Tata Motors Bags Prestigious Order Of 1350 Bus Chassis From Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today announced that it has secured a prestigious order from the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to supply 1,350 units of the Tata LPO 1618 diesel bus chassis. Developed for intercity and long-distance travel, the Tata LPO 1618 conforms to BS6 emission protocols, delivers superior performance, excellent passenger comfort and offers best-in-class total cost of ownership (TCO). This order was won by Tata Motors following a competitive e-bidding process conducted via the Government tendering process and the bus chassis will be supplied in a phased manner.

Receiving the order, Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Vice President & Business Head – CV Passengers, Tata Motors, said, “Making public transport more effective and efficient is our mission and we are thankful to the Uttar Pradesh State Government and the UPSRTC for once again giving us the opportunity to supply a modern fleet of bus chassis. The Tata LPO 1618 is a proven work horse with its robust build, quality engineering and low maintenance. It is designed and engineered to deliver best-in-class productivity with high uptime and optimal total cost of operations. We look forward to commencing supplies as per the guidance of UPSRTC.”

Tata Motors has been at the forefront of delivering advanced buses and public transportation solutions to various cities and states across India. Over 58,000 buses have been supplied to multiple state and public transport undertakings till date. Several thousand buses continue to run successfully on Indian roads connecting cities and towns with the hinterland, enabling people to travel comfortably.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 128 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 42 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fueled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2023, Tata Motors’ operations include 88 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, three joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Doctor's Swift Intervention And Bystander CPR Saves A Man

* Dr. Prasanth, an Emergency Medicine Doctor at Narayana Health City, saved a person in cardiac arrest after a road collision.

Doctors, often deemed 'next to God,' consistently play a crucial role in preserving and improving countless lives. Dr. Prasanth, an Emergency Medicine Resident at Narayana Health City, recently underscored this profound sentiment with an extraordinary and virtuous deed, exemplifying why the medical profession is held in such divine regard. While riding his bike, Dr. Prasanth came across a road traffic incident, witnessing a person in a critical state of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) following a collision. His prompt and heroic response not only saved a life but further solidified the revered status of doctors in the eyes of the community.

The patient, upon impact, experienced a fall that led to a forceful chest injury from hitting the bike's handlebar. Following the fall, the individual exhibited distressing signs, clutching their chest and subsequently losing consciousness. Dr. Prasanth, demonstrating commendable presence of mind, promptly halted his bike to assess the situation.

Recognizing the absence of response and a lack of central pulse in the injured individual, Dr. Prasanth sprang into action without hesitation. On the road, he initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), administering life-saving measures for a crucial five-minute duration. His dedication and expertise bore fruit as the patient showed signs of improvement, with palpable pulses returning. Effectively transitioning from pre-hospital care to the Emergency Department, Dr. Prasanth ensured the patient's conscious transport, a testament to his swift and effective intervention. In this critical moment, a life was saved, prompting onlookers to acknowledge the truth – 'God gives life, and a doctor saves a life!'

“I strongly believe that there is a divinity that governs all our actions including medical interventions to save lives. This incident also serves as a testament to the importance of timely and adept medical response in situations where every second counts, ultimately making a significant impact on patient outcomes,” said Dr Prasanth.

“We need to emphasize on the importance of bystander CPR as time is life. In such cases, Each Second Counts,” emphasized Dr. Prasanth who proved himself one of our honourable and virtuous heroes. This divine intervention was also an example of a real-life hero living in society. 

Dr. Prasanth's intervention underscores the critical importance of immediate bystander CPR in the chain of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac emergencies. In this instance, his swift initiation of CPR played a pivotal role in sustaining the patient's vital functions during the crucial moments before professional medical assistance.

Bystander CPR, administered promptly by individuals like Dr. Prasanth who happened to be at the scene, significantly increases the chances of survival for someone facing cardiac arrest. The immediacy of the response is paramount, as it helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs, preventing irreversible damage. In this case, Dr. Prasanth's quick assessment and decisive action bridged the gap between the incident and formal medical care, ensuring that the patient had the best possible chance for recovery.

The doctor's heroic act serves as a reminder of the vital role of a doctor in emergencies. “Being equipped with the knowledge and willingness to perform CPR in those crucial initial moments, even a common man can make a profound difference and potentially save lives,” concluded Dr Prasanth.

Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2023 Concluded At Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHE, Manipal By Registrar Evaluation, MAHE

The Smart India Hackathon 2023 organized by the Ministry of Education, MoE’s Innovation cell and AICTE concluded with a grand ceremony. The grand finale of Smart India Hackathon 2023 has been an incredible journey, bringing together participants from all walks of life to showcase their skills and passion in the hardware field. Over the course of 5 days, contestants have demonstrated exceptional talent, showcasing their ingenuity and proficiency in the hardware field, pushing the boundaries of excellence, and impressing our esteemed panel of judges. A distinguished panel of judges, consisting of industry experts and leaders, have evaluated the finalists and determined the ultimate winners.

The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Vinod V. Thomas, Registrar Evaluation, MAHE, who delivered an inspiring address. During his speech, he emphasized that “Engineering being a team play, an opportunity for the minds to come together to solve the problems in our society and the SIH was looking for unique solutions from young generations.”. He also stressed on the fact that MAHE is producing such engineering as a vision of our Founder Dr T.M.A. Pai.

Cdr.( Dr.) Anil Rana, Director, MIT, Manipal, congratulated all participants for their determination and hard work, coming out of their comfort zones to participate in this big national-level event. He encouraged participants to continue with their spirit of innovation and creativity irrespective of the result while giving the example of TechShilla – a hub of major students project at MIT, Manipal, who besides failing several challenges continue working on their dreams.

Mr. Kamal Singh, Assistant Director (Sponsorship & Grants), AICTE, Delhi and appointed Nodal Center Head, expressed his feelings about the conduction of Smart India Hackathon 2023 by MIT, Manipal, and congratulated all participants of SIH 2023. While encouraging the participants, he suggested to make use of all the grants, scholarships provided by AICTE.

Participants, Jury, and mentors expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards the conduction of SIH event and all the facilities provided by MIT, Manipal such as accommodation, food, medicine, laboratories and equipment.

Dr. Sucheta Kolekar, Assistant Director (Innovation & Incubation) & Nodal Center head, MIT, Manipal, offered a vote of thanks to the Director, Joint Director, MIT, Manipal, undergraduate and research scholars who volunteered themselves for this big occasion. She also expressed gratitude towards all Organizing teams, Innovation Centre, Security staff, Food court staff, and wished all the participating teams good luck.

Dr. Cyril Joseph, SPOC, SIH 2023 announced the winners for each problem statement given by the State government and Central Ministry.

SIH 1503 (Ministry of Ayush) – won by Team NIET Hacktastic six from Nehru Institute of Engineering & Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

SIH 1327 (Government of Kerala) – won by Team Hexa Titans from Vivekanandha College of Engineering for Women (Autonomous), Tiruchengod, Tamil Nadu.

SIH 1361 (Government of Gujarat) – won by Team Stimutech from KCG College of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

SIH 1323 (Government of Kerala) – won by Team STERI-SQUAD from Adamas University, Kolkata..

Tata Motors Charts A Green Course For The Future Of Transportation

In the midst of India's urbanisation and a growing focus on sustainable mobility, the shift towards cleaner transportation options has become crucial. With the country moving towards electric and hydrogen cell-based vehicles, there's a pressing need for an interim solution to reduce emissions. Natural gas, recognised as a 'transition fuel,' serves as an ideal bridge. Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile company, is actively contributing to the development of natural gas-powered vehicles. Leveraging their expertise and commitment to innovation, Tata Motors is playing a pivotal role in shaping the transition to sustainable transportation in India.

A Niti Aayog report projects a fourfold increase in trucks on Indian roads by 2050, emphasising the need for a transition to natural gas-based fuels. This shift is critical for environmental, public health and economic sustainability in the Commercial Vehicle industry. India, dedicated to emission reduction and energy security, actively promotes Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). CNG offers economic advantages, potentially reducing India's crude oil import bill. Dedicated to innovation and sustainable transportation solutions, Tata Motors plays a crucial role in promoting the adoption of CNG in the commercial vehicle sector, in line with India's aspirations for a more environmentally friendly and efficient transportation system. As per reports, Karnataka has more than 250 CNG stations, contributing to the widespread accessibility of cleaner fuel options.

India strategically invests in its natural gas infrastructure to support this transition, with plans for 17,000 operational CNG stations by 2030. National initiatives like the gas grid, additional LNG terminals and the SATAT scheme for bio-CNG aim to broaden natural gas access. Incentives such as tax credits and subsidies encourage the adoption of gas-based vehicles. The Government's approval of a new natural gas pricing mechanism further enhances CNG affordability compared to petrol and diesel, marking a significant step in India's sustainable transportation journey.

Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors stated that "At Tata Motors, we are at the forefront of the transition to sustainable fuels. With our wide range of CNG-powered commercial vehicles and our commitment to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2045, we are leading the charge in sustainable logistics. Our showcase of natural gas, electric and hydrogen options at Auto Expo 2023 demonstrates our dedication to shaping the future of transportation. As the demand for CNG-powered vehicles rises, driven by favorable operating economics and increasing availability, we are confident that natural gas will play a crucial role in the industry's journey towards zero-emission vehicles. Together, we are driving towards a greener and more efficient future."

Air India Express Launches Daily Direct Flights Between Bengaluru And Kozhikode Starting January 16

Air India Express announces the commencement of daily direct flights between Bengaluru and Kozhikode, starting January 16th.

The inaugural direct flight on the Bengaluru-Kozhikode route, IX 0876, is set to depart on January 16, 2024, at 18:45 hours, reaching Kozhikode at 19:45 hours. The return flight, IX 0860, will leave Kozhikode at 20:15 hours, arriving in Bengaluru at 21:15 hours.

Speaking about the new route, Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, said, “Kozhikode and Bengaluru stand as important stations within our extensive network, with Kozhikode hosting the highest number of Air India Express international flights and Bengaluru commanding the largest share of our domestic flights. The introduction of a direct flight connecting these two cities will facilitate convenient one-stop itineraries to numerous destinations across India and the Middle East, enhancing accessibility and convenience for the residents of both Kozhikode and Bengaluru. In the coming days, we will explore opportunities to expand our domestic connections from Kozhikode, providing even more travel options for our guests.”

The airline has released the schedule for daily non-stop flight between Bengaluru and Kozhikode, with bookings available through the airline’s award-winning mobile app and website airindiaexpress.com, as well as other major booking platforms. 

With this new flight, residents of Kozhikode now have access to convenient one-stop flights to 22 destinations, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Jaipur, Pune, Varanasi, and more. These destinations can be conveniently connected via Bengaluru, where Air India Express operates 344 weekly flights.

Air India Express operates 95 flights per week from Kozhikode to 13 destinations in the Middle East and two domestic destinations, solidifying its position as the largest airline operating out of Kozhikode. With the introduction of this new flight, residents of Bengaluru gain convenient access to connect to these Middle Eastern destinations via Kozhikode.

With 90 flights operating weekly from Kochi, 58 from Thiruvananthapuram, and 52 from Kannur, the airline has solidified its position as the largest international airline on Kerala – Gulf routes. On the domestic front, Air India Express connects Kochi with direct flights to Bengaluru, Hyderabad and New Delhi. From Thiruvananthapuram, the airline operates domestic routes to Bengaluru and Chennai. Adding to that, the airline also announced Thiruvananthapuram-Kozhikode flights recently. Kannur has 42 international flights and domestic flights to Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram.

Air India Express is in a dynamic phase of expansion, driven by the integration of new aircraft into its fleet. Recently, the airline announced the commencement of operations from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, and introduced direct flights to Delhi and Bengaluru from Gwalior. Last weekend, AIXL also became the first airline to operate a direct flight from Surat to Dubai on the very day when the Surat International Airport had its new international terminal inaugurated.

About Air India Express

Air India Express, is a subsidiary of Air India and a part of the Tata group, operating over 300 flights daily, connecting 31 domestic and 14 international airports, with a fleet of 59 aircraft, comprising 31 Boeing 737s and 28 Airbus A320s. Air India Express invites guests with the proposition to ‘Fly As You Are’, using thoughtfully considered technology to enable flyers to personalise and take charge of their travel experience. The airline offers Gourmair hot meals, comfortable seats, pioneering in-flight experience hub AirFlix, and a host of exclusive loyalty benefits with a sense of unique Indian warmth, on its award-winning digital experience on its mobile app and website, airindiaexpress.com

IIIT Bangalore Introduces M.Tech Program With Dual Certification In Computer Science And Engineering

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) announces the launch of its Executive M.Tech program in Computer Science and Engineering, commencing in February 2024.

Speaking with the media regarding the launch, Prof. V N Muralidhara, Associate Professor at IIIT-Bangalore, commented, “The Executive MTech programm allow professionals working in Bangalore to attend classes on Friday and Saturday, to complete the program in two and half years. The unique certification program allows the students to obtain two Professional Certifications during the program. Working professionals in Bangalore, who are keen on pursuing M.Tech programs are encouraged to apply. The goal of post graduate programmes at IIIT-B is to develop professionals of high quality to cater to the needs of industry and academia. Such education will be based on a broad grasp of the fundamental principles of the sciences and scientific methods, a deep understanding of specific area of specialization, an ability to solve new problems, and a capacity to learn continually and interact with multidisciplinary groups.”

This unique program offers an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to enhance their expertise in the dynamic field of Computer Science and Engineering, all while balancing the demands of their current roles. With classes conducted on-site at the institute, participants can expect a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip them with advanced knowledge and skills.

Prof. Debabrata, Director of IIIT Bangalore, stated, "At IIIT-B, we are committed to providing cutting-edge education that aligns with industry requirements. The M.Tech program facilitates a seamless integration of academic and professional commitments and ensures that our students graduate with a degree that holds the same prestige as our traditional M.Tech program."

The program offers a diverse range of elective courses, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests. The curriculum incorporates key areas such as Algorithms, Enterprise Software Design, Machine Learning, Mathematics for Machine Learning, Networking and Communications, and Concrete Mathematics. Additionally, students have the option to specialize in areas such as Theory and Systems for Computing and Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Networking and Communication, VLSI Systems, Digital Society, and Cyber Security.

A distinctive feature of the Executive M.Tech program is the integration of two Professional Certificate Programs (PCP) into the curriculum. Students can pursue certifications in specialized areas, including courses designed to provide practical, real-world skills. Prof. Debabrata highlighted the importance of these certifications, stating, "We believe in empowering our students with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical expertise. The dual certification approach ensures that our graduates are well-rounded professionals ready to excel in their careers."

The program structure allows participants to complete the M.Tech requirements within two and a half to three years, with a maximum timeframe of four years. This flexibility accommodates the diverse needs of working professionals, allowing them to progress at their own pace while maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute focused on Post-Graduate IT education and research, located in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2022, IIIT-B has secured 74th ranking. The institute was ranked number 1 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations.

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students cognitive of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

For more details, log onto https://www.iiitb.ac.in

Manipal School of Information Sciences [MSIS] Marks 25 Years With Grandeur And Vision

Manipal School of Information Sciences [MSIS], a beacon of academic and innovative excellence, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a series of enriching events throughout the year.

Dr Keerthana Prasad, Director Manipal School of Information Sciences [MSIS] presented the annual report, highlighting its role in higher education as one of the very few institutes in India offering only post graduate engineering programs and going strong at 25 years. The year-long festivities saw active involvement from the entire MSIS family - students, staff, alumni, and their relatives, as well as guest faculty, industry experts, and the local community. The events ranged from academic workshops and lectures to cultural and sports activities, all resonating with the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration.

In his inspiring address, Lt. Gen. (Dr) Venkatesh stated, "The remarkable journey of MSIS over the last 25 years stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to education and innovation. This Silver Jubilee is not merely a commemoration of our past achievements but a robust platform for future endeavors. Additionally, we also offer industry relevant programs in niche areas of engineering with emphasis on hands-on experience, with a strong support from alumni and industry experts. Our vision is to continue to foster a learning environment that nurtures talent, encourages research, and contributes significantly to the betterment of society”.

A highlight of the jubilee year was the introduction of pioneering initiatives such as StatNFact, CoachBuddy, and SapthaRashmi, born from the joint efforts of faculty, alumni, and students. These ventures represent a stride towards a future where education, research, and practical application converge.

In line with its community-centric approach, MSIS also strengthened its ties with the local educational landscape, signing Memorandums of Understanding with neighboring colleges, thereby broadening its impact and outreach. The valedictory function started with the welcome address by Dr Dinesh Rao, setting a tone of celebration and reflection, and was aptly concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr Prashanth Kumar Shetty, acknowledging the enthusiastic participation and support of the entire MSIS community.