29, Nov 2023
Inaugural Mission Net Zero India Summit 2023 to convene key stakeholders in clean energy and build a roadmap to achieve Net Zero
New Delhi, 29th November 2023 – The first Mission Net Zero India Summit, a national conference supported by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Department of Transport and Government of NCT of Delhi, Niti Ayog and Government of Kerala is set to take place on 7th and 8th December at Yashobhoomi, IICC, Dwarka, New Delhi. The two-day event will focus on achieving India’s energy transition and decarbonization goals with affordability, sustainability, and energy independence.
Jointly organized by Constellar and Messe Frankfurt India, the summit will comprise three key conference tracks: Empowering India’s Energy Sector to Achieve Net Zero, AtoZero: Accelerating India’s Leadership in Renewables, and Next Mobility: Pathway to Decarbonising the Transport Sector.
Through dialogues led by Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), ministries, and key private sector players, the three conference tracks will catalyze a comprehensive discussion on building India’s overarching strategy for long-term low-carbon growth. This includes accelerating the adoption of renewables, electrification in manufacturing, cleaner mobility solutions, energy efficiency, fast-tracking green hydrogen technology, and infrastructure. Discussions will also centre on incentivizing clean carbon technologies for sectors like power, oil and gas, and transportation to drive viable decarbonization options through critical opportunities across policy, technology, financing, and operations.
As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, India stands at a pivotal crossroads, seeking affordability, sustainability, and energy independence. While India reached a commendable 40% share of non-fossil energy capacity in 2021, the road ahead is ambitious with a strong commitment towards a 33-35% reduction in GDP emission intensity over 2005 levels by 2026, with just four years to achieve an additional 10% reduction to meet the ratcheted NDC. With India having successfully led the G20 Summit 2023, the Mission Net Zero India Summit promises to further the international conversation on building a strong and sustainable pathway to achieve our net-zero goals.
The summit draws its strength from 6 established events – AtoZero India, India Refining Summit, E-Mobility India Forum, LNG India Summit, NGV India Summit, and Next Mobility India. The event’s stellar line-up of speakers will include distinguished representatives from the Government of India, such as Dr Hanif Qureshi, IPS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India; Sanjay Dubey, IAS, Principal Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh and Ashish Kundra, IAS, Pr. Secretary & Commissioner (Transport), Govt. of NCT of Delhi.
Other prominent industry leaders and experts speaking at the event include:
Sudhendu J Sinha, Advisor, NITI Aayog
S A Sundaresan, Head – New Technologies, Ashok Leyland Limited
Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director of Development, MSME Business Forum India
Sourabh Mukherjee, Executive Vice President, Clean Energy and Sustainability, Tata Projects
Chintan Shah, Principal Advisor, National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI)
Kapil Bansal, Partner – Energy Transition & Decarbonisation, EY India
Dr SC Sharma, Formerly Officer on Special Duty (Energy and Climate Change), Government of India.
The Summit will also convene various leading organizations and associations in the sector, such as Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), NITI Aayog, Carbon Markets Association of India, National Solar Energy Federation of India, The Energy and Resources Institute, Green Hydrogen Organisation, Indian Biogas Association, International Council on Clean Transportation, International Finance Corporation, Integrated Research and Action for Development (IRADe), Australian High Commission. It will also have representatives from leading corporate players in attendance, such as Honda, GAIL India, Tata Projects, Mahindra Susten, Enel Green Power India, Tata Power, Omega Seiki, O2 Power Maruti Suzuki, Reliance Industries Limited, Equinor and Emerson.
““The Mission Net Zero India Summit 2023 is a significant step in India’s journey towards achieving energy transition and decarbonisation objectives. As we navigate through global challenges affecting environmental sustainability, the Summit unites industry leaders, government officials, and policy makers. Recognising that major nations play a pivotal role in moving the dial towards sustainability, the Summit becomes a powerful platform to leverage their influence, collective expertise, cutting-edge technology, and innovative solutions. Together, these global leaders will forge sustainable roadmaps for a clean energy future, catalyzing action and shaping a more sustainable and resilient tomorrow,” said Paul Lee, Chief Executive (Markets), Constellar.
“Backed by key ministries, the Mission Net Zero India Summit 2023 is a testament to India’s commitment to reducing dependence on non-renewables like coal and petroleum across sectors. The synergy between private sector innovation and public sector governance is imperative to ensuring on-ground impact. The summit provides a forum for engaging dialogues on improving renewables adoption in power sectors, creating a sustainable transition plan for hydrocarbons, and championing cleaner mobility solutions. I am confident that these discussions will play a crucial role in crafting the net-zero path for India and the world,” said Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd.
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- By Rabindra
29, Nov 2023
ENGIE commences construction of 400 MW Solar PV Project in Gujarat
Mumbai, 29 November 2023, India: ENGIE, a leader in low-carbon energy solutions, has been awarded a 400 MW solar project from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL) in the 750 MW GUVNL Phase (XVI) auction process with an estimated investment of around $200 million. ENGIE secured its position as a favored bidder with a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with GUVNL, the project is estimated to generate 907 gigawatt-hours of electricity while avoiding 774,112 tons of carbon emission annually. This project once commissioned will take ENGIE’s total renewable portfolio in India to 1.5 GW, with 18 projects across 7 states.
In Gujarat, this will be ENGIE’s third renewable project following the commissioning of a 200 MW solar project in Raghanesda in August 2021 and a 29.9 MW wind project in Tithva in 2019. The project is presently in the construction phase, with the Final Investment Decision (FID) already made. It is anticipated to be operational by the second quarter of 2024. This successful FID decision is a significant milestone for ENGIE and showcases our potential to accelerate the development of our renewable energy portfolio and achieve our global target of adding 4 GW of capacity per year by 2025, taking our global installed capacity to 50 GW. The
FID decision is a crucial stage in the development of a project, marking the point at which a project sponsor or investor decides to commit funds to a particular project, and it’s the final stage of project development before construction or implementation begins.
Speaking on the achievement, Amit Jain, Managing Director, ENGIE India, remarked, “We are optimistic about many such future milestones of ENGIE. This award is a testament to ENGIE’s commitment to supporting India with its plan for energy transition and achieving its 500 GW clean energy goals by 2030. The transition towards sustainable energy sources is a crucial prerequisite for bringing about lasting change in consumption patterns, and ENGIE has emerged as a dynamic player in this field.”
It has been informed that ENGIE plans to further expand its energy storage capabilities and also aims to provide innovative energy solutions to its customers in India. It is committed to playing a leading role in India’s energy transition by collaborating with local partners and stakeholders to develop sustainable energy solutions. This includes working closely with the government, policymakers, and regulators to create an enabling environment for the growth of renewable energy in India.
29, Nov 2023
50 Indian students to present projects at famous ECOSOC chambers at UN headquarters in New York
Fifty Indian teenagers are set to represent India at the 7th 1M1B Activate Impact Summit at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The students – mostly from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi – will present social, economic, and environmental projects to a gathering of industry experts, corporations, non-profits, academia, civil society, UN representatives, Indian officials, and delegates from multiple countries.
Indian students will take part in transformative events featuring Networking mixers, Rocket Pitches, Power Talks, Slam Poetry, and insightful discussions over micro-documentaries, all aimed at igniting inspiration for meaningful action supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On the agenda are also critical dialogues on topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Tech for Good, Digital Citizenship and inclusivity, Sustainability, and climate Action, Localising and accelerating SDGs, and Amplifying UN Campaigns, ensuring that the summit is an immersive experience and a catalyst for innovation and collaborative change to achieve promises of the United Nations and the 2030 agenda.
Said Manav Subodh, Founder of 1M1B, an UN-accredited non-profit, “The One Million for One Billion (1M1B) programme is meticulously identifying and moulding promising young talents into human-centered leaders. Through varied projects, these leaders are working towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will in turn impact one billion people. This summit is proof of the path the programme has taken and will have participation from diverse backgrounds, including educators, corporate executives, dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and young innovators. The summit collates inputs and recommendations from these diverse stakeholders for Summit of the Future 2024, with a focus on AI, cyber safety, climate action, and inclusive technologies”.
The spotlight of the Activate Summit will be on the presentations by Indian teenagers of their impactful projects in agriculture, climate change, diabetic patients, the hearing impaired, and even ecosystems like lakes, among others. These projects include innovations in drones and Artificial Intelligence for farmers, solar-powered drinking water for rural areas, and sustainable menstrual hygiene practices for girls from poor families. The will present to an expected audience of educators, corporate professionals, government officials, and students from around the world.
This year’s summit is set to host nearly 300 participants, including students, educators, industry experts, and government officials. Key Participants for this year’s summit include prominent personalities like Ambassador Madam Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York; Mr Maher Nasser, Director, Outreach, United Nations Department of Global Communications, New York; Ms. Hawa Diallo, Chief, Civil Society Unit, Outreach, Department of Global Communications, United Nations, New York, and other leaders from 1M1B partners like IBM, Meta, UC Berkeley and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL)
Ambassador Madam Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York, said, “India’s vibrant youth represent not just our nation’s potential, but also our active commitment to shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. As these 45 young visionaries from India present their innovative initiatives at the 1M1B Activate Impact Summit at the United Nations, they embody the spirit of our country’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals. Their work, marked by creativity and a deep understanding of global challenges, is a testament to India’s role in driving positive change on the world stage. We are proud to support and witness their contributions to a more equitable and prosperous global community.”
Mr. Maher Nasser, Director of Outreach at the Department of Global Communications at United Nations, said, “Examples of youth-led initiatives with positive impact on their community reinforce the hope that we can overcome rising challenges that our world is facing today. I welcome the opportunity to listen to young leaders from India who are speaking at the 1M1B Activate Impact Summit about projects that have had transformative changes in the lives of their communities. Change led by youth is change that feeds on young people’s creative energy and optimism and is therefore change that needs to be embraced and amplified. With rising and interconnected global challenges, we need more youth-led initiatives and solutions.”
The 1M1B Activate Impact Summit will collate inputs and make recommendations for the United Nations Summit of the Future – to be held in September 2024 – is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments including the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Charter, and move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that is better positioned to positively impact people’s lives.
“The 1M1B Activate Impact Summit is channeling one of the biggest strengths of India – its young population – to create future leaders. We want to give Indian talent an opportunity at the top. We want them to not just talk about issues but also come up with solutions, solutions that we help implement and scale up. They’ve shown they can use new-age skills to solve age-old problems. Most already have a change maker and entrepreneurial mindset that, for example, is needed for achieving sustainable development goals of 2030,” added Subodh.
29, Nov 2023
Gouse Shaik to Transform Employee Experience at InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort
Gouse Shaik is set to redefine the employee experience in his new role as the Director of Human Resources at InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort. With an illustrious career in the hospitality industry and a proven track record of transformative leadership, Gouse is well-prepared to lead HR Operations at this iconic resort, aiming to make a lasting impact on the workplace environment.
His strategic vision seamlessly aligns with the brand’s commitment to providing a world-class work atmosphere and cultivating a culture of excellence. Leveraging his noteworthy achievements in talent development, streamlined HR processes, and enhanced employee engagement from previous roles, Gouse is prepared to guide InterContinental Chennai into a new era of HR management.
With over 8 years of association with the InterContinental Hotels Group, Gouse Shaik is a familiar face within the organization. His significant role in driving people strategies at IHG and contributions to the hotel’s success, evident in his involvement in multiple IHG SWA Share and Conquer initiatives, underscores his dedication to excellence in human resources management.
A postgraduate in Business Administration from the National Institute of Business Management, Gouse is acknowledged for his commitment to instilling IHG’s Culture of High Performance and recognition. His efforts were rewarded with the prestigious Best Departmental Leader of the Year award in 2021, showcasing his dedication to fostering a positive work culture.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gouse is a versatile individual with a passion for cricket and photography, reflecting the dynamic approach he brings to his role that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of HR leadership.
In his new position, Gouse will concentrate on enhancing the employee experience to ensure InterContinental Chennai remains an employer of choice in the competitive hospitality sector. His responsibilities encompass talent acquisition and development, employee relations, and the implementation of innovative HR strategies aligned with the resort’s overarching business objectives.
Adding to his impressive portfolio, Gouse has been selected as a Buddy for all new HR Managers joining the South West Asia region in the Holiday Inn brand. He has championed the SWA HR Commitment project for 2021-2023, served as the Project Champion for the SWA Benefits Grid review project in 2022, and received awards at the HR Meet. Additionally, Gouse has been recognized as the Champion for the South India region for the SWA Commitment Audit 2021 at IHG South West Asia.
His accolades also include being the Winning Ways Champion for Creating an Empowered and Engaged Workforce at the Holiday Inn Chennai OMR in 2020, identified as a Regional Champion from the SWA region for testing and implementing the Hotel Talent System (TDMS – Talent Data Management System) software, and receiving multiple Winning Ways awards for his exemplary leadership in the HR Department.
Gouse Shaik’s journey includes being awarded Winning Ways Departmental Leader for Half-Yearly in 2019 and 2021, culminating in being honoured as the Winning Ways Departmental Leader of the Year in 2021. This rich tapestry of accomplishments underscores his commitment to excellence and positions him as a driving force in elevating the employee experience at InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort.
29, Nov 2023
BharatPe turns EBITDA positive: Clocks October 2023 as the first profitable month
● Annualized revenue crosses Rs. 1,500 Cr
● Facilitated over Rs. 640 crores of loans to its merchants in October on its platform; 36% increase
on a Y-o-Y basis
Mumbai, November 29, 2023: BharatPe, one of India’s leading players in the fintech sector, today announced that it has turned EBITDA positive in October 2023. Additionally, it shared that its annualized revenue has surged past Rs. 1,500 Cr, a growth of 31% from FY23. This financial milestone is attributed to consistent growth across all its business lines. The company has also significantly cut down its EBITDA burn—which was averaging at Rs. 60 Cr per month in FY23—to attain EBITDA positivity. This significant milestone in conjunction with strong growth is a testament to the efforts of the team, enabled by strategic guidance from the Board. The company will continue taking strides toward being a market-leading financial services platform for the 50 million small businesses across India.
The company has experienced consistent growth in its lending vertical over the past several months. In October, it facilitated loans exceeding Rs. 640 crores for its merchants in partnership with its NBFC partners, demonstrating a spike of 36% Y-o-Y. BharatPe has facilitated loans totaling over Rs. 12,400 crores since its foray into this segment in late 2019. Additionally, it recorded growth across verticals – including its payment products. The company also saw remarkable growth in the number and amount of transactions done on its soundbox devices. BharatPe, in October, also recorded a monthly TPV of over Rs. 14,000 crores across its diverse range of payment products.
Speaking on the milestone, Nalin Negi, CFO and Interim CEO, of BharatPe, said, “BharatPe was started with the vision of empowering millions of offline merchants and MSMEs across the country, with best-in-class fintech products. This milestone reflects the trust bestowed upon us by our vast network of over 1.3 crores merchant partners. October was a great month for us- we achieved significant growth with loans facilitated on our platform. Also, our digital payments verticals grew considerably, boasting a monthly transaction count exceeding 37 crores. We will continue to cater to the needs of our merchant partners as well as customers and our strategic focus will be to ensure sustained profitability across our business lines. In the coming months, we’ll focus on scaling our lending, POS, and soundbox businesses. We will also focus on launching new products tailored for our merchant partners while concentrating on the development of our consumer and NBFC businesses.”
Added Nalin, “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team. I would like to congratulate each and every team member of BharatPe for achieving this milestone. Moving forward, we continue to stay committed to build a sustainable business with growth across business lines. We will continue to focus on driving financial inclusion across Bharat, empowering more offline merchant businesses. Our goal is to establish BharatPe as one of the largest merchant-first fintech companies in the country.”
29, Nov 2023
LG TO Present Innovative Solutions For A Better Life At CES 2024
Bengaluru, Nov. 29, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) invites consumers from around the world to tune in to its LG World Premiere press conference and to come visit its exhibition booth at CES in Las Vegas this January. The press conference, hosted under the theme ‘Reinvent your future,’ is scheduled to kick off at 08:00 (PST) on January 8 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Arriving on stage first, LG CEO William Cho will be announcing the company’s key areas of focus for 2024 and beyond. Major topics will include LG’s transformation into a Smart Life Solution Company—declared earlier in July as Future Vision 2030—and how it is leveraging AI to expand and enhance both the living space and the customer experience. The LG World Premiere is set to unveil more details of what the vision truly means and promises for the consumers.
The state-of-the-art products unveiled during the press conference will be on show during CES 2024 at LG’s booth. Along with impressive displays, jaw-dropping technology installations, and entertaining interactive exhibits, visitors can explore and learn more about how its innovations will improve lives across various areas, including the home, commercial, and mobility.
29, Nov 2023
Zell Education’s New Campaign Inspires the Finance Leaders of Tomorrow
Mumbai: 29th November 2023: Zell Education is excited to announce the launch of its latest campaign, “Finance Forward.” This initiative is dedicated to empowering young professionals aspiring to build successful careers in the finance industry. With the goal of giving back to society and enlightening the youth in finance, “Finance Forward” showcases the inspiring journeys and invaluable insights of industry legends.
Anant Bengani, the Co-Founder and director of Zell Education, is passionate about the campaign’s mission. He emphasizes, “Our commitment to this initiative stems from our unwavering belief in the power of knowledge and mentorship. ‘Finance Forward’ aims to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement for young finance enthusiasts. Through the inspiring stories and practical wisdom of renowned finance professionals, we hope to provide the guidance and inspiration needed to nurture the leaders of tomorrow.”
In the recent Finance Forward episode featuring Suresh Prabhu, the former Minister of Railways in India and Chancellor of Rishihood University, he shares profound insights and personal anecdotes. Emphasizing the vital link between education and practical application, Prabhu underscores the historical disconnect between academia and real-life scenarios. Having actively engaged with universities for over three decades, he advocates for students to break free from the confines of traditional education and explore the realities beyond classroom walls. Commending the positive impact of the new education policy in India, Prabhu highlights the need for a seamless integration of theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
The episode serves as a compelling call for an education system that prepares students to navigate the complexities of life beyond academia. “Finance Forward” will continue to feature top finance professionals, offering a diverse range of perspectives, advice, and success stories. The campaign aims to inspire, educate, and guide the next generation of finance leaders as they embark on their own journeys toward success.
29, Nov 2023
Novotel Guwahati Introduces Accor Key for Enhanced Guest Experience
Guwahati, 29th November’23: Novotel Guwahati is delighted to announce the launch of “Accor Key,” a cutting-edge digital solution designed to offer guests a contactless and convenient journey. As part of Accor’s commitment to innovation and guest-centric solutions, “Accor Key” sets a new standard for the hotel’s contactless experience.
“In today’s fast-evolving world, we understand that guests seek a seamless and contactless stay experience,” says Mr. Nitin Pathak, General Manager at Novotel Guwahati. “With ‘Accor Key,’ we not only fulfil this need but also contribute to sustainability by reducing plastic and cardboard waste associated with traditional key cards. Our guests can now enjoy a streamlined and eco-friendly stay, aligned with the high standards of Novotel Guwahati.”
The “Accor Key” solution allows guests to access their rooms without a physical key card, ensuring a smooth check-in and check-out process. Novotel Guwahati is committed to providing a memorable and environmentally responsible stay experience, setting the bar high for the industry.
29, Nov 2023
Keywords Studios Launches Exclusive Virtual Training for Future Game Developers: Insightful Direction and Skillset Exploration
New Delhi, November 29, 2023: Keywords Studios, an international technical services provider to the global video games industry, is excited to announce an online boot camp designed to introduce 2nd and 3rd-year engineering and programming students to the exciting world of game development. This immersive programme, scheduled to run from December 4th to December 22nd, 2023, aims to provide participants with valuable insights into the industry and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue successful careers in this dynamic field.
During the boot camp, participants will actively participate in interactive sessions guided by seasoned professionals from Keywords Studios, delving into diverse facets of game development. The curriculum encompasses comprehensive exposure to video game business, game-building processes, team composition, skills required, various roles in game engineering, and hands-on experience with game engineering. Beyond getting acquainted with crucial technical skills, attendees will also have the chance to network with both industry professionals and peers. Engaging in hands-on projects will allow them to apply their newly acquired knowledge practically. As a testament to their accomplishments, participants will receive a certificate of completion, acknowledging their successful journey through the boot camp.
Manvendra Shukul, CEO of Lakshya Digital and Country Head, India, of Keywords Studios, said, “The video game industry is an incredibly fast-paced and rewarding field that offers limitless opportunities for innovation and creativity. This boot camp is designed to provide aspiring game developers with a comprehensive understanding of this exciting industry and the skills they need to succeed.”
With a focus on practical learning and real-world applications, this boot camp is an ideal platform for students seeking to explore career paths in game development. By providing a glimpse into the industry and equipping them with essential skills, Keywords Studios is committed to empowering the next generation of game development professionals.
In line with its commitment to accessibility, the boot camp welcomes participants without any entry fee requirement. However, registration is mandatory, offering aspiring game developers a hassle-free entry into this transformative learning experience.
29, Nov 2023
Huawei and Sharp Sign Long-Term Global Patent Cross- licensing Agreement
[Shenzhen, China, November 29, 2023] Huawei and Sharp announced today the signing of a new long-term global patent cross-licensing agreement, which covers Cellular Standard Essential Patents, including 4G and 5G.
“We are delighted to reach a new agreement with Sharp through amicable discussions,” said Alan Fan, Head of Huawei’s Intellectual Property Department.
“This license represents mutual recognition of intellectual property of two standard contributors, which promotes standardization collaboration. We’ve enjoyed working together with Japanese and global peers in developing standards and will continue to do so. Advanced technical standards enhance user experience, promotes competition, and reduce device and service cost,” Fan added.
“We are pleased to have reached this global patent cross-licensing agreement with Huawei under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory conditions. This agreement reflects that both parties respect the high value of each intellectual property,” stated by Mototaka Taneya, Executive Managing Officer, Chief Technical Officer, and Head of R&D at Sharp.
