January 15, 2021

World Intellectual Property Indicators Report: Trademark and Industrial Design Filing Activity Rose in 2019; Patent Applications Marked Rare Decline

Photo: The Thirty-First Session of WIPO’s Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP) took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 2 to December 5, 2019. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.

Photo The Delegate of Finland at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.

Photo The Delegate of India at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.

Photo The Delegate of Moldova at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.

Photo The Delegate of France at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.

Photo The Delegate of China at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.

Photo The Delegate of USA at the Opening of the WIPO Assemblies 2020. The Sixty-First Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 21 to 25, 2020. Image provided by & copyright © WIPO. Photographer: Emmanuel Berrod.

Geneva, Switzerland — Worldwide trademark and industrial design-creation activity rose in 2019 even as the number of global patent applications dipped slightly on weaker demand in IP powerhouse China, WIPO’s benchmark World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) report showed.

Trademark and industrial design filing activity increased by 5.9% and 1.3%, respectively. A 3% decline in global patent applications, the first fall in a decade, was driven by a drop in filings by Chinese residents. Excluding China, international patent filings rose 2.3%.

The annual WIPI report collects and analyzes IP data from some 150 national and regional offices to inform policymakers, business leaders, investors, academics, and others seeking macro trends in innovation and creativity.

The WIPI’s 2019 figures, which pre-date the COVID-19 pandemic, underline the long-building growth in demand for the intellectual property tools that incentivize an increasingly global and digital-focused economy, said WIPO Director General Daren Tang.

“The robust use of intellectual property tools shows high levels of innovation and creativity at the end of 2019, just at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr. Tang. “The pandemic has accelerated long-building trends by fostering the adoption of new technologies and accelerating the digitization of everyday life. Because IP is so connected to technology, innovation, and digitalization, IP will become even more important to a greater number of countries in the post-COVID world.”

World Intellectual Property Indicators - 2020

(An authoritative annual survey of IP activity around the globe)

• Patents

China’s IP office received 1.4 million patent applications in 2019, more than twice the amount received by authorities in the second-busiest country, the United States (621,453). The U.S. was followed by Japan (307,969), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO; 218,975), and the European Patent Office (EPO; 181,479). Together, these five offices accounted for 84.7% of the world total.

Among the top five offices, the Republic of Korea (+4.3%), the EPO (+4.1%), and the U.S. (+4.1%) recorded growth in applications, while both China (-9.2%) and Japan (-1.8%) saw declines.

Filings in China declined for the first time in 24 years due to a 10.8% drop in resident applications amidst an overall shift in regulations there, aiming to optimize application structures and improve applications’ quality.

Germany (67,434), India (53,627), Canada (36,488), the Russian Federation (35,511) and Australia (29,758) also featured among the top 10 offices. These offices saw mixed performance. Canada (+0.9%) and India (+7.1%) exhibited growth in filings in 2019, while Australia (-0.7%), Germany (-0.7%), and the Russian Federation (-6.4%) recorded declines.

Offices located in Asia received close to two-thirds (65%) of all applications filed worldwide in 2019 - a considerable increase from 50.9% in 2009 - primarily driven by long-term growth in China. Offices located in North America accounted for just over one-fifth (20.4%) of the world total, while those in Europe accounted for slightly above one-tenth (11.3%). The combined share of offices located in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and Oceania was 3.3% in 2019.

In terms of filing abroad, which indicates a desire to expand in new markets, U.S. residents continue to lead with 236,032 equivalent patent applications filed abroad in 2019. The U.S. was followed by Japan (206,758), Germany (104,736), China (84,279), and the Republic of Korea (76,824).

Patents in force worldwide grew by 7% to reach around 15 million in 2019. The highest number of patents in force was recorded in the U.S. (3.1 million), followed by China (2.7 million) and Japan (2.1 million). More than half of all patents in force in the U.S. originate from abroad, while domestic applicants accounted for around four-fifths of all patents in force in Japan.

• Trademarks

An estimated 11.5 million trademark applications covering 15.2 million classes were filed worldwide in 2019. The number of types specified in applications grew by 5.9% in 2019, marking a 10th successive growth year.

China’s IP office had the highest volume of filing activity[1] with a class count of around 7.8 million; followed by the IP offices of the U.S. (672,681) and Japan (546,244); the IP office of the Islamic Republic of Iran (454,925) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO; 407,712).

Among the top 20 offices, the largest increases between 2018 and 2019 were in the IP offices of Brazil (+22.3%), Viet Nam (+19.3%), the Islamic Republic of Iran (+18.4%), the Russian Federation (+16.5%), and Turkey (+15.5%).

Offices located in Asia accounted for 70.6% of all trademark filing activity in 2019, up from 38.7% in 2009. Europe’s share declined from 36% in 2009 to 15.4% in 2019. North America accounted for 5.7% of the world total in 2019, while the combined share of offices located in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and Oceania was 8.3% in 2019.

There were an estimated 58.2 million active trademark registrations worldwide in 2019 - up 15.2% in 2018, with 25.2 million in China alone, followed by 2.8 million in the U.S. and 2 million in India.

• Industrial Designs

An estimated 1.04 million industrial design applications containing 1.36 million designs were filed worldwide in 2019, representing a 1.3% year-on-year increase. China’s IP office received applications containing 711,617 procedures in 2019, corresponding to 52.3% of the world total. It was followed by the EUIPO (113,319) and the IP offices of the Republic of Korea (69,360), the U.S. (49,848), and Turkey (46,202).

Among the top 20 offices, the following three offices reported double-digit growth in design counts: the Russian Federation (+22%), the Islamic Republic of Iran (+19.3%), and Australia (+10.3%).

Offices located in Asia accounted for more than two-thirds (68.4%) of all designs in applications filed worldwide in 2019, followed by Europe (24.3%) and North America (4.2%). The combined share of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania was 3.1% in 2019.

Designs related to furnishings accounted for 9.4% of global filing activity[2], followed by those related to clothing (8.1%) and packages and containers (7.3%).

The total number of industrial design registrations in force worldwide grew by 7.3% to reach around 4.1 million. The largest number of registrations was in China (1.8 million), followed by the Republic of Korea (358,803), the U.S. (357,959), and Japan (261,669).

• Plant Varieties

China’s relevant office received 7,834 plant variety applications in 2019, up 36% in 2018. It now accounts for over one-third of the plant variety applications filed worldwide. China was followed by the Community Plant Variety Office of the European Union (CPVO; 3,525) and relevant offices of the U.S. (1,590), Ukraine (1,238), and Japan (822). Among the top five offices, China (+36%) and Ukraine (+1.1%) saw growth in filings 2019, while Japan (-6.6%), the U.S. (-1.2%), and CPVO (-0.8%) saw a drop in filings.

• Geographical Indications

In 2019, there were around 55,800 GIs in force worldwide. GIs are signs used on products with a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin, such as Gruyère for cheese or Tequila for spirits. Germany (14,289) reported the largest number of GIs in force, followed by China (7,834), Hungary (6,494), and the Czech Republic (6,071).

GIs in force relating to “wines and spirits” accounted for around 56.6% of the 2019 world total, followed by agricultural products and foodstuffs (34.2%) and handicrafts (3.5%).

• Publishing Industry

Revenue generated by the trade and the educational sectors of the publishing industry of 21 countries amounted to USD 67.3 billion in 2019. The U.S. (USD 23.5 billion) reported the most considerable net revenue, followed by Japan (USD 16.1 billion), the Republic of Korea (USD 6.2 billion), Germany (USD 5.6 billion), the U.K. (USD 5.4 billion), and France (USD 3 billion).

Online sales generated more than half of total trade sector revenue in Sweden (50.1%) and the U.K. (55.2%). The U.S. (43.5%) and Turkey (22%) also had a large proportion of their total trade sector revenue generated by online sales.

The U.K. reported a combined total of around 202,000 published titles covering the trade and educational sectors in 2019. It was followed by the Russian Federation (115,171), France (107,143), Italy (100,266), and Spain (95,849).

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the global forum for intellectual property policy, services, information, and cooperation. A specialized agency of the United Nations, WIPO assists its 193 member states in developing a balanced international IP legal framework to meet society’s evolving needs. It provides business services for obtaining IP rights in multiple countries and resolving disputes. It delivers capacity-building programs to help developing countries benefit from using IP. And it offers free access to unique knowledge banks of IP information.

Source: The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

|GlobalGiants.Com|

(The Editor is an Alumnus of the World Intellectual Property Organization Academy (WIPO Academy), Geneva, Switzerland.)

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:49 AM | View the original post

January 14, 2021

Indian Army signs a $20 million contract with ideaForge to procure SWITCH UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)

Photo: Indian Army signs a $20 million contract with ideaForge to procure SWITCH UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).

MUMBAI, India, Jan. 14, 2021 — The Indian Army has signed an approximately $20 million contract for unknown quantities of a high-altitude variant of ideaForge’s SWITCH UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to be delivered over one year. The Indian Army awarded ideaForge this contract after it emerged as the only vendor that qualified the operational requirements in an evaluation done in real-world conditions for a fast-track procurement. The deal marks a strategic shift in the Indian defense procurement process as the Indian Army goes on an aggressive modernization drive. It has also cemented ideaForge’s position as India’s largest manufacturer of drones for defense, homeland security, and industrial applications.

SWITCH UAV is an indigenous system built to cater to the most demanding surveillance operations of the Indian Forces. This Fixed-Wing VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) UAV can be deployed at high altitude and harsh environments for day and night surveillance in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It is man-portable and has the highest time on target compared to any other UAV in its class.

Speaking on the development, ideaForge CEO Ankit Mehta said, “SWITCH UAV is the culmination of insights and knowledge we have gained over years of experience in helping the Indian Forces operationalize UAVs in their ranks. The trials saw about a dozen national and global players compete to meet the operational requirements. SWITCH UAV is the only product that cleared the Indian Army’s stringent product trials and surpassed expectations. It is a testimony that our systems are built like a bird and tested like a tank. Our systems are fully ready to serve nations that seek to protect their territorial sovereignty.”

“A combination of world-class technology and a deep understanding of customer requirements has resulted in ideaForge bagging this contract against global competition. With the backing of reputed institutional investors such as WRVI, Infosys, and Qualcomm, ideaForge is set to grow. We plan to work with like-minded investors and partners to achieve our vision of premier drone company serving enterprise, security, and surveillance market globally,” said Ganapathy Subramaniam, Partner - WRVI Venture Capital, who also serves as Executive Chairman - ideaForge.

Source: ideaForge Technology

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:49 AM | View the original post

January 13, 2021

US Postal Service will issue new 2021 Stamps in January — Barns, Castillo de San Marcos.

Photos: Barns - Pane of four stamps showing different barns. At the bottom of each stamp is the word “postcard.” “USA” is stacked vertically and printed at the top on the left-hand or right-hand side. Castillo de San Marcos - The stamp shows the Florida fortress’s digital image, with its name at the bottom and the value in the upper right-hand corner.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2021 — The U.S. Postal Service will release three new stamps as part of the 2021 price change: Barns, a 36-cent postcard stamp; Brush Rabbit, a 20-cent additional ounce stamp; and Castillo de San Marcos, a $7.95 Priority Mail stamp.

• Barns

The U.S. Postal Service has four new postcard stamps that celebrate the beauty and history of American barns. The artist created digital paintings of four types of iconic barns found in the rural American landscape. With differing qualities of light and color, each piece reflects one of the four seasons:

• A round barn surrounded by the hazy sunshine and warm colors of fall
• A gambrel-roofed barn in summer
• A forebay barn in early spring
• A Western barn on a winter’s night

Ashley Walton designed the stamps with original artwork by Kim Johnson. Greg Breeding was the art director.

• Castillo de San Marcos

The latest Priority Mail stamp, which bears the new price, celebrates the oldest masonry fortification in the United States, the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, FL.

The stamp art features a digital illustration of the fortress based on a contemporary photograph. With a view toward the fort’s northeast corner, the artwork captures it in the golden glow of sunrise over Matanzas Bay. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with art created by Chicago-based graphic illustrator Dan Cosgrove.

Source: U.S. Postal Service

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:49 AM | View the original post

January 11, 2021

Redesigned TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Collection features Fresh Racing Look.

As the luxury watchmaker celebrates its 160th anniversary, the iconic TAG Heuer Carrera, original racing chronograph, is relaunched with a range of sporty watches that bring the collection back to its roots.

TAG Heuer, founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in Switzerland’s Jura Mountains, is a luxury watch brand. Based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and with four production sites, TAG Heuer is active in 139 countries.

Source: TAG Heuer

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 3:12 AM | View the original post

January 9, 2021

Oxford Vaccine: India starts Vaccination on January 16, 2021, with Priority to Healthcare & Frontline Workers followed by those above 50 Years and Under-50 with Co-morbidities.

• Prime Minister Modi reviews the status of COVID-19 and preparedness for COVID19 vaccination.

• Vaccination drive would kick off on January 16, 2021, after the forthcoming festivals, including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu.

• Priority will be given to the healthcare workers and the frontline workers, estimated to be around three crores in number.

• They would be followed by those above 50 years of age and the Under-50 population groups with Co-morbidities, numbering around 27 crores.

New Delhi, January 09, 2021 — Prime Minister Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the status of COVID-19 in the country and the preparedness of the State/UTs for COVID vaccination today.

The Prime Minister took a detailed and comprehensive review of COVID management’s status, covering various issues.

The Prime Minister reviewed the center’s preparedness status in close collaboration with the State and UT Governments for the vaccine’s roll-out soon.

According to the India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the vaccination exercise comprises the principles of people’s participation (Jan Bhagidari); utilizing the experience of elections (booth strategy) and Universal Immunization Program (UIP); no compromise of existing healthcare services, especially national programs and primary health care; no compromise on scientific and regulatory norms, other SOPs; and an orderly and smooth implementation driven by technology.

The roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine will prioritize healthcare and frontline workers. They are estimated to be around three crores, followed by those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities, numbering about 27 crores.

The Prime Minister got apprised about the Co-WIN Vaccine Delivery Management System. The unique digital platform will provide real-time information on vaccine stocks, their storage temperature, and individualized tracking of the COVID-19 vaccine beneficiaries. This platform will assist the program managers across all levels through automated session allocation for pre-registered beneficiaries, their verification, and generating a digital certificate upon completing the vaccine schedule.

The vaccinators and vaccine administrators comprise a crucial pillar of the vaccination exercise. Two thousand three hundred sixty participants were trained during the national level Training of Trainers, including state immunization officers, cold chain officers, IEC officials, and development partners. More than 61,000 program managers, 2 lakh vaccinators, and 3.7 lakh other vaccination team members have trained so far as part of training at States, Districts, and Block levels, the Health Ministry elaborated.

After the detailed review, the Government of India decided that because of the forthcoming festivals, including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, the COVID19 vaccination will start on January 16, 2021.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

• January 03, 2021.

• People of India receive their New Year Gift; Prime Minister Modi congratulates the Nation as Drugs Controller General of India approves the Oxford Vaccine for emergency use; The University of Oxford welcomes Regulatory Authorisations.

Photo: St. Mary’s College, University of Oxford, Oxford. Image Credit: Billy Wilson.

Oxford / New Delhi, January 03, 2021 — The Drugs Controller General of India today approved the Oxford Vaccine for emergency use. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the nation and called it a decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight against Corona. The approval accelerates the road to a healthier and COVID-free country, he added.

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine granted by the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) today. He said the permission to ‘Made in India’ vaccines would prove to be a game-changer. It is a momentous achievement for India, he remarked.

The Serum Institute of India, Pune, is the manufacturing partner of the vaccine candidate named Covishield, developed jointly by the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute and AstraZeneca.

The Serum Institute of India had selected 17 sites in India to conduct the trial. A total of 1,600 candidates took part in the study.

• The University of Oxford welcomes Regulatory Authorisations:

Meanwhile, the University of Oxford has welcomed the news that the UK Government has accepted the recommendation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to authorize the emergency use of the coronavirus vaccine in the UK.

Professor Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and Chief Investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial, said:

‘The regulator’s assessment that this is a safe and effective vaccine is a landmark moment, and an endorsement of the huge effort from a devoted international team of researchers and our dedicated trial participants.’

‘Though this is just the beginning, we will start to get ahead of the pandemic, protect health and economies when the vulnerable are vaccinated everywhere, as many as possible, as soon as possible.’

Professor Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said:

‘This is a day for the team developing the vaccine to celebrate, after a year of tough work under difficult circumstances. The first authorization or use of the vaccine outside of clinical trials has been granted. We still have more to do and will continue to provide more data to multiple regulatory authorities until we can see the vaccine being used to save lives around the world.’

The Oxford vaccine is stable, easily manufactured, transported, and stored at domestic fridge temperature (2-8 degrees C). It can be easily administered in existing healthcare settings, allowing its rapid deployment.

Oxford University’s collaboration with AstraZeneca has been crucial to the successful development of the vaccine and vital for its global manufacturing and distribution across the world. AstraZeneca already has international agreements to supply three billion doses of the vaccine, with access through more than 30 supply agreements and partner networks.

A key element of Oxford’s partnership with AstraZeneca is the joint commitment to provide the vaccine on a not-for-profit basis for the duration of the pandemic across the world and in perpetuity to low- and middle-income countries.

Professor Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Oxford, said:

‘This is a great day for British science and a great day for universities everywhere. Above all, it is a great day for the many people whose lives will be saved by this vaccine. We are greatly indebted to those who have designed, developed, manufactured, and evaluated it.’

Sources: Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi. The University of Oxford.

|GlobalGiants.Com|

— The editor holds an Oxford Alumni Card and is a member of the ‘Oxford and Cambridge Society of India.’

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 6:03 AM | View the original post

January 7, 2021

Kia Motors unveils New Logo and Global Brand Slogan to ignite its Bold Transformation for the future.

• Kia celebrates its new face and slogan, declaring the brand’s future transformation.

• The new logo features’ symmetry’, ‘rhythm,’ and ‘rising’ elements that embody Kia’s confidence and commitment to customers.

• Kia discloses a new brand slogan: ‘Movement that inspires.’

• Kia sets new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously’ during logo unveiling.

• Kia Moros would present the new brand purpose and strategy to the world on January 15, 2021.

Seoul, South Korea, January 07, 2020 — Kia Motors Corporation has revealed its new corporate logo and global brand slogan that signify its bold transformation and all-new brand purpose. The introduction of the new logo represents Kia’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business, the company announced.

The logo symbolizes Kia’s new brand purpose and the values it promises to offer customers through future products and services, and the experiences these enable. Kia seals its brand promise by developing the new logo to resemble a handwritten signature. The rhythmical, unbroken line of the logo conveys Kia’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers, Kia explained.

“Kia’s new logo represents the company’s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President, and CEO. “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”

Kia revealed the new logo with a record-breaking pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea. The event saw crewless aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized artistic show, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. It set a new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously.’

A new brand purpose and strategy to be revealed on January 15, 2021.

In addition to an all-new logo, Kia revealed its new global brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires.’ Details on Kia’s new brand strategy, including the brand purpose and philosophy and application to Kia’s future product line-up, will be shared through the digital ‘New Kia Brand Showcase’ event to be held on Friday, January 15, 2021.

The new logo’s launch follows the announcement of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ long-term business strategy in 2020. Under Plan S, Kia, among other objectives, has the ambition to take a leading position in the global car market. The approach focuses on popularizing electric vehicles and introducing a broad range of mobility services tailored to meet individuals and local markets’ needs and tastes.

Kia Motors is a maker of world-class quality vehicles for the young-at-heart. Founded in 1944, Kia today sells around 3 million cars a year in 190 countries, with more than 52,000 employees worldwide, annual revenues of over US$49 billion, and manufacturing facilities in five countries.

Source: Kia Motors Corporation

|GlobalGiants.Com|

KIA | New Logo Unveiling Show.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:56 AM | View the original post

January 6, 2021

Jennifer Lopez Launches 'JLo Beauty' with the tagline — Beauty Has No Expiration Date™

Photos: Jennifer Lopez launches JLo Beauty. Images provided by & copyright © JLo Beauty.

LOS ANGELES, January 5, 2021 — American actress, singer, dancer, fashion designer, producer, and businesswoman Jennifer Lopez introduces JLo Beauty. It is a luxurious skincare collection infused with the expertise and experience of iconic, ageless charm.

The announcement said that Jennifer Lopez is a global superstar; she has undimmable beauty that only gets better with age. The number one question she’s asked is her secret to flawless, timeless, radiant skin — the “JLo Glow” that’s become a hallmark.

According to the new brand, like Jennifer herself, JLo Beauty is a force: powerhouse ingredients in rare combinations delivering uncompromising results for one groundbreaking authority in agelessness. Determined from the beginning to create luxe formulas that work as hard as she does, Jennifer carefully curated this game-changing, high-performance skincare collection. The collection she spent decades searching out.

It all stems from Jennifer’s long-time beauty philosophy based on The Five S’s: sleep, sunscreen, serum, supplements, and Sano. Inspired by the Spanish phrase, ‘Vivir Sano,’ Jennifer has always committed to living a healthy, sane life. While Jennifer can’t bottle sleep or Sano, her approach to life has informed an edited line-up of multitasking formulas that make self-care more straightforward. She has a sensory experience that serves as a daily reminder that beauty is an inside job, the brand explained.

“I want people to know that this is deeply meaningful for me, that it’s personal. Now I want to share what I’ve learned with people everywhere. You want to know how I got my skin, how I look this way? It is how. It is how I live my life, and it’s pretty simple.” — Jennifer Lopez, Founder, JLo Beauty.

Jennifer was inspired by an old family secret—olive oil—but challenged her formulators to create something new, innovative, and groundbreaking for her hero ingredient. Enter the proprietary JLo Beauty™ Olive Complex: a 4-part olive blend of squalane, fermented oil, extra virgin oil, and leaf extract that delivers antioxidant protection and is clinically shown to provide all-day moisturization and that star glow.

“Conceived by Jennifer, grounded in science, the eight-piece collection reflects two years of product development and over 100 reformulations — until the result was finally worthy of her name,” the brand announced. “Starring Jennifer’s favorite glow serum and wonder cream, JLo Beauty improves the look and feel of skin — uncovering ageless beauty and limitless glow.”

The JLo Beauty collection features eight luxury formulas:

• THAT HIT SINGLE IN A GEL CREAM CLEANSER — Brighten. Refine. Soothe.
• THAT JLO GLOW IN A MULTITASKING SERUM — Tighten. Brighten. Hydrate.
• THAT LIMITLESS GLOW IN A MULTITASKING MASK — Tighten. Plump. Radiate.
• THAT BLOCKBUSTER IN A NONSTOP WONDER CREAM — Hydrate. Plump. Nourish.
• THAT BIG SCREEN IN A BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 MOISTURIZER — Hydrate. Protect. Soothe.
• THAT FRESH TAKE IN A FIERCE EYE CREAM — Hydrate. Brighten. Smooth.
• THAT STAR FILTER IN AN INSTANT COMPLEXION BOOSTER — Highlight. Bronze. Diffuse.
• THAT INNER LOVE IN A SKIN-NUTRITIOUS DIETARY SUPPLEMENT — Nourish. Protect. Soothe.

Source: JLo Beauty

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Jennifer Lopez | JLO BEAUTY | Making the Brand.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 9:13 AM | View the original post

January 5, 2021

Series production of the Volkswagen Beetle started just after Christmas 1945 in Wolfsburg, Germany.

• British Major Ivan Hirst enables vehicle production in record time with considerable improvisation.

Photo: Volkswagen ‘Markenhochhaus’ Brand Tower with new Volkswagen logo in Wolfsburg, Germany. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen AG.

Photo: Series production of the Volkswagen Beetle started just after Christmas 1945 in Wolfsburg, Germany. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen AG.

Photo: The Volkswagen “Max” Beetle. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Photo: The Volkswagen “Max” Beetle. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Photo: Historic VW Beetle. Image provided by & copyright © Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Herndon, VA, USA — On December 27, 1945, the Volkswagen Limousine series production began. Referred to internally as “Type 1” and later became world-famous as the “Beetle,” the vehicle’s unique success story started in Wolfsburg thanks to British Major Ivan Hirst’s strategic vision.

In June 1945, the British Military Government Series assumed the trusteeship over Volkswagenwerk GmbH. Following World War II, production of the Volkswagen Type 1 began with a plan to use the vehicle to perform urgently needed transport tasks within their occupation zone. Senior Resident Officer Major Ivan Hirst played a crucial role in this development, and it was this British pragmatism that finally protected the plant against impending demolition. Hirst’s farsightedness and talent for improvisation made it possible to start automobile production in the years of rationing, under conditions dominated by shortages. With his enthusiasm for technology and cars, his purposefulness, and his different attitude, he successfully transformed a former armaments plant into a civilian industrial company in an impressively short space of time.

The British Military Government issued an order for 20,000 vehicles in August 1945. The start of production was a visible sign of a new beginning and hope at the factory, which had been largely destroyed by World War II. This solution was in line with British policy for Germany, which saw the population’s financial security and prospects as vital elements in developing democratic structures. Democracy found its way into the Volkswagenwerk, and on November 27, 1945, the Works Council elected in a democratic ballot held its constituent meeting.

Nevertheless, there were considerable problems in supplying the workforce with food and living space, and production got hampered by raw material and energy supply bottlenecks. Despite these challenging conditions, the first Volkswagen sedan left the production line shortly after Christmas. By the end of 1945, the factory had produced 55 vehicles.

From 1946 up to the currency reform, the factory produced about 1,000 vehicles per month. It was impossible to make more vehicles with material shortages, rationing, and lack of personnel. The trustees responsible laid the foundations for further growth of the company by exporting the Volkswagen sedan in 1947 and establishing a sales and after-sales service system.

The decision to develop a civilian factory and start a series of production of the Volkswagen Type 1 was the starting point of a unique success story. Thanks to the early restart, Volkswagenwerk GmbH was ideally positioned for the economic upswing. Under the unofficial designation of “VW Beetle,” the car became more popular than almost any other automobile model throughout the world. It was also a record-breaker in terms of production, duration, and volume. Volkswagen only discontinued production of the original VW Beetle in Mexico in 2003, after 21,529,464 vehicles had been manufactured, including about 15.8 million in Germany.

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:11 AM | View the original post

January 4, 2021

United Nations: Flag Installation Ceremony for Incoming Non-permanent Members of Security Council.

Photo: Mona Juul, Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations, holds the flag of Norway during the flag installation ceremony for the incoming non-permanent members of the Security Council. January 04, 2021. The United States of America. New York. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.

Photo: Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations, holds the flag of Mexico during the flag installation ceremony for the incoming non-permanent members of the Security Council. January 04, 2021. The United States of America. New York. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.

Photo: Martin Kimani, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations, holds the flag of Kenya during the flag installation ceremony for the incoming non-permanent members of the Security Council. January 04, 2021. The United States of America. New York. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.

Photo: T. S. Tirumurti, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, holds the flag of India during the flag installation ceremony for the incoming non-permanent members of the Security Council. January 04, 2021. The United States of America. New York. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.

Photo: Geraldine Patricia Byrne Nason, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations, holds the flag of Ireland during the flag installation ceremony for the incoming non-permanent members of the Security Council. January 04, 2021. The United States of America. New York. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.

Photo: Geraldine Patricia Byrne Nason, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations, speaks during the flag installation ceremony for the incoming non-permanent members of the Security Council. January 04, 2021. The United States of America. New York. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.

Photo: T. S. Tirumurti, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, speaks during the flag installation ceremony for the incoming non-permanent members of the Security Council. January 04, 2021. The United States of America. New York. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe.

Source: United Nations, New York

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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:11 PM | View the original post

December 31, 2020

Auckland New Year's Eve 2020 — Auckland, New Zealand, the First Global City in the World, Welcomes 2021!

Auckland, the first global city in the world, welcomes 2021. Happy New Year!

A special pre-midnight moment allows Kiwis to acknowledge what they have been achieved together this year and the kindness and resilience of New Zealanders through 2020.

At midnight, spectacular coordinated fireworks and lighting displays from the city’s landmarks: Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Skycity’s fireworks from the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum, and The LightPath.

PHOTO: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - DECEMBER 31: Halo performs during Auckland New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31, 2020, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images for Auckland Unlimited).

PHOTO: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 01, 2021: Fireworks from the SkyTower during Auckland New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 01, 2021, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images for Auckland Unlimited).

PHOTO: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND -JANUARY 01, 2021: Fireworks from the SkyTower during Auckland New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 01, 2021, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images for Auckland Unlimited).

PHOTO: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND -JANUARY 01, 2021: Fireworks from the SkyTower during Auckland New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 01, 2021, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images for Auckland Unlimited).

Photo: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 01, 2021: Fireworks from the SkyTower and a light display from the Harbour Bridge during Auckland New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 01, 2021, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images for Auckland Unlimited).

Photo: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 01, 2021: Jordan Luck performs during Auckland New Year’s Eve celebrations on January 01, 2021, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images for Auckland Unlimited).

Source: Auckland Unlimited

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Happy New Year, New Zealand! Auckland welcomes in 2021 with celebratory fireworks.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:02 AM | View the original post

December 29, 2020

Test Driving the Renault Twingo Electric with Charlotte Berton, Professional Driver & Driving Instructor.

Photos: Renault Twingo Electric Vibes Limited Edition. Images provided by & copyright © Jean-Brice LEMAL/Planimonteur, Renault Group.

Paris, France, December 29, 2020 — The Renault Twingo Electric got tested. Thanks to its clean and silent 100% electric propulsion, 82hp engine, reduced size, and its excellent turning radius, Renault’s iconic small city car provides even greater driving pleasure and comfort daily. Professional driver Charlotte Berton, who was behind the wheel for this test, endorses that Twingo Electric more than ever deserves its nickname as the queen of the city!

• Test drive of the Renault Twingo Electric by Charlotte Berton, professional driver.

• Professional driver, French women’s rally champion, and driving instructor Charlotte Berton got behind the Twingo Electric’s wheel for a test drive.

DISCOVER THE TWINGO ELECTRIC

Twingo Electric takes up the playful design that has made its Twingo twin such a success. It has “endearing impish looks,” as Charlotte Berton likes to remind one during her test drive.

A few small, signature details echo this electric version. There is a recharging socket, blue piping on the front grille., and a strapping in the wheels’ center. A pinstripe also runs along the body to highlight the car’s dynamic lines.

The Twingo Electric Vibes limited edition car stands out for its vibrant exterior style with its exclusive “Valencia Orange” color. Orange or white strippings, white inserts on the front grille, and 16” Monega diamond alloy wheels with orange wheel caps round off its sparkling summery style.

THE QUEEN OF THE ELECTRIC CITY CARS!

As Charlotte Berton explains, “Drivers today are looking for vehicles that are practical, economical, and environmentally friendly. And Twingo Electric is Renault’s answer to this changing demand.”

This model has a range of 270 km in town. Compared with the average daily mileage of around 30 kilometers traveled by owners of mini-city cars in Europe. It means one can make a week’s worth of daily journeys without charging anytime. What’s more, it is easy to recharge it at any charging station, thanks to its Cameleon® Renault-patented intelligent charger. A simple half-hour break connected to a 22-kW terminal is enough to recover enough power to drive 80 kilometers on mixed routes.

Behind the wheel, you start quietly. The electric engine is refreshing, with a power output of 60 kW (82 hp) for a maximum torque of 160 Nm immediately available. Acceleration and throttle response are at the same time frank, silent and accessible from low revs. In addition to its liveliness, Twingo Electric still offers the best turning radius on the market and excellent agility thanks to its four-cornered wheels.

Twingo Electric has a specific mode in addition to the traditional functions, known as “B mode.” It is a smart system that adapts driving to the traffic conditions and lanes used. There are three modes to choose from, and the one selected acts directly on energy recovery linked to the car’s deceleration.

A VERY FUNCTIONAL ONBOARD SPACE

Twingo Electric has a spacious and practical interior. The center console with its storage compartments, the closed glove compartment, the sockets designed for smartphones, and the 7-inch touch screen are all details that enhance onboard comfort. Noteworthies are the Renault EASY LINK multimedia system and the MY Renault application, which provide access to numerous connected services such as real-time tracking of the car’s charge or planning a trip according to the charging points available on the way.

The interior decorations are reminiscent of the new “Valencia Orange” color on the Vibes limited series. From the new specific upholstery to the inserts on the dashboard, the Vibes Limited Series has sparkling touches of orange. The complete details, emblazoned with “Vibes,” animate the center console and door sills.

CHARLOTTE BERTON’S VIEW

For Charlotte Berton, this test-drive was successful. Twingo Electric was a pleasant surprise.

“Autonomy, versatile recharging, agility, connected services: New Renault Twingo Electric is the ideal city car for everyday use,” concludes the driver in her video.

ABOUT GROUP RENAULT

Groupe Renault has manufactured cars since 1898. Today it is an international multi-brand group, selling close to 3.8 million vehicles in 134 countries in 2019, with 40 manufacturing sites, 12,700 points of sales, and employing more than 180,000 people.

Groupe Renault focuses on international expansion to address significant technological challenges while pursuing its profitable growth strategy. To this end, it is drawing on the synergies of its five brands (Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors, Alpine, and LADA), electric vehicles, and its unique alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. With a 100% Renault owned team committed to the Formula 1 World Championship since 2016, the brand is involved in motorsports, a real vector for innovation and awareness.

Source: Groupe Renault

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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 9:51 AM | View the original post

December 27, 2020

Barclays Bank: Direct-to-Consumer Sales would give UK Manufacturing Industry £24bn Boost by 2023.

• Direct-to-consumer sales worth £96bn for UK manufacturing in 2020 and set to grow to £120bn in 2023.

• 57% of consumers now choosing to buy direct from manufacturers.

• Eighty-five million packages will be sent direct-to-consumer by manufacturers this year as logistics companies also benefit.

• New Barclays Corporate Banking research gives cause for optimism after a tough 2020: average manufacturer earnings have fallen by 26% this year, and headcount by 19%.

Photo: Barclays Bank logo outside its branch in High Street, Colchester, England. Image Credit: Howard Lake.

London, December 26, 2020 — A boom in manufacturers selling direct-to-consumer (D2C) will provide a £24bn boost to the industry’s coffers by 2023, research from Barclays Corporate Banking has revealed.

The new report - ‘A direct approach’ - combines polling of manufacturers, logistics firms, and consumers with detailed economic modeling to assess the impact of D2C sales, where traditional channels of distribution such as retailers and wholesalers get bypassed. The results show that a surge in shoppers going direct will mean sales through this channel total £120bn in 2023 - an increase from £96bn this year.

According to the Barclays report, consumer choices exacerbated by the pandemic are driving the growth. Almost three-fifths (57%) of the people surveyed said they now frequently go direct to manufacturers because they believe they will get a better price (36%) and better service (23%). Besides, almost a third (32%) of consumers are buying direct as a conscious decision to support the UK manufacturing sector. The most frequently purchased through the ‘direct approach’ are clothes (39%), electronics (30%) and food and drink (27%) - as well as larger items such as household appliances (24%) and furniture (22%).

Encouragingly for manufacturers, consumers’ newly-formed habits show no signs of abating even after the pandemic. More than half (52%) of consumers say they will continue to shop online as much as they do now, and 13% predict they’ll turn to e-commerce even more often. Shoppers expect 29% of their home deliveries to come via D2C in 2023, rising from 20% in 2020.

These trends have seen 13% of manufacturers set-up a D2C channel this year. Each invested an average of £288,000 in doing so - while 22% have seen an increase in D2C sales. However, despite the growing prominence of direct sales, the vast majority (98%) of manufacturers also continue to work with wholesalers and retailers.

The move to D2C means that many manufacturing firms are creating jobs: 45% of those introducing direct channels this year have recruited new staff across customer service areas. There could be as many as 118,000 new job roles supported by D2C sales across the next three years: rising from 500,000 in 2020 to 618,000 in 2023. It is positive news for the manufacturing industry. On average, each company has lost 26% of its revenue and 19% of its headcount across 2020.

The logistics sector is also benefiting from the move to D2C. Barclays estimates that around 85 million parcels and packages will be delivered to UK households this year thanks to manufacturers’ D2C sales. It will rise by about 30% to 110 million in 2023. Logistics firms predict that D2C contracts will account for 50% of their annual revenue in three years, compared to 39% this year. 45% are leasing more vehicles to accommodate this growth, 42% are employing more staff, and 28% take on more real estate.

Lee Collinson, Head of Manufacturing, Transport, and Logistics at Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “2020 has been a turbulent year for all industries, and the manufacturing sector is no different. However, the increasing demand to procure goods directly from the companies that make them provides growth opportunities and confidence for manufacturers of all sizes. D2C sales will help manufacturing firms increase their earnings and protect and create jobs in the next three years: that’s a welcome shot in the arm not only for the industry but also for the wider UK economy.”

Other notable findings from the Barclays report include:

• The food and drink manufacturing sector will be the biggest beneficiary of D2C growth in the next three years, adding around £5.7bn of revenue and creating 27,300 new jobs.

• While more than a quarter of manufacturers are already using electric vehicles to deliver packages to consumers as part of their overall fleet, over two fifths (42%) of manufacturing firms say they have plans to introduce electric vehicles.

Source: BARCLAYS

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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:19 AM | View the original post

December 24, 2020

Renault Triber, Groupe Renault's Spacious and Ultra Modern Vehicle

Photos: Renault Triber. Images provided by & copyright © Renault.

Renault Triber is an entirely new ultra-modular, modern and value-for-money model. Triber is a compact vehicle (less than 4 meters long) offering unbeatable flexibility. It can carry one to seven people and features its category’s largest boot capacity in a five-seater configuration.

Renault Triber is a world-first vehicle designed and produced for the Indian market. India is an important market for Groupe Renault.

“We are still young to India, yet our ambitions are high in line with our “Drive the Future” strategic plan: we aim at doubling our sales by 2022. For that reason, we are bringing Renault Triber, another breakthrough concept targeted at Indian’s core market. Renault Triber was conceived, developed, and produced in India, for Indian customers first, before taking it to the world. It is a real game-changer,” said Thierry Bolloré, CEO of Groupe Renault.

With this innovative concept, Groupe Renault expands its local range already made up of Kwid, Duster, and Captur. With no direct competitors, Triber is a real game-changer in comparison with other standard B-segment vehicles. Renault’s response to the critical expectations of Indian customers is a modern, spacious yet compact, ultra-modular, and fuel-efficient vehicle that the whole family can travel in. Attractively designed, sturdy, compact, roomy, and modular, Triber is a versatile product that also achieves the feat of accommodating one to seven adults in comfort in less than 4 meters of length.

“Our goal with Triber was to design a car that would transform according to the many needs and the many lives of our customers. Whether they are parents, lovers, a friends’ group, a family pack, whatever their tribe, Renault Triber should adapt whatever their lifestyle. Triber is true to the Indian values of friendliness and sharing, which are the same in Renault. It offers an attractive, robust, and compact design and is re-inventing space for all. We are very proud of our latest breakthrough, which turned a length challenge into a miracle within 4 meters!” said Laurens van den Acker, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Design, Groupe Renault.

Groupe Renault has international ambitions and aims at growing worldwide (over 40% of sales growth, with a target of more than 5 million vehicles by 2022). Triber will contribute to this global strategy. Renault’s medium-term goal in India is to double the sales volume to 200,000 units annually over the next three years.

Groupe Renault has manufactured cars since 1898. Today it is an international multi-brand group, selling close to 3.8 million vehicles in 134 countries in 2019, with 40 manufacturing sites, 12,700 points of sales, and employing more than 180,000 people.

Groupe Renault focuses on international expansion to address the future significant technological challenges while continuing to pursue its profitable growth strategy. To this end, it is drawing on the synergies of its five brands (Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors, Alpine, and LADA), electric vehicles, and its unique alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. With a 100% Renault owned team committed to the Formula 1 World Championship since 2016, the brand is involved in motorsports, a real vector for innovation and awareness.

Source: Groupe Renault

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All you need to know | #RenaultTRIBER

Renault TRIBER | Space For Everything.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 1:41 AM | View the original post

December 23, 2020

Season's Greetings! Best Wishes for 2021!

Season’s Greetings!

Best Wishes for 2021!

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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:42 AM | View the original post

India's Education Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal, launches Chandigarh University's National Level Entrance Cum Scholarship Test CUCET 2021

• Chandigarh University is offering academic scholarships worth Rs. Thirty-three crores to deserving students through CUCET 2021.

CHANDIGARH, India, Dec. 23, 2020 — “National level Entrance cum Scholarship Test CUCET 2021 announced by Chandigarh university is a novel attempt to search for budding talent from every corner of India. It motivates them to pursue their dream career by offering them an academic scholarship to overcome financial barriers.” It was stated by Union Minister for Education, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal, during the launch ceremony of the National Level Entrance cum Scholarship Test of Chandigarh University “CUCET 2021”. The National Entrance cum Scholarship Test would offer academic scholarships worth Rs. 33 Crores to the students in more than 135 Under-Graduate and Postgraduate programs offered by the University; a deserving student based on CUCET-2021 scores can avail scholarships up to 100% in the academic fees.

While delivering his address, the Union Minister for Education, Dr. Pokhriyal, said, “We have often witnessed cases of drop-outs in the Indian Education System where meritorious students have to opt-out of higher education set-up due to financial constraints. CUCET-2021 is an attempt to plug these drop-out cases as it offers a helping hand for such talented students from all across India”. The student can fill an online application form and can appear online with the flexibility to choose his or her date & time slot. Chandigarh University would conduct CUCET-2021 in two phases. The first phase would run from December 2020 to May 2021.

“Chandigarh University is investing heavily in the talent of Indian Youth. It offers a national platform through CUCET-2021 to such deserving students who aspire to be successful by undergoing quality higher education in the field of their choice,” said Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University.

Prof. Satbir Singh Sehgal, Registrar of Chandigarh University, while briefing about CUCET-2021, said, “The entrance test would be compulsory for aspiring students who seek admission in Engineering, Pharmacy, MBA, 5 Years Integrated Under-Graduate Law Programs, and Agriculture. The test would also offer academic scholarships for all the 135 UG & PG programs offered by Chandigarh University”. Dr. Sehgal further added that “Students can apply for CUCET-2021 through online and offline mode where the applications are available at University Website and regional centers of University across 21 States & UTs”. The University is offering scholarships in 10 percent of the total seats in every Undergraduate and Postgraduate course. “Ever since the inception of University in 2012, Chandigarh University has offered academic scholarships to more than 63,000 students to promote talent and merit amongst the Indian Youth who dream of getting quality & world-class education,” Dr. Sehgal added.

One of the engineering students who bagged a 75% scholarship through CUCET-2020, Atul Ranjan from Jharkhand, states that “I could fulfill my dream of studying at one of the prestigious institutions of India only because of CUCET Scholarship, as it offered me a financial support.”

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and an autonomous educational institution near Chandigarh. It is the youngest University in India and the only private University in Punjab to be honored with an A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and other disciplines.

Source: Chandigarh University

|GlobalGiants.Com|

India’s Education Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal, launches Chandigarh University’s National Level Entrance Cum Scholarship Test CUCET 2021.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:08 AM | View the original post

December 22, 2020

AIRBUS boosts the Mission Capabilities of its H135 Helicopters

Photo: OAMTC Air Rescue operates 28 H135 helicopters from 17 permanent bases and four other bases during the wintertime in Austria. Last year, the operator performed more than 20,000 missions, with 52 tasks per day. Image provided by & copyright © AIRBUS.

Photo: The latest version of the H135 family of helicopters. Image provided by & copyright © AIRBUS.

Donauworth, Germany. December 21, 2020 - The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified a new Alternate Gross Weight (AGW) for the latest version of the H135 family of helicopters. The new AGW enables operators to benefit from an increased maximum take-off weight of up to 120 kg (265 lb) and useful load. This increase can also extend the range by up to 75 nm or the endurance by up to 40 minutes under standard conditions. The new AGW is available as an option and can be applied retroactively to all H135s equipped with Helionix.

Additionally, Airbus has recently certified a new single-pilot IFR Helionix cockpit for its H135 helicopters. The modified cockpit enables customers to choose between removing the instrument panel’s copilot side to increase the field of view or to keep it to install specific STC equipment. The single-pilot IFR cockpit of the H135 will further boost the capabilities of the H135 in several missions, including aerial work, utility, and law enforcement.

To date, AIRBUS has delivered more than 1,400 helicopters of the H135 family around the globe with more than 5.6 million flight hours.

More than 300 customers in 60 countries use helicopters from the H135 family for a wide range of missions, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), law enforcement, private and business aviation, offshore wind, and military training.

Source: AIRBUS.

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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 11:54 AM | View the original post

December 21, 2020

The Volkswagen Beetle GSR, a Classic in Yellow and Black

Photos: Old and new Beetle GSR. Images provided by & copyright © Volkswagen.

While the Volkswagen Beetle may be one of the most recognizable cars globally, one of its most eye-catching variants is lesser-known - the GSR yellow and black striped speed racer.

The GSR is a flashy, sporty, bumblebee-colored car that was the answer to years of requests from Beetle fans for a sportier version of the classic coupe. In 1973, Volkswagen unveiled the GSR sporting updates designed with European rally racing in mind, a bright yellow paint scheme offset with flat-black hood and bumpers, and sport seats plus a three-spoke race-quality steering wheel. Each 15-inch wheel, outfitted with extra-wide tires, featured the vehicle’s production number.

One thing that didn’t change with the first GSR model was the Beetle’s engine. The Beetle engine was still powered by the famous flat-four, which offered 50 horsepower and 80 pound-feet of torque - a bit low, even by historical standards. Though the GSR would seem pokey on modern interstates, buyers at the time were after an affordable package for rallying, not commuting.

The original GSR came into being toward the end of the Beetle’s run in Europe. Only 3,500 units were built, with only a hundred or so originals known to exist today - making them rare and highly sought after.

The rare model did make a curtain call of sorts with a special edition Beetle GSR that debuted in 2014. A modern re-interpretation of the 1970s original, the contemporary take includes all-black mirror caps, GSR lettering above the side skirts, and a large rear spoiler. The significant difference between the original and the relaunch was a modern water-cooled engine, packing 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.

Source: Volkswagen

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Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 2:53 AM | View the original post

December 20, 2020

High skills freelance economy surges as digital talent platforms help build new on-demand workforce — Harvard Business School (HBS) & Boston Consulting Group.

• Researchers at Harvard Business School’s Project on Managing the Future of Work and BCG’s Henderson Institute find that 90% of companies surveyed see a future competitive advantage in shifting their talent model to a blend of full-time and freelance employees. With a surge in remote work due to Covid-19, the move to an on-demand workforce would accelerate.

BOSTON — Researchers from Harvard Business School’s Managing the Future of Work Project and Boston Consulting Group’s Henderson Institute today released “Building the On-Demand Workforce.” The report explores the recent rise of digital talent platforms that create a new marketplace for high-skill freelance work. Early adopters of these platforms see a competitive advantage in shifting their workforce model to a blend of full-time and freelance employees. At the same time, millions of highly skilled professionals, who seek flexible and remote work, are using these platforms to connect with employers.

Researchers from BCG, and HBS’ Project on Managing the Future of Work, surveyed nearly 700 senior business leaders at US companies. The survey’s goal was to understand better the pervasiveness and patterns in using new talent platforms. The report is based on information from this groundbreaking survey and in-depth interviews with representatives from the talent platforms themselves and the companies that use them.

“Our research showed that many leadership teams have not yet fully grasped the strategic significance of these talent platforms. They are more than a stopgap. They are a means for resolving the chronic problems companies face while filling their talent needs. Business leaders cannot risk missing a critical opportunity to build a more flexible, resilient organization,” said Joseph Fuller, professor of management practice and a co-chair of the Project on Managing the Future of Work at Harvard Business School.

• Transforming the Workforce Transforms the Work

Due to rapid automation, digital transformation, and demographic change, companies are increasingly struggling to find people with the skills they need when they need them. A growing ecosystem of more than 300 talent platforms has emerged, offering companies on-demand access to highly skilled workers. These high skill platforms — companies like Catalant, InnoCentive, Kaggle, Toptal, and Upwork — can be grouped roughly into three categories: marketplaces for premium talent, digital freelancing marketplaces, and crowdsourcing innovation platforms.

The COVID-19 crisis has underscored the need for companies to be more agile in reacting to changes, managing fixed costs, and managing the work itself, lending even more importance to the fact that users of platforms report increased speed to market, productivity, and ability to innovate.

• Now Is the Time to Get Strategic

The survey shows that an increasing number of managers have been experimenting with these new talent platforms. Still, to bring about change on the scale needed to innovate new business models, the study underlines that companies will have to get strategic and appoint a C-suite leader to explore how talent platforms can unlock new value sources.

“New models should not simply be used to outsource what was previously done in house. Instead, they should prompt companies to fundamentally reconsider what their core business model can look like in a talent-fluid future,” said Allison Bailey, a managing director, and senior partner at BCG.

Harvard Business School’s Project on Managing the Future of Work pursues research that business and policy leaders can put into action to navigate the complex, fast-changing nature of work.

The BCG Henderson Institute is Boston Consulting Group’s strategy think tank, dedicated to exploring and developing valuable new insights from business, technology, and science by embracing the powerful technology of ideas. The Institute engages leaders in provocative discussion and experimentation to expand the business theory and practice boundaries and translate innovative ideas from within and beyond business.

Founded in 1908, Harvard Business School (HBS) is part of Harvard University. The HBS faculty of more than 200 offers full-time programs leading to MBA and doctoral degrees and more than 70 open enrollment Executive Education programs. For more than a century, HBS faculty have drawn on their research, their experience in working with organizations worldwide, and their passion for teaching to educate leaders who make a difference in the world, shaping the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe.

Source: Harvard Business School (HBS)

|GlobalGiants.Com|

— The editor holds an HBS certificate.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:04 AM | View the original post

December 19, 2020

ATHLETIC GENESIS MIDSIZE URBAN SUV 'GENESIS GV70' DEBUTS ONLINE

Photos: GENESIS GV70. Images provided by & copyright © Genesis.

SEOUL, KOREA - December 18, 2020 - Genesis has launched the GV70, its dynamic urban midsize SUV with a worldwide digital showcase.

Genesis broadcasted the GV70’s cinematic launch film, entitled “The GV70: A Travelogue,” via live streaming.

“Genesis has been striving to build an integrated and sincere connection on every aspect directly related to consumers, such as design, product, service, and lifestyle,” said Jay (Jaehoon) Chang, Global Head of the Genesis Brand. “Upon the release of the GV70 today, based on its customer-centric philosophy, Genesis will continue to provide luxurious models that consumers want, and that help deliver special memories to their daily lives.”

The GV70 is the first midsize SUV model produced by Genesis and features a Uniquely athletic SUV design with a strong personality. A driver-oriented interior layout expresses the ‘Beauty of white space’ in its ultimate interpretation, completing a uniquely Genesis luxury experience.

The GV70 offers an optimal driving experience by adopting state-of-the-art technologies, including ‘Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II),’ which helps drivers on highways or driveways control the steering wheel changing lanes.

• Exterior design featuring uniquely athletic SUV design

The front of the GV70 reflects Genesis’s brand identity with Crest Grille and two-lined Quad Lamps inspired by Genesis’ signature Wing Emblem. The Quad Lamps are at the same height as the Crest Grille, which accentuates with and prominent stance.

The Parabolic Line, which begins above the Quad Lamps and runs elegantly along the SUV side, creates a dramatic contrast with the muscular rear fenders. The sleek and elegant coupe-like roofline, along with the dropping chrome line of the C-pillar, accentuates the GV70’s unique character.

At the rear, the taillights feature the ultra-thin, two-lined Quad Lamp, while all functional elements are set in the bumper, helping to achieve immaculate, pure forms, the company said.

• Driver-oriented Interior Design Expresses the ‘Beauty of White Space’

The GV70’s driver-oriented interior features the ultimate interpretation of “Beauty of White Space” inspired by Korean architecture, offering maximum comfort and convenience.

The colors of the GV70 reflect its energetic yet refined design, giving customers an extensive range of color combinations, along with various interior materials.

A total of 13 exterior colors will be available in the GV70, including three new ones: Mauna Red, Barossa Burgundy (metallic), and Barossa Burgundy (matte). The GV70 also offers metallic colors such as Cardiff Green, Uyuni White, Vik Black, Saville Silver, Royal Blue, and Carbon Metal. The other available matte colors are Matterhorn White, Melbourne Grey, and Brunswick Green.

The GV70 offers a choice of five interior colors, including Obsidian Black Monotone, Obsidian Black/Vanilla Beige Two-tone, Ocean Waves Blue/Pine Grove Green Two-tone, Ocean Waves Blue/Havana Brown Two-tone, and Slate Gray/Velvet Burgundy Two-tone. Sport Package models also offer exclusive colors: Ultramarine Blue Monotone, Obsidian Black Monotone, and Obsidian Black/Seville Red Two-tone.

• Strengthening Sporty Emotion with the GV70 Sport Package

The optional Sport Package offers another level of athleticism that further enhances the emotion of the GV70.

• Spacious Interior — Both Practical and Luxurious

The GV70’s interior is optimized to offer passengers a generous amount of space and combines a low seating height to provide a great sense of comfort and a dynamic driving environment.

Also, GV70 applies new technologies to provide clean air to customers.

The GV70’s dual filter system improves indoor air quality by preventing fine dust and bacteria from entering the engine room pre-filter and indoor cabin filter.

The indoor cabin filter efficiently removes fine dust from inside and outside the vehicle with a higher capability to filter ultrafine dust. It also removes indoor bioaerosols by up to 99.9% within 10 minutes based on its antibacterial function.

• Powerful Performance and Balanced Driving Befitting a Luxury Midsize SUV

The GV70 offers an optimal driving experience with its powerful performance, fit for a luxury midsize rear-wheel drive SUV, and delivers comfortable driving experiences even when going off-road.

• Securing a Higher Level of Driving Safety Based on the Latest Technologies

Genesis applied a wide range of new technologies to the GV70 to protect passengers from risks inside and outside the vehicle.

The GV70 delivers a level of convenience and safety by applying a variety of technologies such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Forward Attention Warning (FAW), Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), and Highway Driving Assist.

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) analyzes potential collisions by helping the driver stop the vehicle automatically if there is a chance of collision at a crossroad with incoming cars from the left or right. It automatically supports evasive steering controls if there is a potential collision with pedestrians on the edge of the road while driving.

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) helps prevent drivers from crashing into cars approaching from the rear when changing lanes or pulling out of a space where they have parallel parked.

• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) is a driving safety feature regulating driving speed within the speed limit. It operates based on traffic sign information that is identified by the front camera or navigation information.

• Driver Attention Warning (DAW) provides notification to the driver when driver inattentiveness is detected and recommends a rest if needed.

• Forward Attention Warning (FAW) draws the driver’s attention with acoustic warning sounds and pop-up notifications if an interior camera detects reckless or fatigued driving.

• Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) utilizes the navigation system to maintain a safe speed while driving, ensuring safety by proactively reducing the SUV’s speed when rounding curves.

• Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II) allows for a convenient driving experience. It helps drivers on highways or driveways, controlling the steering wheel to assist them in changing lanes once they have activated their turn signal, and actively responding to close-range cut-ins in traffic congestion instances.

• The GV70 features Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) technology to ensure optimal safety.

• Intelligent Car Equipped with Biometric Technology and the Latest Infotainment System

The GV70 creates an optimum driving environment by combining a state-of-the-art infotainment system with the latest connected-car technologies.

The GV70 also maximizes user convenience by strengthening the display features of AR Navigation.

The improved AR Navigation can provide directions that indicate the exact direction based on the destination and its location at that very moment.

Source: GENESIS

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 3:15 AM | View the original post

December 18, 2020

University Grants Commission (UGC) India notifies all Vice-Chancellors on Compliance of its Directions regarding Refund of Fee.

• UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION (UGC) INDIA NOTIFIES ALL VICE-CHANCELLORS ON COMPLIANCE OF ITS DIRECTIONS REGARDING REFUND OF FEE.

New Delhi, December 18, 2020 — UGC has sent a letter to all vice-chancellors drawing their attention to its “Guidelines on Academic Calendar for the First Year of Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Students of the Universities for the Session 2020-21 in view of COVID-19 Pandemic.” The guidelines provide that —

• ” ln order to avoid financial hardship being faced by the parents due to lockdown and related factors, a full refund of fees be made on account of all cancellation of admissions/migration of students, up to 30.11.2020, for this very session as a special case. To be crystal clear — the entire fees, including all charges, be refunded in totality (zero cancellation charges) on cancellation/migration up to 30.11.2020. Thereafter, on cancellation/withdrawal of admissions up to 31.12.2020, the entire fee collected from a student be refunded in full after a deduction of not more than Rs. 1000/- as processing fee.”

• “It is reiterated that the UGC guidelines are to be followed mandatorily by all the universities in letter and spirit.”

• “Any institution/university found to be violating the guidelines and refusing to refund the fee by giving its own interpretation of the guidelines shall be liable for punitive actions as notified in clause 5 of the UGC notification refund of fees and non-retention of the original certificates.”

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• UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION (UGC) INDIA WILL KEEP OPEN THE APPLICATION SUBMISSION PORTAL FOR HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ENTITLED TO OFFER ONLINE PROGRAMMES TILL DECEMBER 31, 2020.

New Delhi, December 15, 2020 — University Grants Commission (UGC) India announced through a Public Notice that it has decided to keep open the Application Submission Portal for Higher Educational Institutions entitled to offer Online Programmes without prior UGC approval up to December 31, 2020. The decision is per the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.

“ Accordingly, the duly certified hard copy of the application and affidavit in the prescribed format along with annexures shall reach the office of the Joint Secretary (DEB), Distance Education Bureau, University Grants Commission, 35, Feroze Shah Road, Delhi -110001, within ten working days after submission of the online application,” the announcement stated.

UGC has also asked the HEI’s to regularly visit the Submission Portal for the latest updates and further announcements in this regard.

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Source: University Grants Commission, India

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:05 AM | View the original post