Tata Motors Launches All-New Intra V70 Pickup, Intra V20 Gold Pickup And Ace HT+

* Makes small commercial vehicles & pickups more efficient, functional, and productive with reduced ownership costs

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced the launch of the all-new Intra V70, Intra V20 Gold and Ace HT+, in line with its commitment to make first and last mile transportation more efficient. These new vehicles are engineered to carry higher payloads over longer distances with better economics. Offering best in class features, these vehicles can be used for a variety of applications, delivering higher profits and productivity, both in urban and rural India. Tata Motors also launched improved versions of its popular Intra V50 and Ace Diesel vehicles, reengineered to lower fuel consumption with reduced cost of ownership. With these new launches, Tata Motors offers the widest range of small commercial vehicles and pickups, enabling customers to choose the most optimal vehicle for their requirement. Bookings for these vehicles are now open all Tata Motors CV dealerships, across the country.

Launching these vehicles, Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said "In addition to providing optimal solutions for a variety of applications, our small commercial vehicles and pickups are known to provide livelihoods and improve quality of life of our customers. The vehicles we are launching today have been developed basis specific inputs and demand from a large segment of actual users. They are engineered to optimise fuel efficiency and carry higher payloads over longer distances. Fuelled by rapid urbanisation, booming e-commerce, increase in consumption and rise of the hub-and-spoke model, the significance of efficient and effective last and first mile transportation in logistics management can't be emphasised enough. Hence, every vehicle is designed to provide a robust and reliable cargo transport solution along with the assurance of greater commercial benefits to individual customers as well as fleet owners, both proudly servicing the buoyant needs of India’s growing economy.”

In addition to robust and reliable vehicles, Tata Motors customers also enjoy a range of benefits and complete peace of mind with the widest array of value-added services. Support from India’s largest service network, benefits of the new-age telematics system Fleet Edge for efficient fleet management, convenience of annual maintenance contracts, easy availability of spares for highest uptime and a comprehensive Sampoorna Seva 2.0 programme ensures a holistic and hassle-free vehicle ownership experience, reinforcing Tata Motor’s strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

The launch of these new vehicles is being amplified with a purposeful marketing campaign to expand customer outreach, increase top-of-the-mind awareness and brand recall. This impactful campaign leverages digital technologies, including social media and influencer engagement, along with rich presence in conventional marketing and advertising mediums.

Key features – Intra V70

* Highest rated payload: 1700kg 

* Powered by 1.5L diesel engine with 220Nm torque

* Longest load body of 2960mm

Tata Intra V70: Highest payload capacity and best-in-class efficiency

The Intra new-gen pickup redefines the pickup landscape with enhanced drivability, highest payload capacity, large loading area, high ground clearance and powerful drivetrain. It is powered by the trusted 1.5-litre diesel engine, comes with Fleet Edge telematics system and the longest load body of 9.7 feet. Its cabin is designed to offer car-like comfort and fatigue-free driving experience.

Key features – Intra V20 Gold

* Maximum range of over 800km

* Highest rated payload capacity of 1200kg

* Class leading load body length of 2690mm

Tata Intra V20 Gold bi-fuel:  Unparalleled range of over 800km and enhanced payload capability of 1200kg

India's first and only bi-fuel pickup, conceptualized for an anxiety-free commute, leverages the efficiency and profitability of CNG with all-terrain capability and comes with Fleet Edge telematics system for efficient fleet management. With enhanced payload capacity of 1,200kg and three CNG tanks for go-anywhere capability, it is designed to deliver uninterrupted operations and higher profits.

Key features – Ace HT+

* High payload capacity of 900kg

* Reliable 800cc diesel engine with 35bhp power and 85Nm torque

* Longest deck length in segment

Tata Ace HT+: Perfect choice for highest profit potential in its category

India’s most successful commercial vehicle, with over 20 lakh customers, now comes with higher power and efficiency of a turbocharged diesel engine with a longer load body and increased payload capacity of 900kg. Its reliable aggregates offer lower maintenance costs and higher earnings. It represents a twofold advantage – the operating economics of Tata Ace with power and performance similar to pickups.

Additionally, Tata Intra V50 now offers customer friendly technology on emissions, providing low cost of ownership to customers. And the Ace Diesel is meticulously enhanced to seamlessly adapt to a diverse range of duty cycles, ensuring optimal performance and delivering peace of mind to the customers.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 128 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 42 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fueled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2023, Tata Motors’ operations include 88 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, three joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

NPCI Bharat BillPay Onboards SBI Card Under The Credit Card Category

NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. (NBBL), the wholly-owned subsidiary of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) onboards SBI Card, India’s one of the largest pure-play credit card issuer, under credit card category of Bharat BillPay. This development will simplify the way millions of customers manage their credit card bill payments by offering them an unparalleled level of convenience and accessibility. The other major credit card issuers live under this category are Kotak Mahindra Bank, BoB Financial, Federal Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, IndusInd Bank, and Canara Bank.

As one of the largest credit card issuer in the country, SBI Card boasts a staggering customer base of around 1.68 crore. By leveraging Bharat BillPay, SBI Card customers will be able to efficiently manage their credit card bill payments across all Bharat BillPay supported payment channels, be it online through bank or payment apps or via the network of Bharat BillPay enabled physical outlets.

The partnership will allow customers to leverage the comprehensive range of payment modes offered by Bharat BillPay, ensuring hassle-free and secure transactions. Moreover, the settlement system of Bharat BillPay provides an added layer of assurance, ensuring a seamless and reliable payment experience for all users.

Ms. Noopur Chaturvedi, CEO, of NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd. said, "At Bharat BillPay, our dedication remains resolute – we aim to reshape convenience, ensuring bill payments are effortlessly accessible to all. Through strategic partnerships with major players in the credit card ecosystem, we’re setting unprecedented standards for accessibility, convenience, and reliability. SBI Card repayment on Bharat BillPay marks a significant milestone in digital payment solutions, steering us towards a future that is more connected and prosperous for everyone.”

Mr. Abhijit Chakravorty, MD & CEO, SBI Card said, "At SBI Card, we are committed to making life simple for our customers. This integration is one such effort in this direction as we deliver them greater convenience and flexibility, leading to a seamless experience.”

About NPCI

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) was incorporated in 2008 as an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India. NPCI has created a robust payment and settlement infrastructure in the country. It has changed the way payments are made in India through a bouquet of retail payment products such as RuPay card, Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM), BHIM Aadhaar, National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) and Bharat BillPay.

NPCI is focused on bringing innovations in the retail payment systems through the use of technology and is relentlessly working to transform India into a digital economy. It is facilitating secure payments solutions with nationwide accessibility at minimal cost in furtherance of India’s aspiration to be a fully digital society.

For more information, visit: https://www.npci.org.in/

About NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd.

Incorporated in December 2020, NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL), is responsible for driving the RBI-conceptualised Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS). Bharat BillPay is a one-stop ecosystem for payment of all bills providing an interoperable and accessible “Anytime Anywhere” Bill payment service to customers across India with certainty, reliability, and safety of transactions.

For more information on NBBL, visit https://www.bharatbillpay.com/

TECNO Sets The Bar High With SPARK GO 2024 And Its Segment 1st 90hz DOTIin Display With Dynamic Port At INR 6699

·         The smartphone features a segment-first 90Hz DOT-IN Display with Dynamic Port

·         The SPARK GO 2024 will be available at nearby retail stores and Amazon starting December 7th

TECNO, the global smartphone brand revolutionizes the sub-7K smartphone segment by launching SPARK GO 2024 - ‘Bharat ka Apna SPARK’, priced aggressively starting at INR6,699.

Since the SPARK GO series burst onto the scene in 2020, it's been a total game-changer, setting trends and shaking up the tech scene with its innovative features, all while keeping the price tag within reach of majority of Indians. And guess what? The SPARK GO 2024 is here to take things up a notch!

Designed to match the vibes of Aspirational Bharat, the SPARK GO 2024 doesn't just tick the boxes; it brings in a whole bunch of segment-first features for an epic experience that covers everything from work to entertainment. Plus, it won't break the bank, with the 3GB RAM+64GB ROM variant coming in at just INR 6699!

Commenting on the new entrant of the SPARK series, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India said, “The debut of the revolutionary SPARK GO 2024 represents a pivotal stride in our overarching mission to promote adoption of technology throughout the nation. This innovative smartphone stands as a beacon in redefining accessibility, simultaneously introducing unprecedented features to a more extensive demographic. Our unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide underscores our dedication to ensuring advanced technology is within reach for everyone. The SPARK GO 2024 serves as a testament to our relentless pursuit of empowering every Indian, providing them with a device that seamlessly integrates premium features into their daily lives.”

The SPARK GO 2024 is set to go live on nearby retail outlets and Amazon starting 7th December 2023.

Key USPs of TECNO SPARK GO 2024:

·         Smooth Moves with 90Hz DOT-IN Display and Dynamic Port

Get ready for a visual feast on the 6.56” Dot-In display with Panda screen protection – durable and immersive, just what the users need. The segment-first 90Hz display takes the scrolling experience to the next level, making everything smoother. And the Dynamic Port feature? It adds a fun twist to notifications, making the phone feel like it's in on the action.

·         Fingerprint Magic on the Side

Who needs a fingerprint sensor on the back when you can have it on the side for a more premium experience? The SPARK GO 2024 rocks an anti-oil side fingerprint sensor – which is fast, reliable, and secure. Say goodbye to awkward unlocking moments and hello to a smoother, premium interface.

·         Party in Your Pocket with DTS Dual Stereo Speakers

Turn up the volume with the SPARK GO 2024! The segment 1st DTS Dual Stereo Speakers are no joke – 400% louder sound* means the videos, calls, and all entertainment sessions just got an epic upgrade. Users can immerse themselves in clearer and louder audio, whether it is while binging on content, hopping on video calls, or just vibing to their favorite tunes.

·         More Storage for the Ultimate Mobile Experience

Why settle for ordinary when you can have a phone tailored to your needs? SPARK GO 2024 ensures super-smooth app switching and lightning-fast responses, all while making sure users have plenty of space for all their awesome stuff with 3 memory variants- 3GB+64GB, 8GB+64GB, and 8GB+128GB. Users can immerse themselves in the ultimate mobile experience – more storage means more memories to capture, store, and share! While the introductory price for the 3GB+64GB variant has been set at INR6699, the prices for the 8GB+64GB and 8GB+128GB configurations will be revealed at a later date.

About TECNO

TECNO is an innovative technology brand with operations in 70-plus countries and regions across five continents. Since its launch, TECNO has been revolutionizing the digital experience in emerging global markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies. Today, TECNO has developed into a recognized leader in its target markets, delivering state-of-the-art innovation through a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, HiOS operating systems, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and newest technologies for forward-looking individuals. By creating stylish, intelligent products, TECNO inspires consumers worldwide to never stop pursuing their best selves and best futures.

For more information,  visit TECNO’s official site: https://www.tecno-mobile.in/  

Takeda Announces Partnership With BIRAC In India To Foster Healthcare Innovation

·         The local-to-global initiative will support healthcare innovation and technological advancement for comprehensive solutions catering to healthcare needs

·         Besides supporting healthcare startups, the partnership will also contribute

to India’s aspiration of emerging as a US$300 billion Bio-economy by 2030

Takeda today announced the signing of a three-year MoU with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) (https://birac.nic.in/), a public sector enterprise set up by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The MoU was announced in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Minister of State for the Prime Minister Office, Government of India, and senior government and industry leaders. The partnership will allow Takeda to extend advisory and mentoring support to innovators and entrepreneurs while assisting them from ideation to market deployment of new-age healthcare solutions. The collaboration resonates with BIRAC’s vision to stimulate, foster and enhance the strategic research and innovation capabilities of the Indian biotech industry for creation of affordable products addressing the needs of the largest section of society. 

Speaking of the collaboration, Sanjay Patel, Global Head of Data Digital and Technology Innovation Capability Solutions, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG, said, “India is one of the most vibrant and promising healthcare markets. The country’s healthcare segment offers an incredible opportunity both for innovation and growth. The entrepreneurial spirit of domestic healthcare startups has the power to drive healthcare advancements not only in India but globally. This partnership between Takeda and BIRAC, thus, moves beyond convention, signifying a promise to further healthcare in a manner that sets the stage for lasting improvements in the years to come”.

Serina Fischer, General Manager, Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd said, “At Takeda, we are committed to meeting the unmet needs of patients by discovering and delivering life-transforming treatments and innovative solutions. Our vision and mission align with the Indian Government’s aspiration for local solutions to global healthcare challenges. This partnership serves as a practical blueprint, highlighting how public and private players can join forces to propel substantial and enduring advances in healthcare.”

Ruchi Sogarwal, Head of Corporate Affairs, Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt Ltd, added, “Collaborations between the government, academia and industry contribute immensely to accelerating innovation and building disruptive healthcare technology solutions for addressing unmet patient needs. Our partnership with BIRAC will allow us to foster innovations, nurturing capabilities and enhancing global competitiveness translating bioscience into bioeconomy.”

The partnership was announced at the Global Bio-India (GBI) 2023 (https://www.globalbioindia.org/) event organized by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India and its Public Sector Undertaking, BIRAC. GBI is a mega international congregation of biotechnology stakeholders, including international bodies, regulatory bodies, Central and State Ministries, SMEs, large industries, bioclusters, research institutes, investors, and the startup ecosystem.

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.

Bank of India Increases Fixed Deposit Rates For Various Tenor

Bank of India, one of the leading public sector banks in India, has increased rates of its fixed deposits for its customers & general public (for Rs 2 Crs & above to less than Rs.10 Crs) in maturity of “46 days to up to 1 Year” with effect from 1st Dec, 2023.

Bank has increased its fixed deposit rates for shorter period i.e. “46 days to 90 days” tenure to 5.25%, for “91 days to 179 days” tenure to 6.00%, for “180 days to 210 days” tenure to 6.25%, for “211 days to less than 1 Year” tenure to 6.50% and for “1 Year” tenure to 7.25% p.a. The present rate of interest offered by the Bank is competitive, offering a very attractive return for investment from HNIs, Small & Mid Corporates, NRIs & Professionally Self Employed etc.  

With effect from 1st Nov, 23, bank had already increased rate of all deposits for amount of “Less than Rs.2 Crs” for 2 Year tenure. Here, Bank is offering its highest rate of interest up to 7.90% for super senior citizen, 7.75% for senior citizen and 7.25% for others for 2 Year Term. The revised interest rates are applicable for domestic, NRO and NRE Rupee Term deposits.

Amrutanjan Comfy Rolls Out Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Initiative Across More Towns

~ The brand will reach out to 2.5 lakh girl students in 360 towns in the next phase of its Project Disha initiative.

~ In its earlier phases, Project Disha has already impacted 4.5 lakh girls residing in towns with populations of less than 10,000 people.

The company, which has already raised awareness among 4.5 lakh young girls across 1,450 towns in India about menstrual hygiene, is now rolling out the initiative in 360 towns across Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh to reach out to another 2.5 lakh girl students across four states in India to raise awareness as part of the next phase of its Project Disha initiative. Comfy Snug Fit, a fast-growing menstrual hygiene brand from the house of Amrutanjan Health Care.

At the end of the third phase, Project Disha would have directly impacted 7 lakh girls in over 1,800 towns across India. As part of the drive, the company also distributed their Sanitary Pads – Comfy, which offers 80% better absorption than cloth and are priced reasonably. Now in its third year, Project Disha has been implemented in 10 states, covering 900 towns, 400 schools, and 100 Anganwadi centers. The project extends its reach to homes and high-footfall areas.

Project Disha is part of Amrutanjan Comfy’s commitment to increase awareness about menstrual hygiene and educate women about the benefits of using sanitary pads over cloth usage. The company recognises the pivotal role that proper hygiene plays in women's health and well-being, and it wants to empower them by dismantling the barriers that hinder their access to essential menstrual hygiene products.

Mr. S. Sambhu Prasad, Chairman & Managing Director, Amrutanjan Health Care Limited, said, “Elevating women's hygiene transcends societal duty; it stands as a fundamental necessity. Fostering a robust and healthier society hinges on guaranteeing that the women in our communities not only have access to top-tier and affordable hygiene products but also receive comprehensive education on the subject. We acknowledge that the prosperity of our nation is intricately linked to the well-being of its women. Thus, our unwavering commitment is geared towards actively contributing to the realization of this imperative goal."

Menstrual health awareness and education remain limited in many parts of India, with 50% of women aged between 15-24 years still using cloth for menstrual hygiene due to affordability and accessibility challenges. Raising awareness about women's hygiene in rural areas is of paramount importance, as it directly impacts multiple facets of life. Access to hygiene resources and knowledge not only safeguards their health but also empowers them, enhancing their self-esteem and dignity. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in education, as girls with the knowledge and resources for good hygiene are more likely to attend school regularly with fewer hygiene-related interruptions. In addition to the personal and educational benefits, improved women's hygiene can have economic implications, such as reduced healthcare expenses and enabling them to actively participate in income-generating activities.

Amrutanjan Healthcare has also worked with the Samvedana Development Society to create menstrual hygiene awareness and promote sanitary pad usage in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district during FY22. Through education, access to high-quality products, and awareness-building, Amrutanjan hopes to transform communities, empower women, and create a healthy future for all women.

About Amrutanjan Healthcare Limited:

Amrutanjan Healthcare Limited is a 130-year-old company with a rich legacy and is best known for its iconic brand, Amrutanjan Pain Balms. A purpose-driven and innovative company, Amrutanjan Healthcare offers a versatile product portfolio. Its flagship brand, Amrutanjan, is a pain management expert that provides high-quality solutions using pure and natural ingredients. Recently recognised as the Best Healthcare Brand by The Economic Times, Amrutanjan’s expertise lies in combining science and naturalness, rooted in Ayurveda. Amrutanjan Healthcare believes in ethical business practices and strictly stands against the use of chemicals such as diclofenac, which have harmful side effects and damage the environment as a whole. Apart from pain management products, Amrutanjan Healthcare offers products in other categories, including women’s hygiene brand Comfy Snug Fit, beverage brands Electro+ and Fruitnik, and in cold and congestion category through the Amrutanjan Relief range. As a company that is employee-centric, it endeavours to provide a culture that accepts new ideas, embraces change, and encourages innovation. The company’s commitment to supporting inclusive growth is uncompromising, which is proven through the social services it has undertaken for generations by the company. The company is actively engaged in the fields of education for the underprivileged sector, preventive health, environment protection, animal welfare, and women empowerment.

For more information about Amrutanjan Healthcare and its products, please visit the 'World of Amrutanjan' e-commerce website at www.worldofamrutanjan.com.

IN-SPACe Announces Seed Fund Scheme For Start-Ups In Urban Development And Disaster Management Sector

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), the nodal agency in Department of Space (DoS) responsible to promote, enable, authorize and supervise space activities of the Non-Government Entities (NGEs), has announced the Seed Fund Scheme for start-ups operating in the areas of Urban Development and Disaster Management by using space technology.

The scheme, launched in collaboration with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO will provide opportunities for NGEs that leverage space technology for societal benefits to graduate to the next level. The last date of application for the Seed Fund Scheme is 20th December 2023.

As part of the scheme, selected start-ups will receive seed funding for transforming an original idea into a prototype using space technology, ISRO facility support including Earth Observation (EO) data for validation of the concept, mentorship support, and access to data algorithm as transfer of technology from DoS.

Talking about the unique scheme, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, “The role of the space sector is crucial to the overall development of the national economy, and IN-SPACe has been bringing out schemes from time-to-time for promoting space technology for the benefit of the common man.  The Seed Fund Scheme is a part of IN-SPACe's efforts to provide a special thrust to enhance the space activity capabilities of the nation with the active participation of the start-ups. This scheme is designed to support Indian space start-ups that aim to develop innovative space products and services, thereby improving the quality of life for people and communities in India and around the world.”

The scheme details can be downloaded from https://www.inspace.gov.in/. The IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme has the provision of providing financial assistance up to Rs.1 crore in addition to mentorship support, training and networking opportunities.   

For urban development, opportunities abound for start-ups working in the domains of urban planning, monitoring and infrastructure management, telecommunication, navigation, broadband connectivity, water resources management, energy efficiency, climate and weather monitoring, disaster risk reduction, public health, healthcare, and more.

Similarly, disaster management offers opportunities for startups specializing in the domains of Geographical Information System (GIS), early warning and monitoring systems, insurance and risk assessment, communication and navigation systems, climate change monitoring, search and rescue operations, space-borne sensors, and instruments, among others.

The applications to the Seed Fund Scheme should be made only through the IN-SPACe Digital Platform (IDP). More details on eligibility criteria and nature of financial assistance can be availed at IN-SPACe Disaster & Urban Page - IN-SPACe (inspace.gov.in).