Category business

Delhi, 29th August 2025: Spray Engineering Devices Ltd. (SEDL), a leading Indian clean-tech engineering company specializing in thermal heat recovery, biomass valorisation, and advanced water treatment, has unveiled new insights into how its solutions are enabling industries to achieve water self-sufficiency while turning waste into value.

At the core of this is SEDL’s patented MVR (Mechanical Vapour Recompression)-based Low Temperature Evaporation (LTE®) technology to achieve Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), caustic recovery, and product concentration systems. These solutions are proving transformative for the textile, chemical, pharmaceutical, dye, brewery, beverage, distillery, and other sectors, where industries are under mounting pressure to reduce freshwater dependence, cut carbon emissions, and meet stringent sustainability regulations.

Unlike conventional steam-based evaporators that consume high energy and drive-up costs, SEDL’s LTE® technology based on MVR to achieve ZLD recycles heat within the process to achieve maximum utilization. It enables up to 99% clean water recovery at 1/4th the operational cost of conventional systems. Energy consumption is also significantly lower at 10–25 kWh/m³, cutting both carbon emissions and operational costs, and reducing sludge generation. The process yields a dry by-product with less than 10% moisture, which can be repurposed into value-added products for reuse across sectors, or sent to the TSDF facility for safe disposal depending on the nature of the feed.

Mr. Vimarsh Verma, Director–Operations and Head of Water & Novel Applications at SEDL, commented, “India’s water challenge is not just about treatment – it is about enabling industries and cities to reclaim, recycle, and reuse water at scale. Through our MVR-based LTE® to achieve ZLD and resource recovery systems, we are helping industries achieve water self-sufficiency while creating new revenue streams from by-products. This makes our approach both sustainable and profitable.”

SEDL’s technologies are already delivering measurable results. In electroplating, Hero Cycles (Ludhiana) achieved 91% water recovery with a power use of just 20–25 kWh/m³, producing water clean enough for reuse (TDS < 250 ppm). In textiles, Garg Acrylics Ltd. (Ludhiana) and Indorama India Pvt. Ltd. (Baddi) reached 97–99% recovery with significantly lower operational costs compared to steam-based systems, while reducing TDS levels to 50–150 ppm. In pharma and dyes, SEDL’s systems are helping industries meet stringent regulatory norms while reducing effluent loads. In distilleries, high-strength effluents like spentwash are being treated efficiently, allowing both water reuse and by-product valorisation. In breweries and the beverage industry, RO reject is being treated efficiently, and the recovered clean water is reused in the process – reducing groundwater dependency.

SEDL’s ZLD and water recovery systems also align with India’s national priorities. They directly support the objectives of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan by promoting large-scale water conservation and reuse, and the Make in India mission by ensuring reliable water availability for manufacturing growth. In the ethanol blending program, where distilleries generate large volumes of wastewater (vinasse), SEDL’s systems enable near-total recovery and reuse, reinforcing the government’s waste-to-wealth vision.

With recognition including the National Energy Efficiency Innovation Award (2021) and the CII-National Award for Excellence in Water Management (2019), along with a granted Indian patent and DSIR accreditation, SEDL continues to demonstrate that water sustainability and industrial profitability can go hand in hand.

Udaipur, 29 August 2025: Hindustan Zinc, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has entered into a strategic partnership with Epiroc through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). Under this collaboration, Epiroc’s Collision Avoidance System will be deployed in a phased manner, beginning with the Sindesar Khurd Mine in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district, one of the world’s top five silver-producing mines. The initiative will subsequently be extended across all underground mines of Hindustan Zinc. In the pilot phase, the Collision Avoidance System will be implemented on 30 Low Profile Dump Trucks (LPDTs) – specialized underground vehicles essential for efficient ore handling – providing a comprehensive digital safety solution designed for both surface and underground mining. The system continuously monitors the environment around vehicles, detecting nearby equipment & personnel and delivers real-time visual and audible alerts to enhance operator awareness and strengthen risk management.

The project leverages state-of-the-art digitalization by integrating proximity sensors, operator display units and wearable personal tags connected through a centralized platform. This technology enables uninterrupted data capture and analysis, supporting safety audits, regulatory compliance and strategic decision-making. Designed to the highest safety standards, the Collision Avoidance System offers modular scalability and seamless integration with existing machinery. Its multi-layered safety approach includes early warnings, operator advisories and autonomous interventions to proactively mitigate collision risks, optimize operational efficiency and uphold workforce safety to the highest standards.

Speaking on the occasion, Arun Misra, CEO and Whole-time Director – Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “Strategic metals like zinc, lead and silver are fundamental to the clean energy transition and modern technologies. As the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, Hindustan Zinc embraces digital innovations that elevate safety while enhancing productivity. The integration of Epiroc’s Collision Avoidance System at mines will consolidate our commitment to operational excellence and technological leadership. This initiative will underpin further expansion of intelligent safety solutions across our operations, ensuring safe, smart and sustainable mining.”

Helena Hedblom, President and CEO – Epiroc AB, added, “Our collaboration with Hindustan Zinc represents a landmark advancement in mining safety technology. The Collision Avoidance System exemplifies how digital innovation delivers proactive risk reduction through intelligent sensing, real-time alerts and autonomous vehicle control. We are proud to partner with Hindustan Zinc in deploying this adaptable, scalable solution that safeguards personnel while enhancing operational resilience. Together, we are establishing a global benchmark for safer, more efficient underground mining operations.”

The initiative will be executed in two phases. Phase 1 includes system installation, calibration, comprehensive operator training and continuous maintenance on 30 Low Profile Dump Trucks (LPDTs) at Sindesar Khurd Mine. Phase 2 will extend Collision Avoidance System deployment across Hindustan Zinc’s fleet, unifying safety protocols company-wide in Rajasthan’s underground operations.

This initiative builds on Hindustan Zinc’s strong Environment, Sustainable and Governance (ESG) credentials. Hindustan Zinc has been ranked as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining sector for the second year in a row by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. In 2025, it also became the first Indian company to join the prestigious International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM).

With more than five decades of expertise in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc continues to integrate advanced solutions such as automation, remote operations and precision monitoring. This collaboration with Epiroc further strengthens its journey toward creating safe, smart and sustainable mining environments.

India’s first Gold-Tech event by Manipal Fintech brought together leaders from banking, NBFCs, fintech, and MSMEs to explore how technology can transform gold-backed lending. The event marked a pivotal moment in making credit more inclusive, transparent, and accessible for millions.

Mumbai, August 29, 2025: Manipal Fintech, India’s leading gold-tech innovator, successfully hosted the country’s first-of-its-kind Gold-Tech Event, Beyond Bullion: Redefining Lending Through Fintech, at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai. More than a conference, Beyond Bullion marked the beginning of a movement to unlock the true potential of gold-backed credit by addressing India’s credit gap with technology and trust.

Gold has always been India’s most trusted asset, yet its true potential in the financial ecosystem remains untapped. Beyond Bullion was created to build awareness of this opportunity and provide a platform for the industry to explore how gold-backed lending can become a powerful driver of inclusive credit growth.

In her address, Puja Singh, CEO of Manipal Fintech, said, “Gold is India’s timeless asset of trust and security; however, its role in the formal credit system has yet to match its true potential. With Beyond Bullion, Manipal Fintech set out to build awareness of this vast opportunity and to bring together banks, NBFCs, fintechs, and regulators to reimagine the future of gold-backed lending. What made this event powerful was not just the knowledge shared, but the shared intent to collaborate and innovate for Bharat. This is only the beginning, we see Beyond Bullion as a catalyst that will grow stronger each year, fueling greater inclusion, deeper trust, and sustainable growth for millions.”

The evening featured a keynote address by Madhav Nair, Deputy Chairman, Indian Banking Association and MD & CEO, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, followed by a fireside chat and an engaging panel discussion with senior representatives from leading banks and NBFCs. Together, they explored how fintech, compliance, and innovation can transform gold credit into a system that is more transparent, accessible, and inclusive.

Manipal Fintech’s own journey reflects this vision. From its beginnings as Sahibandhu, where it served as an early enabler of gold loans through technology, the company has evolved into Manipal Fintech, a future-ready platform dedicated to scaling gold-tech innovation. With Beyond Bullion, Manipal Fintech is taking this legacy forward, building a platform that not only unites the industry but also sets the stage for India’s gold-tech revolution.

29th August, New Delhi: Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd., India’s prominent company in evaporative air cooling systems, is delighted to announce participation for the 5th time in succession at the 138th Canton Fair, one of the world’s widely recognized and largest trade fair, to be held from 15th to 19th October 2025 in Guangzhou, China. The visitors can find Raj Cooling Systems at Stall No. I31, 32 & J11, 12, Hall No. 2.1 (International Pavilion).

This year, the company will make waves with the global launch of its exclusive Domestic Air Cooler Range, designed with a commitment to meeting modern household needs with a mix of style, performance, and affordability. Besides this, they are also coming up with its new Boxer Fan Series, created for top performance, energy savings, and enduring longevity.

According to Mr. Kalpesh Ramoliya, Chairman & MD at Raj Cooling Systems, “Innovation and customer satisfaction are core to every activity of Raj Cooling Systems. Additionally, Canton Fair has always been a turning point for us to meet global buyers and unveil our cutting-edge technologies while increasing our global footprint. With the launch of our Domestic Air Coolers and Boxer Fan Series, we are not only committed to meeting but surpassing customer expectations globally.”

Live product demonstrations will be featured in the booth, offering individuals a hands-on experience of the new models. Raj Cooling Systems will also focus on doubling its global presence in short span of time, driven by product innovation and focused global expansion.

With its strong legacy of quality, dependability, and technological excellence, Raj Cooling Systems continues to strengthen its image as a global player in air cooling systems with products that are performance-focused as well as environmentally friendly.

Urban Company Limited Launches ‘Revamp’

Any Wall, Any Space, transformed in a day

Mumbai, August 29, 2025: Urban Company Limited today announced the launch of Revamp, a new sub-brand, to redefine the way Indians upgrade their homes. Revamp enables customers to get home improvement done through small-space makeovers in just one day.

From Instagram inspiration to Pinterest boards, homeowners are eager to bring design-led magic into their spaces. Revamp offers curated looks and attempts at making execution stress-free.

“Revamp is built for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between inspiration and execution when it comes to their home. With this launch, we’re streamlining home renovation process by making it easier and reliable. We aim to help people feel truly home proud by combining aesthetics, speed and service under one experience. Revamp isn’t just about design-led upgrades, it’s about reimagining how home improvement gets done in India,” said Abhiraj Singh Bhal Co-founder & CEO Urban Company.

Revamp is built on Urban Company Limited’s full-stack, tech-enabled service model. The process is designed for ease and speed:

• Customer browses looks on the UC app and books an at home consultation
• Our trained design service professional visits the customer with a curated catalogue of looks and finishes
• All materials required for the job are delivered to the customer’s home in advance
• A skilled installation team arrives and executes the entire transformation within a day

All materials used are 100% eco-friendly and recyclable, reflecting the brand’s commitment to responsible design. The installation also reflects detailing whether it’s a proprietary cable management system that hides messy wires, custom-engineered T-joints that allow panels to meet without visible lines, or woodwork that is modular and fits into every corner.

The service is currently available in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore and Hyderabad

Chennai (India), August 28, 2025: SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) marked a major milestone today, hosting the second convocation for faculty members who have successfully completed a comprehensive three-day Faculty Development Program conducted by School of Design Thinking (SoDT). This event is a cornerstone in SRMIST’s mission to embed a culture of Design Thinking across all its campuses, enabling faculty and students to grow as innovative thinkers for tomorrow’s world.

The Faculty Development Program initiative was led by the School of Design Thinking. Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2019, the School of Design Thinking has been a strategic partner and catalyst for this transformation at SRMIST, delivering structured workshops, hands-on problem-solving sessions, and practical tools to make design thinking a foundational practice in classrooms. SoDT’s vision aligns with SRMIST’s purpose of nurturing a new generation of leaders who are empathetic, creative, and solution-focused. The School of Design Thinking has conducted the Faculty Development Program for 14 batches of faculty members across its Kattankulathur, Trichy, NCR and Vadapalani campuses.

Faculty members of SRMIST who have successfully completed a comprehensive three-day Faculty Development Program conducted by School of Design Thinking (SoDT) receiving the certificate, at Design The Thinking ® Faculty Development Program Convocation 2025 at SRMIST in Chennai on Monday, August 25, 2025.

SRMIST has been at the forefront in championing Design Thinking, not simply as a set of skills, but as an institutional culture. The University’s ongoing drive ensures that Design Thinking reaches all students, faculty members, and departments. From engineering and technology to entrepreneurship and innovation, SRMIST has set a benchmark for interdisciplinary creativity.

This year, 110 faculty members from all major engineering departments received their certificates. They join a distinguished cohort of 165 faculty alumni from the first convocation event, making a total of 275 SRMIST faculty trained in Design Thinking since the inception of the program in 2019. Combined, they have undergone an intensive 42 person days of training and over 450 person hours of active learning, equipping them to transform education and foster innovative mindsets in over 20,000 students to date.

The event also witnessed the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between SRMIST, School of Design Thinking and Intellect Design Arena for the next five years.

Speaking during the occasion, Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST, expressed, “We, at SRMIST, are at the forefront of many strategic initiatives with the government, industry and other entities. Through and beyond academics, we work on trying to solve larger problems that beset our nation and society. I firmly believe that Design Thinking, as a human-centric approach to solving real-world problems, is a catalyst in aiding our approach to work on societal issues. I am glad that through the School of Design Thinking, we have been able to enhance the capabilities of our Faculty and make a lasting impact in the lives of the students.”

Dr. Shantanu Patil, Director, DEI, SRMIST, shared his thoughts, “Design Thinking drives deep differentiation in one’s approach to design new solutions or to solve societal problems across multiple domains. I am pleased that SRMIST and DEI have partnered with the School of Design Thinking to bring about change in the thinking of our

students through the certified faculties. We are well on our way in a mission that is on par with global academic standards when it comes to scale in mindset transformation.”

The Chief Guest for the event, Mr. Ramanan SV, CEO-India & South Asia, Intellect Design Arena Ltd., delivered the Keynote address and shared his insights, “The transformation at SRMIST demonstrates the powerful impact of focusing on mind space. Fostering the right mindset is essential for true innovation and growth. Through Design Thinking, institutions can move beyond traditional boundaries, connect, and find outside-the-box solutions that drive excellence. It is not just about processes or infrastructure, but about cultivating internal flexibility and openness to new ideas. I am delighted to see SRMIST lead this journey, setting a new benchmark for academic innovation.”

Ms. Manju Jain, Director and Co-founder, School of Design Thinking (SoDT), in her Special Address commented, “Design Thinking has immense potential in creating a positive impact between teachers and students, especially in the arena of teaching and learning. At the School of Design Thinking, we have evolved a new approach to bring Design Thinking as pedagogy in order to bring about mindset change in faculties and students at the fundamental level. I am very happy that the senior faculties at SRMIST have adopted this strength of Design Thinking, beyond a mere course, to explore the innate potential of the students and to create engaging learning experiences.”

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Rajashekar P as the new Director of Revenue.

With an extensive career spanning over a decade in revenue management, Mr. Rajashekar brings a wealth of expertise from leading hospitality brands including Park Hyatt, Hilton, Accor, Radisson Blu, and Le Meridien. Throughout his career, he has successfully driven strategic revenue initiatives, system integrations, and business growth across diverse markets.

A results-driven leader, he has consistently delivered exceptional performance in MPI, ARI, and RGI metrics, alongside spearheading system transitions like Hyatt PRO and EMMA. His proven ability to optimize demand generation and enhance financial outcomes makes him a strong addition to the leadership team.

At Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, Mr. Rajashekar will be instrumental in shaping revenue strategies, forecasting, and maximizing yield opportunities to further strengthen the hotel’s market positioning.

Sharing his views on the appointment, Mr. Ritesh Sharma, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Rajashekar to our leadership team. His extensive expertise and proven track record in revenue management will play a pivotal role in driving our growth strategy and further positioning Crowne Plaza Okhla as a market leader in the region.”

The hotel team warmly welcomes him and looks forward to achieving new milestones under his guidance.

By – Shailesh Sheth, Chairman and Managing Director of Kris Flexipacks

As India strides toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, the packaging industry has emerged as a silent but powerful enabler of this transformation. Often seen as a support function, packaging today plays a strategic role in driving consumption, enabling exports, generating employment, and pushing sustainability goals.

A Growth Engine Across Sectors

From food and pharmaceuticals to electronics and e-commerce, packaging touches every sector. It ensures product protection, hygiene, and appeal, all critical in a consumption-driven economy. India’s packaging industry is growing at 12% annually, projected to reach USD 204 billion by 2025 -a fourfold jump from 2019.

With rising demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, this growth is no longer limited to urban centers. The boom in online retail and last-mile delivery has further accelerated the need for innovative packaging.

Job Creation and Skill Upskilling

The sector employs over 5 million people and is increasingly embracing technology. Automation, digital printing, and smart packaging are creating new job profiles — from packaging designers to sustainability analysts.

Institutes like the Indian Institute of Packaging are training a new generation of professionals who understand the interplay between material science, consumer behavior, and environmental regulations.

Boosting India’s Export Edge

Packaging is a vital component of India’s global trade aspirations. Good packaging enhances shelf appeal, prevents damage, and meets international compliance standards. Sectors like pharma, food processing, FMCG, and handicrafts rely heavily on high-quality packaging to compete in foreign markets.

Better packaging directly translates to fewer losses, longer shelf life, and improved brand image all of which make Indian products more export-ready.

What Lies Ahead

The packaging sector is evolving from a cost center to a strategic differentiator. With initiatives like Make in India, PLI schemes, and a focus on MSMEs, the ecosystem is poised for long-term impact.
However, challenges remain especially around recycling infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and consumer behavior change. A collaborative approach involving industry, policymakers, and academia will be essential to scale impact and ensure inclusive growth.

New Delhi, August 28, 2025 – realme, the most popular smartphone brand among Indian youth, today unveiled its latest innovation, today marked its 7th anniversary with the unveiling of two groundbreaking innovations: the 15000mAh Ultra-High-Density Battery and the realme Chill Fan Phone. These advancements, inspired by the everyday challenges of young users across markets, are designed to eliminate two of the biggest smartphone concerns—battery anxiety and overheating.

15000mAh Ultra-High-Density Battery

The 15000mAh battery concept is a leap in smartphone power technology. Built with 100% full silicon anode technology, it achieves an industry-first 1200 Wh/L energy density, delivering unmatched endurance. For users, this translates into up to four days of usage on a single charge, 18 hours of continuous video recording for creators, and 53 hours of uninterrupted video playback for entertainment lovers.

From long commutes and travel to non-stop streaming and marathon gaming, this battery ensures users stay powered without constant recharging.

realme Chill Fan Phone

The realme Chill Fan Phone introduces a first-of-its-kind miniature internal fan with thermoelectric cooling (TEC) technology, previously seen only in external cooling setups. By integrating this advanced system directly into the smartphone, realme makes high-performance cooling accessible to users everywhere.

The innovation reduces core device temperature by up to 6°C, ensuring smooth performance for 20+ popular high-graphic titles such as Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, even at high frame rates. For gamers and heavy users, this translates to sustained, uninterrupted performance.

realme has built its identity by listening to the aspirations of Indian youth—whether it is their love for gaming, content creation, or non-stop streaming. Both these innovations address everyday frustrations like mid-game battery drains and heating during long usage. By solving these challenges, realme strengthens its commitment to being the coolest smartphone brand in India—one that blends performance with lifestyle.

India has been central to realme’s journey since its inception, serving as both a key market and an inspiration hub for innovation. As the brand enters its eighth year, it reaffirms its promise to democratize cutting-edge technology and empower millions of young Indians to “play hard, last longer, and live boldly.”

New Delhi / Bangalore, August 28, 2025: SBI Card, India’s largest pure-play credit card issuer, and Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, jointly announced the launch of ‘Flipkart SBI Credit Card’. This one-of-its-kind co-branded credit card got launched in the presence of Mr. Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman, State Bank of India (SBI) and Mr. Ashwini Kumar Tewari, Managing Director, SBI. The Flipkart SBI Card has been meticulously designed with curated cashback benefits to offer a rewarding shopping experience for discerning customers on the majority of their purchases. The launch reflects SBI Card and Flipkart’s ongoing efforts to empower shoppers with greater value, flexibility, and access to formal credit while enhancing their overall shopping journey. Customers can seamlessly apply for the credit card digitally via the Flipkart App, and SBI Card SPRINT by visiting the SBI Card website SBI Card.com.

With the Flipkart SBI Card, customers can earn 7.5% cashback on spends made on Myntra and 5% cashback on spends made on Flipkart, Shopsy, and Cleartrip. Customers can utilise the rewarding value proposition to make purchases across a broad range of products and services across the Flipkart ecosystem, including mobiles, electronics,  grocery, fashion, furniture, appliances, home furnishings, travel bookings, and more. Moreover, customers can earn 4% cashback on select brands like Zomato, Uber, Netmeds, and PVR, and 1% unlimited cashback on all other eligible spends. The Flipkart SBI Card comes with an auto-credit of cashback facility, which allows automatic credit of entitled cashback to the SBI Card account within two days of statement generation, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Salila Pande, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SBI Card, said, “At SBI Card, we continuously strive towards delivering best-in-class products that align with the evolving needs and aspirations of our customers. Launch of the Flipkart SBI Card in partnership with Flipkart is one more step in this direction. With the rapid growth of e-commerce in India, customers are increasingly seeking seamless and rewarding experiences in every purchase. Flipkart SBI Card has been thoughtfully designed to provide a rewarding and seamless payment experience.”

 Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Chief Executive Officer, Flipkart Group, said, “At Flipkart, we have always placed the customer at the centre of everything we do. Our focus has been on creating shared value for the wider ecosystem. Over the years, we have introduced several innovative financial offerings. This co-branded credit card, in partnership with SBI Card, is another important step in that journey. It reflects our commitment to democratizing and expanding access to formal credit in India. With solutions designed to deliver maximum value, we aim to empower millions of households across Bharat to fulfil their aspirations with confidence.”

 The joining and annual renewal fee of the Flipkart SBI Card is ₹500 plus applicable taxes. Upon successful application, cardholders can avail welcome benefits worth ₹1,250. Additionally, they will be able to enjoy a renewal fee reversal of ₹500 on reaching the milestone of ₹3,50,000 annual spends during the card membership year. The credit card also offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver in a statement cycle. The contactless card is available on Mastercard as well as VISA payment platforms.

To mark the launch, Flipkart and SBI Card are introducing a limited-period launch offer*, giving applicants the chance to win 10 Samsung Galaxy Smartwatches and 100 Ambrane wireless power banks every day upon successful completion of the card application process on the Flipkart app.