Tag: india,

  • Tesla sues Tesla in India over name

    NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT

    In a legal battle over brand identity, Tesla, Elon Musk’s American electric car giant, has taken legal action against a US-headquartered Indian battery manufacturer for allegedly infringing its trademark. The dispute centers around the company’s use of the name “Tesla Power” to promote its products in India.

    Tesla filed the lawsuit in New Delhi, seeking damages and a permanent injunction against Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd. Musk’s company claims that despite issuing a cease-and-desist notice in April 2022, the battery maker which is popular in India, continued to advertise its products under the “Tesla Power” brand, reports Reuters.

    The website of Tesla Power USA LLC says it has a significant presence in India and is recognized for its affordable battery solutions. The company also has a website in India.

    Tesla Power USA is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur John H. Vratsinas. Headquartered in Delaware, the company has offices in Gurugram, Haryana, and Dubai, according to its website.

    During the court hearing at the Delhi High Court, Tesla argued that the Indian company’s use of the name could confuse consumers, as it is associated with Tesla’s electric vehicles. However, Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd defended its position, stating that its primary business is manufacturing lead-acid batteries and that it has no intention of entering the electric vehicle market.

    According to court records, Tesla Power USA, Inc., a Delaware-based company established in 2006, has been accused by Tesla of also using the trade names “Tesla Power” and “Tesla Power USA”.

    In a media interview last year, Mr. Kavinder Khurana, Managing Director of Tesla Power USA, highlighted the company’s operations in India, including the introduction of automotive batteries, inverter batteries, UPS batteries, industrial batteries, and other products. He stated that Tesla Power USA has served over a million customers in India, with a revenue turnover exceeding 225 Crores.

    The legal dispute underscores the importance of brand protection in the competitive electric vehicle and battery market, with both sides preparing to present their arguments in the coming weeks.

    The judge presiding over the case has granted the Indian company three weeks to submit written responses after reviewing the documents presented in its defense.

    The name had caused confusion a couple of years ago when a Noida-based start-up, Oxyneuron India Private Limited, had to clarify that it was Tesla Power USA that placed an order for its portable inverters and not Musk’s Tesla which is known in India as Tesla India Motors And Energy Private Limited.

  • India is a very open society, says Minister S Jaishankar in response to Joe Biden’s ‘xenophobic’ remark

    India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reacted to US President Joe Biden’s ‘xenophobic’ remark and mentioned India has at all times been open and welcoming to folks from various societies.

    Speaking to Economic Times, S Jaishankar said: "First of all, our economy is not faltering."
    S Jaishankar reacts to Joe Biden’s ‘xenophobic’ remark. Photo Courtesy: S Jaishankar Instagram web page

    Speaking to Economic Times, S Jaishankar mentioned: “First of all, our economic system is not faltering.”

    “India is at all times… India has been a very distinctive nation… I’d say truly, in the historical past of the world, that it’s been a society which has been very open… completely different folks from completely different societies come to India,” he advised the newspaper.

    What did Joe Biden say?

    Grouping along with international locations like China and Russia, US President Joe Biden lately described Japan and India as ‘xenophobic’.

    He made the remark simply weeks after he referred to as the US-Japan alliance “unbreakable”.

    India is a key US associate.

    “Why? Because we welcome immigrants,” he added. “Think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having hassle? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t need immigrants,” Biden was quoted as saying by BBC Asian-American viewers whereas talking at a marketing campaign fundraising occasion on Wednesday (May 1, 2024).

    Criticising the feedback, Elbridge Colby, a former US deputy assistant secretary of protection in the Trump administration, posted on X: “Japan and India are two of our very stoutest and necessary allies. We ought to communicate of them with respect, which they command and deserve.”

    “Applying parochial progressive views to our allies is patronizing and silly,” he mentioned.

    The White House, in the meantime, denied that the President made the remarks in a derogatory sense.

    US nationwide safety spokesman John Kirby was quoted as saying by BBC: “Our allies and companions know properly in tangible methods how President Biden values them, their friendship, their co-operation.”

    Kirby mentioned, “They perceive how a lot he fully and completely values the thought of alliances and partnerships.”

  • Apple’s record growth in India: A strategic focus

    Apple Card launch

    Apple CEO Tim Cook

    Apple has been making significant strides in the Indian market, with record double-digit growth in the first quarter of 2024. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating that he was very, very pleased.

    During an earnings call with investors on May 2, Cook highlighted the importance of the Indian market for Apple. He described it as an incredibly exciting market and a major focus for the company. Cook’s comments came after the announcement of Apple’s quarterly results, which showed a 4.3% drop in revenue to $90.8 billion. Despite this drop, the figure was marginally higher than the analyst expectation of $90.3 billion.

    Interestingly, Apple saw record revenues for the March quarter in more than a dozen countries and regions, including India, Latin America, the Middle East, Canada, Spain, and Turkey. This indicates that while the company may have faced challenges in some markets, it has been able to achieve significant growth in others.

    Cook also emphasized the company’s efforts to expand its operations in India. He noted that Apple is producing in India, a move he described as a pragmatic necessity for competitiveness. He also highlighted the company’s work on the developer ecosystem, expressing pleasure at the rapidly growing base of developers in India.

    Apple’s Commitment to Sustainability in India

    Apple’s commitment to India extends beyond its business operations. Cook revealed that the company is working with partners in India and the US to replenish 100% of the water it uses in places that need it most. This initiative aims to deliver billions of gallons of water benefits over the next two decades. Reflecting on Apple’s growth in India, Cook pointed to the operational and go-to-market initiatives that the company has undertaken. He also highlighted the enormous opportunity presented by the two stores that Apple opened in Mumbai and Delhi last year.

    Apple Store BKC, Mumbai

    Apple Store BKC, MumbaiApple

    According to a report by Economic Times in April, these two outlets, which completed their first year of operations last month, have each posted revenue of ₹190-210 crore in the last fiscal year. This places them among the top-performing retail stores globally for the iPhone maker. In addition to its retail operations, Apple has also been ramping up its manufacturing in India. A Bloomberg report cited sources saying that Apple assembled $14 billion of iPhones in India last fiscal year, doubling production and signaling a push to diversify beyond China.

    Apple’s Global Challenges and Strategic Moves

    The report also noted that the US tech giant now makes about one in seven of its marquee devices in India. This growth in manufacturing has reportedly created 150,000 direct jobs at Apple’s suppliers in India. While Apple’s performance in India has been strong, the company has faced challenges in other areas. For instance, its Wearables, Home, and Accessories revenue was down 10% year-over-year, due to a difficult launch compare for the Watch and AirPods. The company’s adoption of AI and its impact on consumer decisions, such as the iPhone 16 release being delayed until the fall, could have influenced sales.

    Despite these challenges, Apple announced a $110 billion share buyback plan, likely as a strategic move to return value to shareholders and manage its cash reserves. This plan was announced in response to the company’s challenging earnings report, which showed a decline in iPhone sales and a need to address market concerns.

    In conclusion, Apple’s performance in the first quarter of 2024 highlights the strategic importance of the Indian market for the company. Despite facing challenges in some areas, the company has been able to achieve significant growth in India, thanks to its focus on expanding its operations and developing the local ecosystem. With its commitment to sustainability and job creation, Apple is poised to continue its growth trajectory in India in the coming years. This focus on India, coupled with strategic moves like the share buyback plan, underscores Apple’s resilience and adaptability in the face of global market challenges.

  • US President Joe Biden describes India, Japan as ‘xenophobic’

    US President Joe Biden describes India and Japan 'Xenophobic'
    US President Joe Biden. Photo Courtesy: Joe Biden Instagram web page

    Grouping along with nations like China and Russia, US President Joe Biden has described Japan and India as ‘xenophobic’.

    He made the remark simply weeks after he referred to as the US-Japan alliance “unbreakable”.

    India is a key US associate.

    “Why? Because we welcome immigrants,” he added. “Think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having hassle? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t need immigrants,” Biden was quoted as saying by BBC Asian-American viewers whereas talking at a marketing campaign fundraising occasion on Wednesday (May 1, 2024).

    Criticising the feedback, Elbridge Colby, a former US deputy assistant secretary of protection within the Trump administration, posted on X: “Japan and India are two of our very stoutest and vital allies. We ought to communicate of them with respect, which they command and deserve.”

    “Applying parochial progressive views to our allies is patronizing and silly,” he stated.

    The White House, in the meantime, denied that the President made the remarks in a derogatory sense.

    US nationwide safety spokesman John Kirby was quoted as saying by BBC: “Our allies and companions know effectively in tangible methods how President Biden values them, their friendship, their co-operation.”

    Kirby stated, “They perceive how a lot he fully and completely values the concept of alliances and partnerships.”

  • AIR INDIA ADDS ZURICH TO ITS GROWING EUROPEAN NETWORK


    Air India will start a non-stop service between Delhi and Zurich starting 16 June 2024

    GURUGRAM: Air India, India’s leading global airline, will start a non-stop service between Delhi and Zurich starting 16 June 2024, marking the airline’s entry in Switzerland and taking the total number of cities served by Air India in mainland Europe to seven.

    Using its two-class configured Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, Air India will operate on the new European route on four days every week – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

    Air India’s new service will provide travelers in Switzerland, as well as those in southern Germany and western Austria with a non-stop option to travel to Delhi, and onward to destinations across Air India’s growing route network, particularly in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

    Air India flight AI151 will depart Delhi at 1405hrs, arriving in Zurich at 1915hrs. AI152 will depart Zurich at 2050hrs, arriving in Delhi at 0805hrs the next day. The schedule enables travelers to conveniently connect to Air India’s flights from Delhi to popular destinations, such as Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka,Ho Chi Minh City, Kathmandu, Melbourne, Phuket, Singapore, and Sydney, amongst others.   

    Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, of Air India, said: “This new route strengthens the ties between India and Switzerland, which are not only major trading partners but also boast a vibrant exchange of people. With over 250 Swiss companies operating in India, hundreds of Indian companies in Switzerland, and a growing Indian diaspora of nearly 18,000, these flights will cater to a strong demand for business and leisure travel in both directions.”

    “Switzerland, a consistently top-ranking European destination for Indian tourists, will now be even more accessible, with these flights further solidifying the economic and cultural bridges between the two nations,” Wilson added.

    Travelers can look forward to great comfort and care when traveling with Air India, from the warm Indian hospitality of its cabin crew to the choice of international and authentic Indian cuisine on board and complimentary beverages. 

    Air India currently operates a total of 60 weekly flights to and from six cities in mainland Europe, namely Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, and Vienna.

    Bookings for flights to Zurich are being progressively opened across channels, including Air India’s website, and mobile app, via travel agents as well as online travel agents.

    SCHEDULE OF FLIGHTS BETWEEN DELHI AND ZURICH, EFFECTIVE 16 JUNE 2024Flight #SectorDepartureArrivalDays of OperationAI151Delhi-Zurich1405Hrs1915HrsMon, Wed, Fri, SunAI152Zurich-Delhi2050Hrs0805Hrs (+1)Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

    Departure and arrival times are displayed in local times. +1 denotes next-day arrival.

  • RSVP to Summer with Starbucks India: Biggest Summer Party, S

    RSVP to Summer with Starbucks India: Biggest Summer Party, Seasonal Offerings Awaitthird May 2024: Blending beloved classics with the essence and flavours of summer season, Starbucks India introduces its specifically curated choices for the season. Including refreshing non-dairy curations, the smoothest chilly brews to beat the warmth, all new wraps, and craft dessert choices – the specifically created menu embodies the spirit of summer season, the Starbucks approach.

    Bringing this thrilling summer season menu to life, Starbucks might be throwing a get collectively like by no means earlier than. On May third, 27 shops throughout 20 cities will characteristic an unparalleled summer season expertise that may go stay on the identical day throughout the nation. Stores throughout Bombay, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai and extra can have appearances by a few of India’s main content material creators together with Tarini Shah, Radhika Bangia, Shivesh Bhatia, Akshara Gowda, Juli Sharma, Sneha Singhi and Govind Kaushal who will flip baristas as they go behind the scenes of the Starbucks espresso bar to take up a shift for customers current. That’s not all! The crowd favourite Siddhant Chaturvedi may also go behind the Starbucks bar to curate the Starbucks international sensation, Refreshers. Stay tuned to @starbucksindia for all of the motion out of your favorite influencers.

    Starbucks’ new menu now accessible nationwide throughout 424 shops in 62 cities consists of:

    THE SMOOTHEST COLD BREWS: AT AN INTRODUCTORY PRICE POINT AND NEW SIZE VARIANT

    For the primary time ever, Starbucks India introduces its chilly brew providing in a Short Cup Size starting with two new variants:

    • Cold Brew with Ginger Ale: Introducing the refreshing double-layered chilly brew with ginger ale. Made from the world’s high 3% Arabica espresso grounds, steeped for 48 hours in cool water. The easy taste profile with hints of heat and spicy ginger ale is a pure delight for sunny days.
    • Sparkling Orange Cold Brew: Elevate your summer season with the Starbucks Sparkling Orange Cold Brew—a fusion of signature chilly brew espresso and zesty orange, topped with soda and a candied orange slice. The new go-to summer season drink!

    VIBRANT STARBUCKS REFRESHERS INFUSED WITH GREEN COFFE EXTRACTS:

    Elevate the on a regular basis espresso expertise with Starbucks India’s new vary of refreshers with a particular twist, harnessing the essence of inexperienced espresso extracts blended with the flavours of summer season in two new variants:

    • Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade Refresher: A tropical twist on custom, the Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade is crafted with mango items, dragon fruit extracts, and citrusy lemonade, shaken with ice. With inexperienced espresso extract at its core, this super-light drink is energizing and ideal for any time of day.
    • Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher: Crafted for sipping and savoring, the Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher blends candy strawberry items and acai berry extracts. Shaken with ice, it gives an ideal steadiness of sweetness and rejuvenation—a must-try for these looking for a non-dairy, low-caffeine, and zero-fat drink.

    CLASSIC AND INDULGENT FRAPPUCCINOS

    • Belgian Chocolate Frappuccino: Dive into an irresistible expertise with the concord of wealthy Belgian chocolate sauce and easy espresso. Crowned with a velvety whipped chocolate topping, savor the shock and crunch of darkish chocolate chips swirling amidst the creamy mix with every sip. A deal with for the senses that retains you wanting extra.

    AROMATIC AND FIERY WRAPS

    • Tandoori Soya Chaap Wrap: Rooted in Indian spices, this wrap brings collectively tender and succulent soya chaap in a tandoori marinade, cooked to juicy perfection. Encased in a spinach wrap with assorted bell peppers in an fragrant makhni gravy, the quintessential favorite is reassuring and makes for the right on-the-go lunch.
    • BBQ Chicken Wrap: Flavorful smoky hen with chopped fragrant greens is tossed in an earthy in-house BBQ sauce. Taking you on a well-recognized but unlikely culinary journey, the providing comes collectively with shredded lettuce wrapped in a tender tortilla.

    IRRESISTIBLE DESSERTS

    • Cold Brew Tiramisu: Ever needed to eat your chilly brew? Here is an opulent deal with that comes alive with a tender almond sponge delicately layered with creamy mascarpone cheese, soaked in slow-steeped chilly brew for a delightfully chilled chunk.
    • Custard Pinwheel: Flaky croissant pastry is baked into the form of a pinwheel that oozes out a creamy vanilla custard filling when bitten into. Topped with a velvety milk chocolate glaze, this candy and crunchy baked good is the last word espresso companion. 

    MANGO DELIGHT IN EVERY BITE

    • Mango Pachadi Puff:  playful uncooked mangoes, crunchy carrots, and recent cucumbers dance in concord with a South Indian-style yogurt, tempered with aromatic curry leaves and crimson chilies. Served on a fragile puff tart, a fusion of textures that may transport you to a tropical paradise. Your excellent selection of refreshment to assist raise your temper on a summer season night.
    • Alphonso Mango Java Chip Frappuccino: This espresso free fruity beverage gives a mix of Alphonso mango and milk, folded in with Java Chips to create a symphony of flavors that you just can not get sufficient of. Topped with a swirl of whipped topping, right here’s presenting summer season in a cup.
    • Mango Crumble Cookie: Made from a decadent cheesecake batter and topped with recent mangoes, this cookie is a dream for all mango lovers.
    • Mango Lava Cake: A mélange of Vanilla sponge layered with mango mousse & chopped mangoes topped with a pleasant mango cream sauce for an irresistible tropical deal with that may raise your spirits with each chunk.

    As Starbucks India redefines summer season celebrations, Sushant Dash, CEO, TATA Starbucks stated, “Our summer season menu gives a refreshing meals and beverage expertise for all our customers. We are delighted to introduce our chilly brew drinks for the primary time ever in all new cup measurement and value variants, making these selections accessible to anybody looking for an unparalleled espresso ahead choice. Furthermore, our intensive specials are reflective of our dedication to catering to evolving client style preferences. From low caffeinated, non-dairy drinks to traditional favorites to India impressed meals choices – there’s something for everybody. To additional create thrilling experiences for our customers, we’re internet hosting the RSVP to Summer Party with Siddhant Chaturvedi and famend influencers throughout the nation. The day guarantees a fusion of delectable choices and the expertise of Summer, multi function place- Starbucks.”


    Mansi Praharaj

  • BMW launches new M4 Competition M xDrive in India at Rs 1.53 cr

    New Delhi, May 2: Luxury car maker BMW on Thursday launched the new ‘M4 Competition M xDrive’ in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1,53,00,000.

    The car will be available in the country as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) model and can be booked at the BMW dealership network and through the company’s online shop.

    “The new BMW M4 Competition M xDrive truly embodies the best of BMW M – unstoppable power, incredible handling, and sporty styling,” Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said in a statement.

    “The car radiates superior dynamism and premium appeal, underlining its independent, performance-oriented personality. It is indeed an elite sporting icon,” he added.

    The new car comes available in metallic paintworks — Skyscraper grey, Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire, Sao Paulo Yellow, Toronto Red, Brooklyn Grey, Isle of Man Green, Aventurine Red and Alpine White in non-metallic.

    Optional BMW Individual metallic paint finishes available are — Tanzanite Blue and Dravit Grey.

    The new car comes powered by the BMW M TwinPower Turbo S58 six-cylinder in-line petrol engine.

    This 3.0-litre powerplant offers dynamic power delivery and a rich, signature M sound.

    It is also combined with intelligent four-wheel drive M xDrive, the company said.

    The engine produces a maximum output of 530 hp (horsepower) and peak torque of 650 Nm (Newton metres) with an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in just 3.5 seconds.

    For safety, the new BMW M4 Competition comes with head and side airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as head airbags for the rear seats as standard.

  • RX India Announces the launch of India Paper Expo

    National, 2nd May 2024: RX India, a famend organizer of B2B commerce exhibitions and occasions, is proud to announce the launch of the India Paper Expo (IPE). A 3-day Expo is scheduled to happen from September twenty fifth to September twenty seventh,2024 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, the India Paper Expo guarantees to be a complete platform for stakeholders in the paper and pulp business. The present shall be co-located with India Corr Expo & India Folding Carton for this 12 months’s version. RX India anticipates a collective participation of over 10,000 business specialists in attendance collectively from the 3 commerce exhibits.

    The core goal of the India Paper Expo is to lift consciousness about sustainable practices in paper manufacturing and promote eco-friendly options. With a complete showcase tailor-made to numerous segments of the paper business, IPE will supply exhibitors and attendees alike the alternative to discover a big selection of services related to their particular areas of curiosity.

    Speaking at the launch of a brand new commerce present, Shradha Malik, Senior Project Manager mentioned “The India Paper Expo goals to cater to the numerous wants of the paper business from equipment to pulp sources for producers, new inks, printing applied sciences, and paper sorts for printers, and progressive supplies and changing gear for packaging specialists. By offering a platform that addresses these numerous segments, the expo goals to foster collaboration, data change and the adoption of sustainable practices all through the business.”

    India stands as a distinguished participant in the international pulp and paper business, boasting spectacular development charges with a CAGR of 3.2% between 2024 and 2032.As the packaging sector undergoes a transformative shift in the direction of sustainability, paper-based packaging emerges as a most popular various to plastic. The pressing name for digitalization presents a pivotal alternative, with the potential to save lots of the business USD 20 billion by 2025, enhancing productiveness, minimizing waste and bolstering security requirements. At India Paper Expo, we endeavor to highlight cutting-edge applied sciences and champion sustainability initiatives, paving the manner for eco-friendly options in paper manufacturing.

    Shri Harish Madan, President of ICCMA, extends warmest congratulations to RX India for launching the much-anticipated India Paper Expo. This is a big improvement for the paper business, and we’re thrilled to see it come to fruition. We are additionally delighted to witness the phenomenal profitable achievements of the 10 editions of IndiaCorr Expo and India Folding Carton thus far. These established exhibits have made a commendable contribution to the business and their co-location with the India Paper Expo creates a really complete platform. ICCMA is comfortable to lend its full assist to this thrilling initiative. This co-location will deliver immense worth to each exhibitors and guests, fostering new connections and propelling the paper business ahead.

    RX India expects participation from round 250 + home and worldwide manufacturers from the paper business, with a give attention to attracting main gamers akin to WestRock India, Astron Paper & Board Mill Ltd, Bhagwati Kripa Paper Mills, BW Paper Systems, MLM India, Om Sree Papertek, Paswara Papers Ltd, R R Paper, Shree Ajit Pulp & Paper Limited, Unisource Papers.


    Mansi Praharaj

  • Honda Cars India Registers Total Sales Of 10867 Units In April 2024


    Honda Cars India Ltd.

    NEW DELHI: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), the leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, registered total sales of 10,867 units in April 2024 as compared to 7,676 units in the same month last year. The company registered 4,351 units in domestic sales and 6,516 units in exports in April’24.

    Sharing thoughts on April’24 sales performance, Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “Our planned production volumes in April were lower due to the switchover of Elevate and City production to six-airbag standard variants and the dispatches were aligned accordingly. On the other hand, export of Elevate continues to significantly boost HCIL export volume which grew by 175% over the same period last year.”

    The company had registered 5,313 units in domestic sales and exported 2,363 units on April 23.

  • Mahindra Auto sells 41,008 SUVs in India in April, registering 18 pc growth

    New Delhi, May 2: Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on Thursday announced that it sold a total of 41,008 SUVs in the domestic market in April, registering an 18 per cent (year-on-year) growth compared to the same month of last year when it sold 34,694 SUVs.

    The company also mentioned that it sold 41,542 units of passenger vehicles in the utility vehicle segment, including both domestic and export numbers.

    The SUV maker’s overall auto sales for April stood at 70,471 vehicles, a growth of 13 per cent, including exports.

    “We sold a total of 41,008 SUVs in April, a growth of 18 per cent and 70,471 total vehicles, a 13 per cent growth over last year,” Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd, said in a statement.

    “In April, we launched the XUV 3XO, tailored to a broad spectrum of customers across categories. With a unique blend of innovation, safety, comfort, performance and price starting at Rs 7.49 lakh, the XUV 3XO is set to be the new disrupter in the compact SUV space,” he added.

    The domestic sales for commercial vehicles stood at 22,102, the company said.