Thursday, August 24, 2023

Hero MotoCorp Launches New Glamour In A Refreshed Avatar In Indian Market


Riding on the strong legacy of the iconic Glamour brand, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters today introduced the New Glamour. The refreshed avatar of Glamour is the latest addition in the company’s exciting range of technologically-advanced and attractively designed products in the 125cc segment.

The new Glamour impresses with its timeless yet perfectly measured balance of aesthetics, high-practicality and efficiency. It rides on the stylish design which made it a household brand transcending age groups and generations.

A perfect embodiment of technology and style, new Glamour comes with Hero MotoCorp’s revolutionary i3S technology (Idle Stop-Start System). The new Fully Digital console, real time mileage indicator, and mobile charging port add to the tech profile of the motorcycle.

With robust design features, the new Glamour looks even more powerful and expressive. The New chequered stripes live up to classic styling aspirations. Superior ergonomics ensure a high level of comfort, accessibility and long-distance commute.  

Launched in two variants Drum and Disc, the new Glamour is available at Hero MotoCorp showrooms across the country at Rs. 82,348/- (Drum Variant)* & Rs. 86,348/- (Disc Variant)*.

*(Ex-Showroom, Delhi).

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Business Officer, India BU, Hero MotoCorp, said, “With its immense popularity, Glamour has created a large base of loyal fans among the youth of the country who are seeking style, comfort & technology.  At Hero MotoCorp, our intent has always been to provide our customers with distinctive features and technologically advanced products. The introduction of the New Glamour will further strengthen the brand’s presence in the most competitive 125cc segment and help in improving market share. We are confident that the iconic Glamour in its new avatar will add to the growing appeal of our two-wheeler portfolio”.

NEW GLAMOUR

Style

The heavy muscular design and expansive surfaces of the new Glamour radiate an expression of grandeur. The versatile shape, distinctive proportions blend harmoniously with classic design elements. Carrying forward its DNA, the Glamour retains its strong areas of identifications such as front cowl, fuel tank and form of the shroud. The chequered stripes lend even more personality to Glamour’s powerful look.

Comfort

Superior ergonomics through reduced rider (8mm) and pillion seat height (17mm) ensures easier accessibility and upright seating position.  The flatter tank profile and increased rider seat space offers an active and high level of comfort. The ground clearance of 170mm provides a confident riding stance. 

Tech-Enabled

The New Glamour comes with a full digital cluster, real time mileage indicator, low fuel indicator ensuring smooth and hassle-free riding experience. It also has an integrated USB charger that further boosts the convenience to the riders.

Engine

It is powered by an OBD2 & E20 compliant 125cc engine, with a power output of 7.97kW@ 7500 RPM and torque of 10.6 Nm @ 6000 RPM and delivering a mileage of 63Km/l. With Hero MotoCorp’s revolutionary i3S (idle stop - start system), the motorcycle delivers on its brand promise of performance, comfort and mileage.

Color Schemes

The new Glamour comes in three exciting new color options, each of which skillfully showcases the varying character traits of the motorcycle – Candy Blazing Red, Techno Blue-Black and Sports Red-Black.

Godrej Properties Commissioned Report ‘Waste Matters’, A Handbook On Better Management Of Construction Waste For Real Estate In India’


Waste measured across 4,536 data points,141 materials identified across 19 core construction material categories

Concrete and gypsum, are the top two contributors to construction waste

Godrej Properties, India's leading real estate developer, commissioned NGO partner Feedback Foundation to understand the quantum, composition, and distribution of waste generated at every stage of construction. ‘Waste Matters’ highlights the lack of reliable data on waste generation within the sector as one of the biggest challenges that inhibit sustainable construction waste management and underscores the urgent need to set up comprehensive processes to better manage construction waste. Further to publishing key findings, the report handbook provides actionable insights on waste reduction, segregation, traceability, and recycling to effectively set the real estate sector on a path to reach Zero Waste to Landfill and concludes with general recommendations on Waste Management for stakeholders within the ecosystem including developers, contractors, urban local bodies, policymakers, and the government.

The on-ground research was conducted across 12 Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL) and 2 Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. (MLDL) under-construction projects in four cities which included Bengaluru, Gurugram (part of NCR), Mumbai (part of MMR), and Pune.

While conducting preliminary research for the report, it has been found out that 25 million tonnes of construction waste was generated in the past ten years. Based on GPL’s on-site assessment, for every million square feet of residential development, approximately 3,648 tonnes of construction waste is generated. Concrete and gypsum emerged as the top two contributors to construction waste, accounting for 1.672 and 0.411 kilograms/per square feet, followed by metal, sand, cement, sand, stone, and tiles.

Speaking on the key findings of Waste Matters, Anubhav Gupta, CEO Vikhroli, Chief ESG, Sustainability, and CSR Officer, Godrej Properties said “As responsible developers, we believe that waste matters and through this handbook, we call upon the sector to acknowledge the criticality of integrating waste management as a core part of operations and to uphold higher standards of carbon neutrality. Together we can chart a roadmap for zero waste to landfill within the construction sector in India. At Godrej Properties, we are committed to playing our part and we invite you to join us on this important journey”.

The country's exponential urbanization has led to an increase in construction waste generation. The construction industry must take greater responsibility to understand the environmental impact of material selection, construction processes, and waste disposal. Being pioneers in sustainable development, Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) recognized the need for an on-ground construction waste management study for the Indian real estate sector and entrusted us with conducting such a study. It is truly an honour and a testament to our shared commitment to driving positive change. We are confident that this handbook will allow a precise estimate of construction waste in the country and will direct a more informed approach to waste management said, Ajay Sinha, CEO, Feedback Foundation.

GPL’s focus lies in promoting waste segregation, encouraging recycling initiatives, and ensuring responsible disposal practices. Developers can set up systems and processes to manage construction waste at their sites by following four actionable recommendations:

Set up an Aspect-Impact Register for each stage of construction by adopting a risk assessment and management approach.

Institute a Construction Waste Management Plan - listing stage-wise requirements for both internal teams and external partners.

Build awareness and capacities of all teams to harness the collective potential of internal teams and external partners.

Update the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) to include Waste Management mandates to provide a clear contractual framework for all parties.

Cognizant of the pressing concerns surrounding construction waste management in India's rapidly urbanizing landscape, and as a leading advocate for sustainable development, GPL believes that sustainable construction practices are essential in creating environmentally conscious communities that prioritize resource efficiency and contribute to the overall well-being of both people and the planet. The company is actively collaborating with stakeholders, government bodies, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions for construction waste management and promote sustainable practices throughout India.

A Silent Threat To Male Reproductive Health: New Study Raises Concerns About Common Herbicide Clethodim


In a significant new collaborative effort, researchers from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, and Yenepoya Research Center, Mangalore, have unveiled alarming insights into the potential impact of the widely used herbicide clethodim on male reproductive health. The findings, recently published in the esteemed journal "Chemosphere", highlights the risks associated with clethodim-based herbicide exposure on male reproductive function and early embryonic development. The study utilized laboratory mouse model to explore the consequences of clethodim exposure. The results of this study have raised significant concerns about male reproductive health, revealing a spectrum of effects including a reduction in testicular weight, a decrease in germ cell population, lower levels of serum testosterone, abnormalities in sperm, and compromised preimplantation embryo development.

Dr. Guruprasad Kalthur, the principal investigator and expertin fertility and reproductive science at Kasturba Madical College, Manipal, stressed the importance of their discoveries: "Although clethodim has been an approved herbicide for some time, our study unveils previously uncharted repercussions on male reproductive health and the early stages of embryonic development. These findings necessitate further investigation and thoughtful reconsideration of the use of such herbicides to ensure the wellbeing of both humans and our environment." Supporting this standpoint, Dr. Keshava Prasad, Professor and Deputy Director, Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine at Yenepoya Research Center, Mangalore, emphasized the necessity of molecular-level screenings to comprehend the potential effects of herbicides on human and environmental health. Dr. Satish Kumar Adiga, Head, Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology at Kasturba Medical College, further highlighted the worrisome connection between environmental pollutants and compromised sperm function – a pressing concern in recent years.

Herbicides play an essential role in bolstering human prosperity and are integral to our modern way of life. Given the widespread use of mice as vital mammalian models in health research, the outcomes of this study hold significant implications for stakeholders across various fields. The study's co-author, Dr. Nagarajan (Raj) Kannan, a distinguished expert in stem cells and cancer from Mayo Clinic, USA, underlined the urgency of comprehensive testing for this post-emergent herbicide, revisiting its application when possible, and advocating for upgraded standards in the formulation of new agents for similar uses.

Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, extended congratulations to the research team and underscored the pivotal role of such studies in enhancing the reproductive health of forthcoming generations. Dr. Sharath Rao, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, emphasized that this study paves the way for future research aiming to understand the broader repercussions of clethodim exposure across various species, including humans. Lt. Col. Dr. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, highlighted the significance of studies like this in steering well-informed decisions regarding herbicide use in agriculture, landscaping, and other applications, with a strong focus on preserving human health and the environment.

This important research underscores the necessity for heightened awareness and rigorous examination of the implications of clethodim-based herbicides on male reproductive health. The findings warrant reevaluating the use of such herbicides to ensure the health and safety of both humanity and our environment. Through continued research and informed decision-making, we can pave the way for safer agricultural practices and a healthier future for all.

The research was a collaborative endeavor involving experts from various distinguished institutions, including Reyon Dcunha, Sandhya Kumari, Keerthana Sandesh Suvarna, Ananda Hanumappa, Sneha Guruprasad Kalthur, and Satish Kumar Adiga from KMC Manipal, as well as Sadhana Mutalik, Srinivas Mutalik from MCOPS Manipal, Rajanikant GK from NITC Calicut, Mohd Altaf Najar, Anjana Aravind, Shamaprasad Varija Raghu from Yenepoya Research Center, Mangalore, and Sazada Siddiqui, Sulaiman Alrumman, Saad Alamri from King Khalid University, Abha, KSA. Nagarajan Kannan from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA, also contributed significantly to this collaborative effort. 

Zee News Achieves The Feat With Chandrayaan-3 Landing News Reportage, Garnering 3.9 Million Viewership Across Digital Platforms


In a monumental achievement, Zee News, has once again established itself as the indisputable frontrunner in news reportage by attaining a remarkable milestone of record-breaking 3.9 million viewership across all digital endpoints, including Connected TVs and mobile phones across various applications (Source: Chrome Digital Track). This accomplishment underscores Zee News' position as the No.1 news source for historic event coverage and solidifies its unwavering commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and comprehensive news to its viewers.

This is the first time that a news channel has achieved the feat of more than 1 million concurrent viewers on YouTube. Amidst the fervor of the Chandrayaan-3 landing coverage reached, the news channel unprecedented heights, amassing a remarkable 1.8 million viewership and still counting on YouTube alone. The resounding impact of this accomplishment reverberated throughout the digital landscape, in comparison to its peers.  Aaj Tak followed closely with 1 million views, Republic Bharat with 0.4 million views, India TV with 0.2 million views, while TV Bharat Varsh, ABP News, and News18 India collectively amassed 168K views.

Speaking about the extraordinary milestone, Rajnish Ahuja, Editor, Zee News, said, “At Zee News, we continue to deliver news that matters, and our extensive coverage of the Chandrayaan-3 event is a reflection of our commitment to this principle. This exceptional milestone achieved by Zee News is a testament to the unwavering trust and connection Zee News has established with its audience. Our viewers' unwavering faith in us propels us to continually elevate the standards of journalistic excellence.”

Abhay Ojha, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Limited, further expressed his elation, saying, “We are immensely proud of this milestone, which serves as a stepping stone for even greater accomplishments on the horizon. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every team member of Zee News who played a crucial role in helping us achieve this milestone. Our commitment to innovation, inspiration, and pushing the boundaries of creativity remains unwavering. The faith our audience has bestowed upon us is both an honor and a responsibility that we shall continue to uphold."

The captivating coverage of this historic event has truly gripped the nation's attention, affirming Zee News' prowess in engaging and informing the public.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India's leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties.

Suzlon Secures New Order Of 31.5 MW From Integrum Energy Infrastructure Private Limited


To supply 15 wind turbines with a rated capacity of 2.1 MW each

Project to be installed in Maharashtra and Karnataka with a total installed capacity of 31.5 MW

Project to be commissioned by May 2024

Electricity generated from the project to be used for captive consumption

A project of this size can provide electricity to ~20 thousand households and curb ~0.81 lakh tonnes of CO2 emissions per year

Suzlon Group, India’s largest renewable energy solutions provider, today announced a new order win for the development of a 31.5 MW wind power project for Integrum Energy Infrastructure Private Limited. Suzlon will install 15 units of their S120 – 140m wind turbine generators (WTGs) with a Hybrid Lattice Tubular (HLT) tower and a rated capacity of 2.1 MW each in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The project is expected to be commissioned in May 2024. 

Suzlon will execute the project with a scope of supply, installation, and commissioning. Additionally, Suzlon will offer post-commissioning operation and maintenance services.

JP Chalasani, Chief Executive Officer, Suzlon Group said, “We are delighted to announce our second order with Integrum Energy Infrastructure Private Limited. Suzlon takes pride when valued customers like Integrum Energy, one of India’s fast-growing renewable energy Project Management companies trusts us with a repeat order. They have demonstrated their faith in our leading technology and comprehensive capabilities throughout the wind energy value chain. The Power generated from this project will be used for captive consumption, creating deeper penetration of renewable energy in India. Suzlon is committed to building a sustainable India by powering the domestic economy with green energy.”

Every Suzlon turbine ranging over 80%-90% on domestic content and manufactured in the country through a thriving domestic value chain is a testament to our contribution to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Anand Lahoti, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Integrum Energy Infrastructure Private Limited said, “At Integrum Energy Infrastructure Private Limited, we are committed to shaping a sustainable and carbon neutral India. We are delighted to partner with Suzlon, a leading renewable energy solutions provider with reliable technology and a great track record in India.  Suzlon’s ‘Made-in-India’ products which complement our ideology of supporting ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. We look forward to creating many landmark renewable energy projects in the future with a focus on increasing adoption of renewable energy in India.”

Suzlon turbines feature the time tested Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) technology that efficiently integrates wind turbines into the utility network to meet the grid requirements. Suzlon’s R&D efforts are continuously geared towards increasing turbine performance, harnessing more energy from low wind sites, and lowering the cost of energy.

About Integrum Energy Infrastructure Private Limited

Sustainability is at the core of our work, as we harness the good in renewable energy to create sustainable customized solutions for our C&I customers with cost minimization and high RE substitution as the primary drivers.

Our aim is to help corporates reduce emissions, maximize and grow renewable energy consumption in any forms (energy, heat, transport), promote social impact and drive a circular economy. This drives us to find energy and solutions beyond today, help corporates run their businesses in harmony with nature and much more.

About The Suzlon Group

The Suzlon Group is one of the leading renewable energy solutions providers in the world with more than

20 GW* of wind energy capacity installed across 17 countries. Headquartered at Suzlon One Earth in Pune, India; the Group comprises of Suzlon Energy Limited (NSE: SUZLON & BSE: 532667) and its subsidiaries. A vertically integrated organisation, with in-house research and development (R&D) centers in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and India, Suzlon’s world-class manufacturing facilities are spread across 14 locations in India. With over 28 years of operational track record, the Group has a diverse workforce of nearly 6,000 employees. Suzlon is also India’s No. 1 wind energy service company with the largest service portfolio of over 14 GW of wind energy assets. The Group has ~6 GW of installed capacity outside India. The 3 MW Series wind turbine technology platform is the latest addition to its comprehensive product portfolio.

*Global installations of Suzlon manufactured wind turbine generators. Data as on 30th June 2023. 

BMW India To Introduce BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe M Performance Edition. Pre-Bookings Open


* Limited units for pre-booking exclusively through BMW Online Shop

* Impressive character with BMW ‘M’ Performance Parts

* #THE2 #BMW2GC #MPerformance #2Irresistible

BMW India is going to launch the BMW 220i M Performance Edition on 7 September 2023. Bookings for the car, exclusively available in a Black Sapphire metallic paintwork, will open on 24 August 2023 from 12:30 hrs onwards.

The BMW 220i M Performance Edition will be available in limited units and can be exclusively booked at the BMW Online Shop for INR 1,50,000.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé has already established itself in the segment by providing a fresh dose of individuality, performance and athletic appeal. The stylish design stands out with an elongated silhouette and frameless doors.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the BMW 220i M Performance Edition ensures best-in-segment performance and acceleration. The car produces a power output of 176 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1350-4600 rpm and accelerates from 0 -100 km / hr in just 7.1 seconds. The M Performance Front Grill, M Performance Alcantara Gear Selector Lever, along with other BMW ‘M’ Performance parts offer an excellent aesthetic edge which enhances the sporty character of the car in all aspects.

Customers can visit BMW Online Shop where booking can be done through a secure online payment mechanism. Deliveries will be done on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Uber Appoints Arnab Kumar As Director Of Business Development For India And South Asia


Uber, India’s leading ridesharing app, has announced the appointment of Arnab Kumar as Director of Business Development for India and South Asia.

Arnab joins Uber with over 17 years of experience across technology and financial services  sectors. Arnab’s professional journey includes building the India operations for Coinbase and leading India fintech investments and strategic initiatives for Prosus (formerly known as Naspers). Arnab has previously served as Program Director at NITI Aayog where he contributed to the development of emerging technology initiatives including Aarogya Setu, India’s COVID contact tracing app. Arnab has also worked as an investment banker for Deutsche Bank in Singapore and New York. Arnab is an alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology Mesra and Indian School of Business Hyderabad and is a CFA charterholder. 

Commenting on the appointment, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “We are delighted to have Arnab join our leadership team to strengthen Uber’s presence and ensure Uber’s ongoing success in India and South Asia. He has a strong track record of working across financial services and technology sectors. During his work at NITI Aayog he delivered impact and change at scale. Under his leadership, our business development team will continue to be a key accelerant for our partnerships and new growth opportunities.”

“I am excited to join Uber, which has transformed the way people move while creating earning opportunities for millions of people in India and across the region. India and South Asia present tremendous growth potential and I look forward to joining forces with the incredibly talented team at Uber and supporting the company’s growth ambitions in this important region.” said Arnab Kumar, Director, Business Development, Uber India and South Asia

Arnab’s appointment comes as the company completes a decade of operations in India and is focused on growing sustainable mobility options. With a partnership approach to different stakeholders in the value chain like EV fleets, financiers, EV infrastructure providers and government bodies, Uber has been at the forefront of EV transition in India. Earlier this year, in the largest EV commitment yet between an automaker and a ridesharing platform in India, Tata Motors agreed to supply 25,000 EVs to fleets on the Uber platform.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 10 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. Uber is available across 125 cities in India where people can book a ride on our app across two, three and four-wheel products designed for their intra-city and intercity travel needs. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Total Pageviews