Archives October 2023

BCIC, SMRJ Sign MoU to Support SMEs and Start-ups to Expand Global Businesses

BCIC, SMRJ Sign

Bangalore 19th October 2023: Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) has entered a MoU with The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (“SMRJ”) to support enterprises in India and Japan to expand their businesses globally, exchange information on trade, investment policies and provide opportunities to support SMEs and start-ups in the two countries. The MoU, signed by Mr. T Kaneko, EVP, SMRJ and Dr. S Devarajan, President, BCIC covers all industries falling within the MSME category including manufacturing, industry, and services.

Speaking about the MoU, Dr. S Devarajan, President BCIC and Sr. Vice President, TVS Motor Company Ltd said, “This MoU is based on the projection that trade volumes between India and Japan will be about $41 billion by 2030 with Indian exports to Japan expected to be around $8 billion by 2030, from around $4 billion of last year. India’s import from Japan is expected to be around $33 billion by 2030, from around $17 billion last year. The objective of this MoU is therefore to support enterprises in India and Japan to expand global businesses, exchange information on trade, investment policies and opportunities to support MSMEs and start-ups in the two countries. We expect this tie-up to provide a fillip to increase the contribution of manufacturing to India’s GPD, quick adoption of emerging and futuristic technologies, and expansion for both Indian and Japanese companies to emerging markets in Middle East, Europe, and Africa.”

Mr. Tomohiro Kaneko, Executive Vice President, SMRJ said “Through this MoU we will implement new initiatives to strengthen business matching support for SMEs and startups in both Japan and India to promote new product development and overseas expansion. As part of this MoU, we will be targeting companies in the Bengaluru region where startups and the aircraft industry is concentrated to promote new product development and overseas expansion. We will work together to set up business meetings between Japanese SMEs and Indian companies and startups to promote business. SMRJ plays an important role as the only public organization comprehensively implementing Japan’s SME policies, which are formulated by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. SMEs account for 99.7% of the total number of companies in Japan. Similarly, there are a substantial number of micro, small and medium enterprises operating in India. This partnership with BCIC will explore business collaborations and support measures to expand the markets for SMEs both in India and Japan and to tap other overseas markets, with particular focus on utilizing our CEO Business Meetings and J-GoodTech business matching initiatives.”

Mr. T R Parasuraman, Founding President of BCIC JAPAN office, Mentor – BCIC Japan initiative and Executive Advisor, Toyota Group – External Affairs (State) said, “The collaboration with SMRJ is quite strategic, timely and impactful given the huge projected growth in the Indian manufacturing GDP from the current 17% to about 30% of the total GDP in the next decade, through rapid transformation of MSME sector in the country, which contributes about 35-40% of the total manufacturing GDP. This will bring in significant transformation by adoption of best practices of Japanese manufacturing excellence to Indian MSMEs while promoting the cost competitiveness of both Japan and India by leveraging the strengths of both the countries.”

Dr. K G Suresh, Country Head – BCIC JAPAN welcomed the move and hoped the relationships between small and medium enterprises in India and Japan will bond further with the support of SMRJ.

BCIC, the first industry body from India to set up an office in Tokyo, Japan is in the process of planning delegation visits to Japan for representatives from micro, small and medium enterprises in India and will host delegation visits of MSMEs from Japan to India. These initiatives will enable India to move towards manufacturing and technology excellence.

Mr. A V Srinivasan, Chairman, BCIC Japan Initiative Expert Committee, Mr. Tomohiro Kaneko, Executive Vice President, SMRJ, Dr. S Devarajan, President BCIC and Sr. VP, TVS Motor Company Ltd, Mr. A Murali, Advisor BCIC & VP, Toyota Tsusho India Pvt Ltd and Mr. Prashant Gokhale, VP, BCIC & MD Bruhler India Pvt. Ltd at the MoU signing between Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) and The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (“SMRJ”) for the promotion of SMEs and Startups in both countries.

Mr. Tomohiro Kaneko, Executive Vice President, SMRJ, Dr. S Devarajan, President BCIC and Sr. VP, TVS Motor Company Ltd at the MoU signing between Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) and The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan (“SMRJ”) for the promotion of SMEs and Startups in both countries.

With Gurugram Studio Launch, Izzhaar Opens a Lavish Gifting Retreat for Customers

With Gurugram Studio

In the course of our expansive journey, Izzhaar achieved a remarkable milestone with the grand inauguration of its Gurugram studio on October 7th. This highly anticipated and momentous event signifies a pivotal moment in our company’s history. The studio is more than just a physical space; it embodies our unwavering commitment to creativity and craftsmanship. It serves as a vibrant hub where dreams take tangible shape, creativity flows freely, and every gift is infused with the magic of innovation. With this expansion, we proudly offer a diverse array of exquisite wedding invitations, bespoke gifts, and delightful festive treasures, all aimed at making every celebration truly extraordinary. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued patrons for their unwavering support throughout our remarkable decade-long journey.

Ruchita Bansal, Co-Founder of Izzhaar, expressed her excitement, saying, “I am absolutely thrilled about the new studio launch in Gurugram! It is the luxury haven of unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and creativity at Izzhaar. It will allow us to bring forth an even wider range of sustainable and bespoke gifts, ensuring that every special occasion is celebrated in unparalleled style with Izzhaar. Our team’s dedication and the magic they create in this new space are bound to leave our customers enchanted and eager to explore the world of exquisite gifting we’ve crafted.”

Anupam Bansal, Co-Founder of Izzhaar, shared similar sentiments, stating, “The inauguration of our new studio fills me with immense pride and anticipation. It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s a vibrant hub of inspiration and innovation. This studio is where dreams take shape, where creativity flows, and where we weave magic into every bestowal. With our expanded offering, including a diverse range of exquisite wedding invites, bespoke gifts, and delightful festive treasures, we are ready to make every celebration truly extraordinary. We celebrate the continuous support of our valuable patrons and a decade of offering excellence to our customers.”

“We want to appreciate those who supported us in reaching this significant moment in time. Our staff will continue to deliver high-quality gift articles and services. Our customers’ unwavering support never ceases to inspire strength among us, fostering Izzhaar to be a testament of dedication to ability and transcendence,” stated Ruchita Bansal.

The new Izzhaar studio is envisioned as a treasure trove of souvenirs, catering to individuals seeking personalized and bespoke gifts. Its dedicated team tirelessly modernizes traditional gift-giving, striving to offer customers extraordinary gifting experiences through a diverse array of bespoke options suitable for various occasions and interests.

Izzhaar remains unwavering in its commitment to crafting meaningful and exceptional gifting experiences, ensuring that each gift serves as a genuine expression of joy. The team eagerly anticipates welcoming customers and sharing their passion for gifting and creativity in this vibrant new space.

BLS International Wins Another Schengen Global Visa Outsourcing Contract for Slovakia

BLS International Wins

Mumbai, 19th October 2023, BLS International Services Ltd, a global leader in outsourcing services for governments and diplomatic missions, has signed an exclusive global visa outsourcing contract for Slovakia in 18 countries with more than 54 offices. According to industry data, 2.64 million tourists visited Slovakia in 2021, and this number is expected to increase in line with travel trends.

BLS International’s extensive experience in providing exceptional visa services has earned them the privilege of working with the Schengen member countries. With this new contract, BLS International will be entrusted with the responsibility of not only offering Tourist visa services and Business visa services but also national visa services, all with the aim of facilitating seamless travel and immigration procedures.

“Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International Services Ltd., said, “We extend our sincere appreciation to the Slovakia government for entrusting BLS International as their visa outsourcing partner. This collaboration reflects our steadfast commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to delivering efficient, secure visa services. Aligned with the core Schengen principles, we are eager to enhance the visa application experience for all, setting new industry benchmarks through innovation and customer-centric solutions. As Slovakia emerges as an enticing and fascinating new tourism destination, significantly contributing to the growth of the travel industry, we are keen to play our part. This endeavor harmonizes perfectly with our core values of excellence, efficiency, and security.”

Notably, this achievement marks a significant addition to BLS International’s portfolio of Schengen countries. The company already collaborates with Schengen member states such as Hungary, Portugal, Poland, Spain, Germany and Italy, offering a wide range of visa and consular services. Slovakia’s inclusion in this elite group further solidifies BLS International’s position as a trusted partner for governments and visa applicants alike.

Ajax Engineering in Collaboration with the Government Empowers Communities Through Free Health Assessment Camps as a CSR Initiative

Ajax Engineering

Bengaluru, 19th October 2023: Ajax Engineering, India’s leading manufacturer of concrete equipment’s, recently organized a medical camp under the Ayushman Bhava program. The company has always prioritized the health and safety of its employees, and it extends this commitment to the communities it operates in. In addition to this Ajax Engineering actively supports projects focused on skill-building, education and health under its’ CSR initiatives.

Thus, the medical camp was conducted in partnership at Bashettihalli’s old government school, Namma Clinic campus. The event provided the local community with access to a wide range of medical check-ups conducted by specialist doctors, including physicians, gynecologists, dentists, orthopaedists, dermatologists, and general surgeons. In total, approximately 341 patients benefited from these services.

Additionally, the registration and distribution of Ayushman cards, a crucial aspect of the program, were carried out. The Ayushman card grants families with an income ranging from 1.8 to 3 lakh the privilege of availing free medical benefits. These benefits encompass medical examinations, treatments, consultations, and hospitalization expenses.

Commenting on this activity, Mr. Joseph Peeris, CHRO said, “At Ajax Engineering, we firmly believe in giving back to the communities in which we operate. Ensuring that low-income families can access timely medical facilities to address health concerns before they become severe is of paramount importance. We wholeheartedly support this government initiative and are proud to be partners in this endeavour.”

One of the goals of this initiative is to distribute Ayushman cards to all eligible beneficiaries enrolled under the PM-JAY scheme, making essential health services accessible to a broader audience. Through this program, efforts are made to raise awareness and disseminate information regarding health-seeking behaviour and the benefits available through various Ministry schemes and programs, creating an Information, Education & Communication (IEC) platform for the target audience.

Ajax Engineering’s corporate social responsibility efforts also include the donation of two classroom buildings at the Govt. Primary School, Bashettihally, Doddaballapur through Ajax Charitable Trust. Additionally Ajax School of Concrete was also established to build the technical skills of youth and help them gain employment opportunities.

TATA Trust and TNC come together to emphasise on sustainable solutions

New Delhi, 19th October 2023 A day-long workshop convened by The Nature Conservancy Centre (TNCC) and backed by TATA Trusts, ‘The Indian Collaborative for Applied Sustainable Solutions’ (ICASS) initiative brought together a diverse group of sustainability practitioners to address critical gaps in the science-policy-practice interface, ensuring effective sustainability implementation. Discussions were centered around 20 ICASS initiatives and case studies from the field, such as managing elephant recolonization in Madhya Pradesh, regenerating oak forests in Sikkim, and restoring riparian areas along the Narmada River basin. These efforts, along with the landscape-level management of the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area and promotion of green urban infrastructure, aimed to provide prompt, robust solutions to policy and practice challenges in sustainability.

ICASS, with Tata Trusts’ backing, fosters collaboration among scientists, practitioners, and policymakers to bridge the Science, Policy, and Practice gap and further encourage engagement, co-production, innovation, and capacity building. The initial phase of ICASS, generously supported by Tata Trusts, showcased its substantial potential in the country, with 100+ experts from TNC and partner organizations dedicating over two years to gathering evidence through Working Groups and field pilots for potential solutions.

Inaugurating the workshop, Dr Annapurna Vancheswaran, Managing Director, TNCC said, “Policy framing has always been a complex issue influencing efficient management of the limited resources to achieve effective results.”

She further added, “Evidence-based policy framing to address climate change challenges and the sustainable development goals cannot be underestimated. The more robust the scientific evidence, the stronger will be the policies necessary to optimise resources and achieve results. Robust scientific evidence is one that goes beyond the scientific theory to the applied evidence tested thoroughly on the ground in varying contexts of time, situations, geographical areas, demography, climatic conditions, and other factors.”

Among those who attended the inaugural session and launched the policy briefs included Prof R. Sukumar, Honorary Professor at the Centre of Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science; Subramanian Ramadori, Chairman Karmayogi Bharat and former CEO&MD, Tata Consultancy Services; RR Rashmi, IAS (retd) and Distinguished Fellow in the Centre for Global Environmental Research in TERI and Dr Ashok Khosla, Chairman, Development Alternatives, a member on numerous national and international Think Tanks in the environment sector. The policy briefs contained the findings and recommendations from these case studies for further uptake by the government and practitioners.

Dr Ashok Khosla, in his keynote address elucidated on “the importance of calculating the impact of the proposed sustainable solutions mathematically as well as socially, including gender parity in environmental sustainability.”

During the inaugural session, Prof R. Sukumar pointed out the dynamics of the policy landscape; Subramanian Ramadorai restated that science is a continuum and highlighted the importance of capacity building; RR Rashmi expressed that policy-making though based in scientific data is guided by social, economic, and political factors.

Amitanshu Choudhary from the TATA Trusts appreciated the launch of the 10 policy briefs and went on to express how his organization was happy to support such endeavors of TNC.

While delivering the closing remarks, Dr Sushil Saigal, Director of Programs at TNC, informed the gathering that the ICASS initiative will be continued through a Secretariat as well as an Advisory Group consisting of leading universities working on sustainability issues.

The workshop was graced by a wide range of professionals from diverse sectors. The representation from government departments included Dr Deep Narayan Pandey, former Head of Forest Force, Rajasthan Forest Department; Dr Sanjeeva Pandey, Forestry Advisor, Forest Plus; Mr Chitaranjan Tyagi, IFS (retd); Dr Devendra Pandey, former Director General, Survey of India; Dr N Krishna Kumar, Director, IFGTB; Dr Neelkamal Darbari, IAS (retd.), former Managing Director of Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium and Dr Kalpana Khurana, Commissioner – Landscape, Delhi Development Authority. Jayant Sarnaik, Nature Connect India Pvt Ltd, Dr Yashveen Bhatnagar from IUCN; Dr Purnamita Dasgupta, Chair Professor and Head at Environmental and Resource Economics Unit at IEG; Dr Sanjib Sarangi, Chief Fundraising and Partnerships Officer, Indian Grameen Services; Dr Anita Varghese, Director, Keystone Foundation; Prof Ashish Aggarwal from IIM Lucknow; and Mr Amit Kumar, Partner at Ernst and Young, represented the senior leadership from NGOs and government advisory firms.

TATA Trust

Dr Aditya Gangadharan moderating the panel on “Use of lessons from field practice for better-informed policy choices related to environment and nature conservation”
Left to Right – Dr Aditya Gangadharan, Dr. Kalpana Khurana, Dr. Sanjib Sarangi, Dr. Ghazala Shahabuddin, Mr. Chitranjan Tyagi, Mrs. Neelkamal Darbari, Mr. Jayant Sarnail

TATA Trust and TNC

Left to Right – Sunpreet Kaur, Dr Annapurna Vancheswaran, RR Rashmi, Dr Ashok Khosla, Dr Sushil Saigal and Dr Aditya Gangadharan launching the 10 Policy Brief under ICASS Program

Ranked 1st in Asia in the ‘Listed Companies Category’ for Commercial Business Development

Ranked 1st in Asia

India,19th October 2023 : Mindspace Business Parks REIT (BSE: 543217 | NSE: MINDSPACE) (‘Mindspace REIT’), owner and developer of quality Grade A office portfolio, becomes the first Indian Commercial Real Estate entity to be adjudged ‘Global Listed Sector Leader’ in 2023 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) for Office Development Benchmark. The REIT also ranked 1st in Asia, and is placed 1st out of 9 in India, in the ‘Listed Companies Category’ for commercial business development.

The REIT has secured a prestigious 5-Star Rating for the second consecutive year, affirming its leadership by achieving a 100/100 in the Development Benchmark. Moreover, Mindspace REIT impressively scored 91/100 in the Standing Investment Benchmark, ranking 6th among real estate peers across Asia with a 5-star Rating. This distinguished performance has been achieved for the entire 32.1 million square feet, Grade A portfolio.

The ranking gives Mindspace REIT the prestigious ‘Green Star’ status. This outstanding achievement is a testament to collaborative efforts across functions, each emphasising a profound commitment to the entity’s ESG values. Mindspace REIT has outperformed other participants, in several key GRESB components like ESG Objective Setting, Policies, ESG reporting. Environmental Management System and Stakeholder Management. The REIT has also secured a flawless 100% score in both Management and Development benchmarks, while witnessing an impressive 16% year-on-year increase in its performance component rating.

“GRESB Sector Leaders embody the industry’s champions, leading the charge towards a net-zero future and propelling the sector forward. We wholeheartedly commend this year’s Sector Leaders for their dedication, leadership and commitment to ESG principles and sustainability,” said Sebastien Roussotte, CEO of GRESB.

Mr. Ramesh Nair, Chief Executive Officer, K Raheja Corp Investment Managers Private Limited, Manager to Mindspace Business Parks REIT said, “We are the first real estate entity in India to earn the ‘Global Sector Leader’ title, and we’re very proud of this. With this title comes a big responsibility. We are encouraged to do even better on the ESG front and to work closely with our tenants, partners, and local communities on new sustainability projects. More investors are now using ESG data to make decisions. This recognition helps show our stakeholders that we are transparent and dedicated to doing what’s right, being innovative, and growing in a sustainable way.”

GRESB is an independent organization providing validated ESG performance data and peer benchmarks for investors and managers to improve business intelligence, industry engagement and decision-making. Today, over 95% of investors use ESG data in their decision-making, and the GRESB data is currently being used by 170 institutional and financial investors with more than USD 51 trillion in assets under management (1).

RV University Welcomes New Post-Graduate Students

RV University

Bengaluru, 19th October 2023: Reaching out to its new batch of post-graduate students with a message to self-transform and help create an equitable world, RV University held a Commencement Day ceremony.

Dr. Prasad Ram, the renowned Founder and CEO of Gooru, was the distinguished Commencement Day speaker. Dr. Ram, who has previously held senior positions at industry giants like Google and Yahoo, delivered an inspirational address to the new postgraduate students. The ceremony was also attended by family members of students, friends, and faculty.

In a thought provoking speech to the new batch, Dr. Ram said, “I want to congratulate you on this outstanding accomplishment. I implore you to consider learning, self-transformation, curiosity, appreciation, and the beauty of simple solutions. Change yourself first for a more equitable world. Accept curiosity and look for the beauty in the mysteries of life. Express gratitude; love is a powerful kind of acknowledgment. Social justice and education go hand-in-hand because education gives you the ability to advocate for change. “

Encouraging the students further, he said, “Find the simplicity in the complexity of life, and never forget that motivation is the foundation of all learning. As you set out on your path, remember that you have the capacity to have a significant influence. Be the innovators and change agents who help to create a better tomorrow. Congratulations, and move forth with bravery and conviction.”

In his address, Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy, Vice-Chancellor, RV University said, ‘”It is with great pride and anticipation that I stand before our new batch today. As you embark on this exciting new journey, remember that your education is not just a destination but a lifelong expedition. Each one of you possesses the potential to transform the world through your knowledge, creativity, and dedication. Embrace the challenges, savor the successes, and, above all, never cease your quest for learning. You are the architects of tomorrow, and I have full confidence that you will design a brighter, more sustainable, and just future for us all.”

This year, RV University welcomed students to the following postgraduate programs, marking a significant expansion in its academic offerings:

LL.M program in the School of Law

MA (Economics) in the School of Economics

M.Tech (Data Science) in the School of Computer Science and Engineering

M.Design program in the School of Design and Innovation (now in its third year)

The ceremony reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and creating future leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.

StarAgri Hosts Global & Domestic Agri-Business Outlook Seminar for Traders and Processors in Chennai

StarAgri Hosts Globa

Chennai, 19th October 2023 – StarAgriwarehousing & Collateral Management Limited, India’s leading agritech integrated solutions company, successfully hosted the “Global & Domestic Agri-Business Outlook Seminar” in Chennai. The event convened industry professionals, particularly processors and traders in South India’s agricultural heartland, providing valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of global and domestic agribusiness.

The seminar featured a distinguished panel discussion with industry luminaries, including Mr. A. Ilavarasu, CMD, S.A Anandan Spinning Mills; Mr. Krishna Murthy B, MD, Four P International Pvt Ltd; Mr. Padmasingh Isaac, MD, Aachi Group of Companies; Mr. R. Raghuram, COO, Rajshree Sugars & Chemicals Ltd; Mr. Thyagarajan Karthikeyan, MD, Value Ingredients Pvt. Ltd; Mr. J. Karthikeyan, Director, Vellore Roller Flour Mills (P) Ltd. and Mr. K Mahalingam, VP – Commercial, Sakthi Sugars ltd. Soya Division. The discussion was moderated by Mr. G Chandrashekar, Independent Director at StarAgri, a renowned expert in the Indian agricultural sector.

The agricultural industry plays a pivotal role in India’s economy, and the “Global & Domestic Agri-Business Outlook Seminar” was designed to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the commodities market. The event delivered a comprehensive overview of the agribusiness sector, offering attendees key insights to navigate the industry’s domestic and international complexities.

Mr. G Chandrashekar, Independent Director at StarAgri,said, “With the current fragile geo-political situation, global trade, especially in the agri-commodity space, needs to be handled with more real-time information to avoid undue volatility and risks. The ‘Global & Domestic Agri-Business Outlook Seminar’ offers a valuable platform for stakeholders to gain insights, share knowledge, and chart a course for the future of Indian agribusiness.”

The seminar provided attendees with a holistic understanding of the agribusiness industry, enabling them to adopt more innovative and sustainable practices in Indian agriculture by fostering discussions among industry experts.

Key topics discussed at the seminar included:

1. Global Agribusiness Trends: Insights into the ever-changing global agri landscape and its impact on Indian markets in terms of exports and imports.
2. Domestic Commodity Market Analysis: An in-depth analysis of India’s domestic commodities market, addressing challenges and opportunities.
3. Sustainable Practices: A focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches in agribusiness, especially emphasizing traceability.
4. Digital Transformation: The role of technology and digitization in shaping the future of agribusiness, including the impact on small farmers with the penetration of smartphones and fast internet access.

The seminar was insightful with the panel discussion featuring esteemed industry experts, who shared their experiences, discussed market trends, and explored innovative solutions to address the agribusiness sector’s challenges.

StarAgri, through such knowledge-sharing seminars, encourages all stakeholders in the agribusiness sector, from seasoned professionals to newcomers, to attend these events and gain valuable insights to succeed in the ever-evolving agribusiness landscape.
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Mr Kanwaljeet Jawa, CMD, Daikin; unveils Sri Comfort Air Products & Services

Hyderabad, October 18th, 2023: Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt Ltd., and Sri Comforts – Hyderabad headquartered two decade old largest authorized Daikin dealer and air conditioning solution provider in South India, unveiled the first and the largest full-line showroom of Daikin in South India, Sri Comfort Air Products & Services. Mr Kanwaljeet Jawa, Chairman and Managing Director, Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt. Ltd., formally inaugurated the facility established by Sri Comforts, today at SP Road, Secunderabad. Mr B. Kalyanaraman, CEO, Sri Comforts; Mr N. Kutumba Rao, Regional Director, South, Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt Ltd.; Mr Sanjay Goel, Sr Vice President, Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt Ltd., and Ms P Vasundara, Partner, Sri Comforts; were present on the occasion.

The one of its kind showroom in Hyderabad, offers comprehensive range of Daikin products and services under one roof. Daikin, from Japan, is the leading innovator and provider of advanced high quality air conditioning solutions for residential, commercial and industrial segments.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Kanwaljeet Jawa said, world is going through challenging times, but India’s growth story still remains robust, as India climbs to be among the top five economies of the world powered by manufacturing, agriculture, real estate development, servicing and particularly IT sectors, we are getting ready for an explosive growth phase. Twelve years ago when I came here for opening of the first solution plaza for Sri Comforts, their turnover was Rs 12 crores, and in the twelve years since, Sri Comforts grew by ten times. The growth of Daikin has been in the same legacy, in the last 14 years Daikin India has surpassed more than 15 competitors to become the number one HVAC brand in India. We are a global company operating in 150 countries, in India we crossed a turnover of one billion last year, we are known as an unicorn now. The secret behind this is primarily agility, adoptability, mass manufacturing, localisation, local engineers R&D, brand building and the most important is the distribution and people management. We operate in a manner that our partners are our extended arms and they are our extended family. Individually you can break barriers, but collectively you can create new horizons, that is what Sri Comfort displayed in the last twelve years, in line with the company’s growth. Humble beginnings has led us from prominence to dominance, with a widest range of our HVAC products, which you can see from 0.7 ton room air conditioners to 2700 tons chillers. These are tailor made to compliment the needs of Indian customers and the climatic conditions. Distribution development, dealers consolidation and dealer loyalty programs are key to our market success. Our solution plazas are our pride and is the strategy for going to the customers and these are the Daikin wheels of success and they bring the customers closer to the brand by way of providing an opportunity to experience our products and services. Daikin’s solution plazas have become synonymous in delivering the Daikin promise of superior technology, world class products and unmatched services to over 1.2 Bn Indian population. We have 4.5 mn customers today connected through our Daikin solution plazas and Daikin dealers. Today, Daikin is ready to take on the world with its manufacturing capabilities and the best price proposition to serve the world through high decibel exports. In the next five years Daikin will take advantage of the PLI schemes and other growth promoting Government schemes to invest and develop India as the manufacturing Mecca for the world.

The new facility showcases Daikin’s advance technology air conditioning solutions including split ACs, Ductable ACs, VRVs for commercial spaces, Cassette ACs, Deep Freezers, Chillers, Air Handling Units, Refrigeration & Cold Storage Equipment and more. The Showroom is equipped to serve the requirements of retail customers and high-end cooling systems requisites of specialised and niche patrons.

Our two decade extensive expertise from conceiving to commissioning air conditioning and HVAC projects, enables us to provide solutions for the most complex, specialised and niche requirements. Its clients from far and wide who reach out seeking our services, enabling us to expand our client base across geographies, says Mr Kalyanaraman. This showroom has extensive range of products and solutions, it enables customers to experience the product and take a call on choosing the right solution for them.

Mr N. Kutumba Rao said, Daikin known for the highest standard of quality is in itself the best deal customers can get. During this festive season, in addition we have variety of offers including EMI or cash back options, also have an exchange offer of Rs 6000/- for their old AC. Daikin is number one brand in the world, in India and Hyderabad. The reason being the highest quality standards maintained, coming from Japan, who are known for not compromising on the quality. Daikin has an expertise of over hundred years, we brought the R32 gas for the first time in the world, VRV technology was first introduced by Daikin, inverter technology was introduced by us for the first time. Daikin is always in the forefront in introducing innovative technology in air conditioning. Our hallmark is also after sales service. Power saving is one of the critical features Daikin is known for. Daikin established its first manufacturing plant two decades ago at Neemrana in Rajasthan, five years ago another plant was established, the third plant is being commissioned in Andhra Pradesh in Sri City. This is a huge plant in 100 acres land involving an investment of Rs 2000 crs., to produce 20 lakh air conditioners. The new plant will be inaugurated on November 23rd, 2023, which will enable to service the needs of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Sri Comforts, since its inception in 2001, has done extensive air conditioning and HVAC work in South India ranging over 80,000 HP VRV, 15000 tons of duct ACs and sale of over 30,000 split ACs. Its clientele range from large manufacturing plants, hospitals, government office, educational institutions to high-end residential villas.

Sri Comfort has a presence through its offices at Hyderabad (H.O), Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Tirupati, Khammam, Vizag, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry. A network of over 210 engineers from Sri Comforts, service clients’ needs across all these cities and neighbouring geographies.

According to Mr Kalyanaraman, Sri Comforts will be spreading its footprint across all major cities pan South India and in the immediate future will have offices at Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Kurnool, Anantapur, Madurai and Mangalore.

Sri Comforts has an excellent track record of servicing top notch clients including some prominent ones like Telangana Secretariat, Raj Bhavan, Tech Mahindra, Google, Wells Fargo, ADP, Hyderabad Metro Rail, AP Assembly, AP Secretariat and many more prestigious projects.

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Consortium for Technical Education Hosts International Webinar on Cybersecurity

19th October 2023 – The Consortium for Technical Education (CTE) announced an International Webinar on Cybersecurity – Attack Surface Management, held at Loyola – ICAM College of Engineering and Technology (LICET) on October 17, 2023. This event is part of CTE’s ongoing efforts to promote cybersecurity awareness and knowledge exchange within the academic community.

The webinar delved into the critical aspects of Attack Surface Management (ASM), a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Participants gained insights into the significance of ASM and understood the processes involved in discovering and assessing the attack surface and its applications in real-world scenarios.

K. A. Alagarsamy, Director, CTE, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We are pleased to host this International Webinar on Cybersecurity – Attack Surface Management at LICET. Educational institutions and professionals need to stay updated with the latest cybersecurity practices. This webinar aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge that is essential in today’s digital landscape.”

Mr. Sairaman Srinivasan, Chief Strategy Officer, CTE, emphasized the importance of hands-on learning, stating, “Our objective is to empower participants with actionable insights. By engaging in practical sessions and real-time analysis, attendees not only understood the theoretical concepts of ASM but also gained practical skills that are directly applicable in their professional pursuits.”

Dr. B. Prabha, Assistant Professor/IT, LICET, shared her perspective, saying, “We are grateful to CTE for organizing this webinar. It provided an excellent platform for our students and faculty to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity challenges and solutions. We believe such initiatives foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.”

The International Webinar on Cybersecurity – Attack Surface Management promised to be an enriching experience, offering attendees valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Participants had the opportunity to interact with experts, engage in hands-on activities, and broaden their knowledge base.