The all-new Audi TT Coupé drives into India Embodies dynamics, emotion and technology in their purest forms

• Driver focused, Innovative and Progressive – The futuristic Audi virtual cockpit sets high standards with brilliant graphics, 3D impression and highly detailed effects with MMI® navigation plus
•  quattro® permanent all-wheel drive system specially configured for the vehicle’s sporty character
•   0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h
•   45 TFSI® with an output of 169 kw (230 hp), mated to a six-speed         S tronic® transmission
• Prices start at INR 60,34,000/- ex-showroom Delhi and Mumbai

                                                                     

New Delhi, April 23, 2015 – Continuing with its quest towards bringing the best of luxury cars to the Indian customer, Audi, the leading German luxury car manufacturer has launched the all-new Audi TT Coupé today. A design icon, the all-new Audi TT Coupé embodies dynamics, emotion and technology in their purest forms – in design, the engines, chassis and the innovative operating concept. The sporty yet elegant Audi TT Coupé is priced at INR 60,34,000/- (ex-showroom Delhi and Mumbai).

“Re-engineered for more power, the all-new Audi TT Coupé blends dynamic aesthetics with innovative technology and inspired performance. A design icon, the all-new Audi TT Coupé combines classic TT DNA with that of the legendary Audi Sport models, truly embodying ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’. A pleasure to drive, the futuristic interiors with brushed aluminum inlays, finely stitched leather sports seats, and innovative Audi virtual cockpit truly embody the sportiness, progressiveness and sophistication of the Audi brand and is the perfect car for our young and dynamic customers in India,” said Mr. Joe King, Head, Audi India.

Working in combination with a six-speed S tronic® transmission and quattro® permanent all-wheel drive, the 2.0 TFSI® engine, with its 230 hp, accelerates the all-new Audi TT Coupé from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.

“Both our product launches of 2015 - the limited edition Audi R8 LMX and the all-new Audi TT Coupé have a strong sporty flair. This highlights Audi’s heritage in sportscars, our leadership in this segment in India and our seriousness towards this ultra-luxurious and indulgent market space. Having said this, we are gearing up with other thrilling surprises on the product front and our Audi fans will surely be spoilt for choices this year,” added Mr. King.

With the all-new Audi TT Coupé, the Audi designers have delivered a modern interpretation of the unmistakable lines of the original Audi TT enriched with numerous dynamic facets. Unveiled at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first-generation Audi TT came to the market in 1998 and became a design revolution – it’s strictly geometrical, formally coherent design language made it a design icon with huge charisma. With the Audi Space Frame® technology, the second generation Audi TT became known as an award-winning, agile and responsive drive and made a name for itself as a design icon similar to its predecessor.

At a glance: The all-new Audi TT Coupé

Concept, exterior design and chassis

o 2+2-seat Coupé, 305-liter luggage compartment

o Length 4.18 meters, wheelbase 2.51 meters, short overhangs

o Athletically dynamic design with hints of the first-generation TT

o LED or optional Matrix LED headlights

o Composite construction body of steel and aluminum

Drivetrain

o 2.0 TFSI® engine generating 169 kw (230 hp) and 370 Nm of torque

o 0-100 kmph in 5.3 seconds

o Top speed of 250 Kmph

o Six-speed S tronic® transmission

o quattro® permanent all-wheel drive with Audi Drive Select. Dynamic mode increases rear bias

Chassis

o Elaborate suspensions with aluminum components at the front axle

o Dynamic steering

o Audi drive select dynamic driving system

o ESC stabilization control

o 18-inch lightweight wheels

Interior design, operating concept and equipment

o TT designed Flat Bottomed Multifunction Plus Steering Wheel with Paddle shifters

o Flowing, lightweight lines in the interior, slender instrument panel, uncompromising focus on the driver, newly developed lightweight sport seats and optional S sport seats

o Digital Audi virtual cockpit and newly designed MMI®terminal, plus improved voice control, air conditioning controls in the Jet Turbine shaped air vents

o Numerous infotainment modules, including MMI® navigation plus, and Bang & Olufsen sound system available as an option

o Improved electronics architecture with second-generation modular infotainment platforms- Aux, USB and SD card

o Revised range of colors and materials

o Auto hold assist

o AC vents with integrated adjustment for temperature, air flow settings and positioning

The Audi model range in India includes the Audi A3 Sedan, Audi A3 Cabriolet, Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A7 Sportback, Audi A8 L, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi S4, Audi S6, Audi RS 5 Coupé, Audi RS 7 Sportback, all-new Audi TT Coupé, Audi R8, Audi R8 Spyder, Audi R8 V10 plus and Audi R8 LMX.

Grand Legend Furniture Opens Showroom in Kochi

• The 10,000-sq ft showroom in Kaloor displays sofas in more than 65 varieties and bed sets and dining tables in 25 varieties each, manufactured at the company’s Rs.25-crore, 60000-sq .ft. facility at KINFRA Park, Kazhakoota
• Grand Legend, which recently launched its products in the domestic market after a successful year in exporting, is the forward integration project of Overseas Air Travel group, which has years of experience in timber trading and import

Kochi: Grand Legend Furniture, which recently launched its products in the domestic market after a successful year in exporting, opened its exclusive showroom in Kaloor, Kochi. The 10,000 sq ft showroom at the Holy Tuesday Shopping Mall was inaugurated by Tony Chammany, Kochi Mayor while Anathalavattom Anandan, State President, CITU, made the first sale. The new showroom in Kaloor displays sofas in more than 65 varieties and bed sets and dining tables in 25 varieties each, manufactured at the company’s Rs.25-crore, 60000-sq. ft. facility at KINFRA Park, Kazhakootam. As an inaugural offer the company has announced 20% discount on all products till May 14.

Made mainly of scientifically-treated, imported timber, Grand Legend offers a series of premium home and office furniture primarily targeting at the upper strata of the market. M. Parijathan, Managing Director, Mega Exports, which is the promoting company of Grand Legend, said that more than 200 people experienced in the most modern furniture manufacturing practices are working at their Kazhakkoottam factory in the three divisions including manufacturing, joinery and upholstery. The factory has a production capacity to make 20 luxury sofa sets a day. Parijathan said the company’s own R&D and joinery divisions teamed up with a group of designers are well equipped to design and manufacture furniture as per unique customer requirements and trends.

Grand Legend is a forward integration project of the Thiruvananthapuram-based Overseas Air Travels group which has been operating in the travel industry since 1981 and in timber imports and trading for the past 6 years. Teak, mahogany, mpingo and pincoda, the main types of timber used in furniture manufacturing are imported from Malaysia, Burma, Africa and Central America. Parijathan said that even though around 25% of Kerala is covered with forests, timber obtained from the Department of Forests satisfies only a quarter of the demand it has in furniture making in the state. Teak, made available through auction by the Dept. of Forests, comprises the major chunk of the domestic supply. While the domestically available teak costs around Rs.4000 per cu ft, hardwood mpingo, imported from African countries, at par with teak in quality and finishes, costs only less than Rs. 1500 per cu ft. Mpingo also lasts long for many years.

In the estimated pan Indian furniture market of Rs.70,000 crores per year, Kerala is ruling the roost with its high standards of living and unique lifestyles, with an annual market size of Rs.10,000 crores.  The growth of Kerala’s upper middle class has also turned out to be a fillip for the state’s furniture market which is showing a growth of 25 to 30% per annum. Considering these, Grand Legend is expecting a commendable growth in the state.

For more details, please visit www.grandlegend.co.in

‘Hrudaya Sangamam 2015’ on April 19; The Social Excellence Award goes to Mammootty

• The meet at Lisie Hospital, to be attended by around 600 patients who underwent heart surgery, will be inaugurated by Cardinal Mar George Alencherry
• There is a misconception in the society that patients who have undergone heart surgery have to lead an inactive life, doing no work. The motive behind the Hrudaya Sangamam is to enlighten the patients and their familes and empower them to lead a normal life

Kochi, April 14, 2015: ‘Hrudaya Sangamam 2015’, jointly organized by Heart Care Foundation and Lisie Hospital will be held in Kochi on Sunday, April 19. The meet to be held at the Lisie Hospital auditorium will be inaugurated by Cardinal Mar George Alencherry. In the inaugural function, actor Mammootty will be presented this year’s Social Excellence Award, constituted by the Heart Care Foundation. Dr. Jose Chacko Periapuram, Chairman of the Heart Care Foundation  said the award is given to people who have rendered yeomen services in various fields. Mammootty has been selected for his services in lessening the burdens of the less fortunate in the society, in his role as the patron of various organizations like Pain & Paliative Care Society, Care & Share International, Jeevan Jyothi, Kazhcha, Akshaya Kanivu etc. It may be also recalled that Mammootty has earned world attention through his ‘My Tree Challenge’ campaign and the measures taken for the propagation of organic farming. The award, that was constituted five years ago in memory of C. V. Shanmughan, the former trustee of the foundation, was earlier given to K.J . Yesudas, Uma Preman, V. J. Kurien IAS and Dr. Beena IAS.

Around 600 patients who underwent heart surgery and their kins are expected to attend the Hrudaya Sangamam. Educative programmes led by doctors and paramedical staff of the Cardiac Services will be held as part of the function. Eminent Cardiac Specialists like Dr. Rony Mathew Kadavil, Dr. Joe Joseph, Dr. Jacob Abraham, Dr. Rafeeq A.k, Dr. Jeevan Thomas, Nutritionist Dr. Nisha Vikraman and      Physiotherapist Dany Jose will lead the interactive session.

There is a misconception in the society that patients who have undergone heart surgery have to lead an inactive life, doing no work. Due to this, they are forced to lead a life with lots of limitations put forth by their family and the society as well. The motive behind the Hrudaya Sangamam is to enlighten the patients and their familes and empower them to lead a normal life, said Fr. Thomas Vaikkathuprambil, Director, Lisie Hospital.

For more details, please contact: 98470 06000

IMA Opens 8 New Chapters in India incl. Kochi; Signs New Strategic Partnerships

New Jersey/India/Kochi, April 2014: To provide training and certification tools for a growing group of accounting and finance professionals in India, IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) has announced a partnership agreement with John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (Wiley), publisher of the CMA Learning System (CMALS), and Miles Professional Education (Miles), a major professional certification course provider in India. Under the agreement, Miles commits significant resources to support live training for management accountants preparing to take IMA’s CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) exam using Wiley’s CMALS.  

IMA’s globally recognized CMA credential is an advanced assessment of accounting and financial management knowledge in four critical areas: financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support. The two-part exam is offered through Prometric testing centers in India and throughout the world. 

“As local economies grow, so does the demand for highly qualified management accountants,” said Jim Gurowka, CAE, IMA vice president of international development. “This new partner agreement solidifies IMA’s commitment to the region and reinforces our dedication to supporting careers, organizations, and the public interest.”

Beginning this spring, Miles will offer an eight­week instructor­led course, to prepare management accountants for the exam. The courses, available in eight cities across India, provide 60 hours of training on exam content, guidance for taking the test, and career counseling.

“We at Miles recognize a great opportunity for management accountants in India with the recent government focus on economic development and growth. The availability of the CMA credential will enable a highly qualified workforce and enhanced performance of organizations,” said Varun Jain, CMA, CPA, National Instructor & Founder, Miles Professional Education.

“Wiley’s global success in providing best­in­class professional educational products and services is underpinned by collaborative relationships. As such, we are proud to cement this important initiative with our longstanding partners at IMA and Miles,” said David Pugh, executive publisher and senior vice president at John Wiley and Sons U.S. headquarters.

Vikas Gupta, managing director of Wiley India, added: “This partnership underscores Wiley’s commitment to support individuals around the world pursuing globally relevant professional certifications, such as the U.S.­based CMA. The planned coursework will allow undergraduate and post­graduate students to sit for the exams in parallel with their college coursework. The CMA also helps working professionals take their careers to the next level through a cost­effective path. The preparation of CMA professionals also fits perfectly with the national skill­development agenda of India, which Wiley has always championed.”

In tandem with this announcement, IMA has expanded its international chapter roster by adding eight new local chapters in India: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. IMA also has an active Mutual Recognition Agreement with the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI). ® (Certified Management Accountant) exam using Wiley’s CMALS.

“IMA strongly believes in delivering the best in localized programs and services. Our new network of chapters in India and expanded CMA program support will help meet the specific needs of professionals in the region,” said Gurowka.

For more information on IMA’s regional chapters, visit IMA’s website – www.imanet.org. To learn more about Miles Professional Education, please visit www.milespcareview.com or www.milescma.com. For more information about Wiley, please visit www.wileyindia.com

UNI-GAUGE EMeD – All India Entrance Exam for multiple Universities for the students seeking admission to Engineering, Medical and Dental Courses

Cochin, 12^th March 2015 : With the motto to provide an intelligent and efficient platform to students, hunting for admission in engineering, medical and dental, ERA Foundation, a not for profit organization has announced “Uni- GAUGE EMeD” a single all India entrance exam window for multiple universities. The launch press conference was held at Hotel Grand today. The press conference was addressed by ERA Foundation CEO Mr. B.N. Subramanya and Mr. Sanjay Kulkarni.

Uni-GAUGE is beneficial to student community as it enables them to apply to multiple universities through a single gateway. In the current scenario, students apply to many universities leading to wastage of time, money and efforts. With Uni-GAUGE EMeD, candidates seeking admission to B.Tech, B.E, M.B.B.S and B.D.S courses, now have the facility to write a single entrance exam and seek admission in multiple universities which are the participating universities of ERA (Education Rating and Assessment Foundation). The partner universities will accept Uni-GAUGE scores, as one of the criteria for admission. However, they will have complete autonomy on their admission process. 

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Subramanya, CEO, ERA Foundation said “ERA Foundation has pioneered and brought about a positive difference in the country’s education ecosystem by introducing such programs “Uni-GAUGE EMeD. It will fulfill a vital need in the Indian higher education system by helping the student community to apply to multiple universities through a single gateway. As of now ERA Foundation has joined hands with M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Reva University, Kolar’s Sri Devraj Urs University, Faridabad’s Manav Rachna University, Guntur’s KL University, Saveetha University, Karpagam University, Periyar Maniammai University, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya SCSVM University and many more universities are slated to join the Uni-GAUGE platform shortly”.

In continuation, Mr. Sanjay Kulkarni, ERA Foundation said “Uni-GAUGE” is a pan-India, computer-aided assessment platform. It stands for trust, transparency and reliability in assessment. It benefits both the institutions as well as the students who have long felt the need of such international standards concept. Uni-GAUGE partners with universities to offer them several benefits including improve their ability to access students across the country, reliable, efficient, technology enabled entrance test and segregate entrance evaluation and admission processes”.

Eligible candidates should have qualified in second PUC or 10+2 or equivalent examination recognized by State / Central Government. The last two years of study shall comprise of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics / Biology (PCB/PCM) with English as a compulsory subject.

Registrations are open -and the last date of submitting application is 4th April 2015 and to register and apply for Uni-GAUGE EMeD 2015, candidates are required to visit https://www.erafoundationindia.org/emed-entrance-examination. The first Uni-GAUGE EMeD 2015 Exam will be held on 26th April 2015.

About ERA Foundation: Education Assessment and Rating Foundation (ERA) is a Not for Profit organization pioneering educational reforms in India.

It is promoted by Dr. M.R Jayaram, Chairman of Gokula Education Foundation and first Chancellor of M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Science, Dr. G Viswanathan, founder-chancellor of VIT University, and Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President, Manav Rachana Educational Institutions

It has an autonomous Board of Governors that oversees assessment methodology, design and administration. It is Chaired by Mr. Ranganath, Former Chief Secy. Government of Karnataka & non-executive chairman of IFCI, and comprises of Mr. KRS Murthy - Former Director (IIM-B), Professor Samir Brahmachari - Former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Professor Arun Nigavekar - Former Chairman of UGC, Dr A Gnanam- former  Vice Chancellor of Bharathidasan, Madras and Pondicherry Universities.

ERA foundation will also focus on two supporting platforms viz accreditation including programmatic rating for medical and technical education and skill building in the education sector.

It plans to assist the student community by providing scholarships, free counseling, career guidance and professional consultancy.