NEW DELHI: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (“Maruti Suzuki”) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (“MoA”) with the Transport Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, for set up and maintenance of 4 Automated Driving Test Tracks (“ADTTs”) across the state under the Company’s CSR initiative.

The ADTTs will be set up at four Regional Transport Office (RTO) locations in the state, namely Eluru, Ongole, Vizianagaram, and Anakapalli. Under the MoA, Maruti Suzuki will automate and maintain these driving test tracks for a period of 3 years from the date of commissioning.

The ADTTs will be equipped with high-definition cameras, RFID sensors, real-time analytics, and an integrated IT system to enable a technology-enabled, standardized, and objective driving license testing process. With zero human intervention, the ADTTs are aimed at making license testing more comprehensive, efficient, and transparent. The rigorous and standardized evaluation process is designed to assess candidates according to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). Test results are also automatically generated.

Speaking on the initiative, Hisashi Takeuchi, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “During my meeting with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Chandrababu Naidu, I was impressed by his love for technology. Aligned with his vision for technology-led solutions, we are honoured to bring 4 Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) to the state of Andhra Pradesh. ADTTs use advanced technology that ensures a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent process with zero human intervention. This guarantees that only skilled drivers are awarded a driving license, thereby improving overall road safety.”

Speaking at the MoA signing, Manish Kumar Sinha, IPS, Transport Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh, said, “I commend Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, for its significant contribution to road safety through the launch of Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) across the state. In this project, Maruti Suzuki will extend support by providing technology in the areas of integration with the SARATHI** system, training of personnel, and routine maintenance for a period of 3 years. The Transport Department, on its part, will provide the required infrastructure at the existing driving tracks, undertake civil works, ensure security and electricity supply, and conduct driving tests and issuance of driving licenses using the automated system.”

He added, “The automation of driving test tracks is expected to bring greater uniformity and objectivity in the testing process and ensure that driving licenses are issued only to candidates with the requisite driving skills, thereby strengthening road safety in the state.”

The ADTTs in Eluru, Vizianagaram, Ongole, and Anakapalli will serve Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and Two-Wheelers (TW) driving license applicants. The ADTT in Ongole will additionally serve Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) driving license applicants.

Maruti Suzuki’s efforts in Road Safety:

Maruti Suzuki promotes road safety through the 5Es, i.e., Engineering, Education, Evaluation, Enforcement, and Emergency Care. One of the most significant projects in this direction is the large-scale rollout of ADTTs.

To date, Maruti Suzuki has fully automated 46 ADTTs across seven states, including Uttar Pradesh (17), Delhi (14), Bihar (7), Uttarakhand (4), Haryana (2), Chhattisgarh (1), and Jammu & Kashmir (1). In 2025, the Company also signed MoAs with the Transport Department of Rajasthan to set up 21 ADTTs and the Transport Department of Tamil Nadu to set up 10 ADTTs. With the addition of 4 ADTTs in Andhra Pradesh, Maruti Suzuki’s ADTT footprint will expand to 81 ADTTs nationwide.

The Company has also set up 8 Institutes of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTRs) and 23 Road Safety Knowledge Centres (RSKCs) in collaboration with various State Governments to equip drivers with essential driving knowledge and skills.

Additionally, the Company implements Integrated Traffic Safety Management System (ITMS) projects with real-time monitoring and surveillance in select areas to support law enforcement and promote disciplined driving behaviour. To enhance emergency care, the Company offers First Responder training to commercial drivers and other stakeholders.

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NEW DELHI: FIITJEE, India’s leading coaching institute for JEE and other competitive examinations, is delighted to announce the ‘Masters of Diagnosis’ – Diagnostic cum Scholarship Tests for Students of Class VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI & XII. This is a rare and distinctive opportunity for students to assess their academic capabilities and secure admission in the extraordinary world of FIITJEE.

The diagnostic cum Scholarship test is comprehensively designed to assess the current knowledge and potential of students. Through this test, students will be able to diagnose their current and hidden academic potential. They will be given a proper analysis of their IQ, Analytical and Logical Skills, and Problem-Solving Capabilities, which are pivotal for clearing various competitive and scholastic exams and dealing even with various problems life throws at us.

Since its inception, FIITJEE has established an unprecedented legacy in the domain of JEE Main & JEE Advanced and other competitive & scholastic exams. Over the years, FIITJEE has produced JEE toppers, demonstrating the significance of its teaching methodologies and commitment to academic excellence. The institute’s outstanding expertise, proficient faculty, and comprehensive pattern-proof study materials have contributed to its reputation as a premier coaching institute.

While FIITJEE’s prominence primarily revolves around JEE preparation, it is important to note that under the ‘Masters of Diagnosis’, the Diagnostic cum Scholarship test is not solely aimed at JEE aspirants. This test is prepared to assess students’ foundational knowledge and academic abilities across diverse disciplines.

The Diagnostic Cum Scholarship Tests give students access to the FIITJEE’s universe and serve as a diagnostic tool for assessing their academic potential. The renowned pedagogy of FIITJEE will prime them for remarkable performance in JEE Main and Advanced, NTSE, INSPIRE (previous KVPY), and various Olympiads.

And, if a student opts for a non-engineering stream/career, then FIITJEE’s education module will develop the various skills in students like time management strategies, logical thinking, and analytical ability, which are extremely crucial for various competitive and scholastic exams as well as for dealing with various real-life problems.

”The Masters of Diagnosis echoes FIITJEE’s commitment to fostering holistic academic development in any stream of education. By providing a comprehensive assessment that transcends JEE preparation, the institute aims to empower students with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in various academic pursuits. It reflects FIITJEE’s sincere intent of developing and nurturing well-rounded personalities fully equipped to thrive in these highly competitive and challenging times,” said R L Trikha, Director, FIITJEE Group.

The tests will be conducted on April 28^th, 2024, and are open to students from Class VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI & XII. The tests will be conducted in the pattern of JEE and other competitive and scholastic exams, with Objective-type questions from IQ, Science, and Mathematics (for Class VI to X) and IQ, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (for Class XI, XII & XII Appeared). The exam syllabi for all classes (VI to XII) will constitute the full syllabus of the previous Class.

Individuals must complete their registration before 26th April 2024.

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Devansh Binani, the Director of Himalaya Optical, eloquently expressed his thoughts during the inauguration, stating, “With a distinguished legacy spanning over 85 years, Himalaya Optical has consistently remained at the vanguard of luxury eyewear. We have continually adapted to the ever-evolving demands of our discerning clientele, growing stronger with each passing day in India’s dynamic landscape. This is a moment of holy pride for the entire Himalaya Optical family.“

The new store showcases an extensive range of opulent frames and sunglasses, each a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. These exclusive offerings are meticulously curated from the latest collections of the world’s most prestigious and illustrious names in the realm of high-end eyewear fashion. Himalaya Optical stands as the unrivaled sanctuary for connoisseurs of luxurious eyewear, offering a diverse selection of over 60 prestigious brands, including the likes of Chrome Hearts, Dita, Maybach, Burberry, Bvlgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tom Ford, Gucci, Versace, Calvin Klein, Ray-ban, Oakley, Vogue, Tommy Hilfiger and many more.

Himalaya Optical remains unwavering in its commitment to addressing its clientele’s most discerning eye care needs, providing a lavish 360-degree eye test, meticulously conducted by its team of world-class, highly-trained optometrists.

Binani underscored the burgeoning awareness in the Indian market regarding the profound significance of protective eyewear and the necessity of regular eye examinations, particularly the increasing demand for bespoke prescription sunglasses. He expressed, “With over 85 years of legacy, we bear the responsibility of enlightening our clientele about the pinnacle of eye care, and offering them bespoke, tailor-made solutions that truly align with their desires.” He further revealed their expansion plan in Maharashtra with the opening of around 10 more luxury-focused stores by the end of the next fiscal year, promising to create havens for those with the most refined tastes in eyewear.

Umang Pittie added, “By providing the largest collection of luxury eyewear in Pune itself, Punekars will not need to travel to Mumbai and beyond for luxury eyewear.” 

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BENGALURU: MedGenome, a leading global Genomic Diagnostic and Research Services company in South Asia, becomes the first to offer advanced genomics services using Illumina’s NovaSeq X Plus in South Asia. With this, the company anticipates bringing down the reagent cost of Human Whole Genome sequencing to USD $200 in the near future. In conjunction with this acquisition, MedGenome is thrilled to launch KaryoSeq (or Karyotype Sequencing), an innovative Whole Genome Sequencing to diagnose prenatal and newborn conditions.

The NovaSeq X Series is Illumina’s most powerful sequencing system. With the ability to generate more than 20,000 whole genomes per year – 2.5 times the throughput of prior sequencers at a shorter turnaround time, this latest sequencer is aimed at making genomics more sustainable and accessible to more people globally. MedGenome has had a long-standing partnership with Illumina over the last decade expanding its portfolio of sequencing equipment with the latest offerings and becoming a leader in adopting the most up-to-date sequencing technology. NovaSeq X Plus promises to accelerate a deeper understanding of genetic disorders and can perform a broad range of data-intensive applications, bringing more breakthroughs in genetic disease diagnosis and treatment.

MedGenome has launched several breakthrough tests in key disease areas in the last few years. The latest offering, KaryoSeq has significant advantages over traditional cytogenetic and molecular techniques. The test is a faster and more accurate solution that allows for the detection of small chromosomal abnormalities, such as microdeletions or microduplications, that may not be easily identified through microscopic examination alone. It is recommended for individuals with suspected or confirmed genetic disorders or an increased risk of carrying chromosomal abnormalities, aiming to provide precise and rapid results, and helping clinicians and families make informed decisions about inherent genetic conditions.

Dr Vedam Ramprasad, Ph.D., CEO of, MedGenome said, “As pioneers in genetic testing with a deep focus on scientific innovation and research, bringing NovaSeq X Plus in India will help us in making faster and accurate diagnosis. The launch of KaryoSeq further marks a significant milestone in the field of prenatal and newborn genetic testing in this part of the world, empowering clinicians with accurate and comprehensive genetic information. Traditionally, the cost has played a major factor in penetrating the genetic testing market. MedGenome has been striving to make these tests affordable to the masses while adhering to global quality standards.  MedGenome’s KaryoSeq test is another step in this direction. The test is cost-effective while providing superior diagnostic yield and accuracy in identifying deletions and gains as small as 1 megabase (1 million DNA base pairs).”

MedGenome offers an extensive range of over 1300 advanced genetic tests covering various disease categories. With a CAP-accredited genetic testing laboratory in India and a high-throughput Next-Generation Sequencing lab in Foster City, California, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the field. Notably, MedGenome has developed the largest database of South Asian genetic variants through its expertise in genetic diagnostics, research collaborations, and its role as a co-founding member of GenomeAsia 100K. Serving more than 3,50,000 families through a network of over 4,000 hospitals and over 11,000 clinicians across India, MedGenome provides comprehensive genetic testing services and makes significant contributions to the field of genomics, and continues to revolutionize the healthcare space with its path-breaking genomics solutions.

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