Landmark Circular Economy Initiative to Recycle 32,000 Tonnes of Plastic Waste and Reduce 15,000 Tonnes of CO2 Annually

Mumbai, 12th September 2024 – In a historic move towards sustainable waste management in India, Re Sustainability, Asia’s leading integrated sustainability solutions provider and Sharrp Ventures, the investment office of the Harsh Mariwala family, proudly announce their collaboration to launch a pioneering Plastics Circularity Initiative in Hyderabad, Telangana, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

The goals of this initiative are twofold: to increase the supply of very high-quality recycled polyolefins for the FMCG industry and to create sustained environmental and social impact. Currently, the FMCG sector in India faces a critical challenge in sourcing high-quality recycled materials, which limits their ability to meet sustainability targets and reduce reliance on virgin plastics. By capturing and processing 32,000 tonnes of waste and reducing 15,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, this project aims to produce over 9,000 tonnes of superior recycled polymers each year, providing a reliable supply of these materials for various FMCG and other applications. Over the next five years, this initiative intends to evolve into a nationwide, large-scale recycled polymers enterprise, reducing environmental impact and setting a new standard for responsible waste management practices.

Hyderabad and Raipur have been strategically chosen for this initiative due to their unique demographics and waste management challenges. Hyderabad, as a major metropolitan city, generates a significant amount of plastic waste, making it an ideal location to implement large-scale recycling processes and demonstrate the impact of advanced waste management technologies. Raipur, representing smaller urban centers, faces different but equally critical waste management issues. By implementing the project in both cities, the initiative can address diverse challenges, create scalable solutions, and set a replicable model for other cities across India.

This landmark circularity project will commence with the setup of infrastructure now in both cities, with facilities expected to be operational by early FY26. Setting up this infrastructure involves building advanced recycling facilities equipped to handle large volumes of waste efficiently. From 2026 onwards, high-quality recycled polymer is likely to be available for purchase by the FMCG and other industries, providing a new revenue stream for the project. This infrastructure setup aims to achieve nearly 100% diversion of dry waste from landfills through comprehensive recycling processes.

Collaborative Effort: Sharrp Ventures, Re Sustainability, and Marico Innovation Foundation

Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF), subsidiary of Marico Limited, identifies and supports the scale up of disruptive Indian innovations with the potential to create long-lasting socio- economic and environmental impact in India. In 2022, MIF embarked on a mission to address plastic waste through its playbook “Innovation in Plastics: The Potential and Possibilities,” which highlighted the urgent need for a resilient circular economy in India. Further to the same, Re Sustainability and Sharrp Ventures have come together to launch Plastics Circularity Initiative, with MIF being the knowledge partner.

Re Sustainability, with over 30 years of experience in waste management across 11 countries, brings its extensive expertise and innovative approaches to this initiative. Their commitment to sustainable practices has positioned them as a global leader in the field, managing over 8 million tonnes of waste annually. Sharrp Ventures, the investment office of the Harsh Mariwala family, is involved by providing the necessary risk capital and strategic support, ensuring the initiative’s scalability and success. Together, these entities are leveraging their collective expertise, resources, and innovative approaches to set new standards in sustainability through this project.

Social Impact

Beyond waste management, the initiative also aims to drive social inclusion by providing direct jobs for over 370 people in the first phase of this initiative, with a projected 75% target of women in the workforce, and indirect livelihoods for 2,000 people. By involving local communities in effective waste segregation and recycling through various engagement programs, the initiative promotes active participation and responsibility at the grassroots level.

Closing the Circular Loop

The essence of this Circularity Initiative lies in creating a self-sustaining, at-scale, zero-waste-to-landfill, circular economy business model in the plastics waste management industry. The initiative includes 100% digital end-to-end traceability, ensuring transparency and accountability. It also aims to include citizens in creating an impact through sustained and effective segregation of waste at the household level in Hyderabad and Raipur. Furthermore, the project leverages indigenous and global technology innovations across the value chain of plastics waste management to ensure scalability in the future. One of the facilities in Hyderabad is intended to be a fully automatic sorting facility, utilising advanced technologies such as AI-driven optical sorting provided by Ishitva Robotics Systems. This cutting-edge technology ensures precise sorting, significantly reduces manual labor, and sets a new standard for efficiency. The ultimate goal is to replicate this project in several Indian cities and the Global South, creating an even larger social, environmental, and economic impact.

Mr. Harsh Mariwala, Founder and Chairman – Marico Limited, said, “This initiative represents a significant step towards building a circular economy that benefits both the environment and society. By increasing the supply of high-quality recycled materials and creating sustainable waste management practices, we are setting a new standard for innovation and responsibility in the industry. Our goal is to inspire other regions to adopt these scalable models, fostering a more sustainable future for all.”

“This pioneering circularity initiative is a significant milestone in India’s circular economy journey”, said Mr. Masood Mallick, MD and CEO of Re Sustainability Limited, “By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, together with social inclusion, we aim to tackle the challenge of increasing plastic waste and avoid recyclables from reaching landfills. There is untapped economic value, resource conservation, carbon abatement opportunity as well as pollution mitigation impact associated with every kilogram of waste we generate; harnessing this ‘value’ across all these dimensions by way of this initiative is a significant step towards achieving a more circular FMCG industry in India. By re-evaluating how we manage and repurpose waste, we can transform it into valuable resources, ignite innovation, and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable environment and a better future for generations to come” he added.

Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates SEMICON India 2024, Signaling India’s Rise as a Global Semiconductor Hub

Delhi, India, September 12, 2024: SEMICON India 2024, the region’s premier semiconductor event, commenced today with a grand inauguration presided over by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) in Greater Noida. Organized by SEMI in partnership with Messe München India, MeitY, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and Digital India, the event underscores India’s emergence as a global semiconductor powerhouse. SEMICON India 2024 brings leading global semiconductor industry companies to exhibit and present on addressing key challenges such as talent shortages, supply chain redesign, and sustainability concerns.

As part of its ongoing efforts to accelerate India’s semiconductor growth, SEMI has officially launched its Workforce Development Program in India with a recent workshop on Semiconductor Manufacturing, held in partnership with ESSCI at IIT Delhi. The program emphasizes collaboration with educational institutions to create specialized curricula for semiconductor design roles and co-develop skill development initiatives. Addressing the global talent gap in the semiconductor industry, the launch aims to equip India’s robust engineering pipeline with the necessary skills to be job-ready for the fast-growing sector.

SEMICON India features additional SEMI programs to advance industry growth, such as Sustainability and Smart Manufacturing, supporting the favorable regulatory policies by the ISM and the Government of India and facilitating global investments to strengthen India’s position in the industry. Representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu will showcase their vision and policies designed to attract significant investments and drive growth, further highlighting India’s collective ambition to become a key player in the global semiconductor landscape.

In his address, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the semiconductor industry’s critical role in India’s technological advancement and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector.

Echoing this sentiment, Ajit Manocha, SEMI President and CEO, said, “India is on the path to becoming the next semiconductor powerhouse in Asia, and the stars are now aligned to create an ecosystem that enables growth for India and the world. With AI fueling global semiconductor demand, around 150 new fabs will be required to meet the industry’s ambitious $1 trillion target by 2030. India will need to achieve exponential growth to maximize its share, and SEMICON India will help to catalyze this market, augmenting ISM’s roadmap and favorable policies.”

“India is projected to face a workforce shortage of 250,000 to 300,000 professionals by 2027; upskilling India’s raw talent to meet this demand is crucial, and global players have a vital role in this effort,” Manocha said. “In partnership with leading Indian institutions, SEMI aims to address this talent gap by equipping the future workforce with the necessary skills and expertise to thrive in the evolving semiconductor landscape.”

“India Semiconductor Mission, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and Government of India are committed to a diversified and resilient semiconductor supply chain,” said ISM CEO Shri Akash Tripathi. “In the last 32 months, ISM has placed India in the semiconductor manufacturing map of the world, with four semiconductor manufacturing facilities coming up with a total investment of over USD 17 billion. With a very strong talent pipeline and strong resolve of GoI to support the development of the semiconductor industry in India, I am sure we will be successful in becoming a trusted partner in the global value chain of semiconductors in the coming years.”

SEMICON India 2024, co-located with electronica India and productronica India, features over 250 exhibitors, of which over 140 are international exhibitors, including global leaders such as SEMI, NXP, Foxconn, PSMC, Renesas, Tata Electronics, CG Power, Applied Materials and Cadence. Attendees will explore innovations in smart manufacturing, supply chain management, sustainability, and workforce development during the three-day event.

Program Sessions and Participating Companies

• Advanced Packaging – Experts will discuss how 2.5D and 3D integration enable chiplets to be optimized for different functions while highlighting the role of heterogeneous integration in developing next-generation devices for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and other demanding applications. Participating companies include AMD, Applied Materials, BESI, KLA and Western Digital.
• Design / EDA – This session will explore the march of technology in chip design and how tool vendors are evolving to equip designers with the capabilities needed to create and verify the next generation of chips. Participating companies include Breker Verification Systems, Cadence, Micron, Real Intent, Siemens and Synopsys.
• Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) – Speakers will delve into the latest advancements in FHE, focusing on advanced packaging techniques and healthcare applications while exploring market opportunities and the importance of environmental sustainability. Participating companies and organizations include Elephantech, ITC Packaging, MeitY, National Centre for Flexible Electronics, and Reddy Laboratories Ltd.
• Smart Manufacturing – This program will feature presentations showcasing real-world applications of technology areas like automation, data utilization with AI and machine learning, and digital twins, providing attendees with a clear path towards integrating them into their own operations. Participating companies include Ansys, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Micron and Tata Electronics.
• Smart MedTech – Experts will explore how advanced medical electronics and semiconductors are transforming patient care and healthcare supply chains, featuring insights into cutting-edge technologies and solutions for preventative care.
• Supply Chain Management – This session aims to provide a holistic overview of the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities in the semiconductor supply chain in India, featuring insights from industry leaders in device manufacturing, semiconductor equipment manufacturing, and materials providers. Participating companies include Applied Materials, Lam Research, Tata Electronics, and TechInsights.
• Sustainability – Experts will analyze sustainability vulnerabilities in the semiconductor industry, highlight existing resources that can be readily implemented, and explore innovative solutions to unsolved challenges. Participating companies and organizations include Applied Materials, Electramet, MeitY, and Merck.
• Workforce Development –This session will offer a comprehensive overview of semiconductor workforce development in India with insights from industry leaders, educators, and government officials. Participants will review and adapt successful global initiatives to the Indian context and explore potential partnerships with local educational institutions, government agencies, and NGOs. Participating companies and organizations include AICTE, Applied Materials, ESSCI, and Micron.
• In addition to the above, parallel sessions are planned themed around design ecosystem by Qualcomm, R&D for advanced packaging, and taxation regime of India.

For more details, please visit www.semiconindia.org and connect with SEMI India on LinkedIn and X (#SEMICONIndia).

SEMICON India Organization and Partners

SEMICON India 2024 is organized by SEMI, the global industry association representing the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, in partnership with India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), and Messe München India, the Indian subsidiary of Messe München GmbH and a leading organizer of trade fairs in India. The SEMICON India 2024 program has been developed in partnership with the Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA) and with support from the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) and India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA).

Mindgate Solutions: Leading the Way in UPI with Robust Infrastructure Readiness for Banks & Merchants

Mumbai, September 12, 2024 – The recently concluded Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2024 highlighted the transformative journey of India’s fintech industry and influence of India’s fintech solutions in the global market, especially the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which became one of the global benchmarks of digital payments. Graced by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RBI Governor Shakhtikanta Das, the three-day event witnessed several power-packed panel discussions where industry experts shared their thoughts on a variety of topics.

Leveraging the event, Mindgate Solutions, a leader in payments technology and transaction processing, demonstrated the robust readiness of its UPI, CBDC and Merchant platform as well as showcased a series of innovative use cases launched by NPCI. The groundbreaking products & solutions highlighted Mindgate’s commitment to revolutionizing the landscape and solidifying its position as a leader in the Digital Payment industry.

Developed in close collaboration with leading banks, Mindgate’s tailored solutions integrate seamlessly with them, enabling customers with advanced payment capabilities. These use cases include Programmable CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency), Delegate Payments under UPI Circle, e-Rupi P2P voucher, Contextual Payments, UPI Lite Auto-Topup, and UPI-ICD (Interoperable Cash Deposit using UPI).

Appreciating the opportunity provided by NPCI, George Sam, Co-Founder & Business Head of Mindgate Solutions, stated, “We are thrilled to serve as a TSP, contributing to NPCI’s broader mission of making digital payments accessible to every Indian. Each feature launched at GFF is a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and convenient financial ecosystem. This is a golden age for financial inclusion where UPI is evolving into the central nervous system of our financial ecosystem. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to be able to support banks in rolling out these unique features, further empowering users across the country.”

Adding further and elaborating on the technology infrastructure behind these use cases, Guhan Muthuswamy, Co-founder & Software Architect at Mindgate Solutions said, “India’s Digital Public Infrastructure is fuelling an explosion of financial innovation. Considering these developments, our platform’s scalability and high transaction capacity aligns perfectly with the forward-thinking approach taken by the leading banks we work with, making us a preferred partner for this groundbreaking venture.

In addition to the new used cases showcase at GFF, Mindgate demonstrated its platform’s capabilities and scalability with its Merchant Payment Platform & XPRESS UPI —an intuitive, one-step payment solution that simplifies transactions without requiring app switching. Customers can now make UPI transactions directly within the merchant’s app, eliminating the need for any additional apps. This will help merchants and TPAPs to provide superior customer experience and help increase customer retention.

Mindgate’s Merchant Offerings play a critical role in addressing changing market dynamics and meeting demanding customer expectations.

With India handling half of the world’s digital payment transactions, the payment landscape is always buzzing with new technologies and fresh market players. Mindgate is right at the heart of this dynamic scene, processing around 50% of UPI transactions and partnering with India’s top banks.

Acsia Technologies Powers Central Institute on Mental Retardation (CIMR) with Solar Energy

Thiruvananthapuram, September 12, 2024: Acsia Technologies Pvt. Ltd. announced the solarization of the Central Institute on Mental Retardation (CIMR) in Thiruvananthapuram as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project was inaugurated by K. N. Balagopal, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Government of Kerala, who lit the traditional lamp to mark the commencement of the 10-kilowatt on-grid solar system at CIMR, symbolizing a significant step towards sustainability and energy efficiency.

The new solar installation is expected to generate an average of 40 units of energy per day, contributing to the Institute’s energy needs and enabling CIMR to sell any surplus energy back to the grid.

“All great philanthropic ideas and institutions like CIMR face many difficulties. The government will always support the running of such institutions; however, cooperation from both the public and private sectors is also needed,” said K. N. Balagopal, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Government of Kerala. The minister also commended Acsia Technologies for its exemplary activities.

“As part of our CSR initiative, Acsia is committed to supporting education and sustainability projects. This solarization project at CIMR not only promotes clean energy but also supports the Institute in its mission to provide essential services,” said Jijimon Chandran, Founder and CEO of Acsia. “I am also pleased to collaborate with the esteemed organization CIMR, which has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for thousands of children both in Kerala and beyond.”

“This project will provide significant strength and energy to the Central Institute on Mental Retardation’s efforts to support individuals with mental challenges,” said Fr. Thomas Chenganariparampil, President of CIMR. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Acsia’s team for their commendable contribution.

Jijimon Chandran, Founder and CEO of Acsia, Fr. Thomas Chenganariparampil, President of CIMR, and Rajesh Panicker, Chief Financial Officer of Acsia, also spoke at the event.

Brigade Foundation Opens 108-Bed Hospital with St. John’s Medical College at Brigade Meadows

Bengaluru, September 12, 2024: Brigade Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Trust of the Brigade Group, today inaugurated a state-of-the-art, 108-bed hospital – St. John’s Medical College Hospital at Brigade Meadows, in collaboration with St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences. The new facility is located within Brigade Meadows, a 60-acre development with 3000 completed and occupied apartments on Kanakapura Road. Equipped with specialist doctors and modern diagnostic equipment, this hospital will provide comprehensive affordable healthcare services to the urban and rural residents of South Bengaluru.

The hospital was blessed by Most Rev. Mar Andrews Thazhath – President-CBCI & Archbishop of Trichur, and inaugurated by Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao – Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Karnataka, who mentioned that going forward the Government of Karnataka is willing to extend all necessary help and support to Brigade Group and St, Johns Hospital in their future endeavours as they take care of the healthcare needs of the people. Other dignitaries included Sri Ramalinga Reddy-Hon’ble Minister for Transport & Muzrai Department, Govt. of Karnataka, Sri Sharan Prakash Patil – Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education & Skills Development, Govt. of Karnataka, Shri S.T. Somashekar – Hon’ble MLA, Most Rev. Victor Henry Thakur – Chairman, Governing Board of St. John’s, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado – Archbishop of Bengaluru and Most Rev. George Antonysamy – Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several other dignitaries and government officials.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, M R Jaishankar, Lifetime Trustee, Brigade Foundation & Executive Chairman, Brigade Group, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “This unique collaboration between Brigade Foundation and the not-for-profit institution, St John’s Medical College Hospital of the CBCI Society started with the setting up of a Health Centre with 10 beds in the Brigade Meadows campus during June 2020, at the peak of Covid. The good response to the health centre indicated the need for a full-fledged hospital and a MoU was signed in June 2022 to establish this 108 bed hospital, and it has come to fruition within 2 years. This collaboration involves Brigade Foundation providing the land and the air-conditioned building, at no cost to St John’s, and for them to equip the hospital with medical equipment, staff & doctors in order to give affordable healthcare in this large neighbourhood extending up to Kanakapura town. Furthermore, for the 10,000 plus residents of Brigade Meadows, it is huge convenience to have a reputed hospital within the campus.”

In addition to the hospital inaugurated today, Brigade has begun construction of another 108-bed, not-for-profit hospital in collaboration with St John’s in Hardware Park, Bengaluru North, marking a significant expansion in accessible healthcare for Bengaluru’s underserved populations.

Rev. Fr. Jesudoss R, Director of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, emphasized the Institution’s commitment to delivering affordable and accessible healthcare, saying, “This hospital will be a sign of service, where healing meets humanity, where care meets compassion, and where the values of both St. John’s and Brigade come together to create a place of well-being for all. In this new facility, we will continue to serve our community with the same dedication and commitment to excellence that has defined St. John’s for over six decades. This new hospital will reiterate our mission to delivering quality healthcare with integrity, compassion and excellence.”

The hospital’s services include all specialties including super specialties such as Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Neonatology, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonary Medicine, and Urology. The hospital will provide all laboratory and imaging diagnostics, as well as Blood Storage, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, and Ambulance services

Robert Naorem to Open the show and Couturier Anju Modi to be the Closing designer At Global India Couture Week Season 5

New Delhi, 12th September 2024

The Black Page Fashion, in collaboration with the International Fashion Design Council (IFDC), is excited to present the much-anticipated 5th season of the Global India Couture Week (GICW). This premier fashion event will take place from September 11 to September 15 at The Bristol, Gurugram, promising a spectacular showcase of creativity and innovation.

Manipur based designer Robert Naorem will be the Opening designer and Couturier Anju Modi to be the grand finale designer at the event.

GICW Season 5 is set to dazzle the runway with a vibrant mix of established fashion houses and emerging designers. The event aims to captivate fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike with its diverse lineup and cutting-edge presentations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. M Satya, Managing Director of GICW, shared, “GICW was created with the vision of bringing raw talent to the forefront, bridging the gap between the Indian fashion industry and international trends. Our platform provides an opportunity for up-and-coming designers to showcase their collections and hone their skills.”

Mr. Sidharrth, Director (Operations) at GICW, further emphasized, “GICW is committed to nurturing the growth of designers at the start of their journey, giving them a stage to shine and grow.”

The success of this event would be made possible through the support of leading brands. Hustle joins as the energy drink partner, Jimmy’s serves as the official mixer partner, Ayaz Perfume adds a touch of fragrance, and Pressto ensures wardrobe perfection as the wardrobe maintenance partner. Lakmé Salon lends its expertise as the hair and makeup partner, while The Bristol stands as the elegant venue partner. Entertainment is powered by Waka Waka, the official entertainment partner, adding vibrancy to the event.

On Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, Amitabh Bachchan reminisces about his unforgettable encounter with Michael Jackson

On 12th september, the nation’s favourite host – Amitabh Bachchan will honour Padma Shree awardees, Dr. Abhay and Dr. Rani Bang on Sony Entertainment Television’s much-loved reality quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati’ Season 16. As these extraordinary Karamveers take the hotseat, Bachchan will applaud their transformative work in revolutionizing healthcare in the tribal regions of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra.

During a candid chat, Amitabh Bachchan asks Dr. Rani Bang who her favourite singer is and she expresses her love for Michael Jackson. She also mentioned that she had heard about Big B’s memorable meeting with the iconic ‘King of Pop’ and asked him to describe what the experience was like. Amitabh Bachchan fondly recounts his encounter with Michael Jackson, saying, “I was staying at a hotel in New York when, one day, I heard a knock at my door. When I opened it, I was stunned to see Michael Jackson standing outside. I almost fainted but managed to keep my composure. I greeted him, and he inquired if this was my room. When I confirmed it, he realized he had mistakenly come to the wrong room. Later, when he went to his own room, he sent someone to connect with the person whose room he had accidentally entered. Eventually, we had the chance to sit down and talk. Despite his enormous fame, he was incredibly humble. That’s how we first met.”

Bachchan further added, “On another occasion, Michael Jackson had a show in America, and it was a struggle to get from New York to the venue. When we arrived at the hotel, we were told there were no rooms available. We requested them, but they said that all 350 rooms were booked for Michael Jackson and his team. After multiple efforts, we managed to get seats at the back of the stadium, and we were able to watch his performance. He was an extraordinary artist; his singing and dancing were phenomenal. The energy in the arena was electrifying, with thunderous applause and a truly magical atmosphere.”