On This ‘World Sight Day,’ Titan Eye+ Introduces ‘The Eye Test Menu,’ A Major Step Toward Making Indian Roads Safe

* Titan Eye+ aims to increase awareness amongst truck, rickshaw and cab drivers, as well as delivery personnel. Since June 2024, Titan Eye+ has screened over 7,000 drivers in more than 900 locations across India.

As part of its theme to make Indian roads safer, Titan Eye+, India’s leading eye care brand, has launched a drive to address a critical issue that endangers lives on the road—compromised vision among professional drivers.

This ‘World Sight Day,’ celebrated globally to raise awareness about vision impairment and the importance of eye health, Titan Eye+ acknowledges the often-overlooked eye health of those who spend most of their time on the road. As one of many initiatives, they have introduced the “Eye Test Menu,” a creative solution aimed at reaching truck drivers who are always on the move and often overlook the importance of eye care in their demanding schedules.

Since drivers may not be always keen to come for eyecare, Titan Eye+ decided to change that by bringing eye care to them.

As part of the initiative, Titan Eye+ set up eye test camps at strategic locations such as dhabas where truck drivers take their pit stops, transforming the typical experience of stopping for a meal into an opportunity for eye care. Instead of traditional food menus, the brand introduced an ‘Eye Test Menu’—an engaging way to screen drivers for vision problems. These menus, displayed on the walls, mimicked the format of an eye test. To place an order, drivers interacted with the ‘Eye Test Menu,’ which immediately highlighted their vision problems.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Maneesh Krishnamurthy, Marketing Head, Eyecare Division, Titan Company, said, “Every year, World Sight Day is an opportunity for Titan Eye+ to draw attention to eyecare. This year we have taken the theme “Make Indian Roads Safe” and our roads are only as safe as the people who drive on them.

The ‘Eye Test Menu’ film created with the team at Ogilvy is an innovation we’re particularly proud of because it doesn’t just offer eye tests—it reaches people where they are and in a manner that catches their attention, shaking the apathy out of vision care.”

The eye test camps featured on-the-spot free eye exams conducted by expert optometrists at these dhabas. Drivers diagnosed with vision issues were prescribed corrective spectacles, with a range of styles to choose from, which were then shipped to their home addresses at subsidized prices.

Make Indian Roads Safe has not only brought essential eye care to the community but has already reached over 7,000 drivers and continues to expand its impact. Expanding the scope of the initiative, Titan Eye+ works closely with platforms like Namma Yatri and others to offer free eye tests to delivery partners, rickshaw drivers, and cab drivers—all critical members of the transportation ecosystem.

Studies show that 1 in 3 truck drivers in India suffer from poor vision, a condition that severely compromises their ability to drive safely. According to statistics, India’s roads witness a startling number of accidents involving large vehicles, with over 25,000 crashes (Ministry of road transport and highway, 2022) and more than 10,000 fatalities (Ministry of road transport and highway, 2022) attributed to trucks and lorries in recent years. Despite the risks involved, many drivers tend to overlook eye care, viewing it as a low priority. This initiative reflects Titan Eye+’s desire to increase awareness about eyecare amongst various communities and create lasting impact.

The campaign video is now live: https://youtu.be/FytFN2rIWgw

Kotak Mahindra Bank To Acquire Standard Chartered Bank, India’s Personal Loan Book

* Acquisition aligned to Kotak’s vision to transform for scale - to drive growth, expand market share and unlock new opportunities in the Salaried Affluent customer segment

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL”) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Personal Loan book (“Proposed Transaction”) of Standard Chartered Bank, India, further strengthening its position in the Retail Credit market.

As of September 30, 2024, Proposed Transaction comprises a total loan outstanding of around ?4,100 crore (equivalent to ~$490 million). The Proposed Transaction consists of loans classified as “Standard Loans” as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines. The transaction is expected to be completed over the next three months, subject to regulatory and other approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions and KMBL will acquire the loan book, which will be outstanding closer to the completion date.

This acquisition aligns with KMBL’s strategy to transform for scale and focus on customer-centric growth. The high-quality loan book from Standard Chartered Bank allows KMBL to build on its strength in the affluent customer segment and further reinforces its leadership in the retail lending space.

KMBL aims to leverage its technology expertise and quality customer service to ensure a seamless transition for existing Standard Chartered Bank Personal Loan customers, maintaining the high standards both institutions are known for.

Ambuj Chandna, Head-Products, Consumer Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “India’s unsecured lending market offers significant growth potential for Kotak, especially in the higher-end segment. Our strong risk management, customer-centric products, and technology-driven approach position us for sustainable growth. This transaction supports our Retail Assets growth strategy and reinforces our commitment to retail lending. It provides access to a high-quality customer base, and with Kotak Group’s successful integration track record, we are committed to a smooth transition. We look forward to welcoming new customers to Kotak Mahindra Bank, ensuring a seamless transition and enhanced experience with our diverse products and services.”

Aditya Mandloi, Head – Wealth & Retail Banking, Standard Chartered Bank, India & South Asia said, “Our decision to divest the personal loan book is in line with the Bank’s focus to accelerate growth in the wealth, affluent and SME segment. India continues to be a key market for Standard Chartered network, with Wealth & Retail Banking (WRB) and Corporate & Investment banking (CIB) as the cornerstones and we will continue to invest and grow in India. Together with Kotak, we remain committed towards ensuring a seamless transition for our clients”.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received a banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.

The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked. As of 30th June 2024, Bank has a national footprint of 1,965 branches and 3,279 ATMs (including cash recyclers), and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai). For more information, please visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/

MIT Manipal Celebrates Green Innovations On World Hydrogen Day

The Department of Mechatronics at MIT Manipal inaugurated the “Celebrating Green Innovations (CGI)” initiative on 8th October 2024, coinciding with World Hydrogen Day. The event was marked by a keynote talk and discussions centered on the advancements in hydrogen-based engine technologies, reaffirming MIT Manipal’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy solutions.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, who graced the occasion as a chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of celebrating World Hydrogen Day by focusing on innovative technologies that support sustainability and future energy solutions. He commended the Department of Mechatronics for spearheading this timely initiative.

"At MIT Manipal, we are dedicated to driving innovation in sustainable technologies. Hydrogen-based solutions have immense potential to revolutionize the future of clean energy, and events like CGI reflect our commitment to fostering research that addresses global environmental challenges," said Dr Anil.

The event featured a keynote talk by Dr. Abhishek Paul, Assistant Professor at NIT Silchar, titled “Hydrogen RCCI Engines - The New Frontier of Clean Engine Combustion.” Dr. Paul provided valuable insights into how hydrogen, as a fuel, can transform the landscape of clean combustion technologies. He emphasized that hydrogen-powered RCCI (Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition) engines offer a promising solution for reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency.

The “Celebrating Green Innovations” initiative at MIT Manipal aims to explore and promote cutting-edge sustainable technologies, with a focus on green energy solutions. Through events like these, MIT Manipal continues to lead in research and innovation, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Announces The Introduction Of ‘Festival Limited Edition’ Of Toyota Glanza

* Introducing Exclusive ‘Festive Limited Edition’ of the Glanza, featuring Premium TGA Packages, aimed to further elevate the style, comfort, and prestige

* Complimentary Accessory Package available across all grades, in all Toyota dealerships until 31st October 2024

Marking the festive spirit, Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced the introduction of ‘Festival Limited Edition’ of the Toyota Glanza. Customers can now enjoy exclusive dealer-fitted Toyota Genuine Accessory (TGA) packages, designed to elevate their driving experience with enhanced style, performance and comfort of the Glanza during this festive period.

Celebrated for its advanced technology, sleek design, and high fuel efficiency, since 2019, the limited-edition Toyota Glanza comes equipped with 13 exclusive TGA Package, worth ?20,567. The vehicle features standout elements like premium chrome and black body side moulding, back door garnish chrome, and ORVM garnish chrome. Additional highlights include 3D floormat, door visor premium, and neck cushions (black & silver) for extra comfort. The stylish appeal of the Toyota Glanza is further enriched with chrome garnishes on the rear bumper, fender as well as rear reflector, and welcome door lamp, adding a premium touch.

Commenting on the introduction of the festive limited edition of Toyota Glanza, Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Our aim is to bring added excitement to our customers during this festive season with the introduction of the ‘Festival Limited Edition’ of the Toyota Glanza. Glanza has always been appreciated for its blend of dynamic-sporty design, advanced features, and superior performance, and with this limited edition, we are enhancing its appeal even further.

We have taken great care to ensure that the accessories not only uplift the visual appeal of the Glanza, but also add to the overall comfort and utility, making it ideal companion for customers looking for a premium and refined driving experience. We are committed to delivering quality and value that go beyond the product itself, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional after-sales services that Toyota is known for. We believe this festive edition will resonate strongly with our customers, offering them the opportunity to celebrate in style while enjoying the performance and prestige of their favourite Toyota model.”

As Toyota's most affordable hatchback, the Glanza has become a preferred choice for countless Indian families. Over the years, the vehicle has continuously evolved to meet the needs of tech-savvy customers, building a legacy of delivering an exceptional driving experience while maintaining efficient performance. Now, with the Festival Limited Edition, available across all variants, the ownership experience is further enhanced with a perfect blend of style and convenience.

As a part of the festive offer, the complimentary TGA packages for the customers opting for Toyota Glanza Festival Limited Edition will be available until 31st October 2024. Furthermore, each accessory is expertly fitted by certified Toyota technicians at dealerships, ensuring quality to deliver unmatched customer experience. The festival limited edition not only adds a festive flair to the popular Toyota model but also offer exceptional value with extended warranties, genuine Toyota accessories, and Toyota's renowned after-sales services—all designed to cater to the diverse needs of the customers.

Bookings are open across all Toyota dealerships. Customers can either book the car online https://www.toyotabharat.com/online-booking/ or visit their nearest Toyota dealership.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages & Anandana: The Coca-Cola India Foundation Collect Empty PET Bottles During Mysuru Dasara Festival

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), one of India’s leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, in collaboration with Anandana: The Coca-Cola India Foundation, and along with the Mysuru City Corporation, successfully collected empty PET bottles during this year’s grand Mysuru Dasara. With Y4D Foundation as the implementing partner, the "Used PET Bottle Free Dasara Celebration" initiative promoted package collection in one of Karnataka’s largest annual events.

The 10-day Mysuru Dasara, held from October 3 to October 12, 2024, attracted thousands of tourists and devotees from across the country. HCCB launched this initiative to manage empty PET bottles throughout the festivities. Over 30 volunteers actively participated, to support the execution of the waste management drive.

The initiative focussed on placing collection bins and recycling stations at key festival locations, including Chamundi Hills, Aahara Mela, and other prominent sites. The empty PET bottles were collected and transported to designated warehouses for segregation, and then transported to a PET bottle recycling partner.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Officer at HCCB, said, “Mysuru Dasara is more than just a festival. It's a vibrant expression of our cultural heritage, uniting communities through devotion, celebration, and environmental responsibility. By collecting and recycling PET bottles, we actively contribute to a circular economy. The 'Used PET Bottle Free Dasara' initiative underscores our dedication to building a World Without Waste and advancing a shared commitment to environmental stewardship..”

Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director– Sustainability and CSR at Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said “At Coca-Cola, our ambitious World Without Waste strategy aims to help create a circular economy for our packaging—from how bottles and cans are designed and manufactured to how they’re recycled and reused. As we celebrate our vibrant cultural festivals, we acknowledge our responsibility to take actions that help protect both the environment and local communities. By collaborating with local partners during these moments of celebration. we can help provide collection infrastructure while educating participants on waste segregation and the responsible disposal of solid waste.”

About Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages

HCCB was incorporated on 14th February 1997. Since then, HCCB has come a long way in being able to serve over 23 lakh retailers, ~2,300 distributors, and 5,000+ employees. 2,50,000 farmers grow the agricultural produce that HCCB uses in making its products. The company is headquartered in Bangalore and its operations are spread in 12 states, and 236 districts in South and West India. Through its 13 factories spread across India, it manufactures and sells 37 different products across 8 categories. Its products include some of India’s most loved beverages - Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Minute Maid, Maaza, SmartWater, Kinley, Limca, Fanta, and a lot more. 

How Menopause Can Impact Bone & Heart Health: Here’s What You Need To Know?

Even though all women go through menopause at some stage in their lives, not many of them truly understand its impact on their health and well-being. It is a condition that isn’t spoken much about which makes it difficult for women to be prepared for this next chapter in their lives. Menopause can stir up various feelings. For some, it’s the feeling of relief over no longer experiencing period cramps, and a sense of self-discovery and curiosity for what’s next. But what’s important to understand is that this phase also brings with it changes to a woman’s body and a drop in estrogen levels.1

Due to these changes, women need to be aware of the common health conditions that can happen post menopause. Dr. Sheela Mane, Senior Consultant, Anugraha Nursing Home, Bangalore, said, “Studies based on women undergoing menopause in India found that the most commonly reported symptoms include hot flashes & night sweats along with other symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, joint pain, and vaginal dryness.1 In a study conducted by the Indian Menopause Society, the incidence of these symptoms was found to be 75%2. While awareness around these symptoms is growing slowly, and we can assume that far fewer understand its impact on overall health, but there is still a growing need for more people to know the common conditions post menopause. Women may be at a greater risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and muscle mass loss, largely due to reduced estrogen. Understanding the impact of menopause on bone and heart health can help them to prevent, recognize, or address them early on.” 

Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India commented, “It’s important to help women understand the impact of menopause on bone and heart health. As per a survey by Abbott & Ipsos, 82% people believe that menopause affects a woman’s personal well-being. This makes it increasingly important to help women prioritize their health, during menopause and beyond.”

The most common condition post menopause is osteoporosis, which affects one in three women over the age of 50 years.2 This is due to reduced levels of estrogen, resulting in bone loss and lowered mass, which makes them fragile and at a greater risk of breaking.3 Today, roughly 61 million people in India live with osteoporosis, and 80% of them are women.4 Osteoporosis is often a ‘silent condition’ with no visible symptoms until there is a fracture. At times, there may be height loss, which can be accompanied by back pain or a curved back. Injuries relating to osteoporosis may be serious and cause pain and long-term disability.5 Checking in with your doctor and understanding your risk factors can be vital. To strengthen your bones, some lifestyle steps you can consider include exercising frequently, having a healthy diet consisting of fruit, vegetables, and rich in calcium and Vitamin D, avoiding smoking, and cutting down on alcohol.

Women post menopause are also at a risk of losing muscle mass, which is vital for mobility, balance, and strength as they age. The loss of muscle mass, or sarcopenia, is accelerated in women, happening nearly a decade earlier than for men due to menopause. This comes with its own set of complications such as weight gain and makes simple tasks like climbing stairs more challenging.6 Watch for fatigue and a drop in energy, as warning signs to consult a doctor. You can also proactively take steps to enhance muscle mass like – lifting weights for strength training, opting for full-body exercises that work several muscles, eating nutritious food, and getting good quality sleep.

With the onset of menopause, the risk of heart disease also increases. This is because estrogen deficiency may lead to changes in lipid levels such as increase in cholesterol. 7 Menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats can result in a greater risk for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular related risk factors.8 In addition, women who experience natural menopause at a later age have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Factors that may lead to early start of menopause include worse cardiovascular health during reproductive years, smoking and possibly genetics.7 Research also shows depression during the menopause transition can lead to higher risk of cardiovascular disease.9 It’s important to find ways to cope – whether with counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, or mindfulness methods, all while relying on social support. 

To summarize, as women age, it’s important for them to get regular check-ups and screen for health conditions most common post menopause. By knowing what signs to look out for, you and your loved ones can better navigate life beyond menopause and embrace the next chapter of your life with ease. 

AiDash Launches First-of-its-Kind Full Stack Platform For Grid Inspection And Monitoring

* Debuting At Evolve 2024, The New End-To-End System Makes Utilities

* climate resilient and better prepared for the energy transition

AiDash, an enterprise SaaS company helping critical infrastructure industries become climate resilient and better prepared for the energy transition with satellites and AI, today unveiled an end-to-end system addressing utilities' most urgent challenges in the wake of climate threats like storms and wildfires. Its new Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring provides utilities with the data and insights needed for proactive, preventative maintenance to keep the grid operational, safeguard communities, and reduce costs. AiDash CEO Abhishek Singh debuted this first-of-its-kind solution at the company’s Evolve 2024 conference in New Orleans.

“In an era of super storms and wildfires, keeping the power on is more challenging than ever. Climate change, growing power demands, and the need to expand grid capacity highlight the urgent work ahead to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable power,” said Abhishek Singh, CEO of AiDash. “With our Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring, we’ve combined all of our capabilities and integrated new data sources, giving utilities the most accurate information to enable swift, decisive action.”

The Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring launches as the U.S. utility landscape now includes over 7 million miles of power lines, approximately 250 million poles, a billion devices or assets, and billions of trees. Inspecting, monitoring, and maintaining this at scale is beyond human capacity. Technology adoption is the only path forward for utilities to minimize outages, reduce costs, and improve grid reliability.

“If every asset is inspected with the right remote sensing technology, at the right frequency, and problem areas are addressed quickly, utility-caused fires and outages can be drastically reduced, if not eliminated,” said Singh. “Our solution empowers utilities to be more proactive, adaptive, and resilient, leading to safer communities, better working conditions, and improved bottom lines.”

First-of-its-Kind Platform Makes Utilities More Climate Resilient

Over the past five years, AiDash has committed itself to using the latest in satellite technology and AI to respond to utility companies’ most pressing needs in the face of the unprecedented effects of climate change. The company’s new system is designed to make an even greater impact on their operations and maintenance (O&M), as AiDash’s full suite of products has been brought together in one cohesive platform.

With the AiDash Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring, utilities can perform a satellite scan of their entire network to identify potential vegetation issues, pinpoint asset locations (poles and conductors), and assess road accessibility and terrain.

Based on these satellite insights and depending on use cases, budget, and criticality, utilities can then opt for ground-based LiDAR or visual inspections for road-accessible assets, aerial scans (visual/LiDAR) for broader areas, and drone scans for limited, hard-to-reach regions. 

This multi-pronged approach delivers detailed, large-scale visual inspections of all assets and surrounding vegetation using a single platform. Data is consolidated, and advanced AI quickly identifies, prioritizes, and predicts issues. This enables swift, proactive actions to tackle current and future grid challenges while reducing the average cost per mile of scans. The platform also makes the grid more intelligent and ready for the energy transition.

The Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring enables utilities to:

Inspect and monitor assets and surroundings at scale and with the required frequency

Model system and climate risks, as well as sustainability impacts

Predict tasks and their criticality for routine and ad hoc O&M

Apply business constraints to analyze scenarios, create and prioritize digital plans

Execute tasks and log progress using the AiDash Field Application

Track progress and audit completed work

"By leading with satellites and complementing them with ground-based LiDAR and on-ground patrols, we achieve what no single data source could—and do it more cost-effectively. Sharing data between our vegetation management and asset management teams improves coordination, enhancing reliability for our customers," said Bert Stewart, Manager of Vegetation Strategy at National Grid.

Securing Tomorrow Together

The Full Stack Platform for Grid Inspection and Monitoring marks the next stage of AiDash’s growth in transforming how utilities protect and maintain their assets. To achieve its mission of making critical infrastructure more adaptive and climate-resilient, AiDash is collaborating with all entities involved, such as utilities, regulators, and partners, including consulting firms, system integrators, and technology and data partners. The company plans to expand this ecosystem, recognizing that climate challenges are too large for any single company—collaborative solutions are essential.

To learn more about AiDash’s approach and technology, visit www.aidash.com

About AiDash

AiDash is making critical infrastructure industries climate-resilient and sustainable with satellites and AI. Using our full-stack SaaS solutions, customers in electric, gas, and water utilities, transportation, and construction are transforming asset inspection and maintenance – and complying with biodiversity net gain mandates and carbon capture goals. Our customers deliver ROI in their first year of deployment with reduced costs, improved reliability, and achieved sustainability goals. Learn more at www.aidash.com.