Yamaha’s Exclusive Pavilion At Mela! Mela! Anime Japan Excites Fans And Enthusiasts In New Delhi

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. participated in the inaugural ‘Mela! Mela! Anime Japan’, a landmark event celebrating the vibrant fusion of Japanese culture and anime fandom. The two-day event, held at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi on the 28th and 29th of September, witnessed an overwhelming response from young enthusiasts and anime fans, who also visited Yamaha Pavilion at the fest.

The Yamaha Pavilion dazzled visitors with its signature blue-themed design, crafted to provide an interactive ‘touch and feel’ experience. Drawing inspiration from gaming and anime culture, the pavilion showcased a striking, sporty, and youthful atmosphere that resonated deeply with Gen Z audiences and the quintessential Yamaha enthusiasts.

In addition, the anime inspired pavilion also showcased Yamaha’s latest RayZR Street Rally 125 Fi Hybrid along with the R15 V4 and the MT-15 V2 for the visitors to experience the exhilaration of its two-wheelers. Apart from the displays, the pavilion also had a dedicated merchandise section for visitors to get their hands on Yamaha souvenirs, a Snap and share engagement adding to the digital memories, and a Monster Energy counter to keep the enthusiasm at full throttle, among other exciting engagements. The excitement multifolded with the presence of a famous Japanese singer - Spira Spica and a renowned Gamer and influencer - Kaashvi Hiranandani at the Yamaha Pavilion.

Supported by the Government of India and Japan, the Mela! Mela! Anime Japan Fest offered a rare opportunity for attendees to experience authentic Japanese culture and the vibrant world of anime. With a lineup of engaging anime-related activities that included a Japanese Film Festival and a host of Japanese brands attracting visitors with their unique products and services, the event saw one of the largest gatherings of enthusiasts of this vibrant subculture in India.

PDRL Announces The 2nd Edition Of AeroGCS Global Competition: Elevating Drone Innovation To New Heights

-        This year’s prize pool features a cash award of Rs 2.5 Lakh for the AeroGCS Champion, Rs 1 Lakh for the AeroGCS Expert, and Rs 50 Thousand for the AeroGCS Professional.

PDRL announces its 2nd AeroGCS Global Competition inviting participants to register now. Building on the success of last year, this year the competition is set to further encourage drone technology enthusiasts, innovators, and professionals to contribute to the evolving drone ecosystem while placing a special emphasis on creativity and positive social impact.

Global Platform for Drone Pioneers

The AeroGCS Global Competition 2.O invites individuals aged 18 and above whether Drone enthusiasts, Professionals, or Students—to join a journey of innovation. Beyond technical skills, the competition emphasizes the development of drone solutions that can bring about meaningful social change. The competition seeks to challenge participants to apply their technical skills toward addressing pressing global issues, such as agricultural efficiency, environmental sustainability, and disaster relief, among others.

Competition Overview: Phases and Structure

Registration is open until 7th December 2024, and the competition will progress through a series of rounds designed to assess participants' technical knowledge and practical drone flight skills:

*      Round 1 on Saturday, 14th Dec. 2024 – An online multiple-choice quiz focusing on drone technology fundamentals and its potential for social impact.

*      Round 2 on Saturday, 4th Jan. 2025 – A virtual simulation challenge using AeroGCS GREEN and an advanced drone simulator.

*      Round 3 on Saturday, 25th Jan. 2025 – The final on-field challenge held in Hyderabad where participants will go through a written test followed by configuration and execution of a live drone flight mission using AeroGCS Green & AeroGCS Enterprise.

This multi-stage format will ensure that only the best drone experts advance to the final on-ground event, where they will compete for top honours.

Awards and Recognition

The AeroGCS Global Competition 2.O offers more than just prestige; it provides participants with substantial rewards and career opportunities. This year’s prize pool includes a cash prize of Rs 2.5 Lakh for the AeroGCS Champion, Rs. One Lakh for AeroGCS Expert, Rs. 50 Thousand for AeroGCS Professional along with a PDRL Certificate, Social Media Spotlights, and potential job offers from PDRL and partners in the drone industry. Beyond the prizes, participants will also have the chance to network with industry leaders and potential employers, positioning this competition as a valuable stepping stone for their future careers.

Opportunity for participants

This year’s AeroGCS Global Competition 2.O is more than just a contest; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of drone technology while contributing to the broader good. Participants will have the chance to connect with thought leaders and innovators from around the world, gaining insights and mentorship that extend beyond the competition itself.

PDRL is committed to supporting the development of drone technology that not only pushes technical boundaries but also addresses the challenges facing communities worldwide.

Registration Details

Participants can register online at https://aerogcs.com/aerogcs-global-competition-2-0/, pay a nominal participation fee, and gain access to learning resources through PDRL’s AeroMegh platform. For those who qualify for the final round, PDRL will provide support in terms of travel and accommodation, ensuring the competition remains accessible to all.

Speaking about the competition, Anil Chandaliya, Founder of PDRL said, “India is undergoing a technological revolution as we strive for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and drones, along with other emerging technologies, are leading this transformation across industries like construction, agriculture, mining, and healthcare.” He further added, “At PDRL, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of drone technology through continuous innovation. The AeroGCS Global Competition is the ideal platform to showcase this vision. We are eager to see how participants not only advance drone technology but also apply it to solve real-world social challenges.”

Vishal Joshi, Head - Training and Certification of PDRL said, “AeroGCS Global Competition is not just about identifying the next wave of drone innovators; it’s about giving them the tools and platform to create technology that makes a difference.” He further added, “We believe that drones have the potential to solve real-world problems, and through this competition, we want to spark a global conversation about how technology can be used to drive positive social impact.”

Northern Uni Set To Launch End-To-End Student-Led Satellite Project

The soon to be launched Satellite will carry an array of sophisticated instruments designed to study the Space atmosphere and demonstrate communication technologies.

This also marks the first student-led Satellite Technology project for the Government School students of Jaffna region in Sri Lanka.

Chennai, 4th October 2024: In commemoration of World Space Week, Northern Uni today signed a strategic MoU with Space Kidz India to launch a collaborative student-led satellite project, marking a monumental step in space education for the northern region of Sri Lanka. The MoU was signed in the city in the presence of Dr. Prafulla Kumar Jain, Director - InSpace Ahmedabad, Mr. Indy Pathmanathan, Chairman - SLIIT Northern Uni, Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder & CEO - SpaceKidz India, Ms. Alma Okpalefe, Executive Director - World Space Week Association and Dr. Saranya Jaikumar, Educational Psychologist, symbolizing the region's first foray into space technology. This ambitious project will bring together students from both Northern Uni and Government schools in Jaffna, along with students from India, to jointly design, develop, and launch a satellite. The satellite will carry sophisticated instruments aimed at studying the space atmosphere and demonstrating cutting-edge communication technologies.

This collaborative effort helmed by Northern Uni is expected to yield invaluable data for scientific research while showcasing the technological prowess of student innovators from both nations. This project also offers students a firsthand exposure to satellite technology and also the chance to participate in groundbreaking research that has the potential to contribute innovative solutions to global challenges. The initiative will equip students with essential skills in satellite development, data analysis, and communication technologies, preparing them for future careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. By engaging in this landmark project, students from both countries will play a role in advancing space research and promoting technological innovation that benefits society.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Indy Pathmanathan, Chairman SLIIT Northern Uni, said, "This initiative is a giant leap for both Sri Lanka and India in cultivating a culture of scientific collaboration and mutual innovation. Our students, the future citizens of both nations, will gain unparalleled exposure to the intricacies of satellite technology. What excites me most is the way this project fosters cross-border collaboration among students from different backgrounds, cultures, and educational systems. They will not only develop advanced skills in science and engineering but also learn the value of teamwork and shared goals. Through this project, we are building not just a satellite, but a future where innovation knows no borders.”

Adding to this Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, said, "This project represents a shared vision for both India and Sri Lanka—one that sees education, technology, and space exploration as tools for uniting people and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. By engaging students from both countries, we are planting the seeds of a future generation that will work collaboratively on global challenges. These young minds will become the torchbearers of scientific progress, and their participation in building and launching this satellite is just the beginning. Space technology is an incredibly powerful platform, and through this project, we aim to inspire students to look beyond geographical boundaries and become true innovators and leaders in space science.”

The project is structured into two key phases. 

Phase 1 will focus on training students in space science and technology, with 50 school students from Sri Lanka, 10 school students from India, and 50 college students undergoing comprehensive training. This phase is designed to give participants a foundational understanding of satellite development and space missions, offering a rich educational experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights.

Phase 2 will involve 30 college students from Sri Lanka who will be directly engaged in building, integrating, and preparing the satellite for its eventual launch. The collaborative process will allow them to work alongside Indian experts and their peers, gaining hands-on experience in satellite construction. Furthermore, 15 college students and 50 school students from Sri Lanka will travel to India to witness the satellite launch, creating a powerful learning opportunity that will inspire future generations to pursue careers in space science and technology.

About Northern Uni -  Northern Uni is dedicated to providing world-class education and fostering innovation, with a particular focus on STEM subjects. The university strives to offer equal opportunities for all students, and its satellite project represents a critical step in expanding access to space technology in Sri Lanka.

About Space Kidz India -  Space Kidz India is a renowned organization dedicated to promoting space education and research. With a successful track record of satellite launches and space missions, Space Kidz India plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of space science in India and around the world.

Photo Caption:  From Left to Right: Students of SLIIT Northern Uni; G L Gnanatheva, Minister (Commerce), Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission;  Dr Saranya Jaikumar, Educational Psychologist;  Mr Indy Pathmanathan, Chairman, SLIIT Northern Uni; Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder & CEO – Space Kidz India; Dr Prafulla Kumar, Director – InSpace, Ahmedabad and students of Space Kidz India.

Gandhigiri: From Sarcasm To Substance—Reviving The True Spirit -Commodore SR Sridhar (Retd)

With my morning cup of coffee, I turned on the TV to catch up on the news and see how the nation was observing Gandhi Jayanthi. I was taken aback when the news host casually remarked, “Let’s do some ‘Gandhigiri’ in today’s show,” with a giggle and a tone that carried a hint of sarcasm. The word, spoken so dismissively, provoked me, as it seemed to reduce the depth of Gandhi’s legacy to something trivial or funny.

Gandhigiri is a term that has evolved over the decades, gaining momentum in casual conversations at college tea shops and street corners where young people gather for debates and usual chitter-chatter. It reflects a disconnect that often exists between the youth and Gandhi’s core principles of nonviolence and truth. Today’s youth, while they may recognize the historical importance of Gandhi, view Gandhigiri with a blend of admiration, practicality, and skepticism.

Many young people still respect the essence of Gandhigiri, particularly nonviolence (ahimsa), truth (satyagraha), and civil disobedience as methods of positive change. These values are seen as timeless, particularly for activism, social reform, and environmental issues. However, the 2006 Bollywood film Lage Raho Munna Bhai was instrumental in making Gandhigiri popular again by presenting Gandhian ideals in a humorous and relatable way, showing how they can be applied to resolve everyday conflicts. This modern portrayal through Sanjay Dutt, though lighthearted, brought Gandhi’s philosophy back into contemporary discourse.

Despite this revival, Gandhianism is often viewed as an idealistic proposition in today’s fast-paced world. The gap between Gandhi’s ideals and their practical application has grown wider, given the complexities of modern life. In a world that rewards competitiveness and immediate results, the slow, deliberate approach of nonviolent resistance and truth-telling can seem impractical. Yet, the power of Gandhi’s principles endures. His emphasis on ethical leadership and public service remains more relevant than ever in a time when trust in political and corporate leaders is waning. Although difficult to practice consistently, values like honesty, transparency, and moral courage are still admired and aspired to.

The Gandhigiri we sometimes hear spoken of today with skepticism or dismissal—the playful, almost superficial version—does not capture the profound depth of Gandhi’s teachings. True Gandhigiri is not just about being kind or nonviolent in an easy, surface-level way; it’s about embodying resilience, moral courage, and unwavering integrity, even when the world seems to run counter to those values. While some may laugh or giggle at the term, the true spirit of Gandhigiri is a powerful force that can bring about lasting change in a world that sorely needs it.

DPIIT And Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited Join Hands To Set Up Manufacturing Based Startup Incubator In Gujarat

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to establish an incubator to support Manufacturing-focused startups in Gujarat. This marks a significant milestone in Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India’s commitment to nurturing innovation and supporting the manufacturing ecosystem in the country. This Startup Incubator aims to provide a robust platform for startups focused on selected manufacturing sectors, fostering technological advancements, sustainability, and energy efficiency. The MoU was formalized under the leadership of Shri. Sumeet Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Shri. Sanjay Sudhakaran, Managing Director, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited., India & South Asia Region. The signing took place in the presence of Shri. Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT.

Shri. Sumeet Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of "design in India, design for the world" is ushering India towards a Viksit Bharat. He added that the Government of India is committed to boosting the manufacturing sector with several initiatives such as Make in India and Production Linked Incentive scheme. He emphasized that a key element in boosting India’s manufacturing sector is to create a pipeline of innovation and an ecosystem of startups that drive this innovation. He expressed confidence that the partnership with Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd. will provide the much needed nurturing and guidance to the young innovators and entrepreneurs of the country.

The incubator at Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited will provide mentorship and guidance to the manufacturing startups on various critical aspects such as concept-to-prototype development, project viability assessment, and go-to-market strategies. The company will also support them in managing potential funding needs along with other necessary services such as legal and IP filing to enable commercialization of innovative products.

Shri. Sanjay Sudhakaran, Managing Director of Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited in the India & South Asia Region, congratulated the Government of India and DPIIT for conceptualizing this initiative and for providing this unique platform that connects innovators with the industry. He noted that India has proven its innovative and entrepreneurial prowess in the IT sector with countless unicorns and it is now time for similar success in the manufacturing sector. He also said that Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited backed by Japanese innovation, technology and industry-leading expertise, has invested heavily in India to establish world-class R&D and manufacturing capabilities. He emphasized that the manufacturing facility at Kadi, Gujarat, which is one of the largest air conditioner manufacturing facilities in India and Global Development Center are committed to bringing innovative, premium and feature-rich air conditioning solutions to Indian customers.

Shri. Sanjay Sudhakaran also said that the company was delighted to partner with DPIIT to set up a state-of-the-art incubator at the company’s premises in Kadi, Gujarat.  This strategic collaboration with DPIIT highlights Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd.’s role in fostering innovation in the manufacturing sector, aligning with the Indian Government’s vision to support technological advancement and industrial growth. Through this incubator, manufacturing-focused startups would get the much-needed guidance and nurturing required to bring their innovations to life.

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India headquarters in Kadi, Gujarat, is home to world-class Global Design Center, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, and now, Startup Incubator. This incubator will not only provide startups an exposure to world-class R&D, prototyping, and testing processes, but also aims to support them in developing prototypes and commercializing the product.  The company’s manufacturing facility at Kadi, one of India’s largest air conditioner manufacturing facilities, produces a diverse range of products, from room air conditioners, packaged light commercial and Commercial Air Conditioners as well as custom air conditioning solutions for specialized applications.

About Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited is a joint venture company of Johnson Controls, US and Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Japan. Through this joint venture, we have combined the rich heritage and innovative technology of Hitachi with the industry-leading expertise and a global network of Johnson Controls. The partnership is aimed at addressing the cooling needs faster, smarter and much more efficiently than ever before. Our customers will stand to benefit from our world-class R&D centres, where our researchers work tirelessly to provide innovative solutions and quality products that are designed to meet every expectation. Johnson Controls – Hitachi Air Conditioning has global presence. Its India subsidiary operates in the name and style of “Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited”

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited manufactures a wide range of products under Hitachi Cooling & Heating brand, such as room air-conditioners (Split & Window ACs) to commercial air-conditioners including Cassette Air conditioners, Ductable air-conditioners & VRF systems.

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited’s headquarter is situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat with manufacturing plant in Kadi, Gujarat. Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Limited is amongst the leading air-conditioning companies in India.

KIMS Hospitals Signs MoU With Intuitive To Launch 25 New Robotic Surgery Programs; Expanding Accessibility In Tier 2 & 3 Cities

* da Vinci systems to be introduced in tier 2 and tier 3 cities in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra.

Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals, one of India’s leading corporate healthcare groups, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS).

The Robotic Surgery Centre of Excellence will be based out of KIMS-PES Hospital, Bengaluru and will provide training for all Robotic Surgeries across specialities to all KIMS branches in India.

This collaboration will establish 25 robotic surgery programs featuring da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical systems in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, with a focus on expanding access to advanced minimally invasive surgical care in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

The da Vinci systems will be deployed in key locations, including Nagpur, Nashik, and Thane in Maharashtra; Bengaluru in Karnataka; and Secunderabad, Begumpet, Kondapur, and Gachibowli in Telangana. In Andhra Pradesh, the da Vinci systems will be located in cities including Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Rajahmundry, Ongole, Kurnool, Nellore, and Anantapur.

KIMS Hospitals is committed to increasing access to quality care through patient-centric systems and processes. Through this collaboration with Intuitive, KIMS Hospitals seeks to enhance the availability of advanced surgical technology across geographies where access has been limited, ensuring that no patient is denied treatment due to economic limitations.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, Chairman, and Managing Director of KIMS Hospitals, said, "This collaboration with Intuitive signifies an important step in KIMS Hospitals' commitment to expanding our capabilities and improving patient outcomes through minimally invasive care. By broadening access to advanced technologies like robotic-assisted surgery, we aim to improve care for patients across tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India. In addition, we plan to offer robotic-assisted surgical training to medical students in our associated colleges and institutes, further contributing to the future of healthcare in the region."

Gary S. Guthart, Chief Executive Officer of Intuitive, remarked, "Intuitive is honored to support KIMS Hospitals in achieving their objectives of improving patient care and expanding patient access to high quality, innovative minimally invasive care. Our collaboration aims to bring advanced robotic technologies to areas that may previously have lacked access, aligning with our mission to make high-quality surgical care accessible to a wider range of patients.”

There are currently over 170 da Vinci systems installed across India, with more than 850 surgeons trained in robotic-assisted surgery in specialties such as gynecology, urology, general surgery, and oncology. Collectively, there have been more than 14 million da Vinci procedures performed globally to date, with more than more than 38000 scientific articles referencing Intuitive’s technologies underscoring the safety, efficacy, and benefits of surgery performed with the da Vinci system, including fewer complications and conversions, and faster patient recovery.

Intuitive is committed to driving advancements in surgical care by collaborating with medical associations, government institutions, and private hospitals to expand training, generate local clinical evidence, and optimize healthcare programs.

As part of this collaboration, Intuitive India will provide comprehensive technology training, customer service and support to surgeons and care teams associated with KIMS Hospitals.  

ZEVO Secures $2 Million In Pre-Series A Funding From, Pegasus, BizDateUp, JIIF & Family Office

-       Investment to Drive Deployment of 5,000 Electric Vehicles, Fulfillment Centers, and Technological Advancements

ZEVO, a powerhouse tech-enabled EV mobility platform, has successfully raised $2 million in a Pre-Series A funding round. The investment was led by Pegasus India Fund, BizDateUp, JIIF and a family office, marking a significant milestone in ZEVO’s journey towards revolutionizing the electric vehicle supply chain and logistics industry.

The newly acquired funds will be strategically utilized to deploy 5,000 electric vehicles and develop state-of-the-art fulfilment centres across key locations. This initiative aligns with ZEVO's commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and meeting the growing demand for sustainable, efficient, and reliable logistics solutions.

ZEVO is set to upgrade its technological infrastructure, ensuring cutting-edge solutions are in place to optimize logistics and supply chain management. The company plans to expand its footprint to new cities and strengthen its presence in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, bringing sustainable mobility solutions to a broader audience.

Aditya Singh Ratnu, CEO of ZEVO, expressed his enthusiasm about the funding round, stating, "This investment is a testament to the confidence our investors have in our vision and the significant impact we are making in the EV industry. With these funds, we aim to accelerate our growth, enhance our technological capabilities, and expand our reach, ultimately driving the adoption of electric vehicles in India. At ZEVO, we are committed to pioneering a new era of sustainable logistics, where efficiency meets environmental responsibility. Our mission is to redefine the industry standards, and this funding will help us get closer to achieving that goal."

Dhruv Bhatia, Co-Founder of ZEVO stated: “This funding marks a pivotal step in our journey to revolutionize the EV supply chain. Our focus on deploying advanced technologies and expanding our footprint into tier 2 and tier 3 cities is driven by a commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. We believe this infusion of capital will not only accelerate our mission but also set new benchmarks for efficiency and reliability in the industry.”

Meet Jain, Co-Founder of BizDateUp, added, "At BizDateUp, we focus on identifying businesses that have the potential to create lasting change, and ZEVO stands out as a key player in the EV mobility space. This investment is not just about financial support but about partnering with a company that is set to redefine logistics with its sustainable solutions. Recently, the Union Transport Minister highlighted India's potential to become the top exporter of electric two-wheelers, and we believe that ZEVO is well-positioned to contribute to this vision. We are excited to be part of ZEVO’s journey as they expand their electric fleet and help drive the transition to a greener, more efficient future for the logistics industry."

Looking ahead, ZEVO is in talks to raise $20 million by January 2025. This future investment will further bolster the company's efforts to lead the EV supply chain market and achieve its ambitious growth and sustainability goals to have 2,00,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030.

Founded by visionary entrepreneurs, ZEVO is committed to redefining the standards of the electric vehicle industry. The company operates a comprehensive fleet of electric vehicles, catering to diverse delivery needs with a strong focus on operational efficiency and sustainability. ZEVO’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships are driving a new era of zero-emission logistics solutions in India.