Archive: January 11, 2023

Lexus India unveils the much-awaited all-new Lexus RX at the Auto Expo 2023

India, January 11th, 2023: Ushering in a new era of luxury, Lexus India today unveiled the all-new 5th generation RX during its first-ever participation at India’s largest automobile exhibition, the Auto Expo 2023. Housing a long list of innovations including electrification, intuitive technology, performance, and design, the Lexus RX India Lineup comes with two powertrains to meet the diverse needs of Lexus Guests – the RX350h Luxury Hybrid, and the RX500h F-Sport Performance.

The all-new Lexus RX rightfully boasts of several first-in-the-segment offerings, including the first model in the Lexus lineup to adopt the Lexus safety system+, in 2016. It is also the third model in the line-up to benefit from Lexus’s next chapter of design.

With the introduction of the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 in the RX line-up, as well as the best-in-class features, Lexus ensures that all its guests have a premium driving experience by refining the vehicle’s characteristics to elevate the signature Lexus ride quality. The driver’s seat is designed to encourage a deeper and more intuitive connection between the car and driver based on the Tazuna concept, enabling the driver to enjoy controlling the vehicle, while providing a sense of openness and comfortable interior space. This series also promises the “Lexus Driving Signature,” ensuring a captivating driving experience, with features such as Direct4 Drive force technology, HEV system, and a powerful Turbo hybrid performance. Considering the impact of carbon emissions on the environment, Lexus is centered on electrified vehicles such as BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs that contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

Expressing his views during the unveil, Lexus India President Mr. Naveen Soni said, “We at Lexus India are delighted as this is the first time that Lexus is a part of the Auto Expo. What makes this occasion even more special for us, is the unveiling of the all-new Lexus RX, which has already gained huge popularity throughout the world, given its irresistible and several first-in-segment features.

It gives me immense pleasure to unveil the RX 350h Luxury Hybrid & the RX 500h F-sport performance Powertrain lineup, in the Indian Market. We are confident that the introduction of these two variants will set a new standard in the Indian luxury car segment. Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, and we will work hard to provide them with unforgettable experiences. We are confident that this will further strengthen Lexus’ presence in the Indian luxury car market. Not only that, but Lexus India is also committed to supporting India’s sustainable future with our portfolio of electrified cars that are luxuriously crafted, and consciously engineered to coexist in harmony with nature. In line with the global direction, Lexus India will continue to strengthen its presence through enhancement of its electrified range of cars and work towards crafting a better tomorrow”.

The new RX lineup has been developed on the basis of the “Alluring x Verve” design concept, aiming to create a design that combines a sense of seductively attractive looks (Alluring) and a powerful image, exuding vitality (Verve). Keeping Lexus’ tradition of luxury alive, both variants boast sophisticated and captivating designs.

RX350h Luxury Hybrid:

The RX 350h Luxury Hybrid will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid transaxle and a rear E-Four electric motor, producing 247 total system horsepower, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, AWD Layout, and an impressive acceleration of 0–100 km/hr in 7.9 seconds.
RX350h is to be made available in eight exterior color options, featuring a few exclusive colors such as Red Mica, Deep Blue, Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, and two exclusive interior color options- Solis White & Dark Sepia & Sumi Woodgrain, Medium Brown Bamboo Ornamentation. This time, Lexus’ guests can also choose Sonic COPPER on any Lexus RX, to bring out the model’s seductive forms and emphasize its powerful road presence.

RX500h F-Sport Performance:

The RX 500h F-Sport Performance introduces Lexus’s first hybrid electric system that integrates the high-torque 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an e-Axle rear unit. The most powerful RX to date with 366 horsepower and 460 Nm of torque. This performance model delivers a new exciting driving experience, equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and an acceleration of up to 0–100 km/hr in 6.2 seconds. It utilizes the DIRECT4 drivetrain which supplies optimal power to the e-Axles to provide maximum grip, traction, and acceleration in all situations.
Besides the Engine and Transmission, the RX500h F SPORT Performance is visually distinguished by irresistible external features like an exclusive seamless grille, F-Sport performance emblem, Front Bumper in Piano Black shade with a body-colored front under spoiler, attractive 21-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels with a Matte Black finish, black window molding and a piano black colored mirror, to give the vehicle an exquisite finish. To top it up, the RX500h line-up features exclusive components like smooth leather sport seats, dimpled genuine leather steering wheel, and exclusive exterior colors – White Nova Glass Flake, Heat Blue, Exclusive Interior color – Dark Rose, & Dark Spin Aluminum ornamentation. Features Dynamic rear-wheel steering technology for better maneuverability.

Bringing in some firsts for Lexus in India, the RX lineup is equipped with some of the most anticipated features like highly advanced Lexus connected services enabling the guests to access the vehicle’s status and remote functions like Door lock/unlock, emergency calling, power windows closing, remote air conditioning, stolen vehicle tracking and much more. The new RX also houses the globally renowned Lexus Safety System (LSS) 3.0, to enhance cognitive, judgmental, and operational performance. In India, it comes with a range of advanced technology features like, Pre-collision System (PCS) with Vehicle detection and braking for Stationary as well as Preceding Vehicles only, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control for All Speed Ranges, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) & Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Auto High Beam (AHB) & Adaptive High beam System (AHS) Headlamps. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) & Safe Exit Assist technology (SEA).

With this Lexus, globally strengthens its presence in the world of luxury lifestyle vehicles with electrified technologies. Lexus in India offers a portfolio that also includes the LC500h, LS 500h, ES300h, NX350h, and LX500d.

Auxano Capital backs the future of Agri procurement marketplace; invests in Faarms

Delhi, January 11th, 2023: Auxano Capital, an early-stage (seed to Series A) venture capital firm, has announced its latest investment in Faarms, a new-age digital platform delivering seeds, biofertilizers, agrochemicals, animal feed, agri-equipment & implements, and financial products straight to farmers’ doorsteps. Auxano’s investment is a part of the $10 million funding raised by Faarms in the current round. The company plans to utilize the funds to expand its geographic penetration and build a robust technology stack.

Founded by Mr Taranbir Singh and Mr Alok Duggal in January 2020, Faarms is a Bangalore-based Agri-tech interactive Digi-Agri platform that conducts door-step delivery of seeds, fertilizers, cattle feed, chemicals and Agri products to the farm gate. The platform has a tech-enabled value chain on the in-built application that features everything from ordering and logistic tracking to easy payments. Faarms has recently integrated Agri and FinTech within its ecosystem, allowing access to Banking, Insurance and Credit.

As an input marketplace, Faarms also functions as a multilingual knowledge platform enabling Indian farmers to achieve higher productivity levels and lower costs in an eco-friendly manner. So far, Faarms has recorded 13X growth YoY, and delivered 462K goods to 86% of its repeat customers. The company has acquired $12M to date, including the $10M raised in the current round of funding.

Speaking on the funding round, the spokesperson of Auxano Capital said, “With times changing, Indian farmers require a suitable, affordable and trusted marketplace for purchasing the necessary raw materials to fulfill their tasks. What Faarms is doing is truly exceptional. The idea of providing an all-in-one online marketplace to buy, pay and track orders will revolutionize the agricultural industry and empower farmers to get the best quality products on time to increase their productivity. We look forward to Faarms creating disproportionate value for their customers and investors on board”.

Sharing his views on fundraising, the spokesperson of Faarms said, “At Faarms, we are proud to be the first platform to deliver up to 50 Kg bags of Agri products direct to the farmers’ doorstep at a cost that maintains profitability on each transaction. Through this funding, we can further strengthen our commitment to providing a one-stop solution to the complex problem of making farming essentials available at the doorsteps by being fully digitized with an integrated model for seamlessly connecting factories and farms. We look forward to a fruitful association with Auxano Capital and their expertise in shaping our future endeavors within the agriculture segment.”

Felix Advisory acted as the financial advisor to the transaction.

Incorporated in 2016, Auxano Capital is the brains behind experienced investment professionals Brijesh Damodaran and Ashish Padiyar. The VC firm looks forward to investing and partnering with committed entrepreneurs from various sectors including agriculture, deep tech, enterprise SAAS, fintech, edtech, healthcare . Intending to drive entrepreneurship, innovation and growth, the firm has a hands-on investment approach to ensure optimum outcome for ambitious companies and enabling them to reach newer heights.

Ctrl F by Core Integra becomes the first Indian Compliance solution platform to set up an IT Development centre in Solapur

Mumbai, 11th January 2023: Ctrl F by Core Integra, India’s leading comprehensive Labour Law Compliance platform, today announced the opening of its IT Development centre in JR Ignite IT Park, Damani Nagar, Solapur, Maharashtra. With this, the company becomes the first RegTech firm to open an exclusive IT Development centre in a Tier II town, describing them as ‘talent centres of the future’. The new office would aid its strategy in agile development frameworks and Flexible implementation models.

Coreintegra intends to create a large number of job opportunities for the city’s IT talent pool through primary sourcing from local colleges and institutions, where previously, this same pool of potential candidates was forced to migrate to metro cities for suitable jobs. The open profile at the new centre includes – IT coders/developers, functional testers, technical testers, Database Administrators, Scrum Masters, Tech Leads, Business Analysts, Solution Architects, and Infra Architects. Ctrl F already has a strong presence in key metro cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi & Kolkata.

Speaking on the development, Mahesh Krishnamoorthy – Managing Director of Coreintegra commented, “Many young IT workers migrate from Tier-II cities and go far from their hometowns in search of jobs. The preferred IT locations remain in Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Our office opening in Solapur has created many opportunities for them and a chance for them to have options for working closer to home. The move has made them closer to the IT opportunities and, for us, closer to the talent pool. Furthermore, after Covid19, this move is also partly aimed at getting employees who hail from such locations back into offices.”

“Our new office is not a branch office, but an exclusive IT Development centre focused on development and client support. Parallel, we are also excited about the prospect of relocating talent from nearby metro cities to Solapur. The expansion will start to unlock new avenues for local talent.” he further adds.

On the CtrlF platform, Coreintegra’s clientele has increased by 300% in the past year, and further growth is anticipated in the following year. The company also expects three-digit percentage growth in the upcoming years as a result of more organizations adopting compliance. Coreintegra is looking forward to the changes from the government that are intended to streamline and broaden the application of labor laws. Ctrl F platform continues to gain wide acceptance among large and mid-sized corporations, being one of the few comprehensive labor law compliance technologies.

Core Integra’s Ctrl F is India’s largest Compliance Solution Platform for Labour Law Acts, Rules, Minimum Wages, Execution, and Communications. With a pan India presence in 1000+ locations through its own offices and partners, the company has served over 350+ clients spread across 20+ industries over the last decade.

Gujarat-based Tea Brand, Seven Spring, Introduced India’s First 100% Compostable Tea Sachets

New Delhi, January 11, 2023: Aiming to curtail one of the world’s largest environmental problems of global plastic pollution, Seven Spring, the premium tea brand from Gujarat, has introduced India’s first-ever 100% compostable tea bag sachets with zero plastic and aluminum foils. This new packaging is environment-friendly and focuses to cut back on waste, zero plastic consumption, and carbon emissions. To contribute its bit to build a pollution-free Nation, in line with the Government’s G20 initiative, Gujarat-based start-up, Seven Spring came up with this packaging.

The G20 Summit focuses on taking environmentally responsible and sustainable decisions, both at the level of personal lifestyles and national development, which will result in internationally transforming activities to contribute to a cleaner and greener future. Seven Spring, from its end, aims to contribute to improving the environment and reducing plastic pollution. After extensive research for around nine months, the Seven Spring team came up the 100% compostable tea bag sachets that are completely plant-based and can dissolve in water or mud.

Talking about the move of introducing 100% compostable packaging, SejalPurohit, Founder of Seven Spring said, “Going environment friendly or sustainable is no longer an option. We have reached a point where absurdly large amounts of single-use plastic are being used. Every company needs to make effort to reduce the use of single-use plastics. All of Seven Spring’s product range comes with sustainable and eco-friendly packaging and we are going to follow this in the future too.”

As of now, Seven Spring has introduced this compostable packaging in its economical range, which is available on Amazon, Big Basket, and the company’s website. These are also available in the B2B segment – in the hotels that the brand has tie-ups with.

“We aim to change our entire packaging into the compostable one”, adds Sejal.

Recently, Seven Spring has partnered with a leading hotel chain, Accor Hotels, to supply its premium range of teas to over 21 brand hotels across the country. Seven Spring was launched in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2020. The brand, which brews teas from tea leaves sourced throughout

the world, has grown considerably over the past two years, both in terms of varieties and reach, currently offering 30 varieties.

Cigniti Technologies Partners with LambdaTest to Accelerate the Digital Assurance and Digital Transformation Journeys of Global Companies

11th January 2023, Mumbai: Cigniti Technologies, the world’s leading AI & IP-led Digital Assurance and Digital Engineering services company, today announced it has partnered with LambdaTest – a leading continuous quality testing cloud platform that helps developers and testers ship code faster. The partnership allows Cigniti to tap into LambdaTest innovative HyperExecute platform that provides secure, scalable, and insightful test orchestration for customers at different points in their DevOps (CI/CD) lifecycle.

Through this collaboration, Cigniti and LambdaTest provide their customers with a smart test orchestration platform that helps clients run end-to-end automation tests at blazing-fast speeds enabling faster time-to-market across industries and geographies.

Cigniti’s CEO, Srikanth Chakkilam, commenting on the strategic partnership, said, “As the world propels further into the software-driven digital platform age with cloud orchestration and DevOps becoming imminent, clients across industries are continuously looking to provide frictionless digital experiences at breath neck speeds. At Cigniti, we believe that our globally leading AI-led Digital Assurance services expertise is complemented strategically by the highly acclaimed capabilities of LambdaTest’s platform for go-to cloud test orchestration. This is a firm step towards our endeavor to accelerate digital transformation initiatives of global businesses through IP and Platform-led Digital assurance capabilities.”

Asad Khan, CEO at LambdaTest, said, “We are thrilled to have Cigniti partner with us. We believe joining forces with Cigniti will be a force multiplier in further accomplishing our mission of making the lives of testers and developers easier. As we continue to strengthen our HyperExecute platform and its ecosystem, Cigniti’s continued market leadership and deeper understanding of enterprise digital quality assurance and test automation market the world over will add immense value to our journey ahead. Cigniti’s world-class service delivery and innovation labs will add more value to our joint efforts to delight customers with superior solutions.”

Futurense Technologies to hire more than 600 data engineers for the year 2023

Bengaluru, [11/01/2023]: Futurense Technologies, the “Godfather of Talent”, is preparing to hire more than 600 data engineers for the year 2023. Futurense’s main focus is quality learning outcomes thus each employee receives customized training and coaching support in the state-of-the-art facility in Bengaluru. On completing 2 months of training Futurense Technologies will deploy these candidates with organizations across banking, financial services, insurance, and the healthcare sector among others. At present, the company is supplying talent to 12 Fortune 500 firms. Four of them are Fortune 100 companies. Futurense Technologies is also working with 7 unicorns. At the same time, it is supporting the talent requirements of 13 multinational companies.
It will support new hires to polish their skills, provide them with more tech tools, and add domain experience giving them a path to Fortune 500 companies. The move is a big one considering that the company is going ahead with the hiring in huge numbers at a time when organizations are putting a freeze on hiring and announcing layoffs.

Commenting on the company’s big plans to hire fresh talent in these uncertain and economically challenging times, the young 23-year-old Raghav Gupta, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Futurense Technologies, says, “These are challenging times for businesses across sectors. Yet, we believe that the demand for good talent will only increase in such times.” He adds, “Even as global businesses and organizations lay off employees, the headcount will increase at our end with the growing demand for fresh talent in data analytics.”

The company will continue to hire talent from tier-2 and tier-3 towns to meet its clients’ growing talent demand. Gupta firmly believes that smaller towns in India offer organizations an opportunity to hire world-class talent and in the process help democratizes the talent field for people coming from these places. Futurense Technologies is committed to transforming the talent field in the country with its innovative model of zero-cost training for fresh and lateral talent. Supporting the talent coming from smaller towns, the company pays all its hires during their training with Futurense Technologies.

Futurense Technologies is optimistic and is on its path to hiring freshers and lateral hires in large numbers with a firm view that even as the technology and IT sector are going through a churn, organizations will be looking out for skilled and competent talent to power their business. On the business front, the company is focusing on data engineering, data science, and Java full-stack. As it is scaling up on the finance side, the company is getting into the US tax and the US audit. On the tech front, Futurense Technologies will be expanding on MLOps and DevOps.

Arttd’inox renews the Art Deco Era with its Deco Collection

Do you love the eclectic style of the early Art Deco era? Or wonder how to incorporate the 1920s aesthetic, filled with decadence and opulence into everyday living? Arttd’inox, India’s premier home lifestyle brand from the esteemed house of JSL Lifestyle Ltd, launches a highly sought-after ‘Art Deco Collection’.

Inspired by the sleek geometric designs and intricate etchings popular during this era, the new collection captures the modernity and luxury of the 1920s and 1930s. With its enamelled tea sets, geometric platters, handcrafted bowls, and chic tissue boxes, the Art Deco range brings the best of the Roaring Twenties to the forefront of contemporary design, exuding material excellence and bold geometric modernism.

Mentioned below are some products that are part of the Arttd’inox Deco Collection

Moderne Snack Server (Off-Set Platter)

The Moderne Snack Server’s black and matt gold coating is reminiscent of Art Deco architecture and guarantees to draw admiring glances. A perfect addition to your coffee table that can even be melded into your breakfast tablescape or bar setting, the snack server is bound to turn heads.

Moderne Tea Cups (Fluted Tea Cups)

Never burn your fingers while sipping on hot tea. The Moderne Tea Cups’ double-walled design ensures heat retention on the interior and a cool exterior, making every aspect of the tea-drinking experience enjoyable. Additionally, its modern design will add charm to your tea service even when not in use.

Moderne Tea Service (Fluted Tea Set)

Welcome opulence, charm and modernity to your tea parties with the Arttd’inox Moderne Tea Service. With its intricate laser-cut design and mirror polish finish, the tea set will be the perfect addition to every tea lover’s home.

Moderne Serving Tray (Art Deco Square Tray)

Bold with a touch of class and luxury; that is what the Art Deco Square Tray promises. Prove to be the host who goes above and beyond, not just in terms of food but also in terms of aesthetics. The timeless oak handles and striking graphic laser design imprinted on the service are sure to captivate its viewers.

Pathways School Gurgaon offers International Baccalaureate Career related Programme (IBCP) -Programme of the future

11th January 2023: Pathways School Gurgaon joins a progressive group of IB World Schools to deliver IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) through multiple academic streams designed for students to develop 21st-century skills. World Academy of Career Programmes (WACP), the leading global educational research organization, has introduced its career-related courses at the Pathways School Gurgaon.

Students of grade XI and XII at the Pathways School will now be able to choose career programs in Artificial Intelligence, Sports Management, Business Administration, and Accounts & Financial Management, among others. These programs share synergy with the latest reforms in the education world, including the Government of India’s National Education Policy 2020 (NEP2020). As per the OECD Future of Education and Skill 2030 report, the world has changed rapidly and new professional careers have emerged globally it becomes imperative to develop their skill sets to become industry ready.

Capt. Rohit Sen Bajaj, School Director at Pathways School Gurgaon, says “Education industry across the globe has seen a major paradigm shift. The advent of specialized fields in various sectors over the last decade has necessitated the need for relevant academic courses to prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs and managers. Moreover, we already offer Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), and Diploma Programme (IBDP). Our decision to take up the IB Career Programme (IBCP) was only natural as we feel IBCP is the right choice for our students who are looking at keeping pace with the changing world and want additional career options, and our collaboration with WACP offers excellent options with their Career programs around proven pathways.”

Stefanie Leong, Head of Development & Recognition Asia-Pacific, International Baccalaureate said, “The CP is a future-ready IB program that prepares students for further studies and success in the workforce. The CP’s unique blended approach of academic study and career skills enables students to pursue their passions and engage in career-related learning while gaining transferable and lifelong skills in applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural engagement. Preparing our young generations to be future-ready and create a better world is at the heart of the IB’s mission. We are delighted to see the impact of an IB education in our school community in India.”

The IBCP is recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as a Grade 12 qualification. The IBCP is also recognized by many universities in India & around the world for undergraduate degree programs. WACP career-related programs are curated by a team of industry experts to bridge the gap between the industry and academia creating the best pathways for students to enter universities in India or around the world. The program builds a strong foundation and helps the student to become career ready through industry projects, internships, workshops, presentations, masterclasses, case studies, and many more experiences.

Pathways School is organizing a Career Seminar for Students and their Parents on 21st January 2023 to explore the careers of tomorrow! Registrations are open for students from grade 8th onwards for the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme. Eminent speakers from the industry will help students make informed career choices.