Author: Rabindra

IAA Transportation 2024: ZF further expands its position as a pacesetter of the commercial vehicle industry

Hanover (Germany). As the leading technology group in the commercial vehicle industry, ZF presents groundbreaking innovations and technologies at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany. The focus lies on the latest solutions for the electrification, automation and safety of commercial vehicles. These include an e-mobility platform, the TrailTrax e-trailer concept, the cubiX chassis software and the latest version of the OnGuardMAX emergency braking assistance system. With these and other technological highlights, ZF is underlining its key role in the transformation of the commercial vehicle industry. ZF is also taking numerous new customer orders worth billions of euros, further emphasizing its leading international position in the transport vehicle sector.

Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Board of Management of the ZF Group responsible for the ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions division, explains: “ZF is increasingly strengthening its position as a pacesetter in the commercial vehicle industry. Our past investments in our product development with a firm focus on innovations are now paying off. With our broad product portfolio and the synergies that we utilize within and between the various divisions, we are setting new standards in the industry. Our customers’ strong interest in our products, the high volume of recent orders and our strategic cooperations with key customers are all proof of this development.”

ZF is setting the pace in the commercial vehicle industry

ZF has secured numerous new customer orders for its latest solutions in the areas of chassis technology, safety and electrification. For example, ZF expects production of electric drive systems for commercial vehicles to double over the next 12 months. Already confirmed orders worth €5 billion underline ZF’s strong market position – especially in Europe, where the company is becoming the number one in electrified driveline technologies for commercial vehicles.

ZF also anticipates further growth of e-drive systems especially in the Asia-Pacific and North America markets. One example: the growing demand for the eWorX electric power take-off solution, for which ZF expects demand to double in the coming years. ZF is also already seeing initial customer interest in the recently introduced cubiX chassis software. A specially developed version for commercial vehicles has been available since June of this year.

This applies, in a similar manner, to the new OnGuardMAX emergency brake assistant. Overall, ZF expects growth of 20% in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by 2030.

Setting the strategic course – the basis of current and future success

With the broadest range of products and solutions on the market, ZF is the world’s most successful supplier of commercial vehicle technologies. The Group has already laid the strategic foundation for this current and future success in recent years through the strategic acquisitions of TRW and WABCO. With these portfolio expansions ZF is in a unique position to generate synergies between its divisions. These synergies combined with a flexibility in production give ZF decisive competitive advantages in the commercial vehicle industry.

Innovations at IAA 2024: product highlights

ZF Group presents numerous technological highlights to visitors of the IAA Transportation 2024, such as the new modular e-mobility platform. This platform consists of different e-motors, corresponding invertor three speed transmission, as well as its associated electrical components. This comprehensive modular package offers manufacturers the flexibility to configure the e-drive system to their specific requirements. From last-mile delivery vehicles to 44-ton trucks, the kit meets a wide range of requirements. It enables flexible adaptation to different vehicle categories and thus supports the rapid decarbonization in the commercial vehicle industry.

Another highlight is the TrailTrax concept for the electrification of semi-trailers. This innovative system integrates the AxTrax 2 electric drive axle from ZF and a modular battery system with the trailer EBS. Together, these components help to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16%. The system transforms a heavy diesel truck into a hybrid vehicle, which not only lowers fuel consumption but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions. In addition, the system can be operated as a plug-in hybrid, which maximizes savings even further.

ZF also exhibits the new TraXon 2 hybrid transmission. This transmission enables purely electric driving functions for both fully hybrid and plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles. The development of this transmission impressively demonstrates the successful technology transfer within the ZF Group. ZF’s hybrid technology was originally developed for passenger cars and subsequently adapted to the specific requirements of commercial vehicles. With it, ZF offers a solution that meets the requirements of modern and sustainable mobility.

cubiX commercial vehicle motion control coordinator is well received by customers

Another example of the successful use of synergies within the Group is the cubiX software solution for different vehicle classifications. This advanced motion control software optimizes the driving behavior of commercial vehicles in terms of stability, safety and performance. cubiX contributes to the standardization and simplification of development processes and enables manufacturers to take advantage of differentiation opportunities of its chassis functions. After being presented just this June, ZF has already received initial interest in cubiX from commercial vehicle manufacturers.

Commercial vehicle solutions for greater safety

ZF also showcases a new lane change assistant for trucks. This system uses radar and camera technology to make lane changes safer. It continuously monitors the traffic situation and actively supports the driver when changing lanes. This is particularly important for trucks with trailers, as such maneuvers pose a high risk for accidents. According to research conducted in Germany, the ZF Lane Change Assistant can potentially prevent up to 12% of accidents on highways, which represents a significant contribution to road safety.

The new version of the OnGuardMAX emergency braking assistance system for the European market is another highlight at the IAA 2024. This system independently recognizes and reacts to obstacles in road traffic. It will be used for the first time in series production trucks by manufacturers, in combination with the new mBSP XBS braking platform. OnGuardMAX exceeds in many areas the current GSR guidelines. It can identify both moving and stationary objects and initiate appropriate braking maneuvers. ZF is thus setting a new standard in the active safety of commercial vehicles and making a significant contribution to accident prevention.

More Retail Partners with Times Prime to Expand Customer Loyalty Program

New Delhi, September 17: More Retail, one of India’s leading omni-channel retailers, today announced a significant partnership with Times Prime, aimed at improving their customer loyalty offerings. This collaboration comes as More Retail’s More+ Diamond Loyalty Program celebrates reaching 1 million members, making it the largest loyalty program in offline grocery retail in India.

More+ Diamond members have access to a special version of Times Prime membership, offering benefits worth ₹15,000 from over 40 popular brands including YouTube Premium, Starbucks, Myntra, and Uber. This partnership brings together grocery savings and lifestyle perks in a single program.

Vinod Nambiar, Managing Director of More Retail, highlighted the broader implications of this alliance: “Our collaboration with Times Prime has enabled us to extend our value proposition beyond groceries. In addition to the 5% cashback, monthly product offers and free deliveries through the More App, our partnership has enabled our More+ Diamond members to enjoy benefits in categories such as OTT, health, travel, and dining. Achieving the 1 million member milestone within 6 months of program launch is a testament to the value we have been offering to our customers”

The More+ Diamond Loyalty Program, available for an annual fee of ₹199, offers a range of benefits to its members. These include an extra 5% cashback on top of existing store discounts, a ₹200 discount on the More Select Dry Fruits Combi Pack, ₹15 off on each kg of More Sugar, and three free deliveries per month through the More App. These features provide substantial savings and convenience for regular shoppers.

Harshita Singh, Business Head and Founder of Times Prime, commented on the partnership: “By combining Times Prime’s wide-ranging lifestyle benefits with More Retail’s grocery services, we’ve created a program that meets many needs of today’s consumers.”

This partnership represents an important step forward in India’s retail sector, connecting everyday shopping with additional lifestyle benefits. It shows how retail companies are adapting to provide more value to their customers.”

Krishival Foods Enters Ice Cream Market with Strategic Investment in ‘Melt ‘N’ Mellow

Mumbai, 17th September, 2024 Krishival Foods Limited, one of India’s emerging FMCG companies in nuts and dried food segment made strategic investment for 52.94% stakes in leading ice cream manufacturer Melt ‘N’ Mellow Foods Private Limited.

The Company manufactures varieties of Ice-creams like Cups, Cones, Candies, Family / Party Packs, Novelties, Tubs, Catering Packs etc under the brand ‘Melt N Mellow’ and milk products under the brand ‘Hamma’. In quite a short time, the Company has established its repute and a good brand name in the market by providing and maintaining good quality ice creams to a wide range of customers. The products of company have been spread through 20,000 retailers across Maharashtra and North Karnataka. Melt ‘N’ Mellow has sales of Rs. 28.38 cr for FY 23 and Rs. 37.28 cr for FY 24 (unaudited).

 Expanding from its established roots in nuts and dry fruits, Krishival Foods will now enter the ice cream, dairy and bakery sectors. These segments offer synergies in distribution and thus scaling potential, allowing the company to optimise its existing resources across both lines of business. The inclusion of ice cream and bakery products within Krishival’s portfolio opens up opportunities for cross-selling and strengthening its presence in the rapidly evolving food sector. This acquisition gives Krishival an opportunity to participate in the rapidly growing ice cream sector in India.

Abhishek Puranik, Sandeep Shelke and Amol Palshikar , co-founders of Melt ‘N’ Melow stated, “We are excited about the journey of Melt ‘N’ Mellow with Krishival. We are confident of Melt ‘N’ Mellow emerging as numero uno brand in ice cream in India in coming years.”

Filmfare’s September Issue Celebrates South Indian Cinema at 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards 2024 with Kamar Film Factory

This September, Filmfare shines the spotlight on the prestigious 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South 2024 with Kamar Film Factory. Held at the JRC Convention in Hyderabad, the star-studded event brought the finest talents from Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema under one roof, making it a truly unforgettable night. This special cover issue celebrates the exceptional artistes and filmmakers who have set new benchmarks in South Indian cinema. Among the notable winners of the night, Nani and Vikram took home the Best Actor Award in a Leading Role (Male) for Telugu and Tamil, respectively, while Rakshit Shetty and Mammootty bagged the award in Kannada and Malayalam category, respectively. The issue also honours legendary Kannada actor Srinath’s Lifetime Achievement Award, paying homage to his remarkable contribution – spanning more than five decades – to the industry, along with an emotional tribute to the late Ramoji Rao.

The cover captures heartfelt moments shared by the stars. One such moment was Prakash Raj handing his trophy to his son Vedhant, who could barely contain his excitement. Another was Siddharth reflecting on his 18-year-long journey to win the coveted Black Lady for his critically acclaimed film Chithha, which won seven awards at the awards ceremony. Love was in the air when Siddharth expressed his gratitude to one of the most influential women in his life, Aditi Rao Hydari. Hosted by Sundeep Kishan, Faria Abdullah, and Vindhya Vishaka, the night was filled with electrifying performances and heartwarming speeches, as reflected in this exclusive Filmfare issue.

Jar Transforms Gold Savings for Indians with a User-Centric Approach

Bengaluru, 17th September 2024: Jar, an innovative micro-savings app, is transforming gold and gold investments in India through its customer-focused digital platform. By prioritizing simplicity and accessibility, Jar has made saving and investing in gold a seamless experience for users across the country.

Starting with just over 6 million users in FY 22, Jar more than doubled its user base to exceed 14 million in FY 23. Now, in FY 24, the platform has reached an impressive milestone of 20 million users. This rapid expansion underscores the app’s widespread appeal and effectiveness. Jar’s current customer base has a gender split of 85% male and 15% female users. At the core of Jar’s success is its unwavering commitment to user experience. Every aspect of the platform is meticulously crafted with the customer’s needs and preferences in mind, ensuring that saving and investing in gold is as intuitive and user-friendly as possible.

“At Jar, we’ve streamlined the investment process to take just 45 seconds, allowing users to start saving with as little as Rs. 10 in 24K 99.9% pure digital gold. This innovative approach leverages the UPI 2.0 framework and our round-off method, acting like a digital piggy bank to facilitate effortless savings,” said Nishchay AG, Founder and CEO, Jar. “By significantly lowering entry barriers with user-friendly tools and simplifying the savings journey, we empower customers across India to start their financial journey with trust and confidence.”

Customer testimonials highlight the real-world impact of Jar’s services. Sharing his experience on Jar, Shivraj, a farmer from Karnataka, says, “Jar has this remarkable feature of daily savings, like a digital piggy bank. It deducts small amounts from my bank account, ranging from ₹30 to ₹500. The money is there for me whenever an emergency arises. When I needed to pay my children’s school fees, I could withdraw my savings as gold or cash. I chose cash, and this flexibility is one of the key reasons I use this app.”

Young Indians typically enter the workforce at 21, but often delay thinking about savings and investments until they’re around 30, largely due to financial literacy gaps and ongoing obligations. Despite this, the 18-35 age group is characterized by high aspirations and digital fluency. Jar has identified this opportunity, creating a platform that aligns with their digital lifestyle. By offering an intuitive, unobtrusive method for saving and investing, Jar meets these young consumers where they are. The platform extends beyond basic savings, incorporating flexible financial services such as lending and insurance.

For Vidhi Doshi, a venture capitalist from Bangalore, Jar provided a comfortable option to diversify her investments. “I was not really interested in jewellery, making digital gold a viable option to invest in the metal, which is a very good asset class. When I came across Jar, the idea of investing that spare change stuck by e,” she said. “Gold rates can fluctuate, but the convenience and security of saving with Jar give me peace of mind.”

Jar is a Bangalore fintech company founded in 2021 by Nishchay Ag & Mishab Ashraf. Through its focus on customer needs and providing essential financial tools, Jar is enhancing individual financial health and contributing to a more financially resilient society.

UiPath State of the Automation Professional Report Highlights 2024 as the Year of AI Integration

Mumbai, India –September 17, 2024—UiPath, a leading enterprise automation and AI software company, recently published its annual State of the Automation Professional Report that uncovers the current reality, future, and perception of automation in the workplace.

The report, which is based on a global survey of 1,909 automation professionals and students, revealed 2024 was the year of integration and usage of AI, with 90% of automation professionals using or planning to use AI within the coming year. The report found that the primary motivation behind integrating AI into workflows is increased productivity (66%), and automation professionals are utilizing the technology in various ways including writing code (67%), creating documentation (57%), and testing (47%).

At a macro level, most professionals see that their automation teams are growing and maturing — 61% of respondents report their company has increased the number of people working in software automation in the past 12 months and 81% believe their organization will hire additional automation professionals in the coming year. With this market growth, training is more critical than ever so professionals can have a thorough grasp of automation tools and reap the benefits.

Other key findings from this year’s State of the Automation Professional Report include:

Automation professionals are satisfied with their careers: 70% of automation professionals believe they will remain in the industry for the next five years. Regardless of the path they take, 86% think their current job in automation will help them with any future career moves they may make.

 There is trust in the future of automation: More than 84% of respondents believe in the growth of the software automation space, and 80% believe they will have an increasingly important role in their organization in the next year.
Automation is maturing in organizations: 60% of respondents said their organization has used software automation for 5+ years, compared to 47% last year. Developers are creating automations for a range of departments, most commonly accounting and finance (67%), IT (53%), and operations (51%).

 AI is embedded in automation processes: 81% of respondents indicate they use AI products in their automation projects at least a few times per week, if not daily. As employees actively work to use more AI-based tools, only 19% find it difficult to incorporate AI in automation.

 “In the past year, the data from our survey shows progress with technological discovery and preparation for AI and automation. Automation professionals are benefiting greatly from taking a leap forward with specialized AI and GenAI integrations in their automation projects, with even more capable agentic AI workflows on the horizon,” said Agi Garaba, Chief People Officer at UiPath. “The combination of business automation and AI holds incredible potential to transform organizations, increasing productivity while empowering these critical professionals to take their careers to the next level.”

To view the full findings of the report, download the complete 2024 UiPath State of the Automation Professional Report.

Methodology

UiPath conducted this research via a global survey that was fielded in May and June of 2024. There were 1,909 respondents from all regions that were recruited primarily through channels owned by UiPath.

RedBeryl Global Expansion through Ellidore Partnership

17th, September 2024, Chennai: RedBeryl™ a leading luxury lifestyle management company is proud to announce its exclusive partnership with Ellidore, the most trusted luxury lifestyle membership service. Ellidore are experts in curating extraordinary, lifestyle-led experiences for the most discerning of clients globally. Its limited and discrete membership specialises in combining Lifestyle Management, Travel, Fashion, Events, Tickets & Access for a truly personalised luxury experience. An Ellidore membership is designed to ensure the world becomes your playground and life operates with beautiful simplicity.

As part of this collaboration, RedBeryl™’s Red Card Members will now enjoy complimentary membership to Ellidore for the first year, granting them privileged access to curated, lifestyle-led luxury services, delivered in a contemporary and considered approach. This partnership will enable RedBeryl™ Members to access to Ellidore’s extensive network, unlocking new horizons of incomparable experiences across the globe.

With Ellidore’s global reach, RedBeryl™ Members will have access to their very own team of specialists within travel, events, lifestyle & personal shopping from any location.

Manoj Adlakha, Founder & CEO, RedBeryl™ enthusiastically says, ‘We are looking forward to giving our HNIs and Ultra HNIs customers access to a world-class network of lifestyle experience. Partnering with Ellidore will allow us to extend our reach globally and offer our Red Card Members a truly elevated experience, ensuring that they continue to enjoy phenomenal facilities, no matter where they are.’

With this partnership, Ellidore members when travelling to India, will receive the full suite of benefits RedBeryl™ has to offer, allowing them to enjoy unmatched luxury experiences. Each Ellidore member will be assigned a dedicated Luxury Lifestyle Manager along with 24/7 concierge services at no additional cost. Moreover, they will have complimentary access to RedBeryl™’s digital assets like mobile app and microsite.

Simon Blackford, Co-Founder & Director of Partnerships, Ellidore says, ‘Ellidore is excited to partner with RedBeryl as their exclusive global luxury lifestyle partner. As the leading provider of lifestyle services for the world’s most affluent and vibrant individuals, Ellidore brings a unique fusion of travel, events, personal shopping, and lifestyle management. Through this partnership, RedBeryl Members will now enjoy personalised attention from a team of experts, available to cater to their needs anywhere in the world. This collaboration sets a new standard for luxury experiences worldwide. India is a critical player in the future of luxury lifestyle services and we are excited to strike our first in country partnership”.

Courtyard by Marriott, Pune Chakan announces the appointment of Amol More as the new General Manager

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Amol More as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Pune, Chakan.
Amol brings with him over twenty-five years of rich and diverse experience in the hospitality industry, with a remarkable journey within Marriott Hotels brands across India and Indonesia.

 Amol started his career as a Management Trainee with Accor Hotels and joined the Marriott family in 2003 Sous Chef at Renaissance Convention Center Powai, Mumbai. Since then, he has held various key positions including Executive Sous Chef & Director of Events Management & Banquet Operations at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, Director of Food & Beverage at JW Marriott Jakarta and Director of Operations at The Westin Kolkata.

 His leadership was pivotal in establishing Courtyard by Marriott Nashik as a benchmark of service excellence, achieving strong financial results and earning the prestigious 2021 Marriott Asia Pacific General Manager Award for Food and Beverage Leadership & Innovation. His most recent assignment was at JW Marriott, Surabaya, where he continued to drive success and nurture his team’s growth.

 Now, as General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan, he will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the hotel’s operations. His strategic vision and hands-on leadership style are expected to elevate our service standards and enhance our menu offerings, ensuring a memorable experience for all our guests.

 Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Mr. Amol More said, “I am truly excited to join the Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan family. This is a remarkable opportunity to lead a dynamic team and contribute to the continued success of this esteemed property. I look forward to working closely with the team to drive our shared vision and take the hotel to new heights.

RGCIRC Provides Free HPV Vaccinations to Mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

New Delhi, September 17, 2024: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), a leading institution in cancer care and research, organized a free vaccination camp on Saturday at Rohini centre to celebrate the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

India bears around 20% of the global childhood cancer burden with nearly 75,000 children diagnosed annually. The event, titled “Celebrating Life,” aimed to raise awareness on childhood cancer and combat cervical cancer by vaccinating individuals aged 9 to 14, in line with global recommendations.

On this occasion, Dr. Gauri Kapoor, Medical Director at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Niti Bagh and Director of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, RGCIRC said, “Vaccinating at a young age is crucial because it provides protection before exposure to high-risk HPV types, thereby significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer.”

Around 250 free doses of the HPV vaccine were administered to childhood cancer survivors during the camp. These vaccinations were offered at no cost to attendees at the centre. The drive was successfully carried out with the contribution of Wheel Club Delhi Rajendra Place, Innerwheel Club Of Faridabad Industrial Town, Rotary Club of Delhi South, Rotary Club of Delhi South End in providing the vaccinations.

In high-income countries, where comprehensive services are widely available, over 80% of these children are cured. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the cure rate is less than 30%. In LMICs, avoidable deaths from childhood cancer often result from challenges such as lack of diagnosis, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, barriers to accessing care, abandonment of treatment, deaths due to toxicity, and relapse.

The event witnessed participation from several children and adult childhood cancer survivors, who received their vaccinations between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. This initiative highlights RGCIRC’s commitment and noble service to advancing cancer prevention and supporting community health.

TON Ecosystem Transaction Volume Surged 1800% in Under Six Months: Bitget Research

Global, 17th September 2024 – Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has released an extensive report outlining the current state and development traction of the TON ecosystem, while highlighting its existing shortcomings and potential future threats. The report by Bitget starts by mentioning TON’s 900 million active user base, mostly from the CIS countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine, trailed by India, Brazil and the US. The network is host to over 1,159 projects, including cross-chain bridges, DeFi, launchpads, and other types of services.

The TON ecosystem has experienced a 12x spike from 100,000 to 1.2 million in daily transaction volume over the year. TVL currently stands at $350 million, up 18 times (approx. 1800%) in under 6 months, driven by DEX trading volume growth, from $2 to $40 million from the start of the year. The growing adoption of the ecosystem also spurred the native TON token’s price to an average of $5.5.

“TON’s ecosystem is rapidly gaining traction, particularly among tech-savvy enthusiasts eager to explore its innovative approach to decentralized solutions. At Bitget, we’ve witnessed a significant influx of users participating in TON-related projects, driven by its unique community engagement and seamless integration with exchanges. Recent standout projects such as DOGS have attracted massive interest, and with exciting upcoming launches like CATI and HMSTR, we’re committed to supporting and fostering the growth of these groundbreaking initiatives,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget.

The report shows TON’s extensive integration with Telegram, which has led to the popularization of multiple on-chain gaming apps and bots, contributing to massive user influx and trading volume rises. The ecosystem has also been active in terms of collaboration with USDT through the TON Foundation, as well as HashKey Group, Fireblocks, DWF Labs, and others.

The TON ecosystem’s attractiveness is based on its significant differences from Ethereum, offering a multi-chain architecture, asynchronous smart contract calls, proxy solutions, and more. The report highlights that the unique features of TON open up enormous growth potential for the system.

“Integrating with the TON and Telegram ecosystem has been a game changer for Bitget Wallet. By tapping into Telegram’s vast user base, we’ve seamlessly bridged Web2 and Web3, creating a smooth and accessible experience for millions,” said Alvin Kan, COO at Bitget Wallet. “This has fuelled our growth to over 30 million user base with 12 million monthly active users, and makes us the No. 1 Web3 wallet by app downloads worldwide. It’s clear that the future of Web3 lies in making it intuitive and integrated with platforms people are already familiar with,” he added.

Bitget Wallet is now used by 68% of Telegram game users, contributing 17% of active addresses on the TON network in the current month. By seamlessly integrating with Web2 social platforms like Telegram, Bitget Wallet became the Most Downloaded Web3 wallet for two consecutive months, and surpassed 12 million monthly active users. Nevertheless, TON suffers from low trading activity and poor lending options. DeFi, lending, gaming and other sectors push demand for the ecosystem’s services. To counter slow growth, the TON ecosystem will have to address its DeFi shortcomings, expand beyond the CIS, and tackle regulatory challenges.

This Bitget report concludes by stating that the TON blockchain will continue to rely on the user base of Telegram, but will likely trend towards “de-Telegramization” in the long run to mitigate regulatory risks associated with Telegram. Other projections mentioned in the report state that the TON token is expected to rise in tandem with broader market trends, and the development of the TON ecosystem will attract more traditional users to the cryptocurrency market.