Tata Motors Rolls Out The 2,00,000th Nexon In Ranjangaon, Pune

* India's 1st GNCAP 5 Star rated car surges ahead with increasing demand every month

Adhering to Covid 19 safety protocols and hygiene norms, Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive brand, today rolled out the 2,00,000th Nexon from its Ranjangaon facility in Pune. Since the 150K roll out in November 2020, the last 50K units have been recorded in less than 6 months, with demand outpacing supply and production limited due to the pandemic. The Nexon is among the top 3 highest selling compact SUVs, in India and the company celebrates a new milestone in the brand’s journey as it grows in its popularity every month.

The Nexon is the first car in India to receive a full 5-star adult safety rating by Global NCAP, an internationally renowned automotive safety accreditation body and is much acclaimed for its class-leading safety, design and driving pleasure. Customer bookings have been growing and in March 2021, Nexon sales set a new record of 8,683 units in a month, further strengthening the Company’s leadership position in the C-SUV segment.

Since its launch in 2017, Tata Motors has constantly upgraded the Nexon for safety, GNCAP certification, design, regulations, emissions, aspirational and segment defining feature additions. It is now available in 20 variants offering customers an exciting product proposition at different price points. The range includes 12 variants in petrol and 8 variants in diesel with automatic and manual transmission options. In keeping with its brand promise of ‘New Forever,’ the Company has constantly refreshed its product portfolio, to meet the evolving needs of customers.

The Nexon has been the flagbearer of Tata Motors’ commitment to safety as it has paved way for other cars from Tata Motors like the Altroz, Tiago and Tigor to establish new benchmarks in car safety in each of their respective segments. It is one of the most successful products from the New Forever range of Tata Motors’ portfolio.

To know more, visit the nearest Tata Motors showroom or view https://cars.tatamotors.com/suv/nexon. Customers can also enquire, request a test drive, make bookings and choose from a range of attractive financing options from the comfort and safety of their homes via ‘Click to Drive’, an end-to-end online sales platform by Tata Motors.

First Ever CREDAI Report: 95% Developers Fear Project Delays Due To 2nd COVID Wave; Industry Seeks Urgent Relief For Recovery

* A total of 4,813 developers from 217 cities across India participated in one of the most extensive real estate surveys conducted as yet.

* 90% developers feel that second wave is more devastating on the business than the first.

* Labour shortage, financial constraints, approval delays, increased construction costs, and weakening customer demand are key challenges highlighted by the developers.

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India released findings of its first ever industry survey conducted across North, East, West and South zones between 24th May and 3rd June, 2021, to assess the impact of second wave of COVID-19 on real estate sector in India. Conducted with stratified sampling method, the exploratory survey witnessed a first-of-its-kind extensive participation of 4,813 developers from 217 cities, providing crucial insights on the industry sentiment and the range of challenges faced by the real estate sector.

According to the survey report, over 95% developers feel inevitable project delays if no urgent relief measures are injected in the sector by the Government and RBI. These delays are attributed to a range of factors, with 92% developers experiencing labor shortage at sites, 83% developers are working with less than half the workforce, and over 82% of developers are facing project approval delays.

Remarking on the study outcomes, Mr. Harsh Vardhan Patodia, President, CREDAI National said, “The real estate sector showed tremendous resilience in bouncing back on a cautious recovery path post the first wave, despite little relief measures. However, the second wave has prompted us to reflect and re-evaluate the growth path of the industry, and we felt it was vital to assess the challenges faced by the customers and industry partners in light of the recent developments. The findings reveal that the second wave has had a more debilitating impact on the real estate sector than the first wave.”

Added factors such as recent spike in construction materials including steel, cement etc have contributed to more than 10% increase in construction cost for more than 88% developers. Various financial constraints and liquidity crunch are further adding to the problem, with 77% developers experiencing issues in servicing of existing loans, 85% developers facing disruptions in planned collection, and 69% are facing issues in disbursement of customer home loans.

The survey findings by the apex body of real estate developers also puts spotlight on changing consumer behaviour, resulting in slowing of demand due to decrease in enquires and site visits. A staggering 98% developers are facing reduced customer enquiries and 42% developers are experiencing a 75% decline in customer enquiries. Furthermore, the report reveals that the second wave has caused 95% of customers to postpone their purchase decisions.

CREDAI’s Covid Impact Analysis Report is probably India’s most comprehensive and credible Real Estate Survey as it comes straight from developers across the nation and projects the ground reality. The impact analysis report will be shared with the concerned ministries and all relevant stakeholders.

“We have made a representation to the government citing the current survey and requesting the government to infuse urgent financial stimulus and initiate quick progressive measures to assist  recovery. As a part of our presentations, we have requested for liquidity infusion, one-time restructuring of loans, across the board 6 months extension of completion date by Rera, stamp duty reduction or waiver, moratorium extension on principal & interest for 6 months, and freezing of SMA classification for another year. We are hopeful that the government will consider our appeal and will make urgent interventions this time.” Mr. Harsh Vardhan Patodia, President, CREDAI National added.

The apex developers’ body also feels that reducing cost of construction materials, implementing single window clearances for project approvals and work commencement, and allowing input tax credit for all sectors will help the business. 

CREDAI deems that continued and adequate policy support is critical for the revival of Indian economy, as the real estate sector accounts for 6–7% of GDP, is the second largest employer, and is a business generator for over 270 ancillary industries in the country.

About CREDAI:

Established in 1999, The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India, is the apex body for private real estate developers in India, representing over 13,000 developers through 21 states and 217 city chapters across the country. CREDAI has worked hard to make the industry more organized and progressive by networking closely with government representatives, policymakers, investors. CREDAI works towards the improvement of ethical standards & business practices in real estate. CREDAI is well-recognized by the Central and State Governments in all its endeavours.

UN Recognised ECOSTP Technologies To Showcase Its Patented Innovation At Museum Of Design Atlanta (MODA)

* ECOSTP will be the only startup from Asia to showcase their innovation at MODA’s annual exhibition

Bengaluru-based ECOSTP Technologies, have been chosen as the only startup from Asia by Museum of Design, Atlanta (MODA) to showcase their biomimicry STP solution at their annual exhibition ‘Full Circle: Design without End’ later this year. The exhibition will showcase the work of designers who are using and experimenting with regenerative approaches to realize works ranging from large-scale architectural projects to everyday products; and provide real-world actions that everyone can take to address the climate change challenge we are facing. ECOSTP Technologies, mentored by Brigade REAP, has been chosen for their innovation which treats sewage in a decentralised, self-sustainable way in underground chambers without power, chemicals, or human intervention. Using biomimicry, regenerative innovation inspired by nature, ECOSTP mimics the functional working of micro-organisms and ecosystems found in a cow’s stomach.

Commenting on the development, Tharun Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO, ECOSTP Technologies Private Limited said, “We have been selected by MODA for our “Zero Power Zero Operator” Sewage Treatment Technology that has no moving parts when compared to conventional STPs which use energy hogging motors, exhaust fans, pumps, and blowers. Since inception, we have saved 196 million litres of water and have saved 208 MW of power which is equivalent to powering 31 villages for a year. We also implemented the 'Toilet to Tap' - Waste water to Drinking Quality for Coevolve Estates, Bengaluru, which was rated the greenest building in Asiapac by WGBC. Our association with Brigade REAP as mentors has taken us a long way in sourcing funds, fine tuning our business strategy and implementing our go to market strategy.”

ECOSTP addresses six UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has been earlier selected as a Best Practice case study for the United Nations ESCAP SDG Sustainability Asia Pac report. ECOSTP Technologies’ solutions are currently deployed across 15 states in India and the company plans to expand its footprint to Indonesia, Africa, and Bangladesh to begin with, in the near future. 

International Cancer Consortium To Strengthen Global Cancer Research Leadership In Collaboration With MAHE

The Indo-American Cancer Consortium (IACC) is the first collaborative initiative involving multiple tertiary cancer centers from India and the United States. The consortium is expected to generate infrastructure and strengthen global cancer research leadership and mentorship. Participating institutes include- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute and Tata Memorial Centre in India, and the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center plus University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center in the U.S.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor of MAHE says “the initiative will create a global transdisciplinary team of basic cancer researchers, oncologists, epidemiologists, and surveillance experts. The consortium will build infrastructure, expand capacity, and strengthen global cancer research leadership and healthcare”.

Dr. Mahadev Rao, Professor, and Head of Department of Pharmacy Practice and Coordinator of Center for Translational Research who is coordinating IACC says “The goal of this consortium is to foster significant cooperation between cancer center faculties. Over 30 faculty members with active research programs in basic science, clinical and translational research and public health sciences relevant to cancer are included”. The consortium offers online courses in basic cancer biology, translational oncology, and epidemiology. The consortium has also been hosting events like faculty and student research presentations. Students at partnered cancer centers in India are unable to attend their usual lectures due to the current outbreak. These consortium activities offer them a way to continue their learning process. So far, the consortium has conducted several online sessions.

Dr. Naveen S Salins, Coordinator, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, says that such a collaborative approach is especially important in cancer care, where, for example, intricate details about genetic mutations in a patient's tumor necessitate the combined expertise of basic and translation scientists as well as clinicians to not only select the precise treatment for the patient but also to ensure that the patient receives the best possible outcome. However, he adds that the thrill of collaborating across continents to advance global cancer research and training is counterbalanced by the hurdles of securing financial funding for the consortium's ambitious programs. Given the benefits of inter-institutional collaborative projects that create infrastructure, boost capacity, and improve the research fervor and overall cancer care environment in participating countries, such financing is expected from public, commercial, or charitable sources.

Inter-institutional collaboration efforts, according to Dr. Sharath K Rao, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, MAHE are urgently needed, particularly in India, to enable the construction of cooperative infrastructure projects and ensure the continuity of cancer patient care in participating hospitals. Dr. C. Mallikarjuna Rao, Principal of Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MAHE stressed the importance of the consortium exhibiting its commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration to improve the quality of care for cancer patients.

Virtusa Appoints Santosh Thomas As The New Chief Executive Officer

Virtusa Corporation, a global provider of digital strategy, digital engineering and IT services and solutions that help clients change and disrupt markets through innovation engineering, today announced the appointment of Santosh Thomas as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Virtusa’s Board of Directors appointed Santosh as successor to the company’s founder, Kris Canekeratne, who announced his transition from the business in May 2021. Santosh joins Virtusa during a time of significant growth and follows the recent appointment of Sander van‘t Noordende to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Santosh brings more than 20 years of leadership and industry experience to Virtusa. Most recently Santosh served as President of Global Growth Markets at Cognizant where he managed a business with revenues over $4 billion and built multiple billion-dollar businesses in Europe and Asia Pacific in Banking, CommTech and Products & Resources.  In his new role, Santosh will help Virtusa drive growth in key markets and continue to be recognized as an employer of choice.

“On behalf of the entire company and the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Kris for his more than two decades of leadership,” said Sander van‘t Noordende. “I would also like to welcome Santosh who brings a stellar track record of client service, leadership, and proven success. Santosh has the vision and experience to take Virtusa’s deep heritage in digital engineering to new levels of growth.”

“I am deeply onoured to join Virtusa at this exciting time for our employees, clients and partners,” said Santosh Thomas. “I have admired Kris and Virtusa for fostering a culture of innovation and distinguishing itself as a global leader in helping customers tackle their unique digital transformation challenges. Virtusa has a great brand reputation, an impressive roster of strategic partners, and is well positioned for sustained growth.”

“When I founded Virtusa 25 years ago I had a vision to build a global powerhouse in digital engineering services. And we did just that,” said Kris Canekeratne. “I leave with the confidence that the company and its leadership team have never been stronger and its opportunities have never been greater. I welcome Santosh Thomas to the CEO role and wish him the best in his efforts to lead Virtusa through its next phase of growth.”

Also announced today, Denise Warren has joined Virtusa’s Board of Directors and has been appointed Chairperson of its Audit Committee. Ms. Warren recently retired from her position as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of WakeMed Health & Hospitals, and serves on the boards of Brookdale Senior Living, Computer Programs & Systems Inc., and Rockroom Insurance Group. 

New Jaguar F-PACE Introduced Priced At ₹ 69.99 Lakh Across India

* The award winning Jaguar F-PACE gets a complete makeover with enhanced exterior design, an all-new interior, advanced connectivity and efficient powertrains

* The new Jaguar F-PACE is available for the first time in India in the R-Dynamic S trim on Ingenium 2.0 l petrol and diesel powertrains

* Introduction of next generation 2.0 l, four-cylinder, turbocharged Ingenium diesel engine

* Enhanced exterior with new super-slim all-LED headlights, grille, rear lights and bumper give the new F-PACE a more assertive presence

* All-new interior colorways introduced in Mars Red and Siena Tan

* The new Jaguar F-PACE is priced at ₹ 69.99 Lakh, ex-showroom in India

* Customers can book the new Jaguar F-PACE online by visiting www.findmeacar.in from the safety of their homes

Jaguar Land Rover India today announced that it has begun deliveries of the new Jaguar F-PACE in India. The new F-PACE is available for the first time in the R-Dynamic S trim on Ingenium 2.0 l petrol and diesel powertrains. The 2.0 l petrol engine delivers a power of 184 kW and 365 Nm of torque and the 2.0 l diesel engine delivers a power of 150 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The new Jaguar F-PACE is priced at ₹ 69.99 Lakh, ex-showroom in India.

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said, “The New Jaguar F-PACE sets a new benchmark in aesthetic and luxury appeal. It’s enhanced and stunning looks are bound to attract existing and new customers who will also get a superior connected-car experience from this iconic luxury performance SUV.”

Exterior Design

The new exterior design gives the award-winning Jaguar F-PACE a cleaner and more assured presence that features a new sculpted bonnet with a wider power bulge. The enlarged grille features Jaguar’s heritage logo-inspired ‘diamond’ detailing, while the side fender vents feature the iconic Leaper emblem. A new front bumper with redesigned air intakes and dark mesh details visually widen the new F-PACE, for a more assured dynamic presence. New super slim all-LED quad headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures deliver increased resolution and brightness. At the rear, new slimline lights feature Jaguar’s double chicane graphic, first previewed on the all-electric I-PACE, to accentuate the width of the vehicle. The new bumper design and sculpted new tailgate also add visual drama and deliver a more confident appearance.

In R-Dynamic specification, the new F-PACE features a series of distinct design elements for a more performance-focused look.

Interior Design

The F-PACE has an all-new interior with heightened luxury, enhanced connectivity and greater refinement. Two new colorways have been introduced in Mars Red and Siena Tan for a unique, sporty and luxurious feel. The new cockpit design is bolder, more dynamic and with greater focus on the driver. A new center console sweeps up to the instrument panel and incorporates wireless device charging feature. Authentic aluminium finisher in beautifully formed shapes such as the upper door insert and full width ‘Piano lid’ that is formed across the width of the instrument panel.

The new Drive Selector, just one of the many beautiful details in the new F-PACE, features an upper section finished with ‘cricket-ball’ stitching, the lower part being made of precision-engineered metal for enhanced tactility. New door casings, featuring a 360-degree grab handle, provide easier access and increased storage for bottles and other items.

Other key features include Row 2 Seat with Power Recline, Four Zone Climate Control, Interactive Driver Display and Fixed Panoramic Roof.

Technology

The new Jaguar F-PACE features a range of new technologies to ensure that the vehicle is always connected and always up to date. The latest Pivi Pro infotainment technology is accessed through the all-new 28.95 cm (11.4) curved glass HD touchscreen. Its key benefits include enhanced clarity and simplified menu structure that allow customers to access or view up to 90 per cent of common tasks from the home-screen in two taps or less. Cabin Air Ionisation improves interior air quality through Nanoe technology, which removes allergens and unpleasant odors. The system now also features PM2.5 filtration, which captures ultra-fine particles including PM2.5 particulates to improve occupant health and wellbeing. 

The new F-PACE also has exciting features such as the 3D Surround Camera, Meridian Audio System, Smartphone Pack and Remote (with e-call and b-call functionality).

To know more about the new Jaguar F-PACE, kindly visit www.jaguar.in.

Jaguar Product Portfolio in India

The Jaguar range in India includes XE (starting at ₹ 46.64 Lakh), XF (starting at ₹ 55.67 Lakh),  I-PACE (starting at ₹ 105.9 Lakh) and F-TYPE (starting at ₹ 97.97 Lakh). All prices mentioned are ex-showroom in India.

Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Network in India

Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are available in India in 24 cities, through 28 authorized outlets in Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bengaluru (3), Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai (2), Coimbatore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Kochi, Karnal, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Mumbai (2) , Noida, Pune, Raipur, Surat and Vijayawada.

Meril Receives ICMR Approval For Indigenous Covid-19 Self-Test, CoviFind

A simple, less invasive nasal swab-based home test offering quick results in 15 minutes, with step-by-step guidance available on Meril’s mobile app, ‘Covifind’

Highly effective in detecting mid-to-high viral load cases

CoviFind meets the rising demand to ramp up Covid-19 testing in India, offering an accessible and affordable solution to break the chain of transmission and ease the burden on lab-testing infrastructure

Priced at Rs. 250 per test, it will be available in pharmacies across India, online pharmacies, e-commerce, and via a dedicated website for direct orders within two weeks

Bengaluru, 10 June 2021 – Global medtech company Meril, based in Vapi, Gujarat, today announced its self-use Rapid Antigen Test for Covid-19, CoviFind, has received approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This indigenously researched and developed test can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus reliably in infectious individuals and can therefore be used for testing symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of confirmed coronavirus cases as specified by recent ICMR guidelines. Meril’s home-use rapid antigen tests will expand access to Covid-19 testing, while also helping the nation meet the demand for increased and frequent screening to curb the spread of Covid-19. The provision of high-quality rapid antigen testing will also enable access to screening in previously out-of-reach or under-equipped areas.  

The CoviFind test for at-home self-testing is highly effective in individuals with mid to high viral load, especially in detecting infection in the case of individuals more likely to transmit the disease to others. Prompt detection of cases is critical in ensuring isolation, tracing of immediate contacts and treatment if needed. The test also delivers results swiftly, providing accurate results in just 15 minutes. Additionally, the test does not have any specific storage or refrigeration requirements, thus driving ease and convenience in distribution.

The test is priced at ₹250 and will be made available as an affordable single-pack, with additional purchase options including a pack of 3, 5 and 25 tests. Each test kit is equipped with testing materials including a test device, one sterile nasal swab and a pre-filled buffer tube with a cap. No additional instrumentation is necessary. The kit will also contain an Instructions for Use (IFU) leaflet, detailing step-by-step procedure on administration, handling and post-use disposal of the test, along with a disposable bag. Following test usage, the nasal swab is to be inserted in the Lysis buffer tube provided, which deactivates SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. The tube and other test materials should then be placed in the provided disposable bag, which offers a high level of biocontainment to ensure safe disposal.

The nasal swab offers a less invasive testing option and enables quick and convenient specimen collection while reducing discomfort, improving testing compliance. Nasal swabs only have to be inserted 2 to 4 centimetres (cms) into a patient’s nose, as compared to the alternative nasopharyngeal swab that needs to be inserted 8 to 10 cms into the nasopharynx  for adults. 

The self-use test is to be used alongside the company’s official home testing mobile application, ‘CoviFind App,’ which will be available to download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store once the product hits the market. The user-friendly app collects credentials and patient details, ascertains symptoms and offers a guided or quick test administration option. The guided test offers a step-by-step video breakdown of the process. 

Users are advised to take a picture of the test strip, based on which the app swiftly provides information on the test result, leaving no room for error in interpretation. The AI-powered app easily differentiates between positive and negative results, as well as the intensity of a positive result, which may be missed or misinterpreted by the human eye. Results are then reported, and past results can be easily viewed through the app. Patients also have the option to share the data captured with their doctor.

Meril is employing a widespread distribution strategy to ensure access to rapid antigen testing across rural, semi-urban and urban regions of the country, including areas where laboratory testing options are limited. Self-use rapid antigen tests, administered in the absence of a healthcare practitioner and available over-the-counter, are central to a public health strategy of screening and routine testing. Equitable and cost-effective testing can also facilitate frequent testing across workplaces, schools and other institutions, which will become especially relevant and necessary as people return to normal activities.

The test will be available in two weeks at retail pharmacies, e-pharmacies and through e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart, with Meril trying to expedite the process. Meril will also run a dedicated website for direct orders of the test kit by individuals and institutions. A special 25-test kit option is available for institutions, corporations, schools and other large orders.

Commenting on the company’s efforts to expand testing solutions in India, Sanjeev Bhatt, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Strategy, Meril, said, “By making reliable rapid antigen testing available to all through a convenient format, Meril’s CoviFind test will facilitate early detection, isolation, treatment and contact tracing. This will limit the spread of infections, contributing to the nation’s ongoing efforts to quell the second wave of the pandemic. We are committed to producing our indigenously developed self-use test in high volumes to support India’s testing needs.”

He added, “We believe CoviFind will be a valuable tool to address the ongoing public health crisis while easing the burden on health systems and labs. This home test is the latest addition to our comprehensive Covid-19 testing portfolio, which has been supporting both public and private testing in the fight against the pandemic. We aim to continue contributing to the rise of self-reliance or Atmanirbharta in diagnostics.”

Meril has supplied a large number of tests across its Covid-19 diagnostics offerings pan-India, which span a multiplex RT-PCR test, KAVACH antibody tests in partnership with ICMR and now its rapid antigen test for at home self-use.

About Meril’s Self-Use Rapid Antigen Test CoviFind

The Meril CoviFind Covid-19 Antigen Self-Test is an in-vitro diagnostics rapid immunoassay kit for rapid and qualitative determination of SARS-CoV-2 infection from nasal swab specimens. The test is authorised and intended for non-prescription home use as a self-test with self-collected nasal specimens. The test has demonstrated high effectiveness in detecting in symptomatic cases with mid to high viral load. It is manufactured and marketed by Meril Diagnostics.

About Meril Diagnostics

Founded in 2007, Meril  is a global medical device and healthcare company that is dedicated to innovate, design and develop novel, clinically relevant and state-of-the-art devices to alleviate human suffering and improve quality of life. Headquartered in India with more than 4500 employees, Meril currently conducts business in more than 120 countries with subsidiaries in India, USA, Germany, Brazil, China, Russia, Bangladesh, Australia and Turkey.

Meril Diagnostics is focused on translating excellence in science into effective diagnostics for patients and path labs. We combine cutting-edge research with global presence and reach in clinical development, manufacturing and commercial operations. Meril Diagnostics stands strong with a wide portfolio of diagnostic range of products. We offer complete range of analyzers, reagents for clinical biochemistry, haematology, immunology (ELISA & CLIA), rapids, critical care, diabetes management, coagulation and lab consumables. Meril’s Malaria range of products are approved by WHO. Meril’s HIV range of products are CE marked and commercially used in many parts of Europe.