Ambuja Cements And ACC’s Remarkable Commitment To Sustainable Construction In The Mumbai Coastal Road Project

* Ambuja Cements and ACC’s contribution to the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) showcases its commitment to environmentally responsible construction practices.  

* The use of Ambuja & ACC Cement in high Grade concretes and in Green concrete- ACC ECOMAXX in the MCRP project have ensured exceptional strength performances & have significantly reduced CO2 emissions. 

* Ambuja Cements and ACC ’s continuous and timely supply of high-performance concrete and Green concrete (ACC ECOMaxX) have played a pivotal role in this prestigious project. 

Ambuja Cements and ACC, the cement and building material companies of the diversified Adani Group, take immense pride in having fulfilled their commitment for providing highly durable Green Concrete for the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP), via Ambuja Cement in high-grade concrete and ACC’s RMX ACC ECOMaxX line of Value-Added concrete products. Ambuja Cements and ACC have played pivotal role in the construction of numerous iconic and critical structures throughout India. 

In a remarkable showcase of commitment to sustainability, Ambuja Cements and ACC have played a pivotal role in the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP). The project, which covers development of a 7.75 kilometre coastal roadway, stretching from Princess Street Flyover to Priyadarshini Park. A remarkable feat that this project is slated to achieve is to construct a tunnel beneath the sea, spanning Girgaum Chowpatty, Malabar Hills, and Priyadarshini Park. This engineering marvel includes a multilevel interchange at Haji Ali, facilitating a seamless connectivity between South and North Mumbai, featuring elevated roads constructed over reclaimed land. 

Ambuja Cements and ACC’s contribution to the MRCP stands out with its high-performance concrete and innovative RMX ACC ECOMaxX concrete, ensuring both performance & durability by reduction in CO2 emissions. This pioneering concrete solution perfectly embodies Ambuja Cements solution for exceptional strength and ACC’s dedication to environmentally responsible construction. Despite operating within the challenging environment of South Mumbai, the companies successfully delivered concrete while upholding the timelines and maintaining the desired performance standards. This achievement was made possible with the help of diligent maintenance of ACC’s Concrete plants, ensuring a continuous supply of high-grade and Green concrete from the ACC’s South Mumbai Plant. 

A total of 29,422.50 cubic meters of concrete, including both high-performance concrete and ACC ECOMAXX, were supplied for the project, which contributed to bringing about a significant reduction in carbon footprint. This substantial contribution played a pivotal role in achieving a remarkable reduction in the project’s carbon footprint. This reduction is underscored by a weighted average of 213 kg CO2/m3, signifying a 61% decrease.   

Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO, Cement Business, said, “The Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) is an extraordinarily prestigious endeavor, and Ambuja Cements and ACC are truly honored to contribute to its success. With our legacy spanning several decades, Ambuja Cements and ACC have played a pivotal role in numerous iconic projects across India. This project marks another significant milestone in Ambuja Cements and ACC's ongoing commitment to nation-building through infrastructure development. It underscores our position as the preferred choice of our customers, offering enduring and sustainable solutions.” 

Ambuja Cements and ACC’s contribution to the Coastal Road project exemplifies its dedication to sustainable and environment-friendly construction practices. The project closely aligns with India’s vision for a sustainable infrastructural development, where the projects of today becoming the stepping stones of tomorrow. The use of high-performance concrete and RMX ACC ECOMaxX not only ensures the durability and longevity of structures, but also significantly reduces their carbon footprint. 

Ambuja Cements and ACC take pride in the significant role it has played in the prestigious Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP), a groundbreaking initiative that will redefine Mumbai's roadway-connectivity. As India's construction landscape evolves, Ambuja Cements and ACC continue to lead the way and remain at the forefront, offering innovative sustainable solutions that uphold the highest standards of quality. 

About Ambuja Cements Limited 

Ambuja Cements Limited, part of the Adani Group, is among India's leading cement companies. Ambuja, with its subsidiary ACC Ltd. has a capacity of 67.5 million tonnes with Seventeen integrated cement manufacturing plants & fourteen cement grinding units across the country. Ambuja has been recognised as India’s Most Trusted Cement Brand by TRA Research in its Brand Trust Report 2023 and among ‘Iconic Brands of India’ by The Economic Times. Ambuja has provided hassle-free, home-building solutions with its unique sustainable development projects and environment-friendly practices since it started operations. The Company has many firsts to its credit – a captive port with four terminals that has facilitated timely, cost-effective, cleaner shipments of bulk cement to its customers. With a world-class R&D centre, the quality of Ambuja’s products and services, as well as its commitment to technological development, make it a preferred brand in building materials.  

About ACC Limited 

ACC Limited, one of India’s leading producers of cement and ready-mix concrete. It is a member of the Adani Group - the largest and fastest-growing portfolio of diversified sustainable businesses. ACC has 17 cement manufacturing sites, 83+ concrete plants and a nationwide network of channel partners to serve its customers.  With a world-class R&D centre, the quality of ACC’s products and services, as well as its commitment to technological development, make it a preferred brand in building materials. Established in 1936, ACC has been recognized amongst India’s Most Trusted Cement Brand by TRA Research in its Brand Trust Report, 2023 and among ‘Iconic Brands of India’ by the Economic Times. ACC is counted among the country’s 'Most Sustainable Companies' and is recognised for its best practices in environment management and corporate citizenship. With sustainability at the core of its strategy, ACC is the first Indian Cement Company to sign the Net Zero Pledge with Science Based Targets.  

Tata Power Clocks 16th Consecutive Quarter Of PAT Growth; Q2 FY24 Net Profit Rises 9% YoY to Rs 1,017 Crore

·        Q2FY24 Consolidated Revenue rises 9% to Rs 15,442 crore (YoY); EBITDA surges 51% to Rs  3,087 crore over (YoY)

·        PAT increases to Rs 1,017 crore; growth of 9 % over (YoY)

·        Reflecting strong business fundamentals, core businesses contribute 84% in Q2 PAT

·        Record EBITDA at Rs  6,092 crore and PAT at Rs  2,158 crore for H1FY24

·        Balance sheet continues to strengthen as Net Debt to Underlying EBITDA improves to 2.65x (2.73x in Q1 FY24); Net Debt to Equity 1.02x (1.09x in Q1FY24)   

·        First Module Out (FMO) from 4.3 GW Cell & Module Greenfield Tamil Nadu manufacturing plant; First Cell Production to roll out in Q4 FY24

·        Moody’s upgrades Tata Power corporate family rating to Ba1; maintains stable outlook

Tata Power today declared its financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2023, registering its 16th consecutive Profit after Tax (PAT) growth. The Company has maintained its strong financial performance on the back of its healthy balance sheet, operational excellence, and synergies across all business clusters.

The Company’s consolidated PAT during Q2 FY24 grew by 9% to Rs  1,017 crore (YoY). Revenue too rose by 9% to Rs  15,442 crore (YoY) largely driven by higher revenue from core businesses of Generation, Transmission & Distribution.

During the quarter, a significant 84 % contribution in the Company’s PAT came from the core businesses, while the contributions from overseas JVs, including coal mining operations, continues to decline.

Q2FY24 EBITDA jumped 51% to Rs 3,087 crore, resulting in an all-time high H1 EBITDA of Rs  6,092 crore.

Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Power, said "We have reported yet another strong quarter of financial performance, driven by robust contribution from all our core business clusters. Our adherence to financial discipline, operational excellence along with business resilience and diversification has helped us in maintaining this consistent profit growth.

We are constantly focusing on new areas of growth such as our Greenfield solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu which has produced its first module in this quarter and is on track to roll out the first cell into Q4FY24. We are continually taking significant strides in enabling green energy transition by supplying Round-the-Clock renewable energy with hybrid solar and wind plants along with Pumped Storage plants.”

With Net Debt to Underlying EBITDA improving to 2.65x (from 2.73x in Q1 FY24) and Net Debt to Equity improving to 1.02x (from 1.09x in Q1 FY24) during the quarter, the Company’s balance sheet continues to strengthen. Acknowledging these strong business fundamentals, Moody’s has upgraded Tata Power’s corporate family rating to Ba1/Stable from Ba2/Stable.

The Company’s clean energy portfolio achieved the milestone of 5,500 MW during Q2 FY24, standing at 38% of total installed generation capacity. Tata Power also made significant progress in its Distribution Business by improving its cash flow and reducing AT&C losses in Odisha. Further, it is well-poised to capitalize on the Pumped Hydro Storage projects and has signed an MoU with the Maharashtra Government for the development of a 2,800 MW projects.

The Company’s Zambia unit (ITPC 120 MW hydro plant) resolved the PPA tariff issue with the Zambian State Utility (ZESCO) and has realised part of the pending receivable dues of USD 102 million from Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation.

The Company also received all the pending sale proceeds of Arutmin Coal Investment, as per the earlier arrangement to divest its stake in 2016

Q2FY24 Business Highlights:

Driving Green Energy transition through Renewables:

Total renewables capacity of TPREL stands at 7,961 MW with an installed capacity of 4,206 MW (Solar: 3,200 MW, Wind: 1,006 MW) and 3,755 MW under various stages of implementation

·         The utility scale order book stands at 3.7 GW worth Rs 15,870 crore with the rooftop solar and group captive order book at Rs 2,872 crore

·         TPREL got 139 MW orders for group captive in Q2FY24 taking the total capacity to 1,445 MW including Tata Steel order of 966 MW hybrid project consisting of 379 MW of solar & 587 MW wind

o   Signed a Power Delivery Agreement (PDA) with Mukand Limited, a Bajaj Group Company, for a 43.75 MW AC Group Captive Solar project

o   Set up 40.625 MW captive solar plant for TP Solar's upcoming 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu

o   Joined hands with Sanyo Special Steel Manufacturing India Pvt. Ltd. (SSMI) to set up a 28.125 MW AC captive solar plant

o   Signed a PDA with Endurance Technologies Limited, a leading auto component manufacturer, for the development of 12.5MW AC Captive Solar Plant

o   Inked a PDA with Chalet Hotels Limited for a 6 MW AC Group Captive Project

o   Signed a PDA for 4.4 MW AC Group Captive Solar Plant with ANAND Group, an automotive industry leader

o   Signed a PDA with Xpro India Limited for setting up 3.125 MW AC Group Captive Solar Plant

·         Tata Power Solar Systems Limited received a turnkey EPC contract from Shahi Exports Private Limited to set up a 30 MW (AC) solar project in Bidar, Karnataka

·         TPREL signed PPAs with Tata Motors for 21MWp on campus solar plants at Pantnagar and Pune facilities

·         The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Board of Directors approved USD 425 million financing for Tata Power’s Greenfield 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu

Powering E-Mobility across India

·         During Q2FY24, energized 561 public EV charging points, taking the total public charging points to 4,900+

·         Energized 180 bus chargers, taking the pan-India number of bus chargers to 460

·         Powered a significant number of 11,529 home EV chargers in Q2 FY24, taking the total count to 62,000

·         Energized Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata through Tata Power EZ Charge

·         Partnered with the Assam Government to set up EV charging infra in the State

·         Entered into partnership with Zoom Cars to boost EV charging ecosystem

·         Launched RFID card with Tata Motors to enable smart charging

·         Partnered with Bridgestone to set-up EV charging stations across its dealerships in India

Transmission & Distribution:

·         Tata Power Mumbai Distribution rolled out innovative demand response programme for BPCL

·         Tata Power Trading Company Ltd (TPTCL) added 300 MW of generator portfolio increasing the aggregate supplier base to 2800 MW & 200 MW solar capacity tied up for sale to customers

·         Tata Power-led four Odisha Discoms replaced 1.9 lakh meters across the State taking the total number of meters replaced to 25 lakh

·         Tata Power discoms’ (including Mumbai, Delhi and Odisha) total installed smart meters reached a milestone of 7.5 lakh

Generation:

·         Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra Government for development of 2,800 MW of Pump Hydro Storage Projects with a proposed investment of approx. Rs 13,000 crore

Awards & Recognition:

·         Tata Power recognised as India's most attractive employer brand in Randstad Employer Brand Research 2023

·         TP Solar manufacturing plant in Bengaluru received the prestigious ‘Unnatha Suraksha Puraskara’ at the National Safety Council (Karnataka Chapter) Safety Awards for the year 2023

·         TPRMG won Platinum award at the 11th CII National Excellence Practice Competition, and Gold Award at 12th CII National 3M Competition

·         Odisha Discoms participated overwhelmingly at Quality Circle Forum of India's Chapter Convention on Quality Concepts (CCQC) – Bhubaneswar chapter and showcased improvement projects. In total, Discoms won 48 Gold category awards and 10 silver category awards.

·         Tata Power was bestowed with the prestigious UNDP Mahatma Award for Biodiversity 2023

About Tata Power:

Tata Power is a leading integrated power company and a part of Tata Group, India’s largest multi-national business conglomerate. The company has a diversified portfolio of 14399 MW, spanning across the entire power value chain - from renewable and conventional energy generation to transmission & distribution, trading, storage solutions and solar cells and module manufacturing. As a pioneer of clean energy transition in India, Tata Power has 5539 MW of clean energy generation, which constitutes 38% of its total capacity. The company has also committed to achieve carbon neutrality before 2045.Tata Power has established India’s most comprehensive clean energy platform, with offerings such as rooftop solar, microgrids, storage solutions, EV charging infrastructure, home automation et al. The company has also attracted global investors to support its growth and vision. Tata Power has successfully partnered with public and private entities in generation, transmission & distribution sectors in India, serving approx. 12.9 customers across the country. To know more about Tata Power, visit www.tatapower.com.

IOL Chemicals And Pharmaceuticals Net Profit Jumps 141% To Rs. 37.8 Crore In Q2 FY24

·         Total income for Q2 FY24 stood at Rs. 552.4 crore against Rs. 570.2 crore QoQ and Rs. 546.5 crore YoY

·         EBITDA for Q2 FY24 at Rs. 71.2 crore as compared to Rs. 79.9 crore QoQ and Rs. 36.7 crore in YoY

·         Net profit for Q2 FY24 at Rs. 37.8 crore as compared to Rs. 46.2 crore in QoQ and Rs. 15.7 crore in YoY

IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical APIs and speciality chemicals, announced its financial results for the second quarter and first half year ended September 30, 2023.

Commenting on the performance, Mr Vikas Gupta, Joint Managing Director said, “With the global economy showing signs of stability, the pharmaceutical and chemical trade are likely to revive in the second half of this fiscal. We, at IOL, are pleased to announce another stellar quarterly performance amid the backdrop of strong growth in pharmaceutical sector. As the Company positions itself for upcoming opportunities through entry into regulated markets and focus on improved efficiencies, we are hopeful of sustained performance, thereby driving value creation for the shareholders and investors, alike.”    

About IOL Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited (IOLCP)

Established in 1986 and listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (Code: IOLCP) and BSE Ltd (Code: 524164), IOL Chemicals and Pharma is one of the leading pharmaceutical (APIs) Companies and a significant player in the specialty chemicals space with world-class facilities. IOLCP has a wide presence across major therapeutic categories like Pain Management, anti-convulsants, anti-diabetes, anti-cholesterol and anti-platelets.

The Company’s product portfolio includes APIs; Ibuprofen, Metformin, Fenofibrate, Clopidogrel, Lamotrigine, Pantoprazole, Paracetamol and specialty chemicals such as Ethyl Acetate, Iso Butyl Benzene, Mono Chloro Acetic Acid and Acetyl Chloride.

The company is the World’s largest producer of Ibuprofen with an installed capacity of 12,000 TPA and having backward integrated manufacturing facility. The Company has DSIR-approved R&D which is fully equipped to validate existing processes.

The Central and State Government approved Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) had been set up with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system along with a 17 MW captive Co-Generation plant for self-reliance. The Company is ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015 and BS OHSAS 18001:2007 certified.

IOLCP's overseas customers are spread out across several countries including the UK, Belgium, Hungry, Spain, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Ireland, USA, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Bangladesh, Turkey, U.A.E., China, Hong Kong, Egypt etc. Products are sold primarily to Branded Generic formulators both in India & Overseas.

"Draw Your Dreams" CHILDREN’S DAY 2023 Celebration At FUND A CHILD IN INDIA (FCI)

CHILDREN’S DAY 2023 was celebrated at FUND A CHILD IN INDIA (FCI) on November 5, 2023 with 550 underprivileged children from slums and NGO run Schools in Bangalore. The kids participated in “DRAW YOUR DREAMS” – Drawing Competition conducted by FCI at BMS College of Engineering, Basavanagudi in Bengaluru. Draw Your Dreams is a platform created by FCI for the school kids coming from underprivileged section of the society to come together onto a single platform and exhibit their talents & skills by drawing their dreams. There were over 550 children studying in 1st to 9th Grades who participated in the competition from Dr.B R Ambedkar Health & Education Foundation and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. In the event, there were over 150 volunteers from NSS-BMSCE, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services; and individuals from various corporates, organizations & University students.  

We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. P Dayanand Pai, the Chairman, BMSCE & Life Trustee, BMSET; Dr. S Muralidhara, Principal, BMSCE; Dr. Suresh Ramaswwamy Reddy, Vice Principal, BMSCE for hosting the event at BMSCE; Dr. Sakey Shamu, the honourable Chief Guest; Better World, the Co-Sponsor; individual sponsors, donors and contributors; and all the NGO coordinators & teachers who accompanied the children.

Hero MotoCorp Makes A Splash At EICMA 2023 With Production Ready EV Vehicles In UK By 2024

In keeping with our vision “Be the Future of Mobility”, Hero MotoCorp is driven by innovation and extensive research. Brand Hero is trusted by its 112 million customers across the world and is now transforming itself as a technology powerhouse that is ready to serve the evolving global customer.

“Through our eco-friendly, sustainable green manufacturing, fuel-efficient ICE products and technologically-advanced electric vehicles, developed at our world-class research and development facilities in India and Germany, we are committed to meeting the current and future mobility needs of customers in diverse geographies around the world.

“With this foray into Europe with our Electric Vehicles, I am confident that Hero MotoCorp will soon emerge as a trusted brand in key markets in the region, just as it has done in other parts of the world. Our philosophy to have a clean, equitable and hospitable planet for future generations is enacted through our products, and services, and I am sure this philosophy resonates with all our stakeholders across the world.”

Dr. Pawan Munjal

Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, on Tuesday announced a slew of strategic initiatives here at the EICMA 2023, including extensive growth plans to expand its footprint in electric mobility, enter new ICE vehicle categories and foray into Europe.  

Delivering on its commitment to provide world-class experiences and products to its customers across the globe, the company unveiled three concept vehicles and three production-ready vehicles at EICMA - the world’s largest two-wheeler expo. It also announced a road-map to enter the European markets such as Spain, France and the UK by mid-2024.

Addressing global media at the company’s stall at EICMA, Niranjan Gupta, CEO, Hero MotoCorp said, “We are excited to showcase our latest products and technologies to our stakeholders here who have come from around the world.  We are collaborating with highly credible partners in the UK, Spain, and France to start commercial operations in each of these markets by mid 2024.

“We will first introduce our electric scooter VIDA V1 in these countries and then expand our offerings with high-capacity premium ICE motorcycles and scooters, which are showcased here. With our expertise in providing high-quality personal mobility solutions at accessible prices, we are confident that our new range of products will be appreciated by customers across geographies. Our aim is to “Innovate and Manufacture in India for the world” and we are changing gears to swiftly move ahead towards this target.”

Product Showcase

The company unveiled two new ICE scooters – the Xoom 125R and the Xoom 160 at the show. Both scooters will enter multiple geographies soon.

It also unveiled the VIDA V1 Pro for Europe and UK markets. The VIDA V1 is the company’s first e-scooter, launched under its emerging mobility brand – VIDA, Powered by Hero.

Building a comprehensive portfolio of high-capacity premium motorcycles, it also unveiled the – Concept 2.5R XTunt– which is a new category for the company.

Aligned with its vision “Be the Future of Mobility”, Hero MotoCorp also unveiled two EV concepts – the Lynx and Acro. Both these products are a completely new take on urban mobility and have been developed at the company’s European R&D hub – the Tech Center Germany, near Munich.

Global Expansion

Showcasing its plans to enter key European markets, Hero MotoCorp also announced that it will enter Europe riding on its electric vehicle brand VIDA.

The VIDA V1 will be the first product to enter in multiple European markets, starting with Spain and France. Simultaneously, the company will also commence operations in the United Kingdom.

Hero MotoCorp will start the commercial operations here towards the middle of the calendar year 2024. In due course, it will also start to bring its premium range of ICE motorcycles and scooters to these countries. 

The company has identified distributors for each of these countries and is in process to finalize the commercial agreements.

United Kingdom – The nearly 40-year-old Motogb will be Hero MotoCorp’s distributor in UK. The company is engaged in the retail & distribution of scooters/motorcycles and associated ancillaries; Spare Parts, Clothing, Accessories & Used bikes. They have an independent dealer network of approximately 150+ dealerships

France – GD France will be Hero MotoCorp’s distributor in France. With more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, GD France is a key player in two- and four-wheel mobility sector in the French market with more than 300 professional dealers. The group has entered the top-10 brands in 2023, amidst a very demanding market scenario

Spain - Noria Motos, subsidiary of Onex group, will be Hero MotoCorp’s distributor in Spain. Onex group has been distributing two-wheeler brands for more than 35 years and are experts in introducing and establishing new brands in the country

Hero MotoCorp’s world-class stall at the EICMA is located at A48, Hall 11 at Fiera Milano. Engaging multiple global stakeholder groups, the company is showcasing its comprehensive product and technology range at the booth. More details at – www.HeroAtEICMA.com 

New Product Details

Xoom 125R

The all-new Xoom 125R, is designed for the free-spirited modern warrior with design attributes inspired from a flight of a Falcon. The design translates into a new 14’’ platform that offers increased stability and aggressive styling with perfect aerodynamics. Advanced LED lighting package with first-in-segment Sequential LED Winkers and Digital Speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity & turn-by-turn navigation make the Xoom 125R the complete package. Powered by a refined 125cc engine, it offers fast acceleration, complimented by class-leading vehicle dynamics.

Xoom 160

Entering a new segment, Hero MotoCorp is expanding the Xoom brand profile with the Xoom 160. The Xoom 160 challenges the boundaries of the rider’s mind to explore the roads less traveled, while offering all practicalities.

The new scooter adds the EXTRA to life - extra space, extra comfort, extra superiority, and extra road presence - that provides the feeling of going anywhere and doing anything. Powered by a 156cc liquid cooled engine with enhanced i3s silent start tech (idle stop and silent start system) and featuring an evocative & agile design with a go-anywhere functionality, the Xoom 160 never fails to stand out.

The all-new Xoom 160 offers 14” large wheels with block pattern wide tires for better stability and comfort, a Smart Key with Keyless Ignition, Remote Seat Opening, Smart Find, and aggressive bold design with dual chamber LED headlamp & LED Tail lamp.

Concept 2.5R XTunt

Introducing the “Concept 2.5R XTunt”, a machine crafted for the new-age thrill-seeker, a rider who craves an adrenaline-infused urban adventure. This motorcycle is the embodiment of precision, agility, and unapologetic style.

Built for the urban jungle, the XTunt boasts an aggressive stance, ready to carve out corners with pinpoint precision. Its lightweight chassis, powerful engine and advanced technology make every ride fun and inspires confidence to do more.

XTunt is a head-turner, with its unique and bold design. It’s a glimpse into the future of riding, a machine designed for the next generation of riders who demand performance, style, and the thrill of urban freestyle.

The high-performance liquid-cooled engine of the XTunt is incorporated in a trellis frame with USD front forks, adjustable mono rear suspension. The vehicle boasts cutting edge features like & active-aero technology and Follow me drone. With the Concept 2.5R XTunt, it is time to unleash a daredevil that is as fearless as its rider!

VIDA V1 Pro

The electric scooter, Hero MotoCorp’s first foray in the electric mobility space was launched in India in October 2022. Now charging up for its Europe and UK entry, the V1 Pro holds the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance traveled by an electric scooter in 24 hours. It covered 1,780 km (1,106.04 mi) in 24 hours, highlighting the VIDA V1’s outstanding engineering & performance.

The highly customizable, Built-to-Last VIDA V1, with convenient two removable batteries and flexible charging options, also comes with a class-leading combination of performance, a no-compromise range and top-speed.

The VIDA V1 also offers features such as Custom Mode (100+ combinations), Cruise Control, Boost Mode, Two-way throttle, Key-less access and an Over-the-air enabled 7” TFT Touch-Screen. The VIDA V1 is based on an intelligent platform that’s modular, scalable & flexible, enabling it to learn and adapt on-the-go. The VIDA V1 evolves with the rider.

VIDA V1 Coupe

An accessory transforms the VIDA V1 into a slick single seater and back to a two-seater as per the rider’s need and style, allowing solo experiences to shine while keeping functionality intact. The Vida V1 Coupe offers a seamless blend of practicality and personal expression.

Concept Lynx (Off Road Electric Motorcycle)

Inspired by Lynx, the medium-sized spotted wild cat known for its agility to climb, the key focus of this product is to have the best ride and handling characteristics with lowest possible weight. The instant torque and quiet operation of the electric motor opens new possibilities in natural as well as residential areas without any intrusion and disturbances.

Design:

The Lynx features a design that mirrors the tenacity of the lynx cat. With a robust and agile frame, it’s ready to tackle the most challenging trails and terrains. The aesthetics give it a distinctive, fierce appearance that commands respect in outdoors. It is designed with a patent pending suspension geometry for better weight distribution. This enables the Lynx to handle rough terrains, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride even in the most demanding conditions. The new type of frame construction allows us to provide best in class front to rear weight distribution resulting in great handling characteristics.

Performance and Technology:

Beneath its rugged exterior, the Lynx packs a high-performance motor, designed to deliver high power and torque right from 0 RPM. Whether you are climbing steep inclines, navigating rocky paths, cutting through sand, or traversing muddy trails, this motorcycle will rise to the challenge. With a mobile app the parameters like regenerative braking and traction control can be customized.

Concept Acro (Kids’ Electric Bike)

The name “Acro” denotes the extremities of a body while appreciating dexterity. Children grow faster than you can blink, and their needs change with every passing year. That’s where Acro comes in, a motorcycle that adapts and evolves alongside the child, providing them with endless fun and adventure for years to come.

Key Features:

3-Point Adjustable Frame: This motorcycle features an innovative feature, adjustable under 2-minutes frame that grows with the child from 3 years to 9 years of age, without needing any tools to adjust. A patent pending adjustable mechanism allows the user to adjust the seat height, the length of bike and handlebar position, to make sure that the ergonomics and ride is uncompromised in each of the 3 sizes of the bike. The batteries used for regular home appliances can be used for easy swap and intra compatibility. No more buying multiple expensive batteries. Charge and use multiple of them simultaneously. Sharing is caring.

App and digital control:

Safety is paramount, and customizable speed settings have been incorporated to ensure a gradual transition as the child gains confidence and skill. Start with a slow and stable pace for beginners and gradually increase the speed to match the child’s ability. The geo fencing feature allows the parents/guardians to control the area of operation. A quick disable button prevents any mishap. The bike’s low-maintenance design means fewer worries for parents. With the silence of an electric motor, the operation is environment friendly and helps maintain the tranquility of the environment without restricting the fun element.

Indians Are Exposed To Nearly 12 Fake Messages Daily: McAfee’s Scam Message Study

* Nearly 82% have clicked or fallen for fake messages

* Global study reveals consumer overwhelm, caused by increasingly believable text, email, and social media scams amid a rising AI-powered scam surge

* The average Indian spends 105 minutes each week reviewing, verifying or deciding whether a message sent through text, email or social media is real or fake

* Amongst the sophisticated trickery, the most common forms people fall for include fake job notifications or offers (64%) and bank alert messages (52%)

IMcAfee Corp., a global leader in online protection, today released its first-ever Global Scam Message Study. The study surveyed more than 7,000 adults in seven countries, including India, to understand how scam messages, and the increased scam sophistication brought about by artificial intelligence (AI), have impacted the lives of consumers worldwide.

AI is a scammer’s favorite tool, helping cybercriminals increase the scale and sophistication of scam messages. The speed of phishing and text message scams is on the rise - a new phishing site is created every 11 seconds. This spotlights the increasing need for solutions that turn the tables on AI scammers; there has never been a more critical time for the country’s 900 million internet users to protect themselves online.

This study reveals that Indians receive nearly 12 fake messages or scams each day via email, text or social media daily. An average Indian consumer spends 1.8 hours a week reviewing, verifying or deciding whether a message sent through text, email, social media is real or fake. 82% of Indians have clicked on or fallen for fake messages. 49% of Indians said that scam messages no longer have typos or errors, making them more believable and harder to identify. Amongst the most common forms of sophisticated trickery, the most Indian consumers fall for fake job notifications or offers (64%) and bank alert messages (52%).

“It’s truly a sign of the times that most Indian consumers would rather subject themselves to the pain and distress of a root canal than be subjected to scam texts and messages throughout the year,” said Roma Majumder, SVP of Product at McAfee. “And it’s not just the speed and volume, but the sophistication. Thanks to AI it can be incredibly difficult to know if that delivery text message or bank alert notification is real or not. So much so that 73% of Indians believe they have a better shot at solving the Rubik’s cube than identifying a scam message.”

“This onslaught of scam messages is a drain on people’s time, energy, and finances. And it’s why we all need AI to beat AI. Unfortunately, seeing is no longer believing and we need to be equipped with advanced AI technology that can stop and block scam messages in real time. I’m proud that McAfee offers solutions to protect people’s privacy, identity and personal information and helps make the online world more enjoyable for everyone,” said Majumder.

The 2023 McAfee Scam Message Study

McAfee’s research revealed four key insights about online scams. It highlights the increased stress people are facing due to the AI driven increase in the number and sophistication of scam messages. Hence, the need for a robust AI-driven defense solution to beat AI scams. The survey results are detailed below.

Today’s scam messages are cleverly camouflaged

60% of Indian respondents think it has become harder to identify scam messages, attributing this trend to hackers using AI to make their scams more believable. Further, 49% of people said that scam messages no longer have typos or errors, and are very believable as a result, and that scam messages are harder to identify because they are often very personal. 

This sophisticated trickery takes five common forms:

“You’ve won a prize!” – 72% 

Fake job notifications or offers – 64%

Bank alert message– 52%

Information about a purchase the recipient didn’t make – 37% 

Netflix (or similar) subscription updates – 35%

Fake missed delivery, or delivery problem, notification – 29%

Amazon security alert, or notification messages regarding account updates – 27%

 People are drowning in a scam message sea

An average Indian spends 105 minutes each week reviewing, verifying or deciding whether a message sent through text, email, social media is real or fake. This amounts to more than two full work weeks each year, spent on scam-spotting. About 90% of Indians surveyed indicate that they receive fake messages or scams via email and text on a daily basis, and 84% say the same about social media. 

With the increased volume and more advanced appearance of scam messages, 82% of Indians have clicked on or fallen for fake messages. The most believed messages are:

“You’ve won a prize!” – 41% 

Fake missed delivery, or delivery problem, notification – 23%

Information about a purchase the recipient didn’t make – 24% 

Sign in and location verification messages – 24%

An AI ally is needed as scam stakes rise and online trust sinks

As the number of AI-powered scams continues to rise, 37% of India survey respondents say their trust in digital communications has decreased. This trend is largely due to a lack of depth of digital defense knowledge. Most Indians say they don’t know if they are doing the right things to protect themselves. People manage this knowledge gap in different ways:

28% of people ignore an email, when they receive an email or text that they think might be a scam

28% block the sender when they receive this type of message

31% report suspected scam messages

 However, people do believe in new, AI-driven tools and resources to fight fraudsters: 88% of Indians say they’d trust a solution or feature that uses AI to detect online scams, and 59% believe we need AI to beat AI.

How to Protect Yourself from Scam Messages

Think before you click. Cybercriminals use phishing emails or fake sites to lure people into clicking links that could lead to malware. If you receive an email asking you to click on a link, even if it’s a great-sounding deal or indicates it’ll provide useful information, it’s best to avoid interacting with the message altogether. Always go direct to the source and interact with reputable companies.

Remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many scams are effective because the scammer creates a false sense of urgency or preys on a heightened emotional state. Pause before you rush to interact with any message that is threatening or urgent, especially if it is from an unknown or unlikely sender.

Use AI to beat AI. From blocking dangerous links that appear on text messages, social media, or web browsers, customers across all platforms can take advantage of the AI-driven technology behind McAfee Scam Protection to engage with text messages, read emails, and browse the web peacefully and securely. 

About McAfee

McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection for consumers. Focused on protecting people, not just devices, McAfee’s consumer solutions adapt to users’ needs in an always online world, empowering them to live securely through integrated, intuitive solutions that protect their families, communities, and businesses with the right security at the right moment. For more information, visit?https://www.mcafee.com. 

Kansai Nerolac Collaborates With “A Hundred Hands” To Highlight The Importance Of Harmony With Tribal Art

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited (KNPL), one of India's leading paint companies, partnered with A Hundred Hands, a not-for-profit organisation to create the “Harmony Mural”’ as part of the 'Festival of Handmade' in Bengaluru. In its 14th edition, The Festival of Handmade is a unique platform to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of artisans and engage socially conscious consumers in the world of handmade goods. The awe-inspiring mural, designed and executed by the talented Sohrai tribe from Jharkhand, was officially unveiled on the 05th of November at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel in Bengaluru, marking a showstopping end to the celebration.  

The 'Harmony Mural' beautifully captures the essence of harmony and coexistence, signifying the peaceful coexistence of humanity with nature and all living beings. It serves as a timely reminder of how everything and everyone can harmoniously coexist in unity, creating a sense of balance and mutual respect. This remarkable piece of art, crafted on canvas, will find its permanent home at the A Hundred Hands' Village Centre, where it will stand as a testament to the synergy between traditional tribal art and contemporary urban expression. 

Kansai Nerolac has long been a dedicated supporter of the rich Indian tribal art, and this collaboration is an extension of their commitment towards bringing the beauty and intricacy of indigenous art forms to a broader, urban audience. The 'Harmony Mural' showcases the seamless transition of tribal artists from painting walls to using canvas, offering them a novel medium and fresh techniques to explore. This transformation enhances their marketability, enabling them to reach a more extensive audience with their exceptional skills. 

Rohit Malkani, Senior Vice President Decorative Sales & Marketing, Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited said, " Our partnership with A Hundred Hands for the Festival of Handmade underlines our commitment promoting and popularising India's diverse tribal art forms; and celebrate communities that have enriched India's cultural heritage for generations.” 

“The 'Harmony Mural' serves as a remarkable testament to the spirit of collaboration and coexistence, and we are thrilled to share this masterpiece with the people of Bengaluru. It is through the creative expression of the artists that inspires us to find similar manifestations in décor of our homes. Our brand has always been associated with an individual expression of one’s home décor with our iconic jingle ‘jab ghar ki raunak badhaani ho, deewaron ko jab sajaana ho . ..’  We believe that this is the perfect platform to bridge the gap between traditional artistic expression and inspiration for curating the same in a consumer’s home. We are honoured that we were able to bring the exceptional skills of the Sohrai tribe to the residents of the city and provide them with some ideas for their own living spaces”, he added. 

The collaboration is part of the Nerolac Art Tales initiative, an ongoing effort by Kansai Nerolac to bring India's traditional art forms into the homes of its consumers. Under Nerolac Art Tales, customers can choose from a wide array of tribal art forms, including Warli, Madhubani, Phad, Gond, Bhil, and Chittara etc to decorate their living space.