Godrej Industries & Associate Companies Commemorates 10 Years Of Good & Green Journey

* Trained 500,000 underprivileged people

* Reached 3.5 million people to protect them against vector-borne diseases

With a promise to build a more employable and greener world, Godrej Industries & Associate Companies, commemorated ten years of the sustainability journey. The company announced the culmination of the first phase of the Good & Green vision which exceeded most of its environmental, healthcare and education targets (Social).  

Keeping the environmental and social impact at the core, in the last one decade Godrej has successfully trained and supported over half million underprivileged people to improve their incomes and enabled 3.5 million people to protect themselves against vector-borne diseases.

Other significant accomplishments of the last decade include; Renewable portfolio of Godrej Industries & Associate Companies are now at 50% as compared to the goal of 30%. Over half of the energy consumed across Godrej companies are from renewable sources and every tonne of Godrej manufactured products use 30% less energy, 35% less water, almost 50% less emissions and 75% less wastage.

Commenting on the achievement, Nadir Godrej, Managing Director of Godrej Industries and Chairman of Godrej Agrovet, said, “Our vision was to go beyond business and focus on building a more inclusive and greener India. I am proud that with the help of our team, we have been able to deliver excellent results against our environmental and social targets and exceeded most of them. Along the way, we’ve faced a few challenges and learnt some lessons. With the first decade behind us, we are now looking at achieving bigger and bolder sustainability goals and build a more equitable and greener nation.”

To continue with the sustainability journey, Godrej Industries & Associate Companies have crafted bolder goals that align with the businesses. In the next five years, they aim to empower close to         150,000 people in emerging economies with skills and livelihoods support to enhance their incomes and protect 10 million people against vector-borne diseases. In addition to employability and strengthening public healthcare systems, the company is focussing on ensuring efficient waste management systems for 8 municipalities in India impacting 10 million people, ensuring a third of all Godrej products are greener than in 2020, maintain carbon neutrality, water positivity, achieve and maintain zero waste to landfill.

To achieve the sustainability goals, Godrej Industries & Associate Companies have  collaborated with few implementation partners who have helped in analysing, providing solutions and supporting in addressing specific issues to stimulate social and environmental progress.

Youth Organization Founder Pramod Srinivas Raises Funds For Heart Surgeries For Two Children

In order to raise funds for the heart surgeries of two children who are battling for their life at Yogananda Hospital, Pramod Srinivas , founder of youth organization Rashtriya Youth Prathisthana found a way by organising a Volleyball tournament at Padmanabhanagar Ground. Revenue Minister ( excluding Muzarai) R.Ashoka was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Under the aegis of RYP Pramod has mobilized funds of over Rs 3 lakh for the treatment of these two children. Pre and post treatment care will also be given to them.  The funds were raised from the participated teams  from Tridents Padmanabha Nagar, Tridents Jr A- Team, Tridents Jr B- Team, AHB Strikers Padmanabha Nagar, PESA Senior Boys, PESA Spikers, BMSCW Senior Girls, PESA Senior Girls, Samved, VET, School Team1 and School Team 2.

“We have raised Rs. 3,00,000 . A big chunk of that was possible only due to the teams who participated in the tournament. We have disclosed the use of proceeds in a transparency report that has been sent to all participants,” says Pramod Srinivas.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has made life difficult for India's poorest population that struggled for survival during the initial months of lockdown. Not just jobs and income, but inequalities have also increased in other areas such as healthcare and education during the pandemic. A family with no means of income and with the loss of the only member who could earn, their two children immediately needs heart surgeries,” Pramod adds

Dr. Jadgish , Managing Director, Yogananda Hospital says,  "it is so heartening to see that there are youngsters like Pramod in our country. He thought of an innovative way to  mobilise funds for these children who needed immediate surgery."

About Rashtriya Yuva Prathisthana (RYP):

RYP is a youth centric non-profit organization with a passion-oriented vision to create a sustainable environment for youths and develop an empowered civilization. They aim to create a Self-reliant society powered by socially conscious individuals to build and facilitate a movement of organized volunteering for societal well-being. They believe that our contribution to long-term youth development is to foster social hope among them by developing value-based leadership, strengthening youth engagement and youth development organizations to design and facilitate effective Journeys and co-creating social change that upholds constitutional values. Their vision is to inspire youth to volunteer, and provide them with meaningful opportunities to serve the community by creating positive change in the society, through the culture of volunteering.

Audi India Launches Strong And Striking Audi RS 5 Sportback In India

Details that make the heart race - the redesigned Audi RS 5 Sportback delivers the performance you’re seeking with everyday usability—giving you the opportunity to enjoy the exhilarating performance that lies within

The sleek four door roofline optimizes its aerodynamic profile without compromise for everyday usability

Powered by the latest generation 2.9L twin turbo V6 TFSI - producing 450 hp of power and 600 Nm of torque

Accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a super quick 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h – fastest in the segment 

Audi Drive Select with 2 RS Modes, coupled with the quattro and RS Sports Suspension, lend the car with outstanding dynamic characteristics

Matrix LED Headlights with Dynamic turn indicators, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, quattro with self-locking center differential

Front Sports seats plus with Massage function and Drive Side memory

3-zone Air conditioning, Alcantara leather combination upholstery and a Panoramic Glass sunroof

Priced at INR 1.04 Crore Ex-showroom 

Bengaluru, August 09, 2021: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced the launch of the Audi RS 5 Sportback in India. Powered by a 2.9 L V6 twin-turbo TFSI engine that produces 450 hp of power and 600 Nm of torque, this new generation Audi RS 5 Sportback offers exhilarating performance with tremendous practicality. 

The Audi RS 5 Sportback is being brought to India via the CBU route and is priced at INR 1.04 Crore Ex-Showroom (Introductory Price). 

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “We are thrilled to launch the sporty spearhead of the product line – the Audi RS 5 Sportback in India. The Audi RS 5 is coming to India as a Sportback, for the very first time and will be the perfect choice for customers who want the Audi RS DNA in addition to everyday practicality. The                Audi RS 5 Sportback is a superlative all-rounder, which is built with just the right mix of aggressive styling, heart-pumping performance, and opulent luxury which will garner tremendous affinity with performance car customers and existing Audi customers in India.”

With its progressive looks, sporty tuned suspension, and power-packed engine, the Audi RS 5 Sportback ticks all the right boxes. The Sportback goes from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 250 km/h.

Mr. Dhillon further added, “We have witnessed good traction for all our Sports models, across the country and with the advent of the Audi RS 5 Sportback, we look forward to fueling the appetite for performance cars. This is our fifth launch of the year and I can assure you this won’t be our last - stay tuned for a lot more action from brand Audi in India.”

Performance:

With the 2.9L V6 TFSI engine propelling the Audi RS 5 Sportback churning out 450 hp with 600 Nm of torque, the engine catapults the car from 0-100 km/h in a miniscule 3.9 seconds to a top speed of 250 km/h

The driver can choose between 2 RS modes through the Multifunction Steering Wheel, which calibrates the power curve of the engine, shifting of the transmission and steering sensitivity. 

Perfectly tuned to compliment the performance of the engine, the RS sports suspension has been honed to offer superlative dynamic handling on the road.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive, with self-locking center differential, optimises power delivery between the front and rear axles according to the driving conditions, thus providing ideal traction in virtually all scenarios 

The acceleration of the engine is perfectly matched by the stopping power of the RS steel brakes with RS Black Brake Callipers, endowing the driver with utmost confidence to explore the vast performance of the Audi RS 5 Sportback 

Exterior: 

The front of the Audi RS 5 Sportback is dominated by the new single-frame which encases the glossy black RS honeycomb grille which is specific for the RS models

The Matrix LED headlamps with dynamic turn indicators pierce through the darkest of nights and the headlight washer system keeps them clean no matter what the road throws at them

All thanks to the Panoramic Glass Sunroof, the blue sky becomes an extension of the car itself

The profile view of the Audi RS 5 Sportback is stunning, with the styling lending the car a flatter and deeper stance. The flared wheel arches that encase the meaty 48.26 cms (19”) 10 spoke alloy wheels are a not so subtle hint at the sporty performance that this car is capable of.

The RS bumpers, coupled with the body coloured exterior mirror housings and the frameless doors, add copious amounts of sporty fair to the aesthetics of the Audi RS 5 Sportback. 

Out on the road, the rear LED combination lamps with dynamic turn signals and the surface mounted spoiler perched above are all that drivers of lesser cars will catch a glimpse of as the Audi RS 5 Sportback blows past them as if they were standing still

The Audi RS 5 Sportback is available in the following colours: Nardo Gray, Turbo Blue, Tango Red, Mythos Black, Glacier White, Navarra Blue, Sonoma Green, Daytona Grey

Audi Sport LED Door Projection adds sportiness even with the doors open. 

Interior:

Black and rock gray take centre stage in the Alcantara/leather interiors of the Audi RS 5 Sportback, which are further enhanced with decorative aluminium inlays

The driver has the sole privilege of having access to the 3-spoke multifunction plus leather steering wheel with shift paddles. The pedals and footrest are embellished with stainless steel and RS scuff plates adorn the running boards.

The front Sports seats and, with a Comfort centre armrest between them, have pneumatically adjustable lumbar support with massage function and the driver’s seat has a memory for the adjustment settings. 

3-zone air-conditioning keeps the heat at bay while the ambient lighting soothes the senses.  

Infotainment:

The Audi virtual cockpit Plus informs the driver about everything from the torque output of the engine to the G-Forces acting on the car

MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch features acoustic feedback and is positioned with a slight bias towards the driver. With its intuitive and simple smartphone-like user interface, the system displays crucial information like navigation maps and directions, engine and transmission temperatures, and the like.

The driver and passengers are ensconced in the Audi RS 5 Sportback and the 180 W Audi sound system provides entertainment through its 10 speakers and Bluetooth interface

Safety & Convenience:

The Audi RS 5 Sportback features an auto-dimming interior frameless rear-view mirror 

The exterior mirrors are power-adjustable and feature memory, heating, power-folding and auto dimming on both sides

The rear luggage compartment is opened, and closed, electrically

Parking has never been easier, all thanks to the Parking Aid Plus with a rear-view camera

Hold assist kicks in preventing roll back when idling, which is just the thing that is needed whilst driving in stop and go traffic

Highway driving is effortless and safe, all thanks to the cruise control with speed limiter

Safety is a priority and the Audi RS 5 Sportback will not disappoint with its 6 airbags that include side airbags in front along with the curtain airbag system

Commtel Networks Awards PR Mandate To Blue Lotus Communications

Commtel, an Indian MNC providing high performance digital communication, surveillance, security, safety, and AI solutions to global customers in Energy, Transportation, and other critical infrastructure sectors, has awarded its public relations mandate to Blue Lotus Communications. Rated among the top PR agencies in India, Blue Lotus is a 19-year-old award-winning PR agency, which uses a proprietary Brand Trust Matrix to help create and enhance trust in brands through public relations. Blue Lotus is a part of the Comniscient Group and its sister-concern TRA Research is the publisher of TRA’s Brand Trust Report annually for the last eleven years.

N. Chandramouli, CEO, Blue Lotus Communications, elaborated on the engagement and said, “Commtel is a company on a high growth trajectory and a leader in its’ segment. The company has charted an aggressive growth strategy for the next five years, with an intense focus on AI-based solutions to enhance value to their customers. Blue Lotus is thrilled to be a part of this journey. Our agency’s experience in the Energy and Technology sectors will give us the ability to use our knowledge to help Commtel.”

Shriprakash R. Pandey, CMD, Commtel, added, “Blue Lotus comes as an experienced knowledge partner to Commtel as we embark on our new phase of evolution and growth. We have recently changed our branding and partnering a PR agency which understands our ethos as well as our sector was the most important aspect while choosing Blue Lotus.”

About Commtel Networks:

Commtel is a global engineering and technology company providing high-performance digital communication, surveillance, security, safety, and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for clients in the Oil & Gas, Power, Mining, Transportation, and other critical national infrastructure sectors. Commtel is at the forefront of engineering intelligence with expertise in executing turnkey solutions - design, engineering, multi-system integration, project management, commissioning, and life cycle management. Founded in 1998, Commtel has delivered over 500 projects across four continents, enabling the digital transformation of the mission-critical infrastructure of the clients. To learn more, log on to www.commtelnetworks.com

About Blue Lotus Communications:

Blue Lotus Communications started with humble beginnings as a two-person public relations agency in October 2002, the agency has grown rapidly to a group with over 100+ people across 6 offices in India. Blue Lotus Communications specializes in Public Relations for Corporate, Technology, Chemicals, Healthcare, Brands, Real Estate and Finance. Blue Lotus uses TRA’s Brand Trust Matrix to scientifically reinforce trust through public relations.

Bank Of Baroda Announces Robust Financial Results For Q1 FY2022

The Bank reported a Net profit at Rs 1,209 crore on the back of a robust 15.8% YOY growth in Net Interest Income (NII) to Rs 7,892 crore. Resultantly, there has been a significant rise in RoA at 0.42% and RoE of 8.63%. Operating profit increases by a robust 41.2% to Rs 5,707 crore. Cost to income ratio fell to 47.45%, a decline of 574 bps over the previous year. Gross NPA position improved to 8.86% from 9.39% in the same period last year. Bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CRAR) increases to 15.4%. Global Net interest margin (NIM) exceeds 3% at 3.04%. Domestic NIM at 3.12%. Bank reoriented its Loan book to high yield segments. Organic retail loans increased by 11.8% YoY. Within retail loans, auto loans increased by 25.0% YoY and personal loans grew by 19.5% YoY. Gold loans increased by 37.7% YoY. The Bank also brought down its Cost of deposits significantly by 103 bps to 3.92%. CASA Deposits increased by 12.7% YoY with the domestic CASA ratio increasing to 43.21% from 39.49% last year, an increase of 372 bps YoY.  

Highlights

Domestic deposits increased by 3.0% YoY led by 12.7% YoY increase in domestic CASA deposits. CA deposits increased by 21.1% YoY and Savings deposits by 11.2% YoY respectively. Domestic CASA ratio increased to 43.21%, an increase of 372 bps YoY. Domestic cost of deposits declined by 103 bps YoY to 3.92% in Q1FY22.

Domestic advances fell by 2.3% YoY due to run-off of low yielding corporate loans. Organic retail loans increased by 11.8% YoY, agriculture loans by 9.4% YoY and organic MSME advances increased by 6.9% YoY.  Within retail loans, auto loans increased by 25.0% YoY and personal loans grew by 19.5% YoY. Gold loans increased by 37.7% YoY.

NII increased to Rs 7,892 crore in Q1FY22 compared with Rs 6,816 crore in Q1FY21, an increase of 15.8% YoY.

Global NIM increased to 3.04% in Q1FY22 compared with 2.52% in Q1FY21 led by domestic margins which have now increased to 3.12% in Q1FY22 from 2.59% in Q1FY21.

Non-interest income during Q1FY22 increased by 63.4% YoY to Rs 2,970 crore boosted by fee income which increased by 28.0%. Non-fee income increased by 128.4% YoY led by trading gains and recovery from TWO. 

Operating Profit for Q1FY22 increased to Rs 5,707 crore thus registering an increase of 41.2% YoY. Cost to income ratio fell by 574 bps YoY to 47.45% in Q1FY22.

Credit cost in Q1FY22 fell to 1.36% as against 1.78% in Q1FY21, a decline of 42 bps YoY.

Bank reported a standalone Profit before Tax of Rs 1,595 crore in Q1FY22 and Net Profit of Rs 1,209 crore. For the consolidated entity, Profit before Tax and Net Profit stood at Rs 1,611 crore and Rs 1,187 crore respectively.

Gross NPA ratio declined to 8.86% as on June 30, 2021 against 9.39% as on June 30, 2020. Recovery and upgrades increased to Rs 4,435 crore in Q1FY22 as against Rs 818 crore in Q1FY22. Bank’s NNPA ratio increased to 3.03% as on June 30, 2021 as against 2.83% as on June 30, 2020.

Capital adequacy (CRAR) on standalone basis stands at 15.40% with CET-1 at 11.25% as on June 30, 2021 as against 12.84% and 9.08% respectively as on June 30, 2020. For the consolidated entity, CRAR and CET-1 stand at 16.38% and 12.35% respectively.

Bank reported RoA and RoE of 0.42% and 8.63% respectively in Q1FY22.

About Bank of Baroda 

Bank of Baroda (“The Bank”) established on July 20, 1908 is an Indian state-owned banking and financial services organization, headquartered in Vadodara (earlier known as Baroda), in Gujarat, India. Under the ‘Alternative Mechanism’ scheme, the Government announced the amalgamation of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with Bank of Baroda which came into effect on April 1, 2019.

Bank of Baroda is one of India’s largest banks with a strong domestic presence spanning 8,192 branches and 11,637 ATMs and Cash Recyclers supported by self-service channels. The Bank has a significant international presence with a network of 96 overseas offices spanning 19 countries. 

Airtel Partners With Google Cloud, Cisco To Launch ‘Airtel Office Internet’ To Accelerate Digital Transformation Of Small Businesses

* All-in-one enterprise grade solution with secure connectivity and productivity tools  

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s premier communications solutions provider announced the launch of ‘Airtel Office Internet’ – a unified enterprise grade solution for the emerging digital connectivity needs of small businesses, SOHOs and early stage tech start-ups.   

More than ever, emerging businesses across India are looking for reliable connectivity and digital productivity tools that enhance their agility, efficiency and enable them to serve their customers better. Importantly, these businesses want to access these solutions with the convenience of a single relationship.    

Airtel Office Internet is built on these insights and brings together secure high speed data connectivity, conferencing and business productivity tools as a unified solution with one plan and one bill.  

FTTH broadband with symmetric speeds up to 1 Gbps along with unlimited local/STD calling.  

The superfast and reliable connectivity comes with built-in enterprise grade security from Cisco and Kaspersky to block malicious and unwanted domains, viruses, crypto-lockers and attacks.  

Complimentary Google Workspace licenses that allows businesses to use Gmail for all professional email communication along with an entire range of productivity and collaboration tools from Google.  

With growing requirements for video conferencing, Airtel Office Internet also offers a free Airtel BlueJeans license for unlimited and secure conferencing with HD quality . 

Digital self-serve portal for businesses to manage all these services at one place.  

Plans start at Rs. 999 with a range of add-on services like Static IPs and parallel ringing. For more details, please visit https://www.airtel.in/business/b2b/broadband-internet/ 

According to Ajay Chitkara, Director & CEO – Airtel Business: “The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation journeys of businesses of all sizes. Emerging businesses are looking for trusted partners to help them in their journeys by eliminating  the complexity of managing multiple relationships. Airtel Office Internet is yet another innovation from Airtel in this direction. It brings together Airtel’s network and world-class partner ecosystem to bring to market tailor made solutions for India’s unique needs.” 

Bikram Singh Bedi, Managing Director at Google Cloud India said, “Telecommunications firms are increasingly differentiating by offering a wide range of tools that are helping Indian businesses accelerate their digital transformation with the cloud. The combination of Google Workspace’s collaboration and productivity tools combined with Airtel’s robust pan-India connectivity solutions will be a great growth enabler for small businesses in India.”  

Daisy Chittilapilly, President, Cisco India & SAARC said "As the threat landscape grows exponentially, cybersecurity becomes an urgent challenge for any business, regardless of size. This is particularly true for small businesses, given that they typically operate with limited resources and investments. Our partnership with Airtel is built on our joint vision of enabling enterprise-grade security for small businesses, grounded in AI and automation, so they can focus on areas that will have the biggest impact on their recovery and growth." 

RV University Institutes Announces 100 Scholarships For Those Who Lost Parents Due To COVID

Bangalore-based RV University (RVU) has instituted about 100 scholarships for meritorious students and those who are impacted by COVID-19. These have been instituted during the commencement year itself to enhance access to education.  

RVU has decided to provide scholarship equivalent to 100% of tuition fee for eligible students who have lost one or both the parents due to COVID-19. Ten students will be covered under this scholarship in its three Schools dealing with Liberal Arts and Sciences, Design and Economics and Finance.  

The RV University has also instituted several school-specific scholarships. In the School of Economics & Finance which offers B.B.A., B.Com., B.A. (Economics) programmes, 100% of tuition fee will be provided as scholarship to ten students who have scored 95% or more marks in the their 12th Standard or Pre-University Course (PUC) examination. Scholarship equivalent to 25% of tuition fee will be provided to 25 students in BBA and B.Com programmes and to 15 students in the B.A. (Economics) programme, who have scored between 80%-95% marks in their qualifying examination.  

In the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, a sum of Rs. 15 lakhs has been earmarked for scholarships in the current academic year 2021-22. candidates who fulfil the academic eligibility requirements and have demonstrated exceptional co-curricular and extra-curricular activities at national and international level are eligible for these scholarships. The amount of scholarship is commensurate with the achievements and is decided by the Scholarship Committee of RV University.  

In the School of Design, a sum of Rs. 15 lakhs has been earmarked to provide the scholarships for students in 4 year B.Des and 2 year M.Des degrees in 2021-22. They are awarded based on the performance in Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED) and NID Design Aptitude Test (DAT). 50% of annual tuition fee will be provided as scholarship to those  in 1-400 Rank in UCEED or those who secured  81-100 Marks in DAT. 30% of annual tuition fee will be provided as scholarship to UCEED Rank 401-800 and NID-DAT  Marks 66-80. For those who secured UCEED Rank 801-1500 or NID-DAT Marks 51-65, 15% of tuition fee will be provided as scholarship.  

These scholarships will be awarded on first-come-first served basis. Renewal of this scholarship is subject to outstanding performance in 1st year. Students can avail any one of the above scholarships. 

The  RV University has also instituted Alumni Scholarships worth Rs. 25,000 per annum each to those students who have studied at any of the RV institutions in the past and have received their first degree/ certificate at RV Educational Institutions. They will continue to receive the scholarship in the following years if they pass in all the courses in an academic year, maintain good attendance and conduct.   

A student whose parent is presently working in the Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust or RV Educational Institutions (RVEI) as a fulltime employee is eligible to receive a scholarship of Rs.25,000/- per annum. It will be renewed in subsequent years if the parent continues to be in service and the student passes in all the courses in that academic year, maintain good attendance and conduct.   

Welcoming these announcements, Pro Vice Chancellor, RVU and Joint Secretary, RSST, Mr. D.P. Nagaraj said, “The Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust is a public charitable one and we are deeply committed to improving the access to education of all students during the current pandemic. These scholarships only reaffirm our commitment to society. The number of scholarships will increase in the coming years.” 

The Pro Chancellor, RV University and Secretary of RSST, Mr. A.V.S. Murthy said, “Making education accessible to students in every strata of society is an avowed goal of our Trust. I hope deserving students will make full use of these scholarships and contribute their mite to nation.” 

The Vice Chancellor, RV University, Professor Y.S.R. Murthy said, “Our aspiration is to make the RV University a world class one. Our vision is to empower youth who are the future of our nation. I sincerely thank all Trustees of RSST and its office bearers for not only establishing the RV University but also instituting generous merit-based scholarships and other scholarships in the first year itself. I am sure that they will immensely help students.” 

The RV University (RVU) is opening admissions for under-graduate, post-graduate and full-time/ part-time Ph.D. programmes from the current academic year. Starting from the current academic year in 2021, the RV University will offer degree programmes in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Design and Economics and Finance. These three inter-disciplinary Schools will offer a range of specialisations and interesting mix of majors-minors to suit student choices.  

RVU has been established under the RV University Act, 2019 passed by the Karnataka Legislature. Recently, the Karnataka Government issued a Gazette Notification specifying 16 June 2021 as the date for coming into force of this Act.The University Grants Commission (UGC) through its letter dated 28th June included the RV University in the list of universities established as per Section 2(f) of the UGC Act 1956.