TECNO Launches SPARK Power 2 Air: The New Power Play Entertainment Device

* Priced at INR 8,499, SPARK Power 2 Air boasts of segment-first features like 6000 mAh battery, 13 MP Quad camera and 7’ dot notch display under 9K

* SPARK Power 2 Air will be available on Flipkart (https://rb.gy/fhrgcn) for sale starting 20th September, 12 noon,

Continuing the momentum to recreate magic and reciprocate the overwhelming response received for SPARK Go 2020, TECNO, the global premium smartphone brand, today rolled out yet another future-ready device, the SPARK Power 2 Air. This new smartphone is designed for the most discerning tech savvy millennials in India for whom their mobile is the primary screen for all daily needs and entertainment on the go. The SPARK Power 2 Air will be available in two colour variants: Ice Jadeite and Cosmic Shine and will go on sale from 20th September at 12pm on Flipkart at an aggressive price point of INR 8499.

TECNO is known for its ahead of the curve approach towards bringing premium smartphone features at most compelling price points. In line with the brand’s core DNA Spark Power 2 Air flaunts many category defining features such as 6000 mAh battery with AI power charging & safe charging, Big 7- inch Dot-notch display and 13MP AI powered Quad camera with category defining dual speakers with stereo sound. Together, these features will enable the youth to take advantage of a larger than life theatrical experience without worrying about the battery drainage and enjoy uninterrupted non-stop entertainment.

Commenting on the launch, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of Transsion India, said,” Current situation demands more from smartphones. With a surge in average usage since lockdown, smartphones have become the go-to device for all kinds of work, information and entertainment purposes, especially for the people of the Aspirational Bharat for whom affordability is a priority and affording multiple devices an extravagance. Our customer-centric outlook and TECNO’s unique positioning in the sub-10k segment enable us to customize our products to meet people’s changing requirements. TECNO SPARK Power 2 Air, in keeping with our ‘ahead of the curve’ approach, is made to become the predominant device that can cater to all needs and reduce multi-tech dependence. At the same time, its superb display, large battery and superior camera make it the perfect entertainment powerhouse for the youth of Aspirational Bharat.”

Key USP’s of SPARK Power 2 Air:

* Jumbo Battery

The SPARK Power 2 Air houses a jumbo 6000 mAh battery, which can run up to 4 days. It also provides a standby time of 560 hours, calling time of 38 hours, internet and wifi of 20 hours, music playback of 151 hours, game playing time of 13 hours and video playback time of 15 hours.

* Gigantic Display for cinematic viewing experience

The gigantic 7” HD + Display with a 720 x 1640 resolution and IPS LCD type display, enables one to have the perfect cinematic viewing experience. The 90.6% body screen ratio and 20.5:9 aspect ratio, with 480 nits brightness provides for a immersive viewing experience.

* AI Quad Rear Camera for enhanced smartphone photography experience

The SPARK Power 2 Air boasts of an AI Quad Camera setup with a 13 MP Primary Camera with an F1.8 aperture and 8X digital zoom, 2 MP Bokeh and Macro Lens, and AI lens. The Quad flash enables one to capture crisp photographs even in low light. The Auto-Scene Detection Mode, Bokeh Mode, AI HDR Modes, AI Stickers and Macro photography, provide for a creatively enhanced smartphone photography experience. It also comprises of an 8MP AI Selfie Camera with dual front flash which is apt for clicking the perfect selfie.

* Dual Speakers with Stereo Sound

The Dual Speakers with Stereo Sound powered by Dirac provides the apt acoustic measurement, sound optimization and high quality immersive sound. No matter you play any music through mobile speakers or use earphones, the stereo sound effect will enhance your audio experience.

* Tightened Security

In-built with Face Unlock 2.0 and Smart Fingerprint Sensor to protect the data and privacy of the user. Face Unlock 2.0 enables closed eye protection and screen fill in light. The Smart Fingerprint Sensor enables one to receive calls, record calls, take photos and dismiss alarms.

* Fast Processor

The SPARK Power 2 Air operates on Hios 6.1 Android 10 and runs on a Quad Core A22 Processor 2.0 Ghz. It hosts a 3GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage expandable upto 256 GB.

Castrol Activ Along with Shine Shetty Urge Youth to #ProtectIndiasEngine; be Catalysts of Change for India’s Mechanics

* Castrol Activ will aim to invest up to Rs 50 lakh for upskilling mechanics, contributing Rs. 10 for every pledge received to #ProtectIndiasEngine

* A national initiative to support the mechanic community endorsed by actor Shine Shetty

* Youth can pledge their support by giving a missed call on 7574-003-002 or by visiting www.protectindiasengine.com

India, one of the largest two-wheeler markets in the world, has been kept moving by its bike doctors - the mechanic community. Castrol Activ, India’s leading engine oil brand for two-wheelers, which enjoys a deep relationship with this community, today launched #ProtectIndiasEngine. This is a national campaign to urge India’s bikers, more specifically the youth to pledge support to mechanic upskilling programmes during these unprecedented times of the continuing COVID pandemic.

Conceptualised and developed in collaboration with Network18 and Mindshare, the initiative endorsed by Bollywood actor Shine Shetty is aimed at educating and preparing mechanics for the new normal, as the country slowly begins to open up post lockdown.

Castrol Activ will invest up to Rs. 50 lakh contributing Rs 10 for every pledge received towards upskilling of mechanics. The educational programmes will focus on supporting them to learn new technologies and modern servicing techniques as well as to gain deeper understanding of enhanced health, hygiene and safety measures for their workshops as they restart business. Youth can pledge their support by giving a missed call on 7574-003-002 or by visiting www.protectindiasengine.com. The campaign will run across all Network18 channels and digital platforms from 10th September 2020 to the end of month.

Talking about this initiative, Sandeep Sangwan, managing director – Castrol India said, “Mechanics have helped the country to keep moving ahead even during the lockdown. There were several selfless mechanics who played their role as Covid warriors servicing vehicles at no charge, despite their businesses being significantly impacted. Saluting their passion and strengthening our commitment towards the mechanic community, at Castrol we are keen to prepare them for a bigger tomorrow and support their transition to the new normal through Castrol Activ #ProtectIndiasEngine.” 

In the launch film of Castrol Activ’s #ProtectIndiasEngine campaign, Shine Shetty reminisces, “My journey from winning Mr. Mangalore pageant to Bigg Boss has been a long one and my bike has been my trusted companion throughout. My mechanic brothers have always ensured that I keep moving ahead. Today, they are facing tough times due to the pandemic and their wheels have slowed down.  I feel strongly for the mechanic community and urge every youth to pledge their support to help us #ProtectIndiasEngine. Your pledge will help towards the upskilling of India’s mechanics and aid them to build a better tomorrow!”

JOHNSON’S Unveils the New Cottontouch in India Exclusively on e-Commerce

JOHNSON’S® today unveiled the innovative Cottontouch® range that is blended with natural cotton to provide the perfect way to care for a newborn’s delicate and sensitive skin. Exclusively launched on e-commerce, the new range of products comprises of a wash, lotion, cream and oil and is available on platforms – Amazon, Flipkart, Big Basket, FirstCry and Nykaa from today for the consumers.

JOHNSON’S® has a 125 year heritage of creating the safest products that moms have used with trust and confidence on their babies. This unique launch during these unprecedented times is an effort to address the increasing demand for efficacious products, based on science from trustworthy baby care brands in India. JOHNSON’S® has also on boarded over 700 influencers to welcome Cottontouch® in the Indian market.

Cottontouch® is an innovative range, a result of intensive research and development. It is a world’s first in baby care products that are infused with natural cotton and formulated for zero irritation. The soft, absorbent and naturally hypoallergenic cotton is suspended for the softest experience.

Manoj Gadgil, VP Marketing, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Division, India said, “We at JOHNSON’S® are known for our long-standing commitment towards safest baby care products that define what is best for baby. We have invested decades of research to understand baby skin and know the delicate skin of a newborn needs and deserves the gentlest care. That is why we are introducing Cottontouch® range that provides mothers with softness they have never experienced before. We have seen the demand for baby care significantly growing in the Indian market, even during lockdown phase and the ask from moms for the highest standard of safety in these times has inspired us to launch this product. We are hoping to reach out to as many parents possible through the e-commerce route and help them make their journey of parenthood more joyous.”

The new Cottontouch® will be available in the retail stores in a few weeks.

Aakash Institute Records Impressive Result in JEE Mains 2020; 3 Students are National Toppers

*Out of the 9 State Toppers, 6 are Girl State Toppers from Delhi NCT, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.  

* Out of 3 students who secured 100 percentile, 2 are from Delhi NCT and One from Rajasthan 

In a historic result, a record 9 State Toppers are from Aakash Institute, the national leader in test preparatory services, and 3 Aakashians have scored 100 percentile in the prestigious JEE Mains 2020 (September) engineering competitive examinations, results for which were announced last night.  

The Top scorer in the Classroom course at Aakash Institute are Chirag Falor (AIR-12) 100 percentile (296/300); followed by Sooraj Srinivasan (AIR-34) with 99.99 percentile; Avval Amil (AIR 43) with 99.99 percentile; Perit Paliwal (AIR 75) with 99.99 percentile; Era Sarda (AIR-79) with 99.99 percentile and Shikhar Agarwal (AIR-99) with 99.99 percentile.  

Out of the total of 9 Aakashians from across India who topped their States, 6 are Toppers in the Female category including from Aakash Classroom and Distance Learning Programme (DLP) Courses. The Girl Toppers are Era Sarda (Classroom, AIR-79) who secured 99.99 percentile from Delhi NCT; Sreemanti Dey (Classroom, AIR-131) with 99.99 from West Bengal; Shreeya Moghe (Classroom, AIR-241) with 99.98 from Madhya Pradesh; Vanshita (Classroom, AIR-2002) with 99.83 percentile from Himachal Pradesh; Stitiprajna Sahoo (Aakash DLP, AIR-188) with 99.98 percentile from Odisha; Anaad Kaur (Aakash DLP, AIR-610) with 99.95 percentile from Punjab.  

Other State Toppers are Parveez Mehdi (Classroom) who secured 96.52 percentile from the Union Territory of Ladakh; Advaid Deepak (Aakash Digital, AIR-95) from Kerala with 99.99 percentile and Sourabh Soumyakanta Das (Aakash DLP, AIR-128) with 99.99 percentile from Odisha. 

Two students from Aakash DLP who scored 100 percentile are Parth Dwivedi (DLP course, AIR-14) from Rajasthan and Nishant Agarwal (AIR-21) from Delhi NCT. Other top scorers from DLP are Aman Bansal (AIR-55) from Haryana who scored 99.99 percentile; Karan Jain (AIR-94) from Chandigarh with 99.99 percentile and Naman Singh Rana (AIR-97) from Rajasthan who secured 99.99 percentile. 

From Aakash Digital apart from Advaid Deepak from Kerala, Vaibhav Saha (AIR-39) from Rajasthan has secured 99.99 percentile. 

Congratulating the students and commenting on the impressive results, Mr. Aakash Chaudhry, Director and CEO, Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) said: “The JEE Main results are an impressive feat that speak volumes of the faculty, curriculum and training at Aakash. Registering one of the best results in the JEE Mains examination in the test preparation sector. Congratulations to all our students who have performed well in the JEE Mains examination. The credit goes to the hard work put in by our students, the support of their family and our faculty, as well as the quality test preparation imparted at Aakash Institute. I wish them all the best for the future.” 

JEE (Main) Examination for B.E./B.Tech. was conducted by NTA between September 1-6, 2020 in two shifts per day across the country. 

Aakash Institute aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from AESL have shown proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering entrance exams and competitive exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads. 

QNET India Steps up Its Health Supplements Portfolio in Covid-19 Situation

 

NutriplusTM DailyHealth – to supplement one’s daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals 

NutriplusTM LivHealth – to guard the liver against toxic damage and regulating blood pressure 

NutriplusTM ImmunHealth – strengthens the immune system and promotes overall wellness 

NutriplusTM GutHealth - unique probiotic supplement for better bowel movement & healthy gut  

Marketed through QNET’s 500,000 Distributors and Customers in India 

QNET, one of Asia’s leading direct selling company, introduced a significant range of four health supplements under its NutriplusTM brand – DailyHealth, LivHealth, ImmunHealth, GutHealth. In an environment laden with the Covid-19 pandemic, this is an apt launch for high quality health supplements. 

Rishi Chandiok, Regional Director (South Asia) QNet Ltd. said, “Our product development teams are working hard to fulfil the needs of our customers.  Now, more than ever, we must build our immune system and protect ourselves against deadly viruses. The expansion of QNET’s health and wellness product portfolio is happening at an opportune time. The best quality ingredients go into the making of our Nutriplus range which are focused on taking care of your immunity, gut health, vitamin intake, and minerals requirements.” 

Nutriplus DailyHealth is a health supplement which consists of blue green algae (wild AFA extract), also known as nature’s first superfood. It is harvested from the pristine environment of Lake Klamath, Oregon, USA, which is a rich source of natural bioavailable vitamins, minerals, trace elements, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and plant pigments. This supplement comprises of essential vitamins and minerals for the body. Regular consumption of DailyHealth will help combat cell and tissue damage and mininimise oxidative stress. It also helps stimulate optimum functioning of the nervous system. 

MRP: INR 3090 pack of two (60 capsules) 

NutriplusTM LivHealth contains an oriental mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum which is used for promoting health and longevity. Ganoderma improves the absorption and bioavailability of nutrients in the body. It protects the liver from toxic damage, inflammation and has anti-inflammatory properties which helps in faster wound healing. 

MRP: INR 3090 per pack (60 capsules) 

Nutriplus ImmunHealth comprises of highly beneficial ingredients and essential micronutrients - Papaya leaf extract, Guduchi, Aloe vera, Echinacea, L-Amino acids, Copper, Zinc, Magnesium that help fight undesirable pathogens and stabilises the circulatory system, and boosts blood platelet levels. This is especially useful when the body is fighting an infection. The micro-nutrients in this supplement support and enhance the immune system. 

MRP: INR 2390 per pack (30 capsules) 

Nutriplus GutHealth is a probiotic consisting of 5 unique strains of bacteria, namely Lactobacilus acidophilus, Lactobacilus casei, Lactobacilus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium longum and Streptococcus thermophiles that help in maintaining healthy gut flora. GutHealth consists of advanced Activator Hybrid Culture (AHCTM), a proprietary formulation which improves the efficacy and viability of probiotic strains, unlike other probiotic supplements available in the market. This health supplement helps in improving bowel movements that results in healthy digestive system and prevents the discomfort of diarrhea and constipation. It also addresses gastrointestinal conditions like bloating and regulates urinal and vaginal infections. 

MRP: INR 2710 per pack (60 capsules) 

In line with Nutriplus motto - ‘Healthy living every day, the Nutriplus way’, the newly added QNET products will address the rise in demand for reliable health supplements. The Nutriplus diverse range of health and wellness products also includes antioxidant teas, energy boosters, protein power, bone, and skin health supplements and specialised superfood like monofloral honey.  

QNET’s Nutriplus range of products are available for purchase on www.qnetindia.co   

The Global Bus And Coach Industry Icon - Doug Jack - Passed Away on September 2 in UK

Doug Jack, the widely respected bus and coach industry consultant, has died aged 78. He passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, September 2 after a short illness.

Doug’s passion for the bus and coach industry began at an early age and remained with him throughout his life. He was a familiar face at bus and coach exhibitions all around the world and his knowledge was considered unrivalled by many. As news of his passing spread, one word kept recurring in the online tributes - ‘icon’.

Having graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in Scots Law, he joined Leyland Motors in 1966. After practical training on the shop floor in various departments, he became Legal Advisor of British Leyland Truck & Bus Division on its formation in 1968 and Company Secretary in 1971. An enthusiastic traveller, he became Export Sales Manager in 1975.

Doug subsequently became Sales Marketing Director for Duple Coach Builders where he introduced a more modern range of products. As Managing Director for Salvador Caetano (UK), he later established a UK subsidiary for the Portuguese bodybuilder.

Having gained a wide and almost unique experience in the bus and coach industry, Doug recognised the need for a specialist consultancy to advise and assist the manufacturing industry. Transport Resources International (TRI) was established in 1986.

Doug is survived by his two sons, Robert (a transport journalist and publisher) and James (international business).

The funeral will take place in Northampton on Wednesday, 23rd September. If you wish to attend, in person or online, please contact Robert Jack at robert.jack@passengertransport.co.uk.

The family have requested no flowers and instead asked for donations to be made in Doug’s memory to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a charity which reflects his very international focus.

Doug’s career - the long version

Born in 1941 and raised in Dunfermline, Fife, Doug’s teenage interest in buses was fostered by Jack Rennie (senior), who owned bus and coach operator Rennies of Dunfermline Ltd (now part of Stagecoach). Within days of his twenty-first birthday he had gained a PSV licence.

Doug graduated from Edinburgh University with a degree in Scots Law, following in the footsteps of his father, but he quickly realised he was much happier in the bus and truck business. So in 1966 he made a bold move and joined Leyland Motors, which was in its heyday as a major international force.

As a graduate trainee, Doug’s first year with Leyland Motors was spent in the various departments, one month at a time, learning how to build trucks and buses, and all about their main component parts. This gave him very valuable engineering experience.

Following the merger of the Leyland Motor Corporation and British Motor Holdings in 1968, Doug became Legal Advisor of British Leyland Truck & Bus Division. He became the division’s Company Secretary in 1971 before he was thirty years old, an unusual event in those days.

He became increasingly involved in major export licensing and sales agreements, especially in Spain, Morocco and Turkey, and was, in his own words, easily persuaded to become Export Sales Manager of the Truck and Bus Division in 1975; then Export Sales Director of the Passenger Vehicle Division in 1978 (ie. buses and coaches), and finally Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa in 1979 (with responsibility for trucks and buses).

These roles required Doug to travel globally to meet first hand with customers, governments, banks and corporations. Even with this heavy responsibility he still found time to keep close to his first interest - the product. He would regularly take test drives in deckers, coaches and HGVs, learning everything he could.

He also found time to write the comprehensive history of Leyland Motors. Published in 1977, ‘The Leyland Bus’ is a magnificent illustrated work, as comprehensive and international as Leyland itself.

Doug subsequently became Sales Marketing Director for Duple Coach Builders from 1981 to 1983, introducing a new and more modern range of products to the market before he was appointed as Managing Director for Salvador Caetano (UK) whereupon he established a British subsidiary for the Portuguese bodybuilder.

Having gained a wide and almost unique experience in the bus, coach and truck industry, Doug recognised the need for a specialist consultancy to advise and assist the manufacturing industry. As a consequence he established Transport Resources International (TRI) in 1986 to apply his accumulated specialist knowledge towards services for commercial vehicle manufacturers. From the mid-1990s the business concentrated exclusively on the worldwide bus and coach industry, for manufacturers and major component suppliers.

TRI became a limited company in June 2006 and has worked with many regular clients in the manufacturing and component industries from more than twenty countries worldwide.

He was also a regular contributor to industry journals, including Bus & Coach Buyer in the UK and BUSRide in the USA.

Sandy Glennie remembers ‘true and trusted friend’

Alexander (Sandy) Glennie, the former Managing Director of Volvo Bus Ltd, was a close friend. He first met Doug in 1980 at the Brighton Rally when he was with Duple and was struck by his knowledge and enthusiasm for the total industry.

Reflecting on Doug, Sandy commented: “Doug was a true and trusted friend and a dedicated man. He will be remembered as a genuine people person.

“He had a wicked sense of humour and used to recount many tales of his experiences in such places as New York, Turkey, Shanghai, Falkirk and even Iran.”

“He knew everyone in the greater industry from the biggest manufacturers, to EU and government agencies to component suppliers and research institutes.

“He was a regular visitor at the international exhibitions and was welcomed on all stands. He was confident and relaxed with all industry members from international chairmen to family coach operators.”

“Doug was a grafter and retirement was not in his vocabulary working to the end.”

Luc Glorieux - He was a great specialist and a great friend

Luc Glorieux, founder of Busworld, also paid tribute to Doug. 

“Doug was one of the finest spirits I ever met and he certainly was one of the greatest specialists about coaches and buses worldwide,” said Luc.

“Each time I was in need of advice, He was there for me, ready and offering the good and right counsel. I will always remember him as a great friend.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Volunteer to Spread Happiness Amongst Differently Abled

 

In line with its constant efforts to motivate and inspire employees to partake in noble social causes, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), today, conducted its 17th ICARE program by associating with an NGO – “Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled” that works for the empowerment of persons who are differently abled  and  underserved. This time, more than 235 employees along with their family members came together to lend their voices in the creation of an audio library for visually challenged students.

As a part of this activity, TKM employees along with their families came together virtually through an e-enabled platform to render vivid narrations that triggers the imagination by making an audio recording of 200 different types of books that will now become accessible to visually challenged beneficiaries across India. In the process, employees are getting a chance to explore their skills for social upliftment while meaningfully utilizing their time for a cause.

Expressing his thoughts on this activity, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Senior Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we along with our employees, have always believed in putting our combined efforts to bring about a positive change to the community we live in. Through ICARE, we intend to encourage our employees to contribute to social causes and empower them to be the change agents in society. As a responsible corporate, we will always strive to initiate activities that results in progressive impact and achieve long-term sustainability.

We are happy to see such energetic participation of our employees and their family members in each of the ICARE activities. This platform helps us in bonding amongst ourselves as a Toyota family and enables the employees to understand the company’s commitment towards improving the lives of communities. We will continue focusing our efforts on concerns that need our intervention and work towards building a better society. Employees have enjoyed this innovative virtual contribution experience to support the cause.”

‘ICARE’– an employee voluntary initiative, is an effort aligned with the company’s commitment to sustained community development.  TKM believes that it is important for the employees to align with its morals and principles to make key contributions to the nation and society at large. This drive actively involves the employees and strives to enhance their understanding of various societal issues and encourages their contribution to addressing vital needs within TKM’s CSR framework. Since its launch in 2017, ICARE has grown manifold and managed to create a large impact in the society, which benefited more than 40,000 lives. Currently, more than 700 employees are registered under TKM’s ICARE initiative. So far, TKM has implemented 16 ICARE activities in the area of Education, Environment, Road Safety, Skill Development, Disaster Management and supporting special children by creating massive transformation in the society and providing an enriching experience to employees every time.

TKM will continue its various CSR activities to alleviate the socio-economic structure of the society while providing support to underprivileged and underserved people to make a difference in their lives.