Ashok Leyland To House All Future E-MaaS Business Under OHM To Bring Greater Focus. To Invest INR 300 Cr As Equity

Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group, today announced that its Board has approved the acquisition of 100% of Ohm Global Mobility Private Ltd (OHM) from OHM International Mobility Ltd for a nominal consideration of Rs 1 lakh.  As the company is yet to become operational the consideration was nominal.

With this move, OHM becomes a 100% subsidiary of the company.  Ashok Leyland has also announced that it will be investing up to INR 300 Cr as equity into OHM to operationalize the company. In addition, existing E-MaaS contracts will be transferred to OHM subject to necessary approvals.

Any guarantees or comfort letters to be furnished to secure future orders, will be provided by Ashok Leyland, subject to necessary approvals.

Mr Dheeraj G. Hinduja, Executive Chairman, mentioned: “E-Maas is gaining significance in India, and we feel that this is the right time for us to operationalize OHM India. E-Maas will be a strategy adopted by both the Public Sector and Private Sector to enhance EV penetration. The government is looking to strengthen the payment mechanism under E-Maas and there are several initiatives that the Government is pursuing to enhance EV adoption.  Given this backdrop, OHM will acquire significant importance and we are very positive on its prospects.”

Mr Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland stated: “E-MaaS has become an integral and important part of Indian Commercial EV landscape. Today a significant part of the EV Bus market – especially State Transport Undertaking Orders – are routed under the E-MaaS mechanism and we needed to have a separate company for that. Switch India will be supplying the EV Buses and Light Commercial Vehicles to OHM for it to deploy under the E-Maas contracts. OHM will become an important company in the EV portfolio of Ashok Leyland.”

Tata Play Adds It’s Third Made-In-India Satellite To Its Fleet, Bolsters 18 Years Of Partnership With DOS (Department of Space)

* NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) partnered with Tata Play to commission GSAT-24

* The new bandwidth will increase channel carrying capacity, further improving signal reception and picture quality

Tata Play (formerly known as Tata Sky) collaborated with NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) and launched GSAT-24 satellite in June 2022, aligned to the Government’s Make in India vision. Tata Play will commence the use of this satellite, now in its orbital position, starting today. The increased bandwidth will enable Tata Play to provide its users with an even sharper picture and sound quality, and an ability to carry 50% more channels while becoming the largest satellite bandwidth provider among all DTH platforms.

The inauguration ceremony was held at Tata Play’s Broadcast Centre in Chhatarpur, New Delhi. On the occasion, Shri. Apurva Chandra, Secretary Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, expressed his happiness and said, “Congratulations to DoS and Tata Play for successfully commissioning GSAT-24.  This event unlocks one more step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and self-reliance in the field of space and communication.”

Present at the event Shri. S. Somanath, Chairman ISRO, said, "GSAT-24 a 4-tonne class communication satellite built by ISRO for providing DTH services, is fully operational at its maximum satellite capacity, following exhaustive in-orbit testing. This momentous achievement signifies a revolution in India's telecommunications space, driven by cutting-edge indigenous technology. It serves as a tribute to our nation's aerospace prowess and heralds India's successful entry into the Demand Driven Mission segment."

Shri. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director NSIL, added saying, "GSAT-24 has been the first Demand Driven communication satellite mission undertaken by NSIL post space sector reforms. GSAT-24 satellite is ready to usher in a new era of satellite television for India. As a testament to the success of the Make In India initiative, this satellite would support domestic broadcasting services with advanced digital TV transmission capabilities. Congratulations to the teams of NSIL, ISRO and Tata Play who have collaborated on this successful project. "

Commenting on the momentous occasion, Tata Play’s MD & CEO, Harit Nagpal said, "Viewing experience has been Tata Play’s key priority. This collaboration with NSIL will provide our DTH subscribers with an even better video and audio quality and many more channels and services. It also strengthens our commitment to Linear TV in a country where approximately ~140 Mn homes are yet to buy their first TV. We have always delivered all our services on indigenously produced satellites by DOS and this capacity enhancement is a reaffirmation of our commitment to Make in India."

GSAT-24 is a 24-Ku band communication satellite launched by the Government of India only to cater to the requirement of Tata Play’s DTH application needs. NSIL, incorporated in March 2019, is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space (DOS) and is the commercial arm of DOS. The entire satellite capacity on-board GSAT-24 is leased to its committed customer Tata Play.

Heartfulness & ICAR Host “Kannada Agro Youth Summit” To Nurture And Empower Young Agri Scholars

* Over 1000 Agriculture students come together at Kanha Shanti Vanam  

Heartfulness in association with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Govt. of India has organised “Agro Youth Summit – Kannada” at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the Headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad city. This was the fourth Agri Youth Summit this year held by Heartfulness with the current one having a special focus on agri scholars from Karnataka. Yet two other Agro Youth Summits by Heartfulness were held for Hindi speakers in the months of June at Kanha Shanti Vanam. The current summit with focus on Karnataka based agri scholars is being organised between 13-15 August 2023 and inaugurated by Mr. Chetan Gonaik, National Media Coordinator, Indian Youth Congress; andMr. K N Suresh Chandra, Retd Deputy Director, State Department of Horticulture, Govt of Karnataka under the Divine Guidance of Rev. Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness, President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Padma Bhushan Awardee.  

The purpose of the summit is to build network among the students, industry, Government, corporates and other stakeholders, to impart knowledge of traditional agricultural practices with scientific background, share latest developments in agriculture field and give on-the-field experience to all the implementation, research work in horticulture, agriculture, forestry and other related areas happening at Kanha Shanti Vanam.  

Mr. Chetan Gonaik, National Media Coordinator, Indian Youth Congress said, “The Agro Youth Summit by Heartfulness and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is instrumental in empowering the youth of Karnataka. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and there needs a renewed interest in Agriculture among the youth of the country. Agricultural sector has made a great progress with India adopting modern infrastructure and technology. Our youth must make the country the food granary of the world.” 

“It is an exhilarating experience for the scholars as well as the agricultural stakeholders who have joined here to gain the right knowledge under the Divine Guidance of Rev. Daaji who has been spearheading and motivating a whole generation of youth in the country and around the world. Agriculture being the mainstay of this nation needs empowered youth. An experience such as this summit can be crucial in developing their existing knowledge and skills,” said Mr. K N Suresh Chandra, Retd Deputy Director, State Department of Horticulture, Govt of Karnataka. 

Rev. Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness, President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Padma Bhushan Awardee said, “It is our aim to bring Heartfulness at the centre of everything – be it in empowering the youth or the agricultural scenario in our country. We are giving focus on the every state in the respective summit not only to train the scholars on the practical skills and advancements in agriculture, but also bring in them the integrity that is required to be balanced individuals who can endure the life challenges and strengthen their spirit.” 

The summit is significant especially since over 2,00,000 students studying agriculture in India. With an MoU signed between Heartfulness Education Trust and ICAR in August 2022, scholars and academicians can now utilise the shared resources. The students are expected to gain insights into the Heartfulness facility as well at Kanha Shanti Vanam through their tissue culture lab, bio charcoal projects, hydroponics etc. for exploration. The visit at the summit also carries course credits (2 credit courses for 30 hours) and the attendance is therefore counted. The summit also saw Independence Day Celebrations at the Heartfulness Learning Centre. The next agro youth summit will be held in October.  

About Heartfulness: Heartfulness offers a simple set of meditative practices and lifestyle changes, first developed at the turn of the twentieth century and formalized into teaching through Shri Ram Chandra Mission in 1945 in India with a goal to bring peace, happiness and wisdom to one heart at a time. These practices are a modern form of Yoga designed to support contentment, inner calm, and stillness, compassion, courage, and clarity of thought, as the first step towards a purposeful life. They are simple and easily adopted and are appropriate for people from all walks of life, cultures, religious beliefs, and economic situations, who are over the age of fifteen. Ongoing training in Heartfulness practices is going on at thousands of schools and colleges, and over 100,000 professionals are meditating in corporations, non-governmental, and government bodies worldwide. More than 5,000 Heartfulness Centers are supported by many thousands of certified volunteer trainers and millions of practitioners in 160 countries. 

Photo Caption : A group of agriculture students seen sharing a moment with Rev. Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness, President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Padma Bhushan Awardee at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the Heartfulness Headquarters, during the "Kannada Agro Youth Summit" held in association with ICAR.

International Patients' Union Launches “Patients Union App”

* International Patients' Union launches the Patients Union App on the Android & iOS platform which will emerge as a potent tool to bridge the gap between patients, doctors, policy-makers, and healthcare providers. It empowers patients to actively engage in their well-being and be a driver of change in healthcare delivery. 

* The app is freely accessible, emphasizing inclusivity and ensuring that a wide range of patients can benefit from its features. 

* The app provides patients with a platform to voice their opinions, contribute to policy formulation, and exchange insights on managing their medical conditions effectively. 

With the objective of amplifying patient voices on a unified platform, the International Patients' Union, a strategic business unit within Digital Health Associates, launches the “Patients Union App” on the iOS platform. The app offers disease-specific communities where patients can connect with others who are dealing with similar medical conditions, creating a platform for mutual support and the exchange of personal experiences. With 24/7 community access, users can stay connected at their convenience, seeking advice and sharing insights whenever they need them. 

The app also provides access to a reliable repository of authentic medical resources, encompassing information about medical conditions, diseases, drugs, and medical devices. Notably, users can directly connect with prominent healthcare professionals and policy-makers, gaining valuable insights and guidance. The app also keeps users informed about government healthcare schemes designed to enhance healthcare access. Its user-friendly features include a voice-enabled interface for enhanced accessibility, while multilingual support eliminates language barriers and caters to a diverse global audience. Moreover, the app ensures maximum outreach by being available on both Android and iOS devices. 

The Patients Union App is available free to patients and care-givers, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. The Patients Union App embodies the spirit of patient-centricity, embodying the belief that every patient deserves a voice in their healthcare decisions. For more information and to download the app, visit  https://linktr.ee/patientsunion?fbclid=PAAaZ4JOZG4OvQTODuhxAYWSzN5hWxLOI8MD-dDj3mw_Dcnxs0mig-HzfK6u4 

Talking about the launch of Patients Union App, Dr Rajendra Pratap Gupta, founder of Digital Health Associates, said, "We are thrilled to introduce the Patients Union App, a groundbreaking step towards empowering patients in their healthcare journey. By facilitating meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and access to resources, we envision a future where patients actively participate in shaping their healthcare experiences. This platform will become the biggest disrupter in healthcare over the next three years." 

Healthcare is at an inflection point, with the next decade poised to bring transformative shifts. Amid this evolution, it is imperative to ensure that the voice of the most crucial stakeholder – the patients themselves – is heard and considered. The International Patients' Union acknowledges the need for a patient-focused approach, where policies and programs are designed to enhance accessibility, affordability, and acceptability for patients around the world. 

About International Patients’ Union:

The International Patients' Union facilitates the connection of patients from across the country with leading doctors, policy-makers, regulators, industry leaders, and fellow patients. This provides them with a platform to express their opinions, participate in policy development, and exchange insights on managing their medical conditions effectively. Moreover, they can access reliable information about diseases and treatments to enhance their understanding. 

Greenply Industries Launches The Second Leg Of Its "#PlasticFreeTiranga" Campaign On India's 77th Independence Day

As the nation celebrates its 77th Independence Day, Greenply Industries, a pioneering name in the interior infrastructure sector, is proud to unveil the second leg of its #PlasticFreeTiranga campaign as a follow-up to 2022's "#PlasticFreeTiranga" initiative. The National flag, Tiranga, represents the essence of our nation and is a symbol of our shared values. Hence, with the goal of fostering a greener and more environmentally conscious future, Greenply Industries through this campaign, is calling upon citizens to join the movement against plastic pollution. Plastic pollution has emerged as an urgent ecological crisis, and India alone generates a staggering 25,000 tonnes of single use plastic waste daily. This detrimental impact extends from the majestic Himalayas to the vast oceans surrounding our peninsula. 

Commemorating the launch of the digital film, Mr. Sanidhya Mittal, Joint Managing Director, Greenply Industries., said, "At Greenply, sustainability is ingrained in our ethos. As proud citizens of this great nation, we acknowledge our duty to protect the environment for future generations. The cornerstone of our #PlasticFreeTiranga initiative is the thought-provoking digital film that underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable alternatives and discouraging the use of single use plastic. This powerful film, aimed at encouraging Indians to make their surroundings plastic-free, aligns with Greenply Industries' mission to drive positive change through awareness and collective action." 

"Greenply Industries is committed to raising awareness, empowering individuals, and leading the charge to bring transformative change. Our goal with the #PlasticFreeTiranga digital film has been to encourage responsible consumption so that sustainability is not merely a concept but a way of life.", he further added. 

Through compelling visuals and storytelling, the digital film showcases the detrimental effects of plastic on the environment and highlights the importance of adopting sustainable alternatives. By emphasizing the role of each individual in making a difference, the film inspires viewers to become active participants in the movement toward a plastic-free India. 

About Greenply Industries Ltd:  

Greenply Industries Limited (GIL), has 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 authorized 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.  

Honda Cars India Organizes Nationwide “Independence Day Service Camp”

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India announced the start of its nationwide ‘Independence Day Service Camp’ from 16th August till 20th August 2023.   

During this period, Honda Cars valued customers will have the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive offers on car care services and Periodic Maintenance Labour. These offers include discounts on services such as Interior Cleaning, Paint Treatment/Beautification, Headlamp and Windshield Treatment, Underbody Coating, and more, spanning across the entire Honda product range. 

In addition to these service promotions, appealing offers are also available for Brake Pads, Wipers, Tyres, and Batteries. 

Speaking about this initiative, Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India said, "With our customers at the heart of our operations, we are delighted to organise this nationwide service camp, aimed at ensuring a seamless and delightful ownership experience for all. Supported by our extensive network of dealers and skilled professionals, the service camp guarantees exceptional service quality for all our customers." He further elaborated, "These exclusive offers and incentives underscore our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and the sheer joy of owning a Honda Car." 

During the service camp, customers can avail complimentary evaluation of their existing vehicles, coupled with exclusive benefits for those considering a new Honda car. The customers can also experience the innovative ADAS technology of Honda Sensing through the test drive of the Honda City. 

In a gesture of gratitude towards Defense personnel, Police Officials, and Doctors, Honda is extending special offers on all Value-Added Services and Periodic Maintenance Labour, as a token of appreciation for their dedicated service. Moreover, the Independence Day Camp will feature a Daily Lucky Draw, offering participants the chance to win exciting prizes. 

About Honda Cars India Ltd. 

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, was established in December 1995 with a commitment to provide Honda’s passenger car models and technologies, to the Indian customers. HCIL’s corporate office is based in Greater Noida, UP and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located at Tapukara, District. Alwar, Rajasthan.  

Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from their established qualities of durability, reliability, safety, and fuel-efficiency. The company has a strong sales and distribution network spread across the country.  

Besides the new car business, Honda offers one stop solution for buying and selling pre-owned cars through its business function Honda Auto Terrace. The Honda Certified Pre-owned cars come with an assurance of quality and peace of mind that caters to the diverse and burgeoning needs of pre-owned car buyers across the country. 

Admissions Open For “Post-Graduate And Diploma Programmes In Digital Health” In Collaboration With IIM Raipur

* Digital Health Academy announces the second batch of Post-graduate Certificate Programme in Digital Health & Diploma Programme in Digital Health 

* The one-year-long course has been announced in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Raipur, in online mode. 

* The course is meticulously structured and designed to equip participants with a profound comprehension of the digital health landscape, positioning them for unparalleled competitive and professional advancement.  

Digital Health Academy, a prominent Strategic Business Unit under the banner of Digital Health Associates Pvt Ltd, proudly announces the commencement of the second cohort of the Post-Graduate Certificate Programme in Digital Health and Diploma Programme in Digital Health. In a collaborative effort with the esteemed Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Raipur, these programs are poised to equip participants with an in-depth understanding of the Digital Health sphere, propelling them towards unrivalled career growth and excellence. 

The meticulously structured courses, spanning one year (53 weeks), offer a comprehensive self-paced learning experience. The online delivery format ensures participants can immerse themselves in a flexible learning environment that adapts to their individual preferences and schedules. 

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be conferred with the prestigious title of "Executive Alumni," jointly awarded by the revered Indian Institute of Management- Raipur and Digital Health Academy. 

Commenting on the program, Dr. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, the Founder of Digital Health Academy, expressed, "Those without formal training in Digital Health will hit a career block in the next three to five years and so we developed this world-class course. This course emerged from an exhaustive two-year research effort involving eminent global authorities in Digital Health. With insights gathered from more than 60 influential figures across diverse healthcare sectors such as hospitals, pharmaceuticals, research and development, med-tech, information technology, regulatory bodies, and policy-making entities spanning regions like the USA, U.K., E.U., South-East Asia, and Africa, as well as from extensive research conducted in over 127 countries, this course was meticulously tailored to fulfill pertinent requirements. It stands as an exceptional amalgamation of a comprehensive framework, enriching content, and instruction by the foremost Digital Health experts globally." 

Participants will benefit from an array of valuable learning materials, including comprehensive study resources covering vital topics, pre-recorded video lectures by accomplished Digital Health Practitioners, and curated reading materials featuring reputable journals and relevant articles. 

Throughout the course, participants will earn certification by meeting minimum requirements, including achieving a 50 percent score at each level (Basic, Advanced, and Professional), active participation in webinars with a minimum 50 percent attendance, and successful completion of a satisfactory Dissertation. 

Speaking about the course, Prof. (Dr.) Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, Indian Institute of Management said, “Our first batch of this program in collaboration with DHA has resulted in a very meaningful output as well as lovely testimonials. This prompts us to launch the second batch and we look forward to delivering an equally meaningful engagement with a new group.” 

Eligibility and Application Details 

Candidates aspiring to enroll in the Diploma Programme in Digital Health must hold a graduation degree or equivalent and be aged 25 years or above as of July 20, 2023. Professional degree holders are exempt from the age criteria. Proficiency in English is a mandatory requirement. 

For the PG Certificate Programme in Digital Health, applicants should possess a graduation degree or its equivalent, along with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in various healthcare roles. Proficiency in English is also obligatory for admission. 

The selection process is meticulously designed to identify candidates who align with the programme's values and objectives. It involves two stages that evaluate candidates based on their profiles, experiences, and potential contributions. 

Enrollment Deadline 

The early application deadline for submissions is August 25, 2023, while the final application opportunity closes on September 25, 2023. For detailed information and enrollment, visit www.digitalacademy.health 

About Digital Health Academy: 

Digital Health Academy has been established as a world-class institution to create a digitally enabled future-ready workforce for the 21st century, by equipping them with skills needed to handle emerging technologies to deliver healthcare. The faculty and the advisory board of the Digital Health Academy comprise the world's foremost leaders who are passionate about Digital Health and have played a key role in shaping this domain. Digital Health Academy offers courses for physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, counselors, technicians, and frontline healthcare workers and will collaborate with the world's topmost academic institutions to cater to global needs.