IIT Kanpur Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence with Symposium on ‘Transforming India: The Next Innovation Powerhouse’

IIT Kanpur, one of the first Indian Institutes of Technology and a globally acclaimed Institute of National Importance, continued its Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a unique event in Bengaluru hosted by IIT Kanpur Alumni Association, Bangalore Chapter. The symposium on ‘Transforming India: The Next Innovation Powerhouse’ was the first of a series of events that are being organized by the Alumni Association of IIT Kanpur across the country and abroad.

The event saw eminent IIT Kanpur alumni and other luminaries from various walks of life participating including Dr Koppillil Radhakrishnan, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIT Kanpur, and Honorary Distinguished Advisor in the Department of Space (ISRO), Prof Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur, and Umesh C Joshi, Co-Founder Hush, President IITK Alumni Association Bangalore.

The all-day event with the theme ‘Connect, Collaborate and Celebrate’ was packed with in-depth panel discussions covering academia, industry and entrepreneurial innovations. The discussions on topics such as scientific research and development and Mission Nobel Prize through building a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship saw enthusiastic participation from the audience. Industry-specific roundtables saw deliberations on how IIT Kanpur and its alumni could shape the future of India. A nostalgic session on the inception of IIT Kanpur took the alumni down memory lane and a trivia quiz had them reminiscing about their time at the institute.

Mr. Pradeep Bhargava, President, Alumni Association, IIT Kanpur said, “The idea behind organizing such conferences across the country and overseas is to get the alumni under one roof and deliberate over various important issues that are critical to the growth of India’s economy. With so many thinking minds putting their heads together, we are sure to generate innovative ideas to ensure India stays ahead in business and science! The conference in Bengaluru focused on conversations and debates around making India a global R&D hub, an examination of the challenges and ways to address these with the involvement of academia.”

During the event, Institute signed MoUs for research collaboration with various R&D centres in Bangalore. Adding to that, SIIC (Incubation Centre) and Technopark from IIT Kanpur showcased various startups being incubated at IIT Kanpur.

The event saw the participation of more than 800 alumni along with industry leaders. Events are further planned to be held across Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune in India, and abroad in San Francisco, New York, Ottawa, and Zurich to reach out to the over 10000 alumni of the institute and bring about productive interaction with ideas for India’s growth. The themes identified include India as a Global R&D hub, transforming India through technology and Innovation, touching the grassroots and building a $5 trillion economy, powering the future with AI & IOT, engagement with government departments and building Centres of Excellence, methods to attract world-class faculty; growth with manufacturing and SMEs, and innovation and funding for growth and collaboration with Universities and Industry.

State Bank of India and Livspace were the main sponsors of the event.

Tata Motors Registered Domestic Sales of 38,057 Units in Nov 2019

Tata Motors Limited has announced its sales in the domestic & international market, for the month of November 2019, which stood at 41,124 vehicles, compared to 55,074 units during November 2018.

Domestic - Commercial Vehicles:

According to Mr. Girish Wagh, President, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors Ltd., “As we move closer towards BSVI transition, focus continues to be gradual stock reduction, with retail sale in November being higher than whole sale by over 10%. Medium and Heavy Commercial vehicle sales grew by 23.6% over previous month, as enquiries continue to increase gradually, with fleet owners realizing the economic benefits of replacement of their older vehicles. Overall system stocks being at a multi-quarter low, coupled with increasing enquiries for replacement demand, will help firm-up volumes and realizations in next few months.

Total M&HCVs sales in November including M&HCV Truck, Buses and International Business stood at 7,736 units compared to 13,162 units last year.

Domestic - Passenger Vehicles:

According to Mr. Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors Ltd., “After an encouraging festival period, in November, industry declined sharply. In addition, industry is also preparing for the BSVI transition.

In line with our strategy to focus on retails, we have further enhanced our network coverage.  Our retail sales were more than wholesales by 15%, which has helped us to reduce the network stock by 35% in this fiscal.  We will continue with these steps that make our network agile and profitable. We are ready for the transition to BSVI with enhanced models in both petrol and diesel options and have a slew of exciting new product launches in the coming months like Nexon EV, Altroz and Gravitas. These, along with the demand for the limited number of remaining BSIV diesel vehicles, coupled with an expected gradual improvement in consumer sentiment should help step change our growth trajectory in the coming months.”

Ather Signs MoU with TN Government for New Factory of 400,000 Sqft. in Hosur

Ather Energy has signed an MoU for a 400,000 sq ft electric vehicle manufacturing facility with the Government of Tamil Nadu at the Investment and Skill Development Conclave in Chennai. Ather Energy has already announced its plans to expand to 30 cities in the next few years and this MoU will help scale up production plans for the same. The built-up factory will be located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu and is supported by the government of Tamil Nadu under its EV Policy.

This MoU comes on the heels of a big push for electric two-wheelers by State & Central Governments with an updated FAME policy, GST reduction, and benefits for taxpayers on loans for electric two-wheeler purchase.

The facility will not only cater to the EV manufacturing demand but also for Ather’s lithium ion battery manufacturing which is a key area of focus for the company going ahead. The investment is an opportunity for value creation in the sector and will create job opportunities for the region. More than 4000 employees will be trained in requisite skills in the EV sector as a part of this initiative over the next 5 years.

Ather Energy opened pre-orders in July 2019 for Chennai and pre-orders till December are full. The third batch of Ather 450s are now available with deliveries expected in February - March '20. The company has been offering test rides at their experience centre, Ather Space in Wallace Garden Street, Chennai.

Ather has also been investing in setting up fast-charging infrastructure in Bengaluru & Chennai. Currently, Chennai has ten fast charging points and more will be added in the coming months. Post the success in the two cities, Ather is gearing up to launch in Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi and Mumbai in the coming year.

Quote by Tarun Mehta, Chief Executive Officer, Ather Energy:

Ather is rapidly scaling up and we need to expand our production capacity to meet the growing demand. The new unit will help us meet the demand for the next few years across the country. Tamil Nadu has been a hub for automobile manufacturing, and they have been working closely with us in their effort to build an EV ecosystem.  A manufacturing facility at Hosur was an ideal choice considering that, it is close to our R&D facilities in Bengaluru and most of the existing and potential future supply base is operating in the region. The availability of a built-up option of our desired scale and proximity helped in the decision making.

About Ather 450: The Ather 450 is designed for city riding conditions, with a top speed of 80 km/hr, a range of 75 km and one of the quickest accelerations of 3.9 seconds from 0-40 km/hr in the scooter category. Also, for the first time in the category, Ather 450 comes with parking assist, which allows riders to reverse into tight parking spots. The key differentiator of the Ather 450 is its intelligent features, seamless charging and ownership experience. The Ather 450 has a 7” touchscreen dashboard that allows onboard navigation with options of alternative routes and saved locations. It comes with the Ather app.

Russian Helicopters Mi-171A2 Civilian Helicopter Now Certified in India and Colombia

Mi-171A2 helicopter was certified in India and Colombia. It allows Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) to start exporting the latest modification of the multirole civilian helicopter.

The Civil Aviation Department of India confirmed that the standard design of Mi-171A2 complied with Indian civilian aviation requirements (CAR). The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation had previously approved a type certificate for VK-2500PS-03 helicopter turboshaft engine installed in Mi-171A2 helicopters for JSC “UEC-Klimov”.

The validated Mi-171A2 type certificate was also issued by the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics of Colombia (UAEAC). The decision of the Colombian authorities gives Russian Helicopters an opportunity to supply machines of this type to Colombia.

"Mi-171A2 is the latest modification of Mi-8/17, the most common twin-engine helicopter in the world. Companies from Rostec's Aviation Cluster made a great effort to receive an opportunity to operate the machines in India and Colombia: the type certificates were confirmed for the helicopter itself and for UEC's VK-2500PS-03 engines that the helicopters were equipped with. Mi-171A2 has the A type certificate of the Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia. It means that the highest flight safety requirements for civilian helicopters are met," said Director General of Russian Helicopters holding company Andrey Boginsky.

The first Mi-171A2 for an Indian customer has already been produced by Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. It was demonstrated to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Eastern Economic Forum. It is planned to validate the Mi-171A2 type certificate in China, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Peru and other countries.

With the most advanced modification of the improved engine, the helicopters have absolutely new capabilities for operation in high-mountain and high-temperature areas. Due to its more efficient X-shaped tail rotor, the new main rotor with all-composite blades, and improved aerodynamic profile, the cruising and maximum speed of Mi-171A2 helicopter are 10 percent higher and the load capacity is 25 percent greater than those of serial Mi-8/17 helicopters.

The digital onboard equipment set KBO-17-1 ("glass cabin"), including the navigation instrumentation and the system of general helicopter equipment with display data indication, allowed the company to reduce the crew to only two people. Video cameras provide a better view during external load operations. Modern terrain awareness and warning systems, airborne and obstacle collision avoidance systems improved safety.

The helicopter can carry passengers and is available in the transport, passenger and VIP versions.

JSC “Russian Helicopters”, a part of Rostec State Corporation, is a leading player in the global helicopter industry, the sole Russian designer and manufacturer of helicopters. The Holding Company was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Moscow. We operate five helicopter assembly plants, two design bureaus, component production and maintenance enterprises, aircraft repair plants and one helicopter service company providing after-sales support in Russia and abroad. The customers of the Holding Company are the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Home Affairs, EMERCOM of Russia, and other state customers, Gazpromavia, UTair Aviation company, large Russian and foreign companies.

State Corporation Rostec is one of the largest industrial companies in Russia. It unites more than 800 scientific and industrial organizations in 60 regions of the country. Its key areas of activity are transport engineering, electronics, medical technology, chemistry and innovative materials. Rostec holdings form three clusters: electronics, weapons and aviation. The corporation’s portfolio includes such well-known brands as AvtoVAZ, KAMAZ, Kalashnikov, Russian Helicopters, Uralvagonzavod and others. Rostec is active in the implementation of all 12 national projects. The company is a key provider of Smart City technology, it is engaged in the digitalization of public administration, industry and social sectors, and it is developing plans for the development of 5G wireless technologies, an Industrial Internet of Things, big data and blockchain systems. Rostec partners with leading world manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Daimler, Pirelli and Renault. The corporation’s products are delivered to more than 100 countries worldwide. Almost a third of the company's revenue comes from the export of high-tech products.

Austrian Designed Bikes CFMoto Vrooms into Bengaluru; Inaugurates First Showroom in Bangalore

Highlights

* 4 models with engines ranging from 300 – 650cc will be available at Bengaluru showroom
* The Austrian designed bikes are assembled in Bengaluru, India
* CFMoto India received over 720 bookings since launch in India
* Bookings can can be made online with Rs.5000 or at the showroom with Rs.50,000

The newest entrant in the two-wheeler market, CFMoto India opened its first showroom in Bengaluru at KH Road. The showroom was inaugurated by Shri LA Ravi Subramanya, MLA Basavanagudi Member of Legislature Assembly, Government of Karnataka. The new showroom offers sales, service, spares and test rides to motoring enthusiasts in Bengaluru. The company plans to expand its dealer network with showrooms across the country over the next 12 months.

CFMoto joined hands with Bengaluru based Anvita AutoTech (formerly AMW Motorcycles) to launch the globally popular brand in India earlier this year. The four CFMoto motorcycle models will be available at KH Road showroom are - 300NK, 650NK, 650MT and the 650GT. The models range from INR 2,29,000/- INR 3,99,000/- INR 4,99,000/- INR 5,49,000/- (ex-showroom prices all India) respectively.

These motorcycles sport contemporary designs and boast of latest technology and features. These next-gen bikes are the distinctive silhouette in motorcycling world with technologically superior and youthful designs.

The company has received over 720 bookings since August 2019 and customers have begun receiving deliveries earlier this month. Customers can book the bike with Rs. 50,000 by walk-in to the showroom or can book online on AAT CFMoto India website (http://www.cfmotoindia.com)  by paying Rs. 5000. AAT CFMoto is planning to launch 50 dealership showrooms across India by 2021. 

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Vamsi Krishna Jagini – CEO - Anvita AutoTech Works said “we are extremely delighted to launch our first showroom in Bengaluru. CFMoto has established itself as an iconic brand among youth and bike lovers and the customer response so far has been positive. We are also ramping up the production to enable faster deliveries and meeting customer demand. We see high potential in tier 2 markets and are working aggressively to expand to those key markets along with metro cities.”

Mr. Hudson Liu - Head Indian operations, CFMoto said, “I am excited to be a part of this launch, it’s a major step ahead in bringing the CFMoto brand closer to autophiles of Bengaluru city. India is a key market for our brand and we are happy to partner with AAT to make our entry in the country. We will continue to bring products with latest technology and features at prices that are sure to please.”

CFMoto 300NK is a street fighter and features dual riding modes, TFT Color Display, LED Lighting and Rear mudguard. It will have full LED headlamps with LED turn indicators and will be powered by a 299cc, single cylinder engine.

CFMoto 650NK is also a street fighter and boasts of a muscular fuel tank and sharp tail section.

CFMoto 650MT is an adventure tourer powered by a 649.3cc liquid cooled engine. The tourer gets a tall windscreen and comfortable riding position. It sports a large fuel tank with 18 litres capacity.

CFMoto 650GT is a sports tourer powered by a 649.3cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that makes 70PS of power at 8,750rpm and 62Nm of torque at 7000rpm. The 650GT comes with a 6-speed gearbox.

The models currently will be available through AAT CFMoto dealer network based in Mumbai and Bangalore. Other cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata and Guwahati will follow shortly.

Five Online Gaming Platforms that Help You Make Money on Smartphone

So, you’ve started playing online games on your smartphone and are simply loving it! Who doesn’t like on-the-go entertainment, after all? But do you know that you can also earn money while doing the same? Yes, a number of digital gaming platform enables you to mint money while killing boredom over them. Here are some of them!

Gamezop: If you love games like cricket, basketball, and even snake, Gamezop is the platform that you got to be on! The best part about the platform is that you can start playing in it in three quick and easy steps. Log on to www.Gamezop.com in your mobile browser, enter your mobile number, enter OTP, and you are good to go. And this is without any app installation on the device! So, wham sixes in ‘Cricket Gunda’, score baskets in ‘Basket Champs’, play ‘Flexi Snake’, or, rather, pick any of those 250 games over it.

Dream11: This one is especially for those peeps who love live sports like Cricket, Kabaddi, and Football. Gone are the days when you simply used to sit behind TV screen (or even your smartphone) and discuss player strategy. Now is the time for you to actively participate in the process. On Dream11, you can chip in upcoming live sports matches by picking a team of your own. So, the sports trivia that you actively check online and over TV will no longer go in vain. You will get to win money using it.

WinZO Games: WinZO is a digital gaming platform that offers over 30 games like Bubble Shooter, Space Warrior, Carrom, and more to ardent players. The icing on the cake is that all of these games are available in 10 vernacular languages including Bangla, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, and so on.

BaaziNow: From the house of Times Internet Limited, BaaziNow is a platform where you can put your general knowledge to good use and win money. The platform features interesting games like trivia quiz game show, opinion-based quiz, and live bingo games and extends prize money in the form of instant cash rewards.

Adda52: Love poker? Don’t waste your skills by playing it for free. Rather, log onto Adda52 and join lakhs of other players who are on the platform and are winning money over it daily. The platform has a number of variants of poker games where you can test your luck, skills, and wisdom – and earn money in the process. You wouldn’t be needing to download any app either and can also sign up for free.

Brand Factory Announces the 4th Season of ‘Free Shopping Weekend’ from December 4-8, 2019

Brand Factory, the lifestyle discount store by Future Lifestyle Fashion is back with the country’s annual shopping pilgrimage, ‘Free Shopping Weekend’ from December 4 to 8. After creating a significant impact with its previous seasons, the country will witness yet another edition of an exciting weekend with FREE shopping on 200 plus ORIGINAL brands. Providing impeccable offers, Brand Factory is giving customers a chance to shop worth Rs. 5000 and pay only Rs. 2000 and even get that back through gift vouchers worth Rs. 1200, apparel worth Rs. 500 and Rs. 300 cashback in Future Pay wallet, making shopping FREE!

Customers can shop from over 200 plus original National and International brands like Jack & Jones, Lee Cooper, Levis, Imara, ONLY, PEPE, Iktara, Adidas, Reebok, Skechers, Fila, American Tourister, V.I.P, Lino Perros, Lavie, Caprese and much more. Giving each customer a chance to shop with ease, customers can pre-book their Premium Passes at a minimal cost of Rs.250 (for two) for an entry to the store before 11am. Additionally, customer walking in post 11am can skip the queue by purchasing Rs.250 Premium Pass (for two) and get a fast lane entry to the store.

Speaking about Free Shopping Weekend, Suresh Sadhwani, CEO, Brand Factory says, “We are delighted with the fan following Free Shopping Weekend has been receiving for the past three years. Making it bigger and better in the fourth season, we have enhanced our offerings with best of fashion across International and National brands for FREE. Not only this, our stores will be open extra hours in the morning to give customers additional time to enjoy hassle free shopping. We invite customers to walk in with their families and shop to their hearts content as there is something instore for all age groups.”

Customers can book their tickets on insider.in or through brandfactoryonline.com or visit the nearest Brand Factory store and enjoy FREE shopping.

Book your tickets to get a direct entry to the country’s mega shopping event!