19, Sep 2024
Suyu announces the launch of India’s first Astaxanthin-infused Skincare Collection
India, 2024
SUYU- India’s first Superfoods Based Organic Skincare Brand, is proud to announce the launch of India’s first “Astaxanthin Skincare range”. Suyu’s new collection reflects its focus on clean, sustainable products made with nature’s best ingredients.
The key ingredient in this line is Astaxanthin, known as the “king of antioxidants.” It’s a powerful skincare ingredient sourced from micro-algae and is 6000 times stronger than Vitamin C. Its strong antioxidant effects make it great for improving skin health and vitality.
This new line addresses different skincare needs with effective and unique formulas. It includes products like the Astaxanthin Advanced Repair Day Serum, Antioxidant Night Face Elixir, and Illuminating Night Serum among others.
Each product uses the powerful antioxidant Astaxanthin, along with superfoods like Reishi, Shiitake, and Chaga, to refresh and restore the skin.
“Our Astaxanthin Range represents a significant milestone in our journey to deliver skincare that is both effective and aligned with our core values of sustainability and transparency,” said Ghrinesh, co-founder of SUYU. “We believe that our values will come through in our products, and we look forward to learning and growing in this space.”
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- By Rabindra
19, Sep 2024
12 million euros for cutting-edge research: Covestro to fund CAT Catalytic Centre until 2031
19th September 2024: The Catalysis Research Centre (CAT Catalytic Center Aachen) of Covestro and RWTH Aachen University is continuing its pioneering research into sustainable and recyclable materials. Until 2031, publicly funded research projects are to be continued and initiated, helping to strengthen Europe’s industry in the global competition for innovation leadership in the chemical sector. Covestro is contributing over €12 million to the research centre.
Founded in Aachen in 2007, the CAT Catalytic Centre has extensive expertise in the fields of catalysis, reaction technology, polymer chemistry and chemical recycling. All research projects are focused on contributing to climate targets and lead to a reduction of Scope 3 emissions along the value chain. The development of innovative polymers with a lower carbon footprint, recycling solutions for Covestro materials, and the use of alternative raw materials such as biomass further benefit climate action. An example is the EU-funded Circular Foam research project, where Covestro and RWTH Aachen University cooperated with the CAT Catalytic Centre and 22 other partners to close the material cycle for rigid polyurethane (PU) foams.
As an example of a successful partnership between industry and academia, the CAT Catalytic Centre contributes to a comprehensive EU strategy to promote the circular economy and the development of sustainable materials, such as bio-based plastics, recyclable composites and greener chemicals. In its latest Science, Research, and Innovation Performance1 (SRIP, June 2024) report, the European Commission once again emphasised the essential role of these areas in the European industrial agenda. Corresponding investments and the transfer of research results into marketable innovations by companies play a decisive role in this regard.
“Industry and the chemical sector in particular are increasingly being called upon to develop alternative sources of raw materials and reduce the use of fossil fuels. Together with RWTH Aachen University, we are continuing to lead the way as pioneers in this area, even in an economically challenging environment,” says Covestro CEO Markus Steilemann. “Long-standing partnerships like our cooperation with RWTH Aachen University help to conserve resources and realise the circular
Reducing CO2: Bio-based aniline developed from sustainable sources
Several projects involving the CAT Catalytic Centre have already taken major steps towards market maturity. One example is bio-based aniline, which can be produced entirely from sustainable sources instead of crude oil using an innovative process. The world’s first pilot plant for bio-based aniline was inaugurated in Leverkusen at the beginning of the year. The raw material is used in the plastics industry, in particular for the production of MDI for rigid polyurethane foam. The use of bio-based aniline can help to promote the circular economy in the future and to reduce the CO2 footprint in buildings through energy-efficient insulating foam.
“A technology transfer between research and industry is a decisive factor for progress in catalysis and an important step in chemical process development towards sustainable chemistry. The collaboration with Covestro enables us to further intensify our expertise in the fundamental field of catalysis,” says Prof. Dr Ulrich Rüdiger, Rector of RWTH Aachen University.
At the joint research centre in Aachen, headed by Professor Jürgen Klankermayer from the Chair of Translational Molecular Catalysis, scientists work after completing their doctorates. Projects benefit from the latest innovations of scientific research coupled with findings from industry and modern laboratories with an adjoining technical centre on the university campus.
19, Sep 2024
Two expressways leading the realty boom in NCR
NCR’s two urban expressways, namely Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and Dwarka Expressway, have been leading the realty boom in the region. The weighted average price of newly launched projects has risen by upto 165% along the two expressways between July 2021 and July 2024.
According to the NSE-listed real estate data analytics firm PropEquity, the weighted average price of newly launched projects along Dwarka Expressway rose to Rs 17,357 psf in July 2024 from Rs 8630 psf in July 2021, a rise of 101%. Similarly, the weighted average price of newly launched projects along Noida-Greater Noida expressway rose to Rs 17,428 psf in July 2024 from Rs 6568 psf in July 2021, a rise of 165%.
Among the many micro markets in Gurugram, Dwarka Expressway has seen a rise of 30% in the weighted average price of new launches between July 2023 and July 2024 alone. The supply has increased from 4329 to 5012 units during this period. This rise can be attributed to the inauguration of the expressway in March 2024.
Mr. Sanjoo, MD, 4S Developers said, “Dwarka Expressway has emerged as a prominent micro market in NCR. With its operationalisation, a major shift in population is being witnessed especially from the South-west part of Delhi owing to its new-age amenities and world-class infrastructure which includes connectivity to the International Airport, Delhi-Mumbai expressway and to the industrial and employment hubs in Gurugram. We look forward to this micro market for our future expansion in view of its excellent connectivity and liveability.”
Real estate brokers in south-west Delhi say that apartments in this part of the city have outlived their usefulness as today’s youth working in multi-national companies in Gurugram desire of a lifestyle that is free of chaos and daily hassles.
Vijay Harsh Jha, Founder and CEO of property brokerage firm VS Realtors, says, “The availability of open and green spaces, low-density living, safety, club with indoor games and swimming pool are among the amenities that today’s youth want, and these are important factors for rise in demand, price and habitation in Dwarka Expressway.”
The Noida and Dwarka Expressway was inaugurated and conceptualised respectively in the early 2000s. Both these expressways have made commuting from Delhi breezy. The world-class condominiums with new-age amenities, malls and offices, social infrastructure like schools and hospitals, connectivity etc. have added to the liveability quotient along these expressways.
Shiwang Suraj, Founder & Director of Gurugram-based property consulting firm InfraMantra said, “The Dwarka and Noida Expressways have become the lifeline for commuters. The sharp jump in realty prices point to the rising demand along these expressways. Owing to their strategic importance in terms of their access to the international airports, Delhi-Mumbai expressway and a comprehensive development of social infrastructure, residential projects here are undergoing premiumization. The elevated price points of new launches and their quick sale paint a very positive outlook for the real estate sector in NCR.”
Noida expressway provides easy connectivity to Agra, Lucknow and Eastern UP via Yamuna Expressway, Agra-Lucknow expressway and Purvanchal expressway. It also connects with Delhi-Mumbai expressway and to the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar.
Between 2020 and 2023, 10 million sqft office space has been leased out in Noida. Currently, the office rentals range between Rs 40-80 psft which in the near future will rise further. Share of leasing along the Noida expressway has increased.
19, Sep 2024
Curriculum Associates Expands Capacity with a New Office in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, India, September 19, 2024
Curriculum Associates, an edtech company headquartered in North Billerica, Massachusetts (MA), today announced the opening of its first Global Capability Center (GCC) in India, with the new office in Bengaluru. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates along with Rajeev Kapoor, Vice President, Curriculum Associates – India.
Curriculum Associates develops both print and digital assessments, diagnostic and instructional materials that serve more than 13 million students in the United States. Over the past 55 years, Curriculum Associates has grown from its beginnings in North Billerica, MA, to a global presence with five offices across the United States, one in Dublin, Ireland, and now, Bengaluru. With a dedicated team of more than 2,500 employees spanning various cultures and continents, the company remains committed to enriching a culture of innovation and service.
“Curriculum Associates has always prioritized hiring the best talent to ensure our ability to serve teachers and students,” said Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates. “Opening this office is a pivotal moment in our growth journey. This expansion is part of our commitment to hire top talent worldwide and help us achieve our mission of making classrooms better places.”
19, Sep 2024
Wondrlab Announces Sixth Acquisition with OPA
Mumbai, September 19, 2024: Wondrlab, the platform-first martech network, proudly welcomes OPA, one of India’s largest influencer marketing platforms, into its family. This marks Wondrlab’s second strategic acquisition in the influencer marketing space and its sixth overall. The move reinforces the Network’s commitment to enhancing its platform offerings while expanding its footprint in the fast-evolving creator economy.
OPA, one of India’s largest influencer marketing platforms, collaborates with over 300,000 influencers and 500+ brands including Nykaa, Vero Moda, Purplle, Sugar, Plum, etc. OPA does 40,000 collaborations a month powered by an advanced tech stack and seamless user interface that simplifies the traditionally complex process, ensuring effortless collaboration and building trust with influencers for large-scale campaign success.
With the combined strength of OPA and Opportune, Wondrlab solidifies its position as a key player in the influencer marketing space and becomes one of the largest and most comprehensive offerings in India.
Saurabh Varma, Founder & CEO of Wondrlab Network, commenting on the acquisition said, “We are super excited to welcome OPA to the Wondrlab family. With Rupansh and Chandan, we hope to supercharge our influencer offering. We remain extremely bullish about the creator economy and believe that mid-funnel and driving engagement will be critical for every brand.”
Rupansh Goyal, Co-Founder of OPA, expressed his excitement, stating, “Wondrlab is a team of heavy hitters in the marketing landscape. We are incredibly excited to join forces with them. Their unparalleled expertise in scaling businesses and our technology create an ideal partnership. We’re confident that we’ll unlock new opportunities for brands and influencers, driving even more impactful collaborations. This collaboration truly feels like a perfect match, and we’re eager to see where it will take us.”
Chandan Routray, Co-Founder of OPA, added, “OPA has only just scratched the surface of the creator economy with branded collaborations. There is a vast opportunity to help brands leverage creators’ influence. With Wondrlab’s 360-degree marketing expertise and deep industry knowledge, we are excited to begin this new chapter. Together, we can bring innovative solutions that benefit brands and empower creators.”
Saurabh further added, “At Wondrlab, we have always believed in backing extraordinary founders and helping them scale their dreams. Rupansh and Chandan, both IITians, as Co-Founders of OPA have created a remarkable platform. I truly believe that we are at an inflection point in the creator economy space and with the two of them at the helm, I am confident in Wondrlab having the best shot in finding, creating and executing the next moonshot.”
19, Sep 2024
BOBCARD Introduces EMI Facility on UPI Payments for RuPay BOBCARD Users
Delhi, India – 19.09.2024: BOBCARD LIMITED, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, has announced the introduction of its EMI service on UPI Payments in partnership with RuPay. As one of the early adopters of this cutting-edge solution, the new feature allows RuPay BOBCARD holders to seamlessly convert their purchases into EMIs by scanning a QR code through the UPI app, providing a more convenient and hassle-free payment experience.
Through this facility, RuPay BOBCARD holders can now conveniently use UPI for payments at any UPI-accepting merchant, both online and offline, and convert their transactions into EMIs at the point of purchase. As the festive season approaches, this feature provides a timely solution for managing festive shopping with ease. Customers can apply for the EMI facility directly on their linked RuPay credit card through any UPI app, where the UPI PIN serves as user consent upon acceptance of the relevant terms and conditions. At checkout, users can select the EMI option at the time of payment, allowing them to choose their preferred EMI period during shopping, ensuring that high-value festive purchases are spread over manageable installments. The process is entirely digital, requiring no additional paperwork, making it a hassle-free experience.
Commenting on this development Mr. Ravindra Rai, Whole-Time Director, BOBCARD LIMITED said, “We are thrilled to introduce the EMI feature on UPI in partnership with RuPay, marking a significant step towards enhancing customer convenience. This feature empowers our customers with greater flexibility and control over their finances, aligning with our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet customer’s evolving needs.”
Furthermore, the UPI app allows users to track their ongoing EMIs, ensuring timely payments and full transparency—essential during the high-spending festive months. Customers can also convert past purchases made with their RuPay credit card into EMIs by accessing their transaction history on the UPI app. This initiative is designed to meet the growing demand for flexible payment options during the festive season and aims to drive the adoption of digital credit solutions across India, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
BOBCARD remains at the forefront of innovation in the payments ecosystem, continually enhancing the customer experience with secure, user-friendly credit solutions that address the evolving financial needs of Indians. By integrating UPI payments with credit card EMIs into a single, seamless solution, the company strives to ensure that customers can celebrate the festive season without financial constraints.
18, Sep 2024
Chicco Launches its Autumn-Winter 2024 Collection with Focus on Style, Comfort, and Sustainability
Chicco, a trusted name in baby care and fashion, has recently announced the launch of its Autumn-Winter 2024 (AW24) collection, designed with the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and style for the colder months. This new collection, featuring both girls’ and boys’ lines, is an embodiment of Chicco’s ode to providing high-quality, safe, and stylish clothing options that cater to the unique needs of every child.
The girls’ collection this season places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with a large part of the range crafted from organic cotton. The designs are brought to life with thoughtful details such as appliqué embroidery, ribbons, frills, lace trims, and scalloped elements, offering a charming and delicate aesthetic. The colour palette for girls includes soft pinks, natural tones, bronze, and shades of blue and grey, creating a soothing and elegant look. For party occasions, the collection offers dresses made from rich fabrics like tulle and warm plaid checks, fully lined to ensure maximum comfort. Winter essentials such as cardigans, pullovers, and sweatshirts are complemented by signature quilted jackets made from water-repellent textiles and recycled sustainable materials, including specialised Sorona fiber for added warmth and durability.
For the boys’ collection, Chicco has introduced striking designs that are both playful and practical. The boys’ line features bold embroidery, appliqué, and cut-and-sew techniques, with a focus on comfort and versatility. The colour palette for boys includes deep blues, greens, greys, natural tones, and white, ensuring a classic and timeless look. The collection includes cozy two-piece sets in fleece, velour, and interlock fabrics, as well as stylish bottoms made from denim, fleece, corduroy, and stretch twills. For special occasions, the boys’ partywear features smart pants with suspenders, shirts with bow ties, and waistcoats, offering a dapper look for the little gentlemen. The winter range is complete with the warm cardigans, pullovers, sweatshirts, and smart jackets designed to withstand the winter chill.
To complement these stylish outfits, Chicco also offers a range of special accessories including gift sets, mittens, blankets, caps, and towels, providing parents with everything they need to keep their little ones warm and stylish throughout the season.
Mr. Rajesh Vohra, CEO of Artsana India, expressed his enthusiasm for the new collection, stating, “At Chicco, we understand that the autumn and winter months require clothing that not only keeps children warm but also allows them to move freely and comfortably. Our AW24 collection reflects our dedication towards combining style with practicality, ensuring that every piece is designed with utmost care and attention to detail. We are particularly proud of our pledge to sustainability, as seen in our use of organic cotton and recycled materials, which aligns with our goal of providing the best for both children and the environment.”
18, Sep 2024
Honeywell and Samsung E&A Plan Collaboration to Help Reduce Power Plant Emissions
INDIA, September 18, 2024 – Honeywell announced today a collaborative endeavor with SAMSUNG E&A to jointly market solutions aimed at the hard-to-abate power plant sector globally. The initiative seeks to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change. It also supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three powerful megatrends, including the energy transition.
SAMSUNG E&A, a total solutions provider for the global energy industry, will leverage Honeywell’s industry-leading carbon capture technologies to help power plants reduce carbon emissions and meet environmental goals. Together, the companies will offer customers access to a carbon capture solution by jointly marketing Honeywell’s advanced solvent carbon capture (ASCC) technology.
“As two carbon capture leaders, our collaboration highlights the importance of cooperative approaches in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Hong Namkoong, president and CEO of SAMSUNG E&A. “Deploying Honeywell’s carbon capture technologies allows SAMSUNG E&A to offer viable, more sustainable solutions for global clients during this energy transition.”
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) can significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, acting as a crucial stopgap during the expected transition from fossil fuels to lower carbon energy sources. These technologies help to mitigate the environmental impact of various industries responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.
“Honeywell has long been a global leader in carbon capture technologies and our collaboration with SAMSUNG E&A only further highlights our commitment to reducing emissions and tackling climate challenges,” said Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions. “With decades of experience and a broad portfolio of carbon capture solutions, we are ready to help businesses meet growing carbon mitigation expectations and increasingly stringent environment goals by abating emissions from existing sources.”
18, Sep 2024
Digital Revolution in Agriculture Can Curb Youth Migration from Rural to Urban Areas, Says Farmer Federation
New Delhi, 18 September 2024: The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA)— a non-profit body representing millions of farmers and farm workers of commercial crops across Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka etc—has lauded the Union Government for launching a digital revolution in agriculture which would go a long way in arresting the exodus of youth from agriculture.
Emphasizing that the Union government’s recent launch of a bouquet of seven revolutionary agri schemes worth over Rs 14,000 crore was a “life line” for this sector, Mr. Javare Gowda, President, FAIFA, said, “This new scheme is not just about technological integration. This will help in relieving agrarian distress caused by climate variations and market uncertainties that have made agriculture unlucrative for our youth. We thank the Union government for such far-sighted vision for rejuvenating agriculture on the lines of the success of the digital revolution.”
These schemes are likely to create new jobs, and the demand and creation of different skill sets will open more opportunities for the youth of rural India in the times to come. In addition, the youth sensing greater openings will not feel the desperation to move to the cities and this will also reduce the current high pressure on the cities. In fact, reverse migration could happen and we could see a more balanced urban-rural development.
There is also focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI, big data, and remote sensing with agri in India. One of the important areas is the ‘Digital Agriculture Mission’ with a financial allocation of ₹2,817 crore, totaling an investment of ₹13,966 crore, aimed at revitalizing India’s agricultural sector. A key element of the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) is the development of an Agri Stack, which will encompass a Farmers Registry, Village Land Maps Registry, and Crop Sown Registry. This Agri Stack will act as a comprehensive database, maintaining detailed records on farmers, land use, and crop patterns.
Another vital component of the mission is the Krishi Decision Support System. This system will utilize geospatial data, drought and flood monitoring, weather and satellite information, and groundwater availability to help farmers make informed decisions. It will also include crop yield and insurance modelling tools to assist farmers in planning and risk management.
Mr. Murali Babu, General Secretary, FAIFA, added: “The digital revolution in agriculture will be a great disruptor, in so far as it has the potential to generate millions of jobs in core as well as allied fields. This digitisation will not just infuse lifeblood into the sector, but will ensure that it continues to be the largest employer in India. The efficiencies that digital revolution will build into agriculture will have a domino effect on India’s ambition to be the second biggest economy in the world.”
18, Sep 2024
NTT DATA and IBM Expand Partnership in India for Cloud-Based High-Performance Computing in Financial Services
Mumbai, September 18, 2024: NTT DATA, a trusted global innovator of business and technology services and IBM, today announced the launch of SimpliZCloud, a fully managed cloud service built on IBM LinuxONE. The service is designed to support the infrastructure needs of critical workloads such as those in financial services organizations including core banking applications, lending and risk management applications with a combination of advanced performance, high availability, and unmatched security. It also offers the opportunity to optimize infrastructure investments and on-going costs by consolidating resources and spends, especially enterprise software license costs. With the added benefit of a subscription-based model, it helps avoid expensive capital investment and maintenance costs.
SimpliZCloud is built on a secure, scalable, and integrated architecture that delivers dedicated compute and storage resources, powered by Software Defined Networking (SDN). The service offers a significant jump in performance over traditional x86 architecture-based environments. This opens the path towards enterprise-wide cloud transformation, leveraging IBM LinuxONE as a hybrid cloud platform. As enterprises consolidate their workloads, they will be able to reduce their data center footprint, driving higher sustainability.
“With SimpliZCloud, enterprises, especially financial institutions now have the power to make a generational shift in their cloud transformation journey. Critical business applications, especially those infused with AI and ML will now have the infrastructure to support performance far ahead of the traditional x86 architectures all in a fully managed, as-a-service model. This launch represents our continued commitment to supporting our clients’ ambitions for innovation and digital transformation,” said Avinash Joshi, Chief Executive Officer, India, NTT DATA, Inc. “I’m proud of the work our teams at NTT DATA and IBM have done in bringing this service to our clients and look forward to the transformative outcomes of this collaboration.”
“Over the years, with the IBM LinuxONE platform, IBM has delivered much-needed security, scalability, reliability and performance to help India’s leading financial institutions manage their mission-critical workloads safely and sustainably. By bringing SimpliZCloud to modern enterprises, we are continuing our commitment to help them adopt a hybrid-by-design approach. With SimpliZCloud, financial institutions can leverage a highly secure, high-performance platform and robust infrastructure to harness the benefits of AI and hybrid cloud to manage their evolving applications and workloads,” said Viswanath Ramaswamy, Vice President, Technology, IBM India & South Asia.
