Mahindra Electric and Baghirathi Group Jointly Power Karnataka’s EV Dream

Mahindra Electric, part of the diversified US$19 billion Mahindra Group and a pioneer in the development and production of electric vehicles in India and Baghirathi Group, a leading shared mobility service provider based in Bengaluru, today flagged off a fleet of 50 electric vehicles comprising Mahindra’s e-Verito from the Vidhana Soudha or State Assembly. This marks the beginning of the eMobility Awareness Campaign spearheaded by the Government of Karnataka.

The flag-off took place in the presence of  Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah and  R.V. Deshpande, Minister for Medium & Heavy Industries, who also shared their vision of eMobility for Karnataka, at the event.

Mahindra Electric also announced an additional investment of Rs 400 crore over the next 5 years, in the state. The investment will be utilized towards expansion of capacity, setting up of new EV technology innovation centers and expansion of the skilled team working in the EV space.

The Baghirathi Group also announced the launch of its brand rydS which will focus on low carbon, zero emission sustainable mobility solutions for all.  rydS plans to deploy 1000 electric vehicles for its enterprise clients. This deployment augments the recently announced electric vehicle and energy storage policy of the Government of Karnataka which aims to create a conducive environment and necessary infrastructure for electric mobility in the city.

Speaking on the announcement, Mahesh Babu, CEO, Mahindra Electric said, “We are very happy to lead the EV movement in Karnataka and be active participants in the eMobility awareness campaign initiated by the Government of Karnataka. Karnataka is our home ground and we already have three fully functioning facilities in Bengaluru. The role played by Bhagirathi in urban mass mobility is giving an impetus to electric vehicles as well with the recent order of 1000 eVeritos being one of the biggest in Indian corporate mobility. I am sure that together, Mahindra & Bhaghirathi can reshape the dynamics of mass mobility to make it clean and green in keeping with our state government’s objective”.

Speaking about the initiative, Mahesh Hariharan, Founder Chairman of Baghirathi Groupsaid, “rydS marks the next stage of evolution of our organization, building further on our vision of creating shared, connected and sustainable mobility solutions.  We intend to work closely with our customers, and with policy makers to implement the EV policy. Our action plan focuses on developing the infrastructure for manufacturers to support a fleet of electric vehicles across the country, starting with Bengaluru.”

Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Promises to Deliver Best in Class Customer Experience through Technology

Private life insurance company Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance has scaled up their entire technological infrastructure and added significant digital outreach capabilities to meet customers' needs in real time and ensure convenience at all stages. The Company aims to become a complete digital organization in the next three years.

The customer's end to end needs from product offering to the service should be fulfilled at the distribution point & the bank branch has been the focus of the Company. The Company believes in leveraging technology for an enhanced customer experience and has enabled various sales & service solutions which help in increasing operational efficiency at every stage of the life cycle. The Company runs a paperless process from customer contact to policy issuance and the service cycle.

The Company offers a comprehensive customer service platform with various servicing avenues equipped to handle & assist all life insurance policy servicing requests and queries efficiently. The Company has introduced video call service wherein the customers can interact over a video call for resolution of their query/service requests. Apart from this, to increase the engagement levels of the customer and to strengthen long term relationship, the preferences of the customers are captured at various touch points during the customer life cycle so as to give customized and preferred solutions during the life cycle.

In line with the vision, the Company has launched a brand campaign - "Aapke vaade, sar aankhon par" which is all about 'Living the Promises'. The tagline symbolizes the company’s resolve to honor every commitment made to its customers.

Anuj Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited said, " Aligned to our vision of keeping customer first and our constant endeavor to enhance servicing capabilities, multiple initiatives have been taken to augment customer’s overall servicing experience and create a true 'one stop shop' for the customers. "Treating Customers fairly", "Right sale to the right customer" & a comprehensive "Engagement Strategy" are the tenets of Company's business approach which are driving our work philosophy."

Speaking about the brand campaign Mathur added, "We are in the business of financial protection and “Vaade” or “Promises” aligns perfectly with our line of business. This campaign conveys the strong value system that we as an organization stand for. At the core of our value system has been the essence of "Promise" - the promise to fulfill the promises made by our customers to their loved ones."

The Aircraft that Saved J&K in 1947 - DC3 DAKOTA – is Back in the Indian Airforce

In a Historic moment for the nation and the Indian Air Force, Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar today gifted a  DC3 Dakota aircraft bearing the Tail Number VP 905 and called “Parashurama” in a signing ceremony to The Indian Air Force to be part of  its Vintage Fleet.

The Gift Deed was signed between Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC , Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force and Air Commodore M K Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd)- Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s father who an Dakota Pilot himself.

The MP gifted the restored WW2 Dakota aircraft’s Papers & Deed to Chief of Air Staff on behalf of his father.

This Tail No. VP -905 is the same as the first Dakota aircraft that transported troops of 1 Sikh regiment to Srinagar on 27 October 1947 in the J&K operations.

The Tail No. VP 905 - this holds special significance for the Dakota and the Indian Air Force.

On 27 October 1947, three Dakotas of No. 12 Sqn took off from Wellingdon airfield (Safdarjung) at 0500 hours for Srinagar signalling the start of the IAF operations in the 1947-48 Indo Pak War. Before the end of the day, 28 Dakota sorties were flown (including 6 civilian sorties.)

The first Dakota Aircraft to take off and land at Srinagar piloted by Wing Commander K L Bhatia and carrying the first batch of troops of 1 Sikh Regiment under command of Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai bore the Tail No VP 905.

Speaking on the Occasion, MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar said “The Dakota (Dak) was also part of my childhood as my father flew it all over India and so today I fulfil my dream of helping my father donate a DC3 Dakota to the Indian Air Force”

“This aircraft VP 905 is dedicated to all Air Warriors and their families who served an flew the Dakota in various IAF operations in remotest parts of #India from 1947-1971” an emotional Air Commodore M K Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd) said.

“On being asked on why he chose the Aircraft to be named “Parashurama” the MP said “The Dakota DC3 was named Parashurama - to signify the eternal warrior – after Saint Parashurama - the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Like other avatars of Vishnu, he appears at a time when overwhelming evil prevailed on earth to correct the cosmic equilibrium by destroying the evil forces.”

Royal Sundaram Signs MoU with Manipal Global Academy of BFSI for a 1-year General Insurance Training Program

Royal Sundaram General Insurance Co. Limited, India’s first private sector general insurance company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manipal Global Academy of BFSI for a customised general insurance training program at the Manipal Global’s Academy of BFSI campus in Bangalore.

The candidates will undergo a one-year customised residential general insurance training program at Manipal Global Academy of BFSI. The one-year full time training program, will comprise of four months of training on-campus and two months of internship followed by six months of on–the–job training at Royal Sundaram. The course is designed to upskill prospective employees with the right domain knowledge, develop a broad understanding of the business, products and processes that will help them perform on the job.

The program entails the following:

·         Business understanding -Provides a broad understanding of the general Insurance industry, the customers and their needs, thorough case studies, advisory skills and customer engagement.

·         Product & process knowledge -The program shall impart relevant general insurance  knowledge (product, services sales & claims) to the candidates enabling them to engage customers confidently and proactively

·         Building attitude- The program will provide behavioural skillsets to the future employees to significantly enhance customer engagement through greater ownership and superior acquisition quality

·         Values, ethics and compliance - Enabling the candidate to  sell general insurance products better with the help of required knowledge, skills, attitude, compliance, focus and the required certification as per regulatory norms for selling general insurance products

Speaking on the occasion, M S Sreedhar, CEO & Managing Director, Royal Sundaram General Insurance Co. Limited said, “We as a company have always had the foresight to look at the bigger picture and we believe that acquiring the right talent starts from the grassroots. The general insurance industry is poised to leap into the next growth wave and we at Royal Sundaram will be part of that growth in grooming the next wave of industry-ready professionals. Here is a course that enables the candidates to acquire the right attitude, values, ethics and compliance that will help them succeed in the industry.”

Bimaljeet Singh Bhasin, Vice President, Enterprise Business, Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE) said, “We are happy to partner with Royal Sundaram for skilling its general insurance professionals. Insurance industry thrives on empathy and relationships. We are glad that Royal Sundaram is serious about its employees possessing sound business understanding, product and process knowledge, attitude and values. We are confident that the employees who undergo this training program will be the ambassadors of Royal Sundaram and help expand its ‘good business’".

Rakesh Gupta, Chief Human Resources Officer, Royal Sundaram General Insurance Co. Limited said, “This initiative will strengthen the Royal Sundaram Academy, the learning and development platform for existing and potential employees. All company learning initiatives will be driven by it; one that will also help bridge the gap in competencies available in the General Insurance industry today”.

On successful completion, students will be awarded a Post-Graduate Diploma in General Insurance and will be offered direct employment at Royal Sundaram. The aim of the General Insurance Training Program is to mould officers of high calibre in the field of general insurance and create workforce that matches the company expectations and culture. The first part of the General Insurance Training Program will commence in June 2018 in Bangalore. 

Geometric Innovation for Iconic 1 Blackfriars London Inspires the Next Generation of Designers

One Blackfriars is a new iconic, mixed-use development situated on the south side of Blackfriars Bridge overlooking the River Thames. Its prime location has unobstructed views of St. Paul’s Cathedral as well as the river toward Westminster and Tower Bridge. RAM Concept was utilized for the centerpiece of the development, which is a stunning 170-meter-high tower. The building is a geometric masterpiece that creates an elegant silhouette on London’s skyline. The 50-story tower accommodates 274 homes, a private viewing lounge, and a multi-level penthouse crowned within the glass rooftop structure. Taking advantage of RAM Concept, the tower’s column configuration was optimized for the complex 3D geometry ensuring the design was at once structurally sound and visually iconic. The vison for the project was to inspire future generations of designers and add a stylish statement to London’s skyline.

WSP was contracted to design the structural framing solution that would fit the proposed apartment layouts. The entire development is built over a three-story basement structure housing a swimming pool and spa facilities. A private cinema, wine storage, and parking for residents are also provided in the basement. A top-down construction sequence for the basement saved time on construction. The piling configuration was arranged to enable temporary and permanent works to be combined to increase efficiency. All structures are reinforced concrete frame elements. The hotel and tower floors make use of thin post-tensioned slabs for a maximum floor to floor height efficiency. Once the design was completed, MicroStation-based structural drawings were issued to the design team, including the architect, client, contractor, and quantity surveyor for pricing. The cladding contractor was also able to utilize the model for façade design.

For this GBP 200 million project, WSP knew that with this innovative design no layout or floor plan would be the same. The design team used RAM Concept to model and design 225-millimeter thick post-tensioned concrete floors. Post-tensioned concrete was considered the most cost-effective solution based on minimum structural zone and reduced self-weight of floors, which allowed for maximum slab spans. RAM Concept’s ease of use allowed for multiple design development options to be explored throughout the design process.

RAM Concept enabled WSP to push the structural design to the maximum limit, providing innovative designs for each bespoke room and floor. The software saved considerable time throughout all stages of the project and allowed multiple iterations and changes to the design to be explored and adopted from initial design proposal stage through construction. With RAM Concept, WSP ensured that this innovative design was in full compliance with European design codes and automated drawing productions from MicroStation for client and design team coordination.

“Bentley’s RAM Concept and MicroStation software packages enabled WSP to design and deliver one of the most iconic projects in Europe. The software was very effective to coordinate and design cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for the benefit of the client and the local community. The project stands proud as a centerpiece for architectural and engineering excellence.” Aret Garip, Technical Director, WSP, UK.

With Each Bottle of Kādu Sold, Sula Contributes to Tiger Conservation in Karnataka

KĀDU (pronounced Kaa-du) is the first premium wine offering from the Karnataka vineyards of Sula Vineyards, India’s leading wine producer.

Kādu, meaning “wild” in Kannada, is India’s first “Wine for a Cause”. The beautiful label, handiwork of renowned label designer Simon Frouws, depicts a tiger in all its glory in the wild jungle.

Karnataka is home to the most wild tigers on the planet in its many reserves. But the majestic beast - India’s national animal - is endangered, with its habitat under threat.

Sula has decided to take up the cause of the magnificent tiger with Kādu, India’s first “wine for a cause”. With each bottle of Kādu sold, Sula will contribute to tiger conservation within Karnataka. To ensure the optimum end-use of the funds contributed, Sula is collaborating with Mud on Boots, the pioneering initiative by the Sanctuary foundation.

Bittu Sahgal, legendary conservationist, founder of Sanctuary and Sula founder, CEO Rajeev Samant launched Kādu in Bengaluru on 6^th November 2017.

Kādu is Sula’s homage to Karnataka as one of India’s most important wine regions.Kādu is the fruit of Sula’s efforts to bring the best from Karnataka’s terroir to your glass.

Four delicious Kādu wines will be available initially:

Ø  Kādu Chenin Blanc – is delicious, slightly sweet, floral and fruity

Ø  Kādu Sauvignon Blanc – has delicate aromas and flavours of passion fruit, cut grass and green peppers

Ø  Kādu Shiraz Rose – is light, fruity and full of luscious berry flavours

Ø  Kādu Cabernet Shiraz – is lush, medium bodied and peppery with subtle oak

Winemaker Gorakh Gaikwad has crafted Kādu from the choicest premium Karnataka wine grapes to produce this wonderful “Wine for a cause”!

Pune-Based Mobiliya Joins QuEST Global on a Hi-Technology Journey

QuEST Global Services (QuEST), a global leader in providing premium engineering solutions, has announced the acquisition of Mobiliya Technologies based out of Pune, India. The acquisition will strengthen QuEST Global’s capability in Industrial & Hi-Tech verticals and add new service offerings including artificial intelligence and augmented reality. This is the third acquisition made by QuEST Global in this financial year after the acquisition of DETECH Fahrzeugentwicklung GmbH and IT Six Global based out of Germany and Romania respectively.

 Founded in 2011 by Krish Kupathil, Mobiliya offers services to its clients on cutting-edge and emerging technologies such as Deep Learning, Augmented/Mixed Reality, Internet-of-Things, Robotics and Security. With operations in India, South Korea, China, and North America, Mobiliya serves its customers in field of Automotive, Healthcare, Telecom, Energy, Hi-Tech, Insurance and Logistics.

Krish Kupathil, CEO, Mobiliya remarks, “We’re excited about the acquisition of Mobiliya by QuEST Global. Mobiliya’s hi-tech capabilities along with global footprint has been accelerating digital transformation for our customers. The next-gen tech expertise and experience Mobiliya brings in would be hugely complementary to QuEST’s proven capability and scalable processes which will create very formidable service offerings.”

Ajit Prabhu, Chairman & CEO, QuEST Global said, “To continue as the most trusted engineering solutions provider for our customers, we constantly seek outstanding engineering talent. The addition of Mobiliya into our fold will enhance our capability offering in the Hi-Tech domain. Mobiliya’s long standing relationship with key customers in Hi-Tech industry will further strengthen and significantly expand with capabilities of QuEST’s Global delivery teams. We are committed to provide innovative business solutions to our customers and to continue our leadership as a preferred engineering partner”.

UK’s Leading Technology Dyson Launches its Latest Product Line-Up in India

Dyson, the global technology company and developer of high-performance machines, today announced the launch of its latest products in India. It also officially opened doors to the country’s first Dyson Demo store in DLF Promenade Mall, New Delhi. Dyson will invest more than INR 1200 crores in India over the next five years, having received its license for Single Brand Retail Trade in 2017 through the 100% FDI route.

Founded by British inventor and entrepreneur, Sir James Dyson OM, Dyson has brought its latest ‘problem solving’ technology to India; including its cord-free vacuum cleaners (Dyson V7 &V8 range),revolutionary hairdryer (Dyson Supersonic), and its range of intelligent air purifiers (Dyson Pure Cool Link).

Speaking at the launch event today, Jake Dyson, Chief Engineer and member of the Dyson Board, said, “We are pleased to bring our latest technology to India. Dyson engineers have spent time undertaking research in homes across India to understand how our technology can help solve problems. We are launching a range of products, using our patented technology, which we believe will bring meaningful benefits.”

Describing Dyson’s problem-solving approach to developing technology, he said, “Dyson engineers always start with science and technology: we harness this to improve products, make them exciting and pleasurable to use. We encourage our engineers to have a fearless approach to experimentation and failure in order to make discoveries and develop products with levels of performance that no-one has experienced before.”

The Dyson Demo Experience

The first company-owned Dyson Demo store has opened today at DLF Promenade mall in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Dyson will quickly expand, opening a total of 20 stores in the country.

Dyson puts its technology, products and customers at the core of its business. The Dyson Demo stores are designed to encourage people to pick up, test, and understand Dyson technology. Interactive demonstrations bring the science at the heart of its machines to life; Dyson experts are available to explain products and provide recommendations to best suit customers’ lifestyles. An in-store salon offers complimentary styling appointments with the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer.

In addition, Dyson will make its machines available through its new Dyson India website www.Dyson.in, and has partnered with Amazon India. With its online channels, Dyson will initially cover Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, and will expand to other metros across the country over the course of the year.

In a global first for Dyson, it is launching concierge in-home services in India, which will offer customers the complete experience of Dyson’s revolutionary products in the convenience and comfort of their homes. The service will begin in Delhi and Gurgaon and expand to the complete Delhi-NCR region, Mumbai and Bengaluru this year.

Dyson Technology

High performance and versatility: Dyson Cord-free vacuums

Built on 15 years of motor and battery expertise, and over twenty five years of expertise in high performance cyclones, the Dyson V8 cord-free vacuum cleaner doesn’t just clean the floor. It quickly transforms between handheld and stick modes to clean down low, up high and everywhere in-between: marble floors, carpets, sofas, even the car.

15 cyclones, arranged across two tiers, work in parallel to capture and separate fine dust and debris from the airflow – flinging it into the clear bin. The latest Nickel Cobalt Aluminium batteries combined with the patented Dyson digital motor, which spins at up to 110,000 rpm, give Dyson’s cord-free vacuums their powerful, fade-free suction and versatility.

The Cord- Free vacuum cleaners are available in three variants – the Dyson V7 Animal, the Dyson V8 Animal+ and the Dyson V8 Absolute+.

Revolutionary haircare: Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

Traditional hair dryers can be heavy, bulky and difficult to maneuver. They can also blast air at high temperatures, which can cause extreme heat damage. Dyson engineers set out to rethink the hair dryer.

The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer uses a fast and focused airflow, which ensures quick drying. It is engineered for balance in the hand, is quiet, and intelligently controls the temperature to help protect hair from extreme heat damage.

The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is powered by the patented Dyson digital motor V9, created in-house, specifically for this machine. It is Dyson’s smallest, lightest, and most advanced digital motor. Many conventional hair dryers have the motor in the head of the machine. Because the Dyson digital motor is engineered to be powerful yet compact, it is small enough to be positioned in the handle.

The Supersonic hair dryer is available in the Iron/ Fuschia colour combination. In addition, consumers will be able to purchase a special edition Tan Leather Gift Box Bundle designed by James Dyson.

Intelligent, Connected purifiers:  Dyson Pure Cool Link Air Purifier (Tower and Desk version)

Dyson’s intelligent Air Purifiers help combat indoor air pollution and allergies using Dyson’s patented Air Multiplier technology and a 360° Glass HEPA filter. The purifier captures 99.95% of potentially harmful particles as small as 0.1 microns– trapping them in the filter and eradicating them from the air you breathe at home. Sensors inside the machine automatically detect changes in conditions, before adjusting airflow to maintain the target air quality.  Available for iOS and Android platforms, the Dyson Link App enables users to remotely monitor the indoor air quality and change the settings.

The Pure Cool Link purifiers are available in Iron/Blue and White/ Silver colours.

The newly launched Dyson’s range of products will be available at the Dyson flagship store at Level One, DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, as well as on www.Dyson.in and Amazon India.

KNOLSKAPE Posts Over 100% Growth in 2017; Adds 48 New Marque Customers

KNOLSKAPE Solutions, a leading talent transformation company for the modern workplace, has achieved a record growth of over 100% in 2017. The growth was delivered through a healthy mix of new customer acquisitions, repeat business and international expansion. KNOLSKAPE now works with over 300 large corporates across 22 countries.

Many organizations today face a range of talent related challenges like hiring and acquisition, capability and leadership development, retention and ongoing engagement. Organizations are also discovering the limitations of conventional practices and methodologies in talent development, and are looking for a partner to bring in innovative talent readiness and talent transformation solutions. The challenge is compounded by the onslaught of digital disruption, which is forcing organizations to relook at fundamentals of their business models.

Globally, KNOLSKAPE helps organizations to face these challenges by providing a blended, omni-channel approach to talent assessment, development and engagement. Our award-winning learning and development solutions incorporate new age approaches such as simulations, AI, mobile, gamification and Virtual Realty complemented with facilitator led classrooms, virtual sessions, mobile and self-paced. Some of the key solutions are:

-          Onboarding new employees

-          Virtual assessment centers

-          Leadership development using simulations

-          Digital DNA

-          Talent acquisition

The solutions seamlessly blend modern and conventional methodologies to achieve greater results, which is why more and more customers are adopting the KNOLSKAPE blended approach to their talent related challenges.

In addition to increasing the topline, KNOLSKAPE also expanded its team across new product development, consulting, customer success and sales, including expansion in the APAC According to Rajiv Jayaraman, Founder-CEO of KNOLSKAPE, “For us, customer satisfaction and solving their critical talent related problems is the motivation to continuously innovate. Our results for 2017 are reflective of the confidence the market places in our solutions, and we look forward to working closely with our customers to address their needs.”