Archives September 2024

Delhi, India, September 5, 2024: SEMI, the global apex body representing the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, is proud to announce SEMICON India 2024, the first-ever Indian edition of the globally celebrated event. In collaboration with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Digital India, and Messe München India this landmark event will take place from September 11-13, 2024 at the India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) in Greater Noida. The event promises to deliver key insights into innovations and trends driving the semiconductor industry, focusing on smart manufacturing, supply chain management, sustainability, and workforce development. Registration is now open and to register, visit SEMICON India 2024.

As the Indian semiconductor industry advances, it is set to play a crucial role in the global industry’s growth, projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. At this critical juncture, SEMICON India 2024 will bring together the industry’s top minds and leaders to propel India’s semiconductor growth story. With robust support from the MeitY, ISM and Government of India, the event will underscore India’s growing capabilities in this semiconductor industry. State government representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam, Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu will outline their strategies for expanding the semiconductor and display ecosystems. They will present progressive, industry-friendly policies designed to attract significant investments and foster growth.

“SEMI is thrilled to bring the collective power and expertise of our member companies from around the world to SEMICON India for the first time. The event marks a key milestone in our efforts to accelerate the growth of the semiconductor industry in this dynamic market following our historical success hosting annual SEMICONs in our seven other regions. India has long been a hub for semiconductor design, but with recent investments, its evolving role in global technology and the right policies, we are witnessing a significant shift. The Indian semiconductor market, projected to exceed $100 billion and generate over 600,000 jobs by 2030, is poised for tremendous growth. This event will be a catalyst, helping to unlock the market’s potential and drive India’s ambitions in the semiconductor space,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI President and CEO.

Themed Shaping the Semiconductor Future, the maiden event is designed to accelerate technological progress in the semiconductor and electronics sectors while highlighting India’s strategic efforts to strengthen its ecosystem. Building on India’s decades of expertise in semiconductor design, where it contributes 20 percent of the global integrated circuit (IC) design workforce with over 125,000 professionals, expanding into semiconductor manufacturing would significantly enhance the country’s position in the global semiconductor value chain. As the largest gathering of its kind in Southeast Asia, SEMICON India 2024 will feature over 250 exhibitors and 650+ booths from across the global semiconductor supply chain. Co-located with electronica India and productronica India, it will provide the region’s most comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest advancements in semiconductor and electronics technologies.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Program

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, will inaugurate SEMICON India and the accompanying exhibition on September 11, 2024. The opening ceremony will feature keynotes by prominent industry leaders from SEMI, NXP, Foxconn, PSMC, Renesas, Tata Electronics, and CG Power. The ceremony will be followed by keynote sessions themed around smart manufacturing, supply chain management, sustainability, and workforce development:

• The keynote session on Wednesday, September 11 will feature the theme Creating a Vibrant Semiconductor Manufacturing Ecosystem in India and a roundtable discussion themed Academia Perspectives on “Opportunity India.”
• The session on Thursday, September 12 themed Global Market, Local Execution – The Benefits of Cross-Regional Partnerships will conclude with a roundtable looking at Perspectives on Lessons Learned from Greenfield Projects in Other Regions.
• In addition to government officials, company representatives from Applied Materials, Cadence, CG Power, KLA, Lam Research, Micron, NXP, Renesas, TATA Electronics, Tokyo Electron, and many other industry leaders will participate.

Mumbai, 5th September 2024: Rapido, India’s largest ride-sharing platform, has received commitments to the tune of ~$200 million in its Series E funding, marking a significant milestone in its mission to transform shared mobility across the country.

The Series E funding round was led by WestBridge Capital, a prominent investment firm focused on investments in India. The round also saw participation from existing investor Nexus, along with new investors Think Investments and Invus Opportunities. This latest investment elevates Rapido’s post-money valuation to $1.1 billion, reinforcing its strong position in the urban mobility sector.

Speaking on the funding Aravind Sanka, Co-founder of Rapido said, “With this new infusion of capital, we are eager to explore and expand our offerings, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our customers. Over the past year, we’ve experienced significant growth, with our daily rides surging to 2.5 million. This investment will empower us to continue innovating and improving our services, allowing us to better serve our customers and make significant strides in enhancing urban mobility for everyone.”

Sumir Chadha, co-founder and Managing Partner at WestBridge Capital, said “In the five years since the initial investment made in Rapido, we’ve seen Aravind, Pavan, Rishikesh and the team transform it into India’s leading low-cost mobility platform. From dominating bike taxis to making significant strides into 3W autos and cabs, their growth is a testament to their operational rigor and relentless focus on customer and captain satisfaction. We congratulate the team on their capital efficient scaleup, which now positions Rapido amongst India’s most used consumer internet apps. This latest funding round underscores our ongoing commitment to their journey”

The newly raised funds will be strategically allocated to expanding Rapido’s operations across India and scaling its technology platform to enhance service delivery. Rapido plans to grow its operations across all categories, including bike-taxis, three-wheelers, and taxi-cabs.

Since its inception 9 years ago, by driving more than 150% year-on-year growth, Rapido has revitalized the consumer internet space in India, solidifying its position as a leader in the shared mobility sector. Initially focused on bike-taxis, the company has since diversified into auto and cab services, expanding its value proposition and strengthening its operations. Rapido has also extended its reach beyond metro cities, establishing a presence in over 100 cities, including tier 2 and 3 cities across the country.

National, September 5, 2024: Known for its compelling narratives and meaningful initiatives, Sony BBC Earth has launched the fourth edition of its photography contest – ‘Earth In Focus’. With a canvas of infinite possibilities, the channel has set the stage for photography enthusiasts to showcase their unique perspectives on India under the theme ‘One World, Many Frames’.

‘Earth In Focus’ celebrates the richness of our planet and gives people a chance to showcase its unity amidst vast diversity through their lens. To participate, people can submit their photographs on the microsite under the subcategories – Markets: A Vibrant Melting Pot, Ancient Marvels, and Wildlife. The month-long contest will be judged by internationally acclaimed photographer, Shivang Mehta. A Sony Alpha Ambassador and a fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), Shivang’s expertise and passion for wildlife and conservation photography are highlighted in his award-winning books and assignments like Project Cheetah.

The top three winners across categories will receive a mega prize of GoPro HERO12 and get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feature on the Sony BBC Earth channel. Additionally, the top 15 selections will get an opportunity to receive exclusive guidance from Mr. Shivang Mehta through a masterclass.

Rohan Jain, Business Operations Head – Sony AATH and Head – Marketing & Insights, English Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India

“As a channel committed to inspiring passion and exploration, we are thrilled to offer ‘Earth In Focus’ as a platform for people to showcase their talent and contribute to our shared passion for the world. As we announce the fourth edition of the contest, we are excited to see the world through the lens of our talented photographers and share their stunning work with our audience.”

Shivang Mehta, Contest judge, Earth In Focus

“It is a pleasure to be selected as the judge for Sony BBC Earth’s ‘Earth In Focus’. Every photographer has a different way of perceiving a subject and it is well reflected through their work. I am eager to see the interpretation of ‘One World, Many Frames,’ and how each entry will highlight the unique viewpoints reflecting the richness of our world.”

India, 5th September 2024: Haier Appliances India, the No.1 global major appliances brand for 15 consecutive years, has announced the launch of its latest 316 Top-Load Washing Machine series featuring cutting-edge Ultra Fresh Air Technology. The new ‘Airfresh’ series is an upgraded version of the 306 series and offers a perfect combination of stylish design and functionality, making the laundry experience simpler and more hassle-free than ever before for consumers. With this latest launch, Haier India introduces its first Top-Load Washing Machine Series featuring revolutionary Ultra Fresh Air Technology with an 8kg capacity. This innovative series is specifically designed for larger households, providing a superior laundry experience.

Leaving washed clothes in the washing machine, especially during the monsoon season, can lead to bacteria growth and unpleasant odors. With the launch of the new ‘Airfresh’ series with Ultra-Fresh Air technology, Haier India aims to tackle this common issue faced by Indian households. The Ultra Fresh Air Technology ensures that clothes remain fresh and odor-free for up to 8 hours, even when you’re busy with chores or work. The Haier 316 series top-load washing machine automatically runs a 6-minute wash cycle at intervals of every 54 minutes to significantly reduce the chances of odor and bacteria formation, ensuring a hassle-free laundry experience.

Additionally, the washing machines feature advanced technologies such as the Oceanus Drum, Magic Filter, Soft Closing Door, Air Dry, and Near-Zero Pressure Technology, making them an all-rounder and a must-have for Indian households, especially during the monsoon season.

Commenting on the launch of the new innovative washing machines, Mr. NS Satish, President, Haier Appliances India said, “At Haier India, we are immensely proud to introduce our new ‘Airfresh’ series of Top-Load Washing Machines, packed with innovative and advanced technology that make the laundry experience simpler and more hassle-free than ever before. With this new series, we aim to solve one of the biggest laundry issues faced by consumers who juggle between household chores and work. The standout feature of these washing machines is their ability to keep clothes fresh and odor-free with advanced Ultra Fresh Air Technology, even if they are left in the machine for hours or overnight. This new launch aligns perfectly with our philosophy of making consumers’ lives smarter, more comfortable, and convenient.”

Haier ‘Airfresh’ Top-Load Washing Machine Series Key Functionalities:

Equips a Dedicated Ultra-Fresh Air Button

The all-new Haier washing machines include a dedicated DIY button to activate the Ultra Fresh Air Technology, which effectively eliminates post-wash odors and keeps your clothes fresh. This technology ensures consistent airflow within the drum during the wash cycle, controlling moisture retention and keeping clothes fresh and odor-free for up to 8 hours.

For those times when you forget clothes in the machine, the Ultra Fresh Air Technology automatically activates every 54 minutes for 6 minutes, circulating fresh air to prevent odors and bacterial formation. With this innovative feature, you can enjoy cleaner, fresher clothes after every wash.

Air-Dry Feature Eliminates Excess Moisture

The Air-Dry feature efficiently removes excess moisture from your clothes, ensuring they come out drier and fresher after every wash. This innovative feature enhances the drying process, reducing drying time and helping to maintain the quality of your garments.

A Unique Oceanus Drum Design

The ‘Airfresh’ series features a unique drum design that prioritizes fabric care through a gentle yet effective washing process. With its smooth and seamless Oceanus wave pattern, the drum delicately agitates clothes, offering tender care while minimizing wear and tear on fabrics. This innovative design ensures thorough cleaning while helping your clothes stay in excellent condition for longer.

Magic Filter Captures Every Lint and Dirt

It features a magic filter that effectively captures lint and dirt, keeping both your laundry and washing machine clean. This advanced filtration system enhances washing performance and prolongs the appliance’s lifespan, ensuring you have fresh, spotless clothes every time.

Equips Soft Closing Door for Convenience

The all-new Haier ‘Airfresh’ washing machine series caters to various laundry needs with a Soft Closing Door that enhances convenience and safety by preventing accidental slams and reducing noise during operation.

Packs Attractive Colorful Control Film

The washing machine features an attractive, colorful control panel with vibrant, easy-to-read graphics and intuitive icons. Made from durable, moisture-resistant materials, the washing machine combines functionality with modern aesthetics, making the laundry experience more seamless and user-friendly.

Features Near-Zero Pressure Technology

For high-rise buildings and households with low water pressure, the new Haier washing machines provide an optimal solution for achieving the perfect wash. Equipped with advanced Near-Zero Pressure technology, these machines operate efficiently at water pressures as low as 0.01 MPa, ensuring effective cleaning performance regardless of water supply conditions.

Shashi Tharoor releases his latest book ‘A Wonderland of Words’ in Kolkata;

unveils Prabha Khaitan Foundation’s book rack at Taj City Centre

Kolkata 5th September 2024: The mellifluous flow of words he is known for held the audience that gathered at a hotel in Kolkata in thrall when Congress MP Shashi Tharoor juggled his wit and wisdom while reading out from his latest book “A Wonderland of Words: Around the Word in 101 Essays” on Sunday.

It was a bright sunny day in Kolkata after days of heavy rains and Tharoor uplifted the spirit of bibliophiles with his subtle humorous punch, drawing a portrait with his captivating words and eloquent presentation of what they could expect from his book that he described was not at all ‘political’.

During the event, 68-year-old Tharoor also launched the Kolkata-based non-profit trust Prabha Khaitan Foundation’s book rack at Taj City Centre New Town.

“Prabha Khaitan Foundation is an organisation with which I have been involved with for many years,” the Congress MP said.

“They have done some terrific work around the country in promoting books,” he said.

Speaking on the book rack launch initiative, Tharoor said: “They will be unveiling the book rack which they will have across hotels, centres or institutions which will host their events.”

“Doing something for Prabha Khaitan is always fun because they are always committed to books,” he said.

He praised the members of the foundation for keeping alive the book-reading habit at a time when the world was enthralled with mobile phones and other electronic gadgets.

“Several women readers are associated with the organisation and this is indeed fascinating in this world where we are more used to laptop, television or mobile phone screens. We no longer pick up books and read them,” he said.

Tharoor, who returned to the Indian Parliament for another term this year by clinching victory in the Lok Sabha polls from the Thiruvananthapuram seat, said he hopes to see his readers enjoying his new book.

“This book is a slight departure from my usual kind of recent writings. It is not at all political,” he said.

“It is all about joy and use of words. I hope you will enjoy it. The book is meant to be accessible and entertaining and in the process, if it can inform and educate then its purpose will be served,” he said.

The book is published by Aleph Book Company.

Among others who attended the launch event included industrialist Harshvardhan Neotia, Mallika Verma, Gouri Basu, Manisha Jain, Anindita Chatterjee and Indranil Ray.

Kolkata, 5th September 2024: Indian Chamber of Commerce organised a special interaction with Celebrity MasterChef Ranveer Brar during the “India Luxe Lifestyle Forum,” a Gateway to the Eastern Luxury Market on Wednesday, 4th September 2024 in Kolkata. The event aimed to explore and elevate the culinary space, discussing hurdles to succeed within the space and shedding light of ongoing trends. The event was further enriched by the presence of Mr. Sagar Daryani, Co-founder, WOW Momo and Mr. Rohit Surana, Ex Co-chair ICC Retail Committee & Former Partner, Tejas Spire LLP.

Iterating on the emerging culinary trends, Celebrity Master Chef Ranveer Brar explained, “Food businesses need to understand that the product is useless without the correct market, where it fits. The product is only 20% of the game. The rest is about finding the right market, which means identifying where to place the product, who the customer is, and whether there’s a sizable market for it. The second key point is understanding what form the consumer wants the product in. A common mistake made by food businesses is believing they have the best product simply because they use top-quality ingredients. However, even the best product is useless without the right market fit. As a chef who is typically focused on the product, I can tell you that selling is about much more. Everything—product, price, promotion—must align with the market. The consumer is king and even a chef must acknowledge that. Whatever cost or quality is offered becomes redundant if the customer doesn’t want it. I always tell my chefs that sustainability is key to business survival in the food sector. For example, if we’re selling lentils for 100 dirhams and can’t make it for 60 dirhams ensuring quality, business won’t flourish. The food business is also driven by value, not just by selling ingredients. You can’t measure stories, connections, passion or emotions, yet these are the very elements that build a successful food business. It’s these intangible aspects that add value and sets our industry apart. The world often views India as a singular concept, overlooking its rich diversity. While it’s important to present a unified idea of India, this vision must be inclusive of the many forms of cuisines that exist. Historically, what we’ve showcased as Indian cuisine has lacked this inclusivity. Moving forward, the future of Indian cuisine lies in a representation that is both unified and reflective of India’s diverse culinary heritage.”

Commenting on the tacking hurdles within the food business, Master Chef Ranveer Brar said, “The food business isn’t like the stock market; you can’t hedge your bets. The start-stop mechanism isn’t fundamentally beneficial for the food business. Either you go all in or don’t go at all. You might face failures—I’ve closed more restaurants than I care to admit—but it’s all part of the journey. The industry is full of challenges, from spoilage to wastage, but it’s these challenges that make it worthwhile. It’s a passion-driven and belief-driven business. Success in this field requires unwavering determination and a deep-seated belief in your mission. You cannot falter in your conviction even when no one believes in you. You have to believe what you’re doing is right and have the potential to continue. If you’re ready to embrace that, then welcome to the world of food.”

Misano, September 05, 2024: It’s non-stop action for Joan Mir and Luca Marini as they prepare to remount their Repsol Honda Team RC213Vs on the Italian coast for the San Marino GP.

Straight back on the road as the MotoGP World Championship travels for Aragon in Spain to Misano for Round 13 – the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. A track familiar to all of the grid, its 4.23 kilometres and 16 corners hosted the Repsol Honda Team’s most recent 1-2 finish in 2021.

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is one of the most consistent on the calendar for Joan Mir, taking a pair of second place finishes there in 2020 on his way to the MotoGP crown. After returning to the points in Aragon, the #36 is hungry for more in Misano and to confirm some of the learnings he and the team uncovered last time out.

Home hero Luca Marini is eager to get out on track in front of the home crowd as he aims to shake off a run of bad luck. The Italian has made clear progress throughout the year and has continued to put solid weekends together race after race. Everything is in place for Marini to enjoy another weekend of progress at home.

Stefan Bradl will join the grid for his fifth wildcard appearance of the year.

Following the weekend, the Premier Class will remain on the Adriatic Coast for the last in-season test of the year. An important appointment for all of the Repsol Honda Team.

Joan Mir

“We are going to get to know Misano very well over the next few weeks! It’s a good circuit to ride and you can learn a good amount there, we know a little bit of what to expect after our one day of running a few weeks ago. From Aragon we got some very good information about the bike and our situation, so all these days in Misano will give us an opportunity to assess that deeper. As always, we head into the weekend looking to make the most of very lap.”

Luca Marini

“Misano is always an enjoyable weekend with the home fans supporting me so I am looking forward to it a lot, it’s a pleasure to ride in front of everyone there. The last weekends have been positive until Sunday, so we have to make sure that everything is correct to take the most of any opportunity that comes up. Our test there from after Austria will allow us to double check some things but we know what our targets are for the weekend. Let’s put together a good weekend so that we have a lot of data for Monday’s test.”

India, 5th September 2024: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, one of India’s revered luxury hospitality brands. is thrilled to announce its alliance with RedBeryl, a leading luxury lifestyle management company. This move will offer RedBeryl members access to unparalleled world-class services and a host of privileges across all 12 properties.

The strategic alliance will grant RedBeryl’s customers access to the Leela DISCOVERY membership which also opens doors to over 800 hotels across 100 countries, spanning 40 globally renowned brands as part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA).

With the Leela DISCOVERY Titanium membership, RedBeryl members will enjoy a host of privileges, including bespoke local experiences, exclusive room upgrades, and preferred rates, all designed to elevate every moment of their stay. Among the host of privileges accessed via the membership, guests enjoy savings on the best available rate for their stay as well as on fine dining experiences at iconic spots within The Leela including Jamavar, ZLB23 (recognized as The Best Bar in India at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024), Le Cirque, to name a few.

Expressing his enthusiasm on the partnership, Mr. Manoj Adlakha, CEO & Founder of RedBeryl, said, “Our collaboration with The Leela represents a significant milestone for RedBeryl. Combining our luxury lifestyle management expertise with The Leela’s unparalleled hospitality, we are delighted to offer our customers an elevated and seamless experience. This partnership not only enhances our brand visibility but also opens doors for new experiences through innovative cross-promotions. As a company, we are always at the forefront of providing customized luxury services to our customers, and this association is a step in this direction.”

Sharing her thoughts on the association, Shweta Jain, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer of The Leela, said, “As desire for bespoke immersive travel experiences continues to rise, particularly among the young affluents, our partnership with RedBeryl is another manifestation of The Leela’s true Indian luxury positioning. Over 60% of luxury travelers are seeking custom, stress-free experiences that align with their lifestyle, which is precisely what The Leela DISCOVERY membership benefits bring to the RedBeryl community. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to setting new benchmarks in personalized service, ensuring every stay is not just a visit, but a deeply personal and memorable journey.”

RedBeryl and The Leela will launch joint marketing campaigns and co-create exclusive events that highlight the unique benefits of the collaboration and the enhanced experiences available to their discerning clientele.

Mumbai, September 4, 2024: In a significant effort to bolster healthcare services in Meghalaya, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has dedicated a fully-equipped ambulance to Nongpoh Civil Hospital in Ri Bhoi District. This initiative aims to improve the hospital’s capacity to provide timely and effective medical care to the local community, particularly for remote outreach in the district.

The Ambulance handing over ceremony was led by Dr. Manan Kaushal, Independent Director of ITDC and graced by Shri Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi District, Government of Meghalaya. ITDC’s contribution underscores its commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities, reaffirming the corporation’s dedication to social responsibility.

Dr. Manan Kaushal, Independent Director of ITDC emphasized the critical role that corporate entities can play in supporting public health initiatives. He noted that the dedication of the ambulance is a significant step towards improving emergency medical services in Ri Bhoi District, ensuring better access to healthcare for its residents. This initiative is part of ITDC’s broader mission to contribute positively to the well-being and development of communities across the country, with a focus on areas where the need is most pronounced.

Bengaluru, 4th September 2024: Shri Priyank Kharge, the Hon’ble Minister of IT & Bt, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka chose to travel by Bengaluru’s Namma Metro on the Purple Line today. The Minister journeyed from Vidhana Soudha Metro Station to Whitefield Metro Station to attend the Nasscom Design and Engineering Summit 2024. During the 40-minute ride, he interacted with fellow passengers and gained valuable insights into their daily public transportation experiences in the city.