Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group acquires Panalfa Autoelektrik Ltd.

Minda Corporation has acquired 100% Equity of Panalfa Autoelektrik Limited

New Delhi, 05^th April 2016: Global Automotive Component manufacturer ‘Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group’ today announced the acquisition of Panalfa Autoelektrik Limited through its flagship company, Minda Corporation Limited.  The Group has acquired 100% Equity of Panalfa Autoelektrik Limited.

Panalfa Autoelektrik Limited, founded in 2007 and located in Bawal, Haryana. The Companyprimarily manufactures ‘Reduction Gear Starter Motors’ and ‘Alternators’.

Panalfa Autoelektrik is dealing with end markets of Agriculture Machinery, Stationary Engine, Construction Equipment and Automotive market worldwide and has some of the key companies in India as customers such as Eicher, Escorts, Greaves, HMT, Magneton, New Holland, Polaris, Sonalika and TAFE. Panalfa Autoelektrik Limited has working strength of 410 employees and had Sales of Rs. 72 crores (FY 14-15).

With the acquisition of Panalfa Autoelektrik the Group further strengthens its presence in product portfolio & footprints in Agriculture Machinery, Stationary Engine, Construction Equipment and Automotive market. The Group will leverage on this acquisition to offer a better value proposition to its customers in commercial vehicles and other segments.

Mr. Ashok Minda, Group CEO, Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group said, “The acquisition of Panalfa Autoelektrik Limited is a step in our overall strategy to become a leading player in Auto Component and Auto Electricals sector. With the help of this acquisition, Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group will be able to add new product in its ambit and helping us to sustain our ongoing growth YoY. Our Group already have presence in After Market business with network of more than 400 dealers. This will further help in increasing our penetration in After Market business of Starter Motors and Alternator. The transaction will also enhance our relationships with OEMs, particularly in the commercial vehicle segment.”

Mr. Pankaj Raghbeer, CMD of Panalfa Group said: “This divestment is part of our overall group strategy to focus on its new ventures.”

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About Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group

Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group is one of the leading manufacturers of automotive components for the OEMs. The US $550 Million Group, with a workforce of 14,000 is catering to the leading two wheeler, four wheeler, commercial vehicles, tractors & off road vehicle manufacturers in India & overseas markets including Europe, CIS & ASEAN countries. The Group has significant presence with 26 plants in India and 6 plants in overseas locations including Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan & a Design office in Japan.  

The Group is engaged in the manufacturing of three major Systems:

·         Safety, Security & Restraint System

Electronic & Mechanical Security Systems, E- Bike Controllers, Immobilizers, Latches, Striker, Door Handles, Electronic Body Controllers, Start Systems, Power Closure Systems, Fuel Lid Actuator, RCDL, ESCL, PEPS, Hood, Tail Gate, Seat Latch, Hinges, LED Soft Touch, Camera Modules, Keys & Key Duplicating Machines & Die Casting.

·         Driver Information & Telematics System

Instrument Cluster, Dashboard Assemblies, Digital Clocks, Tank Units & Gauges, Chime Bells & Relays, Speed Sensors, Temperature Sensors, Position Sensors, Pressure Sensors, WIF Sensors, Wiring Harness, Coupler & Terminals, Relay & Junction Box, Steering Roll Connector.

·         Interior System

Injection Moulding, 2K Moulding Process: Kinematic Component & Premium Surfaces, Garnish & Trims, Dashboard, Consoles, Parcel Shelf,  Air Vent, Air Duct, Ash Tray, Arm Rests, Cup Holder, Glove Box , 5th Door Application, Truck Oil Housing, Cylinder Head Covers, Rear Sheet Structure, Coupling, Transmission, Coolant Tanks, Interior Steering, Tool Production. 

·         Aftermarket

All Group Products under Safety, Security & Restraint Systems, Driver Information & Telematics Systems, Interior Systems

Four Wheelers: Gear Shift Locks, Wiper Blades, Auto Rollup Relays, Flashers, Filters (Tractors)

Two Wheelers: Wheel Locks, Helmet Locks, Control Cables, CDI, Regulators, Rectifiers, Ignition Coil, Igniters, Relays, Flashers, Filters

The Group has a fully integrated state of the art in house Product Designing Cell, Tool Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering and Test labs facilities. Many patents have been registered for various categories.

The Group is also actively involved and focused towards Corporate Social Responsibility. Under this initiative various programs at Societal and Business level are undertaken.

Please visit www.minda.co.in

Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi Conceptualizes New Ad Campaigns for Thomas Cook​​​ on Senior Citizen’s Holiday Plan Inbox x

Mumbai, April 05, 2016:  While travel and tour companies are going all out to target the traditional family and youth segments, Thomas Cook’s internal research has revealed the emergence of a viable TG in India’s Gen S- senior citizens with plenty of free time and disposable income (often enough, topped up by their children) and are increasingly fit and raring to travel. The Company has hence re-introduced an initiative which is not only a great product and a great idea but with a refreshing piece of communication as well.

Silver Breaks – Senior Citizen’s Holiday Plans from Thomas Cook has been specifically created for the needs and requirements of India’s Seniors / Silvers… A large population of eager travelers who may be even traveling for the first time and are filled with apprehensions and concerns about traveling on their own especially at their age. There are many people in this world especially in India who assume responsibilities at a very early age, and spend their entire lives fulfilling those responsibilities to their parents, children, family and society. They have probably never been even beyond their own neighborhood walls or city limits, never found the time or managed to save for an international holiday. This is an opportunity for them to fulfill this latent desire which they most definitely deserve to.

The films have been conceptualized and created by Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi. The commercials have been produced by Light Box films and will be aired in cinemas, on TV and digital mediums.

Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Abraham Alapatt, President & Group Head – Marketing, Service Quality, Financial Services & Innovation, Thomas Cook India said, “Silver Breaks is yet another endeavor from Thomas Cook to continue its innovative and pioneering legacy in products and marketing. This is not only a great product, but a great service for those who really need the care and comfort while travelling alone or to unfamiliar places especially at an age when everything becomes a challenge. With easy paced itineraries and an attractive value, we are encouraging people to travel the world, no matter what your age is.”

Speaking about the TVC, Rahul Nangia, Jt. NCD, Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi said, “The film features real people in their real voices. Neither of them are actors or artists. The idea was to capture them minutes before they are about to leave for their first international trip. This is a moment when they are reflective about milestones in their life, before they embark on another milestone event.”

About Thomas Cook India: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. is the leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Insurance, Visa & Passport services and E-Business.

FILM CREDITS:

Agency – Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi

Creative Team – Rahul Nangia (Jt.NCD), Lalit Bharadva, (Sr.Art Director), Ruchika Parab & Pritam Shettigar (Creative Directors)

Account Management – Debarjyo Nandi, Siddharth Matalia, Vinita Kotian

Director – Rahul Nangia

Production House – Lightbox Films

Producers - Imran Khan and Junaid Herekar

Music – Reuel Benedict

Sound - Anu Pujari, Shankh

DOP - Vasudeo Rane

Online Editor – Niket, Splice

Offline Editor – Vishal, Mothership

Maruti Suzuki felicitates Mumbai-based women drivers

Mumbai, April 4, 2016: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) in partnership with Priyadarshini Taxi Service today felicitated 10 Mumbai-based women for successfully completing their professional driving training course.

Maharashtra State, Transport Commissioner, Shri Shyam Wardhane (IAS) gave away the certificates to the beneficiaries. Mrs. Susieben Shah, Founder, Priyadarshini Taxi Service, Mr. Ashish Mathur, AGM, Maruti Suzuki India and various other dignitaries were present at the occasion.

These 10 women who are economically less privileged were trained in professional driving under ‘Unnati’, a pan-India initiative of Maruti Suzuki. Through Unnati the Company aims to impart safe driving skills, encourage driving as a profession and add to the professional workforce of India.

Under the Unnati initiative Maruti Suzuki plans to train over 3000 people, country wide over the next one year.

On the occasion Mr. Mahesh Rajoria, AVP Maruti Suzuki said, “Unnati initiative is very close to our hearts. With an objective to impart driving skills, the initiative encourages beneficiaries to take up driving as a profession and earn their livelihood and live with dignity and respect. We are happy to partner with Priyadarshini Taxi Service for this initiative in Mumbai. These women here are the brand ambassadors of Unnati and their success stories will be motivating for others.”

The first batch has been taken in as full-time employees by Priyadarshini Taxi Service, whose aim is to provide women drivers on call and create a safe environment for people to travel within the city – for women, by women.

Maruti Suzuki commenced Unnati in Mumbai in November 2015. In the initial phase four batches of 10 each have enrolled for the three month course. The programme includes behavioural aspects with training in softer skills, customer relations, time management, etiquettes, financial management etc. The course is designed keeping in mind the candidate’s background.

Unnati is part of Maruti Suzuki’s Driving Training, an initiative under CSR. Under CSR, MSIL has trained 14,000 people in this FY 2015-16, around 25% of which were women.

The company has invested   around Rs. 30 cr towards road safety and driving training in the FY 2015-16. Maruti Suzuki has set up a network of 364 Maruti Driving Schools (MDS) and 6 Institutes of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) across the country.

Unnati project is also being successfully conducted in Bengaluru Delhi/Gurgaon, Hyderabad and Jaipur.

The Economic Times Inspiring Business Leaders of India discusses the nuances of entrepreneurship

Mumbai, April 1, 2016: The Economic Times organized "ET Inspiring Business Leaders of India" which absorbed the varied aspects of entrepreneurship from an exciting mix of past and current entrepreneurs across diverse sectors.

Present at the event were Siddharth Roy Kapoor, MD, Disney India, Ameera Shah, MD & CEO, Metropolis Healthcare, Niranjan Hiranandani, MD, Hiranandani Group, Madhavan Menon, Chairman & MD, Thomas Cook among others.

These virtuosos discussed the challenges they faced and continue to face in their leadership position, the off-beat ways they adopted to meet those challenges, the assignments that changed the picture for them and the personal choices they may have made to be in the successful position.

About ET Edge:

Times Conferences Ltd., functional under the brand name ET Edge, is an Economic Times initiative founded to empower multiple industries and segments by sharing critical business knowledge through strategic conferences and summits. Encompassing the Indian business vista, ET Edge strives to bring together visionaries and key leaders on its knowledge platforms to create social and business ecology conducive to the positive changes required by the industry. The main aim of this initiative is to channel global business intelligence through summits and conferences in overarching lectures, hands-on workshops, panels, roundtables and case studies.

Ram Charan's sister Shreeja ties the knot at a VIP studded affair !

As far as Indian Cinema goes , Megastar Chiranjeevi and his son Ram Charan are names that need no introduction. Hence it comes as no surprise that the wedding of Ram Charan's sister , Shreeja , was an illustrious ,star studded affair. Known to be gracious hosts , the family came together to host a wedding to remember as Shreeja married her childhood sweetheart Kalyan Kanuganti . The wedding was truly the talk of the town as the South Industry's biggest stars,filmmakers and politicians graced the occasion. The wedding was a very intimate affair and took place at the family's Bangalore farm house. Ram Charan played the perfect host and made sure that everything was seamless till the   end. The reception was later hosted at the Park Hyatt in Hyderabad.

Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) is pleased to reduce its CNG price

April 01, 2016

Consequent to the reduction in the price of domestically produced natural gas by the Government of India, Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) is pleased to reduce its CNG price by Rs. 0.70/Kg and Domestic PNG price by Rs. 0.60/ SCM with effect from midnight of April 01, 2016 / morning of April 02, 2016.

Accordingly, revised prices of CNG and domestic PNG in Mumbai will be Rs. 41.20/Kg and Rs. 24.71/SCM, respectively. This price reduction is also being affected in the municipalities adjoining Mumbai after factoring in implications of local municipal Octroi/LBT and/or Cess. Revised prices (inclusive of local taxes) of CNG shall be in the range of Rs. 41.20/Kg to Rs. 41.94/Kg and of domestic PNG shall be in the range of Rs. 24.71/SCM to Rs. 24.92/SCM in the areas / municipalities adjoining Mumbai.

All our valued customers may please take note of these revisions.       

Disclaimer

Mahanagar Gas Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, an initial public offering of its equity shares and has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). The Draft Red Herring Prospectus is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in and the website of the Book Running Lead Managers i.e. Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited at www.investmentbank.kotak.com and Citigroup Global Markets India Private Limited at www.online.citibank.co.in/rhtm/citigroupglobalscreen1.htm. Investors should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to the same, see the section titled “Risk Factors” of the Red Herring Prospectus proposed to be filed with the Registrar of Companies. This advertisement is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy securities in the United States or elsewhere. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration; any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus. Mahanagar Gas Limited does not intend to make any public offering of securities in the United States.

SONY DEVELOPS THE WORLD’S FIRST GHOST-CATCHING DEVICE

- The Proton Pack^TM will be the first of its kind to capture ectoplasmic matter –

Tokyo, Japan, April 1, 2016 - Sony Corporation ("Sony") announced today that it has successfully perfected the Proton Pack^TM (#protonpack), a product designed to capture content from a parallel dimension.

The Proton Pack^TM is equipped with a state-of-the-art, miniaturized superconducting synchrotron, which accelerates injected protons from a hydrogen plasma cell. Superconducting temperatures are maintained by a liquid helium reservoir, and an active cryocooler ensures that operational time vastly exceeds that available from a cryogen dewar alone. Adaptive beam-steering technology guides the proton beam to an ergonomic wand, which doubles as a beam-halo tuning cavity to provide maximum down-range accuracy. The backpack form factor allows built-in psychokinetic grounding to the user’s spinal column, eliminating spectral noise feedback loops.

In development for over 30 years, the Proton Pack^TM benefits from the newest innovations from Sony Corporation’s acclaimed products. Weighing 6.66 kilograms/14.68 pounds, the Proton Pack^TMincorporates the same STAMINA Mode featured in Sony Mobile Communications’ latest Xperia^TMsmartphones, allowing its user to keep the battery going longer. The Proton Pack^TM integrates the same super slow motion capture capability as Sony’s Cyber-shot RX series premium compact cameras, allowing users to capture the matter in 960 frames-per-second high frame rates and accurately record the movement of its target. Its embedded Sony 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector allows users to view captured matter in real time. Near Field Communications technology will make it possible to connect the Proton Pack^TM wirelessly to other Sony products such as BRAVIA® televisions and Xperia^TMsmartphones to view, forward, and share entities, redefining the terms image capture and screen grab.  The Proton Pack^TM is water and slime-proof.

Engineers at Sony Corporation developed the 2016 Proton Pack^TM in collaboration with nuclear engineer and munitions expert Dr. Jillian Holtzmann.  Sony President and CEO Kazuo Hirai commented“The perfection of the Proton Pack^TM, long a dream of the world’s greatest engineers since first pioneered by Dr. Egon Spengler of Columbia University, is an example of Sony’s relentless pursuit of innovation. It absolutely delivers the wow factor that is so important to our company mission.”

The Proton Pack^TM will appear in the U.S. and in India on July 15, 2016.

For more information on the Proton Pack^TM please go to www.proton-pack.com.

Honda 2Wheelers announces title sponsorship in Honda Gladrags Mega Model & Manhunt 2016

- Honda celebrates its fun connect with Indian youth -

Honda customer to get Direct Wild Card entry into India’s most coveted reality TV series

Mumbai, March 30, 2016: Aggressively unleashing its brand association with Indian youth, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) today announced its association as Title Sponsor of Honda Gladrags Mega Model & Manhunt 2016 - India’s hottest, most glamorous unisex pageant for over 20 years. 

To be aired on Channel V, the reality TV Series is an ultra-glamorous platform where ‘Stars are Born’. Be it Kangna Ranaut to Lara Dutta, Lisa Ray to Kelly Dorjee, Diana Hayden to Zulfi Sayeed … the list of Indian youth who have realized their dreams through this pageant goes on and on.

As a result of this tie-up, Honda is delighted to share an exclusive privilege with its valued customers. A lucky Honda customer gets anexclusive opportunity to directly enter the finale of Gladrags Mega Model & Manhunt 2016 as a wild card entry. All they have to do is to submit their entry to any of Honda’s dealerships at Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.

Honda’s recently launched aggressive performance motorcycle CB Hornet 160R is the perfect fit for the stylish Gladrags Mega Models.The unbeatable combination of raw power, real muscle and ripped performance in CB Hornet 160R mirrors the independent, intelligent; ambitious Indian youth of today who have the fire and talent within them to achieve all that they desire.

Honda’s philosophy of “The Power of Dreams” resonates with the Gladrags Mega Model & Manhunt 2016 through whichaspiring Indian youth realize their dreams and become stars themselves. Through this association, Honda is providing millions of Indian youth an opportunity to take center-stage and show what it takes to be a winner just like the new CB Hornet 160R.

Speaking about the association, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd, said:  

“From the Race Track to the Roads, Honda 2Wheelers is a youthful, exuberant and fun loving brand. Our recently launched CB Hornet 160R is a RAW.REAL.RIPPED machine for today’s uber-ambitious, aspirational and style savvy young India and hence we are delighted to partner with Gladgrags Mega Model & Manhunt 2016. Through this powerful partnership and the TV reality series on Channel V, Honda 2Wheelers will effectively communicate and connect with the youth.”

How to enter the Gladrags Mega Model & Manhunt 2016?

Contestants between the ages of 18-28 years have to simply contact their nearest Honda 2Wheeler dealership or register and submit their entry form in the official Gladrags website (www.gladrags.in).

To ensure national representation at the pageant and to encourage participation of contestants from all across India, auditions for the next Honda Gladgrags Megamodel and Manhunt 2016 are set to start from early April, 2016.

This time, auditions being held in below 4 cities:

City	Date	Venue	Audition time
Delhi	9th April, 2016	Orana Hotels & Resorts Ltd., (Next to Delhi Intl. Airport), Westend Gardens NH – 8	12 noon
Pune	13th April, 2016	Blue Diamond Hotel, 11 Koregaon Road	12 noon
Bengaluru	16th April, 2016	Royal Orchid Hotels, HAL, KGA Golf Course	12 noon
Mumbai	23rd April, 2016	Gladrags Career Academy, C/o.Bombay Dyeing Spring Mills, Dadar (E)	12 noon

The entire proceedings will be recorded in the RAW. REAL.RIPPED avatar through the 36 episode TV reality series of Gladrags Mega Model & Manhunt 2016 on Channel V starting middle of May, 2016. The original programme will be telecast every Sunday at 9 pm(21.00 hrs) with 2 repeats on every Friday at 11 pm (23.00 hrs) and every Saturday at 10 pm (22.00 hrs)

About Honda Gladrags Megamodel & Manhunt TV Reality Series:

The Honda Gladrags Megamodel & Manhunt TV Reality Series is India’s Hottest, Most Glamorous Unisex Pageant.  Over the years, Mrs. Maureen Wadia of Gladrags has discovered, trained and made famous the best-looking Bollywood and TV Stars and models of today. The contestants undergo a transformative series of trainings including physical fitness, grooming, catwalk, diction and speech.

To be aired on Channel V, the reality TV Series is a glamorous platform where ‘Stars are Born’. Each season of Gladrags Mega Model & Manhunt has witnessed a steady rise in its popularity and fan-following. While last season received 4,000 registrations by youth across India, the phenomena has surpassed its predecessors over the years.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's special day; tears up on Aaradhya's first day of big school

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's special day; tears up on Aaradhya's first day of big school Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has always been a hands-on mother in spite of all the professional commitments she bore. The actress never compromised on her daughter’s needs and that shows the kind of emotional bond she has with Baby B. An insider who was present at a recent event that Aishwarya attended conveyed that it was a very special day for Aishwarya. It was first day of big school for Aardhya and she could not believe that time had gone by so soon. "She gives me a reason to be grateful everyday. I am extremely grateful for having her in my life. She is the embodiment of love. Mommy is extremely emotional today. And I am like tearing up too. It's a very special day for me and it was a great platform to share it with all of you. She is my world and I can go on and on" expressed the beautiful actress. The actress, stunning in a white Tarun Tahiliani sari and jewellery by Satyan Hira Manek Jewelers, also revealed that the youngest Bachchan already has a rather extensive vocabulary. "We always tell her that we love you infinitely and I don't know how she has picked up those words already - eternally, infinitely, unconditionally ......... That's all there. These are words. Words aren't enough to quantify," said Aishwarya. Well, with all that love between them, who wouldn’t love this Mother-Daughter duo! We wish all the best to Aardhya for a whole new journey and wish her all the luck.