Air India’s New Inflight Magazine ‘namaste.ai’ Takes Off

Air India has launched its all-new inflight magazine, namaste.ai, taking another step towards enhancing customer experience along its ongoing transformation journey.

namaste.ai is now available on board all Air India domestic and international flights, starting today. A premium travel and lifestyle magazine, it reflects Air India’s vision of becoming a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.

The inaugural edition of namaste.ai features an inspirational cover story on the legendary JRD Tata as a tribute to the ‘Father of Indian Aviation’ to celebrate his birth anniversary on 29th July. The legacy of JRD Tata’s indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship and pursuit of excellence continues to inspire Air India to reclaim its position in the upper echelons of global aviation.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, said, “The name namaste.ai comes from the Indian greeting. Apart from being a land of diverse geographies, people, and cultures, India is known for its warm hospitality. Through namaste.ai, we will attempt to give our guests a glimpse of all that and more. We want to enhance our guests’ experience of flying with us even more pleasurable.”

namaste.ai presents a selection of exciting content featuring travel destinations to explore near and far, as well as interesting lifestyle content from the worlds of technology, culinary arts, culture, and showbiz. It also features interesting updates from within Air India for guests to know more about the airline and its ongoing transformation initiatives.

About Air India:

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network and also connects with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.

Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others. 

Member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.

It has committed over USD 400MM to completely refit the interiors of all wide-body aircraft and has also planned an investment of over USD 200MM in digital and technology. In January 2023, as part of its transformation efforts, Air India placed the industry’s largest ever order of 470 aircraft across Boeing and Airbus and these will start joining its fleet from later this year. With its enhanced fleet, network and improved on-time performance, the airline is revamping its customer proposition.

Union Bank of India Partners With IBM To Accelerate "Holistic Digital Transformation With Future Ready Capabilities"

Union Bank of India, one of the leading public sector banks in the country, takes a giant leap towards a future-ready and customer-centric approach with its ambitious Digital Transformation initiative. In a strategic move to usher in a new era of banking, the bank has partnered with M/s IBM India Pvt Ltd, a renowned technology system integrator, to co-create a state-of-the-art Digital Business Platform.

This landmark collaboration aims to establish a Digital Bank, equipped with cutting-edge capabilities that focus on omni-channel experiences, data-driven hyper-personalization, and an extensive financial services superstore designed for seamless cross-selling and upselling. The Digital Business Platform will also facilitate full digital journeys, providing customers with unparalleled convenience and efficiency. Furthermore, the bank will embrace Open Banking capabilities, allowing for seamless integration of services across multiple partnerships.

"At Union Bank of India, we are dedicated to empowering our customers with innovative products and unparalleled banking experiences. Our collaboration with IBM India Pvt Ltd represents a significant milestone in our journey towards a comprehensive Digital Transformation," said the Managing Director of Union Bank of India. "We are committed to creating a future-ready banking ecosystem that prioritizes customer satisfaction and convenience."

Photo Caption; Seen in the Photograph from Left to Right are:  Ms. Lula Mohanty, IBM, Managing Partner, Ms. Manimekhalai, MD & CEO, Union Bank of India, Mr. Nidhu Saxena Executive Director & Mr. Ramasubramanian S., Executive Director.

TKM And Government Tool Room & Training Centre Collaborate To Enhance Safety Culture And Skill Development In Karnataka

Toyota Kirloskar Motor(TKM) was identified by Government Tool Room & Training Centre (GTTC) as an Industrial Training Provider (ITP) for developing skilled human resources for the manufacturing units and first-time entrepreneurs, as a result a MOU was signed in January 2021 to impart Industry specific skill development training in GTTC locations.

Starting with four GTTC institutes in 2021-22, TKM has developed eleven GTTC institutes till date, and in FY 23-24, TKM has planned to develop five more institutes to foster auto industry culture and skill development. In the future the company plans to cover all 30 GTTC institutes in Karnataka in a phased manner.

As a part of the training program, TKM will provide an opportunity for the trainees who has enrolled in the three-year training in automobile welding and automobile assembly trades to acquire skills relevant to the manufacturing industry and improve their employment potential through a ‘Learn and Earn’ approach consisting of a mix of theoretical and On-the-Job Development. The students will be trained by Toyota professionals with extensive hands-on experience in the Toyota Production System. The participants on successful completion of the training, will have to take up an exam for certification, which will be conducted by the Automotive Skill Development Council, Delhi with the support of 3rd party assessor. Further, TKM has deployed their trainers in these institutes to develop trainers from the institute to conduct training.

Safety has always been a paramount priority for TKM, and the company has implemented a "safety first" approach in all its processes. As part of the company’s commitment to cultivate a safe mindset among students before they join the industry, safe work training is being provided to GTTC students. To promote safe practices, TKM has extended safety training, wherein trainers were deployed to promote a safe culture with special focus on visualizing the safety aspect in the areas of Industry, Road, and Fire.

Mr. H. Raghvendra, Managing Director, GTTC, said “TKM is taking a proactive initiative towards the development of industry-specific skills, knowledge, and culture in institutes. Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to bridge the gap between academia and the industry, providing crucial support to various industries by producing a highly employable skilled and disciplined workforce. The knowledge imbibed during training, help the students understand their pivotal role in promoting safety and environmental consciousness in their workplace and which will further motivate them to excel in their future professional endeavours.”

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. K. Srinivas, Director of Factories, Boilers, Industrial Safety & Health, Government of Karnataka, expressed, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TKM for their invaluable support in furthering the objectives of the Skill India Mission and promoting a culture of safety among students to work with a safe mindset in the industry. We are fully committed to providing all necessary assistance to enhance the GTTCs to achieve a greater level of excellence. With collective effort and collaboration, we are resolutely working hand in hand to develop the students and meet the industry requirements and inculcate safe industry culture.”

Mr. G. Shankara, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer, TKM & TKAP, stated, “At the core of delivering exceptional quality products and services, lies our unwavering commitment to nurturing world-class individuals. Toyota's unique philosophy revolves around cultivating quality people, who in turn will drive the establishment of robust processes, leading to the creation of ever-better products and services that delight our customers. The collaboration with GTTC and activities initiated mark a significant step in shaping a skilled and safety-conscious workforce that will drive the growth of the Indian Auto industry “ 

Pinnacle Industries Rolls Out “Advanced Seating System For Vande Bharat Express Trains, Elevating Passenger Comfort And Safety”

* The new seating system is tailored to offer a range of luxurious amenities, providing a first-class flight-like experience 

* Introducing innovative 180-degree rotating seats for ultimate comfort and flexibility 

Pinnacle Industries, India’s leading manufacturer of automotive interiors, seating systems & EV components & specialty vehicles, has proudly announced the introduction of advanced seating systems for select Vande Bharat Express trains by Indian Railways. With their unrivaled knowledge and expertise in the commercial automotive seating, interiors, and components industry, Pinnacle’s railway seating division specializes in the designing, engineering, and manufacturing of certified rail seating in India that meets global safety and comfort standards.  

The company also announced that it will showcase its multiple products and technology for railways at the upcoming 15th edition of the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE) from 12 – 14 October 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. IREE is Asia’s largest showcase for the Rail Transportation Sector, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.  

The comprehensive range of new seating systems from Pinnacle Industries includes Economy, Executive, Tip-Up, and Folding Seats, engineered to deliver unparalleled comfort, safety, and seamlessness during train journeys. The Economy Seats have been intelligently designed to cater to different seating capacities, offering single-seater, two-seater, and three-seater options. Passenger convenience remains a priority, with each occupant provided with modular-type charging units, allowing them to stay connected and charged throughout their journey. Moreover, the ergonomically designed seat foam profile ensures proper support and comfort during travel, with careful consideration of pressure mapping to enhance the seating experience.  

The Executive Seats, designed to provide a premium experience, incorporate a range of innovative features for enhanced passenger comfort and flexibility. Notably, passengers can enjoy the luxury of a 180-degree rotating seat, offering the ability to adjust their seating position according to their preference, be it for relaxation, socializing, or work during their journey. The seat rotation can be conveniently locked or unlocked at 90 degrees using a pedal mechanism for added safety and ease of use. To further ensure passenger convenience, a sideways sunken grab handle has been thoughtfully integrated into the seat design. Additionally, a passenger-friendly footrest with 3 adjustable stops offers personalized leg support during travel, enhancing overall comfort. The Executive Seats are equipped with Wago connector components, enabling easy electrical connections for various amenities. Each occupant is also provided with a modular type charging unit, ensuring they can stay connected and powered throughout the journey. 

For added practicality, the side armrests of the Executive Seats are foldable, allowing easy movement between seats. Moreover, the middle armrest features a sunken snack tray, providing passengers with additional functional space. To prioritize optimal lumbar support and comfort, the seat foam profile is ergonomically designed, considering pressure mapping for a more pleasant and relaxing travel experience. Furthermore, the electrical harness of the Executive Seats is enclosed and routed through aluminum sections of the seats, ensuring secure and efficient electrical connections, adding to the overall safety and reliability of the seating system. 

To optimize space efficiency, tip-up seats and folding seats are also integrated which are perfect for areas where flexibility and multi-purpose usage are crucial. Passengers can easily fold them when not in use, creating additional space for passengers or luggage. 

All the seating options are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. Seats are constructed with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), a remarkable material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and cost-effectiveness in maintenance. Notably, these seats fully conform to the European standard for fire-retardant properties, ensuring an elevated level of safety for passengers.  

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Chairman, and Managing Director of Pinnacle Industries, expressed his enthusiasm about this significant development, stating, "We are thrilled to unveil our advanced seating solution for Vande Bharat trains in India. This significant development not only reinforces our unwavering dedication to creating and delivering products that prioritize passenger safety, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, but also highlights our optimism in designing and manufacturing innovative, cost-effective, and durable world-class products for the railway industry and beyond. We recognize the immense growth potential of the railway sector, both in India and globally. As new-age, high-speed trains gain prominence, the demand for safer, more comfortable, and visually appealing seats becomes paramount. With each product we bring to the market, we strive to meet these expectations. We believe that this new seating system will provide an enhanced and enjoyable travel experience for passengers, setting new benchmarks in the industry.” 

He also added, “We are deeply grateful to the Indian Railways & Integral Coach Factory for entrusting Pinnacle Industries, a proud Indian company with the railway seating business, an industry typically dominated by established institutional or international players. This opportunity drives us to work harder and continue delivering exceptional seating solutions that surpass expectations and contribute to the growth and success of the Indian Railways." 

Arihant Mehta, President of Pinnacle Industries said, “We are proud to be at the forefront of transforming India's travel landscape by introducing cutting-edge seating solutions for Vande Bharat trains. With our relentless commitment to innovation, quality, and passenger-centric design, we have collaborated closely with renowned designers and engineers to develop these advanced seating systems. With our decades of expertise and proven track record in delivering exceptional transportation solutions, we are confident that these seating systems will redefine the travel experience for passengers, establishing new industry benchmarks for safety, comfort, and convenience. Our primary goal is to not only meet but exceed the expectations of travelers, ensuring an enjoyable and seamless journey for all. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of technological and design excellence, continuously striving to enhance passenger comfort and elevate industry standards." 

The advanced seating systems from Pinnacle Industries incorporate state-of-the-art safety features, including the cushion foam used for the seats which complies with EN45545-2 HL2 standards and is wrapped with fire-retardant cloth, providing a higher level of fire safety for passengers, ergonomic seat belts. Additionally, the seats are designed to optimize space utilization and offer convenient amenities, such as ample storage, charging ports, and adjustable headrests, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable journey. 

Plywood Business* Revenues Grew By 4% In Q1FY24 On YoY Basis

* MDF Business started commercial operations 

Greenply Industries Limited, India’s leading manufacturer of Plywood and allied products announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Below are the key financial highlights for the same: 

Plywood Business* – Q1 FY24 

Sales volume of 16.3 MSM, grew by 1.6% on a y-o-y basis 

Realisation of Rs 249 per SQM, grew by 2.9% on a y-o-y basis 

Revenue at Rs 412.3 crores, grew by 4.4% on a y-o-y basis 

Adjusted Core EBITDA (excluding non-cash ESOP cost of Rs 1.7 crores) was Rs 35.9 crores; declined by 1.2% on y-o-y basis with a margin of 8.7% 

Profit after tax (PAT) was at Rs 20.9 crores 

MDF Business – Q1 FY24 

Sales volume of 6,062 CBM 

Realisation of Rs 28,546 per CBM 

Revenue at Rs 18.1 crores 

Core EBITDA loss was Rs 7.3 crores 

Net loss was Rs 14.8 crores 

Greenply Middle East Ltd (GMEL); Gabon operations – Q1 FY24 

Sales volume of 9,024 CBM, declined by 31.7% on y-o-y basis 

Revenue at Rs 45.8 crores, declined by 22.1% on y-o-y basis 

Core EBIDTA margin at 6.1% 

Net loss was Rs 4.7 crores 

Consolidated – Q1 FY24  

Revenue at Rs 476.1 crores, grew by 5.0% on y-o-y basis              

Adjusted Core EBITDA (excluding non-cash ESOP cost of Rs 1.8 crores) was Rs 31.6 crores; declined by 28.4% on y-o-y basis with margin of 6.6% 

Profit after tax (PAT) was at Rs 0.8 crore 

Commenting on the performance for Q1FY24, Mr. Manoj Tulsian, JMD & CEO, Greenply Industries Ltd. said, “In the last quarter, we have successfully started commercial operations of our MDF facility. Our product response has been satisfactory across regions and from all consumer types. Initially, we started with the launch of plain products, and we will keep introducing more value-added products, which will improve our financial performance. 

In the plywood business, the volume growth was soft, however, we expect the volumes to rebound in the second half of the financial year. At the same time, our realisations have improved and helped us to offset the raw material price increase”. 

About Greenply: 

Greenply Industries Limited (GIL), having a leadership position in the plywood industry with four state–of–the–art manufacturing facilities spread across the country. The Company provides world-class interior products for the domestic and global markets including Plywood, MDF, Block board, Flush doors, Decorative Veneers and PVC products. The company has a widespread presence in over 1100 cities, towns, and villages across 27 states and 6 union territories, serviced through a well-entrenched distribution network of more than 2,300 dealers and authorised stockists, a retail network exceeding 6,000 and more than 50 physical and virtual branches pan-India.  

Greenply pushed the bar of our innovation to pioneer India’s first-of-its-kind E-Zero plywood range in FY21. The Company added another feather to its cap by publishing its first sustainability report for FY22, the first of its kind in the wood panel industry. Greenply has been conferred with Great Place to Work third year in a row (2020, 2021, 2022) for its contribution to building High-Trust and High-Performance Culture in the organization. 

Renault Launches Renault Experience Days In Indian Market

* The Initiative will take Renault experience closer to customers with a nation-wide coverage of premium ‘Showroom on Wheels’ and ‘Workshop on Wheels’ 

* An unprecedented and first-of-its-kind Initiative to take Renault brand experience closer to customers across India 

* The campaign promises an immersive Renault vehicle sales and services experience right in the neighborhoods at 625 locations across 26 states 

‘* Workshop on Wheels’, will provide seamless and hassle-free car service solutions to customers, further strengthening the existing Renault’s strong service network of over 530 touchpoints 

* Renault Experience Days will also provide on spot test drive, booking and  finance options for all locations to make it one stop solution for the customer 

Renault India Private Limited (RIPL), the Number one European car brand in India, is proud to announce the launch of its trailblazing campaign, "Renault Experience Days." This innovative and immersive initiative promises to redefine the way Indians experience and engage with the brand.  

Renault will be introducing two exceptional initiatives: the "Showroom on Wheels" and the "Workshop on Wheels," as part of this nationwide campaign, spanning at 625 locations spread across  26 states, 3 Union Territories. This historic campaign marks the first-ever introduction of such a global activity in the Indian market and signifies the beginning of a remarkable transformation for Renault in the country. 

The "Renault Experience Days" campaign is a testament to Renault's commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. By bringing the showroom experience directly to the customers' doorsteps through the "Showroom on Wheels" and providing convenient and efficient vehicle servicing with the "Workshop on Wheels," Renault aims to create an unparalleled and delightful experience for Indian consumers. Along with these, Renault Experience Days will also provide the on spot test drive, booking and car finance options in all 625 locations, which will make one stop solution for the customers. 

Mr.Sudhir Malhotra, Vice President Sales Marketing at Renault India Private Limited (RIPL), shared his excitement about the initiative, stating,, "We are thrilled to introduce the 'Renault Experience Days' campaign in India, a country that holds immense importance in Renault's global strategy. This unique initiative underlines our dedication to crafting customer-centric experiences that exceed expectations. With the 'Showroom on Wheels' and 'Workshop on Wheels' initiatives, we aim to break barriers and reach out to customers in every corner of the nation, strengthening our connection with the people of India." 

Renault's exemplary performance in its home country, France, where it currently holds the top position in terms of sales volume, and securing the second spot in Europe, are testaments to the brand's commitment to excellence and constant innovation. The launch of "Renault Experience Days" signifies the next phase in Renault India's growth trajectory, as the company leverages its successful global strategies to make a profound impact in the Indian market. 

The "Showroom on Wheels" will serve as a mobile extension of Renault's showrooms, offering potential customers the opportunity to explore and experience the latest Renault vehicles up close. Expert sales personnel will be present onboard to provide detailed information and assist customers in making informed choices. 

On the other hand, the "Workshop on Wheels" initiative will ensure hassle-free maintenance and servicing of Renault vehicles at the customers' doorstep. Equipped with cutting-edge tools and operated by highly skilled technicians, these workshops will provide unparalleled convenience and efficiency to Renault owners across the nation. 

The Showroom on Wheels will feature interactive displays of Renault's models like the versatile Triber, the Sporty Kiger, and the stylish Kwid, allowing visitors to delve into Renault's latest innovations, safety features, and cutting-edge technology and test drive their favorite models at their convenience. Renault TRIBER is the safest mass segment 7-seater in India and offers outstanding quality, modularity and attractive design with superior value packaging. In addition to all the features of Renault TRIBER offers one of the largest boot space of 625L in its category. It is built with best level safety features and boasts of a 4-Star Safety Rating for Adult occupant safety by Global NCAP. 

Renault India invites everyone to be a part of this transformative journey, as it endeavors to bring unparalleled experiences to the Indian automotive landscape. 

ABOUT RENAULT INDIA  

Renault India Pvt. Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of Renault S.A.S. France. Renault India cars are manufactured in the manufacturing facility located in Oragadam, Chennai, with a capacity of 480,000 units per annum. Renault India also has a widespread presence of close to 500 sales and 530 service touchpoints, which include 250+ Workshop on Wheels locations across the country, with benchmark sales and service quality. 

Manipal Academy of Higher Education Launches Volunteer Services Unit In Jamshedpur Campus

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) takes another step towards fostering social responsibility and community development with the launch of the Volunteer Services Unit in its Jamshedpur Campus. The inauguration ceremony, which took place on July 24, 2023, at Manipal Tata Medical College (MTMC), Jamshedpur, witnessed the participation of esteemed dignitaries and university officials who emphasized the significance of volunteering for holistic student development.

The event's chief guest, Prof Tata L Raghu Ram Tata, a distinguished personality from XLRI, Jamshedpur, emphasized the transformative power of volunteering and urged the students to become socially conscious and responsible individuals. He encouraged them to find happiness and fulfillment in giving back to the community, highlighting the positive impact such acts can have on society.

During the ceremony, the newly appointed student office bearers of VSO-MAHE were formally installed by Dr Dilip G Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE. In his address, he enlightened the audience about the remarkable legacy and contributions of Dr. TMA Pai, the founder of MAHE, towards community welfare. Dr. TMA Pai's vision of instilling a sense of social responsibility among students continues to guide the institution's efforts to this day.

Notable personalities from MAHE, including Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, and Dr. N N Sharma, Pro Vice Chancellor Strategy and Planning, along with Dr. G Pradeep Kumar, Dean of Manipal-Tata Medical College, Jamshedpur, graced the occasion with their presence and shared their insights on the importance of student engagement in community development.

VSO-MAHE provides an inclusive platform for students and faculty to offer their time, skills, and resources for the betterment of the community. Through various volunteering initiatives, students can actively participate in projects and programs addressing social issues, healthcare, education, and sustainable development.

Speaking about the launch, Dr. G Pradeep Kumar, Dean of MTMC, expressed, "We are delighted to inaugurate the Volunteer Services Unit in our Jamshedpur Campus. MAHE has always been committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate empathy and concern for the society they live in. The VSO-MAHE will serve as a bridge between the campus and the community, fostering a sense of responsibility and solidarity among our students." With the establishment of the Volunteer Services Unit at the Jamshedpur Campus, MAHE reiterates its dedication to cultivating socially responsible leaders who will contribute positively to the world around them.

Picture caption: L-R  Dr Rajiva Dwivedi, Director of Academic Administration and Quality, MTMC, Jamshedpur; Dr. N N Sharma, Pro VC (Strategy & Planning), MAHE; Dr. Dilip G Naik, Pro VC of MAHE (Mangalore Campus); Dr. G Pradeep Kumar, Dean, MTMC, Jamshedpur; Dr. Raghuram Tata, Associate Professor, XLRI, Jamshedpur; Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro VC (Health Sciences) MAHE, Manipal; Anup Naha Chief Coordinator-Volunteer Services Organisation (VSO), MAHE; Abhishek Chaturvedi, Joint Coordinator, Volunteer Services Organisation (VSO), MAHE