COLOROTHON’ Season 12 – To be Held at Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium, Jayanagar

COLOROTHON, after 11 seasons across 5 cities in India and One lakh collective participation, is back to Bengaluru for Season 12, to rekindle the lost joy of drawing, painting and capturing your imagination alive on paper. ‘COLOROTHON -Draw your imagination, season 12’, is being organized by Breathe Entertainment,  Sunday, the 19th January ,2020  from 8 am to 4 pm at Kittur Rani Chennamma Stadium,Jayanagar, near Madhavan Park, Bengaluru.

In what is expected to be the largest open air drawing and painting session, people in the age group between 3 and 90 years can come along with their families, express their imagination and creativity on paper.

The event will be inaugurated by Senior Congress Leader Shri. DK. Shaivakumar , along with Shri. Ramalinga Reddy, Senior Congress Leader, Ex. Home Minister, Govt. of Karnataka in the presence of Mrs. Sowmya Reddy, Jayanagar MLA, N. Nagaraju, ByrasandraCorporator, Wing Commander M A Afraz(Retd) Founder – Honorpoint Bengaluru  and Celebrity guests like Actress Shwetha Srivatsav, and Mrs. Prathima David ,  Mrs. India Pride Of Nation Ravishing 2019 1st Runner-up & A certified Yoga teacher.

Revealing the activities lined up for the event, Kishore Joseph, Founder Trustee COLOROTHON, said, “Even though not a competition we will announce 15 best paintings selected across 5 age groups, which are 3 to 7, 8 to 12, 13 to 20, 21 to 30, and 31 and above to encourage and remind people that a life without creativity could never be colorful. 300 Best paintings will be donated to our charity partner Charity Partner- Honourpoint India's only online memorial for  Martyrs of Indian Armed Forces.

This season a special category is being introduced for the theme “ A Salute to Fallen Heroes” of our Armed Forces to connect the participants with the cause of Honourpoint.  The event will also witness 30 accomplished artist doing live paintings to inspire the budding artists. He added.

Incidentally Colorothon Season 12 will be appreciated by Exclusive World Records for most number of people painting under one platform for all age groups.

The event will also have a lineup of special activities ranging from interactive drums circle by Drum Events India (Indo African Band), magic by Rakesh Regan,  caricature, doodle artist, dance performance by Genesis School of Dance, Unplugged performance, robo act by Robo Ganesh , India’s Got Talent Artist , Motivational talk by Wing Commander M A Afraz(Retd), Founder – Honorpoint, talk by Tony V  Francis, The autograph seeker on how to write colourfully ,  a special act by Agni- Art For All, India’s got talent artist and man more.

Our vision is to see Indians from all over the country of all ages and all groups take to painting on a day which will be celebrated as Colorothon Day”

COLOROTHON is a platform that brings people together to celebrate colors and life. As an organizer we have elevated this season with inception of a largest open air painting exhibition, which will happen within a span of one month. Christened as a COLOROTHON initiative, the exhibition will display all the paintings from the event and the proceedings will go to charitable organizations. 

Viktor Hovland Wins The Hero Challenge One-Hole-Knockout Night Golf Contest in Abu Dhabi

Yet another thrilling edition of the innovative one-hole-knockout night golf contest, the Hero Challenge, culminated in Abu Dhabi, teeing-off the 2020 season amidst a loud cheer from fans.

Viktor Hovland clinched the winners’ title and called ‘The Hero Challenge’ his ‘first’ professional win. He put on an amazing display of wedge play under lights at the iconic Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit.

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, presented the trophy to Hovland.

With this ‘The Hero Challenge’ made an impressive debut in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Norwegian Hovland, 22, a former World Amateur No. 1, uniquely scored with every single shot as he emerged a winner, over World No.1, Brooks Koepka in the semi-final and then beat former Open champion, Louis Oosthuizen with another precise show.

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, recently extended ‘The Hero Challenge’ on the European Tour until 2022, with the number of annual events increasing from three to five. The Abu Dhabi edition marked the first Hero Challenge of the 2020 season.

In this edition of the Hero Challenge, players were required to hit from a customized platform, about 100 yards from the target, which had colored zones worth five, 10, 25 and 50 points for each shot, depending on where it lands.

With his final shot of the night worth double, Hovland found the ‘Bull’s Eye’ for 50, which doubled to 100 points. His total of 190 points was way more than Oosthuizen’s 55.

Hovland, who turned professional after the US Open last year, and now has a PGA Tour card, said, “I can’t complain, it was a pretty good start to the week. It’s an insane venue; I have never been to a place like this, so what a place to get my first professional victory!”

He added, “I hit some nice wedge shots tonight so hopefully that carries through to the tournament this week. To win the Hero Challenge is pretty cool and I’m looking forward to playing in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in a couple of days.”

Earlier, Hovland beat Koepka comprehensively in the semi-final while Oosthuizen beat two-time Rolex Series winner Bernd Wiesberger in the second semi-final.

In the group stage, Koepka and Wiesberger progressed to semi-final from Group 1, while the 2016 Masters winner Danny Willett was eliminated. Oosthuizen and Hovland moved ahead from Group 2 while Matt Fitzpatrick, a former Hero Challenge winner, was eliminated.

Hovland became the 11th different winner in 11 editions of the hugely popular Hero Challenge, which was broadcast live.

Following Abu Dhabi, the event moves to Europe for three more exciting editions, including the Scandinavian Mixed Hosted by Henrik and Annika in Stockholm, the Porsche European Open in Hamburg, and the Betfred British Masters, to be hosted by Lee Westwood at Close House. The series finale will take place ahead of the European Tour’s season-ending event in Dubai and will feature the winners of all four Hero Challenge events from 2020.

Results:

Final: Hovland beat Oosthuizen 190-55
Semi-final: Hovland bt Koepka ; Oosthuizen bt Wiesberger

Group stage:
Group 1: 1. Koepka; 2. Wiesberger; 3. Willett (eliminated);
Group 2: 1. Oosthuizen; 2. Hovland; 3. Fitzpatrick (eliminated)

iQuippo Becomes the First Platform to Digitise Co-Lending Programmes of Banks and NBFCs

iQuippo, India's first digital marketplace for infrastructure equipment has launched its upgraded financing portal (www.iquippo.com) and became the first digital platform in the country to digitise the co-lending programmes of banks and NBFCs.

The state-of-the-art platform now offers its customers an option to choose offers from different financial institutions; it also negotiates with them online on behalf of the financial institutions and customises offers according to their financing needs. Customers will be able to track their loan applications online, get feedback on documents that they need to avail loans and get answers to all their queries relating to the disbursement process. They will also benefit from a single window access to multiple financiers, simple documentation and hassle-free application. They will also get real time offers from the financiers in form of competitive rates and higher LTVs (loan to value ratio). Following this launch, iQuippo's customers will be to avail finance for their equipment purchase at the click of a mouse from the comfort of their home/office.

Meanwhile, dealers will be able to upload their invoices, generate leads, track customer applications and avail a free Customer Relationship Management tool which will improve their client relationships.

Financiers will have a chance to check credit scores and receive other necessary data for loan approvals in a transparent and efficient manner. This will lead to a quicker turnaround time, digitised documentation and reduction in cost for financing partners. The current sole lending and co-lending banks such as  HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, YES Bank, Bank of Baroda, Oriental Bank of Commerce, and leading financial services companies like Srei Equipment Finance and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services  are expected to offer loans to iQuippo customers for purchase of infrastructure equipment on the platform.

The move further enhances iQuippo's drive to digitise the entire lifecycle of infrastructure equipment and bring all the relevant stakeholders – customers, original equipment makers ("OEMs"), dealers and financiers – on one platform. The portal has integrated the risk and the pricing engine, which provide customers with dynamic pricing and financiers with dynamic risk adjustments according to the changes in the market situation, both at micro and macro levels.

The platform is especially beneficial to SMEs and MSMEs as they will be empowered with the knowledge of their credit disbursement process and will be able to address any issues on a real time basis.

The portal has been jointly developed with IBM to offer transformational technology with highest level of security, performance and transparency. With this launch, iQuippo has emerged as the one-stop-shop for all its stakeholders.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Anant Raj Kanoria, CEO, iQuippo, said: "We have developed the portal together with IBM and in the process became India's first ever platform to digitise the co-lending process. Our teams have been part of several desgin thinking workshops with internal and external stakeholders and conducitng market surverys to find the best technology solution for our stakeholders. We believe that the portal will be a game changer in the equipment market as it makes life easier for all stakeholders through a transparent process."

"Ever since the concept of co-lending was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India ("RBI") at the end of 2018 we have been observing the market and noticed that the volumes have not been high through this model. Our research showed that the primary reason for low volumes was the slow turnaround time. Hence, with the help of technology we decided to remove the existing process barriers and made the entire process easier and faster for all our stakeholders," he added.

"The most fascinating aspects of our portal are the negotiation and customisation options for our customers. Indians always have a preference for bargain buys and to digitise the process of negotiation initially was a challenge. But we are delighted that we have been able to introduce this aspect and create a value proposition for our customers. We want to be known for our innovation and are happy to positively disrupt the infrastructure equipment ecosystem by bringing customers, OEMs, dealers and financiers on one platform. We are committed to transform the infrastructure equipment industry and will continue to innovate to create an environment in which P2P, B2B and B2C businesses flourish," Mr. Kanoria said.

Alliance, Grameen Creative Lab Form Partnership to Address Plastic Waste in Indian Cities

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) has announced a partnership with the Grameen Creative Lab to support development of Zero Plastic Waste Cities to reduce plastic waste leaking into the environment.

Zero Plastic Waste Cities are being developed by the Grameen Creative Lab, an organization founded and led by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus. This project will develop and implement social businesses – tackling one or more social problems in a financially self-sustaining way – to enable improved municipal waste management systems. Starting in 2020, projects will be launched in two separate cities in India and Vietnam.

“The Alliance to End Plastic Waste and the Grameen Creative Lab share the goal of helping to end plastic waste in the environment and creating new opportunities for individuals and communities while doing so,” said Jacob Duer, President and CEO, Alliance to End Plastic Waste. “Our critical work together in India and Vietnam will enable meaningful, sustainable improvement in the protection of our environment and in the quality of life for all those who live, work and play in Zero Plastic Waste Cities.”

“We need to build a circular economy in order to achieve zero plastic waste pollution. Entrepreneurship and social business will go a long way in achieving this goal. Grameen Creative Lab wants to create new opportunities for waste pickers and we are delighted to partner with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste for this initiative,” said Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

Harnessing the potential of the informal sector is important to increase waste collection and provide economic opportunity. The social businesses aim is to empower different players in the formal and informal waste value chain to increase conversion of collected waste into recycled material, supporting greater circularity and economic empowerment.

Grameen Creative Lab is identifying local partners for implementing the projects and conducting pilot assessments in the two countries. The two cities will be announced in early 2020 and Grameen Creative Lab will also explore approaches to scale these social businesses to additional cities in 2021. The projects are being carried out by the team of Yunus Environment Hub, Grameen Creative Lab’s initiative to address environmental issues through social business creation.

About the Alliance to End Plastic Waste

Established in 2019, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste is a not-for-profit organization that includes companies that make, use, sell, process, collect and recycle plastics, including chemical and plastic manufacturers, consumer goods companies, retailers, converters, and waste management companies. The Alliance is the foremost CEO-driven international organization focused on bringing together industry, government, communities, and civil society in the fight to end plastic waste. The Alliance is working to promote programs and partnerships that focus on solutions in four core areas: infrastructure, innovation, education, and clean up. The Alliance membership represents global companies and organizations located throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Gulf. The Alliance is located in Singapore.

Member companies are: BASF, Berry Global, Braskem, Charter NEX Films, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Clariant, Covestro, Dow, EQUATE Petrochemical Company, ExxonMobil, Formosa Plastics Corporation USA, Gemini Corporation, Geocycle, Grupo Phoenix, Henkel, LyondellBasell, Milliken & Company, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, Mitsui Chemicals, NOVA Chemicals, Novolex, OxyChem, PepsiCo, PolyOne, Pregis, Procter & Gamble, Reliance Industries, SABIC, Sasol, SCG Chemicals, Sealed Air Corporation, Shell, Sinopec, SKC co., ltd., Storopack, SUEZ, Sumitomo Chemical, TOMRA, Total, Veolia, Versalis (Eni), Westlake Chemical Corporation.

Acer Retained No. 1 PC Gaming Notebook Brand in India with 26.4% Market Share

Acer, one of the world’s leading gaming PC makers has successfully retained its spot of being the “No.1 PC Gaming Brand” in India for two consecutive years (2018 – 19), as per leading research firm.

Acer gained the highest spot in the gaming industry with its critically acclaimed and extensively popular Predator and Nitro gaming series. Acer in India has the widest portfolio of PC gaming products such as laptops, desktops, monitors and accessories specifically designed for beginners to professional gamers. Acer has maintained the No. 1 position for 2018 and 2019 respectively with regards to unit shipments.

Commenting on the achievement, Chandrahas Panigrahi, CMO & Consumer Business Head, Acer India said, “We are very proud to attain the No.1 position in the gaming category for two consecutive years. We believe in creating best in class technology which serves the purpose of today’s generation and assist them to go across and achieve next level in the forefront of technology. Our strong commitment in developing exceptional gaming laptops, desktops, and monitors has also helped create new opportunities for customers and learners. I would like to thank everyone who have supported us to be the leader in this segment and will continue to delight our customers towards strengthening market leadership.”

Acer has been working towards structuring a strong presence of the Indian gaming industry since gaming in India is booming and is a clear indicator of constant evolution of this sector. To ascertain its position, the company has also launched multiple gaming laptops and accessories such as Triton 500, Triton 900, Helios 300, Helios 700, Nitro 5, Nitro 7, Nitro Stream and AOPEN Monitors, etc. and these devices are ready to master the gaming arena with the latest processors.

To add to this growing gaming fever in the country, Acer also organized the Asia’s mega PUBG PC eSports Tournament to encourage the nascent e-sports players in India. Acer focuses to grow on the gaming market holistically by supporting the gaming industry through cutting-edge products, training and professional eSports event.

(Source: (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker, Q3 November 2019)

FCA India Expands Jeep Compass Range by Launching BSVI Diesel Automatic Variants

Highlights

* Currently available in two variants– Longitude (base) and Limited Plus (top-end)
* Both variants offered in AWD configuration, with BSVI diesel engines and the new 9-speed automatic transmission
* Cruise Control feature is Standard equipmentin both variants
* Longitude gets larger 7-inch UConnect screen with reverse camera and dynamic grid lines functionality
* BSVI 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine optimized for stop-and-go traffic conditions and enhanced fuel efficiency

FCA India has announced the expansion of the Jeep Compass range by introducing two turbo-diesel variants with 9-speed automatic transmission. The two variants – Longitude and Limited Plus – will be offered to customers in the All-wheel Drive (AWD / 4x4)configuration and will be powered by the locally-manufactured BSVI-compliant 2.0-litre 173 HP, 350 Nm turbo-diesel engine.

The Jeep Compass 4x4 Longitude 9AT will be available to customers at INR 21.96 lakh and the Limited Plus for INR 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). Bookings and test drives are open at all 80 FCA authorised dealer showrooms present in 68 Indian cities.

Commenting on the range expansion, Dr. Partha Datta – President and Managing Director, FCA India said, “We are strengtheningand expanding the Jeep Compass range with the introduction of four diesel automatic variants, of which, the base and top-end variant will available to consumers right away. Both variants offer more equipment, boosting the value-for-money proposition for the customer which we believe will increase our share in the segment. This roll out has also given us the opportunity to offer our locally-made BSVI-compliant 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powertrain to consumers much before the statutory deadline.”

THE JEEP COMPASS DIESEL AUTOMATIC STRATEGY

The roll out of the Jeep Compass 9-speed automatic range signifies the fact that the BSVI-compliant version of the proven 2.0-litre 173 HP 350 Nm turbo-diesel powertrain is now in mainstream production. This powertrain has been locally-produced in FCA’s JV manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon.

The Jeep Diesel Automatic range pushes equipment levels a few notches up, especially in the mid-range variant, Longitude. A large part of the Jeep Compass customer base has been gravitating towards the higher end of the range, hence adding more equipment to the Longitude compared to what this variant has been offering, would be more enticing to interested customers. The gap in pricing and equipment levels between the Longitude and Limited Plus are consciously significant in order to do justice to customers interested in either variant.

Jeep Compass Longitude 4x4 Turbo-diesel 9-speed Automatic

The Longitude packageis now packed with more Standard Equipment such as Cruise Control (introduced for the first time in this trim), a larger 7-inch UConnect screen with reverse camera and dynamic grid lines functionality, dual-zone air conditioning and two-tone interiors, passive entry to vehicle and push button start. Like all variants in the Compass portfolio, the Longitude already comes with standard features such as 17-inch alloys shod with all-season tyres, safety aids such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA), disc brakes on all four wheels, Electric Parking Brake (EPB) and the delightful Frequency Damped Suspension (FSD). It carries the Jeep 4x4 DNA in the SelecTerrain AWD system which is equipped with 4 modes – Auto, Sand, Mud and Snow.

Jeep Compass Limited Plus4x4 Turbo-diesel 9-speed Automatic

The Limited Plus remains the top-of-the-line amongst the non-Trail Rated variants in the Jeep Compass portfolio and comes with all the equipment and features that are offered in the base and mid variants, as well as additional features that befit the most premium offering in the line-up.

Other key and popular features in the Limited Plus are the larger 8.4-inch UConnect Infotainment screen, dual-pane panoramic sun / moon roof, plush leather interiors, 8-way powered seat for the driver, auto headlamps, rain sensitive wipers, auto-dimming IRVM and six airbags, amongst a plethora of other standard features including the 18-inch alloy wheels.

Dr. Datta concluded, “We offera lifestyle to our customers, not just a product. Whilst the Jeep Compass is equipped with every necessary electronic convenience feature that customers nowadaysexpect in a vehicle, we have always retained our fundamentals of solid engineering, uncompromised safety and unmatched 4x4 capability, all of these true to the 80-year strong Jeep pedigree.”

Audi Unveils its Style Statement on Wheels - The Audi Q8 in India

Highlights

* Flagship SUV introduces the new face of Audi’s Q-family in India
* Big on customization for individuals who want a car to match their personality
* A driver’s car that boaststhe power-packed combo of a3.0L TFSI petrol engine and 8-speed tiptronic transmission
* Sporty dynamics with permanent quattro all-wheel drive
* Adaptive air suspension with controlled damping as standard
* Cutting-edge tech including MMI touch response with haptic feedback, Audi Smartphone Interface, B&O Sound System andmyAUDI Connect
* 0-100kmph in 5.9 seconds
* Priced at INR 1.33 Croreonwards

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today launched the new face of its Q family - the Audi Q8. A combination of a four-door luxury coupé and a versatile SUV, the Audi Q8 is equipped with a powerful yet efficient 3.0 TFSI engine that generates 250KW (340 hp) and 500Nm of torque propelling the car from 0-100kmph in 5.9 seconds. Richly equipped, comprehensively connected and tough enough for off-road duty, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI is a composed companion for business and leisure. It is big on customization and is pricedat INR 1.33 Crore onwards

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said,“With the launch of the Audi Q8, we are targetingindividuals who want their car to match their personality. Each Audi Q8 will bemade-to-order, available with a plethora of customization options to choose from; we want every Q8 in the country to look different, from the outside and the inside. The Audi Q8 will be imported to Indiaas a fully built unitsand there will be only 200 units on offer. The launch of our new flagship SUV marks the beginning of a power-packed year for us and we are confident that the Audi Q8 will attract enthusiasts who enjoy driving.”

Mr. Dhillon further added, “We are entering a new segment with the Audi Q8 but the guiding principles remain the same – bold design, cutting edge technology and exciting performance. The 3.0L TFSI engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology, progressive steering and air suspension make every drive in the Q8 memorable.”

“Audi India has set-out very clear goals for itself in next few years under Strategy 2025. 2020 is an extremely important year for Audi India as we launch our new BSVI product portfolio. The Audi Q8 is part of our strategy to strengthen Audi’s presence in the country under the goals of Strategy2025. C and D segments are key focus areas for us in defining the Strategy 2025. The Audi Q8 will help us gain a stronger hold in the D segment market and will be our brand shaper in the days to come.”

Audi India also introduced Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) elements that give customers a look and feel of a car that can be configured before purchase. As part of the Digital Retail initiatives, Audi India has also taken e-commerce to the next level – customers can now purchase genuine Audi merchandise directly online from the Audi Shop on URL (https://www.audiindia.in/audishop/)

Audi Q8 – Highlights at a glance:

Dimensional and space concept:

* 4.99 meters (16.4 ft) long, 2.00 meters (6.6 ft) wide and 1.71 meters (5.6 ft) tall
* With a wheelbase of 3.00 meters (9.8 ft) it offers a specious interior
* The luggage compartment holds up to 1,755 litres

Exterior Design:

* Sporty design and upscale prestige like no other
* Imposing Singleframe grille in octagonal design
* The size & shape of the broad C-pillar evokes memories of race-winning quattro cars
* LED headlights flow into swell in the upper fender
* The flare of the fender starts midway on the door & extends to integrate elegantly with the rear lift gate
* Pronounced air intakes enhance the aggressive SUV character
* Panoramic sunroof and frameless doors
* Standard HD Matrix LED Technology brighten up the darkest nights
* Continuous running LED strip with dynamic indicators
* Trapezoidal tailpipe design, High Gloss Black design trim and Diffusers in Anthracite black optional
* Optional S Line Exterior package for sporty and aggressive looks
* Optional S Line Sports Package with Sports Air Suspension, Flat Bottom Steering Wheel and Sports Seats

Interiors:

* Wrap around design
* High quality cabin ‘Aero-acoustics’
* Driver-focused Cockpit design
* Button-less MMI Navigation system with Touch Response
* Options include customized contour seats with massage function and ventilation.Four-zone automatic air conditioning and air quality package with fragrance and ionizer further enhance the elegant ambience.

Features & Digitalization:

* MMI and Touch Response – 2 Screens, Primary (25.65 cms,10.1”) and Secondary (21.84 cms, 8.6”)
* Haptic and Acoustic feedback
* MMI Search - Free Text Search
* Natural language interaction with speed dialogue system
* Advanced handwriting recognition – whole word recognition
* Provision for shortcuts in the secondary screen
* Audi Phone Box with Wireless Charging
* B&O 3D Surround Sound System (23 Speakers, 1920 watts)
* Audi Music and Smartphone Interface

Suspension and Drive:

* 3.0 L TFSI, 340 hp, 500 NM, BSVI compliant, 48V Mild Hybrid
* 0-100 in 5.9 seconds. Top Speed 250km/h
* Fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission
* 254 millimeters of ground clearance, short overhangs, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and hill descent control
* Standard progressive steering with optional all-wheel steering
* Adaptive air suspension with controlled damping as standard
* Audi Drive Select with 7 driving modes including “Individual” mode

Safety:

* Audi Pre-Sense basic
* 8 Airbags
* Audi Park Assist
* Electronic Stabilization Program

Customization:

* Audi Exclusive customization with 54 exterior colors, 11 interior colors and 9 wooden inlays to choose from
* Infinite personalization possibilities

MyAudi Connect:
* First-in-luxury car segment
* One Application – All-Things Audi