Tata Motors Announces Price Increase Of Its Commercial Vehicles From January 2024

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced that it will increase the price of its commercial vehicles effective 1st January 2024, up to 3%. The price increase is to offset the residual impact of the past input costs, and will be applicable across the entire range of commercial vehicles.

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.

Indian Diamond Industry To Resume Rough Diamond Imports From December 15, 2023

The Indian gem & jewellery industry announces  that the voluntary suspension of rough diamond imports, which was in effect from 15th October to 15th December 2023, will be lifted on 15th December 2023. The suspension was a collective decision taken by the Indian diamond industry, represented by the GJEPC, Bharat Diamond Bourse, Mumbai Diamond Merchants Association, Surat Diamond Bourse, and Surat Diamond Association, to address the challenges related to the imbalance between demand and supply.

Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “We believe that the suspension has helped bring stability to the Indian diamond industry, which had been impacted by low demand. The suspension has also resulted in a positive impact on the prices of polished diamonds over the past two months. The industry is hopeful that the prices will remain stable and sustainable in the coming months, as the demand for natural diamonds gradually recovers in the key markets such as the U.S., China, Middle East, and Europe.”

The GJEPC, along with other associations, notified its trade members via a letter regarding the resumption of rough diamond imports. Grateful for the cooperation and support extended by all industry stakeholders during the suspension, the associations recognized and appreciated the unity and resilience demonstrated by the industry.

Furthermore, the associations also expressed its gratitude to the miners and diamond-producing companies who cooperated and showed confidence in the decision taken by the Indian industry and voluntarily suspended their sales.

The associations have urged the industry to remain cautious and well-prepared for the uncertainties that lie ahead, as the global economic landscape continues to be influenced by geopolitical tensions.

Vipul Shah further added, “We will continue to work closely with the diamond miners to ensure a balance between demand and supply, and to implement effective marketing campaigns to boost consumer confidence and demand for natural diamonds. We are confident that with our cooperation and resilience, we will achieve a prosperous future for the Indian diamond industry.”

GJEPC and other associations reaffirmed their commitment to engaging with all the industry stakeholders to strategise and implement effective measures to safeguard the interests of the industry and work towards a sustainable and balanced industry ecosystem.

Prestige Group Launches Its First Project In Calicut With INR 1000 Crore Sale Potential

Prestige Group, country’s leading real estate developer with a portfolio of more than 250 delivered properties across 7 cities, has announced the launch of its first residential project in Calicut - Prestige Ocean Pearl.

Prestige Ocean Pearl, located on beach road with a landscaped podium of over 40000 sqft, provides its residents a serene refuge away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The Prestige Ocean Pearl is strategically located and offers a well-developed social infrastructure with multiple schools, hospitals, and retail spaces in the vicinity. It also has excellent road connectivity to the city.

Commenting on the grand launch, Mr. Irfan Razack, CMD, Prestige Group said, “We are delighted to unveil Prestige Group’s latest masterpiece in Calicut, a breathtaking sea-facing haven. This property reflects our dedication to crafting iconic living spaces. Nestled along the picturesque coastline, this sea-facing property embodies opulence, serenity and unparalled living experience in the heart of Calicut. Embrace a home where the waves echo sophistication and the horizon paints the canvas of your dreams.”

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Praveer Shrivastava, Sr. VP, Residential, Prestige Group said, “We are thrilled to mark our debut in Calicut with the unveiling of our latest property, a testament to Prestige Group’s unwavering commitment to crafting spaces that redefine living. This launch signifies a new chapter in our journey, as we bring legacy of excellence to the vibrant city of Calicut, creating homes that resonates with elegance.”

Within the expanse of 6.5 acres, Prestige Ocean Pearl offers 530 units of finely-crafted premium homes. With a mix of 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units housed in 4 high-rise towers, this residential project promises spacious and exquisite living. Its richly landscaped frontage ascends to a raised level offering undisrupted views of the sea.

The towers are further elevated by means of a parking deck that rises four levels above ground, all to ensure maximum privacy and breathtaking views of the sea. Beyond the obvious picturesque allure of the beach view, it also insulates residents from the hustle & bustle of the main road. All the homes have two or more external faces, which allows for natural light and encourages cross ventilation.

Prestige Ocean Pearl offers multiple leisure amenities including multipurpose hall, a gym, an infinity swimming pool, indoor games and a clubhouse. Sustainability is integral to design at Prestige Ocean Pearl, with rainwater harvesting systems, solar power for common area lighting, and provision for electric vehicle charging stations. There is also dedicated parking for the differently abled.

Prestige Ocean Pearl is poised to become landmark development in Calicut, thanks to its scale, remarkable design, world-class amenities, and strategic location.

About Prestige Group

Prestige Group, one of the leading real estate developers in the country, has a legacy of almost four decades in real estate development. It has diversified business model across various segments, viz Residential, Office, Retail, Hospitality, Property Management and Warehouses with operations in more than 12 major locations in India. The Group has completed 281 projects spanning a developable area of 166 mn sqft. and has 57 ongoing projects across segments, with a total developable area of 77 mn sqft. Further, it is planning 44 projects spanning 97 mn sqft and holds a land bank of over 680 acres as of Mar-23. The company has been graded CRISIL DA1+ by CRISIL and enjoys a credit rating of ICRA A+.

Happiest Health Opens Vital Discussions Around Mental Wellness in Mind Matters Summit – 2023

* Event featured panel discussions and sessions with notable industry experts on various topics regarding mental health in diverse contexts

Health and wellness knowledge platform Happiest Health hosted the Mind Matters Summit – 2023 today at the NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru. The day-long event was graced by an array of mental health experts and professionals, and offered them a platform to create meaningful dialogue around various aspects of mental health. Speakers from multiple fields joined the event to share their thoughts around the theme Connecting Minds for Change! The summit was inaugurated by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare for Karnataka, Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, along with Ashok Soota, Chairman of Happiest Health, and Anindya Chowdhury, President and CEO of Happiest Health. The minister also presented SKAN Research Trust’s annual report and unveiled the latest issue of the Happiest Health magazine. (SKAN is a not-for-profit medical research trust headed by Ashok Soota).

The day’s conversations focused primarily on nuanced and specialised insights on prioritising mental health in different environments. Talks also shed light on empathetic approaches to depression, fighting addiction, and even using dance as therapy, besides other subjects concerning the wholeness of the mind.

Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health and Family Welfare for Karnataka graced the event with his presence, commented on Happiest Health’s progress, saying, “We need transformative initiatives towards well-being. Happiest Health is doing that through its commitment towards exchanging case studies, tips, and guidance, reflecting a holistic approach to health. Also noteworthy is the company’s inclusiveness, allowing users to engage in the Kannada language with its platform. This ensures accessibility for our local communities and addresses a significant gap. And the recent launch of the magazine is yet another milestone in our collective journey towards a healthier society. I hope to see plenty of future collaborations and continued growth together.”

Anindya Chowdhury, CEO and President of Happiest Health, said, “Happiest Health has always maintained the importance of total wellness, going beyond the physical. Providing platforms like Mind Matters Summit is significant in engaging with our communities to give them cutting-edge insights and workable approaches from some of the best minds in the field. We’re grateful to all the speakers and experts who joined us here. We hope their ideas will lead to fruitful conversations and open perspectives on finding inspiration and resources to navigate a complex and challenging world.”

Dr A. S. Narain Naidu, Director-General, Mission-COVID, Head - Global Nutrition Healthcare Council, was the keynote speaker and opened the summit with a presentation on how host metabolic reprogramming (HMR) causes long COVID. The presentation covered potential nutritional strategies to reset HMR, going into evolutionary biology to describe our bodies’ susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the unique way it affects the body to reprogramme it. Dr Naidu elaborated on how the virus hijacks different systems and affects markers like fertility and neurocognitive ability. He also explained why young people are succumbing to cardiovascular failures and myocardial infarctions and called for individuals to respond to these challenges by asking questions and seeking answers. During his closing remarks, Dr Naidu asked the audience to specifically watch for human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in the coming months.

Dr Naidu had the following to say about long COVID: “Despite being in the clear, COVID symptoms will continue and amplify and bring new symptoms. There are 200 of them worldwide. And it’s not just as simple as long COVID—there are four categories within. Every system is involved, causing a lack of sleep, energy, and alacrity. These are things we easily brush away, but they have other consequences. For instance, it will leave a mark on your age and shorten your lifespan. Instead of living to 80, you only reach 60. This is something the West and Japan are particularly concerned with in terms of research, so we’re hoping to combat it soon.”

Dr Vivek Benegal, Professor of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, followed with a session on understanding mental health. He acknowledged how mental illness was deeply stigmatised and a profound problem. Dr Vivek’s session covered learnings over the past decade on the reasons why human beings develop mental illnesses, concluding with a novel conversation around whether we are at a stage where we can discuss preventing or preempting mental illnesses using universal public health records. Speaking on developments, Dr Vivek explained, “Psychiatric symptoms are associated with abnormal connectivity between different brain regions. We are now in a position where we can look at different networks that subserve different functions, from walking to thinking. And we’re able to distinguish these individual regions. Studying different people’s networks determined a common set of networks which were common to almost all psychiatric disorders. This means we can now predict whether a person is going to have a mental illness or not. Another vital study that we’re actually involved in is mapping the development of the human brain to look at deviations as it grows. It’s a first-of-its-kind brain growth chart to track individual brain developmental delay and to predict early vulnerability to neurological mental illness. All this bodes well for the long-term fight against overcoming mental illness.”

A panel discussion on the topic ‘Gentle Approaches to Tackling Depression and Anxiety’ was held by Dr Shyam Bhat, Psychiatrist and Chairperson, LiveLoveLaugh, and former president and committee member of Parkinson’s Society of Karnataka, Ameeta Patel. The exchange spanned mental health basics and the inherently human nature of mental frailty as a result of how we’re wired. Dr Shyam touched upon the prevalence of clinical depression and stress and how social media culture is stifling young people’s feelings and placing undue expectations on them. He encouraged people to seek help once they crossed a two/three-week threshold. Dr Shyam also raised the issue with diagnostic criteria as men aren’t covered the way women are. He added that the general reluctance to talk about depression among men and the inability to seek help is a problem.

A panel session on workplace mental well-being closed the summit. Dr Jini K Gopinath, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Shirin Salis, vice president of human resources at Trane Technologies, joined LiveLoveLaugh’s CEO, Anisha Padukone. Anisha shared her thoughts, saying, “I think the awareness is definitely increasing. A few years ago, anecdotal data was aplenty. We at LiveLoveLaugh decided to verify this with two studies to understand knowledge, attitudes, and practices in India—primarily metro cities—towards mental health and wellness. Both studies show a significant improvement in various factors—awareness of mental health, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviour. And most importantly, the perception of mental illness. While we still have a long way to go, this is a start. But from an organisational standpoint, deeper challenges exist. A lot of it depends on the culture that is within that organisation. And a lot of that culture has to come from the top. So, there’s still sort of a long way to go.”

The awareness around mental health has been in renewed focus in recent years, as technology has facilitated greater access to resources and highlighted the need for people to take better care of themselves. Innovation is also allowing individuals better mental health outcomes. Mind Matters Summit – 2023 showcased how modern challenges can be conquered and reiterated the need to destigmatise labels and create safe spaces for people.

About Happiest Health

Happiest Health is a global health & wellness knowledge enterprise promoted by Ashok Soota. Happiest Health provides credible and trustworthy health and wellness knowledge with views from globally renowned experts and doctors. The primary knowledge platforms are the daily newsletter, knowledge website, and monthly print magazine.

Happiest Health embraces scientific knowledge with a keen focus on medical breakthroughs providing kinder, gentler therapies including cell-based treatments. It also has deep coverage of integrated medicine including ayurveda, homoeopathy and naturopathy. Happiest Health’s focus on wellness is holistic and energizing. They live by their Mission Statement: “Better Knowledge. Better Health.” and convey its benefits to all.

Koi Kitchen Sets The Table For A Pan Asian Culinary Journey In KR Puram, Bangalore

Koi Kitchen, the first Pan Asian restaurant in the vibrant area of KR Puram, invites you on a culinary voyage where design meets diversity and flavors blend seamlessly. The restaurant, located within the Featherlite Evoma Hotel and Business Centre, is set to launch on December 9, 2023.

The 80-seater Koi Kitchen boasts a captivating ambiance that marries modern design with traditional accents from various Asian cultures. It features beautiful blue and green tones with pops of vibrant colors, tropical patterns, hanging lanterns, wooden accents that evoke a sense of sophistication. One can’t miss the perfectly placed Asian inspired wall mural while the lovely ambient lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space balances sleek, contemporary, stylish furniture with cultural touches. This fusion of modern design and traditional accents creates a captivating setting that complements the diverse and flavorful Pan Asian cuisine served.

The launch event, scheduled for December 9th, promises to be a star-studded affair with Japanese guests and distinguished personalities from Bangalore in attendance. Guests were treated to a delightful tasting menu featuring Dim sums, Sushi, hearty meals in a bowl, salads, curries, varieties of fried rice, noodles, and mouth-watering desserts. The live counters allowed chefs to interact with guests, sharing insights into the culinary delights on offer.

The specially curated cocktails, infused with Asian influences and ingredients like Blue Butterfly Pea flower, Jamu, Kaffir lime, and Gochujang, added a unique twist to the evening.

Aditya Chellaram, Executive Director of Featherlite Developers and Director of Evoma, is spearheading the real estate wing, bringing over 7 years of experience and a passion for modern technology and green building systems.

Vijayalakshmi, General Manager of Featherlite Evoma hotel and business centre, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 26 years of experience, has played a crucial role in curating the food and beverage experience at Koi Kitchen.

Koi Kitchen's extensive menu draws inspiration from Japan, Korea, Thailand, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Burma, promising a gastronomic journey like no other.

IIIT-B To Host 2023 IEEE India Geoscience And Remote Sensing Symposium

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) gears up to host the 2023 IEEE India Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (InGARSS 2023) from December 10-13, 2023. This symposium, the third in its series, serves as a vital platform for remote sensing and geoscience researchers and practitioners. Organized by the Bengaluru chapter of IEEE GRSS (Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society), the conference will showcase recent developments and advancements in geoscience and remote sensing technologies.

Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-B, stated, "The symposium reflects our commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration in geoscience and remote sensing. We are honored to host esteemed speakers and guests who contribute significantly to these domains." He further stated that the symposium is taking place at a crucial moment when India is making huge strides in geoscience and space domains.

The event is scheduled to unfold at IIIT-Bangalore and will feature a comprehensive program including plenary keynote talks, research paper presentations, doctoral colloquium, tutorials, community events, industry presentations, and exhibits. Space technology events in collaboration with international agencies such as NASA/JPL, ISRO/NRSC, ESA, and DLR will also be highlighted.

Keynote Speakers include Dr. Harini Nagendra, an Ecologist from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, Dr. Armando Marino from the University of Stirling, UK, and Mr. Rashmit Singh, CTO of Satsure, Bengaluru.

Distinguished Guests at the event include Chief Guest Dr. Sanghamitra Bandhyopadhyay, Director of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, and Guests of Honor Dr. Mariko Burgin, IEEE GRSS President, and Dr. Shiv Mohan, IEEE GRSS India Liaison.

Under the guidance of Dr. B. S. Daya Sagar from ISI-Bangalore, Dr. Avik Bhattacharya from IIT Bombay and Dr. Jaya Sreevalsan Nair of IIIT-B, with the distinguished Dr. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-B, serving as its chief patron, InGARSS 2023 is in capable hands. Dr. Mariko Burgin and Dr. Shiv Mohan contribute their wealth of expertise and global perspective to the symposium. Additionally, Dr. Shubha Pandey brings representation from the National Geospatial Programme, DST.

Geoscience involves the comprehensive study of the planet's structure, composition, and dynamic processes, encompassing its atmosphere, oceans, and solid surface. In tandem, remote sensing emerges as a crucial technological companion. In the pursuit of advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration, the symposium aims to provide a platform for experts, researchers, and enthusiasts in geoscience and remote sensing.

Event Highlights encompass the Opening Ceremony on December 10, 2023, featuring Dr. Sanghamitra Bandhyopadhyay. The program will also showcase special cultural events by IIIT-B students, featuring art performances, debates, and quizzes. Community events will focus on women in engineering, diversity-equity-inclusion, and young professionals. Additionally, there will be a DST-led program on capacity building by Dr. Shamita Kumar from Bharathi Vidyapeeth, exploring spatial thinking in STEAM education.

The conference expresses gratitude to its sponsors, including the Government of Karnataka’s Machine Intelligence and Robotics (MINRO) Center at IIIT-B, with support from Satsure, Mphasis F1 Foundation, Galaxeye, NRSC, HALG, TIH IIT Tirupati (IITTNiF), and grants from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and ISRO.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute focused on Post-Graduate IT education and research, located in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2022, IIIT-B has secured 74th ranking. The institute was ranked number 1 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations.

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students cognitive of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

For more details, log onto https://www.iiitb.ac.in

The Chairman, NDDB Delivers 20th Convocation Address Of Indian Institute Plantation Management, Bengaluru

Anand: Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB delivered the 20th Convocation Address of the Indian Institute Plantation Management (IIPM), Bengaluru on 8th December, 2023 in Bengaluru as Chief Guest. Shri L Satya Srinivas, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Chairman, IIPM presided over the ceremony in presence of Prof Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Director, IIPM; Board of Directors of IIPM; Chairmen/CEOs of other commodity Boards and industry leaders. 293 graduating students were awarded the Institute's prestigious diploma. Dr Shah also presented the Medals and Certificates to students.

In his convocation address, Chairman, NDDB shared the journey and experiences of Indian dairy sector, critical success factors as well as learnings emanating from it, which are relevant for other sectors also in general and agribusiness and plantation sector, in particular.

He mentioned that to create something revolutionary you need both able leadership to provide vision and ardent professionals to put the vision into reality. This was accomplished at NDDB and AMUL by harnessing the power of people with the skillsets of professionals.

Dr Shah stated that if there is a vision and well devised plan, funding for it may not be an issue, provided you have innovative approach to raise funds. He took the example of Operation Flood which initially was funded by monetising the commodity received from European Economic Community to create Institutions and Infrastructure. The start-ups today are also leveraging the same through innovative ideas and propositions.

Chairman, NDDB informed that now when India has become self-sufficient, the next step for Indian Dairy sector is to be - ‘Dairy to the World’ and several interventions are being undertaken towards it. In fact, in many of the agri commodities, India has huge potential for export.

Dr Shah stated that in times to come the agri-business sector and allied sector are definitely going to need more professionals as new avenues have opened up in the sector looking for specialized roles.

Chairman, NDDB highlighted that for long-term success connect with farmers is very important and advised the young professionals - Wherever you go, whatever be the sector, for whomsoever you work, keep farmers at the centre and try to bring smile in their faces. He also congratulated the graduating students and wished them success in their future endeavours. He advised the students to always carry the spirit of inquiry, the commitment to excellence and the passion for positive change.

Shri Srinivas reminded the students about their upcoming journey from being students to professionals and emphasized that the future is in their hands. He said that life’s lessons are diverse and one should be open to change. It is important to align values with interests and contribute to the society.

Prof Joshi said that over the recent years, the Institute adopted a pro-active strategic approach to transform it into a vibrant institute with world-wide reach that include adopting a holistic approach to plantation crops, commencing new academic programmes in Food Processing and Exports Management, active institute-industry interaction, contemporary research ·and training on emerging challenges etc. With Institute's rapid adaptation with fast emerging business realities, it is poised to leapfrog rapidly to transform itself with cutting edge research and globally competitive management professionals.