Month: July 2024

The AO aims to identify entity interested in bringing a GSO communication satellite at 89E

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN‑SPACe) today released an Announcement of Opportunity for making available Indian Orbital Resources to the Non-Government Entities (AO). Through this AO, Indian ITU Filing at 89E, which is in coordination stage, will be made available to one selected applicant.

Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, “This Announcement of Opportunity is a game-changing opportunity for NGEs to participate in the global space economy and establish a world-class communication satellite system. This initiative underscores the Government of India’s commitment to empower talented Indian NGEs with the resources and support they need to succeed and contribute to India’s journey to leadership in the global space economy.”

This AO aims to identify an applicant with Indian management & control and having the requisite technical and financial capabilities to own, establish and operate a GSO satellite at 89E for providing communication services.

 

The last date for submission of the application is September 15, 2024. The AO document can be viewed and downloaded from IN-SPACe digital platform (www.inspace.gov.in) for making the application to IN-SPACe. 

The OnePlus Nord 4 will be on open sale starting 2nd August, and the OnePlus Pad 2 is going to be on open sale starting 1st August

Customers can avail a range of attractive offers on the purchase of OnePlus Nord 4 and OnePlus Pad 2 across online and offline channels

Following the successful global OnePlus Summer Launch Event held in Milan last week, OnePlus, the global technology brand, announced the open sale of the highly anticipated OnePlus Nord 4 and the OnePlus Pad 2, the latest groundbreaking devices by the brand, embodying the OnePlus Fast and Smooth experience. The OnePlus Pad 2 and OnePlus Nord 4 will go on sale starting 1st August and 2nd August respectively, at 12 PM.

The OnePlus Nord 4 and the OnePlus Pad 2 will be available across OnePlus.in, Amazon.in, OnePlus Store App, OnePlus Experience stores, and other major offline partners such as Reliance Digital, Croma, Vijay Sales, Bajaj Electronic and other offline partner stores. OnePlus Pad 2 will be additionally available on Flipkart and Myntra as well.

OnePlus Nord 4

OnePlus Nord 4 is the only metal unibody smartphone in the 5G era. The smartphone is a masterpiece of metal design, measuring a mere 7.99mm thick and built from a single piece of aluminium milled to exacting standards, while retaining the community favorite Alert slider. Underneath the hood, there is a 5,500mAh battery, the largest battery ever used in a OnePlus Nord Number Series, coupled with 100W SUPERVOOC technology. Capable of reaching 1-100% in just 28 minutes, it can give you five hours of content binging with just a five-minute top-up. Thanks to the Battery Health Engine, the OnePlus Nord 4’s battery has been tested to survive more than 1,600 charging cycles, over four years of use, with over 80% of its original capacity.

Following the groundbreaking design, the OnePlus Nord 4 comes equipped with flagship-level hardware – Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, this year’s newest processor, which is a quantum leap ahead of standard Snapdragon 7 chips with the Qualcomm AI Engine. The device is also backed-up by four major Android updates and six years of security updates, the longest-ever support package offered by OnePlus. The Nord 4 features a striking 6.74-inch flat AMOLED display with a 93.5% screen-to-body ratio and a peak brightness of 2,150 nits. It packs a 50-megapixel Sony main camera sensor with Optical Image Stabilization, a 112-degree 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 16-megapixel Sony selfie camera.

Open Sales Price and Offers for OnePlus Nord 4

Starting at INR 29,999, the OnePlus Nord 4 will go on open sale from 2nd August 2024 at 12pm IST and will be available in the 8+ 128GB, 8+ 256GB and 12+256GB variants. The smartphone will be up for grabs in Mercurial Silver, Obsidian Midnight, and Oasis Green colour options.

Price	8+ 128GB: INR 29,999 8+ 256GB: INR 32,999 12+256GB: INR 35,999
Bank Offers (Valid on both credit and debit cards)	●        ICICI Bank and OneCard Customers can avail an instant bank discount of flat INR 3,000 on the OnePlus Nord 4 (8+ 256GB and 12+256GB variants) and INR 2,000 flat discount on 8+128GB variant ●        Customers can also avail No Cost EMI for up to 6 months on select bank cards
Student Discount	●     Students can avail an added discount of INR 600 on their purchase.
Red Cable Club Offers	●        Red Cable Club members can avail free Screen Protection plan.
Paper Finance offers	●        Customers call avail upto 11 months No Cost EMI with Bajaj Finance, HDBFS and ICICI Bank Consumer Loans

 

OnePlus Pad 2

The OnePlus Pad 2 delivers powerful performance in a refined design, measuring just 6.49mm thick and weighing only 584g. Its sleek Nimbus Gray all-metal unibody combines elegance with durability. The tablet features an industry-leading 12.1-inch 3K display with a 7:5 aspect ratio, 900 nits peak brightness, and a resolution of 3,000 x 2,120 pixels at 303 PPI. Enhanced by Dolby Vision®, the display offers exceptional clarity, vibrant colors, and deeper contrasts for an immersive visual experience.

Equipped with a robust 9,510mAh battery, the OnePlus Pad 2 offers up to 43 days of standby time and can be fully charged in just 81 minutes with 67W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge technology. It also features an 8MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera for versatile photography.

Working in tandem with the incredible hardware and OS setup to truly revolutionize user efficiency is a set of powerful AI features on the OnePlus Pad 2. Thanks to AI Toolbox3, users can accelerate their workflow by having AI Speak read text aloud while multitasking, call on Recording Summary4 to instantly summarize and condense information from long passages of text into key points, and open up AI Writer for help creating original content based on image and text prompts.

Open Sales Price and Offers for Pad 2

In India, the OnePlus Pad 2 is priced at INR 39,999 for the 8GB+128GB version and INR 42,999 for the 12GB+256GB version; and will go on open sale from 1st August 2024 at 12pm IST. It will be available in 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB variants.

Customers can avail the below mentioned discounts and offers on purchasing OnePlus Pad 2 between 1st August 2024 to 7th August 2024 only.

Price	8GB + 128GB: INR 39,999 12GB + 256GB: INR 42,999
Bank Offers	●        ICICI Bank and OneCard Customers can avail an Instant Bank Discount of INR 2000 on the OnePlus Pad 2 ●        Customers can avail No Cost EMI for up to 9 months on select bank cards ●        Users can avail of an additional exchange bonus of INR 3,000 for upgrading from an old tablet or smartphone, and INR 5,000 from a OnePlus tablet or smartphone
Red Cable Club Offers	●        RCC members can avail of an extra INR 1000 coupon on OnePlus.in and OnePlus Store App
Discount on Accessories	●        On purchasing the OnePlus Pad 2, buyers can also avail an additional discount of 50% on the OnePlus Stylo 2, OnePlus Smart Keyboard 2 and OnePlus Folio Case 2 from 1st August onwards

 

Lubrizol signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Maharashtra to purchase a 120-acre plot in Aurangabad to meet growing regional demand and advance local-for-local supply for transportation and industrial markets and other growing segments

 

The Lubrizol Corporation, a global leader in specialty chemicals, announced today it signed a Memorandum of Understanding to purchase a 120-acre plot in Aurangabad, India, where it plans to construct a new manufacturing facility to initially support the region’s growing transportation and industrial fluid markets.The initial phase of the project represents a projected investment of approximately $200 million, the company’s largest ever in India, and builds on previously committed investment in the region.

 

The plant will become the company’s second-largest manufacturing facility globally and its largest manufacturing facility in India when completed. Construction will progress in phases over the next several years with room for future expansion.

 

“Lubrizol has made meaningful investments in India for more than five decades,” said Flavio Kliger, President of Lubrizol Additives. “This new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will allow us to enhance our local capacity and capabilities for our Additives business with the potential to support other Lubrizol businesses and regions in the future.”

 

The announcement of the Aurangabad plant signals the company’s latest efforts to accelerate growth and enhance its local-for-local capacity in the region. In 2023, Lubrizol announced its most significant investment in its more than 50-year history in the region in the form of a USD 150 million pledge. That investment supports the construction of the world’s largest CPVC resin plant in Vilayat, Gujarat, the doubling of capacity at Lubrizol’s site in Dahej, Gujarat, the opening of a grease lab in Navi Mumbai and additional in-country job growth and innovation.In addition, this yearthe company opened its first Global Capability Center in Puneas a strategic hub to accelerate its growth in the region and enable closer collaboration for customers and employees.

 

“Lubrizol understands the importance of a local-for-local approach, from India-based manufacturing to in-region innovation to continued investment in a local talent,” says Bhavana Bindra, Managing Director, Lubrizol IMEA (India, Middle East and Africa). “We look forward to continuing to be partners in progress to our customers and serve as a catalyst for growth and inspired breakthroughs.” 

 

“This announcement underscores our continued commitment to our employees, our partners and our customers in the region,” said Nitin Mengi, Vice President LubrizolAdditives IMEA and Chairman & Managing Director, Lubrizol India Private Limited. “The growing transportation and industrial markets in India represent a tremendous opportunity, and Lubrizol is thrilled to be a part of the bright future of these industries.”

 

In addition to supporting demand for India, this site will enable export opportunity to surrounding countries and to other Lubrizol sites. Commencement of manufacturing at the site is expected to coincide with Lubrizol’s 100th anniversary in 2028. 

 

 

• Marks the next chapter in mobile payments with NFC card payment technology in the Paytm QR Soundbox
• Customers can simply tap a debit or credit card or scan a QR to make payments
• Equips small shops with an affordable device for comprehensive payment acceptance across all methods

One 97 Communications Limited (OCL), which owns the brand Paytm, India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of QR and mobile payments, has announced the launch of India’s first 'Paytm NFC Card Soundbox.' This next-generation payment device combines NFC technology with mobile QR payments, offering an affordable device for card payments to millions of offline merchants.

Paytm's new NFC Card Soundbox marks the next chapter in mobile payments with NFC card payment technology. It democratises access to secure NFC card-reading technology for small shops, empowering them with affordable devices for comprehensive payment acceptance, including credit or debit cards and UPI. Customers can simply tap a card or scan a QR code to make payments.

With an improved and longer-lasting battery life of up to 10 days, merchants can benefit from the Paytm NFC Card Soundbox without frequent charging. In addition to its core features of instant audio confirmation and a display screen for transaction amounts, this innovation helps merchants streamline their day-to-day transactions, making their business operations more efficient and cost-effective.

Paytm spokesperson said, “We are committed to help India’s small merchants by providing them with the latest technology to accept all types of payments at an affordable price. Today’s launch of the ‘NFC Card Soundbox’ marks the next chapter in the innovation of Paytm Soundbox, India’s most loved and successful payment device. With the Paytm NFC Card Soundbox, merchants can seamlessly receive mobile payments from any UPI app and accept NFC-based debit and credit cards, all through a single device. This makes the Paytm NFC Card Soundbox the ultimate offering for offline merchants across the country.”

Paytm pioneered the Soundbox, an innovative first-of-its-kind product, which has gained widespread popularity among offline stores, offering unparalleled convenience for merchant partners. Supporting notifications in 11 languages—English, Hindi, Gujarati, Bangla, Odia, Marathi, Punjabi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada—and featuring a range of device models, the Paytm Soundbox is designed to meet the diverse needs of offline merchants across the country.

Launches Eco Friendly-Phoenix Leather using patented technology with CLRI

Tata International, the global trading and distribution arm of the Tata Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable practices with the launch of Phoenix Leather, an eco-friendly product under its Earthcare® Leather range. Developed through a patented collaboration with the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, Phoenix Leather marks a significant advancement in sustainable leather technology.

Mr. P. Rajasekaran, Business Head – Finished Leather Business at Tata International, emphasized, “Tata International’s Earthcare® Leather range aims to lead the sustainable development of the leather industry. Despite lower demand post-Covid, we are now witnessing promising recovery with increased interest from key markets such as the USA, China, and Europe.  Tata International is one of the largest exporter of leather and leather products in India. We are optimistic about sustainable and bio-based leather. Percentage share of Earthcare® leather in financial year 2023-2024 accounted for 27% of our total production and we plan to increase this to 50% in next 4 years.”

The patented “GENOCORIUM” process behind Phoenix Leather transforms trim waste from leather production into high-quality reconstituted leather sheets. This innovative technology not only repurposes corium waste but also significantly reduces water pollution, depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional leather manufacturing.

The Earthcare® Leather range, featuring Phoenix Leather alongside bio-based and chrome-free/metal-free/aldehyde-free options, underscores Tata International's commitment to circularity and sustainability in the leather industry. Phoenix Leather stands out for its eco-friendly production process and high quality, meeting the stringent requirements of leather product manufacturers.

Tata International has significantly contributed to the 'Make in India' initiative by manufacturing sustainable leather under its flagship brand, Earthcare®. The Earthcare® Leather range is produced at the company's facilities in Dewas, employing more than 750 workers.

Successfully pilots seamless SA and NSA switch on its 5G network in select few circles

Smartphone Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to push the NSA and SA combined binaries with carrier aggregation functionality

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications services providers, today, announced that it has started re-farming its existing mid-band spectrum to accommodate the growing traffic demand on its 5G network. With more customers moving to the 5G network, Airtel is re-farming its mid-band spectrum to expand 5G services on its 1800, 2100, 2300 MHz bands across the country.

As a result of the use of the mid-band spectrum, customers can enjoy enhanced browsing speeds in addition to improved indoor coverage. As data demand grows, Airtel is re-farming its existing spectrum at a faster pace to provide its customers with a brilliant 5G experience.

“Randeep Sekhon, CTO, Bharti Airtel said, “As more customers pivot to our 5G services, we have re-farmed our mid band spectrum which was being used for 4G services. With this we are also ready to launch Stand-alone technology. This will mean that the Airtel network will be the first network in India to run on both stand-alone and non-standalone modes allowing us to deliver the best experience in the market.”

The pilot on the SA and NSA switch has been conducted in Rewari, Chennai and Bhubaneswar and the results have been encouraging. This capability on the 5G network will enable Airtel to introduce new innovative applications, services and solutions through open APIs, differentiated connectivity and service-based architecture. 

In the last one year, Airtel has demonstrated the power of 5G with a host of powerful use cases that have changed the way customers lead their lives and do business. Airtel’s 5G roll-out has been one of the fastest in the country and is now available across all 28 states and 8 union territories.

Vietjet, Vietnam’s new age carrier and Airbus officially signed a contract for the purchase of 20 new-generation wide-body A330neo (A330-900) aircraft, totalling US$7.4 billion based on the manufacturer’s list price, at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. This represents one of the largest deals at this year's Airshow.

 

The newly ordered aircraft will be deployed for Vietjet's growing long-haul services as well as on high-demand routes in the region. They are slated to replace Vietjet's current fleet of A330-300s and support the airline's strategic plan to expand its intercontinental flight network.

 

“We are pleased to finalize this milestone order with one of Asia’s fastest-growing carriers,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “This is another vote of confidence in the latest generation of Airbus widebody product lines. It demonstrates the tremendous versatility of the A330neo for all types of business models and networks, from domestic and regional to long-haul routes. The award-winning Airspace cabin also enables airlines to provide the best flight experience for passengers, fully adaptable to each business model. This will be the perfect platform for Vietjet Air to fly more people, farther, and at lower costs while also reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.”

 

With a fleet of over 105 aircraft and a constantly growing passenger volume, Vietjet is actively expanding its intercontinental flight network, developing new and modern fleets in collaboration with global strategic partners such as Airbus.

 

Additionally, in India, the airline has established several strategic expansions, operating a total of 29 weekly round-trip flights and creating direct connections between Vietnam and four key Indian cities – New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi. VietJet’s footprint and connectivity between Vietnam and India are well established, expanding through modern fleets, dedicated crews, and attractive promotions specific to Indian customers.

·         More than 650+ individualsbenefitted from the eye camp

Dr. Basu Eye Hospital, renowned for its Ayurvedic eye care solutions and a legacy spanning over four decades, organized a free eye check-up camp at Ramsons Steel in Hisar.

Jagat Pharma, Director of Dr. Basu Eye Hospital and Jagat Pharma, shared his thoughts on the event, stating, “We place the utmost importance on eye health and believe it should be a top priority. Our free eye check-up camp is one of the many initiatives we undertake to provide immediate eye care and to highlight the critical need for regular eye examinations. Our commitment is to promote holistic eye health solutions.”

The camp saw participation from more than 650+ individuals who benefited from comprehensive eye examinations conducted by Dr. Basu Eye Hospital. The primary objective of organizing the camp was to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups and to provide essential eye care services to the community.