Leading the Way: five Indian Companies Driving Sustainable Power Capacity

As India continues to grow economically and industrially, the demand for electricity is on the rise. With this growing need, it’s essential to adopt sustainable energy practices to ensure a greener future for the country. Several Indian companies are stepping up to this challenge by building sustainable energy capacity. Here’s a look at five Indian businesses making significant progress in this area:

Jindal Aluminium
Jindal Aluminium, a leader in Aluminium extruded and flat-rolled products, pioneered the use of renewable energy by establishing a wind energy facility in Chitradurga as early as 1997. Today, two of its three manufacturing units are powered by renewable energy, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability. By reducing carbon emissions and embracing energy-efficient practices, Jindal Aluminium is setting a benchmark for the industry to follow.

 Tata Power
Tata Power is one of India’s largest power companies and a leader in renewable energy. With a broad range of solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects, Tata Power is at the forefront of the sustainable energy movement. The company aims to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity. Tata Power is also involved in community projects that promote energy conservation and environmental responsibility, making it a leader in both corporate and social responsibility.

 ReNew Power
ReNew Power is a key player in India’s renewable energy sector. Since its founding in 2011, the company has rapidly grown, adding over 10 GW of renewable capacity, mainly in wind and solar. ReNew Power is dedicated to leading India’s transition to clean energy. They are also involved in various green infrastructure projects that use advanced technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 Adani Green Energy
Part of the Adani Group, Adani Green Energy is one of India’s largest renewable energy companies. The company plans to increase its solar and wind power capacity to 45 GW by 2030. Adani Green Energy’s projects are spread across the country, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy goals. The company is also focused on water conservation, waste management, and community development, taking a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

 NTPC Limited
NTPC Limited, traditionally known for coal-based power generation, is now heavily investing in renewable energy. The company has set a goal to add 60 GW of renewable energy by 2032, focusing on solar and wind projects. NTPC is also exploring new technologies like green hydrogen and carbon capture to enhance its sustainability efforts. By diversifying its energy sources, NTPC is helping reduce India’s reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Sterling and Wilson successfully completes Greenfield Data Center in Democratic Republic of Congo

New Delhi, 28 August 2024: Sterling and Wilson Private Limited, India’s leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) companies, proudly announces the handover of the Greenfield Data Center for Raxio Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Raxio Group is Africa’s leading carrier-neutral Tier III certified data centre operator, delivering world-class co-location and connectivity services. They own and operate industry-standard, enterprise-grade facilities and services that serve as the foundation of Africa’s digital economies.

The Data Center facility will house Co-location and Hyperscale clients spread across 4,300 sq.mt. area with a total IT load of 1.5 MW. SWPC’s scope included complete turnkey Civil & MEP for the facility along with Tier-III Uptime TCDD and TCCF certification. One of the first of its kind features include modular design of civil structure made of prefabricated steel, which ensures faster execution and better quality vis-à-vis normal brick and mortar structures. The project also included Indirect Adiabatic Cooling (IAC) free cooling solution for better PUE. This project involved various challenges such as tough geography and supply chain hurdles, however, the company was able to execute and deliver the project before the scheduled deadline of 16 months.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Prasanna Sarambale, CEO, Data Centre Business, Sterling and Wilson Private Limited said, “We are proud to execute this prestigious Greenfield Data Center before scheduled timeline which showcases our vast expertise and experience in successfully delivering such projects within sub-Saharan Africa. At Sterling and Wilson, we have a proven track record of delivering complex data center projects and are confident that this data centre meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability. Through this successful project delivery, we want to reassure the larger African market that our company remains committed for the need of reliable, secure and scalable data center solutions to further strengthen the region’s digitization journey.”

Mr. Robert Saunders, Group Chief Technology Officer, Raxio Data Centers said, “We are extremely pleased to have achieved this significant milestone that has emerged from our collaboration with SWPL. The African region is witnessing an exponential growth of digitalization, and we are committed to meet this growing demand by delivering robust data center infrastructure to the region. The SWPL team have vast experience in this space and have been committed to our vision of delivering this project on time. I am certain that the Raxio data centre, DRC 1 will truly add immense value to enterprise businesses as well as public sector organisations within the country, successfully contributing towards the digital transformation in the region.”

Sterling and Wilson commenced Data Centre services in 2015, and in a short span of time, it has emerged as one of India’s leading Data Centre EPC players in the sector. It has executed 24 DC projects with total IT load of more than 65MW, in India and international markets, with leading players like global hyperscalers, Telecom Egypt and MainOne (an Equinix company). We are currently executing 5MW in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 1.5MW in Luanda, Angola-West Africa, 6MW for a COLO player & 96MW for a Hyperscaler player in India. Sterling and Wilson Group is an established player in the whole of Africa and enjoys considerable goodwill in the region. The Group has been executing projects in Africa for more than a decade, across South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Zambia and Namibia.

Ready Steady Go Kids Expands to Noida with 13 New Centres in Partnership with Peas in Pods

Noida, 28th August 2024 – Legendary cricket coach John Buchanan announced the launch of the Australian multi-sports foundational program, ‘Ready Steady Go Kids,’ in Noida, in partnership with Peas in Pods, a leading pre-school chain in the city. Expanding its reach in Noida, this program teaches the fundamentals of 13 different sports to children aged 1.5 to 7 years in India and will kick off on 27th August 2024. The globally recognized program will be introduced across 13 Peas in Pods centres in Noida.

Started in Australia, the Ready Steady Go Kids Program aims to develop the required motor skills of students in a fun, non-competitive environment. With the presence of the program in 13 countries with 210 locations, this program will expand to various cities in India.

Australia’s Two-Time World Cup Winning Cricket Coach, John Buchanan, added, “Our partnership with Peas in Pods is a significant milestone, enabling the launch of 13 new centres in Noida. We are grateful for their support and cooperation. Through this program, we aim to instil healthy and active lifestyles from a young age and positively impact children’s lives. Given its success in Australia, where it has engaged and guided children effectively, I am confident it will similarly thrive as a leading preschool motor skills development program in India.”

Ankur Kumar, Founder & MD of Peas in Pods, commented, “We are delighted to partner with Ready Steady Go Kids to bring this exceptional sports program to our students in Noida. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to holistic education, and we are confident that the children will benefit greatly from the skills and values instilled through this program.”

Aeries Financial Technologies To Unveil Two New SaaS Products at Global Fintech Fest 2024

Mumbai, August 28, 2024: Aeries Financial Technologies (AFT), the holding company of the digital lending platform CASHe, announces its plan to unveil two new fintech SaaS platforms, CredCollect.ai and CreditQuotient.ai. These platforms will be showcased at the Global Fintech Fest 2024, scheduled in Mumbai from August 28-30. These new offerings are part of AFT’s broader suite of fintech solutions under Stack.ai, aimed at transforming the financial services industry with cutting-edge technology. Digital lending disbursements are projected to surpass INR 47.4 lakh crore by 2026, driven by the rapid adoption of fintech solutions. As more financial institutions shift towards digital-first strategies, the demand for advanced debt management and underwriting platforms has grown significantly.

CredCollect.ai is a next-generation AI-powered debt management solution designed to streamline debt recovery processes for banks, NBFCs, and collection agencies. The platform offers digital-first collection methods, integrating AI with personalized outreach to improve efficiency and optimize recovery rates. Available in freemium and premium models, the platform includes advanced features such as SmartCollect for enhanced collection performance.

· Smart Allocation: Optimizes customer and agent pairing for better conversion.

· Smart Campaign: Identifies customers with a higher likelihood of conversion based on their salary credits and bank statements.

· Smart Dialer: Enhances predictive and progressive calling strategies for improved results.

· Propensity Score: Assesses customer risk levels based on bureau data or behavior.

· Smart Call Analytics: Provides agent-level profanity metrics and customer-level sentiment analysis.

CredCollect.ai’s advanced features enable financial institutions to achieve measurable performance improvements in debt collection, offering on-premise and cloud deployment options to suit organizational needs.

CreditQuotient.ai is a Gen AI-powered underwriting platform that enhances financial institutions’ underwriting capabilities. Trained on 45 million customer profiles, this intelligent underwriting assistant leverages AI and advanced analytics to deliver comprehensive risk modeling, faster credit decision-making, and improved customer experiences.

The platform’s 360-degree analytics combine credit bureau data, banking transactions, and mobile metadata to provide deep insights into creditworthiness. This enables financial institutions to make informed lending decisions, reduce approval times, and mitigate risks through predictive analytics and real-time decisioning.

Mr. Yashoraj Tyagi, CEO of CASHe, said, “As the digital lending ecosystem rapidly evolves, the financial sector must embrace smarter, more efficient technologies to stay competitive. With CredCollect.ai and CreditQuotient.ai, we are pushing the boundaries of fintech innovation to empower banks and financial institutions with next-generation tools. Research shows that AI-powered solutions can improve debt collection efficiency by up to 25% and reduce loan processing times by 40%. These platforms combine the power of AI with real-time analytics to optimize debt management and underwriting, ensuring more accurate, data-driven decisions. Our goal is to enable financial institutions to streamline operations, reduce risk, and ultimately, provide a superior customer experience. We are excited to introduce these transformative solutions at Global Fintech Fest 2024 as we continue to lead the charge in reshaping the future of finance.”

NCL Research – AI shows greater efficiency in detecting early signs of bowel cancer

Newcastle University led a successful trial using artificial intelligence (AI) in colonoscopies to spot abnormalities potentially leading to bowel cancer

In a groundbreaking new research, Newcastle University researchers have revealed how artificial intelligence (AI) technology is set to play a crucial role in the early detection of bowel cancer due to its enhanced efficiency in identifying potential new cases. The COLO-DETECT trial was led by Newcastle University, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, involving 2,032 patients from 10 centres across England.

 The trial used the GI Genius™ AI device, a computer module powered by AI, which is added to the existing technology used during a colonoscopy. The findings showed greater effectiveness in detecting tumours that could potentially become cancerous (adenomas).

 As a result, the Trust will continue to make the equipment available to its teams based at Endoscopy units at South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital.

 Professor Colin Rees, who led the trial, and Professor of Gastroenterology at Newcastle University, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this trial. Simply put, it will save lives.

 “This trial has demonstrated that using artificial intelligence can significantly increase detection of the kinds of abnormalities in the bowel that may progress to cancer. It allows us to find these lesions, remove them, and stop them from turning into cancer.

 “Crucially, we know that some of the polyps that lead to cancer are small polyps or flat polyps. The AI helped us find more of these lesions, it is finding the things we are concerned about as well as spotting things that we can miss with the human eye.”

 COLO-DETECT was a randomised controlled trial, with half of the 2,032 participants in the procedure having a colonoscopy using AI, and the other half having a ‘traditional’ colonoscopy.

 The colonoscopy is a procedure where a camera is used to look inside the bowel, with the aim of spotting cancerous and precancerous polyps (adenomas).

 The trial involves putting a green box around possible polyps on the screen, which shows what the camera can see, with the clinician ultimately deciding whether to remove the polyp.

 There are around 43,000 new cases of bowel cancer in the UK each year, and Professor Rees hopes this technology will now be adopted more widely to detect early signs of the disease.

 Professor Rees added: “It is a tragedy because bowel cancer is a disease that people shouldn’t be dying from. We have a long window of time when these polyps develop, probably about 10 to 15 years from developing a point to them becoming cancer.

 “We are now using this technology routinely in our practice, and I really hope that it will be used more extensively, and the fantastic thing about AI is that it learns. It is trained by looking at images, using the data to find the differences between the images, and it is adding to its knowledge all the time, so it’s only going to get better.”

Doctors Remove Complex Brain Tumor in 62-yr-old Man Through Nasal Route, Restore His Vision

New Delhi, 28th August 2024: A remarkable medical achievement was witnessed at one the Ujala Cygnus Hospitals located at Nangloi, Delhi, where a 62-year-old male patient, who had suffered significant vision loss due to a pituitary adenoma (a kind of brain tumor), successfully underwent transnasal transsphenoidal surgery. The procedure resulted in a dramatic improvement in his vision, bringing hope to many with similar conditions.

The patient was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, a type of benign tumor that arises from the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. This tumor had caused a significant loss of vision in both eyes, allowing him to only count fingers up to a distance of 2 meters.

Dr. Monique Garg, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, explained, “Pituitary adenomas can exert pressure on the optic nerves, leading to severe vision impairment. The transnasal transsphenoidal approach, where we access the tumor through the nasal passages and sphenoid sinus, allows us to reach and remove the tumor with minimal disruption to surrounding brain tissue. The improvement in his vision post-surgery was significant, and we expect further progress in the coming weeks.”

The surgery, which lasted three hours, involved a near-total excision of the tumor. Post-operatively, the patient experienced a significant improvement in his vision, with finger counting ability extending to 6 meters. He was discharged from the hospital in a stable condition after three days and returned for a follow-up appointment one week later.

Commenting on the successful outcome, Dr. Puneet Kant, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery, at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, said, “Pituitary adenomas are relatively common, accounting for about 10-15% of all brain tumors. They can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their size and location, including hormonal imbalances, headaches, and vision problems. Transnasal transsphenoidal surgery is a preferred method for removing these tumors due to its minimally invasive nature, reducing the risk of complications and speeding up recovery time.”

The patient’s successful surgery and subsequent recovery highlight the advancements in neurosurgical techniques and the expertise available at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals. This case serves as an inspiration and a beacon of hope for patients suffering from similar conditions, showcasing the potential for restoring quality of life through advanced medical interventions.

IndiaFirst Life Becomes the First Indian Life Insurer to Commence Operations in GIFT City

Mumbai, 28th August 2024: IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Ltd (IndiaFirst Life) is the first Indian life insurer to commence operations in Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT City). The company inaugurated its IFSC Insurance Office (IIO) at the country’s international financial gateway today.

Description automatically generatedSpeaking on the historic occasion, Rushabh Gandhi, Managing Director & CEO, IndiaFirst Life said, “We are delighted to be the first Indian life insurance company to commence operations in GIFT City IFSC. Our IIO will offer world class, foreign currency-denominated life insurance solutions to international customers of our partner banks – Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India and our preferred Broker Partners. This is a key milestone in our pursuit to expand distribution through innovative channels.”

IndiaFirst Life’s IIO will have a dedicated team involving specialists who will cater to the needs of GIFT City’s global audience. The company offers specially designed ULIP product for global Indians — IndiaFirst Life Wealth Wise plan. This dollar (USD) denominated plan is ideal for international customers looking for long-term wealth and legacy creation. It provides flexible investment options that allows customers to infuse funds at any time during the policy term whilst also participating in the India growth opportunity.

“IndiaFirst Life’s commitment to contributing to India’s growth narrative remains steadfast. By setting up a base at GIFT City, IndiaFirst Life aims to secure lives, create value, and expand its reach to global citizens. We are truly thankful to the regulator for this opportunity.” added Mr. Gandhi.

SVKM’s NMIMS Bengaluru Hosts a Grand Convocation Ceremony for Accomplished Graduating Students

Bengaluru, 28th August: SVKM’s NMIMS, one of the top-ranking universities in Bengaluru, organised a two-day convocation ceremony for the 2024 graduating batches. The event celebrated the undergraduate students from the NMIMS School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Science, and School of Law.

The pre-convocation event was held on August 16, 2024, followed by the main convocation ceremony the next day, August 17, 2024, at the campus auditorium. The occasion brought together esteemed dignitaries, dedicated faculty and staff, accomplished graduating students, and their proud families. The convocation was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri. Harish Bhat, Advisor and Director at Tata Group, as the Chief Guest. He also serves on the boards of prominent Tata companies, including Starbucks, Trent, and Croma.

On the pre-convocation day, the NMIMS Bengaluru Campus buzzed with excitement as the graduating students entered the auditorium dressed in traditional white attire. Everyone received a sash to complete their graduation ensemble and scroll for the official graduation ceremony. The students swore an oath promising to uphold ethical, professional, and sustainability values as they prepare to embark on their careers. The event concluded with a short speech by the Bengaluru campus director, Dr. Narayani Ramachandran, after which the National Anthem was sung with great pride by all present.

The joyous occasion celebrated the remarkable achievements of the undergraduate students from NMIMS’ School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Science, and School of Law. This year’s graduating cohort, consisting of 335 students, showcased exceptional academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Representing a diverse spectrum of backgrounds, they have collectively excelled in various domains, ranging from academics to impactful social initiatives. Additionally, special awards were respectfully presented to outstanding students in recognition of their unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

The convocation ceremony welcomed the joyful faces of students, along with their parents, relatives, and friends. This was followed by the academic procession, led by Shri. Ashish Apte, the Nominee of the Registrar of SVKM’s NMIMS, along with distinguished guests, faculty, and staff. Shri. Ashish Apte then placed the mace on the dais, inviting the dignitaries to take their seats.

The proceedings began with the lighting of the lamp, an invocation, and the NMIMS anthem. Following that, Shri. Shailesh Patel, Nominee Hon’ble Chancellor of SVKM’s NMIMS, took the stage to officially declare SVKM’s NMIMS Bengaluru Convocation 2024 open and felicitated Shri. Harish Bhat, the Hon’ble Chief Guest for the event.

Following the respected guest’s welcome,The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SVKM’s NMIMS, Dr. Ramesh Bhat, delivered the welcome address, offering insightful words that resonated with both students and their families. He highlighted the significance of this milestone in their academic journey and encouraged the graduates to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Dr. Bhat emphasised the importance of continuous learning, integrity, and perseverance as they step into the next phase of their lives. He remarked, “As you embark on this exciting new chapter, remember that your actions are your fingerprints, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Carry forward the lessons and experiences you’ve gained at NMIMS, and step forward with courage, determination, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.” The event was also graced by the presence of Dr. Minu Mehta, Dean and Professor at ASMSOC.

Dr. Narayani Ramachandran, the Director of SVKM’s NMIMS Bengaluru campus, presented the UG Annual Report. She stated, “The UG Annual Report not only reflects the remarkable academic progress of our students but also serves as a testament to NMIMS Bengaluru’s commitment to educational excellence. Our students have consistently performed beyond expectations, making us proud with their achievements in both academics and extracurricular activities. This success is further highlighted by the university’s progress in campus placements, program committees, and international and professional collaborations. Behind these accomplishments lies the unwavering dedication of our faculty and the invaluable support of our staff, all of whom strive for excellence in every endeavour.”

After the inspiring address by the Director, the degrees were awarded to the graduating students of the NMIMS School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Science, and School of Law marking the culmination of their rigorous educational journey and the beginning of their professional careers. The auditorium reverberated with applause of appreciation for the fresh graduates. Awards were also presented to outstanding students, faculty members, and staff in recognition of their commitment to academic and professional excellence.

The esteemed Chief Guest, Shri. Harish Bhat, delivered a compelling speech that deeply resonated with every graduate in the auditorium. An alumnus of BITS Pilani and IIM Ahmedabad, Shri. Bhat brings over 36 years of experience with the Tata Group. In addition to his illustrious career, he is also a renowned bestselling author, with seven critically acclaimed books to his name. Shri. Bhat shared his wisdom on the three pillars of success: “Knowledge and expertise, character, and a sense of purpose are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving dreams. Making the right choices, rather than the easy ones, is crucial for success. Integrity, encompassing financial, intellectual, and personal honesty, is highly valued and vital for personal growth,”.

MG Windsor: India’s First Intelligent Crossover with 15.6-Inch GRANDVIEW Touch Display

National, August 28, 2024: JSW MG Motor India has unveiled a new teaser for its upcoming vehicle, the MG Windsor – India’s first Intelligent Crossover Utility Vehicle [CUV]. The video highlights the vehicle’s impressive 15.6-inch ‘GRANDVIEW Touch Display,’ which sets a benchmark in the segment.

 The expansive screen size allows occupants to effortlessly navigate, control entertainment, and adjust vehicle settings with ease. The 15.6-inch touchscreen in the MG Windsor is designed to redefine the in-car experience that transforms the vehicle into a hub of entertainment, gaming, and learning, whenever it is stationary.

 The 15.6-inch ‘GRANDVIEW Touch Display’ adds a touch of luxury while enhancing the cabin’s overall aesthetics, making each journey more enjoyable. It perfectly complements Windsor’s sophisticated design, offering Indian consumers the ideal blend of premiumness, style, and comfort.

 The brand-new Windsor draws inspiration from the iconic Windsor Castle in the UK that is an architectural masterpiece and is a symbol of royal heritage. The MG Windsor demonstrates meticulous craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. much like the legendary castle does too. Similar to the largest occupied castle in the world, the MG Windsor is crafted with precision and attention to detail, reflecting the same level of exclusivity and luxury that the Windsor castle embodies.

 CUVs are progressively relevant to India with the evolving road network and infrastructure. Being the first Intelligent CUV, the Windsor promises to offer a perfect blend of aerodynamic design and spacious interiors, making it ideal for everyday use. It is versatile, ensuring that families can travel in ample comfort, whether it’s for daily commutes or weekend getaways. The vehicle’s higher ground clearance allows for better navigation over potholes, speed bumps, and uneven surfaces, all translating into a smoother and more comfortable drive.