Narayana Health Collaborates With NeoSky Drones For Flight of Dreams Project

Narayana Health announced an innovative social initiative to enhance school children's cognitive and physical skills. In collaboration with NeoSky Drones, Dr. Shetty will personally instruct students from classes 8 and 9 in the art of flying drones. Through this unique program, Dr. Shetty endeavors to instill a sense of curiosity, innovation, and practical learning among the younger generation.  

Dr. Devi Shetty, Founder, and Chairman of Narayana Health, said, "As I engage with my grandchildren through the wonder of drone technology, I'm reminded of the importance of nurturing young minds' curiosity and fostering a love for innovation. Our Narayana Health ‘Flight of Dreams’ project, utilizing drones in healthcare, embodies this spirit. By exposing children to such advancements, we equip them with the skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of tomorrow, ultimately building a healthier and more empowered future for all." 

"At RattanIndia and NeoSky, our vision is to leverage technology to transform the lives of Indians. Introducing drone technology early on to school students can potentially ignite a spark in the minds of the children and inspire them to explore the world of drones & technology as they grow up," said Ms. Anjali Rattan, Business Chairperson, RattanInida Enterprises, the parent company of NeoSky. 

Tata Motors Launches Its Ultra Range Of New-Generation, Smart Trucks In South Africa

* Available for versatile applications in two models – Ultra T.9 and T.14

Tata Motors, India’s leading multinational automobile manufacturer, today along with its authorised distributor, Tata Africa Holdings Limited, announced the commercial launch of its successful range of multipurpose heavy-duty trucks – Ultra T.9 and Ultra T.14, in South Africa. Designed to fulfil the rising need for safer, smarter and greener cargo mobility, the Ultra is perfectly suited for a wide variety of conventional and specialist logistics applications including bakery, FMCG, white goods, agriculture and construction. The Ultra range is engineered to deliver high productivity with best-in-class power & torque and fuel efficiency with lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

Key features of Ultra

* Euro IV, turbocharged 3.3/5-litre engine with six speed transmission for best-in-class fuel efficiency

* Best-in-segment safety with Antilock Braking System

* Walk-through cabin with dashboard-mounted gear lever, and front parabolic suspension for comfortable ride and handling.

* 5 Year/500,000 km warranty

* Fleet Edge - Factory fitted telematics solution

* Driving modes – Power and Eco (Ultra T.9)

* Easy vehicle financing

The robustly built Ultra features a walk-through cabin, power steering, dashboard-mounted gear lever, booster assisted clutch and mechanically suspended seat for safe and fatigue-free driving. Powered by Tata Motors’ globally proven turbocharged diesel engines with best-in-class power and torque output, the Ultra T.9 (powered with a 3.3L engine) and Ultra T.14 (powered with a 5.0L engine) provide a reliable solution to comfortably carry heavy loads over long distances and rough terrains. The trucks come equipped parabolic suspension for rugged and uninterrupted operations. The trucks are offered with Tata Motors’ flagship connected vehicle system, the Fleet Edge, for efficient fleet management that helps further increase fleet productivity. 

Launching the new Ultra range, Mr. Anurag Mehrotra, Head – International Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “Over the last three decades, Tata commercial vehicles have earned a rich reputation with their exceptional functionality, high productivity, unmatched comfort, advanced connectivity and unparalleled performance. We have consistently set new benchmarks by introducing smarter and future-ready products across various vehicle segments. The launch of the latest Ultra range in South Africa marks a new landmark in freight transportation in the country. Built on the internationally recognised Ultra platform, these trucks are engineered to cater to a diverse set of applications, deliver higher performance, vehicle utilisation, uptime and more revenues. We are committed to enabling our customers in South Africa succeed and the launch of this Ultra range is a significant step forward in fulfilling this commitment.”

“Our products and services have been designed keeping the specific requirements of the discerning South African fleet operators who seek both, power and fuel efficiency. It also addresses the need for higher safety and comfort for the drivers. The new range has been extensively tested in South Africa to ensure it delivers to the expectations of our customers”, he added.

Expressing confidence in the all-new Ultra trucks, Mr. Len Brand, Managing Director, Tata Africa Holdings Limited, said, "We are thrilled to announce the launch of two new trucks to the Tata commercial vehicle lineup. This introduction aligns seamlessly with our commitment as a partner to Tata Motors and their vision for South Africa. The addition of these innovative products to the South African transport sector serves as a catalyst in our ongoing efforts to secure a more significant market share in South Africa. We are excited about the potential these new offerings bring and the positive impact they will have on our presence in the region.”

"With a robust network of 90 touchpoints, we're focused on providing convenient and comprehensive support to our customers. Our dedication to delivering on our uptime promise remains strong. We assure our customers of complete satisfaction as we work to keep their businesses moving forward. In partnership with Tata Motors, we're contributing to innovation and reliability in the South African commercial vehicle landscape.”

In an endeavour to offer holistic solutions to customers, Tata Motors offers an umbrella of vehicle lifecycle management solutions that include Annual Maintenance Contracts, Extended Warranty, Fleet Management Services and host of value-added services. These coupled with easy vehicle financing and curated repayment options, these solutions ensure complete peace of mind for customers, resulting in higher profitability.

Tata Africa Holdings Limited, subsidiary of Tata International, is responsible for the retail and after-sales service of Tata trucks and buses in South Africa. These vehicles are built on the basis of customer requirements with class-leading features, reliability, comfort and safety. The manufacturer offers a fully-built solutions, from 1-60 tonne trucks to 10-65 seater vans and buses. Tata Motors, offers the widest range of logistics solutions catering to diverse and evolving needs of the customers. With over seven decades of excellence in commercial vehicle manufacturing, Tata Motors is a market leader in its home country, India, and has rich presence in over 44 countries across ASEAN, SAARC, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

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.

About Tata Africa Holdings Limited

The Tata group began its relationship with the African continent in 1977 with the establishment of Tata Zambia. In 1994, the Tata group inaugurated Tata Africa Holdings in Johannesburg, South Africa, which now serves as the group's headquarters in the continent. Tata International Africa is present in 12 African countries namely South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mozambique Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It operates in automotive, agricultural equipment, farming and farm equipment, chemicals, and healthcare products.

Today, Tata is a brand that's synonymous with quality products and ethical business operations in Africa. It is committed to its vision of building and sustaining relationships in Africa with cooperation and trust, creating employment opportunities and making its contribution to the social development of local communities. Tata companies in Africa promote the social and economic development of local communities through education, entrepreneurship and health initiatives.

Indian AVGC Ecosystem Levels Up: WinZO Takes Indigenous Technology & Culture Global

Games include games inspired by Indian epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, Chola Empire, an action-adventure set in a bustling Indian city, a temple construction simulation, a virtual reality cricket experience, and more.

The initiative will showcase the vibrant tapestry of Indian talent, from culturally relevant games to groundbreaking technologies that are Made in Bharat for the World

WinZO, India's largest vernacular interactive entertainment platform, announced the 10 winners from a pool of over 150 participating technology and gaming companies for its flagship “Bharat Tech Triumph” initiative. The winning companies through the program would be showcasing their products in the first-ever India Pavilion at the world’s largest gaming conference, Game Developer Conference (GDC) in San Francisco next month.

WinZO had launched the 'Bharat Tech Triumph' initiative to establish a global platform uniting leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, visionaries, and various stakeholders, all committed to fostering innovation and export of technology from India. This collective effort reflects WinZO’s dedication to the vision outlined by the Honorable Prime Minister and President for 'Made in Bharat for India & the World,' aligning with initiatives like Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India. Just as IT services spurred growth in recent decades, innovation in technology and content development holds the potential to establish Bharat as a powerhouse of technological innovation, shaping the next era of technology and contributing to the vision of achieving a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.

The winners feature a diverse range of games, including those inspired by Indian epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, the Chola Empire, an action-adventure set in a bustling Indian city, a temple construction simulation, a virtual reality cricket experience, and more. The winners were selected after a rigorous process led by eminent juries of industry veterans, including Rakesh Dubey, additional director of STPI - Software Technology Parks of India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s initiative focusing on software exports; Rajesh Raju, Managing Partner of Kalaari; Justin Shriram Keeling, Founding General Partner at Lumikai; Anand Jain, Co-Founder and CPO at CleverTap; and Neha Yadav, Head of Gametech Segment, India, AWS.

Paavan Nanda, Co-Founder of WinZO, stated, “We are fortunate to receive support in bringing together the vibrant energy and dynamism of Indian entrepreneurs onto a global platform. By showcasing inspiring stories of Indian entrepreneurs and startups, WinZO aims to ignite the spirit of technological innovation and export culturally relevant content that can deepen the understanding of India's culture and society. Content and gaming have the power to bridge cultures, foster understanding, and facilitate cultural exchanges, all of which are essential in making India a global superpower.”

“WinZO's initiative celebrates the ingenuity and innovation of India's startup ecosystem. The company aims to acknowledge our nation's vast talent pool. It extends a crucial gateway to the global gaming arena, including coveted access to GDC for forging partnerships and gaining insights from global leaders. We are proud of WinZO for empowering the startup community and paving the way for unparalleled opportunities for India's gaming community to thrive globally," expressed Rajesh Raju, Managing Director, Kalaari Capital.

“Thanks a lot to WinZO for hosting such an amazing event. I’m very happy to showcase Mumbai Gullies for the first time at GDC, the world's biggest platform for technology and gaming trade. Mumbai represents dreams and relentless efforts to chase those dreams in India. We hope that through initiatives like this, Indian gaming can continue to thrive and make significant contributions to the world stage," said Nikhil Malankar, founder of the studio behind Mumbai Gullies.

The winners of the Bharat Tech Triumph include:

"Kurukshetra," an epic card-based strategy game inspired by the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

"Mumbai Gullies," an action-adventure game set in the bustling city of Mumbai.

"Shri Ram Mandir," a simulation/arcade game enabling players to construct the iconic temple.

“ScarFall," a multiplayer battle royale shooting game.

"Invrse Cricket," a virtual reality cricket game offering an immersive experience.

"Bloom," a charming narrative-driven puzzle game.

"Mayanagari," India's premier Hindi 3D open-world gangster game.

"Unsung Empire: The Cholas," a 3D action-adventure game featuring sword-based combat.

“Spook A Boo,” a physics-based couch co-op game that promises a console-like experience

Last year, WinZO pioneered the India Pavilion at the Brazil Game Show (BGS) in São Paulo, the largest gaming exhibition in Latin America, fostering collaborations among numerous game tech companies. The Bharat Tech Triumph initiative now aims to empower gaming developers to represent themselves in other leading markets, further solidifying India's foothold in the global gaming arena and promoting Indian leadership. The company facilitated over 100 partner game developers in exporting games such as Carrom, Chess, and Car Race, providing them with free access to Brazil, the fourth-largest mobile gaming market boasting over 90 million users. It also promoted the adoption of indigenous Indian games such as Ludo, Carrom and Snake and Ladders to new markets and audiences in Brazil. WinZO remains steadfast in its commitment to propel Bharat's transformation into a preeminent hub for game development on the global stage.

About WinZO

WinZO is the largest interactive entertainment platform in India. Launched in early 2018, the Company partners with third-party developers to host games on their Android app, where users can enjoy personalized multiplayer gameplay experiences. The platform is available in 12 languages such as English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, and Bhojpuri, with over 175 million registered users in India and Brazil. The WinZO platform facilitates over 4 billion micro-transactions per month across a portfolio of 100+ games. WinZO is focused on building an enthusiastic community of gamers and gaming influencers in Tier 2 – 5 cities in India. The Company envisions a future where the WinZO platform can deliver a culturally relevant and enjoyable experience in the Indian gaming ecosystem, monetized through a unique micro-transaction model.

WinZO, a series-C funded venture, has raised $100 million from Marquee gaming and entertainment investors such as Griffin Gaming partners, Courtside ventures, Maker’s fund, all of whom made their first investment in the Indian start-up ecosystem through WinZO.

HONOR Brings Globally Acclaimed X Series To The Indian Market, Launches HONOR X9b Where Innovation Meets Durability

*        Industry First Ultra-Bounce 360° Anti-Drop Display with cushioning technology

*        Boasts a premium sleek design with massive 5800mAh battery 

*        Ushering into the new era of reliable and durable smartphones, redefining smartphone excellence

HONOR, expanding its portfolio in the market, has announced the launch of its globally acclaimed X Series line-up with the introduction of HONOR X9b today. With this launch, HONOR aims to deliver eXtra to consumers across all segments, bringing them unparalleled display quality, enhanced battery, along with an optimised software performance, catering to diverse user needs.     

In addition to the HONOR X9b 5G smartphone, the brand also announced the launch of its HONOR CHOICE X5, offering superior audio, and the HONOR CHOICE Smartwatch equipped with the HONOR Health app for fitness tracking, aiming to establish a connected ecosystem in India.

HONOR X9b - Redefining Excellence with eXtra durability

HONOR X9b comes with HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-drop 360° Display, ensuring outstanding durability and stability. Its airbag cushioning technology and  innovative shock-absorbing structure around the phone provides impressive resistance to drops up to 1.5 meters. The phone guarantees 360° protection to all six faces and four corners, even on hard surfaces like marble. Housing eXtra durable 5800mAh battery in a premium sleek design, allows users to go through their day in style without constantly worrying about running out of power. For prolonged usage and eye-comfort, HONOR X9b uses dynamic light with hardware-level low blue light that helps reduce eye fatigue for users. Boasting a 6.78-inch display with a 120Hz panel supporting an impressive 1.5K resolution (429 PPI), 1.07 billion colors, and 100% DCI-P3, this smartphone delivers visuals that are not just smooth but sharp and filled with intricate detail.

*       The HONOR X9b 5G will be available at a MOP of Rs. 25,999 starting 12 noon 16-February across Amazon.in, brand website - www.explorehonor.com and mainline stores near you . Consumers can purchase the smartphone with an exciting offer of Rs. 3000 Instant Bank discount for ICICI Bank users available on all bank cards or an Exchange Bonus of Rs. 5000 on first sale day, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 22999. Consumers will also have the convenience of No Cost EMI for up to 6 months.

*       Additionally, HONOR is giving away a complimentary Charger worth Rs 699 free of cost as an introductory offer

*       HONOR has also announced a free-of-cost HONOR Protect Plan powered by Onsitego valued at Rs 2,999 that includes interesting offerings like one-time screen replacement in six months, six-month extended warranty, 30-day Assured Buyback upto 90% 

HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 – Ultimate Audio companion

Complementing the 'X' series, the HONOR CHOICE Earbuds X5 are designed to provide a balanced and premium quality audio experience, featuring advanced connectivity through HONOR AI Space for effortless switching between devices. Featuring an ergonomic in-ear design, innovative 30 DB ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) algorithms, IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, and a 35-hour battery life, these earbuds are the perfect companion for those who demand exceptional audio performance on the go.

HONOR Choice Earbuds X5 will be available starting 16-February 12 noon across Amazon.in, brand website - www.explorehonor.com and mainline stores near you at an affordable price of Rs. 1999.

HONOR CHOICE Watch – Introducing the Latest HONOR Smartwatch

In addition to the X series smartphones, HONOR is proud to introduce the latest smartwatch with a built-in HONOR Health app designed to complement your active lifestyle. Featuring cutting-edge technology, the smartwatch boasts an AMOLED Ultra-thin display showcasing 21 dynamic 'Always-on' watch faces, alongside 5ATM water resistance ideal for aquatic activities like swimming and surfing. With built-in GPS and one-click SOS calling functionality, coupled with an ultra-long 12-day battery life, this smartwatch effortlessly synchronizes with your smartphone, ensuring a seamless and connected experience.

HONOR CHOICE Watch will be available for Rs. 6499 with a discount of Rs 500 as launch offer bringing the price down to Rs. 5999 starting 24th February at 12 noon across Amazon.in, brand website - www.explorehonor.com and mainline stores near you.

About Honor: 

HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enables people to become a better version of themselves. 

Madame Signs Shanaya Kapoor As Face Of The Brand Unveils Its First Campaign With Her – ‘Fashion is Me’

Madame, one of India’s leading women’s fashion brands, today announced signing up the gorgeous Shanaya Kapoor, as face of the brand for its fashion business. Given Shanaya’s inimitable style and charm, this collaboration is all set to usher in a new phase of style and glam in the brand’s journey. The brand also announced the launch of its first campaign with Shanaya – ‘Fashion is Me’, a distinct take on the role of fashion in one’s life. 

Sumedha Jain, MarCom Head, Madame, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "In any collaboration, alignment around brand's core values is essential. Shanaya's distinct approach to fashion, and her firm beliefs around the role that fashion plays in her life, make her the perfect choice for Madame.” She further added, “We are thrilled to introduce our first campaign with her – ‘Fashion is Me’ that also aligns with our Spring-Summer 2024 collection launch.” 

Commenting on her association with Madame, Shanaya Kapoor said, “Fashion is a very personal affair. It’s the mood-board for my self-expression. I am excited to be collaborating with Madame, and look forward to sharing my own fashion philosophy with millions of our collective fans and followers.”

Over the next few weeks, Madame will aggressively target multiple platforms for the launch of its new campaign – ‘Fashion is Me’, a campaign that celebrates personal style and self-expression over transient fashion trends. At the heart of the campaign is the celebration of the modern young woman, who views fashion as self-expression, and a mood-board for the  extension of her identity. 

The Spring-Summer 2024 Collection, showcasing Shanaya Kapoor, promises an array of trendy and versatile pieces, including chic cropped tops, stylish tees, elegant trousers, coordinated sets, and standout workwear. Designed for the contemporary young woman, this collection features a vibrant and summer-full colour palette.

This collection will be available across all Madame stores, on glamly.com, and across major e-commerce platforms. 

Herbochem Unveils Groundbreaking Research On Ashwagandha's Impact On Mental Health

Herbochem, a trailblazer in herbal and natural products with over 50 years of industry prowess, proudly announced a breakthrough study on the mental health benefits of Ashwagandha. This significant study, published in the International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, highlights the efficacy of Ashwagandha. As an ancient medicinal herb deeply rooted in traditional Ayurvedic practices, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been a cornerstone of holistic well-being in India for centuries. Recognized as an adaptogen, it plays a vital role in stress management and overall balance within the body. The research underscores the adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant properties of Ashwagandha. With mental health disorders on the rise globally, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashwagandha emerges as a potent solution to alleviate symptoms such as depression, stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

In a head-to-head comparison, the study zeroes in on two Ashwagandha brands: Herbochem +91 (500mg capsules) and 600mg capsules from another notable brand. Renowned for its adaptogenic and antidepressant properties, Ashwagandha showcased remarkable efficacy in mitigating mental health symptoms. The research revealed compelling insights into the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha 500mg capsules. Ashwagandha 500mg exhibited significantly higher reductions in perceived stress, Hamilton depression scale scores, and Beck's anxiety inventory scores when compared to the control group. The study establishes that the optimal dosage of Ashwagandha 500mg demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing mental health symptoms compared to the Ashwagandha 600mg.

The study, a collaborative effort by renowned institutions including the Department of Biochemistry at Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, ViVforever Aesthetics Private Limited, Mumbai, Maharashtra, and the Critical Care Department at Vakratunda Hospital, Nashik, Maharashtra, delves into the global surge in mental health disorders, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study emphasizes the prevalent symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders, underscoring the pressing need for effective solutions.

Mr. Karthik Kondepudi, Partner at Herbochem, stated, "This study reaffirms Herbochem’s dedication to providing innovative, effective, and safe solutions that contribute to a healthier world. At Herbochem, our commitment extends beyond manufacturing. We are devoted to crafting products that not only meet the highest standards of quality but also make a meaningful impact on the well-being of individuals."

Herbochem's +91 Ashwagandha stands as a paragon of Ayurveda's holistic health approach. This full-spectrum standardized extract, unique in its extraction technique, not only captures active compounds but also maximizes vital macro-nutrients like Potassium and Magnesium. These elements play a crucial role in stress reduction and promoting better sleep, making +91 Ashwagandha® a distinctive and comprehensive solution for holistic well-being.

About Herbochem

Herbochem, established in 1973, has evolved into a prominent family-owned organization dedicated to herbal and natural products. With a legacy spanning over five decades, the company has become a key player in the herbal industry, catering to various sectors such as nutraceuticals, health, and cosmetics.

The company prides itself on its commitment to promoting health and wellness through traditional remedies and botanical extracts. By combining traditional wisdom with modern scientific research in its over 150 products, Herbochem aims to bridge the gap between age-old practices and contemporary knowledge by mixing technology with venerable agricultural techniques to create the purest herbal extracts available. This approach allows them to provide safe, effective, and sustainable solutions to their customers.  

Best Cluster Unveils Innovative Solutions For Mega-Regional Mobility At IIIT-Bangalore

Today, at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore, visionaries and experts gathered to address one of Bengaluru's most pressing challenges – mobility. Hosted by the Bengaluru Science and Technology (Best) Cluster, in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, this brainstorming session was aimed at creating a new era of collaboration and innovation in the region.

The event, titled "Mega-regional Mobility around Bengaluru: A Vision for Sustainable Growth," brought together stakeholders from academia, government, and industry to envision a transformative solution to Bengaluru's traffic woes and mobility crises. Led by key coordinators Prof Abdul Pinjari from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, and Prof Srinath Srinivasa, Dean (R&D) Web Science Lab, IIIT-Bangalore, the session explored concepts of megaregions and their potential to decongest urban centres while driving economic growth.

Prof Srinath Srinivasa, co-coordinator of the event, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing Bengaluru's mobility challenges, stating, "To address Bangalore's mobility needs in a sustainable fashion, we need to look beyond Bangalore itself. Traffic woes and mobility crises in Bengaluru are a daily affair. Despite several initiatives, Bengaluru continues to crawl and till recently, had the dubious distinction of being the second slowest city in the world. There is a dire need to develop a megaregion around Bengaluru with a network of multiple growth centres to bring about long-term sustainable solutions."

Mr. Ravi Tennetty, Head, Best Cluster, said, "It is time to come together - as visionaries, policy makers, theorists and practitioners - to accept that our Bengaluru needs immediate and serious attention to mobility planning that is practical, sustainable and future-proof."

Among the participants of this vision group was Mr M N Anucheth, IPS, Bangalore Traffic Commissioner, who offered several insightful ideas on decongesting entry and exit points into the city.

The vision meeting debated on several possible candidates for a megaregion with key growth centers and rapid transport options, including Regional Rapid Transport Systems (RRTS), suburban trains, high-speed buses, and freight corridors. By integrating multiple regional airports and fostering the development of new townships, the vision of a megaregion seeks to distribute economic growth and alleviate the strain on Bengaluru's infrastructure.

In addition to addressing mobility issues, the event showcased the Best Cluster's commitment to fostering innovation through collaborative projects. Projects such as "One Health Bengaluru city model," "Digital Health," "Precision Agriculture for Protected Farming," and "Bengaluru Quantum Technology Initiative" Reinforced the cluster's dedication to leveraging science and technology for societal benefit.

Moving forward, stakeholders are encouraged to join the vision committee and contribute to the detailed roadmap for designing the megaregion. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation, the Best Cluster aims to catalyze interactions between science and society, ultimately driving long-term competitive advantage for the nation.