Blog

For Rs 46.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the BMW 220i M Sport Shadow Edition has been introduced in India. The Shadow Edition gets certain design upgrades over the basic 2 Series sedan, including blacked-out details. Subtle stylistic tweaks have also been made to the inside, although the powertrain remains the same as the standard 220i M Sport.

Exterior

Similar to the majority of previous BMW Shadow Edition cars, the 220i M Sport receives various blacked-out features that distinguish it from the other models. As a result, the rear spoiler and kidney grille are totally blacked out. Additionally, it features BMW floating hubcaps and adaptable LED headlights with black inlays. Everything else about the design stays the same.

Interiors and Features

The Shadow Edition’s interior has unique Illuminated Berlin inside trim, ambient lighting, carbon-finished gear selector, and Sport Seats with memory function. There are six dimmer options for the ambient lighting. The vehicle also has a 10.25-inch touchscreen entertainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It also has six pre-programmed hand gestures for controlling the infotainment system, wireless charging, and BMW’s virtual assistant.

Powertrain

The sedan’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which produces 190 PS and 280 Nm, is the same powerplant used in the base 2 Series M Sport. The engine accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.1 seconds when paired with an 8-speed automated gearbox. Three drive modes are offered: Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro.

Safety

The 2 Series Shadow Edition is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist and six airbags as standard. Additional safety features include electronic differential lock control (EDLC), dynamic stability control (DSC) with traction control, attention support, and Park Assist with a rearview camera.

Rivals

The BMW 220i M Sport Shadow Edition is a premium substitute for vehicles like the Toyota Camry, and it competes with the Audi A4.

Read Full Article

Future EV vehicles: Tata Motors’ upcoming Curve EV is the company’s next major introduction in the electric vehicle market. The 400–500 km range of this electric vehicle will be provided on a single charge. The Tata Harrier EV was first shown in concept form at the 2023 Auto Expo and was then spotted at the India Mobility Global Expo in 2024.

Tata Curvv EV

The Curvv EV will be Tata Motors’ next significant electric car launch. The coupe-SUV is anticipated to make its EV premiere in mid-2024, having last shown off its near-production ICE variant at the India Mobility Global Expo 2024. After this, the conventionally powered Curvv will be unveiled. The 400–500 km range of this electric vehicle will be provided on a single charge.

Tata Harrier EV

The Tata Harrier EV was initially shown in concept form during the 2023 Auto Expo and was first observed at the India Mobility Global Expo in 2024. In the latter part of 2024, the Harrier’s electric variant is scheduled for launch. An estimated 60 kWh battery pack, good for 500 km of range, will be included in the EV. Drawing influence from the Harrier facelift, the design will incorporate certain elements unique to electric vehicles. AWD with two motors will also be installed.

Tata Safari EV

Tata Motors will introduce the electric Safari into the Indian market in addition to the Harrier EV. Multiple sightings of test mules for the company’s planned flagship electric SUV have confirmed the vehicle’s introduction in the home market. Its design will be similar to that of the Safari with a conventional engine, while various improvements unique to electric vehicles are anticipated. The AWD system and powerplant will be shared with the Harrier EV. It is anticipated that the Safari EV would debut concurrently with the Harrier EV.

Tata Sierra EV

In 2025, Tata plans to reintroduce the Sierra SUV to the Indian market. The 2023 Auto Expo was where the concept SUV was on display.The Tata Sierra EV, which is anticipated to be the top model in the lineup, is probably going to share engine parts with the Harrier EV and Safari EV.

Read Full Article

Nissan Motor India is releasing a new special edition vehicle to commemorate the Magnite Geza Edition’s one anniversary. The Nissan Magnite Geza has now made an appearance in the turbo-petrol CVT avatar after making its debut with the non-turbo petrol MT model last year. The Magnite Geza CVT Special Edition is the most reasonably priced turbo CVT choice in its class, priced at Rs 9.84 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Magnite Geza Edition and the Magnite Geza CVT Special Edition share the same characteristics, though. These include beige-colored seat upholstery, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, JBL speakers, ambient lighting controlled by an app, a shark fin antenna, a trajectory rear camera, and Geza Edition badging. LED headlights, a 360-degree camera, automated climate control, over 50 connected car features, and Smartwatch connection are already included in the base Magnite package.

Nissan Magnite Geza CVT Special Edition: Safety Kit

The Geza CVT Special Edition is equipped with electronic stability programming (ESP), hydraulic brake aid, traction control, hill start assistance, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ABS (anti-lock braking system) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and hydraulic brake assist.

Nissan Magnite Geza CVT Special Edition: Engine

The Nissan Magnite Geza Special CVT Edition, as its name suggests, is powered by a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine coupled to a CVT gearbox. The engine’s max torque of 152 Nm and 99 horsepower are programmed into it.

Nissan Magnite Facelift Incoming

Nissan is getting ready to introduce the redesigned Magnite in India at some point in the upcoming year. It is anticipated that the updated version will include new functions and graphic improvements. Nevertheless, it is likely that the engine choices will remain the same as in the previous iteration.

The current Nissan Magnite is one of the most reasonably priced small SUVs in the nation, with a price range of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 11.11 lakh (ex-showroom). Anticipate that the updated model will fetch a comparable price range. After it is released, it will go up against the Hyundai Exter, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, and Renault Kiger.

Read Full Article

The potential health advantages of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and other activities have led to a spike in their popularity. These activities can cause altered states of consciousness, even though they frequently have beneficial and occasionally transformative benefits.

The frequency of these changed states is shown by recent research conducted by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital, which is a component of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.

The results, which were written up in the journal Mindfulness, show that these kinds of experiences are more common than previously believed.

The potential health advantages of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and other activities have led to a spike in their popularity. These activities can cause altered states of consciousness, even though they frequently have beneficial and occasionally transformative benefits.

The frequency of these changed states is shown by recent research conducted by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital, which is a component of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.

The results, which were written up in the journal Mindfulness, show that these kinds of experiences are more common than previously believed.

Meditation: Typical but intricate experiences

The study’s principal investigator was Dr. Matthew D. Sacchet, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the director of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Meditation Research Program.

“With more people engaging in mindfulness, meditation, and other contemplative practices, we anticipated that altered states and their effects might be common. Our international surveys confirmed that these experiences are widespread,” according to Sacchet.

3,135 adults in the US and the UK were polled for the research. It may surprise you to learn that 45% of respondents had at least one experience with non-pharmacologically induced altered states of consciousness.

This is a far cry from the 5% to 15% of people who are thought to have practiced mindfulness in the US and UK.

Better Support is Required

Of those who suffered, 11% said their pain was life-threatening, and 13% said their suffering was moderate or worse. Unbelievably, 63% of these people didn’t ask for assistance.

According to Sacchet, “our study found that altered states of consciousness are a common variant of normal human experience, rather than being extremely unusual and rare.”

“Yet, those who experience negative outcomes often do not seek help, and clinicians are poorly prepared to support these experiences. This represents a public health issue, as some people struggle to integrate these experiences into their existing conceptions of self and reality,” he said.

Research and Care are States of Meditation

The study emphasizes the need for more investigation to pinpoint personal traits linked to altered states of consciousness and the related pain that could ensue.

“We should not dismiss meditation and other practices as inherently dangerous. Instead, we need to better understand and support meditators to fully realize the potential of these practices,” Sacchet highlighted

As with psychotherapy, medication, and other therapeutic instruments, it’s critical to put these potent methods into practice and provide appropriate support for those who use them.

Sacchet also mentioned that old meditation guides from wisdom traditions could be useful for categorizing and controlling altered states. He said, “These manuals could provide guidance on how to better manage difficult altered states. More research is clearly needed to explore this possibility.” Undoubtedly, additional investigation is required to examine this potential.

Clinical Training and Instruction in Meditation

Dr. Sacchet urged the creation of clinical courses on altered states of consciousness in order to better prepare medical professionals.

“Those who teach meditation should ensure that participants are aware of potential risks. Implementing safeguards will help ensure that these promising and powerful practices are taught and experienced safely,”he said.

The complexity and significance of the altered states of consciousness attained during meditation and related practices are highlighted by this study. Individuals may experience powerful consequences from these moods, which frequently result in notable improvements in wellbeing.

On the other hand, some people may experience negative effects from them, varying from little pain to severe agony. The results highlight the need for these procedures to be approached with balance. Utilizing their potential advantages while being conscious of and reducing the hazards involved is crucial.

Better support networks and training programs for practitioners and clinicians are recommended by the study. Healthcare professionals can help individuals who encounter issues with appropriate counsel and support if they have a better grasp of these altered states.

According to the research, teaching meditation should incorporate clinical curriculum and safety precautions to ensure that the practice is taught with the utmost care and understanding in order to maximize its advantages and limit any potential harm.

Read Full Article

  • Introduced to celebrate the first anniversary of the Geza Special Edition
  • Available in turbo-petrol CVT guise

In honour of the Geza Edition’s first anniversary, Nissan Motor India has introduced the Geza Special Edition trim level of the Magnite SUV in India. The initial ex-showroom pricing of this new model in turbo-petrol CVT trim is Rs. 9.84 lakh.

This new Magnite model boasts a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a music system powered by JBL, a back camera with guidelines, and ambient lighting, among many other features. Customers may also choose the beige-colored seat upholstery, in addition.

The 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine of the Magnite Geza Special CVT Edition is mechanically connected to a CVT gearbox, as the name would imply. With this configuration, the engine produces 99 horsepower and 152 Nm of maximum torque.

Managing Director of Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL), Saurabh Vatsa, commented on the unveiling, Explain ‘We are delighted to introduce the newest variant of the Magnite following the tremendous success of the Geza Special Edition last year. We have identified a significant opportunity based on customer feedback in the market to offer premium features at an accessible price point. The Magnite Geza CVT Special Edition is the only CVT turbo available at such a competitive price with features that no other product offers in the market. It underlines our commitment to delivering best-in-class technology, premium features and advanced infotainment offerings at an accessible price.”

Read Full Article

New generation vehicles that are positioned to revolutionise the sedan class will be introduced to the Indian market in 2024. The next generation Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze are among the sedans in the lineup. Sedans are popular among consumers because of its sleek styling, roomy interior, large boot, and cosy rear seating.

1. New-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Maruti Suzuki is prepared to introduce the new Dzire in India following the release of the fourth-generation Swift. Recent sightings of the small sedan testing on Indian roads suggest that its introduction is almost here. Speaking of the outside, the 2019 Maruti Dzire will get a reworked bumper, a wider bonnet, sleeker-looking LED headlamps, a new grille, and more, as shown in the spy photos.

A fresh set of alloy wheels will also be added to the Dzire. Other than this, the next Dzire’s side profile won’t change all that much. The spy photos reveal that the next Dzire will have an electrically movable sunroof, which is a nice feature for a car that is less than four metres in length.

The redesigned Dzire’s interior will likely include updated air conditioning vents, a new instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, and other innovations. Updated seat upholstery, automatic climate control, and a wireless charger are among the other interior amenities. The forthcoming Dzire’s mechanical characteristics have not yet been disclosed by the firm. The estimated price range (ex-showroom) is Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

2. New-gen Honda Amaze

Additionally, Honda Cars India is preparing to launch the next-generation Amaze in the Indian market later in 2024. The next-generation Amaze will operate on the same platform as the present City and Elevate, according to multiple media reports.

According to sources, the global Honda Accord will serve as the model for the sub-4 metre car design.

Regarding the drivetrain, the third-generation Honda Amaze is probably going to use the same NA 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine as the Amaze that is on the present model. It will produce 110 Nm of torque and 90 horsepower. A CVT automatic gearbox or a five-speed manual are the available transmission options.

Read Full Article

Curvv, the company’s first coupe SUV, will prioritise performance, while Nexon CNG and Altroz Racer will prioritise cost savings.

Maruti Suzuki topped the market in FY24 with a 40.66% share. Hyundai came in second at 14.22%, then Tata Motors at 13.63%, Mahindra at 10.75%, and Kia at 5.71%.

1. Tata Altroz Racer

Road tests have revealed that Altroz Racer will shortly be released. Users will gain better performance in addition to its sportier look. Altroz Racer is going to use Nexon’s 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine. There is a 120 PS and 170 Nm power output. That is an increase over the regular Altroz of 10 PS and 30 Nm. The 6-speed manual gearbox will be available for the Tata Altroz Racer.

Premium options available on the Tata Altroz Racer include voice-activated sunroof, ESC, six airbags, heated front seats, a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 360° camera. Hyundai i20 N Line will be the main opponent. A 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 120 PS and 172 Nm powers the hatchback. It is coupled to either a dual clutch automatic gearbox (7-speed or 6-speed manual).

2. Tata Nexon iCNG

Although there are several CNG versions available, the Tata Nexon iCNG will make history. It will be India’s first factory-produced CNG vehicle with a turbocharged petrol engine. Prior to this, Tata had achieved another significant milestone with the launch of the Tiago and Tigor CNG automatic versions.

In reference to Nexon iCNG, the SUV will be powered by a three-cylinder, 1.2-liter turbocharged engine. This is the same as how the regular Nexon is utilised. The Nexon CNG will come with an AMT and manual gearbox option. The Nexon’s CNG version will cost about Rs 1 lakh more than the corresponding petrol model.

3. Tata Curvv

Tata Curvv is anticipated to make its premiere during the holiday season. There has been a few-month delay in the rollout. Since Curvv will be Tata’s first coupe SUV, it will be unique. Given the Curvv would be Tata’s exclusive entry in the small SUV market, there are high expectations. There will be Curvv ICE and EV versions available. The ICE model is anticipated to be released by late 2024 or early 2025, while the EV model will go on sale first.

Popular brands including Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Toyota HyRyder, Honda Elevate, VW Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq will be up against ICE Curvv. The Curvv EV model is in a better position because it will be released ahead of the Creta EV, Maruti eVX, and Toyota’s eVX variant. Tata’s Gen 2 Acti.ev architecture will support Curvv EV. It is anticipated to have a 450–500 kilometre range.

Tata’s new 1.2-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 125 horsepower will power the ICE Curvv. There will be options for manual and automatic transmissions. The 1.5-liter diesel engine from Nexon will be borrowed for the Curvv diesel variant. Both an AMT and a 6-speed manual gearbox will be included. Curvv will eventually have a CNG option as well. Curvv is anticipated to have an extensive feature set, which includes ADAS.

Read Full Article

The inevitable has already been declared as Google began rolling out AI Overviews in Search to the general public last week. AI Overviews will soon have ads.

Google unveiled new methods that advertisers can use and benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) in their commercials during the Google Marketing Live event on May 21. One of the announcements was that in-line advertisements will be included “soon” to AI Overviews in Search.

Google states that advertising will soon appear in AI Overviews, but no exact date for rollout has been disclosed as they are not yet online. According to Google, users perceive the advertisements to be “helpful.”

These advertisements, which display goods associated with your search query, will have a clear “Sponsored” notice. The example provided by Google for the query “how do I get wrinkles out of clothes?” displays suggestions and product links for wrinkle-removing goods.

Google Clarifies:

We’ve heard from early testers that the advertisements that show up above and below the AI-generated summary are beneficial. We’re going to begin testing Search and Shopping advertising for American users in AI Overviews soon. When they are pertinent to the query and the data in the AI Overview, they will have the chance to appear in the AI Overview in a part that is clearly marked as “sponsored.”

Interestingly, these advertisements will be produced automatically from current Google Search advertising. Ads that would typically show up in Search will eventually begin to show up in Google’s AI Overviews.

In a blog post outlining the modification, Google restates that, despite the company’s demo (below), which doesn’t display a single web link until you scroll down the page, it will “continue to test and evolve the Search experience” and “remain focused on sending valuable traffic to publishers and creators.”

Read Full Article

At the Gonet Geneva Open on Wednesday, Casper Ruud produced an outstanding comeback, defeating Sebastian Ofner 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 after trailing by a set.

Even though Ofner won his first set against a Top 10 player in 22 attempts, the former world No. 2 had lost his previous two matches following a strong start to the clay-court swing. However, Ruud restored order in time to book a quarterfinal match with No. 5 seed Sebastian Baez after an hour and forty-seven minutes on Center Court.

Ruud defeated Novak Djokovic to go to the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters final, which put him in the early running to win his first major title at Roland Garros this year. After losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas there and coming in second, the Norwegian exacted revenge a week later by winning the biggest championship of his career—his first ATP 500—at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell.

Ruud suffered a slight setback in the fourth round at the Caja Magica against Félix Auger-Aliassime, but his opening-round loss to good friend Miomir Kecmanovic raised further red flags when Ruud disclosed that he had experienced a “lock” in his lower back throughout the three-set loss.

With just one week till Roland Garros, Ruud was desperate for momentum despite the injury’s severity. He went back to the Tennis Club de Genève confident he would find it as he took an early lead against Ofner.

Before facing Ruud, Ofner, the No. 2 seed, had a record of 0-21 in sets against Top 10 opponents. However, the Austrian qualifier managed to turn the tables on Ruud, winning six of the next eight games and taking the opening set from the two-time Geneva Open champion.

From then on, Ruud controlled the race, taking a bigger advantage in the second and breaking Ofner three more times to win in under two hours.

In the round of eight, he will face Baez, who on Tuesday fell short of Spanish player Roberto Carballés Baena in just three games. Ruud has a 2-0 head-to-head advantage over the Argentine, despite the latter’s strength on clay. Both of their meetings took place on clay last year.

Read Full Article

The 40th edition of the Visual Communications (VC) Film Fest/Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival honored the Kazakh film “Madina” with a Special Recognition award, the festival’s press office announced on May 16.

The film, which was directed by Aizhan Kassymbek and has an all-female cast, explores the suppressed real-life experiences of its lead actress and other strong Kazakh women with the goal of raising awareness and igniting change within the Kazakh community.

“The film is equally tender as it is powerful, and we look forward to more from this team.” the jury said of the film.

Madina Akylbekova, the principal actress who won a Special Recognition for Performance, is partially based on her genuine tale in the film. A young girl, her younger brother, and her own mother are all taken care of by a single mother in the film. Madina works as a dancer at events at night and instructs dance to adults and children during the day. She helps her family with their many issues during the downtime in between shifts.

The jury said, “This actress gave a tremendous performance, bringing to the big screen glimpses of her own lived experience as a single mother who struggles to balance her career as a dancer with taking care of her old grandmother and her two-year-old daughter. Madina Akylbek’s performance, even alongside her own child, illuminates her resilience and courage to tell the truth,”

The VC Film Fest, the biggest film festival in Southern California, is devoted to presenting international films directed by and featuring Asians and Pacific Islanders. About 150 movies and other media pieces honor Asian Pacific creators and their narratives.

“Madina” had an Asian Future program screening at the Tokyo International Film Festival at the end of 2023. Along with Askhat Kuchinchirekov’s “Bauyryna Salu” (Parenting), it was one of two Kazakh films that were screened at the festival.

Read Full Article