FWprota Kirloskar Motor Commits To Significant Increase In Women Workforce

In alignment with its dedication to cultivating a more inclusive and dynamic workforce, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced focused efforts to enhance gender diversity and Inclusion in its operations. Contributing to the larger goal of “Skill India Mission”, the company is also implementing a series of innovative initiatives aimed at not only enhancing the skillset of women but also empowering their holistic development.

While celebrating International Women’s Day, TKM announced the induction of 124 female team members and 55 female leaders into its manufacturing operations. These skilled individuals will play an integral role in driving the company's operations while exemplifying its commitment towards fostering a culture marked by diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Furthermore, TKM also organized skill contest for female members thus marking a significant new milestone. The contest encompassed a diverse array of skill categories, enabling participants to showcase their expertise across various manufacturing processes. A panel of industry experts from Toyota India evaluated participants based on criteria such as problem solving, creativity, and technical skill.

Commenting on this development, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President and Director for Finance and Administration said, “At TKM we are committed to contributing positively towards strengthening the Indian auto industry with a highly skilled, diverse, and globally competitive workforce. We believe that the vision of gender inclusivity extends beyond the organization's borders, encompassing the entire value chain and society at large. We are thrilled to welcome our new female team members and leaders into the manufacturing line. This resonates with our core belief that diversity and inclusion are not seen just as a corporate responsibility but reflects TKM’s strong commitment towards developing rural talent into world-class competitive technicians. We believe that this approach will not only offer them enhanced opportunities in both domestic and international markets but also contribute to producing mass happiness in the society.”

TKM has also established a Business Reform Team on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to spearhead these efforts. Following extensive benchmarking and leadership engagement, TKM has achieved significant progress thanks to the progressive and supportive measures by the State Government in facilitating the inclusion of women to work in shifts. Furthermore, these efforts are also well complemented by a comprehensive ecosystem assessment through an unconscious bias survey, leading to targeted sensitization programs.

As a strong step in the direction of supporting “Skill India Mission," Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) recently announced the expansion of its Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) in Bidadi. As a part of this expansion, the company announced doubling its intake from 600 to 1200 students which included upto 600 female students, providing opportunities for students from economically challenging backgrounds and rural areas in Karnataka, with a steadfast focus on enhancing gender diversity as a pivotal component of its expansion.

Through TTTI, TKM will train female students in knowledge (16%), skill (34%) and body and mind (50%) from economically challenging background and rural areas. The infrastructure has been upgraded with improved residential facilities for female students, new classrooms, and updated equipment to enrich skill training. These enhancements are designed to support a comprehensive learning and development experience for TTTI students.

Going forward, TKM remains committed to support the professional development and advancement of women workforce through targeted initiatives and programs, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to thrive in their careers.

Cureskin Secures USD 20 Million In Series B Funding Led By HealthQuad With Participation From Existing Investors

·         The fresh funding further fuels the Company’s vision to widen access to quality dermatological care in India leveraging AI built over millions of datasets

·         Cureskin aims to disrupt the large and growing skin and hair care industry in India by providing high-quality, customised solutions through a comprehensive digital-first platform

Cureskin, an AI-driven dermatology platform that provides clinically validated skin & hair health solutions, has raised Series B funding of USD 20 million. The round was led by India’s leading digital health-focused venture capital fund, HealthQuad along with participation from existing marquee investors including JSW Ventures, Khosla Ventures and Sharrp Ventures. The latest investment brings Cureskin's total funding to USD 26 million, further fuelling its vision to widen access to quality dermatological care in India.

India grapples with a significant shortage of access to qualified dermatologists, leaving millions without quality skin care. At the same time, there is a significant and growing demand for such a solution in India due to its young and aspirational demographic.

Cureskin is expanding the skin and hair care market by bridging this gap by leveraging AI to scale the reach of dermatologists. Through its mobile app, Cureskin has treated over 15 Lakh customers so far for various conditions such as acne, hyper-pigmentation, post-acne issues, hair loss etc, with over 80% of customers in Tier 2 and 3 regions.

“We are delighted to have earned the backing of HealthQuad alongside our existing partners”, expressed Guna Kakulapati, CEO and Co-founder of Cureskin. “This investment reaffirms the growing demand for accessible expertise and quality care to solve skin & hair problems for people in India. These funds will help further enhance our AI capabilities, accelerate our growth and expand solution offerings. We aim to provide optimal skin and hair health to millions of individuals across the country.”

The domestic market is flooded with many beauty and personal care brands making it difficult for consumers to make product choices that are right for their skin and can effectively solve their concerns. Cureskin stands apart by offering dermat-prescribed, continuously-monitored, high-efficacy personalised solutions to every consumer at affordable prices.

Dr. Pinak Shrikhande, Managing Director, HealthQuad said “Lack of qualified dermatologists in Tier 3+ towns and lack of product knowledge leads to ineffective self-treatments. Cureskin is a comprehensive digital-first platform focused on customised skin and hair care treatments solving for the lack of access to dermatologists with a deep AI-led diagnosis while providing high-quality outcome-driven regimens at affordable prices. We are proud to be partners in Cureskin’s journey to create impact as it scales.”

"We are excited to be part of Cureskin and are deeply aligned with its vision of creating impact through widening access to qualified dermatological care pan-India. With more than 70% of the Company’s users currently coming from Tier 3+ locations, Cureskin is aligned with HealthQuad’s mission of solving the accessibility, affordability and quality issues in healthcare in India. We remain committed to partnering with transformational digital-first companies creating impact for the underserved,” added Charles–Antoine Janssen, Chief Investment Officer, HealthQuad.

JSW Ventures Managing Partner Sachin Tagra said, "The company has demonstrated exemplary execution capabilities. This capital will help the company continue scaling its operations, innovate further on AI development to build a stronger technology moat, and expand its distribution capabilities."

Veda Corporate Advisors acted as Exclusive Advisors to Cureskin for the transaction. 

Glaucoma-Related Blindness Continues To Rise In India Due To Delay In Detection; Eye Experts Urge For Early Screening And Treatment

According to various independent studies and data by hospitals, glaucoma-related blindness is continuing to rise in India due lack of awareness & delay in detection. Glaucoma is a very common eye disease characterized by damage to the optic nerves due to high eye pressure, affects nearly 12 million people in India. Statistically, over 90% of glaucoma cases in the country go undetected, leading to irreversible blindness each year.

Commenting on the reasons for this surge, Dr. Shibi Dev B.N, Senior Consultant and Head of Department - Glaucoma, Nethradhama Super Speciality Hospital said, “A majority of glaucoma cases either go undiagnosed or are detected till advanced stage, as it doesn’t show symptoms and patients are unaware of the progressive damage to their optic nerve making the blindness irreversible at this point. Managing glaucoma in India comes with many critical challenges, including low awareness levels, undetected and undiagnosed cases, limited access to diagnostic and therapeutic services, and issues with treatment compliance. We have seen through various academic studies and research that glaucoma causes blindness in 1.5 million individuals, representing 5.5% of total blindness cases in India, making it the primary cause of irreversible blindness in the country. When patients begin to notice signs and symptoms of glaucoma, the disease has often already caused irreversible damage. Once vision is compromised due to the unhinged progress of the disease, it cannot be restored. Glaucoma, while chronic and currently incurable, can be managed and its progression slowed with medical and surgical intervention if detected early.”

Individuals particularly over 40 years, Positive family history of Glaucoma, History of eye injury, Inadvertent use of steroid medicines are at high risk, with one in 20 Indians in this age group either getting affected by glaucoma or at risk of developing it. However, Glaucoma can affect people even without any risk factor but at a lower rate.

While commenting on the treatment options, Dr. Shibi Dev said, “The first line of treatment for glaucoma management is to lower the intraocular pressure responsible for optic nerve damage. There are eye drops specifically designed to reduce eye pressure by better drainage of fluid from the eyes or reduce the production of fluids in the eye. Laser procedures are also available for reduction of Intraocular pressure. Other than these the most common mode of treatment is surgery. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery or MIGS is the modern alternative to traditional trabeculectomy where the MIGS implant is inserted during phacoemulsification (Cataract) surgery, reducing the need for topical medications. It has a high success rate in lowering IOP (intraocular pressure) with minimal risk of complications in certain types of Glaucoma. MIGS ensures minimal tissue trauma and faster recovery for the patient.”

In a need to address these challenges about the increasing incidence of Glaucoma, Dr. Shibi Dev said, “There is a pressing need for increased public awareness, regular eye check-ups, and access to affordable and accessible treatment. We urge the government and international organizations to collaborate in addressing glaucoma as a public health issue, ensuring effective prevention, screening, and treatment services for all individuals.”

To reduce the disease burden, there has to come a major mindset change towards glaucoma management. Though it is a leading cause of blindness in the country, there isn’t much awareness about the disease making it easily unnoticeable. To create awareness on Glaucoma, World Glaucoma Week is celebrated worldwide and this year’s theme is ‘Uniting for the Glaucoma Free world.’ Regular eye check-ups are an essential part of glaucoma management. It is also important to educate patients about the long-term nature of glaucoma management and the benefits of consistent use of eye drops which will enhance treatment effectiveness. Launching campaigns and eye screenings are vital for increasing public awareness of glaucoma, its symptoms, and the significance of regular eye examinations says Dr. Shibi Dev.

To spread awareness about the disease, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital is conducting multiple activities, along with setting up a helpline for people to reach out and know more about the disease. The helpline number is 080 37815876.

Sennheiser Redefines Wireless Audio Experience With Launch Of ACCENTUM And ACCENTUM Plus Headphones In India

Setting new standards in audio excellence, Sennheiser has officially announced the commencement of sales for its latest marvels - the ACCENTUM Wireless and ACCENTUM Plus headphones in India. Available for purchase at an irresistible price of INR 12,990 and INR 15,990 respectively, these cutting-edge headphones are now accessible in black and white color variants on the official Sennheiser webshop www.sennheiser-hearing.com and Amazon.in.

“We are thrilled to introduce the ACCENTUM series to India, representing a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences to our price-conscious listeners. The ACCENTUM series embodies our paramount achievement in making Sennheiser's premium audio quality accessible at a stellar value. The launch of the ACCENTUM Plus and ACCENTUM wireless headphones reaffirms Sennheiser's dedication to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction” says Vijay Sharma, General Manager - Sennheiser Consumer business in India. “With the launch of the ACCENTUM series, we aim to deliver Sennheiser’s breathtaking sound to our consumers, without sacrificing the battery life or wireless freedom that makes them so enjoyable to use all day long.”

The ACCENTUM Wireless headphones, a testament to Sennheiser's commitment to unparalleled sound quality, offer a seamless blend of premium features and exceptional value. With Sennheiser's signature acoustics and the tranquility of Hybrid Active Noise Canceling technology, the ACCENTUM Wireless headphones set a new benchmark for wireless audio enthusiasts. Boasting 37mm dynamic transducers meticulously tuned to deliver breathtaking soundscapes, these headphones offer remarkable bass performance and crystal-clear clarity. The advanced acoustics are engineered for comprehensive ANC performance, effectively minimizing external disturbances through passive isolation and discreet microphones targeting both low and high frequencies. Keeping pace with the evolving content consumption landscape, the ACCENTUM headphones provide enhanced control through Bluetooth® 5.2 and multipoint connectivity. Enthusiasts can revel in exceptional sound fidelity, thanks to the support for the aptX™ HD codec, delivering robust wireless stability and punchy output that rivals wired headphones.

In addition to an impressive 50-hour battery life, the ACCENTUM Wireless headphones feature quick charge capabilities, providing an additional 5 hours of playback in just 10 minutes. The provided USB-C cable also enables seamless music streaming from a compatible audio device while charging, transforming the headphones into an audio interface for immersive content consumption and seamless voice communication.

Meanwhile, the ACCENTUM Plus headphones, available in black and white color variants, are offered at an enticing price of INR 15,990 on the official Sennheiser webshop www.sennheiser-hearing.com and Amazon.in. Designed to cater to the diverse needs of modern audiophiles, the ACCENTUM Plus headphones embody Sennheiser's extensive acoustic expertise, intuitive touch-gesture controls, Hybrid Adaptive Noise Cancellation, and a luxurious build, elevating the headphone listening experience to new heights. With an industry-leading 50 hours of uninterrupted playback and sound quality that rivals a stable, wired connection, the ACCENTUM Plus headphones seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with convenience. The headphones' foldable design and accompanying protective zip-storage case ensure hassle-free portability and organization, making them the perfect travel companion for discerning music enthusiasts.

Sennheiser's ACCENTUM Wireless and ACCENTUM Plus headphones represent a paradigm shift in the wireless audio landscape, offering an unmatched combination of superior sound performance, innovative features, and exceptional affordability. Experience the future of wireless audio with Sennheiser's ACCENTUM range, now available for purchase in India.

About the Sennheiser brand

We live and breathe audio. We are driven by the passion to create audio solutions that make a difference. Building the future of audio and bringing remarkable sound experiences to our customers – this is what the Sennheiser brand has represented for more than 75 years. While professional audio solutions such as microphones, meeting solutions, streaming technologies, and monitoring systems are part of the business of Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG, the business with consumer devices such as headphones, soundbars and speech-enhanced hearables became part of the Sonova Holding AG group of companies in 2022, who have licensed the Sennheiser trademark for this purpose.   

www.sennheiser.com

www.sennheiser-hearing.com

Garware Technical Fibres Named India's Best Workplace For Fostering Innovation

In a resounding testament to its commitment to fostering innovation, Garware Technical Fibres Limited has proudly secured its position among the Top 50 in the prestigious “India's Best Workplaces Building a Culture of Innovation by All” list. The accolade comes as a recognition of Garware Technical Fibres' unwavering dedication to highly engage its workforce towards ground-breaking creativity and advancement.

Employee Development as a Cornerstone

At the heart of Garware Technical Fibres Limited's success lies a commitment to employee development. The company goes beyond traditional training programs, tailoring initiatives that align with individual career aspirations and the evolving needs of the industry. This approach not only enhances employee skill sets but also nurtures a culture of continuous learning, ensuring that the workforce remains agile and adaptable in the face of industry advancements.

Empowering Employees to Lead

Garware Technical Fibres Limited believes in empowering its employees to take on leadership roles. Through mentorship programs and leadership training, the company develops its talent to not only excel in their current roles but also for future readiness. This empowerment creates a sense of ownership among employees, instilling pride in contributing to the company's success.

"At Garware Technical Fibres, we see our employees not just as a workforce, but as family. Valuing, empowering, and supporting each individual, we foster a culture where innovation and excellence thrive within our close-knit Garware family.

Mr. Vayu Garware, Chairman & Managing Director Garware Technical Fibres Ltd

“By focusing on the continuous development and well-being of our employees, we've created a dynamic ecosystem where collaboration along learning and creativity thrive. Our success as India's Best Workplace for Building a Culture of Innovation reflects the commitment of our team to shaping the future of our organisation.”

Mr. Shujaul Rehman, Chief Executive Officer Garware Technical Fibres Ltd

SANY India Partners With J&K Bank To Provide Financial Solutions To Its Customers

SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, has taken a significant stride towards offering improved financial solutions to its customers. The company has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with J&K Bank, aiming to stimulate substantial growth and development opportunities within the region, while facilitating easier access to SANY India’s advanced product line along with readily available financial solutions.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr Nishikant Sharma, Deputy General Manager of J&K Bank, and Mr Sanjay Saxena, COO of SANY India, accompanied by senior officers from both organizations.  

This collaboration between SANY India and J&K Bank is strategically designed to leverage the strengths of both entities, providing comprehensive financial solutions to customers, including competitive interest rates and flexible repayment plans, to support the procurement of essential machinery for infrastructure projects.

Mr. Sanjay Saxena, COO of SANY INDIA, stated, “We are delighted to partner with J&K Bank, a leading institution of economic well-being within its operational areas. This collaboration signifies our commitment to delivering exceptional financial services alongside our cutting-edge products, empowering customers across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.”

Highlighting the significant reliance on J&K Bank for equipment financing in the previous year, Mr Saxena added, "With 80% of our equipment sales in Jammu and Kashmir financed through J&K Bank, this partnership underscores the bank’s deep penetration and significance in the region. As J&K Bank becomes our preferred financier, customers can conveniently access financing solutions for our earthmoving and construction equipment without exploring alternative options.”

Mr Nishikant Sharma, Deputy General Manager of J&K Bank, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We continuously strive to provide beneficial opportunities for our customers. With construction activities thriving in J&K and Ladakh, the demand for earth-moving and construction equipment is on the rise. Through our Construction Equipment Finance scheme, prospective buyers of SANY equipment can easily avail finance tailored to meet their financial requirements.” 

He emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between the two companies to achieve mutually beneficial future growth.

ABOUT SANY India 

SANY India offers the widest range of Construction Machinery in India & South Asia. In 2012, SANY India invested more than INR 1000 crores to develop infrastructure for R&D, Manufacturing, Quality Inspection, Testing, and Service at their manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. Through this facility, the company operates in multiple Business verticals viz: Earth Moving, Lifting, Foundation, Mining, Ports, Concrete, Roads and Renewable Energy solutions. Presently, SANY India offers products like excavators, truck-mounted cranes, all-terrain and rough terrain cranes, crawler cranes, transit mixers, batching plants, boom pumps, trailer pumps, piling rigs, motor graders, pavers, milling machine, compactors, reach stackers, rubber tyred gantry cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes, mining equipment, wind turbine generators and many more.

The company has already established a strong network of around 42 dealers and 260 touch points across India to cater to the growing demand and provide support to all its customers & associates. SANY has more than 30000 machines delivered on the ground, contributing to infrastructure development projects in India & other South Asian countries. Owing to its widest product range, superior build quality, service commitment, innovative solutions, and global expertise, SANY India has achieved market leadership in various construction equipment segments. With the Government of India’s focus on infrastructure development and modernization, the company is poised for tremendous growth.

South Bengaluru Is Thriving Investment Hub With 10.3% YoY Capital Appreciation And 26% YoY Surge In Rents: Magicbricks

According to Magicbricks’ recent “State of the Market” report, South Bengaluru (Electronic City, JP Nagar, Kanakapura and Bannerghatta) has emerged as a thriving investment hub in the city, demonstrating a significant capital appreciation of 10.3% YoY and surge in rents by 26% YoY between October and December 2023. Kanakapura stood out as the most price-sensitive locality with an impressive capital  appreciation of 18.66% YoY during this period.

Elaborating on the demand and supply dynamics in the region, the report highlighted that the residential demand increased 8.1% YoY, particularly in Electronic City, where the demand surged 21.23% YoY.  Furthermore, NRI interest surged by 13% YoY, particularly from the UK, marking an 81% increase. 

Simultaneously, while the residential supply contracted by 28.4% YoY, leading developers are actively investing in the area, signaling promising prospects for an upturn in supply. The report identified Provident Housing, Prestige Group and Mantri developers constituting the majority of the residential supply in the area.

Abhishek Bhadra, Head of Research, Magicbricks further elaborated “South Bengaluru presents lucrative investment prospects for those seeking long-term returns. With a steady uptick in demand, the region is also witnessing a surge in commercial activities, as developers expand their footprint in the region. Offering higher rental yields as compared to established areas of North Bengaluru, South Bengaluru presents the potential of becoming one of the top choices for homeowners in the coming quarters.”

The report also underscored buyers’ interest towards smaller configurations in South Bengaluru, as demand for 2BHK configurations increased from 45.7% of total residential demand in 2023, up from 36.6% in the same period last year. In contrast, the demand for 3BHK and bigger units reduced from 59.3% in October-December 2022 to 50.6% in October-December 2023. The report concluded that the leading asset class in Bengaluru is multistorey apartments, which is accounting for nearly 84% of the residential supply in the area.

About Magicbricks: India's no 1 property site 

As the largest platform for buyers and sellers of property to connect in a transparent manner, Magicbricks has monthly traffic exceeding 2 crores and an active base of over 15 lakh property listings. Magicbricks has metamorphosed into a full-stack service provider for all real estate needs, with 15+ services including home loans, pay rent, movers and packers, legal assistance, property valuation, and expert advice.

With 15+ years of experience and deep research-based knowledge, Magicbricks also presents a repertoire of insight-driven platforms like MBTV- India’s leading online real estate YouTube channel, and other proprietary tools so that home buyers can access all information related to price trends and forecasts, locality reviews and more.