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MENTAL WELL-BEING:

A quick guide to help and understand the importance of mental health and mental well-being Mental well-being is a state of mental health that enables individuals to handle stressors, reach their full potential, function effectively at work and in education, and contribute to their communities. It is a critical component of overall health and wellness that supports our ability to make decisions, establish relationships, and impact the world around us. Access to mental health is a fundamental human right and is crucial for personal, communal, and socioeconomic growth. Mental wellness involves more than just the absence of mental illness and varies in difficulty and impact for each individual. Mental health conditions encompass a range of psychosocial deficiencies, mental disorders, and other mental states that may cause significant harm, functional limitations, or self-harm risk. While not always the case, individuals with mental illnesses may have lower levels of mental well-being. Well-being refers to individuals’ perception of their lives going well. It is a desirable outcome that benefits both individuals and multiple aspects of society. A good home is a crucial aspect of overall well- being. Consequently, it is important to monitor these conditions for the sake of public policy. However, many indicators that evaluate living conditions do not fully capture people’s perceptions and feelings. This includes the quality of their relationships, their ability to bounce back from adversity, their overall positive emotions, their potential for growth and fulfilment, and their general sense of well-being. Global assessments of life satisfaction and diverse emotions, ranging from positive experiences like pleasure to negative ones like sadness, are often integrated into assessing well-being. Here are four overall health suggestions. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from professionals if you need further support. Seeking help is a reasonable and courageous decision. Be kind to yourself: When one is experiencing depression, it can be easy to criticize oneself. However, it is important to try and show self-compassion, even when feeling unwilling to offer oneself praise or recognition. Additionally,a helpful tip is to exhibit kindness towards another individual if having difficulty being kind towards oneself. Once accomplishing this, take the opportunity to congratulate yourself. Exercise regularly: Taking a short walk or walking up a flight of stairs can alleviate stress and enhance concentration. Consistent exercise has the potential to uplift one’s mood, increase mental acuity, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Follow a healthy diet: Healthy food definitely includes fruits and vegetables, but remember to prioritize drinking at least 10 cupsof water per day over any excessive consumption. Additionally, having a positive relationship with food is key to a healthy diet. Explore new cuisines, cherish meals with loved ones, and avoid developing an obsession with food. It’s important to educate yourself on eating disorders and seek help if you notice that your relationship with food is negatively affecting your mental or physical health. Create/Find a support system: If you or someone you know is facing difficulties, it is essential to find the necessary support. You could turn to a friend or a family member for help. Alternatively, seek guidance from a primary care physician, counsellor, or mental health specialist. If the person you approach isn’t providing the required support, explore alternative sources that better fit your needs.Furthermore, consider ways to be supportive and kind if you know someone facing depression. Our mental health and well-being are crucial to our overall health and quality of life. Just as we focus on physical exercise and a healthy diet for our bodies, we must prioritize self-care and mental wellness practices for our minds. This includes seeking professional help, practising mindfulness and stress-reducing activities, fostering positive relationships, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment. By prioritizing our mental health, we can enhance resilience, productivity, and our overall sense of purpose in life. Remember, taking care of our minds is not a luxury but a necessity for a fulfilling and balanced life.

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SMALL MOVES BIG IMPACT

A brief look at how start-ups are disrupting the traditional F&B landscape Startups have been disrupting traditional business models across various industries, and the food and beverage (F&B) landscape is no exception. With the advent of technology, startups have been able to leverage innovation and create new business models that challenge the status quo. The only choice was to evolve with the times, and this is where technology came into the picture. Tech tools allow business owners to stay connected with their consumers, meet their demands, and ensure business continuity. A recent report by Research and Markets says that the Indian food tech sector would expand at a CAGR of39% between 2021 and 2025 and reach Rs 1,868 billion by2025. One of the most significant disruptions in the F&B landscape has been the growth of online ordering and delivery platforms. Startups such as Zomato, Swiggy, and Uber Eats have transformed the way people order food, making it easier and more convenient than ever before. With the rise of smartphone use and the increasing popularity of food delivery, these platforms have become an essential part of the F&B industry. The Indian food industry is one of the largest in the world, with a vast range of cuisines and food cultures. Despite this diversity, the industry has remained relatively traditional, with many restaurants and food establishments operating in the same way for decades. However, in recent years, a new breed of tech-driven startups has emerged, disrupting the traditional food and beverage landscape and bringing new innovations to the industry. In this article, we will explore some of the ways that these startups are using technology to revolutionize the Indian food industry. Online Ordering and Delivery Platforms: One of the most significant changes in the Indian food industry has been the growth of online ordering and delivery platforms. These platforms, such as Zomato, Swiggy, and Uber Eats, have transformed the way people order food, making it easier and more convenient than ever before. With the rise of smartphone use and the increasing popularity of food delivery, these platforms have become an essential part of the Indian food industry. One of the key advantages of these platforms is the ability to provide real-time information on food availability, delivery time, and price. This information is essential for customers, as it allows them to make informed decisions about their orders. Additionally,these platforms provide valuable data to restaurants and food establishments, allowing them to track their sales, customer preferences, and other metrics. Cloud Kitchens: Another significant innovation in the Indian food industry is the rise of cloud kitchens. Cloud kitchens, also known as dark kitchens, are delivery-only restaurants that operate from a single location. These kitchens are designed to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional restaurants, as they do not require a physical storefront or dining space. Instead, they focus solely on food preparation and delivery. One of the key advantages of cloud kitchens is their ability to serve multiple brands or cuisines from a single location. This allows startups to experiment with new concepts and menus without the significant upfront costs of opening a traditional restaurant. Additionally, cloud kitchens can operate in areas with high demand but limited space, allowing them to reach a wider audience than traditional restaurants. Themed Restaurants Using AI: Another exciting innovation in the Indian food industry is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in themed restaurants. These restaurants use AI-powered technologies to create immersive dining experiences, allowing customers to feel like they are in a different world while enjoying their meals. For example, some restaurants use augmented reality (AR) to create virtual environments that customers can interact with. These environments may include digital projections of animals, landscapes, or other elements that complement the restaurant’s theme. Additionally, some restaurants use AI to personalize the dining experience like food that comes on toy trains via tracks lined on Tables or such as by recommending dishes based on customer preferences or using facial recognition to greet customers by name. The Indian food industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technology and innovation. Startups are disrupting the traditional food and beverage landscape, using online ordering and delivery platforms, cloud kitchens, and AI-powered technologies to create new and exciting dining experiences. As these innovations continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more changes in the years to come. The future of the Indian food industry is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

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SCALING NEW HEIGHTS

This month we caught up with Rajasekar Pachai (a.k.a Kutti) who recently became the first person from Tamil Nadu to conquer the mighty Mount Everest Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be the first person from Tamil Nadu to raise a flag atop Mount Everest? Well, Kutti can tell you, as he recently returned from trekking the highest point on earth – 29,000 feet above sea level. This trek is considered one of the most magnificent on earth and has enchanted hundreds of mountaineers from all corners of the world, and Kutti was lucky enough to be one of them. Rajasekar Pachai, also known as Kutti, grew up in a small fishing village in Tamil Nadu. This year, at the age of 27, Kutti achieved his dream of climbing Mount Everest and planted his flag at the peak. He trained for a year, trekking six mountains and preparing himself both physically and mentally for the gruelling climb. To acclimatize himself to the harsh weather conditions, he spent months in Manali, Shillong, and Nepal. On April 13, 2023, Kutti left the base camp and finally reached the summit of the world’s highest peak at 5:30 am on May 19th by climbing 8850 meters. Doing this trek needs a lot of planning, preparation, equipment, and tough training. Kutti’s successful journey was supported by KYN Powered by PRO. So there’s this new platform called KYN that’s all about bringing people together in their local communities. It helps encourage everyone to have a voice and get involved in making their community better. There’s more info coming soon, so stay tuned! I first encountered Kutty in May 2022. Veera and Navi agreed to my proposal to coach him, so he could climb Everest in May 2023. We planned to hone his mountaineering and climbing skills, have him practice climbing, and finally, help him summit. I remember when I first met him, I told him that climbing to the summit would be both mentally and physically challenging. I encouraged him, telling him that he had the heart and determination to conquer it. Seeing how eager and fit he was gave him an advantage right from the start. First, I met with him to discuss training and continued to keep an eye on his progress. To improve his workouts for mountain climbing, I provided him with a high-altitude training mask. Working together, we were both highly motivated to help him achieve his goal even though he lacked mountaineering experience. Back in August, I sent him to Manali to learn some basic mountaineering skills. Surprisingly, he excelled in his training and jumped straight into the advancedskills training soon after. The initial training took around 15 days and following that, we took him on an 8-day expedition to climb Yunam Peak, which stands at 6122m. And the best part? He managed to conquer it with ease! It’s obvious that he was physically up for the challenge, but what really proved difficult was finding ways to pass the lonely hours waiting in the tent for the weather to improve or just to make it through the freezing nights. This was his first time being alone for such an extended period, and it was really starting to affect him mentally. We found a crucial point and Veera sought professional help to improve his mental state. This proved beneficial for him. Afterwards, Veera embarked on his toughest endeavour yet – climbing three peaks in Nepal’s Everest region to acclimate himself to the challenging terrain and conditions. He spent more than a month there in October and November, successfully completing his climbs which included Imja Tse (6,165m) and Kyajori Ri (6,200m) So, the first idea was to go up Chulu West – a 6400m mountain in the Annapurna Ranges. However, we realized that he needed more experience walking in his snow boots, so we decided to switch things up. Instead, we tackled Mera Peak – a 6500m peak in the Everest region with a tough, snowy climb. I was convinced he’d succeed in climbing Everest in Apr/May after he finished those 3 peaks in excellent time. In February, we sent him to Solang, Himachal for Ice climbing and winter training to improve his technical skills and help him acclimate to the freezing climate. This lasted for approximately 10 days. His attitude towardsthe mountains shifted, and his determination to reach the summit of Everest grew stronger. All we required was a bit of luck with his health and the weather to make certain he achieves his goal. We were fortunate enough to have him join the Elite Expeditions climbing team led by the legendary mountain climber, Nirmal Purja. His personal Sherpa for the climb is Lakpa, who has conquered Everest eight times himself. Lakpa has completed numerous rotations up Everest to Camps 1, 2, and 3, as well as climbed Lobuche peak – a 6119m climb that all Everest summiteers use as practice before attempting the big climb. Moreover, he is currently stationed at the base camp and is eagerly waiting for the final call-up when the climbing window opens up to finish his story!

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THE PRIDE OF INDIA Part-1

With its stunning architecture, historical monuments, and spiritual sites, India is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top destinations in India with historical significance that will leave you amazed India has an extensive and rich historical past that is visible in its stunning architectural masterpieces, monuments, and temples. Tourists flock to India from all over the world to witness firsthand the enduring legacy of its rich heritage. India is acountry of rich cultural and historical heritage, and it has a plethora of travel destinations that are essential to understand the nation’s history and tradition. Here’s our list of some of the must-visit historical places in India. TAj MAHAL: Located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is a must-visit destination for every traveller. This mesmerizing marble mausoleum is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting the Taj Mahal is an unmatched experience that will leave you spellbound. The intricate carvings, the intricate designs, and the flawless symmetry of the monument are awe-inspiring. The mesmerizing view of the Taj Mahal at sunrise or sunset is truly unforgettable. The Taj Mahal stands as a testimony to the love between Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. This spectacular monument was built as a symbol of the love they shared. The story behind the Taj Mahal is fascinating and adds to the charm of this magnificent masterpiece. In addition to the Taj Mahal, Agra, the city where the monument is located, is home to several other historical landmarks such as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. These sites offer a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage. AMER FORT: Located in the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, Amer Fort is a must-visit destination for any traveller looking to explore history and architecture. Built-in the 16th century by Maharaja Man Singh, the fort is an exquisite fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. A guided tour of the palace will transport you back in time, and help you learn a thing or two about the lives of the Rajput kings who once ruled from this palace. The fort is also home to several museums that showcase the region’s history and heritage, including the Royal Palace Museum, Sheesh Mahal, and Sukh Niwas.The fort complex is spread over four levels, and you can climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the Aravalli Range and Maotha Lake. The views areparticularly stunning at sunrise and sunset. The fort is a testament to the skill of Rajput and Mughal artisans. The intricate carvings, paintings, and frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings are truly remarkable. It’s impossible not to be awed by the craftsmanship on display. CHOLA TEMPLEs: The Chola temples in Tamil Nadu were built during the Chola dynasty around the 9th to the 13th century, which is considered the golden period of South Indian history. They are known for their unique style, intricate carvings, and grandeur. One of the most famous Chola temples is the Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Big Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a towering vimana (tower) that is over 200 feet tall. This vimana is made out of a single piece of granite and weighs over 80 tons. The temple’s architecture is a testament to the Chola’s mastery of engineering and design. Another notable Chola temple is the Airavateswara Temple, which is known for its finely carved sculptures and stunning frescoes. The temple complex also includes a mandapa (hall) with intricately carved pillars and a beautiful courtyard. Visiting these temples not only offers a chance to marvel at ancient Indian architecture but also provides insight into the religious and cultural practices of the Chola dynasty.

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FRUITS OF LABOUR

This garden is the new pride of Udagamandalam Railway Station making it a must-visit in Ooty. The Udagamandalam Railway Station’s Garden was named as the Best Maintained Garden in the ‘Medium Public Garden’ category. The Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, gave a Rolling Cup on May 23, 2023, to celebrate this achievement during the 125th Annual Flower Show at the Government Botanical Garden, Ooty. The Rolling Cup was given by Thiru K. Ramachandran, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Tamil Nadu and received by Thiru P. Subramanian, Assistant Director, Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Thiru A. Sivalingam, Sr.Section Engineer / Works. The presentation happened with the presence of the District Collector, Divisional Forest Officer, and other dignitaries. The garden has beautifully maintained lawns and bright flowers, making it a great attraction for tourists who visit Udagamandalam Hill station. The Udagamandalam railway station is part of the famous and UNESCO World Heritage Site Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

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Flooring Trends 2023: Get Ready to Be Floored by the Latest Innovations and Styles!

In 2023, like in the earlier years change in the tile industry will be a constant. The market’s diversity allows for a lot of variety, and thus consumer preferences are forever evolving. Customers are continuously searching for products that are bothin trend and unique in their own way. At Orientbell Tiles, we are constantly seeking out ways to stand apart from the competition while delivering client satisfaction. The major innovations and lifestyle changes expected in 2023 include: Wooden tiles: Wooden tiles have been popular for a while and are gaining more acceptance for bedrooms & study rooms. Wooden tiles are a great option. These tiles are available in a variety of “woods,” including birch, oak, poplar, teak, etc. Dark and light tiles with delicate veining: There is an increasing preference for having light and dark tiles with similar veining. The similarity of veins gives continuity whereas the contrast in colours allows playfulness in design, as customers seek to create stories by blending tile designs into one another. Interesting and unique patterns can be created by combining colourful highlighters with tiles in lighter and darker shades. Advances in digital printing are creating tactile 3D surfaces with glazes in relief. Flower power: In most occurrences, old trends keep resurfacing after a while, therefore patterns are constantly evolving along with trends. Just like that, florals are a further 70s retro trend that is reappearing. However, this time with a novel twist, it’s more about the use of flowers in softer, more neutral tones. There are also floral tiles with a 3-D look to give the space a more contemporary feel. Regal onyx: Onyx tiles replicate the enigmatic appearance of the natural stone. These stones offer a sense of grandeur to the space and are available in a variety of colours, including white, grey, brown, blue, and beige. The best thing about onyx tiles is that they are easier to install and require less maintenance than natural onyx stone because they come in manageable sizes rather than enormous blocks. Retro terrazzo: Terrazzo is steadily regaining popularity as a result of its variety of colours while still being sober. These tiles can be used indoors or outdoors and are appropriate for cheering up both residential and commercial areas.

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The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Travel Influencer: Insider Tips from That Couple Though!

it’s 2023 and the new year promises new opportunities with some new challenges. It is always great to see the travel industry getting back on its feet again. From airlines to the hospitality industry every thing seems to be functioning smoothly during this phase after the early Covid pandemic. This does not mean we are not under the threat of Covid. We as responsible citizens and influencers urge travellers to make their travel decision based on the travel advisory issued by the government. The periodic lockdowns and the challenging lifestyle during the pandemic has lead to a sudden urge to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle. With limited restrictions on travel and with all markets opening up completely, travel continues to remain everyone’s preferred choice. Influencers here play a key role in helping you make the right choice. But being a successful travel influencer comes with its own set of challenges.One of them is to increase their audiences. This includes exploring unique destinations and presenting these in the best way possible. However, creating a spot-on travel content strategy that consistently holds the audience’s attention can be tricky which is why here are ten actionable tips that travel influencers can incorporate in order to attract or increase their follower count. Adapt to improved content strategies Just because you are a travel influencer does not imply that you can be physically present at different locations. As much as everyone loves to travel, there is no denial in the fact that it is an expensive affair. However, you still need to continue content creation and hence ensure to spread your plan in a way that covers all important places for your audience type. Build a strong niche One of the most important tips to thriving on the internet is to build a set of credible and niched audiences who directly or indirectly end up promoting your account through shareable content. This will ensure you reach people faster and get recognized for your unique work. Collaborate with related industries Travel is not just limited to promoting tourism destinations but also involves an overlap with many other industries. Wedding events and destinations, sports tournaments, shopping destinations, etc play a huge role in enhancing footfall in any tourist space.Influencers can focus on these areas and collaborate with wedding decorators, sports management teams etc to provide insight into details for these and give behind the scene access to their viewers. Create a sense of community Interacting regularly with your audience will help you get to know them personally and vice versa. A great way to do this is by asking questions on what is their favourite travel spot and exchanging travel stories. Introduce affiliate marketing Affiliate marketing helps rope in some extra revenue while also giving out great deals to your audience. This can include hotel stay deals, restaurant coupon codes or even discounts offered for travel essentials. Affiliate marketing thus helps increase authenticity for travel influencers. Quality over Quantity With so many influencers trying to cover the same topic, it is common for it to start looking like repetitive information to your viewers. Hence quality content is highly crucial and make sure you present it in unique ways. Many times, even if the information provided is not something new, the way it is presented makes a big difference for people to easily retain it. Appreciate local culture People love to connect with real things and what better than showing them a glimpse of the rich cultural nuances of different regions? From food and art to the beauty of languages and more, adding real local culture to your feed is the way to go when creating content as a travel influencer. Recommend must-visit spots and assist avid travellers Every place has hidden gems and something that only a few people know about. Make sure you do your research well and educate your audience about these amazing spots at popular locations and how you can get there. Hike places, quaint old corners, a small church somewhere in the middle of a small town, everything reflects the beauty of travel. Some of these tips work really well for solo travellers as well. Share diverse knowledge Diversify your content on different platforms so you know you are reaching unique users. This will also help you secure your digital presence in the constantly evolving world. Moreover, you can also alter the content on different platforms. For example, building podcasts on Spotify to creating long-form videos on youtube go above and beyond the mainstream social media presence. Consistently interact with your audience If there is one thing that can never be replaced, it is the power of consistency. While it is understandable that content creation can become tricky and time-consuming, showing up every day in some form or another has an immense effect on enhancing your algorithm. 2023 is all set to be one of the most exciting years for the travel industry and thus makes for a perfect time for travel influencers to fully capitalize on their presence through these effective tips.

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AtherStack 5.0: Elevating Riding Experience with Exciting New Features!

Ather Energy, one India’s leading electric scooter manufacturers, kicked off the year with the launch of its much-awaited software called AtherStack 5.0. Basically, Ather is the software used the run Ather 450 electric scooters. Speaking at the launch Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO, Ather Energy said “With a fluid new UI and Google Vector Maps, AtherStack 5.0 takes our touchscreen and maps experience to a whole new level. It also enables us to leverage our hardware to unlock new experiences such as AutoHoldTM. Importantly, it allows us to roll out these new experiences to most of our existing customers as well, based on their scooter generation. AtherStack will continue to form a core of our product strategy, allowing us to constantly keep enhancing our product experience on the existing hardware platform.” Here are some of the cool features that AtherStack 5.0 offers: The UX/UI: The all-new AtherStack 5.0 update will offer a new and intuitive user interface. The home screen has been redesigned to allow users to set up their ride with options such as Bluetooth connections and navigation before starting the motor. New ride animation now shows both power usage and consumption in different modes, making them more intuitive and at the same time, rides more efficient. Quick controls have been added, allowing users to easily adjust settings such as brightness or turn off incoming call notifications with a single click. A new quick view section is now accessible through just a swipe, providing a centralised location for dashboard notifications and important information such as tyre pressure. The new UI is an engineered experience achieved through a user-centred design trial where Ather analysed how users interact with the screen by monitoring every eye movement during the ride. The intent was to reduce distractions & improve accuracy multifold. With the new UI, Ather claims to have reduced the ride screen time by 50-60% and improved ride accuracy by 2X. Google Maps: Ather is the only scooter in the world providing onboard navigation powered by Google. With the new AtherStack 5.0, the UI will also feature vector maps, which are far more smarter and intuitive than the previous versions. The Vector Maps will allow the user to get the closest experience of google maps on a 2-Wheeler like smartphones. The new maps come with live traffic and a navigation view showing the rider’s perspective.This also means that the onboard navigation is far more intuitive, providing far more context, and adapting to the user’s location and riding style in real time. AutoHoldTM AutoHoldTM technology ensures the scooter never rolls back or forward on a slope. Unlike manual brake locks or any standard Hill hold implementations available on other two-wheelers, AutoHoldTM delivers a fantastic experience backed by a combination of multiple sensors and algorithms. The experience is completely automatic, instantaneous, and consistent across any riding condition. It ensures very high rider confidenceand makes navigating through stop-and-go traffic on any terrain very convenient. Ather Battery ProtectTM Taking a significant step for first-time owners, Ather announced the Battery ProtectTM which extends the battery warranty to 5 years/60,000 km. This is the first such warranty program in the industry that not only covers battery failures but also guarantees a minimum of 70% state-of-health for the battery at the end of 5 years. With this, owners will not need to worry about the scooter’s range dropping after a few years of usage and will be able to extract maximum performance, ride after ride. This reaffirms faith in our battery’s performance and longevity for all Ather owners. The 450X comes now with Ather Battery ProtectTM included, making it a 3 + 2 years coverage. Ather 450 Plus customers can purchase this additional 2-year warranty for INR 6,999. Colours 450 as a vehicle has always stood for its timeless design and performance. With four new colours, Ather plans to double down on creating more expressions of performance, thereby creating an elevated sense of identity for Ather owners. Taking inspiration from the world of racing, Ather introduces the True Red colour. The Cosmic Black colour takes inspiration from Ather’s Series1 Limited Edition scooter, which was much loved. The Salt Green colour is Ather’s a modern take on retro classic scooters. Finally, the new Lunar Grey colour takes its inspiration from the world’s famous Nardo ring and with red alloys, this colour truly shouts out serious performance. In addition to this, the 450 Series has retained the Space Grey and White colours, making it a total of 6 colours for customers to choose from. New Seat Enhancing the comfort level of the scooter, Ather has introduced a new, redesigned seat on the 450X and 450 Plus scooters. The new seat is now narrower in the front, flatter in the middle, steeper at the back, and has a thicker throughput. The new seat now is also more accommodating to riders of a wide range of builds. The seat is also backward compatible with all generations of 450 and can be bought by previous owners at Ather Experience Centres

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