Nethradhama Collaborates With ZEISS India To Launch Karnataka’s First Specialised Myopia Clinic

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, a pioneering institution in eye care, in association with ZEISS India, announced the launch of Karnataka’s first specialized Myopia Clinic, to address the rising epidemic of myopia among children in India. This clinic offers the cutting-edge Myopia Master® technology, for the comprehensive myopia management of children up to 15 years of age.

The launch of the Myopia Clinic at Nethradhama’s Centre of Excellence in Jayanagar, was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Arokia Raj, Principal and Director, Bangalore International Academy & Group of Institutions, Shri Sharath Lohitashwa, veteran Kannada actor and Mr. Rohan Paul, Business Head – India & Neighbouring Countries, Carl Zeiss India.

A research gate study based on the prediction model for 2050, reveals a steady rise in myopia among urban children aged 5 to 15, with rates climbing from around 4.5% in 1999 to 21.15% in 2019. Basis the upward trajectory, it can be established that the myopia prevalence is projected to reach 48.14% by 2050. Without any proactive measures or lifestyle modifications, the overall prevalence of myopia across all age groups is expected to grow by 10.53% in the next 30 years. The pattern reflects the current scenario in East Asia Pacific and highlights the alarming need to address the myopia crisis in India.

Without any proactive measures or lifestyle modifications, the overall prevalence of myopia across all age groups is expected to grow by 10.53% in the next 30 years. The pattern reflects the current scenario in East Asia Pacific and highlights the alarming need to address the myopia crisis in India.

Commenting on the launch of the new clinic, Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore, said “We are happy to partner with ZEISS India and announce the launch of our specialized Myopia Clinic, which will effectively help in reducing the progression of the myopia epidemic in India. At Nethradhama, we believe in enabling our healthcare providers and our patients with latest technologies and innovations in ophthalmology. With Myopia Master® technology, we will strive to provide early detection and effective management of myopia in children.”

Dr. Suman Shree R, Director and CEO, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore further adds, “Childhood myopia is a major public health problem in India and it is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years. Through specialised clinics and technologies like Myopia Master®, we urge parents to get their children’s eyes examined atleast once in a year. With partners like ZEISS India, we will continue to improve myopia management and early diagnosis of the disease.”

The Myopia Master® technology, is an all-in-one device for myopia measurements. It combines refraction, axial length, and keratometry, which are essential parameters for myopia management. The Myopia Master® performs fast, contactless measurements of key parameters related to myopia development, usually taking less than two minutes. The advanced technology allows for individualised treatment and counselling, ensuring that each child receives the most effective care. Additionally, after the assessment, an ophthalmologist will review each case and make decisions on an individual basis.

Mr. Rohan Paul, Business Head – India & Neighbouring Countries, Carl Zeiss India, said, "We are thrilled to support Nethradhama in establishing Karnataka's first Myopia Clinic in a hospital. This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing eye care and addressing childhood myopia with our expertise and resources. With myopia on the rise, dedicated clinics using advanced technology are essential. They provide precise diagnostics and tailored treatments, ensuring early detection and better eye health for the young population.” 

XX1 CISCON – Control Instrumentation Systems Conference 2024 From Aug 1-3, 2024

The Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering at Manipal institute of Technology, Manipal is proud to host the XX1 CISCON - Control Instrumentation Systems Conference from August 1-3, 2024. This prestigious event is supported by SERB, Government of India, and ARK Infosystems Chennai. For the first time, the conference is collaborating with the IEEE Bengaluru chapter, and the proceedings will be published on IEEE Xplore.

This year, we received an overwhelming response with over 800 manuscript submissions, out of which approximately 150 were shortlisted. Around 90 authors have registered to present their papers.

A key highlight of the conference is the pre-conference tutorial on August 1, 2024, which will focus on Machine Learning-Based Data-Driven Identification and Control Design Using DC Motors. This tutorial will be conducted by Dr. PSV Nataraj, Retired Professor from IIT Bombay, along with his technical support staff.

We are honored to have Dr. Shashikant Sadistap, Chief Scientist at CSIR NEERI, Nagpur, delivering the keynote address. Additionally, Dr. Ravindra D. Gudi, Dean of Alumni and Internationalisation at IIT Bombay, will be giving an invited talk. Other distinguished invited speakers include Dr. Sourav Kanti Aditya from NITK and Dr. Vishal Sharma from INTEL Bengaluru.

The inauguration ceremony of the conference will take place on August 2, 2024, at the Sir M V Seminar Hall, MIT Manipal. The event will be graced by the honorable Vice Chancellor  Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), in the presence of Dr. Shashikant Sadistap, Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, and Dr. Shreesha C., Head of the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering.

This conference promises to be a significant event for professionals, researchers, and academicians in the field of instrumentation and control engineering. We look forward to your participation and a successful conference.

Honda 0 Series Concept Model, Saloon, Wins “Red Dot: Best of the Best 2024” Award in Red Dot Award: Design Concept

Honda announced that the Saloon, the flagship concept model for the Honda 0 Series, the new Honda EV series, has been awarded the ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best 2024’ award, in the Design Concept competition of the Red Dot Design Award*1, one of the most respected design awards in the world. The Space-Hub, another concept model of the Honda 0 Series, was named a Red Dot winner in the same competition.

Honda 0 Series – Saloon

Representing the major transformation of Honda under its redefined Global Brand Slogan, The Power of Dreams, and its approach to electrification, the Honda 0 Series made its world debut in the U.S. at CES 2024 in January of this year. The Saloon is positioned as the flagship concept model among Honda 0 Series models, embodying a new approach to Honda EV development – Thin, Light, and Wise – that Honda is pursuing to create new value for EVs. 

Featuring a one-motion form (styling characterized by a line rising smoothly from the front to the rear) and a low & wide design, the exterior styling of the Saloon expresses the suppleness and dynamism of the vehicle. The upright design of the side glass creates an expansive side panel while the shape narrows toward the side sills to accentuate the tires.

The interior features a simple and intuitive human-machine interface (HMI) that provides a sophisticated and seamless user interface (UI). The sporty styling with low vehicle height, sets the Saloon apart from other vehicles at first glance, realizing not only a seductive design, but providing an interior space that is more spacious than what people can imagine from the exterior appearance.

Honda 0 Series – Space-Hub

The Space-Hub is a concept model that represents Honda’s “M/M concept*2” and the new value of EVs as a “space” for people that Honda wants to realize in the future. Realizing a spacious cabin and excellent visibility based on the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach, the Space-Hub offers a flexible space that immediately accommodates what the users want to do and becomes a hub that connects people to people and people to society, generating mutual resonance with each other.

Based on the Honda 0 Series design concept, “The Art of Resonance,” the exterior design features bold and pure proportions, evoking new perspectives in people from the first glance.

As with the case of the Saloon, the interior of the Space-Hub features a simple and intuitive human-machine interface (HMI), and at the same time, the M/M concept fitting the EV era has been pursued to realize an overwhelmingly large cabin space with a high degree of freedom and outstanding occupant comfort. 

Comments by Toshinobu Minami, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer,

Design Center, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.:

“We are pleased to be awarded the world-renowned Red Dot Award in the Design Concept competition, in addition to the awards we received in the Product Design competition, announced in April. We designed the Saloon, named the “Best of the Best,” as a model that represents the major transformation of Honda, with the theme of achieving a “resonance with the environment, society and customers” and with an original design that differentiates the Saloon from other models from the first glance. We believe these awards are the result of receiving a high evaluation both for the design and the new value Honda offers. Honda will continue to create and offer mobility products that bring surprise and excitement to people’s daily lives.”

Honda 0 Series Brand Website: https://0.honda/en/

 *1 The Red Dot Award was founded in 1955 and has become one of the most respected design awards worldwide. The award is administered by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany.

*2 The M/M (Man Maximum, Machine Minimum) concept is the foundation of Honda car design, which calls for maximizing the space available for people and minimizing the space required for mechanical components to increase the efficiency of the space inside the vehicle.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Signs MOU With Maharashtra For Proposed New Investment

* Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed an MOU with the Government of Maharashtra to explore the potential of setting up of a Green Field Manufacturing Facility.

This announcement comes close to the recent two mega investment commitment in the State of Karnataka that includes the setting-up of 3rd plant in Bidadi with an investment of Rs. 3,300 crore

Reaffirming a strong commitment to India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Maharashtra, to examine the setting-up of a Green Field Manufacturing Facility at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.  Headquartered in Karnataka, TKM already boasts a world-class manufacturing setup with two state-of-the-art units located at Bidadi, well-equipped to contribute and strengthen India’s position in the global automobile landscape.

The Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra was exchanged today by Dr. Harshadeep Kamble (IAS), Principal Secretary (Industries), Government of MH and Mr. Sudeep Santram Dalvi, Director & Chief Communications Officer, TKM in the august presence of Mr. Eknath Shinde Ji, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis Ji, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Ajit Pawar Ji, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister and other key dignitaries. Present from TKM were Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, MD and CEO of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Regional CEO at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Ms. Manasi Tata, Vice Chairperson TKM, Mr. Swapnesh R. Maru, Deputy Managing Director TKM.

Since the commencement of its operations in 1999, India has been growing in importance and has now become a vital market for Toyota globally. Operating under the core values of “Grow India - Grow with India,” the company has been working extensively to expand its operations in alignment with key national priorities of skill enhancement, localization and development of the local ecosystem.

Integral to the company’s robust operations and significant expansion has been the immense support by Government of India and the state of Karnataka which has laid a strong foundation of growth that has now enabled the company to enter the next stage of expansion. Over the past 25 years, Toyota has well established itself as a model company for innovation and manufacturing practices leading to large scale economic and social development of the region. In the State of Karnataka, Toyota Kirloskar Motor including its group companies has invested more than INR 16,000 crores and created close to 86,000 jobs in the entire value chain (including supplier and dealer partners) underlining its philosophy of making in India not only for India but for the world, Toyota’s cumulative export contributions also stand at approx. INR 32,000 crores thus representing the company's export focus.  The company has also made a difference to over 2.3 million lives by championing various social cause aimed at enhancing quality of life at grassroot level.

About the New Green Field Manufacturing Unit in Maharashtra

Backed by an expanding product portfolio, steadily increasing consumer demand for world-class products and growing export orientation, proposal for the new facility is a testament to TKM's strong commitment to India. Under the MOU, TKM is considering a significant investment for setting up a Greenfield Manufacturing Facility that will further strengthen the company's focus on advanced green technologies along with quality products and services. The proposed investment, once finalized, is expected to be made over a multi-year period, potentially contributing to substantial job creation and economic growth in the region.

The strategic location is likely to enhance TKM's ability to meet business and logistical requirements more efficiently, allowing the company to serve wider markets within the country and abroad thereby offering significant advantage and growth opportunities.

Present at the MOU event on the occasion, Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura, MD and CEO of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Regional CEO at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) said “Toyota Motor Corporation believes that India is well positioned to become a global manufacturing hub for cleaner and greener mobility solutions. This belief was reinforced with the recent regional restructuring which elevated India to play central role by being integrated into the Middle East, East Asia & Oceania Region and acting as the hub of the new “India, Middle East, East Asia & Oceania Region”. Today’s MOU signing marks a pivotal point as we stride into the next phase of growth in the country enabling us to contribute to enriching lives with qualitative mobility solutions locally and globally.”

Commenting on the MOU and present at event Ms. Manasi Tata, Vice Chairperson, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said “For us at the company, the last 25 years of operational excellence from our Bidadi Plant has created the foundation for future direction of Toyota in India. Our strategic focus on “Make in India” and “Skill India” will enable us to implement sustainable, long-term growth strategy which will enable us to offer cleaner greener mobility solutions to our customers and act as a catalyst towards Government’s roadmap of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.”

Speaking of the new MOU event, Mr. Swapnesh Maru, Deputy Managing Director, TKM said “The State of Karnataka has helped us to firmly establish ourselves as a tested base for manufacturing excellence. Proposal for the Green Field Manufacturing Facility at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar continues our commitment to advancing sustainable mobility in India. This will act as a tipping point to unlock the potential of Marathwada region, unleashing its entrepreneurial capabilities and providing new age skills to its youth so as to bring Marathwada as a key contributor to Maharashtra’s growth.”

At present, TKM already has a resilient world-class manufacturing base in India, the company has two plants located in Bidadi with an annual installed capacity of 3.42 lakh vehicles/year employing over 6000 people. Operations at both our plants are guided by Toyota Environmental Challenge (TEC) 2050 that acts as the bedrock of the company’s commitment towards a greener future and a better world. Toyota has adopted various environmental risk mitigating measures through TEC 2050, towards realizing the carbon neutrality targets. In addition, the facility also houses a robust base of over 200 suppliers all dedicated towards providing world-class parts towards making ever-better cars that are aimed at producing “Mass Happiness for All”.

In 2023, TKM announced fresh investments of about Rs. 3,300 crores for a new 3rd plant in Bidadi facility. This expansion, aimed at contributing to Make-in-India, increases TKM’s production capacity by 100,000 units, annually thus further adding to the growth of local ecosystem of suppliers and job creation of over 2000 direct employment in state of Karnataka. With this third plant expansion going mainstream in 2026, TKM’s annual production capacity at Bidadi is expected to be augmented to 4.42 lakh annually.

Prior to this in the year 2022, Toyota Group of companies that constitutes of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts (TKAP) had signed and announced their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to invest INR 4,100 crores aimed at making deeper cuts in CO2 emissions and enhance electrification and fast pace shift towards greener technologies.

Research Reveals That Organizations Embracing Strategic Response Management Are Driving Outsized Results

* Leading Companies with Higher Revenue Growth are 3X More Likely to Use AI-Powered Strategic Response Management Platforms than Novices

Responsive, the leader in Strategic Response Management (SRM), in partnership with the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), today released new research highlighting the significant contribution that bid and proposal teams make to topline revenue. The “2024 State of Strategic Response Management Report” reveals that more than 90% of survey respondents recognize proposal teams as central to revenue generation. Additionally, 77% noted an increase in the volume of RFPs and other strategic responses over the past year. Nearly half of the respondents identified tighter buyer budgets, demands for more information to be delivered faster, and increased competitive pressure as key challenges.

The growing pressure to generate more revenue, coupled with the increased volume and complexity of information requests, has catalyzed the emergence of Strategic Response Management – the people, practices, and technology that unlock organizational knowledge for profitable growth.

"Historically, bid and proposal teams have been seen as cost centers, but this view is outdated,” said Danelle Morrow, VP, North America Proposal Development Center at Sodexo. “By elevating the practice, proposal teams are transforming into strategic response teams that align cross-functional stakeholders, processes, and systems to deliver winning responses to information requests by harnessing a company’s knowledge. The results are happier employees and greater topline revenue. It’s time to recognize proposal teams for their vital role in making the revenue engine hum."

“Bid and proposal teams have always been key growth drivers. As they face even more pressure to contribute to revenue, they are rising to the challenge, and in doing so, raising their profile in their organizations,” says Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals. “There is power in leveraging all of an organization’s internal and external knowledge to position bid and proposal teams for the win. By embracing AI and linking strategic responses to better outcomes like higher win rates, increased revenue and better employee experiences, these teams are elevating their profession, gaining more investment, and raising their visibility as a critical part of the revenue engine.”

In the SRM report's second year, Responsive surveyed over 750 sales, proposal, and IT executives and practitioners in the US, UK, and India who have ownership or influence over their company’s bid, capture, and proposal management activities. Participants were categorized as Leaders or Novices based on win rates, revenue growth, or employee satisfaction.

The Impact of AI on Strategic Response Management

The research indicates a clear divide between leading companies, which report increased revenue through the use of a response platform incorporating AI, and Novices, who primarily use traditional productivity tools and ad hoc processes. Most Leaders view AI as augmenting human input rather than replacing it, with 56% of Leaders anticipating that AI will optimize staff time without increasing team size.

“With an increase in the variety, complexity, and volume of information requests, combined with greater pressure to grow revenue, the benefits of AI-powered Strategic Response Management are clear. Today, AI is bringing measurable value to bid and proposal teams, not only by increasing productivity but also by driving more revenue,” said Ganesh Shankar, CEO of Responsive. “Forward-thinking leaders are reaping the benefits of the latest AI advances, as evidenced by greater win rates and employee satisfaction.”

Eighty-nine percent of respondents are experimenting with or have already used AI software to respond to information requests. But it’s the leading organizations that are driving greater revenue by investing in platform-level capabilities that extend beyond GenAI functionality for generating responses. Forty-five percent of Leaders, who experienced year-over-year revenue growth, use SRM platforms with natively embedded AI.

Other key findings:

85% of proposal teams designated as Leaders shape their company’s go-to-market strategy.

80% of Leaders are more likely to use data and analytics from response systems to improve processes and increase win rates, compared to only 61% of Novices.

Less than half of Novices have self-service tools for bids and grant access to users outside of the response team to content used in strategic responses, while 84% of Leaders do, boosting employee satisfaction.

To download the full, ungated report, visit the  2024 State of Strategic Response Management Report page.

About Responsive:

Responsive (formerly RFPIO) is the global leader in Strategic Response Management software, transforming how organizations share and exchange critical information. The AI-powered Responsive Platform is purpose-built to manage responses at scale, empowering companies across the world to accelerate growth, mitigate risk and improve employee experiences. Nearly 2,000 customers have standardized on Responsive to respond to RFPs, RFIs, DDQs, ESGs, security questionnaires, ad hoc information requests and more. Responsive is headquartered in Portland, OR, with additional offices in Kansas City, MO and Coimbatore, India. Learn more at responsive.io.

About APMP:

The Association of Proposal Management Professionals' mission is to be the trusted leader that serves a global community of bid and proposal development life cycle professionals. APMP promotes the professional growth of its members by advancing the arts, sciences, and technologies of winning business. APMP is the worldwide authority for professionals dedicated to the process of winning business through proposals, bids, tenders, and presentations.

Cube Highways Trust Q1 FY25 Results, Announces Distribution Of Rs 2.00 Per Ordinary Unit For The Quarter

Cube Highways Trust (“Cube InvIT”) [BSE/NSE: CUBEINVIT], managed by Cube Highways Fund Advisors Pvt. Ltd. (the “Investment Manager”) has today announced its results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. The total consolidated income for the period stood at ? 8,309mn, while the consolidated EBITDA for the period was Rs 5,743mn.

The Board of Directors of the Investment Manager has declared a Distribution Per Unit (“DPU”) of  Rs 2.00 to ordinary unitholders for the quarter (Q1) of FY 2024-25, amounting to a total distribution of Rs 2,668.9mn. The record date for the distribution is August 9, 2024, and the distribution payment will be made on or before August 14, 2024.

Pankaj Vasani, Group CFO of Cube InvIT, stated: “The start of FY25 has been encouraging, with our Q1 results demonstrating yet another quarter of solid business performance and consistent returns. The DPU comprises of Rs 1.04 per unit as interest, Rs 0.22 per unit as dividend, Rs 0.73 per unit as repayment of SPV loan and Rs 0.01 per unit as treasury income. We are confident in maintaining this performance in the quarters to come." 

Vinay Sekar, CEO of Cube InvIT, said, "We have been showcasing consistent growth across our road assets, and the seamless integration of the recently acquired six HAM assets into our portfolio is a validation of the synergistic capabilities of our teams.”

As of June 30, 2024, the Net Debt/ Enterprise Value stands at 38 per cent, and the portfolio valuation also increased to a total Asset under Management of Rs  287,646mn.

About Cube Highways Trust

Cube Highways Trust (“Cube InvIT") is an irrevocable Trust set up under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and registered with the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as an Infrastructure Investment Trust. It is backed by a diversified investor base, including: (a) I Squared Capital; (b) a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA); (c) British Columbia Investment Management Corporation; (d) Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company; (e) International Financial Corporation, and (f) Japan Highways International BV. 

Cube Highways Trust is engaged in implementing the public-private partnership (“PPP”) model in the country’s highways sector to operate and manage highway projects in association with the central and state governments.

Investors can view the outcome for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 along with other relevant disclosures on the website of Cube InvIT (www.cubehighwaystrust.com), the BSE Limited (www.bseindia.com) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (www.nseindia.com).

Media contact: corpcomm@cubehighways.com

Indian Consumers Embrace Bigger Washing Machines iI A Shift Towards Convenience And Better Wash Performance: Samsung India

·        Indian consumer behaviour has shown significant change over the past two years, highlighting a preference for bigger washing machines that can manage greater laundry loads, according to data from Samsung India’s latest consumer research

·        Sales of front load washing machines with 9Kg and above capacities have grown by 45% so far this year, while the 7Kg and below front load washing machine categories have witnessed a fall of 26% during the same period

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today said that consumers are gravitating towards larger washing machines, driven by convenience and superior wash performance.

A larger drum size for the washing machine provides better wash quality while allowing users to wash more clothes per load, eventually reducing the frequency of washing machine usage - making it time and energy efficient. Bigger drum sizes in washing machines allow more space for movement of clothes, thus leading to better-cleaned and untangled clothes, Samsung India said.

Larger washing machines are also particularly helpful in washing essential home items like bedsheets, curtains and saris that are common amongst Indian households. As Indian consumers continue to prioritize convenience and efficiency, the demand for bigger washing machines is expected to rise even further, according to Samsung India.

The consumer trend resonates with the latest industry data, which shows that sales of front load washing machines with 9Kg and above capacities have grown by 45% so far this year, while the 7Kg and below front load washing machine category has witnessed a fall of 26% during the same period.

According to a consumer dipstick survey done by Samsung India, some users ensure the laundry drum is always full, optimizing its use and minimizing energy consumption, while some users have a tendency to run a second wash cycle with just a few clothes, which can lead to water wastage. Further, the survey revealed that Indian households prefer washing almost everything at home, from bed sheets to tablemats and cushion covers.

The shift towards bigger washing machines also marks the growing awareness for sustainability and energy efficiency among Indian consumers, Samsung India said.

Samsung India has a wide range of washing machines in its portfolio with bigger capacities to cater to the rising consumer demand.