Bayer Partners with E-commerce Player BigHaat for Last Mile Delivery of Agri-Inputs Across Indian Market

* Farmers can order Bayer’s complete range of agri-solutions and avail crop-specific agronomic

advisory through BigHaat’s e-commerce platform

* Services currently available in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Bayer CropScience Limited has signed a partnership with BigHaat, a leading agri-input e-commerce platform to enable last mile delivery of Bayer’s seeds and crop protection products directly to farmer’s doorsteps. The partnership will support farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and focus on paddy, cotton, corn, chilli and horticulture crops. Besides access to the entire range of Bayer’s agri-solutions from seed to harvest, farmers can also avail crop-specific agronomic advisory through BigHaat’s Agristore digital platform.

Set up in 2015, BigHaat is one of India’s leading agri-inputs e-commerce platform, providing a wide range of quality inputs including seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, nutrients, farm implements and crop advisory to over 3 million Indian farmers. Besides product listings, review, order placement and doorstep delivery of products, BigHaat’s cognitive intelligence-based technology offers farmers real time, image-based disease & pest diagnosis and crop stage-wise advisory for over 80 crops and enables them to choose the right agri-inputs and the technical know-how for safe and effective application. Farmers without smartphones can give a missed call on 180030002434 to receive a call back from the customer call center and receive advisory on the phone or schedule a field visit from crop agronomists.

“With changing grower needs, the Go-to-Market approaches in the Indian agri-input industry are steadily evolving. Rising digitalization has paved the way for dynamic shifts such as the use of e-commerce platforms for purchase of agri-solutions. Bayer’s partnership with BigHaat is a strategic collaboration to provide farmers diverse choices beyond the traditional services they usually rely on,” said Simon Wiebusch, Chief Operating Officer for Bayer India’s Crop Science Division. Elaborating further he said, “Bayer is continuously looking at partnerships across the agri value chain to enhance customer centricity. We want to create a hybrid eco-system where traditional and digital marketplaces co-exist with the common aim of providing farmers with greater choice.”

“At BigHaat, we are on a mission of ‘Transforming the Future of Farmers’ by digitizing the pre-harvest journey for farmers and building an efficient agri value-chain harnessing the power of data, science and technology. We are very excited about this strategic partnership with Bayer, which is a giant step forward in enhancing India’s agri eco-system and improving the profitability for farmers,” said Sateesh Nukala, CEO and Co-Founder of BigHaat.

About Bayer

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2019, the Group employed around 104,000 people and had sales of € 43.5 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to € 2.9 billion and R&D expenses to € 5.3 billion.

BAFTA Forays into India, Opens Applications for its Breakthrough Initiative, Announces A R Rahman as Ambassador

* In partnership with Netflix, ‘BAFTA Breakthrough India’ will showcase and support emerging stars of film, games, and television in 2020-21

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today announced that applications are now open for BAFTA Breakthrough India, supported by Netflix. The initiative marks BAFTA’s first steps into India, showcasing and supporting the next generation of creative talent in film, games and television globally alongside the UK, USA and China.

BAFTA also announced today, A. R. Rahman as the ambassador for BAFTA Breakthrough India 2020-21. This association with Rahman marks the continued development of creative relationships between the UK and India, enabling and supporting collaboration between the two nations and showcasing the incredible talent India has to offer across different regions on a global scale. 

‘BAFTA Breakthrough India’ is the international version of the highly successful Breakthrough initiative, which has been running in the UK since 2013, China since 2019 and has launched in the USA this year, supporting over 130 emerging talent to date. Encouraging creative and cultural exchange between some of the major centres of film, games, and television in these countries, and (now) India; the programme has supported individuals such as Tom Holland, Letitia Wright, Florence Pugh, Jessie Buckley, Josh O’Connor, and Callum Turner. Supporters of the initiative in recent years also include actors Olivia Colman and Tilda Swinton, actor-producer Brad Pitt, directors Tom Harper and Barry Jenkins, game designers Brenda Romero and Tim Schafer, and actor-writers Sharon Horgan and Amy Schumer.

In 2020-21, BAFTA in partnership with Netflix will identify, celebrate, and support up to five exceptional talents working in film, games, or television in India, through this first of its kind program in the country. By showcasing talent globally, BAFTA Breakthrough aims to catapult their success by offering bespoke and mutual support – helping them to learn more about the industry, overcome barriers to progression, and network globally with people who can influence their careers.

A.R. Rahman, composer and BAFTA Breakthrough ambassador, said:“I am happy to be working with BAFTA to discover some of the amazing talent that India has to offer in film, games and television. This is a unique opportunity for promising artists to be supported by a world-renowned organisation, to not only make connections with other talented creatives across the world but to be mentored by BAFTA-winners and nominees. I am looking forward to seeing the brilliant talent chosen from India to be showcased on a global stage.”

“BAFTA is excited about extending its learning and new talent programme into India, discovering and showcasing the amazing creative talent this country has to offer to the world, and bringing new opportunities for the industry,” mentions Amandy Berry OBE, Chief-Executive, BAFTA. “The launch of Breakthrough marks our first move into India and we hope this is the start of a longer and deeper connection between BAFTA and India, encouraging different and diverse storytelling through increased cross-cultural collaboration. I am also incredibly grateful for the invaluable support of our brilliant Ambassador A. R. Rahman, an industry leader in his creative work and someone who shares our passion for identifying and nurturing new talent. ”

“BAFTA is uniquely placed to facilitate creative partnerships across the moving arts, being one of the only art charities to work across film, games, and television and on a global scale,” mentions Tim Hunter, Director of Learning and New Talent, BAFTA.“India is a fascinating centre for the screen arts – it is a mature industry with lots of creative diversity, which extends far beyond the world-famous ‘Bollywood’. Some of the best practitioners in the world work in Indian film, games, and television – and practitioners from around the world have much to learn from them.”

BAFTA will work closely with local cultural bodies and industry in India to reach each sub-region's unique landscape and identify excellent individuals who have shown creative promise in film, games, and television. Participants will be selected by a jury comprising leaders from across India’s moving arts industries. The five chosen participants will be offered a year-long support programme from BAFTA and be showcased across India and the UK. They will also receive one-to-one mentoring, guidance sessions, global networking opportunities, free access to BAFTA events and screenings for 12 months, and full voting BAFTA membership as part of Breakthrough. It will enable the chosen talent to connect with and learn from some of the best in the British and Indian creative industries, share their expertise with peers around the world, gaining access to opportunities beyond geographical borders.

The Breakthrough programme will also be supported by a series of masterclasses, which will feature primarily UK and Indian talent, and which will be open to all, thus expanding the impact of the programme in India.

Applications for the programme are announced as open on 30th November 2020. Eligible candidates can apply on the BAFTA Website.

About BAFTA:

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games, and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programmeof learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures, and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA, and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires, and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For advice and inspiration from the best creative minds in working in film, games, and television, visit www.bafta.org/guru. 

Airtel Bengaluru Runs the “First Virtual Marathon in the City”

 

Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM), since its inception, has held India’s flag high; representing its sporting spirit and generosity. On Sunday, 29th November 2020, the world’s most prestigious half marathon, showcased the resurgence of the sporting India to the world from the streets of Bengaluru.From across the globe, runners joined via the exclusive Airtel Delhi Half Marathon Mobile App. 

This ADHM is special for Team Airtel Karnataka as the team ran together for a cause. The employees raised funds towards the education of girl child through India Cares and Bharti Foundation.   

The organizing team followed all the highest levels of safety-standards, to ensure a safe race for all the runners. About 100 team members participated in the 21k run which started from the Airtel office on Bannerghatta road with a roundabout near Bannerghatta park which culminated at the office.    

ADHM is one such platform that helps us connect with individuals who wish to bring about a change by combining their passion for running and their will to make a difference. The Foundation has been working in the space of education for underprivileged children through the Satya Bharti Schools, aiming to bring up confident, caring and contributing citizens of the future.       

C. Surendran, CEO – Bharti Airtel, Karnataka says, Participating in a run in namma Bengaluru with the warmth and hospitality of the citizens, the run was memorable. I was excited to run with my Team from Airtel. It’s a never done before sporting event.  To witness Bangaloreans on the race track amidst all the challenges in these hard times was thrilling. 

Shekar Viswanathan Retires After 2 Decades at Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the retirement of Mr. Shekar Viswanathan effective November 30, 2020. He led TKM as the Vice Chairman and Whole-time Director for over seven years.

Mr. Shekar Viswanathan superannuates after an illustrious career of over 20 years with TKM and the Toyota Group in India.  His long tenure and career advancement at Toyota clearly manifests the company’s commitment to its people and its well curated career growth plan for individuals within the organization. 

During this time, Mr. Shekar Viswanathan helped build TKM in India since joining the Board of Directors in 2008 as the Whole-time Director and as the Vice Chairman and Whole-time Director since 2013. He also helped strengthen the Toyota Group companies in the country, as the former director of Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts and Deputy Managing Director of TG Kirloskar Automotive during his career.

Besides, his knowledge of the industry and financial services he has had the distinction of holding leadership positions in prestigious industrial associations like FICCI, CII, SIAM, ACMA and BCIC.

Bidding farewell, Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, TKM, said “Mr. Viswanathan and I have very long association. He has very consistently provided invaluable counsel and strong leadership in numerous capacities across Toyota and other group companies. His commitment, passion and vision for furthering the rise of the automobile industry in India have earned him great plaudits. I wish him well.”

Commenting on the development, Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director, TKM, said,“Our operations in India play a vital role for Toyota globally. As a part of the key leadership team, Shekar Viswanathan has been one of the strongest pillars for TKM fostering its growth in India. His retirement will be a loss for TKM and the auto industry at large. We are grateful for his leadership in several capacities over the years and wish him well. We will truly miss his great leadership skills.”

Sharing his views, Mr. Shekar Viswanathan said, “It is not easy to say goodbye to a company where I have spent more than two decades. Having said that, I look forward to my retirement to pursue ventures and hobbies that I could not take up all this while. I am awaiting the day when India will make and sell more than 12 million cars per year from the current 3 million cars per year as Indian engineers’ supervisors and workmen have shown themselves to be on par with world standards.  I am thankful to TMC, TDEM, TMAP, TKM and Toyota Group companies for showing faith in my abilities and allowing me the opportunity to hone my leadership skills.”

Airtel Delhi "Half Marathon 2020" on November 29 : Running in the New Normal

This time, the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020 is being conducted in keeping with pandemic restrictions. This time, the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is being conducted in keeping with pandemic restrictions. The event is being held on Nov 29 and will see the participation of top runners from across the world. The organisers have created a secure bio-bubble to protect the elite runners from the coronavirus. 

Although, this year, the general public will not be joining the elite runners. They can instead run from wherever they are. All they have to do is register, choose their race category and download the ADHM app. They can then complete their chosen distance from wherever they are between Nov 25 and Nov 29th. 

Karnataka Circle CEO Surendran has nominated himself. for the Airtel Half Delhi Marathon 2020 ( ADHM) a virtual run and the Care Champion fundraiser, Considering it’s a first of its kind virtual run and the fact that the prestigious ADHM runners can run in any city linked with a cause will be exciting for the brand.  

Some of the world’s top runners are expected to take part in the prestigious Airtel Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday, November 29th , with the organisers promising to provide bio-secure zones to ensure a COVID-19 free race for the elite runners. While the international and Indian elite runners will be at the start line at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Delhi, the amateurs from across the globe will join them via the exclusive Airtel Delhi Half Marathon Mobile App.  

Hero Motocorp Appoints Global Mobility Expert Micheal Clarke as Chief Operating Officer

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, today appointed global mobility expert Michael Clarke to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), with the additional role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

Based out of India, Mike will join Hero MotoCorp effective January 1, 2021 and report to Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO of Hero MotoCorp. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) of Hero MotoCorp has approved the appointment.

In the emerging “new world” of business, Mike Clarke’s appointment comes close on the heels of recent augmenting of the Leadership Team at Hero MotoCorp.

As part of this process, Hero MotoCorp has earlier announced assigning the role of Head of Strategy to Malo Le Masson and expanded the role of Ravi Pisipaty as the Head of Plant Operations. Sanjay Bhan has returned to the Company as the Head of Global Business (GB) to play a key role in the rapid expansion and consolidation of Hero in the international markets. Mahesh Kaikini, the Head of Gurugram plant, has been appointed as the Chief Quality Officer, while Ashutosh Varma has been elevated to the role of Head of National Sales.

Mike Clarke is a business leader with more than 25 years’ global experience in publicly listed companies in the US and UK. Mike has worked extensively in building, leading and managing teams across geographies and functions. 

Mike has worked in leadership roles in some of the world’s top companies, such as Fiat Group SPA and Delphi Technologies. Mike was also in leadership roles in Operations and Human Resources functions in several other companies, including Tenneco Automotive and Hertz Corporation Breed Technology (formerly AlliedSignal SRS) across Europe.

A mechanical engineer and an MBA from the John Moore’s University in Liverpool, UK, Mike started his career with Delco Electronics Overseas Corporation (a subsidiary of General Motors) in Liverpool, before moving to Colgate Palmolive based out of Manchester.

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said “I am excited to have Mike join the Hero family at this crucial juncture in time of emerging opportunities and new challenges. Mike brings considerable global experience and expertise in managing complex operations, international restructuring, organisational and cultural change.  His experience will be highly beneficial as we look to further consolidate our market leadership across continents. We have a clear focus to create benchmark products and facilities, including industry leading processes and operations. Mike will contribute by playing a vital role in providing strategic leadership in operational excellence and driving the Talent agenda at Hero MotoCorp.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mike Clarke said “It is an absolute privilege to be joining Dr. Munjal and his Leadership Team at Hero MotoCorp.  We are in unprecedented times across the globe and it is clear that Hero MotoCorp is navigating successfully and maintaining its number one position in the industry. I am passionately looking forward to contributing to and continuing the journey being led by Dr. Munjal globally as well as in the domestic market in India. I can’t wait to get going and meeting more Heroes.”

Garmin India Launches Forerunner 745 for Athletes and Running Enthusiasts with Detailed Performance Metrics

 Now runners can enjoy multiple benefits with Forerunner 745

* Multiple –satellite support systems

* Built-in activity profiles for running, triathlon, cycling, swimming, track running and more

* Personalized run and cycling workout suggestions based on current training status

* Support from Garmin Coach and free training plan

Garmin India, a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today launched the all new Forerunner 745, an advanced GPS smartwatch built for runners and triathletes looking for detailed training data, on-device workouts smartwatch features and more.

Specially designed understanding the requirements of the athletes, the smartwatch monitor stats and analyzes data to help users in achieving their goals. The users can train with dozens of built-in activity profiles, including triathlon, pool swimming, track running and more.

Further, avoiding any distractions and bringing more convenience, athletes can now round out their training routines and can seamlessly switch between activities with the press of a button during a race or brick workout.

Becoming the best partner during training and workout, the Forerunner 745 supports essential performance monitoring tools like VO2 max, training load, training status, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects. Additionally, users will now also receive on-device running and cycling daily workout suggestions based on their current training load and VO2 max. Runners can also view all six running metrics – including cadence, stride length, and more – right on the watch.

The Forerunner 745 also features advanced dynamics to help with cycling and swim training. While on a bike, it will track data such as left/right balance, time seated and standing, platform center offset and power phase1.

During a swim, the Forerunner 745 will track distance, stroke, pace, personal records and more. Based on the difficulty of a workout, the improved recovery time feature will let athletes know how long to rest before a hard training session. It also accounts for other factors that impact recovery including all-day stress, sleep and daily activities, and will adjust the recovery time on the watch, making it easier than ever for athletes to get the most out of their workouts.

Commenting on the launch of Forerunner 745, Mr. Ali Rizvi, Director, Garmin India said, “We at Garmin thrive to deliver the product which enhances our user’s experience with its data accuracy, quality, and world-class technology. The all-new Forerunner 745 is developed by Garmin’s R&D team understanding the actual need of all the athletes which keeps them away from all the distractions and supports with the detailed performance metrics. Along with its features, the smartwatch will also support the athletes with personalized run and cycling workout suggestions and guidance from Garmin coach which will further help in making improvements in their workout schedule and make their training more robust”

Runners and triathletes can take their training to the next level. The smartwatch lets users sync indoor and outdoor workouts automatically from Garmin Connect™ or other training apps, including TrainingPeaks® and TrainerRoad, right to the watch. What’s more, the Forerunner 745 is compatible with Garmin Coach, free training plans that adapt based on a runner’s goals and performance. Garmin users can train for a 5K, 10K or half-marathon with the help of three running coaches – Jeff Galloway, Greg McMillan and Amy Parkerson-Mitchell – to guide and motivate them.

Before heading out for a run or ride, athletes can plan and download routes using the course creator in Garmin Connect, which uses Trendline™ popularity routing to provide the best road, trail or mountain routes that are aggregated from those most traveled by fellow runners and cyclists. For athletes using platforms like Strava2 and Komoot, they can create courses that will seamlessly sync to the Forerunner 745.

The Forerunner 745 gives athletes the freedom to enjoy their favorite tunes on a run or during a workout without having to take a phone along. The watch stores up to 500 songs and lets users sync playlists from select preloaded music streaming services3 such as Spotify®, Amazon Music or transfer music from a computer.

Made to be worn all day, every day, the Forerunner 745 features tools to track an athlete’s well-being. A wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor4 will help provide a clearer picture of how athletes are sleeping and adjusting to altitude acclimation while the Body Battery™ energy monitor lets athletes track their energy levels to find the best times for activity and rest. Additionally, the menstrual cycle tracking feature helps women adjust their training to maximize improvement potential and plan for upcoming races based on where they are in their cycle.

Even while on the move, the Forerunner 745 lets athletes stay in touch. Directly from the wrist, users can receive text messages and view social media updates, emails and more. Whether working out alone or with friends, built-in safety and tracking features include incident detection, assistance and LiveTrack to let loved ones follow along on a run or ride5. Following a workout, the Forerunner 745 will automatically upload activities to Garmin Connect.

The Forerunner 745 features up to 1 week of battery life in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode and up to 6 hours in GPS mode with music.

Price: The all new Forerunner 745 comes at an attractive price of Rs. 52,990 and is available in four quirky colours: Whitestone, Magma Red, Neo Tropic and Black.

Availability:

Online: Amazon.in, Paytm Mall, Tata CLiQ, Flipkart, Myntra, thegarminstore.in

Offline: All Garmin brand stores, Lifestyle, Kolozilla Sports, Wheels Sports, Matermind Bicycle, Bums of the saddle, Cyclofit, Pro Bikers.