Archive: August 30, 2023

Vitesco Technologies and Cebi Group Develop Key Technology for Autonomous Electric Driving

New Delhi, August 30, 2023: Vitesco Technologies, a leading international manufacturer of advanced powertrain technologies and electrification solutions, and Cebi Group, a specialist in washer systems, are partnering to develop the Advanced Sensor Cleaning System (ASCS), a highly integrated all-in-one solution that can keep more than 10 environmental sensors clean with water pressure of up to 7 bar, using just a single infrastructure.

This addresses an important requirement for autonomous electric driving: Environmental sensors such as cameras and lidars must be kept free from dirt and adverse effects caused by wind and weather conditions for the safe execution of the autonomous driving function – and thus also of the powertrain. As future autonomous vehicles will generally be electric, the connectivity between the sensor and the electric drive is a key subject for this partnership.

“The all-in-one sensor cleaning system is a key product for autonomous electric driving. A single high-pressure pump is sufficient to supply several sensors, and with lower water consumption. Thanks to its high degree of integration, it is also very easy and economical to accommodate in the vehicle,” said Robert Paul, head of Actuators business unit, Powertrain Solutions division at Vitesco Technologies.

Etienne Jacqué, head of R&D at Cebi Group, reiterates the benefits of the partnership for vehicle manufacturers: “Combining our globally successful technology for washer systems with the electronics and electromechanical expertise of Vitesco Technologies creates a complete system that is a key enabler for autonomous electric drive systems.”

Vitesco Technologies supplies three core components for the new sensor cleaning system and ensures functional integration: A brushless and compact high-pressure pump with 2 to 7 bar delivery pressure provides the cleaning water for the complete sensor equipment of a vehicle. A special distributor redirects the flow from the pump to the correct sensor. The control electronics also come from Vitesco Technologies.

Cebi Group provides the large reservoir with up to four individual washer pumps for the classic windshield and headlamp cleaning, the complex hosing, the nozzle technology as well as the overall mechanical system integration in the vehicle.

Production is scheduled to start at the end of 2026.

HCLTech recognized as Expansion Partner of the Year and Social Impact Partner of the Year by Google Cloud

SAN FRANCISCO and NOIDA, India, Aug. 30, 2023: HCLTech, a leading global technology company, received two global recognitions—Google Cloud Expansion Partner of the Year and Google Cloud Social Impact Partner of the Year—at Google Cloud Next ’23.

HCLTech was named Google Cloud Expansion Partner of the Year in recognition of its diverse portfolio and complex transformation and efficiency-driven engagements, underpinned by innovation in key solution areas including data and AI/ML, application modernization and infrastructure. HCLTech’s dedicated Google Cloud GenAI Center of Excellence is enabling enterprises to unlock the value of data and realize the full potential of generative AI.

The Google Cloud Social Impact Partner of the Year Award is a testimony of HCLTech’s resolute commitment to integrating sustainability into its solutions. HCLTech has an array of innovative and scalable solutions to maximize positive social impact. The company continues to lead the way in leveraging technology for sustainable development, driving positive change, and creating an inclusive and sustainable future.

“We are honored to receive these global recognitions from Google Cloud,” said Siki Giunta, Executive Vice President, CloudSMART Offerings Strategy, Industry Cloud Consulting, Google Ecosystem Unit, HCLTech. “Our partnership with Google Cloud has been instrumental in empowering organizations with new capabilities in cloud computing, GenAI, and data analytics. Our continued investments in training and certifying professionals, dedicated cloud acceleration teams, and specialized programs enable us to drive exceptional delivery of complex programs and further innovation.”

“We’re proud to recognize HCLTech as our Global Expansion Partner of the Year and Global Social Impact Partner of the Year,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, of Global Ecosystem and Channels at Google Cloud. “HCLTech has demonstrated both strong capabilities across a wide variety of Google Cloud’s solutions, and a commitment to promoting sustainability among global enterprises, and we are happy to continue working together on all of these initiatives.”

The Google Cloud Ecosystem is an immersive and integrated partnership that combines cloud engineering, industry solutions, and execution capabilities from HCLTech and Google Cloud to help enterprises accelerate their digital transformation journey on Google Cloud.

ACCA and University of Madras Partner to Spotlight Urgent Need for Upskilling among Accountants in India

Chennai, August 30, 2023: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the global body for professional accountants, in partnership with the Department of Commerce, University of Madras, deliberated on the future of the accounting profession through their recently held seminar in Chennai on “Proactive Accounting: Driving the Future of Industry Transformation”. Attended by finance industry leaders and academicians, the event stressed upon the urgent need for upskilling among accountants in India to meet the fast-evolving industry demands and technological advancements.

Among the primary objectives of the seminar were to discuss the evolving role of finance in business, the cutting-edge skill sets and mindsets required of future accountants, the profound influence that data, technology, and AI are expected to have on accountancy, and methods to improve industry-academia collaboration in the finance sector. This invite-only seminar was attended by a diverse audience, including professors and faculty from the Commerce and Business Administration departments of affiliated colleges of the University of Madras, educational partners of ACCA in Tamil Nadu, and M.Com students of the University of Madras.

Addressing the attendees, Dr. S. Elumalai, Registrar, University of Madras, said, “Technology and data sciences are reshaping the accounting profession, demanding a shift in both curriculum and mindset. As educators, we must equip students to embrace these changes and upskill for the future. Accounting systems must align with market demands. Technology is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a fundamental workplace skill. Let’s empower a new generation of accountants to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Christopher S Dhas, Head of Education Partner Relationships – South India, ACCA, added, “The accounting profession has evolved from its traditional role to become trusted advisors to management, offering strategic business insights. This evolution is due to the rise of data and technology, which have transformed the way accountants work. Accountants are now able to access and analyse large amounts of data in real-time, which allows them to provide more informed advice to their clients. Additionally, changes in organisational structure and human capital have created new opportunities for accountants to play a more strategic role in businesses. As a result, accountants are increasingly seen as partners in the decision-making process, rather than simply as record-keepers.”

Other speakers at the seminar included Dr R Rangarajan, Professor and Head of the Department of Commerce, University of Madras, Dr P Natarajan, Head, Department of Commerce, Pondicherry University, Anantha Subramanian, Assistant Vice President Finance, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Dimple Sait, Learning & Development Leader at Philips University and Kumara Vadivelan Saravanan, Director – GBS Accounting Operations, Ford Business Solutions.

Panelists also shared their early career experiences and highlighted the transforming impact of technology in making routine tasks faster and easier. The industry experts also stressed the need to encourage upskilling among faculty and students training for the latest trends and software through conferences and workshops. They also stressed the rising significance of elevating ethics in accounting education and ESG reporting with India mandating Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) for top-listed companies.

One Point One Solutions bags Prestigious Brand Award

Mumbai, August 30, 2023: One Point One Solutions, leader in Business Process Management (BPM) services has been awarded with Prestigious Brand Award by BARC Asia, a brand analysis & research-based consultancy in Asia, at a grand felicitation ceremony held recently.

The award was received by Akshay Chhabra, Managing Director, One Point One Solutions in recognition of their work on the evolution of BPO sector from being a support service provider to an entire support function agency combined with technical capabilities; imbibing latest innovation to maximise the efficiency.

Akshay Chhabra, Managing Director, One Point One Solutions said, “Being recognized as one of India’s top brands is a significant milestone for us, and it fuels our passion to continue pushing boundaries and raising the bar. This remarkable achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless dedication and hard work of our entire team.”

One Point One Solutions, which was incorporated in the year 2006 caters to a broad spectrum of industries like Telecom & Broadcasting, Retail and E-commerce, Consumer Durables & FMCG, Banking and Finance, Travel & Hospitality, and Insurance. In the year 2017, the company got listed and has expanded its operations to 5 service centers in strategic geographic locations across the country. The company boasts about 40+ leading clientele spread across sectors; includes SBI Cards, Godrej Appliance, Kotak Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Airtel and Go Air to name a few.

Company has expanded its footprints to USA, Australia and the UAE. It has identified small and medium enterprises across all industries in these regions that can benefit from BPO services. The company has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary company in the United States of America (USA) named “ONE POINT ONE USA INC. in the State of Delaware of USA. The company is also looking at Australia as another major international destination apart from the UAE.

VitrA’s Metropole Collection: Elevating Bathrooms to an Urban Lifestyle of Luxury and Functionality

VitrA, the leading bathroom solutions brand of Eczacıbaşı Building Products Division, once again sets new standards in bathroom design with the introduction of their latest masterpiece, the Metropole Collection. This breathtaking ensemble of comprehensive offerings promises to transform your bathroom into a haven of exquisite beauty and unparalleled functionality.

Drawing inspiration from the seamless integration of cutting-edge engineering and ingenious creativity, Vitra collaborated with the multi-award-winning German design studio NOA to craft the Metropole Collection. The result is a fusion of minimalistic, natural aesthetics and smart architectural styling that caters to contemporary needs in terms of functionality, interaction, and aesthetic value.

One of the standout features of the collection is the VitrA Fresh WC pan, which boasts an integral tank that dispenses detergent with every flush, offering a convenient and innovative cleaning solution. This innovative system ensures thorough cleaning of the pan after each use, effectively protecting against the buildup of bacteria. With VitrA Fresh, there’s no need to add cleaning agents to the cistern, eliminating the risk of corroding the flushing mechanism and promoting a more hygienic and hassle-free solution. The collection also includes rim-ex WCs available in an array of color options, including White, Matt White, Matt Taupe, and Matt Black, providing a comprehensive range of choices to suit various design preferences.

The washbasins in the collection captivate with their eye-catching vertical lines and softly turned corners, showcasing a fluid design language with meticulous attention to detail, from overflow holes to siphon plugs. It is available in a myriad of stunning colors including White, Matt White, Matt Taupe, Matt Stone Grey, and Matt Black, The Metropole Collection empowers you to explore numerous alternative solutions, making it effortless to craft your very own signature style.

As a true epitome of elegance and innovation in the domain of bathroom solutions, VitrA once again surpasses the boundaries of conventional bathroom design. With an unwavering dedication to perfection, VitrA continues to deliver products that not only elevate aesthetics but also redefine functionality.

Embrace the art of harmonious design and unmatched functionality with VitrA’s Metropole Collection. Elevate your bathroom space to new heights of luxury and sophistication.

Star Bharat launches its new season of Savdhaan India with Sushant Singh as Host

Star Bharat is all set to launch the highly anticipated new season of its flagship show, “Savdhaan India,” with the theme “Criminal Decoded.” Renowned for its gripping real-life crime stories, the show is making a remarkable comeback.

Since its debut on Star Bharat in 2012, “Savdhaan India” has not only provided entertainment but has also acted as an informative platform, shedding light on the dark world of crime and its consequences. With seven seasons and a remarkable 3,162 episodes under its belt, the show’s compelling narratives, based on true incidents, have enthralled audiences across India and beyond.

Seasoned actor and familiar face in the Indian entertainment industry, Sushant Singh, returns as the host of “Savdhaan India.” Sushant’s exceptional storytelling skills and authoritative presence have played a pivotal role in making the show not just educational but also empowering, helping viewers stay informed and secure.

Commenting on the upcoming season, host Sushant Singh shared, “The crime stories we see in the media can send shivers down your spine. What were once isolated incidents have unfortunately become frequent occurrences in our society. It’s crucial to curb these trends and increase awareness. I’m excited to be a part of the upcoming season of ‘Savdhaan India: Criminal Decoded.’ I continue to receive messages from people who highlight the valuable lessons they’ve learned from our show. This season, our goal is to take a deeper dive into criminal activities, exploring a fresh perspective and delving into the psychology of wrongdoers. Through this show, I’m once again dedicated to protecting individuals from criminal acts.”

The upcoming season promises to delve even further into the realm of criminal investigations, offering insights into the criminal mind and helping viewers become more aware and informed. Each episode will be carefully crafted to provide an accurate and sensitive portrayal of real events.

Covestro and Uniplan receive Red Dot Design Award

Covestro and the Cologne-based agency Uniplan are winners of this year’s Red Dot Design Award in the category “Digital Solutions – Trade Fair”. Both partners are being honored for an integrated digital and real-world experience they developed on the occasion of the leading plastics trade fair, K 2022. It is based on three pillars: the digital platform SPACE, the integrated booth concept STAGE including a lecture program, and the researcher portrait series MEET THE INNOVATORS.

“With our multi-layered campaign, we are pursuing the goal of establishing contacts with many partners to advance the industry on its path to climate neutrality and the circular economy,” explains Dr. Christian Haessler, one of the two project managers for K 2022 at Covestro. “This communicative 360° approach was also expressed in the motto of our appearance at K 2022, ‘Crafting Connections With You’.” The Red Dot label has established itself internationally as one of the most coveted seals of quality for good design.

Rüdiger Maeßen, CEO of Europe at Uniplan, is equally positive: “The good co-creative collaboration and the innovative concept were fundamental to the success of this holistic campaign. Together with Covestro, we have driven the circular economy agenda in the industry by creating an authentic exchange on multiple channels. Therefore, we are even more pleased that the sustainable campaign approach not only convinced the global target audience but also the jury of the Red Dot Award.”

Creating connections with the digital platform

In order to connect with target groups around the world at an early stage and offer them a holistic, long-term experience as a “home base,” Covestro and Uniplan designed a digital event platform called “SPACE.” It went live several months before the start of the trade show and provided information about planned activities at the booth and the company’s major highlight topics:

•  Crafting Circular Economy
•  Crafting Electrification
• Crafting Sustainable Living
•  Crafting Smart Designs

A stage for current trends

These Topic Clusters also formed the basis for the second pillar – the integrated STAGE booth concept. As the other Covestro project manager Dr. Christopher Stillings explains, “Not only the exhibits and topic clusters, but also the wide-ranging lecture program in the central Talks Arena were tailored to these topics. Inspiring guests from well-known companies and universities – all actors in their respective fields – captivated the audience with keynotes on current trends and technologies and during panel discussions. Not only booth visitors participated, but also viewers around the world who followed the live broadcasts via social media.”

Another highlight is the Color Material Finish (CMF) Sample Library, a collection of plastic samples that makes materials visible and tangible. Part of Uniplan´s and Covestro’s STAGE concept is that the booth – or parts of it – can be used repeatedly for further exhibitions. Sustainability aspects and the reduction of CO2 emissions were also at the forefront in the selection of materials for the trade show appearance itself. The success proves both partners right: Thus, the quality of contacts was significantly improved compared to K 2019, and a positive response developed both externally and internally over a longer period of time.

Innovators in the spotlight

While innovative developments are showcased and (hopefully) get the attention they deserve, the researchers behind them are often not visible. In the video series “Meet The Innovators” Covestro gives a voice to some of them and their inventions – see the blog post. They were introduced to a larger audience at K 2022, but prominent guests continue to discuss important innovations and technologies in the “Meet The Innovators” livestream series.

Many inspiring encounters at K 2022 have already led to a large number of new partnerships, technologies, and material solutions. They form a valuable basis for developments that Covestro plans to showcase at the next major trade show appearance at K 2025. The company’s motto may be different then – but the message remains that partnerships are the key to achieving a climate-neutral and circular economy: “Crafting Connections With You”.

A Red Dot Award rarely comes alone

Back in May 2023, Covestro and its partner Accesso Dynamics were honored with an award offered by Red Dot and Koelnmesse. At the furniture supplier trade show Interzum 2023, they received the “Best of the Best” Interzum Award for their Arfinio® technology. This technology, first presented at K 2022, enables products with complex but seamless shapes. The development also contributes to sustainability, as the products are partly made from bio-based raw materials, are repairable, and can be mechanically recycled at the end of their useful life.

Covestro and Uniplan were also nominated for the Heavens Award in the “Forum, Summit, Congress, Fair Award” category for their communication concept for K 2022. A total of 132 projects from event, experimental and live marketing agencies as well as companies and trade fair and congress organizers were submitted for this year’s event competition.

Hunting for a home boost – Marquez and Mir prepare for Catalan GP

Barcelona, August 2023: The second half of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship is set to come in thick and fast, with the Catalan GP starting a run of ten races in 13 weeks.

Round 11 arrives at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a special round for the Repsol Honda Team and both its riders. The 4.66-kilometre-long track has been a mainstay of the MotoGP calendar since the early 90s and has seen Honda take a total of 23 wins across all classes, including 10 in the premier class with the most recent coming in 2019.

Marc Marquez was the author of this 2019 victory on his way to the World Championship that year, one of two wins he has achieved at the track just a few hours from his hometown. The weekend for the eight-time World Champion will follow a similar structure to the previous two, with Marquez working with the Repsol Honda Team and HRC engineers in a calm and defined manner to make further progress. This approach was rewarded with a return to the points last time out in Austria.

The Barcelona weekend is also the home round for Joan Mir, who hails from Palma just off the coast. It’s a circuit that has seen the #36 achieve some of his most consistent results in the premier class with two-fourths, a second place, and a worst finish of sixth. Mir’s final results in Austria did not reflect the work and progress he achieved during the weekend, able to consistently fight for top Honda honors but running foul of bad luck in the race. Continuing along this path will be crucial for the 2020 MotoGP World Champion as he aims to put on a strong showing for his home fans.

After the weekend, the Repsol Honda Team will head directly to Italy for the San Marino Grand Prix – the penultimate European race and a final in-season test.

Marc Marquez

“The weekend in Barcelona is always a special one, seeing all of the stands full of people, and as my home race, I love to see all the fans there. No matter what, the objective is to put on a great show for everyone there and give them an enjoyable and memorable weekend. From our side, there’s work to do and we need to keep the calm approach we have had in the past few weekends. In Austria we saw that this way of working let us get through the weekend and gather good data for the project. We go again and begin a busy end to the year.”

Joan Mir

“I am looking forward to the weekend in Montmelo, my home GP. Of course, I want to produce a good result in front of the local fans but we need to keep on working. In Austria, we had an overall good weekend that unfortunately ended in not the best way. I am confident that we can have another weekend where we are fighting to be the top Honda.”

Justdial Partners with Bihar State Khadi & Village Industries Board to Boost Digital Presence of Khadi Businesses

India, 29th August 2023: Justdial, a leading local search engine, is thrilled to announce its recent partnership agreement with the Bihar State Khadi & Village Industries Board (KVIB). The collaboration aims to bring digital transformation to the Khadi businesses and products registered with the Bihar State KVIB. The official agreement, formalized on July 7th, 2023, stands as a momentous stride towards fortifying the digital footprint of Khadi enterprises aligned with the board’s mission.

Under this strategic partnership, Justdial will play a crucial role in digitising and enhancing the online visibility of Khadi businesses associated with the Bihar State Khadi & Village Industries Board. Leveraging its technological expertise and extensive network, Justdial will empower these businesses to establish a robust digital presence and connect with a wider audience.

On this collaboration, KVIB Spokesperson said, “Our partnership with Justdial is a pivotal move towards digitally uplifting businesses selling Khadi and indigenous products in Bihar. This collaboration amplifies our efforts to blend traditional industries with modern solutions, enabling our khadi enterprises to thrive in the digital age.”

The Bihar State Khadi & Village Industries Board will actively collaborate with the registered Khadi businesses, facilitating the sharing of relevant information with Justdial. This cooperative effort is expected to amplify the digital reach of these businesses, enabling them to showcase their products and offerings to a larger customer base.

Commenting on the association Shwetank Dixit, Chief Growth Officer, Justdial said, “We are happy to announce our partnership with the Bihar State Khadi & Village Industries Board in this transformative journey towards digitalisation. This alliance is the testimony of our commitment to support local businesses and foster their growth through the power of digitisation.”

The collaboration between Justdial and the Bihar State KVIB highlights the shared vision of both entities to promote traditional Indian industries while embracing modern digital solutions. Additionally, the partnership underscores Justdial’s dedication to delivering value to local businesses by providing them with tools and platforms to thrive in the digital age.