Tata Trusts Hands Over 4 Covid-19 Treatment Centres in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh

* Permanent facilities: Immediate purpose Covid-19 treatment

Tata Trusts has upgraded four government hospital buildings, two in Uttar Pradesh and two in Maharashtra, into Covid-19 Treatment Centres, and has handed them over to the respective administrations. The facilities, including both in-patient and out-patient wings, are permanent and supplement existing health care infrastructure in these locations.

This is part of Tata Trusts’ four-pronged approach to support India in tackling Covid-19, as declared by the Chairman, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, earlier in March. Mr. Tata had said, “Urgent emergency resources need to be deployed to cope with the needs of fighting the Covid-19 crisis, which is one of the toughest challenges the human race will face.”

In Maharashtra, the Trusts-developed Centres are at Sangli (50 beds) and Buldhana (104 beds), and in Uttar Pradesh at Gautam Buddha Nagar (168 beds) and Gonda (124 beds). The Treatment Centres in Uttar Pradesh are in collaboration with a partner organisation. The decision to upgrade existing infrastructure was to bring speed and make use, wherever possible, of existing capabilities and services.

Each hospital is armed with critical care capabilities, minor operation theatres, basic pathology and radiology, facilities for dialysis and blood storage, and telemedicine units.

The construction was done by Tata Projects Limited, the design was by Edifice Consultants Pvt Limited, and equipment have been sourced from leading manufacturers.

Personal Protective Equipment: Among other interventions, the Trusts have been donating to State Governments and individual hospitals Personal Protection Equipment, including coveralls, N95/KN95 masks, surgical masks, gloves and goggles. Thus far, PPE supplies have gone out to about 32 states and Union Territories.

Community outreach: A pan-India community outreach has been done to induce adoption of health practices, as promoted by the Government of India, in rural areas to prevent the spread of Covid-19.  The exercise is expected to have covered about 21 million people in 21 states.  For wider deployment by any interested organisation, the Trusts have made publicly available through social media about 300 such videos and audio messages, in different languages, and dialects like Dongri, Kumaoni, Ladakhi, Garhwali, Santhali, Mundari, Kutchi (Gujarat) and Koborok (Tripura). All of them are available in the playlist here.

Training of health care staff: Tata Trusts and the Tata group have also tied up with two renowned medical institutions to assist health care professionals augment skills in critical care in the management of Covid-19. The two institutions are Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore and Care Institute of Health Sciences (CIHS) Hyderabad. The curated 22-hour on-line training programmes are meant for specific staff chosen by identified hospitals and are provided free of cost. As on date, staff from over 356 hospitals in 26 states have been trained. They include the four Treatment Centres upgraded by the Trusts.

About Tata Trusts

Since inception in 1892, Tata Trusts, India’s oldest philanthropic organisation, has played a pioneering role in bringing about an enduring difference in the lives of the communities it serves. Guided by the principles and the vision of proactive philanthropy of the Founder, Jamsetji Tata, the Trusts’ purpose is to catalyse development in the areas of health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, livelihood, digital transformation, migration and urban habitat, social justice and inclusion, environment and energy, skill development, sports, and arts and culture. The Trusts’ programmes, achieved through direct implementation, partnerships and grant making, are marked by innovations, relevant to the country.

Superstar Khiladi Akshay Kumar and Adventurer Bear Grylls Set Uut on a Classic Military-Style Mission

 * Discovery continues its tradition of featuring Iconic Indians. Extends 25th anniversary celebrations in India with the exclusive ‘Into The Wild with Bear Grylls and Akshay Kumar’

* The episode will also raise awareness about a cause close to Akshay Kumar’s heart - Bharat Ke Veer

* Premieres at 8:00 pm, Sep 11 on Discovery Plus and at 8:00 pm, Sep 14 across 12 Discovery channels including Discovery Channel, Discovery HD, DTamil, Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD, TLC, TLC HD, Discovery ID, Discovery ID HD, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, and Discovery Kids.

Discovery, India’s leading real-life entertainment network, has continued its tradition of featuring iconic Indians by getting Akshay Kumar on-board in the latest episode of Into The Wild With Bear Grylls. Akshay follows the footsteps of Superstar Rajinikanth who made his TV debut earlier this year with Into The Wild. Notably, last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi featured in a memorable episode of Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls and PM Modi.

Shot at Bandipur Tiger Reserve, ‘Into The Wild with Bear Grylls and Akshay Kumar’, will follow all military style drills, with former British military personnel Bear Grylls taking charge along with  fit and agile Akshay Kumar, son of a military officer, and somebody who has donned multiple hats,  including that of an actor, producer, martial artist and philanthropist. Audiences can stream the show starting 8:00 PM, September 11 on Discovery Plus while the broadcast premiere of the show is scheduled for 8:00 PM on September 14 across 12 Discovery channels including Discovery Channel, Discovery HD, DTamil, Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD, TLC, TLC HD, Discovery ID, Discovery ID HD, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, and Discovery Kids. The premiere on Discovery Plus, Discovery and Discovery HD will be available in 7 languages including Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali and English.

The buzz around Akshay Kumar’s episode is immense as the show featuring PM Modi generated historic high ratings for the infotainment genre whereas Into The Wild with Rajinikanth is the second highest rated show ever in the genre. This special episode will be showcased on Discovery network of channels in 50 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa including India, Japan, China, UAE, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Poland etc.

“I have always admired Bear Grylls for his energy, passion and what he has stood for all these years. It was a humbling experience being with him in the wild as he went about unfolding one challenge after another. It is different out there, as compared to movie sets, as there is no back-up – that sense of realism is very overpowering. Bear is a knowledge reservoir – and he dipped well into his knowledge of surviving in the wild, and shared interesting and new techniques with me,” said, Akshay Kumar. “What I found interesting about the show is how nicely purpose is incorporated in an entertaining, survival and adventure led show. With regards to Bharat Ke Veer, it is a project which remains close to my heart and I will continue to use all opportunities to help promote it with an aim to ensure that more and more countrymen become a part of it.”

“I did my homework prior to meeting Akshay, and knew he is a superstar, but what struck me the most during our time together, was his humility, his easy approach – he is, at heart, still that guy next door.  Lots of commonalities between the two of us – including passion towards fitness, dedication to family et al, I really enjoyed being with him,” said, Bear Grylls. “Akshay’s eyes lit-up with the mention of a new challenge and believe me, not many celebrities, across the world, have reacted so warmly to some harsh tasks that I can conjure.”

Megha Tata, Managing Director – South Asia, Discovery, said, “Bear Grylls’ expedition in Indian wilderness with iconic Indians has already emerged as the most wanted, the most watched show in the infotainment genre. Akshay, the Khiladi himself, fits the bill perfectly as we aim to ensure that this IP garners unprecedented traction. We are delighted to have launched our biggest IP in celebration of Discovery’s 25th anniversary in the country.”

Into The Wild with Bear Grylls is an innovative new format inspired by Man Vs Wild, which is one of the most watched wilderness survival television series in the world. The first episode of the series featured Superstar Rajinikanth earlier this year who made his television debut with Bear Grylls. Last year, ‘Man Vs Wild with Bear Grylls & PM Modi’ episode disrupted the Indian media landscape, establishing itself as the TV event of the year. Beyond Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bear Grylls has also hosted prominent celebrities in the past such as then sitting American President Barack Obama, Kate Winslet, Roger Federer, Julia Roberts and many more. Into The Wild with Bear Grylls is produced for Discovery Communications India by The Natural Studios and Banijay Asia. 

Audiences can stream Into The Wild with Bear Grylls and Akshay Kumar starting 8:00 pm on September 11 on Discovery Plus. The broadcast premiere of the show is scheduled at 8:00 pm on September 14 across 12 Discovery channels including Discovery Channel, Discovery HD, DTamil, Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD, TLC, TLC HD, Discovery ID, Discovery ID HD, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, and Discovery Kids.

HomeLane Raises Rs 60 Crore Bridge Round from Stride Ventures and Existing Investors

HomeLane, India’s preferred technology-based home interiors service provider has raised Rs 60 crore (US$ 8 million) in a Bridge round from new and existing investors. Stride Ventures has led this round, participating through debt funding of Rs 20 crore in the company. Existing investors Accel Partners, Sequoia Capital, Evolvence India and JSW Ventures have also participated, infusing another Rs 40 crore in equity. With this round, HomeLane’s overall fund-raising has crossed Rs 370 crores (US$ 54 million) over the last 6 years.

HomeLane recorded Rs 230.4 crore operating revenues (unaudited) for the year ended March 31, 2020, a growth of 130% over its revenues of Rs. 99.95 crore during the previous fiscal. The company is on track to reach EBITDA breakeven by April 2021. Within a short span of six years, the company has established a strong operational presence across 10 cities with 19 experience centres and 900+ design experts on its tech platform.

Srikanth Iyer, CEO & Founder of  HomeLane.com said, “Our mission is to make home interiors easy for the world, and this hasn’t changed during the pandemic. Virtual meetings, powered by our 3D design & collaboration platform SpaceCraft, have enabled us to meet customers and deliver superior design experience to them while practising social distancing. We believe that there's still a sizable gap in the market that HomeLane can address. Our investors have continued to express confidence in our growth potential and vision. I am excited that Stride has also joined us as our investors on this journey."

Tanuj Choudhry, Chief Business Officer, HomeLane.com said, “In the last 5 months, we’ve focused heavily on delivery predictability and safety. However, we also entered 3 new markets during this period - Visakhapatnam, Mysore and Coimbatore! With this round of funding, we are looking to invest in establishing our brand across existing and new markets, and filling a void that has been created in the large unorganized sector. “

Ishpreet Gandhi, Founder and Managing Partner, Stride Ventures, commenting on the deal, said, "With the online home decor market gaining momentum in recent years, HomeLane's technology-oriented approach has made interior designing much more approachable. The company's continued focus on customer experience, cost-effectiveness and product quality have been indispensable for the success of the business. This partnership marks yet another milestone in Stride’s endeavour of supporting India’s startup ecosystem by opening new avenues for formal credit."

HomeLane will deploy the new funds to enter new markets with a greater focus on non-metro expansion while strengthening the brand's presence across existing markets. Part of the funds will also be deployed to enhance HomeLane’s technology offering to give consumers a better interior service experience by focusing on its proprietary 3D design platform, Spacecraft.

About HomeLane.com

Established in 2014, HomeLane has grown into India’s preferred home interiors brand, providing end-to-end interior services in a personalized, professional way. Through technological interventions, tech-empowered expert designers and project managers, the company has delivered over 9000 homes across the country, over the last five years. The company undertakes strict safety and sanitation protocols to ensure a hygienic, safe and responsible design and execution process allowing its customers a safe interiors experience. HomeLane currently services 10+ cities across the country through 19 experience centres.

About Stride Ventures 

Stride Ventures is focused on providing debt solutions to growth stage start-ups. Stride provides tailor-made debt solutions to start-ups, enabling them to strategically allocate capital. Bringing more than six decades of collective underwriting experience, the fund helps its portfolio companies leverage the banking ecosystem through their domain expertise and extensive network.

EuroKids International Launches an Offline Home Schooling Kit to Ensure Continued Learning

EuroKids International, India’s leading early childhood education company, has introduced a revolutionary 26-week offline Home Schooling Kit for young children between 2 to 4 years (PG and Nursery). This product has been designed for parents who are concerned about screen time but are seeking ways that their toddler can keep learning.

The EuroKids Home Schooling Kit offers parents a completely offline, easy, structured and convenient solution to engage their young children where their toddler’s developmental milestones in terms of language, numeracy and science skills remain on track.

Designed by education experts, EuroKids International’s Home Schooling Kit comprises activities that will enhance a young child’s gross and fine motor skills, problem solving, critical thinking, cognitive and creative development skills, and ensure continuous learning even during this pandemic. Parents can use the detailed daily plans, prepared by experts in the Home Schooling Kit to teach their child Language, Mathematics and Science skills. Parents will also have access to highly trained facilitators who will be just a phone call away to answer any queries they may have while teaching their child.

Speaking about the Home Schooling Kit, Mr. K V S Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, Eurokids International said, “Education today has moved from on-ground, in-person interactions to online models due to the pandemic and the need for safety and social distancing norms. On the one hand, parents wish to engage their children in constructive activities, and monitor screen time, while on the other hand, they are unable to find adequate time to spend with their children, as work and home activities are eating into their days. Our Home Schooling Kit has been developed to ensure that parents can choose a time that is convenient to them to engage effectively with their child so that they can develop socially, emotionally and intellectually. The Kit includes everything a parent would need – daily plan, detailed activities, games, toys, etc.”

EuroKids International will hold initiation sessions for parents online once they purchase the Kit to gain a better understanding of the programme and the elements in the Kit. Every child that completes the 26-week programme will be awarded a completion certificate.

The cost of EuroKids Home Schooling Kit is Rs.14,900 for PG and Rs.16,900 for nursery. For more information you may order EuroKids Home Schooling Kit on the toll free number 1800-209-5656.

About EuroKids International:

As India’s leading Early Childhood Education & K-12 Education company, delivering the ‘Joy of Learning’ is at the heart of EuroKids International. By enhancing its pedagogy and consistently building a holistic, nurturing and secure learning environment for children, EuroKids is coming closer to its vision of REINVENTING EDUCATION in the country. Over the last 18 years, EuroKids International has played an active role in the evolution of the education landscape. With its portfolio of brands - EuroKids Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, EuroKids DayCare, EuroSchool & Billabong High International, EuroKids is committed to delivering a robust foundation for future generations. The group’s ‘Child First’ ideology ensures that growth and engagement needs of a child are met in a home-like environment. Child safety focus and ensuring active engagement with parents during these crucial developmental years of the child is what makes EuroKids, a child’s Second Home. EuroKids, with its presence in over 350 cities with 1,100+ pre-schools and 35 Schools is achieving new milestones in education every day.

Punjab National Bank Senior Hockey Team Coach Awarded with "Dronacharya Award 2020"

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s second-largest public sector bank is feeling proud of its senior hockey team coach Shri Romesh Pathania on the occasion of National Sports Day . Shri Pathania has been honoured today with Dronachaya Award. 

Shri. Romesh Pathania Senior Hockey Team coach of Punjab National Bank received the coveted Dhronachrya award 2020 in Lifetime category by Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. The National Governing Body for Hockey in India also congratulated Romesh Pathania for being awarded the Dronacharya Award for his contributions to Indian hockey. 

Under his training PNB hockey team has won many tournaments; the recent achievement being winner of 12th Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey tournament and runner-up in 93rd MCC Murugappa Gold Cup among others. 

Romesh Pathania has encouraged and seeded Indian Hockey teams for thirty years and has produced world-class players. His year of hard work and conviction has been recognised and he is honoured with Dronacharya Award (Lifetime) by the Government of India. 

The Dronacharya Award is given by the Government of India to recognize outstanding achievement by Indian coaches in sports, nationally and internationally. 

BOCI Seeks Extension of Loan EMIs; Approaches PM Modi for Assistance

Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) and Karnataka State Bus Owners Federation (KSBOF) Bangalore have approached the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a desperate attempt to seek relaxation in the terms of their impending loans. The two bodies representing district association of bus owners operating buses from various districts of state of Karnataka and neighboring states have been facing umpteen troubles right from the onset of lockdown in March. Even after 5 months, over 7,600 stage carriage busses still remain non-operational, with just around 400 resuming operations that too under strict protocols. This has resulted in miserable condition of all transport operators alike. 

Right from paying the drivers and conductors to maintaining the vehicles, from fulfilling tax liabilities to meet ends with only half the fare and all of this when fuel prices are mounting, the transport operators are facing an existential crisis like never before. While the state government did help in some regards and even made way for an extension of loan EMIs until after 31st August, the members of BOCI seem to be in no position to meet their EMI obligations starting September, since there has been virtually no improvement in the ill-effects of the pandemic on the sector. To ensure further help to its financially struggling members, BOCI has now approached Prime Minister Modi, seeking a moratorium period on the loan EMIs until December 2020.   

With respect to this request, Mr. Rajavarma Ballal, All India Sectorial Vice President of Stage Carriage Service Sector, Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI),said, “State Governments and banks have helped us to some extent by extending the moratorium for a few months, but unfortunately that is not enough to revive the ailing public transport sector. The operators have suffered tremendous losses over the past 6 months, and there is little hope until the services resume fully. Hence, I believe this request is well-founded and must be heeded urgently.” 

Mr. Prasanna Patwardhan, President, Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) said, “Our financial troubles don’t seem to end anytime soon. The pandemic is far from over, and we have no idea whatsoever, if or when will we be able to resume operations as before. Until then, an extension of the moratorium period for our Loan EMIs is probably our only hope for survival. Public transport sector has a cascading effect on overall economy, and we urge the Government to take necessary measures before it’s too late.”  

BOCI has also sought the help of the local and state governments over the past months in a bid to reduce the financial burdens on the members of the confederation, who have all been suffering at the hands of the pandemic, and the lockdown that ensued as a result of the same. The body now hopes to receive a positive reply from the centre! 

About BOCI 

Bus Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) was constituted on 4th February 2016. BOCI is a non-government, not-for-profit, Passenger transport industry-led, and managed organization that plays a proactive role in India’s development process. The organization promotes, encourages, and coordinates, safe, and secure passenger transport by coach and buses within India and its nearby countries. It acts as an interface between thought leaders to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and business opportunities for its members by providing a range of specialized services and strategic global linkages. BOCI provides a platform for consensus-building and networking on key issues amongst its members. The organization brings in all State associations and Unions under one umbrella to achieve better coordination and confidence by establishing a system of Operator accreditation. 

Covestro Material Solutions Provide Aesthetics, Comfort and Functionality

New drive systems, increased connectivity and the trend towards ridesharing are all contributing to the fact that the car of the future will become a mobile, multifunctional living and working space. This also has a strong impact on the design of the interior. Here, the spotlight is placed on functionality, comfort and design along with efficiency and light weight. To meet these requirements, Covestro and its partners have developed a premium concept with material solutions for the interior and presented it for the first time at the K 2019 plastics fair.

"In particular, a high-quality and individual design has considerable influence on consumers' buying decisions while providing car manufacturers opportunities for brand differentiation," explained Jochen Hardt, Global Marketing Mobility in the Polycarbonates segment at Covestro, in a live webcast to journalists. "Here, the focus is on the design of surfaces using colors, optics and haptics, with light effects and functions. Products from Covestro open up almost unlimited possibilities."

Jack of all trades polycarbonate

Plastics such as the polycarbonate Makrolon® and the polycarbonate blends Bayblend® and Makroblend® are lightweight and robust and ensure good thermal and electrical insulation. They can be used to implement a wide range of design solutions, with glass-like surfaces, many colors and options for integrating displays, sensors and cameras.

Wafer-thin layers of natural materials such as wood and marble will play a vital role in the car interior of the future. On the surface of injection-molded components made of the polycarbonate Makrolon® Ai (derived from "Automotive interior"), they are ideal for creating a feel-good ambience.

Good mood with lighting effects

With lighting, the effects can be enhanced even further. One example is the floor in the prototype car interior concept: Here, light from a polycarbonate part shines through a wafer-thin layer of marble. This effect could also be created by coating it with a digitally printed film.

But the high transparency of polycarbonate itself can also be used to create lighting effects, for example by illuminating the background or edges. The light can be dynamic and communicative, but also atmospheric, relaxing and cozy. Covestro anticipates growing demand for increasingly personalized lighting experiences and functions.

Polycarbonate also forms the basis for continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites called Maezio®. The unidirectional arrangement of the fibers lends the surface a special aesthetic effect. In addition, the seat shells made from it and a new space-saving table are very light and exceptionally robust.

More sustainable coatings

The use of paints and coatings in car interiors is also multifaceted. Many colors as well as optical and haptic effects are possible here. Covestro was a pioneer in the development of water-based coatings with a very low content of volatile organic compounds (VOC). In the interior concept, the waterborne floor topcoat is based on the polyurethane (PU) raw materials Bayhydrol® and Bayhydur®, which give it durability and individuality. The aqueous INSQIN® PU technology for textile coating is used in the headrests, instrument panel and seats.

Covestro is also a pioneer in the use of predominantly organic-based PU raw materials such as the coating hardeners Desmodur® eco N 7300 and Bayhydur® eco 701-90 and the urethane acrylate dispersion Bayhydrol® eco 2877.

Advantage of polyurethane

The floor of the interior has been completely redesigned with PU materials to create a pleasant and homelike setting. Baypreg® is a two-component polyurethane system that is lighter than steel, providing significant advantages. The combination of Baypreg® and glass fiber mats with core materials such as paper honeycomb or foamed polycarbonate enables a significant reduction in weight while providing high mechanical strength.

The Baynat® PU system provides effective sound absorption. It makes self-supporting components possible and has long been used in vehicle headliners, but it is likely to play a particularly important role in the quiet electric car of the future when it comes to absorbing the noise of other passengers and the world outside. The soft Bayfit® polyurethane system is recommended for even greater damping of noise and vehicle vibrations. It is usually foamed in cavities for this purpose.