Vi Launches Number Rakshak Initiative At Maha Kumbh To Reunite Separated Pilgrims

*         Leading telecom operator is providing Rudraksh Tulsi bracelets engraved with personal emergency contact numbers to help remain connected

At every Kumbh Mela, thousands of individuals are reported lost or separated from their families. In 2013, approximately 70,000 people were reported lost during the Allahabad (now Prayagraj) Kumbh. This year has presented similar challenges, with news reports indicating that over 250 people were reported lost within the first few hours of the first day alone. As millions more are expected to gather on the most auspicious days for 'Shahi Snan' at Triveni Sangam in February, the fear of losing loved ones is a very real concern, given the risk of people becoming lost or separated in large crowd or while taking a sacred plunge. In response, India’s leading telecom operator Vi, has launched the ‘Vi Number Rakshak’ initiative to ensure that no one feels lost, disconnected, or gets left behind.

While technology has revolutionized how people connect, there are still many who are not digitally savvy, especially elderly and small children, who often do not even own a mobile phone, struggle to remember phone numbers or are not familiar with digital tools. Recognizing this reality, Vi has set up Vi Number Rakshak booth in the prominent area near Swami Ramanand Acharya Shibir Akhada.

This booth will provide pilgrims with complimentary bracelets made of sacred Rudraksh and Tulsi beads engraved with the personal emergency contact numbers of their family members or companions. This initiative will enable pilgrims to have a dependable medium of reconnecting without having to rely on mobile phones or internet connectivity.

Speaking on the occasion, Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi emphasized the company’s people first approach, “Vi Number Rakshak highlights how the simplest solutions can play a critical role in connecting people. We are not just a telecom provider, but a people-first partner, especially when it matters most. This initiative reinforces Vi's commitment to finding the right solutions and demonstrates that the connectivity goes beyond the network."

Vi Number Rakshak embodies the spirit of Vi's philosophy of "Be Someone's We". It emphasizes the importance of fostering connections and collective support for one another, demonstrated in campaigns of the same name, which highlight the loneliness epidemic affecting urban youth and senior citizens. With Vi Number Rakshak at the Maha Kumbh, the ‘Be Someone We’ ideology takes on the mantle of caring for public safety and well-being at the site of such a large human gathering.

Additionally, to ensure seamless connectivity to Vi users visiting The Maha Kumbh Mela, Vi has enhanced network capacity by adding 30 new sites in Triveni Sangam as well as around 40 macro and high powered small-cells covering all major points in nearby areas. Additionally, 32 km of fiber has been deployed to strengthen backhaul connectivity to provide last mile connectivity in densely crowded areas, giving users crystal clear voice calls, seamless video streaming and high-speed data transfer.

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service provider. The company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G and 4G platforms. Company holds large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave 5G spectrum in 16 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The company’s equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India. The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”.  For more information, visit: www.MyVi.in

GE Aerospace Foundation Announces Next Engineers Expansion To Bengaluru, India

* Builds on company’s purpose “to lift people up” in communities where we live and work

The GE Aerospace Foundation today announced the expansion of its Next Engineers college readiness program to Bengaluru, India, to advance the program’s goal of encouraging young people to pursue careers in engineering.

The expansion of Next Engineers will help build a strong engineering pipeline in India. With today’s announcement, the GE Aerospace Foundation, alongside leadership and volunteers at the Bengaluru facility, will now move forward with identifying an academic partner to be announced in late 2025.

“GE Aerospace in India has supported new technologies for the industry collaborating with academia for more than 25 years,” said Alok Nanda, Chief Technology Officer at GE Aerospace’s India Technology Centre. “The expansion of the Next Engineers program locally allows increased engagement for students interested in engineering careers.”

Bengaluru was selected using a range of criteria, including GE Aerospace’s employee footprint, the strength of GE Aerospace’s manufacturing and engineering presence, and anticipated engagement in the program. GE Aerospace in India supports the entire lifecycle of the company’s engines and products. It has a strong history of volunteering in the local community, including STEM education.

“We are immensely proud to announce our Next Engineers program in Bengaluru,” said GE Aerospace Foundation President Meghan Thurlow. “Nearly 22,000 students around the world have experienced the power and possibility of engineering through our program and the GE Aerospace volunteers that support it. We look forward to reaching even more students with this program expanding to India.”

In 2024, the GE Aerospace Foundation committed $20 million through 2030 to expand Next Engineers. This commitment will help bridge the gap for students in middle school to college who are interested in engineering careers. The Next Engineers program currently serves students in Cincinnati, Ohio, Greenville, South Carolina in the United States, Johannesburg(South Africa), Staffordshire (United Kingdom), and Warsaw(Poland), reflecting the global reach and impact that GE Aerospace has in communities around the world.

About the GE Aerospace Foundation 

The GE Aerospace Foundation, an independent charitable organization funded by GE Aerospace, complements the company’s purpose to “lift people up” in communities where employees live and work around the world. The Foundation’s philanthropic strategy and programs focus on engineering education, workforce development, and disaster relief.  We also support GE Aerospace employees through programs such as Matching Gifts and STAR Awards.  When GE Aerospace launched as an independent company in 2024, the GE Foundation was relaunched as the GE Aerospace Foundation, commencing a new chapter that builds on the successful, 100+ year legacy of the previous GE Foundation. Learn more at www.geaerospace.com/company/philanthropy.  

About GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 45,000 commercial and 25,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 53,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com. 

About GE Aerospace in India

GE Aerospace has been a partner to India's aviation industry for over 40 years. 1400 GE Aerospace and partner engines are in service, powering major Indian airlines. GE Aerospace’s defense engines and systems power Indian Airforce’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk 1 and helicopters and Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier battleships and frigates. Its Pune manufacturing facility and 13 local India partners are part of the company’s global supply chain. Researchers and engineers at the company’s 25-year-old India technology centre in Bengaluru are building the latest aviation technologies.

Employees Of Provident Housing Flock To Lalbagh For 4th Annual Clean-Up Drive

Over 200 employees of Provident Housing Limited, one of India’s leading large-scale community developers, held a clean-up drive at Lalbagh on 27th January 2025. The drive commenced just hours after the end of the popular Lalbagh Flower Show, held every year in January. This year, the 217th edition of the show saw over 4.75 lakh visitors, with 37,890 visitors on the last day.

Speaking about the initiative, Mallanna Sasalu, CEO of Provident Housing Limited, said,” This is the fourth consecutive year that Provident Housing employees have gathered at Lalbagh, one of our city’s most important lung spaces, to clean up the garden after the hugely popular flower show. Through efforts like this, we aim to create a meaningful impact and inspire communities to embrace sustainable practices.”

Volunteers collected discarded wrappers, plastic bottles and other non-biodegradable waste through the afternoon, after which the collected garbage was handed over to the Lalbagh cleaning staff for segregation and disposal as per guidelines. The entire drive was conducted in co-ordination with Dr. M Jagadeesh, Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), Lalbagh, Bengaluru and his team.

“The efforts made by the Horticulture Department in curbing the entry of plastics and other non-biodegradable waste into Lalbagh is laudable. This was apparent during the drive as we witnessed reduced amounts of litter on the premises,” Sasalu added.

Through initiatives like the Lalbagh clean-up drive, the company continues to lead by example, championing environmental conservation as a responsible corporate citizen.

Goldmedal Unveils Neo: Instant Hot Water, Instant Convenience

Goldmedal Electricals, one of India's leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) companies, introduces the Neo—a compact and powerful instant water heater designed to provide quick and efficient water heating for modern homes.

The Neo Instant Water Heater is engineered with a robust stainless steel tank for enhanced durability, while its shock- and rust-proof body ensures longevity even in challenging conditions. It features a powerful 3kW heating element for rapid water heating, ensuring hot water is readily available when needed.

Designed for safety and convenience, the Neo features advanced safety mechanisms such as a pre-set thermal cut-out and a pressure release valve to prevent overheating and pressure build-up. Additionally, its fire-retardant power cord provides an extra layer of protection, ensuring worry-free operation. Its sleek, modern design makes it a stylish addition to any bathroom interior.

Other features of the water heater include:

·         3-Litre Capacity: Perfect for instant hot water needs in kitchens and bathrooms.

·         Superior Grade Stainless Steel Tank: Provides enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.

·         6.5 Bar Pressure: Handles high water pressure, ideal for multistorey buildings.

·         Copper Heating Element: Offers better efficiency and longer lifespan.

·         Fire Retardant Power Cord: Ensures safety and reliability in high-temperature conditions.

·         LED Indicator: Provides a clear status display for user convenience.

Speaking about the Neo instant water heater, Bishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal said, “We understand the need for instant and reliable hot water, especially in today's fast-paced lifestyle. The Neo Instant Water Heater is designed to meet this need, combining efficient heating with robust safety features and a stylish design.  It is an ideal solution for modern homes, particularly those in multi-story buildings.”

The Neo 3L Instant Water Heater is available on Amazon at an attractive price of Rs. 2,699/-. It comes with a five-year warranty on the inner tank and a two-year warranty on the heater.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Sells 4,44,847 Units In January 2025

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India announced its sales numbers for the month of January 2025.

The company’s total sales for January’25 stood at 4,44,847 units, recording a 6% YoY growth. This includes domestic sales of 4,02,977 units and 41,870 units exports. The domestic sales for the month registered 5% YoY growth while exports grew 14% over the same period of last year.

It is worth mentioning that HMSI’s YTD FY25 (April’24 – Jan’25) total sales stand at 49,81,767 units. This includes domestic sales of 45,41,323 units and 4,40,444 units exports.

HMSI’s Key Highlights of January 2025:

Product: HMSI introduced the updated OBD2B compliant versions of the Activa, Livo, and Dio with advanced new features. Moreover, the company’s premium motorcycle portfolio has been further strengthened with the launch of latest editions of the CB650R and CBR650R.

Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: HMSI took the center stage at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, showcasing an exciting line-up of innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. The company announced the prices of the all-new ACTIVA e: and QC1. In addition, the CB300F flex-fuel, Honda’s portable electric scooter Motocompacto, Electric Racing Go-Kart and advanced battery swapping technology with the dedicated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: were also on display.

Road Safety: Expanding road safety awareness in India, HMSI promoted campaigns in 11 cities across India – Zirakpur (Punjab), Bhopal & Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh), Bahula (West Bengal), Ongole (Andhra Pradesh), Chiplun & Ahmednagar (Maharashtra), Davanagere (Karnataka), Palakkad (Kerala), Rajkot (Gujarat), and Dhanbad (Jharkhand). Additionally, HMSI organized Road Safety Convention with school principals in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) as a part of ongoing project - Mindset Development for our Future Generation. HMSI also hosted an engaging Road Safety Kids Carnival for school students at its Global Resource Factory in Manesar, Haryana.

Motorsports: There was a double celebration in Saudi Arabia with a second consecutive Dakar Rally double podium for Monster Energy Honda HRC as Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren took 2nd and 3rd place at the 47th edition of this world-famous motorsport event.

Driving Transformation: Renault India Unveils “First Dealership Reflecting Global Vision And Excellence”

* The New Dealership is based on the global architecture concept for its network – new’R store

* Ambattur (Chennai) Dealership becomes the first dealership globally to adopt the new’R store Concept

Renault India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault Groupe, took its first step towards transformation in India by inaugurating its Ambattur dealership and revamping it with the new global architectural format for its network – the new’R store. All the Renault dealerships worldwide will adopt this innovative format, with the Ambattur dealership being the first to showcase this international standard, showcasing the company's commitment towards India. In addition, the dealership also hosts Renault's New Visual Identity (NVI), which includes a new logo and a black façade.

New’R store: Revamped to offer a superior buying experience, the format hosts a new theme for the interiors of Renault outlets with a modern outlook. It strategically keeps the vehicle display at the facility's heart, allowing customers to explore the cars from all sides. Additionally, the format enables the facility to offer customers a fresh, contemporary, modern & urban look with signature lighting, premium seating & exceptional service experience. Furthermore, facilities in the new’R store format will host all the essential customer service areas like after-sales reception, customer lounge, and sales advisor offices within the perimeter of the showroom to offer easy accessibility for customers. The new format strengthens Renault's commitment to elevate the brand experience for customers along with product experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Venkatram M., Managing Director and Country CEO, Renault India, said, "The launch of the Ambattur dealership marks a pivotal moment in Renault's journey in India. The fact that India became the first country to actualize the new’R store format reaffirms Renault's India strategy. India is at the forefront of Renault's global plans, and soon, the country will witness a completely revamped Renault, offering superior customer experience through acclaimed products, redefined sales experience and globally acclaimed aftersales services."

All the new Renault outlets in India will now be built using the new format alongside gradually revamping its existing dealerships. In addition, Renault is also revamping its dealerships in India as per the New Visual Identity (NVI). According to this, all the dealerships of Renault will now feature the company's new logo in White over a Black façade. In 2025, the company will revamp close to 100 outlets as per the New Visual Identity (NVI) and aims to complete this transformation by 2026.

Enhanced Facility Features:

Modern Look: A fresh, contemporary, modern, and urban look with signature lighting and premium seating.

Exceptional Service: A unique service experience awaits Renault prospects and customers.

Optimized Layout: Service areas, such as the after-sales reception lounge and sales advisor offices, have been moved to the perimeter of the showroom, ensuring essential customer services remain easily accessible while keeping the central space dedicated to vehicle display.

Strategic Vision: The new dealership format is part of Renault's broader strategy, known as Renaulution, which aims to upgrade the Renault brand, evolve the Renault range, and implement a comprehensive network strategy. This initiative reflects Renault's commitment to innovation and excellence in the mobility sector.

Renault's new dealership in Ambattur is a testament to the brand's commitment to providing an elevated customer experience. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for Renault in India, setting the stage for future growth and success.

NueGo Launches India’s First Fully “Electric Sleeper Bus” On Bangalore - Chennai And Bangalore - Madurai Routes

* Fare starting from Rs 750/- only

NueGo, India’s largest electric intercity bus service from GreenCell Mobility, is set to transform long-distance travel with the launch of India’s first electric AC sleeper bus service. This innovative service marks a major milestone in advancing sustainable and comfortable intercity travel. With the deployment on key routes across India, NueGo aims to capture a significant share of the sleeper bus market.

NueGo’s electric sleeper buses will operate on major routes across India including Delhi–Amritsar, Bangalore – Chennai, Hyderabad–Rajahmundry, Chennai-Madurai, Vijayawada – Vishakhapatnam, Bangalore - Madhurai. This launch is part of NueGo’s vision to revolutionize intercity travel by offering a safe, comfortable, sustainable mode of transport with premium guest experience. NueGo sleeper buses are first in India to be certified / homologated in India with 450 kwh HV battery with max range.

Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO of GreenCell Mobility, commented, “The launch of NueGo’s electric intercity sleeper bus service marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable transportation. Designed to offer a safe, comfortable, and premium guest experience, these buses embody our unwavering commitment to a greener, cleaner future. By delivering seamless journeys with a strong focus on environmental responsibility, we are setting new benchmarks for intercity travel in India”

Guests will benefit from a host of premium amenities that elevate the travel and sleep experience. The sleeper buses are designed with larger, ergonomic berths with back-rest and sufficient overhead space, soft-touch interiors, ambient LED lighting, ensuring comfort throughout the journey. Individual conveniences such as USB charging ports, night reading lamps, berth pocket and modern sanitation facilities provide added luxury.

The buses are equipped with state-of-the-art features that set them apart in the industry. An aerodynamically designed FRP front fascia, first monocoque chassis designed in India for enhanced handling and stability, and weight-optimized GI tubular construction to improve efficiency and mileage. Safety remains a priority, with features such as ABS brakes with ESC, full air suspension with ECAS, and a rollover-engineered structure to protect passengers.

Operating with zero tailpipe emissions and incorporating advanced technologies like regenerative braking, these buses offer a quieter, vibration-free, and environmentally friendly journey. With a range of 350 km per charge extendable to 600 km/day through fast charging, NueGo continues to lead the way in eco-friendly travel solutions.

NueGo has been a frontrunner in championing Women’s Safety in India’s intercity electric bus service sector. It is the first brand to launch a dedicated 24x7 helpline number for women travelers, introduce Pink Seat feature while ticket booking, providing clean and hygienic mid-points and buses equipped with advanced cutting-edge security measures such as CCTV surveillance, GPS live tracking, driver breath analyzer test, Speed lock at 80 km/hr and more.