Archives December 2024

In recent years, rapid urbanization and rising environmental concerns have propelled a significant affinity towards sustainable and eco-friendly buildings. Developers and homebuyers are embracing sustainable architecture to create a more environmentally friendly future. The integration of green building practices is no longer just an added benefit but an essential component of modern housing developments. Aligning with the commitment, SKA Destiny One, by the renowned SKA Group, is an exquisite luxury residential project designed to redefine upscale living while embracing the principles of sustainability.

As an IGBC Gold Pre-Certified project, it promotes green living through eco-friendly materials that enhance both the development’s sustainability and luxury. The project boasts a green space of 13,675 sqm, complemented with initiatives such as sustainable construction practices, green building methods, waste reduction strategies, sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting, solar system for basement lighting, and electric vehicle charging units, which reduces its carbon footprint while maximizing efficiency.

Moreover, since its inception in 2012, SKA Group has created exceptional living spaces for the new global Indians, making it one of the reputed real estate companies in Delhi NCR. The group is committed to meticulous planning and execution, guaranteeing that projects progress without delay, thereby ensuring that your dream home becomes a reality sooner than anticipated.

Strategically located in Zeta 1, Greater Noida, SKA Destiny One offers a perfect blend of modern architecture, premium amenities, and environmentally-conscious features. Spanning 6 acres, the project boasts three towers, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, with 34 storeys and 645 units. The Alpha Tower boasts four expansive apartments, each offering 4BHK of 3007 sq. ft per floor with a striking 12-foot ceiling height. Every apartment offers a spacious living experience where residents enjoy ample natural light and ventilation through five complemented balconies. Through this, the project embraces a minimalist yet elegant design philosophy that optimizes natural resources such as sunlight and ventilation, reducing energy dependency. Designed as a smaller yet meticulously maintained community, it offers superior service facilities and streamlined maintenance, ensuring that residents experience both opulence and eco-conscious living.

What truly sets SKA Destiny One apart is its innovative construction methodology.

Unlike traditional brickwork construction, the entire project is built using aluminum formwork technology. This advanced construction technique ensures precision, durability, and consistency in structural quality while significantly reducing waste. Aluminum formwork minimizes issues like seepage, enhances structural strength, and provides excellent dimensional accuracy, reducing the need for additional plastering. It also offers better thermal and acoustic insulation, improving overall comfort for residents. Additionally, this method reduces construction waste, shortens project timelines, and promotes sustainability, making it an environmentally conscious and highly efficient choice.

Further, the array of amenities at SKA Destiny is designed to enhance the quality of life for residents while promoting sustainable living. The project boasts amenities like virtual golf, yoga, aerobics, and meditation rooms, an indoor and outdoor sports zone, and more, fostering an active lifestyle. These amenities reflect SKA Destiny’s commitment to creating a vibrant, sustainable community where luxury and eco-friendliness coexist harmoniously.

Amid this realty renaissance, SKA Destiny One is the ultimate ultra-luxurious abode, setting new benchmarks for grandeur and style in the region. SKA Group transforms luxury real estate in the NCR by raising new standards in innovation and sustainability with timely delivery, transparency, and technology. The group has dedicated itself to building iconic landmarks, elevating customer experiences, and fostering community growth in response to the ever-growing demand for luxury residences. Thus, SKA Group’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its SKA Destiny One’s design and execution. By focusing on recycling, green spaces, water and energy conservation, and environmental regeneration, the group is paving the way for a more sustainable future in real estate development

The Fastest Fashion Fix Ever: Go Colors Partners with Zepto for 10-Minute Deliveries

Get ready to level up your everyday glam in just 10 minutes!

Go Colors, the premium brand for bottom wear in India, has joined forces with Zepto, the 10-minute delivery powerhouse, to revolutionize the way customers shop for fashion. Together, they’re delivering quality bottom wear to your doorstep in just 10 minutes, offering a shopping experience that’s quicker and more seamless.

Renowned for providing chic bottomwear in an array of sizes and hues across multiple categories, Go Colors boasts of a wide offline footprint with more than 750 stores across 170+ cities in India. Having expanded extensively in the offline space, Go Colors is now vying for the fast-growing quick commerce sector through its partnership with Zepto and is currently available across Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The brand has decided to deliver a collection of leggings and churidars quickly, to perfectly complement your everyday attire.

“At Go Colors, we strive to bring unmatched convenience to our customers. By merging Go Colors’ trendsetting bottomwear with Zepto’s lightning-fast delivery, we aim to fix the hassle of last-minute wardrobe choices,” said Mr Gautam Saraogi, Founder and CEO of Go Colors. He further added, “We are excited to team up with Zepto to bring Go Colors’ fashion forward and comfortable bottomwear closer to millions of shoppers across India. This will facilitate us to make fashion more accessible than ever before.” stated Mr. Saraogi.

“At Zepto, we are honoured to team up with India’s top bottom-wear brand, Go Colors. This strategic partnership strives to bridge a significant selection gap in the women’s bottomwear category on quick commerce, delivering shoppers with quick access to a wide range of styles. Aligning with Go Colors will contribute to Zepto’s evolution in the women’s fashion sector,” stated Chandan Mendiratta, Chief Brand Officer, Zepto.

16 December 2024: ProjectHero, a construction tech startup that had previously raised $3.6mn from Ankur Capital, Omidyar Network, and Titan Capital, has introduced HomeRun, a quick commerce platform offering 60-minute delivery of construction materials. HomeRun caters to contractors, professionals and homeowners and currently delivers to around 800 SKUs across 76 pin codes in Bengaluru.

HomeRun addresses the problems faced by customers who typically depend on local retailers and vendors for ad hoc construction material supplies of cement, hardware, plywood, etc — this is a time-consuming and logistical nightmare, with no tracking or visibility around pricing or availability. Due to small quantities, traditional vendors are not able to fulfill these orders, HomeRun, on the other hand, eliminates these hurdles by offering no-minimum-order deliveries. For instance, customers requiring just one or two bags of cement can now place an order on HomeRun without incurring high transportation costs. Additionally, HomeRun supports on-demand material delivery directly to construction sites, ensuring quick access to supplies needed unexpectedly or at short notice.

“Quick commerce has disrupted everything from groceries to gadgets. Now, we’re bringing that same game-changing speed & customer experience to construction. HomeRun isn’t just a platform; it’s how we are solving the massive inefficiencies in material procurement for the contractors and homeowners,” said Satya Vyas, Founder of HomeRun.

The platform currently has two live dark stores in Bengaluru, with three more coming up in the next two months.

Krishnan Neelakantan, Partner at Ankur Capital, said, “ProjectHero’s entry into quick commerce via HomeRun, addresses a critical gap in the construction market – a sector where delays can have significant cost implications. Satya and his team are leveraging their extensive domain experience and strong insights around buyer behavior in the segment and have seen strong initial traction at HomeRun.”

HomeRun is capitalizing on the surging demand for instant deliveries in India. With the market poised to reach $5.5 billion by 2025 and $1.45 trillion by 2032, HomeRun is well-positioned to revolutionize Bengaluru’s construction industry. By offering efficient, no-minimum-order rapid deliveries, HomeRun is setting a new standard for convenience and speed.

December 14, 2024: MaitriBodh Parivaar, a socio-spiritual organization devoted to uplifting human consciousness and fostering unity, announces “Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat Padyatra”. This monumental event will take place at Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, on 15 December 2024, bringing together more than 1500 people from all walks of life to revive India’s spirit of unity and togetherness.

Rooted in India’s Sanskriti is the profound wisdom of “Truth is One, though sages call it by many names.” With a vision to unite the world as one family, the padyatra aims to reignite the values of love, unity, and peace deeply woven into India’s cultural heritage. Maitreya Dadashreeji, the visionary behind Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat and the Founder of MaitriBodh Parivaar, is working tirelessly towards bridging the divides of caste, religion, and beliefs. Through his endeavours for Global Transformation, he is working to establish “One World, One Family”, uniting humanity under a shared banner of harmony.

Maitreya Dadashreeji (Transformation Pioneer, Founder – MaitriBodh Parivaar) expressed, “Our nation is woven by the threads of our Sanskriti, which unite us as one. Through Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat, we shall establish our nation as a united family — bound by Love and Harmony. This unity will pave the way for us to ascend to the status of Vishwaguru.”

Since its inception in 2013, MaitriBodh Parivaar has been at the forefront of offering spiritual programs and social reform projects, transforming lives and nurturing Maitri Bhaav—the spirit of love and friendship. The Ek Bharat, Hum Bharat Padyatra reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to transcending barriers and creating a harmonious and inclusive society.

Participants will unite to spread the universal message of love and peace. This historic event is not just a journey but a mission to revive the nation’s soul, emphasizing the significance of shared cultural heritage in fostering humanity’s collective growth

14th December 2024: Marking Energy Conservation Week, initiated by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, announced achieving an impressive 1.3 million Giga Joules (GJ) of energy savings through innovative measures aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The company achieved a remarkable 10.16% reduction in GHG intensity against the 2021 baseline, positioning it as a frontrunner in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. Further driving its sustainability agenda, the company announced sourcing 1.3 GW of renewable energy, marking a major step towards a cleaner, more sustainable operations.

Vedanta Aluminium has implemented several key initiatives to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency in its potlines, where molten aluminium is produced from alumina through electrolysis. These initiatives include installing graphitized cathode enhancements to reduce current consumption, lower GHG emissions, and improve operational efficiency. The company has also deployed indigenously-developed Vedanta pot controllers that reduces energy use by 200–250 kWh per tonne of aluminium. Moreover, the company has reduced specific coal consumption in its power plants to cut GHG emissions and enhance power efficiency. By optimizing smelting processes to promote energy-efficient operations, Vedanta Aluminium is promoting sustainable industrial practices as part of its broader sustainability goals.

Commenting on these activities, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, energy management is central to our net-zero journey. Innovations like the patented ‘Vedanta Lining Design’ for smelting pots and expanding renewable energy adoption, we are enhancing our efficiency and lowering carbon emissions. Ranking 1st in the S&P Global Sustainability Assessment for the year 2023 reflects our belief that industrial progress must go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. Energy Conservation Week reaffirms our resolve to pioneer sustainable practices for a greener future.”

At its refinery operations in Lanjigarh, Odisha, boilers were replaced with advanced graphitized pots to enhance energy conservation. At its smelter operations in Jharsuguda, Odisha, the company successfully reduced cathode voltage drop and implemented Voltage Drop (VLD) measures in pots, improving both performance and energy efficiency. Similarly, at its BALCO smelter in Korba, Chhattisgarh, cathode relining and graphitization initiatives were executed, significantly boosting energy efficiency across the facility.

Moreover, to sensitise employees, Vedanta Aluminium has implemented a comprehensive energy efficiency training initiative across its operations. By engaging its extensive employee base through various awareness initiatives, the company seeks to optimize energy use, while adhering to international standards such as ISO 50001 for Energy Management.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.

14 December 2024 – Zee Learn Limited, India’s premier education company, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Mayank Jain as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this pivotal role, Mayank will lead Zee Learn’s operational and strategic initiatives as the company embarks on an ambitious expansion plan to bring the best in education across India, including the under-served Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Mayank brings over two decades of extensive experience in driving operational excellence and business transformation. He has held leadership positions at Light-House Learning, Tata AIG General Insurance, Titan Limited, Whirlpool India and Overnite Express, amongst others. This is his second inning with Zee Learn, having earlier worked with Zee Learn Limited. as the Business Head of COCO Schools and Brain Café.

Mr. Manish Rastogi, CEO and whole-time director, Zee Learn Limited shared his joy, “We are delighted to welcome Mayank Jain to the Zee Learn family. His extensive experience and innovative approach will help us accelerate our mission of making Indian education on par with global best practices. With Mayank onboard, bringing his keen insights, Zee Learn is poised to set new benchmarks in the education sector.”

Mayank is proficient in revenue generation, business reengineering, strategic planning and implementation, setting up greenfield projects and managing large teams. His expertise also encompasses handling franchise networks, distributors, dealers and D2C operations.

14th December 2024: Inspired by a profound passion for music and an unyielding drive for excellence, Tanishq Seth, a talented songwriter, composer, and producer, established Fresh Lime Studios in 2024. It is not merely a recording space; it is Tanishq’s vision of a creative oasis where musicians, filmmakers, and content creators bring their artistic dreams to life. Every aspect of the studio reflects his dedication to acoustic perfection, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and top-tier Neumann audio equipment.

Tanishq said, “At Fresh Lime Studios, we blend comfort and professionalism with top-notch gear to make projects sound amazing. Whether you’re an indie artist, producer, sound engineer, filmmaker, or a brand, our studio is the perfect environment to bring your creativity and vision to life.”

Fresh Lime Studios features a premier recording studio: The Lime, as well as another setup called The Soda. The studio boasts a large collection of Neumann speakers. Its Dolby-calibrated Atmos mixing room (7.1.4) is equipped with KH 120-II, KH 150 DSP, and KH 870 subwoofers. It also features an extensive range of Sennheiser and Neumann microphones, including the U87, MCM, NDH 20 headphones, MKH 418, MD 421, and MD 441. Microphones are selected based on the project’s specific requirements to ensure optimal sound capture, whether the music is instrumental or vocal.

Speaking about Neumann products and brand’s legacy, Mr. Vipin Pungalia, Country Manager & Director- Sales Pro Audio at Sennheiser India said “Our vision is to cater to the production ecosystem in India with our expansive product portfolio designed to enhance sound quality. Neumann has been setting standards for studio microphones since 1928, with some products considered milestones in professional audio technology. Powered by our products, Fresh Lime Studio offers an ecosystem for artists, producers, sound engineers, filmmakers, and brands, ensuring the highest sound quality, reliability, and lasting value.”

Tanishq also highlights the industry’s limited understanding of sound quality as a key challenge. He believes that developing a strong community and fostering collaboration can push the boundaries of music exploration. By providing outstanding recording, mixing, and mastering services, Fresh Lime Studios is helping to close the gap between Indian and global standards.

Ahmedabad: For a rapidly growing economy like India, energy transition and infrastructure building are intrinsically linked. As the country moves towards achieving its ambitious target to become free from energy imports by 2047, India can become a net exporter of green energy, experts said at a conference held at the Adani University.

The second edition of “International Conference on Infrastructure Development and Sustainability (ICIDS)” was held on December 11 and 12 and the conference brought together experts from various fields who discussed the emerging agenda in sustainable infrastructure development, green transition and financing.

At the inauguration of the conference, organised by Adani University, Professor Ravi P. Singh, the Provost of Adani University, spoke about India’s incredible progress over the past few years in infrastructure and energy and said the nation is on track to become “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He focused on three major issues: infrastructure development, energy transition, and climate change. He said, India currently stands at about 450 GW of energy capacity and nearly 50% of that is from non-fossil fuel. “India intends to reach 500 GW by 2030. But given our rapid development, we may need to reach this target even sooner,” he added.

Professor Arun Sharma, recipient of The Royal Order of Australia and the Vice President of Adani University, said India faces the unenviable task of undertaking energy transition and building its infrastructure simultaneously, with both objectives being intrinsically linked. “India must do this responsibly,” he said. He emphasised the need for India to build its infrastructure in a sustainable way and elaborated on India’s 2047 goal to become free from energy imports – currently, the country spends over $200 billion on energy imports.

Speaking about the country’s potential to lead the global energy transition he said, “India can be a net exporter of green energy for the first time, and this is where green hydrogen and its derivatives come into play.” He emphasised the importance of electrifying operations to reduce fossil fuel usage and highlighted the role of circular economy practices in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The keynote address at the conference was delivered by Professor Bharat Dahiya, from the Research Centre for Sustainable Development and Innovation, School of Global Studies, Thammasat University, Thailand. He cited the World Economic Forum’s acknowledgment that the “Asian Century” is set to return, although environmental challenges, particularly climate change, pose significant threats.

He called for long-term planning, including 100-year strategies, and proposed using Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in infrastructure development, especially in urban areas. Professor Dahiya also stressed the need for policy reforms and local participation in decision-making to drive sustainable infrastructure development, particularly the involvement of city governments and local communities.

On the first day of the event, a compilation of abstracts from the research papers presented during the conference named “Book of Abstracts” was launched and the conference compendium titled “Infrastructure Development: Theory, Practice and Policy” published by Routledge Taylor & Francis, was also released. It is a selection of research papers from the previous conference.

Four panel discussions — on emerging trends in urban and regional transportation, energy transitions and sustainable infrastructure, urban transformation: future models and practices and revitalising PPP across infrastructure sector — were also held during the conference.

During the discussion on emerging trends in urban and regional transportation, Mr. Ajit Pai, from Delhi Urban Art Commission, spoke about urbanisation and the relevance of planning imperatives for improving livability in Indian context. He emphasised the need for embedding carbon footprints at city levels and not limited to building level.

While discussing energy transitions and sustainable infrastructure, Mr. Raj Kumar Jain, head, BD & sustainable strategies, Adani New Industries Ltd, spoke about India’s progress in adopting green energy, focusing on the importance of green electrons, their costs, and the renewable energy landscape. He highlighted schemes like PM Surya Ghar and Muft Bijli Yojana aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption. He also addressed the challenge of evacuating power from remote areas, particularly those with renewable energy projects.

On the topic urban transformation: future models and practices, Mr. Arvind Rajput, from GIFT City Company Ltd spoke about the challenges faced in Indian urbanisation and the constraints posed by limited space. He shed light on innovative initiatives like Development of a Utility Tunnel, Zero Discharge Water Management system, a State-of-the-Art City Command and Control System and many more, being implemented in GIFT City to address these challenges.

On revitalising PPP across the infrastructure sector, Professor. G. Raghuram, Professor Emeritus at Gujarat Maritime University, said it is time to explore new fronts for the PPP mode in the operation and development of infrastructure.
On the second day of the conference, research scholars from across the world discussed more than 50 paper presentations.

Aluva, December 14, 2024: Emergency Medicine at Aster Medcity conducted the 500th session of its BeFirst Initiative, at Union Christian College (UC College), Aluva. The session focused on training individuals in Basic Life Support (BLS). Aster Medcity’s BeFirst initiative aims to significantly reduce pre-hospital deaths by training individuals to handle medical emergencies with confidence and precision.

Initially, 250 students received training and another 250 will get life-saving training in the coming session.

From the training sessions, a select group will be identified and further trained to join the Rapid Response Team (RRT), equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

The program was inaugurated by Dr. Nalanda Jayadev, CEO, of Aster Medcity.

Key attendees included,Dr. Johnson K Varghese, Lead Consultant, Emergency Medicine, Aster Medcity, Dr. Ajalesh B Nair, Program Officer, National Service Scheme, UC College, Prof. Dr. Mini Alice, Principal, UC College, Maj. K S Narayanan, NCC Officer, 22K Battalion, UC College.

14th December 2024: Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive manufacturer, continues to make significant strides in the CNG vehicle segment, firmly establishing itself as a market leader. With a robust product portfolio and strategic initiatives, the company achieved an impressive 21.1% market share in the overall CNG segment as of H1 FY2024. In Maharashtra, CNG vehicles accounted for 34% of the brand’s total car sales during this period, reflecting strong regional growth. Tata Motors’ commitment to sustainable mobility is evident in its proactive approach to adapting to the evolving automotive landscape.

Popular models such as the Tiago, Tigor, Nexon, Altroz, and Punch have been instrumental in driving CNG sales, contributing 22%, 48%, 30%, 32%, and 35% to their individual brand sales nationally in H1 FY2024. The Tata Punch emerged as the brand’s top-selling CNG model in the region, followed by the Nexon, Altroz, Tigor, and Tiago. These figures underscore Tata Motors’ leadership in the sustainable vehicle segment and its dedication to delivering innovative and eco-friendly mobility solutions.

Complementing its growing product portfolio, the CNG infrastructure in India has expanded significantly. This expansion has been a key driver of the segment’s strong CAGR and YoY growth.

About Tata Motors’ CNG Offerings

Nexon iCNG: The Tata Nexon has firmly established itself as a favorite among Indian customers for its style, performance, and practicality. In September 2024, Tata Motors elevated the segment with the launch of the Nexon iCNG—the first SUV in India featuring twin-cylinder CNG technology. Powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine generating 100 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque, the Nexon iCNG offers an optimal balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Its innovative twin-cylinder setup optimizes space, providing an impressive 321 litres of boot capacity, setting a new benchmark in the CNG segment.

Enhancing the driving experience, the Nexon iCNG boasts premium features such as ventilated leatherette seats, a 10.25-inch Harman infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, and an air purifier. With this launch, Tata Motors has redefined CNG vehicles and reinforced the Nexon’s position as a preferred choice for customers seeking efficiency, innovation, and style.

Punch iCNG: Tata Motors pioneered the sub-compact SUV segment with the Punch and later launched its CNG version in August 2023. This segment witnessed exponential growth of 83% YoY, with the Punch capturing a dominant 68% market share in FY24.

The Punch continues to set new benchmarks with pioneering features, including India’s first twin-cylinder CNG technology, which ensures uncompromised boot space and the convenience of direct CNG mode start. As India’s highest-selling car in YTD H1, the Punch has solidified its position as the premier choice for customers. Its 5-star GNCAP rating further underscores its leadership in safety. The addition of the CNG variant has contributed to 30% incremental growth for the overall Punch brand.

Altroz iCNG: With 2.7 lakh happy customers, Altroz has set new standards in the premium hatchback segment. As the first Indian hatchback to earn a 5-star Global NCAP Safety rating, the Altroz also leads innovation with twin-cylinder CNG technology and uncompromised boot space. Additionally, it offers diverse powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, and iCNG.

Equipped with features like a voice-assisted electric sunroof, wireless charger, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, and a 360-degree camera, the Altroz iCNG has driven an 11% incremental growth in overall brand sales since its launch in May 2023.

Tiago and Tigor iCNG: Launched in January 2022, the Tiago and Tigor iCNG variants marked a significant milestone in Tata Motors’ sustainability journey. Upgraded in August 2023 with twin-cylinder technology, these models introduced uncompromised boot space and, in February 2024, became the first CNG vehicles in India to feature AMT technology.

Packed with segment-first features like direct CNG mode start, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, reverse parking camera, LED DRLs, and automatic climate control, these models deliver exceptional value. They are also the only offerings in their segment to feature three powertrain options: petrol, electric, and iCNG.

Tata Motors remains committed to revolutionizing the automotive landscape by delivering cutting-edge, sustainable mobility solutions. By continuously innovating with technologies like the twin-cylinder CNG setup and expanding its robust product line-up, the company aims to meet the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Tata Motors envisions a cleaner, greener future and is dedicated to empowering its customers with products that balance performance, safety, and environmental responsibility. The company will continue to set benchmarks in the CNG segment, driving India’s journey towards sustainable transportation.