Toyota Kirloskar Motor Organizes Science Model Building Activity For Students Of Karnataka Public School, Bangalore

* Volunteers from iCARE - Toyota’s Employee Volunteer Initiative, helped to strengthen the scientific knowledge base of Karnataka Public School students while honing their competitive spirit

* Activity will benefit over 600 students from classes 8th to 10th  

Aligning with its efforts to motivate and inspire employees to be a part of a noble social cause, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), today, conducted its 25th iCARE activity to build Science Models for the students at Karnataka Public School(KPS). TKM along with the school management, ideated to educate students and inculcate better understanding of science knowledge using innovative science models. This activity will enable students to be better prepared for various science-based competitions at local and national levels, while helping them improve their understanding of concepts and overall science comprehension.

KPS is a part of Karnataka Government’s ambitious plan to establish a model school with best-in-class facilities, comprising of primary, secondary and pre-university education. The volunteers were divided into 5 groups with 20 volunteers each. Approximately 60 students joined the exciting model making activity which involved math puzzles, magnetic tangrams, water pump, water clock, pinhole camera, floating sinking mechanism etc. The models developed will benefit over 600 students from classes 8th – 10th to understand the concepts better.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At TKM, we are extensively committed towards bringing a positive change in society. We believe that the future of our country is strongly linked with the growth and development of our children. Apart from nourishing young minds, it is imperative that they are empowered with the right knowledge and skills, which will help them develop a positive mindset. Innovative ways to impart education is crucial step to enhance curiosity and we are happy to be a part of this activity which will help the students at Karnataka Public School to not only gain knowledge but also prepare them for science-based competitions and lay a strong foundation for their future education .”

Since its inception in 2017, iCARE has grown tremendously and has had a substantial impact on society touching 59,000 lives so far. Currently, about 1,000 employees are registered with iCARE under which various activities are implemented to further support and make a difference to society while providing an enriching experience to employees. These initiatives are implemented in the domains of education, environment, health and hygiene, road safety, skill development and disaster management in line with TKM’s CSR vision. The platform empowers passionate employees who believe in volunteering for social causes during their free time.

Chaayos Earn Their Stripes At Pepsi Images Food Service Awards 2022

Chaayos was honored with the most admired food service retailer of the year - Technology implementation on Thursday evening at the Pepsi Images Food Service Awards, India’s most authoritative recognitions awards for the food service brands and companies. Apart from this Chaayos also won Most Admired Food Service Retailer of the year: Innovation in Marketing & Promotions, Most Admired Food Service Retailer of the year: QSR & Most Admired Food Service Retailer of the year: Innovation in Production, Processing & Packaging. 

Wow! Chicken, Copper Chimney, INOX and Cafe Coffee Day were among the few brands that were awarded at the Awards. 

Hosted by the ravishing singer and songwriter, Manasi Scott, the Awards night witnessed 2 winners for the award of the most admired market expansion of the year - Burger Singh for 360 degree expansion along with Wow! Momo for store count augmentation. Most admired Food Service Launch of the year was awarded to KARIGARI by chef Harpal Singh Sokhi for the new outlet and Go pizza, HSR Layout, Bengaluru for flagship store. 

With 4 awards, Chaayos took home maximum awards across categories. 

“The food service industry is truly dynamic and inventive. Continuously adapting, tweaking strategies, enriching operations and providing customers with a wholesome experience is a pressing priority in today’s customer-centric business world. The 6th edition of the Pepsi Images Food Service Awards, aims to acknowledge the sheer excellence, constant refinement and efforts displayed by these ingenious brands  in taking the sector to greater heights.” said Nikhil Behl, CEO — Food Business, IMAGES Group.

Collins Aerospace Opens New Engineering And Global Operations Centers In India To Accelerate Innovations In R&D And Manufacturing

* New facilities are key first step of larger Raytheon Technologies investment and growth strategy in India

* Plan is to house more than 5,000 Collins and Raytheon Technologies employees, with additional sites set to open early 2023

As part of a significant investment to expand its engineering, digital technology, and manufacturing operations in India, Collins Aerospace, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp., has officially inaugurated its new Global Engineering and Technology Center (GETC) and Collins India Operations Center in Bengaluru. The new sites are part of a long-term growth strategy for Raytheon Technologies in India and globally to maximize collaboration and innovation providing cutting edge solutions for customers and provide additional STEM-based opportunities in the country.

“We’ve been committed to the aerospace industry in India for 25 years now, directly advancing key innovations, R&D and STEM opportunities in the local market for the long term,” said Steve Timm, president of Collins Aerospace, who officially inaugurated the new sites at grand opening events this week. “At Collins, we are on course for planned investments of over $200 million in engineering and manufacturing capabilities and hiring an additional 2,000 highly skilled employees in the Indian aerospace and defense sector over the next 5 years. India is strategic to the global growth and investment strategy of all Raytheon Technologies’ businesses, and the advanced infrastructure and talent pool will help drive the country’s contributions as a global leader in aerospace and defense.”

Approximately 3,000 engineers from three other Collins Aerospace locations in Bengaluru, as well as about 600 personnel from other Raytheon Technologies’ group of companies will be moving into the 413,000 square-foot GETC at Northgate Tech Park to facilitate collaboration across the company’s businesses, with plans to expand its footprint on the 3-acre land next year with new capabilities. Pratt & Whitney’s United Technologies Corporation India Pvt Ltd. (UTCIPL) contract engineering services is also planned to open in early 2023 in the same location.    

“The opening of these new facilities in Bengaluru shows our continued commitment in India, expanding our capabilities and accelerating transformative technologies for a safer, more connected and sustainable world,” said Dr. Mauro Atalla, senior vice president, Engineering & Technology for Collins Aerospace. “The GETC India organization supports Collins’ six strategic business units and is crucial to the continued success of our global businesses.”

Kevin Myers, vice president and head of Enterprise Operations at Collins Aerospace said “The new Collins India Operations Center located at KIADB Aerospace Park spans 26 acres across the Hitech Defense and Aerospace Park and will help Collins bring operational synergy and economies of scale, as well as support future growth opportunities and customer requirements. We will host some 1,700 employees at the new site once it is fully completed in 2026.”

Both new Collins sites have been designed to the latest standards for sustainable construction; GETC has been certified with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Platinum Rating with solar power capabilities, zero water discharge facilities and other features. The Collins India Operations Center is Industry 4.0 compliant, and its Building Management System (BMS) is a connected ecosystem which helps monitor and control air, water, temperature, and humidity at critical process points to help maintain product quality with quick issue resolution. The Collins India Operations Center has also received USGBC Silver and IGBC Gold building certification, and the campus is an energy efficient site with best practices followed in line with BEE-India & Global Best Management Practices.

About Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the extensive capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and broad expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. For more information, visit CollinsAerospace.com.

About Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With four industry-leading businesses ? Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ? the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

Spark Minda Inaugurates 28th Wiring Harness Plant In Chakan, Pune

Minda Corporation Limited (referred to as “Minda Corp” or the “Company”; NSE: MINDACORP, BSE: 538962), the flagship company of Spark Minda inaugurated the state-of-the-art Wiring Harness plant in Chakan, Pune. The new Greenfield facility takes the count of plants across the country to 28. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Ashok Minda, Chairman and Group CEO, said, “Spark Minda has come a long way since the establishment of the group in 1958. Customer centricity has always been at the heart of what we do as we collectively work towards pursuing excellence with the intent of providing the best to our customers. Our evolving technological knowhow coupled with experience in the sector has helped us stay ahead of the curve by providing holistic solutions to befit them.”

“This new-age, state-of-the-art plant facility will lead the change. Focusing on zero-defect products, this plant will reset benchmarking on multiple manufacturing parameters, setting the bar higher.” he added.

The plant is a greenfield facility capable of generating 100% solar power which will further enrich Spark Minda’s focus on sustainability and ESG parameters.

Spread across the 1.90 lakhs square feet, the factory is equipped with advanced machines backed by cutting-edge technology.

The other Wiring Harness plants are located in Pune, Pillaipakkam, Kakkalur, Mysore, Murbad, Greater NOIDA, Pithampur, Haridwar and Vietnam.

About Minda Corporation (BSE:538962; NSE: MINDACORP)

Minda Corporation is one of the leading automotive component manufacturing companies in India with a pan-India presence and significant international footprint. The Company was incorporated in 1985. Minda Corporation is the flagship company of Spark Minda, which was part of the erstwhile Minda Group. The Company has a diversified product portfolio that encompasses Mechatronics; Information and Connected Systems and Plastic and Interior for auto OEMs. These products cater to 2/3 wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, off-roaders and after-market. The Company has a diversified customer base including Indian and global original equipment manufacturers and Tier-1 customers.

For assimilating the latest technologies, Minda Corporation has a dedicated R&D facility and collaborations with the pioneers and leaders of the automobile industry. This has provided Minda Corporation with the cutting-edge in product design and technology to meet strict international quality standards.

FADA November’22 Vehicle Retail Data Indicates Highest Sales In The History Of Indian Automobile Industry

* November 2022 clocked highest sales in the history of Indian Automobile Industry with March’20 as an exception when retails were higher due to BS-4 to BS-6 transition.

* On YoY basis, total vehicle retail for the month of November’22 saw a growth of 26%. All the categories closed in green. 2W, 3W, PV, Trac and CV were up by 24%, 80%, 21%, 57% and 33% respectively.

* When compared with November’19, a pre-covid month, total vehicle retail closed in marginal positive territory with an increase of 1.5%. Except 2W, which saw a marginal dip of -0.9%, all the other categories were in green with 3W, PV, Trac and CV growing by 4%, 5%, 61% and 6% respectively.

* Carrying forward from high festive sales, the Great Indian Wedding Season which continues from 14 November to 14 December played its part in increased Auto Retail.

Healthy Auto Retails is also supported by RBIs Consumer Confidence Data which remains to be on recovery path on account of better perceptions on general economic situation, employment, and household income.

* RBI’s continued rate hike and China Lockdown may play spoilsport in near term.

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for November’22.

November’22 Retails

Commenting on how November’22 performed, FADA President, Mr. Manish Raj Singhania said, “November 2022 has clocked highest retails in the history of Indian Automobile Industry with March’20 as an exception when retails were higher due to BS-4 to BS-6 transition.

Auto Retail in November’22 saw an overall growth of 26%. The baton was passed by the positive run of festive sales to the Great Indian Wedding Season (from 14th November to 14th December) where around 32 lakh weddings will be solemnised across the country. All categories were in green with 2W, 3W, PV, Tractor and CV growing by 24%, 80%, 21%, 57% and 33% respectively.

Even when compared to pre-covid month of 2019, overall retails for the second consecutive month closed in green by growing 1.5%. Except 2W, which saw a marginal dip of -0.9%, all the other categories like 3W, PV, Trac and CV grew by 4%, 5%, 61% and 6% respectively.

The 2W segment showed a huge growth of 24% YoY but fell marginally by 0.9%, when compared to Nov’19, a pre-covid year. This segment is slowly turning the tides from negative to positive as the same can be witnessed from retail sales due to the ongoing wedding season.

The 3W segment showed a massive growth of 80% YoY and 4% when compared to 2019, a pre-covid year. The category which was witnessing low demand during covid has now emerged as the highest growing category due to positive sentiments and fear of lockdowns out of mind. Also, electrification in the category continues at its highest pace.

The PV segment showed a growth of 21% YoY and 5% when compared to 2019. Better availability of model mixes from past months, new launches and increase in rural demand continues to keep the segment in healthy condition. Compact SUV and SUV category coupled with higher variant models continues to rule to roost.

The CV witnessed a growth of 33% YoY and 6% compared to 2019. With Government’s continued focus in the infrastructure space and new mining projects, replacement demand continued to pour in along with healthy inter-state passenger movement enabling bus sales.”

Near Term Outlook

The RBI’s latest Consumer Confidence Data suggests that buoyancy among customers is on a recovery path on account of better perceptions on general economic situation, employment, and household income. This along with the ongoing festive season has continued to help in bringing customers to the showrooms as on date.

For Bharat, normally after the harvest starts, farmers get money in hand and this starts the spending cycle. We expect spending for Auto Sales to go up once the harvest comes into the market and farmers start getting money in their hands.

Most of the OEMs are announcing price hikes going forward. To counter this and for the lower end of the pyramid, OEMs have started announcing discounts for slow moving products, lower variants and to clear their year-end stocks. This may help year-end sales to remain healthy.

While the above actions are positive, RBI has yesterday increased the repo-rate by 35 bps (225 bps increase since May’22) and continues to hint at more hikes in future. This increase now brings repo rate to 6.25%, the highest since Feb’19. This will further lead to a higher cost of borrowing apart from the price hikes done by OEMs and may dent the consumer confidence specially in 2W and entry level PV segment. Along with this, the China lockdown may play its part in slowing the supply of semi-conductors. If this happens, it may act as a speed-breaker and add to supply-demand mis-match which was improving since last few months.

Due to the above reasons, FADA remains cautiously optimistic in the near term.

Key Findings from our Online Members Survey

Inventory at the end of November’22

Average inventory for Passenger Vehicles ranges from 35 – 40 days

Average inventory for Two – Wheelers ranges from 30 – 35 days

Liquidity

Good                 33.8%

Neutral              41.8%

Bad                      24.4%

Sentiment

Good                 25.8%

Neutral               46.7%

Bad                      27.6%

Aniket, Father Of A 1-Year-Old Son, Needs An Urgent Stem Cell Donation To Survive

* Aniket is suffering from blood cancer and a stem cell transplant from a matching donor is his only hope now. His cancer relapsed even after 5 rounds of chemotherapy 

* DKMS-BMST has organized a virtual blood stem cell donor registration drive to find a matching donor to save Aniket’s life 

Diagnosed with leukemia, a type of blood cancer, Aniket is urgently waiting to find a matching blood stem cell donor. His only hope for survival is a blood stem cell donation from a person who matches his HLA (human leukocyte antigen) type. Aniket belongs to Karnataka, India, and is currently working in Germany and settled with his wife and a 1-year-old son.  

Spoorthy, Aniket’s wife who is striving hard to save him, says, “Last year we were blessed with a baby boy and were happy. But unfortunately, just after a few months, during a routine check-up, Aniket was diagnosed with blood cancer, turning our happy lives upside down. Every day, he is fighting bravely with a hope in his heart to see his son grow up. We are all desperately hoping for him to find his lifesaver soon.” 

DKMS BMST Foundation India, a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders is coordinating the search for a matching donor for Aniket. To reach out to people across India, DKMS-BMST has launched a virtual drive where one can register online to be a potential lifesaver and save patients like Aniket. Link to register: www.dkms-bmst.org/Aniket 

“Blood cancer accounts for 8% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in India and is one of the leading causes of death in the country. For patients diagnosed with blood cancer and other blood related life-threatening disorders, a blood stem cell transplant from a matching donor may be their best chance at survival. We encourage more Indians to register as potential stem cell donors and raise hope for patients like Aniket,” says Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS BMST Foundation India.  

Aniket originally hails from North Karnataka, India, and since a match is more likely when the donor and patient are of the same ethnicity, hopefully more Indians would come forward and register as potential donors.  

What is the registration process? 

People who are interested and fit the eligibility criteria can register at:  dkms-bmst.org/Aniket 

All it takes is five minutes of your time and a simple 3 step process:  

Step 1: Visit the site, fill up an online form and you will receive a DIY swab kit at home.  

Step 2: Once you receive the swab kit, fill out the consent form and take a tissue sample from the inside of your cheeks with 3 cotton swabs provided in the kit.  

Step 3: Send back your swab sample in the pre-paid envelope provided. 

DKMS laboratory will then analyze your tissue type and your details will be available in the global search for blood stem cell donors. If you do come up as a match for a patient, DKMS-BMST will get in touch with you. After a medical check-up, your blood stem cells will be obtained from the bloodstream using a process called Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection, which is similar to a blood platelet donation wherein only your stem cells are taken. This is a safe, non-surgical outpatient process. 

About DKMS BMST Foundation India 

A non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, such as thalassemia and aplastic anemia. Our aim is to improve the situation of patients suffering from blood cancer and other blood disorders in India and throughout the world, by raising awareness about blood stem cell transplantation and registering potential blood stem cell donors. By doing this DKMS-BMST provides patients in need of a blood stem cell transplant with a second chance at life.  

DKMS-BMST is a joint venture of two reputed non-profit organizations: BMST (Bangalore Medical Services Trust) and DKMS, one of the largest international blood stem cell donor centers in the world. For more information, visit dkms-bmst.org 

Simpl Offers Exciting Deals In Its First End Of Season Sale From December 10–18, 2022

* Customers can shop from over 60+ D2C brands and avail exciting discounts and offers

Simpl, India’s foremost 1-tap checkout network, today announced its first-ever End of Season Sale (EOSS) from 10th – 18th December 2022. Customers can shop from best-in-class D2C brands from across eight categories including apparel, beauty & wellness, electronics, food & beverages, home décor, etc.

As 2022 draws to a close, it’s that time of the year when you want to spend time with your loved ones and appreciate all the good things. What better way than shopping for gifts and pampering yourself with great offers and discounts. And to make it easier and convenient, Simpl will also offer its users the flexibility to repay in three instalments with its unique Pay-in 3 option.

“The year-end is the time when people celebrate and usher in a new beginning, especially by giving gifts. Consumers can choose from the best of brands and enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience through our convenient and seamless checkout process and flexible repayment options,” said Nitya Sharma, Co-founder & CEO, Simpl.

Some key brands participating in the Simpl EOSS campaign from Dec 10 - 18 include Suta,  Koskii and Libas in Women’s Apparel; Spykar, Blackberrys, Fourth Dimension Club,  Hamercop, Almowear, Snitch and The Bear House in Men’s Apparel; Hair Originals in  Accessories category; R for Rabbit and karz & dolls in Baby & Kids segment; Petsy in Petcare; Moto Central in Automotive; Kama Ayurveda, Zlade and Lakme Salon in Beauty & Wellness; Boult Audio and Headphone  Zone in Electronics; Blue Tokai Coffee and Happilo in Food & Beverages and Birkenstock in  Fashion Footwear.

Other brands include Ultrahuman in Health and Chumbak in Home Décor segments, Bad People in Sports, and Bagline in the Travel category. Customers can choose from over 60 D2C brands and more while enjoying exciting offers and discounts available on Simpl. In order to ensure seamless shopping, Simpl provides 1-tap checkout, buyer protection, and pay later facility. Easy repayment options are also available making the shopping experience hassle-free and convenient.

About Simpl

Simpl is a 1-tap checkout platform, making payments invisible and money intelligent. Simpl is on a mission to empower merchants to build trusted relationships with customers, one transaction at a time. With more than 26,000 available merchants and millions of approved users pan-India, Simpl envisions creating a frictionless and inclusive digital payments experience for India that empowers and fosters trust between merchants and their customers. 

Simpl is a consumer experience platform providing a full-stack solution for e-commerce conversion. It enables merchants to give customers 1-tap checkout, buyer protection, and a pay-later facility to feel safe and trusted when shopping online. Through Simpl, merchants can provide consumers with an easy, safe, and intuitive user experience.