been elected as the new Chairman of the Karnataka State Waqf Board. Following his election, Hussaini reiterated his commitment to upholding the law and the Waqf Act while focusing on the development of waqf properties to benefit the most vulnerable sections of the Muslim community.

“I will work towards the upliftment of the community by equipping individuals with skills and abilities that enable them to become self-sustainable,” Hussaini stated. He also emphasized his focus on poverty alleviation through the efficient use of waqf resources.

Hussaini expressed his gratitude to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for their support in his election. Acknowledging their role in facilitating his appointment, he assured his commitment to serving the community.

Election Postponement and Allegations of Misconduct

The election process was not without controversy. Originally scheduled for February 17, 2025, the election was postponed due to significant opposition. Allegations surfaced that Minority Affairs Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan had attempted to appoint Anwar Basha as Chairman despite accusations of his involvement in waqf land encroachments.

Concerns were also raised regarding several nominated board members reportedly facing criminal charges. Activist Syed Ashraf had urged the Chief Minister to intervene, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the selection process. He also accused Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan of appointing close associates to key positions within the Minority Affairs Department, including the Waqf Board, which functions as an autonomous body.

Following the postponement, Ashraf described Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s decision as a victory for justice.

Boycott and Election Outcome

During the rescheduled election, former Chairman Anwar Basha and several board members boycotted the meeting, leaving only five members present when Hussaini was elected.

Addressing the boycott, Hussaini reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance. “I am determined to take everyone along and work together for the benefit of the community, regardless of whether they supported me or not,” he said. He expressed optimism that those who abstained from the election meeting would eventually support his leadership.

Future Plans and Vision

Hussaini’s tenure is expected to focus on community development and better management of waqf properties to ensure long-term sustainability and empowerment. His leadership will be closely watched as he works toward achieving these goals while navigating the challenges within the Karnataka Waqf Board.

City Today News 9341997936

ಬಿ.ಪ್ಯಾಕ್‌ನಿಂದ ನಾಗರಿಕ ನಾಯಕತ್ವ ತರಬೇತಿಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಆಹ್ವಾನ

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು: ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ಹೊಂದಿರುವವರಿಗಾಗಿ ಪೊಲಿಟಿಕಲ್ ಆಕ್ಷನ್ ಕಮಿಟಿ (ಬಿ.ಪ್ಯಾಕ್) ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯು ಬಿ.ಪ್ಯಾಕ್ ನಾಗರಿಕ ನಾಯಕತ್ವ ತರಬೇತಿ (ಬಿ.ಕ್ಲಿಪ್) ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ 10ನೇ ಆವೃತ್ತಿಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಆಹ್ವಾನಿಸಿದೆ.

ಈ ತರಬೇತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜಕೀಯ, ನಗರ ಆಡಳಿತ, ನೀತಿ ನಿರೂಪಣೆ, ನಾಯಕತ್ವ, ಚುನಾವಣಾ ಕಾರ್ಯತಂತ್ರ, ಮಾಧ್ಯಮ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ನಾಗರಿಕ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇವೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಲು ಬೇಕಾದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ರೀತಿಯ ಅರ್ಹತೆಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದು ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿದೆ.

ಬಿ.ಕ್ಲಿಪ್ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಮುಖ್ಯಸ್ಥ ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಪೂಜಾರಿ ಹೆಚ್.ಎಸ್ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, “ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ತಳಮಟ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಗರಿಕರ ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿಯನ್ನು ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾಗಿ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುವ ಮತ್ತು ದಕ್ಷ ಆಡಳಿತದ ಮೂಲಕ ಸಮಾಜದಲ್ಲಿ ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ತರುವ ನಾಯಕರನ್ನು ರೂಪಿಸುವುದು ಈ ತರಬೇತಿಯ ಮೂಲ ಉದ್ದೇಶವಾಗಿದೆ. ಕಳೆದ ಒಂಬತ್ತು ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ 400ಕ್ಕೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಗೆ ತರಬೇತಿ ನೀಡಲಾಗಿದ್ದು, 10ನೇ ಆವೃತ್ತಿಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಆಹ್ವಾನಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ 10ರವರೆಗೆ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಲು ಅವಕಾಶವಿದೆ. ಬಿಬಿಎಂಪಿ ಚುನಾವಣೆ ಸಮೀಪಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಚುನಾವಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧಿಸುವವರು ಸಹ ತರಬೇತಿ ಪಡೆದು ಸೂಕ್ತ ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಆಡಳಿತ ನಡೆಸಲು ಅನುಭವ ಪಡೆಯಬಹುದು” ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಆಸಕ್ತ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ನಾಗರಿಕರು http://www.bpac.in ವೆಬ್‌ಸೈಟ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಅರ್ಜಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಬಹುದು. ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಾಗಿ +91-63648 56147, 080-41521797 ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಂಪರ್ಕಿಸಿ ಅಥವಾ bclip@bpac.in ಇ-ಮೇಲ್‌ಗೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಬಹುದು ಎಂದು ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿದೆ.

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