Category Archives: News

Safex Chemicals Group ropes in Praveen Dubey as Senior Vice President – Strategic Alliances & Commercial

New Delhi, 8th October 2024: Safex Chemicals Group, a leading player in the global chemical industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Praveen Dubey as Senior Vice President – Strategic Alliances & Commercial. With an extensive career in institutional business and strategic sourcing, Praveen brings a wealth of industry experience that aligns with Safex’ mission to strengthen its global presence.

Mr. Dubey has joined Safex Chemicals Group following his most recent position as Sr. GM & Head of Institutional Business & Strategic Sourcing at NACL Industries Limited. His career spans over two decades with significant roles at ADAMA Ltd., Coromandel International Limited, where he developed an in-depth understanding of the agrochemical and chemical industries.

“We are excited to welcome Praveen Dubey to the Safex’ leadership team,” said S. K. Chaudhary, Founder Director, Safex Chemicals Group. “Praveen’s extensive experience in the industry and his proven track record in forging strong institutional partnerships will be instrumental in driving our commercial strategies forward. His leadership will contribute to Safex’s vision of expanding our global footprint and strengthening our alliances.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Dubey said, “The company has demonstrated tremendous success in recent years, and I look forward to working with the talented team to build strategic alliances and enhance commercial value for our stakeholders globally.”

The group has recently announced the appointment of Chandrashekhar Shukla as President – Sales & Marketing and Kamal Gupta as Global CFO. Safex Chemicals Group operates seven manufacturing units across India and the UK, reflecting the company’s strong production capabilities. The appointment of Praveen Dubey reinforces the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership and positioning itself as a global player in the chemical industry.

NESCAFE Sunrise unveils new campaign honouring coffee farmers

Bengaluru, 8 October 2024: NESCAFÉ Sunrise has launched a campaign to celebrate coffee farmers and honour their dedication and relentless efforts in growing coffee. The campaign pays a tribute to the love and commitment with which these farmers work in their fields, to grow high quality coffee. It also highlights their association with Nestlé agronomists, who work closely with these farmers, as a part of the NESCAFÉ Plan.

The NESCAFÉ Plan, introduced in India in 2012 goes beyond coffee. It aims at developing good agricultural practices, sustainable management of landscapes, and enhancing biodiversity in coffee farms. It blends the valuable traditional knowledge of coffee cultivation with modern scientific practices to aid sustainable growth of coffee in the region. Nestlé India works closely with around 5,000 coffee farmers in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala through the NESCAFÉ Plan.

Talking about the campaign, Mr. Sunayan Mitra, Director, Coffee and Beverages business, Nestlé India, said “Behind every delightful cup of Nescafé, there are coffee farmers whose hard work and dedication contribute to the exceptional taste of our coffee. On this International Coffee Day, we pay tribute to these remarkable farmers by sharing their stories on our jars and through this beautiful campaign crafted with love by our teams at Nestlé and Dentsu Creative Webchutney. The coffee farmers are the backbone for our NESCAFÉ Plan. They have helped us gain immense consumer love and trust for our brands by upholding the safety and quality of our products. This campaign is a homage to their perseverance and dedication, and I hope that it will be appreciated by our consumers.”

Mr. Vidya Sankar, Senior Vice President, Dentsu Creative said “This campaign is centred on the hard work of coffee farmers and the collaborative work between Nestlé India and the coffee farmers. It also shines the spotlight on the contributions made by coffee farmers to our society and how they impact the consumer’s experience while they enjoy a delicious cup of Nescafé Sunrise. Set amidst verdant green coffee plantations in Coorg, the film is an ode to every coffee farmer, the backbone of the coffee industry.”

Covestro Press Release: Covestro at the FAKUMA 2024

At this year’s Fakuma from October 15 to 19, Covestro will showcase materials and solutions for automotive, electrics & electronics, consumer goods and textile applications that make the world brighter and ever more circular. The catch: Covestro will show exhibits that contain materials with mechanically and chemically recycled contents, as well as contents from biomass – either as components or attributed through the mass balance methodology. In Hall 4, Booth B4-4208, visitors are therefore invited to get in touch with Covestro’s experts and discuss how to jointly materialize a circular economy.

“Our products touch everyday life in thousands of applications, from cars to electronics to footwear. To accelerate circularity and sustainability we need to work closely with our customers and partners along the value chain on adopting alternative raw materials, renewable energy sources and recycling technologies”, says Dr. Guido Naberfeld, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Market Development Mobility at Covestro. “We are excited to show some of our latest developments and projects and are eager to engage in discussions about them at this year’s Fakuma.”

The Fakuma in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is a leading annual international trade fair for plastics processing. Visitors of the Covestro booth will discover a set of exhibits ranging from Polycarbonates to Specialty Films to Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, demonstrating how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand across industries.

Key exhibits include an innovative automotive frontend design that combines looks and functionality while also incorporating electronics. The materials used in the concept are Makrolon® and Makrofol®. The same materials can be used to create nearly monomaterial electronic displays, ideal for integration into smart surfaces in kitchens, vehicles and consumer electronics. One demonstrator, featuring in-mold printed elecontric circuits, will be exhibited.

Covestro’s recently announced partnership with Neste and Borealis will also have a spot at the booth. It showcases the closed-loop recycling of old tires into highly transparent polycarbonates that can be used in automotive components, such as car headlamps. This innovation exemplifies circularity in the automotive industry through the Makrolon® RP product range, which uses chemically recycled raw materials, attributed via the mass balance approach.

Covestro in general aims to become increasingly circular and climate-neutral, with the goal of operational climate neutrality (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2035, and full climate neutrality by 2050. To make products that are advancing toward these goals easily identifiable, Covestro, besides RE or RP, also uses the “CQ” label. CQ stands for “Circular Intelligence”. CQ ecompasses, for example, products that contain at least 25% alternative, non-fossil raw materials, either as components or through the mass balance methodology. This helps to reduce their carbon footprint while contributing to circularity. Some of the abovementioned and more products can be seen at Fakuma.

Get Your Home Festive Ready with Life n Colors’ New Launch of Stunning Embroidered Furnishings and Artistic Wallpapers

8th October 2024, Mumbai: As the festive season approaches, Life n Colors offers the perfect way to transform your home with its new collection of embroidered furnishings and hand-crafted wallpapers. Known for reviving ancient Indian or International art through stunning home textiles and decor, Life n Colors has curated a range that seamlessly blends heritage and modern aesthetics, creating a luxurious and elegant ambiance for any home.

The collection features beautifully crafted furnishings from the brand’s home line, Prasanaakshi, including curtains, wall art, and art prints. With intricate designs that include hand-embroidered depictions of Ram-Sita and delicate threadwork on chinoiserie patterns, these pieces add a refined touch to any living space. Each item is crafted to enhance the festive spirit while serving as a timeless addition to your home decor.

Alongside these exquisite furnishings, Life n Colors presents a breathtaking array of wallpapers that are nothing short of artistic masterpieces. Designs such as the “Sangeet Bhawan,” inspired by Raja Ravi Verma’s painting style, and the “Lotus of Kailasaa,” reflecting Kerala art murals, allow homeowners to infuse their spaces with a sense of tradition and history. The brand’s attention to detail and craftsmanship shines through in each wallpaper, turning walls into canvases of storytelling.

The combination of artistic wallpapers and richly embroidered textiles offers a unique way to prepare your home for the upcoming festive celebrations. Whether you’re hosting Diwali gatherings or simply looking to refresh your space, Life n Colors provides decor that exudes warmth, heritage, and sophistication.

WranglerR And Hot Wheelstm Join Forces To Launch New Global Streetwear-Inspired Apparel Collection In India

October 08, 2024, Bengaluru –– Global denim brand Wrangler®, announced today a collaboration with the company behind the number one selling toy in the world: Mattel Inc.’s Hot WheelsTM. A nostalgia-driven collection, Wrangler® x Hot WheelsTM includes bold denim, jackets, coveralls, and graphic tees in coordinating youth and adult styles – along with a limited-edition Wrangler branded miniature die-cast ’85 Ford Bronco.

Following the resounding success of Wrangler and Mattel’s Wrangler x Barbie collaboration in 2023, the two have teamed up once again, this time for a streetwear collection inspiring new generations to climb into the driver’s seat and take life by the reins. The rich history of Wrangler and Hot Wheels is displayed through motorsport-inspired designs on classic denim pieces and colorful tees.

“Partnering with Hot Wheels has been a collision of heritage and horsepower,” said Holly Wheeler, vice president of global marketing, Kontoor. “Tapping into the resurgence of motorsport and inspired by the classic American iconography and nostalgia of both brands, Wrangler® x Hot WheelsTM hits the market at full speed and ignites a beloved pastime shared from generation to generation.”

Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils announces ‘Go for Freedom Gold Offer 2024’

Hyderabad: 08th October 2024: Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils has launched a new promotional scheme ‘Go for Freedom Gold Offer 2024’ to engage the customers during the festive season like Dasara & Diwali. The offer starts from October 1st to November 14th, 2024 for 45 days and covers the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. In these regions 100 consumers have the opportunity to win 1-gram gold daily and also get a chance to participate in the bumper draw.

The customers who want to participate in ‘Go for Freedom Gold Offer 2024’ have to purchase two 1-litre pouches of Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil. They can enter the contest by:

• Scratching the card provided with the purchase.
• Scanning the QR code on the scratch card.
• Submitting their mobile number, name, city, and state on the program microsite.
• Verifying their details through an OTP sent to their mobile number

 During the promotional scheme period, daily 100 lucky customers will get 1 gram of gold coin, which will be informed through WhatsApp messages, SMS, or phone calls.

The end of the promotional scheme, the 5 lucky winners will get a 50-gram gold coin, while 10 winners will receive a 10-gram gold coin. The Winners of the Bumper Lucky Draw will be announced after the scheme ends, and the Winners names will be posted on the website.

Mr. P. Chandrashekara Reddy, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, said, “At Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, we are committed to promoting healthier choices for our customers. Our mission is to inspire healthier cooking habits by providing oils that are not only rich in nutrients but also support heart health. To add excitement to this festive season and reward our patrons, we have introduced ‘Go for Freedom Gold Offer 2024’. This limited-time promotion gives customers the opportunity to win gold coin every day while enjoying the health benefits of Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil as they savour the delicacies by eating guilt free, this festive season.”

JICA-Funded Mumbai Metro Line 3 Launch Event

Mumbai, 8th October 2024: Mumbai’s ambitious first underground Metro Line 3, (Phase 1: Aarey to BKC), funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Government of Japan, was inaugurated on 5th October 2024 by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. This momentous event was also attended by the honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, and the Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, Shri YAGI Koji. The project represents a major milestone in the development of Mumbai’s transportation infrastructure.

During his address in Thane prior to his visit to Mumbai, the honourable Prime Minister stated, “The people of Mumbai have been eagerly awaiting this metro line. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Japanese government. The Japan International Cooperation Agency has been a great support to this project, making the Metro a symbol of India-Japan friendship.”

Commenting on the launch, Shri TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, said, “The Mumbai Metro Line 3 represents the future of urban transportation in India. This Significant progress has been achieved through the enduring cooperation between the Governments of India and Japan. The project not only enhances transportation within the economic hub of Mumbai but also contributes to building a more sustainable and resilient future. By addressing crucial matters like traffic congestion and urban mobility, we aspire to enhance the quality of life for millions of Mumbai’s residents, in alignment with JICA’s commitment to creating smarter and sustainable cities.”

As the city’s first fully underground metro system, Line 3 is designed to accommodate approximately 1.5 million passengers daily. Trains will operate every three to four minutes, with each trip capable of carrying around 2,500 passengers. Once fully operational, the line will significantly boost connectivity across Mumbai, reducing travel time from the airport to South Mumbai to approximately 45 minutes. Passengers will be able to travel this section in less than half the time compared to traveling by car. The line is expected to commence full operations (both Phase 1 and Phase2) by March 2025.

The project will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by easing traffic congestion caused by the use of automobiles. The climate change mitigation benefit of the project is expected to be approximately 261,968 tons of CO2 equivalent per year.

JICA has played a pivotal role in the development of Mumbai Metro Line 3, providing essential financial assistance and technical expertise. This project aligns with India’s development policies and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including promoting sustainable economic growth, building resilient infrastructure, making cities inclusive and sustainable, and combating climate change.

For the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project, JICA has provided financial support through multiple tranches: JPY 71,000 million Tranche 1 (2013), JPY 100,000 million Tranche II (2018), JPY 39,928 million Tranche III (2019), and JPY 58,943 million Tranche IV (2024). Additionally, the project received JPY 84,261 million as the 5th and final tranche in July 2024.

Airtel Business and Fortinet launch ‘Airtel Secure Internet’ for enterprise connectivity

(India), October 8, 2024 – Airtel Business, the B2B arm of Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, has leveraged new-age cybersecurity solutions from Fortinet, a global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, to launch ‘Airtel Secure Internet’ — a new-age internet security solution offering a robust and fully-managed defence against cyber threats.

The unique solution is designed specifically to enhance security over Internet Lease Line (ILL) circuits, combining Airtel’s trusted internet connectivity with Fortinet’s next-generation firewall. It offers comprehensive, end-to-end protection through Airtel’s state-of-the-art Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Fortinet’s Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) platform, ensuring robust management and defence against cyber threats.

Sharat Sinha, CEO – Airtel Business said, “Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly complex and many organisations lack the resources to manage it effectively. We have been pioneers in offering inclusive Cyber Secured ILL in the Indian market. With the launch of yet another innovative security solution — ‘Airtel Secure Internet’— we offer a comprehensive, future-proof solution that strengthens enterprises’ security without the burden of high capex.”

Vivek Srivastava, Country Manager, India & SAARC, Fortinet, added, “As cybersecurity challenges continue to escalate, many organisations are seeking expert support to manage and mitigate threats effectively. Our collaboration with Airtel Business to offer ‘Secure Internet’ provides a cost-effective solution, delivering 24×7 security event monitoring and detection to identify and respond to potential threats in real-time. By leveraging SOC-as-a-Service model, organisations can reduce their total cost of ownership, bridge the cybersecurity skills gap and gain greater visibility into their complex environments ensuring comprehensive protection in today’s digital landscape.”

‘Airtel Secure Internet’ will address the ever-increasing cybersecurity challenges faced by businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) including limited expertise, fragmented support and high capital expenditure (capex) for security equipment. Many enterprises also lack basic protection and the expertise to manage security across multiple locations while maintaining technology investments, leaving them exposed to internet-based attacks. Enterprises can also opt for Airtel’s next-gen iSOC, which is a state-of-the-art cyber defense centre, offering a large portfolio of security services.

The ‘Airtel Secure Internet’ service model is designed to protect against technology obsolescence, ensuring businesses remain future-proof while reducing capex expenses. The service allows for seamless upgrades or downgrades as needed, ensuring businesses always stay ahead of emerging security challenges. Airtel’s SOC utilises advanced orchestration tools with AI and ML algorithms to automate threat mitigation, providing robust, proactive defence.

With Airtel Secure Internet, businesses benefit from Airtel’s pan-India connectivity to link all their locations — headquarters, regional offices, data centres and remote sites. Bundling Fortinet’s Next Generation Firewall ensures holistic security, while Airtel’s intelligent Security Operations Centre iSOC manages the entire setup with its certified and trained resources, delivering continuous protection and peace of mind.

Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurates Malabar Group’s food distribution at Shatabdi Hospital, expanding the ‘Hunger-Free World’ initiative

Mumbai, 8th October 2024: In a significant step towards combating hunger in India’s urban centers, Honourable Minister Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated Malabar Group’s latest food distribution initiative at Shatabdi Hospital, Kandivali. This new effort will provide 500 nutritious meals daily to patient families at the hospital, ensuring that those grappling with medical challenges do not go hungry.

This initiative adds to Malabar Group’s existing efforts in Maharashtra, where the Malabar Charitable Trust is already distributing 6,300 food packets daily in various parts of the state. With the inclusion of the 500 daily meals at Shatabdi Hospital, the Trust’s food distribution in Maharashtra now reaches 6,800 meals daily, supporting vulnerable communities across the region.

This is part of Malabar Group’s broader ‘Hunger-Free World’ programme, a comprehensive CSR effort aimed at addressing hunger and malnutrition across the country and beyond. With this addition, the Trust is now distributing over 60,000 food packets daily with 50,000 meals served across 16 Indian states and 10,000 meals daily in Zambia, focusing on schoolchildren and underserved communities in the African nation.

Malabar Group, the world’s sixth-largest jewellery retailer, has embedded social responsibility at the heart of its operations. The ‘Hunger-Free World’ programme not only provides daily meals to vulnerable populations but also integrates a robust educational component. Through 247 micro learning centres (MLCs), the initiative reaches over 11,000 underprivileged children in India, offering them basic education to facilitate their return to formal schooling. These MLCs not only nourish young minds with knowledge but also provide essential daily nutrition, ensuring that children from streets and slums have a better chance at a brighter future.

At the event, MP Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group emphasized the significance of the programme, “Today marks a key milestone in our ongoing mission. By extending our Hunger-Free World initiative to Shatabdi Hospital, we are not only providing 500 meals daily to families in need but also underscoring our commitment to improving lives through food security. With 60,000 meals now being served daily in India and Zambia, we are proud to play a part in the global fight against hunger. Our micro learning centres further enhance this mission by addressing another critical challenge education for underprivileged children.”

The ‘Hunger-Free World’ initiative is executed in collaboration with the NGO Thanal – Daya Rehabilitation Trust, ensuring that meals reach the most vulnerable. It also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger, positioning Malabar Group as a key player in the global effort to eliminate hunger. Beyond food distribution, Malabar Group’s CSR efforts include the ‘Grandma Home’ project for orphaned elderly women, medical care funding, educational support for female students, and housing assistance for the underprivileged. The Group contributes 5% of its profits from all verticals, including Malabar Gold & Diamonds, towards these social welfare projects, with Rs 263 crore already invested in such initiatives.

Trainee pilot from India wins challenging flying competition in New Zealand

New Delhi, 2024 — Sneha Baskaran of Chennai, India has become New Zealand’s first international student to win a prestigious competition at the annual rally of the New Zealand Association of Women in Aviation this year.

Sneha with the Morane Saulnier Rallye Trophy she won at the annual rally of the New Zealand Association of Women in Aviation.

 The Morane Saulnier Rallye Trophy competition is a challenging feat that tests pilots’ skills in a simulated forced landing (with a powered-down engine) from 2500 feet, with aircraft wheels needing to precisely touch a designated grid on the runway.

 Sneha was the only participant who achieved the feat.
The forced landing requires precision, skill and staying calm under pressure and highlights practical skills required in aviation by challenging participants to perform under simulated emergency conditions.

 Sneha was absolutely “thrilled and exhilarated” to win the trophy.

 “I am grateful to have been included in the competition, they didn’t just see me as an international student.

 “It feels special to win a competition going back to 1963, and to see my name engraved on the trophy alongside all the winners from New Zealand,” she says.

 A trainee pilot who has been enrolled at the New Zealand Airline Academy in Oamaru since January last year, Sneha received a commercial pilot licence in New Zealand in August after completing her final test.

 Sneha receives two stripe epaulettes after completing the commercial pilot flight test from Julie Vaughan (A-cat) flight test examiner.

She is now looking forward to returning to India, where she will convert her New Zealand commercial pilot licence to an Indian one, and work for an airline in the country.

 Dream to fly
Born and raised in Tamil Nadu, India, flying fascinated Sneha since childhood. She also enjoyed studying science and pursued her interest by graduating in genetic engineering at university. A chance interaction with a commercial pilot around the time kindled her interest in becoming a commercial pilot, and so she decided to follow the dream after graduation.

 “As a woman, achieving my dream of becoming a pilot feels good. Women manage mental and emotional stress really well, an ability that is valuable for pilots,” she says.

 According to New Zealand Airline Academy Chief Executive Officer and Director, Jonathan Manuel, at least 33 percent of its trainee pilots are women.

 “This is primarily because of the care we provide at the academy, having a dedicated girl’s wing as part of our hostel offering.”

 The global percentage of female pilots is less than 6 percent, with India having the highest percentage of women pilots at 14 percent.

 New Zealand aviation training best in the world
Manuel says aviation training in New Zealand is also uniquely beneficial because of the country’s open airspace policy, making it a standout destination to train for a commercial pilot licence.

 “Students are also exposed to New Zealand’s varied terrain and weather patterns, which helps them become confident pilots. The scenic beauty of New Zealand that students get to experience from the skies is the icing on the cake,” he says.

 Sneha agrees that aviation training in New Zealand was the best option that she could choose for herself.

 “Flight training standards here are very high. New Zealand pilots are highly valued and globally recognised. You need to be very skilled to receive a commercial pilot licence in New Zealand,” Sneha says.

 Sneha says that when trainee pilots are tested on flight manoeuvres in New Zealand, failing to successfully complete a single manoeuvre means you need to successfully repeat all manoeuvres in the next test. Other countries may only need trainee pilots to repeat the one manoeuvre that they have failed.

 New Zealand also offers a range of flying conditions that are good practice for trainee pilots.

 “It’s good experience learning to fly in turbulent conditions alongside good weather, it makes for skilled pilots.”

 Aviation training’s contribution to regional economy

 All students at the NZAA, where Sneha studied, are international students from countries such as India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Malaysia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

 Manuel says each year, the academy trains over 120 students, who then head back to their home country to work for commercial airlines.

 Enjoying the relaxed New Zealand lifestyle outside the classroom
Making time to relax is key for a trainee pilot as flying schedules vary greatly with flying practice sessions on early mornings on one day and nightime on another. During her time off, Sneha loves being in nature and enjoying the beautiful New Zealand outdoors in Oamaru as well as rest of the country’s South Island.

 “Nature lovers would enjoy it here. I love that you can spot penguins and seals so easily! I also enjoy horse riding. When I need the city vibe, I just travel to Dunedin.

 “I love the relaxed Kiwi lifestyle and culture, people are friendly and respect everyone. Students choosing New Zealand will enjoy the country and benefit from their time here,” Sneha says.

 She has thoroughly enjoyed her first New Zealand summer, particularly visiting farms for pick-your-own berries.

 “I absolutely love real fruit icecream made from fresh summer berries, can never have enough of it!”

Advice for prospective international students
For prospective students considering study in New Zealand or applying for a student visa, Sneha has a few tips to offer.

 “The student visa application process in New Zealand takes a practical approach. Students need to view it as such. Sticking to the facts and being open about your precise situation will go a long way.”