Author: Rabindra

JSW Cement Boosts Installed Capacity to 20.6 MTPA

Mumbai, October 3, 2024: Parth Jindal-led JSW Cement, a part of the $24 billion JSW Group (by consolidated revenue in Fiscal 2024), has successfully commissioned an additional two Million Tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity at its plant in Vijayanagar in the southern state of Karnataka, boosting the total capacity of the plant to 6 MTPA.

With this expansion – made with an investment of Rs 461 Cr – the overall installed grinding capacity of JSW Cement has gone up to 20.6 MTPA, reinforcing its focus on manufacturing green cementitious products.

The Vijayanagar facility, strategically located alongside JSW Steel’s manufacturing plant, benefits from operational synergies within the group, especially in sourcing raw materials like blast furnace slag, enabling the production of eco-friendly cement and cementitious product.

The new capacity addition is in line with JSW Cement’s goal of increasing the overall grinding capacity to 40.85 MTPA in the near term through greenfield and brownfield expansions across India, a growth driven by innovation, sustainability, and integrated business operations within the JSW Group.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO of JSW Cement, said: “This new capacity at Vijayanagar is a significant step towards increasing our overall capacity to 40.85 MTPA while maintaining our commitment to sustainability. By using advanced technologies and leveraging synergies with JSW Steel, we are able to produce ‘Green Cement’ that not only meets the growing demands of our customers; it also significantly reduces the environmental impact. As we keep expanding, our focus will remain on innovative and sustainable manufacturing practices that support the global shift towards a circular economy.”

The expansion at Vijayanagar is part of JSW Cement’s broader strategy to invest in brownfield and greenfield projects across northern and central India, including proposed units in Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

JSW Cement’s vision is to cater to rising infrastructure and housing demand across the country. As part of its commitment to green products, JSW Cement continues to focus on the production of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) cement, which is an eco-friendly product produced entirely from blast furnace slag.

The company’s growth plan also aligns with synergies in logistics and raw material sourcing through JSW Infrastructure’s port operations and limestone reserves across various regions.

Achieving Work-Life Balance: St. George’s University Graduates Share Insights for Aspiring Doctors

India, 3 October 2024: For International Doctor’s Day on 1st October, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies has provided tips to help medical professionals achieve a good balance between work and personal time.

The specialties with favorable work-life balance

In-demand fields like primary care offer more flexible schedules, making it easier for doctors to juggle personal and professional responsibilities. “Primary care is unique in medicine because of its flexibility,” says Dr. Linda Girgis, SGU alumna and primary care doctor in New Jersey. “Many physicians now practice outpatient medicine, avoiding late-night hospital admissions. Options like private practice or working under a hospital system each have their benefits and challenges.”

Work-life balance is achievable in specialties beyond primary care, though it may require a different approach. Procedure-oriented specialties often demand long hours and early mornings. Physicians in these fields must be intentional about scheduling time for work and home.

Tips for preventing burnout

“Eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and don’t neglect your friends and family more than necessary,” advises Dr. David Thomas, SGU alumnus and advanced fellow for transplant and oncology infectious diseases at Moffitt Cancer Center. “Finding balance is key to improving your practice.”

Doctors with the best work-life balance often cultivate lasting healthy habits. For some SGU graduates, this balance started on campus. Dr. Ifeatu Egwuatu, SGU alumnus and internal medicine resident, attributes his ability to juggle multiple responsibilities to his time at SGU. “Managing my time effectively allowed me to excel in both medical school and extracurriculars,” he says.

Dr. Nanditha Guruvaiah, SGU alumna and internal medicine preliminary resident, emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and self-care. “Achieving the perfect work-life balance is still a work in progress. Planning and reserving time for self-care are critical to avoid burnout,” she explains.

Practice what you preach

Physicians may want to consider implementing the advice they often give to their patients. Medical professionals know more than anyone about the long-term consequences of stress caused by burnout. Prioritizing your well-being will set a good example for your patients to prioritize their well-being.

Dr. Garima Gupta, SGU alumna and oncologist, says: “The key is making it a priority and maintaining mental health to prevent burnout,”.

Balancing a medical career with other aspects of life is challenging but achievable. Prospective medical students should not be deterred by work-life balance concerns. SGU graduates across various medical fields have successfully navigated this balance.

Fashion Design Council of India and Lakmé Fashion Week Present Péro Opening Show on October 9, 2024

National 3.10.2024: péro, known for its delightfully whimsical take on Indian craftsmanship, is all set to open the next edition of Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI on the 9th of October 2024 in New Delhi. Founded by Designer Aneeth Arora, this year also marks a special milestone–the 15th anniversary of péro.
Over the years, péro has come to be known for its fantastical storytelling told via intricately detailed, richly embroidered, handwoven textiles that lend a playful dimension to contemporary design.

Aneeth Arora, founder & designer of péro, shares her excitement, “I am so happy and honoured to celebrate péro’s 15th anniversary by opening Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with Fashion Design Council of India. This collection, in particular, is very close to my heart as it is a celebration of our collective childhood nostalgia reinterpreted in our own quirky style. Think cottage core but with a twist.”

péro’s exploration this season will see its signature surface ornamentations and ditzy florals—all of which spark unimaginable joy.

Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakmē said, “At The House of Lakmē, we have been consistently re-inventing the fashionXbeauty landscape, shattering boundaries and uncovering bold new frontiers. The inaugural show of Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI seamlessly aligns with our vision as a trendsetting brand. We are thrilled to unveil Aneeth Arora’s péro as the opening act that blends Indian heritage with modern flair. As péro celebrates 15 years of trailblazing design, this season’s signature collection is sure to captivate audiences worldwide.”

Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI said, “Aneeth Arora, renowned worldwide for her captivating fashion narratives, seamlessly blends the intricacies of traditional Indian textiles with western design sensibilities. We are thrilled to welcome her for the opening show, which is poised to spark trendsetting fashion conversations and will set a vibrant tone for the October 2024 season in New Delhi.”

Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Pvt. Ltd said, “Each season, the grand opening show sets the tone for the five days of fashion that follow. This year, we are thrilled to kick off the extravaganza with péro by Aneeth Arora. With it being péro’s 15th anniversary showcase, it promises to be a magical start to the season, celebrating Indian craftsmanship through a fresh and imaginative lens, bringing an unconventional perspective to the runway. We are excited to have Aneeth open Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, setting the tone for what will be an unforgettable edition of creativity, innovation, and fashion in Delhi.”

Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI is scheduled from 9th October to 13th October 2024 in New Delhi.

NIIT Foundation and Ciena Launch Career Initiative for Underprivileged Youth in Ghaziabad

National, 03rd NIIT Foundation, in collaboration with Ciena, a networking systems, services and software company, is operating a Career Development Center (CDC) to empower individuals in and around the villages in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The program addresses the critical gap between education and employment and aims to provide essential skills training and job opportunities to marginalized communities – equipping beneficiaries with the tools they need to succeed in today’s ever-evolving economy.

 The CDC offers a comprehensive range of services, including vocational training programs in high-demand sectors such as IT and retail. The center’s curriculum emphasizes both technical and soft skills development, ensuring trainees are well-prepared for professional environments. Furthermore, the center also facilitates beneficiaries with job placement assistance, community engagement efforts, counselling services, and offers specialized programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by women in skill development and employment for instance.

 During the financial year 2023-24, the total registrations surpassed 300, along with 128 individuals securing a successful job placement. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the registration drive, indicating strong interest and participation in both career and non-career programs.

 Charu Kapoor, Country Director of NIIT Foundation, said, “Our partnership with Ciena has enabled us to create a substantial impact in the lives of underprivileged youth in Ghaziabad. By providing targeted skill development and career guidance, we aim to not just create job opportunities but also foster a sense of empowerment and self-reliance among the community.”

 Further commenting on the collaborative effort, Amit Malik, Vice President, Ciena India, added, “Our collaboration with NIIT Foundation aligns perfectly with our commitment to social responsibility and community development. The success of this initiative reinforces our belief in the potential of public-private partnerships to drive meaningful change.”

 Looking ahead, the NIIT Foundation and Ciena are committed to expanding the reach of this program across Ghaziabad to impact more than 300 beneficiaries, with plans to introduce new courses aligned with emerging industry needs and to explore partnerships with more local businesses to enhance job placement opportunities. The initiative aims to continue its mission of empowering underserved communities and contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

ZF, the industry pioneer in Electric Parking Brakes, surpasses 250 million units

Koblenz, Germany. ZF, the global leader in foundation brake systems, has achieved a remarkable milestone: the production of 250 million Electric Park Brake (EPB) units. This achievement solidifies ZF’s position at the forefront of the industry, becoming the first company to reach this significant figure while maintaining its commitment to enhance overall brake system performance and driver safety and comfort.

ZF, the industry pioneer in Electric Parking Brakes, surpasses 250 million units

The Electronic Parking Brake stands out for its ability to improve fuel economy by reducing weight in the brake system. Beyond that, it represents a significant step in the electrification of mechanical systems, and when integrated with other vehicle systems, it enables advanced functions. The EPB also enhances driver safety by allowing two-wheel anti-lock emergency stops and providing convenient activation with a simple touch of a button.

The EPB isn’t just about parking — it is fully integrated into the brake system. It features dynamic actuation and brake pad wear sensing, while minimizing degradation associated with traditional mechanical systems.

“When the shift from purely mechanical service brake functions began in the early 2000’s, ZF had already been established as a global leader in the foundation brake market,” said Danny Milot, Senior Vice President Braking Engineering. “The continued success of the EPB emphasizes that position as this technology is featured on many of the world’s most popular vehicles, from small cars to large pick-up trucks and SUVs.”

As an industry leader in braking technology, ZF offers a range of park brake solutions including the integrated park brake through to full EPB systems. And with more than three billion braking parts sold over the course of more than 50 years, ZF continues to be on the cutting edge of innovation while offering the most comprehensive portfolios of purely electronically controlled steering, brakes and damping systems for software-defined vehicles.

“As we move toward advanced safety, automated driving and vehicle electrification, braking systems continue to play a pivotal role,” Milot said. “ZF will maintain its position is a leader, continuing to relentlessly pursue innovation while setting new standards for the automotive industry.”

New Season of Australian Almonds Launched in India, Boosting Bilateral Trade

The season of gifting and festivities is almost here and almonds from Australia are in India now to be a part of our celebrations this time!

 Renowned for their distinctively sweet taste and crunchy texture, Australian almonds are cultivated in optimal growing conditions, ensuring superior flavour and nutrient content.

India is one of the world’s largest importers of almonds as the country has very little commercial production of this nut. With Australian almonds getting active in the market, the upcoming season promises greater availability, stronger trade channels, and enhanced economic ties between the two nations.

Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Nick McCaffery officially launched the promotion campaign for Australian almonds at a reception hosted at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion Mr. McCaffrey remarked that “Australia and India are strategic partners and the two countries are working closely to enhance bilateral trade. Both countries have mutually benefited in the last one year since the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) became operational. Australia being in the southern hemisphere, perfectly complements the Indian and North hemisphere production period. This counter seasonality allows Indian consumers to access almonds all year round and we are lucky that fresh Australian almonds are available during the festive period of Diwali. Australian almonds are recognized as being one of the best in the world, thanks to their freshness, crispness and sweetness. I am delighted to see them here in India,” he added.

The Almond Board of Australia (ABA) is the peak body for the almond industry in Australia and facilitates the development of the industry whilst seeking to maximise the viability of stakeholders and ensure its sustainability.

Mr. Tim Jackson, CEO of the ABA was present at the launch and remarked, “With an emphasis on strict quality control and sustainable farming practices, Australian almonds are known across the world for their high quality and exceptional taste. Australian almonds are carefully harvested to preserve their natural freshness. Their rich, buttery flavour and uniform size make them ideal for a variety of culinary uses, whether enjoyed as a standalone snack or incorporated into both traditional and modern recipes.”

“Australian almonds are now getting increasingly popular in India. Consumers can visit their local dry fruit retailer or visit major e-commerce platforms and ask or search for Australian almonds,” added Mr. Jackson.

Birla Estates Achieves Rs600 Crore Booking Milestone for Trimaya Phase 2 in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 3rd October 2024 – Birla Estates Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited (formerly Century Textiles and Industries Limited) today announced that Birla Trimaya Phase II – The Park, has sold almost 95% of its inventory within 24 hours of its launch achieving an approximate booking value of about ₹600 Crore. This sales success follows the record-breaking performance of Phase I of Birla Trimaya, which secured approximately ₹500 Crore in bookings within just 36 hours of its launch. Overall, the cumulative booking value achieved till date is approx. ₹1,100 Crore and the project is anticipated to generate a revenue potential of around ₹3,000 Crore across the entire 52 acre development.

Set in the prime location of Shettigere Road, Devanahalli, Bengaluru North, the project is spread across an expansive 52 acres of land parcel. Building on the success of Phase I, Birla Trimaya Phase II – The Park, presents a thoughtfully curated collection of apartments, row houses and duplex homes, catering to the diverse needs of discerning homebuyers with customised home configurations. Its strategic location, coupled with the exceptional design, represents a significant opportunity for homebuyers looking to invest in North Bengaluru’s fast-growing real estate market.

Mr. K. T. Jithendran, MD & CEO of Birla Estates, said, “Our exceptional sell on both our phases of Birla Trimaya is a testament of our focus on consumer understanding and commitment to crafting quality spaces curated for their specific needs. Our focus on design differentiation and deep understand of the market has created this new benchmark. Bengaluru remains a key focus market in our growth plans.”

Mr. M R Seetharam, designated partner of M S Ramaiah Realty LLP said, “Our collaboration with Birla Estates underscores our commitment to developing exceptional residences that enhance the quality of living for the residents of Bengaluru.”

Central to the ‘LifeDesigned’ philosophy, Birla Estates seeks to curate a nature inspired living and a journey for the homeowner, a charismatic lifestyle influenced by the energetic hills to the vibrant social park and culminates in the serene bay district. The strategic location of Birla Trimaya, coupled with the exceptional design, represents a significant opportunity for homebuyers looking to invest in North Bengaluru’s fast-growing real estate market. Birla Estates also has a strong presence in other markets across Bengaluru with projects across Whitefield, Rajajinagar, Devanahalli and the recently launched Rajarajeshwari Nagar project – Birla Ojasvi.

Sennheiser Launches MD 421 Kompakt Microphone

National, 3 October 2024 – Sennheiser, the global pioneer in audio technology and solutions is thrilled to announce the launch of the MD 421 Kompakt Microphone. The versatile microphone offers a comprehensive solution for live sound and recording applications. Featuring a cardioid pickup pattern and exceptional dynamic range, the MD 421 Kompakt delivers pristine audio reproduction. Its innovative mounting clip ensures secure and flexible placement.

They say that if you’ve heard music, you are most likely to have heard the MD 421, a Sennheiser microphone featured in countless award-winning performances and productions over the past six decades. Now Sennheiser launches the MD 421 Kompakt, an incredibly versatile microphone that delivers the same legendary performance, but in a truly multipurpose package — including a completely redesigned mounting clip. The MD 421 Kompakt features a cardioid pick-up pattern and remarkable dynamic range, delivering crystal-clear sound reproduction in live sound and recording applications.

“The MD 421 is an incredibly versatile microphone. Since its inception in 1960, it excelled as a studio and a vocal microphone, but was also used a lot in broadcasting, where it appeared with many celebrities of the time. Today, its successor, the MD 421-II, which launched in 1998, is an all-rounder for multipurpose miking and well known to be used on drums, guitar cabs and horns,” says Mr. Vipin Pungalia, Country Manager & Director- Sales Pro Audio, Sennheiser India. “It works on anything, capturing the sound source with precision, detail, and rich sound.”

“With the MD 421 Kompakt, we’re offering the same legendary sound and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, but with an incredibly compact form factor,” he added

Compact design, same great sound
​To give the MD 421 microphone its compact dimensions all while retaining the large-diaphragm capsule and the pristine sound of the much bigger MD 421-II, the bass roll-off switch was eliminated. “While this feature made total sense when the MD 421 was designed, and was carried over to the MD 421-II, this functionality has long since been taken over by mixing desks and DAWs,” says Mr. Pungalia. “Omitting the switch allowed us to create a relatively small microphone body, making the Kompakt an ideal tom mic, but also a versatile tool for any recording or live application.”

Sound-wise, the MD 421 Kompakt delivers the same detailed and authentic reproduction of the sound source that the MD 421 and MD 421-II have become famous for. The microphone’s frequency response of 30 Hz to 17 kHz faithfully reproduces both high and low frequencies, with a bass tube ensuring an accurate and extended low-end response. The sound is rich and full-bodied, and incredibly clear and detailed at the same time.

The MD 421 Kompakt also provides effective feedback rejection and is able to handle exceptionally high sound pressure levels even in demanding environments.

New clip
​The clip of the MD 421 Kompakt has been entirely redesigned and is now part of the microphone housing for easy, worry-free mounting. “The clip is the one thing that users have always criticised,” remarks Landry. “The new clip is an integral part of the mic, and the optional drum clamp securely screws into this clip, ensuring fail-safe mounting on drums.”

Rugged all around
​The MD 421 Kompakt is designed to withstand the rigours of touring and heavy studio use. It features a rugged frame with a stainless-steel basket, and a gold-plated XLR-3 connector. A protective inner chassis enclosure reduces the exposure to dust and humidity.

Tamara Leisure Experiences appoints Bonnieface Frank as Hotel Manager for Lilac Bangalore property

03rd October 2024, National: Tamara Leisure Experiences is pleased to announce the appointment of Bonnieface Frank as Hotel Manager for Lilac Bangalore. In his new role, Frank will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s operations, enhancing guest experiences, and driving overall performance.

With a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, Frank brings a wealth of experience from renowned institutions such as the Taj Group of Hotels, HMS Host, SRM Group of Hotels, and Punnamada Resorts & Houseboats. His expertise in orchestrating major banqueting events, including the prestigious President of India fleet review and numerous high-profile luncheons and dinners for heads of state, demonstrates his ability to manage significant events with precision.

Commenting on the appointment, Shruti Shibulal,CEO and Director, Tamara Leisure Experiences, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Bonnieface Frank to our team. His extensive experience in hotel management and proven track record in delivering exceptional guest experiences align perfectly with our commitment to excellence. We are confident that his leadership will contribute significantly to the success of Lilac Bangalore.”

On joining Lilac Bangalore, part of Tamara Leisure Experiences, Frank shared, “I am excited to join the Tamara Leisure Experiences family and lead the team at Lilac Bangalore. I look forward to leveraging my experience in pre-opening hotels and developing food and beverage outlets to enhance our offerings to create memorable experiences for our guests. The philosophy of Tamara deeply resonates with my personal and professional goals, and I look forward to long innings with the very accomplished team”

Frank holds a degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology. His diverse skill set includes strong leadership, excellent communication, and a keen financial acumen, all coupled with a profound understanding of customer service. His ability to manage staff, oversee budgets, and implement effective marketing strategies showcases his comprehensive grasp of the hospitality industry.

Facial Recognition: Building a Robust Smart Transportation Ecosystem

The modern digital world relies deeply on the Internet of Things (IoT) and the technologies that come with it. As a prominent result of this rapid transformation, global economies are heavily investing in smart city initiatives to further automate day-to-day operations, specifically transportation. It includes integrated transport networks, centralized traffic control, vehicle movement trajectories, and commuters’ database management, extending to the security and convenience of a unified ecosystem. According to recent reports, the global smart transportation market size is expected to amount to USD 340 billion by 2032, indicating the reformative role of security technologies to streamline transport operations and ensure commuter convenience.

 In order to maintain the stability of one of the most critical infrastructures for a state, the footprint of AI and advanced technologies is rising to further strengthen the security operations. Facial recognition is one such technology that has sought a center stage in the smart city landscape, unveiling tremendous opportunities for operational unification and fast-paced digitization.

 Enhanced Smart Parking Security
Facial recognition technology in smart parking systems offers advanced security, revolutionizing how we access parking facilities. By registering facial data while entering a smart parking space, routine commuters can enjoy seamless entry and exit, as the system quickly verifies their identity and links their profile with the details of the vehicle. This not only eliminates the need for physical tickets or cards; it also streamlines the parking experience and reduces the cases of vehicle theft. Facial recognition-enabled access cameras vigilantly identify the individual behind the wheels and raise alarms when a potential breach is committed. The concerned person as well as the security staff are notified, allowing rapid response. The potential for enhanced user convenience and the efficiency of automated parking solutions make facial recognition a compelling technology.

 Elevate Security at Smart Transport Terminals
Smart terminals and ports endorse interactions with cloud-based services, allowing access to public transport resources, but remain vulnerable to security threats. In most instances, threats to property, resources, and lives could be prevented if the concerned person was identified at the entry point itself. AI-powered Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) enhance the capabilities of the existing video management system to enable real-time monitoring and accurate identification using face images. It helps deter security infringements and uphold security protocols. By mapping the entire facility into the FRS, specific zones and locations can be monitored by switching between screens.

 Robust Support in Security Operations
FRS allows security personnel to categorize people’s profiles into classified lists, like stop-list, VIP, daily commuters, repeated offenders, etc. It identifies when a person of concern enters the protected transport terminal’s perimeter, so the security staff are able to timely deploy countermeasures. Moreover, any unidentified suspected individual can be kept under constant supervision using watch lists. As and when a breach is committed, the security operator receives alerts, facilitating them to prevent issues from escalating.

 Convenient Travel
Facial biometrics-powered solutions not only allow live monitoring but are also exceptionally instrumental in enhancing the commuter experience. Interactions at transport terminals improve as a result of stringent security measures. Additionally, the system translates commuter data into comprehensive reports. So, the visitor statistics for various criteria like gender, age, and healthcare protocols can be easily inferred, enabling data-driven decision-making. This also promotes inclusivity by preparing for the convenience of commuters with special needs, particularly during peak hours.

 Chong Nonsi Metro Station: RecFaces’ Id-Guard for Secure Travels
Following a critical security incident at the Chong Nonsi Metro Station in Bangkok, the authorities sought an advanced, AI-powered solution to mitigate security risks and accelerate investigations. In response, RecFaces deployed the ready-to-use Id-Guard solution within the Video Management System (VMS) at the station.

 • Id-Guard is a facial biometric solution that performs real-time monitoring of visitors and identification of stop-listed people through their face image
• It enabled searching for an unwanted person from the archived biometric data and speeding up the investigation process
• By equipping the video management system with facial biometrics, tourists and residents of Bangkok using Chong-Nonsi station for travel can feel safe

 The successful implementation of the facial recognition system in one of Bangkok’s busiest metro stations is a classic example of how this new-age technology can enhance security in smart transportation.

 Smart Transportation: Unveiling Exponential Growth
Technology is constantly permeating our lives and transforming even routine activities, including how we travel. Rigorous testing is being conducted to ascertain the feasibility of automatic ticketing systems and contactless payment systems using facial recognition technology. The ticket holder can be guided across the terminal, ensuring entry authorisation by ticket class and reducing cases of fraudulent ticketing. With pilot projects already implemented in Spain, Brazil, and South Korea, biometrics offer promising prospects for enriching commuter interactions, making them more secure and convenient. It augments the transport system to build a more inclusive and accessible service ecosystem.

 According to Eugenia Marina, Business Development Director, RecFaces, “Smart city initiatives call for reliable technology solutions that are here to stay. And facial recognition systems have unprecedented potential in reinforcing security and convenience within the smart transportation ecosystem.”