Bengaluru To Host CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League Season One Finale

CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League, India's first franchise-based Supercross league, announces a change in venue for the highly anticipated Season One finale. Originally slated for Delhi, the event will now thrill fans in Bengaluru on February 25, 2024, as initially scheduled.

Due to unforeseen circumstances necessitating the implementation of some stringent resolutions by authorities, which could potentially create logistical challenges, the organizing committee has made a conscious decision to relocate the event to Bengaluru. This careful decision was made to ensure the seamless execution of the season finale and, above all, to prioritize the safety of all those involved.

The prestigious APMC ground located at Byatarayanapura, opposite to Pheonix Mall of Asia in Bangalore, Karnataka has been selected as the new host venue for the season's thrilling conclusion.

Veer Patel, Director and Co-Founder of Supercross India Pvt. Ltd. said, "We acknowledge the anticipation surrounding the Season One finale, and we extend our apologies for any inconvenience caused by this adjustment. However, after careful consideration of various factors, including the prevailing circumstances, we believe that relocating the event to Bengaluru, that is considered the epitome of motorcycle events, will bolster the confidence of our partners and draw exceptional crowds. We are confident that the culminating event will offer an exhilarating Supercross racing experience to its fans."

The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering a world-class experience for fans and participants alike. The league looks forward to showcasing the excitement of Supercross in Bengaluru and creating lasting memories for all involved.

For more information on the CEAT ISRL Season One, please visit the official website at

https://indiansupercrossleague.com/.

Bengaluru Emerges As The Fastest Growing Markets For South African Tourism; Showcases 80% Increase In Inbound Traffic YoY

~Tourism from India to South Africa increases by 43% year-on-year in 2023~

~India solidifies its position as one amongst South African Tourism’s top-3 priority markets~

Determined to build over the strong travel momentum witnessed in the previous year, South African Tourism wrapped up the penultimate chapter of its 20th Annual India Roadshow at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru.  Kickstarted on 12th February in Jaipur along with a panel discussion on 11th February, the trade schedule entered the streets of Delhi on 13th February and Ahmedabad on 14th February. The trade schedule will now move forward and conclude in Mumbai on 16th February.

India is currently one of the fastest growing outbound travel markets, outpacing Asia and may countries around the world. The country is amongst the top-3 focus markets for South African Tourism and holds immense potential in the years to come. The 20th multi-city schedule achieves a vital milestone for South African Tourism, marking more than two decades of its growing investments in India. Led by Ms. Neliswa Nkani – Hub Head – Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, South African Tourism the event welcomed nearly 350 travel trade partners in Bengaluru and shared critical local market insights enabling them to capitalise on growing demand. In addition, the tourism board partnered with the hotel to offer authentic South African cuisine and a glimpse of its culture to the guests.

Strengthening the relationship between Rainbow Nation’s indigenous businesses and Indian buyers, the roadshow hosted 42 prominent trade exhibitors from South Africa. The congregation allowed Indian trade partners to evaluate their inventory and identify potential future collaborations. It is worth noting, amongst the local businesses were 14 SMMEs who along with their counterparts presented a portfolio comprising of 40% new products showcasing diversified and affordable offerings. Such events present businesses from both the nations a platform to engage and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.

Commenting on the occasion Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South East Asia, South African Tourism said “The 20th Annual India Roadshow marks more than two decades of South African Tourism’s commitment to the Indian market. 2023 emerged as another successful year for us and we witnessed 43% increase in travellers from India compared to its previous year. This achievement would not have been possible without relentless efforts from our Indian trade partners and the affection showered upon the Rainbow Nation by India travellers; we are truly grateful.”

She continues “Post resumption of travel activities we have seen India’s outbound tourism market bounce back much stronger compared to rest of the world. Given the immense potential that lies in the Indian market, it continues to remain amongst our top three focus market for 2024 and holds a position of strategic importance. We hope to keep this momentum going and welcome “more & more” Indian travellers to the Rainbow Nation.”

Emerging as one of the fastest markets for South African Tourism in India, Bengaluru displayed a significant growth of 80% in arrivals in 2023. Overall, too, South Africa witnessed a 43% increase in inbound travellers from India on a year-on-year basis. Interestingly, amongst inbound travellers from Bengaluru 53% visited the Rainbow Nation for business purposes. To further propel this momentum, the tourism board will continue with its efforts to improve accessibility and encourage dialogues aimed at establishing direct routes to boost tourism and trade between the two nations.

Promoting the destination through the eyes of Indian influencers and entice consumers to explore new provinces, South African Tourism is currently running its flagship “More & More” brand campaign across target cities. The tourism board is also set to host its renown Corporate Think Tank in the coming months to engage with Indian corporates and address their business and MICE travel needs. At present, several stop-over flights fly from India to South Africa, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Seychelles.

About South African Tourism: South African Tourism is the tourism marketing arm of the South African government. Simply put, their job is to promote the country domestically and internationally, whether for leisure, business or events tourism.

As a government body, they are committed to meaningfully contributing to the South African government's objectives of inclusive economic growth, sustainable job creation, and redistribution and transformation of the industry.

Website www.southafrica.net

Photo Caption: Ms. Neliswa Nkani – Hub Head – Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, South African Tourism addressing at the South African Tourism Roadshow -2024..

MMTC PAMP Presents Lock & Key Campaign, Gateway To Experience 99.99+% Purest Gold And Silver Products

·         MMTC-PAMP’s innovative Lock & Key campaign is set to distribute 35,000 keys through newspaper insertions in Bengaluru

·         The campaign offers a unique opportunity for lucky key holders to unlock special locks at MMTC-PAMP and win 99.99+% purest gold and silver products

MMTC-PAMP, India's only London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Good Delivery gold & silver refinery, announces an exciting Lock & Key Campaign, a unique initiative tailored to add memorable experiences for its valued consumers. As part of the initiative, MMTC-PAMP is all set to distribute 35,000 keys across Bengaluru through newspaper insertions. Each key unlocks the potential for lucky winners to take home the purest 99.99+% Gold or Silver products. This strategic marketing initiative aims to engage with communities and reinforce MMTC-PAMP as the preferred destination for premium precious metals; striving to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction in a unique and fun manner.

The Lock & Key challenge unfolds with an intriguing twist as 35,000 keys are being strategically distributed through newspaper insertions. Lucky readers who discovers a key in their newspaper, will visit their exclusive store a.k.a PVC (Purity Verification Centre) in Cauvery Bhavan, Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru, Karnataka to unlock specially designed locks. The lucky winners who successfully open these locks will be rewarded with MMTC-PAMP's exquisite gold or silver products, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the campaign. The Lock & Key campaign aligns with MMTC-PAMP's strategy of fostering unique customer engagement, rewarding customers trust and building lasting connections.

Mr Vikas Singh, Managing Director and CEO at MMTC-PAMP, expressed enthusiasm about the campaign, stating, "At MMTC-PAMP, we thrive on curating unforgettable experiences for our customers who have always trusted us for their Gold and silver needs. Our Lock & Key initiative is not merely a campaign; it is a testament to our commitment to innovation and unique customer engagement. MMTC-PAMP stores, recognized as destination stores for 99.99+% purest gold and silver purchasing, have long been synonymous with offering unique and distinctively crafted products in the purest gold and silver. With the introduction of the Lock & Key campaign, we've elevated our commitment a step further, infusing an element of fun and excitement into the shopping experience for our discerning customers."

“As we invite participants to unlock the possibilities with MMTC-PAMP, we are confident that this campaign will be a memorable chapter in our journey, adding a new dimension to how our customers perceive and interact with our brand. We believe that this initiative will strengthen our position as industry leaders, not just in terms of product quality but also in delivering unparalleled experiences”, Mr Singh added.

MMTC-PAMP, known for its commitment to providing high-quality, culturally diverse products to consumers, hosted this event at its one-stop shop for any gold & silver needs. To ensure the product’s authenticity, each MMTC-PAMP product carries a unique number and comes packaged in a certified signed by an Assayer. Each gold and silver product bought from MMTC-PAMP offers a positive weight & purity balance, which guarantees that every coin or bar you buy weighs more than the listed weight, ensuring customers get the highest value for their investment.

All products come with MMTC-PAMP’s stamp of authenticity deliver on the promise of 99.99+% purity and are crafted to the highest standards using the latest Swiss technology. There is a wide variety of purest gold and silver products to choose from this season and one can purchase them from MMTC-PAMP’s exclusive stores, leading jeweller partners, online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart or directly from MMTC-PAMP’s website, shop.mmtcpamp.com.

About MMTC PAMP: A joint venture between Switzerland-based bullion refinery, PAMP SA, and MMTC Ltd, a Miniratna and Government of India Undertaking. MMTC-PAMP is the only LBMA-accredited gold & silver good delivery refiner in India and is accepted across global commodity exchanges and central banks. The company seamlessly marries Swiss excellence with Indian insights. MMTC-PAMP India Pvt. Ltd. is internationally recognized as an industry leader in bringing global standards of excellence to the Indian precious metals industry. MMTC-PAMP has received several awards since its inception from local and global industry bodies for transparency and sustainability that it rigorously upholds in its sourcing, refining, and supply of precious metals in the Indian market.

SIDBI Opens “Swavalamban Connect Kendra’s In Nagaland” To Enhance Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

SIDBI in association with Government of Nagaland shall set-up “Swavalamban Connect Kendra’s” (SCKs) in 16 districts of Nagaland to lead the change in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Nagaland.

With a steadfast commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting economic growth, these interventions shall be significant milestones in SIDBI’s effort to drive sustainable development in Nagaland.

The event was graced by the Honourable Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio along with Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI; Smt. Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor, Industries, Government of Nagaland; Dr Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, Chief General Manager, SIDBI; and Dr Aren, Senior Project Manager for Capacity Building.

The key initiatives launched included the inauguration of Swavalamban Connect Kendra (SCK) at Kohima. SCKs are aimed to emerge as one-stop centre to guide aspiring entrepreneurs to become job creators through awareness, mapping gaps, skill connect, create localized project profiles, credit connect, post-handholding support like market connect. SIDBI in collaboration with IDAN, an agency set up under Government of Nagaland which shall be the implementing agency for the project shall open 16 SCKs in all districts of the State to address the needs of aspiring entrepreneurs and unleash the potential of youth, drive job creation and spur economic development across the State.

Additionally, SIDBI announced Sports Scholarships to empower the youth and promote Innovation-Driven Enterprises in Nagaland. SIDBI & IDAN also signed an MoU to collaborate and partner to launch various initiatives for scaling up the StartUp ecosystem of Nagaland.

The need for these interventions in the State were felt to adequately skill the resources to explore self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in Nagaland. The launch of these initiatives underscores SIDBI’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the potential of Nagaland’s entrepreneurial talent & propelling the State towards a prosperous and inclusive future.

Speaking at the event, Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann, in his address, reiterated SIDBI's commitment to supporting the entrepreneurial aspirations of the youth in Nagaland and across the Northeast region. He highlighted the transformative impact that access to finance, mentorship, and market linkages can have on budding enterprises, paving the way for a vibrant startup ecosystem. The CMD of SIDBI, also reiterated that many projects are in pipeline for not only Nagaland but the focus on Northeastern Regions and its development in socio-economic diversity and will be implemented soon.

Smt. Hekani Jakhalu emphasized the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic resilience and social empowerment. She stressed the need for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. She expressed her gratitude to SIDBI for coming forward to support the State and its citizens in empowering the socio-economic scenario from the grassroot level.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):

SIDBI is the Principal Financial Institution for Promotion, Financing and Development of the MSME sector. SIDBI has been playing a significant role in developing the financial services for MSME sector through various interventions including Refinance to Banks, Credit Guarantee programs, Development of the MFI sector, Creation of entrepreneurship, Contribution to Venture capital/AIF funds, MSME ratings, promoting digital lending ecosystem, etc. SIDBI has been touching the lives of citizens across various strata of society through its integrated, innovative, and inclusive approach. Be it traditional, domestic small entrepreneurs, bottom-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs, to high-end knowledge-based entrepreneurs, SIDBI has directly or indirectly impacted the lives of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through various credit and developmental measures. To know more, check out: https://www.sidbi.in  

About Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN)

Set up in 2018, Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) was created and notified as the State’s investment promotion and facilitation agency (IPA) under the Planning & Transformation Department of Government of Nagaland. The Governing Body of IDAN is chaired by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland and has Dy CM, Ministers, and Senior officials of other departments of States as Members.

Hero MotoCorp Announces The Price For Its Flagship Motorcycle – Mavrick 440

Heralding a new era in the upper premium segment, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles, will open the bookings for its flagship motorcycle – Mavrick 440 starting today, 14th of February 2024.

Customers can book their motorcycles at specified Hero MotoCorp customer outlets as well as digitally by visiting www.heromotocorp.com. Deliveries of the motorcycle to customers will commence from April onwards.

The much-awaited motorcycle of the year will be available in three variants – Base, Mid and Top at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country at an attractive price point of Rs 199,000/- (Base), Rs 214,000/- (Mid) and Rs 224,000/- (Top)* respectively.

*Prices are Ex-Showroom pan-India.

The company is also launching a ‘Welcome to Mavrick Club Offer’ which will be available to customers who book the Mavrick 440 before 15th March. They will get a customised Mavrick Kit of Accessories & Merchandise worth Rs.10,000/-.

The Mavrick 440 represents Hero MotoCorp’s s path-breaking foray into the middle-weight motorcycle segment, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Unveiled amidst great anticipation at the Hero World 2024 in Jaipur on January 23, this dynamic motorcycle comes with an unparalleled blend of performance, style, and cutting-edge technology.

With a powerful engine – nimble and agile in traffic, yet supremely robust and comfortable for long tours – the Mavrick 440 opens up a whole new world of inspiring riding experience, while commanding a muscular road presence with its distinctive, modern and youthful design and all-metal body.

Mr. Niranjan Gupta, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hero MotoCorp, said, "Our premium journey continues full throttle with the bookings now open for the customers who have been eagerly awaiting the Mavrick 440. Coming close on the heels of the Harley-Davidson X440 and Karizma XMR, the Mavrick 440 - a unique proposition of a Muscular & Youthful Modern Roadster - will now build on this momentum of our journey to win in premium. This expansion underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional products that cater to the evolving needs of motorcycle enthusiasts, as we strive to cater to the diverse preferences of our discerning customers.”

Mavrick 440

Design

The Mavrick 440 is a style icon in its own right. It is instantly recognizable from afar, thanks to its authentic look, front forward mass with a distinctive bold and assertive design built with exposed architecture philosophy. This motorcycle strikes a balance between unmistakable roadster aesthetics and robust styling, presenting a commanding road presence and a youthful appeal. Up close, you recognize iconic details such as Muscular fuel tank, Metal body parts such as front fender, shrouds, fuel tank & more, interactive telematics instruments, and wide handlebars. Your ride is accompanied by the distinctive and characterful exhaust note. Illuminating the road before you, the motorcycle features All LED lighting set up with Round LED projector headlights, daytime running lights, and an & intelligent illumination for style and safety.

Power and Performance

The powerful Mavrick 440 is fitted with an Air cooled with oil cooler 2V single-cylinder 440cc ‘TorqX’ engine with electronic fuel injection. This long-stroke engine delivers 27 bhp @ 6000 rpm and a torque of 36 Nm @ 4000 rpm. Specifically designed for high low-end torque, over 90% of the peak torque is accessible from just 2000 rpm, providing a smooth and stress-free ride for city commuting and highway journeys.

Performance-wise, the Mavrick 440 features a 6-speed transmission with a slip-and-assist clutch, The specially crafted 0° steel radial pattern tyres ensure support during extreme lean angles.

Comfort without Compromise

Crafted with comfort in mind, the Mavrick 440 features roadster ergonomics with an upright riding position, a spacious seat, ample legroom, and optimized grab-rails, making the journey comfortable for both rider and passenger. Wide handlebars provide a comfortable grip, enhancing control and manoeuvrability. Additionally, the ergonomically sculpted rider seat, featuring plush 60mm foam, ensures a comfortable experience that combines powerful performance along with timeless style.

Equipped with powerful 17-inch wheels at the front and rear with a ground clearance of 175mm, the Mavrick 440 excels in road-hugging capabilities, ensuring an engaging and secure ride, especially in urban settings. Wide tires, a trellis frame, and 43mm dia Telescopic Front Forks contribute to stability, with preloaded 7-step twin shocks for a controlled and smooth ride. The high-performance brake system ensures efficient deceleration and short braking distances.

Interactive Telematics Features

The Digital Speedometer with Negative Display opens up new worlds for you, not only in terms of readability, menu navigation and operating concept. Its offers Smart Phone Feature (Phone Battery Status, Miss call Alert, Bluetooth Message Alert), Incoming Call Alert, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Low Fuel Indicator, RTMi Display, Distance to Empty etc.

For riders seeking an intelligent and connected experience, the Mavrick 440 sets a new standard with its cutting-edge eSIM-based connectivity. This feature enables real-time information, remote tracking, and access to over 35 functions through Connected 2.0 technology. The eSIM functionality ensures seamless connectivity, making the riding experience not just powerful but also intelligently connected.

Colour Scheme

The Mavrick 440 will be available in five colour options that will be spread across three variants. The base version is available in Arctic White. The mid variant is available in two colours - Celestial Blue and Fearless Red. The top variant is available in Phantom Black and Enigma Black colour options.

New Nexon Continues Legacy Of Safety - Scores 5-Stars In GNCAP

* Entire range of Tata SUVs are now safest cars on Indian roads

Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile manufacturer, today announced that the all-new Nexon (ICE), India’s bestselling SUV, has become the latest recipient of the 5-star rating (32.22/34 points) for adult occupant protection and 5-star rating (44.52/49 points) for child occupant protection from Global NCAP, the foremost global car assessment programme. This achievement underscores Tata Motors' steadfast dedication to safety, as all of its new SUV models have now earned a 5-star rating from Global NCAP.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, "Safety is ingrained in our DNA, and we are proud to earn the prestigious 5-star rating from Global NCAP for the new Nexon as per the enhanced 2022 protocol. It was the first car in India to receive 5 star rating from GNCAP in 2018 and it upholds this legacy, showcasing our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. With this feat, all our new SUVs have now received the GNCAP 5-star rating certifications and have raised the bar for safer SUVs in India. We are dedicated to delivering vehicles that not only surpass expectations but also prioritize the safety of every passenger on the road."

Nexon stands as a symbol of excellence in the compact SUV segment, having distinguished itself since its debut and earning the admiration of over 6 lakh families. Tata Motors has delighted its customers with the new Nexon, demonstrating a dedication to exceeding customer expectations.

MAHE Hosts The Choose France Education Tour 2024 - Unlocking Global Opportunities For Indian Students

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) recently hosted the Choose France Education Tour 2024, a significant event that took place on February 7th at the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Library Auditorium. This collaborative effort with Campus France brought together 13 leading French universities and institutions, offering Indian students a glimpse into the extensive educational opportunities available in France.

Dr. François-Xavier Mortreuil - Attache for science and higher education at the French embassy in India, remarked on the occasion, "The Choose France Education Tour is a cornerstone in our mission to foster academic exchanges and collaboration between France and India. It opens up a myriad of opportunities for Indian students to immerse themselves in the rich academic landscape of France, further strengthening the educational bond between our two countries."

Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Anil Rana expressed, "We are proud to host the Choose France Education Tour at MIT. This event not only showcases the diverse higher education options available in France but also serves as a platform for our students to explore global opportunities that align with their academic and career aspirations."

Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar highlighted the event's key achievements, "The education tour was a resounding success, featuring engaging presentations by Campus France on higher education in France, including scholarship opportunities. Students had the invaluable opportunity to interact directly with representatives from some of France's finest universities and business schools. The highlight of the event was the comprehensive overview it provided of the academic programs in Engineering, Management, Hospitality, and Tourism, offering a glimpse into the vibrant student life and the innovative educational environment in France."

A cohort of 13 top French universities, including ESSEC Business School, EM Lyon, Neoma Business School, EDHEC Business School, Audencia Business School, and Y Schools were present at the education fair. Participants learned more about educational prospects in France for Engineering, Management, Hospitality, and Tourism. Campus France also gave presentations about higher education and scholarship opportunities for Indian students in France.

The Choose France Education Tour 2024 at MAHE has significantly contributed to the ongoing effort to enrich academic and cultural exchanges between India and France. It serves as a gateway for students to global education and intercultural experiences, reinforcing MAHE's commitment to facilitating international educational opportunities.

For more details on future events and international opportunities, interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs and Collaborations, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal. This event is just one of many initiatives that MAHE undertakes to ensure its students have access to a world-class education and the chance to pursue their dreams on a global stage.