Archives September 2023

New Delhi, 14th September 2023 Taboola (Nasdaq: TBLA), a global leader in powering recommendations for the open web, today announced significant advancements in its performance advertising-focused bidding technology, called Maximize Conversions.

This technology empowers Taboola advertisers to evolve beyond manual and time-consuming cost-per-click (CPC) bidding strategies, in favor of simply specifying a budget and having Taboola’s algorithm automate the CPC bid to drive as many conversions as possible while staying within budget.

More than one thousand Taboola advertisers have already used Maximize Conversions to drive results. Advertisers are seeing up to 50% boost in conversions while maintaining their Cost Per Acquisition (CPA), as well as some advertisers seeing reduced CPA by nearly 20%. In addition to making ad campaigns more effective, Maximize Conversions has also provided immense benefit in making campaigns more efficient, reducing the time in which advertisers get to their optimal results by half.

Maximize Conversions is designed to give advertisers flexibility for their campaigns. The technology can be used without a target CPA, which delivers against an advertiser’s daily budget, driving the most conversions at the lowest cost. When used with a target CPA, it delivers performance at a CPA they control.

“Advertisers deserve technology that drives ROI simply and effectively, and Maximize Conversions delivers exactly that,” said Adam Singolda, CEO and founder, Taboola. “We’re taking the guesswork out of CPC bidding, making it so that advertisers can simply share their goals, and our AI takes care of the rest. Our AI is trained on 1st party contextual signals from more than 9,000 publishers and nearly 600M daily active users, giving advertisers using Maximize Conversions a competitive advantage in reaching customers. We’re seeing incredible results from this technology – delivering large amounts of customers, saving costs, time and more. I expect nearly half of our advertisers will adopt this offering in 2024.”

Advertiser testimonials

“Our Maximize Conversions campaigns are the clear winners! They consistently deliver outstanding results allowing us to maximize our budgets while achieving impressive CPAs. Not only that, but these campaigns are also driving the highest ROAS for us at the moment, and we’re excited to continue investing with Taboola.” – Babbel

“We have experienced a remarkable boost in stability and performance with Maximize Conversions, surpassing our expectations. A notable difference being the significant reduction in manual work required compared to our previous methods. We’re looking forward to shifting more campaigns [to Taboola’s automated bidding] to gain more stability and decrease manual work.” – Audibene

“Not only have we witnessed consistent performance in terms of spend and cost per acquisition (CPA), but the real magi c lies in the precious time we’ve saved on bid optimization. With this remarkable tool, we’ve unlocked newfound efficiency and productivity in our marketing efforts.” –Muhlert Digital Gmbh Agency on behalf of Leica Camera

“The automated approach of Maximize Conversions saves us valuable time and effort when managing campaigns. Plus, it’s unlocked profitable inventory previously out of reach with other methods.” – ClickCrew

“At Secret Escapes, our goal is to acquire new subscribers within a specific CPA target, and we found a winning formula with Taboola’s Maximize Conversions strategy with a set target CPA. The outcome? An impressive 64% reduction in CPA, surpassing our own expectations and comfortably landing us well below our CPA target.” – Secret Escapes

14th September 2023 Kanodia Group, a renowned name in the construction, real estate and infrastructure sector, through its subsidiary Easy Build, has announced the signing of strategic sales partner agreements with some of the leading players in the space. The announcement exemplifies Easy Build’s aggressive strategy to capture a larger share of the market and expand its outreach to even the remotest regions of the country. The move is aimed at revolutionizing the building material and construction sector through a consolidated supply-chain network.

The association showcases Kanodia Group’s commitment to the market and dedication to providing unparalleled access to the latest offerings in the building material category. Easy Build is a physical platform where customers can get building material under one roof through enrolled resellers of Easy Build. Customers can visit Easy Build website or visit the Experience Centre for more information. In this association, some of the leading names in the industry have tied up with Easy Build, wherein their respective products and services would be sold directly from one single point. The extensive list of partners is shared by the company and to name a few, it includes Godrej, Dulux, RAK, Ambuja, Kajaria, JK Super, Hindware, Somany, Nippon, Orient Bell, Dorset, KEI, Yale, Shalimar and Cera. The said partnership will help Easy Build to expand its horizons and would enable it to offer an extensive range of products, and services to prospective customers. The products of the above companies would be available at the company’s point of sale. This would allow the users to avail a wide range of home improvement and construction products including decoration products, electrical supplies, building materials, paints and coatings under one roof.

Speaking about the newly formed agreements Vishal Kanodia, Founder & MD of Easy Build said, “We, as a new age building and construction brand are committed to simplifying the problem of the end customers and this is another step ahead in that direction. Individual consumers and businesses from across the country would be able to procure building material supplies as per their precise needs. We have joined forces with some of the leading names in the industry, which, like us, are committed to providing products and services of the highest quality.”

The development is being seen by industry experts as a significant step that is not only going to benefit Easy Build as a brand but would transform the whole construction and building material market in India.

Mumbai, 14th September 2023 Škodaverse India, a trailblazing initiative by Škoda Auto India, has made a grand entry to Web3 with the rapid sellout of 128 unique NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), each a personalized work of art. In just 128 minutes, these exclusive NFTs found new homes, marking a historic moment at the intersection of automotive innovation, artistry, and customer engagement.

Mr. Christian Cahn von Seelen, Executive Director, Sales, Marketing and Digital, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India said, “Škodaverse India is not just about cars; it’s about creating an immersive experience for our customers. The remarkable success of this NFT launch underscores our commitment to fostering creativity, individuality, and a sense of belonging within the Škoda community.”

A journey into personalized art: These NFTs, unlike any other, are tailor-made by a collective of talented artists who turn customers’ travel and exploration stories into stunning digital art pieces. Each NFT is a visual narrative, reflecting the individual experiences and adventures of the owners.

Unveiling a world of benefits: Owners of these Škodaverse NFTs didn’t just acquire digital art; they gained access to an entire universe of exclusive perks and utilities:

• • Customised merchandise: Each owner is entitled to a curated set of merchandise featuring their unique NFT art, allowing them to carry their stories wherever they go.
• • Exclusive accessories: The NFTs granted access to premium accessories designed for the automotive connoisseur.
• • Access to Škoda events: Owners gain access to Škoda events, product launches, showcases, and exhibitions, providing them front-row seats to the latest innovations in the world of Škoda.
• • Free airdrop of the next NFT: As a token of appreciation, Škodaverse India offered a free airdrop of the next NFT, ensuring that each owner remains at the forefront of this creative journey.

Priced at INR 5,000, the lightning-fast sellout of these NFTs was achieved through a unique and seamless buying experience similar to any online purchase. The NFTs were minted on the NEAR Protocol, a carbon-neutral project as certified by South Pole.

The project was strategized along with Antier Solutions Pvt Ltd, the largest blockchain consulting firm in India. For the personalized art, the NFT design artists from Antier will be assisted by design students from the Pearl Academy, Jaipur and the MIT Institute of Design, Pune.

Škodaverse India continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of automotive and blockchain technology. The Škodaverse India platform, https://skodaverseindia.co.in facilitates further updates on the creation and the trading of NFTs. Škoda Auto India will also release regular updates on utilities via its Škodaverse India Discord (https://discord.gg/8rEJN9CzNt), Škodaverse India Telegram (https://t.me/Škodaverseindia) and ŠkodaIndia Twitter (https://twitter.com/SkodaIndia) social network accounts.

Škoda Auto

• › is successfully steering through the new decade with the Next Level – Škoda Strategy 2030.
• › aims to be one of the five best-selling brands in Europe by 2030 with an attractive line-up in the entry-level segments and additional e-models.
• › is emerging as the leading European brand in important growth markets such as India or North Africa.
• › currently offers its customers twelve passenger-car series: the Fabia, Rapid, Scala, Octavia and Superb as well as the Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, Enyaq iV, Enyaq Coupé iV, Slavia and Kushaq.
• › delivered over 731,000 vehicles to customers around the world in 2022.
• › has been a member of the Volkswagen Group for 30 years. The Volkswagen Group is one of the most successful vehicle manufacturers in the world.
• › independently manufactures and develops not only vehicles but also components such as MEB battery systems, engines and transmissions in association with the Group.
• › operates at three sites in the Czech Republic; has additional production capacity in China, Slovakia and India primarily through Group partnerships, as well as in Ukraine with a local partner.
• › employs over 40,000 people globally and is active in over 100 markets.

Škoda Auto India

• › fascinating customers in India since 2001.
• › offers 3 models in India – Slavia, Kushaq and Kodiaq
• › Present in more than 140 cities across the country with over 240 customer touchpoints
• › recorded a triple-digit growth of 125% with 53,721 units sold in 2022

India, 14th September 2023: Credgenics, the leading provider of advanced loan collections and debt recovery technology solutions for Banks, NBFCs, ARCs, and Digital Lending firms worldwide, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. M. V. Nair, the former Chairman of TransUnion CIBIL and former Chairman and MD of Union Bank of India, as a distinguished strategic advisor to the company. This move underscores Credgenics’ commitment to harnessing exceptional industry expertise for excellence and fortifying its position as a leader in the evolving financial technology landscape.

Mr. M. V. Nair’s illustrious career spanning over three decades has solidified his reputation as one of the banking industry’s foremost leaders. His distinguished tenure included a six-year stint as Chairman and Managing Director of Union Bank of India and a one-year as CMD at Dena Bank. Furthermore, he assumed the pivotal role of Chairman of the Indian Banks Association (IBA), a testament to his influence in shaping the financial landscape of India.

In addition to his leadership roles, Mr. Nair has played a pivotal part in driving significant initiatives within the banking and finance sector, championed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Government of India. As a Non-Executive Chairman of KFin Technologies, he facilitated the scaling up of India’s largest registrar and market leader in investor servicing by enhancing its technology and service offerings.

Mr. Nair’s influence extends beyond the banking realm, as he has served as an Advisor to General Atlantic, a global private equity firm. His strategic acumen has been instrumental in advising select private equity and venture-backed companies on business strategy, new market entry, product diversification, and leadership.

Mr. Nair’s appointment as an advisor at Credgenics signifies a crucial milestone in the company’s journey towards innovation, growth, and global expansion. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of strategic thinking that will be instrumental in shaping Credgenics’ future endeavors.

Mr. Nair will capitalize on his expertise as an advisor by guiding Credgenics’ strategic initiatives and decision-making processes. He will play a pivotal role in supporting the company’s global expansion and scaling growth vision. His mentorship, strategic guidance, and industry acumen are poised to position Credgenics for success in a competitive landscape while laying a strong foundation for innovation and lasting impact.

Commenting on this significant appointment, Rishabh Goel, Co-Founder & CEO of Credgenics stated, “We are deeply honored to welcome Mr. M. V. Nair as a strategic advisor to our team. His unparalleled experience and profound insights garnered from decades of leadership in the banking and financial sector are poised to be a transformative force within Credgenics. With Mr. Nair’s strategic guidance, we anticipate enhancing our current capabilities and pioneering new dimensions of growth and innovation.”

“Mr. Nair’s extraordinary track record of leadership, ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, and strategic vision align perfectly with Credgenics’ mission and ambitions. His presence will undoubtedly reinforce our position as a leader in the financial services industry. As we continue to chart our course towards global expansion and excellence, we are confident that Mr. Nair’s contributions will be instrumental in shaping our future success.”, he added.

Mr. M. V. Nair,Strategic Advisor at Credgenics, expressed his enthusiasm about association with Credgenics, saying, “Credgenics is indisputably at the forefront of fintech innovation, and I am genuinely excited to support their remarkable journey with my expertise. It is an exciting phase to be part of a dynamic team that is driving innovation at the intersection of finance and technology.”

“Today’s banking and financial services landscape is constantly evolving, with challenges and opportunities emerging at an unprecedented pace. Credgenics has demonstrated a clear commitment to pioneering technology solutions that not only help address these challenges but also unlock new growth avenues. I am eager to collaborate as we work together to shape the future of debt management”, he added.

Credgenics looks forward to the positive impact of Mr. Nair’s strategic guidance as they continue on the agenda to transform the debt management and resolution industry. With his appointment, Credgenics is well-positioned to make significant strides toward establishing global leadership.

Mumbai, 14th September 2023 ASICS, the renowned Japanese sports performance brand, has proudly announced its latest partnership with India’s top Men’s Singles Tennis player, Sumit Nagal. The official announcement took place at a special event hosted at the Official ASICS Store in Lucknow, underlining ASICS’ unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering India’s top tennis talents.

Sumit Nagal currently holds the esteemed title of India’s Rank 1 in Men’s Singles Tennis. His collaboration with ASICS aims to set new benchmarks on his promising journey, poised to propel his performance where we will see Nagal wear ASICS apparel and footwear during training and competitions. His exceptional prowess, unwavering dedication, and profound commitment to the sport align seamlessly with ASICS’ core values, making him an organic addition to the brand.

In a significant stride toward championing tennis talent, ASICS’ partnership with Sumit Nagal marks an outstanding addition to the illustrious roster, already featuring tennis stalwarts Rohan Bopanna and Karman Kaur Thandi. These three exceptional athletes collectively embody the strength, resilience, and dedication that are synonymous with ASICS.

Talking about the announcement Mr. Rajat Khurana, Managing Director, ASICS India and South Asia commented “We are thrilled to partner with Sumit Nagal, a true champion of the sport. Sumit’s dedication and passion for tennis are unmatched, and we are confident that he will continue to achieve great things. We are proud to support Sumit on his journey to the top, and we look forward to seeing him succeed.”

“ASICS is committed to supporting tennis talent in India, and we are proud to add Sumit to our growing roster of athletes. We believe that Sumit is a role model for aspiring tennis players in India, and we are excited to see what he accomplishes in the years to come.” He added

Expressing his thoughts on this collaboration, Sumit Nagal commented, “I am humbled and honored to join forces with ASICS, a brand that shares my passion for excellence and unwavering commitment to the sport. I am excited to embark on this journey together, marked by relentless dedication and a shared goal of reaching new heights in the world of tennis. I am confident that this partnership will help me unleash my full potential on the court.”

To commemorate this exciting development, ASICS orchestrated a media event at the ASICS store in Lucknow, offering fans, media, and sports enthusiasts an exclusive opportunity to engage with Sumit Nagal, Rohan Bopanna, and Karman Kaur Thandi.

14th September 2023: Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited., today announced the launch of a new laboratory in Tanda, Himachal Pradesh. The advanced laboratory has the capacity to process 30,000+ samples in a month ranging from simple routine tests to semi-specialized and specialized tests. Recognizing the rising demand for quality diagnostic services, Agilus has expanded its capabilities by launching this laboratory in Tanda. The citizens of Tanda will now have access to Agilus’ extensive test menu comprising of 3,000+ tests and a range of well-curated preventive healthcare packages. This new Agilus lab in Tanda along with its existing lab in Shimla will also cater to Kangra, Palampur and Dharmashala.

Mr. Anand K, Managing Director & CEO, Agilus Diagnostics said ‘Agilus Diagnostics had been catering to the populace in Himachal Pradesh for over a decade through a PPP project with the state government. Now, we are excited to expand our services through our own laboratory facilities. We have also enabled home collection services for the benefit of our customers and other valued added services like ordering tests through our website and intuitive mobile app, receiving diagnostic reports through WhatsApp etc. In addition, we believe that our expansive test menu will help the local citizens and doctors to access a large number of tests.”

The advanced laboratory spread over 3000 Sqft has multiple laboratory divisions including Hematology, Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Serology, and Microbiology. The laboratory is located at: Agilus Diagnostics, Main Tanda market, Opposite Tanda Medical College Tanda, Kangra, 176001. Customers can easily book tests by calling 91115 91115 or through the Agilus website or mobile app or can contact the lab by calling 01892293283.

Agilus Diagnostics endeavors to be the laboratory of choice for patients, doctors, and hospitals across its network.

Bangalore, 14th September 2023 – As the World Cup season approaches, GOVO, an emerging player in the audio technology industry, is excited to introduce its latest offering, the GOVO GoSurround 350 Soundbar. During this time of sporting excitement, this innovatively designed audio device is set to revolutionize how fans immerse themselves in the thrill of cricket matches, bringing an extraordinary audio experience to all enthusiasts. Despite its compact form, this mini Soundbar is poised to leave everyone in awe with its exceptional sound quality.

The India Consumer Speaker Market size in terms of shipment volume is expected to grow from 29.13 million units in 2023 to 51.93 million units by 2028, at a CAGR of 12.26% during the forecast period (2023-2028). These trends, coupled with an increase in the demand for consumer electronics used for entertainment purposes, are expected to stimulate the demand for wireless speakers over the forecast period. GOVO GoSurround 350 Soundbar distinguishes itself with its remarkable attributes. Its top-tier audio excellence, outstanding bass delivery, sleek design, and competitive cost give it an ideal selection for our viewers.

Commenting on the launch of the GOVO GoSurround 350 Soundbar, Mr. Varun Poddar, Founder at GOVO said, “As the world comes together during the Cricket World Cup, we are thrilled to unveil the GOVO GoSurround 350 Soundbar, where innovation meets new technology. Our aim has always been to elevate the audio experience. With cricket fever increasing day by day, our mission is to provide an outstanding experience to hard-core cricket fans and unite them together.”

Here are the salient features of the GOVO GoSurround 350 Soundbar:

• · Immersive 3D Surround Sound: The G0VO Gosurround 350 portable speaker, powered by 52mm drivers, delivers a potent 25-watt output, providing a cinematic audio experience at home
• · Dynamic RGB LED Lights: Sleek glossy premium finish with multicolour LED lights will create the perfect ambiance for the World Cup
• · HD MIC: Take your calls seamlessly without needing to switch to a different device
• · Multiple Connectivity: The Soundbar effortlessly enables seamless connectivity with a wide range of devices, effortlessly AUX, USB, and TF Cord inputs
• · Bluetooth V5.3: Enjoy automatic connectivity to your mobile device with a seamless range of up to 30 feet
• · Dual Passive Radiator: Dive into a dynamic bass experience that will immerse you
• · Long-lasting Battery: The G0VO Gosurround 350 is equipped with a 2000mAh battery, offering up to 8 hours of playtime. Enjoy the World Cup for longer without worrying about recharging

The GOVO GoSurround 350 Soundbar is priced at Rs. 5,899/- but is exclusively available for Rs. 1,499/- on the website. It is also available at retail stores across the country. This product comes with a one-year warranty and is available in the colour Platinum Black.

India,14th September 2023— ASUS today announced that it has been included in TIME magazine’s list of the World’s Best Companies for 2023. ASUS was ranked among the top 300 out of 5,000 companies evaluated worldwide and was acknowledged for its exceptional performance in the three key categories of employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and sustainability. ASUS is also notably one of only four Taiwanese companies on this year’s list, which was compiled by TIME in partnership with Statista.

“We would like to thank TIME for recognizing our efforts as a leading global technology solutions brand,” said S.Y. Hsu, co-CEO of ASUS. “We are committed to relentlessly transforming our company into a more agile and synergistic organization and to becoming the world’s most admired innovative technology enterprise in the new digital era.”

The award also serves as a testament to the company’s continued efforts to reduce its environmental impact and dedication to sustainability in the four key areas of Climate Action, Circular Economy, Responsible Manufacturing, and Value Creation.

Emphasizing this relentless pursuit of sustainability, ASUS co-CEO Samson Hu added, “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from TIME. ASUS is committed to sustainability and has expended considerable efforts on this endeavor. We strive to build a holistic green supply chain as we continue to make significant strides towards our 2050 Net Zero goal to create a cleaner, greener future.”

Consistent international validation

The ASUS commitment to continuously creating incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere has consistently received global validation. In addition to Time’s recognition, ASUS was named one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for the eighth time in 2023. The company was also ranked among the Forbes World’s Best Employers 2022 list for a third straight year and named as Interbrand’s Best Global Taiwan Brand in 2022 for the ninth time.

A key factor in the company’s outstanding performance is its workforce of over 15,000 employees, including 5,000 world-class R&D and design professionals, who embody the ASUS spirit of always being in search of incredible.

Tough competition

The list of the World’s Best Companies is created by the prestigious US-based TIME magazine. Through extensive and in-depth market research and data analysis, the list seeks to rank the world’s most outstanding companies across all industries. Initially, 5,000 companies are evaluated using more than 15 different criteria, including the three main categories of employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and sustainability. Only 750 companies make it onto the World’s Best Companies list.

The detailed methodology and criteria for the list can be found at http://time.com/worlds-best-companies-2023

Mumbai13th September 2023 SMA India unveils the Sunny Tripower Core2 110KW to the Indian market as an advanced solution for medium to large-sized commercial PV systems. Being available in global markets, introducing the string inverter with AFCI in India has been much-awaited. Equipped with market-leading technologies, SMA Sunny Tripower Core2 offers its users the ability to take into account different module orientations so that system operators will always achieve the highest energy yields during the course of the day.Itwill transform deployment in every sector, whether in agriculture, corporate parks, or manufacturing facilities.

“With Sunny Tripower Core2, we are set to meet the unaddressed expectations of our business customers who need a flexible solution that can be used in various commercial projects,” said Abhijeet More, Head of Sales,Commercial & Industrial-India. “The Sunny Tripower Core2 offers unmatched flexibility and maximum integration options. The modern string inverter for commercial applications has quickly emerged as a highly preferred solution in international markets, and it is a matter of great delight to introduce it to the Indian market. We have started receiving pre-bookings, and the product will be available for our Indian customers from December 2023.”

The Sunny Tripower Core2 has the highest flexibility and integrated features for maximum yields. It offers unmatched flexibility for commercial and large commercial solutions, including rooftop or ground installations. It is a core part of SMA Commercial Energy Solution and ennexOS, demonstrating future readiness for future business. It will be available as an out-of-the-box solution with integrated PV performance optimization, ensuring efficient installation and customer service.

The Sunny Tripower CORE2 centerpiece of a new comprehensive energy system offers best-in-class 12 MPP trackers for maximum design flexibility and up to 150% over-dimensioning of the PV array. It can be fully integrated with ennexOS, offering easy plant commissioning via DATA MANAGER M and monitoring with SUNNY PORTAL.

Featuring 12 MPP trackers, the Sunny Tripower Core 2 is integrated with SMA ShadeFix, a patented, integrated software solution to optimize energy yield in PV plants. SMA ShadeFix has consistently outperformed most conventional hardware solutions for shade management in the PV systems arena.

It is an easy-to-deploy solution that does not require any DC combiner and offers best-in-class 110 kW with standard 400 VAC. It has multiple handling grips and offers high environmental resistance. Plant commissioning is a breeze with the integrated Data Manager M.

“The Sunny Tripower Core2 is the latest of a series of new commercial solutions planned for the Indian market. Our long-term vision is to empower local businesses to become carbon neutral,” Karan Singh, Director Sales-India, South East Asia and South Korea, said. “It is only the beginning for the SMA Commercial Energy Solutionas we look to identify new opportunities for maximizing returns from solar power – today and in the future.”

Bengaluru,13th September 2023 India’s building and construction industry currently works at the intersection of a diverse and fragmented value chain made of different actors with significant societal and environmental impacts. To keep their impacts in check, a Call for Action Event as part of the Decarbonisation Business Charter (DBC) a joint collaborative effort by WRI India, Alliance For an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE), EcoCollab and Mahindra Lifespace Developers was held on September 12 in Bengaluru.

As part of the charter, stakeholder consultations were organized to identify key actions for the value chain across the building and construction sector. It outlines actions for architects, designers, developers, contractors, property owners, facility managers, material manufacturers, and industry bodies that will be imperative for the sector to transition towards a low-carbon pathway.

By adopting a value chain approach, the Decarbonisation Business Charter is a movement bringing together stakeholders across the entire lifecycle of buildings for collective effort in fostering sustainability and achieving a more ecologically responsible building and construction industry.

The real estate sector in Bangalore, like many other urban centers, faces several sustainability challenges. These issues are driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, and economic development in the city. The major issues are listed below:

• Waste Management: Inadequate waste management practices in construction sites and residential areas contribute to environmental pollution. Effective recycling and waste disposal systems are lacking in many parts of the city. As per the estimates, construction and demolition waste in Bangalore ranges from 3,500 to 4,100 tonnes per day.

• Water Scarcity: Over-extraction of Groundwater: Bangalore heavily relies on groundwater for its water supply, and excessive extraction by real estate projects has led to declining water tables. Moreover, Improper drainage systems in many real estate projects exacerbate flooding during the monsoon season.

• With the fast paced growth of infrastructure in Bengaluru, the city is going to consume a huge amount of natural resources and will lead to higher embodied carbon from building sector.

The special address at the Call for Action event was delivered by Mr. Amarnath N., CEO, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL). While the keynote address was delivered by Mr. Jonas Brunschwig, Swissnex in India, Consulate General of Switzerland, Bangalore mentioned that this year Switzerland, India are celebrating 75 years of Indo Swiss friendship, this cooperation will continue on strong footing and we can build over the next 75 years.

Mr. Guruprakash Sastry, Head Climate Action, INFOSYS, said, India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, requiring coordinated efforts across all sectors. Infosys, an enterprise with a forward-thinking approach, achieved net-zero status in 2020, demonstrating that energy efficiency is economically viable. The case study presented delves into Infosys’s vision, strategy, and financial commitments, highlighting its successful journey toward net-zero emissions. It aims to inspire others to pursue energy efficiency and sustainability, providing strategies and evidence-based research to instilling confidence in stakeholders’ efforts to reach net-zero emissions. From 2008 to 2020, Infosys was able to avoid 2.36 billion KWh through energy efficiency efforts while the company size increased 3 times between that period. Moreover, through sustainability efforts Infosys was able to reduce its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 75% during the period of FY2008 and FY2020. This signifies that through energy efficiency and renewable energy implementation it is possible to decouple growth from GHG emissions.

Mr. G.C. Modgil, Senior Fellow ASHRAE, CEO – Sterling India, provided a glimpse of real-world applications and success stories from their ongoing and finished projects across various building types, all achieving NetZero status. He further stated, “These projects showcase the cutting-edge technological innovations employed by Sterling India and highlight the pivotal role of smart building systems in optimizing energy utilization and reducing carbon emissions. From commercial structures to residential complexes, Sterling India is revolutionizing the construction industry by demonstrating that NetZero is not just a concept but a practical reality. Dive into their portfolio and gain valuable insights into the sustainable future of our built environment, where innovation meets environmental responsibility.”.

Dr. Srinivas Shroff Nagesha Rao, Consultant, UNDP, said, Steel is a key ingredient in the construction of buildings. UNDP’s work in last one and half decade in decarbonizing steel production in the Mini Steel Plants in India were highlighted during the presentation. These interventions presented not only reduce carbon footprint in industry sector but also help decarbonizing buildings sector as steel is one of the key contributors to embodied energy in buildings. He further highlighted on, “Decarbonizing steel contributes to triple benefits – reducing energy bills to producer, reducing GHG emissions and reducing local pollution. Direct rolling is a game changer in avoiding reheating of steel in steel rerolling mill – one of the significant energy consuming processes altogether.”

Commenting on the Call for action event Dr. Manjunatha L.R., Vice President – Direct Sales & Sustainability Initiatives, JSW Cement Limited said, Construction industry is responsible for about 40 percent of the energy consumption 30% of the Green House Gas emissions and 10% of the dust emission and air pollution world over. As we continuously aim for economic growth with infrastructure and housing developments for our ever-growing demands, reducing carbon footprint in constructions is the need of the hour. There is a need that stakeholder like architects, engineers and builders should adopt low carbon materials like blended cements, green steels, low carbon concretes and plasters in their constructions. This event will really bring all the stakeholders together on a single platform to discuss, analyze and implement actional goals to decarbonize the building industry.