Trane Technologies Advances “Cooling Cart initiative For Improved Livelihoods” In India

* Distributed cooling carts at no cost to street vendors for expanded pilot programs and trials in various regions across India

* Collaboration with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the state of Karnataka

* Expanded pilot program from Kolar to Karnataka, Maharashtra, Mangalore and Nigeria

Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, has recently made significant progress in promoting climate-friendly initiatives in India. In line with the company’s 2030 Sustainability Commitments, (https://www.tranetechnologies.com/en/index/sustainability/our-2030-commitments.html)  it has extended its support by distributing cooling carts at no cost to street vendors. These carts are part of expanded pilot programs and trials being conducted in various regions across the country, following the development of a groundbreaking prototype cooling cart system in September 2022. The mobile cooling solution aims to protect food from excess heat while helping street vendors with the reduction in food loss and improved livelihood.

When developing the Cooling Cart, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t23KUmiDwzM&feature=youtu.be) affordability and ease of use has been key throughout the development phase. Using the latest innovations in passive cooling technology, the revolutionary cooling cart not only effectively combats food loss but offers a solution to improve the lives of small-scale farmers, driving a step change in food systems by increasing the overall effectiveness of food management practices, particularly during the last mile delivery.

Globally, 30% of the food produced is lost or wasted, while 1.3 billion are experiencing food insecurity. In many regions of India, up to one third of food loss occurs through street vendors, due to harsh weather conditions and lack of access to affordable cooling. This food loss has a significant negative impact on vendors’ income and quality of life. Many of them earn less than $5 a day and are the sole family providers. With this Cooling Cart system, which includes an overnight storage capability, it is expected that the shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables will be extended by at least 1-2 days. This means that street vendors will be able to sell more food as opposed to throwing it away, thus also increasing their potential net income.

The prototype of the Cooling Cart has proven to be highly effective over the past two years, significantly extending the shelf life of perishable food. Following the initial launch in the municipality of Kolar, the pilot program has successfully been expanded to cover Karnataka, Maharashtra, Mangalore and Nigeria. A total of 15 carts were distributed to local street vendors, who provided positive feedback, highlighting the transformative potential of the Cooling Cart in effecting tangible changes.

In addition to collaboration with academic institutions like the Cambridge Institute of Technology and University of Vermont's Grossman School of Business to explore scalable solutions, Trane Technologies is also partnering with members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Karnataka state towards widespread adoption of the cooling solution. Through strategic collaboration with the Section Infin-8 Foundation, an impactful initiative has been implemented in Karnataka. With strong support from these MLAs, this initiative holds immense potential in facilitating introductions to central government officials, further streamlining the company’s progress.

“We are truly thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with Trane Technologies in bringing this innovative solution to our community,” said Vishwas Uchila Shishir, Director Section Infin-8 Foundation, “The Cooling Cart initiative will not only enhance the efficiency of street vendors, but will also contribute to their overall well-being by enabling them to store and display their products in a more hygienic and convenient manner.”

Wilson Lawrence, Vice President & General Manager of India Engineering & Technology Center, Trane Technologies said, “As we continue to scale up this transformative initiative, we are committed to advancing the design of the next-generation Cooling Cart to improve its user-friendliness, durability and cost-effectiveness. We are actively seeking partnerships with organisations like the UNDP and WFP to broaden our impact and reach more needy vendors, thereby significantly enhancing local community livelihoods.”

The Cooling Cart was developed under the company’s Operation Possible initiative, an employee-powered social innovation program to directly confront some of the world’s most pressing challenges, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Shirin Salis, Vice President of Human Resources at Trane Technologies said, “Operation Possible is more than just an incubator for transformative ideas, it's a catalyst for collaboratively addressing environmental, social and economic disparities. With a shared commitment to progress, the Cooling Cart initiative unites diverse and inclusive voices to drive meaningful change. It has contributed to a culture of innovation and we’re proud to be counted amongst India’s 50 Best workplaces building a culture of Innovation by All; by the Great Place To Work® Institute.”

For decades, Trane Technologies has been a climate innovator with a commitment to boldly challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world. The company makes bold 2030 Sustainability Commitments and is set on a path toward developing new standards for technology that enhance the health and well-being of people and the planet.

EKA Mobility Announces "Second Tranche Investment" From Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

EKA (Pinnacle Mobility Solutions) announces Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui"), a global trading and investment company with a rich history of contributing to industrial innovation, has executed a second tranche investment as a part of the initially announced phased investment, further solidifying their commitment to the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) company. This strategic infusion of capital will be directed towards capital expenditures (Capex) and working capital, supporting EKA Mobility’s continued expansion and innovation in the EV sector. This tranche also establishes an attractive valuation benchmark for the company and is testimony to the rapid growth that EKA is witnessing. 

In December 2023, EKA, Mitsui & VDL Groep entered into a strategic long-term partnership, that included joint investments of USD 100 million (~ INR 850 crores) in phases, equity, and technology cooperation to create a leading global OEM in India. This is one of the largest and most significant partnerships in the new mobility segment globally. Under the cooperation, EKA Mobility will receive significant and strategic investments from Mitsui, and technological support & equity partnership from VDL Groep, a leading Dutch technology and manufacturing company. As part of this partnership, VDL Bus & Coach, a subsidiary of VDL Groep and Europe’s frontrunner in electric buses & coaches will support EKA Mobility by transfer-of-technology to produce electric buses in India for the Indian market. 

Earlier this year, Mitsui invested its maiden tranche in EKA which propelled the company to establish one of the largest R&D centres in the country for electric commercial vehicles, new product development, and expanding its export footprints. The second tranche will support EKA Mobility's manufacturing capabilities, accelerate new product development, expand market reach, and provide working capital. The investment will strengthen the company’s financial base to support day-to-day operations, supply chain optimization, and market expansion initiatives.

"We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with EKA Mobility through the investment of this second tranche," said Mr. Hiroshi Takeuchi — Deputy General Manager of Mobility Business Unit 1 of Mitsui. "EKA Mobility has demonstrated strong growth and innovation in the EV space, and we are excited to support their continued success. We look forward to utilizing Mitsui's global network to promote exporting EKA's competitive products to overseas markets. This investment aligns with Mitsui's strategic focus on sustainable and forward-looking industries, and we are confident that EKA Mobility will play a pivotal role in the future of transportation."

EKA, headquartered in Pune, India, has been at the forefront of the commercial electric mobility revolution, developing a range of electric buses in 7mtr, 9mtr & 12mtr categories, intercity coaches, and a range of electric light commercial vehicles. EKA is also one of the commercial vehicle manufacturers approved under the Government of India’s Auto PLI policy. Mitsui's renewed investment underscores its confidence in EKA Mobility's vision, technology, and market potential.

Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder of EKA (Pinnacle Mobility Solutions), expressed his gratitude for Mitsui’s continued support: "We are immensely grateful to Mitsui & VDL Groep for their unwavering confidence and sustained investment in EKA Mobility. The continued investment support will enable us to accelerate our growth trajectory, bring innovative EV solutions to market faster, and further our mission to create a sustainable and green transportation ecosystem. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Mitsui & VDL."

The company’s order book has significantly grown to 1000+ electric buses and 5000+ electric light commercial vehicles. Given the wide acceptance of EKA buses in Delhi and Greater Mumbai, the next few months are likely to witness a surge in electric bus orders and the company is well-positioned to capture and fulfill them.

Funskool's Homegrown Brands Launch “New Range of Exciting Toys And Games”

* Aimed at stimulating the senses and developing cognitive and motor skills, these products make learning possible – the fun way

Funskool India, India's leading toy manufacturer, has launched a special range of 18 unique toys and games aimed at entertaining and educating children this season. The range caters to toddlers and children up to 14 years.  The newly launched products span across several categories, including Giggles, Games, Fundough, Handycraft and Play & Learn.

Commenting on the new products, R. Jeswant, CEO of Funskool India Ltd, said, “Funskool is known for prioritising holistic development of children while developing any new product. These 18 products are no different. Our in-house design team has ensured that children experience fun and also learn while playing with our products. We work hard to bring out unique products which are in line with the expectations of the new generation and the parents, as well.” 

Water play table, Bear Melody Crib mobile, sensory Rattle trio, dazzling duck family and rattle strider have been introduced in the Giggles category while Puzzle pads, 5-letter Wordlet, Ultimate Pub Trivia and Travel Games have been launched in the Games category. Lil’ Road Explorer and  Fundough Doughasaurus have hit the stands under the Fundough category,  while Warli Art and Twilight Treasure have been launched in the Handycraft category.  Peg Pixels Vehicles, Peg Pixels Unicorn, Flamingo Sunset 1000 pcs puzzle, Bright Sunset 300 pcs puzzle and Lets Learn International Personalities have been launched under the label Play & Learn is sure to interest the children.

The products are priced between Rs 299 and Rs 2499. These unique toys and games are available at major toy retailers and can also be purchased through e-commerce sites.

Bank of Baroda Onboards “Rising Indian Tennis Sensation- Sumit Nagal As Its Brand Endorser”

* In line with the Bank’s ethos to extend early support to Indian athletes helping them unlock their full potential

* A role model for today’s youth, Sumit will help the Bank connect with GenNext

Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks announced that the Bank has signed rising Indian tennis player Mr. Sumit Nagal as its brand endorser. The move is in alignment with the Bank’s long-standing philosophy to support emerging talented and ambitious Indian sportspersons as they endeavour to compete with the best on the world stage.

Aged 26 years, Sumit Nagal will be strategically positioned by the Bank to target a younger demographic and a new generation of customers with a range of products specifically designed for this segment.

The highest-ranked Indian singles tennis player currently, Sumit has jumped to a career-high singles ranking of World No. 71 on 17th June 2024, while securing a place in the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics in the process. In January 2024, Sumit became the first Indian player in 35 years to defeat a seeded player in a Grand Slam men’s singles match at the Australian Open 2024.

Sumit joins a stellar line-up of Bank of Baroda endorsers that includes badminton star PV Sindhu and cricketing youth icon Shafali Verma.

Commenting on the association, Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said, “Bank of Baroda has a rich legacy of partnering with and extending its support to some of India’s most promising sporting talent early on in their careers.  We are delighted to welcome Sumit Nagal to the Bank of Baroda family. Tennis is a global, highly competitive and demanding sport and this makes Sumit’s journey and what he’s aspiring to achieve all the more inspiring and extraordinary. The collaboration between Bank of Baroda and Sumit will also go a long way in promoting the sport in India and helping the Bank reach out to a younger audience.”

“Sumit’s commitment, perseverance, passion and authenticity are just some of the attributes that define him; values that Bank of Baroda holds dear as well. 2024 is already proving to be a breakthrough year for Sumit and over 80,000 Barodians are cheering for him as he strives to achieve his dreams and make the country proud,” added Shri Chand.

Sumit Nagal said, “I am honoured and privileged to be associated with Bank of Baroda and would like to thank them for putting their confidence in me. Bank of Baroda is a leading, trusted Indian financial services institution that empowers the dreams and ambitions of millions and I eagerly look forward to this association.”

Born on 16th August 1997, Sumit started playing tennis at the age of 8. He won the 2015 Wimbledon boys doubles title. Sumit is the first Indian to reach a Grand Slam singles main draw in 3 years at the Australian Open 2024 and the first Indian ever to win 2 ATP Challenger singles titles in Europe. Recently, in April 2024, Sumit became the first Indian player in 49 years to qualify for the main draw of the Monte Carlo Masters tournament and the first Indian men’s player ever to win a Masters 1000 match on clay, defeating Matteo Arnaldi in the round of 64.

Bounteous x Accolite Revamps Kannagi Nagar School Infrastructure, Empowering Over 1500 Students

* Aims to empower students with essential skills and reduce dropout rates, enabling them to become first generation graduates.

* Dr. V. Irai Anbu inaugurated the revamped school and motivated the students

Bounteous x Accolite, a global leader in IT services, has undertaken a significant initiative to revitalize the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) in Kannagi Nagar, Chennai. The company has partnered with the NGO Ladies Circle India Trust to upgrade the school’s infrastructure. Dr. V. Irai Anbu, former Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary inaugurated the revamped school that caters to 1500 students from grades 6 to 12. He motivated the students and emphasized the importance of education.

Kannagi Nagar, one of India’s largest resettlement sites, houses over 80,000 people, many displaced from their original homes by the tragic 2004 tsunami. According to a  study, only 10% of children in Kannagi Nagar had access to educational facilities. With only 2,000 school seats available for 20,000 school-going children, the area faces a 35% dropout rate among 15–18-year-olds, and 42% of students commute over 20 km to other schools. Established in 2004, GHSS has been struggling with inadequate infrastructure for years.

Before this intervention, GHSS Kannagi Nagar faced numerous challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, insufficient furniture, poor electrical fixtures and safety issues due to a lack of proper infrastructure. Recognizing these pressing needs, Bounteous x Accolite collaborated with Ladies Circle India Trust to execute a comprehensive renovation project aimed at transforming the school environment.

Key improvements included repairing roofs and floors to enhance safety, installing new benches, desks, and green boards to create more conducive learning environments, electrical upgrades and erecting a secure compound wall with a gate to bolster safety measures. Additionally, Bounteous x Accolite facilitated the setup of a modern computer lab equipped with 12 laptops and 26 desktops to boost digital literacy among students and prepare them for future academic and career pursuits.

The upgrades have had a profound impact, as evidenced by the positive feedback from students and educators. J. Jayshri, a class IX student, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "When I joined the school, the infrastructure was in a very bad state. When it rained, the water seeped through the roof, and when it was hot, it was unbearable to sit inside with no fans. Now, the new benches, freshly painted classrooms, and pleasant atmosphere make me excited to come to school every day”.

Mrs. Andeshwari, the school's Head Mistress, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative, stating, "The renovation has brought a renewed sense of pride and motivation among both students and teachers. The improvements have made the school safer, more functional, and instilled a sense of discipline and belonging in our students."

“This initiative at GHSS Kannagi Nagar underscores the potential for corporate partnerships to drive meaningful change in educational institutions, setting a positive example for community involvement and social responsibility,” said Leela Kaza, Founder and Co-CEO of Bounteous x Accolite. We aim to create an environment that encourages students to enroll in the school and reach their full potential by cultivating essential skills required to become first-time graduates. We are proud to partner with Ladies Circle India Trust in this endeavor and look forward to seeing the students thrive”.  

Looking ahead, Bounteous x Accolite plans to continue supporting GHSS Kannagi Nagar with initiatives focused on holistic student development, including skill-building programs to prepare students for future academic and career opportunities.

About Bounteous x Accolite:

Bounteous x Accolite makes the future faster for the world’s most ambitious brands. Our services span Strategy, Analytics, Digital Engineering, Cloud, Data & AI, Experience Design, and Marketing. We are guided by Co-Innovation, our proven methodology of collaborative partnership. Bounteous x Accolite brings together 5,000+ employees spanning North America, APAC, and EMEA, and partnerships with leading technology providers. Through advanced digital engineering, technology solutions, and data-driven digital experiences, we create exceptional and efficient business impact and help our clients win.

About Ladies Circle India Trust:

Ladies Circle India, known as LC India, is a non-political and non-sectarian organization. It offers opportunities for serving the community, fostering and strengthening friendships between like-minded young women, and creating a better understanding of the obligations one owes to society. Today, Ladies Circle India comprises over 1800 members with 133 active Circles spread across India, with a presence in 19 states and 57 cities.

Pre-Launch Bookings For The All-New BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase

Eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series will be available in India as a Long Wheelbase.

Available for pre-booking at all BMW India dealerships and at BMW Online shop from 12:00 Hrs, 22 June 2024.

Launch of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is scheduled for 24 July 2024.

#The5LWB #BMWIndia

BMW India will open bookings for the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase from 12:00 Hrs, 22 June 2024 onwards. The car will be locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai and can be pre-booked at the BMW dealership network and through BMW Online shop.

The all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase will be launched in India on 24 July 2024.

The all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase represents outstanding technological expertise and a progressive attitude. Sporty elegance, groundbreaking technology and luxurious space at the rear are all combined in the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase. Adapted in numerous details to the specific requirements of Indian target groups, this all-new business sedan features an extended wheelbase and distinctive proportions. This results in a particularly generous space and comfort in the rear, which is further enhanced by exclusive equipment features.

Customers can visit https://www.bmw.in and explore a 360° view of the car’s exterior and interior. They will be directed to a bookings page where booking can be done through a secure online payment mechanism. Thanks to BMW Financial Services India, customers will also enjoy the flexibility to avail BMW 360 Finance plan in the booking phase itself.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Available in Refreshing Titanium Yellow Colour

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the introduction of a refreshing new Titanium Yellow colour to Galaxy S24 Ultra, which will go on sale in India starting today. Galaxy S24 Ultra is currently available in Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet and Titanium Black. The addition of the new Titanium Yellow colour will give more choices to consumers looking to purchase Galaxy S24 Ultra.

The ‘Made in India’ Galaxy S24 Ultra powered by Galaxy AI, enhances and redefines the phone’s most fundamental role – communication – with powerful features such as Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, Note Assist and Transcript Assist features.

Galaxy S24 Ultra marks a milestone in the history of search as the first phone to debut intuitive, gesture-driven Circle to Search with Google. Users can circle, highlight, scribble on, or tap anything on Galaxy S24 Ultra’s screen to see helpful, high-quality search results with just a fraction of the effort taken in a traditional search.

Galaxy S24 Ultra’s ProVisual Engine is a comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools that transform image capturing abilities and maximize creative freedom. The Quad Tele System on Galaxy S24 Ultra now comes with a new 5x optical zoom lens that works with the 50MP sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x, 3x, 5x to 10x, enabling users to take professional-grade photographs. Images also show crystal clear results at 100x with enhanced digital zoom.

Nightography capabilities have also been upgraded on Galaxy S24 Ultra thanks to its 1.4 ?m pixel size which is 60% bigger. Wider optical image stabilizer (OIS) angles and enhanced hand-shake compensation help reduce blur. Both front and rear cameras are equipped with Dedicated ISP Block for noise reduction. All these features make Galaxy S24 Ultra the perfect device at capturing special moments.

Performance and durability are core foundations of Galaxy S24 Ultra. Galaxy S24 Ultra is equipped with Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy that delivers remarkable NPU improvement for incredibly efficient AI processing. Galaxy S24 Ultra comes equipped with 1.9 times larger vapor chamber, improving device surface temperature while also maximizing sustained performance power. Ray tracing enables life-like visuals with superior shadow and reflection effect. Galaxy S24 Ultra reaches 2600 nit peak brightness, making it the brightest Galaxy smartphone ever. Corning® Gorilla® Armor on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is optically enhanced for superior durability.

Galaxy S24 Ultra is secured by Samsung Knox for safeguarding critical information and protection against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.

Galaxy S24 Ultra continues Samsung’s commitment to extending the product lifecycle, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates to help users reliably experience the optimized performance of their Galaxy devices for even longer.

Price and Availability

Galaxy S24 Ultra Titanium Yellow will be available across all leading online and offline retail stores.