Author: Rabindra

Honda Racing India riders arrive in Malaysia for Round 5 of 2024 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship

Bengaluru, 13 September 2024: As the 2024 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) nears its final stage, the IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team is gearing up for the second last round scheduled for the upcoming weekend at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

The Round 5 is a great opportunity for Honda riders to showcase their racing prowess at one of the most challenging and competitive circuits on the 2024 ARRC calendar. Following the completion of Round 4 in Indonesia, the young riders, Kavin Quintal and Mohsin Paramban finished at 18th & 23rd positions, respectively. The team has been refining their strategies to push their limits and secure more points in this round.

With a cumulative total of 12 points across this season, the team is committed to maximizing their performance in the remaining last two rounds in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250cc) class.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said, “Sepang is a circuit in Malaysia that tests every aspect of a rider’s ability and his expertise. It is fast, technical, and seeks perfect harmonization between rider and the machine. The Round 4 didn’t go as I planned, but that has only powered my motivation for Round 5. I have been working hard on examining every aspect of our performance to make sure we come back stronger. I am confident that we can give a much better performance this time. The support from the Honda team keeps pushing me forward.”

Looking forward to Round 5, Mohsin Paramban said, “Round 4 was a tough race, and finishing 23rd was not where I wanted to be. But setbacks like these are part of racing, and they teach us valuable lessons. Sepang International Circuit is known for its long straights and tight corners, and I’ve been focusing on refining my techniques for the upcoming challenge. I feel more prepared, both mentally and physically, for what’s ahead. The team has been incredibly supportive, and I’m determined to make the most of these last two rounds.”

Arkade Developers Launches Unique Campaign: Redevelopment Cha Raja to Fulfill Mumbaikars’ Dream Homes

Mumbai, 13th September 2024: Arkade Developer, a leading Mumbai real estate developer with 38 years of legacy, launches the ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ campaign to help homeowners create future-proof living spaces.

The campaign is conceptualized by Arkade Developers & Good Old Delight and features a social media film emphasizing the importance of family and spacious homes. A child’s conversation with Ganpati Bappa about their ideal home underscores the campaign’s message.

Expressing his views on the campaign, Mr Amit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Arkade Developers said, “Family First is our core philosophy and our commitment to redevelopment is a commitment to families, creating environments where every family can grow and prosper. Taking the same thought forward we have created a concept that everyone can relate to, the need for a home that meets their family’s requirements. Keeping the festive mood in mind, owing to Ganesh Chaturthi, ‘Redevelopment Cha Raja’ aims at capturing the positive spirit and encouraging everyone to fulfil their dream of a perfect home!”

As a trusted luxury redevelopment brand, Arkade Developers is committed to shaping futures and uniting families. With a portfolio of over 28 completed projects and the trust of 4,000+ happy families, the ongoing redevelopment portfolio is Arkade Aura, Arkade Pearl, Arkade Vistas, Arkade Views, Arkade Eden and more across western suburbs.

Tata Power and Tata Motors to Set Up 200 EV Fast-Charging Stations

Chandigarh, September 13, 2024: Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Limited, one of India’s largest EV Charging solutions providers and a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (a subsidiary of Tata Power), today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Motors Limited (Tata Motors), India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, to set up 200 fast-charging stations for electric commercial vehicles (CV) in all metros cities viz. Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata. This strategic move expands their ongoing collaboration, in providing sustainable mobility solutions, with a focus on easy charging solutions for small electric commercial vehicles.

As part of this initiative, Tata Motors and Tata Power will provide exclusive charging tariffs for Tata Motors’ electric CV owners, resulting in lower operating costs and increased profitability for its customers. Electric CV users across the Country, will soon benefit from access to almost 1000 strategically located fast chargers, with the planned expansion of the charging network.

Mr. Vinay Pathak, Vice President & Business Head – SCV&PU, Tata Motors, said, “We’re pleased to strengthen our partnership with Tata Power to transform the electric commercial vehicle landscape by ensuring ease of access of fast chargers at convenient locations across the country. It has been our endeavour to not only engineer and manufacture world-class electric vehicles, but also help develop the necessary ecosystem to democratize the use of these eco-friendly and emission-free vehicles. This partnership will also explore avenues to maximize the use of renewable energy to make electric vehicle operations greener.”

Mr. Deepesh Nanda, CEO & MD, Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited said, “With one of the largest EV Charging networks across the country, Tata Power has been enabling electric vehicle owners through its reliable and accessible charging solutions across the country. Already present across diverse segments such as public, semi-public, bus/fleet, and home chargers, we are expanding to the commercial vehicle charging segment, delivering integrated EV charging solutions. This collaboration underlines our commitment to accelerating e-mobility by providing an expansive and reliable EV Charging network across India.”

Tata Power has expanded its network under the brand name of EZ Charge to over 1,00,000 home chargers, 5,500+ public, semi-public, and fleet charging points, along with 1100+ bus charging stations across 530 cities and towns. These chargers have been strategically deployed at diverse and accessible locations such as highways, hotels, malls, hospitals, offices, residential complexes, etc. This concerted effort has been instrumental in facilitating the exponential growth of electric mobility in India.

Tata Motors offers the Ace EV, India’s most advanced electric small commercial vehicle, which is supported by over 150 Electric Vehicle Service Centres nationwide. The Ace EV features an advanced battery management system and ‘Fleet Edge’ telematics, utilizing smart technologies to improve vehicle uptime and road safety with real-time insights into vehicle status, health, location, and driver behaviour.

5 ways green data centers are increasing efficiency and sustainability

By- Khalid Wani, Senior Director, Sales, Western Digital

Data centers (DC) have become essential components which run the networks that power everything from booking plane tickets, to sending emails, to streaming movies on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. DCs not only store massive amounts of data, but also process and manage it, all at once.

Data centers consume about 2% of the world’s electricity and emit CO2 equivalent to the airline industry, doubling their energy use every four years and contributing significantly to the global carbon footprint. DCs are adopting measures to reduce energy consumption and emissions to mitigate this impact. The majority of energy consumption in DCs is attributed to cooling systems and servers, followed by network devices. Also, considering DCs store massive amounts of data, they require a huge amount of storage devices. Each drive that runs requires cooling, in turn consuming energy. As a result, it becomes imperative to look for sustainable solutions.

Higher capacity HDDs
A significant innovation in HDD technology is OptiNAND, which integrates iNAND embedded flash to enhance drive architecture, firmware, and system-on-chip (SoC) capabilities. This results in improved capacity, performance, and resilience. Western Digital has introduced the Ultrastar DC HC580 24TB CMR HDD in India, incorporating OptiNAND technology to maximize storage capacity while reducing power consumption. This drive enables data centers to optimize space and energy use, making it ideal for power-constrained environments.

By upgrading to higher-density HDDs, such as 26TB drives, data centers can achieve up to 29% reduction in watts per terabyte and 20-25% cost savings. This reduces infrastructure and maintenance costs, contributing to energy efficiency and a smaller facility footprint. The use of high-capacity drives streamlines operations by eliminating servers and supporting infrastructure, leading to significant TCO savings.

Helium-filled hard drives
Using helium-filled hard drives instead of air-filled ones also helps in lowering the power consumption. Since helium has a lower density that is one-seventh of that of air, it causes much less turbulence within the drive which provides several benefits including accommodating more disks in the same 3.5-inch form factor, reducing drag on spinning disks and leading to lower power consumption overall.

Renewable energy sources
Embracing renewable energy is a crucial strategy for reducing carbon emissions in data centers. Several facilities in India have achieved 100% renewable energy use through a combination of onsite solar power and offsite renewable energy procurement. By adopting sustainable practices and technologies, storage solution companies can significantly mitigate the environmental impact of data centers. Technologies like Shingled Magnetic Recording (SMR) and UltraSMR enhance energy efficiency and reduce power consumption per terabyte, lowering the overall carbon footprint. Transitioning to renewable energy sources further decreases dependence on fossil fuels, promoting clean energy adoption.

Cooling Technologies
In addition to renewables, DCs are embracing innovative cooling technologies such as immersive, liquid, and evaporative cooling that enhance cooling efficiency and reduce energy consumption. For instance, Western Digital has introduced innovative technologies, such as the ArcticFlow Thermal Zone Cooling design in its data center storage servers. By optimizing the arrangement of drives and hardware, this design directs cool air through the chassis, maintaining lower and more stable system temperatures. This not only reduces the workload on fans but also lowers power consumption and cooling requirements.

Parameters to measure ROI against sustainability goals
Implementing systems like Battery Health Monitoring Systems (BHMS), Integrated Building Management Systems (IBMS), Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) can help in monitoring battery health and lighting and, improve operational and energy efficiency against sustainability goals.

Data storage is becoming increasingly critical for not just organizations, but for the growth of the digital economy today. As the drive to decarbonise data centers is reaching an inflexion point in India, it has become imperative to adopt green and sustainable practices across industries, including DCs. Businesses today have a moral responsibility towards the environment because it could be the key to their long-term resilience and profitability.

IIM Bodh Gaya signs MoU with Transport Department of Bihar for Training of Officials

Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Transport Department of Bihar to provide training in management, leadership, and skill development for its officials. Under the agreement, officials such as Additional District Transport Officers (ADTO), Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVI), and Enforcement Sub-Inspectors (ESI) will undergo training in phases. The programme will include six-day residential sessions for each batch, conducted at IIM Bodh Gaya.

 Transport Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal stated that the agreement aims to equip the officials of the Transport Department with modern management techniques and skills. He added that the training will improve officials’ skills, work culture, office management, and revenue, while also contributing to better transport services and a reduction in road accidents.

 Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya highlighted that the programme will focus on management, leadership, and skill development, enabling transport officials to perform their duties more effectively.
Sheela Kumari, Minister of Transport, Bihar, remarked that the agreement is an important step for the Transport Department and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing training to officials, leading to improved transport services.
The Transport Department of Bihar manages road transport services, traffic regulation, and vehicle compliance, with an emphasis on safety and efficiency. It focuses on delivering citizen-centric services through its 38 District Transport Officers (DTOs) and 9 Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) to ensure responsive governance.

 The collaboration between IIM Bodh Gaya and the Transport Department of Bihar marks a key step in strengthening the skills of transport officials and improving transport services in Bihar. Pinku Kumar, ADTO of Patna, noted that the training would improve decision-making abilities while Baby Kumari, ADTO of Gaya, expressed that training would assist in data analysis and strategizing to reduce accidents.

 IIM Bodh Gaya also provides leadership and management training to various departments of the Bihar government, such as the Water Resource Department, State Health Society, Bihar Police Academy, BIPARD, and the Department of Industries among others.

Canon Elevates Visual Possibilities with An Innovative New Lens

INDIA, 2024 – Canon today announced the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM, a new RF mount lens for the EOS R mirrorless camera system that will take imaging possibilities into a new dimension. As a bright f/2.8 constant aperture standard zoom lens, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM opens accessibility to more users, being Canon’s first non-professional-grade lens of its kind.

Redefining Versatility

A constant aperture zoom lens is one of the most versatile types of lenses available. With its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture and compact, lightweight portability, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM offers even more versatility. Users can freeze their precious moments in low light and achieve dreamy shallow focus (bokeh) effects, regardless if they are shooting glittery urban scenes at the 28mm wide end or taking close-up beauty shots at 70mm. When paired with APS-C cameras, it transforms into a standard zoom ideal for daily scenes, products, and portraits, with a full-frame equivalent effective focal range of 44.8mm to 112mm.

The versatility is boosted with powerful built-in Optical Image Stabilizer, which helps users achieve sharp, steady images even when using shutter speeds up to 5.5 stops slower on cameras with no In-Body Image Stabilizer (In-Body IS) like the EOS R8, and up to 7.5 stops slower on cameras that do, like the EOS R6 Mark II. Movie Digital IS during video shooting is also supported, allowing users to record smooth, steady handheld footage even without a tripod or gimbal.

While the combination of a bright constant aperture with zoom capabilities is usually associated with larger professional-grade lenses, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM dispels that notion. At approximately 9.22cm long when fully retracted and weighing approximately 495g, it is smaller and 45% lighter than its closest professional-grade counterpart (RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM), making it travel friendly. Despite not being an L-series lens, the RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM boasts weather-sealing^[1], the same level of durability and shock resistance, and an excellent image quality that far exceeds that of a kit lens, thanks to Canon’s advanced optical design technology.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

Abacus Institute of Engineering and Management Organises a One-of-a-Kind Hackathon, SIH 2024

Kolkata, 13th September 2024: Abacus Institute of Engineering and Management (AIEM), a JIS Group Educational Initiative, organised SIH 2024 (Internal). The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 200 students, comprising 34 teams with 6 members each, representing various departments of the institute.

The program was chaired by the Principal of AIEM, Prof. Jinia Datta, who commended the students for their active participation and encouraged them to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation. The event commenced with a welcome speech by Mr. Shounak Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Professor of the Department of ECE and SPOC of the event, setting a positive tone for the day. The valedictory address and vote of thanks were delivered by Dr. Goutam Kumar Das, Head of the Department of ECE, who appreciated the efforts of the participants and the organising committee.

The participants showcased innovative solutions to the problem statements curated by the SIH Committee, reflecting their technical acumen and creative approaches to real-world challenges. Each team presented its ideas before an esteemed panel of four judges, who provided valuable feedback and insights, enhancing the learning experience for the students. All participants were recognised for their contributions with participation certificates, while the top three teams were awarded winner certificates and attractive prizes for their exceptional ideas and presentations.

The event was conducted with the jury members contributing their insightful perspectives. Their expertise from diverse domains added further value to the students’ innovative ideas.

Speaking on this occasion, Sardar Simarpreet Singh said, “We at JIS Group firmly believe in nurturing innovation and creativity among our students, and events like SIH 2024 take us a step closer to that vision. Abacus Institute of Engineering and Management has created a platform that encourages students to think critically and develop solutions to real-world challenges. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by the participants are commendable, and I am confident that this experience will further inspire them to become future leaders in technology and innovation.”

TARANG: First-Ever Exquisite Art Exhibition by the Children of Migrant Workers in Delhi-NCR

13 September 2024, New Delhi: M3M Foundation, in collaboration with YFLO Delhi, is excited to present “Tarang,” a week-long art exhibition featuring paintings by underprivileged children from labour sites surrounding Delhi-NCR. The exhibition will be held from September 13-19, 2024, at the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, 1 Rafi Marg, New Delhi. This unique exhibition highlights the exceptional artistic talents of young artists and reflects YFLO Delhi & M3M Foundation’s dedication to empowering underprivileged communities through its initiatives in education, health, environment and livelihood.

Tarang is the culmination of M3M Foundation’s iMpower program, which aims to bridge learning gaps and prepare children from labourer families for mainstream education. This program has been instrumental in nurturing the creative skills of these young artists, providing them with the tools and encouragement to explore their artistic potential. Through Tarang, M3M Foundation aims to showcase how art can be a transformative tool for personal and educational development, offering these children a platform to express their dreams and aspirations.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson YFLO Delhi & Trustee M3M Foundation, shared her vision for the exhibition, expressing, “Tarang represents a wave of change, showcasing the incredible potential of young artists from underprivileged backgrounds. Through initiatives like these, we aim to support not just these talented children but many more in the future, empowering them to rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams.”

The exhibition will feature 56 paintings by 27 children from our iMpower program, showcasing a diverse range of themes and styles, including rural life, Madhubani art, folk paintings, and natural objects. These artworks are not only a celebration of the children’s achievements but also serve as a powerful testament to the role of art in fostering personal growth and community engagement.

Among the artists are Kavita, Sajid, Anushree, Rahul, Sonam, Muskan, Munni, Rajlaxmi, and Badal from the iMpower program, Aide et Action, Tyagiwada Club, who have explored themes such as village life and folk art. Halima, Farjana, and Aisha have created beautiful designs and Mehndi-inspired paintings. Kavita, a 10-year-old from the Tyagiwada Club, has painted nine pieces depicting flowers, leaves, birds, and women, despite her family’s financial struggles. Sajid, whose parents face similar hardships, has also created

meticulous artworks. From the Bright Orange Club, Dimpy has depicted a fisherwoman in her vibrant painting, while Anjali, Nisha, and Nafeesa from the Sector 65 Club have also presented their impressive works.

The exhibition will also be graced by the presence of several eminent guests from the art world, including Ananda Moy Banerji, Kavita Nayar, Shovin Bhattacharjee, Santosh Verma, Sanjay Roy, Krishnendu Pore, and Joyattam Dutta Roy. These distinguished guests bring a wealth of artistic expertise and passion, enhancing the event’s prestige and supporting the Foundation’s mission to nurture young talent.

The collaboration between M3M Foundation, YFLO Delhi, highlights a shared commitment to community development and empowerment. YFLO Delhi, a platform for young women leaders, a movement focused on unlocking potential through innovative initiatives, both align with the values of M3M Foundation in creating opportunities for underserved communities.

M3M Foundation & YFLO Delhi invites art enthusiasts, media representatives, and the public to attend “Tarang” and experience the extraordinary talent and creativity of these young artists. The exhibition is a celebration of the immense potential within underserved communities and a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in driving social change.

AU Small Finance Bank and Kotak Life partner to expand access of life insurance and financial security solutions

Bengaluru , September 13th, 2024: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest Small Finance Bank and Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd (“Kotak Life”), one of India’s private life insurers, announced their strategic partnership to provide AU SFB’s customers with a comprehensive suite of life insurance and financial security solutions. This collaboration is based on a revised business proposition, in continuation to Kotak Life’s relationship with erstwhile Fincare Small Finance Bank (now merged with AU SFB).

Effective immediately, AU SFB’s new and existing customers, including those from former Fincare SFB branches, can now access Kotak Life’s comprehensive range of life insurance products including term, retirement, savings and select investment plans.

This partnership is expected to significantly enhance AU SFB’s offerings in southern India by leveraging Kotak Life’s diversified portfolio. Additionally, Kotak Life will collaborate closely with AU SFB to ensure seamless service options, facilitating a smooth transition and maintaining business continuity for customers.

As AU SFB pursues its universal banking license with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), it is now poised to serve its vast customer base of over one crore with a diverse array of products from leading life insurance companies. This strategic approach enables AU SFB to assess and address the unique needs and financial requirements of each customer, delivering personalised solutions that cater to their individual circumstances.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director and Deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank said, “At AU Small Finance Bank, our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to offering them a wide array of choices and personalised solutions. As we expand our offering in the bancassurance segment, partnering with Kotak Life, a trusted leader in life insurance, strengthens our product suite and enhances the financial planning options available to our customers. By combining our expansive distribution network with Kotak Life’s diverse portfolio, we will provide a broader selection of tailored life insurance solutions. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings and look forward to collectively shaping a more secure and prosperous future for our customers.”

Mr. Mahesh Balasubramanian, Managing Director, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited, said, “At Kotak Life, we firmly believe that life insurance is a necessity for every Indian. We are committed to the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047,’ as outlined by the IRDAI. Through our collaboration with AU SFB, we aim to reach out to the untapped segments of the population. By leveraging AU SFB’s customer reach and our expertise in life insurance, we help ensure a secure future and protect the financial dreams of AU SFB customers.”

HostBooks Survey: 50% of Multi-Chain Business Owners Struggle with Operational Efficiency

Gurugram, September – HostBooks, a leading provider of cloud-based business automation solutions, recently conducted an insightful survey to uncover the biggest challenges multi-chain business owners face. The survey results revealed that 50% of respondents identified operational efficiency as their top concern, followed by inventory management (25%), customer consistency (13%), and staff training (13%).

As multi-chain businesses grow, the complexities of managing multiple locations become more apparent. The HostBooks survey underscores the need for advanced solutions that can help streamline operations and improve overall business performance across various sites.

With half of the respondents identifying operational efficiency as their biggest challenge, it’s clear that managing workflows, optimizing processes, and ensuring smooth coordination across locations are top priorities. Maintaining control over these areas as businesses expand becomes essential to reducing costs and boosting productivity.

Inventory management (25%) and customer consistency (13%) also ranked high among the concerns of multi-chain business owners. Managing inventory across multiple locations requires high real-time visibility and coordination to avoid stockouts, minimize waste, and meet demand. Similarly, delivering consistent customer experiences across all branches is crucial for maintaining brand reputation and loyalty.

Kapil Rana, Founder of HostBooks, emphasized the importance of operational efficiency in scaling multi-chain businesses. He noted, “While operational efficiency is key to growth, managing it can become overwhelming without the right tools.”

Biswajit Mishra, Co-Founder of HostBooks, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Our solutions provide centralized control over inventory, operations, and employee training. This enables businesses to overcome these challenges, maintain efficiency, and deliver consistent customer experiences across locations.”