Tata Motors Extends Emergency Service Support to its Customers in the Cyclone-Hit Areas of Odisha

Key highlights:

·         50% discount on the spare parts on customer liability
·         50% discount on the labour on customer liability
·         Free towing of the affected vehicles to nearest Tata Motors Authorized workshops in partnership with our associate TVS Auto Assist
·         Assignment of exclusive towing trucks
·         Tata Motors Roadside Assistance can be contacted at 1800 209 7979

In light of the recent natural calamity in Odisha, Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicle Business Unit (PVBU) has announced support for all Tata Motors vehicles that might have been damaged as a result of the unprecedented rains and strong winds in the state. Customers from the affected areas can contact Tata Motors Roadside Assistance for emergency support on 1800 209 7979 to get their vehicle towed and serviced at the nearest Tata Motors Authorized Service Centre. Tata Motors’ channel partners are currently on high alert and are available to assist affected customers in the state.

Speaking on this initiative, Mr. Subhajit Roy – Senior General Manager & Head Customer Care (Domestic and International Business), PVBU, Tata Motors, said, “We are deeply saddened by the devastating effects of Cyclone Fani that has struck Odisha and its neighbouring states. We at Tata Motors are extending prompt services across Odisha to give our customers the much-needed respite. We are currently offering free as well as discounts on services on Tata Cars across the state’s cyclone-hit areas to provide our customers utmost care.”

Standing with its valued customers in Odisha during these trying times, Tata Motors has made available various offers and services in the affected areas including 50% discount on spare parts and labour on customer liability along with free towing of affected vehicles to the nearest Tata Motors Authorized Service Centre as well as the provision of exclusive towing trucks till the situation betters. Additionally, the company has made sure the availability of special call centre executives who are fluent in the regional language to be available at all times for seamless communication.

Manipal Hospitals Organizes Cyclothon to Create Awareness on Colorectal Cancer

In an attempt to create awareness and draw attention towards prevention of colorectal Cancer, Manipal Hospitals Bengaluru unveiled cyclothon for healthy life. The event wasflagged off by Ms. Anupama Gowda, Sandalwood Actor in the presence of Dr. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman Manipal Hospitals, Dr. Somashekhar SP, HOD & Chairman, Manipal Hospitals and Mr. Deepak Venugopal, Regional, COO, Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Ltd.

The cyclothon was kicks started at 6.00 a.m. – 8.00 a.m and 250 plus people participated. Cyclothon commenced at Manipal Hospitals, old airport road, ASC junction, Trinity junction, Halasaru metro station, Indiranagar metro station, KFC junction, Barbecue nation 100 feet and then back to Manipal Hospitals. Health talks by doctors were conducted post the cyclothon highlighting the causes , symptoms and precautions to be taken to avoid colorectal cancer.

Manipal Hospitals has created a first of its kind cycle zone within the premises, which was inaugurated today. With an aim to motivate employees and general public to adopt a healthy lifestyle and inculcate cycling in their routine.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Anupama Gowda, Sandalwood Actor said, “It is an honour to be associated with Manipal Hospitals for such a great cause. It is important to be aware and well informed and take preventive measures for a deadly disease like cancer. Prevention is better than cure, and the key to prevent colorectal cancer is to educate oneself about the disease. Therefore lets we all must pledge to follow healthy lifestyle for a better future tomorrow.”

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman, Manipal Hospitals said,” In India, the incidences of colorectal cancer is rising due to sedentary lifestyle and associated dietary habits resulting in more number of people being diagnosed with the disease at an earlier age. Colon cancer has a strong genetic predisposition, hence, preventive care is recommended to identify the threat much earlier and increase the scope of getting it treated successfully. Manipal Hospitals is always at the forefront when it comes to creating awareness on diseases and I thank everyone for participating in the cyclothon today. It is important to inculcate discipline in our lives to make it better.”

Explaining about colorectal cancer, Dr. Somashekhar SP, HOD & Chairman, Oncology, Manipal Hospitals, “Colonic diseases, both malignant and benign have increased significantly not only in India but globally. This can be attributed to sedentary lifestyle and increase in consumption of junk food, alcohol and smoking. In addition, decreased physical activity has led to rise in obesity, which contributes, to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. It is estimated that in India although the incidence is less as compared to western countries but it is increasing and we see younger patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Surgical management of colorectal cancer is extremely complicated, requiring high level of skill and expertise. Today laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques help the patient with less surgical pain, enhanced recovery and early return to work.”

Self-Inspect your Vehicle with HDFC ERGO’S New #DIYMOTORCLAIMS Service

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, India’s third-largest non-life insurance provider in the private sector, announced the launch of #DIYMotorClaims service, a part of the Company’s ‘Jaldi Claim’ services. This new service will enable customers to file their motor claims virtually for minor damages to their cars/two-wheelers by simply sharing photographs of their vehicles using HDFC ERGO’s Insurance Portfolio Organiser (IPO) Mobile App.

In order to use the #DIYMotorClaims service, the customer must opt for the self-survey option on HDFC ERGO’s IPO app on their mobile phone or the HDFC ERGO website (www.hdfcergo.com) while intimating a claim. The customer will then be required to provide photographs of the damages to the vehicle along with necessary documents, which will be assessed by HDFC ERGO’s Central Team. On approval from the Central Team, the customer will be given the option to opt for Instant Cash whereby, the approved amount is instantly credited to the customer’s bank account. For customers not opting for Instant Cash, the claim amount is given basis the pre-approved assessment to the assigned workshop who can start repairs on the vehicle without any physical survey. This will help individuals file hassle-free claims for up to Rs 20,000/-, thus eliminating the need for a physical surveyor’s inspection and reducing the time required to wait for the approval of the claim.

HDFC ERGO aims to integrate technological advancements with customer needs, to innovate new products and services for them. The Company is the first in the non-life insurance sector to have launched a mobile application, the HDFC ERGO Insurance Portfolio Organiser (IPO) in 2012, which provides users with a plethora of features like locating garages and hospitals through geo-location and renewing policies. Furthermore, the Company has recently introduced new services under the ‘Jaldi Claims’ umbrella for all their products, like the Overnight Motor Repairs service - enabling customers to get their cars professionally repaired overnight and the #CamSurvey service - enabling faster claim settlement through the live streaming facility set up at network workshops.

Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) Announces Admissions Open for the Year 2019-2020

In continuous efforts towards its various initiatives in the area of Skill Development, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the opening of admissions for the academic year 2019-20 of Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), a dedicated 3-year program that provides opportunities for intelligent students from economically weaker sections across Karnataka.

Commenting on the announcement of this academic year’s admissions to TTTI, Mr ATSUNORI KOMEIE, Senior Managing Coordinator Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At Toyota, skill development has been one of our focus areas and we are working towards bridging the skill gap in the automotive sector. TTTI over the last 10 years has established itself as a center of excellence for skill development in the area of mechatronics, weld paint and assembly. The students are trained on global manufacturing practices and TTTI has accordingly been selected as one of the training institutes, under Japan India Manufacturing [JIM] skill transfer promotion program. Our students have represented India in the World Skill Olympics and won accolades for the nation.”

Sharing his experience on the program, Mr. Lokesh - TTTI Student, said, “The training and the best practices shared at TTTI have been excellent and it has transformed me to become an industry-ready employable resource. Today I feel more confident both as a person and as a professional, ready to face the challenges of the industry. I witnessed an overall personality development in myself including physical fitness, communication skills, technical know-how and manufacturing skills. As part of the TTTI curriculum, the on-job training in the shop floor has given me an insight of the real-working experiences. I thank Toyota for providing me with this opportunity which has been a life changing experience.”

Admission to the 13th batch of TTTI is open: (at present) from economically backward sections of the society, from across the state of Karnataka. Aspirants between the age of 15-17 years (as on 15th July 2019) and have cleared SSLC in their first attempt with 50% overall and 50% in Mathematics and Science each are eligible to apply.

Further details on this year’s application are given below:

Note: Those who have completed or holding only other formal Degree/ Diploma/ ITI certificates are not eligible to apply. The selection procedure which starts soon after the SSLC result announcement (during May’19) includes a written test, skill test, physical test, assessment test, interview, medical test and antecedent check.

The three year full-term apprentice residential training in Automobile Manufacturing has four courses namely Automobile Assembly, Automobile Weld, Automobile Paint and Mechatronics.

The training curriculum at TTTI is a unique blend which focuses on the holistic development of Knowledge (16%), Skill (34%), Body and Mind (50%) of the students.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has been instrumental in promoting skill development in the automotive industry through various innovative programs. TTTI is one such step by the company towards helping talented youth from rural Karnataka in improving their quality of life and making them more employable thereby promoting a robust economy in the country. Through this program from the institute, close to 572 students from across the state have benefitted.

Training at TTTI is not restricted to classrooms and workshops alone. TTTI exclusively emphasizes on overall development of the trainees as per industry requirements and towards “Perfecting people” and thereby contributing young multi skilled, energetic, ideal students to the nation.

At the completion of the training,

·         Students receive certification from Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd.
·         Students are provided with the opportunity to appear for NAC (National Apprentice Certificate) exam, certification from ASDC (Automotive Skill Development Council) and certification from JIM (Japan India Institute for Manufacturing).

During the course, students will be given the opportunity to take part in various national and international competitions like National Skill Competition and World Skill Competition (Skill Olympics).

Highlights of Key Achievement:

·         Student get an opportunity to participate in National Skill Competition and World Skill Competition (Skill Olympics) in 3 categories namely - Mechatronics, Car Painting , Prototype Modelling

·         TTTI 2011 batch student secured 4th position in World Skill Competition 2015 held at Sao Paulo, Brazil and won “Medallion of Excellence”

·         TTTI student secured 3rd position (Bronze Medal) in Prototype Modelling & Medallion of Excellence in Mechatronics in World Skill Competition 2017 held at Abu Dhabi.

Qlik Appoints Geoff Thomas as Senior VP to Lead Asia Pacific Business

Qlik, a leader in data analytics and data integration software,  announced the appointment of Geoff Thomas as Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific. Based in Singapore, Thomas is responsible for leading Qlik’s business and operations for the region with a focus on driving customer success and business growth. He will also be responsible for strengthening Qlik’s go-to-market strategy and execution with channel partners while building out Qlik’s team in the region.

Thomas brings over two decades of experience in helping enterprise customers seize new technologies to drive business growth while building and leading high-performance sales teams across Asia Pacific. Prior to joining Qlik, Thomas held key leadership positions with D2L, Polycom, Juniper Networks and Microsoft and most recently served as Vice President of Asia Pacific and Japan at OneLogin.

As data and analytics is a key pillar for many companies’ digital transformation initiatives, the regional market for analytics continues to grow with International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasting revenues for big data and business analytics (BDA) solutions to reach US$27.0 billion in 2022 in Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan)[1].

Christopher Jones, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales at Qlik, said, “We’re at a new stage of our business with our end-to-end data integration and analytics capabilities, and our focus is on transforming our customers’ business through data to solve their most challenging problems. We’re confident Geoff will fully leverage the market opportunity, and I look forward to working closely with him and the team to help customers realize and unlock the full value of data.”

Geoff Thomas, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, Qlik said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to expand Qlik’s business in this diverse market and region. Qlik is well poised to become the market leader in Asia Pacific given the region’s burgeoning opportunities, with many enterprises yet to fully scale the use of data and analytics to their advantage. With our investments into the region and strong execution, I believe we can bring Qlik to even greater heights.”

Qlik’s large and growing footprint includes over 50,000 customers globally. Asia Pacific customers which harness Qlik’s platform-based approach to derive actionable insights include Bajaj Auto, Fujitsu Limited, HDFC Life, Hendry Group, JAPFA Group, Lenovo, Samvardhana Motherson Group, SEGA Games, Singapore Management University, SISTIC, SITEL, Subaru Corporation, Sydney Local Health District United Overseas Bank (UOB), and Waitemata DHB, amongst others.

Emirates Unveils its Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai Focusing on Future of Commercial Aviation

Emirates, Premier Partner and the Official Airline of Expo 2020 Dubai, today unveiled the design and visitor experience concepts of its ultramodern pavilion for the 6 month mega-event. The Emirates Pavilion’s design and visitor experience will utilise interactive technologies and design-thinking focusing on the future of commercial aviation. Emirates has already broken ground on the pavilion and construction began in March 2019.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group said: “We are incredibly proud to unveil the first details of the Emirates Pavilion today, which celebrates the themes of Expo Dubai 2020. The aim for our pavilion is very much in line with that of Expo 2020 Dubai, to stimulate connections, create experiences and foster creativity and innovation, inspiring a commitment for a better future. The forward-thinking experiences will highlight the best that is yet to come in aviation, and will be a platform to showcase how important mobility is for the world today and in the future.

“Emirates and the wider transportation ecosystem here in the UAE will play a key role in providing connectivity for a successful Expo 2020, and the economic impact of the transport, hospitality and tourism sector will contribute AED 16.4 billion to the UAE economy, underscoring the vital role these industries play in generating economic value by bringing people together and breaking down barriers.”

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Bureau Expo Dubai 2020 said: “We are excited to be bringing the whole world together to experience this incredible mega event. For almost 170 years, World Expos have united people in a spirit of inspiration and excitement for the future, and have amazed them with innovation, culture, art, food and fun.

“Air travel has transformed the ability of people to experience everything that the world has to offer. Expo 2020, and Emirates as our Official Airline Partner, will be bringing all of that together in one place, Dubai, in 2020. And the Emirates Pavilion will tell the incredible story of the role that air travel will continue to play in transforming mobility and shaping our futures.”

Taking place from October 2020 to April 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai is a must-attend event for visitors with an array of unique experiences at 190 country pavilions, and a packed entertainment programme with daily live events, parades, music and cultural festivals, inspiring talks and workshops and more. Food lovers and gourmands looking for innovative dining concepts will be able to sample cuisines from every corner of the globe, with over 200 dining experiences from casual food truck concepts to fine dining, and 34 ‘never seen’ before food concepts in Dubai.

The Emirates Pavilion

Guided by the three themes of Expo 2020 Dubai: mobility, opportunity and sustainability, the Emirates Pavilion was designed to reflect the dynamic lines of aircraft wings ready to take flight. The 26 slanted architectural fins that cover the entirety of the pavilion will hold over 800 metres of LED lights to create multi-sensory effects and movement across the structure, showcased by light shows during every night of Expo. The latest fabrication technologies, building techniques and sustainable design elements will be used such as integrated solar arrays, sustainable off-site construction, responsive solar shading and a verdant landscape on both the inside and outside of the Emirates Pavilion.

The 3,300sqm three-storey multi-function structure will be located in close proximity to the UAE Pavilion and within walking distance of the Al Wasl Pavilion, the epicentre of the Expo 2020 Dubai site.  The Emirates Pavilion will have the capacity to welcome more than 56,000 visitors per month during Expo 2020 Dubai.

Visitor Experience

The Emirates Pavilion will offer a glimpse into the changing world of commercial aviation and will help drive the discussion around the power of mobility and its advancements both in the air and on the ground, which ultimately enables the physical connectivity for people and products to move across the globe in a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable way.

The interior of the Emirates Pavilion includes an enclosed floor plan which allows natural daylight to enter the space, reducing energy consumption. Experiential content will take centre stage, encouraging interaction throughout the visit. The second floor of the Emirates Pavilion will house an auditorium for speaker sessions and industry events, and the third storey houses a dedicated skygarden for visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings and green, open spaces.

The Emirates Pavilion will help tell the story of what commercial aviation might look like in the future – through topics that include the science of flight, advancements in engine technologies, new aerospace materials that increase performance and reduce fuel consumption, innovative fuselage interiors focused on elevating passenger comfort and well-being, and the future of the passenger experience at airports.

Using the basic principles of aerodynamics and the four forces of flight (lift, drag, weight, thrust), visitors will be able to understand the science behind flight, and learn about the basic principles of aviation. With aerospace design constantly trying to find ways to push flight to the limits, visitors will also explore how fast different technological developments will hit the runways.

Will the future of engines be electric? This is one of the questions that will be addressed as visitors learn about the advances being made in engine propulsion and thrust for next generation aircraft as well as cutting-edge propulsion systems that increase thrust and while burning less to reduce emissions.

The future lab will explore innovative metallic and composite materials that are being developed, improved and adopted to offer better flying performance. Whether it’s lighter weight with greater strength and less corrosion to ultimately improve fuel economy, these materials could become the building blocks for the aircraft of tomorrow.

The fuselage of tomorrow will help visitors dive into the phenomenal transformation happening in the world of cabin interiors. Whether its advancements in technology, materials or spacial design, the future of aircraft cabin design will take comfort and passenger well-being to another level, and redefine how we experience flying. Visitors will be able to explore dynamic seating layouts and ergonomics, immersive onboard experiences and intelligent interfaces, windowless fuselages, as well as the technology behind ‘smarter seats’.

Before passengers even board, future technologies at airports are transforming our travel experience on the ground. Emirates Pavilion visitors will be able to explore a biometric end-to-end passenger processing system, which not only uses iris recognition, but also examines the emergence of wearable technologies, as well as multiple biometrics and human recognition systems such as brain scanning and voice biometrics.

Finally, visitors will be challenged to create and configure their ideal aircraft of the future, combining selected technologies and personal preferences for choices of wing, fuselage, engine, and other elements to help them define their own experience.

It is estimated that 70% of visitors to the Expo 2020 Dubai will travel to the event through air links over the 6-month event, and Emirates’ network of 158 destinations in 86 countries will help facilitate that mobility and support the Expo in attracting 25 million visits through its marketing channels. Of the 190 countries that have confirmed their participation in Expo 2020, Emirates will help facilitate and offer connectivity with direct flights to 67 of participating countries, and the airline continues to evaluate opportunities for new flight services to unserved or under-served markets to stimulate traffic and grow passenger links to Dubai.

The airline is also investing in cutting-edge biometric technology to facilitate seamless travel for passengers on the ground in Dubai, and more will be done in the years to come for a more connected and automated experience.

vivo Announces Exciting Consumer Offers Exclusively for Amazon.in Summer Sale

vivo, the global innovative smartphone brand has announced a series of exciting offers during the Amazon.in Summer Sale from 4th – 7th May, 2019. During the four days sale, vivo is offering an opportunity for consumers to grab smartphones by saving up to INR 9,000 on prepaid orders.

Consumers can also avail attractive offers such as No Cost EMI up to 12 months on select vivo smartphones, 10% discount on SBI debit and Credit cards. Consumers can save up to INR 4,000 with the exchange offer. The offers are available on devices NEX, V15 Pro, V15, V9Pro, Y91, Y91i, Y17, Y83 Pro, Y95, Y93 and Y81i.

In a recent Counterpoint research, vivo emerged as the fastest growing brand during Q1 with a strong 119% Y-o-Y growth backed by the innovative range of smartphones being launched by the brand. The report also states that vivo’s expanding Y-series portfolio along with the launch of the V15, accompanied by aggressive consumer engagement campaigns (around IPL) drove positive consumer demand in the country. Having secured and sustained growth leadership, the company has fortified its customer outreach by launching expansive range of smartphones across price points and introducing consumer centric offers.