Over 500 Indian Students Arrive At World’s Largest Meditation Centre For Inaugural Of Global Teens Meet

* A week-long teens' campaign aimed at inner transformation and leadership

Heartfulness Institute organised a unique youth-oriented inner transformation and leadership drive for ages between 15 and 20 at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the largest meditation centre in the world. The campaign which was inaugurated in its first edition today will be a week-long event with thousands of students and youth coming to Kanha Shanti Vanam from across the country. The campaign was inaugurated by Rev. Daaji – Global Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. The purpose of the campaign is also to mould today's youth through introspective techniques, Heartfulness cleansing and meditation, leadership training and communication building, developing sensitivity towards nature, and cultivating compassion, and creativity. The participants are being offered free food and accommodation.

The inaugural day’s chief highlights were sessions on ‘Need for teen ages to be the change makers’  ‘Towards the integrated self’ and ‘Identifying intuition’. This apart, the youth had collective guided Heartfulness cleansing and meditation sessions.

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “Youth are the backbone of this country. India has the highest population of youth today and it is necessary that we make them strong individuals with integrity and holistic wellness who will lead our country towards true all-round progress. This campaign is designed to transform them into such extraordinary men and women.”

 The rest of the six days of the Global Teens Meet will involve educating youth on plants and their importance, story-building sessions, being in touch with nature, Heartful communication sessions, and guided meditation sessions. Other areas of modern-day know-how on financial literacy and social media ethics are also included in the campaign so that the youth derive the maximum training in conducting themselves in the real world.

 Free registrations for the event are ongoing at http://hfn.li/gtm2024.

 About Heartfulness:

Heartfulness offers a simple set of meditative practices and lifestyle changes, first developed at the turn of the twentieth century and formalized into teaching through the Shri Ram Chandra Mission in 1945 in India with a goal to bring peace, happiness, and wisdom to one heart at a time. These practices are a modern form of Yoga designed to support contentment, inner calm, and stillness, compassion, courage, and clarity of thought, as the first step towards a purposeful life. They are simple and easily adopted and are appropriate for people from all walks of life, cultures, religious beliefs, and economic situations, who are over the age of fifteen. Ongoing training in Heartfulness practices continues at thousands of schools and colleges, and over 100,000 professionals are meditating in corporations, non-governmental, and government bodies worldwide. More than 5,000 Heartfulness Centers are supported by many thousands of certified volunteer trainers and millions of practitioners in 160 countries.

Photo Caption: A session on Heartful Communication being held on the inaugural day of “Global Teens Meet 2024” wherein over 500 students from across the country participated for inner transformation and leadership training at Kanha Shanti Vanam.

Quest Global Announces Partnership With People Tech Group To Expand Digital Transformation And Product Engineering Capabilities

Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, is pleased to announce it has acquired a majority stake in People Tech Group, a renowned leader in next-generation digital transformation and digital innovation for Fortune 500 clients. With offices located across the US and a development center in Hyderabad, the acquisition of People Tech marks a significant milestone in Quest Global's growth journey, significantly expanding its footprint in India and North America within the Automotive and Hi-Tech industries.

This strategic partnership enables Quest Global to better serve customers, especially OEMs in the Automotive industry, by providing expanded expertise in digital transformation for Software Defined Vehicles (SDV). Specifically, People Tech has strong capabilities in architecture, design, UX, development and testing of HMI & applications for infotainment systems and instrument clusters. In addition, the company specializes in Software in Loop (SIL) and Model in Loop (MIL) testing of ADAS systems.  People Tech also strengthens Quest Global’s capabilities in enterprise software, cloud, data engineering, and analytics for the dynamic Hi-Tech industry. 

“With People Tech’s extensive experience and expertise, we are well-positioned to accelerate growth, scale operations, and address the evolving needs of our clients globally as we strive to be the most trusted partner for the world’s hardest engineering problems,” said Ajit Prabhu, Chairman & CEO, Quest Global. “This strategic union moves us forward on our journey to deliver innovative digital transformation and product engineering solutions to our customers in the Automotive and Hi-Tech industries as we continue on our journey to become a centenary organization.” 

Together, People Tech and Quest Global will leverage new and complementary capabilities, expand offerings to existing clients, and serve new clients with innovative digital transformation and product engineering solutions. With access to Quest Global’s resources, expertise and client reach, People Tech will continue to expand its operations and capabilities. 

“This marks a new chapter for People Tech, and we are thrilled to become part of the Quest Global family,” said Vishwa Prasad, Founder and CEO of People Tech. “Our shared values and commitment to excellence make this integration a natural fit. We are both known for helping our customers solve their most challenging problems. With this transaction we will be able to bring our Data/AI and Enterprise Software services to a broader client base and leverage the substantial industry expertise of Quest Global resources.”

Under the continued leadership of Vishwa Prasad and his outstanding team, People Tech will maintain its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

About Quest Global

Founded in 1997, Quest Global is one of the world’s leading engineering research and development (ER&D) services companies. Quest Global believes engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. For more than 25 years, we have strived to be the most trusted partner for the world’s hardest engineering problems. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, the team at Quest Global live and work in 17 countries, with 72 global delivery centers and offices, driven by 17,800+ extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Communications, Energy, Hi-Tech, MedTech & Healthcare, Rail and Semiconductor industries.

About People Tech Group 

People Tech Group is a leading Product Engineering, Data/AI and Enterprise Solutions provider that focuses on providing innovative digital solutions to customers, helping them solve their most challenging problems. With offices located across the US and a development center in Hyderabad, India, People Tech assists Fortune 500 clients in accelerating digital initiatives. People Tech works closely with its customers to understand business challenges and develop tailored solutions to help them succeed. People Tech is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support. As of April 2024, People Tech is now part of the Quest Global family.

GreenCell Mobility Secures INR 3 Billion Green Financing From Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation For 350 Electric Buses

1st project in Electric Mobility space in India to be financed by a Japanese bank

1st project of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in E-mobility space in Asia-Pacific

GreenCell Mobility, a pioneer in Electric Mass Mobility sector, has secured Green Financing from leading Japanese financial institution Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for its transformative Electric Bus project in Uttar Pradesh. This transaction not only marks the 1st Project Finance by a Japanese bank in the Electric Mobility domain in India but is also SMBC's 1st Project Finance transaction in E-Mobility in Asia Pacific.

According to the terms of the agreement, SMBC has extended a long-term Project Finance facility to GreenCell Mobility for its 350 Electric Buses project in Uttar Pradesh. This INR 3.07 billion Project Finance facility represents a pivotal step in both low carbon transportation and financial innovation in India. The project is expected to reduce approximately 2.35 lakh tonnes of gross CO2 emissions over its contract lifespan, by facilitating the deployment of 9 metres fully built pure AC Electric Buses across 8 cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO of GreenCell Mobility, commented, "Our historic partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation demonstrates GreenCell Mobility’s unwavering dedication towards sustainable mass mobility. The Green Financing is a significant milestone to step up our efforts towards transforming India's electric transportation landscape. GreenCell Mobility has become the first Indian company to secure Green Financing from global banks Standard Chartered and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation."

The Project Finance facility will help with the procurement, operation, and maintenance of electric buses under the FAME II Scheme, which is administered by the Uttar Pradesh government's Directorate of Urban Transport. Operating under a 10-year concession agreement, the project guarantees a fixed per-kilometer fee, mitigating traffic risk and ensuring a consistent revenue stream similar to an annuity.

Tomofumi Watanabe and Luca Tonello, co-General Managers of Structured Finance Asia Pacific at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, stated, "We are proud to facilitate this groundbreaking financing deal with GreenCell Mobility, further reinforcing our commitment to advancing sustainable initiatives in India and the Asia Pacific region. By aligning the transaction with the Green Loan Principles, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible financing and environmental stewardship."

Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Hiroyuki Mesaki, Country Head of SMBC India, stated "We are excited to initiate our journey into India's e-mobility sector through our collaboration with GreenCell Mobility. This transaction exemplifies our dedication to fostering sustainable practices and underscores our commitment to supporting innovative projects that drive positive environmental impact. By leveraging our financial expertise and global network, we aim to help the transition towards cleaner transportation solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable future"

GreenCell Mobility

GreenCell Mobility has been promoted by Eversource Capital, India’s leading climate impact investor. GreenCell is building a platform to provide Electric Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS), initially using electric buses and delivering the core value proposition of cheaper non-polluting on-demand shared transportation, charging infrastructure, and enabling products for the e- mobility value chain. For more information, please visit www.greencellmobility.com

Rising Rural Growth Underpinned By Stable Consumption In India: NIQ

FMCG value growth (6.6%) is led by consumption, price growth (0.1%) is stable.

Urban consumption grew at 5.7% while Rural grew at 7.6%.

Non-food (11.1%) grew 2X faster than food (4.8%) in volumes.

NielsenIQ (NIQ), the world's leading consumer intelligence company, released the FMCG Quarterly Snapshot for Q1’24 (JFM’24).  According to the report, the Indian FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) industry has experienced a 6.6% growth in value, attributed to a 6.5% increase in volume at an All-India level. The report further reveals that volume growth for this quarter is higher than Q1’23 which stood at 3.1%.

Roosevelt Dsouza, Head of Customer Success – India at NIQ, stated, "The FMCG industry's growth continues to be driven by consumption trends in Q1’24 (JFM’24), with rural areas surpassing urban growth for the first time in five quarters. Notably, Home and Personal Care (HPC) categories have outperformed food categories. While food categories witness higher unit purchases, the growth in HPC is largely driven by the popularity of larger pack sizes."

Market Dynamics: Consumption slowdown in Urban & Modern Trade; uptick in Rural and Traditional Trade

Rural consumption growth has gradually picked up pace and has surpassed Urban in Q1’24. Urban sees sequential decline in consumer demand leading to 5.7% this quarter. Within the retail sector, Modern Trade continues to exhibit strong double-digit volume growth at 14.7%. Traditional Trade, on the other hand, experienced stable growth, with volumes registering 5.6% growth in Q1’24 compared to 5.3% in the previous quarter (Q4’23), suggesting that traditional retail channels are holding their ground.

Non-Food Categories accelerate, Fueled by Rising Consumption

At the All-India level, both the Food and Non-Food sectors contribute to the growth in consumption (refer to chart 3). In Q1’24; Non-Food sees almost double the growth as compared to Food. More units were purchased in Food categories compared to the same period last year, whereas in Non-food, more large packs were bought.

In Q1’24, the volume growth in the Food sector is 4.8% compared to Q1’23, down from 5.3% in Q4’23. This slowdown in growth is primarily due to products falling under Staples.

In contrast, Non-Food categories, there is an improvement, with consumption reaching 11.1% in Q1’24 compared to last year, an increase from the 9.6% recorded in Q4’23. This improvement can be attributed to an increase in Rural uptick, with a growth rate of 12.8% in Q1’24 (vs. 9.8% in Q4’23); led by Personal Care & Home Care categories. In Urban areas, the Non-Food sector is witnessing increasing consumption in Personal Care growing at 8.4% in Q1’24 (vs. 5.8% in Q4’23).

Within the broader FMCG industry, large players continue to demonstrate stronger performance compared to small players. Despite this, smaller manufacturers have seen higher volume growth rates in non-food categories over the last two quarters compared to large companies. This might be because smaller players face challenges in keeping prices stable in the food sector, while non-food categories with significant price increases have experienced higher volume growth..

Tata Motors Celebrates 9,00,000th Vehicle Rollout From Its Lucknow Facility

* The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is a significant hub for production of commercial vehicles, including green mobility solutions

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced a significant milestone of its 9,00,000th vehicle rollout from its state-of-the-art Lucknow facility. The celebration included a flag-off ceremony in the presence of Mr. Durga Shanker Mishra, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and senior delegates from Tata Motors, at the facility.

Spread across 600 acres, the Lucknow facility stands as a testament to Tata Motors' commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices, with it being recognized as a water-positive plant by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The facility houses a 6MW solar power plant, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The facility augments ultra-modern vehicle manufacturing stations such as robotic paint booth and body-in-white shop featuring robotic spot welding, amongst other highlights. Since its inception in 1992, the facility has rolled out cargo and passenger commercial vehicles including light, intermediate, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, as well as electric and fuel cell electric buses.

Speaking at the 9,00,000th vehicle rollout from Tata Motors' Lucknow facility, Mr. Durga Shanker Mishra, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh said, “I commend Tata Motors for reaching this significant milestone. This achievement underscores Tata Motors' pivotal role in providing advanced, safer, and greener mobility solutions to address both present and future requirements. Furthermore, the company’s commitment to women's empowerment, exemplified by over 22% women representation among new hires this year, marks a significant step forward for women in the manufacturing sector.”

Reflecting on this achievement, Mr. Vishal Badshah, Vice President and Head – Operations, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, remarked, “The rollout of our 9,00,000th vehicle from the Lucknow facility is a momentous occasion for Tata Motors. This facility has been pivotal in the manufacturing of our advanced electric buses, and has successfully delivered over 1200 units, which have cumulatively clocked lakhs of kilometres across the country. Uttar Pradesh has been one of our key markets and the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s impetus on infrastructure development has been a key enabler in boosting the sales of commercial vehicles. With our focus on Industry 4.0 integration, this facility has been delivering safe, smart and green mobility solutions to our customers. We extend our gratitude to our customers, partners and all colleagues and as we celebrate this milestone.”

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Mahesh Suguru, Plant Head – Lucknow, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, added, “The achievement of our 9,00,000th vehicle rollout from the Lucknow facility is a testament of our commitment to excellence and innovation. Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, we have optimised our operations, streamlined workflows, and elevated our standards of production to deliver superior vehicles that exceed customer expectations.”

Tata Motors is setting a benchmark in gender inclusivity and women empowerment at its Lucknow facility. Presently, women constitute one-third of the technical workforce, actively participating in all operational shifts and demonstrating a wide array of skills across the production of diverse products, including trucks and buses. The company is deeply invested in the comprehensive development of its women employees, providing them with hands-on industry experience through specialized training and workshops designed to boost their skills. With women representing more than 22% of the new recruits this year, Tata Motors stands as a proud proponent of women’s advancement in the manufacturing industry.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 150 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, fuelled 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.

Rotary Midtown Spreads Awareness On Cancer; Organises Road Show Along Mangalore Route

In a bid to tackle the formidable challenge of cancer, Rotary Bangalore Midtown, in collaboration with Rotary District 3191, has embarked on a journey on 19th and 20th April 2024 aimed at spreading awareness and promoting Rotary's Answer to Cancer Enigma (RACE) program. This initiative, known as the RACE Road Show, seeks to engage with communities and Rotary clubs along the route to Mangalore and back, with the shared goal of combatting cancer through early detection and prevention.

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health concerns globally, affecting millions of lives each year. Recognizing the urgency to address this issue, Rotary Bangalore Midtown has taken proactive steps by introducing the RACE program, which emphasizes the importance of regular cancer screenings as a vital tool in saving lives.

The RACE Road Show symbolizes a collective effort by Rotary members to raise awareness about the significance of early detection and timely intervention in the fight against cancer. Over the course of the journey, members from Rotary Bangalore Midtown and District 3191 will visit approximately 20 Rotary clubs in Ramanagara, Channapatna, Mandya, Mysore and Hassan engaging with fellow Rotarians, community leaders, and the public at large.

The Road Show serves as a platform for sharing information about the RACE program's objectives, methodologies, and impact. Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants will gain insights into the importance of regular screenings, risk factors associated with different types of cancer, and available resources for support and treatment.

Moreover, the RACE Road Show aims to foster collaboration and synergy among Rotary clubs, leveraging their collective strengths and resources to amplify the reach and impact of cancer awareness and prevention efforts. By building partnerships and mobilizing support at the grassroots level, Rotary members aspire to create a ripple effect that transcends geographical boundaries, ultimately contributing to a significant reduction in cancer-related morbidity and mortality.

Beyond raising awareness, the Road Show also endeavours to inspire action and participation from individuals and communities. Through educational initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach programs, Rotary members aim to empower people to take proactive steps towards prioritizing their health and well-being.

As the Road Show unfolds, Rotary Bangalore Midtown and District 3191 invite fellow Rotarians, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and concerned citizens to join hands in the fight against cancer. By working together and embracing the spirit of service above self, we can strive towards a future where cancer is no longer a dreaded enigma but a conquerable challenge.

In conclusion, the RACE Road Show represents a testament to Rotary's commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by cancer. Through collective action, education, and advocacy, we can pave the way towards a healthier, cancer-free world.

Join us on this journey as we race towards a brighter tomorrow, united in our resolve to defeat cancer and ensure a better future for generations to come.

Kyndryl Selects Embassy Services For Facility Management And Corporate Fit Out Of Their New Office In Bangalore

Embassy Services Private Limited (ESPL), a leading provider of integrated facility management solutions, proudly announces that it was selected for the facility management and corporate fit out of Kyndryl’s new office in Bangalore.

ESPL was chosen as the Integrated Facility Management Service Provider and completed the corporate fit out for Kyndryl's new office at Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru. This collaboration underscores ESPL's commitment to delivering exceptional services tailored to the evolving needs of its clients.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Kyndryl on this significant project. Our expertise in Facility Management and Project Management Consultancy aligns seamlessly with Kyndryl's vision of fostering a workplace environment rooted in sustainability and innovation.”

"We're not just opening doors to a new office. We're infusing it with 'The Kyndryl Way' setting a precedent for workplace excellence in the digital era," said, Saarang Ganapathi, COO – Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd

"The new Kyndryl office at Manyata Embassy Park, Bengaluru, will help Kyndryl support its customers with becoming more adaptive, resilient and future ready. ESPL’s commitment to excellence played a pivotal role in bringing our vision for the office to life and enabling this high-level of customer-centricity," said, Michael Moesman, Senior Vice President, Delivery Leadership, Kyndryl.

The inauguration of the new office marks a significant milestone for Kyndryl and reaffirms its commitment to providing customers and employees with a collaborative environment that promotes innovation and well-being.