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  • Students Of The Lexicon Schools To Launch “I Believe – And This Is My Story”


    I Believe – And This Is My Story; The Lexicon Schools

    PUNE: The Lexicon Schools proudly announce the upcoming release of an inspiring new book titled “I Believe – And This Is My Story.” Written by the talented students of The Lexicon Schools and guided by Hemant Kumar, Founder of Quill Books, along with the dedicated faculty of The Lexicon Schools, this collection of illustrated stories offers a profound glimpse into the minds and creativity of young authors and illustrators.

    “I Believe – And This Is My Story” is a compelling anthology that showcases the boundless imaginations and unique perspectives of the next generation. Each story, meticulously crafted and beautifully illustrated, reflects the personal beliefs, dreams, and experiences of the students, making this volume a true reflection of youthful creativity and insight.

    “I Believe” is the first volume of its kind to be released by a school. When asked about the motivation behind this innovative endeavor, Pankaj Sharma, President of The Lexicon Group of Institutes and Chairman & MD of Pune Times Mirror, Civic Mirror, and MultiFit, said, “At The Lexicon Schools, we are dedicated to providing our students with every opportunity to realize their potential. While the students wrote and illustrated the book, our teachers and Hemant Kumar, Quill Books played a crucial role in mentoring, guiding, and encouraging them to push beyond their limits. This relentless pursuit of excellence and the joy in the journey truly define the Lexicon experience.”

    The Lexicon Schools and Quill Books collaborated in nurturing literary talent and mentoring young writers and illustrators resulting in a book that not only highlights the students’ storytelling prowess but also underscores the importance of guidance and support in the creative process.

    Reflecting on the inspiration behind this initiative, Nasir Shaikh, Group CEO of The Lexicon Group of Institutes, EduCrack, and Easy Recruit +, shared, “When we first discussed this book, we knew our students would be excited, but their response exceeded all our expectations. Their boundless enthusiasm was truly inspiring. Watching them excel in writing and illustration was thrilling, especially as many were first-time authors and illustrators. The students seamlessly collaborated, demonstrating incredible adaptability and teamwork. It was a joy to see them embrace this opportunity and blossom creatively.”

    The official release of “I Believe – And This Is My Story” is slated for June 19, 2024. The launch event will include readings by the young authors, a book signing session, and a Q&A segment where the students will share their experiences and insights about the creative journey.

    Event Details:

    Date: June 19, 2024

    Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    Venue: The Lexicon Schools Auditorium, Pune

    Members of the media are cordially invited to attend the launch event and witness firsthand the remarkable achievements of these young storytellers.

  • Motorola launches edge50 ultra; disrupts the Indian Flagship Smartphone market with its Moto AI-powered Generative AI features


    Motorola launches edge50 ultra

    Like Magic Canvas, AI-powered Pro-Grade cameras, and Smart Connect for an effortless interconnected experience between phones, PCs, and tablets

    The Motorola Edge50 Ultra is powered by Moto Ai and includes innovative Gen AI features such as AI Magic Canvas for generating Images basis text prompts and Style Sync for generating themes matching the consumer’s attire

    Its Pro-Grade camera system effortlessly captures stunning photos and videos with the most advanced camera technology powered by Moto Ai, making it the brand’s most impressive camera system ever

    The Motorola Edge50 Ultra boasts a 50MP main camera featuring a main 1/1.3″ sensor with a massive 2.4μm pixel size which absorbs 20% more light than the previous generation for sharp and bright photos in every situation

     Additionally, the camera system also features the world’s 1st 64MP 3x telephoto optical zoom lens with OIS and 100x advanced hybrid zoom

    The Motorola edge50 Ultra comes out of the box with the revolutionary Smart Connect feature which ensures effortless connectivity between devices to enable easy share of files, streaming phone apps, and more across your phone, PC, tablet, and more.

    It features a nearly borderless 6.7″ pOLED curved display with a Super HD (1220p) resolution, an unbelievably fast 144Hz refresh rate, and true-to-life colors validated by Pantone.

    The Motorola edge50 Ultra comes with the segment’s only TurboPower™ 50W wireless charging along with 125W TurboPower™ charging. It also has the segment’s only, 10W wireless power sharing.

    The smartphone has the world’s 1st FSC-certified real wood finish that’s inspired by nature and infused with a subtle wood fragrance in eco-friendly packaging and with climate-friendly colorful phone cases in the box.

    The Motorola Edge50 Ultra will go on sale in a 12GB RAM + 512GB storage configuration, starting 18th June 2024 on Flipkart, motorola.in, and leading retail stores at an effective price of just Rs. 49,999*

    MUMBAI: Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and innovation today launched its most advanced phone in the edge franchise, the Motorola edge50 Ultra. As the latest addition to the edge50 series, the Motorola edge50 Ultra is a smartphone full of intelligence and art that makes it truly unique in its segment. This effortlessly intelligent flagship smartphone features Moto ai, containing numerous functions such as style sync with AI generative theming, magic canvas with text to prompt image generation, and several other cutting-edge innovations. Apart from this, the smartphone comes with Motorola’s most impressive camera system ever, boasting an AI-powered Pantone™ validated camera. Additionally, the Motorola edge50 Ultra also comes with the revolutionary Smart Connect feature which allows effortless connectivity between devices and flaunts a nearly borderless 6.7″ curved, pOLED display, with a beautifully crafted harmonious design and segment’s only TurboPower™ 50W wireless charging along with 125W TurboPower™ charging. The smartphone comes with IP68 underwater protection along with Gorilla Glass Victus display protection and boasts 12GB RAM + 512GB Storage for a faster and more efficient performance.

    The Motorola edge50 Ultra powered by Moto ai creates consumer delight with the AI Magic Canvas feature that allows users to generate images via text inputs, bringing the user’s imagination to life and making it effortless to create any art for your work, WhatsApp shares, memes, content creation and more. Besides incredible GenAI features, MotoAI has been well integrated into the camera system. The Motorola edge50 Ultra features a pro-grade camera system that effortlessly captures stunning photos and videos with the most advanced camera technology powered by moto ai, making it the brand’s most impressive camera system ever. The AI features included in the camera are, AI Action Shot which quickly takes blur-free photos even if the subject is in motion, AI Adaptive Stabilization that uses AI to recognize movement while filming, and dynamically adjusts the stabilization level for the best results while Intelligent Auto Focus Tracking automatically focuses on the primary subject without manually selecting it. Additionally, the AI Photo Enhancement Engine improves the dynamic range, boosting the ratio between the brightest and darkest parts of an image while delivering finer image details, which is essential when zooming. Other AI features include Smart Color Segmentation which analyzes photos to deliver enhanced, individualized tuning for specific segments, Advanced Long Exposure, and Video Horizon Lock. 

    The Motorola edge50 Ultra boasts a Pantone Validated True color 50MP main camera featuring a main 1/1.3″ sensor with a massive 2.4μm pixel size which absorbs 20% more light than the previous generation for sharp and bright photos in every situation. Its Laser Autofocus gauges the distance of the subject and focuses swiftly, so users never miss a thing, moreover with its omni-directional PDAF, users get 32x more focusing pixels for faster, more accurate performance in any light. Coupled with OIS which eliminates unwanted shakes, so the photos are crystal clear. The second rear camera is a 50MP Ultrawide + Macro Vision camera with a 122º ultra-wide-angle lens to capture more in just one click. The ultra-wide sensor boosts brightness and sharpness in low light as well by combining multiple pixels into one large pixel and built in macro vision brings the users 4x closer than a standard lens. The third camera in the rear camera system is the world’s 1st 64MP 3x telephoto optical zoom lens with OIS and 100x advanced hybrid zoom. The 3x telephoto lens equates to a 72mm equivalent focal length, so more of the subject can fill the frame as compared to the main lens. On the front, the Motorola edge50 Ultra sports a 50MP selfie cam, one of the highest-resolution front cameras. Users can now enjoy 4x better low-light sensitivity with Quad Pixel technology, which combines every four pixels into one and get great results in dark environments with an aperture of f/1.9 which is wider than most selfie cams.

    The camera system comes with numerous modes and settings, such as Tilt Shift mode which captures images with multiple points of focus for any angle bokeh effect. This Pro-grade camera is capable of four portrait modes to capture professional-looking portraits with different intensity levels, by adjusting the focal lengths between full view (25mm), wide (35mm), standard (50mm), or close-up (85mm) and for the first time, access to Adobe Doc Scan right from the camera. All this along with the integration of Google AI Features like AI Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur and Magic Editor into this Pantone™ validated camera. Remove unwanted distractions with AI Magic Eraser, Improve out-of-focus or blurry photos, both new and old with Photo Unblur feature or use Magic Editor feature in Google Photos to reimagine your photos using generative AI, just tap or circle the object, hold and drag to reposition, or pinch to resize them. 

    In terms of cross device connectivity, the Motorola edge50 Ultra leads the pack as the revolutionary Smart Connect feature. Smart Connect seamlessly unites multiple devices, enabling effortless task transitions across phone, tablet and PC’s making it a key component for a unified and efficient digital life. Within Smart Connect, users will get multiple functionalities like Swipe to Share, Cross Device Control, Context Aware Phone, Universal Clipboard, Share Hub, App Stream and much more. Each with its own unique advantages designed to facilitate seamless integration.

    With the Motorola edge50 Ultra, users can immerse themselves in a nearly borderless 6.7″ pOLED display with 2800nits of peak brightness for clearer outdoor visibility thus making it the best ever in a Motorola edge series smartphone. Its Super HD (1220p) resolution delivers 13% better resolution than the previous generation for clearer, more vibrant pictures with sharper details and less pixelation. Users can watch HDR10+ movies, shows, and more in a billion shades of true-to-life color while getting an unbelievably fast 144Hz refresh rate that makes switching between apps, playing games, and scrolling through content incredibly smooth and fluid. Plus, the refresh rate adjusts automatically based on the type of content on the screen, and with a low latency 360Hz touch rate, users will experience far more responsiveness than a standard display. Just like the camera, the display is also Pantone™ validated, it has met Pantone’s evaluation and grading criteria by authentically simulating the full range of real-world Pantone Colors. Pantone SkinTone™ Validated assures the display is truly representing the vast spectrum of human skin tones. This display also comes with ultra-tough Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® Protection which ensures durability and scratch free use.

    Speaking on the launch, T.M. Narasimhan, Managing Director, Motorola India said “At Motorola, we’re dedicated to excellence with each new release. The Motorola edge50 Ultra represents a significant leap in AI-driven smartphone technology, marking our most advanced device to date. This phone underscores our dedication to meaningful innovation, extending beyond hardware. Packed with exceptional AI capabilities, a stand-out real wood inspired design, interconnected ecosystem experiences and more this device effortlessly redefines true flagship experience for Indian consumers. We’re confident that the Motorola edge50 Ultra will deliver a revolutionary smartphone experience to our customers.”

    The Motorola edge50 Ultra is thoughtfully crafted with a sense of harmony and its curved edges perfectly fit the natural contours of the hand. The smartphone comes in different styles and finishes. It is the world’s 1st FSC-certified real wood body that’s inspired by nature and infused with a subtle wood fragrance. then there’s soft, natural-feeling vegan leather that’s inviting to the touch, The vegan leather variant is available in two colours, Forest Grey and Peach Fuzz- Pantone Color of the year 2024. While the wood finish is available in a single colour called Nordic Wood.

    Powering all this is the Motorola edge50 Ultra’s massive 4500mAh battery with segment’s only TurboPower™ 50W wireless charging along with 125W TurboPower™ charging. It also has segment’s only 10W wireless power sharing to charge ecosystem devices and the smartphone charges completely in just 18 minutes under ideal conditions. The smartphone also comes with IP68 underwater protection, that can withstand dust, dirt, and sand, along with submersion in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. With regards to performance, the smartphone is equipped with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor for ultimate performance. Users will get speeds up to 3.0 GHz for faster multitasking and improved efficiency, along with on-device generative AI at breakneck speeds owing to the supercharged Qualcomm® AI Engine. Moreover, the Motorola edge50 Ultra provides the fastest LPDDR5X memory available and the latest 12GB RAM + 512GB UFS 4.0 storage in addition to 17 blazing-fast 5G speeds with support for Wi-Fi 7 networks.

    The Motorola edge50 Ultra uses advanced thermal components to regulate heat, with a vapor chamber cooling system, featuring an impressive chamber surface area of 5,034mm2. On the multimedia front, the smartphone comes equipped with two large stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos®. This allows users to have the most engaging and entertaining multimedia experience while enjoying crisper visuals and cleaner audio. Furthermore, Dolby’s head tracking technology identifies the location of sound as the user turns their head, recalibrating to give them a more natural sound experience. While Qualcomm® Snapdragon Sound™ delivers incredibly immersive detail in games, movies, music, and more using Bluetooth®.

    With the launch of the Motorola edge50 Ultra, Motorola is also introducing a more personalized and intuitive Hello UI having all Moto apps at one place and latest Android 14 with assured 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of SMR updates. Hello UI features include, Moto Gestures, Moto Secure with Thinkshield,

    Family Spaces, Moto Unplugged, and Personalize 5.0. The new Motorola edge50 Ultra is more than just an advanced smartphone, it’s also pushing the boundaries of sustainable packaging and product design with an eco-friendly box, which is plastic-free, features natural soy ink printing, and uses recycled and recyclable materials. Including packaging card stock made with over 60% recycled materials from FSC-certified sources.

    Availability:

    The Motorola edge50 Ultra is available in real wood finish design referred to as Nordic Wood. It is also available in vegan leather finish in two colors, Forest Grey and Peach Fuzz- Pantone Color of the year 2024.

    The smartphone will go on sale from 24th Jun 2024, 12PM on Flipkart, Motorola.in and leading retail stores including Reliance Digital.

    Launch Price:                           

    12GB+512GB               : INR 59,999

    Special Introductory Offer

    Additional Rs 5000 discount as Special Introductory Offer for limited period only

    12GB+512GB               : INR 54,999

    Affordability Offers:

    Rs. 5,000 Instant Bank discount from leading banks like HDFC and ICICI banks

    Consumers can also avail No Cost EMIs up to 12 Months starting at 4,167/ per month from leading banks

    Effective Price with offer:

    For 12GB+512GB variant: INR 49,999 (including introductory and bank offer)

    To know more about the product visit:   

    Flipkart                             –   www.flipkart.com/motorola-edge-50-ultra-5g-coming-soon-store

    Motorola website     –   www.motorola.in/smartphones-motorola-edge-50-ultra/p

  • Indian H-1B visa employee alleges discrimination and retaliation in lawsuit against JP Morgan Chase

    NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT

    Plano, Texas, June 16, 2024: Prafull Khare, a former vice president of product management at JP Morgan Chase & Co., has filed a federal lawsuit against the financial giant, alleging unlawful retaliation after he raised concerns about race and national origin discrimination.

    According to the Dallas News, Khare, an Indian citizen working in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, was employed at JP Morgan’s Plano office. He began his role focusing on cloud networking and security products in January 2023. The H-1B visa program allows skilled foreign workers to work in the U.S., with possibilities for visa extensions and eventual green card sponsorship.

    However, when a sponsored employee is terminated, they enter a 60-day grace period during which they must either secure a new job with visa sponsorship, transition to a different immigration status that permits them to stay in the U.S., or prepare to leave the country.

    The Dallas News quoted Khare’s attorney, Rod Tanner, stating that Khare and his wife are hopeful to stay in the U.S. despite the current challenges. “Their future hinges on this,” Tanner said, noting Khare’s desire to continue working and living in the country.

    JP Morgan declined to comment on the pending litigation but emphasized their commitment to a bias-free workplace. “There is no place for bias, prejudice or discrimination in our company, ever,” a spokesperson stated.

    According to the lawsuit, Khare’s work assignments at JP Morgan did not align with those specified in his visa application. He was given tasks with unrealistic deadlines and his completed work was misrepresented.

    Khare alleged that his supervisors assigned him tasks outside the scope of his approved duties, which required prior approval from the U.S. Department of Labor. In a meeting with his supervisors, Khare claimed they were setting him up for failure because of his Indian origin.

    In a meeting with his supervisors, Khare claimed that they “put him under a microscope, constantly searched for flaws, and misrepresented his work performance,” according to legal filings. Khare asserted that the supervisors disliked him because he was an Indian immigrant and “were trying to set him up for failure”.

    The executives reportedly denied these accusations, attributing the issues to communication failures. However, after Khare complained about the perceived discrimination, he alleges that JP Morgan retaliated by firing him in April, just before his probationary period ended.

    Khare was earning a base salary of $180,000 with a $40,000 annual bonus. In his lawsuit, he is seeking back pay and damages.

    Khare is actively seeking new employment opportunities to remain in the U.S. beyond his 60-day grace period following his termination.

    Cover photo: Background of JPMorgan courtesy Wikimedia.

  • Indian H-1B visa employee alleges discrimination and retaliation in lawsuit against JP Morgan Chase

    NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT

    Plano, Texas, June 16, 2024: Prafull Khare, a former vice president of product management at JP Morgan Chase & Co., has filed a federal lawsuit against the financial giant, alleging unlawful retaliation after he raised concerns about race and national origin discrimination.

    According to the Dallas News, Khare, an Indian citizen working in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, was employed at JP Morgan’s Plano office. He began his role focusing on cloud networking and security products in January 2023. The H-1B visa program allows skilled foreign workers to work in the U.S., with possibilities for visa extensions and eventual green card sponsorship.

    However, when a sponsored employee is terminated, they enter a 60-day grace period during which they must either secure a new job with visa sponsorship, transition to a different immigration status that permits them to stay in the U.S., or prepare to leave the country.

    The Dallas News quoted Khare’s attorney, Rod Tanner, stating that Khare and his wife are hopeful to stay in the U.S. despite the current challenges. “Their future hinges on this,” Tanner said, noting Khare’s desire to continue working and living in the country.

    JP Morgan declined to comment on the pending litigation but emphasized their commitment to a bias-free workplace. “There is no place for bias, prejudice or discrimination in our company, ever,” a spokesperson stated.

    According to the lawsuit, Khare’s work assignments at JP Morgan did not align with those specified in his visa application. He was given tasks with unrealistic deadlines and his completed work was misrepresented.

    Khare alleged that his supervisors assigned him tasks outside the scope of his approved duties, which required prior approval from the U.S. Department of Labor. In a meeting with his supervisors, Khare claimed they were setting him up for failure because of his Indian origin.

    In a meeting with his supervisors, Khare claimed that they “put him under a microscope, constantly searched for flaws, and misrepresented his work performance,” according to legal filings. Khare asserted that the supervisors disliked him because he was an Indian immigrant and “were trying to set him up for failure”.

    The executives reportedly denied these accusations, attributing the issues to communication failures. However, after Khare complained about the perceived discrimination, he alleges that JP Morgan retaliated by firing him in April, just before his probationary period ended.

    Khare was earning a base salary of $180,000 with a $40,000 annual bonus. In his lawsuit, he is seeking back pay and damages.

    Khare is actively seeking new employment opportunities to remain in the U.S. beyond his 60-day grace period following his termination.

    Cover photo: Background of JPMorgan courtesy Wikimedia.

  • CRISIL Market Intelligence And Analytics As Of 14 June 2024

    CRISIL’s outlook on near-term rates

    MUMBAI: In June, domestic G-sec yields are likely to be influenced by a range of factors, such as foreign portfolio investor (FPI) flows, crude oil price movements, the rupee-dollar equation, outcome of the US Federal Open Market Committee, (FOMC) domestic inflows into the debt market, and announcement of G-sec auctions, amongst others.

    Three-month view

    The 10-year G-sec yield is expected to react to FPI flows, crude prices, global interest rates, the CPI inflation print, rate decisions by the RBI MPC and FOMC, global cues, and liquidity concerns.

    Framework for the outlook

    CRISIL provides its outlook on key benchmark rates for different debt classes — 10-year G-secs, state development loans (SDLs), and corporate bonds (CBs) — based on statistical models and inputs from our in-house experts. We also incorporate our views on policy expectations, the macroeconomic outlook, key events (local and global), and market factors (liquidity and demand/supply).

  • Huge Anticipation As Women’s First Division Kicks Off


    SARugby Women’s First Division kicks off

    SOUTH AFRICA: The SA Rugby Women’s First Division kicks off in three major rugby centers of the country on Saturday with all squads well aware of the possibilities of this journey for the team and individual players in the next couple of months.

    The 2023 version of the tournament saw eventual champions, Free State Women, promoted into the Premier Division, and a handful of individual players getting call-ups into national squads, with Free State’s Sikholiwe (Sne) Mdletshe earning Test caps for the Springbok Women, and Shannon-Lee Windvogel (SWD Eagirls) drafted into the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad.

    There will be no promotion/relegation in 2024, but for Griquas Women (against Pumas Women), Limpopo Blue Bulls Women (versus Leopards Women) and Valke Rugby Union Women (facing SWD Eagles Women) a good start in front of their home crowd could establish a solid support base and momentum for the tournament, which will culminate in semi-finals on 3 August, and the final a week later on 10 August.

    The Griffons Women, who will be coached by the experienced Shamila Louw and former Griffons stalwart, Tertius Maarman, assisting her, have a bye in the opening round.

    The first round of action will start an exciting weekend of rugby in Kimberley, Polokwane, and Kempton Park and with no clear front runners at this stage of the tournament, some intriguing matches are on offer.

    In Kimberley, Griquas, again coached by Ronald Maarman, with Claudia Francke (forwards) and Coerispa Links (backs) assisting him, will welcome Pumas Women to Kimberley Rugby Club.  The Pumas Women will start the competition with a new head coach Devril Boucher, who has been involved with the team in a variety of roles in the past. He will be assisted by Sbusiso Ngomane and the duo would love to start on a winning note.

    Limpopo Blue Bulls Women will again be a strong contender in 2024. They have retained most of their playing squad from last year and head coach, Artwell Makhubela, is in charge again. He will be assisted by Andile Dzavana (backs) and Bryan Mashigo (forwards). They will face another regular contender in the Leopards, a finalist two years ago.

    Leopards Head Coach Franklin Jackson will be without his assistant, Jackie Kriel, for their trip north as she is currently with the SA Students Sevens team abroad, but will have the comfort of former Springbok Women wing, Verana van Heerden, to bring massive experience and calmness to his young squad.

    The Eagirls will enter the tournament as likely favorites, but the Valke Women cannot be underestimated. The SWD side has been a top-three side consistently and will again have their regular stalwarts available. Elize Arendse is back as head coach and she will be assisted by Nicolene Barendse, who played for the Eagirls till last year.

    Valke Head Coach, Catherine Lowane and assistant, Collen Mabasa, will have a plan to combat the free-flowing attack from their visitors for sure.

    The first round of fixtures (all on Saturday, 15 June 2024):

    Griquas Women vs Pumas Women

    Venue: Kimberley Rugby Klub, Kimberley

    Kick-off: 10h30

    Referee: Cammy Dyers

    Valke Women vs SWD Eagirls

    Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park

    Kick-off: 12h15

    Referee: Siyanda Pikoli

    Limpopo Blue Bulls Women vs Leopards Women

    Venue: University of Limpopo, Polokwane

    Kick-off: 13h00

    Referee: Excellent Mnkomo

  • Huge Anticipation As Women’s First Division Kicks Off


    SARugby Women’s First Division kicks off

    SOUTH AFRICA: The SA Rugby Women’s First Division kicks off in three major rugby centers of the country on Saturday with all squads well aware of the possibilities of this journey for the team and individual players in the next couple of months.

    The 2023 version of the tournament saw eventual champions, Free State Women, promoted into the Premier Division, and a handful of individual players getting call-ups into national squads, with Free State’s Sikholiwe (Sne) Mdletshe earning Test caps for the Springbok Women, and Shannon-Lee Windvogel (SWD Eagirls) drafted into the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad.

    There will be no promotion/relegation in 2024, but for Griquas Women (against Pumas Women), Limpopo Blue Bulls Women (versus Leopards Women) and Valke Rugby Union Women (facing SWD Eagles Women) a good start in front of their home crowd could establish a solid support base and momentum for the tournament, which will culminate in semi-finals on 3 August, and the final a week later on 10 August.

    The Griffons Women, who will be coached by the experienced Shamila Louw and former Griffons stalwart, Tertius Maarman, assisting her, have a bye in the opening round.

    The first round of action will start an exciting weekend of rugby in Kimberley, Polokwane, and Kempton Park and with no clear front runners at this stage of the tournament, some intriguing matches are on offer.

    In Kimberley, Griquas, again coached by Ronald Maarman, with Claudia Francke (forwards) and Coerispa Links (backs) assisting him, will welcome Pumas Women to Kimberley Rugby Club.  The Pumas Women will start the competition with a new head coach Devril Boucher, who has been involved with the team in a variety of roles in the past. He will be assisted by Sbusiso Ngomane and the duo would love to start on a winning note.

    Limpopo Blue Bulls Women will again be a strong contender in 2024. They have retained most of their playing squad from last year and head coach, Artwell Makhubela, is in charge again. He will be assisted by Andile Dzavana (backs) and Bryan Mashigo (forwards). They will face another regular contender in the Leopards, a finalist two years ago.

    Leopards Head Coach Franklin Jackson will be without his assistant, Jackie Kriel, for their trip north as she is currently with the SA Students Sevens team abroad, but will have the comfort of former Springbok Women wing, Verana van Heerden, to bring massive experience and calmness to his young squad.

    The Eagirls will enter the tournament as likely favorites, but the Valke Women cannot be underestimated. The SWD side has been a top-three side consistently and will again have their regular stalwarts available. Elize Arendse is back as head coach and she will be assisted by Nicolene Barendse, who played for the Eagirls till last year.

    Valke Head Coach, Catherine Lowane and assistant, Collen Mabasa, will have a plan to combat the free-flowing attack from their visitors for sure.

    The first round of fixtures (all on Saturday, 15 June 2024):

    Griquas Women vs Pumas Women

    Venue: Kimberley Rugby Klub, Kimberley

    Kick-off: 10h30

    Referee: Cammy Dyers

    Valke Women vs SWD Eagirls

    Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park

    Kick-off: 12h15

    Referee: Siyanda Pikoli

    Limpopo Blue Bulls Women vs Leopards Women

    Venue: University of Limpopo, Polokwane

    Kick-off: 13h00

    Referee: Excellent Mnkomo

  • Huge Anticipation As Women’s First Division Kicks Off


    SARugby Women’s First Division kicks off

    SOUTH AFRICA: The SA Rugby Women’s First Division kicks off in three major rugby centers of the country on Saturday with all squads well aware of the possibilities of this journey for the team and individual players in the next couple of months.

    The 2023 version of the tournament saw eventual champions, Free State Women, promoted into the Premier Division, and a handful of individual players getting call-ups into national squads, with Free State’s Sikholiwe (Sne) Mdletshe earning Test caps for the Springbok Women, and Shannon-Lee Windvogel (SWD Eagirls) drafted into the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad.

    There will be no promotion/relegation in 2024, but for Griquas Women (against Pumas Women), Limpopo Blue Bulls Women (versus Leopards Women) and Valke Rugby Union Women (facing SWD Eagles Women) a good start in front of their home crowd could establish a solid support base and momentum for the tournament, which will culminate in semi-finals on 3 August, and the final a week later on 10 August.

    The Griffons Women, who will be coached by the experienced Shamila Louw and former Griffons stalwart, Tertius Maarman, assisting her, have a bye in the opening round.

    The first round of action will start an exciting weekend of rugby in Kimberley, Polokwane, and Kempton Park and with no clear front runners at this stage of the tournament, some intriguing matches are on offer.

    In Kimberley, Griquas, again coached by Ronald Maarman, with Claudia Francke (forwards) and Coerispa Links (backs) assisting him, will welcome Pumas Women to Kimberley Rugby Club.  The Pumas Women will start the competition with a new head coach Devril Boucher, who has been involved with the team in a variety of roles in the past. He will be assisted by Sbusiso Ngomane and the duo would love to start on a winning note.

    Limpopo Blue Bulls Women will again be a strong contender in 2024. They have retained most of their playing squad from last year and head coach, Artwell Makhubela, is in charge again. He will be assisted by Andile Dzavana (backs) and Bryan Mashigo (forwards). They will face another regular contender in the Leopards, a finalist two years ago.

    Leopards Head Coach Franklin Jackson will be without his assistant, Jackie Kriel, for their trip north as she is currently with the SA Students Sevens team abroad, but will have the comfort of former Springbok Women wing, Verana van Heerden, to bring massive experience and calmness to his young squad.

    The Eagirls will enter the tournament as likely favorites, but the Valke Women cannot be underestimated. The SWD side has been a top-three side consistently and will again have their regular stalwarts available. Elize Arendse is back as head coach and she will be assisted by Nicolene Barendse, who played for the Eagirls till last year.

    Valke Head Coach, Catherine Lowane and assistant, Collen Mabasa, will have a plan to combat the free-flowing attack from their visitors for sure.

    The first round of fixtures (all on Saturday, 15 June 2024):

    Griquas Women vs Pumas Women

    Venue: Kimberley Rugby Klub, Kimberley

    Kick-off: 10h30

    Referee: Cammy Dyers

    Valke Women vs SWD Eagirls

    Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park

    Kick-off: 12h15

    Referee: Siyanda Pikoli

    Limpopo Blue Bulls Women vs Leopards Women

    Venue: University of Limpopo, Polokwane

    Kick-off: 13h00

    Referee: Excellent Mnkomo

  • Huge Anticipation As Women’s First Division Kicks Off


    SARugby Women’s First Division kicks off

    SOUTH AFRICA: The SA Rugby Women’s First Division kicks off in three major rugby centers of the country on Saturday with all squads well aware of the possibilities of this journey for the team and individual players in the next couple of months.

    The 2023 version of the tournament saw eventual champions, Free State Women, promoted into the Premier Division, and a handful of individual players getting call-ups into national squads, with Free State’s Sikholiwe (Sne) Mdletshe earning Test caps for the Springbok Women, and Shannon-Lee Windvogel (SWD Eagirls) drafted into the Springbok Women’s Sevens squad.

    There will be no promotion/relegation in 2024, but for Griquas Women (against Pumas Women), Limpopo Blue Bulls Women (versus Leopards Women) and Valke Rugby Union Women (facing SWD Eagles Women) a good start in front of their home crowd could establish a solid support base and momentum for the tournament, which will culminate in semi-finals on 3 August, and the final a week later on 10 August.

    The Griffons Women, who will be coached by the experienced Shamila Louw and former Griffons stalwart, Tertius Maarman, assisting her, have a bye in the opening round.

    The first round of action will start an exciting weekend of rugby in Kimberley, Polokwane, and Kempton Park and with no clear front runners at this stage of the tournament, some intriguing matches are on offer.

    In Kimberley, Griquas, again coached by Ronald Maarman, with Claudia Francke (forwards) and Coerispa Links (backs) assisting him, will welcome Pumas Women to Kimberley Rugby Club.  The Pumas Women will start the competition with a new head coach Devril Boucher, who has been involved with the team in a variety of roles in the past. He will be assisted by Sbusiso Ngomane and the duo would love to start on a winning note.

    Limpopo Blue Bulls Women will again be a strong contender in 2024. They have retained most of their playing squad from last year and head coach, Artwell Makhubela, is in charge again. He will be assisted by Andile Dzavana (backs) and Bryan Mashigo (forwards). They will face another regular contender in the Leopards, a finalist two years ago.

    Leopards Head Coach Franklin Jackson will be without his assistant, Jackie Kriel, for their trip north as she is currently with the SA Students Sevens team abroad, but will have the comfort of former Springbok Women wing, Verana van Heerden, to bring massive experience and calmness to his young squad.

    The Eagirls will enter the tournament as likely favorites, but the Valke Women cannot be underestimated. The SWD side has been a top-three side consistently and will again have their regular stalwarts available. Elize Arendse is back as head coach and she will be assisted by Nicolene Barendse, who played for the Eagirls till last year.

    Valke Head Coach, Catherine Lowane and assistant, Collen Mabasa, will have a plan to combat the free-flowing attack from their visitors for sure.

    The first round of fixtures (all on Saturday, 15 June 2024):

    Griquas Women vs Pumas Women

    Venue: Kimberley Rugby Klub, Kimberley

    Kick-off: 10h30

    Referee: Cammy Dyers

    Valke Women vs SWD Eagirls

    Venue: Barnard Stadium, Kempton Park

    Kick-off: 12h15

    Referee: Siyanda Pikoli

    Limpopo Blue Bulls Women vs Leopards Women

    Venue: University of Limpopo, Polokwane

    Kick-off: 13h00

    Referee: Excellent Mnkomo

  • Hyundai Motor India Inaugurates Three New Dealer Showrooms In Pune


    Hyundai Motor India

    Brings international standards to showrooms with Global Dealership Space Identity 2.0

    GDSI 2.0 focuses on the technological interface and enhanced customer experiences

    Kundan Hyundai (Pimpri Chinchwad), Modi Hyundai (Baner), and Kothari Hyundai (Kharadi) inaugurated with GDSI 2.0

    PUNE: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), today inaugurated three new dealer showrooms in Pune, Maharashtra in line with Hyundai Motor Company’s Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) 2.0 guidelines. Developed on the pillars of Modernity, Experience, Comfort, and Technology, the GDSI 2.0 brand identity brings in international standards to offer a digitally advanced, friendly and comfortable environment to customers at HMIL dealer showrooms. The new showrooms aim to leverage technology, and offer customers a delightful car buying experience.

    The new [dealer showrooms]: Kundan Hyundai, Modi Hyundai and Kothari Hyundai in Pune, Maharashtra, have implemented GDSI 2.0 norms and were inaugurated today by Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, HMIL, Mr. Tarun Garg, Chief Operating Officer, HMIL, and Mr. J T Park, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, HMIL.

    The GDSI 2.0 concept includes several key features aimed at enhancing the customer experience including:

    A unique, distinct, and cozy welcome space for customers entering the showroom to make them feel extra special.

    A private and centrally located consultation space for personalized interactions will provide customers privacy during their purchase discussions.

    An exclusive zone for experiencing themed cars will allow customers to explore and engage with vehicles, offering a distinct and captivating way to discover the latest innovations and designs by Hyundai.

    Customized product experiences through a state-of-the-art 3D configurator will enable customers to electronically personalize their favourite Hyundai vehicle to mix and match accessories as per their own taste.

    Hyundai Motor India inaugurates Kothari Hyundai dealer showroom in Pune

    Hyundai Motor India inaugurates Kundan Hyundai dealer showroom in Pune

    Hyundai Motor India inaugurates Modi Hyundai dealer showroom in Pune

    Commenting on the inauguration, Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), said, “We at HMIL, are proud to be able to provide global standards of dealership experience to our customers. Aligned with our Global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, the Global Dealership Space Identity 2.0, represents HMIL’s commitment to bring forth a valuable customer experience with the integration of technology and innovative practices. We are confident these new dealerships will create a lasting relationship with our customers and set new benchmarks in the automotive retail space.”

    Expressing his thoughts, Tarun Garg, COO, of Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), said, “We are thrilled to unveil three new dealer showrooms in Pune today with GDSI 2.0 guidelines. This innovative showroom concept reflects our understanding of customer needs and our dedication to exceeding their expectations. The new GDSI 2.0 showrooms will enhance transparency and delight customers with an exciting purchase experience, seamlessly from the digital space to physical showrooms. We further aim to upgrade more Hyundai showrooms to GDSI 2.0 brand identity as we move forward. We are confident that the new dealerships will further enhance customer engagement with our brand and our products.“

    Aimed at offering state-of-the-art car buying experience to customers, the GDSI 2.0 showrooms are designed to match the changing customer aspirations. These modern showrooms are spacious and designed in a way to indulge customers in a friendly and warm environment. This transformation is built on continuous research, listening to customer voice and anticipating future trends.