Zomato suspends delivery of non-veg items in North India, says this is due to govt order

In response to a government order, Zomato has temporarily suspended the delivery of non-vegetarian items in several states in North India. In respect of the consecration ceremony, meat shops in some states were closed today. Here is everything you need to know. In response to a government order, Zomato has temporarily suspended the delivery of non-vegetarian items in several states in North India. Users across various cities reported the absence of non-veg food options on X (previously Twitter), leading to speculations regarding the cause. It is believed that the move is in respect of the consecration ceremony for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, an event of significant cultural and religious importance. Zomato, addressing user concerns on X, clarified that the decision to disable the delivery of non-veg items was in compliance with the government's notice. "We have disabled delivery of non-veg items in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as per govt. notice. Hope this clarification helps," stated Zomato's customer care support on the social media platform. It is not surprising because Varun Khera, the head of the National Restaurant Association of India in Uttar Pradesh, affirmed that restaurants across the state had collectively decided to serve only vegetarian food on January 22. Khera emphasized the need to honour the government's order, especially considering the magnitude of the event taking place in Ayodhya. In respect of the ceremony, meat shops in the affected states were closed today. The chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Durga Shankar Mishra, had issued an order instructing district magistrates to ensure the closure of liquor vends and meat shops on January 22.  

Everyman Media Group Earnings, Revenue Rose Despite Strikes

Premium cinema group Everyman Media (EMAN) said the resounding box office success of Barbie and Oppenheimer led to strong summer trading leaving it confident of meeting full year expectations. Unfortunately, both revenue and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) fell in the first half to 29 June, admittedly against strong prior year comparatives. Investors seemed unmoved by the upbeat outlook, with the shares dropping 1% to 55p capping a disappointing 12 months for shareholders with the shares down 44%. Chief executive Alex Scrimgeour commented: ‘We are pleased to report that trading continues to be in line with the board's expectations, having achieved robust interim results despite this year's major film titles falling in the second half of 2023.  We remain confident in our prospects as we continue to be supported by a slate of high-quality second-half releases, a carefully expanded estate and new banking facilities which ensure we are well configured to take advantage of future opportunities.’Revenue fell 6% to £38.3 million in the first half, but strong trading in July and August transformed the picture with year-to-date revenue 13% higher at £60 million while EBITDA was 12% ahead at £11 million.Everyman expects to meet full-year consensus forecasts which call for revenue of £94.4 million, representing 20% growth, and EBITDA of £17.2 million compared with £7.9 million in 2022. Having opened three new venues in the first half, taking the estate to 41 cinemas and 141 screens, the company has a healthy pipeline of new opportunities.A new two-screen venue will open in Marlow in the current quarter, while a further five venues are planned for 2024 including a three-screen venue in Stratford in the third quarter.The firm agreed a new three-year loan facility of £35 million replacing a £25 million revolving credit facility and £15 million Covid interruption loan. Leisure analyst Mark Photiades at Canaccord Genuity commented: ‘The film slate for Q4 and beyond is strong with a number of major releases and independent films due including Wonka, Ferrari, Napoleon, Killers of the Flower Moon and the latest instalment of The Hunger Games.’Photiades left his forecasts unchanged but reiterated his buy rating, saying, ‘Everyman remains a premium brand, synonymous with offering a first-class cinema and hospitality experience & a best-in-class food and beverage offer prepared in-house.’

Byju's losses for FY22 surge to Rs 8,245 crore; a cash-strapped edtech company is valuing its rights offering at $500 million.

Roughly Rs 3,800 crore, or over half of Byju's losses, have come from stressed assets like Whitehat Jr. and Osmo, two significant purchases the company made. However, the persistent concern over the $1.2 billion term loan has been noted by Byju's auditor BDO, who has stated that a "material uncertainty exists."Weeks after presenting its audited FY22 financials to investors during an annual general meeting in December, parent company of troubled edtech startup Byju, Think & Learn, finally submitted them with the registrar of companies (RoC).For FY22, the business had operating revenue of Rs 5,014 crore, but losses increased to Rs 8,245 crore. Byju's entire income, according to the company's regulatory filings, was about Rs 5,300 crore. Byju's operating revenue increased by 119% in FY22, but losses increased by 80% over the same time period.Improve Your Technological Proficiency with High-Value Skill Courses: IIM Lucknow's IIML Executive Programme in FinTech, Banking, and Applied Risk Management Product Management Professional Certificate from Indian School of BusinessRoughly Rs 3,800 crore, or over half of the losses, have come from highly leveraged assets like Whitehat Jr. and Osmo, two significant purchases the company made."We are pleased that our total revenue has increased by 2.2 times, but we also recognize that 45% of the losses are attributable to our underperforming companies, such as Osmo and Whitehat Jr. We have improved our operating financial circumstances through a number of initiatives, according to a statement from Byju's CFO, Nitin Golani. "While other businesses continue to grow, these businesses were significantly scaled down to cut losses in the following years. "However, the persistent concern over the $1.2 billion term loan has been noted by Byju's auditor BDO, who has stated that a "material uncertainty exists." It did, however, add that the company's management is currently working to get the capital needed to pay off its debts to lenders by selling off assets. "Therefore, (management) has faith in the Company's ability to survive into the future. Furthermore, the management believes it is unlikely that the TLB loan will be granted based on a legal opinion."We are pleased that our total revenue has increased by 2.2 times, but we also recognize that 45% of the losses are attributable to our underperforming companies, such as Osmo and Whitehat Jr. We have improved our operating financial circumstances through a number of initiatives, according to a statement from Byju's CFO, Nitin Golani. "While other businesses continue to grow, these businesses were significantly scaled down to cut losses in the following years."However, the persistent concern over the $1.2 billion term loan has been noted by Byju's auditor BDO, who has stated that a "material uncertainty exists." It did, however, add that the company's management is currently working to get the capital needed to pay off its debts to lenders by selling off assets. "Therefore, (management) has faith in the Company's ability to survive into the future. Furthermore, the management believes it is unlikely that the TLB loan will be granted based on a legal opinion.  

The FMCG sector in India is more robust than it is globally.

According to Sudhir Sitapati, FMCG is the biggest advertiser in India by a wide margin, and advertising is essential to the FMCG sector.According to Sudhir Sitapati, CEO and MD of Godrej Consumer Products, the FMCG business in India is stronger than it is globally, and advertising is the driving force behind this."The FMCG business depends heavily on advertising, and it continues to be the biggest spender on advertising in India. In my opinion, the FMCG industry in India is stronger than it is globally, with advertising playing a major role in this. the top 5 FMCG firms on the list. Speaking at the recently held Subhas Ghosal memorial lecture, Sitapati stated, "Their EBITDA is on average 20–25 percent compared with their global peers at 15-20 percent, and they list at 60X P/E multiples vs. 20X for their global peers."Sitapati thinks that if businesses identify a trend that would propel their share values over the next 12 to 36 months, they will be willing to pay advertising firms, as FMCG is the industry in India that spends the most on advertising.Sitapati made the argument that people in charge of profit and loss, not those in charge of advertising budgets, are the true clients of advertising companies."Even though it meant sacrificing profitability, the first thing I did when I joined GCPL two years ago was drastically raise advertising spending. Two realizations influenced my personal views on advertising. As the brand manager for Surf Excel, I saw that our sales rates increased a few weeks after a measure dubbed "Proven ad recall" on our Milward Brown brand tracker increased. Put differently, a customer only needed to be able to tell the ad's tale on the spot to beg for further purchases. This idea, in my opinion, should "be famous before you get persuasive." Be renowned for what you sell, don't try to sell," he said."It is better to whisper to many than to shout to a few" has been his second advertising philosophy, and it has to do with the media.brand encroachment He went on to say that penetration, not consumption, is what spurs growth, saying, "My favorite brand in India is Santoor from Wipro. It has bravely kept to large-scale wall murals in order to reach extremely light TV viewers in rural India, all while adhering to its big notion of "Mistaken Identity" for years. Fame > persuasion because salience, not equity attributes, drives penetration, and salience is fueled by having your brand mentally accessible to as many individuals as possible. Regarding media, reach—rather than impact—is what counts, he stated.For a marketing and advertising agency, Sudhir said, building a database is essential because customers want to see figures.  

On the day of the Ram Temple event, Zomato suspended the delivery of non-vegetarian food.

New Delhi: In response to government orders, food delivery app Zomato on Monday temporarily halted deliveries of non-vegetarian items in a few states. The decision coincided with the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It was discovered after a customer expressed dissatisfaction on social media, writing on X, the former Twitter platform, that "Zomato is not delivering chicken in Bhopal today lmao," regarding the lack of chicken in the city.     The user surmised that it might have been because there wasn't enough meat available on Monday, the day Ayodhya held its Pram Pratishtha ceremony.It might be as a result of Zomato's decision rather than the lack of meat supply today," the user wrote.   Zomato clarified in their response, saying, "Hey, per government notice, we have disabled delivery of non-vegetable items in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Hope this clarification helpsOn January 22, all restaurants in the state of Uttar Pradesh made the decision to serve only vegetarian food, according to Varun Khera, the head of the National Restaurant Association of India in Uttar Pradesh. Meat stores in the impacted states were closed on Monday in observance of the consecration ceremony. According to reports, district magistrates in Uttar Pradesh were instructed by Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra to ensure that meat and liquor stores close on January 22.Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also announced closing meat shops until 4 pm on Monday for the Ram Temple event. He requested restaurants in the state to avoid serving non-vegetarian food until 2 pm.      

JSW Group To Fund ₹ 400 Billion For Odisha's Electric Vehicle Projects

The JSW Group plans to invest 400 billion rupees, or $4.81 billion, in Odisha's electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing projects as it competes with both local and foreign companies in the country's tiny but rapidly expanding EV market. Tata Motors dominated the 2% of India's car sales that were electric last year, but the government wants to see 30% of the market by 2023. In the first two stages of its plan, JSW Group will invest 250 billion rupees in a plant that makes EV batteries and a plant that makes EV components, the company said in a statement on Monday.The conglomerate intends to invest 150 billion rupees in a third phase to establish a complex for manufacturing electric vehicle components. In November, China's SAIC Motor and India's JSW Group established a joint venture with an aim to build the ecosystem for electric vehicles and promote green mobility. According to a top government official who spoke to Reuters, India has not yet decided whether to lower import taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) under a proposed policy for automakers that commit to local manufacturing. This could facilitate Tesla's entry into the market. You can only listen to the newest music on JioSaavn.com. According to people who spoke to Reuters earlier this month, Tata, Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai Motor of South Korea have requested that New Delhi stick to the current course of action, which discourages any decrease in taxes on hybrid vehicles.

George Soros’s Texas cash infusion shows Democrats are afraid of losing: Mayra Flores

The move by left-wing billionaire George Soros to pour major cash into turning Texas blue in 2024 shows Democrats are afraid of the GOP’s momentum in the state, Republican candidate and ex-Rep. Mayra Flores told the Washington Examiner in an interview.Soros personally has transferred at least $100,000 since August 2023 to the Democratic Party Executive Committee in Cameron County, which is part of the Lone Star State’s 34th Congressional District, where Flores is seeking to unseat Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX). The Democratic megadonor also made donations to Hidalgo and Dallas counties and has wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to the liberal Texas Majority PAC, according to financial disclosures.Soros personally has transferred at least $100,000 since August 2023 to the Democratic Party Executive Committee in Cameron County, which is part of the Lone Star State’s 34th Congressional District, where Flores is seeking to unseat Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX). The Democratic megadonor also made donations to Hidalgo and Dallas counties and has wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to the liberal Texas Majority PAC, according to financial disclosures.Meanwhile, the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee released a report Thursday putting forth that the Biden administration’s “actions in dismantling interior immigration enforcement, which enables illegal aliens to stay in the United States indefinitely.”“Over the past six months, we’ve been traveling and sharing our message of faith and the American dream with voters, who are seeing the disaster that Joe Biden created in South Texas,” Flores said. “I was in Brownsville, and we brought in over 100 women who are Spanish-speaking who voted for Biden in 2020. And I went to speak with them about my campaign. ”Toward the end of that meeting, Flores said the women all told her they would not be voting for Biden in 2024. She underscored how the attendees are living paycheck-to-paycheck and upset, searching for better economic opportunities and safer communities.In Texas, the immigrant crisis hits home for voters, who view border security as a top concern heading into 2024, according to recent polls. Soros’s helping hand in 2024 to Democrats in the Lone Star State comes after nonprofit groups affiliated with the billionaire have dished out millions of dollars in recent years to entities pushing for open borders and, in some cases, have been accused of violating federal law while doing so. In the 2022 election, Flores was trounced by more than 11,400 votes. It was a major disappointment to the Republican Party, whose consultants in Washington and across the country communicated that there would be a “red wave,” but it never materialized. That year, Gonzalez highlighted how the Flores campaign spent more than $7 million against him and still could not capture the South Texas district.    

Biden’s slow trickle approach to student debt pleases no one except small slice of borrowers

President Joe Biden continued his slow rollout of student debt transfers Friday morning with the announcement that his administration will write off $5 billion worth of loans for 74,000 borrowers.The White House touted the move as the president using “every tool at our disposal” to cancel student debt, yet the trickle approach has outraged conservatives who say the actions are illegal, while “forgiveness” advocates are urging the administration to go bigger.“President Biden continues to defy the Supreme Court and Congress by forgiving yet another round of student debt,” Job Creators Network Foundation President Elaine Parker said. “His lawless actions make a mockery of the separation of powers and set a dangerous precedent that consolidates more power in the executive branch.”Parker said college students are the “biggest losers of the move,” as colleges have been given a “blank check” to continue overcharging with the push. Conservatives also like to point out that any unpaid loans fall on the backs of taxpayers.But the other side isn’t satisfied, either. Biden initially tried to cancel up to $20,000 in loans for anyone making less than $125,000 a year or up to $40,000 for married couples earning up to $250,000. The total price tag exceeded $400 billion but never went through, as the Supreme Court ruled it illegal.Instead, the relatively smaller amounts canceled affect 3.7 million borrowers, or less than 10% of the 40 million-plus people who hold student loans. “The student loan issue was not something addressed by the White House in the end in a comprehensive way, according to many young voters,” CNN’s Audie Cornish told press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre earlier this month. “Are you going to try to finish those jobs in particular?”Jean-Pierre, who had not mentioned student loans when asked about the White House’s 2024 priorities, responded by saying Biden “took steps” despite the obstacles. “The president put forth a plan,” she said. “He wanted to keep his promise on dealing with the student loan debt that is really crushing families across the country, and he took steps even though the plan that he put forth was stopped, certainly, by folks in Congress.”The latest round, like every round since the Supreme Court loss, was described as a fix to existing loan programs, often crediting late, partial, or deferred payments toward completion of them. “From day one of my administration, I vowed to improve the student loan system so that a higher education provides Americans with opportunity and prosperity — not unmanageable burdens of student loan debt,” Biden said on Friday. “I won’t back down from using every tool at our disposal to get student loan borrowers the relief they need to reach their dreams. ”Some borrowers may be waiting for more tools to emerge.Loan payments did not have to be made during a pandemic-related pause that stretched well over three years before ending last fall.A recent survey found that 60% of borrowers have missed payments since the pause ended, 25% still haven’t made any payments, and 9% are intentionally “boycotting” in hopes of pressuring the government to cancel more debt. “Biden’s latest student loan debt vote-buying scheme comes just days after his Education Department failed its independent financial audit for the second year running,” said Bob Eitel, who helped craft regulations under the Betsy DeVos-led Department of Education. “These bailouts will only encourage more borrowers to renege on their loans, add fuel to the fire of tuition inflation, and punish hardworking Americans who either never went to college or repaid their loans.”    

India for finding solution to food stockholding issue first at WTO; then talk on other agri matters

India would not negotiate any other issue in the agriculture sector till a permanent solution on public stockholding for food grains is found by the WTO members, an official said on Thursday. The issue would prominently figure in the 13th ministerial conference (MC) of the WTO (World Trade Organisation), scheduled from February 26-29 in Abu Dhabi.MC is the highest decision-making body of the 164-member global trade watchdog WTO."The public stockpiling of food grain is the longest pending issue. The promise was made by the members in Bali MC, and then later endorsed by subsequent conferences. "Without that, we will not take part in any discussion on any other issue on agriculture, unless the mandated issue is settled. This is our first ask," the official said.Developed countries have raised flags over India's food security programmes, such as buying rice and wheat from farmers at a government-administered price for distribution through public ration shops. They allege that this public procurement at subsidised rates and storage distorts global agri trade.However, India has maintained they have to protect the interest of poor and vulnerable farmers, besides taking care of the food security needs of a large section of the population.The government provide 5 kilogrammes of free foodgrains per month to around 80 crore poor people, free ration to about 80 crore people under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The Covid-19 pandemic has proved the importance of such initiatives. The Geneva-based 164-member multi-lateral body deals with global exports and import-related norms. Besides, it adjudicates trade disputes between the member countries.The official said that taking the ERP at 1986-88 basis will give a distorted picture of the support measures. "In a session on agriculture, we gave a presentation about how the India programme is beneficial and also on the ERP, many delegates were surprised to see the kind of stark comparison in the ERP...what caught their attention was that one burger price is equivalent to 1,000 kg of wheat or rice prices...because ERP is 1986-88 price," the official added.  

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AAI to spend ₹5,000 crore on capex annually 

Airport Authority of India (AAI) plans to spend ₹5,000 crore annually on capital expenditure in the coming years with a strong pipeline of projects, AAI chairman Sanjeev Kumar told businessline. While new terminals are being built and airside capacity is being expanded at various airports to handle extra flights, AAI is also working on a roadmap for expansion of Agatti airport in Lakshadweep.   “As against the capex target of ₹ 4,000 Crores in FY 2023-24, AAI till December, 2023 has achieved Capex of ₹ 3,416 crores. We will be surpassing the target of ₹ 4,000 Crores and touching capex of ₹ 5,000 Crores or more,” he said. The authority is building new terminals at airports in Patna, Leh, Vijayawada, Tuticorin and has started construction of new terminal buildings in Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jammu and Rajahmundry.   “We are also adding new terminal building in Hubli, Belagavi and Kadapa Airport. Investment proposals for expanding the capacity of terminals and airside is also in pipeline for Keshod in Gujarat, Agra, Ayodhya Phase-II & Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Bagdogra in West Bengal and Darbhanga in Bihar,” he said.  Expansion of Agatti Airport is under discussion with union territory administration of Lakshadweep, ministry of home affairs and other stakeholders.  “We soon expect a roadmap for expansion of Agatti airport,” he added. AAI is also working with partners and stakeholders to finalize research areas at its R&D centre in Begumpet airport in Hyderabad.  Developed at a cost of ₹350 crore, the Civil Aviation Research Organisation (CARO) will serve as a collaborative research platform in air navigation services.    “We have also engaged with our employees and encouraging them to write “problem statements” for the situations faced by them with suggestions for improvement and increasing efficiency. These problem statements would become core of the development of solution by our stakeholders including start-ups either in their own premises or in CARO. We have almost finalized our architecture of processes to populate CARO with an objective to make it vibrant research & Development facility,” Kumar said.  

Introducing the New England DEI Patriots

If racism is America’s original sin, then Democrats and others on the Left are the biblical Babylonians of the 21st century. For a group of people who claim to want racism gone, they wickedly do everything possible to make sure it remains alive — or at least the insinuation of it. Incidentally, this phenomenon is a core tenet of the much-maligned diversity, equity, and inclusion movement often referred to as DEI. At his introductory news conference after being named the new New England Patriots head coach, former NFL player Jerod Mayo garnered significant attention after answering a question from the media about race and being the first black head coach in the team’s history. It was a question asked to Mayo and Patriots owner Robert Kraft. “Let me say this to you: I’m really colorblind in terms of I know what I feel like on Sunday when we lose, and I can just tell you that after my family, my passion is with the New England Patriots, and there’s something else very close second, but winning at the Patriots is my passion,” Kraft said. “I want to get the best people I can get. I chose the best head coach for this organization. He happens to be a man of color. But I chose him because I believe he’s best to do the job.”“Yeah, and Mike T, he reached out. He’s actually from our hometown back in Virginia as well. We haven’t really talked about the challenges. I appreciate Thunder and the organization selecting me to be a black head coach,” Mayo said. “I would say what Thunder just talked about, that was in the locker room. You want your locker room to be pretty diverse, and you want the world to look like that.”  This is a typical answer in the DEI-obsessed society we live in. It’s somewhat silly because diversity really has no impact on whether the Patriots win or lose games. The only thing that matters is the level of play by the players on the team’s roster. However, if diversity is as important as Mayo claims (and I seriously doubt it is), he might want to add significantly more Asian, Latino, white, and Native American players to the roster.And then Mayo said the kind of comment we have become all too familiar with in the race-crazed DEI era. “What I will say, though, is I do see color because I believe if you don’t see color, you can’t see racism. Whatever happens, black, white, disabled person, even someone with disabilities, for the most part, people are like — when they’re young, they kind of make the spot hot. Younger people know what that means,” Mayo said. “But what I would say is, no, I want you to be able to go up to those people and really understand those people. It goes back to whatever it is, black, white, yellow, it really doesn’t matter, but it does matter, so we can try to fix the problem that we all know we have.”  

Amazon Great Republic Day Sale 2024: Best Deals on Power Banks and Wireless Chargers

Amazon Great Republic Day Sale 2024 is live for a few more hours with price cuts on different electronic items. The week-long sale started on January 13 for all Amazon India users. Besides discounts on mobile phones, tablets and laptops, the Great Republic Day Sale brings deals and offers on mobile accessories like power banks and chargers from popular brands. Bank offers are also available that provide additional discounts on a list of devices available through the online marketplace. Further, customers can avail of discounts through coupons.State Bank of India (SBI) customers are eligible to get additional instant discounts of up to 10 percent on purchases made using their cards and EMI options. Amazon is offering bundled offers in the form of exchange and no-cost EMI payment options. Meanwhile, Flipkart is also running a discount sale, which means you should compare prices across both platforms to ensure the best deal.Power banks and wireless chargers from brands like Mi and Ambrane, that will make your travel more convenient and hassle-free, are listed at affordable price tags on Amazon in the Great Republic Day Sale. Xiaomi's Power Bank 3i is currently listed with a price tag of Rs. 1,899, down from Rs. 2,199. Additionally, interested buyers can avail of up to Rs. 300 discount on purchases made via SBI cards and EMI transactions. Amazon Pay ICICI credit card users can avail of Rs. 300 cashback as well. The Xiaomi Power Bank 3i packs a large 20,000mAh lithium polymer battery and supports Quick Charge 3.0. Similarly, Portronics's Freedom Fold 15W wireless charger is available for Rs. 799, down from Rs. 1,999. Below is a list of the best deals and offers on power banks and wireless chargers that you can get during the Amazon Great Republic Day Sale 2024 today. Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 the best foldable phone you can buy in India right now? We discuss the company's new clamshell-style foldable handset on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel.           

Volvo’s 10,000th car in India is its first pure electric offering

Volvo Car India has achieved a significant milestone by producing its ten thousandth car at its Bangalore facility. The company, which began assembly operations in 2017, has seen the highest production of the XC60 model, with over 4000 units produced to date.Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director of Volvo Car India, in a company statement, revealed that the honour of being the ten thousandth car produced goes to the XC40 Recharge, the company's first pure electric offering.Malhotra said, "It is indeed a matter of pride for the company to have reached this milestone in a short span of time in spite of nearly three years of pandemic disruptions."Gao Feng, Production Head of Volvo Car India, highlighted the plant's achievement of rolling out India's first domestically assembled electric vehicle (EV), the XC40 Recharge. Today, the company assembles all its models in India, including the XC90, XC60, S90, XC40 Recharge, and the recently launched C40 Recharge.Meanwhile, Volvo Car India announced a 2% price increase for its conventional engine vehicles on Monday, while the prices of its EV offerings remain unchanged.Following the price hike, the XC60 is priced at ₹68.9 lakh, the S90 at ₹68.25 lakh, and the XC90 at ₹1,00,89,000.However, the prices of the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge remain unchanged at ₹57.9 lakh and ₹62.95 lakh, respectively.    

Tata Punch facelift launch confirmed for 2025

The Tata Punch petrol will see a mid-life facelift sometime next year. Confirming this development on the sidelines of the Punch EV launch, Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles Unit MD, Shailesh Chandra, said, “As far as the upgrade of the Punch is concerned, you know that it was launched in October 2021. Typical facelift period is three years. So, we should be expecting a facelift for the ICE version only in mid-2025, or slightly later.” Just like what we’ve seen on the Nexon and Harrier facelifts recently, expect Tata Motors to update the Punch SUV’s styling with fresh design cues to bring it in line with the newer Tata models. Changes to the front bumper and grille, along with minor tweaks to the headlamps and the bonnet can be expected to make the small SUV look new.Like the Nexon and the Nexon EV facelift, there will be styling bits that will help differentiate the petrol-powered Punch from the recently launched Punch EV. What’s more, Chandra also said that the Punch will have feature differences between the petrol and EV versions.   

Renault Bigster global debut later this year

The new Renault Bigster SUV will see a global debut later this year and is expected to go on sale internationally by early 2025. Revealed as a concept in 2021, it is essentially a three-row iteration of the all-new Duster, which made its global debut a few months ago.  Sources have conveyed to our friends at Motor1 Brazil that the Bigster SUV will share its design cues largely with the new Duster and the Bigster concept. Essentially, it will be most likely an elongated version of the Duster, similar to what we see with the Creta and Alcazar in India. There will, however, be styling, tech and equipment differences on the inside and out.  This new SUV from Renault will be around 4.6 metres long – nearly 0.3 metres longer than the new Duster, which measures 4.34 metres. It will get rugged looks and interior bits from the Duster, but there will be more upmarket materials and additional creature comforts to justify the SUV's higher price tag. The Duster currently has a 2,657mm wheelbase, which also could see an increment for the Bigster in order to facilitate easy ingress-egress and more cabin room. As far as the platform goes, the Bigster will share the same CMF-B modular architecture. There isn’t much known about its powertrain options, however, it will be safe to expect that the SUV will share its powertrain line-up with the latest-gen Duster, which comes with three engine options – two of which are electrified.  Starting the proceedings is the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid that gets two electric motors; this engine comes with an automatic gearbox. It also comes with regenerative braking and a 1.2kWh battery, enabling purely electric driving for up to 80 percent of the time in the city.The next engine is the 130hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol coupled with a 48V starter motor. While the Duster will also come with a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG option in some markets, there is no diesel option in any market right now. The next engine is the 130hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol coupled with a 48V starter motor. While the Duster will also come with a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG option in some markets, there is no diesel option in any market right now.  

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles eyes ASEAN market for Jawa exports

The company has been exporting Jawa back to the Czech Republic-based JAWA Moto spol. S r.O. The successor to the original JAWA company using the trademark JAWA, which in turn sells the bikes mostly in Eastern Europe and the Czech Republic. Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles plans to start exports of Jawa brand of bikes in ASEAN countries in the next three to four months, a top company official said on Thursday. The company, which launched the new Jawa 350 priced at Rs 2,14,950 (ex-showroom Delhi), is also working to enhance its reach across India, especially in smaller cities targeting to open 750 outlets in the next 24 to 30 months, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles CEO Ashish Singh Joshi told reporters in an interaction here. The company has been exporting Jawa back to the Czech Republic-based JAWA Moto spol. S r.O. The successor to the original JAWA company using the trademark JAWA, which in turn sells the bikes mostly in Eastern Europe and the Czech Republic. We also sell directly in Nepal and we have already opened operations in the Philippines, which will serve as the hub to sell in other ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand," Joshi said. This is likely to start in the next three to four months, he said.On export volumes, Joshi said it is not so large considering the company's focus has been on the Indian market.After making a comeback in India in 2018, the company has sold about 2 lakh units in total, out of which nearly 5,000 units have been exported.When asked about domestic plans, Joshi said Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles plans to bring in more models to add to the existing nine products in its stable at present without specifying details. Also, he said the company is on a network expansion journey to widen and deepen its presence across India. "We are looking to increase our outlets to 750 in the next 24 to 30 months from 423 at present," he said, adding that when the company started it was mainly in the metros and major cities.It has gradually entered smaller cities and towns and will continue to do so, while also increasing the number of outlets in cities where it already has a presence to deepen its presence, Joshi added.On the outlook, he said the company is looking at "double-digit" growth this year, having overcome the COVID-19 induced disruptions and supply chain issues."2024 is going to be the year of consolidation for us," he said, adding that the premium motorcycle segment in India has recovered while the entry-level motorcycle segment is also witnessing recovery.  

2024 Bajaj Chetak review, first ride 

Where every other electric scooter in the mainstream has aspired to carve a niche for itself in the market as a futuristic next-generation mobility solution, Bajaj has attempted to authentically replicate an experience in electric with their Chetak. The all-metal body, the rounded design and the minimal technological intervention. All of which meant that up until now the Chetak was left to an ever-diminishing demographic of people familiar with the original Chetak. For 2024, without really making too many big changes, Bajaj has upped their ante and expanded the reach of the updated bike to new demographics with a slight rejig of the equipment list.But before we jump into what's new. Let us talk about the design and build of the new Chetak for a second. The design hasn’t changed from the first generation of the Chetak. The rounded fascia with the round headlamp and the svelte body section set in an all-metal body make for a very premium-feeling scooter. It also gets all LED lighting as standard. However, while the build on the paint and the bodywork do feel premium, the plastics and the body mouldings do seem a little off-brand for the premium electric scooter. Switchgear, though, is a premium touch and feels solid, although we did notice a few times when buttons on the instruments would not respond momentarily. But before we jump into what's new. Let us talk about the design and build of the new Chetak for a second. The design hasn’t changed from the first generation of the Chetak. The rounded fascia with the round headlamp and the svelte body section set in an all-metal body make for a very premium-feeling scooter. It also gets all LED lighting as standard. However, while the build on the paint and the bodywork do feel premium, the plastics and the body mouldings do seem a little off-brand for the premium electric scooter. Switchgear, though, is a premium touch and feels solid, although we did notice a few times when buttons on the instruments would not respond momentarily.  

JLR India launches Discovery Sport 2024 at Rs 67.90 lakh

JLR India today launched the Discovery Sport 2024 in the country at a starting price of Rs 67.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2024 model comes with a price cut of Rs 3.49 lakh over the 2023 model.The Discovery Sport 2024 is available in Dynamic SE with two engine options - 2.0-litre petrol (245hp and 365Nm) and 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel (201hp and 430Nm). Both engines are mated to an automatic transmission. The new Discovery Sport gets subtle exterior updates. There is a contrast roof and exterior accents, including Discovery script, grille, lower body sills and lower bumpers, all having a distinctive Gloss Black finish. There is Gloss Black front claw detailing on the bumpers and wheel arches. There are 19-inch diamond-cut alloys. The SUV also gets a new Varesine Blue exterior paint option.JLR India today launched the Discovery Sport 2024 in the country at a starting price of Rs 67.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2024 model comes with a price cut of Rs 3.49 lakh over the 2023 model. JLR India today launched the Discovery Sport 2024 in the country at a starting price of Rs 67.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2024 model comes with a price cut of Rs 3.49 lakh over the 2023 model.The new Discovery Sport gets subtle exterior updates. There is a contrast roof and exterior accents, including Discovery script, grille, lower body sills and lower bumpers, all having a distinctive Gloss Black finish. There is Gloss Black front claw detailing on the bumpers and wheel arches. There are 19-inch diamond-cut alloys. The SUV also gets a new Varesine Blue exterior paint option.You now get a digital instrument cluster and steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles as standard, while the redesigned centre console boasts a new floating 11.4-inch curved glass touchscreen. The latest Pivi Pro infotainment set-up features permanently accessible sidebars, which provide shortcuts to key vehicle controls and functions, such as media, volume, climate and navigation. There is a panoramic glass roof as well.The SUV has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and a wireless charger. A natural shadow oak trim finisher surrounds a new gear shifter. Discovery Sport Dynamic SE features DuoLeather interiors with up to two colour options.