Ambuja Cements’ SEDI Enhances Rural Youth Skills in Nagaur for a Brighter Future
Rajasthan, 20 January 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is dedicated to empowering communities through skill development initiatives. Through its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI), the Company’s CSR efforts have shaped the career of Surendra Barwal, a young graduate from Sanwaliyawas, Nagaur in Rajasthan.
After completing a 60-day course in business facilitation and IT skills at SEDI, Surendra secured a job as an Audit Officer at Fusion Microfinance Ltd., with a monthly salary of Rs. 28,301, helping him move beyond farming to support his family’s future.
Coming from a middle-class background, Surendra initially supported his education by coaching others but found it insufficient to meet his family’s needs. SEDI not only provided him with the necessary skills through its training programme, but also helped him land a stable job. His story has inspired many others from his village to join SEDI and pursue careers beyond agriculture.
With his employment, Surendra now contributes to his family’s income, raising their total monthly earnings to Rs. 80,000, significantly improving their quality of life. His success has earned him recognition in his community, where he is seen as a role model for perseverance and hard work. Surendra expressed his gratitude towards SEDI and Ambuja Cements for this transformation.
Ambuja Cements remains committed to facilitating sustainable livelihoods by empowering rural youth through skill-based training, securing a stronger future for communities across the nation.
Otters Club Squash Tournament 2025: Avaada Group Empowers a Stage for Champions
Mumbai, January 20, 2025: The Otters Club Squash Tournament 2025 concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impact on the Indian squash community. Supported by Avaada Group, a leader in renewable energy, the event showcased a remarkable convergence of talent, passion, and sportsmanship.
The tournament, held from January 14 to 18, 2025 at Otters Club, Bandra, witnessed an impressive turnout, with 412 players competing across 15 draws. Participants traveled from cities across India, contributing to the dynamic energy levels and showcasing a vibrant mix of skills and talent. It featured participants from diverse categories, including Men, Women, Boys, and Girls, with detailed statistics as follows:
● Total Events: 15
● Total Draws: 15
● Total Players: 412
The tournament showcased remarkable performances, setting new benchmarks, and highlighting the immense potential of India’s young squash talent.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sindoor Mittal, Vice Chairperson of Avaada Group, “We at Avaada believe in empowering communities through sustainable development and holistic growth strategies. Sports is an avenue that cultivates character, discipline, and resilience. Our goal with supporting the Otters Club Squash Tournament is to encourage youth and the younger generation of sports in India and that extends our vision of a brighter more inclusive future.”
Commenting on the tournament’s significance, Otters Club President, Ayaz Kazi stated, “The tournament has been a phenomenal success, showcasing the immense talent and passion for squash across the country. We are proud to create a platform where players, from budding talent to seasoned professionals, can compete and excel. We are deeply grateful to Avaada for their support in elevating the tournament’s stature and enabling us to deliver an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.”
The Otters Club Squash Tournament has long been recognized for nurturing young talent and fostering a love for sport. Avaada’s involvement reflects their commitment to supporting sports and empowering youth, aligning with their broader mission of promoting sustainable growth and development in various spheres. With top players, rising stars, and enthusiastic fans coming together, the tournament promises to be a highlight for sports enthusiasts, players, and coaches alike.
Scaler Innovation Lab and NeoSapien Team Up to Innovate India’s First AI-Driven Wearable Device
Mumbai, January 20th, 2025: Scaler, a soonicorn education provider in India, has partnered with NeoSapien, an early-stage startup developing an AI-powered wearable device to enhance human memory, decision-making, and productivity. NeoSapien, a Shark Tank India Season 4 participant, is the first company to join the recently launched Scaler Innovation Lab, a non-dilutive grant fund to support promising startups, offering not just financial assistance but also access to a high-quality workspace, resources, and a strong network of industry experts. This pioneering incubator fosters innovation in AI/ML, IoT, Robotics, and Blockchain.
NeoSapien stands out as a groundbreaking venture, being the first in India and among the pioneers globally to develop an AI-powered wearable. This device, created by cousins Dhananjay Yadav and Aryan Yadav, aims to redefine how individuals interact with technology, bridging gaps in communication while fostering deeper connections.
Through its partnership with Scaler Innovation Lab, NeoSapien will leverage state-of-the-art resources to advance its product development and scale operations. The collaboration includes:
- Grant Support: A non-dilutive grant of ₹10 lakh to support NeoSapien’s growth.
- Student Internships: Access to talented students from Scaler School of Technology, who will intern with NeoSapien to provide essential skilled talent.
- Expert Mentorship: Guidance from industry leaders at Scaler to accelerate research, development, and product implementation.
- Operational Assistance: Support in software testing and warehousing to streamline operational challenges.
“Scaler Innovation Lab is committed to empowering promising startups like NeoSapien to bring transformative ideas to life,” said Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-founder of Scaler and InterviewBit. “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with NeoSapien as our first partner and to contribute to the vibrant startup ecosystem by combining the expertise of our mentors and the talent of our students.”
NeoSapien Co-Founder Dhananjay Yadav commented, Joining Scaler Innovation Lab is a game-changer for us. The funding, mentorship, and access to top-tier talent will significantly boost our growth trajectory, enabling us to focus on what we do best—innovating and solving real-world challenges through technology.
During their Shark Tank India pitch, the founders showcased the immense potential of Neosapien and
their vision for the future of personal assistance, seeking ₹80 lakhs for 2.5% equity.
The Scaler Innovation Lab is designed to be a hub for groundbreaking ideas, providing startups with a collaborative environment and a robust support system to thrive. By partnering with NeoSapien, Scaler aims to foster innovation and prepare its Scaler School of Technology students for impactful careers in technology.
Bosch Presents Revolutionary Innovations in Safety and Low-Emission Mobility at BMGE 2025
New Delhi, India – Bosch Limited, a leading global supplier of technology and services showcases its innovative advancements towards the future of automotive sector at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo (BMGE) 2025, held from January 17–22. With a focus on state-of-the-art safety systems, advanced software solutions, and electrification breakthroughs, Bosch is presenting transformative solutions at two locations, aimed at shaping a safe, sustainable, and exciting tomorrow.
“The future of mobility will be defined by a decisive push towards electrification, more climate-friendly fuels, and seamless integration of AI-driven solutions.
Bosch is spearheading this transformation, by being ready for a sustainable and digitally empowered future. Bharat Mobility Global Expo provides us with a platform to showcase our portfolio, foster collaboration and demonstrate our efforts in enabling technologies that will redefine how we move for years to come,” said Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of the Bosch Group in India and Managing Director, Bosch Limited.
Visitors to the Bosch pavilion at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan) can explore a range of cutting-edge solutions including:
- Hydrogen Demonstrator Truck: Showcasing Bosch’s advancements in hydrogen technology, this experiential vehicle represents the company’s efforts to accelerate zero-emission and sustainability-oriented mobility. In India, hydrogen engines present a promising alternative to diesel for long- haul trucks. Bosch has invested approximately $2 billion in hydrogen technology globally, reinforcing its leadership in this domain.
- Vehicle Motion: Discover Bosch’s advancements in automotive safety technologies through features like Intelligent Turn Assist and Auto Vehicle Hold. While the former enhances maneuverability and safety during sharp turns or off-road conditions ensuring smoother, controlled turns, Auto Vehicle Hold adds convenience and safety during stop-and-go traffic conditions.
- Software & Services: Bosch is a pioneer in software-defined vehicle (SDV) innovation, driving the evolution of mobility. Experience its SDV expertise at the Expo via exciting live demonstrations of generative AI, advanced E/E architecture, cloud-native tools, and seamless on-device and cloud integration, integrating the user and the ecosystem as core elements of a personalized automotive experience.
- Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS): Get to know about Bosch’s exciting, advanced rider assistance systems comprising of ACC (adaptive cruise control), forward collision warning and blind spot detection. Leveraging Bosch’s radar sensor, brake system, engine management system and HMI (human machine interface), the system boosts rider awareness of their surroundings, contributing to increased comfort and rider reassurance.
At the Auto Components Show 2025 in Dwarka, Bosch is emphasizing on its hardware expertise by showcasing advanced EV components, diverse fuel injection equipment, sensors for various powertrains, braking systems, ADAS solutions and more coupled with an immersive experience around Bosch’s manufacturing solutions This exemplifies Bosch’s capability to seamlessly integrate hardware and software, delivering end-to-end capabilities to cater to an ever-evolving mobility landscape.
“At Bharat Mobility Global Expo, we present a range of advanced solutions that reaffirm our commitment to shaping India’s mobility future. From alternate powertrains to innovative safety solutions, software led capabilities, logistics and more, Bosch’s offerings are leading the way in creating a safer, sustainable, and digitally connected mobility ecosystem. As the sector evolves, our dedication to providing customers with solutions tailored to their success remains unchanged”, said Sandeep Nelamangala, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited and President, Bosch Mobility India.
Earthytweens Debuts Eco-Conscious Winter Wear for Kids with Style
Delhi NCR; 20th January, 2025: Earthytweens, a trailblazer in sustainable kids’ fashion, has unveiled its latest winter clothing collection designed to keep children warm, stylish, and environmentally conscious. The new range is tailored to meet the needs of modern parents who seek a blend of comfort, aesthetics, and sustainability for their little ones. With Earthytweens, every outfit tells a story of care—for both the child wearing it and the planet we all share.
The newly launched collection is crafted from 100% natural cotton, ensuring a soft, warm, and cozy feel during cooler days. Featuring gentle gathers at the chest, these outfits allow for ease of movement, making them perfect for outdoor play, casual outings, or family gatherings. The refined designs add a touch of elegance, while the sustainable production process reflects Earthytweens’ commitment to ethical fashion. This collection bridges the gap between functionality and fashion, offering parents the ideal choice for their children this winter.
“At Earthytweens, we believe kids’ clothing should be more than just stylish—it should embody comfort, safety, and sustainability,” said Nishant Kumar, Co-Founder of Earthytweens. “Our winter collection is a testament to this philosophy, designed to keep kids warm and happy while ensuring we stay true to our commitment to the environment. Parents can now dress their children in fashion-forward pieces without compromising on quality or values.”
The launch of this winter collection further cements Earthytweens’ position as a leader in the sustainable fashion space. Combining timeless designs with ethical practices, the brand continues to redefine kids’ fashion by offering apparel that resonates with style-conscious, eco-minded parents.
IIM Rohtak’s Infusion 2025 Marks a Grand Success in Annual Fest Celebrations
Rohtak, Haryana: IIM Rohtak hosted its flagship annual fest, Infusion 2025, a three-day extravaganza centered on the theme of Make Your Mark. The event brought together students, industry leaders, cultural enthusiasts, and participants from premier business schools across the country. The festival attracted over 10,000 attendees, with over 1,000 participants and representation from 15 colleges including other IIMs. Packed with high-energy events, engaging summits, and vibrant performances, it inspired participants to showcase their individuality and uphold its legacy of excellence in academia, sports, and culture.
A key highlight was the Leadership Summit on “Global Conflicts and Situational Leadership,” which brought together eminent speakers to share invaluable insights on leadership. Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak, inaugurated the event by emphasizing the importance of situational leadership and highlighting the role of adaptability, resilience, and moral integrity in addressing unforeseen challenges. Building on this, the panel discussions further explored these themes. Shri Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, IPS, Former Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized adaptability and decision-making with his three-box framework: the present, focusing on the skills and resources needed to succeed; the past, to be selectively forgotten; and the future, which requires active effort today. Shri Atul Karwal, IPS, Former DG, NDRF and Former Director at SVP National Police Academy, highlighted professional competence, communication, and leading by example. Shri Manmohan Singh, IPS, Former Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, underscored the importance of empathy, ethics, and strategic foresight. The summit reinforced the need for visionary, ethical leaders who can navigate global challenges with agility and integrity—traits that were echoed throughout the fest as participants made their mark in diverse areas.
Over three vibrant days, Infusion 2025 brought together intellect, creativity, and entertainment in a seamless blend.The fest kicked off with the Sports Summit that featured inspiring talks by celebrated kabaddi players – Sandeep Narwal and Pardeep Narwal, who shared valuable insights on resilience, teamwork, and overcoming challenges. The intellectual discourse continued with the Film & Media Summit, featuring industry experts from NDTV, Sai Mehar Media, Hauterrfly, and 92.7 Big FM.The experts explored the transformative role of media in addressing societal issues and shaping public perceptions. The Townhall session, led by Mr. Ankit Agrawal, founder of InsuranceDekho, contributed to developing students’ entrepreneurial skills by offering concise insights into building businesses through adaptability and consumer-focused strategies and emphasizing the pivotal role of mentorship in entrepreneurial success.
Building on the momentum of insightful summits, Infusion’25 captivated attendees with a diverse array of management events, artistic expressions, and athletic excellence. The cultural program featured energetic performances in singing, dance, and beat-boxing, with signature evening events like EDM Night, Concert Night, and Comedy Night captivating audiences and creating unforgettable moments.
The sports segment, titled Advitya, brought a competitive edge to the fest with high-energy matches in football, basketball, badminton, and volleyball. Unique additions such as Pickleball and Box Cricket further elevated the excitement. Building on this spirited momentum, Aluminati added a unique dimension by uniting alumni and students through engaging activities and shared experiences, celebrating the collective pride and legacy of the institution.
Infusion 2025 was a resounding success, uniting talent, ideas, and energy in a celebration of creativity, excellence, and camaraderie. The fest embodied Prof. Dheeraj Sharma’s vision of thinking out of the box, trusting instincts, and building strong teams while overcoming self-imposed limits. Aligned with the spirit of “Make Your Mark,” it inspired participants to push boundaries, showcase their individuality, and embrace innovation, reinforcing IIM Rohtak’s legacy of excellence
Ayodhya Hosts Successful 108th Maharishi Jayanti, Revering Spiritual Legacy
Ayodhya, January 20, 2025: The historic city of Ayodhya witnessed a grand celebration of the 108th Maharishi Jayanti recently, at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayan Vishwavidyalaya. The event honored the life and teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of the globally acclaimed Transcendental Meditation program, which has brought peace and enlightenment to millions worldwide.
The event was hosted under the auspices of Shri Ajay Prakash Shrivastava and graced by an illustrious gathering of dignitaries and saints, including Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Vasudevanand Ji Maharaj of Jyotirmath, M.P. Rajyasabha Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, Maharaja Dr. Tony Nader, Hanuman Garhi Sant Raju Das Ji, and Shri Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Mandir, alongside other prominent leaders and scholars.
Speaking about Maharishi Ji’s contributions, Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi emphasized, “The teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ji have profoundly impacted modern society. His introduction of Transcendental Meditation has scientifically demonstrated how group meditation, known as the Maharishi Effect, can create coherence and harmony in collective consciousness. The relevance of Maharishi Ji’s vision is more significant than ever in today’s world, where inner peace and global harmony are urgently needed.”
Dr. Tony Nader expressed his deep admiration for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ji and his profound teachings. ‘Ramayana is there in everyone and within each of us. We have all the Vedas inside us. Maharishi’s vision has illuminated how this ancient wisdom is not only universal but also practical for achieving peace and harmony in today’s world.’
The celebrations commenced with the Kalash Sthapna, followed by the sacred Ram Tarak Yagya, a ritual symbolizing global peace and harmony, led by revered saints. Each evening, renowned poet Dr. Kumar Vishwas enthralled audiences with his mesmerizing Shri Ram Katha, weaving together profound wisdom and devotion in his storytelling. The spiritual fervor was further heightened by soulful bhajans from Bhajan Samrat Shri Om Prakash Ji, whose melodious renditions deeply resonated with attendees.
The festivities concluded with the Purnahuti of the Ram Tarak Yagya, blessings from saints, and heartfelt speeches by special guests. The 108th Maharishi Jayanti celebration was a resounding success, leaving participants spiritually enriched and inspired to uphold Maharishi Ji’s values of peace, wisdom, and unity.
OTM 2025 Aims to Bring Travel, Tourism, and Business Together
20th January 2025, Mumbai: OTM, the leading travel trade show in India and Asia, is all set to return this January, promising to be bigger and more impactful than ever! The show will take place from January 30 to February 1, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
This year, OTM will host over 2,100 exhibitors and tourism boards from more than 60 countries and 30 Indian states and union territories. With over 40,000 qualified buyers from the travel industry, the grand event will offer travel brands unparalleled access to the fastest-growing travel market in the world—India. From leisure and luxury weddings to MICE, OTM connects global destinations with the Indian travel trade. The 3-day event will also welcome over 1,000 handpicked top buyers from India’s Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities and feature new exhibitors alongside global destinations. Mumbai, which contributes to more than 60% of India’s outbound travel and is the country’s primary departure point, is the perfect city to host OTM.
In this edition, OTM will host esteemed VIPs from around the globe, including Hon’ble Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shri Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, H.E. Mr. Haim Katz, Minister of Tourism, Israel; Mr. Kittipong Prapattong, Deputy Governor for Digitalisation, Research, and Development, Thailand; Mr. Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Malaysia; Ms. Maia Omiadze, Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration; and many more distinguished guests.
Moreover, it will also attract top corporate buyers from across India, including leading travel managers, MICE planners, and corporate procurement heads from India’s largest corporate houses, like Reliance Industries, Godrej Industries, Pidilite Industries, Raymond, and Tata Capital, among others.
As a platform where industry leaders, visionaries, and experts come together, the OTM Forum will address critical trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the global travel landscape. The Forum will kick off with a fireside chat between the Hon’ble Tourism Minister of India, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, followed by many insightful sessions with industry leaders during the day. The WeddingSutra Engage on Day 2 will bring together top wedding planners to explore the latest trends and opportunities in destination weddings and luxury celebrations. Some notable speakers at the event include Amanpreet Singh, General Manager of India & Southeast Asia, Airbnb, Neel Ghose, Country Manager & GM, India Skyscanner, Santosh Kumar, Country Head of Indian Subcontinent & Indonesia, Booking.com, Sanjay Pai, Vice President, Facilities, Corporate Travel, Hospitality & Director Aviation, Larsen & Toubro, Devendra Saraiya, Head, Travel & Procurement, Deloitte, and many more.
Expressing his views on the upcoming three-day event, Mr. Sanjiv Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Fairfest Media, Organisers of OTM, said ‘India is emerging as the future growth engine for global tourism. This year, OTM will bring together participants from over 60 countries and every corner of India. Many, if not most, of these global destinations, exclusively participate in OTM and no other travel show in the region. With stronger than ever participation from Indian states and global destinations alike, OTM is truly the meeting place for India and Asia’s travel industry.
Countries participating exclusively in OTM and no other major travel show in the region include Georgia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, France, Korea, Maldives, Uganda, Tanzania, and Visit Sarajevo. Apart from these countries, the event will also have official participation from several popular destinations like Azerbaijan, Brussels, France, Fiji, Malaysia, Mauritius, Moscow, Pattaya, Peru, Qatar, Sri Lanka, St. Petersburg, and Thailand, just to name a few.
OTM 2025 will be offering a diverse mix of exhibitors that includes leading hotels, airlines, national tourism organizations (NTOs), destination management companies, and travel tech providers. It is a one-stop platform to explore, network with tourist boards and destination representatives, and collaborate with industry leaders from every segment of the travel ecosystem.
India Launches the All-New MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works Pack
MINI India announced the launch of the new MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack. The car will be available as completely built-up unit (CBU) and can be booked exclusively on MINI Online Shop. Deliveries will begin from April 2025.
The fifth generation MINI Cooper S combines progressive technology with the sportiness of John Cooper Works Pack along with the MINI body language and origins. Together, they pack an innovative punch with a new personality and hallmark driving dynamics.
Mr. Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “The launch of the new MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack underscores MINI’s legacy of blending timeless design with modern innovation. With its dynamic, sporty exterior and exclusive John Cooper Works trim, the special edition stands out as the epitome of driving fun and individuality. The sporty details of the interior are an expression of motorsport passion, while the highly digital interactive interfaces make for a hi-tech experience. This special John Cooper Works Pack is a fitting tribute to MINI’s legendary racing genes.”
The ex-showroom price is:
Price prevailing at the time of invoicing will be applicable. Ex-showroom prices inclusive of GST (incl. compensation cess) as applicable but excludes Road Tax, Tax Collected at Source (TCS), RTO, statutory taxes/fees, other local tax/cess levies and insurance. Price and options are subject to change without prior notice. For further information, please contact the local MINI authorised Dealer.
The new MINI Cooper S JCW Pack will be available in two striking colours – Legend Grey and Midnight Black with Roof and Mirror Caps in Jet Black. 17-inch wheels Sprint-Spoke Black is available as standard. Upholstery options includes JCW Sports Seats with Vescin/Cord Combination | JCW Black.
The car comes with a standard two-year warranty for unlimited kilometres. The 2 years 24×7 Road-Side Assistance on MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack provides complete peace of mind. These benefits are transferrable along with the ownership of the car. Service inclusive plan starts from 3 yrs / 40,000 kms and package extension is available up to 10 yrs / 2,00,000 kms. An option to extend warranty benefits from third year of ownership and extendable up to maximum ten years, is also available.
Thanks to BMW India Financial Services, customized and flexible financial solutions are designed as per individual requirements. Customers enjoy great value and complete peace of mind with BMW 360˚ finance plan. It includes attractive monthly instalments, assured buy-back option up to five years, flexible term-end opportunities, and options to upgrade to a new model among other benefits.
The new MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack.
Modern, digital and unmistakable, the new MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack takes driving fun and user experience into a new era. A comprehensive transformation that is reflected in the new design language ‘Charismatic Simplicity’. This combines the traditional MINI values with progressive innovations in a particularly authentic way, reducing the vehicle design to the essentials. The new MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack shares a purist design that takes equal account of the urban character and the innovative spirit of the MINI community.
The classic round headlights, striking octagonal grille and compact silhouette are the dominant features of the new MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack. The exterior color options Legend Grey or Midnight Black are complemented by roof and mirror caps and Sport Stripes in Black. The John Cooper Works trim stands out with unique design features of the Grille, Bumpers, Side Skirts, Rear Spoiler and Door Entry Sills. The Piano Black Exterior Trim and wheel arches add to the sporty look of the car. The 17-inch Sprint Spoke Black alloy wheel further elevates the sharp character.
Short overhangs, short bonnet, long wheelbase, and big wheels – the proportions of the new model generation are typical MINI. The visual three-part division into the vehicle body, surrounding window area and contrasting roof ensure the new MINI model is instantly recognizable. The surfaces look particularly exciting thanks to an integrative treatment of details. A clearly defined shoulder area gives the new MINI model a decidedly athletic body. A wider stance on the rear, characteristic charisma and a modern minimalist design with clearly designed surfaces, the MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack now has a significantly enhanced presence.
The striking appearance of the car is enhanced by three selectable Signatures Modes (Classic, Favoured and John Cooper Works) for the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) of the LED headlights and the redesigned matrix rear lights. All three modes begin and end with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation.
Minimalist design, digital innovations and an immersive user experience are the hallmarks of the interior. The sportiness is elevated with JCW Sports Seats, Vescin/Cord combination JCW Black upholstery and JCW Dashboard Trim. The new JCW Steering Wheel with paddle shifters adds to the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling.
The MINI Interaction Unit takes a quantum leap into the digital age with the hi-resolution 240mm Circular OLED touchscreen display. It is the defining feature of the interior with a completely new feel and versatile functions. It has moved closer to the driver and can be operated similar to a smartphone. The new MINI Operating System 9 is optimized for touchscreen and voice control and provides advanced connectivity for maximum ease of use. The new MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) can be activated by saying “Hey MINI” to control a wide range of functions such as navigation, telephony, entertainment and others. The innovative MINI Digital Key Plus turns the smartphone into a car key via the MINI App and can be transferred to different users, along with their personal vehicle settings. Head-up Display projects all relevant information directly in the driver’s line of sight. A Fisheye Camera can capture selfies, fun moments and videos with sound, inside the cabin and is capable of transfers via a QR code. Harman Kardon Surround Sound System is an aural treat. Other features include Navigation, Remote Services, Remote Software Upgrades, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, Teleservices, In-Car Weather and Intelligent Emergency Call.
The new interior experience is mainly created by the textile surfaces. A specially developed knitting process is used to create the easy-care, versatile structure of the two-tone textile. The dashboard and door panels are completely chrome-free and leather-free, using recycled 2D knitted fabric lining. The textile surface is made luminescent by ambient lighting and projections from the MINI Interaction Unit that make even rush hour relaxing.
With the MINI Experience Modes, one can choose from several immersive driving experiences, from the race-inspired ‘Go-Kart Mode’ to the energy-saving ‘Green Mode’ or the lively ‘Vivid Mode’ and more. MINI Experience Modes extend the indoor experience by tuning the light, sound and graphics settings.
A distinctive Toggle Bar Island gives access to the important driving functions including start/stop, gear selector, parking brake, experience modes and volume control. General storage area below the toggle bar provides space for a smartphone to be wirelessly charged.
JCW Sport Seats are covered in Vescin Black- a high-quality, perforated, artificial leather-free upholstery made from recycled materials The panoramic glass roof adds to the bright and spacious atmosphere. Electric seat adjustment with Active Seat for the driver is available as standard.
The new MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack offers the innovative and efficient petrol engine powered by the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. It mobilises a peak output of 150 kW/204 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1450-4500 rpm. The car sprints from 0 – 100 km/hr in 6.6 seconds and the top speed is 242 km/h. The 7-Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Sport Transmission offers efficient, comfortable and sporty driving due to a broader gear spread and smaller engine speed steps. The adaptive suspension ensures an exhilarating experience. JCW Sport Brakes impress with direct response and a better pedal feel.
In the MINI family, advanced assistance systems such as Cruise Control and Parking Assistant increase comfort, control and safety and relieve the driver from monotonous and less demanding aspects of driving. With Comfort Access, the car is locked / unlocked automatically as it recognises the key is at a distance of less than 1.5 meters.
The standard MINIMALISM technology includes auto start/stop function, brake energy recuperation, active cooling air ducts and electromechanical power steering. The wide range of alloy wheels depending on the variant, radiate confidence while reducing carbon footprint thanks to their lightweight design and use of recycled aluminium.
The standard SAFETY equipment comprises of front passenger airbags and side curtain airbags, Brake Assist, 3-Point Seat Belts, Dynamic Stability Control, Crash Sensor, Anti-lock Braking System, Cornering Brake Control, Rear View Camera, and Tubeless Tyres with Tyre Pressure Indicator.
Porsche India Hits New Sales Heights in 2024
Porsche India announces record annual sales results and expansion plans for new Porsche Centres at Indore, Jaipur and Lucknow at the India premiere of the all-new Macan BEV and Taycan at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi.
New Delhi. Porsche India has recorded another record year of sales in 2024, achieving a four figure sales number for the first time with 1,006 sales.
Representing a 10 per cent increase over the previous year, it marks the successful introduction of new models that entered the market during the year including the new Porsche 911 and Panamera.
Along with the new Cayenne launched in late 2023, Porsche India moves into 2025 with a completely new model range as it launches two new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) today with the all-new Macan SUV and updated Taycan sports saloon
“After a strong 2023, we are happy to have exceeded this with an even bigger 2024, selling more than a thousand cars for the first time,” said Manolito Vujicic, Brand Director, Porsche India.
“This success is a testament to our exciting customer experiences, the introduction of new products, and our recent expansion over the past few years with additional Porsche Centres. With Pune and Hyderabad operations having commenced last year, we are committed to maintaining this momentum through 2025, with new Porsche Centres in Indore, Jaipur, and Lucknow planned to open by the end of the year.”
Porsche India recorded 156 sales of its two-door sports cars comprising the 911, 718 Cayman and Boxster, marking a 95 per cent increase. The surge for SUVs continued with 454 Cayennes and 259 Macans, equating to 71 per cent of total volume, capped off the year.
Moving into 2025, the new Macan BEV is now available across three models comprising the Macan , Macan 4S and the 470 kW [639PS] Macan Turbo .
The new Taycan is available initially in two specifications, the Taycan 4S and Taycan Turbo with the two-wheel drive version that offers up to 678 km of WLTP range, an increase of 175 km or 35 per cent, to be introduced at later date.
“Looking ahead, 2025 is going to be an exciting year with a completely new line-up of models all launched within the past 14 months, including the Macan BEV and Taycan we have revealed today. As we expand into our three new locations, Porsche India is confident we can continue this positive momentum through 2025 and into 2026,” said Vujicic.