FADA Releases Dec’23 Vehicle Retail Data For The State of Karnataka

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) released Vehicle Retail Data for Nov’23 for the State of Karnataka.  

Dec’23 Retails 

Commenting on how Dec’23 performed, FADA Karnataka State Chairperson, Mr Dharma Teja G said,  “Karnataka has grown overall 17.24% YOY, with 3W ,2w and CV segments exceptionally well with growth of 35%, 23% and 23% respectively. All the 3 Quarters of FY24 have shown good growth and we hope the fiscal year will end on a high.”  

Disclaimer: 

The All India numbers above do not have figures from TS & LD. 

Vehicle Retail Data has been collated as on 06.01.24 in collaboration with Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India and has been gathered from 1,355 out of 1,442 RTOs. 

From Mango Banganapalli Craze To Beyond: Madras Mandi's Report Spotlights Fruits & Veggie Trends In Chennai

* Mango Banganapalli Emerged As The Undisputed Champion Of Fruits 

* The fresh produce brand serviced as many as 158 pin codes

* Medavakkam bagged the healthiest locale title with the largest order of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year

* Chennaites consumed 1 lakh pieces of lemons and preferred Yelakki banana over any other variety by purchasing 67,000 pieces

Madras Mandi, a fresh produce brand, has unveiled a report spotlighting fruits and vegetables that were popular amongst Chennaites throughout 2023. The report also anticipates trends for 2024. Based on the data collected from the sale of vegetables and fruits at its stores and online platform, Madras Mandi yearly veggie wrap stated Medavakkam, followed by Madipakkam, as the healthiest locale with the largest number of orders for fresh fruits and vegetables.

The platform serviced 158 pin codes across the city, wherein Mango Banganapalli was the top choice while watermelon and papaya secured a close second place in the list of most-loved fruits. Areas like Medavakkam and Thiruvanmiyur consumed the most mangoes. Amongst bananas, Chennaites preferred Yelakki, with an impressive sales of 67,000 pieces. Overall, Anna Nagar consumed the most fruits whereas Tirukalikundram ordered the least.

The city dwellers also loved lemons as Madras Mandi sold 1 lakh pieces. The fresh produce brand sold over 55,788 Kg of potatoes, 75,000 Kg of tomatoes and 87,000 kg of onions. In the garnishing items category, Madras Mandi sold 66,000 bunches of coriander, 1,104 kgs of curry leaves, 37,663 bunches of mint and 7,916 kgs of green chillies. 

Some fruits and vegetables that registered a significant increase in demand included imported apples as their sales increased by 109%. Button mushrooms registered a 197% increase in orders, chow chow demand increased by 192%, lettuce sales increased by 150% and colocasia taro gained popularity with a 117% increase in sales. Zucchini is on the decline with a 5% decrease in orders. Medavakkam, Kilpauk, Madipakkam and Velacheri consumed the most exotics.

Prashant Vasan, CEO and Founder at Madras Mandi said, “We are glad to have serviced our customers across Chennai with fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Based on these sales in 2023, our trends reports highlight the customer preferences among fruits and vegetables. We are committed to providing our customers with quality products at affordable prices. In 2023, we delivered the same when there was a nationwide surge in tomato prices, but we maintained a base market price. We look forward to continuing delivering in line with our commitments.” 

Some unique data figures from 2023 include a customer who ordered 56 items in one order and how women ordered 4 times more than men, but Men ordered a higher ticket size in comparison. In Chennai, the majority of orders are placed before 10 AM but there is a rise in orders during the evening for cut and peeled veggies. In 2024, Madras Mandi predicts a rise in demand for exotic fruits like persimmon, avocados and dragon fruit. High-quality imports expected to enter the Indian market include elephant apple, rambutan and carambola.

Yamaha Unveils Exciting Colour Schemes & Graphics For Its Motorcycle Range

Building on its brand campaign, 'The Call of the Blue,' India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. today announced a major refresh to its motorcycle line-up. This update includes fresh colour choices and cosmetic enhancements for the popular R15 V4 and the FZ series model range including FZ-S FI Ver 4.0 DLX, FZ-S FI Ver 3.0, FZ FI Ver 3.0, and the FZ-X.

As the new year begins, the introduction of vibrant color schemes and graphical enhancement is to boost sales and establish stronger connections with young customers across the country. The emphasis is on catering to the preferences of young customers and enhancing their experience through these upgrades. The new color choices are tailored to match each customer’s lifestyle, provide them a personalized journey and finally enticing enthusiasts to embrace 'The Call of the Blue.'

Commenting on the upgrades, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman – Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies said, “Yamaha is excited to unveil its refreshed 2024 motorcycle lineup, in line with 'The Call of the Blue' brand campaign. We are elated to introduce vibrant new color options and appealing graphics that aim to captivate riders and onlookers alike. The carefully curated palette that features bold and refreshing shades, not only adds glamour to the bikes but is also expected to heighten consumer delight, promising visually stunning and gratifying experiences for Yamaha enthusiasts in India.”

“We have introduced these fresh color schemes after receiving a lot of feedback from our young consumers in the color related surveys that are being conducted from time to time. Through these upgrades, we are committed to offer a personalized journey to the Yamaha fans, encouraging more enthusiasts to embrace 'The Call of the Blue' for an enhanced biking experience.”

The supremely sporty R15 V4 model for 2024 is set to dazzle enthusiasts with an all-new and bold color scheme – 'Vivid Magenta Metallic.' This will be exclusively available at Yamaha’s upscale Blue Square outlets. Enhancing the model's appeal, the existing Racing Blue and Metallic Red shades have undergone cosmetic upgrades and will now sport refreshing tones and sportier graphics.

The FZ series for 2024 undergoes a transformative update, with spectacular new colors that promise to captivate onlookers. The FZ-S FI Ver 4.0 Deluxe now boasts an all-new 'Racing Blue' shade, while the existing Metallic Black color is now replaced with the striking Matte Black option. Apart from this, the Matte Black and Majesty Red colors have also received stylish cosmetic enhancements. Notably, the seat color for the entire FZ-S FI Ver 4.0 Deluxe has been transformed to a sleek solid black, adding a refreshing touch to the overall aesthetic.

In a bid to further enhance the visual appeal, the FZ-S FI Ver 3.0 model is now available in the attractive Matte Grey color, while the FZ FI debuts a captivating Matte Cyan shade. The FZ-X, joining the vibrant lineup, introduces the strong & rugged Matte Titan color.

Yamaha will continue to carry forward the rich legacy of the popular sports bike with such exciting upgrades, thereby enriching the overall experience of biking enthusiasts in India.

About Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies

Yamaha Motor made its initial foray into India in 1985 as a joint venture. In August 2001, it became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). IYM's manufacturing facilities comprise State-of-the-art plants at Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). The infrastructure at these plants supports the production of motorcycles and parts for the domestic as well as overseas markets. YMC has established its subsidiaries - Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt Ltd. (YMRI), Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd. (YMIS) and Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd. (YMI) in India to independently support IYM in the development, sales & marketing of its products and overall business planning & regional control respectively. Presently, its product portfolio includes YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc),  MT-15 V2 (155cc); FZS-Fi Version 4.0 (149cc), FZS-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), AEROX (155cc) and scooters like Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc).

upGrad Records 65,000+ Graduates In CY2023; Enrollments Continue To Soar

upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning, skilling, and workforce development majors witnessed a record-breaking 65,668 graduates in 2023. Out of the total, 22,000+ completed the long format courses and nearly 44,000 learners were a part of its own-branded certification portfolio encompassing Agile Methodology, Project management, DevOps, Cloud Computing, Blockchain etc. The long-format portfolio includes university-led higher education and upskilling programs. Interestingly, the total number of women enrolments within this segment rose to 40% in the same year, making courses in Digital Marketing, HR, and Data Science their top picks.

As per upGrad Insights, long-format courses remained popular amongst mid-career professionals with 4-10 years of work experience while freshers and early professionals with 0-3 years mostly relied on certifications for instant skill-up. The company’s dedication to making upskilling a mainstream phenomenon is evident in the growing numbers, as seen in a 55% increase in enrollments for Machine Learning courses during the July-August-September quarter of the same year from 2022. It further demonstrates the rising demand for AI-ready talent.

On average every quarter 330+ women professionals with 10+ years of work experience have enrolled for upskilling courses, demonstrating the necessity to stay updated in times when job specs seem to be evolving at a breakneck pace. As per upGrad’s marquee India Career Upskilling Report which surveyed over 3500 urban professionals, 2 out of 3 people who upskilled were parents. Despite their parenting duties and work pressure, parents believed and invested in upskilling.

“Wider acceptance of continuous learning has encouraged Indian professionals to understand market needs and upskill for stronger career growth. We’ve also noticed interesting variations in their learning patterns and preferences, strengthening our commitment to creating more market-ready offerings for a scalable economy. Although it's an eventual transition, nearly 30% of our QoQ enrolments on average come from Tier 2 & 3 cities, signifying the gradual adoption. We closed 2023 on a very high note and this year will only accelerate our commitment to impacting a bigger learner base while also supporting GOI in powering India’s online learning infrastructure and nation-building,” concluded Mayank Kumar, Co-founder and MD, upGrad.

The current year’s development also marks a 6.5x jump from the previous calendar year, significantly contributing to upGrad’s YoY growth trajectory.

About upGrad

Started in 2015, upGrad is Asia’s largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development Company. The offerings range from online & hybrid Degree programs to pathway and study abroad programs to certification and Bootcamps to Diploma, Master’s and Executive Doctorate programs for working professionals. upGrad provides most of these programs to enterprise clients through its B2B arm along with recruitment and staffing services. To date, upGrad has enrolled 10 million+ learners from 70+ countries, boasts a network of 300+ direct global university partners, wide line-up of 2500+ pathway connections, and an enterprise arm with 3000 corporate partners, worldwide. www.upgrad.com

Kotak Mahindra Bank Associates With IT For Change To Enhance Digital Pedagogical Skills Of School Teachers In Karnataka

* A State-wide Teacher Professional Development program on Integrating Digital Story-Based Pedagogy in Language Education

To create lasting value in communities Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“KMBL”/ “Kotak”) has associated with IT for Change (ITfC) to implement a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme that aims to enhance digital pedagogical skills of higher primary teachers in government schools in Karnataka for the academic year 2023-24. Kotak’s CSR Project is based on ‘Integrating Digital Story-Based Pedagogy in Language Education’ under the Department of State Education Research and Training (DSERT), Karnataka, will equip teachers with the necessary technology know-how to use unique digital resources in their teaching practices.

Using digital resources through inclusive and innovative pedagogies for language teaching-learning, this programme will help teachers experience and internalize meaningful technology and also set up teachers’ Communities of Practice (CoPs) to promote mentoring and peer learning opportunities for them to share experiences and ideas. Addressing the multi-language education need of the state, it will also create 100 story-based resources in Kannada, English, Urdu, and Marathi which will be accessible as Open Education Resources (OERs) within a dedicated repository.

On this occasion, Mrs Sumangala, the Director, DSERT, Karnataka said “the state welcomes the support of individuals, NGOs, corporate bodies and trusts in the implementation of quality education across the state. We are happy that Kotak Mahindra Bank is supporting IT for Change to implement this state-wide teacher professional development program to build teachers’ capacities to create and curate stories with multilingual, inclusive and innovative approaches to meaningfully integrate these resources as part of their classroom practice. The program aims to build foundational language skills in students in primary schools in the languages that are taught in the schools”.

Himanshu Nivsarkar, Senior EVP & Head- CSR, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “The COVID pandemic had adversely impacted foundational language and mathematical skills of students which has resulted in their abilities to understand concepts and phenomena in other subjects as well. We have CSR funded IT for Change to impart teacher training using digital stories as a pedagogical tool to bridge this gap in students’ competencies and support their future in receiving quality education”.

Gurumurthy Kasinathan, Director IT For Change said, “Over the past two decades, IT for Change has been enabling meaningful integration of digital technologies in education. As part of the current programme, our professional development workshops and teacher trainings will empower teachers to integrate digital technologies in their practice, develop OERs for shared learning and encourage and community participation”.

Kotak Karma is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) identity of the Kotak Mahindra Group of companies.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As on 30 September 2023, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,850 branches and 3,170 ATMs, and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/

About IT for Change

IT for Change (ITfC) is an NGO located in Bangalore, India, that works on innovative and effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to promote socio-economic change. ITfC works at global, national and local levels in programs relating to research, advocacy and field projects in the substantive areas of education, digital society and economy, governance, gender, community informatics and social policy. ITfC was established in 2000.

IT for Change has been working in the area of ‘ICT integration for improving the quality of Indian education’ since 2009. It conceptualizes, designs and develops teacher development models that support and develops knowledge outputs that argue the necessity and possibilities for empowering choices of digital technologies in education. Its work has covered pre-service and in-service teacher education as well as teacher educators, in multiple states of India – Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. Nearly 30,000 Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Language teachers have learned to use a variety of digital methods to create contextual educational resources and to integrate into their subject teaching. Around 12,000 digital resources have been published on state open education resource portals. The research, communication and policy advocacy initiatives have supported design of curriculum and education policy with National and State Education institutions, including the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP).

For more information, visit: https://itforchange.net/

Strategic Alliance: SecurEyes Partners With Cyber Security Global To Expand Footprints In Latin America And Europe

SecurEyes, a leading cybersecurity firm with a proven track record since 2006, is delighted to announce a strategic partnership with Cyber Security Global, a prominent cybersecurity firm in Europe and Latin America. The collaboration is geared towards fortifying leadership and guaranteeing comprehensive digital security solutions.

The expansion into Latin America and Europe signifies a significant milestone for the alliance between SecurEyes and Cyber Security Global highlighting both companies' enduring dedication to innovation, excellence, and cybersecurity. Together, they will collaborate to offer advanced and customized solutions, assisting organizations in confronting security challenges in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Speaking about the partnership, Seemanta Patnaik, Co-Founder and CTO of SecurEyes said, "SecurEyes is delighted to unveil a transformative alliance with Cybersecurity Global, extending our foremost cybersecurity consulting, advisory, and products to the vibrant landscape of Latin America. This strategic partnership opens a gateway for us to serve and empower clients across the region."

Consequently, the alliance will provide comprehensive security solutions through meticulously designed tools and systems to support organisations' cybersecurity strategies in various sectors. Whether in the private or public sector, regulatory bodies, insurance companies, banks, mining, retail, or other industries, Latin American and European companies can place their trust in a safer and more protected future in the digital world with Cyber Security Global and SecurEyes.

Jorge Seminario, Founder of Cyber Security Global, expressed his vision for the partnership. “Taking into account that the world lacks nearly 4 million cybersecurity experts (a significant figure), the knowledge, constant innovation, expertise in advising regulatory entities, public and private entities around the world, added to the training and academic education provided by SecurEyes, will allow us to offer a very important and highly topical added value to the regions of Latin America and Europe. With this association between Cybersecurity Global and SecurEyes, we will be able to update and elevate the professional standards in the region, meeting the demands of global digitalization”.

The approach at SecurEyes involves customizing products to meet each client's unique requirements to establish a resilient defence against digital threats, guaranteeing that a profound understanding of the present cybersecurity landscape underpins strategic decisions. SecurEyes acknowledges the significance of a robust governance structure in ensuring the enduring effectiveness of implemented cybersecurity measures.

For more information about SecurEyes,  visit our website at https://secureyes.net/

About SecurEyes:

Established in Bangalore, India, SecurEyes has distinguished itself through a proactive approach and unwavering commitment to delivering excellent global cybersecurity services. With a distinctive blend of strategic expertise, a diverse array of products and services, and agile delivery methods, SecurEyes asserts its position as an industry leader, earning acclaim for its remarkable footprint in Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Presently, the company is entering a new phase of expansion.

About Cyber Security Global:

Leveraging 14 years of expertise in the digital domain, Cyber Security Global rooted itself in Europe and effectively expanded its influence into Latin America. Through collaborations with the largest enterprises in Peru across diverse sectors, the company has strengthened its position as a leader in electronic security, consultancy, technology, cybersecurity solutions, training, and specialized products sourced from the United States. The overarching mission is to empower organizations to confront and surmount digital security challenges, fostering a secure environment conducive to continuous growth and innovation.

Affordable, High-Quality Medicines Available At PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras Will Reach Impoverished Rural Areas Via PACS: Amit Shah

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah distributed store codes for the operation of Prime Minister's Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras through Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) in five states on Monday. Shah underscored, "Now, affordable and high-quality medicines available at PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras will reach the impoverished in rural areas through PACS."

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the adept guidance of Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah, PACS is undergoing a transformative process to become multifunctional. Shah, known for bolstering the cooperative movement, is overseeing the establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in 2,373 PACS nationwide.

Shah's visionary step ensures that the benefits of affordable medicines will extend to the rural poor and farmers through PACS. Previously, the urban poor were the primary beneficiaries of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, mainly situated in urban areas.

Over the past decade, under the Modi government, significant reforms have elevated India's pharma sector to a global leader. India, sending medicines to the world, stands at a stark contrast of its past when the nation struggled to afford medicines for its population. Amit Shah's policies are actively working towards streamlining the distribution of generic medicines, reaching over 60 crore underprivileged individuals through the Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Healthcare in rural areas has seen considerable improvement under Modi, with a strong focus on cooperative initiatives. Shah believes that the convergence of cooperation and health is a confluence of prosperity and good health. Presently, around 2,300 PACS are distributing affordable medicines in rural areas across states like Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the North East.

Resolute in his commitment to expanding the reach of Jan Aushadhi Kendras through PACS, with the Ministry of Cooperation, Shah is actively working to establish 2 lakh new PACS, ensuring their presence in every panchayat.

Under the ambitious healthcare reforms of the past nine years, various schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Ayushman Yojana, PM- Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, National Health Mission, Malaria-Free India, Mission Indradhanush for universal vaccination, TB elimination program, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, National Mental Health Program, Fit India, Khelo India, and the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program have been implemented.

Today, with more than 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, offering over 2,260 medicines, the Home Minister’s relentless efforts are ensuring that cooperative initiatives uplift even the poorest of the poor. Shah's dedication to realising Prime Minister Modi's dream of prosperity through cooperation is poised to eradicate the shadow of poverty from the nation in the coming years.