Archives September 2024

New Delhi/Bengaluru, 10 Sept ’24: Servotech Power Systems Ltd., India’s largest EV Charger manufacturer, has secured a substantial contract to build 11 DC Fast EV charging stations from Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM). This contract involves Servotech installing public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at 11 Regional Transport Office (RTO) premises across Karnataka. The project will significantly enhance the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, making it more convenient for EV owners to charge their vehicles across various regions of Karnataka.

Servotech will manage the entire project execution, from planning and design to final installation. This includes developing a comprehensive plan for the installation of EV charging stations at each RTO location, ensuring optimal placement and capacity. High-quality charging stations will be manufactured, tested, and inspected to meet strict safety and performance standards. Additionally, Servotech will provide warranty support and handle all necessary electrical connections and power supply arrangements.

Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd. said, “We are glad to be working on this project for BESCOM. As a leading player in the EV sector, this initiative brings us closer to our collective goal of transforming India into an EV-powered nation. We are creating our green footprints, capturing every state, and every region of India. Having recently collaborated with ANERT and now with BESCOM our robust desire towards creating an EV charging framework is growing stronger day by day and we plan to enhance our presence by collaborating with other Nodal Agencies and DISCOMs in future as well. Our efficient hardware and software solutions will ensure dependable EV charging stations, catering to the growing demand for sustainable travel options. This project is key to support the expanding EV customer base and strategically scaling EV charging stations in high-demand areas. Together, with a shared vision and dedication, we are driving a smooth transition to green mobility through sustainable transport solutions.

Mumbai, 10 September 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, has added yet another feather to its hat. The streaming service recently released its patriotic drama series, Naam Namak Nishan. With an impressive rating of 8 on IMDb, Naam Namak Nishan is a gripping series that captures the true essence of patriotism and brotherhood, set against the esteemed backdrop of the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. Produced by Juggernaut Studios, the show boasts an exceptional cast, including Varun Sood, Danish Sood, Helly Shah, and Roshni Walia, among others, and it follows the intense journey of young cadets from across India as they undergo rigorous training to serve their motherland.

Varun Sood, who plays the role of Yuvraj in the series, spoke about his experience working with his co-stars. He shared, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with one of the most hard-working teams I’ve ever encountered. Helly Shah, with her extensive television experience, has transitioned seamlessly to OTT and is a true professional. Her humility and dedication to improving every scene are truly commendable. As for Danish, I’ve found a brother in him. We’ve developed a remarkable camaraderie, often improvising scenes together without prior discussion, which added to the authenticity of our performances. Spending most of my time shooting with him made the challenges of the show more manageable, both mentally and physically. His presence made the difficult aspects of filming easier to navigate.”

Adding to it, Danish Sood, who portrays Gurbaaz, expressed, “Working with Helly, Varun, and Roshni was an incredible experience. Helly’s natural talent and ease made our scenes together a joy to film. Varun, who I had never met before, became like a close friend as we navigated our characters’ complex relationships together—from fighting and bickering to becoming great friends. Our improvisations added a special spark to our performances. Despite the long schedules and emotionally demanding scenes, acting with my co-stars felt effortless, like we were meant to work together. ”

“I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project! Danish and Varun have been fantastic co-stars. They are not only talented actors but also great fun to be around. Their energy is simply infectious, making the experience even more enjoyable for me. Together, we had a whale of a time on the sets of Naam Namak Nishan.”, remarked Helly Shah, who essays the character of Dr. Tina.

Witness the unbreakable bond of patriotism and brotherhood, and get ready to be inspired by the courage and sacrifice of these young cadets. Naam Namak Nishan is now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available on Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, smart TVs, and Play Store!

Pune, 10 September 2024: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size (250-750cc) motorcycle segment celebrates a significant milestone in the West region with the launch of its exclusive apparel brand store. This new store, located at the Amanora Mall in Pune at Hadapsar is an exciting addition for the motorcycling community and lifestyle aficionados alike, reflecting the brand’s commitment to providing the highest quality riding gear, lifestyle apparel, and accessories.

Amanora Mall’s prime location and high foot traffic makes it the ideal setting for Royal Enfield’s first exclusive apparel store, offering an immersive shopping experience that extends beyond riding gear. The store showcases Royal Enfield’s commitment to premium, purpose driven products, balancing safety, comfort, and style. In addition to a wide range of riding jackets like the Nirvik V2, Crossroader and Streetwind Eco, the store features helmets and an extensive collection of men’s and women’s lifestyle apparel, including shirts, t-shirts, trousers, bags, and shoes. Whether you’re riding through the city, off-roading in the mountains or cruising the highways, this store caters to every rider’s mood and journey.

Speaking about the launch, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield, said “Pune is one of the top cities in India with a vibrant motorcycling culture. With the launch of our exclusive apparel store in Pune, we’re expanding our retail footprint to offer high-quality riding gear and lifestyle apparel with increased accessibility. This new store is dedicated to versatile products designed for exceptional comfort, adaptability, and protection. We remain committed to supporting our motorcycling community ensuring they are prepared for any adventure with safe, functional, and stylish ride gear.”

As Royal Enfield celebrates the launch of its exclusive apparel brand store, it also ushers in an exciting new phase in the retail journey of its apparel business. Royal Enfield is set to enhance the shopping experience and continue delivering top-quality products tailored to every rider’s needs. Customers are encouraged to explore the diverse offerings at this new store and stay tuned for future openings that will further enrich their ‘pure motorcycling’ experience.

10th September 2024: Scientists at the University of Southampton have unlocked one of the most puzzling questions in plate tectonics revealing how and why ‘stable’ parts of continents gradually rise to form some of the planet’s greatest topographic features, such as India’s Western Ghats.

The study, led by Professor Tom Gernon, a leading Earth scientist at the University of Southampton, delved into the effects of global tectonic forces on landscape evolution over hundreds of millions of years. The findings shed light on one of the least understood aspects of plate tectonics—the vertical movements of stable continental regions, known as cratons.

Through their research, the scientists have discovered that when tectonic plates break apart, powerful waves are triggered deep within the Earth that can cause continental surfaces to rise by over a kilometre. This breakthrough provides a new understanding of the dynamic forces that shape expansive topographic features, known as escarpments and plateaus, which profoundly influence the planet’s climate and biology.

Tom Gernon, Professor of Earth Science at the University of Southampton and lead author of the study, said: “Scientists have long suspected that steep kilometre-high topographic features called Great Escarpments — like the classic example encircling South Africa, and the famous Western Ghats in India — are formed when continents rift and eventually split apart. However, explaining why the inner parts of continents, far from such escarpments, rise and become eroded has proven much more challenging. Is this process even linked to the formation of these towering escarpments? Put simply, we didn’t know.”

The research team, including Dr Thea Hincks, Dr Derek Keir, and Alice Cunningham from the University of Southampton, collaborated with experts from the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences and the University of Birmingham. Their results explain why regions previously thought to be ‘stable’ undergo substantial uplift and erosion, creating elevated areas like the Central Plateau of South Africa and the Deccan Plateau in India.

Building on their previous research linking diamond eruptions to continental breakup, the team employed advanced computer models and statistical methods to investigate the Earth’s surface response to the breakup of tectonic plates over time. They found that the stretching of the continental crust during rifting stirs movements in the Earth’s mantle, initiating a deep mantle wave that travels across the continent’s base at a speed of 15-20 kilometres per million years.

The team’s landscape evolution models demonstrated how these mantle-driven processes result in surface erosion that persists for tens of millions of years, lifting land surfaces and forming elevated plateaus. This new explanation for the vertical movements of cratons offers significant insights into the Earth’s geological history.

Dr. Steve Jones, Associate Professor in Earth Systems at the University of Birmingham, emphasized the broader implications of the research and said: “Rifting can generate long-lived, continental-scale upper mantle convection cells that profoundly impact Earth’s surface topography, erosion, sedimentation, and natural resource distribution.”

The researchers also concluded that the same mantle disturbances responsible for rapid diamond eruptions play a crucial role in shaping continental landscapes, affecting factors ranging from regional climates and biodiversity to human settlement patterns.

Professor Gernon, who received a major philanthropic grant from the WoodNext Foundation, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, to study global cooling, highlighted the far-reaching impacts of their findings.

He added: “This groundbreaking study represents a significant leap forward in understanding the forces that shape our planet’s surface, offering new perspectives on the intricate connections between Earth’s deep interior and its diverse landscapes.”

10th September 2024, Mumbai: KidZania Mumbai is all set to celebrate the joyous festival of Ganesh Chaturthi with Morya Mahotsav, a celebration filled with creativity, culture, and fun! Happening from the 6th to the 16th of September 2024, this festival is organized in partnership with DOMS Painting Studio, offering a unique blend of art and tradition that promises to delight children and families alike.

This year, KidZania Mumbai is hosting Zuper activities that celebrate the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi while encouraging creativity and eco-friendly practices. Participants will get the chance to explore their artistic talents using DOMS art products, such as Modelling Clay/Dough and coloring tools, as they craft their own festive creations.

Highlights of the Morya Mahotsav include:

● Create Your Own Bappa Idol: Children can craft their own Mangal Murti idol, modak, hibiscus flowers, and more using DOMS Modelling Clay/Dough. These handcrafted pieces can be taken home as cherished tokens of their creativity and festive spirit.
● Ceremonial Plate Decoration: Dive into the festive mood by decorating ceremonial plates, modaks, and flowers using DOMS clay/dough and coloring products. This hands-on activity allows kids to add a personalized, artistic touch to their celebrations.
● Modak Treasure Hunt: Adding a dash of adventure to the festivities, KidZania will host a fun-filled “Find the Modak” treasure hunt. Kids will follow hints to locate hidden modaks within a set time frame, and successful hunters will be rewarded with sweet treats.

Hasmukh Gorava, Head of Marketing, KidZania Mumbai, stated, “We are thrilled to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with our Morya Mahotsav, in partnership with DOMS Painting Studio. We have curated a range of creative activities that not only honor the festival’s rich traditions but also inspire artistic expression and eco-consciousness among children. We invite families to join us in making this festival memorable and engaging for all.”

•  Date: 6th to 16th September 2024
• Venue: KidZania Mumbai, R City, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar (W), Mumbai

Hyderabad, 10th September 2024: Himalaya Wellness is thrilled to announce its collaboration with popular South Indian actor Kalyani Priyadarshan for their Kajal, this Onam. As an integral part of a woman’s festive attire, kajal holds a special place in the hearts of women across Kerala. Kajal is more than just a cosmetic – it is a cultural icon in Kerala, symbolizing beauty, tradition, and the spirit of Onam celebrations. This collaboration with Kalyani Priyadarshan celebrates this timeless connection and brings a modern take to a cherished tradition.

In a captivating TVC featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan, we witness how Kajal transforms her eyes into a canvas of emotions, mirroring the joy, love, and spirit of the festival. Just as a smile lights up a face, Kajal brings a sparkle to the eyes, a silent language that speaks volumes letting your eyes tell the story of your celebrations with Himalaya Kajal.

The swipe of Kajal is often compared to a smile. Through this campaign, Himalaya invites you to give your eyes a reason to ‘Sm-eye-le’ since they believe that when your eyes smile, your face will. Himalaya Kajal is a 100% natural black, smudge-proof, and waterproof product enriched with almond oil, known for its nourishing properties, and damask rose, which cools and soothes the eyes giving the perfect festive-ready look.

Speaking on the collaboration, Ragini Hariharan, Marketing Director – Beauty & Personal Care, Himalaya Wellness, said, “Kajal has always been more than just a cosmetic product; it’s a symbol of tradition, beauty, and confidence for women. Eyes are such a critical part of your expression. Our approach is grounded in the concept of “sm-eye-le,” which highlights that when the eyes smile, the entire face brightens. By fostering this effect, we ensure the whole face radiates. This festive season, we are excited to bring the concept of ‘Sm-eye-ling’ to life through our association with Kalyani Priyadarshan. Her grace and charm perfectly align with our brand values, and we are confident that this partnership will resonate deeply with our audience in Kerala making Himalaya Kajal the go-to choice for festive makeup.”

Leading south Indian actress, Kalyani Priyadarshan, who is very excited about the association stated, “I’m thrilled to be part of this beautiful campaign with Himalaya. The linking of smiling eyes (sm-eye-ling) to a smiling face resonated deeply with me. Kajal has always been an essential part of our cultural attire and Onam traditions, and Himalaya being a brand close to so many of our homes and with its natural ingredients, made this association even more special.”

The Himalaya Kajal campaign featuring Kalyani has officially launched and will be seen across various platforms in Kerala. This campaign is crafted to connect with the women of Kerala, where Kajal is not just a beauty essential but a cultural tradition, deeply woven into the daily lives of everyday women, and celebrated as a timeless symbol of elegance and heritage. Himalaya Kajal is widely available across South India and in urban metros, ensuring that women everywhere can experience the natural, nourishing benefits of this trusted product.

10th September 2024: NIIT Foundation, a non-profit organization has joined hands with HDFC ERGO General Insurance to introduce two training programs aimed at fostering economic empowerment and financial literacy among underserved communities. The initiative commenced in June 2024, NIIT Foundation and HDFC ERGO undertakes two key programs, that include training in Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) with the placement opportunities to the successful candidates, and Financial Literacy training – aiming to impact 4,500 individuals across Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

The BFSI training programme targets to impact 500 beneficiaries aged between 20 and 30 years old, by providing them with comprehensive training in the segment, followed by complete assistance in securing employment opportunities upon completing the training.

Simultaneously, the Financial Literacy training program aims to educate and empower 4,000 individuals with financial knowledge and skills with the help of practical insights into financial planning, management, and understanding insurance products. The program is open to people of all ages, accommodating citizens between 18 and 60 years of age, with an aim to equip participants with the necessary tools to make informed financial decisions and uplift individuals, particularly those belonging to underserved communities, to break the cycle of poverty.

Highlighting the importance of the partnership, Dr. Charu Kapoor – Country Director – NIIT Foundation, noted, “Reports suggest that despite the BFSI industry’s exponential growth, our workforce still lacks 50% of the skills that are prerequisite for the BFSI segment[1], making upskilling an integral component. Recognising this, NIIT Foundation is pleased to be partnering with HDFC ERGO to further our efforts in not only bridging the skill gap in the BFSI industry but also improve financial literacy among underserved communities, equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s dynamic economic landscape.”

“Learning is the new currency and skill will be the primary differentiator going forward. At HDFC ERGO, we believe in the philosophy – The future is here and now. VidyaaVriksh is a step towards realising that. By combining our expertise in insurance domain with NIIT Foundation’s training reach, our collaboration aims to making a significant difference in the lives of thousands of individuals – aiding them in both ending the cycle of financial insecurity but also empowering them to build a secure and prosperous future,” said Mr. Anuj Tyagi – CEO and Managing Director, HDFC ERGO

The training programs, which will be conducted through NIIT Foundation’s will be impacting 4,500 individuals by the end of the current fiscal year.

India, 10th September 2024: Swiggy, India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform today announced the second edition of the Great Indian Restaurant Festival (GIRF) 2024, lighting up the festive season this year. Due to popular demand, this edition of GIRF promises to be bigger and better, with over 10,000 restaurant partners offering flat 50% off across 39 cities in India from 5th September to 27th October. Following the success of the previous edition, where diners saved over ₹120 crores, this edition promises even greater savings and a richer dining experience.

This edition will feature nearly double the number of participating restaurants compared to previous edition, ensuring food lovers have an even wider array of options to choose from. Some of the most renowned names in the hospitality industry will be part of this grand celebration, including Socials, Jamie’s Pizzeria, Irish House, Fisherman Wharfs, Malaka Spice, Hard Rock Cafe, and major luxury and hospitality brands like JW Marriott Group, ITC, and Hyatt. Adding to the excitement, consumers paying with HDFC Bank credit cards can enjoy an additional 15% discount, making every meal even more rewarding.

GIRF 2024 will also offer delightful perks like free cocktails, mocktails, and happy hours at select restaurants during the course of the festival. With these bonuses, diners can expect not just savings but an elevated dining experience like never before.

This year’s festival will cover a wide range of culinary hotspots across India, from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Goa to emerging destinations like Lucknow, Surat, and Udaipur.

Speaking on the launch of GIRF 2024, Swapnil Bajpai, Head at Swiggy Dineout said, “As the festive season approaches, we know our customers are eager to celebrate at their favourite restaurants. The Great Indian Restaurant Festival has been growing bigger with each edition and we’re excited to bring it back within the same year due to popular demand. GIRF is Swiggy’s way of bringing together the best restaurants with unbeatable deals, making dining out both affordable and enjoyable. With vibrant flavors and creative dishes from across India, this edition promises to be our grandest yet, and we’re excited to share it with our customers”.

Adding another delectable detail, Swiggy Dineout has also launched the “Bhoolna Mana Hai” campaign featuring Rohit Sharma, to ensure that the Great Indian Restaurant Festival 2024 is an unmissable celebration of flavours, special rewards and unforgettable dining moments. Playing on Rohit’s endearing forgetfulness, the campaign humorously emphasizes the importance and urgency of not missing out on GIRF’s unbeatable dining deals, ensuring that food lovers across the nation mark their calendars to check and book deals at their favourite restaurant via Swiggy Dineout.

Bengaluru, September 10, 2024: Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive manufacturer, has launched its biggest ever ‘Festival of Cars’ with amazing offers for this festive season. With never-before-seen pricing for several of its popular Cars and SUVs plus a bouquet of additional consumer benefits available at our showrooms, customers can enjoy cumulative benefits of up to ₹ 2.05 Lakh making it the perfect opportunity for customers to buy their dream car at beyond dream prices. The special, festive offers are available for a limited period till 31st October 2024 on all Cars and SUVs powered by petrol, diesel and CNG.

Announcing the Festival of Cars, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said, “As the festive season unfolds, we are delighted to present a spectacular array of enticing offers for our valued customers. With total benefits of up to ₹ 2.05 Lakh on ICE vehicles, this year’s festive celebration includes limited time attractive price reductions, along with attractive exchange and cash benefits, making it the perfect moment to embrace the spirit of new beginnings. We are confident that customers will seize this exceptional opportunity to own a Tata car, bringing home the best of safety and design, making this festive season truly special.”

Bengaluru, India 10 September 2024: In a significant move to advance STEM education in India, Pearson the world’s lifelong learning company, today unveiled the 13th edition of ‘Conceptual Physics’ by renowned physicist Prof. Paul G. Hewitt in India. The unveiling took place during an event, held at the Infosys Science Foundation, with Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys. Murthy endorsed the book as essential reading for Indian students who want to master the principles of physics.

Today’s launch aligns with India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision by 2047, which prioritizes higher-quality education. The updated edition of ‘Conceptual Physics’ supports India’s modern STEM curriculum goals to serve both students and educators. By releasing this edition in India, Pearson is giving students new opportunities to access comprehensive physics content, covering key topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modern physics, with a focus on current applications in digital technology, environment, and energy.

“As we work to strengthen STEM education in India, it is essential that our students have access to world-class learning resources. ‘Conceptual Physics’ by Paul G. Hewitt is a prime example, emphasizing conceptual understanding and real-world applications to make physics more relatable. I am thrilled that Pearson’s launch will make this invaluable resource accessible to STEM students across India. Such high-quality content is crucial for positioning India as a global education hub. ‘Conceptual Physics’ is student-centric and a vital step towards this goal.” said Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys.

Conceptual Physics, authored by Prof. Paul G. Hewitt, an internationally acclaimed author, is widely recognized for its unique approach to simplifying complex physics concepts, making them accessible and engaging for higher education aspirants. This learning experience has been instrumental in transforming the way physics is taught and understood globally, by emphasizing the principle of ‘concepts before calculations. The latest edition by Pearson builds on this legacy, offering updated content, real-world analogies, and the popular Hewitt-Drew-It screencasts that make learning physics both informative and fun. In India, where the focus on STEM education is intensifying, it will be a vital learning resource for individuals aiming to excel in the fields of physics.

Vinay Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India, said, “As India emerges as a global engineering hub, it is crucial to provide quality learning resources. We adapt our extensive content library, featuring works by international authors, to meet regional needs and cultural contexts. Committed to serving the Indian market, we ensure our content aligns with the highest international standards. Soon, we will introduce ‘Conceptual Physics’ in regional languages like Hindi and Kannada to make it accessible to even more students and educators.”

The 13th edition of ‘Conceptual Physics’ will be available in India in the nearest bookstores and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart and others.

“I am deeply satisfied to see the 13th edition of Conceptual Physics being launched in India by Pearson. My aim continues to be opening the eyes of students to see, appreciate, and understand how physics is relevant to their everyday lives. With the book’s clear explanations, both science and non-science students can welcome the joy of truly learning physics concepts and foster a love for STEM education. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Narayan Murthy for recognizing the book as essential for Indian students. His support highlights the importance of accessible education in shaping our future.” Prof. Paul G. Hewitt