CITI – NCPA Announces Scholarship Program for Young Musicians in Hindustani Music

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) & Citi India have consistently worked towards promoting various initiatives in the field of Indian and Western Classical Music. This year, to encourage young talent NCPA & CITI India have jointly announced a Scholarship Program for advanced training in the field of Hindustani Music (vocal – khayal / dhrupad, melody instruments – Sitar, Sarod, Violin, Flute, Harmonium, etc) Open to applicants in the age group of 18-35 years across India, candidates can apply for the scholarship from 2nd December 2019 till 31st December 2019. The value of the scholarship is Rs. 10,000/- per month for one year (April 2020 to March 2021).

The candidates must send in their application (bio-data on music education) via an email to ncpascholarships@gmail.com or in an envelope marked to ‘Citi - NCPA Scholarship for Young Musicians 2020-21 (Hindustani Music)’ to The National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 on or before 31st December, 2019.

Commenting on the scholarship initiative, Dr. Suvarnalata Rao, Head Programming – Indian Music, NCPA stated, “We at NCPA constantly strive towards supporting musicians at every level, ensuring that they have the opportunities and skills to experience and pursue Indian classical music. Our scholarship programme in partnership with CITI India is an initiative in this regard. We offer scholarships to young talented musicians and promising artists through this programme. A total of 9 scholarships will be given out to selected candidates. We are looking forward to entries in large numbers.”

The application must contain details regarding the candidate’s name, date of birth, address, contact number/alternate contact number, professional qualification, email ID, music teachers/gurus, number of years of total training and details of achievements / prizes / scholarships and performances, amongst other noteworthy details. A bio-data containing all details in the listing format will be enough. The shortlisted candidates will be informed via email or telephone. They will be required to appear for an audition at the NCPA, Mumbai, in the month of February 2020. The decision of the NCPA Selection Committee will be final.

New Jaguar XE Launched in India Priced Upwards of ₹ 44.98 Lakh

Highlights

● The New Jaguar XE is packed with enhancements, innovations and technology  that offers an exceptional blend of distinctive design, innovation and performance
● For Model Year 2020, the New Jaguar XE includes enhanced front and rear bumpers, full LED headlights with signature DRL & signature Hi-Line tail lights with Animated Directional Indicators to create an assertive appearance
● Available in S & SE derivative, the New Jaguar XE is packed with stunning features such as the 25.4 cm (10) ‘Touch Pro’ infotainment screen, ‘Remote’ (allows you to check car status remotely), Smartphone Pack with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Wireless Device Charging, Air Quality Sensor, Connected Navigation Pro (navigation system), Smart Settings with AI for driver seat, mirror, audio and climate settings, Wi-Fi Hotspot & Pro Services among others
●  Powered by Ingenium Powertrains, the New Jaguar XE is available with a choice of 2.0 l (litre) Turbocharged Petrol, producing 184 kW and 365 Nm of torque or a 2.0 l (litre) Turbocharged Diesel producing 132 kW and 430 Nm of torque
● Bookings are now open for the New Jaguar XE and is priced from  ₹ 44.98 Lakh

Jaguar Land Rover India today announced the launch of the New Jaguar XE. Available in the S & SE derivative, the New Jaguar XE is offered with 184 kW Ingenium Turbocharged Petrol powertrain and 132 kW Ingenium Turbocharged Diesel powertrain options.

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd (JLRIL), said: “The Jaguar XE has always been a distinctly designed executive sports saloon that provides exhilarating performance. The New Jaguar XE is an illustration of how enhancements in its design, technology and driving dynamics can rewrite the rules. We are confident that our Jaguar fans and discerning customers will be delighted with our latest offering.”

DRAMATIC EXTERIORS

The New Jaguar XE appears wider and lower than before, with large front apertures, bold graphics  and muscular forms, all alluding to the car’s performance intent and advanced aerodynamics.

New all-LED headlights with a striking ‘J’ blade daytime running light signature and Animated Directional Indicators create a more purposeful look. The rear of the car also features a new bumper design and slender all-LED tail-lights with updated signature graphics which accentuate the visual width of the car, while the 43.18 cm (17) inch wheels give the New Jaguar XE a more planted appearance.

EXTRAVAGANT INTERIORS

The exquisitely crafted all-new interior, features superior materials with extensive use of soft touch surfaces, premium veneers and all-new door trims to enhance appeal and practicality. The F-TYPE derived Jaguar SportShift selector on the revised centre console is ergonomically designed to facilitate intuitive, rapid manual gear changes of the 8-speed automatic gearbox. A new steering wheel, shared with the all-electric I-PACE, features ‘hidden-until-lit’ graphics and tactile switches for intuitive control of key functions.

Packed with features and brimming with technology, the New Jaguar XE gets a new 25.4 cm (10) ‘Touch Pro’ infotainment screen with Smartphone Pack (Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™) as standard. Other highlight features include Smart Settings with AI (Artificial Intelligence) for driver seat, mirror, audio and climate settings, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor, Online Pack (Wi-Fi with Pro Services that adds Real Time Traffic Information, Door-to-Door routing and Estimated Time of Arrival), ‘Remote with InControl Remote App’ allows you to check vehicle status like fuel level, window open etc. via phone, Connected Navigation Pro navigation system, Wireless Device Charging, Interactive Driver Display uses high definition crystal clear graphics to show 3D maps, vehicle settings, contacts and media options, Air Quality Sensor, Park Assist and more.

A DYNAMIC DRIVE

The New Jaguar XE has been designed and engineered to offer agility, responsiveness, maximum aerodynamic efficiency and stability along with the refinement that all Jaguars are renowned for. From the SportShift selector that offers a sportier shift to the Control toggle switch that enhances usability, while Jaguar XE’s lightweight aluminium intensive body structure continues to play a major role in the car’s agile handling, exceptional safety and efficiency. Aluminium makes up 75 per cent of the body and combines with proven rear wheel drive system, double wishbone front and integral link rear suspension to offer a superior drive.

Further details on the New Jaguar XE are available on the Jaguar India website www.jaguar.in.

Jaguar Product Portfolio in India

The Jaguar range in India includes XE (starting at ₹ 44.98 Lakh), XF (starting at ₹ 49.78 Lakh), F-PACE (starting at ₹ 63.78 Lakh), XJ (starting at ₹ 111.30 Lakh) and F-TYPE (starting at ₹ 90.93 Lakh). All prices mentioned are ex-showroom prices in India.

Raymond's 200 Odd Mannequins “Out on Traffic Duty” in Bengaluru

Acquiring new customers is the backbone of every business and the most challenging task. But even more important is to stay relevant to the local communities.

Marketers are engaging in interesting activities to be a part of the community and with the latest on-ground initiative, Raymond too has aced the cause.

Following Bengaluru Traffic Police’s lead to get motorists to follow traffic rules and observe lane discipline, ColorPlus put up black displays instead of mannequins with a sign reading  “Out on traffic duty, will be back soon.”  This is to show solidarity with the understaffed and overworked Bengaluru Traffic Police who have installed as many as 200 life-sized mannequins at troublesome junctions in Bengaluru.

HDFC ERGO Launches my:health Woman Suraksha - A Special Health Insurance for Women

Highlights

* A comprehensive insurance policy specially designed for women to address all health-related concerns
* Unique benefits like stem cell harvesting and loss of job due to specific illnesses offered to policyholders

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, India’s third-largest non-life insurance provider in the private sector, today announced the launch of ‘my:health Woman Suraksha’ policy. The my:health Woman Suraksha policy is specially designed to cover women against numerous illnesses and contingencies they may face during their lifetime, thereby providing financial aid in case of medical contingencies.

According to the National Health Portal of India, women in India face numerous health issues like breast cancer, malnutrition, lack of maternal health.  This policy will cover various types of cancers & related surgeries, pregnancy and neonatal (new born baby) complications and assaults & burns. The policy will also cover women from critical illnesses like Cardiac ailments, Rheumatoid Arthritis and others along with post diagnosis support like Molecular Gene profiling test, Second Medical opinion and counselling to support women through the illness.

Commenting on the launch of the new product, Mr Ritesh Kumar, MD & CEO, HDFC ERGO General Insurance said, “Women across age groups face specific risks related to their health &wellbeing. Some of these include critical illnesses like cancer, cardiac ailments or fatal complications during pregnancy or physical assaults. We have launched my:health Woman Suraksha, especially designed to support the healthcare needs of women.”

my:health Woman Suraksha intends to ensure overall well-being of women and offers wellness benefits under my:health mobile application of HDFC ERGO. The benefits include fitness discount at renewals, specially designed preventive health check-ups after every renewal and wellness services like health coaching, nutrition and weight management services, discounts at pharmacies etc. It also provides counselling on stress management, pregnancy care, work life balance etc. which is much needed by today’s new age women. This policy is offered to women between 18-65 years of age and offers a sum insured ranging from Rs 1 lakh to 1 crore.

For more information on the policy and plan details on the full range of insurance policies offered by HDFC ERGO please contact the Company representative.

Vivo Collaborates with Amazon Original Series Inside Edge Season 2 for its Soon-to-be Launched V17 Smartphone

Vivo, the global innovative smartphone brand, has announced its collaboration with the upcoming season of the 2018 International Emmy nominated Amazon Original Series Inside Edge, for its soon-to-be-launched smartphone in the V series segment – the all new V17. As part of the association, the cast of the highly anticipated Inside Edge Season 2 will be seen in an unboxing video like no other, presenting a new avatar of arch-rivals - Mumbai Mavericks and Haryana Hurricanes. Viewers can also expect a fun video featuring the cast of Inside Edge Season 2 where the underlying themes and rivalries showcased in Inside Edge Season 2 get revealed.

Talking about the collaboration, Nipun Marya, Director – Brand Strategy, Vivo India, said, “We are excited about our association with Amazon Prime Video for the 2nd season of the Amazon Original Series Inside Edge. Season 1 of the show received great reviews from critics and audiences around the country. The concept of show is very exciting and brings high quality, engaging drama with the backdrop of the sport India loves - Cricket. We, at vivo, are constantly looking for innovative ways to connect with our consumers and creating new and effective marketing platforms that will engage our audiences across the country. Our association with the Amazon Original Series Inside Edge for the launch of the all new V17 is a perfect example of this.”

Expressing delight on the collaboration, Gaurav Gandhi, Director and Country GM, Amazon Prime Video India, said, “India is a mobile first country and large number of our customers enjoy consuming entertainment on Amazon Prime Video on their smartphones. As we raise the bar in the entertainment space by creating world-class original shows like Inside Edge, we also continuously look at innovative and engaging ways to market this content to our customers – and our association with vivo, one of India’s most trusted mobile phone brands, for the latest season of our International Emmy nominated Amazon Original Series Inside Edge, is a great example of that. ”

vivo has carved a niche for itself with path-breaking innovation and product enhancements in the Indian smartphone market. Its V- series is widely known for its camera upgrades which offered customers the ultimate photography experience. The upcoming V17 will also be equipped with iView display and Super Night camera. Buoyed with its success in the smartphone market in India, vivo will end the year 2019 with another innovative offering in the V-series segment– V17. The smartphone is scheduled to be launched in December.

Inside Edge Season 2 synopsis Making a mark on a global platform for its efforts in creating compelling content, Amazon Prime Video’s first Indian Prime Original Series Inside Edge, was nominated for the 2018 International Emmy® Awards in the Best Drama Series category. In the next edition of the PPL, a volatile Vayu Raghavan leads the Mumbai Mavericks to face their biggest adversary yet, the Haryana Hurricanes, who are led by a reinvented Arvind Vashisht.

Building on the success of its International Emmy nomination last year, Inside Edge is the story of the Mumbai Mavericks, a T20 cricket franchise playing in the PowerPlay League. Set in a landscape of sports, secrets, and scandals where selfishness is a virtue and sex, money, and power are mere means to an end, Inside Edge is a story that pulls no punches, minces no words, and takes no prisoners. Above all, Inside Edge Season 2 is a story of passion, courage, and love. Come witness the game beyond the game.

Digital Construction Works Simplifies Digital Transformation and Improves Efficiencies for Construction Industry

The Year in Infrastructure Conference—– Digital Construction Works (DCW), a new digital automation, integration, and digital twinning services and fit-for-purpose solutions company formed by Bentley Systems and Topcon Positioning Group, will help revolutionize the construction industry by simplifying digital transformation. DCW solutions span every phase of the project – from planning to construction and operations through to asset management – creating a digital thread that connects technologies and workflows.

Contributing 13 percent of global GDP and an estimated $12.9 trillion market by 2022, construction is the largest industry in the world and is positioned to benefit from significant value through productivity improvements. The World Economic Forum estimates within ten years, full-scale digitization could lead to savings between USD 700 billion to 1.2 trillion (13% to 21%) in design, engineering, and construction efforts. Construction organizations need capabilities to analyze historical data, forecast what might happen in the future to avoid operational issues before they occur, reduce waste and downtime, improve safety, and reduce risk and liability. Logistics and on-site materials can be managed using digital tools to reduce waste and optimize for just-in-time delivery, increasing productivity on the construction site.

DCW end-to-end services automate and optimize construction operations through the digital transformation of the asset lowering full-lifecycle asset costs. Through digital twins, you can visualize the asset, check status, perform analysis, and generate insights to predict and optimize asset performance. Fast and continuous site surveying using modern technology shortens the digital twinning cycles between the physical and digital twin, achieved in combination with automated analytics. This process is applicable for linear infrastructure, but also vertical construction or the extensive off-site modular construction. 

"We see the benefits of working with organizations such as DCW, whose position in the market as the only end-to-end construction solutions service provider brings us confidence in how our core business targets will be kept a priority throughout the entire project," said Harry Parnell, head of digital project delivery for Balfour Beatty. "Their ability to be agnostic to technology is also important. We know that a combination of technology and process improvement will provide us with the best digital solution and make sure that technology follows the operational process change efforts, but never leads it. The use of technology in silos throughout our organization will never bring real operational, or industry change, but the use of technology with digital twin workflows and key operations processes in a focused and strategic effort will enable Balfour Beatty to reduce the gap between the office and the site continually."

"Balfour Beatty's vision of 25% less on-site work on projects by 2025 can only be achieved through the successful implementation of digital twin workflows and key operational processes and the use of technology. Implementing full digital construction solutions into our business, such as those provided by DCW, will enable us to achieve our project outcomes and business goals, including 'Zero Waste' and ensure that Balfour Beatty projects can continually improve by learning from our successes", said Harry Parnell, head of digital project delivery for Balfour Beatty.

Owners don't need to do it on their own. DCW can do it for them. DCW will help them to automate and connect disparate tools, including fit-for-purpose software and cloud services from Bentley and Topcon or, if needed, by other third parties. DCW can provide next best practices and enable project teams to gain visibility and insights through data and analytics to improve construction planning, execution, reduce project costs, increase safety and reduce liability, and improve capital project delivery.

Through its Partnering and Community, DCW has a global network of service providers who engage in projects with our customers to deliver digital transformation outcomes. The network includes technology partners such as Bentley Systems and Topcon Positioning Group and other third-party technology providers. Educational resource providers, including schools, unions, and trades, will be partnered-with to help fill the construction skills gap.

The Labs at DCW drive increased transparency and efficiency in construction operations. The Labs turn big ideas into solutions and serves as the construction industries R&D engine, where we prove repeatable workflows and technology integrations affecting interoperability, reporting, analytics, and digital twin delivery. DCW' Labs use analytical solutions to extract meaning from enormous volumes of data to help organizations improve their data-driven decision making. Such solutions help support the integration of project data across disciplines and teams, at every step of the construction process, for better collaboration to identify conflicts and risks. It helps to transform the industry from its legacy document-centric paradigm to a complete digital space-time operating system. Project teams receive verification in near real-time for on-time, predictable, and on-budget project delivery.

Ted Lamboo, CEO of DCW, said: "The construction industry sees that digitizing their workflows will increase efficiency and avoid risk and overruns. Leveraging Digital Twins will accelerate this process, and DCW can support the marketplace to make this transition. Our broad spread of digital solutions and services will support our users in this process."

"We believe that open collaboration and a commitment to improving the industry are the primary requirements for step-function advancement in digital construction, said Jason Hallett, COO of DCW. No single tool company can, or should, own the entire construction process as that journey only leads to a lack of innovation. DCW is starting with the backing of two large product companies, and we will welcome technology partnerships and service providers that can contribute to delivering a complete portfolio of digital solutions that are capable of moving the industry toward a more efficient and automated future."

DCW brings together both a combination of Bentley and Topcon colleagues, including Domain Experts from the construction industry. 

Intel India Unveils New 300,000 Sqft Design & Engineering Center with Incubation Hardware Center for Startups in Hyderabad

Intel India has announced the expansion of its innovation footprint in India with the unveiling of a new design and engineering center in Hyderabad. The facility was inaugurated by K. T. Rama Rao, Minister for IT, Industries, MA & UD, Govt. of Telangana in the presence of Raja M Koduri, Senior VP, Chief Architect and GM of Architecture, Graphics & Software at Intel Corporation, Nivruti Rai, Country Head, Intel India & Vice President, Data Center Group, Intel Corporation, and eminent ecosystem leaders from the government, industry and academia.

“Hyderabad has emerged as a key destination for advanced technology and product innovation work. We see leading technology companies growing their operations in the city which reflects a vibrant ecosystem and investment climate that Telangana offers. Intel is a technology leader and its contributions towards growing the ecosystem in India and Telangana have been remarkable, I am extremely pleased to inaugurate Intel’s new facility in Hyderabad; which reinforces Intel’s commitment towards accelerating the tech journey of the state,” remarks K. T. Rama Rao, Minister for IT, Industries, MA & UD, Govt. of Telangana.

Why It’s Important: The world-class design and engineering center will make significant contributions to critical global products and technologies across next generation SoCs, graphics, hardware platforms and software to fuel Intel’s growth. Spread across 300,000 sq. ft of space, the state-of-the-art facility comprises six LEED Platinum certified** floors, modern amenities, 40,000 sq. ft of labs and an incubation center for hardware and systems startups in the IT corridor of the city.

"Over the past 50 years, Intel has brought immense compute power to millions of people, transforming the way we live and work. We are now ushering in a new era of Exascale Computing driven by the rise of artificial intelligence. Exascale for Everyone is an exciting vision and it requires fundamental disruptions across the technology stack. Intel’s design and engineering centers will play a critical role in driving this mission and I look forward to the new center in Hyderabad delivering breakthrough technologies to propel the company’s growth," said Raja M Koduri, Senior VP, Chief Architect and GM of Architecture, Graphics & Software at Intel Corporation.

More Details: The design center will contribute to computing and communications technology innovations geared towards addressing critical challenges in today’s data-centric world, and advance Intel’s engagements with the city’s technology ecosystem by fostering entrepreneurship and a research mindset.

“Over the last 20 years, Intel India has invested significantly in R&D in the country and has been consistently leading in developing the tech ecosystem. We have made significant impact in areas such as Cloud, Client, Graphics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and Autonomous Systems and our new design facility in Hyderabad will enable us to further boost innovation for India and the world. We thank the government of Telangana and the IT Minister for their constant support and collaboration towards enabling a conducive environment for technology development and adoption in the State,” says Nivruti Rai, Country Head of Intel India and VP of Data Center Group, Intel Corporation.

Key features of Intel’s new Design & Engineering Center in Hyderabad

*300,000 square feet; 6 floors
*1500 seats capacity
*40,000 square feet of labs
*Incubation center for hardware & systems startups: Intel India Maker Lab
*Workplace of the future with collaboration areas, clinic, fitness center, recreation zone