Godrej Appliances Earns The Distinction Of Manufacturing Its Eco-Friendly Appliances In The Greenest Factories

* Both its Shirwal and Mohali manufacturing units are the first in India to receive the highest recognition of GreenCo Platinum Plus rating by CII for being ‘Lean & Green’

True to its core value of environment, Godrej Appliances, a business of Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group and one of India's leading players in home appliances, is the first brand in India to receive the prestigious “GreenCo Platinum Plus” certification by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). CII’s GreenCo Platinum Plus is designed to measure a company’s green performance and is the highest recognition for any company for its efforts towards efficient utilization of resources like energy, water and raw materials and in reducing the impact of its products on the environment through Life Cycle Assessment and Product Stewardship. This certification was awarded to both its manufacturing units - based in Shirwal (near Pune, Maharashtra) and Mohali (Punjab).

Both manufacturing units have taken the brand’s sustainability efforts to the next level, serving as a model for sustainability excellence. A logical extension for getting a GreenCo Platinum Plus rating after being the first to get the Platinum rating for the processes, these facilities are in true sense comprehensively ‘green’. 

Some of the salient features that contributed towards making both these units platinum plus certified are:

·         13% reduction in manufacturing units’ energy consumption over the last 4 years,

·         50% - Renewable energy share in the manufacturing units

·         Online monitoring of energy and water consumption to ensure efficient utilization of resources 

·         Both manufacturing units are Water Positive (recharging more than 100% water to the ground than drawn) through reuse of wastewater and rainwater harvesting systems

·         “0 Waste to Landfill” is achieved for all hazardous waste through reduction and recycling

·         Process Benchmarking is done across different industries, keeping in mind the best practices

·         Treating suppliers as an extension of plant and handholding them through ‘Supplier Cluster” for the greening of the entire supply chain. All suppliers were mentored on how they can improve their environment friendliness quotient. 52 suppliers are GreenCo certified already 

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Kamal Nandi, Business Head & EVP, Godrej Appliances said, “We are delighted to have received this certification from a prestigious body like CII. This certification is a testimony of the efforts put in by Godrej Appliances to be eco-friendly in all our initiatives. For us, environment is a value that has been ingrained in our corporate DNA since our very inception. We believe that it is our duty as responsible manufacturers to pave the way for sustainable manufacturing in the industry. Both of our manufacturing facilities are a living example of this belief.” 

About Godrej Appliances

Godrej Appliances, a business unit of the highly diversified Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. is one of the leading Home Appliances players in India. Godrej was the first Indian Company in 1958 to manufacture Refrigerators and has since then, expanded its portfolio across many other categories like Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Microwave Ovens, futuristic Thermo-electric cooling solutions, Air Coolers, Deep Freezers, highly specialized Medical Refrigerators and more recently, UVC Technology-Based Disinfecting devices and Dishwashers, all powered by the driving philosophy of 'Things made thoughtfully’/ ‘Soch Ke Banaya Hai’. 

This thought extends from human-centric design to planet centric design. Environment is a core value at Godrej Appliances. Both manufacturing units of Godrej Appliances’ - in Maharashtra and Punjab, became the first in the country to win the coveted Platinum Plus Green Co certification for their pioneering green manufacturing practices. 

The brand takes pride in not just its carefully designed products and environment-friendly technologies, but also best in class after-sales service delivered through over 680 service centers and more than 4500 SmartBuddy service experts spread all over the country.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Hosts Karnataka State Skills Competition 2021

Toyota Kirloskar Motor hosted the 2021 edition of the renowned Karnataka State Skills competition at the company’s premises in Bidadi. Organized under the aegis of Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), the competition tests skills of the participants in five essential automotive functions such as - mechatronics, prototype modelling, car painting, automobile technology and auto body repair.

Winners of the competition will represent the state in the India Skills competition, organized by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), New Delhi. Further, winners of the India Skills competition will represent India and put their skills to test in the World Skills Competition 2022.

After inaugurating the competition, Mr. Ashwin Gowda, IRS, MD of KSDC said, “Karnataka has a plethora of talented youth and has been espousing skill development initiatives among them. Our aim is to ensure that every participant from the state is well trained and equipped so that there is   good chance to win medals and make the state and country proud. In the automotive sector, we are glad to partner with Toyota, known for skill its development initiatives and transforming youth into world-class technicians.”

Mr. G. Shankara, Vice President, HR and Services, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “In line with the company’s commitment towards Skill India, TKM has been constantly engaged in initiatives to address the dynamic industry requirements, which can only be achieved with the right skills. Skill development is therefore close to our heart. We believe that investing in skills and training youth with the best knowledge is the key for developing individuals and the industry’s competency levels. We hire youth from the rural hinterlands of Karnataka and help them develop into world-class skill champions by providing them rigorously training on their body, mind, attitude and equip them to compete at international forums.

As a result of our training, contestants from TKM who represented the country have been able to win one bronze medal (2017) and four medals of excellence (2015, 2017, 2019) in the World Skills competition. By sharing our best practices with the stakeholders, we aim to develop youth as world-class technicians and contribute towards the Skill India Mission”, he added.

About World Skills Competition

Initiated in 1950, the World Skills Competition is the global hub for skills excellence and development through international cooperation and development. It is the global meeting place for government, education, industry, and association leaders to discuss relevant and important issues related to skills management.

In 2019, the competition saw participation from more than 1300 competitors from 75 countries challenging each other in 56 skill sets. India took part in 45 skills winning 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze and 15 Medallions of excellence in the respective categories. The team consisted of 46 talented young minds showcased their best performance since India began to take part in the competition in 2007. The participants were selected through a nationwide screening process under the guidance of the National Skill Development Council (NSDC).

Other Information

Toyota Kirloskar Motor continuously undertakes training initiatives in the field of skill development, some of the key initiatives are:

·         Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) offers a three year rigorous full-time training in Automobile Assembly, Automobile Paint, Automobile Weld and Mechatronics (a combination of mechanical and industrial electronics) TTTI has also been selected as a part of this partnership between Japan and India for the “Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Program’’.

·         Gurukul is a well-equipped learning center at TKM imparts diverse training to employees at all levels which helps them to improve their abilities and thoroughly fulfill their roles. There are three levels of training – Fundamental Skill, Element Work and Standardized Work training. Micro-level training helps the employees to develop skills to manufacture world-class cars. Additionally, all members are periodically trained on Toyota way practices and Toyota Business practices to ensure the learning principles adopted and adapted well for everyone is understanding.

·         Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) provides technical know-how training to ITI students across India along with providing hands on real time experience within Toyota dealerships.

Manipal Institute Of Technology Bags Consecutive Positions At IIT Kanpur’s Annual Techfest

Manipal Institute of Technology, engineering college of Manipal Academy of Higher Education added yet another feather to its cap. Two teams comprising three of its students secured 2nd and 3rd position at IIT Kanpur’s Techkriti-AeroDes Annual Techfest which was organized from 12th to 14th March 2021 virtually.

The AeroDes competition organized by IIT Kanpur aims to bring young talent to design a dual-purpose regional and business aircraft that can take off and deliver a payload to a target area. The students from MIT who won the prize comprise of Pranav Gupta of Aerospace, Tanay Kumar of Electronics and Communications Engineering and Vedang Pradeep of Aerospace from Team Vyom secured 2nd place and from Team Dhara, Nehi Sinha of Aerospace, Sai Sankalp of Aerospace and Shraddha Sheshadri Aerospace stood 3rd overall.

'AeroDes' by IIT Kanpur is a national UAV design competition that is a part of their annual Techfest. The competition consisted of 2 rounds, a design report submission, and an oral presentation round done virtually. The objective of the competition was to address the problem statement stipulated the conceptual design of an aerial vehicle, obeying design constraints, created for commercial applications such as the delivery of goods to increase access to goods, reduce traffic in cities, and reduce CO2 emissions attributed to delivery services. 

Dr. D Srikanth Rao, Director, Manipal Institute of Technology says, “We are tremendously proud of our students who have won the prestigious competition on the current COVID – 19 situations. Our students participate in these real-time problem-solving competitions helps them to become industry-ready and we at MIT always encourage our students to go far and beyond to showcase their true talent and provide them the best exposure to participate in such prestigious platforms. We are always going to support our students to evolve, grow and fulfil their dreams and aspirations” 

Link to competition website: https://techkriti.org/competitions/take%20off/aerodes 

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches All-New Pre-Paid Service Package - Smiles Plus

In pursuance of its Customer First philosophy and sustained commitment of providing unique customer experience through value-added services, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced the launch of a comprehensive and customizable Service Package – Smiles Plus. As an offering, this package will be customised as per the requirements and needs of the customer and will consist of pre-paid packages available across India. The package is also designed keeping in mind TKM’s readiness towards future mobility requirements & will further assist valuable customers with enhanced, delightful, and hassle-free service experiences.

The package will provide an array of exciting benefits and services for enhanced ‘Peace of mind’, such as:

-          Flexibility of Service Location

-          Protection from Service price hikes

-          Savings on Service Cost

-          Usage of Toyota Genuine Parts & recommended Services

-          Trained Technicians working on your vehicle

-          Options to Customize & Choose from ESSENTIAL, SUPER HEALTH, SUPER TORQUE & ULTRA which includes Periodic Maintenance, General Repair etc. 

Commenting on this new initiative of Pre-Paid Service Package, Mr. Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of the all new ‘Smiles Plus’ service package as this initiative is in-line with TKM’s endeavor to meet our customers’ enhanced requirements and mobility needs. With the introduction of this exclusive package, we intend to cater to our customers with services that match their evolving expectations.

At Toyota, we understand that the key to have customers for life is by providing heart touching experience, seamless communication & complete peace of mind. With the help of unique programs like Smiles Plus, we thrive to fortify our existing bond with our esteemed customers and enhance their experience by providing world-class services that Toyota is globally reputed for. We will continue to bring about solutions for a fast and seamless experience for our customers and provide more avenues to our customers in line with emerging market demands.”

The pre-paid service package is available at Toyota service centers/dealerships across India. Customers can contact their nearest authorized Toyota dealership for more details.

TECNO SPARK 7 Brings 6000mAh Battery And 16MP AI Dual Rear Camera At Only INR 6999

* TECNO SPARK 7 is launched in two variants – 2GB + 32GB @ INR 7,499 & 3GB + 64GB @ INR 8,499

* The all-rounder budget smartphone SPARK 7 is available for sale on Amazon (https://rb.gy/6onfos) starting 12 noon on 16th April, 2021 at a special introductory price of INR 6,999 for 2GB variant and INR 7,999 for 3GB model (Limited Period offer)

TECNO, the global premium smartphone brand, today announced the launch of SPARK 7 - yet another future-ready device flaunting segment-first features from its iconic SPARK stable.  With this new smartphone, TECNO continues to consolidate its position among the top 5 handset players in the 5K - 10k smartphone segment in India. The all new SPARK 7 smartphone is designed for the most discerning tech savvy millennials in India for whom their smartphone is the primary screen for their all daily needs and entertainment on the go. The SPARK 7 is available in two variants at a special launch offer price of INR 6999 for 2GB + 32GB & INR 7999 for 3GB + 64GB variant. The product will go on sale from 16th April at 12pm on Amazon in 3 cool summer colors of Spruce Green, Magnet Black and Morpheus Blue.

TECNO’s popular SPARK range of smartphones are known for their best-in-class design, display, camera for an overall smartphone experience in the affordable segment. In keeping with its brand ethos, SPARK 7 flaunts many category defining features such as BIG 6000 mAh battery with AI power charging & safe charging, BIG 6.52- inch Dot-notch display and a superlative 16MP AI Dual rear camera with unique features such as Time Lapse feature with various recording settings, Video bokeh and Slow-Mo video. Together, these features will enable the youth to experience a larger than life, non-stop entertainment experience on the go, without worrying about battery drainage.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arijeet Talapatra, CEO -TRANSSION India, said, “In line with our ‘India-First’ strategy TECNO will continue to focus on ‘Made for India’ smartphones to disrupt the budget and mid-budget markets with the best-in-segment specifications at unmatched price points.  From that standpoint, SPARK 7 will help us expand our customer base with a phone that is customized to meet the needs of our Aspirational Bharat. We are confident that with the new range of SPARK 7 smartphones, we will continue to garner the love and support of our customers. As per Counterpoint report, following the launch of “SPARK’ series of smartphones last year, TECNO has joined the elite ‘Top 5 smartphone brands’ club in the INR 5,000-10,000 category. In 2021, we will further consolidate our position to build a strong portfolio across 5-15K smartphones category providing customers with a wide range of options across price points.”

Key highlights of SPARK 7 (3GB+ 64GB):

Superlative 16MP AI Dual rear camera with Slo- mo & time lapse Video features

The SPARK 7 is equipped with a 16 MP AI Dual Rear Camera with Quad Flash. The primary camera has an f/1.8 Aperture, enabling one to capture better clarity photos. Complemented with premium features like time-lapse videos, slow motion videos, bokeh mode, AI Beauty Mode and AI Portrait Mode, the SPARK 7 provides for an enhanced smartphone photography experience. The 8MP selfie camera with a F2.0 aperture and a dual front flash with adjustable brightness is apt for selfie lovers.

Long lasting 6000mAh battery

The SPARK 7 houses a BIG 6000 mAh battery with safe charge that provides a whopping standby time of upto 41 days, 42 hours calling time, 17 hours’ web browsing, 45 hours’ music playback, 17 hours’ game playing and 27 hours’ video playback. The big battery comes with other AI features like AI power saving, full charge alert and automatically cuts the power when phone is fully charged to avoid overcharging.

Bigger Display, Bigger Entertainment

The 6.52” HD + Dot Notch Display complimented with a 720 x 1600 resolution enables one to have the perfect cinematic viewing experience. The 90.34% body screen ratio and 20:9 aspect ratio, with 480 nits brightness provides for a BIG immersive viewing experience.

Smooth multitasking with Ample Storage

The SPARK 7 hosts a 3GB RAM with 64 GB GB internal storage which is expandable upto 256GB, allowing you to keep track of all the details in your smartphone, with ease and without hassle.  The SPARK 7 runs on the latest HIOS 7.5 based on Android 11 and is backed by a powerful Octa-Core 1.8 GHz CPU Helio A25 processor for a seamless, un-interrupted smartphone experience.

Tightened security

The SPARK 7 is 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 unlocks the phone in just 0.2 seconds and enables one to receive calls, take photos and dismiss alarms.

About TECNO

TECNO Mobile is a premium global smartphone brand from TRANSSION Holdings. TECNO is committed to giving the masses access to latest technology, allowing the consumers to reach beyond their current limitations and uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations across a product portfolio featuring smartphones, tablets, smart AIoT products covering smart audio, smart wearables, smart home gadgets. TECNO is a major global player with presence in more than 60 emerging markets across the world. It is also the global Official Handset Partner of Manchester City Football Club.

Manipal Hospitals To Divest Its Stake In Klang, Malaysia To Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare (RSDH)

Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Ltd (“Manipal Hospitals”), one of India’s largest multi-speciality healthcare providers, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to divest their hospital business at Klang, Malaysia to healthcare provider Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care (RSDH). The transfer of ownership shall take place post completion of closure obligations.

Set up in 2016, Manipal Hospitals, Klang is a high end tertiary care hospital accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH). The 220 bedded facility offers an extensive range of over 30 specialty services including Klang’s only state of the art trauma centre.

Commenting on the deal, Dilip Jose, MD & CEO, Manipal Hospitals said, “We are proud of having created and grown a strong healthcare franchise in Malaysia, modelled on providing high quality, affordable and comprehensive healthcare services. We wish our team at Klang and RSDH the very best as they together take the hospital through its next phase of growth."

The divestment comes at a time when Manipal Hospitals gears up for a smooth integration of Columbia Asia Hospitals India as that acquisition is nearing completion. The Hospital group is also scouting to expand its footprint in Eastern India which is presently underserved and further enhance its presence in the existing geographies.

About Manipal Hospitals

As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the top five healthcare providers in India serving over three million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to homecare. With 10 Tertiary/quaternary care facilities and four Secondary care hospitals spread across India, Manipal Hospitals today operates and manages about 6,000 beds across 14 hospitals. With the near completion of acquisition of 100% stake in Columbia Asia Hospitals in India, the integrated organization will have an enhanced pan-India footprint of 26 hospitals across 15 cities, 7,300+ beds, a talent pool of 4,000+ doctors and 10,000+ employees.

Renault India Announces Partnership With CERO Recycling To Support The New Scrappage Policy

* Launches R.E.LI.V.E Program to offer seamless scrapping process with guaranteed scrap benefits 

* Renault to provide a seamless channel for customers to scrap End of Life vehicles and leverage guaranteed benefits on newer, more efficient and safer vehicles through its new ‘R.E.L.I.V.E’ Program  

* Supports the new scrappage policy by offering fair scrap valuation quote and guaranteed major benefits to customers purchasing a new Renault vehicle by scrapping their existing cars of any brand 

Renault India has launched the ‘R.E.L.I.V.E’ Program in partnership with CERO Recycling (A joint venture between Mahindra Intertrade Ltd. and MSTC – a government of India enterprise), India’s first organised scrap vehicle recycling company. The initiative is aimed at providing the potential customers with a seamless hassle-free channel to scrap their old vehicles, buy new Renault vehicles and also avail attractive benefits on their new purchase. 

Renault India has rolled out the Program for its customers in six locations currently, including Delhi & NCR, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. The interested customers who will bring their old/ end of life vehicles of any brand to Renault’s authorised dealerships will get a fair scrap valuation quote post appropriate evaluation of the vehicles, along with an additional guaranteed scrap benefit over the existing monthly offers on its products including Kwid, Triber and Duster. Renault India dealerships along with CERO Recycling will be handling the entire process from vehicle evaluation to official de-registration at the RTO and handing over the official certificate of deposit / destruction of old vehicle to provide a hassle-free experience to customers. Renault will be offering this exclusive channel also for prospects willing to have their old 2-wheelers scrapped whereby they can avail of special 7.99% rate of interest from Renault Finance on purchase of new Renault products. 

Speaking about the new scrappage policy and partnership, Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India Operations said, “The scrappage policy is a very important step towards the right direction in making India a hub of manufacturing and elevate the Indian auto industry a notch up in terms of better technology adoption, safer and cleaner vehicles. The scrappage policy will help in significantly reducing the pollution levels and streamlining the unorganised & fragmented recycle market in the country.” 

“We are extremely confident that this partnership will ensure hassle-free experience for the customers and adoption of better technology and promote safety on the Indian roads in a scientific and environment-friendly manner. With its eco-friendly practices, CERO will help reduce carbon footprint, making a zero-waste, zero pollution ecosystem, while Renault will offer attractive & exclusive guaranteed benefits on new vehicle purchase,” he added. 

On the initiative, Sumit Issar, Managing Director of Mahindra Intertrade Ltd., says, “CERO is India’s first government authorized recycler for motor vehicles built on the PPP model, focussed on achieving zero pollution while vehicle recycling. We have state-of-the-art dismantling centers at Greater Noida, Pune and Chennai and collection centers at major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Chandigarh.  Further, CERO has plans to have presence in 25 cities within the next 8-10 months. The arrangement with Renault is going to strengthen the reach and benefit all Renault vehicle customers & prospects who are looking for solutions for scrapping their old vehicles”   Globally, Renault is a pioneer and leader in the realm of sustainable mobility for all. Groupe Renault has set three leadership goals: electric vehicles, the circular economy and new mobilities. Since 2005, Groupe Renault has been committed to reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles throughout their life-cycle (from the extraction of the raw materials needed for manufacturing until their end-of-life). 

ABOUT RENAULT  

Renault India Pvt. Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Renault S.A.S. France. Renault India cars are manufactured in the manufacturing facility located in Oragadam, Chennai, with a capacity of 480,000 units per annum. Renault India also has a widespread presence of more than 500 sales and 475+ service touchpoints, which include 200+ Workshop On Wheels locations across the country, with benchmark sales and service quality. Renault India’s product line up and services have seen strong recognition among customers and industry experts alike, winning more than 60 titles, making Renault India one of the most awarded automotive brands in a single year in India. The Renault KWID has already bagged 32 awards, including 10 ‘Car of the Year’ Awards.  

About CERO            

Mahindra MSTC Recycling Private Limited (CERO), is a joint venture between Mahindra Intertrade Ltd. and MSTC Ltd., a Govt of India Enterprise. MMRPL is India’s 1st Government authorised Automotive & Steel Recycling company and has set up 3 environment friendly recycling plants at Greater Noida, Chennai & Pune, under the brand name CERO. It is India’s first organized, fully compliant, pollution free recycling facility. End of life vehicles are collected, depolluted and dismantled at the state-of-the-art facility. The facility embraces a Zero pollution objective and the automated plants have the capacity to recycle old Trucks, Buses, Cars and Two/Three Wheelers and Consumer durables. CERO also has presence in Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh & Hyderabad through its collection centres. The recovered raw materials from the vehicles will be supplied to companies that can make use of them, provided they meet the stringent quality and sustainability requirements. Automotive steel is one of the best steels available as it can be easily melted and remade thus helping the case of circular economy.