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Motorcycle Yezdi is making a comeback on Indian roads. The iconoic motorcycle is making a comeback to India after almost two and half decades with the launch of Roadster, Scrambler and Adventure.

Yezdi Adventure Adventure comes in 2 variants - Matte and Camo. It will be available at a price of Rs 209,900. It can also be booked at a price of Rs 5000.

As for Jawa, the company was a Czechoslovakia brand licensed in India by Farrokh K. Irani and Rustom S. Irani, who sold it here in the 1960s.

The billionaire businessman and Chairman of Mahindra Group also tweeted about it. "When history shapes the future…," he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
When history shapes the future… <a href="https://t.co/6Ag62xa79z">https://t.co/6Ag62xa79z</a>
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/1481601611050930180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yezdi in its new avatar will be sold alongside Jawa motorcycles in the same dealerships. Classic Legends Private Limited, a subsidiary of Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, which is also the parent company of Jawa motorcycles launched the three Yezdi motocycles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It's not a motorcycle, it's an emotion. It's an era. It's a way of life. ​ 
And we're back, thundering thrice in three new avatars! ​ 
 
Book your test rides now - <a href="https://t.co/esLonZ0DEr">https://t.co/esLonZ0DEr</a> 
.​<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotForTheSaintHearted?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotForTheSaintHearted</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yezdi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yezdi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YezdiIsBack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YezdiIsBack</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YezdiMotorcycles?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YezdiMotorcycles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YezdiForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YezdiForever</a> <a href="https://t.co/WvwiiVoA2Z">pic.twitter.com/WvwiiVoA2Z</a>
— yezdiforever (@yezdiforever) <a href="https://twitter.com/yezdiforever/status/1481509817390927873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yezdi tweeted: "It's not a motorcycle, it's an emotion. It's an era. It's a way of life. And we're back, thundering thrice in three new avatars! Book your test rides now."&nbsp;&nbsp;

After reviving Jawa Motorcycles and the UK-based BSA motorcycles, the Mahindra Group-owned Classic Legends unveiled three new motorcycles&nbsp; - the Yezdi Adventure, the Yezdi Scrambler and Yezdi Roadking today.

The latest offering from Yezdi line-up is expected to give competition to brands like Royal Enfield, Honda and Benelli in the segment.

Roadster is priced at Rs 198,142 and wil be available in two variants – dark and chrome. The former has three colours Smoke Grey, Hunter Green and Steel Blue. It can be booked online at a price of Rs 5000 which is a refundable amount. You can also book a test ride.

The latter is available in two colours Sin Silver and Gallant Grey.

Scrambler comes in 2 variants - Single Tone and Dual Tone. It is available at a price of Rs 204,900. It can also be booked at a price of Rs 5000.

Yezdi in its new avatar will be sold alongside Jawa motorcycles in the same dealerships.&nbsp;


Yezdi Bike relaunched with Roadster, Scrambler and Adventure; price starts at 1.98 Lakh

PM Narendra Modi greeted people across the nation on Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan, Bhogi, Magh Bihu and PongalIn a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;

"Across India we are marking different festivals which signify India’s vibrant cultural diversity. My greetings on these festivals.

Greetings on Makar Sankranti. https://t.co/4ittq5QTsr

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Across India we are marking different festivals which signify India’s vibrant cultural diversity. My greetings on these festivals.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1481822262940807168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Have a wonderful Uttarayan. https://t.co/hHcMBzBJZP&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Greetings on Makar Sankranti. <a href="https://t.co/4ittq5QTsr">pic.twitter.com/4ittq5QTsr</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1481822418490773505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bhogi greetings to everyone. May this special festival enrich the spirit of happiness in our society. I pray for the good health and well-being of our fellow citizens. https://t.co/plBUW3psnB&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Have a wonderful Uttarayan. <a href="https://t.co/hHcMBzBJZP">pic.twitter.com/hHcMBzBJZP</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1481822872540954627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Magh Bihu greetings to you all. I pray that this festival enhances happiness and prosperity in everyone's lives. https://t.co/mEiRGpHweZ&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bhogi greetings to everyone. May this special festival enrich the spirit of happiness in our society. I pray for the good health and well-being of our fellow citizens. <a href="https://t.co/plBUW3psnB">pic.twitter.com/plBUW3psnB</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1481823342814699523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pongal is synonymous with the vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu. On this special occasion, my greetings to everyone and especially the Tamil people spread all over the world. I pray that our bond with nature and the spirit of brotherhood in our society are deepened. https://t.co/FjZqzzsLhr"

&nbsp;

May this special festival enrich the spirit of happiness in our society. I pray for the good health and well-being of our fellow citizens, he said.


Makar Sankranti 2022: PM Narendra Modi greets citizens across India on Uttarayan, Bhogi, Magh Bihu and Pongal

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi news:&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 10th installment of financial benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 1st January 2022 via video conferencing. This enabled the transfer of an amount of more than Rs 20,000 crore to more than 10 crore beneficiary farmer families.

During the programme, the Prime Minister also released an equity grant of more than Rs 14 crore to about 351 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which will benefit more than 1.24 lakh farmers. PM KISAN is a government scheme with 100 per cent funding from the Government of India. Started in December 1, 2018, the scheme promises an income support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments to small and marginal farmer families, having combined landholding/ownership of up to 2 hectares.&nbsp;

The Central Sector Scheme- Pradhan Mantri KIsan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 6,000 annually to small and marginalised farmers across the country.

The financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year is to be released to the eligible farmers in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each every 4-month / trimester, i.e. April-July, August-November and December-March.

So, how many members in a family can claim the Pradhan Mantri KIsan Samman Nidhi benefit? Well, the Government has clearly mentioned that under the scheme an income support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments will be provided to small and marginal farmer families having combined land holding/ownership of up to 2 hectares.

The definition of family for the scheme is husband, wife and minor children. State Government and UT administration will identify the farmer families which are eligible for support as per scheme guidelines. As per the rule of the scheme, only one member of the family can get its benefit and not both husband and wife.

The Scheme is being implemented through an Aadhaar linked electronic data base containing details of all members of the families of the farmers whose names appear in the land records

Who can’t avail the benefits?

The following categories of beneficiaries of higher economic status shall not be eligible for benefit under the scheme; All Institutional Land holders; and Farmer families in which one or more of its members belong to following categories:

1) Former and present holders of constitutional posts

2) Former and present Ministers / State Ministers and former / present Members of Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha / State Legislative Assemblies / State Legislative Councils, former and present Mayors of Municipal Corporations, former and present Chairpersons of District Panchayats.

3) All serving or retired officers and employees of Central / State Government Ministries / Offices / Departments and their field units, Central or State PSEs and Attached offices / Autonomous Institutions under government as well as regular employees of the local bodies (excluding multi-tasking staff / Class IV / Group D employees)

4) All superannuated / retired pensioners whose monthly pension is Rs 10,000/- or more (excluding multi-tasking staff / Class IV / Group D employees)

5) All persons who paid Income Tax in last assessment year.

6) Professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with professional bodies and carrying out profession by undertaking practices.

In case of new beneficiaries being uploaded on the PM-KISAN Portal, all land holding farmers’ families who are non-resident Indians (NRIs) in terms of the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 shall be excluded from any benefit under the Scheme.

The PM KISAN Yojana benefits 12 crore farmers across of the country. The PM KISAN Yojana provides financial assistance to farmers irrespective of the size of their land holdings. The scheme provides minimum income support up to Rs 6,000 to farmers across the country. The amount is directly transferred to the bank account of the farmers.

The Central Sector Scheme- Pradhan Mantri KIsan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 6,000 annually to small and marginalised farmers across the country.


PM Kisan 10th Installment: How many members in a family can claim Rs 6,000 installment benefit? Know the details

Kia India has kicked starts its bookings for the Carens from January 14. However, the price announcement is likely to take place around February-March.

"Meet the all-new #KiaCarens. High-tech by design &amp; inspiring by nature, it is futuristic sophistication clothed in bold &amp; edgy armor.&nbsp;Book your Kia Carens now &amp; get ready for an experience that’s from a different world,"&nbsp;Kia India has tweeted.

The company has informed that 26.03 cm (10.25”) HD Touchscreen Navigation, with standard 6 airbags, Bose premium sound system with 8 speakers are available across all variants.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Meet the all-new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KiaCarens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KiaCarens</a>. High-tech by design &amp; inspiring by nature, it is futuristic sophistication clothed in bold &amp; edgy armor. 
Book your Kia Carens now &amp; get ready for an experience that’s from a different world.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheNextFromKia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheNextFromKia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FromADifferentWorld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FromADifferentWorld</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MovementThatInspires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MovementThatInspires</a>
— Kia India (@KiaInd) <a href="https://twitter.com/KiaInd/status/1481830259465293824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Fasten your seatbelt for an exceptional space-age experience that belongs to a different world. Get ready to meet the all-new Kia Carens, booking starts 14th Jan’22," Kia India had earlier tweeted.

The name Carens is based on the concept of ’Car + Renaissance’, which signifies the beginning of a new era of cars. With the introduction of Carens, Kia is set to revolutionize the market by creating a new segment for modern Indian families, the South Korean automaker had informed.

The company, which unveiled its all-new model -- Carens -- for the Indian market, is considering all aspects related to the electric vehicle (EV) segment before coming out with a final blueprint.

"Currently, we are studying because there are multiple factors...Like pricing, range, charging infrastructure. So, we are looking at all the multiple angles and somewhere next year we will announce our EV strategy," Kia India Vice-President and Head (Sales and Marketing) Hardeep Singh Brar told to PTI earlier.

Kia Carens is built extraordinarily safe for you and your family with 10 robust safety features: 6 Airbags, ABS, ESC, HAC, VSM, DBC (Downhill Brake Control), BAS, All-Wheel Disc Brakes, TPMS Highline and Rear Parking Sensors available across ALL CARENS VARIANTS.

The Carens delivers an out-of-the-world driving experience with its class* leading Petrol and Diesel engines mated to multiple transmission options.

"Keeps you entertained and connected to your world in a smart, secure, and futuristic manner with its 66 connected car features," the company has informed.

With 66 Smart Features, Kia Connect delivers an unmatched connected car experience. Its smart, secure and futuristic features ensure seamless advanced connectivity and complete peace of mind.

By integrating your smartphone, car, and its infotainment system into a single unit, Kia Connect provides a secure, convenient, and joyful experience of owning a Kia.

The company, which unveiled its all-new model -- Carens -- for the Indian market, is considering all aspects related to the electric vehicle (EV) segment before coming out with a final blueprint.


Kia Carens bookings kick start from January 14 - Know interior, exterior, features and other details 

India is the world's fifth-largest retail market. Given that retail is one of the economy's fundamental pillars, the Indian government should improve all segments of the business in Budget 2022, expects Prem Kumar, Founder &amp; CEO, SnapBizz. 
By directly impacting people's lives, the retail industry generates $883 billion annually. According to IBEF, it accounts for nearly 8% of the country's GDP. Nasscom estimates that by 2030, the industry will have created 2.5 crore jobs through new offline and online retail formats, he further added.

“The retail infrastructure is a well-oiled machine with a high level of efficiency, which enables sachets to be sold for as little as Re 1. The shampoo sachet is one of the most competitive and inclusive customer propositions, even in a village. This speaks volumes about the ecosystem's efficiency and inclusiveness, implying the possibility of optimising and improving it rather than establishing new ecosystems to serve customers,” Kumar added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeebiz.com/small-business/news-budget-2022-expectations-need-to-reduce-cost-of-doing-business-to-make-msmes-competitive-economist-arvind-virmani-175964">Budget 2022 Expectations: Need to reduce cost of doing business to make MSMEs competitive: Economist Arvind Virmani</a>

“Indian retailers and distributors earn smaller profits than retailers and distributors elsewhere. In comparison to the global average of 30-35%, the average Indian shopkeeper earns a pitiful 10% profit margin on each sale. This system is primarily driven by the supply chain ecosystem, but also by the financial ecosystem, which can be used to accelerate financial inclusion. As a result, the Budget should contain initiatives that encourage widespread adoption of technology,” he said.

SMEs and MSMEs require a level playing field in order to collaborate with large retailers on a digital level. Increased exposure for the business translates into increased access to working capital. While the government should work to improve the digital infrastructure, it should also take care not to disrupt the highly efficient supply system that already exists. If that is jeopardised, the common man, who earns barely enough to meet basic needs, would bear the brunt, he added.

Kumar said: “Retail technology is the way forward, and policy-supported innovation will help the industry re-establish its footing and contribute more to the Indian economy. Budgetary support for digital solutions for retail would ensure that even small retailers, such as the more than 10 million ‘kirana’ outlets, can implement digital solutions aggressively and sustainably."

Indian retailers and distributors earn smaller profits than retailers and distributors elsewhere. In comparison to the global average of 30-35%, the average Indian shopkeeper earns a pitiful 10% profit margin on each sale, he said.


Budget 2022 Expectations: ‘Need initiatives that encourage widespread adoption of technology for small retailers’

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi news:&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 10th installment of financial benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 1st January 2022 via video conferencing. This enabled the transfer of an amount of more than Rs 20,000 crore to more than 10 crore beneficiary farmer families.

During the programme, the Prime Minister also released an equity grant of more than Rs 14 crore to about 351 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which will benefit more than 1.24 lakh farmers. PM KISAN is a government scheme with 100 per cent funding from the Government of India. Started in December 1, 2018, the scheme promises an income support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments to small and marginal farmer families, having combined landholding/ownership of up to 2 hectares.&nbsp;

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN) scheme was launched with the view to supplement the earnings of small and medium categories farmers. This scheme coupled with the Digital India initiative has made it possible to reach the PM KISAN benefits to 12 crore farmers in the country.

The Government launched the Central Sector Scheme- Pradhan Mantri KIsan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 6,000 annually to small and marginalised farmers across the country. The financial benefit of Rs 6,000 per year is to be released to the eligible farmers in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each every 4-month / trimester, i.e. April-July, August-November and December-March. The Scheme is being implemented through an Aadhaar linked electronic database containing details of all members of the families of the farmers whose names appear in the land records

Rectify your mistakes by following these steps

1. Visit official site www.pmkisan.gov.in

2. Click on farmer’s corner given on the homepage of the official website

3. Click on the option beneficiary list

4. Select your state, district/sub district, block and village details correctly

5. Click on the option get report

6. Click on the beneficiary list appears on the screen

7. Check your name and confirm

8. Return to the homepage of pmksny.

9. Click on the beneficiary status button again

10. Enter your Aadhaar card details, or mobile number, or your account number

11. Click on get date button

12. The status of your instalment payment would appear on the screen

PM KISAN Scheme Benefits

The PM KISAN Yojana benefits 12 crore farmers across of the country. The benefits are as follows:

* The PM KISAN Yojana provides financial assistance to farmers irrespective of the size of their land holdings

* The scheme provides minimum income support up to Rs 6,000 to farmers across the country. The amount is directly transferred to the bank account of the farmers.

Who can’t avail the benefits?

The following categories of beneficiaries of higher economic status shall not be eligible for benefit under the scheme; All Institutional Land holders; and Farmer families in which one or more of its members belong to following categories:

1) Former and present holders of constitutional posts

2) Former and present Ministers / State Ministers and former / present Members of Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha / State Legislative Assemblies / State Legislative Councils, former and present Mayors of Municipal Corporations, former and present Chairpersons of District Panchayats.

3) All serving or retired officers and employees of Central / State Government Ministries / Offices / Departments and their field units, Central or State PSEs and Attached offices / Autonomous Institutions under government as well as regular employees of the local bodies (excluding multi-tasking staff / Class IV / Group D employees)

4) All superannuated / retired pensioners whose monthly pension is Rs 10,000/- or more (excluding multi-tasking staff / Class IV / Group D employees)

5) All persons who paid Income Tax in last assessment year.

6) Professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with professional bodies and carrying out profession by undertaking practices.

In case of new beneficiaries being uploaded on the PM-KISAN Portal, all land holding farmers’ families who are non-resident Indians (NRIs) in terms of the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 shall be excluded from any benefit under the Scheme.

PM KISAN is a government scheme with 100 per cent funding from the Government of India.


PM Kisan Yojana: Still waiting for Rs 6,000 instalment amount? Correct your mistakes with these simple steps 

Skoda Auto has previewed the official design sketches of the new Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV. The coupe variant of the all-electric Enyaq iV has an even more emotive design with aerodynamics, boasts an even greater range than the SUV version.&nbsp;

The sketches show the gently sloping roofline, the rear with a sharp tear-off edge and side skirts in the body colour. The world premiere of the Enyaq Coupe iV is set for 31st January 2022 in the Czech capital of Prague.

With the new Enyaq Coupe iV, Skoda is adding a particularly emotive variant to its first all-electric model series based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB), the company has informed.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeebiz.com/automobile/news-2022-koda-kodiaq-facelift-launched-in-india-at-rs-3499-lakh-check-exteriors-interiors-engine-safety-and-other-details-175748">2022 Skoda Kodiaq facelift launched in India at Rs 34.99 lakh; Check exteriors, interiors, engine, safety and other details</a>

Side skirts painted in the body colour and large wheels give the new, four-door flagship model a powerful appearance. The redesigned roofline enhances the elegance of the Enyaq Coupe iV. From the B-pillar, the roof slopes gently towards the rear and merges seamlessly with the tailgate. The rear styling is dominated by Skoda lettering in block capitals below a sharp tear-off edge and the brand’s signature C-shaped rear lights, Skoda Auto has confirmed.

The front of the Enyaq Coupe iV is characterised by the large and striking Skoda grille and flat sharply cut front headlights that accentuate the width of the vehicle. The sketch also shows a unique, sporty front apron. The new Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV will be unveiled to the public at its digital world premiere in Prague on 31st January 2022.

The sketches show the gently sloping roofline, the rear with a sharp tear-off edge and side skirts in the body colour.&nbsp;


First glimpse of new Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV revealed; world premiere of first electric model on this date

There is an urgent need to reduce the cost of doing business for making the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs most competitive against the corporate sector stated,&nbsp;Dr Arvind Virmani, Economist and Chairman, EGROW&nbsp;(Foundation of Economic Growth and Welfare) at a Webinar titled – ‘Shadow Budget 2022-23’&nbsp;organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with EGROW.

Speaking on the budget wish list, Virmani stated that the MSME sector is critical for job creation and income distribution, so to make them more competitive, the Government needs to reduce the regulatory burdens on them.

He stated that the last two years have seen most reforms, which were not seen since 1990 as the Government has changed its policy approach towards being a facilitator.

Virmani explained that systematic efforts have been taken to reform and liberalise production and service sectors like agriculture, space, geo-mapping, and infrastructure by the Government. He added that the Government has now focussed its attention on institutional reforms to provide access to a better quality of public services.

According to Virmani, the Government needs to focus on reducing the logistics costs in the country as these are significantly high as compared with many economies.&nbsp; He stated that though the investment inflows and the export markets have recovered, private consumption is yet to recover fully. He further informed that consumption recovery can be accelerated through tax reforms, which will in turn accelerate job creation.

He stated that the GST council needs to focus its attention on long term income maximisation rather than short term which it is doing so now.

Pradeep Multani, President, PHDCCI,&nbsp;stated that the Union Budget 2022-23 is being presented at a very crucial juncture now, with the economy facing the third wave of the pandemic.&nbsp; He stated that the industry expects the easing of compliance and a level playing field to become more competitive.

According to Multani, the focus of the Union Budget needs to be on measures to refuel the consumption demand, creation of employment avenues and hassle-free credit to the MSME sector. He stated that there needs to be greater momentum in the exports sector through tax-free export income for MSMEs for 3 years, which will compensate for the higher logistics cost.

He explained that they expect an increase in the health care expenditure with the rising number of COVID cases in the country.

To increase tax compliance in the country and to increase the tax base, Shri Multani suggested that the Government needs to introduce&nbsp;lucrative tax-paying benefits such as providing a threshold of pension (after their retirement above the age of 60 years) to incentivise regular taxpayers. He informed that a reduction in the Basic Custom Duty for the manufacturing inputs will make it more competitive and help business sentiments. He added that through these measures, India would be able to achieve a 7 per cent growth rate in the next financial year FY2023, which will help it achieve the $5 trillion economy target in the future. &nbsp;

Alok B. Shriram, Former President, PHDCCI, stated that the Indian Government has taken several bold steps since April 2020 to revive the economy, which has benefitted the marginalised sections of the society. Some measures like the direct bank transfer of the benefits have helped the economically challenged sections of the society.

He explained that some sectors like construction and tourism still need a lot of help as they have not yet recovered completely. He added that along with providing support to the start-ups, there is also a need to support the existing industries as they are the job and wealth creators of the economy.

The&nbsp;Director of EGROW,&nbsp;Ashok Vishandass,&nbsp;revealed that sustainable annual growth to the tune of 6% in the agriculture sector for around ten years can turbocharge the economy. He stated that the Government needs to focus its attention on agri- exports and private investments in the agriculture sector.

He added that the global trade in organic products has touched $90 billion. India in the year 2019-20 exported $689 million worth of organic products, so a large potential is yet to be tapped, he said.

He added that States like Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, which are the major producers of organic products can be the focus areas for the Central Government. There is a need to create Zones with common infrastructure for processing, with connectivity to ports and airports, he explained.

Vishandass also stated that the entire production of all commodities from all the corners of the country can be monetised. For achieving, this the Government needs to construct fast track rail cargo centers for perishables in the mission mode where farmers can store their produce and new technology can be incorporated into Indian agriculture, he added.

Col M P Singh, Director, EGROW,&nbsp;stated that India spends 2.5% of its GDP on defence which is not much as compared to other countries. However, the country can save a lot of costs, if it focuses its attention on localising the manufacturing of defence equipment, he said.

He stated that the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in his address at the COP26 summit spoke about the reduction of greenhouse gases and we need to have a similar target for the reduction of the imports of the defence equipment in the country. So, for the year 2030, we need to keep a target of reducing the defence equipment imports by at least 50% and by the year 2050, a 100% reduction in the imports is needed, he stated.

According to Col. Singh, this would reduce the expenditure on the moderisation of the defence forces and also give a boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government of India. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Vikram Singh Mehta, Co-Chair, Economic Affairs Committee, PHDCCI,&nbsp;stated that there is a lot of scope for additional spending as the budget allocated for CAPEX last year is not yet fully utilised. He explained that additional spending on CAPEX will give a boost to a lot of sectors that have been negatively impacted during the pandemic.

He stated that the revenue receipt for April to November are at about 13.6 lakh crores which is 75% of the budget estimate which is much higher than the 40% that had been collected during this period last year. The Government has received just Rs 9,000 crore from disinvestment in April-November 2021 against its divestment target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore for FY 2022, he added.

Virmani stated that the MSME sector is critical for job creation and income distribution, so to make them more competitive, the Government needs to reduce the regulatory burdens on them.


Budget 2022 Expectations: Need to reduce cost of doing business to make MSMEs competitive: Economist Arvind Virmani

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi news:&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 10th installment of financial benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 1st January 2022 via video conferencing. This enabled the transfer of an amount of more than Rs 20,000 crore to more than 10 crore beneficiary farmer families.

During the programme, the Prime Minister also released an equity grant of more than Rs 14 crore to about 351 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which will benefit more than 1.24 lakh farmers. PM KISAN is a government scheme with 100 per cent funding from the Government of India. Started in December 1, 2018, the scheme promises an income support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments to small and marginal farmer families, having combined landholding/ownership of up to 2 hectares.&nbsp;

The Central, State Government, PSU, Autonomous Organization employees, who holds cultivable land in his/her own name in villages, is not eligible to get the benefit under the scheme. Also, all serving or retired officers and employees of central / state Government ministries, Offices, Departments and their field units, Central or State PSEs and attached offices, Autonomous lnstitutions under Government as well as regular employees of the Local Bodies are not eligible to get benefit under the scheme. However serving or retired Multi Tasking Staff (MTS), Class IV, Group D employees are eligible to get benefit under the Scheme, provided their families are otherwise eligible and not covered under other exclusion criteria.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeebiz.com/personal-finance/news-pm-kisan-10th-installment-are-rs-6000-installment-benefits-allowed-to-small-and-marginal-farmers-families-check-what-narendra-modi-government-has-mentioned-175854">PM KISAN 10th Installment: Are Rs 6,000 installment benefits allowed to small and marginal farmers' families? Check what Narendra Modi government has mentioned</a>

Under the PM-KISAN Scheme, benefits are transferred in three, four-monthly periods. In every four months period, Rs 2000 is transferred to eligible farmers' families. Therefore, benefits of Rs 6000 is transferred annually. 
PM KISAN is a government scheme with 100 per cent funding from the Government of India. Started in December 1, 2018, the scheme promises income support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments to small and marginal farmer families, having combined land holding/ownership of up to 2 hectares.&nbsp;

These are the list of the people who will not avail the benefits of PM Kisan 9th Instalment. The following category of farmers are not eligible to get the benefits of the PM-Kisan Scheme

(a) All institutional land holders; and

(b) Farmer families in which one or more of its members belong to the following categories: -

1. Former and present holders of constitutional posts

2. Former and present ministers, State Ministers and former and present Members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative councils, former and present Mayors of Municipal corporations, former and present Chairpersons of District Panchayats.

3. All serving or retired officers and employees of Central and State Government Ministries, Offices, Departments and its field units Central or State PSEs and attached offices, autonomous institutions under Government as well as regular employees of the local bodies (Excluding Multi-Tasking staff, Class lV, Group D employees

4. All super annulated, retired pensioners whose monthly pension is Rs 10,000 or more, excluding multi-tasking staff, Class IV, Group D employees.&nbsp;

5. All persons who paid lncome Tax in last assessment year

6. Professionals like Doctors, Engineers' Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with Professional bodies and carrying out profession by undertaking practices.

This enabled the transfer of an amount of more than Rs 20,000 crore to more than 10 crore beneficiary farmer families.


PM Kisan 10th Installment: Can Central, state government employees with cultivable land avail Rs 6,000 Installment benefits? Check here

German luxury carmaker Audi on Tuesday said it has started bookings for the all-new version of its premium SUV Q7.

"Exquisite design. Extraordinary performance. Experience the future, bigger and better than ever. Book your #AudiQ7 today," Audi India mentioned.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Exquisite design. Extraordinary performance. 
Experience the future, bigger and better than ever. Book your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AudiQ7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AudiQ7</a> today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FutureIsAnAttitude?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FutureIsAnAttitude</a> <a href="https://t.co/o0uEmi7oiP">pic.twitter.com/o0uEmi7oiP</a>
— Audi India (@AudiIN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AudiIN/status/1480775596137332737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Powered by a new powerful 3 litre petrol engine, the new generation Q7 can be booked at an initial booking amount of Rs 5 lakh.

"After nine product launches in 2021, we are excited to step into the new year with another incredible offering" the legendary Audi Q7 for which we open bookings today. 
"The Audi Q7 has always been loved by customers for its sheer magnanimous road presence and its versatile performance - on and off the road," Audi India Head Balbir Singh Dhillon said in a statement.

With the Audi Q7, the company is now taking this up a notch with a new design and features, he added.

"I am confident that the Q7 will continue to be loved by existing and potential customers who want to join the Audi family," Dhillon noted.

The model comes with various features such as adaptive air suspension, quattro all-wheel drive, park assist and lane departure warning.

The new Q7 will be available in two variants - Premium Plus and Technology, Audi said. Audi India announced a 101 per cent growth in retail sales for 2021, with 3,293 units.

The uptick was propelled by the five electric cars - the e-tron 50, e-tron 55, e-tron Sportback 55, e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT and the petrol powered Q-range along with A-sedans, the automaker noted.

In 2021, the company introduced nine new models including five models under the e-tron brand.&nbsp;

Powered by a new powerful 3 litre petrol engine,&nbsp;the new generation Q7 can be booked at an initial booking amount of Rs 5 lakh.


Audi India starts bookings for new generation SUV Q7

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi news: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Latest: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 10th installment of financial benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 1st January 2022 via video conferencing. This enabled the transfer of an amount of more than Rs 20,000 crore to more than 10 crore beneficiary farmer families.

During the programme, the Prime Minister also released an equity grant of more than Rs 14 crore to about 351 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which will benefit more than 1.24 lakh farmers. PM KISAN is a government scheme with 100 per cent funding from the Government of India. Started in December 1, 2018, the scheme promises an income support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments to small and marginal farmer families, having combined land holding/ownership of up to 2 hectares.&nbsp;

PM-KISAN is a new Central Sector Scheme that provides income support to all landholding farmers' families in the country to supplement their financial needs for procuring various inputs related to agriculture and allied activities as well as domestic needs.&nbsp;

Under the Scheme, the entire financial liability towards the transfer of benefit to targeted beneficiaries will be borne by the Central Government. The government had already released PM Kisan 9th Instalment. And farmers will get their 9th instalment of the PM-KISAN Scheme now.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeebiz.com/personal-finance/news-pm-kisan-10th-installment-released-how-to-check-status-online-of-pradhan-mantri-kisan-samman-nidhi-10th-installment-step-by-step-guide-175724">PM KISAN 10th Installment Released: How to check status online of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi 10th installment? Step-by-step guide</a>

So are the PM KISAN instalment benefits admissible to only Small and Marginal Farmers' (SMF) families? ln the beginning when the PM-Kisan Scheme was launched on 24th February 2019, its benefits were admissible only to Small &amp; Marginal Farmers' (S&amp;M) families, with combined landholding up to 2 hectares. The Scheme was later on revised with effect from 1st June 2019 and extended to all farmer families irrespective of the size of their landholdings.

The Central, State Government, PSU, Autonomous Organization employees, who holds cultivable land in his/her own name in villages, is not eligible to get the benefit under the scheme. Also, all serving or retired officers and employees of central / state Government ministries, Offices, Departments and their field units, Central or State PSEs and attached offices, autonomous institutions under the government, as well as regular employees of the Local Bodies, are not eligible to get benefit under the scheme.&nbsp;

However, serving or retired Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Class IV, Group D employees are eligible to get benefit under the Scheme, provided their families are otherwise eligible and not covered under other exclusion criteria.

Under the PM-KISAN Scheme, benefits are transferred in three, four-monthly periods. In every four months period, Rs 2000 is transferred to eligible farmers families. Therefore, benefits of Rs 6000 is transferred annually. 
PM KISAN is a government scheme with 100 per cent funding from the Government of India. Started in December 1, 2018, the scheme promises an income support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal instalments to small and marginal farmer families, having combined land holding/ownership of up to 2 hectares.&nbsp;

Under the Scheme, the entire financial liability towards the transfer of benefit to targeted beneficiaries will be borne by the Central Government.


PM KISAN 10th Installment: Are Rs 6,000 installment benefits allowed to small and marginal farmers' families? Check what Narendra Modi government has mentioned

The Indian automotive industry drove into 2022 with a positive mindset in its quest to reach the pre-pandemic levels of sales volume, having built a solid foundation in 2021 despite the semiconductor shortage hampering production.

With demand still buoyant in the passenger vehicle segment amid challenges of commodity price increases, many automobile manufacturers are upbeat to embrace new technologies, especially in the electric mobility space which is expected to witness a slew of launches in both four- and two-wheeler categories in the coming year.

However, the Omicron variant of the COVID is still a concern for many automakers, as they feel that the learnings from the past two years will come in handy in carrying out business, having adopted digitisation on large scale, even if there were to be the third wave.

The automobile industry is supported by various factors such as the availability of skilled labour at low cost, robust R&amp;D centres, and low-cost steel production. The industry also provides great opportunities for investment and direct and indirect employment to skilled and unskilled labour.

Indian automotive industry (including component manufacturing) is expected to reach Rs 16.16-18.18 trillion (US$ 251.4-282.8 billion) by 2026, as per an IBEF report.

The Indian auto industry is expected to record strong growth in 2021-22, post recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Electric vehicles, especially two-wheelers, are likely to witness positive sales in 2021-22.

Here are the top three trends the automotive industry is expected to witness this year.

Future of Connectivity 
Last year, MG Motor India unveiled MG Astor, which is India’s first SUV with a personal AI assistant and first-in-segment Autonomous (Level 2) technology. As 4G and the internet of things (IoT) continue their growth, more connected services and features are expected in vehicles this year. With connected mobility, the cars can communicate bidirectionally with other systems outside their local area network to send digital data to enable remote diagnostics, vehicle health reports, data-only telematics, access Wi-Fi Hotspots, get turn-by-turn directions, warn of car health, and directly intervene to prevent breakdowns and also avert accidents.

The mobility landscape will fundamentally transform over the next 10 to 15 years, with ACES trends—autonomous driving, connected cars, electrified vehicles, and shared mobility—amplifying their impact. The evolving landscape presents a perfect opportunity for Indian automakers to lead the disruptive changes occurring across segments and gain a competitive advantage, according to a Mckinsey report.&nbsp;

Today, only about 2 percent of new vehicles sold globally are electrified. The opportunity ahead is much larger, and the winners and losers are yet to be decided. Indian players can become homes for innovation, both domestically and in similar markets abroad, supplying complete products, aggregates, or components worldwide. In traditional micromobility segments (2W and 3W), Indian players can be the global leaders from day one. For PVs, such as cars and SUVs, and light CVs, Indian players can win by following the frugal design requirements essential for emerging markets.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeebiz.com/automobile/news-electric-vehicle-sales-in-india-jump-240-in-december-2021-uttar-pradesh-logs-maximum-monthly-registration-report-175714">Electric vehicle sales in India jump 240% in December 2021; Uttar Pradesh logs maximum monthly registration: Report</a>

Electric Vehicles Continue to grow 
The electric vehicles sales, excluding E-rickshaws, in India witnessed a growth of 20% and reached 1.56 lakh units in FY20 driven by two-wheelers. According to NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), India's EV finance industry is likely to reach Rs 3.7 lakh crore (US$ 50 billion) in 2030. A report by India Energy Storage Alliance estimated that the EV market in India is likely to increase at a CAGR of 36% until 2026. In addition, the projection for the EV battery market is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 30% during the same period.

A study by CEEW Centre for Energy Finance recognised US$ 206 billion opportunities for electric vehicles in India by 2030. This will necessitate a US$ 180 billion investment in vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure. Between January and July 2021, EV component makers, electric commercial vehicles, and last-mile delivery companies invested a total of Rs 25,045 crore (US$ 3.67 billion) on electric vehicles. Several technologies and automotive companies have expressed interest and/or made investments into the India EV space.&nbsp;

Auto companies such as Hyundai, MG Motors, Mercedes, and Tata Motors, have launched EVs in the market. A recent study conducted by Castrol found out, most of the Indian consumers would consider buying an electric vehicle by the year 2022. The study also highlighted for an average Indian consumer, the price point of Rs. 23 lakh (or US$ 31,000), a charge time of 35 minutes and a range of 401 kilometers from a single charge will be the 'tipping points' to get mainstream EV adoption.

Similarly, the government has also set up an ambitious target of having only EVs being sold in the country. As of June 2021, Rs 871 crore (US$ 117 million) has been spent under the FAME-II scheme, 87,659 electric vehicles have been supported through incentives and 6,265 electric buses have been sanctioned to various state/city transportation undertakings.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, has shortlisted 11 cities in the country for the introduction of EVs in their public transport system under the FAME scheme. The first phase of the scheme was extended to March 2019 while in February 2019, the Government approved the FAME-II scheme with a fund requirement of Rs 10,000 crore (US$ 1.39 billion) for FY20-22. Under the Union Budget 2019-20, the government announced to provide an additional income tax deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh (US$ 2,146) on the interest paid on the loans taken to purchase EVs.

Direct to Consumer sales 
Automotive companies have started to respond to changing customer buying behavior by piloting new online business models. However, most current initiatives are still removed from what customers expect.&nbsp;

With the increased digitalisation, consumers are being used to the trends of getting goods delivered at their doorstep. While this has become mainstream for consumer goods, groceries, etc, large ticket purchases like vehicles too are likely to witness the penetration of this trend in the coming years. several mobility companies have already started offering their products through direct-to-customer to D2C business model.

The greater spike in online sales and the D2C business model is likely to witness a surge in the year 2022. This will result in more and more automobile dealerships switching to digital medium and online sales. Overall, there will be a higher penetration of the hybrid business model in automobile sales. This would eventually reduce the market share for conventional physical dealerships.

The Indian automotive industry drove into 2022 with a positive mindset in its quest to reach the pre-pandemic levels of sales volume, having built a solid foundation in 2021 despite the semiconductor shortage hampering production.


Outlook 2022: Top 3 trends transforming automotive industry

The Union Budget 2022-23, which will be presented by the Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2022, pins hope from many sectors and common people. In the previous budget, the main focus of the government was on health and rural infrastructure development. this year also, the government is expected to make many important announcements to strengthen the economy and empower the common people. However, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has raised concerns amid the economic recovery in the economy. 
&nbsp; 
The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic underline that capitalizing on health is no longer optional. Stable, equitable, thriving, and peaceful societies and economies are only possible when no one is left behind. With the upcoming budget, this crisis has presented an opportunity to prioritise and bring forth structural changes that benefit the population.&nbsp;

To further give a boost to health insurance and its deeper penetration in the country and share his expectations from Budget 2022 on the insurance sector, Anup Rau, MD &amp; CEO, Future Generali India Insurance urges the government to consider these changes:

GST Reduction from 18% to 5%: In the order of needs, protecting health is of utmost importance, and due to the looming pandemic, health insurance is more relevant than ever. Health insurance is an essential commodity and needs to be slotted in the 5% GST tax slab to make it more affordable to access quality healthcare. A significant reduction in the GST on all personal lines of products—from the existing 18% to 5% will encourage more people to buy health insurance. For senior citizens, it should be exempted.

Increasing the limit for Health Insurance under Section 80D: The increase in tax deduction limit in Section 80D of the Income Tax Act can further help in the penetration of health insurance. Under Section 80D, an individual can claim up to Rs 25,000 deduction for self and family. This limit should be increased to Rs 1,50,000. The rising medical costs and the increase in the incidence of critical illnesses make it an unmanageable expense for middle-income and lower-income groups. So, a higher tax deduction limit for health insurance plans is the need.

Small ticket insurance products: Given the under-penetration of insurance in India and the need to bring a wider gamut of the population under the safety net, small ticket size insurance products like micro-insurance, sachet products, etc. can be exempted from GST. This will provide added boost to these products by making them affordable thereby enabling the population to get exposed to low-cost insurance products and appreciate their value better.

&nbsp;

With the upcoming budget, this crisis has presented an opportunity to prioritise and bring forth structural changes that benefit the population.&nbsp;


Budget 2022 Expectations:'Reduce GST to 5% to encourage people to buy health cover, exempt small-ticket insurance products'

The Union Budget 2022-23, which will be presented by the Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2022, pins hope from many sectors and common people. In the previous budget, the main focus of the government was on health and rural infrastructure development. this year also, the government is expected to make many important announcements to strengthen the economy and empower the common people. However, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has raised concerns amid the economic recovery in the economy. 
&nbsp; 
The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic underline that capitalizing on health is no longer optional. Stable, equitable, thriving, and peaceful societies and economies are only possible when no one is left behind. With the upcoming budget, this crisis has presented an opportunity to prioritise and bring forth structural changes that benefit the population.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zeebiz.com/small-business/news-budget-2022-expectations-need-a-trade-policy-to-focus-on-encouraging-msmes-to-move-beyond-domestic-borders-175723">Budget 2022 Expectations: 'Need a trade policy to focus on encouraging MSMEs to move beyond domestic borders'</a>

To further give a boost to health insurance and its deeper penetration in the country and share his expectations from Budget 2022 on the insurance sector, Anup Rau, MD &amp; CEO, Future Generali India Insurance urges the government to consider these changes:

GST Reduction from 18% to 5%: In the order of needs, protecting health is of utmost importance, and due to the looming pandemic, health insurance is more relevant than ever. Health insurance is an essential commodity and needs to be slotted in the 5% GST tax slab to make it more affordable to access quality healthcare. A significant reduction in the GST on all personal lines of products—from the existing 18% to 5% will encourage more people to buy health insurance. For senior citizens, it should be exempted.

Increasing the limit for Health Insurance under Section 80D: The increase in tax deduction limit in Section 80D of the Income Tax Act can further help in the penetration of health insurance. Under Section 80D, an individual can claim up to Rs 25,000 deduction for self and family. This limit should be increased to Rs 1,50,000. The rising medical costs and the increase in the incidence of critical illnesses make it an unmanageable expense for middle-income and lower-income groups. So, a higher tax deduction limit for health insurance plans is the need.

Small ticket insurance products: Given the under-penetration of insurance in India and the need to bring a wider gamut of the population under the safety net, small ticket size insurance products like micro-insurance, sachet products, etc. can be exempted from GST. This will provide added boost to these products by making them affordable thereby enabling the population to get exposed to low-cost insurance products and appreciate their value better.

&nbsp;

Budget 2022 Expectations: 'Reduce GST to 5% to encourage people to buy health cover, exempt small-ticket insurance products'

Four years after the Skoda Kodiaq&nbsp;entered the Indian market, Skoda has updated its SUV with refined design language, along with improvements to the engine, chassis, driving dynamics, safety, in-cabin entertainment and connectivity and comfort and luxury features. For the first time, the KODIAQ comes equipped with an all-new powerful yet efficient 2.0 TSI petrol engine mated to a responsive 7-speed DSG transmission sending power to all four wheels. The car is now available in showrooms across the country, at a starting price of Rs 34.99 Lakhs (ex-showroom, pan India). The new Skoda Kodiaq is available exclusively as a seven-seater in Style, SportLine and Laurin &amp; Klement variants.&nbsp;

Zac Hollis, Brand Director, Skoda Auto&nbsp;India,&nbsp;said, “Kodiaq has a rich, international legacy of being a pioneering model of our SUV campaign. In India, as in with the other markets where the Kodiaq is present, the SUV has stood out for the ample space on offer, comprehensive range of equipment and its excellent value-for-money proposition. With the all-new Skoda Kodiaq, we build on the design aesthetic, comfort, engine and dynamic capabilities, along with thoughtful additions in the cabin. With several segment leading features and uncompromising safety, Skoda Kodiaq is a complete luxury package for the family, whether it is everyday driving or off-road adventures.”

All-New Skoda Kodiaq: Exteriors&nbsp;

With its redesigned front and rear, new off-road features and a hexagonal ŠKODA grille, the all-new Skoda Kodiaq now adds on a dash more of ruggedness. The KODIAQ features a new bonnet, the&nbsp;front and rear bumpers are now body-coloured, and the head and taillight clusters have new cosmetic and functional additions to them. The headlights now have the Skoda Crystalline LEDs with illuminated eyelashes and dynamic turn indicators at the rear. Moreover, a new rear spoiler design optimises the large SUV’s aerodynamics. The differently styled alloys for the 45.72cm (R18) wheels will be unique for all variants.

All-New Skoda Kodiaq: Interiors 
The Style and Laurin &amp; Klement variants focus on the rear seat luxury with stone beige leather perforated upholstery for the L&amp;K, with more chrome inside and outside.

The SportLine has a more driver-oriented appeal with all black suedia interiors, a 3-spoke flat-bottom sport steering wheel, more side bolstering, integrated headrests, and expanded shoulder support sport seats for enthusiastic cornering. Also adding to the array of interior comfort features are the 12-way adjustable electric seats with in-built cooling and heating in the L&amp;K. Carrying forward the all-new bold theme, the Skoda Kodiaq is equipped in options of a three or two-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting along with a state-of-the-art Canton 625 W 12-speaker audio system with a subwoofer. Besides, customers can remotely open and shut windows, door mirrors and the all-new panoramic sunroof.

All-New Skoda Kodiaq: Engine and Dynamics&nbsp;

At the heart of the all new Skoda Kodiaq is the powerful yet efficient 2.0 TSI engine. Making 140kW (190 PS) and 320Nm, this engine allows the Skoda Kodiaq to accelerate to 100kph in just 7.8 seconds (claimed figure). Further enhancing the driving dynamics of this all-terrain luxury SUV is the Progressive Steering. It flexes its forces depending on driving conditions and vehicle speed, making the Kodiaq easy to manoeuvre at slow speeds and offering the driver better control at higher speeds.

In addition, the first-in-segment Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) offered in the L&amp;K, further adds to the KODIAQ's capabilities of on-road and all-terrain dynamics. DCC allows the driver to select between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sports, Snow and Individual driving modes. At the heart of the DCC are dual-shell, gas-liquid shock absorbers mated to an Electronic Control Unit that constantly monitors terrain and provides optimum damping characteristics to each shock absorber lending smooth and consistent ride and handling characteristics allowing a full-size SUV like the KODIAQ to pack in agile, car-like dynamics.

All-New Skoda Kodiaq: Connectivity and Infotainment&nbsp;

With cars becoming an extension of our connected lives, the new Skoda Kodiaq is equipped with a 20.32 cm infotainment touchscreen equipped with inbuilt navigation and full connectivity via the MySKODA CONNECT App. Further enhancing in-car connectivity are an array of latest-generation USB C ports accessible to the front passengers and a 12V socket for the convenience of the rear passengers, wireless charging for your phone, and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

All-New Skoda Kodiaq: Driver Interface

The all new Skoda Kodiaq also ensures a clean and non-distracting instrument readouts for the driver. The Style variant comes with 4 analogue dials and digital readouts displaying essential information to the driver. The SportLine and L&amp;K trims come with a fully programmable Virtual Cockpit with digital dials and a digital console that complements the 26.03 cm media interface with five themes to suit the driver’s needs.

All-New Skoda Kodiaq: Safety

While the variants vary for aesthetics, materials and colour, none of the three variants compromise on safety with every active and passive safety technology available standard across the board. With a total of 9 airbags standard, the ŠKODA KODIAQ also includes adaptive front headlights, automatic dimming exterior mirror (on driver side) and defogging across all transparent surfaces, electronic, mechanical and hydraulic brake assist, stability control, multi-collision braking and park assist with handsfree parking among others. In addition, the flagship L&amp;K packs in hill descent control and a 360-degree camera as standard.

All-New Skoda Kodiaq: Storage and Functionality

Adding further to the list of new features in the all new Skoda Kodiaq is a 40:20:40 split of second-row seats and a 50-50 split third-row backrest that completely folds down, enhancing space, flexibility and versatility. The SUV also features double dashboard storage, under steering storage and a front centre armrest storage. Besides, being a full-size seven-seater, the new KODIAQ is abundant with storage crevices, holders and luggage capacity. The KODIAQ comes standard with an illuminated and cooled glovebox in the front and 270 litres of boot space at the back with seven seats up. With the last row seats folded down, customers have a substantial 630 litres of storage. And in case the family wants to move houses, the new KODIAQ can make a whopping 2005 litres of luggage space available with all five seats in the rear folded down, making the new Skoda Kodiaq the complete, luxury, all-terrain family mover.

The Skoda Kodiaq is enhanced by other little but incredibly thoughtful touches under the Simply Clever umbrella of features. Speaking of umbrellas, the KODIAQ now gets the famous umbrella wet case in each front door with an umbrella itself provided for the driver. Also standard is the Virtual Pedal with the electric tailgate allowing users to open and close the rear boot with just a swing of the leg, negating the need to fish for keys or hunt for buttons when carrying luggage or shopping to be stored in the boot.

And for comfort in long journeys, the Skoda Kodiaq also offers a Power Nap Package with a blanket, allowing passengers to have a relaxed and comfortable experience, as the KODIAQ munches the miles. Not to&nbsp;be forgotten are the other usual SKODA AUTO enhancements like a ticket-holder in the A-pillar, illuminated and cooled glovebox, dashboard storage, and the Easy Grip mat for the front bottle holder.

Skoda Kodiaq will kick-start SKODA AUTO India’s 2022 product offensive strategy, and there will be continuous actions on the product front through the year. With major actions across its range, a robust sales strategy, aggressive network expansion plans, innovative after-sales initiatives and a laser-sharp focus on customer centricity, SKODA AUTO India has a firm strategy in place to make 2022 its biggest year in India, since its entry into this dynamic automotive market.

The Skoda Kodiaq&nbsp;comes equipped with an all-new powerful yet efficient 2.0 TSI petrol engine mated to a responsive 7-speed DSG transmission sending power to all four wheels.&nbsp;


Preeti Verma