Kiccha Sudeep Returns With Bigg Boss Kannada Season 3

Bangalore, 21^st October 2015: Karnataka’s much loved show – Bigg Boss, returns for its third season on COLORS Kannada. Starting October 25^th, 2015 with its grand premiere at 6pm – this show promises wholesome family entertainment with interesting tasks and an emotional connect.  The show will yet again be hosted by Super Star Kiccha Sudeep who will exude both charm and his trademark hosting skills, making the contestants at home in the intriguing Bigg Boss House. Produced by Endemol Shine India Pvt. Ltd, this season will witness 15 celebrities from different walks of life, living as one family for 100 days, surrounded by 55 cameras that will capture their every move.  

Talking about the reason of bringing the show back to the channel, Ravish Kumar, EVP Viacom18 and Project Head – COLORS Kannada, COLORS Bangla and COLORS Odiya said, “Bigg Boss is a show that is the perfect combination of drama and reality making the show a hot topic for dinner table and water-cooler conversations. The 9pmprimetime slot allows us to cater to the entertainment needs of the entire family and coupled with the charisma that Sudeep brings to Bigg Boss, the show is sure to strike a chord with viewers.”

Speaking about the theme for this season, Parameshwara Gundkal, Business Head of COLORS Kannada says, “You are going to see an undivided Kannada family at the Bigg Boss house this season. Father, Mother, son, daughter, daughter-in-law, cook, and comedian – the house will have every character imaginable. How they survive the 100 days living together under one roof is the essence of the show. This season however, there is no room for drama – this will not be a controversial Bigg Boss, but an emotional one.”

The much loved super star, Kiccha Sudeep, will continue to host the show and talking about his return to the show, he said, “Sometimes, the housemates will feel a little low and at times they will be happy. I will be talking to them every weekend. I like hosting this show because it gives me an opportunity to maintain a balance in the house by pacifying those who are sad and reining in the hyperactive. I assure you that this time too, the show will be highly entertaining.”

In Season 3, the Bigg Boss house has transformed into a regular Kannada house, but of course, with the characteristic twists and turns that are involved with the show. What’s more, the show will not be held in Lonavala near Pune as in previous years, but in Bidadi near Bangalore where a palatial 14,000 sq. ft. house is decked and ready to host its housemates. In fact, this is the biggest Bigg Boss house ever seen on Indian television.

Elaborating on the same, Abhishek Rege, Chief Operating Officer – Television, Endemol Shine India, said, “This year too Bigg Boss Kannada will live up to its promise of providing unlimited and un-paralleled entertainment. With our new theme ‘No Room for Drama’ this season, there is no space for controversies and fights but instead the unpredictability and the twists & turns of the show will help churn out a mixed bag of reactions from contestants.”

As the tagline “No room for drama” suggests, a lot of groundwork has gone into the selection of the housemates to steer clear of controversies. The housemates have been selected carefully from among achievers in various age groups and backgrounds. The challenge this time is to play the game with a clear conscience and win the coveted prize of 50 lakhs.

As an added element for our viewers this season, select audience members will get an opportunity to witness the eviction episode ‘Vaarada Kathe Kicchana Jote’ live.

The show opens with an explosive event at 6 pm on October 25, 2015, following which it will air every night at 9 PM only on COLORS Kannada.

– PAVAN KUMAR BG

Havells redefines domestic switchgear business; to focus on solutions based approach for new age & smart consumers

Bengaluru, October 19th, 2015: Havells India Limited, a $1.4 billion leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) Company with a strong global footprint, today shared its new approach to domestic switchgear business in the state. The company for the first time is looking at offering solutions in-line with consumers demand for latest technology matching modern day décor. The new range of products will provide enhanced safety, security and appeal, keeping in mind the growing base of young consumers. The company already is a market leader in domestic switchgear business in the country with over 28% market share.

The company launched its innovative range of switchgear products comprising of Automatic Changeover with Current Limiter (ACCL), Euro II series MCBs & RCCBs and premium & super premium range of distribution boards. These latest & safest yet aesthetically appealing switchgears would safeguard residences from any electrical issues. Havells has different solutions for commercial and industrial applications.

Havells ACCL is a fully automatic high precision microcontroller based ‘Source Changeover’ device that offers easy and ‘controllable’ changeover between main power supply and generator supply, and helps in overcoming the problem of increased downtime and disruption in key activities. Havells is also the first organized sector company in India to manufacture ACCL.

Over the years consumers’ expectations have changed but switchgear sector continued to use technology developed in 70s & 80s. Euro II series of Switchgear is completely designed, developed and manufactured in-house surpassing all the expectations of modern day consumers. The consumers typically use multiple appliances these days that often overload the wiring system. Euro II series not only provides protection against overload, short circuit and electric shock (earth leakage) but it has also been designed as one of the most user friendly Circuit Breakers available in the country in line with global specifications. The entire range of Euro II switchgears would be provided to consumers at no extra cost.

Distribution boards are fast becoming part of the living room. Until now, most people used to hide distribution boards as they did not gel with overall aesthetics of the living room. For the first time in the industry, Havells has launched a range of premium and super premium range of distribution boards that matches with modern day décor and aesthetics. The new range of distribution boards offers unique metallic finish and colours for modern homes. It also comes with magnetic locks, sleek curves, scratch resistant glossy surface with metallic paints and designer handles. Initially, the premium range will be available in metallic silverish grey/golden sparkle and sparkling white colors and super premium range will be available in wood, marble and leather finish. For the first time in the industry, the company would offer a choice to consumers to buy door of distribution box separately to suit their home interiors.

The company manufactures the entire range of its switchgear products in-house at its plant in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. AV Jagdish, Vice President and Head of Switchgear Segment, Havells India Limited, said, “I am happy that once again we are redefining the industry. Consumers and their expectations have changed and the new approach is more flexible and will help us further strengthen our business. The state is among the early adopters for new trends. Therefore, for an innovative company like us, Karnataka becomes a key market. We believe that for catering to a smarter India, one should withstand the tests posed by smarter states. We are excited to build upon our product portfolio and market share by empowering our customers”.

The company has a strong presence in the state with a network of over 400 dealers and distributors in more than 60 cities across the state. At present, the company has 41 galaxies and plans to launch 9 more galaxies by 2016. Through its dedicated efforts in the state, Havells targets total revenue of Rs. 500 cr by 2016. The company is also planning to expand its reach to Tier 2/3 cities and towns and increase the retail network.

India’s organized domestic switchgear market is estimated to be Rs.2100 – 2200 crore per annum for FY15-16. Havells continues to retain its No.1 position in the category with market share of about 28% with a pre-eminent position in both domestic switchgear categories.

– PAVAN KUMAR BG

It’s celebration & adventure galore in Motu Patlu’s next made for TV movie “Motu Patlu in Carnival Island”

National, 20th October, 2015: It’s time to once again roll out the orange carpet for India’s super cool awesome-twosome Motu Patlu.  The duo are back with their next mega potboiler ‘Motu Patlu in Carnival Island’. Set in the beautiful Carnival Island, the adventure will see Motu Patlu embark on a journey to save the Island from a suspicious bomb threat. The seventh made for television potboiler – ‘Motu Patlu in Carnival Island’ is all set to premiere on 22nd October at 10.30AM only on Nickelodeon.

The new exciting expedition of Motu Patlu in Carnival Island will provide rib tickling comedy, entertainment and high octane action.  The movie will see Motu Patlu embark on yet another adventure, this time Carnival Island where every year a grand carnival is held by its respectful owner- an old man affectionately called Dadaji.  This year, residents of Furfurinagar along with Motu Patlu and his friends are also invited to showcase their own tableaux. However, the celebrations and fanfare are threatened by a bomb planted by an evil contractor named Magral who wants to own Carnival Island. Will Motu Patlu discover the bomb and save the island and his friends, Find out more in the adventure that will premiere on 22^nd October.

The amazing Motu Patlu and their endearing comedy of errors has been delighting children and transporting them into a world of comedy, adventure and entertainment over the last 2 years. After their last outings to Wonderland, Mission Moon, the Deep Sea, Treasure Hunting and in Kung Fu Land, this new adventure in the Carnival Island is sure to be a roller coaster of action and laughter. So don’t forget to see Motu Patlu fight to ensure the victory of good over evil this Dusshera.

Catch ‘Motu Patlu in Carnival Island’, October 22nd at 10.30AM, only on Nickelodeon

– PAVAN KUMAR BG

Ness SES Organizes Walk-A-Thon to Promote Road Safety

Bangalore, Karnataka – 19 October, 2015: Over fifty employees from Ness Software Engineering Services (SES), Bangalore, took part in a walk-a-thon on Friday, an effort to spread awareness on the importance of following traffic rules and pedestrian safety.

Studies have shown that pedestrians account for a large portion of on-road fatalities and the numbers keep increasing by the year. In a bid to help reduce those numbers by increasing awareness of traffic rules, employees marched the sidewalks of the busy streets of Koramangala with signs and placards and distributed stickers. They also spent time at the busy junction at the signal near Forum to reach out to as many motorists and pedestrians as possible.  

This was only one of the initiatives undertaken by the organization to increase road safety awareness under a month-long campaign P.S.* Walk Safe, Drive Safe. Employees took a pledge to be vigilant commuters and follow traffic rules.Pruthvi Nanjappa, Vice President, Human Resources, Ness Software Engineering Services said that Ness has a storied history of getting engaged with the society. “As an organization we believe that we need to be engaged and contribute to the community. Earlier initiatives by Ness have focused on important societal issues such as child education and reducing pollution, to name a few. We shall continue in that spirit in the future as well.”

 Richa Nanda, one of the volunteers of the event, said that she was honored to be spreading an important message. She said, “Every day I walk to the local bus stand, and I have nearly been hit on a number of occasions. I hope people see us and listen to our message as well. It could save lives.”

– PAVAN KUMAR BG

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches the New Liva this Festive Season

Bangalore, October 16^th 2015:  Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced the launch of the stylish, dual toned and feature loaded new Liva. Features include Rear Roof Spoiler, Black Grille & ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirror) to complement its overall looks. The new Liva comes with enhanced safety, equipped with Standard Dual Front SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Airbags and  Standard Pre Tensioner and Force Limiter Front Seatbelts. Added with best in class cabin space and comfort, it comes with a warranty of 3 years / 100,000 kms, whichever comes first.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Akitoshi Takemura, Senior Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. said, “It is our endeavor to continuously upgrade our offering in line with the changing lifestyle preferences of our customers and with Etios Series being received “Most Promising Brand 2015” by Economic Times and we are confident, the New Liva will further delight our customers this auspicious season”.

Attractively priced at Rs. 5.76 lakhs (petrol variant) and Rs. 6.79 lakhs (diesel variant), ex-showroom Delhi, the New Liva will be on sale from this festive season.

Log onto http://www.toyotabharat.com/inen/news/media-contact/view-gallery.aspx for latest images of all Toyota models in India

Overview of TKM

Company name	Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited
Equity participation	TMC: 89%, Kirloskar Group: 11%
Number of employees	Approx. 6,400 +
Land area	Approx. 432 acres (approx.1,700,000 m2)
Building area	74,000 m2
Total Installed Production capacity	Upto 3,10,000 units

Overview of TKM 1st Plant:

Established	October 1997 (start of production: December 1999)
Location	Bidadi
Products	Innova, Fortuner manufactured in India. Prado, Land Cruiser and Prius imported as CBUs.
Installed Production capacity	Upto 1,00,000 units

 Overview of TKM 2nd Plant:

Start of Production	December 2010
Location	On the site of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited, Bidadi
Products	Corolla Altis, Etios, Etios Liva, Etios Cross, Camry & Camry Hybrid
Installed Production capacity	Upto 2,10,000 units

– PAVAN KUMAR BG

Aircel takes innovative steps to redefine data consumption; offers multiple industry first data products

Bangalore , Oct 15, 2015: In its aggressive bid to augment data consumption in the country, Aircel is encouraging its existing and potential customers to be online by availing an entire gamut of exciting and industry first data offers. In a trendsetting move, that would benefit mobile data users, Aircel has partnered with leading e-commerce website Snapdeal, mobile insurance provider Ingram and with NexGTV, a mobile TV destination, to provide relevant content for the customers.    

Anupam Vasudev, Chief Marketing Officer, Aircel, said, “Our newest innovations are in line with the evolving data and mobile internet scenario in the country. While India’s smartphone base has seen an increase of 55% in 2015, at Aircel we witnessed a 75% increase in our 3G user base. This suggests how more and more people are coming online. Having said that, there remains to be a huge opportunity to get more first time internet users on board as well as help graduate existing data users to faster technologies like 3G. Therefore, our idea is simple- if someone wants to be online, it’s best to be online with Aircel. Our industry first offers are intended to redefine the way mobile internet is consumed in India and we are confident that through these new offers we will continue our data success story in India and remain a brand that offers innovative data products and services. ” 

In order to provide an online shopper an option to buy a Data Recharge, Aircel is offering Paper Recharge through an ecommerce portal wherein an online shopper can choose from two exclusive denomination packs (Rs. 402 and Rs. 602) which are more aggressive and bundled with more benefits than the available market recharges. The voucher will be delivered through a courier service which will collect cash from the customer against physical delivery of the voucher. Aircel has partnered with Snapdeal.com to begin with for the offer and is looking to extend it to other websites as well. 

In another industry first move, Aircel is partnering with Ingram, a mobile insurance provider, for Aircel Cover Plus. Any customer who buys a new smartphone can choose from two variants of this product within seven days of the purchase for getting coverage limited to Accidental and Liquid Damage only. For new smartphones worth upto Rs. 10k, customers can purchase Rs. 499 pack that offers benefits worth Rs. 1200. This will also include 1GB Aircel data for 3 months. Rs. 799 pack will offer insurance against smartphones worth upto Rs. 55k and will include 1GB Aircel data for 3 months and Premium Anti-Virus.

In line with the growing mobile video consumption, Aircel is also revolutionizing the way entertainment is consumed on mobile phones through its tie up with nexGTv to offer a loaded bundled product for the smartphone user. An Aircel customer will enjoy NextGTV’s live TV that offers 130+ live TV Channels and 2000+ blockbuster movies, at a discounted annual subscription for just Rs.749 along with 1 GB Aircel data every month for 3 months. 

– PAVAN KUMAR BG

Vatika Business Centre announces its plans to go global

15^th October, 2015: Bengaluru: Vatika Business Centre, the largest Indian Business Centre Company, opened its second centre in Bengaluru and 13^thBusiness Centre in India, today. The company also announced its intention on going global with its first overseas branch to be opened in Colombo, Sri Lanka to be followed soon by presence in London, Singapore and Hong Kong.

This is in line with Vatika Business Centre’s aggressive plans to operate 35 centres by 2020. It is on popular demand by corporates in Bengaluru and great business sense that the second branch has been started. Outer Ring Road has emerged as the major IT growth corridor in the city housing several major international and national players like IBM, Intel, Accenture and CISCO. The new Business Centre at Tech Park, Cessna Business Park, Outer Ring Road, Bengaluru covers 17,000sq. ft of prime commercial space and offers 200 seats in various combinations upto 25 seater suites, 4 meeting rooms besides a conference room. In addition, it will offer virtual office space packages, Meeting Rooms, HD Video Conferencing facilities, etc to its leasees.

Apart from Bengaluru, Vatika Business Centre provides premium serviced and virtual office business solutions across Gurgaon, Delhi, Noida, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai. These centres are readily furnished with premium fit-outs and ergonomically designed furniture. It is the cutting edge technology, flexibility to upsize or downsize besides affordable costing that has made Vatika Business Centre most sought after amongst office solution providers. An ISO 9001:2008 and TUV SUD certified center, it offers an ideal choice for fledgling companies to firmly establish themselves with instant, flexible and ready to use professional office spaces and a wide range of services to set up quickly.  Some of the esteemed clients serviced by Vatika Business Centre are HBO, GE India, Ralph Lauren, The Hindu, The Economist, Renault, Air Asia, Plantronics, Carel, Softline, TripAdvisor and Akamai, etc.

Mr. Vineet Taing, President, Vatika Hotels, said “Vatika Business Centrewill have an undoubted lead over any competition in terms of seating capacity and giving instant solutions. We are present in most Tier I cities and willing to open more centres in Tier I and Tier II cities in India as well as going global. We envisage opening 4 new business centres every year with plans to expand to Sri Lanka, London, Singapore and Hong Kong soon. We have grown at an exponential rate of 60 % last year with over 3 Lakh sqft now. We are open to all formats; opening business centres on owned/lease spaces or by signing management contracts. For the same, we are securing an investment of around 200 crores with the aim of touching an annual turnover of around 250 crores within 5 years.”

– PAVAN KUMAR BG

GANJAM CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

Bangalore, October, 14^th2015 – Ganjam, the luxury heritage jewellery brand celebrated the completion of 125 years today by launching its Flagship Store. With a legacy of being jewellers to Indian royalty, over the last 125 years, Ganjam has grown to become one of India’s leading luxury brands offering an exquisite blend of the modern and the traditional. 

 Located on Vittal Mallya road, the store, spread over 10,000 sq. ft, is a contemporary interpretation of a temple that reflects the deep heritage of Ganjam. The massive dimensions, the walls composed of cut stones, the harmonious integration into the landscape, the feeling of space and air that is felt everywhere, the carved columns all combine to create a space that is evocative of Hampi and Dravidian architecture. The store has been created keeping in mind the guidelines that govern Vastu to ensure that energies have been utilized to achieve greater harmony with nature. The store features framed and decorated entries along with carved columns such as the Banyan tree inspired interior details spanning over two floors. The Staircase in the boutique is a réflexion of the geometrically thrilling “Stepped Tank” (in the royal center).

Ganjam’s profound humanity and values are reflected in the use of natural materials – light stone for the façade, the floor and the  interior walls, golden teak to express the contemporary Banyan tree,  high gloss rosewood for the furniture, Indian silk paneling on the walls, wool and silk for the carpets inspired by the peacock, a bronze finished metal for the metal work  – all come togther in perfect consonance to cretae a space that pays tribute to Ganjam’s heritage and unparalleled handcrafting.

The store comprises of individual retail spaces designed to offer personalised service to the customers.

The elegant boutique is designed by the renowned design personality Mr. Denis Montel, Managing & Artistic Director, RDAI. Speaking on the occassion, he said, « We were inspired by the Hampi temples, which are very important for the Ganjam family, but the building is definitively contemporary. The idea was to create a massive and timeless architecture made only of stone. This aesthetic of mass and roughness provides a strong contrast with the refinement of the jewelry.
Ganjam is an evolving brand with a strong heritage and a timeless appeal. It was important for us that their unique handcrafting and human ethos were expressed in the architectural design and details. The store expresses the essence of Ganjam and the depth of their heritage.» 

As a tribute to their 125 year journey, Ganjam has also unveiled 2 stunning collections – Mooresque & Tasrika.

– PAVAN KUMAR BG

ZIPPO AND CHRISTOPHER SHANNON REKINDLE TO LAUNCH NEXT PHASE OF COLLABORATION

Iconic American brand Zippo is proud to announce the launch of a limited edition lighter collection with renowned British fashion designer Christopher Shannon. In four unique designs, Shannon celebrates the hedonism of nights out with friends.

Zippo lighters have long represented a keepsake vestige for the designer who enjoys working with accessories in all their forms. Each lighter in the collection showcases memories of colourful scenery taken from archive imagery by photographer Jason Evans. Distorted Christopher Shannon artwork inspired by the style of T-shirt slogans of the past feature on the reverse.

Christopher Shannon said: “I wanted each lighter in the collection to feel like a memento; something you give to a friend after a night out. It’s a nod to the fact that Zippo lighters have this unique life span that can see them take on different owners over the years.”

He continues, “I’ve long held an affinity for Zippo since seeing my brother own one. I was a jealous sibling then and am now enjoying bringing my take to this classic brand. I think of the Zippo lighter as one of a ‘holy trinity’ of items young guys have in their pockets, alongside a phone and keys, so this should be something many men can identify with.”

The reciprocal partnership initially saw Zippo provide stimulus for Christopher Shannon’s SS16 collection showcased at London Collections: Men earlier this summer. Shannon’s signature knitwear was emblazoned with a design featuring the world-famous Zippo windproof lighter and models walked the runway with Zippo lighters hanging from their necks.

With its unique, definitive design and the famous Zippo “click”, Zippo lighters have long been distinguished as the symbol of style and ingrained in the fabric of global pop culture. The lighter has been seen in the hands of many of the most influential people from the worlds of fashion, music and film. To date the brand has featured in more than 1,800 movies, stage plays and television shows. The likes of movie director Quentin Tarantino won’t make a movie without a Zippo lighter in it and Frank Sinatra is buried with his.

David Warfel, Global Marketing Director at Zippo said: “Collaborating with Christopher Shannon made sense for so many reasons. We like how he integrates the everyday into fashion and his position on throwaway culture really resonated with us. At Zippo we pride ourselves on making durable products and we’re still backed by our famous lifetime guarantee. We are delighted that Christopher has used our lighters as his latest canvas.”

The limited run of just 300 Zippo x Christopher Shannon windproof lighters will be available from 12 October from www.Christophershannon.co.uk.

 Follow Zippo on Facebook and Twitter to be kept up-to-date with the latest news, exclusive offers and other exciting announcements.

– PAVAN KUMAR BG

International Presence to mark 27th edition of Index

 14th October, Bangalore : UBM Index fairs, organisers of the flagship show INDEX FAIRS, are hosting the 27th edition of India`s leading international interiors, architecture and design events from 15th-18th October at MMRDA Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The show will have presence from over 300 companies promoting over 500 brands.

 Index, this year is proud to include country pavilions from Turkey, United Kingdom, Spain and China along with other international participation from Australia, Malaysia, Nepal, Japan amongst others.

 The four day trade fair will connect buyers and traders dealing with furniture and fittings, OEM white goods, accessories, lighting products with architects, interior designers, builders, project managers, consultants, procurement heads across the hospitality, corporate and government sectors, kitchen and bath equipment. The show will be marked by knowledge forums, innovation corners and product launch zones. The event is supported by Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), All India Hardware Association, Hospitality Purchasing Managers Forum (HPMF), Taiwan Furniture Manufacturers Association (TFMA), Furniture Association from Turkey (MARMOB), Istanbul Exporters Association (IEA) and British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA).

 The show will also include a seminar by IIID, “Imagine Natcon”, the launch of a Kitchen Catalogue by Chef Ranveer Brar, an Art Enclave, Design Boulevard and Kudos Gallery showcasing works from eminent artists, designers and architects respectively.

 The B2B trade show will witness the presence of celebrities like Zarine Khan a well known architect and interior designer, along with other eminent industry dignitaries like Brinda Miller, Ar. Karan Grover, Pratap Jadhav, President, IIID, Mohan Deshpande, Chairman, Hospitality Purchasing Managers Forum and other designers and dignitaries from the industry. Renowned companies such as Living Spaces, Woodbox, Seatingworld, Hettich, Ebco, Labacha, Collins, Jyoti Architectural, Crompton, Asian Paints, Makwana, Kaff, Acrysil, HSIL, Spacewood, Vandana Traders, Futuristic Concepts, Ventura, Bose Hardware, CNR, Evolve, Action Tesa, Tunes, Indaux, Glitorium, Oswal, Jolly Engg, Eagle Sales amongst others will display their products and offerings.

 Yogesh Mudras, Acting Managing Director, UBM India said, “Trade and capital flows have accelerated in the past two decades and the country’s per capital income has nearly trebled in this period. Given the current growth of urban India in both the corporate environment and the rising middle-class population’s per capita income, all together have created a huge demand in the luxury market especially witnessed in sub sector of interiors and in-turn furniture.  With UBM’s market penetration, Index has drawn significant attention from buyers and international sourcing delegates from across the globe and we expect the Indian industry to benefit from this increased international presence at the Expo.” 

Mr L.A Khan, Managing Director, UBM Index further elaborated, “Owing to our 26 years old flagship trade show, Index, the only kind of B2B show catering to the industry in India, we enjoy a close connect with the community of architects, interior designers and builders/developers and with key trade and buyer delegations across India. In addition, through our strategic alliances, we have a standing relationship with industry’s professional bodies. The 27th edition of this show will continue to serve as an industry platform for the trade community to harness the huge potential and in-turn contribute to the growth of this sector.”

– PAVAN KUMAR BG