Archive: May 31, 2023

Karting Super Series sets Motorsport Passion Ablaze in Delhi

The penultimate round of the Karting Super Series in Delhi raised the bar of the karting competition where over 164 passionate motorsport fans fought it out hard on track to come out on top.

The hunt to find the nation’s next big karting talent is getting closer as the Karting Super Series marked its penultimate round in Gurgaon’s Kartomania go-karting track, a few kilometers away from the city of Delhi, before it will head to Hyderabad for the Grande Finale where the new karting talent would be crowned on 4 June 2023.

On 27 May, there was a threat of heavy rain that could have easily spoiled the day of the Qualifying, but in the end, it caused no disruption other than a 30-minute delay to the start. The circuit dried out quickly once the sun was out. Kartomania was a flowy circuit with seven corners, a couple of which truly tested the skill and control of the drivers as it was very easy to crash into the tyre barriers. Those having the control and keeping the kart on the racing line, clocked competitive lap times. The quickest time amongst the 164 participants in the Saturday Qualifying was 42.239 seconds by Gur Rajvansh.

Sunday was an action-packed and exciting day where the Top 36 qualifiers got to race each other. Divided into four batches of nine, the Top 36 raced for eight laps from which the first five finishers took part in the Semi-Finals. Out of the ten drivers in each of the two Semi-Finals, again the first five finishers would take part in the Finals. The Top 10 battled it out hard for 12 laps before we got our Top 6 who would then proceed to the Grand Finale in Hyderabad. Gur Rajvansh secured a Grand Slam by qualifying first, topping every race session, and clocking the fastest lap.

The following are the Top 6 of Round 5: Delhi-

1. Gur Rajvansh

2. Dhruv Chavan

3. Arjan Talwar

4. Pratham Kumar

5. Yuvrraj Singh

6. Rachit Singhal

Yuvrraj Singh, who qualified 17th, was the Mobil 1 Powered Driver of the Day for his overtaking abilities in the Heats and finishing P5, starting from P10.

The Karting Super Series moves to the city of Hyderabad one last time for the final round and Grand Finale on 3rd-4th June 2023 in Chicane Circuit.

Godrej & Boyce to invest INR 100 Crores in its Material Handling Business

Bangalore, 31st May 2023: Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, announced that its business Godrej RenTRUST, a leading player in the material handling rental industry, has planned to invest INR 100 crores in capital assets over the next three years. This strategic move comes as the company foresees a significant surge in material handling requirements across the country. In Q4 of FY23, Godrej RenTRUST secured orders deploying 100+ units of equipment to esteemed clients across multiple industries such as shipping, 3PL, e-commerce, FMCG, manufacturing, and F&B, demonstrating the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.

With a strong belief in the potential of the rental market, Godrej RenTRUST aims to cater to the evolving needs of industries including auto, engineering, chemicals and pharma, F&B, FMCG, logistics, 3PL, ecommerce and retail.

The Indian rental market, estimated at INR 2200 crores, has shown a remarkable growth trajectory, with the organized segment gaining ground year after year. By opting for equipment rentals, customers significantly reduce their involvement in servicing requirements. Industry studies indicate that in the entire lifecycle of equipment, service consumes approximately 20% of the cost and 15% of the time of consumers. Reducing either of these aspects empowers industry players to become more competitive in their respective sectors.

Renting equipment has become a preferred option for businesses seeking managed services and bypassing high upfront costs. Compared to purchasing equipment, rentals offer a cost-effective solution that allows companies to choose optimal equipment tailored to their specific requirements. By embracing rental solutions, businesses can eliminate hidden and obvious costs associated with equipment ownership, thereby increasing productivity, meeting compliance standards, and achieving overall cost savings.

Over the past five years, Godrej RenTRUST has achieved a CAGR of 20%, solidifying its position as a trusted and leading player in the material handling rental industry and growing further. In this highly unorganized industry, Godrej RenTRUST continues to provide marquee services to enable fully complaint and safe operations with certified operators and high-quality equipment, that can be digitally monitored in real time by the clients. Customers benefit from their extensive reach in India across 300+ sites, optimized space and cost of warehouses, safer material handling movements till 12.5 meters height with increased throughput, with 80% of fleet being electric powered.

Commenting on this, Mr Anil Lingayat, Executive VP and Business Head, Godrej Material Handling, says, “We are thrilled to announce our investment of INR 100 crores in capital assets for Godrej RenTRUST, reflecting our strong belief in the rising demand for material handling solutions across the country. At Godrej RenTRUST, our focus is on empowering businesses to thrive by providing flexible rental options that eliminate high upfront costs and offer optimal equipment tailored to their specific needs. By delivering transparent rental contracts, exceptional service, and hassle-free maintenance, we aim to enhance our customers’ productivity, drive operational efficiencies, and enable them to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape. This strategic investment underscores our commitment to revolutionize the material handling rental industry and deliver exceptional value to our valued customers.”

One of the key advantages of Godrej RenTRUST’s rental contracts is the transparency it provides in operational expenses. Customers can benefit from a predetermined cost structure, enabling them to determine operational efficiencies needed for their core business. Additionally, rental contracts ensure that no unforeseen expenses arise during the operational cycle, minimizing surprises and providing peace of mind. Companies are increasingly transitioning from capital expenditures to rental solutions leveraging the flexibility it offers in meeting expansion needs, greenfield projects, and fleet replacements.

With a customer-centric approach, Godrej RenTRUST is poised to cater to the ever-growing demands of the Indian market and ensure seamless and efficient material handling for businesses across various sectors.

The Write Circle in Ahmedabad hosts eminent author of military stories Rachna Bisht Rawat

31st May 2023, Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad had a date with Rachna Bisht Rawat, the eminent author of military stories at a session of The Write Circle organized by Prabha Khaitan Foundation in association with Karma Foundation and House of MG. The event was supported by Ehsaas women of Ahmedabad – Priyanshi Patel and Shaneel Parekh.

The esteemed author Rachna Bisht-Rawat, whose portfolio of books includes heroic tales of the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, the latest being Bipin: The Man Behind the Uniform, had a rendezvous with conversationalist Aakriti Periwal, Honorary Convenor of Overseas Affairs of Prabha Khaitan Foundation and Ehsaas Woman of Jaipur.

Aakriti Periwal beautifully moderated the evening session at Bucky Gallery. She engaged in a captivating conversation with Rachna Bisht Rawat, delving into the inspiring life and career of Bipin Rawat, as well as the author’s own writing experiences and personal insights. The audience of Ahmedabad was captivated by the thought-provoking inquiries of the conversationalist and the wonderful answers by the author.

Before the commencement of the program, a delightful selection of tea and appetizers was served, providing an opportunity for the guests to engage in meaningful social interactions during the high-tea session. Shaneel Parekh of Ehsaas Woman of Ahmedabad delivered an engaging opening address, extending a warm welcome to all distinguished guests in attendance.

The 45-minute main session was followed by an engaging 15-minute question andanswer segment during which the enthusiastic audience actively participated and interacted with the esteemed speaker.

Priyanshi Patel – Ehsaas woman of Ahmedabad – expressed heartfelt gratitude to the speaker, moderator, and attendees, conveying her appreciation through a warm Thank You speech. Rachna Bisht Rawat graciously autographed and distributed copies of her books to the guests, creating lasting memories. Former Wing Commander Arun Kaul presented an esteemed accolade to Rachna Bisht Rawat during the event, recognizing her remarkable contributions to the literary world.

Servotech Showcases its EV DC Chargers Range at EVIS 2023 Abu Dhabi

New Delhi, 31 May 2023: India’s leading EV charger manufacturer Servotech Power Systems Limited showcased its extensive range of EV DC fast chargers during the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit in Abu Dhabi. Servotech participated in this 3-day-long summit in association with its distribution and marketing partner in the Middle East, Al Ansari Motors. This opportunity will help Servotech to increase its global footprint and understand the charging requirements of EV owners of different geographies more precisely.

Servotech so far has established remarkable milestones in India’s EV market with the successful establishment of commercial charging stations at multiple locations and fuel retail outlets. Servotech has learned a lot from its previously implemented strategies and now possesses renewed technical knowledge & expertise. Servotech will systematically use this experience to create improved tech-enabled charging equipment and provide even more viable charging solutions in other nations.

Raman Bhatia, Founder and MD of Servotech Power Systems Limited, commented on exhibiting a range of high-performance Servotech EV chargers at EVIS 2023, we are excited to be a part of the EVIS summit, this golden opportunity marks another big achievement for a long journey in the global EV charging sector. We also have showcased our EV chargers at several exhibitions in the past at multiple international locations like London and America to found that the popularity of electric vehicles is continuously rising among customers. We will ensure the easy availability of the best quality charging solutions for all EV owners. The Middle East region continuously shows new doors to meet big possibilities and make the world even better. This time, Servotech and Al Ansari Motors have come together and committed to fully participate and take their best foot forward to help the region in achieving the goals of zero-emission travel with our innovative charging solutions.

The significant turnout at the ongoing Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit indicates that Abu Dhabi is fully prepared to embrace the transition to e-mobility. The development of commercial charging infrastructure will encourage more buyers to switch to EVs. This summit will surely prove a bigger step toward a journey of sustainable mobility besides helping us to reach the next stage of international business growth, said Raman Bhatia.

The First-ever Great 4×4 X-pedition by Toyota in Southern Region of India, ends on a high note

Bangalore, May 31, 2023: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the successful completion of its first-ever ‘Great 4×4 X-pedition’, offering a fulfilling drive experience to the motoring enthusiasts in the Southern Region of India. The event, held during 26th-28th May 2023, covered the serene locations of Hassan and Sakleshpur, offering participants a chance to soak themselves in the scenic beauty and explore some historical places through the specially curated route. The first ‘Great 4×4 X-pedition by Toyota’ started with a zonal drive in South of India and is further set to be held in three other regions across the country, covering North, East and West, along with a ‘Grand National 4×4 X-pedition’ being planned towards the end of this year. Through this initiative, TKM aspires to connect participants with their sense of adventure and inspire them to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and thereby delivering ‘Mass Happiness’.

This inaugural event kickstarted TKM’s series of 4×4 adventure-oriented drives, with a convoy of twenty-four 4×4 SUVs which included a line-up of the legendary Hilux, LC300, Fortuner and the Hyryder AWD (All Wheel Drive) from Toyota as well as participation of SUVs from other brands. While the drive was designed, providing a platform to the 4×4 SUV enthusiasts to experience the thrill of driving & off-roading adventures, the focus was also to engage these passionate 4×4 community in various sustainable initiatives such as clean-up drive & tree plantation, thereby encouraging their eco-driven contributions and enhance the sense of responsibility towards the environment.

The day-one of the X-pedition started with a flag-off of SUVs convoy in Bengaluru and covered a distance of 180 kms, with a stopover at a historical place – the Shettihalli Rosary Church. While the Church provided ample photo opportunities for the enthusiasts to capture their memorable moment, it also gave participants a chance to do their part for the environment. The participants actively engaged in the clean-up of the area through collection and disposal of wastes.

Day-two of the X-pedition brought in more excitement through a specially curated off-roading drive experience, located amid the Western Ghats, surrounded by evergreen forests with a high level of biological diversity at Sakleshpur. These uniquely designed 4WD tracks with varied obstacles like – articulation, side-inclines, steep hill ascends & descends, deep ditches, rocky beds, brought in all the thrill & excitement to the overall experiential drive, showcasing different strengths of the 4×4 SUVs, and creating awareness on how to safely manoeuvre such obstacles. This power-packed drive was conducted with utmost safety & proper supervision, providing an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

The last day of the event was marked by further contribution to the environment by handing over of the certificates to the participants for the trees that were planted on their behalf by an NGO, who will nurture such planted trees. The Toyota’s first ‘Great 4×4 X-pedition’ was much appreciated by the participants and has been a good opportunity to connect with as many 4×4 enthusiasts & fans to create a community in the future.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Atul Sood, Vice President – Sales and Strategic Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stated, “We are delighted to have conducted our first-ever ‘Great 4×4 X-pedition’ in India, that was well-received by the 4×4 enthusiasts. It was enthralling to see their wholesome involvement in this adventurous journey with us. Toyota’s distinctive experiential drive has enabled a closer connect with the 4×4 fans who got to see the distinctive strengths of the 4×4 SUVs. We believe we have created exciting and fun moments for the discerning enthusiasts, through our ‘Great 4×4 X-pedition’. As we look forward to future adventures in the other zones, we remain committed to delivering ‘Mass Happiness’ by bringing unforgettable experiences to the passionate 4×4 community at large.”

With the successful completion of the first zonal event, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is looking forward to creating a whole new driving experience for the motoring enthusiasts in the future. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about other zone-wise 4×4 engagements including the grand national X-pedition planned for this year.

The Distingu-ISH-ED Culinary Fest at École Ducasse India was a grand success

Wednesday, 31st May 2023: The École Ducasse campus in India recently hosted a three-day culinary fest at its world-class institute in Gurugram. The event was held from the 23rd to 25th of May and saw culinary enthusiasts from across the country compete for a spot at the winners’ table. Professional chefs from top hotels and restaurants participated on Day 1, and the second day saw home cooks fight for the first prize. While Day 3 was the most exciting as students from various culinary academies and high schools competed on the final day.

The event included competitions like Pizza Making, Artistic Breads, and Three-Course Dinners. Some contests, like Dress the Cake and Plated Desserts, allowed participants to prepare the elements earlier and assemble them at the event. The Mystery Box Challenge, sponsored by Nestle Professionals, was highly anticipated by all! Contestants got a few select ingredients, including the Nestle Spice Mix, and cooked a signature dish in two hours.

The Pro-Am competition, where a working professional paired up with an aspiring chef, saw the most participants. Amongst these dynamic duos were a few culinary students and their parents. Through the competition, they got to see their children in action and cook with them in commercial kitchens. Talking about her experience, Mrs. Harpreet Kaur says, “It’s incredible to see my daughter, Gurneesh, transform into the incredible woman she’s become. I thank ISH, its faculty, and its founders for creating such a conducive learning environment for her to grow and flourish.”

Dr. Zubin D’souza, the Dean of Culinary Studies at École Ducasse ISH Gurugram, talks about the significance of the Culinary Fest and the reason for hosting it. He says, “Distingu-ISH-ED is the perfect platform for professionals to challenge each other, for home cooks to receive recognition and for students to be inspired by industry leaders. Aspiring chefs can learn the beauty of competing and the challenges of dealing with their contemporaries’ talents and skill sets. Given the spectacular success of the competition in the last three days, we look forward to organising more such festivals each year.”

While Nestle was our main sponsor, many others contributed generously to the event. These included Bakers Fantasy, 7 Sugar Lane, Elle & Vire, Damati Foods, Mangharam and Robot Coupe. They all sent us cooking equipment, ingredients and over 700 gift hampers for all winners and participants.

We even invited some prominent guests to judge the contest. These included celebrity hairstylist Sylvie, Chef Reetika Gill, food influencer Pawan Soni, publisher Sanjay Anand, and Sanjeeb Ghatak, the General Manager of Devyani International.

Social media star Gurpreet Singh Tikku was also part of the jury on Day 3. Talking about his experience at ISH, he said, “I loved the dishes and desserts I tasted at the Distingu-ISH-ED Culinary Fest! The attention to precise techniques and cooking methods is visible in the way students prepare and plate their food. The most enjoyable part of today was hearing the story behind each recipe. I’m looking forward to returning to this campus and interacting with the students again.”