Tata Motors Advances Green Mobility, Begins Delivery Of LNG-Powered Trucks To Clean Green Fuel And Logistics Pvt. Ltd

* Signs MoU to supply 350 more Tata Prima 5530.S LNG trucks

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today announced the commencement of deliveries of the Tata Prima 5530.S LNG trucks to Clean Green Fuel and Logistics Pvt. Ltd, a leading green fuel retailing and logistics company. Tata Motors had received an order to supply 150 such trucks. The first batch of vehicles was handed over today at a specially organized ceremony in the city. Deliveries of the remaining Tata Prima 5530.S LNG trucks will be subsequently carried out, in a phased manner.

A Memorandum of Understanding to supply an additional 350 units of Prima 5530.S LNG was also signed between Tata Motors and Clean Green Fuel and Logistics Pvt. Ltd.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Milan Donga, Director, Clean Green Fuel and Logistics Pvt. Ltd, said, “As a two-year old start-up, we have made significant strides in the logistics industry and remain committed to revolutionizing operations with green fuel solutions. The addition of Tata Motors' advanced LNG tractors to our fleet marks an important step forward in making our operations greener. Tata Motors leads the way in making mobility cleaner and more sustainable while offering the lowest total cost of operations and robust after-sales service. As these new-age vehicles come equipped with Fleet Edge, Tata Motors' state-of-the-art connected vehicle platform, we will also benefit from real-time data flows and smart analytics for optimal decision-making."

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors, said, “We are delighted to deliver the first batch of Tata Prima 5530.S LNG trucks to Clean Green Fuel and Logistics Pvt. Ltd. Their mission is to make logistics greener and smarter, and we are equally committed to the goal. Our trucks deliver impressive performance, high efficiency, and low emissions that perfectly align with their operational requirements and sustainability goals.”

The Tata Prima 5530.S LNG is powered by the fuel-efficient Cummins 6.7L Gas engine, delivering 280hp of power and 1100Nm of torque for exceptional performance. Robustly engineered, the vehicle is well suited for surface transportation and long-haul commercial operations. The premium Prima cabin enhances driver comfort, while features like Gear Shift Advisor further optimize fuel usage, improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. The Tata Prima 5530.S LNG is available in both single and dual fuel cryogenic tank options to suit distinct operational needs. Offering a range of over 1000km, the dual tank option offers an extended range and improved operational efficiency, making it ideal for long-haul operations. Furthermore, the truck comes equipped with Fleet Edge, Tata Motors’ flagship connected vehicle platform for efficient fleet management, enabling operators to further increase the uptime of vehicles and reduce the total cost of ownership.

Tata Motors is at the forefront of developing innovative mobility solutions powered by alternative fuel technologies such as battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell. The company offers a robust portfolio of alternate-fuel powered commercial vehicles across various segments, including small commercial vehicles, trucks, buses and vans.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Meghalaya All Set To Celebrate “Year Of Legends”, As Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival Kicks Off On 15th November

Meghalaya is all set to celebrate the “Year of Legends” as the highly awaited Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 returns with a spectacular edition on November 15-16, at the RBDSA Sports Complex in Shillong. The festival has become one of India’s most exciting cultural events, with a fusion of culture, music and nature. This year, it an unforgettable experience as it is going to offer not only the beauty of cherry blossoms but also, an extraordinary lineup of international musical sensations and homegrown stars.

Day-1 of the festival will set the stage with a legendary musical experience. Festival Goers will be treated to performances by BONEY M as part of their Farewell Tour. This definitely, is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the iconic band live. Joining them will be the soulful Jasleen Royal and international sensation Lucas.

Day- 2 promises even more excitement, with Akon headlining on his Superfan Tour. Following which, DJ R3HAB is all set to bring the energy to the dance floor, and the dynamic Kanika Kapoor lighting up the stage. Local talents like Rito Riba, Queen Sensation, Khasi Bloodz, and various artists from the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), will also be performing in the festival, thereby ensuring a perfect blend of international and regional music.

Beyond music, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival carries a special significance with the announcement of Japan as the partner country. This collaboration was sparked by the striking resemblance of Cherry Blossoms in Meghalaya and Japan. This was noted by the Japanese Ambassador during his visit to the Meghalaya in 2023. The visitors will have the chance to explore Japan’s culture and heritage through a dedicated stall at the venue.

The tradition of celebrating ‘Hanami,’ (Cherry Blossom) dates back over a thousand years in Japan. And, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, first launched in 2016, is the first autumn Cherry Blossom Festival in the world.

Since its inception, this unique festival has drawn tourists from all over India and beyond. The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 edition saw record participation, with visitors all across the country and even international travellers. And, this year, it is expected to be even grander.

With the ‘Year of Legends’ theme bringing together iconic artists and cultural exchanges, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 promises to be a spectacular experience for all attendees.

Travellers can look forward to not only music but also a host of activities. This ranges from fashion shows, cosplay competitions to art installations, food and wine stalls, and much more. With tickets now available on BookMyShow.com and RockskiTickets.com, the countdown to one of India’s most unique festivals has begun. Whether you’re a music lover, nature enthusiast, or culture seeker, Shillong awaits to celebrate the 'Year of Legends' in grand style.

New SUSE Capabilities Equip Telecom Companies To Modernize Their Networks With Increased Efficiency And Innovation

* Aligned with the recommendations of Project Sylva, new offerings address the increased pressure facing telcos

SUSE®, a global leader in innovative, open and secure enterprise-grade solutions, today announced the general availability of Adaptive Telco Infrastructure Platform (ATIP) 3.1. ATIP 3.1 offers improved manageability, flexibility, and long-term support while remaining reliably high-performing. 

Telecom companies are under tremendous pressure to contain costs and shorten time to revenue as they enable edge applications to host 5G workloads, broadband access network functions, and more. However, they are facing significant technical obstacles to fully realizing the benefits of the edge.

ATIP 3.1 improves operational efficiency and reduces costs incurred by telecom by providing an open-source, lightweight common telco cloud layer to host virtualized and container-based network functions. ATIP 3.1 also helps telcos to shorten innovation cycles and expand their customer base by providing a common CaaS platform to deliver telco and edge services to new customer segments, across various industries, with guaranteed performance and quality of service.

As an early and contributing member to Project Sylva, a cross-telco-industry effort to enable edge interoperability with a common open-source container-as-a-service (CaaS) layer, SUSE ATIP 3.1 is tightly aligned with the project’s specifications and architectural recommendations.

“SUSE ATIP 3.1 is a telco-optimized edge computing platform designed to help Communication Service Providers realize the benefits of cloud migration by adopting a single unified core stack, single toolchain and single skillset approach,” said Keith Basil, general manager of the SUSE Edge business unit. “ATIP is an open and flexible platform that supports the stringent performance requirements of telco workloads and allows CSPs to freely choose the best of breed vendors to deliver cloud-native telco networks of the future.”

Benefits of the SUSE ATIP 3.1 solution include:

Tailored validated designs: SUSE’s ATIP solution provides a flexible, telco-optimized platform with validated designs for CSPs and their ecosystem of vendors. ATIP supports both ARM and Intel platforms. The validated designs dramatically improve customer ramp-up time and ensure the performance of telecom networks.

Easily scaled and deployed: ATIP provides a management solution that is designed to easily deploy the full Telco cloud stack, from OS to network functions, and handle operations in a fully automated manner. ATIP 3.1 provides 24 months of long-term support.

Best-in-class security and compliance: ATIP builds on the accelerated and integrated risk management capabilities and certifications of SUSE’s underlying platforms. Compliance and security features within ATIP extend the value, applying best practices in configuration, delivery, and governance utilizing these capabilities.

Built for the edge: More than a decade of working as a supplier to tier-1 network equipment providers means a mature high-performance edge runtime and a small-footprint edge stack with components purposely built for edge computing.

Better protection of customer investments: Using industry standard and vendor-neutral API for GitOps-based infrastructure and configuration management provides higher return on customer investment.

SUSE was recently named a leader in an ABI Research Competitive Ranking report on 5G cloud-native platforms: Kubernetes, Containers and CaaS Layer. The research recognizes SUSE as a top implementer and innovator for incorporating innovations into its Kubernetes platform with an appreciation for the current needs of the telco industry. The report states SUSE's combination of automated workloads, user-friendliness and extensibility of the platform suggests an overall innovative solution for CSPs.

The Adaptive Telco Infrastructure Platform 3.1 became generally available as of October 1. To learn more, visit the SUSE for telco website.

About SUSE

SUSE is a global leader in innovative, reliable and secure enterprise open source solutions, including SUSE Linux Enterprise, Rancher and NeuVector. More than 60% of the Fortune 500 rely on SUSE to power their mission-critical workloads, enabling them to innovate everywhere – from the data center to the cloud, to the edge and beyond. SUSE puts the “open” back in open source, collaborating with partners and communities to give customers the agility to tackle innovation challenges today and the freedom to evolve their strategy and solutions tomorrow. For more information, visit www.suse.com.

Sify Technologies Ltd. Regains Compliance With Nasdaq Minimum Bid Price Requirement

Sify Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: Sify) (the “Company”), a leading integrated information communications technology (or ICT) Solutions and Services provider in India, received a letter (the “Notification Letter”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) on October 18, 2024, informing the Company that it has regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”) and the matter is closed.

As announced in July 2024, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that it was not in compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, as the closing bid price of the Company's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") had been below $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days. Effective October 4, 2024, the Company effected a 1-for-6 ratio change of its ADSs.

The Notification Letter confirmed that the Company evidenced a closing bid price of the Company’s ADSs on Nasdaq at or greater than the $1.00 per ADS minimum requirement for 10 consecutive business days from October 4, 2024 to October 17, 2024 and that the Company has regained compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.

About Sify Technologies Limited

A multiple years winner of the Institute of Director’s Golden Peacock award for Corporate Governance, Sify Technologies Limited is a comprehensive ICT service & solution provider. With cloud at the core of its solutions portfolio, the Company is focused on the changing ICT requirements of the emerging digital economy and the resultant demands from large, mid and small-sized businesses. 

The Company’s infrastructure comprises state-of-the-art data centers, the largest MPLS network, partnership with global technology majors and deep expertise in business transformation solutions modelled on the cloud, making it an ideal partner for start-ups, SMEs and even large enterprises on the verge of a revamp.

More than 10,000 businesses across multiple verticals have taken advantage of our data centers, networks and digital services to help conduct their business from more than 1,700 cities in India. Internationally, the Company has presence across North America, the United Kingdom and Singapore.

Ecoworld HABBA - A Community & Creativity Celebration Festival At Ecoworld, Bangalore

Brookfield Properties is excited to announce the launch of the inaugural Ecoworld Habba on Friday, October 25, 2024. This vibrant festival celebrates art, craft, food, and music while fostering creativity and community spirit. Attendees can participate in 10 hands-on art workshops, explore a unique flea market showcasing over 50 local artists, and witness the unveiling of Ecoworld’s new Logo, positioning and Identity. This exciting new event by Brookfield Properties is poised to become an annual soiree, offering the people of Bengaluru a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich art, culture and heritage, all gathered in one vibrant space.

The event will feature a variety of entertainment options, including carnival stalls, a dedicated kid and pet zone, Stand up comedy from Jordinindian and live music concert by Project Malabaricus. There are 3 large art installations curated by artist, Urjitah Sharma—known for her work in prestigious global art festivals—will emphasize sustainability through recycled materials which pay a tribute to Bangalore’s flora and fauna.

Families can enjoy activities with jugglers, clowns, puppet shows, mascots, and magicians. The food zone will offer delicious selections from both in-house and external brands, along with a dedicated company zone for job seekers. There is a dedicated children’s zone and pet zone.

Join us to celebrate creativity and community in an engaging, eco-friendly atmosphere!

Date: Friday, 25th Oct, 2024

Address: The Ecodeck at the Bay, Ecoworld, Sarjapur Outer Ring Road, Devarabeesanahalli, Varthur Hobli., Bengaluru - 560103

Timing: 12 noon onwards

Venue link: (https://g.co/kgs/WpZQryS)

For More Info: https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en/our-presence/india/

Celebrate Diwali In Abu Dhabi With Family Fun, Fireworks, And Bollywood Beats!

“ISS SAAL ABU DHABI WALI DIWALI”

This Diwali, escape to Abu Dhabi for an unforgettable celebration filled with vibrant traditions, exciting entertainment, and family-friendly adventures. From dazzling fireworks and themed markets to thrilling theme parks and live concerts featuring Bollywood legends like AR Rahman and Diljit Dosanjh, Abu Dhabi offers a Diwali experience like no other.

8th October – 10th October - Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow Party at the Etihad Arena

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party debuts in UAE! Watch your favorite monster trucks roar in the dark at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena. Four shows, featuring Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Demo Derby, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, Gunkster, and the new HW 5-Alarm. Enjoy a dance party, light shows, toy giveaways, and the fire and frost-breathing, transforming dragon ARCTICGON!

31st Oct to 1st Nov – Diwali Spice Market at Hilton, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Share a special meal with your loved ones with vibrant and flavourful spread at the ‘Diwali Special Spice Market’ hosted at Hilton, Abu Dhabi. From an array of tandoori tikka meats to decadent Indian dessert feel at home away from home.

31st Oct – Yas Island Special Diwali Theme Park Offers

Double the fun and excitement this Diwali for your kids with special theme park offers at Yas Island. Enjoy an adrenaline fuelled ride for the whole family at Ferrari World or bask under the sun in the wave pool with your kids at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. Uncover the interconnectivity between life on earth and ocean at SeaWorld, Yas Island leaving the kids mesmerized by the marine life. A one stop family entertainment at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi will guarantee giggles for the younger ones, whereas shopping and dining venues will keep the grownups happy and energised.

2nd Nov - AR Rahman Live In Concert 2024 at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

Celebrate the magic of Diwali with your loved ones at Etihad Arnena Abu Dhabi with a live concert performance of the legendary singer AR Rahman. Enjoy an evening filled with entertaining and enchanting tunes that will leave you spell-bound. Rahman’s iconic melodies will leave you and your loved ones with lasting memories of a lifetime.

9th Nov – Diljit Dosanjh – Dil-Luminati Tour – Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Double in on your Diwali celebration and dance your heart out to the blockbuster tunes of Diljit Dosanjh who brings his iconic and world famous Dil-Luminati tour for the first time to Yas Island Abu Dhabi. A celebration of Desi music and a musical night out that’s perfect for fans of all ages will leave you with unforgettable moments making this Diwali super special.

HP Launches OmniBook Ultra Flip AI PCs To Enhance Content Creation

News Highlights:

OmniBook Ultra AI PC comes with Intel Lunar Lake Processors for seamless collaboration and productivity

HP’s first 2-in-1 next-gen AI PC with a dedicated NPU capable of 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS)

Offers up to 21 hours of battery life

HP’s first consumer AI PC with HP Wolf Security for AI-generated threats

Today, HP unveiled OmniBook Ultra Flip in India, its first 2-in-1 next-gen AI PC designed to empower young freelancers and creators with unmatched style, performance, and versatility. Tailored for those seeking an optimal AI-powered creative experience, the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip is equipped with Intel’s Lunar Lake Processors, and its dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), capable of 48 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This enables powerful generative AI to run locally for enhanced content creation and productivity.

As today’s work environment demands high-performance AI PCs, the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip pushes the boundaries of innovation, allowing users to focus on what matters most. Designed specifically for creators and freelancers with dynamic lifestyles, this versatile device delivers exceptional performance for tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and virtual collaboration. Packed with AI-driven enhancements, it elevates video quality, battery life and collaboration tools, making it the ideal companion for creators on the go. Additionally, the OmniBook Ultra Flip comes with HP Wolf Security which offers advanced security features to protect against cyber threats and ensure robust data security, offering creators peace of mind as they navigate their projects.

"At HP, we are committed to fostering growth, nurturing creativity and unleashing limitless innovation. We understand the evolving needs of today’s freelancers and creators, who require power, flexibility and security in their devices to keep pace with their lifestyles. The OmniBook Ultra Flip is our answer to that demand, blending cutting-edge AI capabilities with uncompromising performance and security. This is more than just a device—it’s a tool that empowers users to focus on what they do best,” said Vineet Gehani – Senior Director (Personal Systems), HP India.

Flexible Style and Performance Without Compromise: The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip

Designed to inspire: Create, edit, and sketch on an ultra-thin form factor that easily switches between laptop, tablet, and tent modes. A stunning 2.8K OLED display offers an immersive visual experience to draw or review creative designs.[i] Personalize content generation on the world’s first 2-in-1 next-gen AI PC with inking and a haptic touchpad.[ii] Collaborate with others clearly and crisply with the device’s 9 MP AI camera and Poly Audio.

Balanced power and performance: On-the-go creators can confidently create on a device engineered to be cool and quiet – yet performant. The OmniBook Ultra Flip leverages the Intel® Core™ Ultra Processor (Series 2)[iii] with a dedicated AI engine,[iv] delivering up to 21 hours of battery life (local video playback)[v] for a seamless creation experience.

Trusted security powered by AI: HP Wolf Security for consumers includes a unique security chip and self-healing PC core for professional-level security, keeping data secure and provides protection against cyber-threats.[vi] McAfee Smart AI™ Deepfake Detector detects AI-generated audio to warn users of potential fraud or misinformation.[vii]

Copilot+: Coupled with Copilot+ PC, these PCs supercharge creativity and productivity for a more personalized, powerful computing experience. Whether generating content or brainstorming ideas, Copilot+ empowers creators every step of the way.

Productive ways to interact: The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip PCs offer the user easier and more productive ways to interact with content. It comes with new gesture controls to seamlessly scroll up or down the screen and increase or decrease the volume.

Sustainability for today and tomorrow: HP remains committed to reducing environmental impact and optimizing energy efficiency. The OmniBook Ultra Flip is built with 90% recycled metals, 50% post-consumer recycled plastics,[viii] and an EPEAT® Gold with Climate+ and ENERGY STAR® certified design.[ix]

Personalization Built-In: HP AI Companion & Poly Camera Pro

HP’s 2-in-1 next-gen OmniBook Ultra Flip AI PCs are equipped with AI Companion[x] and Poly Camera Pro,[xi] which personalize and optimize a user’s experience for greater productivity and collaboration.

Interact intuitively: AI Companion uses generative AI to help people analyze private files and discover information to refine and create content or respond quickly and accurately to key tasks. The Perform assistant helps users optimize PC performance, customize settings, and troubleshoot HP products.

Collaborate clearly: Poly Camera Pro utilizes the NPU to power webcam features like Spotlight and Background Blur & Replace to maintain CPU performance more efficiently while preserving battery life.

Pricing and Availability

The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 Next-Gen AI PC Ultra 7 is available now on HP online store, Amazon, Flipkart along with offline stores starting at Rs. 1,81,999 in Eclipse Grey and Atmospheric Blue colours.

The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 Next-Gen AI PC Ultra 9 will be available[xii] on HP online store,  Amazon, Flipkart along with offline stores starting at Rs. 1,91,999 in Atmospheric Blue colour.

Consumers will get Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements (PEPE) worth Rs 9,999 free of cost on the purchase of HP OmniBook Ultra, till 31st October 2024.

Consumers can also avail No cost EMI 18/0 with Bajaj Finance. 

About HP

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, visit http://www.hp.com.

[i] All performance specifications represent the typical specifications provided by HP's component manufacturers; actual performance may vary either higher or lower.

[ii] HP internal analysis based on all Next Gen AI convertible PCs in the market as of September 2024.

[iii] Multi-core is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. Intel’s numbering is not a measurement of clock speed.

[iv] Features and software that require a NPU may require software purchase, subscription or enablement by a software or platform provider, and third-party software may have specific configuration or compatibility requirements. Potential NPU inferencing performance varies by use, configuration, software and other factors.

[v] Battery life tested by HP using continuous FHD video playback, 1080p (1920x1080) resolution, 200 nits brightness, system audio level as image default, player audio level at 100%, played full-screen from local storage, headphone attached or through speaker (if no audio jack port), wireless on but not connected. Actual battery life will vary depending on configuration and maximum capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.

[vi] Based on HP Wolf Security support, which includes a hardened HP BIOS with HP Sure Start and Endpoint Security Controller (ESC). Select capabilities require BIOS configuration.

[vii] McAfee Deepfake Detection is offered as a 30-day trial feature in addition to the McAfee pre-installed trial. Account subscription required. Must login to the McAfee app and activate the Deep Fake detection feature by consenting to install a browser extension. After trial expiration customers will have an option to add the Deepfake Detection feature with an in-app toggle at any time.

[viii] Laptops manufactured with recycled ocean-bound plastic material in product speaker enclosures, recycled aluminum material in product cover and post-consumer recycled plastic in keycaps. Percentage of material contained in each component varies by product.

[ix] See www.epeat.net for registration status and tier levels by country.

[x] HP AI Companion is available preloaded on select HP next gen AI PCs or is available for download from the Microsoft store and requires a HP next gen AI PC with a NPU supporting 40-60 TOPS and requires Windows 11. Perform requires account setup within 30 days of PC boot or enrollment through the HP AI Companion app. Some features require customer upload of local data. Five (5) library 100MB limit each, supported files may vary at launch include pdf, .txt., .docx files.

[xi] Requires Windows OS.

[xii] To be available from November 2024.

Marriott International Announces Global Launch Of Connect Responsibly With Marriott Bonvoy Events

* New program to offer meeting planners a meeting impact report and access to select carbon offset projects

Marriott International, Inc. (Marriott) today announced the launch of Connect Responsibly with Marriott Bonvoy Events (Connect Responsibly), a program designed to help meeting planners embed sustainability into their events at participating hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Connect Responsibly plans to offer meetings and events customers access to detailed Meeting Impact Reports to measure the environmental impact of their events and select options to purchase carbon credits. The program is anticipated to go live at managed and franchised properties from participating brands globally by the end of October. As part of the global launch, Connect Responsibly is expected to be available in nearly 133 hotels in India, and nearly 500 properties in Asia Pacific Excluding China.

“There is nothing like connecting in person, and doing so responsibly makes it that much better. With the Connect Responsibly program, we are giving our meetings and events customers options to better understand the impacts of their meetings as we collectively strive to create a more resilient future for travel,” said Erika Alexander, Chief Global Officer, Global Operations, Marriott International.

Fueled by growing demand for meeting solutions that address sustainability and informed by research and consumer insights from its global pilot program, Marriott is focused on offering a Meeting Impact Report through the Connect Responsibly program. Available following an event, the user-friendly Meeting Impact Report is intended to capture event details, property-specific sustainability practices implemented for the event, and the event’s carbon and water footprints, calculated through established hospitality industry methodologies. Marriott expects the Meeting Impact Report to be available in 11 different languages based on location. 

In collaboration with South Pole, a carbon asset developer and climate consultancy, Marriott plans to offer meetings and events customers the ability to access select carbon offset projects. Through the Meeting Impact Report, these customers will have the option to utilize the South Pole online shop to choose from a range of carbon offset projects – verified by independent third-party organizations – that can be purchased as part of their event.

“Meetings and events are important business for Marriott. Our customers are eager to participate in sustainability efforts. Connect Responsibly expands ongoing initiatives and strengthens our efforts focused on sustainability in hospitality,” said Tammy Routh, Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Marriott International. “We are excited to build on our sustainability reporting capabilities to provide our meetings and events customers with detailed Meeting Impact Reports and offer access to a select portfolio of verified carbon offset projects, through our collaboration with South Pole.”

This announcement is part of Marriott’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at properties and in the supply chain. As of April 2024, Marriott is the largest global hospitality company to receive approval from the Science Based Targets initiative for both near-term and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets (SBTs). To drive progress toward its SBTs, Marriott launched the company’s Climate Action Program (CAP), which includes property-level carbon reduction goals and actions.

Connect Responsibly supports Marriott’s Sustainability and Social Impact Platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction. For more information on the company’s Serve 360 initiatives, visit http://www.marriott.com/Serve360.

About Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.

Glance And Swiggy Instamart Join Forces To Make Quick Commerce Quicker

Highlights

* The partnership brings one-tap shopping to Android lock screens, enhancing speed and convenience for millions of shoppers across CPG categories

* Direct interaction from Glance's smart lock screens guides users seamlessly to Swiggy Instamart’s product pages for swift and effortless purchases

* Integration with Glance and InMobi Exchange enables targeted advertising across thousands of premium apps, enhancing campaign reach and effectiveness

* Initial campaigns with five leading CPG brands showed a 10-20% increase in sales and significant market share gains

Glance, the world’s leading smart lock screen platform, and Swiggy Instamart, India’s pioneering quick commerce platform, have announced a disruptive partnership to launch a one-tap purchase feature directly from Glance’s smart lock screens. This allows CPG brands on Swiggy Instamart to connect with over 230 million active users from the lock screen of their smartphones, making it easier for users to go from product discovery to purchase.

With 4 out of 5 Android users in India interacting with Glance’s smart lock screen as their first point of contact, Glance has emerged as the premier discovery platform for brands. Their presence on the most prominent screen of the smartphone enables brands to connect with consumers early, driving both awareness and purchase decisions with ease.

Through this partnership, Glance looks to deliver impactful brand communication directly to users' lock screens at optimal intervals, sparking interest in products and making it easy for users to take action. With a single tap on branded promotional content, users are seamlessly redirected to the corresponding product page on Swiggy Instamart, enabling a quick and effortless purchase for consumers

To deliver this experience, Glance leverages Swiggy Instamart’s user behaviour and preference data to create sharply defined audience cohorts, allowing CPG brands to target consumers more effectively. By combining Swiggy’s user affinity signals with Glance’s engagement metrics, this data-driven approach ensures that promotions reach the right audience at the right time, improving purchase intent and conversion rates for brands.

Glance and Swiggy Instamart have rolled out this innovative approach with five leading CPG brands, including a well-known energy drink that saw a 20% increase in its baseline sales, and a leading nutrition supplement brand that recorded a 10% rise in sales and a 7% gain of market share growth on the platform. On average, these brands experienced over 10% uplift in sales, driven by both existing and new customers, demonstrating the potential of the Glance smart lock screen to drive meaningful consumer action.

Vasuta Agarwal, Chief Business Officer, of InMobi Consumer and Performance Advertising, said, “We are excited to partner with Swiggy Instamart to transform the way India’s CPG brands drive growth on quick commerce. By integrating Glance’s premier screen presence, targeting capabilities and reach of over 230 million users with Swiggy Instamart’s quick commerce convenience, we are setting a new standard for brand engagement in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. With one-tap purchases directly from lock screens, we aim to empower CPG brands to connect with consumers in real-time, effortlessly turning intent into action.”

Glance has deep integration with InMobi Exchange which allows Glance and Swiggy audiences to extend their advertising campaigns to mobile app users across around 30,000 apps in India. Homegrown InMobi Exchange is one of the biggest and most addressable mobile exchanges which allows brands to seamlessly extend their campaigns on other premium apps.

Amitkumar Banka, Head of Growth Marketing, Swiggy said, “Glance smart lock screen has proven to be a powerful first touchpoint for Android users, driving meaningful results for CPG brands on Swiggy Instamart. As Swiggy Instamart continues to grow, we’re excited to collaborate with Glance to engage users instantly, creating real-time connections that translate into tangible business results.”

Kashish Vasandani, Director Growth, Swiggy, said, “This unique partnership between Glance and Swiggy allows brands on our platform to seamlessly reach their audience on either the lock screens of their smartphones or within 1000’s of other premium apps that consumers use via InMobi Exchange.”

Glance and Swiggy Instamart aim to replicate the success of initial campaigns across hundreds of CPG brands converting everyday lock screen interactions into measurable business outcomes.

Glance is an AI-driven platform that delivers a wide range of engaging experiences directly on Android lock screens, including games, entertainment, news, sports, and shopping, all available in seven Indian languages. By partnering with reputed publishers and developers, Glance's AI curates premium content tailored to each user’s preferences. This allows users to access relevant information seamlessly, without unlocking their phones or navigating through multiple apps. 

About Glance:

Founded in 2019, Glance is a consumer technology company that operates some of the most disruptive digital platforms including Glance, Roposo, and Nostra. Glance has redefined the way the internet is consumed on the lock screen, removing the need for searching and downloading apps. Over 450 million smartphones now come enabled with Glance’s next-generation internet experience. Roposo has revolutionized commerce by launching a destination for creator-led live entertainment commerce. Headquartered in Singapore, Glance is an unconsolidated subsidiary of InMobi and is funded by Jio Platforms, Google, and Mithril Capital. For more information visit glance.com, roposo.com and inmobi.com

Manipal Academy Of Higher Education: First university In India To Host An IELTS Test Centre!

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first university in India to host an IELTS test centre. MAHE Manipal signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IDP Education India Private Limited, New Delhi towards this engagement. With the test centre now accessible on campus, students will have convenient access to course modules, along with additional benefits such as discounted memberships and trained faculty mentors for assistance. The Department of Humanities & Management, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal will be hosting the Centre as a closed avenue exclusively for MAHE students. Registrations are now open for the first IELTS paper-based test going live on November 7, 2024.

The MoU was officially executed on 14 October 2024 in the presence of Dr Giridhar Kini, Registrar MAHE Manipal and Mr Kishan Kumar Yadav, Area Manager – IELTS Operations (South India), IDP Education India Pvt Ltd.

Dr Anil Rana, Director MIT Manipal, Dr Anup Naha, Director International Collaborations, Dr Yogesh Pai P, Head – Department of Humanities & Management at MIT Manipal and colleagues witnessed this exchange. Mr Abhishek Swamy, Assistant Territory Manager – Karnataka, IDP Education India Pvt. Ltd was present during the occasion.

"We are incredibly proud that MAHE has become the first university in India to host an IELTS Test Centre. This achievement reflects our commitment to enhancing global opportunities for our students and the community. Having a test center on campus will provide easier access to international education pathways and strengthen our efforts in promoting academic excellence and global exposure for our students”, said Dr. Giridhar Kini.

Achieving this significant milestone is yet another testament to MAHE’s commitment to fostering global education standards towards the holistic development of students and staff. This joint initiative between MAHE and IDP Education India Pvt Ltd will have a profound impact on both the university and the region, creating numerous pathways for students and professionals alike.

MIT-WPU Honours Scientist Dr. Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan With Vigyan Maharshi Samman At 6th Convocation Ceremony

In a celebration of scientific excellence and educational achievement, MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) honoured distinguished scientist Padma Shri Dr. Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan with the prestigious MIT-WPU Vigyan Maharshi Samman during its 6th convocation ceremony. The award was presented by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in recognition of Raghavan's outstanding contributions to the field of science. The accolade included a certificate, an idol of Saraswati, and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs.

Dr. Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan, a recipient of the Padma Shri, serves as a DAE Homi Bhabha Chair and Emeritus Professor at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS). He is also a former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and chairs the Prime Minister's Science Technology and Innovation Council. His extensive career includes serving as Secretary to the Department of Biotechnology and Director of NCBS at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

In his address at the convocation, Dr. Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan expressed his gratitude upon receiving the prestigious MIT-WPU Vigyan Maharshi Samman, stating, "I am very proud to receive this honor. A university education is not solely about your time in classrooms. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the classroom is relatively incidental. The key aspect is your ability to communicate and connect with one another, so that you can break these silos as you enter the world." He also emphasized the critical global challenges we face today and their potential solutions, adding, "The world is now a far more complex place than it was even 10 years ago, and certainly over the last 50 years. We face many formidable challenges: climate change, extreme weather events, issues of sustainable development, water scarcity, and economic growth. These problems are indeed significant, but there is no challenge that cannot be tackled by us."

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Chief Guest of the ceremony, congratulated Dr. Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan on receiving the MIT-WPU Vigyan Maharshi Samman and extended his best wishes to the graduating students. He stated, As you embark on this new journey, remember that the continuous acquisition of knowledge, coupled with the ability to face challenges with determination and hard work, will be the pillars of your success. These milestones will guide you as you transition into the corporate world. It is your responsibility to prove your capabilities and, through your dedication and excellence, uplift the reputation of your family, your organization, and the community you represent. The true value of education is not merely in the knowledge gained but in how effectively you utilize that knowledge to bring about positive changes. Strive to innovate, find solutions to pressing challenges, and work towards enhancing the well-being of others. Your actions have the power to make a lasting impact on society and create a better future for all."

Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder President of MIT-WPU, shared his vision rooted in the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, reiterating the importance of harmonizing science and spirituality. "In 1893, Swami Vivekananda declared a vision at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago a vision guiding us today, where science and spirituality coexist harmoniously. We must foster a value-based universal education system connecting spirituality with science, through discipline and character building,"

Shri Rahul V. Karad, MIT-WPU’s Executive President, emphasized India’s potential to become a global leader in spirituality and science. He discussed the university's vision for a Global Education Managing Council to integrate spiritual components into technical education and encouraged students to innovate, rather than merely replicate Western models, fostering original thinking in engineering and technology.

During the ceremony, MIT-WPU also honoured other outstanding achievers. Abhijit Pawar received the 'Founder President Medal,' while Anushree Kulkarni was awarded the 'Executive President Medal.'

The convocation saw over 5,000 students receive degrees across multiple disciplines, including Engineering and Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, Business, Economics and Commerce, Health Science and Technology, Science and Environmental Studies, Law, and Consciousness Studies.

The ceremony was graced by several esteemed guests, including international business consultant Prof. Ram Charan, MIT-WPU Founder Trustee Prof. P.B. Joshi, Chairman of the Management Committee Prof. Dr. Mangesh T. Karad, Vice-Chancellor Dr. R.M. Chitnis, and other distinguished dignitaries adding further prominence to the event.

Michelin India Announces Winners Of The “Michelin AI Challenge”

* The challenge received over 100+ applications from 25 cities

* Winners: Kogo.ai, Prophecy and Zangoh.ai

Michelin, the world leader in tyre technology, announced the winners of the “Michelin AI Challenge”, the first AI challenge in the sector. Launched in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Startup India, the initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the Indian AI startup ecosystem while exposing them to global best practices.

The award ceremony undertaken at IIT Delhi, was honored by the presence of our special guests Mr. Petros Sourmelis, Minister-Counsellor, Delegation of EU to India and Bhutan, Ms. Marie Khater, Deputy Head of the Regional Economic Department for India and South Asia, Embassy of France, Dr. Ambica Rajagopal, Michelin Group's Chief Data and AI Officer, and Mr. Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India.

During the event, 10 startups pitched their ideas, and Kogo.ai, Prophecy, and Zangoh.ai were recognized for their innovative contributions, learning opportunities to co-build on strategic projects and receive mentorship. The startups were carefully evaluated by a team of Michelin’s AI data scientists, business leaders, product managers and developers. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between Michelin and DPIIT, aimed at fostering sustained innovation and entrepreneurship, while creating an enabling environment for startups to thrive.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ambica Rajagopal, Michelin Group's Chief Data and AI Officer said " The Michelin AI Startup Challenge is designed to identify and support innovative startups to build solutions using AI agents, LLMs, computer vision, and robotics to enhance manufacturing, product quality, road and pedestrian safety, and how to use AI in a responsible, explainable and ethical way. By leveraging LLMs and generative AI, we are not just automating workflows but enabling intelligent agents to discover optimal paths of action through complex choices. These AI systems are now able to generate insights from distributed knowledge, linking structured and unstructured data to build deeper models of customer behavior. The potential to unlock creativity and innovation has never been greater.”

Mr. Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India, said; “At Michelin, our commitment to India is reflected in our decision to establish our AI headquarters in Pune and in our continued partnership with the government through initiatives like the MOU signed with DPIIT. We believe in the power of collaboration, where our global expertise and mentorship, combined with the government's scale and vision, create a win-win scenario. We sincerely extend our gratitude to DPIIT for their invaluable support in making this challenge a success."

Mr. Petros Sourmelis, Minister-Counsellor, Delegation of EU to India and Bhutan, said; “The AI Challenge is a novel initiative of Michelin that aims to expand Data and AI capabilities and bring innovation to the forefront. That it has received 200+ applications from startups across the country speaks volumes about the interest this program and its themes have generated. I hope this will give a huge spur to industry linked innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.”

Ms. Marie Khater, Deputy Head of the Regional Economic Department for India and South Asia Embassy of France said; “The work and activities engaged by Michelin in India embodies the profound and concrete partnership that our two countries have on digital technologies. Not only is Michelin an industrial group, one of the leaders in tyre manufacturing but the company is deeply engaged in innovation and R&D, particularly in the digital space. I am really looking forward to seeing how we can build on existing initiatives from French and Indian companies like this one to find synergies and strengthen our bilateral ties on innovation, notably in the perspective of the Indo-French year of innovation in 2026.”

The Michelin AI Challenge, a 12-week-long initiative, was undertaken in multiple stages which included, outreach, applications, shortlisting and mentorship until September 2024, followed by the grand finale featuring the shortlisted startups. The challenge saw an overwhelming response, with 106 startups applying from all over the country. Around 60% startups from tier 1 cities and tier 2 cities applied, showcasing diverse, innovative AI solutions that highlight the nation's talent and break geographical barriers.

The top ten AI innovators from the AI Startup Challenge presented their projects at the demo day at IIT Delhi. The three winning teams were awarded paid pilot projects from Michelin, with funding of up to INR 5 lakh each. Furthermore, these winners will gain access to global contracts and incubation support from Michelin leadership.

DPIIT has been proactively working towards mobilizing startups in the manufacturing space, and to provide them with early-stage support necessary for their growth. The Department is building an initiative to bridge the gap between industry and startups, by supporting with setting-up of incubators and incubation programs led by the industry. The initiative aims to empower manufacturing startups with innovative technologies and sustainable practices, enabling them to become leaders in the global market through incubation supported by the industry. 

869 Aakash Educational Services Limited Students Qualify Indian Olympiad Qualifier In Mathematics (IOQM) 2024; Now Eligible For RMO

*      This year’s results see a significant increase in the percentage of students from Aakash clearing the exam

*      The qualified students will now compete in the stage 2 of the Olympiad, Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO)

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the national leader in test preparatory services, proudly announces that 869 of its classroom students have successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) 2024. This exam is the first step in the 2024-2025 cycle of the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), paving the way for participation in IMO 2025. The IOQM is conducted by the Mathematics Teachers Association of India [MTA (I)], with the subsequent stages being organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) – HBCSE (TIFR).

Among the qualifiers of IOQM 2024 from Aakash, 11 students are from Class 8, 87 from Class 9, 276 from Class 10, 362 from Class 11, and 132 from Class 12.

The qualified students from the first stage (IOQM) will now compete in the second stage of the Olympiad journey, the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO), scheduled for November 3, 2024. The students who clear the RMO will be eligible for the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO), which will take place on January 19, 2025

Congratulating the students on the impressive results, Mr. Deepak Mehrotra, MD & CEO of Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), said: “We are immensely proud of our students for their remarkable achievement in the IOQM 2024. This accomplishment reflects their dedication and passion for mathematics, and we at Aakash are committed to nurturing their talents at every step of their academic journey. As they move forward to the next stage, we stand behind them, confident that they will continue to excel and make the nation proud on the global stage. At Aakash, it is our constant endeavour to provide the best learning environment and resources to help students realize their full potential."

The International Mathematical Olympiad program is aimed at bringing secondary and higher secondary students with exceptional mathematical ability and passion for the subject from across the world together in a friendly competition of the highest level. India has been participating in International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) since 1989 and Indian students have won a large number of medals over the years. After INMO, approximately top 65 students from all over India are invited for International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC) where they undergo some theoretical and problem-solving sessions and compete against each other. 5-6 selected students from IMOTC are chosen to represent India at international level in IMO and are given training in Pre-Departure Camp (PDC). During the camp, orientation is provided to students for IMO and emphasis is laid on developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills. 

Aakash aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash have proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams, Scholarship Exams and Olympiads.

Emaar India Announces Its Entry In Maharashtra Market Introduces Casa Venero, Ultra-Luxury Project In Alibag

Emaar India the Indian business entity of the globally renowned brand Emaar, famous for developing Burj Khalifa, is now entering the Mumbai market with an offering in Alibag. The company will be introducing a coveted villa - only destination for the who’s who of Mumbai- the financial capital of India.  It will soon be launching its first ultra-luxury villa project, The Casa Venero in Alibag, Maharashtra. The company has set up their sales lounge in the Oberoi.

Located just 20 mins away from the Mandwa jetty in, Alibag, this project will be the epitome of finesse & pure leisure, a heavenly abode far away from the hustle-bustle of the city.  Casa Venero is set to redefine new standards of luxury living, with its exquisite design, myriad of opulent elements juxtaposed to create the perfect weekend home, nestled in the serene and charming coastal town of Alibag.

Casa Venero is spread across lush green area of 25 acres (approx.) offering 84 limited collection exquisite villas. The project is positioned as a weekend /holiday home with club house and other amenities spread across 80,000 plus Sq ft. Situated within a gated and secured exclusive community, these 84 exclusive villa owners will have access to clubhouse with lazy river, common green areas such as wellness lawn, sculpture garden, reflexology path, kids play area, butterfly garden, open amphitheatre and hammock garden. The project will boast plantation of 1000 plus trees and will offer a green retreat for the discerning Mumbai clientele.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Kalyan Chakrabarti, CEO of Emaar India, stated, “We are thrilled to announce our entry into the western real estate market, we are excited to build a residential space that echoes international standards of luxury with the serene charm of Alibag, providing a truly exceptional living experience. This project is a testament to Emaar’s global reputation for quality and design, we look forward to delivering homes that set new standards of luxury living in India.”

“We are elated to introduce this unique concept to the Maharashtra real estate market, and we look forward to welcoming residents to experience the pure living that Casa Venero has to offer.”

This development by Emaar India will set a benchmark in luxury with USPs such as gated & secured exclusive community, over and above the farmhouse feel of villa with pool and private greens. It is set to bring in a new dimension in leisure amidst the serenity of Alibag.

Designed with exclusivity in mind, the independent villas are thoughtfully crafted with double height living area, equipped with private elevators, exclusive plunge pools & lawns, these would specifically cater to those discerning clientele who have a penchant for luxury and enjoy serenity. In order to create a bespoke and intimate, high-end living ambience, a judicious blend of indoor and outdoor amenities have been integrated with minimum wastage in passages for optimum utilization.

Casa Venero reflects Emaar’s global legacy and modern architectural excellence, setting new benchmarks in design and quality. At the heart of the property is a state-of-the-art clubhouse featuring a resort like lazy river, flowing from the swimming pool & offering a range of lifestyle amenities: gourmet dining options, a squash court, a fully equipped gym, a relaxing spa, and guest rooms.

Alibag is fast emerging as a preferred location for luxury first-homes as well, offering a perfect balance of peaceful coastal living and significantly improved connectivity to Mumbai. A mere heartbeat from the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region), Casa Venero can be reached by a car drive & a ferry from Mumbai to Mandwa or by the newly constructed Atal Setu bridge that offers a seamless transition from the urban frenzy to the serene indulgence. This makes for an ideal investment for those looking for leisurely weekend home or a unique first home providing the finest in luxury and lifestyle.

Punjab & Sind Bank Announces Financial Results For Quarter And Half Year Ended September 30, 2024

Punjab & Sind Bank has announced its financial results for the quarter and half-year ended 30 September 2024, showcasing solid growth across key metrics.

The bank reported a Net Profit of Rs 240 crore for Q2FY25, marking a 26.98% increase, from Rs 189 crore in Q2FY24. Total Income rose by 15.86% YoY to Rs 3,098 crore, up from Rs 2,674 crore a year ago. Operating Profit surged 76.15% YoY to Rs 458 crore, compared to Rs 260 crore in Q2FY24.

Net Interest Income (NII) grew by 29.33% YoY to Rs 873 crore, versus Rs 675 crore in the previous year, while the Net Interest Margin (NIM) increased by 38 bps to 2.71%, up from 2.33% in Q2FY24. The bank’s Core Fee Income increased by 35.88% YoY to Rs 178 crore from Rs 131 crore in the same period last year.

In terms of growth, Total Business grew by 8.40% YoY to Rs 2,15,057 crore, up from Rs 1,98,387 crore a year ago. Total Deposits increased by 6.48% YoY to Rs 1,24,025 crore (vs Rs 1,16,481 in Q2FY24), with Retail Term Deposits registering an 8.94% YoY growth to Rs 52,239 crore (vs Rs 47,951 in Q2FY24). Total Advances rose by 11.14% YoY to Rs 91,032 crore (vs Rs 81,906 crore in Q2FY24), driven by a 18.09% YoY growth in RAM Advances, which increased to Rs 49,033 crore in Q2FY25, up from Rs 41,520 crore in Q2FY24. RAM Advances (%) to Gross Advances improved by 317 bps to 53.86% in Q2FY25 (from 50.69% in Q2FY24).

Operational improvements were evident with the Cost-to-Income ratio reducing by 958 bps to 62.82% in Q2FY25 vs 72.40 in Q2FY24. The Return on Assets (ROA) improved by 13 bps to 0.65%, compared to 0.52% in Q2FY24.

Asset quality also strengthened during the quarter under review compared to the same period last year. GNPA decreased by 202 bps YoY to 4.21% from 6.23% and NNPA fell by 42 bps YoY to 1.46% from 1.88%.

The Yield on Advances improved to 8.75% from 8.62% YoY, and the Yield on Investment rose to 7.06% from 6.76%.

The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) improved by 48 bps quarter-on-quarter.

Dalmia Bharat Optimistic About The India Growth Story

Q2 FY25 Highlights

Volume increased 8.4% YoY to 6.7 MnT

EBITDA/T stood at Rs 650/T

Renewable Energy consumption increased to 39%[1]

Executed Renewable Power Agreements under Group Captive for 151 MW cumulatively (in addition to 127 MW already executed earlier)

Net Debt to EBITDA stood at 0.25x

Dalmia Bharat Limited, (BSE: 542216, NSE: DALBHARAT), a leading cement manufacturing company, reported its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “India’s economic resilience with Government’s sustained thrust on building infrastructure and promoting manufacturing sector, underpins my conviction in the India growth. I believe that as India grows, cement sector being a proxy, will continue to flourish. We are actively working to announce our Phase II expansions within the next 9 months and achieve our interim milestone of 75 MnT by FY28.”

Mr. Dharmender Tuteja, Chief Financial Officer – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said “I am pleased that we delivered a strong volume growth of 8.4% YoY in Q2 FY25. However, the continuous & unprecedented softness in cement prices resulted in revenue declining 2.1% to Rs 3,087 Cr, and EBITDA falling 26.8% YoY to Rs 434 Cr for the quarter. While external challenges weighed on profitability, we remain focused on long-term cost drivers for margin improvement.”

Key updates

Commissioned 16 MW Captive solar power plant at Sattur, Tamil Nadu, increasing our total RE capacity to 202 MW

In line with the commitment towards RE100 by 2030 & Carbon Negative by 2040, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has entered into multiple Renewable Power Agreements under the Group Captive, which will secure 151 MW of renewable power energy. This is in addition to 127 MW of power agreements signed in Q1 FY25. With this, we have collectively signed agreements for 278 MW of RE Power. Commissioning of Renewable power plants is expected to be in FY25 & FY26.

In line with the Capital Allocation framework, the company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 4 per share.

Key Recognitions during the quarter

Recognized with India’s Most Sustainable companies and top 3 businesses in Cement & Building Material sector by the Business World for its commitment to sustainability and innovation

Recognized as the Best Sustainable Project for its initiative, Annadata. This project is a testament to Dalmia Cement's commitment towards rural innovation and social responsibility.

Three unit of Dalmia Cement won National Excellent Energy Efficient Units Award by CII’s 25th Energy Management Award 2024.

Mines at Kadapa unit have received 5 Star rating for sustainable mine management.

IIIT-B COMET Foundation Exhibits Cutting-Edge Telecom Solutions At IMC 2024

* Two Supported Startups Win 1st & 2nd prize in 5G/6G Hackathon

India Mobile Congress (IMC), a premier event organized by the Department of Telecommunications and COAI, witnessed a remarkable showcase of advanced communication technologies from IIIT-B COMET Foundation. Held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi recently, the IMC provided a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to explore the latest trends and advancements in the telecom sector.

IIIT-B COMET Foundation was invited to set up a stall under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Pavilion, where it proudly exhibited its groundbreaking innovations in O-RAN base station, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), and Private 5G networks. These technologies demonstrate IIIT-B COMET Foundation’s commitment to driving India's telecom sector forward through indigenous research and development.

O-RAN Base Station: IIIT-B COMET Foundation showcased its cutting-edge 5G-Advanced O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) massive MIMO base station technology, which is revolutionizing the telecom landscape by offering greater flexibility, interoperability, and cost-effectiveness. The O-RAN architecture enables seamless integration across different vendors, empowering telecom operators to innovate rapidly and accelerate digital transformation.

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS): RIS is a revolutionary technology that optimizes the performance of wireless communication networks by intelligently reflecting radio waves, enhancing signal strength and coverage. This innovation is crucial for improving connectivity in complex environments and is particularly vital for 5G-Advanced/6G deployments and beyond.

Private 5G Box: IIIT-B COMET Foundation also showcased Private 5G Box, a tailor-made, high-performance solution designed for enterprises seeking to deploy secure and private 5G networks, developed by Mantiswave Networks Pvt. Ltd., a start-up incubated by IIIT-B COMET Foundation. It offers seamless connectivity, robust security, and optimized network management, making it ideal for industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and smart cities.

2 IIIT-B COMET Foundation Supported start-ups win 1st prize & 2nd prize in Hackathon:

Two of the IIIT-B COMET Foundation-supported startups, Provaya Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Cablesmith, participated in the 5G/6G hackathon organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and secured the First and Second prizes, respectively. The winner, Provaya Technologies Pvt Ltd, received a prize of 2 lakh INR, while the first runner-up, Cablesmith, was awarded a cash prize of 1.5 lakh INR.

“IIIT-B COMET Foundation is pleased and honored to participate in Indian Mobile Congress, in the Department of Science and Technology Pavilion. We are grateful to the support by DST, IIIT-Bangalore and collaborating institutes and are excited to showcase technologies developed in collaboration with the partner institutes and startups. COMET remains committed to cultivating a robust startup ecosystem, enabling entrepreneurs to leverage shared knowledge and advanced technologies to drive progress in the communication sector.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Provaya Technologies Pvt Ltd and Cablesmith for securing the First and Second prizes, respectively, at the 5G/6G hackathon organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)” said Mr. Sridhar Pillalamarri, CEO, IIIT-B COMET Foundation.

“We are proud of IIIT-B COMET Foundation’s, NM-ICPS, DST, GoI funded R&D centre in advanced communication participation at India Mobile Congress 2024 (IMC), where we showcased cutting-edge innovations in 5G-Advanced and 6G communication technologies. The remarkable achievement of our supported startups, Provaya Technologies and Cablesmith, winning the 1st (Winner) and 1st runners-up positions respectively in the 5G/6G hackathon organized by the Department of Telecom, highlights our commitment to promoting innovation and driving India’s telecom sector forward.” Said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore.

About COMET Foundation

IIIT-B COMET Foundation, a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) funded through the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) program of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), operates under the aegis of the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B). Its core focus lies in the domain of Advanced Communication Systems, with an emphasis on translational research, entrepreneurial development, and skill-building.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), IT for Society, and broader fields of IT and research. Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bengaluru, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). IIIT-Bangalore secured the 74th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for the second consecutive year, 2024 reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The institute was ranked number 9 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations.

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students’ cognizant of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

For more information about IIIT-Bangalore, visit www.iiitb.ac.in

Tata Motors Wins Order To Supply 1000 Bus Chassis To Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced that it has received a prestigious order from the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to supply 1,000 units of the Tata LPO 1618 diesel bus chassis. The order was won by Tata Motors following a competitive e-bidding process conducted via the Government tendering process, and the bus chassis will be supplied in a phased manner as per mutually agreed terms.

This latest order follows the successful fulfilment of a similar, larger order of 1,350 bus chassis received last year, and which are currently running efficiently by the UPSRTC. Designed for safe intercity and long-distance travel, Tata LPO 1618 diesel bus chassis deliver superior performance and excellent passenger comfort with low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

On receiving the order, Mr. Anand S, Vice President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, "We are delighted to continue to partner UPSRTC in their efforts towards expanding and improving public transport. The Tata LPO 1618 bus chassis is engineered to deliver robust and reliable mobility with high uptime and low maintenance and operating costs. We look forward to commencing supplies as per the guidance of UPSRTC.”

Tata Motors has been at the forefront of delivering advanced buses and public transportation solutions to various cities and states across India. Thousands of these buses operate successfully on the country’s roads, connecting urban and rural areas, facilitating comfortable and efficient daily travel for millions of citizens.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Park Hospital Saves 45-Year-Old Man From Complicated Diaphragmatic Hernia Through Advanced Robotic-Assisted Surgery

·         Most parts of the patient’s abdomen were pressed against the lung, making it difficult for the patient to breathe 

·         This surgery marks a milestone for the Hospital, which has performed 50 robotic-assisted surgeries within 50 days of installing the advanced robotic system

Park Hospital, one of the leading multi-specialty healthcare providers in the region, has successfully performed a complex robotic-assisted surgery to save a 45-year-old man from a complicated diaphragmatic hernia. The surgery, led by Dr. Anshuman Kaushal, Director of the Department of Minimal Access, Metabolic, Bariatric & Robotic Surgery, involved repairing a significant defect on the left side of the diaphragm, which measured around 8 by 10 centimetres, with the help of the advanced da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system.

This surgery marks a significant milestone for Park Hospital, which has successfully completed 50 robotic-assisted procedures, including bariatric, colorectal, and upper GI surgeries, within just 50 days of installing the advanced Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system. Park Hospital is committed to making robotic-assisted surgeries accessible and affordable, ensuring patients from various income groups can benefit from this cutting-edge technology.

The patient arrived at Park Hospital's emergency department with severe breathing difficulties and abdominal discomfort. A thorough evaluation revealed a life-threatening diaphragmatic hernia, where the abdominal organs pressed against the left lung, severely impairing its function. Given the complexity and location of the hernia, Dr. Anshuman Kaushal and his team chose to perform the procedure using robotic technology, which offered superior precision and control for repairing the defect.

Dr. Anshuman Kaushal shared his insights on the procedure, stating, “This was an extremely challenging case due to the large size of the hernia and the involvement of the thoracic cavity. We opted for robotic-assisted surgery because traditional open surgery would have posed significant risks, including larger incisions, longer recovery times, and more postoperative complications. Robotic-assisted surgery allowed us to safely reduce the herniated organs back into the abdominal cavity and repair the diaphragm with a large mesh, ensuring a stable closure. The precision and dexterity of robotic technology were instrumental in the success of this surgery.”

The patient underwent single-lung anaesthesia, carefully managed by the anaesthesiologist team, which enabled the procedure to be completed with minimal risk. The hernia contents were reduced, and a large mesh was placed on the diaphragm to prevent future complications.

“Thanks to the robotic-assisted approach, the patient experienced minimal postoperative pain, a faster recovery, and an early discharge from the hospital. He was moved out of the ICU just two days after surgery and discharged in excellent condition shortly after. During his follow-up visit, the patient showed significant improvement, with fully expanded lungs and a complete resolution of symptoms,” Dr. Kaushal added.  

Expressing his gratitude, the patient said, “I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Anshuman Kaushal and the Park Hospital team. Their expertise and care have given me a new lease on life, and I’m recovering much faster than I anticipated.”

While talking about the hospital’s mission to enhance patient access to advanced treatment options, Dr. Ankit Gupta, Co-Founder, Park group of hospitals said, “Our hospital is committed to helping patients from all walks of life by offering cutting-edge treatments, including robotic surgeries, at relatively affordable costs. The mission is to advance medical care through the latest technologies, ensuring that high-quality healthcare is accessible to everyone. As a part of that mission, we adopted one of the advanced robotic-assisted surgery technologies earlier this year, to provide cutting edge surgical solutions to the patients in this region. By prioritizing both technological advancement and compassionate service, we aim to redefine what is possible in healthcare.”

Allianz Partners India Announces Partnership With CI Metrics To Enhance Predictive Weather-Based Automotive Assistance Solutions

Allianz Partners India, a leading Assistance and Services Company has partnered with CI Metrics, a leader in predictive analytics and risk management, to enhance its proactive roadside assistance breakdown solutions. By integrating CI Metrics’ advanced weather prediction models and AI-driven insights, the company aims to anticipate and respond to automotive weather-related challenges, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.

This partnership marks a significant advancement in the automotive assistance industry. It combines Allianz Partners extensive experience with CI Metrics industry-leading technology to revolutionize roadside assistance services. 

Key benefits of this partnership: 

·       Proactive Solutions: With access to real-time weather data and AI-powered predictive models, Allianz Partners will be able to forecast breakdowns caused by adverse weather conditions, minimizing disruption, and improving customer experience.

·     Efficient Resource Allocation: Accurate predictions will enable planning and mobilizing of the resources more effectively during weather-related incidents, ensuring faster response time and potentially reducing average wait time. 

·     Enhanced Customer Trust: By offering more reliable and proactive services, Allianz Partners will reinforce its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Charu Kaushal, Managing Director of Allianz Partners India, said, “We are excited to partner with CI Metrics in this next phase of delivering unparalleled reliability for our valued customers. Leveraging CI Metrics’ advanced weather prediction models will allow us to anticipate breakdowns accurately and reduce the impact of weather anomalies on our customers during extreme weather conditions. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide peace of mind to our customers anytime, anywhere.”

Gagan Agrawal, Investor and Advisor at CI Metrics, added, “Allianz Partners longstanding reputation in roadside assistance services, combined with our state-of-the-art predictive analytics and AI-driven insights, will set a new standard. Our approach incorporates satellite and drone imagery, data fusion and ground up ontology stack, AI and deep learning to achieve high prediction accuracy for severe weather events.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Introduces Limited Festival Edition Of Toyota Rumion

* Experience enhanced comfort and prestige powered by premium TGA packages

* Complimentary accessory packages available across all Toyota dealerships until 31st October 2024.

Making this festive season special for car buyers, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today introduced the Festive Edition of the Toyota Rumion. This Limited-Edition, featuring exclusive Toyota Genuine Accessory (TGA) packages aimed at enhancing the Rumion's aesthetics and comfort is the perfect mobility choice to celebrate the season in elegance and style.

This festive edition of the Rumion, available across all grades, comes with a dealer-fitted TGA package worth ?20,608, ensuring that customers enjoy a premium experience.

The Festival Limited Edition TGA package features:

Back Door Garnish

Mud Flaps

Rear Bumper Garnish

Deluxe Carpet Mat (RHD)

Head Lamp Garnish

Number Plate Garnish

Door Visor - Chrome

Roof Edge Spoiler

Body Side Molding Garnish Finish

Commenting on the introduction of the festive editions, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Limited-Edition Toyota Rumion, which not only enhances aesthetics and comfort but also ensures a superior driving experience.  As we embrace the festive spirit leading up to Diwali, our commitment to offering exceptional value to our customers remains unwavering. This special edition showcases our dedication to customer satisfaction by offering newness through features such as premium accessories, extended warranties topped with outstanding after-sales service, all meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of Indian buyers.”

The Toyota Rumion has already garnered a strong following as a versatile and family-friendly MPV, seamlessly combining spacious interiors, fuel efficiency, and superior safety features. Offering a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, providing a seamless driving experience for both manual and automatic enthusiasts, this MPV is available in powerful K series 1.5-litre Petrol engine with Neo Drive (ISG) technology and E-CNG technology. The cutting-edge K-series engine also offers an excellent fuel efficiency of 20.51 km/l for Petrol variant and 26.11 km/kg for CNG variant.

Toyota Rumion is available in six variants of S MT/AT, G MT, and V MT/AT, S MT CNG offering a wide range of options for customers.

Bookings for the Festival Limited Edition of the Toyota Rumion are now open at all Toyota dealerships, as well as online at www.toyotabharat.com/online-booking.