AXELOS PeopleCert Partners With Bangalore Based edForce For Upskill And Reskill Working Professionals In IT Service Management

AXELOS PeopleCert, a venture of the UK Government, recently partnered with Bangalore based edForce, a leading workforce skilling provider, to bring their official certifications to Indian Organizations.

This strategic collaboration significantly expands the footprint of Axelos PeopleCert and augments edForce's capabilities to upskill and reskill working professionals in the dynamic field of IT service management.

As an edForce partner, AXELOS PeopleCert gets an access to the various sectors and captive units across the industry viz. IT, BFSI, Retail, Travel, ecommerce, Fashion, Hospitality, Food, Hardware, Automobile, Manufacturing, Mobility, to name a few.

Axelos PeopleCert delivers a wide range of industry-leading global methodologies, including the renowned ITIL® and PRINCE2® frameworks. These methodologies, known for their ability to drive organizational success, innovation, and service excellence, will now be available through edForce's extensive portfolio of training and certification programs.

"We are thrilled to join forces with AXELOS PeopleCert, a powerhouse in the IT service management arena," said Ravi Kaklasaria, Co-Founder and CEO of edForce. "This partnership allows us to provide our clients with world-class training and certification solutions that align with globally recognized best practices. We are excited to empower professionals and organizations to enhance their skills, improve service delivery, and achieve their business goals."

edForce has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner for workforce upskilling and learning, offering a comprehensive suite of training solutions from industry-leading technology providers. With the addition of AXELOS PeopleCert, edForce further expands its diverse ecosystem of partners, which includes AWS, Microsoft, Google, Red Hat, IBM, Scrum, and CompTIA.

This partnership announcement comes at a time when the demand for IT service management expertise is growing rapidly. By combining edForce's industry-leading training delivery capabilities with AXELOS PeopleCert's globally recognized methodologies, this collaboration is poised to meet the evolving needs of professionals and organizations worldwide.

Pantaloons Unveils Its First Store In Mangalore With Noted Actor Arjun Kapikad

* The brand’s Summer Collection takes center stage at the all-new store

Pantaloons, India’s leading fashion brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., announces the grand opening of its store at Fiza by Nexus, Mangalore. Spanning an expansive 13,500 sq. ft., the store was inaugurated by noted Tulu and Kannada actor Mr. Arjun Kapikad. The store marks a milestone in Pantaloons’ ongoing commitment to delivering a new and exciting shopping experience to customers across the country.

The brand’s much-awaited summer collection on display covers a noteworthy set of the latest trends in men’s wear, women’s wear, and kids’ wear. Offering a wide range of options for the young and fashionable, Pantaloons also covers accessories, home décor and lifestyle offerings. With a host of exciting brands catering to formal, casual, festive and occasion wear, Pantaloons truly brings alive its proposition as a playground for fashion.

Pantaloons has firmly established its presence across 195+ cities in the country, emerging as a prominent fashion brand for over two decades. It caters to the varied apparel and non-apparel need of Indian consumers, creating a modern retail environment and making contemporary fashion accessible across the country. 

The store is extending an exciting inaugural offer of a Rs. 500 gift voucher on every bill of Rs. 3000 or more, valid until 30th June 2023. 

Store Address: Pantaloons, first floor, Fiza by Nexus, Mangalore

About Pantaloons:         

Pantaloons is a playground where we enjoy the privilege of serving our customers to enable their fashion journey. We strive to make shopping a playful, joyful & engaging experience for our customers by helping them take steps towards being their fashionable best. With over 25 years of retailing experience, Pantaloons, a division of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. is one of the most loved fashion brands in India with 380+ stores spread across 185 towns and cities in the country. We offer a versatile collection & retail over 100 licensed and international brands, including our exclusive in-house brands. At Pantaloons, we bring you 'of-the-moment' fashion across stylish menswear, statement womenswear, happy kids wear and elegant accents for your home too. We showcase casual fluently, are experts of ethnic wear, boast of a strong workwear ethic and live for all the fun through our party wear. We strive to make the Pantaloons experience exciting, friendly & uplifting. We believe in going that extra mile to make our customers look & feel great and express themselves with confidence and élan.

About Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited

ABFRL is part of a leading Indian conglomerate, The Aditya Birla Group. With revenue of Rs. 12,418 Cr. spanning retail space of 10.8 million sq. ft. (as on March 31, 2023), it is India’s first billion-dollar pure-play fashion powerhouse with an elegant bouquet of leading fashion brands and retail formats.

The Company has a network of 3,977 stores across approximately 33,535 multi-brand outlets with 6,723 point of sales in department stores across India (as on 31st March 2023).

It has a repertoire of India’s largest brands in Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly and Peter England, established over 25 years. Pantaloons is one of India’s leading fashion retailer.

Company’s international Brands portfolio includes - The Collective, Amongst India's largest multi-brand retailers of international brands and has long term exclusive partnerships with select brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Ted Baker, Fred Perry, Forever 21, American Eagle, Reebok and Galeries Lafayette.

The Company’s foray into branded ethnic wear business includes brands such as Jaypore, Tasva & Marigold Lane. The company has strategic partnerships with Designers ‘Shantnu & Nikhil’, ‘Tarun Tahiliani’, ‘Sabyasachi’ and ‘House of Masaba’.

In addition, to cater to the needs of digitally native consumers, ABFRL is building a portfolio of Digital-first brands under its technology led ‘House of D2C Brands’ venture TMRW. TMRW is on a path to building a portfolio of Digital First brands in partnership with founders of emerging brands in the E-Commerce market. With a focus on Fashion & Lifestyle categories, TMRW is building a portfolio of the most loved consumer brands that tap into the significant growth potential in India and globally.   

Consumption Of Summer Products Like Ice Creams & Beverages Same Or Lesser For 79% Consumers:- Axis My India June CSI Survey

·         9,657 people surveyed; 68% are from rural India while 32% are from urban India

·         Household spending increased for 56% (net score +48)

·         Spends on essentials increased for 32% (net score +20)

·         Spends on non-essential products increased for 5% (net score 0)

·         Health-related expenses surged for 32% (net score -21)

·         Consumption of media increased for 24% (net score +4)

·         Mobility increased for 8% (net score +2)

·         31% believe India will not experience an economic recession

·         36% affected by job cuts & lay off to some extent

·         4% purchased summer durable products, 9% still planning to buy

·         21% increased consumption of ice creams and beverages.

·         At an overall level, only 12% aware of AI-related tools

Axis My India, a leading consumer data intelligence company, released its latest findings of the India Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI), a monthly analysis of consumer perception on a wide range of issues. The June report reveals intriguing insights into the changing spending patterns and consumer behavior in India. Notably, overall household spending has remained consistent, with a slight increase in Rural as compared to Urban markets. Furthermore, the survey shed light on consumer preferences for summer durable products like air conditioners (AC) and refrigerators and summer products such as ice creams and beverages, revealing a slightly muted summer. These findings provide valuable insights into the evolving market trends and consumer preferences during the summer season.

The June net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, is at +9, which has remained the same as compared to last month.

The sentiment analysis delves into five relevant sub-indices – Overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits, entertainment & tourism trends.

The survey was carried out via Computer-Aided Telephonic Interviews with a sample size of 9657 people across 33 states and UTs. 68% belonged to rural India, while 32% belonged to urban counterparts. In terms of regional spread, 30% belong to the Northern parts while 27% belong to the Eastern parts of India. Moreover, 30% and 13% belonged to Western and Southern parts of India respectively. 68% of the respondents were male, while 32% were female. In terms of the two majority sample groups, 30% reflect the age group 26YO to 35YO and 31% reflect the age group of 36YO to 50YO.

Commenting on the CSI report, Pradeep Gupta, Chairman & MD, Axis My India, said “Understanding the shifts in consumer spending patterns is crucial in adapting to the evolving market dynamics. Household spends at an overall level has remained consistent, signifying the stability of the Indian economy. Additionally, the slight rise in essential spends for rural consumers underscores the importance of meeting basic needs by the segment and the sustained demand for non-essential and discretionary products highlights the aspirational mindset of the 26-35 age group. The insights from our survey shed light on the cautious approach towards summer season categories, with a significant majority opting to delay their purchase. These shifts in consumer behavior reflect evolving aspirations, changing priorities, and the need for businesses to adapt and cater to their evolving needs."

Key findings

·         Overall household spending has increased for 56% of the families, which is the same as last month. The net score, which was +48 last month remains the same this month. The increase is slightly higher in Urban households.

·         Spends on essentials like personal care & household items has increased for 32% of the families, which is the same as last month. The net score, which was at +21 last month is at +20 this month. Essential spends has increased more for the rural segment of the consumers (34%) as compared to Urban (29%).

·         Spends on non-essential & discretionary products like AC, Car, and Refrigerator have increased for 5% of families, which is the same as last month. The net score, which was at +1 last month, is 0 this month.

·         Expenses towards health-related items such as vitamins, tests, healthy food has surged for 32% of the families. This reflects an increase in consumption by 1% from last month. The health score which has a negative connotation i.e., the lesser the spends on health items the better the sentiments, has a net score value -21 this month. Health related products consumption increased more for rural segment of the consumers (33%) and among those with a monthly income of 31000 and above (about 37%). 

·         Consumption of media (TV, Internet, Radio etc.) has increased for 24% of the families, depicting a significant increase by 3% from last month and highest in the last four months. The overall, net score which was at +2 last month is at +4 this month. Media viewership has increased more among males (25%) and among 18-25 YO which (35%) as compared to older age groups.

·         Mobility has increased for 8% of the families, which is an increase by 1% from last month. The overall mobility net indicator score, which was at +1 last month, is at +2 this month. Mobility is highest amongst the age group of 18-25YO at 12% as compared to other age groups.

On topics of current national interest

·         The survey also threw light on the purchase plans for summer durable products such as air conditioners (AC) and refrigerators during the current summer season.  It revealed that only 4% of the respondents have made a purchase, while 9% have plans to buy. In contrast, a significant majority of 86% expressed no intention to buy these products.

·         The survey further explored consumer affinity towards summer products like ice creams and beverages compared to the previous year. Among the respondents, 21% indicated consuming more of these products this summer as compared to last year. A large sum of these respondents are 18-25YO (33%). A majority of 51% reported consuming the same amount as last year, while 28% mentioned consuming lesser than the previous year.

·         According to the Axis My India Consumer Sentiment Survey, which encompassed a total consumer base of 9,567 individuals, the findings reveal varying opinions regarding the likelihood of India experiencing an economic recession in 2023. Among the respondents, 22% believe that India will witness a significant recession, while 19% anticipate it to some extent. On the other hand, 31% of the respondents expressed confidence that India will not face a recession, rest being unsure.

·         In response to the question regarding whether respondents have been affected by job cuts or layoffs, considering those who answered "Yes" to being involved in a private/corporate job, the survey findings revealed that 17% reported being affected to a great extent, while an additional 19% stated being affected to some extent. Conversely, the majority of respondents, comprising 64%, mentioned that they have not been affected by job cuts or layoffs. These results thus highlight that a substantial portion of respondents have remained unaffected by such circumstances.

·         Furthermore when asked about the frequency of using AI-related tools while working or studying at college, the survey revealed only a negligible percentage of respondents reported daily (1%), occasional (1%), or rare (1%) usage. In contrast, a substantial majority of participants either do not use AI tools at all (9%) or are unaware of their existence (88%). These results indicate a limited adoption and awareness of AI-related tools among the surveyed population, highlighting the need for increased education and exposure in this domain. Digging deep the survey further found that 28% of those who do use AI tools (daily, occasionally, and rarely) believe that it improves the efficiency and productivity of workplaces or educational institutions.

·         When considering the ways in which AI tools influence their work or studies, respondents who reported using AI tools daily, occasionally, or rarely provided the following insights: 6% found AI tools effective in answering queries compared to other sources, 22% appreciated their ability to reduce workload and save time, and 4% acknowledged AI tools' capability to perform simple tasks with minimal interference. However 2% expressed concerns about relying too heavily on AI, and 1% reported a perceived loss of critical thinking and decision-making skills. These responses highlight the varied impacts of AI tools, ranging from improved efficiency and time savings to concerns regarding overdependence and potential effects on cognitive abilities.

·         When asked about their beliefs regarding the potential for AI tools to replace human jobs in the future, respondents (excluding those who answered "Not aware”) respondents revealed a range of perspectives. 26% belief that AI tools do have the potential to replace human jobs. While 25% believe otherwise, a majority of such respondents were male (20%). Interestingly, 50% of respondents, acknowledged that only repetitive or routine tasks, which are susceptible to automation, will likely be replaced by AI tools. A majority of such respondents were male (51%).

·         When asked about the OTT platforms they surveyors have ever subscribed to, they provided a range of options. The top four OTT platforms mentioned include Hotstar (15%), Jio Cinema (12%), Amazon Prime (9%), and Netflix (5%). Other platforms mentioned by respondents include Zee5 (3%), Voot (1%), YouTube Premium (1%) and others (4%).

·         Comparing the responses from the previous question regarding ‘OTT platforms ever subscribed’ to with the ‘currently subscribed platforms’, the survey observed some variations. Among the respondents, the top four currently subscribed OTT platforms are Jio Cinema (14%), Hotstar (10%), Amazon Prime (7%), and Netflix (4%). It is interesting to note that the order of preference has shifted slightly, with Jio Cinema now being the most widely used platform, followed by the others. Some platforms, such as, Zee5 (2%), YouTube Premium (1%), and Voot (1%), have also experienced slight changes in their current preference ranking. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of OTT platform usage and reflect the evolving preferences of the respondents in terms of their current subscriptions.

·         Examining the responses to the question regarding future OTT platform subscriptions, some interesting patterns emerge. The top four platforms that respondents plan to continue using or subscribing to in the future are Amazon Prime (22%), Hotstar (22%), Jio Cinema (21%), and Netflix (12%). It is worth noting that while Amazon Prime and Hotstar maintain their positions, Jio Cinema has caught up with Netflix in terms of future subscription intent. Additionally, some platforms like Zee5 (6%), SonyLiv (2%), and others (13%) have garnered relatively higher interest for future subscriptions compared to their current or ever subscribed rates.

·         Regarding upcoming India vs Australia World Test Championship in June 2023, the survey revealed varying levels of interest among the respondents. 24% expressed their intention to watch the championship on TV, while 19% preferred to watch it on digital/mobile platforms. Additionally, 9% indicated their plan to enjoy the championship both on TV and mobile. Among those who prefer TV, the majority are above 60 years (31%), while the majority of those who prefer digital/mobile belong to the age group of 18-25YO (37%)

·         On rights of LGBTQ+ community, the survey delved into their opinions on granting equal marriage rights to same-sex couples. Among those aware, 57% firmly believed that the LGBTQ+ community should be afforded equal marriage rights as heterosexual couples. A majority of the responded who agreed to this view belonged to the age group of 18-25YO.

·         When asked about their awareness of the same-sex marriage issue fought at the high court, the survey revealed that 25% are aware of the issue while a majority of 75% responded negatively, indicating a lack of awareness regarding the same. Among respondents who indicated awareness of the same-sex marriage issue fought at the high court, the survey sought their opinion on whether the Supreme Court's decision to leave the matter to the parliament is the right choice. Of those respondents, 57% agreed that it is the right choice, indicating their support for the Supreme Court's decision. In contrast, 34% disagreed with the decision, expressing their belief that the Supreme Court should have taken a definitive stance on the issue.

About Axis My India:

Axis My India is India’s foremost consumer data intelligence consultancy, which believes in fuelling data driven decision making. It has revolutionized the field of election polling in the country, with an accuracy rate of ~94% spread across 28 states and 8 union territories and 2 national elections. Axis My India’s research model is a Harvard Business School case study. The company has a presence in over 737 districts and has touched 190 million Indian households. It counts some of India’s largest corporations, state governments as well as Union Government in its clientele and offers a repertoire of research related services, including consumer insights, product validation, market segmentation, on-ground brand activation, personalized media solutions and micro marketing. The company publishes an annual Consumer Trust Index – spread across 45 consumer and product categories, and 1 million respondents.

For more information: https://www.axismyindia.org/

Axis Bank Organized Cleanliness Drive In Bangalore

To mark the World Environment Day ‘23, Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, organized Clean-A-Thon, a cleanliness drive at Puttenahalli Lake and Saul Kere Lake in Bangalore. This initiative is a part of the Bank’s nationwide campaign to clean 25+ beaches and water bodies. Around 100+?volunteers joined the campaign to emphasize the urgency of combating plastic pollution and promoting responsible waste management practices. The occasion was graced with the presence of Chief Guest - Mr. Shivraj, DFRO, Karnataka Forest Department at Puttenhalli Lake while the Chief Guest - Mr. Subramaniam Sankaran, Managing Trustee at Mapsas Trust visited Saul Kere Lake to encourage the volunteers.  

The cleanliness drive witnessed participation from the Bank’s branch employees, local communities, environmental activists / influencers, local authorities and volunteers who collected around 450kg of plastic waste from water bodies. The volunteers also educated?the local people?about the harmful effects of plastic pollution,?and how they can reduce the use of single-use plastics. 

Speaking about the initiative Mr.?Ravi Narayanan, Group Executive – Branch Banking, Retail Liabilities & Product, Axis Bank?said,?“We firmly believe that the responsibility to protect our planet lies with each one of us, and through this initiative,?we aim to instill a sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility amongst fellow citizens. This initiative will?add to several ongoing?global efforts for?a?greener and more sustainable future, re-affirming our commitment to build a safe and healthier?planet that we owe to the?generations which follow us." 

The Bank will be driving this campaign from 4th?to 11th?June 2023 across 20 cities namely Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Patna, Lucknow etc. This initiative is in alignment with the United Nations’ overarching theme for World Environment Day 2023 ‘#BeatPlasticPollution’. 

Axis Bank’s participation in World Environment Day 2023 reflects its broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. The Bank acknowledges the need to raise awareness about the critical environmental challenges caused by plastic pollution and underscore the significance of waste management in preserving our planet. 

About Axis Bank:

Axis Bank is one of the largest private sector banks in India. Axis Bank offers the entire spectrum of services to customer segments covering Large and Mid-Corporates, SME, Agriculture, and Retail Businesses. With its 4,903 domestic branches (including extension counters) and 15,953 ATMs across the country as on 31st March 2023, the network of Axis Bank spreads across 2,741 cities and towns, enabling the Bank to reach out to a large cross-section of customers with an array of products and services. The Axis Group includes Axis Mutual Fund, Axis Securities Ltd., Axis Finance, Axis Trustee, Axis Capital, A.TReDS Ltd., Freecharge, Axis Pension Fund, and Axis Bank Foundation.  

For further information on Axis Bank, refer to the website: https://www.axisbank.com 

Honda’s New Global "SUV ELEVATE" Makes its World Debut in India

Highlights

Bold and Masculine exterior design with striking front face, sharp character lines and unique rear design provide strong road presence. 

India will be the first market to launch the All New Elevate. Aims to be a key export hub for the model in future. 

Developed on the grand concept of ‘Urban Freestyler’, ELEVATE represents Honda’s passion, determination, and collective vision for a world where individuals can dream, work freely, and expand their freedom in life without any boundaries.  

Full range of Active and Passive Safety technologies including Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) of Honda SENSING based on Honda’s long standing ‘Safety for Everyone’ approach that focuses on advancing safety for everyone sharing the road.  

Elevate is the first SUV among 5 new premium SUVs planned to be launched by Honda in India by 2030. 

A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) based on this SUV planned to be launched in India within 3 years in line with Honda’s global vision towards carbon neutrality. 

 

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India unveiled Honda’s latest global SUV – “Honda ELEVATE” at a World Premiere event in India.  Scheduled for launch during festive season this year, India will be the first country to manufacture and sell the All New Elevate globally. While the initial introduction of Elevate is focused on domestic market, India also aims to serve as an important export hub for the new model to other parts of the world, catering to the robust demand for SUVs globally.  

Developed on the grand concept of ‘Urban Freestyler’, Elevate aims to appeal to customers with active lifestyles & a global mindset, and blends cutting-edge aesthetics with functionality to create a visually stunning, incredibly versatile, comfortable, and fun-to-drive SUV that's ready for adventure inside and outside the city limits.  

The Elevate is a mid-size SUV that features a Bold and Masculine exterior design with striking front face, sharp character lines and unique rear design which come together to create a vehicle with strong road presence. The front fascia showcases Honda's signature grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights, while the side profile emphasizes its sporty character, and the rear boasts a distinctive tailgate design and LED taillights.  

All New Elevate has been developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific center located in Thailand to match the needs and aspirations of younger customers who are looking for status, comfort and have an active lifestyle.  The R&D team in India has specifically worked on understanding potential target customers through extensive market surveys which reflect their three main motivations for purchasing SUVs including Stylish Bold Exterior design, Strong Safety package with active and passive safety and Overall Comfort when travelling Long Distances with Interior Roominess & Space.  

Speaking on the global unveil, Mr. Toshio Kuwahara, Head of Regional Unit (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and President and CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “India being the world’s third largest automotive market is extremely important for Honda. As the first country to launch a global model, today’s World Premiere of the all-new Elevate is a stamp of commitment of Honda’s plans and aspirations for the country. The exports from India to several regions across the globe are growing continuously every year. With high level of quality standards to deliver products that exceed expectations of both local and worldwide customers, India has become one of the most important export hubs for Honda. Moving forward to 2050, Honda strives to realize carbon neutrality and zero traffic collision fatalities involving our motorcycles and automobiles. To achieve this target, Honda aims to increase the sales ratio of Battery Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles sales to 100% globally by 2040, including India. For safety, we continue enhancing advanced technologies including the expansion of Honda SENSING around the world and strengthening our safety education to reduce traffic accidents.”  

Mr. Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “With the unveiling of the All New Elevate, we embark on a new journey with Honda's strong product offering in the booming SUV segment in India. Honda enjoys strong leadership and popularity in sedan segments. There has been very high anticipation amongst Honda loyalists and overall market, who have been eagerly waiting for the new model. We are confident that the Elevate will further strengthen the bond with our esteemed customers and soon become our strong third pillar of business besides the City and Amaze. We have a robust product strategy to strengthen our premium play in the market and Elevate is first model among the 5 new SUVs that will be launched by Honda in India by 2030.”  “Aligning with our global vision towards carbon neutrality by focusing on electrified powertrains, we will launch Honda’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) based on this SUV within next 3 years in India,” he added.  

EXTERIOR DESIGN – MASCULINE & CONFIDENT  

The Elevate’s unique front design reflects a majestic stance through its Bold profile combined with slim and sharp headlights showing a masculine and confident expression.  The High Gravity Horizontal Belt Line provides Protected & Secured cabin feel. The side of the model has a clean layout, making it standout and reflects the characteristics of new age SUVs. Together with the dual LED taillights and Two-tone finish diamond cut R17 Alloy Wheels provide a distinct, modern and sporty characteristic to the model.  

INTERIOR DESIGN – PROGRESSIVE AND PROTECTIVE  

The concept of interior design is “Progressive and Protective” which express aspiring mindset, comfort, functionality, and safer cabin. The Interior color, material and finish coordination is a beautiful contrast of luxurious brown and black to give a clutter-free and a comfortable feel despite the strong character of the SUV.  

Top class wheelbase, clubbed with spacious head room, knee room and legroom resulting in overwhelmingly spacious interior cabin. 

The Elevate will offer top class cargo space at 458L.  

Stylish meter with premium feel welcome graphic animation. The All New Elevate uses a 17.78 cm (7-inch) high-definition full color TFT multi-information that displays the meter with premium white light and on a black background showing information such as fuel consumption, trip meter, outside temperature, G-Meter and a clock on a largedisplay screen. It also allows the driver to customize the operations, such as the meter set up, keyless access, lighting set up, door, and Honda SENSING. 

The Elevate comes fitted with a new floating type 26.03 cm (10.25 inch) In-Plane Switching (IPS) High-Definition (HD) resolution LCD touch-screen display audio with Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA) that offers high contrast and visibility. It can be connected with various types of smart phones via wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Weblink, Bluetooth and USB. Making it a comprehensive experience, additional sub-screen functions are also provided for easy access such as ASVM (Assistant Side View Monitor), ARVM (Assistant Rear View Monitor), Clock, Calendar, Compass, Customizable Picture, and shortcuts to commonly used Infotainment settings 

With the 220mm height ground clearance, high nose and hood shape and smooth connection between the hood and B-line, the driver can feel the long hood length providing clearer and better front visibility to be able to see the road surface and objects on the road at ease.  

BODY & PLATFORM  

The Elevate utilise higher tensile steel application ratio to realise a “smooth and connected” structure which is lightweight, offers enhanced collision safety performance, best body balance, better stability, and the best handling. 

Strong torsional and lateral rigidity of rear structure for confident driving dynamics at high speeds. 

New and highly efficient body structure stiffens the C pillars and rear tailgate open area to increase and improve rear rigidity as well as to increase the smoother operation. 

Suspension set-up with reduced Friction for superior handling stability as well as ride comfort 

DYNAMIC CONCEPT  

Aligned with the global direction “Enjoy the Drive”, the all-new Elevate is developed to achieve comfort-balanced target performance adapted to the road environment, characteristics of the region. It has been tested and evaluated on a wide array on terrains to ensure an offering that delivers perfectly on the customers’ expectations. The “Enjoy the Drive” is provided by the core values: ‘Reliable Comfort,’ and ‘Drive as Intended’ contributing to a more active maneuverability and agile operability for a “Fun to Drive” experience everywhere. 

With class leading^ ground clearance of 220mm* and a minimum turning radius of 5.2m*, the ELEVATE can be driven safely and comfortably on a variety of Indian roads. 

POWERTRAIN  

At the heart of the Elevate is the superior 1.5L i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine with VTC which will deliver high fuel efficiency, low emission and spirited driving performance. This advanced engine churns out 89 kW (121PS)* of power and 145 Nm* of maximum torque between 4300* to 6600* RPM. It has been mated to an advanced 6 speed Manual Transmission and 7-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which ensures smooth gear changes and responsive driving experience, while also contributing to high fuel economy. The powertrains have been optimized to deliver a driving experience that is both enjoyable and eco-friendly. 

SAFETY  

The All New Elevate incorporates Honda’s Global standard of Safety offering host of active and passive advanced safety features like 6 Airbags system, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with Agile Handling Assist, Hill Start Assist, Honda Lane Watch™ camera, Light Crash Performance, Pedestrian protection, Multi angle Rear Camera, Emergency Stop Signal, ISOFIX compatible Rear Side Seats with Lower Anchorages & Top Tether, and Immobilizer with anti-theft alarm.  It will come with Honda’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure which enhances self-protection while mitigating damage to other vehicles in the event of a collision.  The Elevate features innovative Advanced Driver Assistance System safety technology – Honda SENSING. This advanced and intelligent Safety Technology of "Honda Sensing” utilizes a high-performance front camera with a wide-angle, far-reaching detection system to scan the road ahead and alert the driver to minimize the risk of accidents and, in some cases, intervene to avoid or lessen the severity of a collision. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lead Car Departure Notification system and Auto High-Beam are the signature features of Honda SENSING.   

Link for the high-res pics for Honda Elevate - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fX4PWLby8uFoCV6Vcv3XrD05msTs2Slg?usp=sharing

Photo Caption; Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd, Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd, Toshio Kuwahara, Head of Regional Unit (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and President and CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Munetsugu Kaneko – Large Project Leader, Honda Elevate, Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co and Yuichi Murata, Director – Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. At the World Premiere of Honda Elevate.

Magicbricks Rolls Out “Know Your Tenant (KYT)” A Tech-Driven Solution To Solve Challenges Faced By Landlords

~ KYT reduces time invested by tenants and landlords by 37%; and has the potential to improve tenant-landlord match by more than 20% ~ 

Magicbricks, the leading real estate platform, rolls out “Know Your Tenant (KYT)” aimed at revolutionizing the home rental process through the power of cutting-edge technology. 

Traditionally, the search for an ideal tenant has been a time-consuming and labor-intensive endeavor, often leading to uncomfortable face-to-face interactions where landlords may decline rental opportunities based on socio-economic preferences. However, with the introduction of the KYT feature, Magicbricks aims to streamline this process, minimizing time wastage and maximizing efficiency through an intuitive and user-friendly interface. 

KYT facilitates seamless conversations between landlords and potential tenants through chat windows integrated within the Magicbricks platform. This feature maintains the privacy of both parties by not sharing contact information unless mutually agreed upon, ensuring a secure and confidential exchange. By enabling relevant and informed discussions, KYT significantly reduces the risk of leasing to unreliable or unsuitable tenants, fostering more successful tenant-landlord matches.  

Commenting on the launch of Know Your Tenant, Rohit Manghnani, Chief Product Officer at Magicbricks, emphasized the significance of this groundbreaking solution in the context of increasing demand and evolving macro trends. He stated, "According to Magicbricks’ latest Rent Update, between January and March 2023, rent demand across India increased 7.3% QoQ and 3.3% YoY and is expected to persist. The introduction of the Know Your Tenant (KYT) feature is aimed at supporting landlords in their decision-making process by taking into account their preferences.”  

Talking about the customer-response, Rohit further elaborated “KYT is now seamlessly integrated into the Magicbricks platform, as a free tool for homeowners who list their properties for rent. KYT has already yielded significant advantages, with landlords and tenants experiencing a remarkable 37% reduction in the time required for the rental process. Moreover, it holds the potential to enhance the matching of suitable tenants with landlords by more than 20%. This is a reflection of our commitment to serve our customers in a more efficient and effective manner and further solidifies Magicbricks' position as an industry leader in real estate innovation.” 

This announcement comes soon after Magicbricks recently launched its AI-powered marketing solution tool, Project Market Scanner (PMS).  

About Magicbricks: India's no 1 property site   

As the largest platform for buyers and sellers of property to connect in a transparent manner, Magicbricks has monthly traffic exceeding 2 crores and an active base of over 15 lakh property listings. Magicbricks has metamorphosed into a full stack service provider for all real estate needs, with 15+ services including home loans, pay rent, movers and packers, legal assistance, property valuation, and expert advice. 

With 15+ years of experience and deep research-based knowledge, Magicbricks also presents a repertoire of insight-driven platforms like MBTV- India’s leading online real estate YouTube channel, and other proprietary tools so that home buyers can access all information related to price trends and forecasts, locality reviews and more. 

“SIDBI Signs MoU With HDFC Bank” Limited For Providing Financial Solutions To MSMEs

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the country’s Principal Financial Institution engaged in the promotion, financing and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HDFC Bank Limited for providing financial solutions to MSMEs. The MoU was executed by Shri V. Satya Venkata Rao, Deputy Managing Director, SIDBI and Shri Akhilesh Kumar Roy, Executive Vice President National Head Sales Excellence and Transformation, HDFC Bank Limited. 

Under the MoU, SIDBI and HDFC Bank Limited would work together to provide complete financial product & services to the customers under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The MoU will facilitate providing complete financial solutions to MSMEs in a seamless manner. 

As regards the arrangement with HDFC Bank Limited, Shri V. Satya Venkata Rao, Deputy Managing Director, SIDBI said, “SIDBI has been supporting MSMEs in achieving greater heights for more than three decades. MSMEs should be provided with the best possible financial services as they play a key role in the development of the nation and driving the economy. This arrangement will enable MSMEs to avail financial products and services of both the banks. Both banks will endeavor to bring more MSMEs in financial ecosystems through the arrangement.” 

About SIDBI: Since its formation in 1990, SIDBI has been impacting the lives of citizens across various strata of the society through its integrated, innovative and inclusive approach. Be it traditional, domestic small entrepreneurs, bottom-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs, to high-end knowledge-based entrepreneurs, SIDBI has directly or indirectly touched the lives of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through various credit and developmental engagements. SIDBI 2.0 carries the vision of inclusive, innovative and impact-oriented engagements.   

To know more, check out: https://www.sidbi.in