ŠKODA AUTO INDIA EXPANDS ITSREACH ACROSS NORTHERN INDIA

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› ŠKODA AUTO India boosts customer touchpoints across north India by 104% from
25 in 2019 to 51 in 2022
› Inaugurated facilities in new locations — Dehradun, Panchkula, Faridabad,
Prayagraj, Kanpur, Bareilly and Kota
› Sets up additional touchpoints in Gurugram, Delhi, Jaipur and in the states of
Chattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
› Aims at further expansion in 15 cities in north India in 2022
› Rapid network expansion has fuelled the 173% sales growth (2021 over 2019) in
north India

April 11th 2022: ŠKODA AUTO India has stretched its growth story even further by steadily
expanding its market presence in northern India. This has resulted in an increase of customer touchpoints from 25 in 2019 to 51 in 2022 across north India, which translates to a growth of 104% in this market over the last two years. In addition, ŠKODA AUTO India has expanded its base in urban centres in northern India by a substantial 127%, growing from 15 cities in 2019 to 34 in 2022.

The growth in the region is part of ŠKODA AUTO’s INDIA 2.0 strategy of not only introducing new platforms and product lines, but also ensuring ŠKODA AUTO is closer to India’s customers by increasing accessibility via increased customer touchpoints. This rapid expansion of the dealer
network in the north has resulted in a sales growth of 173% across the region.

The carmaker is now fully equipped with facilities and centres to cater to customers in Solan, Dehradun, Bareilly, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Kota, among others. In the coming months, ŠKODA AUTO India will be entering Amritsar, Moradabad, Varanasi and Roorkee.

Commenting on the growth in customer touchpoints in the north region, Mr. Zac Hollis, Brand Director, ŠKODA AUTO India said, “It has been our top priority to widen our network and deepen our penetration pan India. After our expansion in the south and west, it was only natural that north India also joins in our growth story. While the growth is immense, this is just the beginning and expect
a lot more from us in the coming months. The ultimate goal of ŠKODA AUTO India is to provide the best service and ensure customer satisfaction. This expansion of our customer touchpoints is part of that endeavour to get even closer to our customers and fans.”

ŠKODA AUTO India recently launched the SLAVIA sedans, the second product under ŠKODA
AUTO’s INDIA 2.0 Project based on the made-for-India MQB A0 IN platform. The year 2021 was a year of growth for ŠKODA AUTO India that saw the company register a 130% rise in sales with the KUSHAQ SUV driving 60% of this number. The goal for 2022 is to more than double the overall sales for the car manufacturer. ŠKODA AUTO India has revitalised the stagnant sedan segment in
India with the SLAVIA. With this all new sedan, the company is targeting to be among the top-2 in the premium mid-size sedan segment.

MODERN DEALERSHIP FACILITIES WITH STREAMLINED BUSINESS PROCESSES
The new additions to ŠKODA AUTO India’s dealership and customer touchpoint family is not mere mushrooming of facilities. These centres meet the strictest quality standards and adhere to a uniform
ŠKODA AUTO-imbibed theme of signature architecture, functional interiors, digital elements and rationalised business processes with an aim to enhance the overall customer experience. The architectural concept of the dealership design reflects ŠKODA AUTO’s “Simply Clever with a Human Touch” slogan in line with the INDIA 2.0 project. The aesthetics of the dealership facility is characterised by clear and simple shapes, harmonious
colour combinations, modular design features, and a modern lighting concept. The exteriors of the ŠKODA AUTO dealerships will be the brand’s most powerful statement in the day and night – clear, transparent, modern, and open.

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ಲಾರಿ ಮಾಲೀಕರು ಅನುಭವಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ತೊಂದರೆಗಳನ್ನು ದಿ : 30-04-2022ರ ಒಳಗೆ ಪರಿಹಾರ ನೀಡದಿದ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ದಿ : 01-05-2022ರಿಂದ ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ ಲಾರಿಗಳ ಸ್ಥಗಿತ

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ಈ ಹಿಂದಿನ 2 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಅವಧಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕೋವಿಡ್ ಸಾಂಕ್ರಾಮಿಕ ರೋಗದಿಂದ ಇಡೀ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಆರ್ಥಿಕವಾಗಿ ಜನರು ಬಹಳ ತೊಂದರೆ ಅನುಭವಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ . ಲಾರಿ ಮಾಲೀಕರಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಅಥವಾ ಎರಡು ವಾಹನಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವವರು ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ಇರುತ್ತಾರೆ . ಈ ವಾಹನಗಳು ಸಹ ಮಾಸಿಕ ಕಂತಿನ ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ( Hire Purchase ) ಸಾಲ ಪಡೆದು ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ . ಇವರು ಒಂದು ರೀತಿಯ ಸ್ವ ಉದ್ಯೋಗದಂತೆ ಜೀವನ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ . ಆದರೆ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಕೆಲವು ನೀತಿಗಳಿಂದ ಲಾರಿಗಳನ್ನು ನಡೆಸಿ ಉದ್ದಿಮೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯಲು ಮತ್ತು ಜೀವನ ಸಾಗಿಸಲು ಕಷ್ಟವಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ . ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಸರಕು ಸಾಗಾಣಿಕೆ ವಾಹನಗಳನ್ನು ನಾಲ್ಕು ವಿಧಾನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬಳಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ . ಹೊಸ ವಾಹನವನ್ನು ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಮಿತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ , ಸುಮಾರು ನಾಲೈದು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ನಂತರ ಅಂತರ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ , ತದನಂತರ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಮಟ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತು ಕೊನೆಯದಾಗಿ ಹಳೆಯ ವಾಹನಗಳನ್ನು ನಗರ ಪಟ್ಟಣ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳಲ್ಲಿ 50 ಕಿ . ಮೀ ಒಳಗಿನ ಅಂತರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂದರೆ , ರೈಲ್ವೆ ಗೂಡ್ಸ್‌ಶೆಡ್ , ಎ.ಪಿ.ಎಂ.ಸಿ ಯಾರ್ಡ್ ಮತ್ತು ಕಟ್ಟಡ ಸಾಮಾಗ್ರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಸಾಗಿಸಲು ಉದ್ಯಮವನ್ನು ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ . ಇಂದಿನ ಸಂಚಾರ ದಟ್ಟಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಈ 50 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಒಳಗಡೆ ಸಂಚರಿಸುವ ವಾಹನಗಳು ಒಂದೇ ಒಂದು ಟ್ರಿಪ್ ಮಾಡಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ . ಈ ಹಳೇ ವಾಹನಗಳಿಗೆ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಸಂಬಧಪಟ್ಟ ಫೀಸುಗಳನ್ನು 01-04-2022ರಿಂದ 16 ಪಟ್ಟು ಹೆಚ್ಚಳ ಮಾಡಿರುವುದು ಬಡ ಲಾರಿ ಮಾಲೀಕರ ಮೇಲೆ ಪ್ರಹಾರ ಮಾಡಿದಂತಾಗಿದೆ . ಇದರಿಂದ ನಾವುಗಳು , ಉದ್ದಿಮೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉಳಿಯುವುದೇ ಕಷ್ಟವಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ . ಈ ಹಳೆಯ ವಾಹನಗಳ ಫಿಟ್‌ನೆಸ್‌ ಸರ್ಟಿಫಿಕೇಟ್‌ನ್ನು ಅವಧಿ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಆಗಾಗ ಸೂಕ್ತ ರಿಪೇರಿ ಮಾಡಿಸಲು ಕಾನೂನಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಕಾಶವಿದೆ . ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಯಾರದೋ ಒತ್ತಡಕ್ಕೆ ಮಣಿದು ರಸ್ತೆ ಸರಕು ಸಾಗಾಣಿಕೆ ವಾಹನಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದಂತೆ ಈ ಹಿಂದೆ ಇದ್ದ ನಿಯಮಗಳನ್ನು ಉಲ್ಲಂಘನೆ ಮಾಡಿದಾಗ ವಿಧಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ದಂಡವು ರೂ .100 ರಿಂದ ರೂ .500 ರವರೆಗೆ ಇದ್ದಿತು . ಈ ದಂಡಗಳನ್ನು ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಕನಿಷ್ಟ ರೂ .5,000 / – ದಿಂದ ರೂ .25,000 / -ದವರೆಗೆ ಏರಿಸಿ ಈ ಲಾರಿ ಮಾಲೀಕರು ಈ ಉದ್ದಿಮೆಯನ್ನು ನಡೆಸಲು ಕಷ್ಟಕರವಾದ ಸನ್ನಿವೇಶವನ್ನು ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಮಾಡಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ . ಮೋಟಾರು ವಾಹನ ಇಲಾಖಾಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಮೇಲ್ಕಂಡ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸಿದ ದಂಡದ ಮೊತ್ತಗಳನ್ನು ದುರುಪಯೋಗಪಡಿಸಿ ಕೊಂಡು ದಿನನಿತ್ಯ ಲಾರಿ ಮಾಲೀಕರನ್ನು ಸುಲಿಗೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ . ಈ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಎಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಮುಟ್ಟಿದೆ ಎಂದರೆ ನಾವು ನಮ್ಮ ಲಾರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಓಡಿಸಿದಷ್ಟು ಸಾಲಗಾರರಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ , ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಮಾತ್ರ ಖುಷಿಯಿಂದ ಇದ್ದಾರೆ . ಡಿಸೇಲ್ ಮತ್ತು ಪೆಟ್ರೋಲ್ ದರಗಳನ್ನು ದಿನದ ಲೆಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಏರಿಕೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದು , ಇದನ್ನು ಸರಿದೂಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಸರಕು ಸಾಗಾಣೆ ಉದ್ಯಮವನ್ನು ನಡೆಸಲು ಕಷ್ಟವಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ . ಮೇಲ್ಕಂಡ ಈ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕಾರಣಗಳಿಂದಾಗಿ ನಮಗೆ ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ರಸ್ತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸರಕು ಸಾಗಾಣಿಕೆ ಉದ್ಯಮವನ್ನು ನಡೆಸಲು ಕಷ್ಟವಾಗಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ಸರ್ಕಾರವು ಕೂಲಂಕುಶವಾಗಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸಿ ದಿನಾಂಕ : 30-04-2022 ರೊಳಗೆ ಪರಿಹಾರ ನೀಡಬೇಕು , ಇಲ್ಲವಾದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾವು ನಮ್ಮ ಸ್ಥಳಿಯ ಸರಕು ಸಾಗಾಣಿಕೆ ಕೆಲಸವನ್ನು ಸ್ಥಗಿತಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ ಎಂದು ಬಿ.ಚನ್ನಾರೆಡ್ಡಿ – ಗೌರವ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರು ಸಿ.ನವೀನ್ ರೆಡ್ಡಿ – ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರು ಪತ್ರಿಕಾ ಗೋಷ್ಥಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು

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DMI Finance Acquires a Controlling Interest in Appnit Technologies

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DMI Finance Private Limited (“DMI”) today announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in Prepaid Payment Instruments (“PPI”) license holder, Appnit Technologies Private Limited (“Appnit”). Appnit will become a subsidiary of DMI Finance.

Appnit’s customer-facing brand Oxymoney provides services including various wallet services, money transfers, AePS, utility bill payments, and micro ATMs, through its distribution network across India. Oxymoney will be rolling out new wallet based pre-paid products including pre-paid cards and will be expanding its distribution network. Appnit holds a PPI license from the Reserve Bank of India.

Commenting on the acquisition, Shivashish Chatterjee, Co-founder and Joint MD, DMI Finance, said, “We are excited by the acquisition of Appnit. It provides us with a platform through which we can broaden both our customer base and product suite. A dedicated payments team allows us to continue to deliver innovative credit products in our quest to drive financial inclusion at scale across India.”

Adding further, Nitin Kapoor Co-Founder & CEO of Appnit said, “We are delighted to be part of the DMI Finance family – the strategic synergies are a significant boost to our journey to make cutting-edge financial products and services accessible to a wider customer base.”

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Bengaluru Sees Major Increase in Number of Parkinson’s Patients in Recent Years

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In the last two decades, the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s in India has increased to more than 300-400 people per lakh population
More and more younger people in India are attending specialized movement disorders clinics

BENGALURU / April 9, 2022: The burden of Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism disorders is rapidly rising in India. Not long ago, Parkinson’s was considered a disease prominent only in Western countries. However, in the last two decades, its incidence and prevalence in India has increased to 300-400 people per lakh population. The WHO has predicted that India would see a massive 200-300% increase in Parkinson’s disease over the next two to three decades. This was said by Dr. Prashanth LK, Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Specialist at the Center for Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, ahead of the World Parkinson’s Day.

Dr. Prashanth LK, considered Bengaluru’s foremost expert on Parkinson’s disease, said: “Bengaluru has seen a major increase in the number of movement disorders patients in recent years, especially Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism disorders, at the specialized Movement Disorders Clinics in the city. According to recently published research covering three major movement disorders clinics at Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata, it was discovered that 65% of total patients coming to these clinics had Parkinsonian disorders. ”

The research revealed some interesting findings about Indian people. Some of the neurodegenerative diseases were found to be common or limited only to India. For example, the SCA-12 (Spinocerebellar ataxia-12) is almost exclusive to the Aggarwal community. Wilson’s disease, a rare but treatable disorder affecting liver and brain, is actually quite common in India. Several different types of Parkinsonism disorders have also been noticed in the Indian population. These atypical parkinsonian disorders account for about a quarter of the movement disorders patients seen at specialized movement disorders clinics, indicating the burden and requirement for more research in these fields, according to Dr. Prashanth LK.

He added: “Another important aspect in India is the changing pattern of Parkinson’s patients at various specialized movement disorders clinics. More and more younger people of less than 40 years of age are attending these clinics now. The reason could include genetics, stress, poor quality of life, etc. This changing age profile is of concern as these people are the breadwinners of the family and at the prime of their professional life. An ongoing study on young onset of Parkinson’s disease has revealed interesting genetic findings regarding the Indian population.”

The amount of research output in India about Parkinson’s disease is limited due to funding constraints. The funding agencies in India are predominantly government bodies, which spread the research funds across entire spectrum of healthcare, rather than providing in-depth funding to age-related diseases. Said Dr. Prashanth LK: “We require dedicated funding for specific disorders to conduct meaningful research that can impact the outcome of care for Parkinson’s patients. In the West, a significant amount of funding comes from private philanthropic agencies and trusts, which exclusively fund research into these disorders. Similar type of funding support from Indian philanthropic groups and trusts would generate dramatic research outcomes from Indian researchers. Indian population has probably different genetic and demographic aspects. With such a great talent pool of researchers catering to this huge population, right funding would help in getting several “Eureka” moments for global science.”

Talking about upcoming therapies on treatment for Parkinson’s patients, Dr. Prashanth LK said: “Work is going on regarding both therapeutic outcomes and understanding the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s. Insights from genetic research have given us hope for specific gene-based therapies for certain subsets of Parkinson’s disease patients. Early trials are going on for possible disease modification and cure-based approaches. We may possibly have dramatic disease modifying therapies over the next couple of decades for Parkinson’s disease.”

The focus of the government in India has usually been on treatable and preventable disorders such as nutritional and infectious diseases. Funding for ageing-related disorders is slowly being increased now, as it is now being appreciated that age-related disorders would constitute major healthcare burden in a few decades in India. “The Government should encourage private funding agencies, philanthropic organizations and CSR initiatives of corporates to be channelled towards improving the care and support system of Parkinson’s disease and other aging disorders. A good government policy impetus can give a boost to research in this field,” said Dr. Prashanth LK.

About 10-15 years back, there used to only 5-10 exclusive Parkinson’s disease specialists in India. In the last 10 years, there has been a sudden increase in the number of neurologists who exclusively specialize in Parkinson’s Disease (called Movement Disorders Specialists). India now has an exclusive society for movement disorders, called Movement Disorders Society of India, which is making impact globally. During the last 10 years, exclusive research groups working for Parkinson’s disease have also been formed, like the Parkinson Research Alliance of India (PRAI), to collaborate, understand and possible get breakthroughs for movement disorders.

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Jaipur Rugs opens Its first Store in Bengaluru

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One of its kind stores is designed by renowned designer Sandeep Khosla and is o step forward towards becoming a global brand

Bengaluru April, 2022 : Jaipur Rugs, The largest manufacturer of Handmade Rugs in India brings true craftsmanship and timeless designs to Bengaluru with the launch of its retsil store in Indira Nagar. The store is designed by well-known architects Sandeep Khosia and Amaresh Anand of Khosla Associates.

On display are handmade rugs by international and Indian designers including the much acclaimed “Manchaha Collection” from the rural belts of Rajasthan that blur the definitions of form and redefine what art should be. Through its carpets Jaipur Rugs alms to add art into everyday life.

“This is the First Mano brand store of Jaipur Rugs in the state of Karnataka after stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Milan. We have always admired the cosmopolitan culture of Bengaluru and were anxiously waiting for the opportunity to showcase our world class collection to the people Chaudhary, Director Jaipur Rugs. this great city, Says Yogesh

The common factor that Jaipur Rugs and the city of gardens is that both Jaipur Rugs and people of Bengaluru believes in the spirit of living life to ts fullest and we hope that they can relate with our artists who despite all the hardships are a true example of grit and determination”he further adds.

The store showcases the process of making and tell the story of a sustainable brand, conscious of social impact through their support of 40,000+ artisans across 600 villages in india. Aloom is placed at the foyer of, the store to show the process of weaving, as well as display hand tools used in the weaving and finishing of the rugs Storyboards of the legacy of the brand and the processes of making were also highlighted on feature walls.

Nearly 85% of Jaipur Rugs weavers are women who take pride in working from their own homes. From the tribal belts of Gujarat to diverse communities in five states of India, these women represent what the company calls the ‘Creative Caste. They have not had a fair share of opportunities but now have found their voices and dignity within their communities.

Sustainability goals and Manchaha Collection: The rug industry globally is losing billions of dollars in wasted yarn. Surplus yarn is either incinerated or goes straight to landfil. An initiative by Jaipur Rugs called Manchaha – is a step towards reusing the millions of sq meters of waste into a fun product.

Rugs in the one-of-a-kind Manchaha collection are made using hand-spun leftover yarn batches. These batches are basically waste left after the weaving is done, The yarn is in such small quantities that it cannot be reused as part of another regular rug. These small unusable batches of yarn are packed in sacks and sent to weavers for them to pick whatever they like for their Manchaha rugs.

This helps reduces wastage that had no solution and makes the colour palette of these rugs as unique as their design. It is a remarkable example of sustainable production -reusing and revival from waste, the problem becoming its own solution.

The Manchaha project is also a great tool against patriarchy as it puts regular and sustainable income directly into the hands of the women (over 80% of artisans working with Jaipur Rugs are women). Additionally, women weavers are getting a lot of recognition on the world stage uplifting their social status in their communities.

As the women become earning members of the family they slowly, but surely rise in status and get a voice that they can use for their own transformation. The exposure that some women are gaining by winning awards and travelling across the world to receive them is transforming their lives, And creating aspirations in a other weavers to follow in their footsteps.

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