Tag Bengaluru

Bengaluru, August 6, 2024: Omega Seiki Mobility, a pioneering force in the electric mobility sector in partnership with Exponent Energy, today announced the launch of Omega Seiki Mobility Stream City Qik electric 3-wheeler passenger vehicles (e-autos) in Bengaluru. The vehicles were delivered to auto drivers at a specially organised event in Bengaluru where both the companies flagged off the first batch of vehicles.

The Omega Seiki Mobility Stream City Qik is the world’s fastest charging passenger electric auto launched in April 2024, boasts a 15-minute full charge (from 0-100%) and is priced at Rs. 3,24,999/- (Ex-Showroom). The vehicle comes with an industry-leading battery warranty of 2,00,000 km and 5 years paving the way for better financing options and ease in ownership. The vehicle showcases a cutting-edge 8.8 kWh proprietary battery pack which facilitates an impressive ARAI certified range of 126 kilometres, eliminating concerns about range anxiety.

Uday Narang, Founder and Chairman of Omega Seiki Mobility, stated, “We are excited to launch OSM Stream City Qik passenger electric three-wheeler in Bengaluru, a city known for its vibrant energy and growing commitment to sustainability. This launch marks a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize urban transport with eco-friendly solutions. Our vehicle is designed to meet the city’s diverse transportation landscape while significantly reducing emissions and operating costs, reinforcing the city’s position as a leader in green innovation. The vehicle’s launch signals a revolutionary change for drivers, increasing their earning potential by at least 30%. Essentially, this will transform drivers’ lives and serve as a catalyst for economic empowerment.”

OSM Stream City Qik powered by Exponent marks a major change for the 3-wheeler passenger vehicle drivers with its 15-minute rapid charging capabilities. Drivers can reduce their charging time between trips, have the freedom to travel anywhere in the city with the exponent charging network, cover more kilometers, earn more, and contribute to a cleaner environment. The vehicle is currently available for sale at Omega Seiki Mobility’s sophisticated dealership facilities in Banashankari and Jayanagar.

Commenting on the occasion, Arun Vinayak, CEO and Co-founder, Exponent Energy, said, “As we celebrate the launch of OSM Stream City Qik in Bengaluru and handover the first batch to customers, the excitement within our team is immense. This vehicle, powered by exponent’s battery technology and our charging network, delivers unlimited freedom and empowers auto drivers to drive whenever, and wherever they want. It unlocks unlimited earnings and puts power rightfully in the drivers hands to break free from CNG queues and CNG prices. Compared to CNG, drivers can earn an additional INR 60,000 annually with the OSM Stream City Qik, all while making our cities greener and cleaner. This aligns with our vision of making all of India go electric by delivering freedom & financial empowerment.

Exponent’s 15-minute full charge technology combined with 2 lakh km battery warranty, and widespread charging network will help drive adoption of the OSM Stream City Qik. Both OSM and Exponent, being pioneering players in the EV industry, are dedicated towards fostering progress in the segment and shaping the evolution of mobility through collaboration and innovation.

Bengaluru, 6th August 2024: India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd., announced a significant achievement in their manufacturing history, celebrating the phenomenal success of the Made-in-India, Yamaha Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid, in the European Market. This scooter, renowned for its superior quality and cutting-edge features, has captivated consumers across several European markets. The model has witnessed outstanding sales performance in the market with around 13,400 units shipped between January to July period in 27 European countries, highlighting the scooter’s exceptional appeal and wider acceptance in these matured markets that are known for their stringent quality standards.

Making a mark in the European markets, also underlines the global quality standards that IYM is adhering to across its portfolio. The commitment and ability to deliver on all fronts, such as performance, safety, style and practicality, makes the Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid a preferred choice in matured markets, such as Europe, where quality truly matters. The consumers have recognized the efforts in delivering a well rounded product and the positive word of mouth has powered further acceptance in European markets including major countries like UK, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Switzerland, Greece and Portugal. IYM began exporting the Ray ZR models to 27 countries in Europe from January this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “It is indeed a moment of pride that the Made-in-India, Yamaha’s Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid is witnessing a phenomenal response in Europe. This feat speaks volumes of the superior quality this scooter embodies which is in line with the global trends. The remarkable sales growth of the model in this market, highlights our capability to meet and exceed high expectations, not only in India, but also in other mature markets, such as Europe. In addition, this milestone gives our effort to establish India as a manufacturing hub for Yamaha globally, a much needed boost. We are confident of carrying forward the same momentum and replicate this success in other matured markets.”

The Ray ZR 125 Fi Hybrid with its dynamic styling and powerful engine, has created a niche for itself among consumers since its inception. It offers a perfect blend of performance and efficiency, making it ideal for urban commuting. Its imposing stance, characterized by its aggressive design, bold colours, and superior performance, sets it apart from the rest and makes it stand out. This scooter is equipped with modern and advanced features, such as a digital instrumental cluster, front disk brakes with UBS, spacious under-seat storage compartment, making it for a comfortable and safe ride. The Yamaha Ray ZR 125 with its light weight, offers exceptional agility, better handling, pick-up, and fuel economy. In addition, it is compatible with E20 fuel, which reduces emissions and helps in cutting down pollution.

Bengaluru, July 31st, 2024 — A recent survey conducted by Ascent HR Technologies Private Limited (formerly Ascent Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd.) unveiled critical insights into competency frameworks, talent management processes, and technology adoption across organizations. The survey, encompassing responses from professionals across various sectors, highlights significant trends shaping the future of Talent Management. The study conducted through AscentHR’s “SurveyBerry”, gathered insights across various industries and organizational sizes, focusing on key dimensions.

Key findings include:

Competency Framework Development: The survey reveals that organizations predominantly base their competency frameworks on internal job analysis (45.95%), supplemented by industry standards (21.62%), or a combination of both (37.84%). This dual approach underscores a balanced method in defining essential skills and qualifications.

Integration with Talent Management: Competencies are extensively integrated into various talent management processes, notably in talent acquisition and performance management (79.07%) and succession planning (76.74%). This integration enhances alignment between organizational goals and workforce capabilities.

Challenges Faced: The adoption of competency-based talent management faces challenges such as unclear competency definitions (37.21%), employee resistance (20.93%), and insufficient technology support (13.95%). These obstacles highlight the importance of clear frameworks and robust technological infrastructure.

Technology Utilization: Organizations vary in their use of technology in talent management, with 40.48% describing their technology as moderately advanced, 35.71% at a basic level, and 14.29% as highly advanced. However, 9.52% either do not use technology or use it minimally, indicating a need for greater technological integration.

Learning Needs Identification: Learning needs are primarily identified through performance reviews (36.59%), competency gap assessments (24.39%), and training needs analysis (17.07%), emphasizing the role of data-driven insights in shaping development
strategies.

Desired Technological Improvements: Respondents expressed a need for improved integration with other HR systems (35.00%), comprehensive competency profiling tools (27.50%), and enhanced reporting and analytics capabilities (17.50%) to optimize talent management processes.

Career Development: Employees explore career opportunities through internal job postings (46.34%), career development discussions (34.15%), and assessments against role competencies (14.63%), highlighting internal mobility as a critical aspect of talent development.

Sector-Specific Insights: The survey also identifies sector-specific practices in industries like IT and finance, where competency data plays a pivotal role in decision-making processes, showcasing best practices for other sectors.

Subramanyam, Founder & CEO of AscentHR, highlighted, “Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating talent management with organizational goals, and robust competency frameworks and standardized taxonomies drive strategic workforce planning.”

The findings underscore the critical role of standardized skills definitions and technology-enabled tools in enhancing talent management practices. Addressing challenges such as unclear competency definitions and leveraging comprehensive technology solutions are crucial steps for organizations aiming to optimize their workforce effectiveness and strategic alignment.

The findings highlight the strategic role of technology in enhancing competency management processes and aligning workforce skills with organizational objectives. Based on comprehensive survey responses, several critical findings have emerged:

Technology Adoption for Competency Management

•  Current Usage: Most organizations (54.76%) utilize basic technology-based assessments to capture and assess competencies.
•   Comprehensive Platforms: 26.19% of the surveyed organizations employ comprehensive technology platforms for detailed competency assessments, indicating a strategic focus on enhancing competency management capabilities.
•   Future Developments: 14.29% of organizations plan to develop technology solutions for competency matrix creation, demonstrating a proactive approach to advancing competency management practices.
•   Minimal Adoption: Only 4.76% reported no current use of technology for competency matrix development, suggesting potential opportunities for adopting digital solutions.

Implementation Status

•  Varied Readiness: Organizations exhibit varying readiness levels in implementing technology solutions for competency management, ranging from basic to comprehensive assessments.
•  Future Development: 14.29% of organizations express interest in future technology development, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance competency management practices.
•  Untapped Potential: A small percentage (4.76%) has yet to adopt any technology for competency matrix creation, indicating potential areas for growth and enhancement.

Strategic Importance

The survey underscores the strategic significance of leveraging technology to enhance competency management processes. By aligning workforce skills with organizational goals and supporting talent development initiatives, organizations can optimize their Talent Management practices amidst evolving market demands.

Based on the study, insights reveal:

•  Large organizations benefit from established competency frameworks but require regular updates to remain relevant. MNCs and the IT sector showcase advanced competency frameworks, which could serve as models for other industries.
•   Smaller companies and younger organizations often lack mature competency frameworks, hindering career progression. Industries like IT and Financial sectors excel in mapping clear career paths through competency frameworks.
•   MNCs and companies with multiple locations integrate competencies more effectively into recruitment processes. Sectors such as manufacturing and retail lag in integrating competencies, leading to recruitment inefficiencies.
•  Older organizations and the financial sector demonstrate better alignment between competencies and strategic goals. Large organizations and the IT sector employ diverse and effective assessment tools to identify skill gaps.
•  Companies with advanced technology systems show superior talent management practices compared to those with basic systems.
•  IT and Financial sectors lead in leveraging technology for personalized learning pathways.

Challenges Identified:
The report captured the several challenges faced by the organizations in competency-based Talent Management, including:
 Lack of clarity in competency frameworks, leading to decreased motivation and engagement among employees.
 Limited career pathways, where employees struggle to identify growth opportunities.
 Recruitment inefficiencies due to difficulty in matching candidates to job openings.
 Misalignment of competencies with organizational goals, impacting workforce planning.
 Difficulty in assessing and quantifying specific skill gaps hindering effective training planning.
 Challenges in talent management, particularly in matching employees to new opportunities based on skills.
 Barrier to creating personalized learning pathways without standardized competency frameworks.
 Role alignment issues, causing misunderstandings in skill needs between operational units.
The Recommendation:
To address these challenges and leverage the insights gained:
 Standardize competency frameworks across all organization to provide clarity and alignment.
 Implement standardized skills frameworks to map out transparent career progression paths, especially in smaller companies and younger organizations.
 Integrate standardized competencies into recruitment practices to streamline candidate selection and improve hiring outcomes.
 Regularly update competency frameworks to align with evolving business goals and ensure organizational cohesion, prioritizing integration efforts in younger companies and lagging sectors.
 Adopt standardized assessment tools across all organizational sizes to accurately pinpoint and address skill gaps, with smaller and medium companies adopting comprehensive practices.
 Standardize competency data to facilitate more effective employee-role matching, encouraging organizations with basic systems to invest in advanced technology solutions.
 Develop standardized competency frameworks to enable personalized and effective learning and development plans.
 Standardize role definitions and skill requirements to ensure clarity and alignment across all operational units, promoting adoption of best practices from tools and repository available in the market.

Bengaluru, 26 July 2024: Simplilearn, the world’s leading online bootcamp for digital skills, announces the appointment of Pratik Palor as its new Financial Controller. With a career spanning over 15 years in financial management and strategic leadership, this addition to the leadership team reinforces Simplilearn’s commitment to financial excellence and future growth.

As Financial Controller, Pratik Palor will collaborate closely with the founders on strategy and work as the right arm to the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Veerasundar. V.. He will anchor Simplilearn’s financial planning and capital allocation initiatives. Pratik will work with existing teams to strengthen the company’s financial frameworks and reorient some of the structures to make Simplilearn ready for future growth. His focus will be to bring more integration and efficiency in terms of accounting and reporting.

Pratik brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in finance to his new position. Prior to joining Simplilearn, Pratik served as Associate Director: Internal Audit at Flipkart, where he spearheaded initiatives to enhance internal processes and financial controls. His diverse experience includes pivotal roles at Kerry Ingredients, Pernod Ricard and ITC Ltd, where he excelled in operational finance, cost control, and compliance.

During his tenure at ITC, Pernod Ricard, Kerry and Flipkart; Pratik led teams in different finance verticals overseeing business partnering, accounting, strengthening controls and regulatory compliance. His achievements include implementing cost-efficient strategies, ERP migrations, efficiencies through automation, optimizing inventory management, and ensuring adherence to global financial standards.

“We are delighted to welcome Pratik Palor as our new Financial Controller at Simplilearn. His profound understanding of the financial ecosystem, combined with his ability to navigate complex scenarios, will strengthen the company’s financial performance and support its continued expansion. We look forward to working together to achieve our strategic goals and deliver exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders,” said Mr. Veerasundar V., Chief Financial Officer, Simplilearn

Mr. Pratik Palor expressed his excitement about joining Simplilearn, stating, “I am thrilled to join Simplilearn and look forward to leveraging my expertise in financial management to contribute towards enhancing the company’s financial strategies and driving sustainable growth in the digital skills training industry.”

Pratik is a distinguished Chartered Accountant, having earned his certification from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India with top honors in taxation and finance. His expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic financial planning will be instrumental in driving Simplilearn’s financial strategies forward.

Bengaluru, July 25, 2024: In Q22024 (April-June), Bengaluru performed remarkably well in terms of launches. With 16,537-unit launches, the city held the highest share (~21%) in pan India Q2 supply, and it has achieved this premier position for the first time, post Q32018 (July-September). A total of 29,153 unit launches in Bengaluru during H12024 (Jan-June2024), has recorded a 26% Y-O-Y growth and has also been the highest ever half yearly supply in the city. The city held a share of around 18% in H1 2024 pan India launches, next to Mumbai and Hyderabad. Interestingly, the unit launches in H124 (29,153 units) have already reached ~60% of the highest ever annual launches seen in the city during year 2022. Sustained demand for property in Bengaluru supported by the booming IT sector, infrastructure upgradation programmes and conducive business environment has been attracting several national and regional developers to the city, resulting in healthy launches every quarter.

The upper-mid segment, consisting of apartments priced between INR 1.0 – 3.0 crore, held a dominant share of ~63% in Q2 as well as H1 2024 launches. However, on a half-yearly basis, it was the premium segment (priced between INR 3.0-5.0 crore) launches that recorded a remarkable Y-O-Y growth of more than 200% when compared to H1 2023, largely driven by healthy launches by reputed developers.

“Whitefield continues to hold its dominant position driven by its office sector expansion and recent extension of the Namma Metro network and led the Q2 city launches contributing a share of ~47%. The corridor connecting Whitefield to Kempegowda International Airport through Budigere Cross has attracted several reputed developers who have announced projects largely within a ticket price range of INR 1.0-3.0 crore. Besides, a significant share in Q2 launches, the submarket as well contributed for ~57% of Bengaluru’s quarterly sales. Consequently a 14% Q-O-Q decline in its unsold inventory speaks about a healthy balance in its supply and demand,” said Rahul Arora, Senior Managing Director – Karnataka, Kerala, JLL India.

Robust buyer interest in projects launched over the past six months drives sustained sales momentum.

Bengaluru continues to dominate the Indian residential sector demand. With a sales volume of 18,548 units during Q2 2024, the city stands out to be the highest contributor (~23% share) in both quarterly and half yearly housing sales in India. The city recorded a remarkable 33% Y-O-Y growth in half yearly sales.

“Interestingly, around 25% of Bengaluru’s H1 2024 sales were contributed by projects launched during the first six months of the year, signalling strong buyer confidence in such developments. Despite the sustained surge in launches, Bengaluru’s remarkable performance in sales has resulted in a sharp 40% Y-O-Y decline in terms of months to sell, coming down from 23 months by end Q2 2023 to just 14 months at present,” said Dr. Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research and REIS, India, JLL

Similar to launches, the upper-mid segment, consisting of apartments priced between INR 1.0-3.0 crore, held a dominant share of ~47% in H1 2024 sales. However, it was the premium segment (apartments priced between INR 3.0-5.0 crore) that recorded a remarkable Y-O-Y growth of around 175% when compared to H1 2023, complementing the healthy launches in the segment.

Residential prices on an upward trajectory

In H1 2024, the average price in Bengaluru experienced a Y-O-Y increase of nearly 15%. The surge in prices can be attributed to the launch of premium projects at higher rates and the faster pace at which quality launches are getting sold off in the city, particularly in Whitefield and North Bengaluru markets. The strategic launch of right products by the developers taking into cognizance the demand and market dynamics has led to this new growth phase in the residential market.

Unsold inventory drops perceptibly by end H1 2024

As of H1 2024, unsold inventory in Bengaluru deceased by ~21% on a Y-O-Y basis as sales outpaced launches. The total unsold inventory stood at 70,147 units by end H1 2024. One of the factors contributing to this drop in unsold inventory can be ~31% of the H1 2024 launches being sold out during the same period. With anticipated momentum in the coming quarters, the months to sell for the available inventory are likely to decline further in the near to medium term.

Driven by surge in supply from established developers, stable economic conditions, and positive buyer sentiments, residential launches, and sales in the first half (Jan-June) of 2024 experienced significant growth. These results establish a strong foundation for continued growth in the residential market, surpassing the traction witnessed during 2023.

Bengaluru, July 24, 2024 — Trane®, a strategic brand of Trane Technologies , a global climate innovator, announced the launch of the revolutionary Climate Changer Magicube (CLCM) air handling unit to address the challenges associated with the installation and maintenance of air conditioning equipment in modern buildings. Featuring an innovative modular design, the CLCM unit simplifies installation and maintenance processes significantly, which also effectively reduces the cost associated with constructing, operating and maintaining the building’s air-conditioning system, and creates a clean and comfortable environment with high-quality air for users.

During the installation of air handling unit in mixed-development and office buildings, it is often to encounter the issue of needing to dis-assemble and re-assemble the unit due to limited space. However, traditional air handling units are often complex to dis-assemble and re-assemble, making the process time-consuming and labor-intensive. Additionally, this can potentially damage the unit and lead to problems like air and heat leakages.

“With its compact individual modules, the innovative CLCM unit is easy to move and assemble on-site, making it especially suitable for mixed-development and office buildings with limited installation space that require multiple reassemblies,” said Bruce Gu, vice president of Engineering and Technology, Trane Technologies Asia Pacific. “Building on Trane’s century-long history of climate control technology, we expect this new product to continuously provide our customers with more flexible and efficient air conditioning solutions.”

Customize air conditioning solutions with flexible Magicube combinations

This new product features a unique modular connecting design that allows for flexible combinations: side-by-side combination to increase air volume; front-to-back combination to expand functionality. This innovative design enables customers to tailor the system according to their specific demand, providing better customization experience. Another significant highlight is its standardized design. All models are equipped with the fans, filters and other common components of standard sizes. Combined with the universal coil for left-hand and right-hand configurations and a pull-out coil design, the coil connection side can be flexibly adjusted on-site, making installation and maintenance more convenient. This not only expands the application range of the product, but also frees the customers from a large stock of spare parts. In addition, this product series is also smaller in size compared to traditional air conditioning units, which can further save costs for the customers.

For the appearance design, CLCM unit features a new casing made of high-strength frames. This robust casing not only prevents damage during transportation and re-assembly, which may lead to issues like air leakage and heat transfer, but also ensures the efficient performance with a low thermal transmittance. Additionally, the unit is equipped with a step-shape panel design that further reduces the air leakage rate and the risk of cold bridge condensation with multiple sealing measures, thereby improving the overall performance, quality and reliability of the product. Moreover, the interior of the new casing structure is smoother and cleaner, making it less prone to dust accumulation and easier to maintain.

In terms of energy conservation and environmental protection, Trane has set a higher benchmark with a forward-looking vision. The CLCM unit series is equipped with EC fans that offer superior economic value. Under full-load operation, these fans can save energy by 15%-30% compared with ordinary fans using AC motors, achieving the market-leading Grade1 of Grade 2 energy efficiency level.

In addition, the CLCM unit innovatively introduces a QR code solution for on-site assembly. Upon arrival at the installation site, the customer’s personnel can simply scan the QR code on the product to access 3D installation instructions that provides a clear display of sorting information and installation sequence, enabling easy assembly of the equipment even without professional guidance. This significantly improves the efficiency and quality of the installation process.

Ensure healthy air with dual-mode sterilization

Given the significant rise in concern for health and environmental protection in recent years, the CLCM series is specially designed with a dual-mode system. This system includes a built-in high-voltage electrostatic sterilization device and a plug-in photocatalyst sterilization device, ensuring users enjoy better air quality.

In the high-voltage electrostatic sterilization mode, tiny particle pollutants smaller than 0.01 micron will be adsorbed on the dust collection plate by the energy instantly released from the high-voltage charge. This mode can achieve a PM2.5 purification rate of 99% and a sterilization rate of 99.6% within one hour, and it can eliminate 99% of influenza virus within two hours, effectively improving indoor air quality.

Additionally, in the plug-in photocatalytic sterilization mode, the CLCM unit can degrade organic pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia. It can achieve a disinfection rate of up to 99.99%, a sterilization rate of up to 99.68%, and a TVOC purification rate of 78.9% within two hours. Furthermore, negative oxygen ions are released during the sterilization process to further purify the air.

Fillip to cancer patients

India is considered to be the “cancer capital” of the world

Three cancer drugs were exempted from customs duty while reducing the levy on x-ray tubes and flat panel detectors used in x-ray machines from 15% to 5%. Lung cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and it is affecting younger age groups now. Targeted therapy drugs, which cost around Rs 5 lakh a month, are holding out hope for patients as they prolong life by precisely identifying and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. They are better than other cancer therapies.

By reducing the financial burden on the patients, this move is expected to improve access to advanced cancer treatments. Dr Narayana Subramaniam, Senior Consultant and Director, Head and Neck Surgery and Director of Clinical Innovation at Sparsh Hospitals, in Bengaluru. said, “Cancer treatment often involves a significant financial burden for patients and their families. By exempting the drugs from customs duty, the government has taken a concrete step towards alleviating this burden, making essential medications more affordable for those in need across the country”

About Dr Narayana Subramaniam

Dr. Narayana Subramaniam is a national and international award-winning head and neck oncology and reconstructive surgeon. His expertise lies in ablative surgery of the oral cavity, oropharynx, salivary glands, thyroid, larynx, pharynx, sinonasal cavity and anterior skull base, with significant experience in a salvage (post-radiotherapy) and re-operative setting. He also performs regional and microvascular (free) flap reconstruction, with a special interest in facial nerve reanimation, prefabricated dental rehabilitation (jaw-in-a-day) and secondary reconstruction (delayed reconstruction of post-cancer defects).

Passionate about research, he has written a popular textbook on head and neck cancer, published over one hundred and twenty articles and/or book chapters (h-index 14), and given over one hundred talks and lectures in national and international forums. He has trained over 25 fellows from 6 countries and was designated a Professor by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.

In commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a nationwide plantation drive, “Zara Yaad Karo Kurbani” has begun.” This initiative is aimed at honoring the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War, with a heartfelt wish for peace and remembrance of the fallen heroes.

As a tribute to India’s bravehearts, Oceanic Divas, an environment, and CSR organization, has started a nationwide initiative to plant 527 seedlings, each representing a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Kargil War. This effort was inspired by the team’s recent visit to the Kargil and Drass War Memorial, which left a deep impact on them.

During their visit to Kargil, Oceanic Divas founder Varsha Rajkhowa, along with her father, Ex-Air Force Officer Wg Cdr Atul Chandra Rajkhowa, and some locals, planted a few seedlings near Kargil airport. They also participated in a Himalayan Clean Up Drive, an initiative by an NGO in Ladakh, near the Kargil War Memorial on June 5, 2024. These activities familiarized Varsha with the terrain and brought her closer to the stories of the fallen soldiers.

The experience served as a profound reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s heroes and their families. “This visit and the initial planting near Kargil airport sparked the idea to expand the plantation drive nationwide, raising awareness about Kargil Vijay Diwas and the sacrifices of the fallen heroes,” said Varsha, who is a Climate Reality Leader, environmental engineer, international beauty queen (Miss Scuba International 2016), youth icon, social worker, and a TEDx speaker.

After the first successful plantation drive near Kargil airport, the organization set out to broaden the effort nationwide, aiming to plant 527 seedlings—each representing a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice. “Our goal for this year is to plant over 20,000 seedlings under this initiative,” shared Varsha.

Through “Zara Yaad Karo Kurbani,” Oceanic Divas seeks to keep the memories of the fallen heroes alive and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. The drive has already been executed in Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, Delhi, NCR, and Goalpara (Assam). Supported by the Forest Department and veteran volunteers across India, the plantation drive is now set out to cover Jaipur, Leh, Gwalior, Bhubaneswar, Pune, and other parts of the country.

“The Soldiers do not fight for their own cause but for the safety and pride of their country and men who stand behind them.”

Jai Hind

Bengaluru, 23rd June 2024: OnePlus, the global technology brand, is set to host exciting pop-up events in line with its recent Summer Launch event. The pop-up events, titled the OnePlus Metalverse, will be held in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. This highly anticipated event offers the OnePlus India community a unique opportunity to get an exclusive first look at the newly launched OnePlus Nord 4 device.

The OnePlus Metalverse will take place from 26th – 28th July, commencing atp 11am till 9m, at the popular OnePlus Boulevard in Bengaluru and the OnePlus Nizam Palace in Hyderabad. The OnePlus Metalverse is designed to bring together the India-wide community and tech enthusiasts in an immersive and interactive environment. Attendees will have the chance to explore the latest innovations from OnePlus, engage in the exclusive hands-on experience with the OnePlus Nord 4 and also enjoy the valuable opportunity to purchase the new device, along with gaining assured, exclusive OnePlus merchandise.

The OnePlus Metalverse pop-up event will also witness the presence of renowned celebrities, such as Kannan Gill, the renowned standup comedian, who will be gracing the pop-up event at the OnePlus Boulevard, Bengaluru on July 26th , followed by Srinidhi Shetty, the famous KGF movie star who will be gracing the event on July 27th, as well as SreeLeela, the popular Telugu cinema celebrity will be present at OnePlus Nizam Palace Hyderabad on July 27th. These popular celebs will also help unbox the OnePlus Nord 4 for select customers who purchase the devices at the event.

Addressing the exciting pop-up event underway, Ishita Grover, Director of Marketing, OnePlus India shared, “We are thrilled to host the OnePlus Metalverse pop-up event in Bangalore and Hyderabad, providing our India community with the exclusive opportunity to experience the brand new Nord 4 device. This event is a celebration of our commitment to innovation and our dedication to our loyal community. It’s an exciting moment for the OnePlus community in India, as we come together to explore OnePlus’ cutting-edge technology and share our passion for the latest tech developments.

We can’t wait to see our community members at the OnePlus Metalverse and make this a memorable experience for everyone.”

July 22, 2024 – In a constant endeavour to reaffirm its commitment to providing the best service and ownership experience, Isuzu Motors India has announced a nationwide ‘ISUZU I-Care Monsoon Camp’ for its range of ISUZU D-MAX Pick-ups and SUVs. This service camp aims to offer customers exciting benefits and preventive maintenance checks for a hassle-free driving experience during the monsoon season across the country.

The Monsoon Camp, an initiative of ‘ISUZU Care,’ will be organized across all ISUZU authorized dealer service outlets from July 22 to July 28, 2024. During this period, customers can avail of special offers and benefits for their vehicles, including:

1. Free 37-Point Comprehensive Check-up
2. 10% discount on Labour*
3. 5% discount on Parts*
4. 5% discount on Lubes & Fluids*
5. 10% Discount on Retail RSA purchase*
6. Free ‘REGEN’**

The camp will be held at all authorized service facilities of ISUZU in cities such as Bengaluru, Hubballi, Mangalore, Ahmedabad, Baramulla, Bhandup (Mumbai), Bhimavaram, Bhuj, Calicut, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dimapur, Durgapur, Gandhidham, Gorakhpur, Gurugram, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jaigaon, Jammu, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Karnal, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Kurnool, Lucknow, LB Nagar (Hyderabad), Leh, Madurai, Mandi, Mehsana, Mohali, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nasik, New Delhi, Noida, Nellore, Pune, Raipur, Rajahmundry, Rajkot, Siliguri, Surat, Thrissur, Tirupati, Trichy, Trivandrum, Vadodara, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam.

Customers are encouraged to visit their nearest ISUZU authorized dealer service outlet from July 22 to July 28, 2024, to avail of these exciting service benefits* and ensure their vehicles are ready for the monsoon season.