Pre-Launch Bookings Open; The New MINI Cooper S And The New All-Electric MINI Countryman

Available for pre-launch bookings at MINI Online shop.

The cars are scheduled to be launched on 24 July 2024.

#MINI #MINIIndia #BigLove

MINI India has opened pre-launch bookings for the new MINI Cooper S and the new all-electric MINI Countryman.

MINI India will launch the new MINI Cooper S and the new all-electric MINI Countryman on 24 July 2024.

The new MINI Cooper S and the new all-electric MINI Countryman represent the new MINI family.  As a 3-door model in its fifth generation, the new MINI Cooper underscores the brand’s tradition with its hallmark MINI design and stands for urban driving fun. The new MINI Countryman has grown in external dimensions and offers its passengers even more space, comfort, and safety. The interplay of the purely electric drive and innovative technologies combines locally emission-free mobility and an immersive user experience.

Customers can contact their nearest authorised MINI dealership to book the new MINI Cooper S and the new all-electric MINI Countryman. MINI has established nine authorized Dealerships in India including Bird Automotive (Delhi NCR), Bavaria Motors (Pune), EVM Autokraft (Kochi), Gallops Autohaus (Ahmedabad), Infinity Cars (Mumbai), Krishna Automobiles (Chandigarh), KUN Exclusive (Chennai), KUN Exclusive (Hyderabad) and KUN Exclusive (Bengaluru).

The cars can also be booked on shop.mini.in where they’ll also be able to explore various views of the cars’ exterior and interior. There is also a description of the new highlights and features for both the models, as well as a gallery of images showcasing the two cars. They will be directed to a booking section where booking can be done through a secure online payment mechanism.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) And Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Join Hands To Establish Mobility Engineering Lab

In continuation of its endeavours to promote capacity building, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced that it has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to support the establishment of a Mobility Engineering Laboratory. Recognizing the need for industry and academia to come together to create a desired ecosystem where the competency of the future can be met, this pioneering initiative by IISc is supported by TKM in the field of learning, aims to enable teaching in advanced cutting-edge technologies, as well as high-end research and development.

Founded in 1909 through the visionary efforts of industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Government of India, and the Mysore Royal Family, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) stands as one of India's premier institutions for advanced education and research. Its mission is to provide cutting-edge research and conduct original investigations across all fields of knowledge. Consistently ranked as the top Indian institution in global rankings, IISc is also recognized as an Institute of Eminence (IoE) by the Government of India.

The mobility sector is experiencing a paradigm shift driven by climate change, driving the need to shift away from fossil fuels. In India, the automotive industry also faces the challenges of rapidly shifting to greener technologies and embracing the energy transition that is taking place globally, all the while retaining its competitiveness. IISc, with its strong industry connections and commitment to excellence is ideally positioned to leverage the Mobility Engineering Laboratory. This facility will help equip the next generation of engineers with the multidisciplinary skills needed to develop advanced mobility solutions. The laboratory will focus on electrified vehicle powertrain technologies, utilizing Hardware-in-Loop (HIL) simulation for comprehensive testing and development.

From FY 2024 to 2027, TKM will support the establishment of the Mobility Engineering Laboratory and the procurement of essential equipment and infrastructure, such as a high-speed dynamometer, battery emulator, automation and control systems, vehicle simulation software, and mounting hardware for motors and engine. The laboratory will support research across various departments, including Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, among others.

A significant feature of the Mobility Engineering Laboratory will be the Hardware-in-Loop (HIL) Test facility for research and development of electrified vehicle powertrains. The HIL simulation combines real-world measurements with simulations, allowing for reproducible, fast, and cost-effective testing. It is crucial for vehicle development, enabling the testing of individual components such as engines, motors, and batteries, under simulated real-world driving conditions. This laboratory will facilitate the design and development of vehicle drivetrain configurations and control strategies, ensuring safety and performance while minimizing costs and development time associated with physical prototypes.

Prof G Rangarajan, Director, IISc said, “We are delighted to join hands with TKM to establish the Mobility Engineering Laboratory. This facility will provide our students and researchers state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure to address critical challenges in the automotive industry, including emissions reduction and energy efficiency. The collaboration with TKM will bring together the best minds in academia and industry, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. We anticipate many significant advancements resulting from this collaboration, particularly in the areas of electrified vehicle powertrain technologies. The laboratory will also play a crucial role in supporting our newly launched MTech programme in Mobility Engineering. Together, we will equip the next generation of engineers with the skills and knowledge they need to lead the transformation of the automotive industry.”

Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Senior Vice President and Chief Communication Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are honoured to partner with IISc, an institution synonymous with academic and research excellence. This MoU marks a significant milestone in our efforts to foster innovation in mobility engineering. At TKM, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive technological advancements and skill development. By supporting the establishment of the Mobility Engineering Laboratory, we are not just supporting in enhancing research infrastructure but in the future of sustainable mobility and the development of skilled engineers in India. This laboratory will serve as a crucible for pioneering research, enabling the development of new technologies that address the pressing challenges of our times, such as climate change and the need for cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions. We are confident that this initiative will catalyse groundbreaking research and nurture the next generation of engineers who will drive the future of sustainable mobility.”

At TKM, promoting education and skilling has always been a key focus. One of the company’s significant endeavours in creating strong partnerships is its collaboration with the Government of Karnataka (GoK) to advance higher education. TKM has been identified as an Industrial Training Provider (ITP) by the Government Tool Room & Training Centre (GTTC). In January 2021, TKM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to impart industry-specific skill development training at GTTC locations. TKM is also actively working towards setting up of Centre of Excellence (COEs) across Bengaluru, aiming at offering engineering students with hands-on experience about powertrains and its functioning.

In addition to this, through skilling initiatives like the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) and the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP), TKM provides world-class training and skill development to rural youth in Karnataka, fostering scalable and sustainable education that meets global standards. Furthermore, TKM has also supported the construction and renovation of school infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring students have access to safe and well-equipped learning environments. Through its ongoing social development efforts since 2001, TKM has positively impacted more than 2.3 million lives, addressing the diverse needs of communities across the region.

Herbalife India Forays Into Skincare Segment With Vritilife Outer Nutrition Range

Highlights:

*    Launches Ayurveda-Inspired luxury skin care range and positions the company for continued growth

*   Vritilife now also offers Facial Cleanser, Facial Toner, Facial Serum, and Moisturizer.

*    Made in India and dermatologically tested*.

*    Developed at Herbalife’s Centre of Excellence in Bangalore

*    Herbalife India's Q1 2024 net sales reached $203.5 million, showcasing strong growth.

Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company and community, announces the launch of Vritilife Outer Nutrition Range, unveiling its entry into the Indian luxury skincare market. The newly launched skin care range includes a Facial Cleanser, Facial Toner, Facial Serum, and Moisturizer.

Developed at Herbalife’s dedicated Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, the Vritilife Outer Nutrition Range has undergone rigorous clinical research. This ensures safety, efficacy, and traceability from raw material to finished product. The range combines authentic botanicals and Ayurvedic-based formulations with natural oils containing higher actives, catering to the demands of modern lifestyles. With this launch, Vritilife becomes an important part of Herbalife’s product portfolio.

Herbalife India has shown consistent growth since 2009. Initially focused on weight management, the company has diversified its product portfolio with 48 products including fitness & performance, daily nutrition, and overall health. In Q1 2024, ending on March 31, Herbalife’s net sales in India reached $203.5 million, a 13.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Herbalife India is the number one market globally among the 95 countries in which the company operates.

Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said, “As Herbalife stands at the cusp of its next phase of growth in India, we are excited to launch the Vritilife Outer Nutrition Range. This strategic expansion not only diversifies our product portfolio but also demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality skincare solutions. As a responsible health and wellness company, we are confident that our skin care range effectively addresses the outer nutrition needs of the Indian population. These products embody our philosophy of integrating ancient Indian beauty practices with advanced, science-backed formulations.”

The Indian beauty industry is evolving at a rapid rate, with Ayurveda experiencing a significant growth. A recent study by Verified Market Research (VMR) indicates that the Ayurveda beauty market is flourishing, currently valued at $8-9 billion. Additionally, Ayurveda’s share of the current $646 billion global beauty and personal care market will reach $21.1 billion by 2028. Recognizing this shift in consumer preference towards natural solutions, Vritilife Outer Nutrition Range capitalizes on the growing demand by offering a luxurious and effective range that leverages the power of ancient herbs for contemporary skincare needs.

Ajay Khanna further added, “At Herbalife, we support local communities, respect local sentiments and our culture in all our initiatives. The Vritilife Outer Nutrition range is proudly Made in India and scientifically formulated and clinically evaluated for various skin types*. We understand and celebrate the diverse beauty traditions of this nation, and our products reflect that respect.”

*Skin types: normal, oily, dry and combination.

Youth Acts - Planting For A Sustainable Future: Inspiring The Next Generation Of Environmental Stewards

The G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI) at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in collaboration with the Heartfulness Institute, successfully concluded the "Youth Acts - Planting for a Sustainable Future" event at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the global headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute in Hyderabad. The event brought together 2,500 enthusiastic students from across the region for an enriching day dedicated to environmental conservation and land restoration.

The event provided these young participants with a hands-on experience in environmental conservation, focusing on the vital role of land restoration in combating climate change and enhancing biodiversity. In the face of escalating environmental challenges, educating and empowering the next generation is crucial. "Youth Acts - Planting for a Sustainable Future" was more than just a tree-planting initiative; it was a comprehensive program that included interactive sessions, expert talks, and engaging activities designed to instill a deep sense of environmental stewardship in participants. By fostering a connection to nature and providing practical knowledge, the event aimed to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet.

Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative at UNCCD, emphasized the significance of youth involvement in environmental efforts: "Engaging young people in land restoration activities is not just beneficial but essential. They are the future custodians of our planet, and their active participation and commitment can drive substantial positive change. This event is a step towards building a sustainable future, one sapling at a time."

Dr. V. Ramakantha, IFS (Retd), Chairman of Forests by Heartfulness, added: "The Heartfulness Institute is honored to partner with the G20 Global Land Initiative, UNCCD for this pivotal event. Our goal is to inspire and equip young minds with the knowledge and passion needed to restore and protect our natural environment. Through initiatives like these, we can collectively work towards a greener, healthier world."

This event represented a significant stride towards global land restoration efforts. By involving youth in meaningful environmental activities, we not only restored degraded land but also sowed the seeds of a sustainable future. Each sapling planted and each lesson learned during this event contributed to the broader goal of combating desertification and promoting ecological balance.

For more information about the event,  visit https://heartfulness.org/youthacts.

Photo Caption: Over 2500 school students from Hyderabad participated in a UNCCD-Heartfulness led plantation drive at Kanha Shanti Vanam.

Freshworks Global AI Workplace Report For India & Middle East

* 55% of Indian and Middle Eastern respondents believe AI can lead to an increase in productivity at workplace

Employees across India and the Middle East have the greatest levels of AI usage and expertise, according to a new report by Freshworks – with the majority of workers (88%) using AI-powered software solutions with ease and estimate they could save two hours more than any other region in a work week, while employees from other countries save only around three hours and forty-seven minutes per week.

These are the Indian and Middle East findings from Freshworks’s Global AI Workplace Report, which surveyed 7000 professionals globally in HR, IT, customer services and support, finance and accounting, sales, marketing, and legal.

The need for privacy and training

Privacy remains a big concern for organizations that have a duty of care to make sure their sensitive data remains safe.

More than half (54%) of Indians admit to using free versions of online AI tools like ChatGPT but globally, employees (30%) say they’re concerned about where AI is pulling its information from. That means a significant amount of potentially sensitive company information is likely to be leaked and used to train future versions of other companies’ AI models.

Almost three-quarters (70%) of employees in India and the Middle East - most new hires in their departments are expected to have some expertise with Artificial Intelligence. This is in sharp contrast to the US (33%) and UK (32%), where there is far less of a need for AI specialists.

With AI playing a key role in major conversations across the globe, it is important to note that almost all industry leaders are keen to adopt it across various sectors in their organizations. 46% of employees, globally, state those who haven’t joined the AI bandwagon are already behind and most likely to fail in the future.

Commenting on the study, Sandie Overtveld, Freshworks' Senior Vice President & General Manager APJ & MEA, "This study presents a fascinating overview of AI adoption globally. We're particularly impressed by the high levels of usage and expertise in India and the Middle East." He continued, “However, privacy issues are a concern to many. In order to foster trust and fully realize the advantages of this technology, businesses must place a high priority on data protection and ethical AI practices."

This comes hand in hand with the extensive investment in AI. In India and the Middle East, more than half (57%) of managers and higher-level employees say their departments would allocate more money for AI-powered software products in 2023. Senior employees agree that AI-enabled software can showcase a significant impact on businesses within 2 years. Over half (56%) of managers, especially in the IT and Marketing departments, say ROI for AI is better in comparison to other software within their organization.

AI and workers in partnership

One area in which India excels is the trust element. Significantly, 86% of employees said they have faith in AI tools to improve their workflow. Adoption rates also follow this trend. India surpasses the worldwide norm with 75% adoption among leaders. However, all employees would also likely advocate for stronger company policies around AI, with 68% saying they would trust AI more if a human review of its outputs were mandatory.

In conclusion, India is establishing itself as a global leader in AI acceptance and adoption. Its high comfort levels, trust, and investment in AI position the country to reap significant benefits from this rapidly evolving technology.

About Freshworks:

Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH) makes it easy for companies to delight their customers and their employees. Our AI-powered customer and employee-service solutions increase efficiency and improve engagement for companies of all sizes. The result is happier customers and more productive employees. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Freshworks operates around the world to serve more than 67,000 customers, including American Express, Bridgestone, Databricks, Fila, Nucor and Sony. For the latest company news, visit www.freshworks.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Reach out to us for further queries: pr@freshworks.com

Puravankara Acquires 7-Acre Land Parcel In Hebbagodi, Bengaluru, With Potential GDV Of Rs. 900 Crore

Puravankara Limited, one of India’s most trusted and admired real estate developers, has announced the acquisition of a 7.26-acre land parcel in Hebbagodi, Bengaluru. 

Hebbagodi is strategically located near Electronics City and is well-connected to other parts of the city, making it an attractive location for residential developments. The area is a desirable location for IT professionals working in Electronics City. The area has a well-developed social infrastructure, with major hospitals, international schools and retail, and the IT hub of Electronics City Phase 1 and Phase 2, located within a 5-km radius. The land parcel is also close to the Hebbagodi Metro Station. The proximity to IT campuses and the growing infrastructure and connectivity make it an attractive option for homebuyers.

The saleable area of the project will be around 750,000 sq ft, with a potential Gross Development Value (GDV) of 900+ crores. The company also recently announced the acquisition of a 12.75-acre land parcel in Thane’s Ghodbunder Road and Lokhandwala in Mumbai, with a potential total GDV of Rs. 5,500 crores over the project lifecycle.

"We are excited to announce the acquisition of this land parcel in Hebbagodi, Bengaluru. It is a mature market with a limited residential real estate and land supply. The company intends to develop a high-end luxury project of approximately 750,000 sq ft, bringing in the much-required supply of high-quality homes in the micro market with proximity to major industrial and IT hubs. With the acquisition of landowner share of 820,661 sq ft in Provident Adora De Goa, Provident Botanico and Provident Capella, along with the 7.26 acres of land in Hebbagodi, the group has added a potential total GDV of Rs. 1,550 crores in addition to the recent acquisitions in Mumbai," said Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director of Puravankara Limited.

“In the previous financial year, we sold around 7.35 million square feet. With planned launches of around 14 million square feet for FY25 from our existing land bank, our focus shall continue to be on business development to replenish our land bank, keeping in mind the future growth plans of the group,” he added.

ABB’s PixelPaint Selected By Mahindra, To Deliver Premium Paint Options

* Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) Will Deploy ABB Robotics’ PixelPaint To Deliver Personalization Options For New Line Of EVs

* M&M will be the first OEM in India to use PixelPaint technology for the painting of contrasting roofs and pillars

* ABB’s award-winning technology improves quality and efficiency while reducing waste

ABB’s innovative PixelPaint technology has been selected by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M), India’s leading SUV manufacturer, for its new electric vehicle paint facility. The technology, which uses an award-winning paint head similar to an inkjet printer, will begin serial production in 2025.

“Our revolutionary PixelPaint technology can apply large areas of uniform color as well as the tiniest details with complete accuracy, without delaying the production line or the need for manual intervention,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line. “By deploying PixelPaint-equipped robots in dedicated cells, Mahindra’s paint shop will be able to apply finishes such as contrasting roof and pillar treatments on its new line of EVs in a completely automated process.”

PixelPaint consists of a paint head with more than 1,000 tiny, individually controlled nozzles, mounted on an ABB robot such as the IRB 5500 paint series. Combined with ABB’s 3D vision system and coordinated by ABB’s RobotStudio® planning and programming software, the head tracks very closely to the vehicle body to ensure that 100 percent of the paint is applied to the car with no overspray or airborne misting. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive masking and repeat trips through the paint shop, resulting in zero waste while ensuring faithful reproduction of precise details.

Demand for personalization options has been growing in recent years, and PixelPaint is just one example of how ABB’s transformative technologies are helping to establish Mahindra’s products within the luxury segments.

The deployment, which builds on ABB and Mahindra’s existing relationship, also includes 42 robots from the IRB 5500 family making M&M the first OEM in India to use PixelPaint technology for the painting of contrasting roofs and pillars.

Complex and time-consuming operations such as interior painting and sealing are performed entirely autonomously, with the accuracy of ABB’s systems ensuring that paint is applied precisely and only where needed, eliminating the need to manually mask off areas, saving time and materials. Similarly, ABB’s RB1000i digitally-enabled paint atomizers improve transfer efficiency by 10 percent and reduce waste by more than 30 percent, ensuring less paint is lost to the air.

For more information on ABB’s PixelPaint, please visit: https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/functional-modules/pixelpaint

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors - from automotive to electronics and logistics – become more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. go.abb/robotics.