Author: Rabindra

International Conference on Semiconductor Technologies – Materials to Chips, commences at Amity

Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida campus, in association with Society of Semiconductor Devices (SSD) & Semiconductor Society (India), organized a three-day International Conference on the theme, “Semiconductor Technologies – Materials to Chips” from 18th -20th September 2024. The aim of this conference is to deliberate upon how India is taking lead in the manufacturing of semiconductor materials to chip and identify the role of research from academia and R&D institutions in this mission.

Addressing the gathering during the Inaugural Session, Chief Guest, Dr. S. K. Marwaha, Chief Technology Officer, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), MeitY, Govt. of India, averred, “India is one of the fastest growing economies and the third largest start up ecosystem in the world. It is also the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and has made significant progress in recent years. Our country aims to become a $300bn electronic manufacturing hub by 2026. The National Policy on Electronics 2019 envisions to position India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and manufacturing and the Government of India attaches high priority to electronics hardware manufacturing, since it is an important pillar of “Make in India” and “Digital India” programmes. India’s semiconductor ecosystem is growing, with the government and industry working together to build a strong domestic market and attract global companies. India has 20% of the world’s semiconductor design workforce and Sanand, Noida, Greater Noida, Bengaluru are becoming the major semicon hubs with the establishment of several new facilities.”

Sharing his views on the occasion, Prof. Vikram Kumar, Chairman, Society of Semiconductor Devices, stated, “In the last few years, the government has laid a lot of emphasis on semiconductors and India is going to emerge as a big semiconductor hub in the next few years. Semiconductors are the new drivers for attaining geo-political balance and the semicon idustry is grwing by leaps and bounds. Therefore, academic institutions must be at par with the industry and prepare skilled workforce who can work in the semicon industry and lead the mission of making India a semicon hub.”

Emphasizing upon the role of Semiconductors in the development of India, Dr. Monish Hooda, Director, Indian Semiconductor Mission, MeitY, Govt. of India, opined, “With India’s electronics sector now valued at over $150 billion, the Prime Minister has outlined a larger goal to grow the country’s electronics sector to $500 billion and create 6 million jobs by the end of this decade. The need of the hour is to create an ecosystem which can propel the growth of semicon industry and intensive R&D along with skill development will be required to create our own Semicon Intellectual Property (SIP).”

Prof. Yasuhiro Fukuma, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan, opined, “Japan’s semiconductor ecosystem is undergoing a revival with the government’s increased investment and the founding of new companies. Japan is also looking forward to collaborating with different countries for R&D in the semicon industry and such conferences allow for the exchange of information and ideas which can foster the growth of the industry globally.”

Sharing Amity’s vision, for semiconductor mission, Dr. Ashok. K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group, stated, “India’s semiconductor mission aims to build a vibrant semiconductor and display ecosystem to enable India’s emergence as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design. Amity is committed to contribute to this mission and make India the largest manufacturer of semiconductors in the world.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor, Amity Universities, said, “Semiconductors have played an important role in the development of many countries such as Singapore and Amity will leave no stone unturned to ensure that it becomes the number one private institution in this area and contribute to making India a developed nation.”

Highlighting the significance of the Conference, Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, said, “To become self-reliant in the area of Semiconductor Technologies, India is focusing on the making of semiconductor materials, devices, entering into chip manufacturing with more emphasis on skill development. This conference will provide an opportunity to discuss various research activities and latest developments in semiconductor technologies.”

Adani Foundation at ACC Kymore spearheads sustainable agriculture practices with mechanisation

Madhya Pradesh, 19 September 2024: ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is spearheading sustainable agricultural practices by facilitating mechanisation of farming activities. Along with the Adani Foundation, the Company has established a Custom Hiring Centre in Jamuwani Kalan, near ACC Kymore. This initiative showcases how collective farming efforts can transform agriculture into a profitable venture.

Jamuwani Kalan in Katni district is home to 450 families, which primarily depend on agriculture for their livelihood. However, challenges such as stubble burning and high input costs for land preparation have made farming difficult, especially for small and marginal farmers. In February 2024, the Adani Foundation established a Custom Hiring Centre in the village.

Managed by a five-member committee from Jay Shri Ram Kisan Samuh committee, the Centre was initially supported with a capital investment of Rs. 2.5 lakh from the Foundation. This amount was matched by the farmers’ group, mobilised through the Foundation’s efforts to secure registration in the Agriculture Department’s Subsidy portal.

The Centre offers rental services of farming machinery, including Super Seeder, Straw Reaper, two tractors, customised trolleys, and cultivators. The total capital cost of the Custom Hiring Centre is Rs. 24.63 lakh, with Rs. 1.10 lakh received as government subsidy for the Straw Reaper as well as Rs. 2.5 lakh from the Adani Foundation. During the last Rabi crop harvesting season, the Centre served 55 farmers and generated Rs. 1.18 lakhs in revenue from the Straw Reaper alone.

This initiative has saved approximately 100 tonnes of dry straw as cattle feed for the lean season and preserved soil microbes by preventing stubble burning, thus enhancing soil health. In addition, with the support of the Adani Foundation, the Centre promotes the use of Super Seeder for zero-tillage seed sowing, reducing input costs by 35-45% without affecting crop yield. This year, the Centre aims to extend its services to four neighbouring villages, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

ACC and the Adani Foundation are committed to community welfare and sustainable livelihooods, through promotion of modern farming techniques.

Phi Commerce Achieves ISO 27001 certification, strengthening commitment to Data Security

MUMBAI September 19, 2024: Phi Commerce, a leading provider of enterprise payment solutions, has achieved ISO 27001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for information security management. The certification reinforces the company’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of data security, confidentiality and integrity.

The ISO 27001 certification is awarded to organisations that meet rigorous standards in establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This accomplishment underscores Phi Commerce’s proactive efforts to safeguard sensitive information and protect customer data from potential threats.

“Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data security across our global operations. This certification reinforces our dedication to providing secure and reliable services, building trust, and fostering confidence among our domestic and international customers and partners.” said Jose Thattil, CEO of Phi Commerce.

The certification process involved an in-depth audit conducted by an independent third-party auditor, who evaluated Phi Commerce’s security policies, procedures, and controls to ensure they align with ISO 27001 standards.

Indian private credit company Oxane Partners has won multiple portfolio management technology awards in the US

New Delhi, Sep 19, 2024: Oxane Partners, a leading technology-driven solutions provider to private markets, shares that its Oxane Panorama solution has been recognized with three U.S. awards – ‘Best Portfolio Management System of the Year’ at the PE Wire U.S. Credit Awards, and ‘Best Portfolio Management Software’ as well as the ‘Best Data Management Solution’ at the HFM U.S. Services Awards. The awards were presented in New York on September 12th, recognizing leading players in the alternative credit space.

As the size of the private asset market grows, investment firms are increasingly prioritizing strategic technology initiatives to unlock value and scale. Over the past decade, the market has grown by 10-fold and continues to expand, necessitating demand for solution partners who can effectively address the needs of investment firms in portfolio management, while enabling scale in a growing market.

For over a decade, Oxane has been addressing these needs with its flagship solution, Oxane Panorama suite of solutions. Built ground up for private credit, Oxane Panorama offers holistic coverage across asset-based lending, corporate credit, real assets, whole loan portfolios, securitized products, fund finance, and other illiquid assets, all within one unified ecosystem. By integrating a technology-first approach with deep domain expertise, Oxane continues to align with its mission of digitalizing and transforming private credit investments for its clients globally. As a reflection of Oxane’s commitment to client success, Oxane has been recognized with more than 25 accolades globally across its suite of solutions and services.

“As private credit grows in both size and importance, leveraging technology-driven solutions to analyze and manage investments is becoming imperative. Investment firms are looking for solution partners who share a common data language across investment processes. For over a decade now, our focus on private credit, combined with complementary technology, and domain expertise, has enabled our clients to achieve scale and control over their investment operations,” said Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder, and Managing Director of Oxane.

“We are pleased to be recognized with multiple award wins in a single night. These recognitions highlight our growing impact in the US market and the trust our clients place in us as we continue to deliver right-fit solutions for their private credit investments,” said Mr. Kanav Kalia, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Oxane Partners.

“As we mark a decade of innovation, we will continue to address market needs, expand the capabilities of Oxane Panorama’s suite, and bridge the technological gap within the global private credit ecosystem,” he added.

Five Savvy Savings Tips for Gen Z to Start Building Wealth Early

 By- Raghav Gupta, Co-Founder, 1% Club

In a world brimming with gadgets, trends, and ever-evolving travel dreams, saving money might not always be at the top of your to-do list. It’s the perfect time for Gen Z to embrace financial responsibility early on. To help you get started, here are five engaging and practical tips to make saving a seamless part of your life.

1. Practice ‘Temptation Bundling’

Who says it has to be difficult to save money? Convenience bundling allows you to make it a fun part of your routine. This is a brilliant method where you combine a habit of conserving money with something you enjoy. For example, deposit money into your savings account each time you complete a workout or an episode of your favorite TV show. Saving money will become enjoyable and habit-forming if it is linked to enjoyable activities. Thus, keep in mind that every episode of a television show you binge-watch can increase your savings!

2. Implement a ‘Waiting Period’ for Purchases

Your financial ambitions can be swiftly derailed by impulsive purchases. Establish a waiting time before making non-essential purchases to offset this. Give yourself a period of 24 to 48 hours to decide if you still desire the item. This little stop lets you determine whether the purchase is necessary and can help you avoid overspending. Usually, the first thrill fades, giving you more time to consider whether the purchase is actually worthwhile.

3. Use a Savings Challenge to Boost Your Funds

If traditional saving feels too monotonous, inject some excitement with a savings challenge. One popular method is the 52-week challenge, where you start by saving Rs100 in the first week and increase the amount by Rs 100 each subsequent week. By the end of the year, you’ll have saved ample money. Challenges like this can make saving more engaging and give you a tangible goal to work toward. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of seeing your savings grow progressively throughout the year.

4. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Thanks to the many discounts that are only accessible to you, students are in a great position to save money. Numerous establishments, including apparel retailers, electronics manufacturers, dining establishments, and entertainment venues, provide discounted prices to students. Carry your student ID with you, and keep a look out for these offers. You can enjoy the things you love and stretch your budget further by taking advantage of discounts.

5. Implement a ‘One-In-One-Out’ Policy

It can be difficult to maintain a healthy balance between your financial and physical lives, especially when new purchases are alluring. Implement a one-in-one-out policy to efficiently handle this equilibrium. Make a pledge to give up one old habit or item for every new one you purchase, regardless of whether it’s a device, apparel item, or subscription. This philosophy promotes more deliberate shopping choices in addition to keeping you clutter-free. It’s a useful method to make sure your spending and savings objectives are in line.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you’ll find that saving money doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding part of your lifestyle. Use these tips to kickstart your financial journey and build a solid foundation for your future. Embrace these habits now, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your financial goals and making those world-travel dreams a reality!

Emerging Designers Dazzle at GICW 5th Edition: A Showcase of Student Talent

While designers often take center stage at fashion events, it was the talented students from various design institutes who stole the show at the 5th edition of the Global India Couture Week (GICW). The event, organized in collaboration with the International Fashion Design Council (IFDC), concluded with a brilliant display of creativity and innovation.

Mr. M Satya, Managing Director of GICW, emphasized the crucial role of fashion institutes in shaping the future of the industry. “These institutes play a pivotal role in fashion weeks, as they nurture the designers of tomorrow. We are proud to be associated with esteemed institutions like Khazani Women’s Vocational Institute, NIFD Global Jaipur, Idea World Design College, and IIFT (North Delhi, Ranchi, Roorkee, and Bilaspur),” he shared.

Khazani Women’s Vocational Institute presented a mesmerizing collection themed “Wedding Trousseau,” which perfectly encapsulated the essence of various Indian wedding traditions. From the Roka, Mehndi, and Haldi ceremonies to the Engagement, Wedding, and Reception, the collection reflected the vibrancy and spirit of each celebration. The institute was represented by its President, Mr. Bijender Chaudhary.

NIFD Global Jaipur stood out with their collection titled “Rangilo Rajasthan.” This showcase beautifully fused sustainable fabrics with traditional Rajasthani crafts, including blue pottery, batik, lac, and block printing. Mr. Abhishek Poddar, Director of NIFD Jaipur, praised the students for their outstanding work and expressed gratitude to the GICW team for giving young designers a platform to shine.

Idea World Design College made an unforgettable debut at the Global Fashion Festival 2024 with their vibrant collection, “Hibiscus.” Guided by renowned designer Thomas Abraham, the students showcased an array of bold and innovative designs that highlighted their exceptional talent and creativity.

The IIFT group, which has campuses in North Delhi, Ranchi, Roorkee, and Bilaspur, added a personal touch to the event. Mr. Ratnadeep Lal, Chairman of IIFT, walked the ramp alongside showstoppers Ms. Shalini Bhatia, Ms. Seema Gumber, and Vidhu Ishiqa. The students’ designs brought fresh energy to the runway, demonstrating the skills they honed under expert guidance.

Anant Fellows Participate in Singapore International Water Week 2024

Ahmedabad, September 2024: Fellows from the Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment recently presented innovative proposals aimed at enhancing the resilience of India’s coastal communities at the prestigious Singapore International Water Week 2024. These proposals were developed as part of the “Unbuilding Architecture” module under “The Archipelago Agenda,” which was first introduced at the UN Water Conference in New York City in March 2023. This year, the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) hosted the “Condensations” programme, where Anant Fellows Mishal Desai and Gopika Rao actively participated, contributing their insights to a student workshop.

Mishal Desai, a hypnotherapist and farmer from Gujarat with expertise in psychology and clinical hypnosis, and Gopika Rao, an economics graduate from Thiruvananthapuram with aspirations in Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG), represented the Fellowship at the workshop.

Initially established by Pratt Institute (NY USA – has an on-going partnership with Anant), Pace University, and Singapore University of Technology and Design, the Archipelago Agenda brings together stakeholders to develop scalable, nature-based solutions for water scarcity and safety in urban archipelagos. India’s Daman/Diu Islands were added to the agenda through Anant National University, the only Indian University partner in the initiative.

Diu, an island region, faces critical challenges such as water scarcity, reliance on mainland resources, and vulnerable water access. As a microcosm of global climate change struggles, Diu offers a unique context for developing resilient living solutions. The Fellows researched Diu’s built and unbuilt environments, analysing its architecture, design, and layout within India’s development framework. These explorations challenge conventional architectural paradigms and seek sustainable design solutions aligned with the island’s cultural values.

Divided into teams focusing on both micro and macro scales, the Fellows created localized interventions and masterplans. Micro-level solutions incorporated traditional knowledge in an integrated design project, while macro-level analyses examined existing and proposed developments to create a comprehensive plan for sustainable development. These proposals, spanning urban and residential spaces, advocated for multi-use areas that promote collaboration, community engagement, and sustainability. The synergy between built and unbuilt environments was central, aiming to address inefficiencies and promote a resilient future.

The Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment is Anant National University‘s flagship one-year residential programme, empowering future solutionaries to design and preserve an equitable built environment. The programme has trained over 160 Fellows from 18 countries across 6 continents, offering hands-on learning guided by experts in academia and industry.

HP introduces the new Color LaserJet Pro printers for businesses in India

New Delhi, September 19, 2024 — HP introduced a new range of HP Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series, the latest addition to its office print portfolio. Catering to businesses in India, this new range leverages energy-efficient TerraJet toner technology to deliver sharper colors and faster print speeds. The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series includes two models in India: the single-function HP Color LaserJet Pro Printer 3203dw and the multi-function HP Color LaserJet Pro Printer 3303sdw, which offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities in Color and Black and White.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. With a print speed of up to 25 pages per minute and a rapid first printout time of just 10.9 seconds, these printers ensure fast and reliable results. The default duplex printing feature helps reduce paper usage and costs by automatically printing on both sides of each page. Additionally, the device has a robust duty cycle of 40,000 pages and has a toner yield of up to 1300 black and 1200 color pages.

“As small and medium-sized businesses in India continue to expand, efficient and secure printing has become a critical component of their operations. We recognize the challenges faced by SMB leaders in balancing their growing needs with the right technological solutions. Therefore, we are pleased to introduce the new HP Color LaserJet Pro 3000 series. Featuring innovative TerraJet technology, this series offers exceptional color quality, professional speed, and energy efficiency within a compact design. This solution is designed to help businesses minimize downtime, maintain operational efficiency, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market”, said Sunish Raghavan, Senior Director, Printing Systems, HP India Market.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3303sdw unleashes productivity with high-speed two-sided color printing at 26 ppm (Letter) and 25 ppm (A4), featuring a 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder and reliable Wi-Fi® for seamless connectivity. The HP Smart app streamlines printing and scanning with time-saving shortcuts. Security is prioritized with HP Wolf Pro Security and the optional HP Security Manager, ensuring your data is protected. Designed for sustainability, this printer uses low-energy HP TerraJet Toner, incorporates auto-on/auto-off technology.

Finnish Parliament Members Visit Lindström’s Mumbai Facility as Part of 75-Year Diplomatic Celebration

Mumbai, September 2024: As Finland and India mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, Lindström India, a 100%subsidiary of the 175-year-old Finnish Lindström Oy, a global textile rental company offering workwear and cleanroom services in India, hosted members of the Finnish Parliament’s Commerce Committee at its Mumbai facility. The visit highlights Finland’s key collaboration themes with India: sustainability, innovation, and digitalisation, with a special focus on Lindström’s circular business model and innovative workwear solutions.

During the visit, Parliament members toured Lindström’s cutting-edge laundry operations and the exclusive Prodem (Production on Demand) facility in Mumbai. This is the only Prodem facility in Asia, serving the Indian market with on-demand textile production aimed at reducing overproduction and eliminating stock obsolescence risks. In 2023 alone, Prodem’s 65 employees manufactured over 237,000 pieces of textiles, with the capability to fulfill orders in just 3-8 days.

Lindström’s operations in India began 17 years ago with the introduction of its circular business model for business textiles, perfectly aligning with India’s green transition goals. The circular model, which focuses on reducing textile overproduction and waste, significantly contributes to sustainability efforts across the country.

Jayant Roy, Managing Director of Lindström India, emphasised, “Our circular model and emission reduction initiatives play a crucial role in supporting India’s green transition. We’re proud to align our operations with the country’s sustainability objectives.”

Lindström is equally committed to digital transformation. Every garment in Lindström’s service is tagged with RFID technology, enabling real-time tracking and management. The RFID technology also provides valuable insights for the design team, allowing them to assess wear-and-tear patterns and determine when specific collections are worn out or need repairs. This data helps continuously improve the design, making workwear more sustainable and long-lasting.

“Digitalised workwear solutions not only enhance operational efficiency but also provide unprecedented value to customers in terms of hygiene management and cost optimisation,” says Manas Kumar, Global Director of Pharma, Strategic Marketing and Business Development APAC, Lindström.

The Prodem facility in Mumbai stands as a key example of Lindström’s dedication to sustainable, customer-driven production. It supports the Indian market with a unique on-demand production model, which reduces the risk of overproduction and textile waste.

“Our Prodem facility demonstrates how innovation can drive sustainability in manufacturing while catering to the diverse needs of the Indian market,” explains Bhushan Atale, Head of Prodem India. Responsible for the entire Prodem India operation, Lindström India.

As Lindström continues to expand its operations in India, it remains dedicated to advancing sustainability, innovation, and digitalisation. These pillars align perfectly with the shared vision of Finland and India as they continue to move forward in their green transition and technological advancements.

“The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Finland and India highlights the success of companies like Lindström, which embody the shared values of both nations. As India progresses on its path of green transition, innovation, and digital transformation, Lindström stands ready to support this journey with sustainable practices and innovative solutions,” concludes Manas Kumar.