AeroMIT Secures 2nd Rank In The Oral Design Presentation At SAE Aerodesign Competition 2021

The AeroMIT Team from Manipal Institute of Technology secured 2nd rank in the Oral Design Presentation at SAE Aerodesign 2021, a competition organized by SAE International. The MIT team had participated in the Micro class category. The first rank was won by students from University of Puerto-Rico-Mayquez (USA). The AeroMIT team was also adjudged 5th position in the Written Design Report where the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) secured the top position.

Due to the pandemic, this year's competition was organized using a hybrid model. Teams were engaged in the competition through a 2-step registration process - the “Knowledge event” which was held online and the “Validation event” which is scheduled to be held offline. The Knowledge event included a written Design Report and Oral Technical Presentation. Whereas, the Validation event which is to be held in June will include a Technical Inspection and Flying Rounds.

Dr. D Srikanth Rao, Director MIT congratulated AeroMIT for their stupendous performance. “Despite the limitations imposed by pandemic, our students have been doing exceptionally well and have been winning accolades in international events. The pandemic has not the least effected their pursuit of technical prowess and learning abilities. The students have demonstrated that perseverance and determination can help us overcome all difficulties. They have made best use of the available resources and time to keep themselves engaged in educational pursuit. I am very happy at the achievement of AeroMIT team and wish them best for their next endeavour”.

Applying Agile Methodologies In CDMOs Across The Indian Market

* Saurabh Gurnurkar, Executive Director, Uquifa states that CDMOs have begun to incorporate the latest innovations in all aspects of their operations. Whether this implementation happens in science, in manufacturing equipment, or communication technologies, CDMOs are pushing the boundaries. 

In order to truly help biotech and pharma companies in their journey from drug development to commercialisation, contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) have begun to incorporate the latest innovations in all aspects of their operations. Whether this implementation happens in science, in manufacturing equipment, or communication technologies, CDMOs are pushing the boundaries and making changes. 

One area that may be less tangible is the management of the relationship with their customers, as well as the management of the customers’ programs. Sponsor companies and their suppliers are starting to work together more collaboratively than ever before, to ensure positive outcomes. Successful delivery of a program on time,  first time, translates into time and cost savings. The main driving force behind this evolutional change revolves around the need for reduction of drug development costs which in turn opens new avenues for better patient care. However, there are still companies hesitant to enter into completely open and collaborative partnerships. Some CDMOs, thus, have taken it upon themselves to incorporate leading-edge solutions to help streamline project and project. 

The industry’s standard approach revolves around employing a single, dedicated network, with multiple, consecutive phases or gates. In some cases, there are separate end-users with complex contractual terms as well. The common denominator is the sequential nature, the static planning, and the transfer of risk and liability among the parties, which contributes to a siloed effect—curbing the collaborative experience during a project. Such a rigid approach is growing increasingly fragile. 

Fit-for-purpose Agile methodologies

Back in 2000, a group of IT thought-leaders set up the principles of Agile methodology principle. It was articulated thus, “We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. 

Through this work, we have come to value: Individuals and interactions over processes and tools, Working software over comprehensive documentation, Customer collaboration over contract negotiation, Responding to change over following a plan.”

The process from tech-transfer to developing an efficient new drug API at a CDMO seemed to be made-to-order for the Agile methodology. We at Uquifa adopted it to ensure that flexibility, collaboration, individuals and outcomes rather than process, documentation or contracts become the basis of our CDMO process. To further raise the bar in the delivery of pharmaceutical ingredients Uquifa created fit-for-purpose Agile methodologies for small API molecule development, manufacturing capabilities, and project management. These Agile methodologies have helped significantly in overcoming barriers and constraints, resulting in lean and efficient manufacturing culture. At the core of this Agile methodology adoption was our Integrated Project Teams (IPT) have helped improve throughout the lab-to-commercialisation journey are open communication, flexibility, responsiveness, and excellence in customer service. 

Heavily influenced by IT agile principles, every project is implemented streamlined with various execution and delivery processes. Understanding the specific requirements of the new drug is naturally crucial, and our expert professionals gain comprehensive insights and expectations for each new drug development project directly from customer inputs and feedback. This helps tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges, viz, the transfer of technology effectively without loss of time and know-how. Our Agile methodologies go the extra mile to eliminate constraints and create a cooperative environment that promotes enthusiastic participation as well as a commonly shared vision helping in tech transfer and overall project management. This has become even more important when marrying the high-quality culture of regulated international markets while ensuring low operational and overhead costs for clients has become second nature, giving efficient and timely delivery of such molecule.

And, through the years we have seen that a shared vision through these adapted Agile methodologies helps in consistently achieving a shared outcome for clients. 

DRDO Launches Anti-COVID Oral Drug 2-DG Across Indian Market

* The medicine comes in powder form and can be taken with water

The first batch of DRDO-developed anti-COVID drug 2-DG (2-deoxy-D-glucose) has been launched to treat patients suffering from the deadly COVID-19. The medicine comes in powder form and can be taken with water.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh and health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan released the first batch of the 2-DG, an anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of the drug developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL).

Singh would be later distributing around 10,000 doses of the drug to a few hospitals in the national capital.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) granted emergency use nod for the drug last week. The drug could be a game changer in the battle against pandemic as it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces oxygen dependence.

Clinical trial results have shown that the drug helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. Higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG showed RT-PCR negative conversion in COVID patients.

The medicine was found to be safe for COVID-19 patients in phase-II trials, conducted between May and October last year. It was found to be effective in cutting short the hospital stays of COVID patients and reducing their supplemental oxygen dependence.

During the first wave of the pandemic in April last year, INMAS-DRDO scientists conducted laboratory experiments with the help of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, and found that this molecule works effectively against SARS-CoV-2 virus and inhibits the viral growth.

Based on these results, DCGI permitted phase-II clinical trial of 2-DG in COVID-19 patients in May 2020. The DRDO, along with its industry partner DRL, Hyderabad, started the clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the drug in COVID-19 patients.

In phase-II trials (including dose ranging) conducted during May-October 2020, the drug was found to be safe in COVID-19 patients and showed significant improvement in their recovery. Phase II was conducted in six hospitals and Phase IIb (dose ranging) clinical trial was conducted at 11 hospitals all over the country. 

Phase-II trial was conducted on over 110 patients. 

Mercedes-Benz Research And Development India Announces Support To Employees, Community Through Covid-19 Relief Initiatives

 

· Helps procure 110 oxygen concentrators for Karnataka in partnership with regional NGOs and German Consulate, Bengaluru 

· Reinstates support to employees with holistic wellbeing initiatives

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) announced a slew of initiatives to ensure the health, safety, and holistic wellbeing of its employees and the larger community, amidst the second wave of the pandemic.

Contributing towards Covid-19 relief efforts, the company has collaborated with C-CAMP (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms), the German Consulate, Bengaluru, Rhenus Logistics, and Nayonika Eyecare Charitable Trust to procure 110 oxygen concentrators for the hospitals in Karnataka.

“The health and safety of our employees is a foremost priority and we are committed to it, more so during these difficult times. We’ve taken extensive measures right from virtual medical consultation, Covid-19 care leaves, insurance coverage to vaccination programmes to support our employees and their families,” said Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, MBRDI. “Empathy is the need of the hour and at MBRDI, we are mindful that the communities around us need to be supported in all possible ways.  It is both our honour and duty to strengthen the larger relief efforts with the procurement of oxygen concentrators for the hospitals in Karnataka.”

Some of the initiatives to support MBRDI employees in staying safe and healthy during the ongoing global pandemic include:

Covering the cost of Covid-19 vaccination for all its 6000 employees in India, as well as their dependents.

As part of the Covid-19 home isolation care programme, the company has tied up with Apollo Clinic to provide all-paid medical care and advisory services for two weeks. This programme constitutes daily monitoring, consultation with physicians, diet counselling, physiotherapy sessions including breathing techniques, daily critical vitals checks, and more.

Covid Kawach, an additional insurance cover exclusively for Covid-19 treatment, focusses on a health plan with comprehensive coverage for the employees as well as their dependents.

As part of its #TogetherWeCan initiative, the company has launched an in-house, virtual response taskforce called the Covid-19 Warriors. The programme has seen an uproar of support from MBRDI employees volunteering to go above and beyond in assisting colleagues in distress.

A command center with a 24x7 helpline is set up to provide virtual medical teleconsultation, end-to-end guidance on the doorstep RT-PCR swab collection, and information on hospitals and emergency services providing medical assistance to Covid-19 patients.

To support and ensure mental and emotional wellbeing, the company’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) has stepped up its focus on prevalent topics employees reach out for free counselling on.

MBRDI also plans to offer free 3 healthy meals delivery to the employees and their families affected by Covid-19 or in quarantine.   

About Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI)

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) headquartered in Bengaluru was founded in 1996 as a captive unit to support Daimler’s research, IT, and product development activities. We focus on topics ranging from computer-aided design and simulations (CAD, CAE) for powertrain, chassis, and exteriors to embedded systems, telematics and developing various IT applications and tools. The satellite office in Pune specializes in interior component designs and IT engineering.   The establishment of MBRDI is in line with the Daimler group’s ambition to attract the world’s best engineering talent and form a global footprint for its R&D and IT competencies. MBRDI also aims to partner closely with suppliers in India for its activities in product development and IT services. It is now one of the largest global development centres outside Germany, employing more than 5000 skilled engineers; and has established itself as a valuable partner to all business units and brands of Daimler worldwide.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Employees Volunteer To Support National Doctor Helpline For COVID-19 Patients

Continuing its relief measures in the fight against COVID-19, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced that some of its employees would begin to contribute and support the National Doctor Helpline. About 60 TKM employees have been identified on a work-from-home model initially for a period of one month extendable as per need to support the helpline that provides teleconsultation to COVID-19 patients. 

The volunteering TKM employees will onboard doctors and assist COVID-19 patients to connect with the registered doctors. Their role will also include preparing doctor shifts besides helping ensure all those patients who call the helpline number can reach the doctors through proper scheduling and follow-ups. The 1st batch of volunteers are receiving the necessary online training from appointed agencies following which they will soon be deployed.

The volunteers are part of TKM’s ‘COVID Warriors Club’, which was formed to support the local communities and Government departments in dealing with the rising demand for medical care due to the COVID-19 infections. 

Talking about the new initiative, Mr. G. Shankara, Vice President, HR and Services, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We had formed the COVID Warriors Club to support the local community and our Government agencies, in the overwhelming surge in the second COVID wave. This voluntary initiative will help provide the much-needed support to the frontline workers managing the helpline. Besides, the activity will provide a channel for our employees who are passionate about contributing to the relief measures while ensuring they stay at home and maintain social distancing. More employee volunteers are willing to step up and strengthen the Government’s efforts if the need arises.”

Besides the above initiative TKM is working towards providing essential medical equipment like oxygen concentrators, Ambu bags, bedside monitors among others to the local health departments.

Simple Steps To Keep Your Tata Car Safe During India Lockdown

 
As the second wave of COVID-19 injects fresh uncertainties, Tata Motors is committed to keeping its customers safe and well-informed amidst the pandemic. The Company has rolled out an awareness campaign on easy car care steps during lockdown.

Below are some easy-to-follow, car care guidelines, which should have vehicles covered till the end of this lockdown.

Parking:

The car should be parked in a safe spot in the house or your building premises. Moreover, it is also important to preserve the functionality of its internal components.

Avoid flat spot on tyres and maintain the right pressure

Customers should move their car forwards and backwards to keep it from remaining immobile for too long and avoiding flat spots on tyres.

Periodic checks of tyre pressure are imperative to prevent cracking of the rubber and the side spots.

Air valves should be checked as well.

Keep the ignition engaged

To keep the battery of the car charged, the car should be started once every week for around 20 minutes. This will ensure that the Aux. battery doesn’t exhaust itself.

In the Nexon EV, this can be done by starting AC remotely as well. Alternatively, remove the – VE terminal of Aux Battery. Keep the State of Charge (SOC) between 40% to 60%.

Restarting the Electric vehicle after long storage

Refit the –VE terminal (if removed) & charge the vehicle up to 100% SOC on slow charger before using the vehicle on road.

Keep the handbrake dis-engaged

Keep the car parked in reverse gear if parked on a downhill slope, or on neutral on a flat surface and in first gear if it is on an uphill slope.

It is important to provide wheel support through the medium of chocks/ bricks available at home (In case of Auto transmission, it is a must)

Protect the fuel tank

To reduce the effect of changing weather on the vehicle, the fuel tank of the car should be kept full to avoid moisture from settling in.

Cabin cleaning

Regular sanitization and periodic checks of the interior and car parts such as the steering wheel is important to maintain regular hygiene and ensure that the components are functioning.

Interiors can be kept clean by vacuuming the carpets and mats as well as wiping car parts such as door handles with regular cleaning solution or disinfectant.

Kindly maintain the cleaning solution -mixture of car shampoo/soap and water in 30:70 ratio

While using a shampoo solution, apply it on the specified surface using microfiber cloth. Avoid spraying the solution directly. For example, on components such as the infotainment system.

The wiper arms should also be in an uplifted position.

Shield from changing weather

Use a car cover as it will protect the vehicle from getting affected by external factors and will also avoid the layering of dust on the exterior of the vehicle. This will also protect the paint job and chrome elements on the car.

Due to the on-going lockdown across the country, several customers are unable to service vehicles which are scheduled for maintenance. In a testament to its continuous endeavor to offer customers a seamless and hassle free after-sales experience, Tata Motors, India’s leading manufacturer, has announced that the customers whose warranty and free service period (not kms.) are due to expire between 1st April 2021 and 31st May 2021, will be extended till 30th June 2021.

In case of any emergency assistance or if the car is not starting due to prolonged parking/battery discharge, Tata passenger car owners can contact Tata Motors 24X7 assistance team at 1800 209 8282.

Moglix Raises $120 M, Joins Unicorn Club As Valuation Jumps To $1 B

Moglix has reached an important milestone by becoming the first industrial B2B commerce platform, in the manufacturing space, to become a unicorn. The company is said to be valued at $1 billion in its latest $120 million Series E funding round. The latest investment was led by Falcon Edge Capital and Harvard Management Company (HMC). This round of funding also saw participation from its existing investors, Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital India and Venture Highway.

Moglix is India’s largest and fastest growing B2B commerce platform in the industrial & MRO procurement space with a clear first-mover advantage. The Company is building an operating system for manufacturing that provides its customers a full stack service covering procurement, packaging, supply chain financing and highly integrated software.

Rahul Garg, Founder & CEO, Moglix, said, “We started six years ago with a firm belief in the untapped potential of the Indian manufacturing sector. We had the trust of stalwarts like Ratan Tata, and a mission to enable the creation of a $1 trillion manufacturing economy in India. Today, as we enter the next stage of our evolution, we feel this financing milestone is a testimony to our journey of innovation and disruption.

In these unprecedented times, we have pledged our support and disruptive thinking to help solve the challenge of effective distribution and sharing of oxygen concentrators covering 1M+ people in the country. Globally, we have also been instrumental, in this and the last year, in streamlining the PPE supply-chain and distribution across 20+ countries.

We are glad that Falcon Edge Capital and Harvard Management Company (HMC) have partnered with us in this journey. Falcon Edge, with its deep roots in the Middle East and Europe and an understanding of public companies will guide us through the next phase of our journey.”

Speaking on the occasion, Navroz D. Udwadia, Co-Founder of Falcon Edge Capital said, " We have studied and tracked Moglix for years, driven by our global experience in investing in online MRO platforms. We are strong believers in Rahul, his first mover advantage, his full-stack solution for under-serviced customers and his ability to drive robust unit economics. Moglix’s distinctive customer value proposition and ROI are visible in its outstanding customer and revenue retention numbers. We believe Moglix is now well poised to scale and we are thrilled to back the Company in the next phase of its growth.”

Tiger Global, which participated in the Series D round in 2019, has also invested in the latest round. Scott Shleifer, partner, Tiger Global Management, said "We remain excited about the team, market opportunity, and continued innovation. Moglix is a market leader and we expect they will grow rapidly with high returns on capital."

Moglix was founded in 2015, by IIT Kanpur and ISB alumnus Rahul Garg. Moglix provides solutions to more than 500,000 SMEs and 3,000 manufacturing plants across India, Singapore, the UK and the UAE. Several manufacturing majors such as Hero MotoCorp, Vedanta, Tata Steel, Unilever and PSUs such as Air India and NTPC procure indirect material through the Moglix platform. Moglix has a supply chain network of 16,000+ suppliers, 35+ warehouses and logistics infrastructure. With close to 500,000+ SKUs, its marketplace, www.moglix.com is the largest e-commerce platform in the industrial goods category in India.

Moglix also has an award-winning suite of software products for contract management and B2B Commerce. Global FMCG giant Unilever uses the platform for ~$30 billion of material spend annually in 70+countries. Moglix recently launched Credlix, a supply chain financing platform for suppliers and manufacturers and expects to power INR 1000 crore of financing in the coming year.

This latest round of funding takes the total funds raised by Moglix to $220 Million. Accel Partners, Jungle Ventures and Venture Highway have been the earliest investors in the company. Moglix has in-subsequent rounds received investments from leading global venture capital funds such as Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital India, International Finance Corporation and Composite Capital among others. Mr. Ratan Tata, Chairman emeritus, Tata Sons had invested in the start-up in 2016. Leaders from the start-up and manufacturing communities such as Mr. Kalyan Krishnamurthy, CEO Flipkart, Mr. Vikrampati Singhania, MD, JK Fenner and Mr. Shailesh Rao, Ex-Google have been investors in Moglix.