Archives January 2024

Finolex Industries unveils new logo, marking the legacy brand’s next era

Finolex Industries unveils new logo, marking the legacy brand's next eraPune, 20 January 2024: Finolex Industries Limited is a name that has become synonymous with quality Pipes & Fittings over the last four decades. Steadily growing with committed investments in backward and forward integrations. Their formidable reputation in both urban and rural markets is testimony to this obsessive commitment. In a recent development, the company revealed a new logo that clearly represents this focus.

Maintaining a sense of familiarity and consistency over the years, the logo has gracefully evolved. Yellow embodies optimism and happiness, while Blue, the color of water, represents a steadfast reliability & trust over four decades.

Speaking about this change in logo, Shri Prakash P Chhabria, Executive Chairman, shared, “Our logo has evolved, but our focus hasn’t. Since the beginning, we have been single-mindedly focused on supporting our customers with Pipes & Fittings of the highest quality. Every decision we’ve made, every addition and growth to our company has only been to further this commitment. This focus is now visualized in our new logo.”

This announcement comes on the back of aggressive consolidation and expansion into new markets over the last year. This has been further bolstered by the inauguration of a new state-of- the-art manufacturing plant dedicated to fittings. The singular focus of Finolex on Pipes & Fittings is demonstrated by the new appointments, integrating company-wide tech-enabled systems and processes, and on-ground engagement programmes.

To sum things up Mr. Chhabria adds, “The new logo is not a culmination, but the beginning of a new phase for us.”

This is Finolex:

We are India’s most trusted PVC pipes and fittings manufacturer. Over the last 40 years, we have impacted the sanitation-plumbing and agricultural sectors with prudent investments across our value chain. Right from the sourcing of quality raw materials and resin production, to manufacturing, storage, transport, sales, marketing and even further downstream to include customer engagement

To stay focused on making superior quality pipes and fittings, and nothing else but that, for forty years, is no mean feat. Aligning every decision, every action, every resource towards delivering quality pipes and fittings. To choose to do just this one thing, and do it well. So that once our customers install our pipes, they completely forget about us. We take great pride in this dependable quality that has not only earned us ISO 9001:2015 certifications across plants, but also earned us the sincere affection of farmers, plumbers, homeowners, partners, associates and shareholders. They have all come to expect the world from us. Because that’s exactly what we expect from ourselves.

When we choose to diversify, it’s upstream with an open sea jetty to manage our raw materials, and downstream into last mile fulfillment. When we evolve, it has to be in our understanding of customer expectations and finding better machines and processes to meet those expectations. When we choose to expand, it is into newer markets, delivering our pipes and fittings to newer customers. And when we measure our growth, it is in reputation. The effect of which reflects in our bottom line – growing manifold in the last decade.

This quality focus is not just restricted to our products, but defines every aspect of our functioning. Whether quality support for our dealers, vendors and suppliers. Quality opportunities to our employees. Superior quality of life, education and health of the people we serve through our various social responsibility initiatives.

Over the last forty years, we have steadily added depth to our company, instead of spreading ourselves wide and thin. Consistently delivering the exact same products that fulfil the exact same promise. Every time. That’s what makes us a strong brand, with a strong network, and even stronger goodwill. We are Finolex Industries Limited.

Partners in Compassion:

Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF), our CSR partner, is a registered charitable trust under the Bombay Charitable Act 1950. It has dedicated itself to uplifting underprivileged and vulnerable communities with opportunities that pave their path to success. Empowering them with educational facilities, hospitals, healthcare, sanitation and environmental support, social welfare and so much more. Creating a foundation for individuals, their communities and their environment to thrive. MMF also supports existing infrastructure and initiatives by helping them upgrade. We don’t simply donate funds, we endow dignity.

NIA successfully hosts the 25th Annual C D Deshmukh Memorial Seminar: “The 2047 Clarion Call: Insurance for All

NIA successfully hosts

The National Insurance Academy (NIA) in Pune hosted the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Annual C D Deshmukh Memorial Seminar at the Prathap Oburai Convention Centre, Baner Pune on the 16th of January, 2024. The event, themed “The 2047 Clarion Call: Insurance for All,” witnessed engaging discussions on Technological Integration, Insurance issues, and Innovative Disruption.

The Plenary Session, led by Director Dr. Tarun Agarwal, focused on the theme “The 2047 Clarion Call: Insurance for All,” featuring dignitaries Sri Siddhartha Mohanty, Chairperson LIC of India, Chairman NIA Governing Board, Sri Nilesh Sathe, Ex-Member Life, IRDAI, and Sri B.C. Patnaik, Member Life, IRDAI.

While providing insightful thoughts Mr. Siddharth Mohanty, Chairperson, LIC of India said, “In the pursuit of India’s economic resurgence post-pandemic, our vision is anchored in visionary leadership. We are committing to reaching India’s 5 trillion mark. The focus is on extending insurance coverage to all, especially the poor, as a crucial component of financial inclusion. The essence lies in extending insurance coverage ubiquitously, with a special focus on the economically vulnerable, thereby fortifying the bedrock of financial inclusion. Our biggest challenge as we navigate the post-nationalization scenario is to offer broad coverage to India’s enormous 1.4 billion population. This calls for tackling the complex issues brought about by the continued gaps between the urban and rural domains, increased urbanization, and infrastructure development. To close the huge coverage gap, I support the development of affordable, flexible insurance products. A new era in the sector can be brought about by using revolutionary models like JAM and Bima Vahak and utilizing technology in underwriting & claim settlement processes . Innovation is essential, especially when it comes to responding to environmental hazards and recurrent calamities.”

Further, he added, “Insurers must embrace data analytics and artificial intelligence to take advantage of new prospects and move away from the prevailing ‘chaltaa hai’ culture and towards a culture of continuous growth. He laid emphasis on an innovative GPT: Growth, Penetration and Technology. Building trust through efficient governance is essential to launching the insurance sector on a growth and technological innovation trajectory”. He went on to say that we need to place ‘purpose before profit’ in our pursuit to render insurance coverage.

Three Panel Discussions followed:

  • Technological Integration for Life Insurance Penetration
  • Insurance issues and opportunities in the Silver Economy
  • Innovative Disruption for Customer Engagement

While sharing his enthusiasm Dr. Tarun Agarwal, Director, of the National Insurance Academy, said, “As we celebrate our Silver Jubilee at the C D Deshmukh Memorial Seminar, it’s not just a milestone; it’s a dynamic journey towards revolutionizing insurance. The sparks of innovation, the fervor of discussions, and the energy of shared insights echo our relentless pursuit of a future where insurance transcends boundaries. With each seminar, we forge a path towards a jubilant tomorrow, where ‘Insurance for All’ is not just a goal but a jubilant reality, touching lives and securing futures.”

He added, “The idea of ‘Insurance for All’ is like what India’s first RBI governor believed in – making sure everyone can be a part of the financial activities. Having insurance is not just a goal; it’s a way for everyone to have a safe and secured future. To materialise the vision for 2047, we need new and smart ways of offering insurance that help everyone. And to make sure more people understand and use insurance, we have to educate and make people aware of how it works.”

The Seminar focused on the idea of “Insurance for All,” inspired by India’s first RBI Governor, Sir Chintaman Dwarkanath Deshmukh, who believed in including everyone in financial matters. Getting insurance is not just a goal but a way to make sure everyone has a safe and prosperous future. The foundation for making insurance available to more people is something that is so very essential and it is very much a possibility with the burgeoning Middle Class and the various Market Reforms that are happening at a fast pace. Insurers need to use data and technology, like AI, to find more growth opportunities instead of clinging on to old ways. It’s also important for them to build trust by being well-governed, so the insurance industry can become more advanced and grow  and ‘Product Simplification’ is the key to connect well to the customer by way of adding value to the end-user.

Eminent speakers shared visionary thoughts, aligning with the aim of total insurance coverage by 2047. Moderators and panelists included Dr. NKV Roop Kumar, Sri N Jagannath, Sri Rajiv Gupta, Sri Vinay Kumar Sankarapu, Sri Vivek Srivastava, Sri Nilesh Sathe, Sri Dinesh Pant, Sri Supratim Bandyopadhyay, Sri Bikash Choudhary, and Sri S. V. Sunder Krishnan.

The seminar garnered active participation from over 200 delegates. Sri Barun Kumar Khan, an NIA Faculty Member, expressed pride in NIA’s heritage and acknowledged the unwavering support of LIC of India for the C D Deshmukh Seminar.

The session received appreciation for the value-added inputs by industry stalwarts and concluded on an optimistic note about the vision for “Insurance for All” being fulfilled by 2047.

Ghantasala – The Great: A Cinematic Masterpiece Ready to Enchant Bhubaneswar Audiences

ghantsala

Bhubaneswar, 19th January 2024: Anyukth Ram Pictures is thrilled to announce its upcoming Telugu movie, “GHANTASALA – THE GREAT,” set to captivate audiences with an inspiring narrative, exceptional performances, and a soul-stirring musical journey. The film is produced by the talented Mrs. CH. Phani and directed by the acclaimed G.V. Bhaskar. A Telugu movie set to captivate audiences in Bhubaneswar. Backed by a stellar cast and crew including Vasu Rao Saluri, Ch. Rama Rao, VenuMuralidhar.V, Syam Kumar P, and Kranthi (RK), the film promises to be a cinematic celebration of the legendary playback singer Ghantasala.

 The movie, bearing the name of the maestro himself, explores the life and legacy of Ghantasala, whose voice became synonymous with timeless melodies in the Telugu film industry. Directed by the acclaimed G.V Bhaskar, the film delves into the untold aspects of Ghantasala’s journey, revealing the man behind the music and the impact of his art on generations. Showcasing the profound impact of his contributions to the world of music and his enduring influence on the cultural landscape. The movie promises to take audiences on an emotional rollercoaster, offering a glimpse into the trials and triumphs that shaped the iconic musician.

Key Details:

 Production House: ANYUKTH RAM PICTURES
Producer: Mrs. CH. PHANI
Director: G.V BHASKAR
Cast and Crew:
VASU RAO SALURI
CH. RAMA RAO
VENU MURALIDHAR.V
SYAM KUMAR .P
KRANTHI (RK)

 Prepare to embark on a mesmerizing journey into the life of Ghantasala, the musical maestro, when GHANTASALA – THE GREAT hits theaters in Bhubaneswar. Stay tuned for more updates.

 Media Contact: Shreyas Webmedia Solutions, team@shreyaswebmediasolutions.com, 9937487408

ITC Hotels announces the reopening of Welcomhotel Chennai

Chennai, 19th January 2024: ITC Hotels today announced the reopening of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai, a landmark property established in 1975, looking resplendent in its new avatar. This iconic hotel, with a repertoire of world-class hospitality offerings, promises to further enrich the city’s vibrant tourism and business landscape.

ITC WLCM Chennai_Facade

In line with ITC Hotels’s credo of ‘Responsible Luxury’, Welcomhotel Chennai is committed to the highest levels of environmental stewardship. The hotel is LEED® Platinum & LEED Zero Carbon certified, attesting to its commitment to sustainability, utilization of renewable energy, conservation and recycling of water, and concrete measures to preserve the ecosystem. It has self-owned and offsite wind farms using maximum renewable electrical energy to mitigate the carbon footprint. Centrally located at No. 2, Cathedral Road with easy access to international and domestic airports, Welcomhotel Chennai holds the pride of place being the first property of ITC’s hotel group, which heralded a new era in hospitality.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels said “Welcomhotel Chennai holds a very special place in the ITC Hotels group and is our tribute to this great metropolis. A gateway to south India, Chennai is a cosmopolitan hub that offers the perfect blend of deep-rooted traditions and modern influences. We are delighted to bring back this iconic hotel that has witnessed decades of Chennai’s transformation. Welcomhotel Chennai is a showcase of this glorious heritage”

The hotel has 90 well-appointed rooms including Executive Suites, Club Rooms and Superior Rooms. The elegantly appointed and spacious guest rooms and suites strike a perfect balance between comfort, flawless service and warmth of Indian Hospitality.

The hotel adorns an intricate design, contemporary and reflective of the Southern Indian magnificence. The design aesthetics of the hotel’s décor are reflective of Chennai’s local flavour, including its beautiful art and architecture.

The hotel draws inspiration from its rich legacy – corporate titans, cultural icons, families, and individuals who have graced this iconic hotel. It has been a preferred choice for Consul Generals, members of the Indian Armed Forces, luminaries from various domains, cultivating a rich tapestry of experiences and relationships. Notably, it was the Chennai’s inaugural ice-skating destination.

Affirms Zubin Songadwala, Vice President, ITC Hotels (South and East) “The new avatar of this property epitomizes the esteemed standards synonymous with ITC Hotels in delivering unmatched quality and enriching guest experiences. Welcomhotel Chennai endeavors to uphold the legacy of being the chain’s first property. We are grateful to the people of Chennai for their patronage and shall continue to create experiences as a reminder of everything that this city represents”

A rich amalgamation of heritage, local aesthetics, contemporary veneers, and modern-day comforts, along with ITC Hotels’ renowned culinary offerings, seamlessly find expression at Welcomhotel Chennai.

Lobby

The all-day dining venue WelcomCafe Marina offers a variety of tastefully curated buffets and a la carte spreads. The signature WelcomSthalika presents a palate of the region’s most cherished delicacies on a single platter, introducing travellers to the best regional recipes. Taste of Madras showcases street food of Chennai reimagined. Durrant’s Bar showcases a large selection of premium beverages and inventive mixology, including sustainable herbal and organic cocktails paired with delectable snacks. Sunbean Cafe serves short eats, finger food, tea, and coffee. Mahjong Room offers delectable Chinese cuisine. Adding to the sweetness is the luxurious Fabelle Chocolate Takeaway outlet in the lobby.

Welcomhotel Chennai has two banquet halls: Mandapam, with a capacity of 375 guests and theatre seating, and Saagri on the rooftop with a capacity of 70-80 guests. Welcomhotel Chennai is the new age traveler’s key to curated immersive experiences that enrich both business and leisure journeys.

The hotel features a relaxing spa journey through the chain’s indigenous K by Kaya Kalp spa, offering rejuvenating wellness treatments in its holistic and comforting treatment rooms. A fully functional fitness center with all contemporary equipment offers a holistic experience to busy travelers. An outdoor pool, nestled in the lush green gardens of the hotel, is the perfect place to unwind and relax after work.

Luminous Power Technologies Showcases its Innovative Energy Solutions at Smart Energy India Expo 2024

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Luminous Power Technologies, India’s leading energy solutions company, has made a dynamic presence at the Smart Energy India Expo 2024 by showcasing its cutting-edge solar solutions at this significant event. With the widest array of solar products and solutions and end-to-end project management capabilities, Luminous aims to provide effective solutions that cater to the distinct needs of Residential, Commercial, and Industrial segments.

This three-day event serves as a crucial platform for connecting India’s fast-growing renewable energy sector. Luminous Power Technologies leveraged this opportunity to showcase their latest innovations in off-grid storage-based and grid-connected solar solutions. The products displayed in the solar inverter category were NXG, NXG PRO, Solarverter, Solarverter PRO, Solar NXE, and GTI NXI covering the capacity range from 500 VA to 10 KVA for off-grid storage-based solutions and 3KW to 110KW for a grid-connected solution. In the solar panel and solar battery categories products in the range of 40W to 550W and 40Ah to 200Ah respectively were showcased.

Commenting on the participation, Amit Shukla, Senior VP & Business Head, Energy Solutions, Luminous Power Technologies said, “Luminous recognizes India’s significant potential in the renewable energy market and has been at the forefront of product and service innovation to transform the landscape of sustainable energy storage. We are excited to participate in the Smart Energy India Expo 2024, as it serves as an excellent platform for exchanging pathbreaking ideas and technologies in the renewable energy sector, fostering collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. Our pioneering product range is a testament to our continuous commitment to innovation and this expo provides a fantastic opportunity for us to spotlight those advancements in the energy solutions space, offering smarter solar solutions to power homes and businesses.”

With over 35 years of expertise, Luminous has been creating innovative and technology-driven products, establishing itself as one of the most trusted and reliable brands in India. A pioneer in providing renewable energy solutions, the company is on a mission to deliver transformative solutions and aims to guide its consumers through every facet of their Solar Journey. As a company, Luminous is well-positioned to leverage the vast potential of solar energy. Its dedication to R&D and product innovation has led to the introduction of a range of products that are not only enhancing its competitive advantage but also contributing significantly to a more sustainable future. The upcoming launch of the new state-of-the-art PV Panel factory will also mark a pivotal milestone in Luminous’ journey in driving continuous evolution in sustainable energy space.

Must-have Features for CCTV Storage

Must-have Features for CCTV Storage

Attributed to Khalid Wani, Senior Director – Sales, India, Western Digital

Today, the need for CCTV or smart video has transcended the security use case. From efficient retail management to better driving, many new and interesting use cases, underlining the importance of smart video, have emerged. Moreover, availability of a variety of cameras- from easy to install to hi-tech artificial intelligence (AI) infused- have helped the CCTV market growth. As per a report1, the India CCTV market size is expected to grow from USD 3.30 billion in this year to USD 8.43 billion by 2028. Specialized storage is one of the most important components for a smart video setup. Here are some of the top features that CCTV storage solutions must have.

  1. High-Capacity

Since CCTV runs and captures video footage in a 24/7 environment, it is important to invest in high-capacity storage solutions, whether it is an on-camera microSDTM card or a hard disk drive (HDD) to store the footage for future viewing. Deploying low-capacity storage solutions will defeat the purpose of having a CCTV setup, since these will not record the footage for an extended period in high resolution. The storage requirement will differ depending on the number of cameras, their resolutions, and how many days the footage will be stored. The WD Purple® Pro Smart Video HDD from Western Digital is an ideal storage companion for CCTV setup and comes in up to 22TB* of storage capacities. For on-camera storage, the WD Purple SC QD101 Ultra Endurance microSD Card from Western Digital comes in up to 1TB* of storage capacities.

  1. High Endurance

Higher endurance is crucial for CCTV storage solutions in cameras since these work in extreme weather conditions. Moreover, due to the placement, it can be difficult to run regular maintenance. By selecting a storage solution with higher endurance, storage can withstand extreme weather conditions and operate for longer periods, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Retail grade microSD cards lack endurance specifications needed for smart videos. WD Purple microSD cards are especially designed for CCTV setups, as these offer the right robustness, performance, endurance, reliability, and features for an always-on environment.

  1. High Performance

Not all storage solutions are designed or capable of maintaining an elevated level of performance in the long run in an always-on environment. Therefore, it is important to choose storage that is designed to handle smart video 24/7 workloads. The storage device for a CCTV system should be able to record, store and re-play videos non-stop from multiple feeds, or streams. All WD Purple™ Pro drives are equipped with AllFrame™ AI technology, which not only improves ATA streaming to help reduce frame loss and improve overall video playback, but also supports up to 32 AI streams for deep learning analytics within the system.

The use of smart videos will continue to gain traction across various sector.  It is important to use specialized storage choosing smart video storage solutions to get the best out of a CCTV setup.

Shradhanjali 2024: A Soulful Homage to Smt. Annapurna Devi Ji and Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji’s Enduring Legacy

New Delhi, January 19, 2024: Shradhanjali, an annual tradition by Birju Maharaj Parampara, served as a heartfelt tribute to the illustrious lives of Smt. Annapurna Devi Ji and Pandit Birju Maharaj Ji at India Habitat Centre in Delhi. Their enduring influence continued to shape the world of classical art, exemplifying values that resonated through their children and grandchildren.

Shradhanjali 1

As the death anniversary of Ammaji was commemorated, this year’s Shradhanjali promised an unforgettable experience. The event kicked off on the 18th with a mesmerizing performance by Shri Tribhuwan Maharaj, followed by a soul-stirring vocal presentation by Sushri Vidhi Sharma and a tabla recital by the renowned Pt. Yogesh Samsi.

The feeling each time was special because they were not just our parents; they were also our teachers, who had taught us not just our art but also our way of life. A legacy is something that a person leaves behind to be remembered by, and looking around that day, it was clear that the legacy of both Amma and Babu was undeniable. We will forever strive to build on that legacy further and take it to new heights. It was bowed heads as we honored their lives that day and forever.

In keeping with tradition, the Parampara proudly announced the annual scholarship awarded in the name of Smt. Annapoorna Devi Ji. This year’s deserving recipient was Trisha Gulati, a testament to our commitment to nurturing and supporting emerging talent.

Shradhanjali 2

The event was gracefully anchored by Smt. Sadhana Srivastav Ji, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for the audience.

Attendees joined us on the 18th for Shradhanjali, a celebration of art, heritage, and a tribute to the immortal souls who continue to inspire us.

Details for the 19th January 2024 were announced at the end of the 18th January event, featuring performances by Pt. Jaikishan Maharaj Ji, Ratesh and Rajnish Mishra, Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt Ji, and Salil Bhatt Ji in a Jugalbandi of Veena Vaadan.

Puravankara launches Purva Soukhyam in Chennai: A new ‘Wellness’ themed plotted development project

Puravankara launches Purva Soukhyam in Chennai: A new ‘Wellness’ themed plotted development projectChennai, 19th January, 2024: Purva Land, the plotted development arm of one of India’s most admired and trusted real estate developers, Puravankara Limited, has launched a new ‘wellness’ themed plotted development project in Guduvancheri, Chennai.

Launching Phase I as part of a ~120 Acre development, this will be Purva Land’s largest project in the city. The project comprises more than ~2,200 plots ranging from ~600 Sq. Ft. to ~5,000 Sq. Ft. and has 35+ amenities for the community, including a 30,000 Sq. Ft. clubhouse. Keeping in mind the consumer needs, 80% of the plots are in the range of ~800 Sq. Ft. to 1,800 Sq. Ft.

The project aims to integrate this holistic approach into contemporary wellness spaces to promote harmony, balance, and overall well-being among individuals and the community. Additionally, plotted development projects by Purva Land offer several advantages, including land parcels across prime locations, clear titles, relevant government approvals, superior infrastructure, and the benefits of community living.

On the occasion of the launch, Abhishek Kapoor, Group CEO of Puravankara Limited, said, “Purva Soukhyam is designed to provide residents with a comfortable and balanced lifestyle and marks a paradigm shift in the plotted development space in Chennai. With its comprehensive wellness-focused amenities and facilities, sustainable design, and integration with nature, this project will offer a serene and healthy living environment to enhance the quality of life for its residents.”

Post-pandemic, the demand for plotted developments has been on the rise across the country. This is driven by a preference for open spaces and a desire for homes with custom designs, offering personal outdoor areas and dedicated work/study spaces. On the increasing appetite for plots in the city, Abhishek Kapoor said, “For homebuyers, plots offer flexibility to build one’s home as per their preference and time frame. Additionally, plots by reputed developers also offer safety and create an appreciating asset for the customers. For developers, plotted developments offer the ability to sell volumes, realise cash flows and turn the project around faster. Interestingly, 80-85% of our demand is by end users.”

Purva Soukhyam will feature health and fitness programs, yoga and meditation classes, spa services, nutritional counselling, sports courts, swimming pools, outdoor fitness areas, walking and cycling tracks, meditation zones, green spaces, and community gathering spots promoting an active lifestyle.

Strategically located in Chennai’s southern region, the project is just 10 minutes away from Grand Southern Trunk Road. The Chennai International Airport is around 20km and can be easily reached in 35 minutes via NH 32. Besides excellent connectivity, the project enjoys good accessibility to several reputed educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

This will be Puravankara’s latest venture into Chennai’s rapidly growing plotted development market. The company launched a music-themed project, Purva Raagam, in Thirumazhisai earlier last year.

Purva Soukhyam is registered under Tamil Nadu RERA (TN/35/Layout/4355/2023; TN/35/Layout/4356/2023) and is slated for possession in December 2027.

Schneider Electric showcases innovative Electricity 4.0 solutions at DistribuElec 2024

Mumbai, 19th January, 2024: Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and nextgen automation, calls on energy decision-makers to prioritize digital upgrades to realize the full potential of sustainable, resilient, efficient, and flexible Grids of the Future, at DistribuElec 2024. The company showcased and created awareness about, Grids of the Future, Electricity 4.0, network automation, and energy management solutions and services for the electric power industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Udai Singh, Vice President – Power Systems, Greater India, Schneider Electric said, “In the present day, especially in India, as we witness rapid electrification, it is imperative to enhance network output, boost efficiency, and curb emissions. Prioritizing the digitalization of the electricity value chain, encompassing generation, transmission, and distribution, becomes crucial in this context. Schneider Electric provides a range of Electricity 4.0 solutions and technologies that can aid governments and stakeholders at large in achieving developmental objectives while ensuring sustainability acceleration. Our participation in DistribuElec allows us to collaborate with some of the great minds in the industry and we are always eager for more such opportunities like this to engage with our stakeholders to build an interconnected and sustainable future.

DistribuElec 2024 is the 6th edition of the exhibition where power distribution stakeholders come together under one platform to discuss future priorities and deliberate, on the way forward for the industry. At DistribuElec 2024, Schneider Electric unveiled innovations that enable electric utility companies to deploy agile grid digitalization and offer better collaboration between all elements in the electricity value chain. They include:

  • New era of Digital Grid platform: The launch of EcoStruxure ADMS and EcoStruxure ArcFM bringing the digital grid platform closer to a to a converged, data-centric architecture using a single network model to boost efficiency, reduce costs, improve reliability, and grid efficiency.
  • New cloud-based EcoStruxure Distributed Energy Resource (DERMS): It manages distributed energy resources (electric vehicles, energy storage and rooftop solar) to meet rapidly increasing capacity demand & enable rapid deployments with flexible customer journeys.
  • SF6-FREE: The new SF6 free AirSeT technology is a leap forward in sustainability and safety, featuring digital capabilities for the grid and commercial applications with pure air insulation and vacuum interruption.
  • EcoStruxure Transformer Expert: An easy-to-deploy IoT sensors and software analytics subscription for oil transformers that helps monitor transformer health and optimize maintenance through condition-based monitoring.
  • EcoCare – EcoCare, a next-gen service plan, offers expert facility management, proactive infrastructure support, and ensures uninterrupted electrical uptime. It aids in decarbonization priorities, with up to 75% reduced downtime through faster on-site intervention, 24/7 remote monitoring, and up to 40% less planned downtime, extending asset lifespan while reducing carbon emissions.
  • Digital Powertrain: Schneider Electric’s Digital Power Train revolutionizes power distribution, from Medium Voltage, Low Voltage, to Final Distribution, providing you with a completely coordinated electrical system from the grid to your plug. It’s a sustainable solution, helping customers manage their energy needs while meeting their sustainability goals.
  • EasySet MV: An 11kV Primary Air Insulated Switchgear ‘Make in India’ product from Schneider Electric .The product has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of higher operational safety. The modular design provides a perfect platform for building reliable distribution network in compact spaces
  • 33kV Gas Insulated Switchgear : The new ‘Make In India’ product from Schneider Electric is an Industry-standard switchgear suitable for secondary distribution applications in Indian electrical utilities, Data Centres and buildings. The product has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of higher operational safety with minimal maintenance and sealed-for-life system. The sealed-for-life tank ensures that it is suitable for highly polluted installations without any SF6 handling.
  • EcoStruxure Power Automation System: The PowerLogic P7 protection relay, the latest EcoStruxure Power Automation System Engineering and EcoStruxure System Management tools can help create a virtual representation of a substation that spans its lifecycle for more reliable electrical grids, reduced maintenance costs, and optimized power management. 

DBS Bank India collaborates with StartupTN to foster entrepreneurship in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, 19th January 2024: DBS Bank India announced a strategic partnership with StartupTN, the nodal agency of the Government of Tamil Nadu that is playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and promoting entrepreneurship throughout the State.

Tamil Nadu ranks among the top 10 States in India for number of startups and is an emerging entrepreneurial hub. The collaboration with DBS Bank India is aimed at strengthening the ecosystem and driving innovation within the State by providing crucial support to startups, including knowledge sharing through various forums and facilitating connections with potential investors. The partnership will impact and engage more than 1,000 Startups in Tamil Nadu through StartupTN’s eight regional hubs in metros, as well as Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities.

There is a need for customised solutions to help startups navigate the specific challenges they face early on in their journey such as access to funds, legal queries, application of industry best practices, etc. This is where DBS Bank India aims to play a pivotal role with specialised offerings that include Zero AQB charges for the first two quarters, FDI Assistance, and API Banking for seamless financial management. In addition, there are value-added services like Flexi Fixed Deposits and frictionless cross-border services for startups hoping to capitalise on global opportunities.

Beyond banking solutions, DBS Bank India will also facilitate a host of value-added services via its partner network like trademark registration assistance to protect intellectual property, health and welfare packages for employees, and access to a venture intelligence platform for market insights. As part of this collaboration, new-age companies associated with StartupTN will have an opportunity to connect with DBS Bank India’s network of over 30 accelerators, incubators and ecosystem enablers so that they can gain from being part of a larger entrepreneurial community.

Sudarshan Chari, Executive Director & Head – SME Banking, DBS Bank India, said, “India’s startup ecosystem is at a critical juncture. There is a clear need for a more personalised approach to help boost the success rate of enterprises in the early stages of their growth cycle. At DBS Bank India, with our local business insights, digital capabilities and access to global markets, we enable startups to achieve their full potential. Our partnership with StartupTN will further strengthen our ability to provide a meaningful platform for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive and scale their ventures.”

Commenting on the partnership, StartupTN Mission Director and Chief Executive Officer Thiru. Sivarajah Ramanathan said, “We are excited to note that banks are offering innovative, comprehensive solutions for startups. StartupTN is keen to work with banks to identify and meet the needs of startups across the State. Our partnership with DBS Bank India is an exciting development and we are confident that the association will help to accelerate the growth of startups in Tamil Nadu.”

Currently, StartupTN empowers 7,400+ start ups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India, across 30 sectors with strong growth expectations as the State of Tamil Nadu is aiming to encourage the creation of more than 10,000 new startups by 2026. The partnership is another step forward for DBS Bank India, which endeavours to be a core enabler for the startup ecosystem, catalysing sustainable growth and digital innovation in the country. In April 2022, DBS Bank India launched FoundED – a forum that celebrates modern-day founders and innovators, held across major startup hubs like Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. So far, 550+ startups and 50+ investors/incubators have been engaged via the FoundED initiative across India. These efforts help SMEs grow their business and network with key business influencers, receive the latest market trends, and gain exclusive access to a knowledgeable community of Asia’s business masterminds.