Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Cummins Inc. And Tata Motors Sign MoU To Accelerate India’s Journey Towards ‘Net Zero’ Emissions


Cummins Inc., a global power solutions and hydrogen technologies provider, and Tata Motors, the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design and development of low and zero-emission propulsion technology solutions for commercial vehicles in India, including hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, fuel cells, and battery electric vehicle systems. 

The MoU was signed in the presence of N Chandrasekaran, Executive Chairman, Tata Sons, and Tom Linebarger, Executive Chairman, Cummins Inc., on November 14, 2022, at the Tata Sons Headquarters - Bombay House, in Mumbai, India. Senior officials and dignitaries from Cummins India and Tata Motors were also present during the MoU signing ceremony.  

On this occasion, Mr. N Chandrasekaran, Executive Chairman, Tata Sons and Chairman, Tata Motors said, “The shift to sustainable mobility is irreversible and Tata Motors is committed to be amongst the leaders of green mobility. We are taking definitive steps to drive this global megatrend forward in each of our businesses. Working with partners who share the same vision is essential for this transition and we are delighted to strengthen our long-standing relationship with Cummins for their next generation, hydrogen propulsion systems. We are excited to indigenize the cutting-edge hydrogen technology to offer our customers an expanded portfolio of green and future ready commercial vehicles, accelerate the adoption of sustainable mobility in the country, and to contribute towards India’s ‘net zero’ carbon emission goals.” 

Commenting on the strategic collaboration, Mr. Tom Linebarger, Executive Chairman, Cummins Inc., said, “Climate change is the existential crisis of our time, and this collaboration between Cummins and Tata Motors accelerates our ability to address it. Cummins is well-positioned to help our customers successfully and seamlessly transition to economically viable decarbonized solutions. Cummins and Tata Motors have a strong history of partnership, and the next step into low and zero-emissions technologies is an exciting development for zero-emissions transportation. Our collaboration in India is an important milestone for Cummins and Tata as we work together to accelerate the shift to a carbon-free economy and a zero-emissions world. We strongly believe that this collaboration is a significant step forward to achieving India’s Green Hydrogen Mission. I am excited to enable powering a cleaner and greener India.” 

In 1993, the two engineering companies came together to fulfill their goal of introducing best-in-class cleaner vehicle technology solutions to the Indian market - Tata Motors to deliver best-in-class mobility solutions in India and Cummins to power that vision through their products and services. Driven by a shared ideology, common vision, and values of Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence, this partnership has grown from strength to strength over the last three decades. This MoU further solidifies their association and is aligned with India’s vision of ‘Energy for Sustainable Growth’ and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. India will be one of the first markets to receive Cummins’ Hydrogen engines, an important technology to help drive decarbonization. 

CUMMINS LOW AND ZERO EMISSION PRODUCTS 

Cummins B6.7H hydrogen engine with up to 290 hp (216 kW) output and 1200 Nm peak torque is an all-new engine platform featuring cutting-edge technology to enhance power density, reduce friction losses and improve thermal efficiency. As a result, performance is transparent and compatible with the same transmissions, drivelines, and cooling packages. The B6.7H hydrogen engine is being derived from Cummins fuel-agnostic platform offering the benefit of a common-base architecture and low-to-zero carbon fuel capability. 

Cummins zero-emission product portfolio also includes its fourth-generation hydrogen fuel cell engine. Designed to meet the duty-cycle, performance and packaging requirements of medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses, the fuel cell technology is available in 135 kW single- and 270-kW dual modules. The systems have strong operating cycle efficiency and durability for a lower total cost of ownership.  Cummins battery portfolio includes both Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery packs, each of which targets a different duty cycle and use case. 

Destination Zero™ is Cummins’ strategy to go further and faster to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality impacts of its products and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Cummins is pursuing a dual-path approach, meaning the company is reducing emissions from internal combustion engines while simultaneously investing in new, zero-emissions products. The company spends approximately $ 1 billion annually on research and development of future technologies. 

Cummins’ approach lowers emissions today; incorporates well-to-wheel emissions reductions by matching technology readiness with infrastructure readiness; drives wide-scale adoption due to affordability by using the right technology at the right time; and will achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.  

LTI And Mindtree To Start Operating As A Merged Entity From November 14, 2022


* Merger of LTI and Mindtree receives approval of NCLT

* LTIMindtree all set to debut as one of India’s largest IT services companies

Larsen & Toubro Infotech (BSE: 540005, NSE: LTI) and Mindtree (BSE: 532819, NSE: MINDTREE), leading technology consulting and digital solutions companies under the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Group, announced that both Mumbai and Bengaluru Benches of Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) have approved, via two separate orders, the scheme of amalgamation and arrangement between the two companies and their respective shareholders and creditors under section 230-232 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

The two companies had announced their intent to merge in May 2022. This approval clears the way for the merger of the two independently listed companies as LTIMindtree, a scaled-up IT services provider with a client portfolio of more than 750 leading global enterprises from all key industry verticals, and nearly 90,000 professionals spread in more than 30 countries across five continents. LTIMindtree will thus become the fifth largest IT services company in India in terms of current market capitalization. The Effective Date for the company to start operating as one entity is November 14, 2022.

As part of the merger, all shareholders of Mindtree will be issued shares of LTI in the ratio of 73 shares of LTI for every 100 shares of Mindtree. The parent company, L&T, will hold 68.73% of the merged entity. The Record Date to determine the eligible shareholders of Mindtree for issue of equity shares of LTI pursuant to the scheme is fixed as November 24, 2022.

Mr. A. M. Naik, Group Chairman of L&T and Chairman of LTIMindtree, said, “LTIMindtree is integral to L&T’s technology-led growth vision and is poised to play a crucial role in the expansion and diversification of our services portfolio. The highly complementary strengths of LTI and Mindtree make this integration a win-win proposition for all our stakeholders — clients, partners, investors, shareholders, employees, and communities — furthering L&T’s tradition of innovation, excellence, trust, and empathy.”

Mr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of L&T, and Vice-Chairman of LTIMindtree, said, “We are grateful to the authorities for the swift passage of the proposed transaction through statutory processes and for its approval in a record time. This integration is much more than just the coming together of two highly successful companies. It is about turning the collective wisdom of the two companies into a much larger force for creating long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

Mr. Debashis Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of LTIMindtree, said, “Amid the proliferation of new business models and revenue streams in a rapidly converging world, LTIMindtree will help businesses proactively take on and shape the future by harnessing the full power of digital technologies. Armed with top talent, comprehensive offerings, and a cumulative experience of more than five decades, LTIMindtree brings the diversity of scale and capabilities required to help businesses reimagine possibilities, deliver impact, and get to the future, faster.” 

Both LTI and Mindtree have delivered market-leading financial performance and created value for shareholders. By combining their strengths and unlocking the benefits of scale, LTIMindtree will operate with a stronger, highly diversified portfolio of end-to-end services and skills across a wider market footprint. It will bring a converged point of view based on its expanded cross-industry expertise to help clients tap into opportunities presented by the blurring of industry lines. This will significantly enhance LTIMindtree’s ability to deliver across larger, more significant transformation engagements, and collaborate with hyperscalers, enterprise solutions, SaaS platforms, and product companies for faster innovation and time-to-market. A stronger balance sheet will also augment LTIMindtree’s ability to make strategic investments in platforms, talent, technologies, and client relationships. All this will help LTIMindtree create a more distinctive value proposition for its clients, teams, and communities at large.

About LTIMindtree 

LTIMindtree is a global technology consulting and digital solutions company that enables enterprises across industries to reimagine business models, accelerate innovation, and maximize growth by harnessing digital technologies. As a digital transformation partner to more than 750 clients, LTIMindtree brings extensive domain and technology expertise to help drive superior competitive differentiation, customer experiences, and business outcomes in a converging world. Powered by nearly 90,000 talented and entrepreneurial professionals across more than 30 countries, LTIMindtree — a Larsen & Toubro Group company — combines the industry-acclaimed strengths of erstwhile Larsen and Toubro Infotech and Mindtree in solving the most complex business challenges and delivering transformation at scale. For more information,  visit www.ltimindtree.com. 

Monday, November 14, 2022

Bangalore Heartfulness Centre Celebrates “Children’s Day” With Zest


* Unveiling of The Wisdom Bridge and sessions on the art of parenting were the key highlights 

This Children’s Day eve, Heartfulness brought a one-of-a-kind Kids’ Carnival at the Heartfulness Centre in Bangalore, wherein children could enjoy a gamut of activities along with Heartfulness’s sessions. Over 650 participants that included more than 200 Children and 450 adults, besides 250 newcomers attended the event. Brought in association with Airaa Academy the event was open to all school children. The event was presided over by Mr. Krishna Kant IPS – Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bangalore South andMs. Jenny John, Principal, Airaa Academy who after the unveiling of ‘The Wisdom Bridge’ – the latest and the top-selling book by Shri Kamlesh Patel ‘Daaji’ – the Guide of Heartfulness, shared their thoughts about the book and the tools that it lays out for parents and grandparents for raising children, developing family bonds and cultivating values. More than 50 volunteers worked for the grand success of the event.  

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Krishna Kant IPS said, “Today our society and especially the youth are wayled to many bad habits and bad influences and this book is a great insight and inspiration to reflect on how to raise and support children.  The principles mentioned in the book are very valuable.  I recommend everyone to read it and benefit from it. Every year we observe Children’s Day on Nehru ji’s birth anniversary marking his love for children. We must make it all the more special by the very important tools that The Wisdom Bridge gives us – very poignantly told by Daaji and something that holds deep meaning for many generations to come. In today’s world, we all need to recalibrate our roles and minds in raising a family and societal values. With so much digitization and technological advancements, we have material benefits and luxuries, but no peace of mind often loosing control over life. We need to teach our children and future generations how to take responsibilities and uphold virtues. The Wisdom Bridge tells it all.” 

“It is my pleasure to have had the opportunity to be at today’s event, I learned about the book a few days back and as I began to read the book it was encapsulating, it is written in such a simple and elegant manner.  Very easy for anyone to follow.  One of the principles in the book talks about ‘caring is the new preparing ‘- such a powerful and relevant idea.  In my role, I am so close to the community of teachers, parents, and children and I can confidently say this book is very relevant to all and is a must-read.  There is such a need for us to pass on the invaluable wisdom from parents and grandparents to the next generation and it is a timely reminder by this book.  I am looking forward to completing the book and discovering more about all the nine principles shared in this book, and will take it forward to my community of parents and teachers,” said Ms. Jenny John.  

Shri Kamesh Patel ‘Daaji’ – Guide of Heartfulness and author of The Wisdom Bridge said, “The book had been on my mind since 2012. When I witnessed how people were delaying marriages, walking away from the social norms and causing the breaking away of the very social fabric, I felt it was time I wrote it – from what I was witnessing. I have tried to put all these thoughts together interwoven with the ancient wisdom of ours. And I hope it can be useful to the masses.” 

Separate sessions for parents and grandparents were held to impart the art of parenting and raising children along with relaxation and meditation techniques, Different stalls were arranged for Brighter Minds demo, science experiment under supervision, crafts, story-telling, memory games, fun activities and food. There were also selfie and riddle corner. The stalls were teeming with children, and it created a festive ambience.  

Children and adults had key take-aways from the session as they wound up with life-changing wisdom nuggets. Although it is not the first time that Heartfulness has arranged an event for children, this one becomes unique in unfolding the art of parenting and more. There was something for every age group which led to a very positive feedback from all quarters.

Photocaption Mr. Sharat Hegde (Heartfulness Institute Director), Mr. P. Krishna Kant I.P.S , Deputy Commissioner of Police- Bangalore South, Ms. Jenny John, Principal - Airaa Academy,   Mr. Shakthi Kumaar (Heartfulness Banashankari Centre Manager) unveil The Wisdom Bridge at a Heartfulness led kids' carnival on the eve of “Children's Day” in Bangalore Heartfulness Centre. 

Adidas Icons Come Together In ‘Family Reunion To Show When Football Is Everything, Impossible Is Nothing


·         Ahead of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, adidas reunites its global football family including Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema to celebrate why the world cup is so special   

·         The brand’s World Cup campaign kicks off with a film showing the world’s best players and mega fan Stormzy getting ready for the tournament, with further brand activations planned across the month 

·         The Family Reunion film will launch on November 14 at https://youtu.be/_uFUKlCuM2U

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, adidas unveils the next chapter of its Impossible is Nothing story with its global football family. The brand kicks off a month-long campaign with a Family Reunion like no other – featuring Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Achraf Hakimi, Son Heung-Min, Jude Bellingham, Pedro ‘Pedri’ González López, Serge Gnabry and Stormzy. 

Channelling the special essence of the tournament, the playful spot celebrates the unified joy of football which brings together players and fans from all over the world. With a selection of the world’s greatest football stars unexpectedly reuniting and displaying their excitement and unique pre-tournament preparations, the film is inspired by the attitude that when football is everything, Impossible is Nothing.  

Also featuring and narrated by football superfan Stormzy, the film combines football culture, world cup nostalgia and unique player personalities – all with a shared love for the game. Designed to be watched again and again, each scene features subtle nods to memorable moments, players and places to help build anticipation for the endless possibilities of the month ahead. These include framed family photos, fridge magnets, post cards, cross stitch hangings plus so much more.

Florian Alt, VP Global Brand Comms at adidas, speaks on The Family Reunion: “There is a rare moment, once every couple of years, at the beginning of the World Cup when it truly feels like impossible is nothing. A time when players and fans come together united by the belief that they will bring the trophy home.”

“During the next month we’ll see new players break on to the scene, an underdog beat the odds, unbelievable goals and widespread celebrations taking place across the globe. It’s precisely that spirit that our campaign hopes to inspire in fans around the world.” 

The Family Reunion film launches on November 14 at https://youtu.be/_uFUKlCuM2U and for the first time ever brings together Morocco right back Achraf Hakimi, Argentina forward Lionel Messi, France striker Karim Benzema, Spain midfielder Pedro ‘Pedri’ González López, South Korea left winger Son Heung-min, England midfielder Jude Bellingham, German winger Serge Gnabry and British musician Stormzy, as well as faces from adidas’ wider footballing family.  

Further to this, with a full month of unmissable moments undoubtedly ahead, adidas will continue to celebrate its global football family throughout the tournament with iconic player moments, global social media activations and the creation of the 'Al Rihla Arena' - an official adidas fan zone on-the-ground in Qatar. The immersive experience will give fans the opportunity to watch every game live, test their skills on the specially designed pitch, be in with a chance of meeting their favorite football legends and capture a range of content through augmented reality.

Follow all updates across the next month at @adidas on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. 

The Registration For 5th Manipal Marathon Commences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Announces Prize Money of 15 Lakhs


* The event will be held on 12th February 2023

* It aims to raise awareness and funds for the cause of early detection of Childhood Cancer

* The marathon will be organised in collaboration with Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association® and NEB Sports Bangalore

Manipal Academy of Higher Education announced registrations for 5th edition of the Manipal Marathon. The event is scheduled on 12th February 2023. It is organised by MAHE in collaboration with Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association® and NEB Sports Bangalore at Manipal, Karnataka. The total cash prize of Rs. 15 Lakhs has been constituted for this edition.

The 5th edition of the Manipal Marathon aims to create awareness on Childhood Cancer with the tagline “Early Detection saves lives-I Can Cer-Vive”. MAHE along with Rotary Club Manipal town has initiated the 3K Rotary Run event, funds will be raised to support and care for people requiring financial assistance for the treatment of Childhood cancer. Along with the AIMS-certified distance categories 42K, 21K, 10K, and 5K, there is a special fundraising category of untimed 3K which is a Rotary Run.

Manipal Marathon is expecting to host about 15000 runners in this edition, which includes participants of all age categories, attracting runners from Ethiopia, Germany, Kenya, England, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka as in previous editions.

Speaking about the event Vinod Nayak, Secretory of Sports Council said, “After the pandemic focusing on health and wellness has become very crucial in today’s times. The Manipal Marathon aims at raising awareness around fitness and motivating students and other participants to improve their fitness and health status through regular running. With every edition, the Manipal Marathon has revolutionised the running culture in Manipal. Like every year, the atmosphere of the 5th edition is going to be electrifying and carnival-like with attractive prizes, sumptuous food, and goodies for participants”

Participants can register at http://manipalmarathon.com/

The University of Waikato Announces Scholarships Worth NZ$ 500K Exclusively For Indian Students


*Education New Zealand – media release

The University of Waikato has announced an extensive range of scholarship packages worth NZ$ 500,000 exclusively for Indian students. The exclusive scholarship package also includes the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship, valued at up to NZ$15,000 per awardee.

Intended to support talent from India, these scholarships will be awarded to high-achieving Indian students for 2023 intakes based on academic performance and other holistic achievements.

Commenting on the scholarships package and an upcoming visit to India by a University delegation, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Quigley stated:

“The University of Waikato is proud of the outstanding academic contribution, diversity of perspective and entrepreneurial spirit that students from India bring to our University. In turn we offer an outstanding student experience and high-quality study options. Being able to once again visit India in support of this special relationship is a demonstration of our commitment to growing our Indian Waikato alumni, with talented and sought-after graduates. We're investing heavily in our Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Scholarships specifically for students from India as we look forward to welcoming them on to our campuses in 2023.”

The scholarship application period is now open. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

About the University

The University of Waikato is committed to delivering a world-class education and research portfolio. With around 13,000 students and 1,500 staff, the University offers a distinctive and rewarding university experience, while pursuing strong international links to advance knowledge.

The University’s 11 faculties and schools cover a wide range of subjects including arts and humanities, sciences, engineering, management, health and sport, education, Indigenous studies and law. Waikato Management School holds Triple Crown Status and is ranked #1 in New Zealand for Business and Economics in the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by subject. Waikato is the top New Zealand university for research, measured by citations per faculty member.

Notes to Editors:

About Education New Zealand (ENZ) https://www.enz.govt.nz/

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is the government agency responsible for taking New Zealand’s education experiences to the world. ENZ promotes a New Zealand education as one that teaches students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and lifelong learners, which will help them succeed in their future careers and create a positive impact on the world. In 2019, New Zealand’s education system was ranked first among English-speaking countries and third in the world for delivering a future-focused education (out of 50 economies) by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

With approximately 100 staff in 18 locations around the world, ENZ works closely with New Zealand’s diverse education sector including schools, English language providers, Private Training Establishments, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics, universities; and internationally with NZ Inc agencies, Government agencies and education providers to encourage sustainable growth and identify opportunities.

For more information on why New Zealand best place is to study and live:

https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en

The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela To Be Conducted In 199 Districts of India


* The Mela will begin in 25 states covering 199 districts

* Several local businesses have been invited to be part of the mela and provide apprenticeship opportunities to the youth

 As a part of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to boost career opportunities for India’s youth under Skill India Mission, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will hold the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) on November 14, 2022, across 199 locations in 25 states and union territories. 

Several local businesses have been invited to be a part of the mela to provide local youth with the opportunity to shape their careers through apprenticeship training. The event will witness the participation of various companies from different sectors. Participating companies will have the chance to meet potential apprentices on a single platform and choose applicants on the spot and provide them with an opportunity to be a part of their organization.

Individuals can register for the mela by visiting https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/ and to find the mela's nearest location. Candidates who have passed Class 5 to Class 12 and have skill training certificates, or ITI Diploma holders or graduates can apply for this apprenticeship mela. The candidates must carry three copies of their resume, three copies of all the marksheets and certificates, photo ID (Aadhaar card/driving licence etc) and three passport size photographs to the respective venues.

Those who have already enrolled have been requested to reach the venue with all the relevant documents. Through this fair, the candidates will also earn National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET)-recognized certifications, improving their employability rate after the training session.

Expressing his views on the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said “We received a great response during last month’s apprenticeship mela from the potential youth who is eager to work hard, contribute to our economy, and help shape the future of our country. The major purpose of this programme is to encourage companies to hire more apprentices, while also assisting employers in discovering and developing the potential they have via training and practical skillsets. It is also critical to embed apprenticeship in the educational ecosystem besides building credible pathways from apprenticeship to higher education.” 

Apprenticeship melas are hosted in the country every month, wherein selected individuals receive a monthly stipend in accordance with government criteria for gaining new skills. Apprenticeship is considered the most sustainable model of skill development, and it has been getting a big boost under Skill India Mission.

The government is striving to train 1 million youth per annum through apprenticeship training and to fulfil this mission, PMNAM is being used as a platform to increase the participation of establishments and students. It is also providing awareness to the youth on various opportunities existing across the participating companies. 

About Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

MSDE was formed on 9th November 2014, by the Government of India to focus on enhancing employability of skills. Since its inception, MSDE has undertaken significant initiatives and reforms in terms of formalizing the policy, framework, and standards; launching of new programmes and schemes; creating new infrastructure and upgrading the existing institutions; partnering with States; engaging with industries and building societal acceptance and aspirations for skills. The Ministry aims to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled manpower to build new skills and innovation not only for existing jobs but also for jobs that are to be created.

For more info: https://www.msde.gov.in/

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