Author: Rabindra

UPES to Launch RISE Centre for Research in Sustainability and ESG, in Collaboration with Aspire Circle

National, 28 August 2024 – UPES, in collaboration with Aspire Circle, proudly announces the launch of the RISE (Research on Impact, Sustainability, and ESG) Centre, a pioneering initiative dedicated to advancing research and education in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact. The RISE Centre will be officially inaugurated on September 21, 2024, and will strive to equip current and future leaders with the knowledge and skills required to drive impactful change in their organisations and communities.

The RISE Centre aims to become a global leader in developing innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges of climate change, carbon neutrality, and sustainable development. It seeks to empower individuals with a deep understanding of sustainability and ESG principles, enabling them to lead Net Zero transitions, promote circularity, and balance risk, return, and impact. Committed to a future where economic growth aligns with environmental responsibility, the RISE Centre focuses on advancing sustainable impact through cutting-edge research, education, and industry collaboration.

As part of the flagship initiatives of the RISE Centre, UPES in collaboration with Mahindra University and Aspire Circle is also set to launch the ESG, Sustainability, and Impact Specialist Program (ISP), an Executive Education initiative uniquely tailored to train future Chief Impact Officers, equipping mid to senior-level professionals with the practical skills needed to lead the impact economy in corporations, banks, financial institutions, and non-profits. This comprehensive program will include 20 thematic sessions, over 50 caselets, and four detailed global and Indian case studies, providing participants with hands-on experience to design, build, scale, and manage impact-driven projects.

The ISP program, targeting professionals aged 35-60 years, will be divided into two parts. The first part will be held at UPES, Dehradun, from 19-21 September 2024, and the second part at Mahindra University, Hyderabad, from 28-30 November 2024. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate jointly signed by Aspire Circle, Mahindra University, and UPES. This program is particularly suited for corporate executives in ESG, risk, sustainability, and impact roles, as well as professionals in the banking, finance, and investment sectors, CSR experts, policy developers, and individuals seeking a transition to the impact sector.

Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor of UPES, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “At UPES, we are committed to being a hub for innovation and research, and the launch of the RISE Centre marks a significant step in this direction. The RISE Centre will drive impactful solutions for sustainability and ESG challenges, leading our efforts on climate change and sustainable development. We are excited to partner with Aspire Circle for the RISE Centre and Mahindra University for the Impact Specialist Programme (ISP), as we share a common vision of creating a future where economic growth is aligned with environmental responsibility. Together we aim to equip professionals with the skills to drive meaningful change in their organisations and communities.”

Amit Bhatia, Founder & CEO, Aspire Impact, creator of the program, emphasised that this program can be characterised as, “Of the Practitioners, By the Practitioners, For the Practitioners”. He said, “We took 4+ years to put together this program, to prepare leaders for the imminent Impact Economy and future Chief Impact Officers. We believe that the Chief Impact Officers need their rightful place in the C-Suite, own the ESG, Sustainability & Impact agendas, own the NetZero transition, Carbon Neutrality targets and Circularity mission; and lead Risk-Return-Impact optimization for the company.”

Dr. Anirban Ghosh, Professor and Head Centre for Sustainability, Mahindra University said, “India is at a critical juncture where the need for ESG, sustainability, and impact leadership is more pressing than ever. As we navigate the complex challenges of climate change, social equity, and responsible governance, it is essential to cultivate a cadre of leaders and specialists who can drive meaningful change. This program is designed to equip professionals with the skills and insights needed to lead in these areas, ensuring that India is not only a participant but a leader in the global sustainability movement. Mahindra University is proud to partner in offering this course.”

Enrolment for the inaugural cohort of the ISP program is now open. Senior and mid-level professionals interested in advancing their careers and leading the charge in the impact economy are encouraged to apply.

Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada Celebrates Milestone of 300 Robotic Surgeries

Vijayawada, 28 August 2024—Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, announces the completion of 300 robotic surgeries within a year, marking a significant achievement in the hospital’s commitment to advanced healthcare. This milestone underscores the hospital’s dedication to providing cutting-edge medical solutions, ensuring better patient outcomes, and setting new regional benchmarks.

Manipal Hospital’s success in robotic surgeries spans multiple specialties, including Gastroenterology, Urology, Gynaecology, and Surgical Oncology. The dedicated team responsible for these surgeries comprises Dr. Surendra Jasti, Consultant, GI and Minimal Access Surgeon, Dr. V Dharmendra Kumar, Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Dr. Ravi Shankar Ganji, Consultant, Neurologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon, Dr. R Dinesh Reddy, Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Dr. Lakshmi Prasuna, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Robotic surgeries at Manipal Hospitals Vijayawada are performed using the state-of-the-art Intuitive – Da Vinci Xi robotic system. This advanced technology, coupled with the expertise of the hospital’s medical team, offers patients numerous benefits over traditional surgical methods, including less pain, smaller incisions, reduced bleeding, and faster recovery times.

Dr. Utham Sharma, Head – Medical Services at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “Completing 300 robotic surgeries in such a short period is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our surgical team. Robotic surgery has revolutionized the way we approach complex procedures, enabling us to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes.”

Dr. Sudhakar Kantipudi, Cluster Director at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to adopting advanced medical technologies, saying, “Investing in robotic surgery and ensuring our medical professionals are thoroughly trained has always been a priority for us. This milestone highlights our continuous efforts to deliver world-class healthcare to our community.”

Patient outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive, with a 99% success rate reported for those undergoing robotic surgery at Manipal Hospital. To ensure patients are well-informed, the hospital conducts comprehensive educational sessions on robotic surgery’s benefits and potential risks.

Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada remains committed to advancing healthcare in the region, continually pushing the boundaries of medical excellence through innovation and compassionate care.

Cosmo Plastech announces participation in Indian Ice Cream Expo 2024; will showcase its rigid packaging solutions

Mumbai, 28th August, 2024: Cosmo Plastech, the rigid packaging business of Cosmo Films, a global leader in speciality films announces participation in Indian Ice Cream Expo, Gujarat 2024, a premier B2B event in South-Asia for the ice-cream trade and manufacturing industry. Cosmo Plastech will be showcasing its rigid packaging products at Stand No. K6 in the exhibition that is scheduled to take place from 3-5 September, 2024.

During the exhibition, Cosmo Plastech will exhibit its diverse range of technical films and rigid packaging solutions. These include products that can be beneficial for the ice-cream industry to preserve the quality of the product while also offering unique properties that support in value addition and attracting customers. Few of the products that will be showcased are: Sheets (HIPS, PP, PET), Injection moulded products, Thermoformed containers, In-mould label films, Pearlized and White Films, Lidding Films and Matte Cold Seal Films.

Speaking on the participation, Mr Sanjay Chincholkar, Business Head (Rigid Packaging) Cosmo First said, “Cosmo Plastech is our new business vertical, and within a short time span we have been able to build immense trust for our products among our customers. Exhibitions like IICE further provides us with an opportunity to tap new potential customers. We look forward to making the best use of the platform and show to the visitors our unique sustainable rigid packaging offerings.”

Cosmo Plastech’s rigid packaging solutions are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the ice cream industry. These containers offer excellent aesthetics, protection, durability, and reliability, manufactured using high-quality materials through injection moulding and thermoforming techniques. With moisture-resistant and tamper-proof properties, Cosmo Plastech’s packaging ensures the freshness and quality of ice cream products.

Cybage Helps Pune Police Stay Safe Amidst the City’s Unpredictable Rains

Pune: As the city experiences heavy showers and sudden downpours, the Pune Police Force remains committed to maintaining law and order under challenging conditions. Recognizing their dedication, Cybage Software Pvt Ltd has stepped forward to offer support. In a gesture of solidarity, Cybage recently distributed raincoats and umbrellas to the police officers stationed across the Nagar Road area, ensuring their safety and comfort while on duty. The initiative was aimed at helping officers perform their duties effectively, even in harsh weather.

“The heavy rains have significantly impacted our daily operations, and the support from Cybage came just when we needed it most,” said a spokesperson from the Vishrantwadi police station. “Their timely assistance has provided much-needed relief to our dedicated officers on the frontlines.”

Cybage selected bright yellow raincoats to enhance visibility during rain, further ensuring the safety of both police officers and the public. “The Pune Police work tirelessly to manage traffic and ensure the safety of citizens, even in the harshest conditions,” said Jaikrishnan, Senior Vice President at Cybage. “Providing them with raincoats and umbrellas is a small token of our appreciation for their resilience, sense of duty, and invaluable service to the community.”

Pune police play a pivotal role in the city’s ongoing transformation into a booming metropolis. By investing in the safety and comfort of those who protect us, Cybage has once again displayed its unwavering dedication to the community it calls home. This collaboration between the company and the Pune Police illustrates their shared commitment to the city’s well-being.

Scorpius Trackers Launches in the USA, Aims for 2,000 MW Annual Supply by 2028

Mumbai, August 28, 2024: Gensol Engineering Ltd., today announced its entry into the U.S. market with the launch of its Delaware-based subsidiary, Scorpius Trackers Inc. With this, Scorpius is set to debut its state-of-the-art tracker technology at the RE+ Conference in Anaheim, 9 – 12 September 2024, with subsequent showcase planned in Austin and San Diego. The first U.S. office of Scorpius Trackers will be strategically located in California, positioning the company at the heart of one of the most dynamic renewable energy markets globally.

This strategic move marks Scorpius’ commitment to leverage the vast potential of the U.S. solar tracker market, which is the largest in the world and deploys trackers aggregating over 25,000 MW annually. Importantly, the U.S. tracker market is growing at a robust CAGR of more than 20%. With an ambitious goal to supply over 2,000 MW annually by 2028, Scorpius Trackers Inc. aims to capitalize on its (Scorpius India) decade long experience and 1,000 MW+ of contracted orders across key markets including India, Africa, Japan, and the Middle East. The company’s advanced technology, designed to perform optimally on both flat and undulating terrains, coupled with its competitive pricing, is set to drive this growth.

Commenting on the expansion, Anmol Singh Jaggi, Chairman and Managing Director, Gensol Engineering Ltd., said, “The U.S. market is pivotal to our global strategy, and the launch of Scorpius Trackers Inc. marks a significant milestone in our growth journey. With USA leading the world in solar tracker adoption, our entry into this market aligns perfectly with our vision to provide designed in India and made in India high technology products to the world. We are confident that under leadership of Shailesh Vaidya, Scorpius Trackers will rapidly establish itself as a key player in the U.S. and help us tap into the potential of solar energy across the world.”

Shailesh Vaidya, Co-founder and CEO of Scorpius Trackers Pvt. Ltd. (India), who will lead the U.S. operations as CEO of Scorpius Trackers Inc., added, “Entering the U.S. market is a landmark achievement for Scorpius Trackers. Our proven technology and deep expertise in diverse global markets will ensure that we develop cutting-edge, reliable, and cost-effective solutions that will cater to the unique needs of U.S. utility-scale plants. This expansion will pave the way for substantial growth and further establish Scorpius Trackers as a leader in the solar tracking industry.”

Founded in 2012, Scorpius Trackers has quickly established itself as a leader in the solar tracking industry, known for its proactive, end-to-end single-axis solar tracking solutions. The company boasts globally patented technology and has installations across Japan, the Middle East, India and Africa. The acquisition by Gensol Engineering Limited in 2023 has further solidified its market position, enhancing its capabilities through a history of successful collaborations on diverse solar projects worldwide.

Leading the Way: five Indian Companies Driving Sustainable Power Capacity

As India continues to grow economically and industrially, the demand for electricity is on the rise. With this growing need, it’s essential to adopt sustainable energy practices to ensure a greener future for the country. Several Indian companies are stepping up to this challenge by building sustainable energy capacity. Here’s a look at five Indian businesses making significant progress in this area:

Jindal Aluminium
Jindal Aluminium, a leader in Aluminium extruded and flat-rolled products, pioneered the use of renewable energy by establishing a wind energy facility in Chitradurga as early as 1997. Today, two of its three manufacturing units are powered by renewable energy, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability. By reducing carbon emissions and embracing energy-efficient practices, Jindal Aluminium is setting a benchmark for the industry to follow.

 Tata Power
Tata Power is one of India’s largest power companies and a leader in renewable energy. With a broad range of solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects, Tata Power is at the forefront of the sustainable energy movement. The company aims to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity. Tata Power is also involved in community projects that promote energy conservation and environmental responsibility, making it a leader in both corporate and social responsibility.

 ReNew Power
ReNew Power is a key player in India’s renewable energy sector. Since its founding in 2011, the company has rapidly grown, adding over 10 GW of renewable capacity, mainly in wind and solar. ReNew Power is dedicated to leading India’s transition to clean energy. They are also involved in various green infrastructure projects that use advanced technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 Adani Green Energy
Part of the Adani Group, Adani Green Energy is one of India’s largest renewable energy companies. The company plans to increase its solar and wind power capacity to 45 GW by 2030. Adani Green Energy’s projects are spread across the country, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy goals. The company is also focused on water conservation, waste management, and community development, taking a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

 NTPC Limited
NTPC Limited, traditionally known for coal-based power generation, is now heavily investing in renewable energy. The company has set a goal to add 60 GW of renewable energy by 2032, focusing on solar and wind projects. NTPC is also exploring new technologies like green hydrogen and carbon capture to enhance its sustainability efforts. By diversifying its energy sources, NTPC is helping reduce India’s reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Sterling and Wilson successfully completes Greenfield Data Center in Democratic Republic of Congo

New Delhi, 28 August 2024: Sterling and Wilson Private Limited, India’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, proudly announces the handover of the Greenfield Data Center for Raxio Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Raxio Group is Africa’s leading carrier-neutral Tier III certified data centre operator, delivering world-class co-location and connectivity services. They own and operate industry-standard, enterprise-grade facilities and services that serve as the foundation of Africa’s digital economies.

The Data Center facility will house Co-location and Hyperscale clients spread across 4,300 sq.mt. area with a total IT load of 1.5 MW. SWPC’s scope included complete turnkey Civil & MEP for the facility along with Tier-III Uptime TCDD and TCCF certification. One of the first of its kind features include modular design of civil structure made of prefabricated steel, which ensures faster execution and better quality vis-à-vis normal brick and mortar structures. The project also included Indirect Adiabatic Cooling (IAC) free cooling solution for better PUE. This project involved various challenges such as tough geography and supply chain hurdles, however, the company was able to execute and deliver the project before the scheduled deadline of 16 months.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Prasanna Sarambale, CEO, Data Centre Business, Sterling and Wilson Private Limited said, “We are proud to execute this prestigious Greenfield Data Center before scheduled timeline which showcases our vast expertise and experience in successfully delivering such projects within sub-Saharan Africa. At Sterling and Wilson, we have a proven track record of delivering complex data center projects and are confident that this data centre meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability. Through this successful project delivery, we want to reassure the larger African market that our company remains committed for the need of reliable, secure and scalable data center solutions to further strengthen the region’s digitization journey.”

Mr. Robert Saunders, Group Chief Technology Officer, Raxio Data Centers said, “We are extremely pleased to have achieved this significant milestone that has emerged from our collaboration with SWPL. The African region is witnessing an exponential growth of digitalization, and we are committed to meet this growing demand by delivering robust data center infrastructure to the region. The SWPL team have vast experience in this space and have been committed to our vision of delivering this project on time. I am certain that the Raxio data centre, DRC 1 will truly add immense value to enterprise businesses as well as public sector organisations within the country, successfully contributing towards the digital transformation in the region.”

Sterling and Wilson commenced Data Centre services in 2015, and in a short span of time, it has emerged as one of India’s leading Data Centre EPC players in the sector. It has executed 24 DC projects with total IT load of more than 65MW, in India and international markets, with leading players like global hyperscalers, Telecom Egypt and MainOne (an Equinix company). We are currently executing 5MW in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 1.5MW in Luanda, Angola-West Africa, 6MW for a COLO player & 96MW for a Hyperscaler player in India. Sterling and Wilson Group is an established player in the whole of Africa and enjoys considerable goodwill in the region. The Group has been executing projects in Africa for more than a decade, across South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Zambia and Namibia.

Ready Steady Go Kids Expands to Noida with 13 New Centres in Partnership with Peas in Pods

Noida, 28th August 2024 – Legendary cricket coach John Buchanan announced the launch of the Australian multi-sports foundational program, ‘Ready Steady Go Kids,’ in Noida, in partnership with Peas in Pods, a leading pre-school chain in the city. Expanding its reach in Noida, this program teaches the fundamentals of 13 different sports to children aged 1.5 to 7 years in India and will kick off on 27th August 2024. The globally recognized program will be introduced across 13 Peas in Pods centres in Noida.

Started in Australia, the Ready Steady Go Kids Program aims to develop the required motor skills of students in a fun, non-competitive environment. With the presence of the program in 13 countries with 210 locations, this program will expand to various cities in India.

Australia’s Two-Time World Cup Winning Cricket Coach, John Buchanan, added, “Our partnership with Peas in Pods is a significant milestone, enabling the launch of 13 new centres in Noida. We are grateful for their support and cooperation. Through this program, we aim to instil healthy and active lifestyles from a young age and positively impact children’s lives. Given its success in Australia, where it has engaged and guided children effectively, I am confident it will similarly thrive as a leading preschool motor skills development program in India.”

Ankur Kumar, Founder & MD of Peas in Pods, commented, “We are delighted to partner with Ready Steady Go Kids to bring this exceptional sports program to our students in Noida. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to holistic education, and we are confident that the children will benefit greatly from the skills and values instilled through this program.”

Aeries Financial Technologies To Unveil Two New SaaS Products at Global Fintech Fest 2024

Mumbai, August 28, 2024: Aeries Financial Technologies (AFT), the holding company of the digital lending platform CASHe, announces its plan to unveil two new fintech SaaS platforms, CredCollect.ai and CreditQuotient.ai. These platforms will be showcased at the Global Fintech Fest 2024, scheduled in Mumbai from August 28-30. These new offerings are part of AFT’s broader suite of fintech solutions under Stack.ai, aimed at transforming the financial services industry with cutting-edge technology. Digital lending disbursements are projected to surpass INR 47.4 lakh crore by 2026, driven by the rapid adoption of fintech solutions. As more financial institutions shift towards digital-first strategies, the demand for advanced debt management and underwriting platforms has grown significantly.

CredCollect.ai is a next-generation AI-powered debt management solution designed to streamline debt recovery processes for banks, NBFCs, and collection agencies. The platform offers digital-first collection methods, integrating AI with personalized outreach to improve efficiency and optimize recovery rates. Available in freemium and premium models, the platform includes advanced features such as SmartCollect for enhanced collection performance.

· Smart Allocation: Optimizes customer and agent pairing for better conversion.

· Smart Campaign: Identifies customers with a higher likelihood of conversion based on their salary credits and bank statements.

· Smart Dialer: Enhances predictive and progressive calling strategies for improved results.

· Propensity Score: Assesses customer risk levels based on bureau data or behavior.

· Smart Call Analytics: Provides agent-level profanity metrics and customer-level sentiment analysis.

CredCollect.ai’s advanced features enable financial institutions to achieve measurable performance improvements in debt collection, offering on-premise and cloud deployment options to suit organizational needs.

CreditQuotient.ai is a Gen AI-powered underwriting platform that enhances financial institutions’ underwriting capabilities. Trained on 45 million customer profiles, this intelligent underwriting assistant leverages AI and advanced analytics to deliver comprehensive risk modeling, faster credit decision-making, and improved customer experiences.

The platform’s 360-degree analytics combine credit bureau data, banking transactions, and mobile metadata to provide deep insights into creditworthiness. This enables financial institutions to make informed lending decisions, reduce approval times, and mitigate risks through predictive analytics and real-time decisioning.

Mr. Yashoraj Tyagi, CEO of CASHe, said, “As the digital lending ecosystem rapidly evolves, the financial sector must embrace smarter, more efficient technologies to stay competitive. With CredCollect.ai and CreditQuotient.ai, we are pushing the boundaries of fintech innovation to empower banks and financial institutions with next-generation tools. Research shows that AI-powered solutions can improve debt collection efficiency by up to 25% and reduce loan processing times by 40%. These platforms combine the power of AI with real-time analytics to optimize debt management and underwriting, ensuring more accurate, data-driven decisions. Our goal is to enable financial institutions to streamline operations, reduce risk, and ultimately, provide a superior customer experience. We are excited to introduce these transformative solutions at Global Fintech Fest 2024 as we continue to lead the charge in reshaping the future of finance.”