Archives February 2024

New Delhi, India – 23rd Feb 2024: The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 is set to convene on February 24, 2024, in the heart of New Delhi, bringing world leaders, industry stalw,arts, policymakers, experts, senior diplomats together to chart the course for the future of Indian Aerospace and Defence sector.

At the summit, participants from countries like the United States, Israel, Vietnam, Maldives, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Ukraine and Japan, apart from India, will delve into the changing dynamics of the defence industry and explore strategies to propel India as a global leader in manufacturing, exports, and research and development (R&D) in this critical sector.

In recent years, the Aerospace and Defence sector has witnessed significant transformations, driven by technological advancements, evolving geopolitical landscape, and changing security threats. Recognizing the need for proactive measures to adapt to these changes and seize emerging opportunities, Firstpost is hosting this first-of-its-kind summit that brings together stakeholders from across the globe to catalyse dialogue, foster partnerships, and shape policies that will shape the future of defence in India.

The summit will also serve as a platform to showcase the best global business practices across various facets of the Aerospace and Defence sector, including Manufacturing, R&D, Academia, Startups, Technology, and Data Security. The event will feature discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions centered around three key sub-themes:

• Building ‘Capacities’ for Economically Strategic Aerospace and Defence
• Promoting Comprehensive R&D Ecosystem for the Defence sector
• Strengthening the DRDO-Industry-Academia and Startup Ecosystem

Speaking about this initiative, Palki Sharma, Editor, Firstpost said “We, at Firstpost, are proud to present the first-of-its-kind Defence Summit, which will serve as the catalyst in driving conversations on security, technology and strategic choices. We are delighted to take this first step in providing a platform for defence officials, policymakers & world leaders to discuss and share insights on the future of defence.”

Puneet Singhvi, Chief Executive Officer (Digital) & President – Corporate Strategy at Network18, highlighted how the summit will play a crucial role in the nation’s pursuit of becoming a key defence exporter. He said, “As the global geopolitical stage evolves, India marches forward in its transformation. In this unwavering drive towards defence modernization, Network18 takes great pride in initiating the first ever platform that drives conversations on the future of defence. The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 is the beacon illuminating crucial arenas such as aerospace, AI, UAVs, cyber warfare & naval security. The summit is poised to redefine India’s role as a leading defence exporter on the global stage. By amplifying voices and ideas, we feel proud to pave the way for a future where India’s prowess in defence technologies and capabilities shines brightly, fostering prosperity & security for all.”

The summit will feature keynote addresses and sessions by stalwarts like Shri Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence of India; General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff in India; Ehud Olmert, the Former PM of Israel; Djoomart Otorbaev, the Former Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan; Dr. Samir V Kamat, the Chairperson of DRDO; Mariya Ahmed Didi, the Former Defence Minister of Maldives; Dr Nidhi Bansal, the Director of Technology Development Fund at the Ministry of Defence and Vivek Lall, the Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, among others.

The Firstpost Defence Summit 2024 promises to be a landmark event, setting the stage for collaborative efforts towards building a robust and resilient Aerospace and Defence ecosystem in India.

Mumbai, February 23, 2024: Tata Elxsi, through its NEURON product suite, announces a strategic partnership with Accuknox, the developer of NIMBUS, a state-of-the-art cloud-native security solution. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in network transformation and security, offering operators a comprehensive solution for building and securing autonomous networks.

NEURON, an award-winning telco automation platform, comprises of a comprehensive suite of transformation products designed to assist operators in building autonomous networks. This suite includes NEURON Telco Cloud, facilitating 5G rollout, and NEURON Dark NOC, which automates 5G NOC operations. Powered by Gen AI, both solutions offer smart end-user interactions, digital twin capabilities, and AI/ML algorithms for predictive intelligence.

NIMBUS introduces a capability to identify essential network and host security policies through environment profiling. These identified policies are formulated as intents, applicable in a cloud-native fashion to any Kubernetes workload, spanning from Core to the RAN. Once implemented, these intents offer real-time inline security against potential attackers.

The integration of NEURON with NIMBUS empowers operators to deploy and secure cloud-native workloads seamlessly. NIMBUS introduces an intent-driven approach to security, allowing operators to protect their cloud-native environments with precision and efficiency.

With this integration, operators can now securely deploy cloud-native workloads and also seamlessly discover the required policies for previously deployed services. Additionally, NEURON auto-generates the necessary intent and applies it to the network, ensuring a streamlined and secure operational process. The integrated solution being agnostic to the underlying network, simplifies orchestration and enforcement of security and leveraging best of tools with a single pane of control.

Rajagopalan Rajappa, CTO, Communications at Tata Elxsi, said, “Through this collaboration with AccuKnox, we want to offer telcos a solution that simplifies the complexity of deployment while also being secure and resilient. This strategic partnership helps operators roll out secure 5G networks with inline mitigation and makes the network future-ready for 6G.” 

Rahul Jadhav, Co-founder & CTO at AccuKnox, said, “By joining forces with Tata Elxsi, we look forward to leveraging the power of our Zero Trust technology to deliver highly differentiated value to help organizations marshall the power of 5G technology while ensuring that the deployments are risk-mitigated.”

The Neuron platform integrated with AccuKnox Nimbus will be showcased at the Tata Elxsi Meeting Room 2A53MR, Hall 2 at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, along with other solutions for operators across Connected Cars, Smart Factories, Connected Healthcare and Smart Infrastructure.

23, February 2024: CVC, a leading global private markets manager focused on private equity, secondaries and credit, today announces a strategic partnership with Mr. Rajan Gajaria to invest in the global chemicals and CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organizations) businesses. Additionally, Mr. Gajaria joins as an independent director on the board of Sajjan India Limited, an investee company of Sona Company Pte. Ltd, an affiliate of CVC.

Mr. Gajaria’s wealth of experience in agriculture, stellar reputation and extensive industry network will play a pivotal role in unlocking new opportunities in the sector. Rajan is an industry veteran having led crop protection, seed and digital business platforms across diverse roles in leading agrochemical firms including Corteva Agriscience and Dow AgroSciences. He is currently serving on the Boards of UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Limited, Moleaer, True Essence Foods, Advanta Seeds and Gowan Group of Companies.

Mr. Amit Soni, Partner of CVC Advisers (India) Private Limited said, “We are delighted to be teaming up with Mr. Rajan Gajaria to invest in the global chemicals and CDMO businesses. Rajan brings a great depth of experience, and his invaluable insights, including a strong focus on environment, health and safety operations, will be instrumental in helping to drive success in CVC Funds’ existing and future investments in India, starting with Sajjan. His commitment and passion combined with his expertise in the global agrochemicals industry will resonate well with Sajjan’s vision to create more innovative solutions for its global customer base.”

Mr. Rajan Gajaria said, “This strategic partnership with CVC unlocks exciting possibilities for growth investments in global chemicals and CDMO businesses. Joining the board of Sajjan India provides me with an opportunity to contribute and work with a talented team and leverage our combined power. This new role marks an exciting chapter in my journey. I am committed to leveraging my experience and industry insights to steer Sajjan India to new heights and set new benchmarks in the chemical industry.”

Bengaluru, 23 February 2024: Akshayakalpa Organic has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with British International Investment plc (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, and Samunnati Financial Intermediation & Services Private Limited (Samunnati) to provide financing to up to 1,500 smallholder dairy farmers in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. 

The partnership will see BII extend guarantees for new and existing Akshayakalpa Organic smallholder farmers, who are typically outside of the formal lending ecosystem, to enable them to access formal financing in order to scale up their organic dairy business. This commitment is made through BII’s £200 million Climate Innovation Facility, announced by the UK Government at COP26 to provide finance for the most pioneering climate solutions in developing countries. 

The MoU underscores Akshayakalpa Organic’s commitment to foster sustainable agricultural practices and empower local farming communities. The company, which is renowned for its dedication to organic and ethical dairy farming, will leverage this partnership to enhance the betterment of the farmers. This will be achieved through the provision of infrastructure, advanced technologies, and comprehensive support to the farmers in its network. 

Through Akshayakalpa Organic’s engagement, farmers are supported to transition to organic and sustainable and regenerative farming practices to diversify their income streams, which increases milk production per cow by 2.3 times and increases crop productivity per acre while obtaining organic certification. Transitioning to this organic model is expected to decrease the greenhouse gas emissions per litre of milk produced by Akshayakalpa Organic’s farmers and contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainability of the dairy industry in India.  

The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Shashi Kumar, CEO & Co-founder, Akshayakalpa Organic, Mr. Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner – Karnataka & Kerala and HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia, Mr. Anil Kumar SG, Founder and CEO of Samunnati and Mr. Srini Nagarajan, Managing Director and Head of Asia at BII. 

Mr. Shashi Kumar, CEO, & Co-founder, Akshayakalpa Organic, in expressing his enthusiasm on signing the MoU, stated: “This association with British International Investment and Samunnati’s Agri Commerce and Finance Solutions marks a significant milestone for Akshayakalpa. It not only validates our mission to promote sustainable and organic farming but also amplifies our ability to make a positive impact on the lives of our dedicated farmers. This will help us accelerate our plans of providing consumers with the finest organic dairy products while promoting ethical and sustainable farming practices across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. We are excited about the possibilities that this collaboration opens up for the future of agriculture in India.” 

Mr. Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner – Karnataka & Kerala and HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for South Asia, said: “The UK is committed to supporting environment-resilient farming initiatives in India through British International Investment. We look forward to working with organisations such as Akshayakalpa that are closely working with smallholder farmers to ensure sustainable farming practices that will help to improve food security in India.”  

Mr. Srini Nagarajan, Managing Director and Head of Asia at BII, said: “Promoting inclusion and sustainable practices are key pillars of BII’s strategy in India. As the UK’s DFI, BII is well placed to provide guarantees through this partnership to improve access to finance for smallholder farmers which will help to sustainably increase their productivity and improve their livelihoods, while helping to mitigate climate impact of the dairy industry in India.” 

Mr. Anil Kumar SG, Founder and CEO of Samunnati, emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating: “The signing of this MoU marks a pivotal moment in our mission at Samunnati. We are privileged to partner with British International Investment and Akshayakalpa Organic in this endeavor. This collaboration not only acknowledges Akshayakalpa Organic’s impactful work in the agricultural sector but also signifies a shared commitment to positive transformation. Together, we aim to benefit both the farmers associated with Akshayakalpa Organic and the broader agricultural landscape. 

Mr. Anil Kumar SG further highlighted the broader mission, stating: “Samunnati’s commitment extends beyond financial partnership. The company is dedicated to fostering sustainable practices and empowering local farming communities.” 

The MoU not only serves as a testament to Akshayakalpa Organic‘s impactful work in the agricultural sector but also signifies a shared commitment to fostering sustainable practices and supporting local farming communities. This collaboration is poised to bring about positive transformation, benefiting both the farmers associated with Akshayakalpa Organic and the broader agricultural landscape.

Hyderabad, 23February 2024: As the academic year comes to an end, millions of students are preparing for their final exams. This is a period of high expectations, anxiety, and long hours of studying. However, in the midst of all this exam preparation, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: the health of their eyes, which are their most valuable asset.

With the ever-increasing demands of digital learning and screen time, coupled with the strain of prolonged study sessions, students experience unprecedented levels of eye fatigue and discomfort. Symptoms such as dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and migraine have become a common concern among both students and parents. These issues can make it more difficult for children to perform well in school and can increase their stress levels. Additionally, students with vision impairment may need to spend even longer studying. It is important for everyone involved – students, parents, teachers, and doctors – to work together to prioritize good eye health for students.

To combat eye strain and enhance efficiency during demanding study hours, students can adopt various safety measures to ensure a healthier and smoother studying experience.

Get a comprehensive eye examination: Before diving into the study break, it’s advisable for students to undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This helps rule out any changes in glasses prescription and identifies any potential eye issues that may arise during prolonged study sessions.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Taking regular breaks during study sessions is essential to prevent discomfort from prolonged near activity. Adhering to the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—helps relax the eye muscles and shift focus from near to far distances.

Frequent blinking: Encourage students to blink frequently to prevent dryness, itching, and eye fatigue, which can occur during extended study sessions.

Maintain correct posture: Maintaining a proper posture and reading distance helps prevent neck and back problems. Students should sit upright with their backs straight to avoid excessive strain on their necks and backs.

Limit digital gadget use: While it may be unavoidable at times, students should restrict their use of digital gadgets. When using screens, opt for larger screens positioned at eye level and use screen protectors to reduce glare and adjust brightness levels for comfortable viewing.

Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning: Sitting directly in front of air conditioners, coolers, or fans can dry out the eyes. Students should sit in well-illuminated, ventilated rooms to reduce eye strain and discomfort.

Prioritize physical activity and sleep: Encourage students to engage in at least an hour of physical activity daily and maintain a healthy sleep schedule to promote overall well-being and relaxation.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration during the scorching summer months can exacerbate restlessness and migraine. Ensure students remain hydrated and consume a healthy diet to support their overall health and well-being.

Let’s create a supportive environment and offer emotional support to students during these stressful exam periods. Prioritizing eye care and adopting healthy habits can help students navigate exams with greater ease and efficiency.

February 23, 2024 – India installed 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in the calendar year (CY) 2023, a 44% decrease year-over-year (YoY) from 13.4 GW installed in CY 2022, according to the recently released Q4 & Annual 2023 India Solar Market Update by Mercom India Research.

In 2023, large-scale solar installations fell 51% YoY to 5.8 GW from 11.7 GW in 2022. Extensions granted to several large-scale projects and delays primarily due to land and transmission issues impacted capacity additions during the year. Large-scale solar accounted for 77.2% of annual solar capacity additions, and rooftop solar contributed 22.8%.

In Q4 2023, India added 1.8 GW of solar capacity, a 6.6% decrease compared to the 1.9 GW installed in Q3 2023. Installations fell 41% compared to 3.1 GW installed in Q4 2022. Compliance with grid connectivity regulations, projects in line to secure power evacuation in the habitat of Great Indian Bustard (GIB), and project extensions continued to impact quarterly capacity additions.

Compliance with amended grid code provisions added to power evacuation challenges, leading to project delays.

As of December 2023, the cumulative installed solar capacity stood at 72 GW. Utility-scale projects accounted for 85.4%, and rooftop solar accounted for 14.6% of cumulative installations.

India’s large-scale solar project pipeline stood at 105.3 GW with another 70.6 GW of projects tendered and pending auction at the end of 2023.

“As anticipated, 2023 was an underwhelming year for solar additions in India. Nevertheless, the outlook is bright as a significant pipeline of large-scale projects is slated for 2024, setting the stage to make it the best year for solar in India by a considerable margin. Barring any setbacks on the policy front and supply disruptions, I am optimistic that India is finally on the cusp of becoming a 20+ GW a year market,” commented Raj Prabhu, CEO at Mercom Capital Group.

Average large-scale solar system costs dropped through 2023. In Q4 2023, the lowest-ever quarterly average project costs – since the onset of large-scale solar capacity additions in the country – were recorded. Average large-scale system costs in Q4 2023 fell 14.3% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and 26.6% YoY.

In 2023, 57 GW of tenders were floated, up 50% compared to 38 GW in 2022. In 2023, 22 GW of projects were auctioned, up 82% YoY. Falling module prices, a steady supply of balance of systems (BoS) and modules, and stable BoS prices were some of the reasons behind the uptick in auction activity in 2023.

Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Gujarat were the top three states for cumulative large-scale solar capacity, accounting for 54.8% of installations in the country as of December 2023.

In 2023, Rajasthan led large-scale solar capacity additions.

India’s installed renewable energy capacity, including large hydropower projects, stood at 179.5 GW, accounting for 42% of the overall power mix at the end of December 2023. Solar energy projects accounted for 48.5% of all new power capacity added in 2023.

As of December 2023, solar energy accounted for 16.9% of India’s total installed power capacity and almost 40.1% of the total installed renewable energy capacity as of 2023. Wind and solar made up 66.7% of new power capacity additions in 2023.

Key Highlights from Mercom India Research’s Q4 & Annual 2023 India Solar Market Update :

India added 7.5 GW of solar in CY 2023, a 44.1% decrease compared to the 13.4 GW installed in CY 2022

In Q4 2023, India added 1.8 GW of solar, down 6.6% QoQ and 41.3% YoY

Cumulative installed solar capacity in India reached nearly 72 GW as of December 2023

India’s large-scale solar project pipeline stood at 105.3 GW, with another 70.6 GW of projects tendered and pending auction

Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Gujarat were the top three states for cumulative large-scale solar installations

Solar accounted for 48.5% of new power capacity additions in 2023

Renewable energy sources accounted for 68.2% of new power capacity added in 2023

India, 23rd February 2024: Food-tech platform Ghost Kitchens India has raised 5 million USD in Series A funding, a mix of equity and debt. The round was led by GVFL Limited with participation from NB Ventures, LetsVenture, and Lead Angels. Existing investors Yuj Ventures, Dholakia Ventures, and actor Rana Daggubati also participated in this round.

The fund raised by Ghost Kitchens from this round will be utilized to scale business operations and foray into retail stores of its existing hero brands and new celebrity brands. Simultaneously, it will also help to upgrade the partner program and increase the footprint of company owned and operated cloud kitchens and QSR stores.

Mr. Karan Tanna, Founder and CEO, Ghost Kitchens, said, “We are happy that investors have appreciated and backed our plans to build a profitable F&B company led by innovation in technology. We have created 10X value for our earlier investors and we are sure to continue with this performance for new backers. We are excited for coming years where we will focus on building iconic brands through customer loyalty and love for our food.”

Earlier in 2022, Ghost Kitchens India had acquired a technology company-WTF which helped Ghost Kitchens to create its proprietary technology, helping them to manage their business end-to-end and to make it more efficient to generate organic revenue, better customer experience and more profitability. Leveraging this in-house SaaS built, Ghost Kitchens plans to be profitable in the next 12-15 months by doubling down on its hero brands and new celebrity brand partnerships.

Mr. Kamal Bansal, MD, Gujarat Venture Finance Limited said, “We have closely observed Ghost Kitchens’ journey for over three quarters before partnering with them. Their execution is focused and frugal with a clear path of profitability. We were particularly excited about repeat customers of their brands and the in-house tech that they have which helps to optimise the aggregator algorithm better for organic growth. We are looking forward to launch of celebrity brands as well. We are looking forward to what the future has for Ghost Kitchens in terms of growing a profitable sustainable business”.

Last year in February 2023, Ghost Kitchens India acquired SpeakBurgers by celebrity Chef Vicky Ratnani and it plans to grow the partnership through 25 offline retail stores in next 18-24 months.

Chef Vicky Ratnani said, “I joined hands with Ghost Kitchens a year ago and their infrastructure to scale brands has helped SpeakBurgers to evolve tremendously. I wish Ghost Kitchens and all its backers a huge congratulations and with the new capital in place, Ghost kitchens can realise its dream of an IPO in next 5 years. Most importantly, I am glad that we will be able to spread love to more customers through good food.”

Founded in 2019, Ghost Kitchens India operates through 15+ company owned and operated cloud kitchens in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, and 1200 internet restaurants across 40 cities in India. With the focus of growing its own company owned and operated footprint, launching celebrity brands and foraying into retail stores, the company aims to achieve annualised revenue of approximately 200 crores in the next 2 years.

Chennai, February 23rd 2024: The Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF), an initiative by India Fashion Awards, a venture studio that supports entrepreneurial ideas of the fashion industry and fosters a collaborative fashion ecosystem, is inviting fashion entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and grab the opportunity to transform their dreams into reality. The pre-registration is now open on the official website of theFashion Entrepreneur Fund.

The Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF) is set to launch a web series that will allow promising fashion entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and get an investment of Rs.20 crore to build their business and achieve success in the fashion industry.

A panel of experts comprising stalwarts connected with the fashion and entertainment industry will review the ideas and shortlist applicants for auditions that will be held in Mumbai on 7th March.

Talking about the registrations, Mr. Sanjay Nigam, Founder of Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, said, “We’ve launched FEF to create a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures talent, offers mentorship, and provides networking opportunities for budding fashion entrepreneurs. FEF is more than a platform; it’s a dedicated commitment to shaping the future of fashion entrepreneurship. If you’re someone with talent seeking support to showcase your creativity to the world, we’re here to help you do that and more.”

Some of the prominent business minds driving the force along with Mr. Nigam’s vision as part of our board include Karan Johar, Indian Film Director,  Vinod Dugar, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malawi, Co-Promoter of RDB Group; Robin Raina, Chairman of Ebix Cash & Founder of Robin Raina Foundation; Naveen Jindal, Indian Industrialist & Philanthropist Chairman of Jindal Steel & Power Limited; and Sandeep Jain, Director of Vega Industries Pvt. Ltd. & Mr. Gaurav Dalmia, Chairman of Dalmia Group Holdings. Mr. Vagish Pathak, Chairman of Fashion Entrepreneur Fund, is deeply committed to fostering a supportive ecosystem for the industry. Together, this powerhouse of support is committed to mentoring fashion startups to victory.

Bengaluru, 23rd February 2024: REHAU, the global leader and pioneer in polymer products for furniture and industrial solutions, is celebrating its 75^th anniversary worldwide this year. Renowned for its innovative Edgeband solutions, REHAU stands as a leader, offering the widest and most advanced range of products. REHAU proudly announces the acquisition of the local Edgeband manufacturer Red Star, as a strategic decision aimed at further strengthening its market presence in India. With this acquisition, REHAU is expanding its retail footprint and will add to its kitty an  economic range of edgeband solutions. Renowned globally for its emphasis upon innovation and quality, REHAU has long been synonymous with German engineering and technologically advanced solutions. Retail consumers and small to medium furniture manufacturers will thus greatly benefit from this move as they will gain access to more matured product offerings at their doorstep.

The acquisition of Red Star marks a significant milestone in REHAU’s journey, further affirming the company’s commitment to the fast growing Indian market and to keep delivering on its customers’ expectations.

Mr. Faiz Ahmed, MD of REHAU India, further stated, “A feather in the hat of REHAU’s 75 year journey globally has been the market leadership in Edgeband market in India for over 25 years now. We have also continuously expanded our product portfolio during this time to serve our customers better. Indian furniture market is ever evolving, and is poised for strong fundamental growth. Increasing share of the organized players in and fast growth of retail market are two key factors driving the growth of the industry.

The strategic acquisition of Red Star marks a significant milestone in our journey of taking the edgeband market in India to newer heights. The synergies stemming from this acquisition for both REHAU and Red Star are substantial and we are excited about the opportunities ahead. REHAU remains dedicated to providing unmatched quality, design, choice, price range and value to our current and prospective customers.”

“The acquisition of Red Star is not only a key strategic move for us but also is a first in the edgeband industry in India. With this acquisition, we will be widening our presence across all growing customer segments. All of this is in addition to our efforts to fortify our existing facilities. Recently, we setup the Edgeband manufacturing Center of Excellence at Vadodara which is now operating India’s largest manufacturing capacity. We are also in the process of building a new Design Center at Vadodara which will improve the pace of new offerings to our customers. These are just a few examples demonstrating our commitment towards our customers and there’s a lot more to come.”, said Mr. Manish Arora, VP – Furniture Solutions, REHAU South Asia. 

“This is an exciting moment for us at REHAU as we progress with the strategic acquisition of Red Star. Edgeband as a product is yet to reach the maturity in Indian market and is growing robustly. We are committed to serve this market across all segments nation-wide. The partnership with Red Star is a testament of this commitment as we expand our range of offerings for the Indian market enabling us to offer a wider range of products and develop the markets across the growing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.”, said Mr. Lakshmi Pacha, VP – Strategic Projects, REHAU.

“I am thrilled with our partnership with REHAU, this strategic move not only validates the hard work and dedication of our team but also opens up new avenues for growth and innovation. We are excited to join forces with REHAU and leverage our combined expertise to further strengthen our presence in the market. Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional products and drive the industry forward. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Red Star, and we look forward to the promising journey ahead.”, said S Karthikeyan, Promoter, Red Star Polymers. 

Looking ahead, REHAU envisions a future with continued growth and expansion in India. Plans are underway to establish Experience Centers across major cities of India, offering consumers and industry experts such as architects, interior designers and furniture manufacturers, an opportunity to experience the REHAU way when it comes to furniture solutions and innovation.

In essence, REHAU’s acquisition of Red Star, coupled with its strategic growth initiatives, epitomizes the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in the Indian market. As REHAU charts its course towards becoming one of the top brands for furniture products in India, the future holds limitless opportunities for growth and transformation in the Indian furniture industry.

Bengaluru, February 23, 2024: Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today launched the ‘Scorpio–N Z8 Select’ variant, a significant addition to its acclaimed Scorpio–N Z8 premium range. The SUV combines design, performance, and technology, thereby redefining excellence within the Scorpio–N lineage. Alongside the Z8 and Z8L variants, each known for their unique features, the ‘Z8 Select’ variant stands out in the segment, starting at an attractive price of INR 16.99 Lakh.

The ‘Scorpio–N Z8 Select’ is meticulously crafted with key premium features like Adrenox Connect, Built-in Alexa, signature dual barrel LED headlamps, LED Projector Foglamps & Sting-like LED DRLs, R17 Diamond cut Alloy wheels, rich coffee-black leatherette interiors at an attractive price point. Available in both petrol and diesel engine options, as well as Automatic (AT) and Manual Transmission (MT) configurations, the ‘Scorpio–N Z8 Select’ is designed to cater to a wide array of driving preferences and requirements, making it a versatile choice for SUV enthusiasts.

With the introduction of the ‘Scorpio–N Z8 Select’ variant, Mahindra continues to dominate the SUV market by providing a feature-rich, accessible and versatile SUV that prioritizes customer satisfaction and value.

Unmissable Design

The ‘Scorpio–N Z8 Select’ is poised to rule the hearts of SUV lovers, blending Mahindra‘s legacy of automotive excellence with modern & contemporary design and technology, offering an authentic SUV experience.

The ‘Z8 Select’ stands out with its exclusive Midnight Black colour, enhancing the Scorpio–N‘s commanding presence. This new colour adds to the SUV’s bold design, complemented by diamond-cut alloy wheels and signature LED headlamps. The LED Daytime Running Lamps, LED Projector Fog Lamps, and LED Sequential Turn Indicators on the ORVMs further define this new pinnacle of SUV design.

Premium Interiors

The ‘Z8 Select’ boasts rich coffee-black leatherette interiors, creating an oasis of grandeur and comfort. Also featuring soft touch IP the interiors of the ‘Scorpio–N Z8 Select’ are designed and fettled to offer a highly sophisticated sensation, delighting the driver and passengers alike.

Thrilling Performance

At the heart of the ‘Z8 Select’ lies the robust TGDi mStallion Petrol engine, delivering 149.14 kW (200 PS) of power and 380 Nm of torque, and the efficient mHawk Diesel engine, offering 128.6 kW (175 PS) of power and 400 Nm of torque. These powerhouses ensure a thrilling driving experience across all terrains, bolstered by both 6-speed Manual and Automatic transmission options, providing a perfect blend of performance and control suitable for any adventure.

Advanced Tech & Intuitive Features

This variant is equipped with a 20.32 cm Infotainment screen & 17.78 cm colour TFT cluster, featuring Adrenox Connect with 60+ Connected Car functionalities, built-in Alexa, sunroof, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This seamless integration of technology and comfort ensures a truly interactive and enjoyable journey for both the driver and passengers.

Sophisticated Dynamics and Impeccable Ride Comfort

The SUV introduces exemplary ride comfort with Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) and Multi-tuned Valve Central Land (MTV-CL) technologies. Coupled with an agile and responsive steering system and all 4 Disc Brakes, the Z8 Select guarantees a smooth, comfortable ride experience.

High Standards of Safety

Safety is core to Mahindra‘s philosophy, and this commitment is evidenced by the Scorpio–N’s remarkable achievement of being the first body-on-frame SUV to secure a 5-star rating in the Global New Car Assessment Programme’s (GNCAP) new crash-test protocols, setting a new benchmark for vehicle safety.

Equipped with an array of advanced safety features, the ‘Scorpio–N Z8 Select’ offers unparalleled protection. Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and 6 airbags are just the beginning of its comprehensive safety suite, designed to ensure top-tier safety for all occupants.

The ex-showroom prices for the ‘Scorpio–N Z8 Select’ variants are:

 The ‘Scorpio–N Z8 Select’ variant will be available at dealerships from March 1, 2024.

To ensure enhanced customer experience, Mahindra has enhanced its production capacity and customers can expect faster deliveries of their Scorpio–N.

Social Media Addresses for Mahindra Scorpio–N:

·         Brand website: https://auto.mahindra.com/suv/scorpio–N

·         X (Formerly Twitter): @MahindraScorpio

·         YouTube: youtube.com/mahindrascorpio

·         Instagram: @mahindra.scorpio.official

·         Facebook: @MahindraScorpio

·         Hashtag: #MahindraScorpioN