Aditya Birla Group’s Hindalco Ind. Ltd. and Manush Labs launch ‘Cleantech Startup challenge 2022’

  • Invites startups to innovate for thousands of tons of industrial waste with a potential commercial contract opportunity for the winning startups

BANGALORE, India, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Manush Labs, an MIT-Harvard-born startup accelerator program focused on India, today launched the ‘Cleantech Startup Challenge 2022’ in partnership with Hindalco Ind. Ltd., the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. The applications are open for startups and innovators across the globe working in the circular economy space till 15th June, 2022.

With an objective to re-imagine thousands of tons of waste, the program would run for 6 months and would support entrepreneurs in prototyping, piloting, and scaling solutions through a network of technology and knowledge experts.

The challenge covers thousands of tons of waste across two problem statements:

  • Plastic: Replace up to 5,000 tons of plastic packaging annually
  • FGD Process Waste: Utilize up to 700 thousand tons of waste annually

Startups selected in the program will get deep-technical and scaling support from Manush Labs and will get a chance to run paid pilot with Hindalco Ind. Ltd. These startups will benefit from the technology and domain support from global experts and a chance to explore joint development wherever possible, with other Aditya Birla Group business units.

“Our strategy is to create value sustainably and operate responsibly by aligning our multi-dimensional approach with the elements of people, planet, and prosperity. Our partnership with Manush Labs is a collaborative solution to reduce the environmental load and move closer to our ‘Net Zero carbon’ goal of 2050,” said Satish Pai, Managing Director, Hindalco Ind. Ltd., Director, Board of Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt. Ltd.

Piyush Verma, Founder & CEO, Manush Labs, said, “Our partnership with Hindalco Ind. Ltd. fulfills our larger goal to bring the much-needed momentum to the circular economy space globally. We are confident that this collaboration will start an industry-wide conversation to reimagine the usage of plastic and utilization of industrial waste such as FGD process waste. Through our initiatives, we intend to contribute to a startup’s growth by providing them with large-scale revenue and scaling opportunities.”

People who wish to apply for the program can go to Manush Labs’ website and fill out the application form. The program aims to provide environment-friendly innovative solutions to Hindalco Ind. Ltd. and help facilitate industry connections to the budding startups, thus helping them potentially achieve direct revenue streams.

Selected startups will be evaluated by a panel of judges comprising experts from their field- Vaishali Surawar (Chief Sustainability Officer, Hindalco), Shrenik Khasgiwala ( President and Head of Innovation, Aditya Birla Group), Dr. D N Singh (D.L. Shah Chair Professor for Innovation, IIT Bombay)  among other industry leaders from Hindalco Ind. Ltd. like Vilas Tathawadkar, Shirin Sancheti, Bibhu Mishra, Kailash Pandey, K Venkatesh, and Senthil Nath.

Startups that participate in the program will have a chance to jointly develop products in addition to the potential funding opportunity from the Aditya Birla Group Innovation Fund. Alongside Clean Technology Startup Challenge 2022, Manush Labs supports budding entrepreneurs in their journey right from the beginning through its Venture Studio. The challenge will help Hindalco Ind. Ltd.’s vision, to achieve the ‘Net Zero Carbon’ goal of 2050.

Vaishali Surawar, Chief Sustainability Officer, Hindalco, Aditya Birla Group, said, “We are confidently progressing on our journey towards zero waste to landfill with transformational changes through our ‘Value from Waste’ initiative. This program with Manush Labs is another such initiative as a part of our commitment to putting significant emphasis on the environmental, social, and governance aspects of our business.”

With the launch of this program, Manush Labs aims to initiate a conversation with the big corporates to harness the power of innovations happening in leaps and bounds across India.

About Manush Labs

Founded in 2020, Manush Labs is a catalyst in the start-up ecosystem working to democratize entrepreneurship to solve big ESG problems. They have supported 25 start-ups so far that have collectively raised more than $6.1 M after joining the Manush Labs program. Manush Labs has built a network of 100+ experts from 11+ countries working with global organizations ranging from Google, Facebook, IBM, among others, and has supported 40+ founders through its previous programs.

Manush Labs is supporting Bharat entrepreneurs with four initiatives. With the first one, Corporate Innovation Programs, leading industry leaders benefit by discovering new solutions to their everyday business problems. The second one, Venture Studio, is for founders who are early on in their journey and are looking for intensive co-founder support. The third one, Accelerator Programs, partners with and supports local Indian incubators. Lastly, with its Venture Fund, from the support of large corporates and HNIs, they focus on bridging the financial needs of entrepreneurs from underserved regions.

For more info, please visit: https://www.manushlabs.co/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1819640/Cleantech_startup_challenge_2022.jpg

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire India and this publication takes no editorial responsibility for the same)

JCB commits to Sustainability, introduces the Industry’s first fully Electric Construction Equipment in India, also launches a Natural Gas Powered Genset,,

India’s leading manufacturer of Earthmoving and Construction equipment, JCB India today introduced the industry’s first fully Electric Excavator, the JCB 19C-1E at Excon, Bengaluru. It also launched a 22 Ton Hydraulic Excavator on the NXT Platform that has been specially designed for Indian applications. Additionally, a 4 Ton Telescopic Hander, an Articulated Boom Lift AJ48 D and two new Mini Excavators for Smart Infrastructure, the 35Z HD and 37C HD were introduced. JCB’s Natural Gas Genset, the G125 NG was also launched at Excon 2021.

Speaking at Excon 2021 being held at Bengaluru, the CEO and Managing Director of JCB India, Deepak Shetty said,

“Innovation and Sustainability have always remained critical to our operations, and we continue to introduce products that significantly limit their impact on the environment. The JCB 19C-1E is the industry’s first fully electric excavator in India and is integral to JCB’s ‘Road to Zero’ initiative, a programme that we have been working on for the past few years. The machine has been tested extensively and has various built-in features that enhance safety and performance. With Zero Emissions and low noise, this new machine is ideal for Infrastructure development in Urban Areas and Indoor working”

 

JCB 19C-1E is a zero-emission machine and has four lithium-ion batteries that power the machine for a full day on a single charge. With a significant focus on safety and productivity, JCB’s 2GO system safely isolates all controls as a secondary safety system. It’s auto-idle and auto kick-up redistribute power to preserve battery life. The machine has been introduced after rigorous testing and validation.

In addition to the JCB 19C-1E Electric Mini Excavator, JCB also launched two more Mini Excavators, the 35Z HD and the 37C HD. Both machines come with heavy-duty structures and have easy manoeuvrability due to their compact size. The 5 Ton Mini Excavator range which comprises of the 50Z and the 55Z which were also on display. These machines are designed for higher adaptability to work in confined areas, with high-strength heavy-duty booms and excellent operator comfort features like full suspension seat, smooth joystick operations and electronic engine speed control with mode selection.

With sustainability being a key attribute at JCB, the company also launched its first Natural Gas Genset, the G125 NG – 125KVA Genset powered by Natural Gas. Along with the Genset having best in class aesthetics, it is also designed to work in extreme environments. This Natural Gas Genset has a compact size and reduces CO2 emissions significantly. The carbon footprint is lesser by up to 6 tonnes per annum.

He further added“Infrastructure development and Commercial activities today operate round the clock, due to which the requirement of Generators is also expected to remain strong. We have once again taken the bold step of launching a Natural Gas-powered Genset that significantly reduces emissions. This range will be manufactured in India and in addition to catering to the domestic market, will also be exported around the world”

While the G125 NG, Natural Gas Genset was launched, the company also displayed the G100QI and the G200QI Gensets. Both these Gensets have single-window product support and come with a proven engine and are in the 100kVA and 200kVA class respectively.

JCB India also launched the 4 Ton Telescopic Handler, the 540-70. With a maximum lift height of 7m, and a maximum lift capacity of up to 4 Tons it has a Q-fit mechanism for a quick change of attachments that make the machine multipurpose. With an airconditioned, 360° high-visibility global design cabin and ROPS & FOPS, this new machine is well suited for all Material Handling requirements of customers.

In addition, JCB India also launched the first product in its Boom range with a diesel-powered Articulative Boom Lift, the AJ48D. The machine is used to work at heights in a safe and productive manner. It has a maximum working height of 16.7m and a maximum outreach of 8.3m. Powered by a 36kW turbo-charged diesel engine, the machine has four-wheel drive, oscillating axles and is controlled with a fully integrated electronic load management system. It has the industry’s leading safety standards with features such as an anti-crush protection system, an auxiliary handrail and user-friendly controls with colour LCD display.

Deepak Shetty added“JCB machines have been supporting the building of Infrastructure in India for over four decades. These machines are used to build roads in urban and rural India, Schools, Hospitals and Airports among many other applications. An embodiment of the vison of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, our Made in India products are at par with the rest of the world and are used in over 110 countries. With operating costs becoming more critical than ever, our products are designed to consume lesser fuel and have lower maintenance costs, thereby improving the profitability for our customers. We have also integrated digital technology such as Telematics and Parts App into our products and services. Additionally, our network of over 60 dealers, 6,500+ dealer service engineers and almost 700 outlets mean that our customers are never far away from professional product support”

JCB India has the largest range of Backhoe Loaders in the industry which was on display at Excon. The range included the JCB 2DX a machine that is designed to work in compact areas and utility applications, the 3DX which is 12% lower in fuel consumption and 22% lower in maintenance costs. The machine has an eco-mode for lower fuel consumption and a standard mode for higher productivity. The 3DX plus, 3DX Xtra, 3DX super and the larger 4DX were also on display with several attachments to showcase the versatility of JCB Backhoe Loaders.

The company has invested significantly in its Tracked Excavator range. It offers 10 different models in the 8T to 38T operating weight, all of which are designed for the Indian market focusing on reliability and durability. Powered by ‘Intellicontrol’, the NXT series in the 14 Ton to 22 Ton range stands for fuel efficiency, productivity and ease of use. The range comes with different power modes depending on the type of task. The Quarry master variants on the other hand are available in the 14.5T, 21.5T, 22T and 38T models with heavy-duty tracks and robust structures.

Displayed at the stand was the JCB 315LC HD high-performance machine with a powerful 221HP engine and heavy-duty Deep section boom and arm with cast pivots for durability. Also on display was the JCB 385LC QM which comes with a 284HP engine and new heavy-duty Boom & Arm, offering excellent performance in Block handling for Marble and Granite applications. JCB 385LC also offers the Xtra variant for bulk excavation.

The company also introduced the NXT 225LC M tracked excavator with a simple mechanical fuel injection system. It comes fitted with a power boost feature, a heavy-duty bucket and eco-hydraulics along with ‘Intellicontrol’ and has 10 different power modes giving high fuel efficiency.

JCB also introduced three Wheeled Loading Shovels, the first being the 433-4 which comes with a JCB ecoMax 444 engine, ZF axles & transmission. It has an improved output of up to 8% and an enhanced fuel efficiency of up to 10%, this new machine is also lower on maintenance and comes with a 15% bigger cabin.

The larger 437-4 is fitted with a JCB 448 eco max engine and ZF transmission. The new model is up to 10% more fuel-efficient as compared to the outgoing model and has a bigger Cabin for Operator comfort with lower maintenance costs.

And the 455-4 has a Cummins engine and ZF axles & transmission. With an increased output of up to 5% in Power mode and a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 10%, this machine is designed to perform in the most arduous of applications.

JCB also introduced the new VM 117 Soil compactor which is powered by a 55 kW JCB ecoMax 444 engine without the need for engine after-treatment. The machine is up to 10% more fuel-efficient as compared to the previous model. It has high productivity, reliability and operator comfort that make it a preferred choice for Compaction needs.

With more Urban Infrastructure being created and for applications such as Solid Waste Management and Material handling JCB also had the JCB 155 Skid Steer on display. The machine has a Unique Monoboom design with a Side door for safe entry and exit. It has an enhanced 2700 visibility and has the largest cabin by volume.

Excon is South Asia’s Largest Exhibition for Construction Equipment. The JCB Pavilion, the largest at the exhibition, also has its advanced Telematics technology called JCB Livelink to be experienced. The JCB range of machines come with this revolutionary technology that gives real-time updates on the service operations and the security of the machine. These connected machines give critical information on their productivity and operations. JCB Livelink immensely helps in fleet management gives the opportunity for continuous monitoring of the health of the machines and maximising the equipment uptime.

The Hungarian Marque KEEWAY announces its Indian ambitions with 3 world-class products –

The K-LIGHT 250V Cruiser, the VIESTE 300 Maxi Scooter, and the SIXTIES 300i Retro Classic Scooter

  • KEEWAY originated in Hungary and is present in 98 countries.
  • As a brand, it is well regarded for its high-quality mobility products at competitive prices.
  • The K-LIGHT 250V is India’s most affordable V-twin cruiser.
  • The VIESTE 300 is India’s most powerful under 300cc maxi scooter.
  • The SIXTIES 300i is a retro classic scooter with an unmistakable 60’s design.
  • An ambitious total of 8 products are planned for the year 2022.

 

Hungarian marque KEEWAY has debuted in India and has announced its grand intentions with the launch of three new world-class products. Apart from these three, the manufacturer also plans to launch another five products before the end of the year. KEEWAY is owned by the QJ Group, who are also the parent company for the centenary marque, Benelli.
  

Founded in 1999 in Hungary, KEEWAY is primarily known for its product line that covers scooters, motorcycles and ATVs with displacements ranging from 125cc to 1200cc. Keeway products come equipped with a host of cutting edge connectivity features such as “Integrated GPS” and the “KEEWAY Connect App” to enhance the ride of our customers.

Today, KEEWAY has become a force to reckon with in the highly competitive European two-wheeler market and in a short period of time, Keeway has also established its presence in North America, South America, and Asia. KEEWAY’s products represent high quality and reliable performance at competitive price points in over 98 countries.

KEEWAY’s decision to associate with Adishwar Auto Ride India will bode favorably for them as they can take advantage of an established dealer network of 40+ dealers across the country, along with an assembly plant that is well equipped to meet their growth ambitions.

Working closely with Benelli India, Keeway intends to bring 8 products to India, ranging from Scooters, Cruisers, Sports Motorcycles and Retro Street Motorcycles. Initially, the company is launching the K-LIGHT 250V cruiser, the VIESTE 300 maxi-scooter, and SIXTIES 300i retro classic scooter to cover a varied demographic of performance-oriented customers. These offerings will be followed by another cruiser, two retro street motorcycles, a naked street, and a race replica. Keeway products will be available for test rides at dealerships starting 26th May, with deliveries starting from early June. Online bookings for the 3 products will begin from today at just INR 10,000. Customers can log onto www.keeway-india.com for details.

 

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director, KEEWAY India said, We are privileged and excited to introduce the young and energetic Hungarian marque “Keeway” to the Indian Market. We at Benelli India have been successfully operating in the uber-competitive Indian mobility market for years. In our tenure of catering to the unique needs of the Indian motoring enthusiast, we identified a requirement for an attractively designed, well-powered and reliably performing mobility products that are attuned to the price and quality conscious Indian buyer. To fulfill this need, we identified Benelli’s youthful Hungarian sibling Keeway as the right partner for us.

 

Keeway’s mobility products have not only been well received by the quality and design-oriented European markets, but have also performed exceptionally well in the demanding South Asian conditions.

 

KEEWAY K-LIGHT 250V

 

The K-Light 250V is a rugged modern cruiser. It is also the first cruiser in the 250cc segment to have a V-twin engine coupled with a Belt Drive System. These two qualities combine to provide the rider excellent power to cruise over rough terrain, with a hassle-free ownership experience. The power-packed V-Twin produces a maximum power output of 18.7 HP at 8500 rpm and maximum torque of 19Nm at 5500 rpm for effortless acceleration. The motorcycle is equipped with dual channel ABS along with front and rear disc brakes that ensure safety, reliability, and durability.

The K-Light 250V is a cruiser you will love to ride every day. The eye-popping performance is complimented with a comfortable stance, and a contoured seat, resulting in the most relaxed riding position. The motorcycle comes with telescopic shock absorbers in the front and rear hydraulic suspension for an ultra-smooth ride.

The K-Light 250V cruiser has muscular butch looks, to compliment the ride quality perfectly. The headlight cluster is a small LED affair, framed by a round DRL – a throwback to classic halogen headlamps. The tail cuts sharply after the LED brake lights and this is made possible by the fender being mounted on the swing-arm.

The K-Light 250V comes with a huge 20L fuel tank, making it the perfect partner to explore the city, as well as the winding trails of India, without having to worry about locating a fuel station.

The K-Light 250V is available in 3 colors – Matte Black, Matte Blue and Matte Dark Grey.

KEEWAY VIESTE 300 SCOOTER

The VIESTE 300 is a powerful maxi-scooter that perfectly meets commuter’s need for chiseled European looks, effortless performance and comfort, in one tantalizing package. Made to keep up with a demanding lifestyle and exceed the requirements of the daily urban commuter.

The sleek aerodynamic design with angular bodywork is both aesthetic and functional as it wraps around the cockpit, reducing turbulence at high speed. The attractive headlights, powered by four LED projectors and DRLs, provide ample illumination. The LED taillights and turn indicator signals sit flush with the slim bodywork for that distinctly clean European look.

Wave goodbye to the days of searching for your keys. The Vieste 300 comes with a keyless fob for maximum convenience and safety.

The eye-catching compact bodywork encases a powerful 278cc liquid cooled four-stroke engine, that produces a maximum power output of 18.7HP at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 22Nm at 6000 rpm.

The latest in drivetrain and chassis technology focuses on providing the most effortless rides, always keeping you one step ahead. Fitted with a massive 12L fuel tank, Continental Belt Drive system, front and rear disc brakes, telescopic shock absorbers and Dual-Channel ABS, the Vieste 300 is ready to go wherever you desire.

The VIESTE 300 is available in 3 colors – Matte Black, Matte Blue and Matte White.

KEEWAY SIXTIES 300i

The SIXTIES 300i is a retro classic scooter that takes you back to the grooviest decade of them all, the ‘60s. A homage to the decade of flared pants, rock music, splashes of color and distinct individualistic style, the SIXTIES 300i encourages the rider to break free of the ordinary, and ride while making a bold fashion statement.

While the old school looks make it instantly attractive, what sets the pace for the SIXTIES 300i is the powerful 278cc engine that can leave behind most of the competition, while looking stunning in the process. The single-cylinder, four-stroke liquid cooled engine produces a maximum power output of 18.7HP at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 22Nm at 6000 rpm, making the Sixties an agile and feisty commuter. Safety is not forgotten for the sake of fun, thanks to solid 120/70-12 tires, disc brakes with dual-channel ABS.

Although the looks take you back to half a century ago, the SIXTIES 300i features the latest in creature comforts. The scooter has an iconic yet supremely comfortable split seat. The retro futuristic grille, distinct full-LED headlight combined with a unique dual LED brake lights and signal lights that blends seamlessly into the rear of the scooter, which guarantees a second glance. A multi-function ignition switch incorporates the electric starter, the under-seat storage access, and a steering lock.

The SIXTIES 300i is available in 3 colors – Matte Light Blue, Matte White and Matte Grey.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

KEEWAY K-LIGHT 250V

Type V-Twin engine, Air-cooled, 4 Valve
Displacement 249 cc
Power 18.7 Hp @8500 rpm
Torque 19 Nm @5500 rpm
Transmission 5-Speed
Drive system Belt Drive
L X W X H 2230x920x1090 mm
Wheelbase 1530 mm
Min Ground Clearance 160 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 20 Litres
Front Suspension Telescopic
Rear Suspension Hydraulic
Front Brake Single Disc
Rear Brake Single Disc
ABS Dual-Channel
Front Tyre 120/80 -16
Rear Tyre 140/70 -16

 KEEWAY VIESTE 300

 

Type Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4 Valve
Displacement 278.2 cc
Power 18.7 Hp @6500 rpm
Torque 22 Nm @6000 rpm
L X W X H 1930x800x1130 mm
Wheelbase 1390 mm
Min Ground Clearance 135 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 12 Litres
Front Suspension Telescopic
Rear Suspension Hydraulic
Front Brake 240 mm, Single Disc
Rear Brake 220 mm, Single Disc
ABS Dual-Channel
Front Tyre 110/70 -13
Rear Tyre 130/70 -13

  

KEEWAY SIXTIES 300i

Type Single cylinder, Liquid cooled, 4 Valve
Displacement 278.2 cc
Power 18.7 Hp @6500 rpm
Torque 22 Nm @6000 rpm
L X W X H 1985x720x1170 mm
Wheelbase 1390 mm
Min Ground Clearance 140 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 10 Litres
Front Suspension Telescopic
Rear Suspension Hydraulic
Front Brake 230 mm, Single Disc
Rear Brake 220 mm, Single Disc
ABS Dual-Channel
Front Tyre 120/70 -12
Rear Tyre 120/70 -12

 

Website              : keeway-india.com

Facebook            : facebook.com/KeewayIndia

Twitter                 : twitter.com/keeway_india

Instagram            : instagram.com/indiakeeway

LinkedIn              : linkedin.com/company/keewayindia

SkinGenious Providing Patient Education for the Best Skin and Hair Treatments in Mumbai

SkinGenious is on a mission to help Mumbai residents find the best skin specialists in Mumbai. As part of this quest, they have started an initiative to promote transparency and patient education about skin & hair treatments.

Patient education comes first

When it comes to aesthetic treatments such as laser hair removal, dermal fillers or facials, most clients are confused about the procedure steps, what the treatment entails, how long it takes and the costs involved.

Apart from this, clients often have queries about their concerns, without much knowledge about the treatment and improvement options. The concerns could range from wrinkles and sagging skin to something as simple as open pores or dry skin. It is imperative to provide accurate information to help them understand their options and potential for improvement.

“We want to see a transparent, knowledge driven market where pricing is not arbitrary and consumers don’t feel cheated. These initiatives have been taken with patient education in mind, to help potential clients be absolutely clear about what they are getting into, before they even step into the clinics,” said Soumyendro Chatterjee, Director – SkinGenious.

To tackle the problem in the easiest way possible, SkinGenious provides all the detailed information on its website, along with complete transparency on pricing. In case you are not an avid reader, they have a well-educated team available who will answer all your queries. The SkinGenious phone number, 022-48966605 is different from others because it is not just for booking appointments but can also be used for preliminary consultation and information gathering.

In case of requirement of more detailed aesthetic requirements like dermal fillers, you can also get on a free-of-cost video call with one of the top dermatologists of the city, who will provide the facial assessment and estimated cost details on the spot.

SkinGenious helps in selecting the right skin specialist for treatments and cosmetology, which involves a lot of factors that are tough for laymen to understand.

It is a one-stop shop for all skin queries; it was launched in January 2020 in Mumbai. Currently, SkinGenious operates within five locations and intends to have 20 so that they are close to every resident in the city. SkinGenious is associated with the best dermatologists of Mumbai.

SkinGenious ensure that the management processes are upgraded to provide client delight. They help the doctor with introducing transparent pricing, a membership program, rewards and loyalty points and access to the latest developments in technology. This brings together the best of both worlds.

At SkinGenious they want the discerning seekers to know that the true and scientific custodians of beauty are highly trained dermatologists who provide board certified and USFDA approved treatments, services and products that deliver actual and targeted results. All the treatments and services are provided under their direct supervision. Their aim is to provide true value for money in a luxurious and expert environment.

Enjoy the future of skin care. SkinGenious is currently available only in the city of Mumbai and they have rapid expansion plans.

View article…

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir India and this publication takes no editorial responsibility for the same)

Microland Foundation Renovates and Modernizes the Out-Patient Department of Government Lawley Hospital, Coonoor

BANGALORE, India, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Microland Foundation, a dedicated social development arm of Microland Limited, a provider of next-gen digital infrastructure to global businesses enabled the Renovation and Modernization of the state-of-the-art Out-Patient Department (OPD) of Government Lawley Hospital, Coonoor. This new OPD will now have a capacity to handle over 400 Out-Patients a day, reducing the need for citizens in the hilly Nilgiris region, to visit other government or private hospitals and medical facilities in Coimbatore/ Ooty for specialized care.

The OPD was inaugurated by Dr J. Radhakrishnan, IAS, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu along with Dr P Palaniswamy MS, Joint Director – Health Nilgiris District, Kalpana Kar, Trustee Microland Foundation and Rotary Club of the Nilgiris, Coonoor.

Dr C. A. Vishwanathan MS, Chief Medical Officer, Government Lawley Hospital, stated, “The hospital has an important role as the First Referral Unit in providing emergency obstetrics care and neonatal care and is critical in bringing down the Maternal Mortality and Infant Mortality rates. The newly inaugurated OPD facility would accentuate the infrastructure and would form an important link between the sub-centres (SCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) on one end and the district hospital at the other end. The commute of residents would be shortened, having a facility nearby would add to their confidence of getting medical aid sooner and will considerably reduce the load on district hospitals.”

Dr J. Radhakrishnan IAS, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, appreciated the unified vision of the Coonoor community to engage with Public-Private Partnership as a model for the up-gradation of public health and enhancing community wellbeing. “An engaged community, varied partners working together towards a unified vision is a recipe for success. I applaud the efforts of the community of Coonoor and organizations like Microland who have led the way to demonstrate deep care for the patient and community-centric activity through its CSR efforts.”

Microland Foundation coordinating with the Rotary Club of the Nilgiris, Coonoor, enabled the up-gradation of this facility while ensuring the preservation of this heritage building. This partnership not only enabled the modernization of the OPD it also helped improve roof renovation, removal of ad hoc partitions, re-floor, repaint, and modernizing the interiors of the consulting cubicles and the toilets, which was executed in 60 days. “The middle class and the poor tribal population in this region have waited long for convenient access to medical care. That wait has come to an end,” said Dr Palaniswamy MS, Joint Director HealthNilgiris District and further added on the various instances that the health care system has benefited from the capacity built to combat urgent healthcare emergencies. “The COVID era has made us realize that addressing healthcare needs requires proactive, holistic planning and joint action. In the recent past, we have seen the government, the community, and various corporate donors, like Microland, plus several individual donors rise to the occasion and work together to build capacity. I am enthused and hope to see this model continue.”

The medium to the long-term goal of the Microland Foundation is to upgrade the hospital to provide comprehensive secondary health care and leverage Microland’s expertise in digital to build a system to track and manage citizens’ health status and generate actionable data. A tech-enabled patient care registration system will be created to work towards saturation of enlisting citizens for the Health Card. The people-centric approach would enhance the structural capacity of the health services. “We focus on outreach health programs that reduce the discovery-delivery disconnect by bringing health education and health screening services directly to community members. The outreach services will provide closer surveillance of the population, improve the continuum of care, and make collecting, retrieving, and disseminating health information more efficient and comprehensive,” said Kalpana Kar, Trustee, Microland Foundation. “I am encouraged by our interaction with doctors and staff of The Government Lawley hospital over lunch today and knowing that we are united in realizing the vision of making Lawley a role model Taluk Hospital. A big thank you to them, only together we can work towards a better tomorrow.”

Continuing their great work, in the recent past, the Microland Foundation has also donated 2 dialysis machines to help set up a free dialysis facility at the Government Lawley Hospital where over 2,400 dialysis sessions have been conducted so far. Working under the Public-Private Partnership model, the Microland Foundation has been engaged in other successful medical projects in the region including donating a cardio neuro ambulance to the Kotagiri Medical Fellowship Hospital. These initiatives are aimed at delivering quality healthcare to 15,000 villagers in the hill region.

Expressing his joy on the occasion, Pradeep Kar, Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Microland, stated, “The new OPD at the Government Lawley Hospital improves access, continuity of care, and disease prevention while reducing In-Patient Department (IPD) costs. The OPD facility, which will soon be digitally enabled, will become a lighthouse example in community health initiatives of the unified vision of the Coonoor community in engaging as a PPP model for up-gradation of public health in the region. The focused approach through the PPP model, together with working for a better tomorrow is aligned with the district vision to improve the infrastructure & provide state-of-the-art facilities.”

About Microland Foundation

Microland Foundation has been established as a dedicated social development arm, forging meaningful partnerships to conceptualize and implement projects that solve society’s most pressing problems around education, environment, employability, and health. A CSR Board of distinguished professionals brings deep cross-sectoral expertise and digital inventiveness along with dedicated employees of Microland championing initiatives to form an advantageous and conducive ecosystem for the Foundation’s operations. We are dedicated to uplifting and empowering lives with a bottom-up and collaborative approach while promising long-term commitment to issues and sectors.

About Microland

Microland’s delivery of digital and “Making Digital Happen” allows technology to do more and intrude less. We make it easier for enterprises to adopt the Next-Gen Digital infrastructure. We enable this using our expertise in Cloud and Data Centers, Networks, Digital Workplace, Cybersecurity, and Industrial IoT— ensuring the embrace of brilliance is predictable, reliable, and stable. Incorporated in 1989 and headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Microland has more than 4,500 digital specialists across offices and delivery centres in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Read More: https://www.microland.com/

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American Tourister, the Global Travel Gear Brand, Collaborates with Virat Kohli for the Launch of their New Campaign ‘UndeniableLeave’

With a strong presence in luggage and backpacks, American Tourister is one of the most trusted and iconic brand in the travel gear category. The brand roped in Virat Kohli as its brand ambassador in 2016 and since then has come up with various innovative campaigns.

Virat Kohli x American Tourister Campaign

This year, American Tourister is back with yet another intriguing campaign to tickle your wanderlust bone! Staying true to its mission, the company encourages individuals to return to work, but more importantly, to return to travelling and exploring safely. Every time someone wants to take time off from work, they must overcome a significant impediment in the workplace: employers who are hesitant to sanction that well-deserved break. While individuals are known to make up bizarre reasons to leave, American Tourister intends to provide them with something that would assist them in having their leave approved. Is there a manager that has the authority to refuse a leave application straight from King Kohli?
The digital campaign, ‘UndeniableLeave‘, incorporates a simple yet powerful activation in which a leave application is submitted on behalf of the employees, as stated by none other than Virat Kohli. Working professionals will have to remix these pre-made reels and share them with their bosses on Instagram. The result? A leave application no boss could deny! There were unique reels made for men and women to make the experience as realistic and smooth as possible. A great strategy to attract more people to vacation.
Listen to Virat Kohli explain how you may utilize this one-of-a-kind leave application here: bit.ly/3yuYTA8.
People can go to the Instagram page of American Tourister. Choose the finest one for them and remix it with their actions!

Once done, all people have to share it with their bosses and switch on their vacay mode!

Anushree Tainwala, Executive Director – Marketing says, “It’s a fact that people have the urge to travel, but work always gets in the way. This was a quirky and engaging way to put work in the back seat and get people to go on a well-deserved travel break.”
Pradnya Popade, Head-Marketing Communications says, “The craving to travel post-pandemic has increased ten-folds among people, but office commitments make it hard for them to do so as per their will. So, this campaign brought a fresh outlook towards the necessity of taking time-offs from work and igniting people to go traveling.”
American Tourister Brand Ambassador Virat Kohli says, “With busy training and touring schedules, I know the importance of taking a break from work. This was a fun way to get that message across to young Indians.

For more info, please visit: www.americantourister.in, www.instagram.com/amtouristerin

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(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir India and this publication takes no editorial responsibility for the same)

Adani to Acquire Holcim’s Stake in Ambuja Cements and ACC Limited

Largest Ever Acquisition in India’s Infra and Materials space valued at USD 10.5 billion

Editor’s Synopsis

  • Acquisition propels Adani into the cement business, and will establish its new materials, metal and mining vertical
  • With this, Adani is now India’s second largest cement manufacturer (capacity ~70 MTPA)

AHMEDABAD, India, May 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Adani Family, through an offshore special purpose vehicle, announced that it had entered into definitive agreements for the acquisition of Switzerland-based Holcim Ltd’s entire stake in two of India’s leading cement companies – Ambuja Cements Ltd and ACC Ltd.

Holcim, through its subsidiaries, holds 63.19% in Ambuja Cements and 54.53% in ACC (of which 50.05% is held through Ambuja Cements). The value for the Holcim stake and open offer consideration for Ambuja Cements and ACC is USD ~10.5 billion, which makes this the largest ever acquisition by Adani, and India’s largest ever M&A transaction in the infrastructure and materials space.

“Our move into the cement business is yet another validation of our belief in our nation’s growth story,” said Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. “Not only is India expected to remain one of the world’s largest demand-driven economies for several decades, India also continues to be the world’s second largest cement market and yet has less than half of the global average per capita cement consumption. In statistical comparison, China’s cement consumption is over 7x that of India’s. When these factors are combined with the several adjacencies of our existing businesses that include the Adani Group’s ports and logistics business, energy business, and real estate business, we believe that we will be able to build a uniquely integrated and differentiated business model and set ourselves up for significant capacity expansion.”

Mr Adani added, “Holcim’s global leadership in cement production and sustainability best practices brings to us some of the cutting-edge technologies that will allow us to accelerate the path to greener cement production. In addition, Ambuja Cements and ACC are two of the strongest brands recognized across India. When augmented with our renewable power generation footprint, we gain a big headstart in the decarbonization journey that is a must for cement production. This combination of all our capabilities makes me confident that we will be able to establish the cleanest and most sustainable cement manufacturing processes that will meet or exceed global benchmarks.”

“I am delighted that the Adani Group is acquiring our business in India to lead its next era of growth,” said Mr Jan Jenisch, CEO of Holcim Limited. “Mr Gautam Adani is a highly recognized business leader in India who shares our deep commitment to sustainability, people and communities. I would like to thank our 10,000 Indian colleagues who have played an essential role in the development of our business over the years with their relentless dedication and expertise. I am confident that the Adani Group is the perfect home for them as well as our customers to continue to thrive.”

With India’s cement consumption at just 242 kg per capita, as compared to the global average of 525 kg per capita, there is significant potential for the growth of the cement sector in India. The tailwinds of rapid urbanization, the growing middle class and affordable housing together with the post-pandemic recovery in construction and other infrastructure sectors are expected to continue driving the growth of the cement sector over the next several decades.

Ambuja Cements and ACC currently have a combined installed production capacity of ~70 MTPA. The two companies are among the strongest brands in India with immense depth of manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure, represented by their 23 cement plants, 14 grinding stations, 80 ready-mix concrete plants and over 50,000 channel partners across India.

Both Ambuja and ACC will benefit from synergies with the integrated Adani infrastructure platform, especially in the areas of raw material, renewable power and logistics, where Adani Portfolio companies have vast experience and deep expertise. This will enable higher margins and return on capital employed for the two companies. The Companies will also benefit from Adani’s focus on ESG, Circular Economy and Capital Management Philosophy. The businesses will continue to be deeply aligned to UN Sustainability Development Goals with clear focus on SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and conditions.

About Adani

Headquartered in Ahmedabad, India, Adani is the largest and fastest-growing portfolio of diversified businesses in India with interests in Logistics (seaports, airports, logistics, shipping and rail), Resources, Power Generation and Distribution, Renewable Energy, Gas and Infrastructure, Agro (commodities, edible oil, food products, cold storage and grain silos), Real Estate, Public Transport Infrastructure, Defence & Aerospace, and other sectors.

Adani owes its success and leadership position to its core philosophy of ‘Nation Building‘ and ‘Growth with Goodness‘ – a guiding principle for sustainable growth. The Group is committed to protecting the environment and improving communities through its CSR programmes based on the principles of sustainability, diversity and shared values. For more information, please visit www.adani.com

Media inquiries: Roy Paul I roy.paul@adani.com I 91-79-25556628

About Holcim

Holcim builds progress for people and the planet. As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Holcim is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving living standards around the world. With sustainability at the core of its strategy Holcim is becoming a net zero company, with its people and communities at the heart of its success.

The company is driving the circular economy as a world leader in recycling to build more with less. Holcim is the company behind some of the world’s most trusted brands in the building sector including ACC, Aggregate Industries, Ambuja Cement, Disensa, Firestone Building Products, Geocycle, Holcim and Lafarge. Holcim is 70,000 people around the world who are passionate about building progress for people and the planet through four business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates and Solutions & Products. More information is available on www.holcim.com.

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(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire India and this publication takes no editorial responsibility for the same)

Wella Professionals Kick Starts the Launch of Kromatic Collection with Delhi

Wella Professionals has launched Kromatic – A New Vibrant Color collection that celebrates diversity and self-expression

As they say, Hair is an expression of who we are, and Wella Professionals continues to push the boundaries on helping hairstylists and consumers find their self-expression. With Kromatic, Wella allows hairstylists to unlock their creativity and help consumers discover and flaunt their best looks every day. The brand launched this diverse collection with a look and learn seminar in Delhi on May 11, 2022, which had collection curators decoding color techniques and styling.

Wella Passionistas, Placid Braganza and Elton Steve at the launch of Wella Kromatic seminar in Delhi

The new color collection, Wella Kromatic showcases 4 celebrities – Neha Dhupia, Aparshakti Khurana, Krishna Mukherjee & Sakshi Agarwal, in customized looks created by 4 Wella Passionistas – Elton Steve, Nikhil Sharma, Placid Braganza & Rohan Patel. These looks celebrate the creative freedom of hairstylists and inspires them to create their own unique colour cocktail and technique. At the same time, for consumers, it inspires them to find their own vibe, which is in keeping with their many quirks, talents, ideas, and perception of the world. It also encourages them to not wait for an occasion to color their hair.

The seminar had Wella Passioniatas decoding these celeb looks live on stage and interacting the audiences on tips and tricks to create their “own signature” looks.

Talking about the seminar, Elton Steve, Hair Specialist, Makeup artist, & Educator said, “Being a part of Wella Professionals has always been revolutionary. With every collection, the brand provides us with an opportunity to create something NEW. This time around I curated an exclusive look for the Kromatic collection and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with everyone. With Neha Dhupia I knew I wanted to create a cool mocha vibe for her hair, so I added some depth around the face with a deep violet to bring out that icy mocha flavor, perfectly matching her cool, confident and edgy personality. The whole point of Kromatic for me is that hairdressers can create amazing looks with depth and large weaves combined with color melting technique. It’s a good way to creatively express yourself and get a hair makeover you absolutely deserve no matter the occasion.”

Rohan Patel, Creative Director at RnG Salon explained, “I recommend Kromatic to everyone, regardless of your gender, to take a leap of faith and flaunt your hair regardless the occasion. I personally loved curating and playing around with the technique by placing the color in triangular sections using freehand painting and color saturation. To match Sakshi Agarwal’s bold and go-getter vibe, we chose to go with the magnificent tones of rossa red, making her stand out. I believe, a renewed hair color can give anyone the confidence boost that they are looking for.”

Placid Braganza, Owner at Placid Salon, shared, “It is always an honor to be a part of an initiative by Wella Professionals and the Kromatic collection enabled me to creatively express myself as a hairdresser. Curating a look allowed me to find myself as a hairdresser once again and for me anyone can pull this off. When curating a look for Krishna Mukherjee, I tried to match her lively personality and played off her radiant skin using rustic copper tones that added a beautiful interplay to her tresses. Combining a semi-circular section and weaved foil toned with multiple hues of Copper gave her a fresh look and accentuated her hair, totally matching her vibe.”

Nikhil Sharma, Founder at Nikhil Sharma Hairdressing, adds, “After being associated with a global brand like Wella Professionals, it was always a dream to curate a technique that would further allow people to express themselves and what better way than a fresh new hair color. To compliment Aparshkati Khurana’s multi-faceted personality I created a super fun look with different hues of sienna brown to match his charming and playful vibe. As a stylist I have the power to style, transform and be a creative change maker playing with a mix of visual freehand placement with dual toning is the way to go.”

4 Celebrated Hair Artists | 4 Diverse Personalities | 4 Stunning Looks

Neha Dhupia, Sakshi Agarwal, Krishna Mukherjee and Aparshakti Khurana in collaboration with Elton Steve, Rohan Patel, Placid Braganza and Nikhil Sharma.

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(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir India and this publication takes no editorial responsibility for the same)

Deakin University, Australia, and National Centre for Additive Manufacturing Foundation sign an MoU to foster research and innovation in additive manufacturing

HYDERABAD, India , May 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Deakin University, Australia, and National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work toward a long-term vision to develop a self-sustainable ecosystem of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in the country.

The MoU was signed in Hyderabad at the National Conference on 3D printing in medical devices and implants in the presence of senior representatives including Shri T Harish Rao (Hon’ble Minister, Health, Medical & Family Welfare, Telangana), Shri KT Rama Rao (Hon’ble Minister, MA&UD, Industries & ITE&C), Ravneet Pawha (Vice President, Global Alliances, Deakin University), CEO NCAM, Michelle Wade (Commissioner, Global Victoria), Shri Ajay Prakash Sawhney (Former Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Govt of India), Shri Dr Rajendra Kumar (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Govt of India), Shri Jayesh Ranjan (Principal Secretary, ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana), and Smt Rama Devi Lanka (CIO NCAM, Director Emerging Technologies Wing and OSD, ITEC Department, Govt of Telangana).

The agreement will drive collaboration by enabling the adoption of additive manufacturing in the industry, prototyping new products, and focusing on new product development, providing access to state-of-art infrastructure, enabling research and development, and promoting skill development activities for generating quality manpower.

Prof Bas Baskaran, Associate Dean, International and Partnerships, remarked, “Additive manufacturing is a rapidly evolving area of manufacturing which has implications for engineering, medical, healthcare, and consumer product outcomes. Deakin’s research innovation partnership with NCAM is a positive step towards the successful adoption of new additive manufacturing standards and advancement in areas of education and research.”

“The Deakin NCAM partnership aims to bring together industry, academia, and government bodies together to work on solving manufacturing problems through AM technology and creating outcomes that will elevate the communities that we live in,” added Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Alliances) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University.

Through this association, Deakin University and NCAM will seek to foster excellence in research and innovation in Advanced (Additive) Manufacturing Technology from across all the opportunities that exist through Deakin as a University which could be through the short courses, joint research projects or joint PhD programs and other areas.

The association with NCAM will draw together expertise from industry, R&D establishments, and academia to optimize the Additive Manufacturing R&D and standards development processes and help solve manufacturing problems through Additive Manufacturing Technology.

“NCAM’s vision is to create and enable a sustainable ecosystem for product innovation in India using the disruptive technology of Additive Manufacturing. Through this partnership, we will seek to provide opportunities to the larger academic and student fraternity who will benefit through skilling, joint research programs, courses, and knowledge exchanges to name a few in the additive manufacturing space,” said Jaspreet Sidhu, CEO, NCAM.

For more information, please write to gayathri.v@deakin.edu.au

About Deakin University

Established in 1974, Deakin University successfully combines excellence in teaching, research and effective partnerships with industry and government to deliver high quality courses and undertake research that makes a difference to the domestic and international communities it serves.

Deakin’s South Asia operations commenced in 1994 at New Delhi, India, making it one of the first overseas education provider to set operations in this region. Here, Deakin engages with the government, industry, and the academia to share its vibrant culture of education and research.

For more information on Deakin University, please visit: www.deakin.edu

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Optoma Launches Affordable 4K Laser Projector TV D2 Series

This expansion of D2 series is meant for home cinema entertainment with true 4K UHD and Ultra Short Throw laser technology

Expanding its advanced yet affordable projector range, Optoma world’s No.1 DLP projector brand and a leading designer of projection products unveiled the long lasting 4K UHD ultra short throw laser home projector D2 series in the India market.

Optoma Launches Affordable 4K Laser Projector TV D2 Series

The newly launched D2 range is equipped with wide angle lens which provide clear and bright image to enhance visual experience. D2, an affordable 4K Laser TV comes with an ultra-shot throw feature to create 85 inch to 120-inch screen size from a distance of few inches. It offers easy set-up, high brightness, enhanced gaming, and fine home cinema experience. Its bright 3000lm and stable brightness output, 1,800,000:1 frame by frame dynamic contrast, HDR 10/HLG compatibility provide unmatchable viewing experience. D2 series come in White and Black colour form factor.

Putting more light on D2 series, Mr. Vijay Sharma, Country Head, Optoma India said, “We are committed to India market and therefore we came up with advanced tech based D2 series which will enhance the home cinema experience to the next level. Our new series with 4K UHD ultra-short throw is embedded with smart features like easy set-up, high brightness and stable brightness output at affordable cost to target the mid-level customers in the metros and tier 2 cities as well.”

The Laser Technology helps in Increased efficiency to maintain consistent brightness, superior color performance, Instant on/off and an extraordinary life span of up to 30,000 hours (Eco mode). As a part of home entertainment range these projectors sync with 3D display in all forms. Also, the new projectors come with enhanced audio return channel to provide in depth audio details which enhances the home cinema experience.

Mr. Gordan Wu, APAC Head, Optoma Corporation said, “This 4K UHD long lasting ultra-shot throw home projector is apt for home cinema. With its smart feature it also provides ultimate gaming experience too. With its advanced tech based features this projector series is also easy to install with quality image.”

Additional specifications across all three projectors include

  • Resolution: 4K UHD (3,840 * 2,160)
  • Brightness: 3000 Lumens
  • Image size (inch): 2.16m ~ 3.05m (85″ ~ 120″) diagonal
  • Display Colors: 1.07 billion
  • Speaker: 2* 10W
  • Throw ratio: 0.25:1
  • Zoom type: Fixed
  • Light Source Life: 30,000 (Eco mode)
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    (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir India and this publication takes no editorial responsibility for the same)