17, Feb 2024
Re Sustainability Unveils New Waste to Energy Facility in Rewa
Bangalore, India February 17, 2024: Re Sustainability Limited(ReSL), Asia’s largest integrated waste management company, inaugurated its regional Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) facility, addressing the waste management needs of the Rewa, Satna, and Sidhi districts, comprising a total of 28 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
The project’s scope includes the establishment of an Integrated Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management Facility, which elevates the waste management capabilities of the region, facilitating the door-to-door waste collection and transportation, processing, and disposal (including RDF, composting, recycling, and landfill operations). The project also includes a 6 MW Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant. The project involves the participation of 28 ULBs, with 12 from the Rewa district, 12 from the Satna district, and 4 from the Sidhi district. The facility will help the district to efficiently process and manage 350 metric tons of waste each day.
Approximately 2,35,000 households are being served under the project, involving collection and transportation municipal solid waste. The waste to energy plant has a capacity of 6 MW, and the concessionaire tenure for the project is 21 years. The project is undertaken by Nagar Palika Nigam, a government corporation in Rewa.
Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Rajendra Shukla, said “The government’s commitment to supporting initiatives like the Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management Facility underscores our dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable practices. Through this partnership with Re Sustainability Limited, we are addressing the pressing waste management challenges in our districts while also harnessing renewable energy resources for the benefit of our communities.”
“This Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant brings the world’s best technology to solve the region’s municipal waste challenges, while simultaneously enabling a circular economy. It not only diverts waste from landfills and conserves precious land, but also generates clean energy, contributing to the state’s response to climate change. This is a monumental occasion for citizens of Madhya Pradesh and a testament to our commitment to building a cleaner and more sustainable future for all of India – from the mega-cities to the smaller towns and urban clusters” said, Mr. Masood Mallick, CEO, Re Sustainability Limited.
The nature of the project is build, own, operate (BOO), and the government is providing a capital grant of Rs. 87.27 crore. The total project cost, inclusive of collection and transportation and processing and disposal, amounts to over Rs. 220 crores. The boilers at the facility have a capacity of 32 tons per hour of steam generation. There are plans for expansion of the facility in the next five years, intending to increase the Waste to Energy capacity by another 6 MW in future.
er 85+ operating locations spread across India, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Tanzania and USA. With over 25 years of operational history, ReSL has a dominant presence across the entire waste value chain and has been a long-standing partner in the environmental solutions space to its customers.
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- By Rabindra
17, Feb 2024
Maharashtra MSME Defense Expo 2024: Elevating the State as a Defense Powerhouse
National, 17th February 2024 – Taking inspiration from the remarkable vision set by the Hon. PM of being self-reliant and Make in India, Maharashtra is pleased to organize its first and perhaps the biggest MSME Defence Expo from 24th-26th of Feb at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The expo, proudly presented by Maharashtra Government along with Nibe Limited as the knowledge partner, strategic partners as L&T, Solar Industries, Tata Advance Systems, Bharat Forge, supported by DRDO and DPSU’s, exchange partner NSE and BSE, is poised to be a groundbreaking event, focusing on Land, Airspace, and Maritime Security Systems.
The expo promises to be a landmark occasion with a distinguished gathering of dignitaries. The inaugural day’s agenda includes an illustrious lineup featuring leaders such as Shri. S. N. Subrahmanyan (Chairman and Managing Director, L&T), Shri. Ravi Kant (DPSUs Chairman), Shri. Satyanarayan Nuwal (Chairman Solar Industries), Shri. Baba Kalyani (Chairman Bharat Forge), and Shri. Ganesh Nibe (CMD of Nibe Limited) and more.
Political luminaries including Shri Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister Maharashtra, and Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Maharashtra will be in attendance along with Industrial Minister Maharashtra, Shri Uday Sawant and Health Minister Maharashtra, Shri Tanaji Sawant. Shri. Ajay Bhatt (Rajya Raksha Mantri and Minister of State for Tourism), Chief of Defence Staff, Chiefs of Tri Services, DRDO Secretary, Dr. Kamat, Joint Secretary Defence Production and other notable personalities will contribute to making the expo a convergence of industry leaders, policymakers, and defense luminaries, setting the stage for collaborative discussions and advancements of the defense sector in Maharashtra.
Event Highlights:
This first-of-its-kind MSME Defense Expo in Maharashtra will bring together over 500 MSMEs, start-ups, and 20,000 engineering students, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Key Features:
The expo aims to stimulate industry synergy, featuring state-of-the-art technologies and proficiencies in the defense production sector. Attendees can expect lucrative business opportunities, potential deals worth hundreds of crores, and strategic utilization for MSMEs and start-ups in the defense technology export sector. Apart from this DRDO’s technology transfer agreement with MSMEs will also take place. There will be discussion on future challenges in technologies in indigenous development in the defence sector.
What to Expect:
● Lucrative Business Opportunities
● Strategic Utilization for MSMEs and Start-ups: Leverage defense technology exports to connect with Indian buyers, offset OEMs, and other potential buyers.
● Three-Day Exhibition Highlights: 500+ MSME participation, 20,000 footfall, B2B meetings facilitating crucial connections.
● Distinguished Presence: Participation of dignitaries from the Armed Forces, Defence Ministry, and the State government.
Empowering Maharashtra: MSME, Defence, and Technology:
The MSME defence expo aims to elevate the Maharashtra MSME ecosystem to serve the defense production sector, establishing a robust and enduring supply chain foundation for a dynamic MSME network in Maharashtra. It seeks to pave the way for defense manufacturing and exports, catalyzing a powerful ecosystem for the state and nation through the advancement of academia-industry collaborations.
Reflecting on the significance of the Maharashtra MSME Defense Expo, Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde emphasized, “This Expo underscores our commitment to fortifying the defense capabilities of our state. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, the event plays a crucial role in our journey towards self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of Hon. PM, fostering growth and innovation in the defense sector.”
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Phadnavis, lauded the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders involved in the Maharashtra MSME Defense Expo, stating, “Commendable is the initiative undertaken by all contributors to the Maharashtra MSME Defense Expo. Such events are pivotal in promoting innovation, collaboration, and driving economic growth. Maharashtra’s steadfast commitment to evolving into a defense manufacturing hub is evident, and this expo will undeniably contribute significantly to bolstering our nation’s security.”
As the expo unfolds, it is poised to be a transformative event, propelling Maharashtra to the forefront of the defense sector, driving economic growth, and ensuring the nation’s security.
17, Feb 2024
Voltas – Launches its new HVAC line-up at ACREX 2024
Noida, 17th February 2024: Voltas, an undisputed market leader in Room Air Conditioners in India, has today strengthened its position by associating with South Asia’s largest HVAC exhibition, ACREX India 2024.
Voltas announced the launch of its new commercial AC product line-up for commercial spaces at the ongoing ACREX India 2024 in Noida. The new Inverter Scroll Chillers have a cooling capacity ranging from 12-72 TR with eco-friendly refrigerants. The product is IoT-enabled, BMS compatible, silent in operation, and convenient for the user, as it can be operated through a mobile app. Through this
new line of Inverter Scroll Chillers, the company aims to further enhance its goal of encouraging commercial spaces, to use cutting-edge technology, for incorporating energy-efficient solutions into their operations.
Further, some of the other CAC products that Voltas launched at the ongoing event are:
Upgraded its 1.5-ton and 2-ton Fixed Speed Cassette ACs to 3-star Cassette ACs.
Extended the product portfolio in the Ducted and Packaged AC segment including the
introduction of water-cooled series with eco-friendly R410a refrigerant. Voltas is also introducing 1.5-ton and 2-ton Hideaway Ceiling Concealed Ducted AC Units.
Voltas also introduced Voltas SmartAir AC, a new range of smart inverter room air conditioners that function silently while providing adequate cooling, and is also IoT enabled. This new product range has a significantly low noise level, enables easy temperature control, and has advanced features that can be controlled through the Voltas Smart Mobile App (available on Google Play Store & iOS App Store). The Smart AC is Alexa and Google Home compatible and enables the user to understand and analyze the Energy Consumption Trend with the availability of a graph for a certain period. Presently, we have introduced a total of 6 IOT-enabled SKUs, of which 3 SKUs will be in the 5-Star Inverter Split AC and 3 in the 3-Star Inverter Split AC.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Pradeep Bakshi, MD & CEO, of Voltas Limited said, “We are delighted to launch our new products, Inverter Scroll Chillers and SmartAir AC series at ACREX 2024. With our new products, we emphasize our work towards introducing more technology-driven products that are sustainable and tailor-made for the needs of our customers. We are committed to strengthening our relationship with customers across India.”
As pioneers in smart engineering, Voltas has always focused on building intelligent products with integrated smart monitoring for efficient execution for their wide customer base. The brand displayed its wide range of VRF, chillers, ducted package solutions, light commercial product solutions of cassette and tower ACs along with Room Air conditioners at ACREX India 2024.
17, Feb 2024
Kia welcomes Fitch Ratings’ upgrade to A-
(SEOUL) February 17, 2024 – Kia Corporation today welcomed Fitch Ratings (Fitch) upgrade of the company’s Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) and senior unsecured ratings to A- with a stable outlook from a previous rating of BBB+.
The rating upgrade reflects the continued improvement in Kia’s brand strength and market position in key markets, Fitch said in its report. Geographical and product diversification as well as improved profitability and cash generation, and large liquidity buffers were also taken into consideration, it added.
Furthermore, Fitch cited that the A- rating reflects Kia’s steadily improving business profile in recent years. Fitch also outlined how the brand’s key market positions have been improved, with the robust market position in the electric vehicle (EV) segment in the US and Europe.
16, Feb 2024
Ashok Leyland takes strides in skill development agenda in Uttarakhand
Bengaluru, February 16, 2024: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group on a momentous occasion today, distributed the Apprentice Engagement Letters to the inaugural batch of apprentices at Rudrapur Pantnagar. This marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to fostering skill development and employment opportunities in Uttarakhand.
The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Minister of Skill Development and Employment, Government of Uttarakhand, and Mr Ganesh Mani, COO, Ashok Leyland. This endeavor reflects Ashok Leyland’s commitment to enhancing skill development and fostering employment opportunities in the region, aligning with the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ashok Leyland and the Government of Uttarakhand in July 2023, the company has aimed to boost employability in the state. The MoU outlines the engagement of 1000 apprentices annually for three years, starting from 2023. The initiative is structured to equip apprentices with industry-relevant skills and prepare them for future job opportunities.
Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “We understand the vital significance of empowering youth through skill development initiatives. In an ever-changing landscape, acquiring pertinent skills is essential to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society. Our collaboration with the Government of Uttarakhand underscores our dedication to nurturing talent and creating sustainable employment opportunities in the region. By investing in skill development, we enable individuals to unlock their potential and drive positive change within their communities.”
Mr. Ganesh Mani, Chief Operating Officer, of Ashok Leyland said, “Our partnership with the government reaffirms our profound belief in the power of skill development to bring about meaningful change. We are honoured to be part of initiatives that drive the socio-economic development of Uttarakhand.”
The issuing of the Apprentice Engagement Letters reflects Ashok Leyland’s dedication to empowering young individuals, promoting skill enhancement, and bolstering the socio-economic advancement of Uttarakhand. To date, Ashok Leyland has effectively onboarded over 400 apprentices across diverse disciplines, owing to the cooperative endeavors of the government and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) throughout Uttarakhand.
16, Feb 2024
A Taste of Tradition: Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach’s Sampan Transports Diners to Ancient China
As the vibrant colors of spring begin to unfurl, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach invites patrons to partake in the jubilant festivities of Chinese New Year. Until the 25th of February 2024, the iconic restaurant Sampan will be adorned with cultural splendor, offering a culinary voyage to mark the arrival of the Year of the Dragon.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, carries deep cultural significance, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and the dawn of spring. As the Year of the Dragon emerges, it brings forth promises of strength, good fortune, and propitious beginnings. Revered in Chinese lore for embodying power, nobility, and ambition, the dragon sets the tone for a year of promise and possibility.
At the heart of the celebration lies the culinary mastery of Chef Penpa, whose expertise brings the flavors of China to life with each delectable dish. From the fiery allure of Jin Chicken to the comforting embrace of Pad Thai Noodles, every bite is a symphony of authentic flavors, transporting diners to the bustling streets of Beijing or the tranquil gardens of Suzhou.
Enhancing this culinary journey are handcrafted cocktails and a meticulously curated wine selection, ensuring that every sip resonates with the spirit of celebration. As guests raise their glasses to toast the Year of the Dragon, Sampan emerges not merely as a restaurant but as a beacon of joy, warmth, and cultural immersion.
Stepping into Sampan is akin to traversing through the annals of ancient China. The recently renovated ambiance exudes a tranquil allure, enveloping guests in its warm hues and inviting textures. Set against the backdrop of the setting sun and the gentle embrace of the sea, dining at Sampan becomes a soulful experience, blending serenity with culinary indulgence.
Whether relishing the flavorsome delicacies or raising a toast to new beginnings, patrons are certain to be captivated by the enchantment of Chinese New Year at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach’s beloved Sampan.
Date: 10th January – 25th February
Venue: Sampan, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach
16, Feb 2024
Remsons Industries enters into an agreement to invest for a majority stake
Mumbai, February 16, 2024: Remsons Industries Ltd., a pioneer in Cables & Shifters for Automotive Industry, has agreed to make a Majority Investment in the Automotive Sensor Division of Uni-Automation, a renowned sensor technology firm. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Remson’s commitment to innovation and expansion within the Automotive and Off-Highway Industry.
The proposed investment aligns seamlessly with Remson’s mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. With Uni-Automation’s expertise in sensor technology, Remsons is poised to strengthen its position as a manufacturer of Complete Systems with Embedded sensors.
The new offering of products will help widen Remson’s portfolio of offerings to domestic as well as global customers. The automotive sensor market has been growing on two counts. One deep penetration of embedded technology on legacy platforms. Second, increased adoption of Electric Vehicles which have higher per-unit sensor requirements. Since Sensor requirements are platform agnostic, entering into this technology gives a fillip to Remsons’ new offerings to its customers.
“We are thrilled to welcome Uni-Automation into the Remsons family,” said Rahul Kejriwal, Executive Director, Remsons. “Their exceptional track record in developing state-of-the-art sensor technologies complements our existing capabilities perfectly. This proposed investment underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions and enhancing our ability to address the complex challenges faced by our customers.”
“We are excited to join forces with Remsons and embark on this new chapter of growth and innovation,” said Vidhyadhar Mahajan, Chairman, of Uni-Automation. “By combining our expertise with Remson’s resources and market reach, we are confident that we will unlock new opportunities and deliver even greater value to our customers.”
“This proposed investment is in line with Remson’s philosophy of inorganic growth into Fuel Agnostic products. This is also partly complimenting to our existing product line and a diversification into future technology products. We also plan for further acquisitions and JV’s to complement and add to the above portfolio,” said Amit Srivastava, Remsons Group CEO.
For the transaction, KDA Corporate Advisors LLP acted as the transaction advisor & DBS Law acted as the legal advisors to Remsons Industries Ltd.
16, Feb 2024
PedalStart Announces Series-2 Internal Company Fund Launch
India, February 16, 2024- PedalStart, a leading startup accelerator, proudly unveils the commencement of its Series-2 fund, securing a substantial $250,000 to bolster early-stage startups. Following the resounding success of its inaugural internal company fund launch of $250K, deployed to 5-7 founders, PedalStart starts its next phase of catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship within the startup community.
The primary objective of this fund is to allocate capital to 5-7 promising early-stage startups who have demonstrated notable progress and execution over preceding three to six months.
These startups will be selected after a rigorous selection process that Pedalstart is doing while taking the startups for the acceleration process. Pedalstart aims to build a startup founders community that exhibits exceptional potential and promise.
Commenting on the launch, Manas Pal, and Aditya Darolia, the Founders of Pedalstart, said “We’re elated to extend our support to the burgeoning pool of entrepreneurs through the launch of our Series-2 fund. At PedalStart, our unwavering commitment lies in empowering startups with the resources and guidance necessary to navigate the competitive sphere and emerge as trailblazers. The infusion of funds from our Series-2 initiative will catalyze these startups to propel their growth and realize their vision. We extend a warm invitation to all enterprising founders to seize this opportunity and begin the transformative journey with PedalStart. Together, we can forge a future brimming with innovation, resilience, and boundless possibilities”.
PedalStart will orchestrate the selection process for identifying the recipients of the fund through a meticulous vetting procedure, emphasizing the execution and performance exhibited by startups within PedalStart’s Accelerated Startup. By scrutinizing the growth trajectory and scalability potential of each contender, PedalStart aims to identify 5-7 startups poised for exponential growth, expansion, and impact who will receive funds from the internal company fund launch. Just by being part of the unique platform, entrepreneurs gain as they become part of a large and influential community of entrepreneurs forged by Pedalstart. Since inception Pedalstart community has grown to 10,000 startups, over 300 mentors and 1600 founders.
16, Feb 2024
Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) partners with BioAsia 2024 as their Global Sponsor
India, 16th February 2024 – Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), the dedicated business agency of the Government of Queensland, is pleased to announce its role as the global sponsor for Bio Asia 2024. Scheduled from February 26th to February 28th in Hyderabad, the event will feature esteemed industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators worldwide to delve into the transformative journey of R&D, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data within the life sciences industry and healthcare sector. With the Queensland delegation at the forefront of this transformative endeavor, Bio Asia 2024 is poised to become an event of substantial significance, marking a milestone in the growing collaborative associations between Queensland and India.
Queensland has long prioritized R&D as a vital sector for its economic growth and innovation. With a vibrant ecosystem fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, Queensland has emerged as an R&D leader, seeking partnerships with international counterparts. Recognizing India’s growing economy and R&D landscape, Queensland views India as a strategic partner. Its participation in BioAsia 2024 marks a significant step in strengthening ties, underscoring Queensland’s commitment to international collaboration and global innovation.
Recent ministerial visits to India such as Minister Cameron Dick, Deputy Premier, Treasurer, and Minister for Trade and Investment, followed by former Minister Sterling Hinchliffe, Minister for Tourism, Innovation, and Sport, have bolstered collaboration in sectors like technology, R&D, life sciences, biotechnology, and AI, aligning with India’s innovation focus.
Expressing his views on this significant partnership, Mr. Abhinav Bhatia, Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner – South Asia, Trade and Investment Queensland, remarked, “Our partnership with BioAsia 2024 marks a milestone in our journey to bridge the innovative capacities of Queensland and India in the life sciences domain. This collaboration between Queensland and India is more than a partnership; it’s a strategic alliance that promises to catalyze breakthroughs, ensuring our leadership in global healthcare. We look forward to this opportunity to merge Queensland’s research excellence with India’s pharmaceutical prowess, setting new benchmarks for innovation in the life sciences.”
Distinguished Queensland delegation, including Professor Alan Rowan, Director of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology at the University of Queensland (UQ) renowned for his pioneering research in Advanced Nano-Structured Materials, Precision Nanomedicine, and Biomanufacturing. Joining him are Tamanna Monem, Head of Growth & Partnerships, Directorate, at The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR), Berghofer, renowned for her strategic vision and expertise in driving sustainable growth initiatives and garnering investments from key sectors like healthcare, MedTech and defense; Professor Prasad Yarlagadda, Dean of Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), an award-winning engineer recognized for his exceptional contributions to engineering and advanced manufacturing and who has received over $18 million in funding for his research and Prof Eliza Whiteside, Head (Research) at UniSQ who has won multiple awards for research in fields like molecular biomarkers, cancer biology, survivorship, and medical materials and technologies. Their primary objective is to foster partnerships with Indian institutes and entities.
Alongside the delegates leading Queensland companies like Microbio which has developed InfectID – a novel molecular diagnostic technology, Southern RNA which specializes in the production of nucleic acid products, Aegros an Australian technology leader in the therapeutic plasma market and Clinials which is a next-generation Clinical research platform helping Global Life Science pioneers will be at the forefront, showcasing their groundbreaking work across the entire spectrum of life sciences innovation, from R&D and clinical trials to cutting-edge data & AI applications. This participation along with top Indian pharma leaders will pave the way for dialogue and collaborations in the future and will further solidify Queensland’s position as a global leader in this transformative field.
BioAsia 2024 serves as a pivotal platform for Queensland and India to connect and collaborate in the life sciences sector. This event gathers industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators, fostering discussions on the latest trends, forging strategic partnerships, and accelerating advancements.
16, Feb 2024
Sunny Leone & Daniel Weber Venture Into Health & Wellness with Rize
In an inspiring tale that goes beyond conventional business endeavours, the journey of two college students, Sahil Manral and Dhruv Verma’s entrepreneurial venture Rize underwent a remarkable transformation with the investment of actress-entrepreneur Sunny Leone and Daniel Weber. The venture signifies more to enterprising youths than mere profit-seeking.
Besides financial support, Sunny and Daniel also offered vital mentorship for startup success. Through Rize, they aim to foster a culture of wellness and empowerment. Rize introduces three unique options: Dream Bites, melatonin-infused chocolates for restful sleep; Bliss Bites, designed to ease period discomfort and satisfy cravings; and Energy bars, blending caffeine and taurine for quick energy boosts. All products prioritise health, are sugar free, and hold 7 certifications. By addressing concerns ranging from sleep to wellness, these items bridge nutritional and taste preferences, highlighting Rize’s dedication to dietary diversity and community trust. Furthermore, this endeavour contributes to the ‘Make In India’ initiative, offering a pathway for local production.
The collaboration with Sunny Leone and Daniel Weber reflects Rize’s commitment to innovation, community, and steadfast support, propelling Sahil and Dhruv’s aspirations while shaping the brand into an entrepreneurial inspiration.
