TCS wins the National IP Award and WIPO Trophy

26/4/2019 

PUNE (NEW DELHI/ MUMBAI): Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization, has won the prestigious National Intellectual Property Award 2019 in the category ‘Top Public Limited Company/ Private Limited Company for Patents & Commercialization in India’ and the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO’s) IP Enterprise Trophy.

The Indian Property Office confers the National Intellectual Property Awards to recognize individuals and enterprises for their creation and commercialization of intellectual property (IP), contributing to the country’s intellectual capital and creating an IP ecosystem that boosts creativity and innovation.

TCS has always been at the forefront of innovation with its deep market insights and contextual knowledge aimed at helping customers in their growth and transformation journeys. It has built a strong patent portfolio that forms the essential backbone to create best in class software across many industries. TCS has registered 844 trademarks, filed 4,596 patents and has been granted 946 patents till date.  

Ramesh Abhishek, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, presented both the awards to TCS at a function organized by the Indian Intellectual Property Office and Confederation of Indian Industry on the occasion of World IP Day on April 26, 2019 in New Delhi. “We have harmonized our IP focus with our Business 4.0™ vision by developing the IP 4.0 framework encompassing Creation, Protection, Assetization, and Commercialization of TCS IP with a program to responsively deliver the output and outcome with long term sustenance and structured governance,” said Dr Santosh Mohanty, Head, Components Engineering Group, TCS. “This recognition from the Indian IP Office and WIPO will encourage innovators within TCS to redouble their efforts and excel further.” 

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The first Kia mid-SUV to be launched in 2019

25/4/2019 

PUNE: Kia Motors, world’s 8th largest automakeris all set to launch the much-awaited mid-SUV in 2019 with an aim to be amongst the top 5 automakers in India within three years. With a target of launching a new car every six months after the launch of the first product in India, Kia is planning to expand its portfolio to at least 5 vehicles by 2021.

Kia Motors made its debut in India at the Auto Expo 2018 and showcased its 16 top global line-up along with SP Concept, the most liked car at the Auto expo. The upcoming car is being manufactured in the company’s Anantapur plant will roll out in the second half of 2019 and will be equipped with world-class quality, finest design and state-of-art technology. Drawing inspiration from India and the ‘powerful’ face of India’s very own ‘Royal Bengal Tiger’, the car carries Kia’s famous and the most distinctive feature- ‘Tiger Nose Grille’, designed by Chief Design Officer, Mr. Peter Schreyer. The car truly fits into the ‘Make in India’ segment and combines everything Indian customers desire in a car promising state-of-the-art technology with a sporty, stylish design which is a Kia signature.

On January 29, 2019, Kia Motors India marked the start of trial production of the upcoming mid-SUV in the presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu. The ceremony was also attended by Han-Woo Park, President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation, and Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO of Kia Motors India. During the ceremony, Kia also showcased the camouflaged production version of its first car for India a mid-SUV which was test driven by N. Chandrababu Naidu along with Kia Motors leadership adding to the excitement of Kia arrival to India and reiterating the brand’s philosophy of “Power to Surprise.”

The mid-SUV’s production home will be the enormous 536-acre Anantapur plant which has an annual installed capacity of producing over 300,000 vehicles and will create over 3,000 direct and 7,000 indirect jobs in the region.A US$2bn investment by Kia and its vendor partners ensures the availability of world-standard technologies and the development of high-quality local manufacturing skills. An integrated automotive production facility, the new Anantapur plant employs the latest production technologies, with more than 300 robots automating the press, body and paint shops. The plant is also capable of producing hybrid and electric vehicles. 

Kia takes immense pride in the fact that the plant has the most advanced global technology such as Robotics & Artificial Intelligence and is remarkably environment friendly with capabilities like 100% water recycling within the plant. In addition to this, the plant houses a five-acre training facility that offers a Basic Technical Course (BTC) in automobiles for skill development to provide all the skills necessary for an entry-level job on the factory floor, in the plant. The entry in Indian market will play a crucial role complementing company’s other plants in Korea, Slovakia, China, USA and Mexico.

Entering the Indian market, Kia plans to expand its portfolio by launching a new car in every six months, lining at least 5 vehicles by 2021. Staying true to the company's global commitment of ‘The Power to Surprise’,Kia plans to provide experiences that go beyond expectations. Kia Motors India recently concluded its second phase of roadshows, covering26 cities over a span of two months covering 15,000 kms. Through this activity Kia Motors India reached out to over 10,000 potential customers and buyers across the country.

Globally, Kia Motors Corporation has more than doubled its sales since 2008, reporting sale of 2.8 million cars last year Aligning with the global vision of Kia Motors Corporation to launch 16 electric vehicles by 2025 and make the planet greener and cleaner for the generations to come, Kia Motors India is committed and confident of producing hybrid and electric vehicles at Anantapur plant. Recently the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state of Andhra Pradesh to collaborate on the ‘Partnership for Future Eco Mobility’ by giving 3 Nirocars – Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and EV – to Andhra Pradesh government.

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Raisoni to hold ‘GHR Connect’ on April 27th

25/4/2019 

PUNE: The Raisoni Group of Institutions shall be holding an industry meet entitled ‘GHR Connect’ 
on Saturday, 27th April 2019 at Hotel Sheraton Grand, Pune with the theme of ‘Engaging with Millennial’, informed by Ajit Tatiya, Trustee Director, Raisoni Group of Institute in the conference.

Nagendra Singh, Director (Corp. Relations), RGI, Dr RD Kharadkar, Principal, GH Raisoni Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr KK Paliwal, Director, GH Raisoni College of Engineering and Management, were present at the press conference. 

Ajit Tatiya said, “It is the maiden event promoted by the Raisoni Group, which will be serving as a platform for networking amongst industry leaders and SMEs near and around the Pune region. The main agenda is to sensitize the industries and various stakeholders about the internship program of MHRD and its implementation challenges. Industry in India is facing a unique challenge on terms of manpower and talent pool in context to skills. This skill gap can be removed by providing experience in the industry through internships at various points in the course like 6 weeks and 6 months internship.”

Dr Kharadkar said, “The event will encompass the presence of galaxy of speakers like Dr Raghunath Shevgaokar, former Vice Chancellor of SPPU and former Director, IIT Mumbai will give the Inaugural Address. While Dinanath Kholkar, Vice President & Global Head of Analytics & Insights, TCS and Hari, from L&T shall be keynote speakers. 

There are three Panel Discussion comprising of the Senior Elite of the Industry like Ram Jogdand, Chairman & Managing Director of Ramelex Industries, Baliram Mutagekar, Vice President of INautix, Dr M. Mani, VP of Tata Technologies, Majid Khan, Sr Manager MPhasis, Thakkar, AGM, Bajaj Auto, Prashant Kulkarni, Head Design, Thermax Global Ltd, Dr R. Asheddar, GM, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd, Dhanraj Kolhe, Additional GM, Bharat Electronics Ltd (Navratna Co), Vikas Rable, Adviser, BO PEE, Leena Deshpande, Sr Manager, R&D Bharat Forge, Allwyn D'SOUZA, AGM, Essar Steel Ltd who shall be deliberating on the Skills required for Internship by Engineering Students in the various sector of the Industry, Dr Kharadkar added.

He further said that, to acknowledge the best practices in industry institute internship programs, several awards will be given on the same day of event to industries connected with the institute in different domains related to internship like GHR Award for Promoting School Education, GHR Award for Internship Champion Private Sector, and GHR Award for Best CSR. 

Shreyas Raisoni Executive Director RGI has urged the industry leaders and Principals/Directors/Decision Makers/ Deans of academic institutions to actively participate in this meet. There is no registration fee for the event however there are limited seats. More information for registration is available at www.raisoni.net.

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Shahu College of Engineering gets autonomy

25/4/2019

PUNE: JSPM's Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering (RSCOE) has embarked upon a new journey with academic autonomy. The autonomous courses will start this academic year from June and will include Computer, IT, Mechanical, E&TC Electrical, Civil engineering streams besides MBA and MCA.

 Dr R.S Joshi, Director JSPM, announced this in a formal press conferene. Dr P.P Vitkar Campus Director RSCOE, Dr R.K Jain, Principal, RSCOE , Prof S, L. Bhilare, Ravi Sawant, Dr Avinash Devasthali Vice Principal, Prof. S.P Borde Dean, Training and Placement , Prof. Dr. Sachin Shendokar – Dean, International Relations at RSCOE were present on the occasion.

At the outset, Dr P.P Vitkar Campus Director RSCOE opened the session with Brief Overview of Journey of JSPM and RSCOE as he laid the foundation of the institute in 2001. Since then RSCOE grew from 110 students to today more than 4500 students. He reiterated that academic autonomy is an important milestone for RSCOE, which reveals the Confidence JSPM's institutes have garnered over the period of last 20 years from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Students Fraternity and Industry alike. 

Speaking on the occasion Dr R.S Joshi, Director, JSPM said that the we got the formal nod in September last year and we took time to get inputs from current will start the autonomous courses from this academic year. The total intake of students would be 720 across various streams of engineering. With academic autonomy we would aim to give impetus to research based learning. The contemporary curriculum will be designed according the requirements of the industry and Students Aspirations for Global Education,  but moving ahead we also want our students to excel in research and find solutions to the common problems faced by people.

Dr R.K Jain said that with autonomy RSCOE promises Impactful Pedagogy with Extensive Flexibility with Choice Based Credit Systems (CBCS), subjects Emphasizing Project Based Experiential Learning doing away with Rote Copy book Learning. There would be better Subject Choices and Electives from Second Year itself to suit to Student Interest, Global Employability Skill Enhancement, Foreign Languages (German, Japanese, English, French) and Personality Development are included with Credits for Online / MOOCs Certification including for GMAT/ CAT/ GRE /GATE / TOEFL /IELTS.  There would be four Choice Based Tracks that would be  offered for Final Year students including Industry Internship & Project (IIP), Undergraduate Research Experience (URE), Entrepreneurship Development (ED) with Start-Ups and Regular Capstone Project (CP).

 Prof. Borde, who is leading Students Progression including Training and Placements convened that, the Biggest advantage of Autonomy for Engineering Students at RSCOE will be alignment of Curriculum with Industry improving employability of graduates. He added that, we are targeting our Long term Industry Alliance with TCS, KPIT, Siemens, Reliance Jio, Flash Electronics, Sigma Electric, Tata Group of Companies including Tata Automation Limited and Reality Automation to coin up Curriculum specific  to their Industry needs and to assure Summer Internships of 60 days so as to get Industry ready Graduates. The novel perspective with RSCOE to have alignment with Industry will be involvement of Professional Associations like ISHRAE, IEEE, RSI, BAI, ASME, SAE, CSI, FSAI, MEPA, CII and the likes to Offer Certifications on Practical training Programs which are specific to Latest  Industry Needs.

Dr. Shendokar who himself has PhD from USA and has worked with AICTE to formulate QIP-Foreign program added that Collaborations with Foreign Universities for Students and Faculty Exchange is a priority agenda for him as Dean- International Relations. Universities like NCA&TSU, USA, NUS, Singapore, Feng Chia University, Taiwan, RMIT and Flinders, Australia, University of Malaysia, Pahang and other universities from South Korea, Germany, Canada and Japan are in talks to sign MoU with JSPM's RSCOE. The advantage of these Foreign Collaborations for students studying at RSCOE will be they will get to spend one semester at these Universities and their Course Credits will be transferred to RSCOE. Furthermore, this global exposure for students from RSCOE will at very economical terms considering the aspirations of growing middle class in India. With some Universities possibility of Stipend on Merit Basis will also be possible.

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Volkswagen rolls out millionth car from Pune

20/4/2019

PUNE: German auto major Volkswagen, which has been facing headwinds for long and got restructured under its subsidiary Skoda, rolled out the 1-millionth car from its Pune facility, which was commissioned in 2010. 

The 20,000 cars per annum Pune plant produces four models --the Polo, Ameo and Vento and the Skoda Rapid. The 20,000 cars per annum Pune plant produces four models --the Polo, Ameo and Vento and the Skoda Rapid.  Besides meeting the local demand, the facility also exports to some 50 countries across Asia, Africa, North America and South America.

"The rollout of the 1-millionth car is an important milestone for us," said Gurpratap Boparai, MD, Volkswagen India. The German auto giant, which is the world's largest auto company by volume, has three direct entities in the country-Volkswagen, Volkswagen Group Sales, and Skoda Auto apart from the luxury car unit Audi India. "We would like to build further following this milestone and work towards higher localisation, ramping up production and manufacturing world-class products for this and other target markets around the world," Boparai said.

As part of its Skoda-led 'India 2.0' project, which aims at more India-specific cars, the three entities have been proposed to merge into Skoda. The Volkswagen group will be investing Rs 8,000 crore in the country as part of this revival strategy over the years and has already set up a technology centre at the Pune plant to start local development under this. Volkswagen globally represents by 12 brands -- Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Ducati, Lamborghini, Porsche, Scania, Seat, Skoda,Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Man, and Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

Meanwhile, in another development, Skoda India has offered an assured buyback scheme for its Superb model range. Made available exclusively through its vehicle finance arm, the scheme will allow the owners of these lower range cars to buy a brand new Superb at low EMIs, the company said. Called Skoda EasyBuy, the program offers an assured introductory buyback value of 57 percent for a new Superb at the end of the three year contract term.

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BJP manifesto focuses on completion of infra projects

17/4/2019

PUNE: Girish Bapat, the BJP candidate for the Pune constituency, released the party’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha election on Wednesday.

The manifesto’s focus is on timely completion of infrastructural projects that were launched in the city in the past five years, including the Metro, the outer and inner ring roads, flyovers and the transit hub.

Bapat has also proposed new projects for the city - senior citizens’ centres, economic centres in the PMRDA region, a skill university, a film city and a water transportation project through the Mula-Mutha river. Bapat said the document has been drafted considering the city’s growth over the next five decades.

BJP’s city president Yogesh Gogawale said the manifesto is comprehensive. “We were able to launch many projects in the past five years. The party will ensure execution of the projects well in time,” he said. “So far, the BJP has received enthusiastic backing of the citizens. Steps will be taken to get funds from the Union and state governments for the execution of the projects,” he said and added the party has resolved to develop Pune as a Smart City.

The manifesto also pays attention to the fringe areas of the city that are witnessing large-scale development. It has proposed a hyperloop project between Pune and Mumbai besides strengthening the rail network in the Lonavla-Daund section.

The BJP is looking for a second consecutive win in Pune. In 2014, it had wrested the seat from the Congress with a margin of over 3 lakh votes.

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PM arrives in Pune; to address poll rally in Solapur

16/4/2019

PUNE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here late Tuesday night and will stay overnight before leaving for Akluj in Solapur district, where he will address an election rally Wednesday.

Modi arrived at the Lohegaon airport were BJP leaders, including the party's Lok Sabha candidate from the city Girish Bapat, sitting MP Anil Shirole and Pune city BJP president Yogesh Gogawale received him.

According to BJP leaders, the PM will stay overnight at Raj Bhavan here and leave for Akluj to address an election rally in the Madha Lok Sabha constituency of Solapur district Wednesday.

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Jet Airways announces temporary suspension

17/4/2019

PUNE (MUMBAI): Late last night, Jet Airways was informed by the State Bank of India (SBI), on behalf of the consortium of Indian Lenders, that they are unable to consider its request for critical interim funding.

Since no emergency funding from the lenders or any other source is forthcoming, the airline will not be able to pay for fuel or other critical services to keep the operations going. Consequently, with immediate effect, Jet Airways is compelled to cancel all its international and domestic flights. The last flight will operate today.

This decision has been taken after a painstaking evaluation of all alternatives that were made available to the Company and after receiving guidance and advice on the same from its Board of Directors. Jet Airways has informed the DGCA, and the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Finance and other relevant government institutions, of this course of action.

Over the last several weeks and months, the company has tried every means possible to seek both interim and long-term funding. Unfortunately, despite its very best efforts, the airline has been left with no other choice today but to go ahead with a temporary suspension of flight operations.

This has been a very difficult decision but without interim funding, the airline is simply unable to conduct flight operations in a manner that delivers to the very reasonable expectations of its guests, employees, partners and service providers.

After 25 years of sharing the Joy of Flying with Indian and international guests, Jet Airways has been forced to take this extreme measure as prolonged and sustained efforts with lenders and authorities did not yield the desired results.

Essential services needed to support guest services and the re-commencement of the flight operations will be kept onboard until further notice. Jet Airways will now await the bid finalisation process by SBI and the consortium of Indian Lenders.

In its response to the airline, the lenders have said, “The Expressions of Interest (EOI) have been received and bid documents have been issued to the eligible recipients today. The bid documents inter alia has solicited plans for a quick revival of the company. The bid process will conclude on 10 th May 2019 … We are actively working to try and ensure that the bid process leads to a viable solution for the company.”

Jet Airways will continue to support the bid process initiated by the lenders. The airline will inform all guests about the temporary suspension of flight operations via text message or email to the contact details listed in their bookings. Jet Airways sincerely and profusely apologises for the disruption to the travel plans of all its guests. The airline would like to thank them for their continued patronage, support and loyalty over the years.

Jet Airways is hopeful that it will be able to bring the Joy of Flying back to its guests as soon as possible. Over the past 25 years, Jet Airways has established itself as India’s airline of choice and the flag-bearer of warm Indian hospitality around the world. The airline has proudly fuelled India’s economic engine, enabling business travellers and tourists alike to traverse the length and breadth of India and the world.

Even during the toughest of times, Jet Airways employees have worn a smile on their face and put their duty to its guests and the nation first. Above all, the airline would like to express its sincere gratitude to all its employees and stakeholders that have stood by the Company in these trying times. We hope to bring the flying sun back into the skies.

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Pune District Meet of Outdoor Caterers held

16/4/2019

PUNE: Pune District Meet of  Outdoor Caterers under umbrella of 'New Pune Catering Association' was Held at Hotel Vivanta by Taj - Blue Diamond.

Kishor Sarpotdar (President, Maharashtra Catering Association) presided over the meet. G S Bindra (Vice President, Maharashtra Catering Association) was chief guest.

Sunny Avsarmal, (chairman, All India Hospitality industries), GS Bhargav, GST Expert and Dineshwar Nathani (Motivational Speaker) spoke on the occasion. Association decided to unite on district level to work on various issues of field including GST, Insurance, Upgradation, Training etc. Around 300 caterers participated in this meet.

Mansaram Mali, Babusinh Purohit, Babulal Gaud, Dalpatsinh Purohit, Manoj Vaishnav of organising body were present.

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सचिन तावरे यांचा समर्थकांसह काँग्रेसमध्ये प्रवेश

पुणे : पर्वती भागातील शिवसेना नेते सचिन तावरे यांनी मंगळवारी आपल्या शेकडो समर्थकांसह
काँग्रेसमध्ये प्रवेश केला . काँग्रेस भवनात दुपारी झालेल्या खास कार्यक्रमात काँग्रेसचे ज्येष्ठ नेते
आणि माजी मुख्यमंत्री पृथ्वीराज चव्हाण यांच्या प्रमुख उपस्थितीत सचिन तावरे यांनी आपल्या
शेकडो समर्थकांसह फटाक्यांच्या निनादात काँग्रेसमध्ये प्रवेश केला.

याप्रसंगी प्रदेश काँग्रेसचे प्रवक्ते, आमदार शरद रणपिसे,  पुणे लोकसभा मतदारसंघातील काँग्रेस-राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस -मित्र पक्ष आणि आघाडीचे उमेदवार मोहन जोशी आणि इतर पदाधिकारी उपस्थित होते. माजी मुख्यमंत्री पृथ्वीराज चव्हाण यांनी, सचिन तावरे यांच्यासारखा उमदा, तरुण कार्यकर्ता काँग्रेसमध्ये परतल्याबद्द्दल आनंद व्यक्त केला.  मोदी यांचे ढोंगी सरकार हटवून काँग्रेसला सर्वसामान्य माणसांचे राज्य आणावयाचे आहे त्यामुळेच या निवडणुकीत मोहन जोशी यांच्यासारख्या कार्यकर्त्याला उमेदवारी देण्यात आल्याचे त्यांनी सांगितले.

प्रारंभी मोहन जोशी यांनी प्रास्ताविक करताना  शिवसेना नेते सचिन तावरे यांच्या काँग्रेस प्रवेशाची घोषणा करून त्यांचे काँग्रेसमध्ये सहर्ष स्वागत केले. याप्रसंगी आपल्या शेकडो समर्थकांच्या उपस्थितीत  भाषण करताना सचिन तावरे म्हणाले की, गेली काही वर्षे मी दुसऱ्या पक्षात जरी असलो तरी मी मनाने काँग्रेसमध्येच होतो. मी माझी वाट चुकलो होतो. एखादे मूल आईपासून जसे दुरावते आणि आई दिसली की लगेच ते तिला बिलगते तसे माझेही झाले होते. काँग्रेस ही माझी आई आहे म्हणून मी आज माझ्याच घरी आनंदाने परतलो आहे. काँग्रेस पक्षाचे गतवैभव पुन्हा प्राप्त करण्यासाठी मी शपथ घेऊनच या पक्षात पुन्हा आलो आहे आणि प्रत्येक दिवसागणिक काँग्रेसची सर्वांगीण प्रगती झाल्याशिवाय मी स्वस्थ बसणार नाही असे जाहीर करून तावरे म्हणाले, या लोकसभा निवडणुकीत मोहनदादा विजयी व्हावेत या एकाच प्रामाणिक इच्छेपोटी मी काँग्रेसमध्ये आलो आणि आता मतदानाला दिवस कमी असले तरी मी आणि माझे कार्यकर्ते रात्रंदिवस कठोर मेहनत करून मोहन जोशी यांचा विजय सार्थ करून दाखवू असे त्यांनी टाळ्यांच्या गजरात सांगितले.

त्यानंतर काँग्रेस भवनात झालेल्या पत्रकारपरिषदेतही सचिन तावरे यांनी आपल्या घरवापसीबाबत
आनंद व्यक्त करून काँग्रेस पक्ष हा केवळ एक राजकीय पक्ष नसून तो एक विचार आहे आणि हा विचार कोणी काहीही केले तरी मुळीच नष्ट होणार नाही असे ठामपणे सांगितले. 

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