Emirates To Introduce First Class Services To Thiruvananthapuram

Emirates has announced it will introduce First Class services on the Dubai to Thiruvananthapuram route starting from February 3, 2022. The airline is currently the first and only international carrier to serve Thiruvananthapuram with First Class services – offering customers superior products, services and comfort in air and on-ground.

Emirates will deploy its wide-body Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class cabin configuration – offering 8 seats in First Class, 42 in Business Class and 185 spacious seats in Economy Class.

Travellers from Thiruvananthapuram can experience Emirates’ First Class product on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Emirates flight EK 523 will depart Thiruvananthapuram at 4:30hrs local time and arrive in Dubai at 7:15hrs, local time. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, Emirates flight EK 522 will depart Dubai at 21:40hrs and arrive in Thiruvananthapuram at 3:10hrs, the following day, local time.

Premium passengers can now experience ultimate luxury on-board Emirates’ First Class cabins boasting private suites with seats that recline to a full-flat bed, a personal electrically-controlled mini-bar, a wide-screen 32” HD LCD screen, electrically-operated privacy dividers, and gourmet fine dining. First Class customers can look forward to ultimate privacy, more personal space, and superior comfort on-board.  Emirates’ First Class passengers can also enjoy the luxury of First Class Lounge at Dubai Airport and complimentary chauffeur-driven airport transfer in Dubai.

Emirates launched its operations to Thiruvananthapuram in 2006 and the airline currently operates three weekly flights to/from the city.

90 Percent Of Buyers In North Bengaluru Are IT Professionals Below 40 Years: Cyriac Joseph

By Manu Sharma

Historically cities have developed around airports and rail hubs. Bengaluru is no different. North Bengaluru hence has emerged as one of the hottest destinations in the last decade or so and has been seeing rapid development on all fronts. In an exclusive interview with Manu Sharma (MS), Editor, Silicon Village, Cyriac Joseph (CJ), Head - Marketing, PR & Corporate Communication, Vaishnavi Group, leading real estate developer in Bengaluru, talks about the reasons for this boom in North Bengaluru and top localities for investment.

Excerpts of the interview:

MS: What according to you is the type of development North Bengaluru is seeing and why?

CJ: It is no surprise that North Bengaluru has been witnessing a real estate boom and this is expected to continue in the mid to long term as all major developers have lined up key residential and commercial projects for launch in the coming years.

North Bengaluru boasts of large integrated township developments, many SEZs, apartment complexes, villa / row house projects and plotted developments.

However, currently, plotted developments appear to be the favoured choice for real estate consumers. Typically, these ready-to-build and “plug & play” plots which are conceived with greenery, open spaces and sustainability, offer freedom and customised dwelling units for the buyer while at the same time offering the safety and security of a gated / secure community. Historically, we have also seen plotted developments offering significantly higher returns vis-à-vis other real estate investment options.

The reasons for the boom in North Bengaluru are several. Major IT / ITES and technology hubs have located here as it boasts of enviable social infrastructure in terms of educational institutions, shopping, retail & entertainment hubs along with seamless & quick connectivity to the airport, This, coupled with the focus on infrastructure development including Metro connectivity, sub-urban rail connectivity, connectivity to Arterial ring road etcare the demand drivers in North Bengaluru.

Currently, we see that North Bengaluru is the most preferred among seasoned investors as well as first time home buyers as a viable option for long-term real estate investment.

MS: What is the demographic profile of the buyers in North Bengaluru according to you?

CJ: We find that about 90 percent of the buyers are IT professionals in the age group of 30 - 40 years, not only from Bengaluru but from other cities as well. The typical salary bracket is Rs 10 - 15 lakh p.a.

MS: How does North Bengaluru lend itself for plotted developments? Which are the areas most suitable in North Bengaluru?

CJ: Yelahanka is a famed area in North Bengaluru with multiple defence establishments, thus making it one of the most peaceful and safest residential areas in Bangalore. For families with young children, senior citizens or even those looking to retire, Yelahanka offers a comfortable and cosy lifestyle. Other residential areas in Bangalore’s northern region include Devanahalli, Hebbal and Thanisandra – all of which have large banks of undeveloped land, thus making them investment favourites.

Top 3 Localities in North Bangalore

The North Bengaluru market has evolved as a prominent residential market. This location has the perfect mixture of cost-efficient and luxury housing. Over the past few years, North Bengaluru has witnessed the launch of several plotted, high-end apartment and villa projects as well as cost-efficient housing projects.

Hebbal: One of the major localities to have become a favourite spot for real estate developers. With a wide variety of MNCs, IT companies, Hebbal is well connected with good connectivity to all parts of the city and a drive time of under 30-minutes to the Kempagowda International Airport.

Devanahalli: Claim to fame: Proximity to KIAL and IT hubs like KIADB’s Hardware Park and the Aerospace Park.

Yelahanka: The price of property is observed to have risen on an exponential level since the International Airport was established. The locality is one of the most low-congestion zones in Bangalore. This locality is blessed with a dedicated green belt for itself. With regards to connectivity, Yelahanka is well-connected with NH7 and NH9.

MS: What is the reason behind growing current demand for plotted gated communities?

CJ: Plotted developments have become increasingly popular over time, and are now a major real estate trend in India. Plotted developments are typically offered within gated communities, especially in suburbs that offer plenty of space and land, without compromising on connectivity. In Bengaluru, the best examples of this are seen in plotted development projects in Bengaluru in areas such as Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, Devanahalli and other key areas. 

Many people are also turning towards investing in plotted development projects because of the inherent benefits such as relatively lesser investment, the flexibility to build a dwelling unit as per the tastes and preferences of the buyer, higher returns and all the benefits of a gated community including amenities, safety and security, community living etc 

MS: What are the developments being planned by Vaishnavi Group in North Bengaluru?

CJ:

1.  Vaishnavi LifeVaishnavi Life is a premium plotted development located at Yelahanka Extension, just 20 minutes away from KIAL. Spread over 45+ acres, Life features 605 + pre-engineered & smart plots. The project is thoughtfully planned with a host of amenities such as a 32750 sq.ft clubhouse, 12 thematic parks, 2 acres of central activity space amongst others. 

2.   Mixed use development project of 2.25 million sq.ft with residential, commercial & support functions are planned as a part of the development. We are also exploring the integration of a metro station. 

MS: What are the USPs of Vaishnavi's Plotted development projects in North? Have you roped in any international architects/ landscape consultants?

CJ: Vaishnavi’s premium plotted developments are painstakingly planned and thoughtfully conceived keeping in mind the requirements of the end-user. Vaishnavi always lays special emphasis on greenery, open spaces and sustainability. Plots are pre-engineered & smart with underground electric conductor, water and sewage lines. Roads range from 9 metres and stretch up to 18 metres at the grand entrance.

For Vaishnavi Life, we are working with Element Design Studio. Headquartered in Singapore, Element Design Studio Pte Ltd is a boutique design studio that provides landscape master planning and full serviced landscape architecture services for hotels, resorts, residential developments, mixed-use projects and golf course landscapes.

Tecno Offers Memory Fusion Feature With Upto 5GB Additional Virtual RAM Via OTA Update

* Tecno’s Camon 18, Pova Neo, Spark 8T and Spark 8 Pro’s 'memory fusion' feature allow users to borrow additional GBs from storage capacity to work as RAM in extremely demanding conditions

TECNO, the global premium smartphone brand, recently announced that its proprietary ‘memory fusion’ feature will be available through OTA updates, across its range of smartphones. The feature allow users to virtually expand their available RAM with a single tap.

Today’s Gen Z and millennial consumers are always on the lookout for phones which offer uninterrupted performance at all times and has good storage. They want a smartphone that can switch between multiple apps faster, store large amounts of data, provide immersive gaming experiences and run memory-intensive applications with reduced lag. To address such multi-tasking needs, Tecno’s ‘memory fusion’ feature allow users to borrow additional storage capacity and allot it to RAM whenever needed, quickly and conveniently.

The technology has proved to significantly improve smartphone performance an 80% increase in the average application start-up time has been observed, as well as upto two-fold rise in the number of backend cache applications.

Camon 18: 48MP AI selfie and 48MP rear camera with expandable RAM upto 7GB at just INR 14,999

The CAMON 18 sports a 48MP AI front & rear Camera, and is powered by a Mediatek Helio G85 processor with Hyper Engine Gaming Optimization, providing an incredible gaming experience. The smartphone comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. TENCO’s Memory Fusion feature allows users to borrow an additional 3GB from storage capacity to work as RAM during heavy-duty usage scenarios.

POVA NEO: An ultimate powerhouse with a massive RAM up to 11GB at just INR 12,999

The POVA NEO offers seamless smartphone experience through a powerful 6GB high capacity LPDDR4x RAM + 5GB expandable RAM with Memory Fusion feature and unmatched 6000mAh battery. It comes with a 128GB eMMC 5.1 internal storage expandable up to 512GB through a dedicated SD Card slot. It runs on HiOS v7.6 based on Android 11.

Spark 8T: Expandable RAM upto 7GB with 50 MP camera at just INR 9,999

The Spark 8T sports a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, a 50 MP dual rear camera setup, with a massive 5,000 mAh battery. The TECNO Spark 8T is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 processor. The smartphone comes with 4GB of RAM which can be further expanded up to 3GB with Memory Fusion.

Spark 8 Pro: Expandable RAM upto 7GB with 33W fast charging and Helio G85 superfast processor at just INR 10,999

The SPARK 8 Pro features a MediaTek Helio G85 SoC, a triple rear camera setup with a 48-megapixel primary sensor, and a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging. The smartphone offers up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC 5.1 internal storage. There is also an option for users to expand internal storage up to 512GB through a micoSD card.

Land Rover Opens Bookings For New Range Rover SV - A Unique Interpretation Of Range Rover Luxury And Personalisation

* New Range Rover SV:  Handcrafted by Special Vehicle Operations, it is a unique interpretation of Range Rover luxury and personalisation 

* Powertrains: Available in 2 powertrains - the refined new 4.4 l Twin Turbo petrol and the efficient 3.0 l straight-six Ingenium diesel 

* Curated themes: Available in two design themes that are gateways for New Range Rover SV owners to express their own individuality inside or out: SV Serenity amplifies pure luxury detailing while SV Intrepid exudes a more stealth-like character 

* Exquisite finish: Exclusive materials and paint finish options highlight Special Vehicle Operations’ passion for quality and uncompromising attention to detail  

* Distinct identity: The New Range Rover SV will be the first Land Rover from Special Vehicle Operations to use the new ceramic SV roundel and simplified SV name  

Land Rover today opened bookings for New Range Rover SV in India with a choice of exclusive design themes, details and material choices from Special Vehicle Operations. The Range Rover SV features a refined new 4.4 l Twin Turbo petrol which delivers a power of 390 kW and torque of 750 Nm and the efficient 3.0 l straight-six diesel which delivers a power of 258 kW and torque of 700 Nm. It will be available in both Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs, including a five-seat LWB configuration for the first time. LWB customers also have the option of specifying the four-seat SV Signature Suite with an electrically deployable Club Table and integrated refrigerator. 

Rohit Suri, President and Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India, said: “The New Range Rover SV adds more luxury and personalisation options thus enabling our clients to create a truly individual Range Rover that embodies their own character and personality.” 

The New Range Rover SV is distinguished by carefully crafted enhancements that showcase and complement New Range Rover’s modernist design. Exclusive front bumper and five-bar grille designs set the new flagship model apart, with the lower aperture featuring five precisely executed full-width metal-plated blades. Exquisite materials chosen for their tactility include smooth ceramics, sustainably sourced woods and lustrous plated metals, highlighting Special Vehicle Operations’ passion for quality and uncompromising attention to detail. 

Additionally, Range Rover SV models are available with 33.27 cm (13.1) Rear Seat Entertainment screens, which are the largest ever fitted to a Range Rover and the optimum size for comfort. 

Cool Ceramics 

New Range Rover SV is the first vehicle from Special Vehicle Operations to carry the new ceramic SV roundel, which represents the SVO team’s design and engineering passion for modern luxury, performance and capability. The roundel introduces a simplified ‘SV’ model name that will identify all new Land Rover vehicles launched by Special Vehicle Operations in the future.  

Smooth, tactile ceramic is also featured inside, giving the gear shifter, Terrain Response and volume controls an elegant cool-to-the-touch feel. These exclusive ceramic components are produced using the same techniques as luxury watch faces.  

Meticulous Marquetry 

Special Vehicle Operations’ expert craftsmanship extends to the interior wood veneers, including optional mosaic marquetry on the centre console. For Long Wheelbase vehicles specified with the four-seat SV Signature Suite, the marquetry extends from the front of the cabin, right through to the fridge door in the rear, gradating through the centre console on all horizontal surfaces including the electrically deployable Club Table. 

Super-soft Leathers 

As standard, Range Rover SV features a monotone semi-aniline leather interior with uniquely shaped seats and SV-specific embroidery patterns. Near-aniline options with the natural finish and tactility of furniture-grade leather are also available: softer, with fewer treatments and less pigmentation for a more natural feel while meeting Land Rover’s demanding durability standards.  

Sustainable UltrafabricsTM 

For the first time, Special Vehicle Operations customers can specify a Range Rover with a sustainable leather alternative by choosing the Light Cloud and Cinder Grey UltrafabricsTM option with the SV Intrepid interior theme. Featuring a soft haptic and technical aesthetic, this polyurethane material has all the tactile qualities of leather but is 30 per cent lighter and generates only a quarter of the CO2 in its production.  

Exclusive Wheels 

Optional triple-finish 58.42 cm (23) forged Diamond Turned Dark Grey Gloss alloy wheels designed specifically for New Range Rover SV are among the 12 different wheels that can be specified, depending on powertrain and design theme.  

Individual Paint 

New Range Rover SV customers can choose from a selection of the standard Range Rover colour palette or one of 14 additional colours in the SV Bespoke Premium Palette, which includes a range of vibrant Gloss and sophisticated Satin finishes. Customers can also specify a contrast roof in either Narvik Black or Corinthian Bronze (SV Serenity theme only), depending on the body colour chosen.  

Curated Design Themes  

Specially curated SV Serenity and SV Intrepid design themes are key to the personalisation journey on New Range Rover SV. These themes can be specified independently for the exterior or interior, in conjunction with the standard Range Rover SV exterior or interior or applied as one theme to the whole vehicle. In total there are seven different design theme combinations to choose from.  

Inside, these design themes introduce contrasting two-tone front-to-rear colourway options which highlight the focal point of the interior – rear seats for SV Serenity, front seats for SV Intrepid. Additionally, the SV Intrepid interior features a rectangular perforation pattern for the SV-specific seats, offers the progressive non-leather Ultrafabrics™ option, and features Satin Black ceramic controls in place of Gloss White.  

For more information, kindly visit www.landrover.in.

Godrej Security Solutions Invests In Contact Image Sensor Technology To Enhance Their Portfolio Of Currency Handling Products

* Launches ‘Valumatic’- a CIS based currency counting machine for BFSI, retail and commercial sectors

Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its business Godrej Security Solutions is launching a technologically advanced, CIS based currency counting machine, with a goal to increase its market share in currency handling products market from 6 % to 15% by 2024. This estimated growth and need for more innovation in this category is a result of a gap in the market with regards to the technology that can accurately detect denominations & fake currency. As per the NCRB records, high quality fake currency seized in 2020 was more than ?92.17 crore

Godrej Security Solutions, a prominent security solutions player, has always been in the forefront of pioneering currency handling solutions not just for the banking sector but also for retail and commercial sectors. While the currency handling market is flooded with numerous indigenous and imported brands, Valumatic pegs itself to be differentiated promising maximum accuracy in currency handling. With an advantage over the current 3D and color sensor value counters, Valumatic clearly stands out as a winner owing to its ability to accurately detect denominations & fake currencies of over 10 world currencies, ability to capture image and serial number, connectivity to printers for reports generation and easy software upgrades.

Commenting on the launch of the Valumatic and overall market for Currency handling machines, Mr Pushkar Gokhale, Vice President and Global Head, Marketing and Sales, Godrej Security Solutions, said, “The demand for cash handling products is likely to be driven by various factors and insecurities arising due to economic slowdown during the pandemic. The market opportunity is significant, and we are expecting an estimated sale of 1000 Units per year, with growth of 15% YOY.” With a leading market share in institutional security solutions in India, the new product launch will be backed by a customer touchpoint network of over 300 + channel partners.

According to the RBI records, there has been a jump in fake notes detection in the denominations of Rs. 500 and Rs. 2,000 notes. This in turn has led to the need for better and more accurate currency counting machines at banks and other high volume money establishments. Lack of a fast and more authentic currency counting machine would lead to loss of wealth and disrupt our economy. As per the National Crime Records Bureau, high-quality fake currency seized in 2020 was more than ?92.17 crore, compared to ?25.39 crores in 2019, ?17.95 crores in 2018, ?28.10 crores in 2017 and ?15.92 crores in 2016, the year of demonetisation. Looking at this gap around currency handling products in the market, Godrej Security Solutions’ has increased its investment towards innovation in cash sorting and detection category by 10%.

About Godrej Security Solutions:

Godrej Security Solutions is a division of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd and part of the USD 4.1 billion Godrej Group. A pioneer and leader in the business, Godrej Security Solutions Division is the largest manufacturer and marketer of Security Solutions in India. It is the largest supplier of security solutions to several prestigious banking, corporate and public institutions. For the first time in the category and the industry, Godrej Security Solutions Division has been awarded the Superbrand status. It has also won the “Most Preferred brand” award in the Home Segment. The Division currently exports its products to over 45 countries including Middle East Asia, South East Asia, Far East Asia, East Africa, the US, Europe and the SAARC Countries. 

Honeywell And Navin Fluorine Partner To Manufacture Proprietary Solstice Range Of Hydrofluoroolefins In India

* Builds on Honeywell’s innovation leadership and long-term commitment to continue to deliver sustainable, energy-efficient solutions with proprietary hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) technology

* Honeywell continues investment in HFO production to ensure global supply needs are met

Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) and Navin Fluorine International Limited (NSE: NAVINFLUOR), part of the Padmanabh Mafatlal Group, today announced a partnership to manufacture Honeywell’s proprietary Solstice range of hydrofluoroolefins (HFO) in India. Production is scheduled to commence by Q2-2022 at NFIL’s manufacturing facility in Gujarat.

This portfolio of next generation products has no ozone depletion potential and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, thereby helping customers lower their carbon footprint without sacrificing end-product performance. These products have various applications, including in blowing agents for foam insulation and refrigeration liquid for chillers.

“Many countries have pledged to be carbon neutral and promote technologies to help them meet their sustainability goals. This partnership enables these countries – including developing countries – to transition to HFOs from the more harmful hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) alternatives that are currently prevalent,” said Laura Reinhard, VP-GM, Advanced Materials FIP, Honeywell.

“This partnership between Honeywell and Navin Fluorine reflects our confidence in the capabilities of Navin Fluorine to execute such complex, technical projects. We believe this project will be a good start to a long-term partnership between the two companies. We also hope to work with Navin Fluorine to develop a number of new, local applications for the Indian market,” she added.

The demand for low-GWP solutions continues to grow. Multiple global regulations stemming from the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol require the phasedown of HFCs, driving the demand for more sustainable solutions. Honeywell has already invested more than a billion dollars in research, development and new capacity for its Solstice technology, having anticipated the need for lower-GWP solutions to combat climate change more than a decade ago.

Honeywell’s partnership with Navin Fluorine will enable capacity expansion for its Solstice range to cater to the growing global demand for environmentally friendlier solutions.

Radhesh Welling, Managing Director, Navin Fluorine International Limited, said, “As the country’s leading producer of specialty fluorochemicals, we are pleased to partner with Honeywell for production of Honeywell’s industry-first HFOs at our Dahej facility. This will be a truly Make-in-India product that will serve global customers. We will also work together to develop new applications for Indian market. We strongly believe this project will help us further strengthen our partnership with Honeywell to do bigger and better things together in future.”

Honeywell recently committed to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035. This commitment builds on the company’s track record of sharply reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of its operations and facilities as well as its decades-long history of innovation to help its customers meet their environmental and social goals. About half of Honeywell’s new product introduction research and development investment is directed toward products that improve environmental and social outcomes for customers.  

About Honeywell

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable.  For more news and information on Honeywell, visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom. 

About Navin Fluorine International Limited

Navin Fluorine International Ltd (NFIL) is one of the largest and the most respected Indian manufacturers of speciality fluorochemicals. It belongs to the Padmanabh Mafatlal Group – one of India’s oldest industrial houses. Established in 1967, NFIL operates one of the largest integrated fluorochemicals complexes in India with manufacturing locations at Surat and Dahej in Western India and Dewas in Central India. NFIL’s R&D centre, Navin Research Innovation Center (NRIC), is located at Surat, India. NFIL has five strategic business units: High Performance Products, Refrigeration Gases, Inorganic Fluorides, Speciality Fluorides, and Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS). NFIL is ISO 9001 certified for quality, ISO 14001 certified for environment management, and OHSAS-18001 accreditation for safety management. To learn more, visit https://www.nfil.in/

The Adani Evening EducationCentre (AEEC) Launched At Kattupalli

The Adani Foundation today launched the Adani Evening Education Centre (AEEC) at Kattupalli. The AEEC was launched by Shri Sethu Raman, Panchayat Leader, Kattupalli Village panchayat in the presence of several officials and local community members. The AEEC programme will target students from the 6th to 10th standard and focus on tutoring them in English and Mathematics, while also assisting them with other subjects. These classes will be conducted daily for six days a week from 5 pm to 7 pm. The space for conducting these classes have been provided for by the Panchayat. This initiative has been proposed in ten villages of which, AEEC is already active in five. This programme is largely benefiting students from the fishing and other marginalized sections including the Irula community.

The AEEC programme is a part of the Adani Foundation CSR programme that is focused on social development intervention in 71 villages from 11 Panchayats.  With a focus on improving the quality of education and life skills benefitting the students of the local community, the AEEC will conduct evening education classes in five villages; Kattupalli, Pulicat, Kottaikuppam & Light House Kuppam Panchayats for the benefit of the Irula & Fishing Community Students.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Sethu Raman, Sarpanch of Kattupalli Village said, “Since schools are closed as per government norms till 31st Jan 22, the Adani group is helping students from the 6th to 10th standards in English and Mathematics. I request students to make use of this opportunity and wish they will come forward and express their desire to learn more subjects. I am confident that the Adani group will facilitate the same. I also request all to maintain covid protocol while attending class by wearing masks and keeping social distance.”

Presently the teachers are identified from the local community having Degree and above qualification and keen on serving the community. In the five villages this initiative has been rolled out in, several tangible benefits have already been noticed. These include the centre becoming a stress-free meeting place for students, increased attention and discipline with the Yoga classes and introduction of new life skills. Currently 265 students have enrolled in the AEEC

About Adani Foundation

Established in 1996, Adani Foundation today has widespread operations in 16 states that include 2,409 villages and towns across the country, with a team of professionals who work with an approach that embodies innovation, people participation and collaboration.

Touching the lives of more than 3.7 million people and passionately working towards creating social capital with focus on four core areas – Education, Community Health, Sustainable Livelihood Development and Infrastructure Development, Adani Foundation acts towards inclusive growth and sustainable development of the rural and urban communities, in turn contributing towards nation-building.