Archives August 2024

Max Factor unveils ‘What’s Your X’, a movement of unapologetic self-expression, leads the campaign with Celebrity Makeup Artist Mehak Oberoi & 400 influencers

Max Factor partners with leading celebrity makeup artist Mehak Oberoi and talented beauty influencers from the country to showcase their ‘X-traordinary’

India – 6th August, 2024 – Max Factor, the legendary Hollywood makeup brand celebrated for its groundbreaking innovations and trailblazing technology, is making waves in India’s vibrant beauty scene. With Priyanka Chopra Jonas as its Global Ambassador, Max Factor unveils its latest campaign, ‘What’s Your X’.

What’s Your X celebrates being cutting-edge, ahead of the curve, and unapologetic, much like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her illustrious career. It’s more than just a social media campaign; it’s a call to action to everyone to celebrate their distinctive qualities and express their true selves with confidence.

Max Factor’s tagline, “Reveal Your Extraordinary,” drives its mission to empower individuals to boldly showcase their unique beauty and personality. This campaign transcends makeup, celebrating individuality and the distinctive qualities that make each person exceptional. ‘What’s Your X’ is a tribute to the strength of womanhood, emphasizing how women support and uplift one another. It is about fostering authenticity, community, body positivity, and self-love.

In an exciting collaboration, Max Factor partners with the renowned celebrity makeup artist Mehak Oberoi. Famous for her stunning work with stars like Kiara Advani, Shilpa Shetty, and Malaika Arora, Oberoi will lead this campaign alongside top beauty influencers like Sakshi Sindhwani, Ishani Mitra, Tarini Manchanda, Simmy Goraya and Smriti Khanna. Together, they bring their unique flair and extraordinary talent to the forefront, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas playing a pivotal role in the campaign’s launch and ongoing engagement.

You can view the campaign below:

MehakOberoi: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9zI8AVIewj/?igsh=MWt6YW16MGNpMjVwNw==
Sakshi Sindhwani: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9zYXrzOdRJ/?igsh=djBoY2ZkOGtkbGlw
Tarini Manchanda: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C97OxvwtCWH/?igsh=YXI2ZnlocjlzdmJ5
Simmy Goraya: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C949SAAIEMa/?igsh=emt5dWRqMGk2OGIx
Smriti Khanna: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C99PYYdNG0B/?igsh=dW12ZmhqaWtrZDlq

“Max Factor has always championed the cause of being yourself and nobody else. As the brand that invented mascara, compact powder, and some of the key makeup categories for generations to come, we’re extremely thrilled to launch our social media campaign speaking to the youth of India,” says Mansi Sharma, Creative Director at House of Beauty. “By collaborating with 400 of the country’s top influencers and beauty experts, who in essence are the voice of today’s beauty consumer, we aim to take over social media and highlight the power of makeup as a tool for self-expression, celebration, and confidence.”

Celebrity Makeup Artist Mehak Oberoi adds, “Associating with Max Factor for the ‘What’s Your X’ campaign has been an incredible experience. As a makeup artist, I see firsthand how makeup can transform not just appearances, but also confidence and self-expression. This campaign is about more than just beauty; it’s about empowering people to recognize and celebrate their unique qualities. I am excited to be part of this journey and to see how individuals across India reveal their extraordinary selves.”

The campaign is now live. Through this influencer and marketing campaign, the brand aims to reach 35+ millions of customers, further solidifying its presence in India’s dynamic beauty landscape.

About Max Factor:

Max Factor is a leading makeup brand known for its innovative products and rich heritage. With a legacy dating back to the early 20th century, Max Factor has been at the forefront of the cosmetics industry, introducing groundbreaking products and techniques that have shaped the way people approach makeup. Today, Max Factor continues to innovate, offering a diverse range of products designed to empower individuals to express themselves through makeup.

About House of Beauty

House of Beauty™ is a new age, specialty beauty company in India bringing the best of international & cult beauty brands to the modern Indian consumer. With comprehensive expertise in brand building, service excellence and aspirational distribution and omnichannel operations, House of Beauty represents a growing portfolio of premium brands, all scaling successfully in line with global brand strategies. Leveraging two decades of retail experience from its powerhouse parent company – Quest Retail – House of Beauty™ is perfectly poised to deliver high octane growth for the next generation of Indian beauty.

By Mr. Vijender Reddy Muthyala, Co-founder & CEO, DrinkPrime

The monsoon brings much-needed relief from the sweltering heat, making it the perfect season to enjoy a hot cup of chai and curl up with your favorite book or TV show. However, it’s also the time when illnesses like cholera, dysentery, dengue, and typhoid increase.

But why do these diseases see a surge during the rainy season?

The answer is simple: water contamination. Rainwater often carries pollutants and microorganisms from the environment into water sources, significantly raising the risk of water pollution. So, what can you do to keep you and your family disease-free this monsoon?

Well, this is where a water purifier comes in! Purified drinking water has become the need of the hour as illnesses spike during the monsoon, and many apartments experience water contamination.

But if you think you can easily opt for water cans and bottles, think again! These options are often unsafe because we do not know the source of the water, and they are exposed to many pollutants such as the sun, dust, and rain as they are transported from one place to another. Not to mention the amount of microplastics in these plastic water cans and bottles that is equally dangerous to your health.

For families with older adults and young children, the importance of having access to 100% safe drinking water cannot be overstated. Both of these groups are particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases due to their weaker immune systems, making them less able to fight off deadly infections.

This is why ensuring they have access to clean drinking water always is crucial for maintaining their health.

Here is how purified drinking water can help prevent waterborne diseases:

Prevents infections: One of the most significant benefits of drinking water that is purified is that it is free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These microorganisms are the primary causes of waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Purified water eliminates these pathogens, significantly reducing the risk of infections.

Improves immunity: Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and boosting the immune system. This is particularly important for children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to diseases. By providing them with purified water, we can help strengthen their immune systems, making them less susceptible to infections.

Enhances digestion: Contaminated water can cause a range of gastrointestinal issues, from mild stomach upsets to severe cases of gastroenteritis. Drinking purified water helps maintain proper digestion and prevents stomach-related problems. This is especially crucial during the monsoon season when the risk of contamination is higher.

Promotes safe hydration: Drinking 100% safe water encourages proper hydration, which is essential for overall health. Contaminated water can often have an unpleasant taste or smell, discouraging adequate water intake. When the water is purified, it is not only safe but also tastes better, promoting regular and sufficient hydration.

So, while monsoons are a delightful season to enjoy, it’s important to be mindful of the food and water we consume. Investing in a water purifier at home is a great way to ensure clean, safe, and healthy drinking water every day.

Plus, make sure to eat home-cooked meals, avoid outside food and drinks as much as possible, and carry your own water bottles to enjoy the rain safely!

New Delhi, 05 August, 2024 — Le Marche, Delhi’s premier grocery supermarket, proudly announces the opening of Le Marche Select at DLF Promenade. This new location promises to deliver an unparalleled shopping experience, marked by live counters and a gourmet assortment of high-quality products.

Since its inception in 2005, Le Marche has been synonymous with premium grocery shopping in Delhi. The acquisition by DS Group in 2017 marked a transformative phase for the brand, driven by a vision of strategic expansion and professional excellence. Under the stewardship of DS Group, Le Marche has undergone a comprehensive re-evaluation of its core value proposition, resulting in a strengthened infrastructure, high-performance culture, and cutting-edge IT systems.

Le Marche Select at DLF Promenade: A Curated Experience
At Le Marche Select, customers can expect not only an extensive range of high-quality products but also a shopping environment designed to provide convenience, comfort, and a touch of luxury. The upgraded store layouts and infrastructure reflect the brand’s commitment to delivering a superior shopping experience.

Mr. Ritesh Kumar, Marche Retail Pvt Ltd said, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of the new format Le Marche Select store at DLF Promenade. We welcome all food enthusiasts and discerning shoppers to explore our new store and experience the difference first-hand.”

5th August 2024: Shreyas Webmedia Solutions is pleased to announce its affiliation with WTC Bhubaneswar, a proud member of the World Trade Centers Association in New York. This membership unlocks access to a global network of 322 World Trade Centers across 91 countries, connecting Odisha-based businesses with over one million businesses worldwide and facilitating international trade and collaboration.

Recently, representatives on behalf of Shreyas Webmedia Solutions attended World Trade Day, organized by WTC. The event highlighted the crucial role of international trade in fostering Odisha’s growth. The event, hosted at Swosti Premium Bhubaneswar, in the august presence of Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Smt. Pravati Parida, as the chief guest. The gathering aimed to update the business community on WTC Bhubaneswar’s initiatives, including international exposure, training, and networking opportunities.

“We are thrilled to join WTC Bhubaneswar and be part of a community that shares our values and passion for the business community in Bhubaneswar,” said Ms. Rekha Nair, Director, Shreyas Webmedia Solutions. “We look forward to collaborating with fellow members and contributing to the organization’s initiatives.”

This affiliation and event participation demonstrate Shreyas Webmedia Solutions’ commitment to fostering global connections and promoting business growth in Odisha.”

About Shreyas Webmedia Solutions:

Shreyas Webmedia Solutions is a digital content development, enrichment, transformation, and publishing company. The company leverages cutting-edge digital methodologies and technical expertise to deliver tailored business solutions that drive value. The comprehensive services offered by the company include online media coverage, digital marketing, blog management, lead generation, and content development. Additionally, the company offers customized digital solutions designed to transform businesses operating in IT, pharmaceuticals, education, and other sectors.

About WTC Bhubaneswar:

WTC Bhubaneswar is a registered not-for-profit organization and member of the World Trade Centers Association, New York. The organization connects businesses based in Odisha with 322 WTCs across 91 countries, integrating with over one million global businesses. WTC Bhubaneswar is involved in promoting trade and investment in Odisha through various activities and programs and receives support from the government, affiliated agencies, and industry partners.
The organization also established five sectorial think tanks: Start-Up, Infrastructure & IT, Agriculture & Food Processing, WAVE (Women Entrepreneurs Forum), International Trade & Export Promotion, and Tourism & Hospitality.”

5^th August’24, New Delhi, INDIA: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for July’24.

FADA Vice President Mr. C S Vigneshwar provided insights on July 2024’s auto retail performance, stating, “Following a deficient June, monsoons in India have intensified, resulting in above-normal cumulative rainfall for July. However, the geographical distribution was uneven, with Southern and Central India receiving excess rain, while 10 meteorological divisions experienced a double-digit deficit. Kharif sowing has increased by 2.3% since last year, but these figures are somewhat misleading due to poor sowing activity in the previous year caused by El Nino disruptions. Compared to July 2023, the sown area has actually decreased by 2.4%, according to experts.

Despite these challenges, India’s automobile retail sector saw a YoY growth of 13.84%, with almost all categories witnessing an increase. Two-wheelers (2W) grew by 17%, three-wheelers (3W) by 13%, passenger vehicles (PV) by 10% and commercial vehicles (CV) by 6%. Tractors, however, continued to underperform, falling by 12% YoY.

The 2W segment experienced notable growth due to a thriving rural economy, positive monsoon effects, and government support programs enhancing rural incomes. The introduction of new products and better stock availability also contributed significantly, despite market slowdowns in certain regions, excessive rains, and increased competition. The segment also saw an increase in EV sales due to discounts and EMPS scheme deadline.

PV sales saw a robust 14% growth, driven by new model launches and attractive pricing strategies. Dealers reported benefits from good product availability, attractive schemes, and a wider range of products. Nonetheless, heavy rains, low consumer sentiment, and intense competition posed challenges. Some dealers managed to sustain sales through strong promotions and incremental discounts.

However, this growth is accompanied by a significant concern. Inventory levels have surged to a historic high of 67-72 days, equating to Rs 73,000 crores worth of stock. This poses a substantial risk for dealer sustainability, necessitating extreme caution. FADA urges PV OEMs to be vigilant about potential dealer failures due to these high inventory levels. It is also crucial for the Reserve Bank of India to mandate financial institutions to implement stringent checks before releasing inventory funding, preferably requiring dealer consent or collaterals to prevent the escalation of NPAs.

CV retail sales showed a 6% YoY growth, with dealers reporting mixed sentiments. Positive factors included growth in the construction and mining sectors, while challenges such as continuous rainfall, negative rural market sentiment, poor finance availability, and high vehicle prices were also noted. Some dealers achieved growth through small bulk deals and leveraging increased market reach and product acceptability.”

 Near-Term Outlook

The near term outlook across the auto retail segments shows a blend of optimism and caution. 2W sales are expected to be buoyed by factors such as a growing rural economy, positive monsoon impacts and the introduction of new products. The festive season beginning after the Aadi festival and favourable agricultural conditions are also likely to contribute to increased sales. However, heavy rainfall, ongoing agricultural activities and inconsistent monsoon patterns may dampen demand in certain areas.

 PV could see mixed results. While the festive season, attractive schemes and good monsoon are expected to boost sales, concerns over low consumer sentiment, heavy rainfall and a lack of new product launches persist. High inventory levels pose a significant risk and it is crucial for PV OEMs to avoid further increases in stock to prevent financial strain on dealers. CV face a modest outlook, with positive factors including improved market reach and the festive season, tempered by challenges such as bad freight rates and ongoing rainfall.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that rainfall in the second half of the monsoon season (August-September) is likely to be ‘above normal’ due to the potential formation of La Nina conditions. While August may see a brief break in the monsoon, overall rainfall for the two months is expected to remain high, which is crucial for Kharif sowing and standing crops. However, excessive rains could lead to city flooding, floods in low-lying areas and landslides in hilly regions, potentially impacting auto retail sales.

 The auto retail market is cautiously optimistic for the near term, driven by positive monsoon effects, the festive season, and some product launches. Nonetheless, challenges such as heavy rainfall, high inventory levels in the PV segment, and economic uncertainties warrant caution. Effective inventory management and stringent financial checks are essential to sustain growth and mitigate financial risks, ensuring the stability and health of the auto retail sector.   

 Key Findings from our Online Members Survey

•  Liquidity
• • Neutral              50.22%
  • Good                  25.97%
  • Bad                     23.81%
•  Sentiment
• • Neutral               45.89%
  • Good                  29.87%
  • Bad                     24.24%
•   Expectation from August’24
• • Growth               51.08%
  • Bad                     38.10%
  • De-growth         10.82%

 Chart showing Vehicle Retail Data for July’24

 All India Vehicle Retail Data for July’24

Source: FADA Research

All India Vehicle Retail Strength Index for July’24 on basis of Urban & Rural RTOs.

Source: FADA Research

Source: FADA Research

Motor Vehicle Road Tax Collection (in Rs Crore)

Source: FADA Research

Mumbai, 5 August 2024: IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, concluded its Management Immersion Programme (MIP), a four-day residential program for IILM University students aimed at providing immersive experience of management education and campus life at IIM Sambalpur. Scheduled from 30th July to 2nd August 2024, this immersive programme is designed to provide these 62 students from IILM University with unparalleled experiential learning experience in flipped classrooms, practical management insights and hands-on experience through various interactive sessions, workshops, and case studies conducted by IIM Sambalpur’s distinguished faculty and industry experts.

The event also marked a Hindalco Industries industrial visit. In addition to that, they recently visited the weaving industries in Attabira as part of a societal outreach programme. This visit provided them with the opportunity to engage with local weavers, understand their craft and IIM Sambalpur’s contribution in giving weaver community a platform.

During the inauguration ceremony, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, delivered a warm welcome address, expressing his enthusiasm for hosting the students. He said, “At IIM Sambalpur, our core values are innovation, integrity, and inclusiveness. Embracing change and forward-thinking solutions, we blend tradition with modernity. Upholding high ethical standards, inspired by Lord Vishnu’s avatars, we ensure everyone feels valued, fostering leaders who understand the importance of inclusivity in innovation and ethics.”

Chief Guest Debasish Mallik, Joint President of Hindalco Industries Ltd., emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications and said, “True leadership transcends task management; it inspires and empowers. At Hindalco Hirakud, we foster an environment of learning and growth, enhancing managerial skills and encouraging experimentation. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity, we drive improvement. Leaders support their teams through triumphs and setbacks, promoting continuous improvement and innovation.”

The four-day residential programme is divided into five transformative modules, each focusing on critical aspects of management and personal development. The Modules were led by Mr. Samarendra Mishra, Co-Founder, OVO Farm, Mr. Keshav Rao, Director Personnel, MCL, Dr.K.Ganesh (Partner Global Lead, McKinsey & Company), Prof. Bharat Bhushan and various faculties of IIM Sambalpur.

Dehradun, 5th August 2024: ICICI Bank has set up a new branch at NSB Square Tower, Clement Town in Dehradun. The branch, which is the 21st of the Bank in Dehradun district, is equipped with an ATM-cum-Cash Recycler Machine (CRM).

Shri. Anand Bardhan, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, inaugurated the branch.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts and deposits including savings and current accounts, fixed and recurring deposits and loans like, business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan and education loan along with remittance and card services. It also provides locker facility at its premises. It operates from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday to Friday and on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The branch also offers Tab Banking facility that provides nearly 100 services at the customer’s place by an employee through a tablet device. The services include opening of accounts and Fixed Deposit (FD), raising cheque book request, generation of e-statements and change of address, among others.

ICICI Bank has 46 branches, and 115 ATMs and CRMs in Uttarakhand. Also, the Bank provides basic banking services in unbanked rural area through ‘Banking Correspondent’ at Dudhali village in Dehradun district and at Garh village in Haridwar district.

Mumbai / Shillong, 3rd August: The Jawaharlal Nehru (J.N.) Stadium in Shillong hosted the first match in the Group F category of the prestigious 133rd Indian Oil Durand Cup. Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, graced the inaugural event of the Durand Cup, joined by Hon’ble Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Prestone Tynsong and Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Hon’ble Sports Minister Shri Shakliar Warjri, and Chief Secretary, Shri D P Wahlang, IAS.

The inauguration was also attended by, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Air Command, Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, General Officer Commanding 101Area, Maj Gen Rajesh A Moghe, VSM Vice Chairman Durand Cup Organising Committee and a number of senior military and civil officials.

The afternoon kicked off with a match between Shillong Lajong FC and Tribhuvan Army Football Club (TAFC) as part of the schedule for Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to host Group F matches, in which Shillong Lajong FC clinched victory over Tribhuvan Army Football Club (TAFC) with a single goal, placing them at the top of the group table.

In the upcoming days the teams – Shillong Lajong FC, Indian Super League sides FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, and Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army Football Club will play matches in the now revamped stadium.

The event is the first of this scale hosted at the J.N. Stadium since 2016, a significant moment for the State. The Stadium Development was accelerated ahead of its scheduled construction to ensure that compliances were met for the hosting of the Durand Cup. This included the construction of the North and South Stand, the fitting of seats in all stands to comply with International Event guidelines under AFC, and the renovation of the West Stand VIP area. Further, the natural turf was re-laid entirely with natural grass conducive to the Shillong climate. The Stadium’s Floodlights were also replaced to reach the lighting levels required for international matches and Television broadcast standards. The Player’s Dressing Areas and Official’s rooms were also upgraded as per international standards.

The Government of Meghalaya, the representatives of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and the Indian Armed Forces jointly expressed their joy at being able to bring the Tournament to Meghalaya for this season and have been satisfied with the stadium facilities for football.

The Stadium shall also continue its upgradation after the event, which shall include the final touches of the structure and the laying of a synthetic Athletic track, which shall be completed soon.

Since the launch of the State Sports Policy in 2018, the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs has made significant strides. This includes the construction of sports infrastructure across the state, launch of talent identification and nurturing schemes like the STAR Program, as well as the hosting of state, national, and international events. This is most evident in the initiatives made for the development of football in the State.

Mission Football, the State’s Marquee Scheme for Football Development, has ensured the construction of 111 Grassroots Centres across the State, where nearly 8000 children receive training each year. Further, over 25,000 children participate each year in the U-12 Football Tournament and the Subroto Cup State Qualifiers. Associations with the Meghalaya Football Association have enabled the Meghalaya State League and the Meghalaya Youth League. Further, through Meghalaya Tourism, Support of North-East United FC and Shillong Lajong FC has already been explored in the last two years, totalling almost Rs. 10 Cr. in financial sponsorship.

This remarkable investment in the Sports Ecosystem, with football in particular, has yielded noteworthy results. The Meghalaya State Team were the Runners-Up in the Santosh Trophy, 2023, surpassing many strong teams from India in the process. The U-17 Football Team have consistently won medals in football at the Khelo India Games, winning gold in 2024 in Tamil Nadu.

The Government, through the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, looks forward to continuing their efforts to build on the success of Mission Football and other schemes. With this in mind, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya (HCM) announced that Mission Football shall be revamped and an updated scheme shall be announced soon, highlighting new ways to promote football in the state, and develop the culture of football in Meghalaya.

As an extension of the Scheme, HCM also announced a Local Football Club Support Scheme, where Elite Clubs participating in I-League 2 and above can apply for grants up to Rs. 3 Crore, and Grassroots/Intermediate Clubs of the State can apply for grants up to Rs. 15 Lakh.

HCM, Shri Conrad K. Sangma addressed the press today after the match, saying, “We urge the citizens of Shillong to come out in large numbers to watch the matches of the Durand Cup. Further, we are happy to use the occasion to share the initiatives the Government has begun for football and other sports in the state. Such spends on infrastructure, events, and grants are not an expenditure, but an investment in our youth ”

With Mission Football 2.0 the government intents to improve upon the infrastructure of more football. It was also highlighted that the government in collaboration with North East United Footbal Club (NEUFC) will soon have a one of its kind residential academy at Mawkhanu, New Shillong Township.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister was also informed by the Eastern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Ram Chander Tiwari, that the quality of the grass is better in comparison to Kolkata Stadium. More Announcements of the developments and other initiatives shall be announced on the notification of the Scheme.

Chandigarh, August 3, 2024: Tata Steel, a leading global steel company, and Welspun Corp, one of the largest manufacturers of line pipes globally, achieved the significant milestone of developing Hydrogen compliant API X65 grade pipes which successfully surpassed all necessary critical sour service and fracture qualification tests for transportation of 100% pure gaseous Hydrogen under high pressure (100 bar) at RINA, Italy.

With this development, Tata Steel becomes the first Indian steel mill to produce hot-rolled steel for the transportation of gaseous hydrogen and Welspun Corp has become the first Indian pipe mill to produce Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) pipes.

The Green Energy Strategic Partnership between Tata Steel and Welspun Corp was set up to assess the suitability of a variety of pipes manufactured by Welspun Corp for the transportation of Hydrogen. This partnership is synchronous with the Government of India’s (GOI) green hydrogen policy.

Prabhat Kumar, Vice President, Marketing & Sales (Flat Products), Tata Steel, said: “We are proud to achieve this milestone in partnership with Welspun Corp since it marks a critical advancement in our journey towards clean energy solutions. Through this, we are laying the groundwork for a more robust infrastructure and ecosystem necessary for the widespread adoption of green hydrogen, thereby encouraging the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.”

Commenting on this development, Vipul Mathur, Managing Director & CEO, Welspun Corp Limited (WCL) said, “WCL is continuously working towards strengthening its expanding product portfolio across the Pipe Solutions and Building Materials segments, both in India and globally while being mindful towards building a future-ready world. Our strategic partnership with Tata Steel enables us to jointly adopt and build awareness towards the usage of Green Hydrogen in our daily lives. This endeavor is in line with our ongoing efforts to strategically embed ESG drivers across our businesses, and the Government’s vision for a net-zero economy by 2070.”

The journey began in 2022 when Tata Steel and Welspun Corp entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop hydrogen-compliant API grade pipes through the ERW Pipe route.

Additionally, in October 2022, the Longitudinal-seam Submerged Arc Welding (LSAW) pipes produced by Welspun Corp successfully passed all qualification tests, confirming their suitability for hydrogen transportation.

Tata Steel is committed to contributing to India’s journey towards industrial decarbonisation and has already taken several steps. Most recently Tata Steel partnered with SMS group to implement the pioneering Paul Wurth Coke Oven Gas (COG) Injection Technology at their Blast Furnace in Meramandali, Odisha. Last year Tata Steel initiated a trial, the first-of-its-kind globally, at its Jamshedpur Works, injecting a record-high quantity of hydrogen gas directly into one of its Blast Furnaces. Other initiatives include trials of continuous Coal Bed Methane (CBM) injection, operation of a 5-tonnes-per-day (TPD) industrial plant for carbon capture and utilisation since September 2021, increasing scrap charge in our blast furnaces and efforts to reduce freshwater consumption, develop sustainable supply chains, and embrace circular economy principles.

Visakhapatnam, August 3rd, 2024: Brandix India Apparel City (BIAC) is pleased to announce that it has been honoured with the Greentech Global Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Award for Best Practices in Environment Protection Category for the year 2024. This esteemed accolade recognizes BIAC’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and its innovative practices in protecting and preserving the environment.

Brandix India Apparel City has long been a pioneer in the apparel & textile industry, setting benchmarks for sustainable practices. Fifty percent of the Park’s annual water consumption is met sustainably through rainwater harvesting and it is the first industry in the state to have installed a Solar Sludge Dryer, making BIAC a zero-landfill apparel park. The Park aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 through continuous investment in clean energy, optimising overall energy consumption.

Speaking about the Company’s efforts in environment protection, Mr Neil Rosayro, Country Head – Brandix India said, “We are immensely honoured to receive the Greentech Global EHS Award for Best Practices in Environment Protection 2024. This award is a testament to our relentless pursuit of sustainability and our commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations. At BIAC, we believe that responsible environmental stewardship is not just a business imperative but a moral obligation. This recognition inspires us to continue our journey towards creating a greener, healthier planet.”