January 22, 2025, Mumbai: L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India has recorded a consolidated PAT at Rs. 2,007 Crore for the nine months ended December 31, 2024, a growth of 14% over nine months ended December 31, 2023. The consolidated PAT for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024, stood at Rs. 626 Crore.

The Company has recorded quarterly retail disbursement of Rs. 15,210 Crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024, up 5% YoY. The retail book size reached Rs. 92,224 Crore during the quarter, implying a growth of 23% YoY.

Furthermore, the Company’s customer-facing PLANET app, which has emerged as a powerful digital channel for customers, has crossed more than 1.5 Crore downloads as of December 31, 2024, comprising more than 13.8 lakh downloads from rural areas. As of date, this channel has done collections of over Rs. 3,100 Crore and has done sourcing of over Rs. 10,500 Crore (including web).

Commenting on the financial results, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO of LTF said, “Despite certain macro challenges within the microfinance sector, we have managed the situation effectively. We are hopeful that the environment will be much better over the next couple of quarters.

Our investments and efforts towards building a world-class credit underwriting and monitoring infrastructure continued unabated. Apropos to the same, our next-generation three-dimensional credit underwriting engine ‘Project Cyclops’ was extended to 100% of dealerships in Two-wheeler Finance and was also operationalized for the Farm Equipment Finance business.

In our pursuit of innovation within the lending landscape, LTF launched a strategic partnership with Amazon Pay to develop and offer cutting-edge credit solutions through the platform. We also extended the PhonePe partnership to Personal Loans, delivering a seamless digital lending experience to our consumers.

Additionally, we have launched Knowledgeable AI (KAI), an AI-powered chatbot that revolutionizes the home loan experience. We were also delighted to host RAISE’ 24, India’s premier AI-themed event in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector focused on Al’s real-world applications. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to driving innovation and enhancing our offerings to better serve our customers.”

Healthy retail disbursements and book for the third quarter ended December 31, 2024:

• Rural Business Finance:

o Book size at Rs. 26,231 Crore vs. Rs. 23,110 Crore, up 14% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 4,599 Crore vs. Rs. 5,476 Crore, down16% YoY
o A risk calibrated disbursement strategy was followed in the business owing to a challenging macro environment

•  Farmer Finance:

o Book size at Rs.15,075 Crore vs. Rs. 13,845 Crore, up 9% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 2,495 Crore vs. Rs. 2,027 Crore, up 23% YoY
o Growth in the segment aided by a better than average monsoon and festive season demand

•  Two-wheeler Finance:

o Book size at Rs. 12,676 Crore vs. Rs. 10,447 Crore, up 21% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 2,414 Crore vs. Rs. 2,540 Crore, down 5% YoY
o Calibrated disbursements owing to the strengthening of documentation and credit guardrailsfor sourcing of better-quality credit tested customer and shift towards prime customer

•  Personal Loans:

o Book size at Rs. 7,820 Crore vs. Rs. 6,427Crore, up 22% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 1,642 Crore vs. Rs. 847 Crore, up 94% YoY
o Growth was aided by digital partnerships and tapping growth in prime segments

•  Housing Loans and Loans Against Property:

o Book size at Rs. 23,461 Crore vs. Rs. 16,654 Crore, up 41% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 2,475 Crore vs. Rs. 1,998 Crore, up 24% YoY
o Growth on the back of focus on distribution channels and partnerships. Maintained a pristine secured portfolio performance

•  SME Finance:

o Book size at Rs. 5,817 Crore vs. Rs. 3,078 Crore, up 89% YoY
o Disbursements at Rs. 1,249 Crore vs. Rs. 965Crore, up 29% YoY

In a monumental fusion of haute couture, music, and cultural integration, acclaimed Punjabi music phenomenon AP Dhillon joined an elite roster of global celebrities as Pharrell Williams headlined the official launch of Paris Men’s Fashion Week on Tuesday night with his highly anticipated Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 show.

This historic appearance marked the first time an India-born Punjabi music artist attended Paris Men’s Fashion Week, further cementing the luxury house’s commitment to cultural diversity under Williams’ creative direction.

The show, which marks Nigo’s return to Louis Vuitton following his celebrated 2020 capsule collection with the late Virgil Abloh, drew an exceptional array of cultural luminaries, including Jackson Wang, Bam Bam, Victor Wembanyama, Leon Marchand, BTS’s J-Hope, AP Dhillon, Travis Scott, Future Pluto Hendricks, Don Toliver, Pusha T, Big Smoke, Boozy, Sabrina Elba, Idris Elba, Bradley Cooper, ASAP Nast, Aron Pierre, Adrien Brody, J Balvin, Dylan Wang, Slick Rick the Ruler, and Tyshawn Jones. These attendees, representing a wide range of artistic and cultural influences, contributed to a night that celebrated global diversity and creativity.

Dhillon, representing a new wave of South Asian influence in luxury fashion, commanded attention in a meticulously crafted Louis Vuitton ensemble — a masterful blend of streetwear aesthetics and traditional Louis Vuitton luxury, featuring innovative interpretations of the house’s iconic design aesthetics. The singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer wore an elevated workwear blouson, crafted from silk-wool double-face fabric layered over Japanese denim skate jeans in a versatile light blue wash, paired with the signature LV Checker range of military-inspired boots. The look highlighted the marriage of streetwear utility with traditional luxury that has become Williams’ hallmark.

AP Dhillon, who made his debut at the fashion week, shared: “Being present at this intersection of culture and luxury, especially in a space as iconic as the Louvre, represents a pivotal moment not just for me, but for the entire creative community. Pharrell’s vision for Louis Vuitton embraces authentic multiculturalism, and I’m honored to be part of this narrative that’s reshaping the fashion landscape.”

The show, which transformed the Louvre into an unprecedented fashion spectacle, continues Williams’ tradition of utilizing Paris’s most prestigious landmarks as backdrops for his collections, following his previous presentations at the Pont Neuf, Jardin d’Acclimatation, and UNESCO headquarters.

Dhillon’s presence at this landmark show, alongside the collaboration between Williams and streetwear pioneer Nigo, underscores Louis Vuitton’s commitment to bridging diverse cultural influences in contemporary luxury fashion and popularizing streetwear’s visibility in high fashion.

Roorkee, 22-01-2025: Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) and Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited have signed a Technology Transfer Agreement on the technology related to biomass torrefaction developed at IIT Roorkee by Prof. Sonal K Thengane of Hydro and Renewable Energy Department.

The design provides an effective solution that obviates the existing limitations by providing a system and a method for continuous oxidative torrefaction of biomass through an auger-based continuous moving bed reactor using air that enhances the efficiency of a torrefaction process through the use of an annulus cooling the torrefied biomass.

S. Dharam Singh, Chairman and Jagatjit Singh, Managing Director of Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited said regarding the technology transfer, “We are pleased to collaborate with IIT Roorkee on this promising technology for continuous oxidative torrefaction of biomass. This agreement marks the beginning of a journey toward leveraging innovative solutions for sustainable energy practices. The innovative system aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable practices and technological advancement that embraces delivering tools that revolutionize farming practices. This collaboration is a crucial step toward leveraging biomass as a renewable resource and addressing the challenges of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.”

Speaking on the collaboration with Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited, Prof. Akshay Dvivedi, Dean of Sponsor Research and Industrial Consultancy (SRIC), IIT Roorkee, said, “This technology transfer is a significant milestone in IIT Roorkee’s efforts to transform cutting-edge research into impactful industrial applications. The development of this system for continuous oxidative torrefaction of biomass demonstrates our focus on sustainable and scalable innovations. We are confident that this collaboration with Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited will pave the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly biomass utilization solutions.”

Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, highlighted, “This technology transfer underscores IIT Roorkee’s commitment to translating innovative research into practical solutions that address critical global challenges. The system for continuous oxidative torrefaction of biomass is a testament to the ingenuity of our researchers in developing sustainable technologies. We are delighted to collaborate with Jagatjit Agri India Private Limited and are confident this partnership will contribute significantly to the efficient utilization of biomass resources.”

The transfer agreement was also attended to and coordinated by Prof. Vivek Malik, Coordinator of IPR Cell, Mr Vikrant Kaushik, IPR Cell Office and Prof. M. K. Singhal, Head, HRED, who congratulated Prof. Sonal on this milestone transfer.

Mumbai, January 22, 2025: The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has partnered with Credlix, a global leader in supply chain financing solutions, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the growth of Indian exporters and strengthen their global presence. This collaboration focuses on streamlining international trade by providing exporters with innovative financial solutions, logistical support, and other critical resources.

By combining FIEO’s extensive network with Credlix’s expertise in financial services, the partnership aims to address key challenges faced by exporters. Initiatives include workshops, training, financing advisory, and technological support to raise awareness — a solution that helps businesses scale their operations effectively.

Mr. Rahul Garg, Founder & CEO, of Credlix, stated, “We are proud to collaborate with FIEO to empower Indian exporters on their path to growth and self-reliance. This partnership shows our shared commitment to overcoming key trade challenges. Through innovative financial and logistical support, we aim to simplify export operations and help businesses establish a strong presence in global markets.”

The partnership includes technological and logistical solutions from Credlix, such as warehousing and supply chain management, to address exporters’ operational hurdles. FIEO will actively promote the initiative, encourage exporter participation, and guide businesses in navigating complex global markets.

Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO, FIEO, remarked, “This collaboration with Credlix marks a significant milestone in advancing India’s vision of self-reliance and strengthening its export sector. By providing SMEs with financial and logistical resources, we aim to help them overcome barriers, enhance operational efficiency, and capitalize on opportunities in international trade.”

Dr. Sahai further highlighted the liquidity gap and lack of credit flow in the Indian economy, which has posed persistent challenges for exporters. “Export finance remains a critical issue for various segments, particularly for MSMEs, which are the backbone of India’s export ecosystem,” he noted.

The MSME sector contributed 45.73% of India’s exports in 2023-24, yet it continues to struggle with limited access to export finance. With 35,000 members, primarily from the MSME segment, FIEO sees this MoU as a pivotal step in addressing these challenges and unlocking growth opportunities for exporters.

This alliance is set to simplify export operations, enhance business capabilities, and accelerate the growth of Indian exporters, contributing to India’s economic progress and reinforcing its position in global trade.

Unicus Olympiads, a leading name in summer academic competitions, is thrilled to announce that registration for the Summer Olympiad Exams is now open for the 2025 academic season. The Olympiad offers students from Grades 1 to 11 the unique opportunity to test their knowledge based on the syllabus of their previous grade, helping them solidify concepts and prepare for future academic challenges. Unicus Olympiads assesses students’ practical application of concepts based on what they have studied.
For example, if you’re in 3rd grade in the 2024-25 school year, you’ll be tested on topics from the 2023-24 and 2022-23 school years. This ensures a fair evaluation of student’s knowledge and skills based on what they’ve already studied.

List of Unicus Summer Olympiad Exams

•  Unicus Mathematics Olympiad (UMO)
•  Unicus Science Olympiad (USO)
•  Unicus English Olympiad (UEO)
•  Unicus General Knowledge Olympiad (UGKO)
•  Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad (UCTO)

Note: The exam is scheduled to take place in July 2025.

How to register

Registering for the Olympiad Exams is simple. Follow these steps to get started:

1.  Go to the Unicus Olympiad’s official website, www.unicusolympiads.com.
2.  Explore the list of available Olympiad exams such as Mathematics, Science, English, and others.
3.  Select the exam(s) you wish to register for.
4.  If your school is participating, you can register through your school also.
5.  For individual registrations, click on the “Individual Registration” section on the website.

Award and prizes

For participants appearing for Grades 2 to 11, the awards and recognition are as follows:

1.  Overall top 3 participants in each subject from classes 2-11 will be awarded with Scholar’s Trophy and Certificate of Excellence.
2.  Top 3 participants (registered through school)from every school with more than 25 participants in a class appearing for Olympiad exam will be awarded with a Gold Medal and a Certificate of Excellence.
3.  Top 10% of overall participants or those who have zonal ranks less than or equal to 10 will be awarded with a Gold Medal and a Certificate of Excellence.
4.  Top 25% participants will be awarded with a Certificate of Excellence.
5.  Top 25 to 50% participants will be eligible for a digital Appreciation Certificate. Participants registered though school will get a hard copy of Appreciation Certificate.

For participants appearing for Grade1, the awards and recognition are as follows:

1.  All participants scoring more than 60% will be sent a Certificate of Excellence and a Medal
2.  Remaining participants will be awarded as a digital Certificate of Participation. This will be available in the dashboard of the participant.
3.  No ranks or percentile will be declared for all the participants.

22, January 2025, New Delhi: Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), along with City Sabha, Raahgiri Foundation, and Safetipin, announced the launch of the Delhi Sustainable Mobility Charter, or the Dilli Charter, under the Sustainable Mobility Network—a citizen-driven initiative to reimagine Delhi’s transport system and demand actionable solutions for improving urban mobility, combating air pollution, and fostering inclusivity.

Delhi is home to over 33.8 million people—a bustling, historically rich, and complex city. Lately, however, this home has increasingly become uninhabitable for many. From suffocating air pollution to rising heatwaves, crumbling transport systems, and unsafe public spaces, the very essence of urban living in Delhi is under threat. As Delhi prepares for its Legislative Assembly Elections, citizen groups are coming together to demand urgent action for a sustainable, equitable, and accessible transport system.

Transportation is at the heart of Delhi’s challenges with 51.5% of local pollution attributable to transport emissions. With over 2 million private vehicles registered in 2023, the lack of reliable and affordable public transit options has forced many residents to rely on personal vehicles, exacerbating air pollution, traffic congestion, and social inequities.

The Charter focuses on four key pillars:

• Expanding and Improving Public Transport Infrastructure
• Ensuring Inclusivity and Safety in Urban Mobility
• Combating Climate Change and Air Pollution Through Sustainable Practices
• Strengthening Accountability and Governance

Each pillar is backed by actionable solutions, ranging from enhancing bus and metro connectivity to promoting walking and cycling, ensuring accessibility for all, and advocating for stricter enforcement of air quality standards. The Dilli Charter serves as a comprehensive framework and a call to action for transforming Delhi into a thriving and equitable city. Developed through consultations with 30+ diverse stakeholders including urban mobility and air pollution experts, and public transport users, the Charter reflects the voices and aspirations of Delhi’s citizens. The solutions presented are not only efficient and sustainable but also aim to achieve socially inclusive and equitable access to mobility.

There is an ongoing signature campaign, hosted on Civis and Jhatkaa, to generate public awareness for the charter while the organizers present it to political parties ahead of the Delhi elections.

Aparajita Bharti, Founding Partner at YLAC, stated: “With the Delhi elections scheduled for February 5, there is a crucial window for citizens to engage and advocate for a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable mobility framework for the state. This is an attempt by citizens to set the agenda for the next government, no matter which party comes in power, this should be the first priority for the new government.”

Kalpana Viswanath, CEO and co-founder of Safetipin -“ The pervasive feeling of unsafety in public spaces and transport has long hindered women’s ability to fully participate in city life and access the economic and social opportunities that a city like Delhi offers. With elections around the corner, this is the moment to raise our voices and demand that every citizen’s right to a safe and inclusive public space is upheld”

Sarika Panda Bhatt, Co-Founder and Trustee at Raahgiri Foundation: The Delhi Sustainable Mobility Charter is a step towards a much-needed shift away from an urban planning paradigm that promotes fossil fuel driven private transport that exacerbates the triple problems of air pollution, climate change and unsafe roads. Delhi urgently needs to transition to a sustainable transport system that prioritizes walking, cycling, and public transport.

Saleha Sapra, Co-Founder of City Sabha, states – “The Dilli Charter brings a list of unaddressed or unchecked priorities to its public and state actors, spanning climate change, air pollution, and public transport issues. There is no such thing as a lack of political will; these collectives and collaborations create a willingness to act for the better. Therefore, we must re-imagine a Delhi that is logically more accessible, breathable, safe, and receptive to the ever-evolving urban complexities of its residents. Together, we have a real-time opportunity (before the state elections) to demonstrate a will for comprehensive mobility planning and the right to breathe and move safely in the city.”

This initiative is undertaken as part of The Sustainable Mobility Network, a coalition of organizations advocating for “Zero Emissions, Zero Exclusion, and Zero Road Deaths,” which envisions a Delhi that is accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. The charter is supported by a broad coalition of organizations, including CEEW, Civis, OMI Foundation, People Resources Centre, Save Life Foundation, and Jhatkaa, who are amplifying the Charter’s message through digital advocacy and public engagement.

As Delhi stands on the cusp of change, the Dilli Charter represents an opportunity for citizens to demand accountability from their leaders and shape the future of their city. It is time to ensure that Delhi doesn’t just survive but thrives as a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient city for all.

16th December 2024  Bangalore, Karnataka, India   Water, the elixir of life, is under severe threat worldwide, and India is no exception. Inspired by the world famous humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects has proactively addressed this crisis, pioneering transformative water conservation initiatives that blend traditional wisdom with modern solutions. At the core of its efforts is the innovative 4 R Approach – Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle – a holistic, year-round model that integrates community action, technological breakthroughs and environmental protection, providing a roadmap for a water-secure India.

Reduce: Inspiring a Grassroots Revolution

Water conservation begins with awareness. The Art of Living Social Projects has been instrumental in educating communities to adopt mindful water usage through public awareness campaigns and training programmes.

The Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) is a pillar of this grassroots revolution. Designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural youth – limited resources, vulnerability to negative influences, and lack of direction – this initiative turns obstacles into stepping stones for progress.

YLTP instills the belief that “Change begins with me.” Participants are equipped with tools for personal growth, including the Sudarshan Kriya, to enhance mental clarity and resilience. Beyond self-improvement, these young leaders return to their communities as agents of change, leading capacity-building projects and spreading awareness about water conservation. Their actions ignite a chain reaction of transformation, nurturing a self sufficient future.

Reuse: Smart Water Management makes Every Drop Count

In areas where rain is scarce, reusing water becomes a vital practice for survival. The Art of Living Social Projects integrates Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to treat grey and black water, making it suitable for reuse in households, industries, and agriculture. This recycled water not only meets daily needs but also replenishes groundwater reserves, providing a vital buffer in the face of prolonged dry spells. By integrating ecological processes into water management, this approach ensures a viable supply while safeguarding the environment.

Recharge: Tapping the Earth’s Reservoirs

With agriculture heavily reliant on groundwater, replenishment becomes a lifeline. The Art of Living Social Projects employs a ridge-to-valley approach to capture and direct rainwater back into the ground. By leveraging natural terrain, every drop of rain contributes to groundwater recharge.

Complementary initiatives like soil conservation, afforestation, and the desilting of rivers and lakes further enhance groundwater retention; collectively strengthening the water table and ensuring year-round availability for farming communities.

Recycle: Nature’s Purifiers at Work

Water recycling isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about restoring balance to ecosystems. The Art of Living Social Projects employs enduring purification techniques, including bioremediation and phytoremediation, which use plants and natural agents to clean polluted water naturally. Ingenious solutions such as these are central to the organisation’s efforts to promote durable water practices across industries and communities.

Precision planning fuels environmentally conscious solutions

Driving all the creative, eco-friendly transformative initiatives is meticulous planning. Experts in geology, hydrology, and remote sensing collaborate to identify optimal sites for building water structures. Using advanced tools and on-ground validation, teams execute action plans with unparalleled precision. CSR partnerships amplify the impact, creating long lasting solutions that address both rural and urban water challenges.

A Legacy of Leadership with a Vision for the Future

With over a century of collective expertise, The Art of Living Social Projects’ core team seamlessly blends traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology. Their approach encourages communities to take ownership of water conservation, transforming individuals into guardians of sustainability. Through initiatives like YLTP and workshops, The Art of Living Social Projects has developed networks of water trustees who are actively safeguarding their resources.

A notable success story is the women-centric Naganadhi River project, where over 44,000 women, trained as water conservation champions, revived the Naganadhi. Their remarkable efforts were recognised by Prime Minister Modi for the third time in the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat.

This grassroots empowerment goes beyond skill-building; it instills a deep sense of ownership. From rural farmers adopting water-efficient practices to urban planners integrating resilient designs, these efforts are sparking a ripple effect of positive change across the country. As the organisation continues to innovate and lead, its 4 R Approach serves as a model for creating a water-positive and environmentally balanced future for India.

16th December 2024  Gurugram, Haryana, India  Signature Global, a renowned brand for its innovation in real estate, has unveiled a limited-time opportunity for homebuyers to secure premium properties in Gurugram’s most sought-after locations with the announcement of exclusive year-end offers for its premium projects. The projects-Titanium SPR, Twin Tower DXP, and Deluxe DXP-are strategically positioned on the Southern Peripheral Road and Dwarka Expressway, offering unparalleled connectivity, convenience, and a good ROI perspective.

With property prices in Gurugram expected to rise following recent increases in circle rates, this initiative provides homebuyers with a timely advantage. Signature Global’s flexible payment plans, along with other offers, further enhance the appeal, making it an opportune moment for buyers to invest in these luxury residential developments.

Mr. Ravi Aggarwal, Co-founder & Managing Director of Signature Global (India) Limited, said, “At Signature Global, our focus has always been on creating value-driven homes that go beyond just brick and mortar. With these exclusive offers, we aim to make the journey of owning a dream home even more rewarding for our buyers. From luxurious perks to flexible payment plans, these benefits are designed to not only simplify the buying process but also enhance the overall living experience. We are committed to redefining housing and delivering homes that resonate with the aspirations of modern homebuyers.”

Titanium SPR, located in Sector 71, Gurugram, offers a luxurious living experience with premium residences and top-tier amenities. Buyers can enjoy exclusive perks such as free car parking and complimentary club membership, elevating the appeal of this sought-after location as the epitome of modern comfort and elegance.

Similarly, Twin Tower DXP in Sector 84, Gurugram, presents an irresistible suite of offers, including an exclusive inaugural discount on property purchases, free car parking, and complimentary club membership. The project also introduces a flexible payment plan i.e. 25% upfront with the balance payable on possession.

Deluxe DXP, located in Sector 37D, Gurugram, complements this with a Super Easy Payment Plan (35:30:35), along with complimentary club membership, ensuring a hassle-free and buyer-friendly experience. These exceptional offerings, combined with prime locations, make these projects the perfect choice for those seeking modern luxury living in Gurugram.

Signature Global is a trusted name in real estate, recognized for creating high-quality residential and commercial spaces across Delhi-NCR. With a focus on modern amenities, sustainable designs, and prime locations, the company has transformed urban living into a seamless blend of comfort and convenience. Guided by values of transparency, innovation, and customer-centricity, Signature Global strives to make dreams of homeownership a reality while fostering vibrant communities. Through its diverse projects, the company continues to enrich lives and set new standards in the real estate industry.

16th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  OPPO India’s latest flagship smartphone series, the OPPO Find X8 Pro and OPPO Find X8, is on sale starting – 3rd December 2024 across the OPPO e-store, Flipkart, and mainline retail outlets. The Find X8 series is a blend of cutting-edge performance, premium design, and innovative camera technology, complemented by exciting launch offers.

Pricing & Launch Offers

• OPPO Find X8 Pro (16GB + 512GB) is priced at INR 99,999 and can be got for as low as INR 82,000* with offers.
• OPPO Find X8 (12GB + 256GB), priced at INR 69,999, is available for as low as INR 55,000* with offers.
• OPPO Find X8 (16GB + 512GB), priced at INR 79,999, can be availed for as low as INR 64,000* with offers.

Camera Innovation: A Complete Flagship Experience

The Find X8 flagship series features a quad-camera system with dual telephoto cameras. The Pro model boasts an LYT808 primary sensor, a 50MP LYT600 3x Telephoto sensor with an innovative Triple Prism Lens architecture, a revolutionary 50MP IMX858 6x Periscope Telephoto sensor and a 50MP 120° JN5 Ultra-Wide Camera.

The innovative Triple Prism Lens architecture on the 3X camera—also found on the standard Find X8—allows OPPO to fit dual telephoto camera in a slim form factor for DSLR-like optical zoom capabilities without compromising the sleek design.

Advanced 2-DOL HDR and OPPO’s HyperTone Image Engine further elevate the camera’s performance by adjusting highlights and mid-tones on RAW sensor data to preserve details across highlights and shadows—even in challenging lighting conditions—to ensure every image is razor sharp, looks natural, and vivid. The colours in photographs are fine-tuned to Hasselblad colour science, while video recording meets the high standards of Dolby Vision to make the Find X8 Series a dream for creators.

The AI-backed Telescope Zoom feature offers seamless zoom up to 120x. Between 10x-20x, OPPO deploys AI-powered algorithms to enhance image resolution significantly. At the 20x-60x stage, the camera leverages a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) model that further enhances detail by improving colour tones, textures, and clarity. At 60x-120x, a powerful AI-powered generative model can reconstruct images at the pixel level. This allows for exceptional clarity and makes long-distance photography effortless and precise. Whether capturing a close-up at a concert or a wildlife scene from afar, the Find X8 Series ensures stunning, realistic results.

Sleek Design Meets Unmatched Durability

OPPO’s design philosophy shines through in the Find X8 Series. The Pro model features a quad-curved glass body with an aluminium frame, while the standard variant opts for a flat-sided minimalist aesthetic. The Find X8 Pro—just 8.24mm thin and weighing 215g—epitomises a balance of elegance and comfort. It boasts an ultra-immersive 6.78-inch display that showcases quad-curved glass on both sides, and is available in Space Black and Pearl White, with each Pearl White device featuring a unique pearlescent pattern so no two devices look the same.

The OPPO Find X8, on the other hand, is 7.85mm slim and weighs a mere 193g. The immersive yet compact handset sports a 6.59-inch display with an ultra-narrow 1.45mm symmetrical bezel and a fingerprint-resistant diffuse finish in Star Grey, and Space Black.

The Find X8 Series is the first smartphone to showcase Mediatek’s cutting-edge Dimensity 9400 flagship processor that is based on its 2nd-generation 3nm design that ensures up to 40 per cent more power efficiency than its previous flagship chipset.

The Dimensity 9400’s Cortex-X925 core is clocked at 3.62GHz, coupled with 3X Cortex-X4 + 4X Cortex-A720 cores. Overall, it notches 35 per cent faster CPU performance and 40 per cent faster GPU performance than the previous generation.

All-Day Power with Silicon Carbide Battery

Thanks to OPPO’s new Silicon Carbide battery technology, battery life is a standout feature that ensures higher density in a smaller, more compact space. The Find X8 Pro has a 5,910mAh battery, while the standard model houses a 5,630mAh unit. Both models support rapid charging, ensuring users can stay powered throughout the day without compromise.

Silicon Carbide technology offers a series of advantages that redefine mobile battery performance. Its high thermal conductivity ensures better heat dissipation, maintaining optimal performance even during heavy use, such as gaming or extended video streaming. With 80W SUPERVOOCTM charging, users can achieve a full charge in just 55 minutes on the Find X8 Pro, while the Find X8 takes just 58 minutes. Further, OPPO’s 50W AIRVOOC offers a hassle-free solution, delivering a full charge within 90 minutes.

ColorOS 15: Elevating the Find X8 Series Experience

ColorOS 15 is the perfect companion to the OPPO Find X8 Series, unlocking the full potential of these flagship devices. Tailored to leverage the cutting-edge hardware of the Find X8 Pro and Find X8, ColorOS 15 delivers a seamless blend of power and intelligence. The Luminous Rendering Engine takes full advantage of the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset to ensure that every animation and interaction feels incredibly fluid, with faster touch response and unparalleled stability.

The AI Photo Remaster suite, exclusive to the Find X8 Pro, works seamlessly with the series’ groundbreaking quad-camera system. This synergy allows users to enhance their shots effortlessly, from sharpening low-resolution images to removing unwanted reflections. Whether capturing stunning landscapes or perfecting portraits, ColorOS 15 ensures every photo reflects the camera’s true potential.

Productivity tools like the AI Toolbox are optimised to run smoothly on the Find X8 Series’ advanced architecture. Whether summarising documents, polishing text, or translating on the fly, these features turn the Find X8 Pro into a powerhouse for work and creativity. Meanwhile, Touch to Share offers seamless file sharing, enabling users to move content effortlessly across devices, including iPhones and iPads, showcasing the Find X8 Series’ versatility.

*Customers can avail of the following offers on the first sale of the OPPO Find X8 Series

• Customers can enjoy an instant cashback of 10% (INR 9,999 for Find X8 Pro, INR 6,999 for Find X8 12/256 GB and INR 7,999 for Find X8 16/512 GB) on the OPPO e-Store, Flipkart and mainline retailers with leading bank cards from SBI, HDFC Bank, Kotak Bank, Bank of Baroda and IDFC First Bank, coupled with no-cost EMI for up to 24 months.
• Customers can get an Exchange Bonus of Rs. 5,000, plus an additional upgrade bonus of up to Rs.3,000 exclusively for OPPO loyal users. (Applicable on exchanging an old Find and Reno device).
• Customers who buy their Find X8 Pro and Find X8 will receive 6 month extended warranty.
• Additionally, customers can avail up to 24 months Zero Down Payment schemes from leading financiers like Bajaj Finserv, TVS Credit, HDB Financial Services, and IDFC First Bank.
• OPPO India allows for combination of multiple offers, wherever applicable

16th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Parimatch Asia team has released the results of its comprehensive survey “Cricket Fans’ Choice Survey”, which highlights fans’ favorite cricketers as voted by over 3,000 participants. The survey participants voted for their favorite active cricket players across several categories, sharing their opinions on a sport that holds a unique place in the nation’s heart. The results reflect fans’ sentiments regarding athletes’ performances and contributions to the game, as well as their character and influence off the pitch.

“Cricket is not just a sport but a vital part of life and culture for millions across Asia, where approximately 90% of cricket fans reside. In India, home to one of the most powerful cricket tournaments globally, cricket holds a unique position in life and cultural identity, with athletes serving both as celebrities and role models. This deep emotional connection drives our decision to create this survey, gathering insights directly from the fans. We believe this survey will foster a richer dialogue around the sport that Asia is so passionate about,” commented the Parimatch Press Office.

Findings from the survey include:

#1 Virat Kohli edges out MS Dhoni as the favorite IPL cricketer; he also ranks highest as a favorite role model, for the most prominent on-field celebrations, and as the most popular on social media

In the battle of the two former Indian skippers, Virat Kohli edged out MS Dhoni by a 3% margin, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stalwart being chosen by 33% of fans as a best cricket player. Born and raised in New Delhi, Kohli became an instant fan favorite in Bengaluru after RCB signed the young batter back in 2009.

Among the fans’ favorite cricket players are also Sunile Narine and Nicholas Pooran, Parimatch’ ambassadors.

“I’m truly honored to be recognized by the fans. Their support means the world to me, and I look forward to continuing to make them proud on and off the field,” commented Sunile Narine.

#2 Andre Russell tops the list of most interesting players to watch on the pitch

Andre Russell topped the category of ‘Most interesting player to watch on the Pitch’ with 31% of fans’ votes. Unfortunately, the two-time ICC T20 World Cup winner won’t be part of the 2025 IPL Auction, as he has been retained by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 12 crores.

The Caribbean all-rounder spent a couple of seasons with the Delhi Daredevils before joining the Knight Riders in 2014. The batting powerhouse made his marker in the IPL in some style winning the 2019 IPL Super Striker award along with the Player of the Tournament award for the 2019 season of the cash-rich league. In 119 matches for KKR, Russell has taken 119 wickets and scored 2426 runs at a strike rate of nearly 175.

#3 MS Dhoni: Favorite Captain, Favorite Player to Watch in High-Pressure Situations, Most Interesting Player off the field, and Most Connected with fans

Despite retiring from international cricket five years ago, in the list of favorite captains, Dhoni (48%) topped the list of favorite captains, edging out Rohit Sharma (25%). Kohli, Pat Cummins, and Pandya followed in third, fourth, and fifth place, with 17%, 15%, and 14% of fans’ votes, respectively. Additionally, 27% of fans believe he is the most interesting player to watch in high-pressure situations.

Notably, it’s not just Dhoni’s sports achievements that fans appreciate. According to the survey, 21% of fans consider him the most interesting player off the field, and 31% believe he is the most connected to fans. Beyond his on-field exploits for India and CSK in the IPL, Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. He also recently made a cameo in a Tamil-language film, bringing him closer to fans in Chennai and Tamil Nadu, who lovingly refer to him as ‘Thala.’

#4 Bhuvneshwar Edges Rahane for Most Underrated Player

In a sea of players, certain names tend to be overlooked when the discussion centers on the most popular and eye-catching stars. From the fans’ perspective, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ajinkya Rahane stand out as the most underrated players, earning 18% and 16% of the votes, respectively.

Both athletes have been unsung heroes of their respective sides’ victories in the IPL, and the stalwarts now find themselves in the fray of the mega auction after their teams opted to move on and retain a younger core of players.

#5 Jake Fraser-McGurk: Rising star for IPL 2025

IPL 2024 witnessed several young batters throw caution to the wind and redefine T20 batting, with multiple totals exceeding 265 runs. Among the rising stars, Abhishek Sharma, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, and Tristan Stubbs stole the spotlight, showcasing their range of shots with impressive strike rates.

Fraser-McGurk edged out Rinku Singh by 1% to top the list of players in contention for the ‘Next Season’s Rising Star’ title, securing 40% and 39% of fans’ votes, respectively. They are followed by Parag (26%), Varma (26%), and uncapped fast bowler Harshit Rana (22%), completing the Top 5 list. Their performances promise fans many exciting moments in the upcoming seasons.

Methodology

The data was collected by the Parimatch Asia research team between October 1, 2024 and November 1st, 2024. The online survey was distributed via email and online platforms, with 3,011 qualified respondents from India.