Bandhan Mutual Fund Launches Bandhan Business Cycle Fund

* NFO Opens For Subscription On September 10, 2024

Bandhan Mutual Fund announced the launch of the Bandhan Business Cycle Fund, an open-ended equity scheme following a business cycle-based investing theme. The fund dynamically adjusts sector allocations according to the different phases of the economic cycle—Expansion, Peak, Contraction, and Slump—aiming to capture growth opportunities and manage risks across varying market conditions. The New Fund Offer (NFO) will open on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, and close on Tuesday, 24 September 2024. Investments in the Bandhan Business Cycle Fund can be made through licensed mutual fund distributors, financial advisors, online platforms, or directly at https://bandhanmutual.com/nfo/bandhan-business-cycle-fund/.

Vishal Kapoor, CEO, Bandhan AMC added, “The Bandhan Business Cycle Fund takes a 360-degree approach, tapping into economic cycles, equity market trends, and sector dynamics to capture emerging opportunities. The Fund is designed to enhance portfolio diversification and aims to maximize returns while managing risks associated with economic fluctuations by adjusting sector allocations based on market conditions. The Bandhan Business Cycle Fund is ideal for investors with a long-term investment horizon and a higher risk appetite, looking to diversify their portfolios with a sector-rotation strategy that may enhance returns by capitalising on the economic cycle."

The business cycles represent the natural rise and fall of economic growth, with each phase impacting different sectors in unique ways. For instance, financials and real estate may outperform during expansion phases, while consumer staples and utilities tend to be more resilient during contractions. With a top-down sector selection approach, the fund aims for substantial deviation in at least 3 of the top 5 sectors by weight in the Nifty 500 index. It offers diversification across market caps, focusing on robust businesses, with liquidity managed through a higher cash position of up to 15%. By strategically adapting its sector allocation, the Bandhan Business Cycle Fund aims to optimise returns by aligning investments with prevailing economic conditions.

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Hosts Faculty Development Programme On Quantum Technologies

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) inaugurated Faculty Development Programme on Quantum Technologies, held from September 9-13, 2024. The event was graced by Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT, who presided over the ceremony, setting the tone for a week of academic enrichment and innovation.

The programme featured Dr. Asvija, Associate Director of C-DAC, Bengaluru, as the chief guest. In his inspiring keynote address, he highlighted the transformative potential of quantum technologies in shaping the future of modern science and industry. His insights set the stage for thought-provoking discussions and learning.

Dr. Krishnamoorthi Makkithaya, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at MIT, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants, stressing the importance of continuous learning and innovation. He emphasized how the programme aligns with MIT’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancement.

The coordination of the programme was led by Dr. R. Vijaya Arjunan, who provided an overview of the programme’s objectives and the anticipated impact on participants. The event aimed to equip faculty with cutting-edge knowledge and tools to further advance their expertise in quantum technologies.

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Kishore, FDP coordinator, who expressed gratitude to all attendees for their active participation and enthusiasm, ensuring the programme's success.

MIT’s Faculty Development Programme on Quantum Technologies is poised to foster growth and innovation, providing a platform for continuous learning in this rapidly evolving field.

Tata Motors Launches ‘Festival Of Cars’ With Incredible Prices For Its Cars & SUVs

Key highlights:

All prices and offers valid up to 31st October 2024

Exciting new prices exclusively for the festive season – reduction of up to ? 2.05 Lakh on ICE vehicles

Special prices offered on all SUVs and cars powered by Petrol, Diesel and CNG

Unbelievable new entry prices for several popular models –

Tiago at ? 4.99 Lakh

Altroz at ? 6.49 Lakh

Nexon at ? 7.99 Lakh

Harrier at ? 14.99 Lakh

Safari at ? 15.49 Lakh

Other consumer benefits including exchange offer of up to ? 45,000 available at our showrooms

Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive manufacturer, has launched its biggest ever ‘Festival of Cars’ with amazing offers for this festive season. With never-before-seen pricing for several of its popular Cars and SUVs plus a bouquet of additional consumer benefits available at our showrooms, customers can enjoy cumulative benefits of up to ? 2.05 Lakh making it the perfect opportunity for customers to buy their dream car at beyond dream prices. The special, festive offers are available for a limited period till 31st October 2024 on all Cars and SUVs powered by petrol, diesel and CNG.

Announcing the Festival of Cars, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said, “As the festive season unfolds, we are delighted to present a spectacular array of enticing offers for our valued customers. With total benefits of up to ? 2.05 Lakh on ICE vehicles, this year’s festive celebration includes limited time attractive price reductions, along with attractive exchange and cash benefits, making it the perfect moment to embrace the spirit of new beginnings. We are confident that customers will seize this exceptional opportunity to own a Tata car, bringing home the best of safety and design, making this festive season truly special.”

Pearson Elevates STEM Education In India With Launch Of 'Conceptual Physics' Learning Experience

·         Unveils Paul G. Hewitt's internationally acclaimed 'Conceptual Physics' for Indian Students and educators 

·         Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys, endorses textbook for STEM students in India  

In a significant move to advance STEM education in India, Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, today unveiled the 13th edition of ‘Conceptual Physics’ by renowned physicist Prof. Paul G. Hewitt in India. The unveiling took place during an event, held at the Infosys Science Foundation, with Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys. Murthy endorsed the book as essential reading for Indian students who want to master the principles of physics. 

Today’s launch aligns with India’s 'Viksit Bharat' vision by 2047, which prioritizes higher-quality education. The updated edition of 'Conceptual Physics' supports India’s modern STEM curriculum goals to serve both students and educators. By releasing this edition in India, Pearson is giving students new opportunities to access comprehensive physics content, covering key topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modern physics, with a focus on current applications in digital technology, environment, and energy. 

"As we work to strengthen STEM education in India, it is essential that our students have access to world-class learning resources. 'Conceptual Physics' by Paul G. Hewitt is a prime example, emphasizing conceptual understanding and real-world applications to make physics more relatable. I am thrilled that Pearson's launch will make this invaluable resource accessible to STEM students across India. Such high-quality content is crucial for positioning India as a global education hub.  'Conceptual Physics' is student-centric and a vital step towards this goal.” said Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys. 

Conceptual Physics, authored by Prof. Paul G. Hewitt, an internationally acclaimed author, is widely recognized for its unique approach to simplifying complex physics concepts, making them accessible and engaging for higher education aspirants. This learning experience has been instrumental in transforming the way physics is taught and understood globally, by emphasizing the principle of ‘concepts before calculations. The latest edition by Pearson builds on this legacy, offering updated content, real-world analogies, and the popular Hewitt-Drew-It screencasts that make learning physics both informative and fun. In India, where the focus on STEM education is intensifying, it will be a vital learning resource for individuals aiming to excel in the fields of physics. 

Vinay Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India, said, “As India emerges as a global engineering hub, it is crucial to provide quality learning resources. We adapt our extensive content library, featuring works by international authors, to meet regional needs and cultural contexts. Committed to serving the Indian market, we ensure our content aligns with the highest international standards. Soon, we will introduce 'Conceptual Physics' in regional languages like Hindi and Kannada to make it accessible to even more students and educators.” 

The 13th edition of ‘Conceptual Physics’ will be available in India in the nearest bookstores and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart and others.

“I am deeply satisfied to see the 13th edition of Conceptual Physics being launched in India by Pearson. My aim continues to be opening the eyes of students to see, appreciate, and understand how physics is relevant to their everyday lives. With the book’s clear explanations, both science and non-science students can welcome the joy of truly learning physics concepts and foster a love for STEM education. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Narayan Murthy for recognizing the book as essential for Indian students. His support highlights the importance of accessible education in shaping our future.” Prof. Paul G. Hewitt 

About Conceptual Physics authored by Prof Paul G. Hewitt: 

Paul Hewitt’s best-selling Conceptual Physics defined the liberal arts physics course over 30 years ago and continues as the benchmark. Hewitt’s text is guided by the principle of concepts before calculations" and is famous for engaging students with real-world analogies and imagery to build a strong conceptual understanding of physical principles, ranging from classical mechanics to modern physics. The 13th Edition continues to make physics delightful for students with informative and fun Hewitt-Drew-It screencasts, updated content and applications, and new engaging activities. 

FEATURES: 

·         Current applications and topics include digital technology, environment, and energy. These topics are at the forefront of everyone’s consciousness these days and an intelligent awareness of their scientific foundations will give rise to better decision making in the political arena and keep students aware of current events. 

·         Chapter Openers feature updated photos to reflect the diversity found in the sciences today and include new photos and descriptions of professors and those in industry. 

·         End-of-Chapter sections align to Bloom’s Taxonomy with all end-of-chapter material falling into Bloom’s taxonomy categories. 

·         Check Yourself and Check Your Answer boxes embedded within the text help students gauge their level of understanding of the material just covered. 

·         Practicing Physics boxes allow students to work through a problem or experiment based on the material covered in each chapter. 

·         Conceptual Think and Rank end of chapter exercises help students master important concepts. 

About Pearson:? 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com. 

About Infosys Science Foundation 

The Infosys Science Foundation, a not-for-profit trust, was set up in 2009. The foundation recognizes outstanding research with the Infosys Prize. The award is given annually to honor outstanding achievements of contemporary researchers and scientists in six categories: Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. Each prize consists of a gold medal, a citation, and a purse of USD 100,000. The award intends to stand as a marker of excellence in these fields. 

AU Small Finance Bank To Launch 75 AU Study Centers In Karnataka

* Benefitting 1,500 underprivileged children with quality education and extra-curricular activities with life skills training

AU Small Finance Bank, India’s largest small finance bank, has launched 75 study centers across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, benefiting over 1,500 underprivileged children aged 8-13 in South India. This initiative provides comprehensive education support through coaching classes and extracurricular activities, empowering young minds to reach their full potential.

The initiative will establish 75 study centers across rural villages in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, each staffed by a dedicated teacher. These centers will provide two hours of after-school academic coaching on weekdays, offering extra support to students, and sports training on Saturdays to promote physical development and teamwork. Additionally, students will receive essential life skills education, covering health and hygiene, child rights and protection, and more, empowering them with comprehensive knowledge and skills for their future.

Speaking at the occasion, Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “Education is the foundation of a thriving society, and today's children are the architects of our nation's future. At AU Small Finance Bank, we are dedicated to nurturing this future by focusing on both foundational education and skill development. Our commitment to skill education is rooted in empowering young minds, improving grassroots education, and equipping students with essential skills to thrive. We're committed to enhancing academic performance, raising awareness of life skills and child rights, and promoting extracurricular activities like sports for underprivileged children in rural Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Through these initiatives, our mission is to empower the future of these children."

AU SFB supports 2,500 ambitious youth across India in their pursuit of success, through expert online coaching, preparing candidates for competitive entrance and recruitment examinations. Through AU Ignite skill training initiative, we have so far trained 21,962 and placed 17,037 candidates.

About AU Small Finance Bank

AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) is India's largest Small Finance Bank, established in 1996 by Sanjay Agarwal and commencing banking operations in April 2017. With 29 years of experience serving rural and semi-urban markets, AU SFB operates a sustainable business model, providing credit to underserved retail and MSME segments and complete banking solutions to customers. As a tech-led bank, AU SFB offers innovative digital products and services, with a strong online presence and a highly rated mobile app. With 2,414 touchpoints across 21 states and 4 UTs, AU SFB serves 1.08 Cr customers with 46,000+ employees. As of June 30, 2024, the bank has a shareholders' fund of ?15,516 Cr, deposits of ?97,290 Cr, loans of ?99,792 Cr, and a balance sheet size of ?1.26 Lac Cr. AU SFB is listed on NSE and BSE, with high external credit ratings of 'AA/Stable' and 'AA+/Stable' from leading rating agencies.

Website:www.aubank.in 

Lam Research Breaks Ground On Cutting-Edge Systems Lab In Bengaluru

* Addition to Lam’s India Center for Engineering to accelerate research and development, foster supply chain expansion, and workforce training

Lam Research Corp. (Nasdaq: LRCX), at a ceremony held earlier today, broke ground on a new systems lab at its India Center for Engineering in Bengaluru. The systems lab will expand on Lam’s existing India Center for Engineering that was opened in September 2022. As part of a global network of leading-edge labs, Lam’s R&D operations in India play a critical role in the creation of new technologies needed in a time of rising semiconductor manufacturing complexity. The lab is expected to be one of the most advanced of its kind in the country, with a fully functional semiconductor manufacturing equipment development environment.

“As chipmaking becomes ever-more complex, there is growing need for greater collaboration and global engagement of expertise, intellectual property and materials,” said Sesha Varadarajan, senior vice president at Lam’s Global Products Group. “The addition of a systems lab allows us to further capitalize on the quality of technical talent in India and build on the value we deliver at our India Center for Engineering.”

The new facility will enable Lam engineers in India to design, test, and validate semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment on site and on tool with active chemistries and realistic test parameters, enabling significantly shortened design cycles. The lab is intended to play a critical role in Lam’s current and future research and development (R&D) and foster workforce development.

The lab will also provide valuable infrastructure to enable collaboration with customers and supply chain partners. Earlier this year, Lam announced an initiative to expand its semiconductor supply chain network to India. 

“Lam has been a leader in the Indian semiconductor ecosystem for over two decades, and an expanded R&D presence will help catalyse collaboration and innovation for advanced chipmaking,” said Rangesh Raghavan, Lam Research's India corporate vice president and general manager. “In this context, we are grateful for the ongoing support and partnership extended by the Government of India and the State of Karnataka.”

About Lam Research

Lam Research Corporation is a global supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry. Lam’s equipment and services allow customers to build smaller and better performing devices. In fact, today nearly every advanced chip is built with Lam technology. We combine superior systems engineering, technology leadership, and a strong values-based culture, with an unwavering commitment to our customers. Lam Research (Nasdaq: LRCX) is a FORTUNE 500® company headquartered in Fremont, Calif., with operations around the globe. Learn more at www.lamresearch.com.

Honda Power Pack Energy India And Bhago Mobility Team Up For Providing Green Fleet Management Services For The EV Segment

* Powered By Honda's Cutting-Edge Battery Swap Technology

* Incorporating eco-friendly practices to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and reliability

Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd (Honda e:Swap) a Subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Japan and Bhago Mobility an Indian innovator in sustainable transportation solutions have teamed up for providing state of the art Green Fleet Management Services aimed at revolutionizing last-mile delivery solutions for the EV segment. These services incorporate Honda e:Swap’s cutting-edge battery swap technology where discharged batteries can be replaced with fully charged batteries within minutes  to enable  EV fleets with maximum Uptime   Bhago Mobility’s electric cargo vehicles powered by Honda e:Swap’s  innovative  technology offers quick battery swaps resulting in higher levels of reliability and lower downtime for EV fleets., Bhago Mobility will deploy Honda e:Swap-powered electric vehicles at strategic locations in Bangalore and Delhi. These would be a boon to e-commerce fleets as well as vehicles engaged in passenger mobility.

Bhago Mobility’s dedicated hubs will provide electric cargo vehicles round the clock. These vehicles with swappable battery packs will be stationed within a 10km radius of every metro station, guaranteeing access to reliable, convenient and sustainable mobility services whenever needed, effectively providing a truly green choice for commuting and carrying cargo. With carefully chosen partners, Bhago mobility will launch 100 vehicles within the next few months of 2024 and aims to reach 10,000 vehicle in the next three years by 2028.

"We are excited to mark World EV Day by starting our Honda e:Swap service for Bhago Mobility in Bangalore. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing sustainable, efficient, and cutting-edge solutions for urban mobility. We believe this step will not only enhance the seamless delivery solution, but also contribute significantly to the city’s transition towards a greener future." said

Mr. Takuya Taniguchi, President and CMD, Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt ltd. (Honda e:Swap)

“It is an honour to partner with Honda e:Swap in this ground breaking initiative. Our shared vision for sustainable transportation aligns perfectly with our goal to revolutionize fleet management and last-mile delivery in India. With the support of Honda e:Swap’s advanced battery swapping technology, we are confident in delivering superior service to our clients while significantly reducing our carbon footprint,” said Mr. Aditya Goyal, founder of Bhago Mobility.

Apart from fleet operations Bhago mobility’s another  forward looking initiative  is its upcoming dedicated “Solar-Powered Hub” with 360-Degree Green Operations.  the 360-degree green operations is expected to be powered by the Solar powered Hubs. Mr. Goyal said, “We integrate sustainable practices throughout our entire process, ensuring an eco-friendly approach from start to finish. These hubs will not only support our operations but also reflect our dedication to sustainable practices.”

Other key features of the services include –

·         Advanced Fleet Tracking and Monitoring: Real-time GPS tracking and data analytics provide comprehensive insights into fleet performance, helping businesses make informed decisions and optimize routes.

·         Predictive Maintenance: Using AI-driven algorithms, the system predicts potential maintenance issues before they occur, ensuring vehicles remain operational and reducing downtime.

·         Sustainability Focus: Bhago Mobility's Green Hub integrates electric and hybrid vehicles into fleet operations, reducing carbon footprints and promoting greener practices.

·         24/7 Support and Assistance: A dedicated team of experts is available around the clock to provide support and ensure maximum uptime for all fleet operations.

By introducing these services, Bhago Mobility is not just providing fleet management solutions but is also paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. Businesses that partner with Bhago Mobility can look forward to reduced costs, improved operational efficiency, and a smaller environmental footprint. 

About Bhago Mobility 

Bhago Mobility is a forward-thinking company dedicated to sustainable transportation solutions. The Company is dedicated to providing the highest levels of uptime for e-fleets thereby becoming an integral part of ensuring superior last mile mobility efficiencies, reliable last mile connectivity and deliveries.   With a mission to transform the way people and goods move, Bhago Mobility offers a range of innovative products and services designed to enhance mobility while reducing environmental impact. Bhago Mobility has a vision for carbon neutrality and towards this end is in the process of setting up green powered hubs to provide charged batteries through green energy. Bhago Mobility has been promoted by a tier1 engineering organisation with pan India presence and long standing relationships with Honda, BMW, Yamaha Aisin and Musashi.

About Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd

Honda Power Pack Energy India Pvt Ltd (Honda e:Swap) offers an innovative battery-swapping technology tailored for electric two and three-wheelers. Addressing the critical challenges faced by EVs – limited range, long charging times, and high battery costs – Honda e:Swap emerged as a ground-breaking solution to accelerate the penetration of electric vehicles in India. The service offers efficient and convenient battery swaps, reshaping the landscape of electric mobility.

Honda e:Swap has already established   77 stations and 144  Honda Power Pack Exchanger e:  across Bengaluru as on 9th September strategically located to enable easy access to users. The company aimed to extend its presence to other tier-1 locations in India in this fiscal year, ensuring widespread access to sustainable mobility solutions through hundreds of Honda Power Pack Exchanger e:.