Honda Starts Work On New Spare Parts Warehouse Facility In Bengaluru

* The facility will cater to spare part requirements in the region for Honda 2W, 4W & power products It will be operational from Q1 of the next FY’25-26

Honda held the ground-breaking ceremony of its upcoming state-of-the-art spare parts warehouse facility in Doddaballapura near Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Managed by Honda Cars India, this new facility will support the spare parts operations for all Honda businesses including, Honda Cars India, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, and Honda India Power Products.

In the first phase, 60,000sq meter of plot area will be developed including covered space of 25,000sq meter. The upcoming facility which will be operational by Q1 of FY 25-26 will play an important role in faster availability of spare parts at Honda dealerships and improving the entire customer service experience. The total plot area of the facility is 140,000sq meter.

On this occasion, Mr. Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said: “We are delighted to start the development of our new spare parts warehouse facility in Bengaluru. This is in line with our commitment towards our customers for providing timely and quicker availability of spare parts for their Honda products. This new facility will not only enhance our spare parts accessibility in the southern region of the country but also pave the way for future requirements in the electrification era.”

The warehouse is strategically located in Doddaballapura, Bengaluru, with proximity to Bengaluru International Airport, Bengaluru City Region and Honda 2Wheelers manufacturing plant. 

The facility’s design layout will strongly emphasize on ergonomic excellence to maximize efficiency, and productivity with modern latest equipments while maintaining highest safety standards.

Further, the facility will focus on environmental conservation along with efficient use of energy through Rainwater Harvesting, Drinking Water Treatment Plant, Sewage Treatment Plant, use of Natural Lighting, Green electricity sources and Natural air circulation. In the first phase of the development of the warehouse facility, the company will be utilizing 25,000sq meter of covered area. The remaining areas will be developed basis future requirements.

This new facility in Doddaballapura will complement Honda’s existing spare parts centers in India, thereby strengthening Honda’s nationwide support infrastructure.

The development project of the facility will be undertaken by Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Company (SMCC).

Nutanix Study Finds AI, Security, And Sustainability Are Major Drivers For IT Modernization

* India leads the way globally in the use of hybrid multicloud to address challenges and adopt smart cloud strategies

Nutanix (NASDAQ: NTNX), a leader in hybrid multicloud computing, today announced the findings of its sixth annual global Enterprise Cloud Index (ECI) survey and research report, which measures enterprise progress with cloud adoption. It revealed that a notable surge in the use of hybrid multicloud is anticipated by Indian respondents.  It also showed that hybrid multicloud remains the dominant deployment model in India, with 44% of companies using it, surpassing all other ECI countries surveyed.

As organizations continue to grapple with the complexities of moving applications and data across environments, the ECI report highlighted the growing importance of hybrid multicloud infrastructure. The report highlighted that the primary reasons for shifting applications between environments in the past year were the need to enhance control over applications and to bolster security posture while meeting regulatory requirements. Respondents in India identified data security and ransomware protection as their number one priority, followed by implementing AI strategies for 2024. As AI further takes center stage for businesses, nine in 10 (90%) organizations plan to increase investment in AI strategy support as per the report.

“Indian businesses are leading the global shift towards cloud-smart IT strategies,” said Faiz Shakir, MD at Nutanix India. “Our latest ECI report found that a staggering 99% of Indian IT professionals surveyed are focused on this approach. This cloud-smart strategy, which involves using the optimal IT environment for each application, is critical for driving security and innovation, which our study also highlights as among the top priorities for Indian decision-makers.”

Other Key findings for the Indian market:

Focus on cloud-smart deployments: The vast majority (99%) of IT professionals in India surveyed said they are focused on taking a “cloud-smart” approach to their infrastructure strategy. Cloud-smart deployments involve leveraging the optimum IT environment for each application and/or workload. The 99% figure in India outpaces the global cross-industry response pool (90%).

Hybrid multicloud adoption is evolving in India. Many organizations already leverage hybrid multicloud, making it the dominant IT operating model. However, the data suggests a shift within the model. On-premises infrastructure use is expected to decline (from 56% to 18% in 1-3 years) as organizations move towards hosted private IT services (20% currently, expected to reach 46% in 1-3 years). This suggests a preference for managed services for the on-premises component of the hybrid multicloud model.

Top challenges for Indian IT teams: The top five application and data management challenges cited by respondents in India are:

Data privacy (61%)

Ransomware protection and data security (60%)

Linking data from multiple environments (49%)

Following guidance on data storage and usage (e.g., GDPR) (47%)

Cloud cost control (44%)

Planned investments to address IT challenges: The top five areas slotted for increased investment by respondents in India during 2024 are:

Data security and ransomware protection (55%)

Implementing AI strategies (48%)

Optimizing operations (43%)

Implementing the right hybrid IT operations (42%)

Minimizing cost/ Sustainability (39%)

Data privacy remains a top concern: Data privacy was ranked as a major data management challenge by 61% of respondents in India according to the ECI report. This aligns with previous findings about the drivers behind infrastructure choices in India, where data privacy and sovereignty were a more prominent concern compared to global averages.

High containerization adoption rate: Containerization adoption is high in India, with 63% of respondents indicating that they have containerized at least 50% to 99% of their applications.

Sustainability a top priority: In India, 94% of respondents said they expect investment in sustainability efforts and technologies to increase. Those in India ranked IT infrastructure modernization (70%) and improvements in identifying areas for reducing waste products (69%) as their top two sustainability initiatives during the past year.

For the sixth consecutive year, Vanson Bourne conducted research on behalf of Nutanix, surveying 1,500 IT and DevOps/Platform Engineering decision-makers around the world in December 2023. This report is supplemental to the global findings of the 6th Annual Enterprise Cloud Index (ECI) and focuses on the results of surveys conducted with 100 IT professionals in India. It highlights how findings in India compare to the rest of the APJ region and all respondents globally.

About Nutanix

Nutanix is a global leader in cloud software, offering organizations a single platform for running apps and data across clouds. With Nutanix, companies can reduce complexity and simplify operations, freeing them to focus on their business outcomes. Building on its legacy as the pioneer of hyperconverged infrastructure, Nutanix is trusted by companies worldwide to power hybrid multicloud environments consistently, simply, and cost-effectively. Learn more at www.nutanix.com or follow us on social media @nutanix.

upGrad Ends Fiscal’24 With Creating 55,000 Jobs Across Indian Market

~Skilling major also trained nearly 600,000 professionals under its Enterprise arm in a year~

upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development majors concluded FY24 with steady growth in annual placements and transitions record of 55,000 in a single year. Learners have secured positions in nearly 3000 national and global companies through new jobs, career switches, and promotions, with the annual CTC ranging from a baseline of INR 4.5 LPA to a max of INR 1.80 crore. 

Hiring sentiments have remained strong within the Marketing, Data, and Tech domains with nearly 50% of learners placed across major cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai followed by the rest across Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Noida, Gurgaon and Ahmedabad amongst others. Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu regions have also remained talent-attracting markets. Post-pandemic market conditions have encouraged women professionals to either upskill for stronger career growth or re-enter the workforce through 'returnship' programs. Out of the total pool, nearly two-third of transitions were made by women professionals during the year. Interestingly, upGrad has also witnessed over 1.4 lakh enrollments for their free courses in GenAI, Data, AI/ML, and Technology reassuring the continued demand from India Inc. for instant skill-ups.

Commenting on the successful placement year, Mayank Kumar, Co-founder & MD, upGrad noted, “We’ve built a robust and integrated learning suite with courses, bootcamps, and certifications that are reverse-engineered to drive career outcomes for our learners. Freshers, first-time job seekers, mid-career and senior professionals undergo weeks of extensive training/learning to acquire hands-on skills for real-time benefits on jobs. Through our in-house capabilities, years of tech investments, robust university roster, and strategic business mergers, we have developed a master pedagogy that is now scalable and ready to be replicated across new geographies.”

In FY24, upGrad's Enterprise arm also upskilled and trained nearly 600,000 corporate professionals, enabling organisations maintain a ready talent pipeline. The portfolio served over 1000 mid and large-sized clients in a year including Fortune 500 companies, further consolidating its position as India's largest integrated learning and skilling major. 

“There’s been a strong demand coming from corporates looking for a cost-effective employee-payroll model, and upskilling existing talent has helped them reduce attrition and boost retention rates. FY25 marks a significant growth year as we expand our portfolio including university-led programs and own-branded certs & bootcamps, along with our learner operations globally,” concluded Kumar. 

About upGrad

Started in 2015, upGrad is Asia’s largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development Company. upGrad offers a range of online & hybrid skilling programs, Certifications, and Bootcamps under its B2C portfolio. It also facilitates top Indian and global universities to offer their Diploma, Master’s and Executive Doctorates. Additionally, select programs are tailored for enterprise clients under the B2B model, along with other recruitment and staffing services. www.upgrad.com

JJG Aero Secures $12 Million (INR 100 Crore) In Funding From CX Partners

Bengaluru-based aerospace components manufacturer, JJG Aero, has secured $12 million (INR100 crore) in inaugural funding from CX Partners. The funds will be used primarily for increasing its manufacturing capacity at its new facility, further vertical integration and other corporate initiatives.

Established in 2008, JJG Aero specializes in manufacturing build-to-print high-precision machined components, with in-house special process finishing capabilities. While the Company is primarily focussed on building its business in commercial aerospace segment, its diverse capabilities are put to use with its customers in automotive and industrial segments. The Company’s prestigious clients include marquee American & European OEMs and Tier-1 vendors. 

“We have spent the last decade in building best-in-class capabilities, processes, compliance standards, customer relationships and obtaining requisite approvals and certifications, and we are now in the right place to grow rapidly.  The aerospace supply chain is facing all-time high demand from aircraft manufacturers, which the legacy vendors in the Western world are struggling to meet. The global geopolitical issues, economic stability and Government support make India ideally placed to benefit from this. With our strengths and value proposition, we see ourselves emerging as a key player in the aerospace ecosystem.  India has emerged as an attractive destination for sourcing components and parts by global leaders and we are excited to be selected by so many marquee clients as a strategic growth vendor” said Anuj Jhunjhunwala, CEO, JJG Aero.

"We are thrilled to invest in JJG Aero, our first in this segment. JJG Aero has demonstrated remarkable growth, with a CAGR of 35% over the last three years. This investment will enable JJG Aero not only to continue on its growth path through capacity addition but also upgrade quality of earnings by focusing on higher value-added components. Indian businesses have proven ability to provide high quality products and services as an outsourcing partner to their customers. With strong industry tailwinds, we believe that aero-parts and component  manufacturing is emerging as one more segment in India’s manufacturing outsourcing story.  With its foray into manufacture of aero-engine components, we believe JJG Aero is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and further solidify its presence in the market." - Vivek Chhachhi, Managing Partner, CX Partners 

From simple 2-axis to complex 5-axis machining, JJG Aero offers a wide range of manufacturing services, complemented by over 30 NADCAP-approved special processes, including electroplating, anodizing, paint, and NDT. Moreover, the company provides assembly, testing, and other value-added services to its esteemed client base. JJG Aero has 3 fully integrated manufacturing facilities in the Bommasandra-Jigani area, near Bangalore,  in Karnataka, ably run by a team of 700 people. JJG Aero is setting up an additional facility dedicated to the aerospace segment.

Veda Corporate Advisors acted as the sole transaction advisor on the deal. 

Website:

www.jjgmachining.com

www.cxpartners.in

Revolutionising Bengaluru Transit: viaDOTS Invites Startups To Offer Affordable Cab Options

viaDOTS, India’s pioneering app-based digital meter taxi service, is unveiling a new opportunity for startups to collaborate and extend partnerships which is aimed at offering discounted cab rides to their employees during surge pricing in Bengaluru, Karnataka. These exclusive employee discount codes, in addition to viaDOTS' competitive pricing, will significantly reduce ride fares, ensuring affordable commutes even during peak hours.

Amidst Bengaluru’s rise as the Silicon Valley of India, with the establishment of thousands of startups that contribute to nearly 20% of the country’s total startups, the city is subjected to massive surges in cab fares, particularly during the peak hours. The new feature launched by viaDOTS would allow employees of a partnered company to avail discounted prices, provided via unique discount codes to lower their already competitive prices, thanks to viaDOTS’ Digital Meter Taxi model – which ensures fair prices for both the driver and the consumer/rider.

A representative from viaDOTS, notes, “Owing to the influx of startups in the city, Bengaluru often undergoes massive cab fare surges during peak hours, making it impossible for employees/the workforce to avail cab rides on time, who either have to wait longer periods to find a cab with reasonable fares, or give up and pay higher cab fares – affecting the employees’ mental and physical health as well as their pockets. The new feature launched by viaDOTS aims to ease the commute process for the employees of the organisations that collaborate with us, ensuring not only lower prices but also allowing commuters to ride with their ‘favourite’ driver every day.”

About viaDOTS

viaDOTS is a ride-hailing SaaS platform which primarily focuses on empowering the driver community via its Digital Meter Taxi Model. viaDOTS is just not disrupting the ride-hailing industry, but it aims to revolutionize it with a unique twist. Our proprietary Driver Operated Transport Service (DOTS) software is designed to create smoother, more efficient rides for both Riders and Drivers.

With transparency at the helm of our organization, hidden costs and surge charges are a thing of the past. viaDOTS ensures fair pricing, collectively set by the taxi community, to ensure that every ride is pocket-friendly and secure. Through its ideology of Driver-Entrepreneurship, the platform allows the driver community to be truly independent business owners, taking charge of how they want to operate their business.

BMW Joytown Wraps Up On A High Note With Unforgettable Moments And Music

* Electrifying performances by Diljit Dosanjh, The Karan Kanchan Experience, Till Apes and IB Inc enthral spectators on Day 2.

* 30,000 spectators, 8 prominent artists performances, 20+ culinary and gourmet food brands and unlimited entertainment.

* Showcase of the entire product range of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad and action-packed drifts and stunts.

* #BMWJoytown #BMWIndia #SheerDrivingPleasure #MINIIndia #BIGLove #BMWMotorradIndia #MakeLifeARide #BMWMotorradDaysInIndia

BMW Group India successfully concluded the second edition of BMW JOYTOWN, marking the finale with an evening charged with electrifying performances, amidst its patrons and the mesmerizing lineup of BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad vehicles. Diljit Dosanjh, The Karan Kanchan Experience, Till Apes, and IB Inc delivered a mesmerizing performance, masterfully blending Punjabi and electronic music. The fusion created an electrifying atmosphere, captivating the audience with a unique synergy of musical genres.

Diljit Dosanjh's performance was particularly spellbinding, offering a live mix of his all-time hits and iconic tracks. This fusion not only showcased the artists' versatility but also created a magical experience, leaving the audience enthralled and longing for more.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “BMW JOYTOWN has truly redefined excellence in the realms of music and automotive festivals. This exceptional two-day celebration of high-octane entertainment, exhilarating music, stunning display of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles, and unparalleled culinary delights, has captivated audiences and exceeded expectations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed patrons for their invaluable support in making the second edition of BMW JOYTOWN an extraordinary success.”

BMW JOYTOWN is a bespoke luxury motoring festival experience curated by BMW Group India, merging the automotive excellence with the vibrant world of music and culinary delights. This festival caters not only to automotive aficionados but also to their families, offering a wide array of musical genres to satiate the eclectic tastes of diverse audience. With a carefully selected lineup featuring renowned artists from various musical spheres, BMW JOYTOWN ensures a captivating experience for both the brand enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

BMW Joytown 2024 tickets were sold out in just a few days following its announcement, highlighting the event's immense popularity and anticipation. This year's edition of BMW JOYTOWN featured an impressive lineup of eight renowned artists, offering spellbinding performances. Furthermore, over 20 culinary and gourmet food brands, provided a diverse and delectable range of culinary delights. Spread across two exhilarating days, BMW JOYTOWN 2024 offered unlimited entertainment, making it a memorable experience for all attendees.

BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad range are showcased across different zones.

The BMW zone was a comprehensive showcase of the entire BMW product portfolio, meticulously organized into specialized display areas to highlight the diverse strengths of the brand. The 'City Circuit' area was dedicated to the elegance and sophistication of BMW Sedans, while the 'Adventure Trail' put a spotlight on the BMW X range of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs), emphasizing their versatility and power. 'Adrenaline Alley' was a haven for speed enthusiasts, featuring the high-performance BMW M cars. Additionally, the 'BMW Electric Zone' provided a glimpse into the future with BMW i electric vehicles, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

BIG LOVE is the optimistic MINI attitude to life, open to all that guides us forward in everything we do. Based on the same premise the MINI zone was a showcase of progressiveness and creativity. Featured prominently were two iconic MINI models: the MINI Countryman, known for its adventurous spirit and spacious design, and the MINI 3-door Hatch, which embodies the essence go-kart feeling of fun and agility. This zone was an immersive expression of BIG LOVE and the world of MINI.

Make Life a Ride manifesto resonated throughout the BMW Motorrad zone. This zone featured the Motorrad Garage where visitors can marvel at the full range of BMW Motorrad bikes, including revered vintage models. The latest BMW Motorrad Accessories and the BMW Motorrad Style Collection present an array of high-quality gear and fashionable apparel for the discerning rider. To complement the experience, the zone also hosts a Beer Garden, offering a perfect spot to relax, enjoy good food and drinks, and immerse in the vibrant motorbike culture.

Other Highlights

Gravity defying stunts by BMW Motorrad riders and drifts in BMW M Cars entertained the audience throughout the evening. The latest trends in BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad lifestyle collections and accessories were up for grabs along with special offers on select merchandise.

The fabulous lineup of artists that cast a spell over Mumbai at BMW Joytown was curated by BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow.

IN-SPACe CANSAT India Student Competition 2024 Set To Ignite Passion For Space Science And Technology

~ 28 Teams from all across the country to participate in a vibrant display of CAN sized Satellites launch competition

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) in association with The Astronautical Society of India (ASI) has announced the upcoming IN-SPACe CANSAT Student Competition. This is aimed at inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts and fostering innovation in space science and technology. Scheduled to take place from April 15-17, 2024 at Ahmedabad, this event promises to be a lively showcase of student ingenuity and creativity.

The event will be the graced by esteemed Chief Guests, Shri S Somanath, Chairman- ISRO, Secretary -DoS, President- ASI and Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe.

The IN-SPACe CANSAT Student Competition represents a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the intricacies of space exploration. Participants will engage in the design, development, and launch of CAN-sized satellites, with the goal of reaching an altitude of 800 meters above the launch site via drones. This hands-on experience will not only deepen their understanding of space science but also equip them with invaluable skills for future endeavours in the space industry.

Dr. Vinod Kumar, Executive Secretary, Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and Director-Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe, " Through this unique competition, the IN-SPACe CANSAT India Student Competition emphasises our commitment on nurturing innovation. By providing students with a platform to showcase their talent and creativity, this competition plays a crucial role in honing their skills and preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow's space industry. Together, we are empowering the next generation of space enthusiasts and contributing to the development of an AatmaNirbhar space workforce in India.”

The Venue for the IN-SPACe CANSAT 2024 Competition is- Vivenza by Gopi Farm & CANSAT event ground. Near Sardar Patel Ring Rd. Sentossa Greenland, Ognaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380060

For more information about the IN-SPACe and its events, visit https://www.inspace.gov.in/inspace