Archives August 2024

BenQ Group’s Unwavering Commitment to Sustainability, ESG, and Progress Toward RE100 Has Been Reaffirmed with Two Sustainability Action Awards and Consecutive COMPUTEX ISO Certification

BenQ Group (BenQ), an advocate of the RE100 initiative aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, announces that it has successfully implemented the ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System for the second consecutive time at this year’s COMPUTEX show. This makes BenQ the only participant at COMPUTEX to have achieved this feat. BenQ’s ISO 20121 implementation at this year’s COMPUTEX show is just one component of its holistic commitment to sustainability. The Group was also recently recognized for its sustainability advocacy with six awards at the 2024 Taiwan and Asia Pacific Sustainability Action Awards (TSAA and APSAA), including two gold-level awards.

“BenQ is a human-centric brand. What matters to people matters to us. We believe that technology, product designs, and everything else we do should address people’s needs and well-being,” said Conway Lee, President and CEO of BenQ Corporation. “We aim to continue delivering solutions and experiences that are of value to our customers and positively impact society and our environment.”

BenQ Group’s environmental and sustainability commitments are rooted in its pledge to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the RE100 global initiative led by the Climate Group and CDP, which aims to achieve 100% renewable energy usage by 2050. With a mission of “Bringing Enjoyment ‘NQuality to Life,” BenQ strives to bring a better future to customers, consumers, society, and the planet we call home.

BenQ Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability is exemplified by its active participation in the RE100 initiative. This initiative aims to achieve 100% renewable energy usage by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050 and has seen BenQ Group collaborate with numerous partners and suppliers on carbon emissions reduction.

BenQ’s Two-Pronged Strategy Guides Its ESG Sustainability Efforts

Sustainable Product Lifecycles

As a significant component of its business, BenQ places importance on reducing its carbon footprint through its products via a comprehensive assessment of every stage of the product lifecycle. Whether helping customers go green by incorporating energy-saving features, reducing the use of raw materials for packaging, or incorporating more clean energy into the production process, BenQ stands firm in its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint to net zero by 2050.

Key Avenues for Achieving Sustainability

From a larger corporate perspective, BenQ strives to achieve its ESG goals through three main avenues: reducing energy consumption, optimizing raw materials usage, and manufacturing with clean energy.

BenQ’s Latest ESG Sustainability Efforts and Initiatives

At the corporate level, BenQ’s primary focus is assessing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing internal carbon pricing, adopting self-generated solar energy, verifying green energy purchases, setting carbon emissions reduction goals, implementing energy management strategies, and planning sustainable events.

From a product-level perspective, BenQ’s momentum in this category focuses on four main initiatives.

Product Design

Both the BenQ Board Pro RP04 and LCD/laser projectors feature power-saving Eco mode. The BenQ Board Pro RP04 offers advanced power-saving technologies, including power scheduling, ENERGY STAR®- certified Eco mode, sleep mode, and a real-time power usage dashboard, while BenQ’s LCD and laser projectors with the Next-Gen SmartEco technology save up to 62% of power.

Product Manufacturing

The BenQ Board 04 series is 9% lighter, reducing carbon emissions by 100 kilograms of CO₂ per device. BenQ SSI projectors are made with 50% of the post-consumer recycled materials. BenQ’s production process is also PAS-certified and validated for product carbon footprint. For example, the BenQ Board Essential RE7503A is recognized as the first interactive display to achieve ISO 14067 certification, which reduces the product’s carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle.

Packaging

The BenQ Board RM8604 packaging is 35.2% lighter and uses recycled cardboard with a simplified logo to reduce ink use, and SSI projector packaging is 80% plastic-free.

Shipping

BenQ SSI projectors are 30% more compact, and the BenQ Board 04 series is also designed to be more compact. This results in a 25% reduction in transportation frequency, lowering the carbon footprint.

“Bringing Enjoyment ‘N Quality to Life” Through ESG Sustainability BenQ’s “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N Quality to Life” mission lies at the forefront of everything it does. This mission extends beyond products and services, including initiatives that benefit society and the environment. From enhancing inclusivity in education and work with smart classrooms and workplaces to addressing climate change through corporate and product-level initiatives, BenQ strives to be a proactive global citizen towards the RE100 goals.

Thane, 16 August 2024 – The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at Korum Mall, Thane, where Mr. Sandeep Malvi, Additional Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation and CEO of Thane Smart City Ltd., hoisted the Indian flag.

Mr. Malvi, a distinguished poet, writer, and administrator, led the flag-hoisting ceremony, symbolising the spirit of freedom and progress that Thane embodies.

The ceremony brought together citizens from all walks of life, reflecting the unity and diversity that characterise our nation. As the flag ascended, it served as a powerful reminder of India’s journey towards independence and its continued growth as a vibrant democracy.

Mr. Malvi’s multifaceted contributions to literature and public administration, alongside his role in shaping Thane’s future as a smart city, highlighted the city’s commitment to fostering both cultural heritage and technological advancement.

Mr. Deva Jyotula, Sr. VP Retail at Korum Mall, shared his thoughts on hosting the event: “We are honoured to be the venue for this significant celebration of our nation’s independence. At Korum Mall, we believe in bringing the community together, and what better way to do so than by commemorating our shared heritage and aspirations for the future. This flag hoisting ceremony symbolises not just our past struggles, but also our collective journey towards progress and unity.”

As Thane continues to grow and evolve, events like these serve to strengthen community bonds and reinforce our shared values of freedom, progress, and unity.

16th August 2024, New Delhi: Digital Gramin Seva (DGS) marked the 78th Independence Day with a grand celebration centered around the theme of women’s empowerment. The event, was a resounding success, highlighting the organization’s commitment to fostering financial independence for women in rural India. On this auspicious occasion, DGS launched several groundbreaking schemes aimed at empowering women to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, helping them become self-reliant and financially secure.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mr Om Narayan Singh, the esteemed founder of Digital Gramin Seva, and Mr. Chintu who is the manager at DGS. His presence underscored the significance of the day and the organization’s dedication to uplifting women in rural areas. His leadership leads the whole company on the path to creating opportunities for women to thrive as entrepreneurs from the comfort of their own homes.

Speaking at the event, Mr Om Narayan Singh expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiatives, stating, “We are thrilled to announce these special schemes for women on the occasion of our 78th Independence Day in which DGS is giving a special discount to women in which women can register themselves as a merchant with just at 250/- rupees which is 1000/- Rs for men. At Digital Gramin Seva, we believe that empowering women is crucial for the overall progress of our nation. These schemes are designed to provide women in rural India with the tools and resources they need to start their businesses, become their bosses, and achieve financial freedom. This Independence Day, we not only celebrate our nation’s greatness but also take a step forward in ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to contribute to India’s growth.”

The Independence Day celebrations at DGS were filled with a series of engaging activities. The day began with the singing of the national anthem, followed by an inspiring speech by Mr Singh on the importance of women’s empowerment in building a stronger India. The event also featured a variety of activities, including a musical chair competition, dumb charades, and vibrant performances of patriotic songs and dances. Additionally, a spirited debate competition was held, encouraging participants to voice their thoughts on the role of women in India’s future.

Working with the government offers several benefits to Digital Gramin Seva Company. Association with the government can provide access to new markets and customers, particularly in rural areas. Through government initiatives, services can be delivered to a broader audience along with this it also enhances the company’s credibility and trustworthiness, most importantly Complying with government policies and guidelines becomes easier, helping you avoid regulatory issues.

Through Digital Gramin Seva, government schemes and services are efficiently delivered in rural areas and Digital platforms enable the government to collect and analyze real-time data. It also creates employment opportunities for those who are not very educated and skilled. It enhances transparency and accountability and through this government schemes become more accessible to rural citizens.

Digital Gramin Seva is effectively implementing government schemes and programs in rural areas as it brings financial and banking services to rural areas it also provides e-governance services, such as online registration, application processing, etc. The company has more than 200,000 merchants who are associated across India. The company’s head office is in Sarita Vihar, Delhi, and offers franchises. Currently, they have 15 zonal heads, more than 200,000 active retailers, over 5,000 distributors, and more than 500 super distributors who are working unanimously with the company. The company is moving towards adding new services and successfully expanding its reach in rural areas.

The event concluded on a high note, with participants expressing their excitement about the newly launched schemes and their potential impact on women’s lives in rural India. Digital Gramin Seva remains committed to its mission of driving social change through digital empowerment, and this Independence Day celebration is a testament to its unwavering dedication to the cause.

New Delhi, 16 August, 2024: The World Avocado Organization (WAO) a non-profit organization which represents producers, exporters and importers of avocados from across the world, was set up in 2016 to promote avocado consumption and the health benefits of the world’s favourite superfood.

After the extremely successful push in 2023, WAO has now launched its 2024 campaign in India to educate consumers and food businesses about the health benefits of regular avocado consumption and how to best use this fruit in varied Indian cuisines.

The 2024 WAO campaign in India is majorly supported by growers from South Africa, a leading exporter of avocados. South African avocados were granted access by India earlier this year.

Mr. Derek Donkin CEO of South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA) expressed their excitement at the opening of the Indian market for South African avocados. Mr. Donkin remarked that “Historically, South Africa’s avocado exports have been largely focused on Europe and the United Kingdom, and these destinations account for 95% of its exports. However, with production increasing, the recent access to India offers promising new avenues for growth with consumers getting a wider choice for high-quality fruit.”

Zac Bard, WAO Chairman said, “We are delighted to bring the World Avocado Organisation’s campaign to India once again. The India 2023 campaign created a lot of excitement and engagement. Avocado consumption across the country has seen a significant boost. We want to further build on this momentum.”

“These are exciting times and we are delighted to be here,” Mr. Bard added. “With their natural nutritional wealth and versatility, avocados have become an integral part of modern diets across the globe. We envisage similar trends in India and foresee immense potential for avocados. The demand is only going to increase as more discerning Indian consumers discover this amazing fruit, its health benefits, its taste and ways to incorporate avocados into daily meals. Keep an eye out as we bring to you some of the top Indian chefs and nutritionists cooking with and talking about Hass avocados.”

Aveksha Heart Centre inaugurated at Singapura in M. S. Palya

Bengaluru, August 14: BWSSB Chairman Dr Ram Prasath Manohar on Wednesday said that the treatment for heart-related ailments must be cost – effective affordable by poor and the ordinary public.

“Towards that end, the establishment of Aveksha Heart Centre at Singapura in M. S. Palya is a welcome development,” Dr Ram Prasath Manohar said, after inaugurating the Centre.

According to BWSSB Chairman, the doctors have been doing their job in the form of service and hence public are largely benefitted.

“In this regard, it is laudable that Dr Uday Ballal and his family have taken a very noble step,” Dr Ram Prasath Manohar added.

Expressing concern over increasing incidents of heart-related diseases among the youth, the BWSSB Chairman said periodical check-ups and health camps are necessary along with light physical exercises and meditation.

“Dr Uday Ballal and his family members have come to the service of the public by establishing a sophisticated Hospital. Their tribe must increase,” he said.

In his speech, Dr Jayakar Shetty, Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University, said even though the number of medical colleges have increased, there is still shortage of doctors in the country. Moreover, heart-related ailments have increased post-Corona period.

“At critical times such as heart attacks, the number of Hospitals must increase to provide quick treatment. Towards that end, Aveksha Heart Centre has come as a great relief to this part of Bangalore,” Dr Jayakar Shetty said.

Dr Uday Ballal, Founder & Chairman Aveksha Heart Centre, Smt Aarathi Ballal, Smt Ujwala Ballal, Dr Aditya Ballal along with Dr Nutan and Dr. Suraj, Heart Specialist of Sparsh Hospital were present.

New Delhi, August 14, 2024 — In a jubilant celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day, Times Prime, India’s premier lifestyle membership program, announced its latest campaign, ‘Azaadi ka Swaad’, exclusively curated by Haldiram’s under their my HR Loyalty Program. Partnering with leading delivery brand Zepto, this initiative promises to spread joy and festivity to millions of homes across the country.

In a delicious twist on tradition, Zepto Pass users ordering above Rs. 299 will receive a free box of special Haldiram’s ladoos. This year, Times Prime is doubling down on its commitment, distributing a whopping 8000 kg of ladoos across six cities – twice the amount from last year’s campaign. Thanks to Zepto’s lightning-fast delivery, these sweet parcels of joy will reach homes in just 10 minutes. The campaign beautifully unites India’s diversity through regional sweet specialties, bringing the nation together in a celebration of freedom and flavor.

Harshita Singh, Business Head, Times Prime, expressed: “We’re not just delivering sweets; we’re sending out little boxes of joy and freedom. It’s our way of bringing India’s rich traditions to your doorstep in a modern, convenient package.”

Kailash Agarwal, President- Retail, QSR at Haldiram’s added: “Partnering with Times Prime for ‘Azaadi ka Swaad’ is an exciting opportunity for us to blend our traditional sweets with modern convenience. Our products have been a staple in Indian celebrations for generations, and we’re eager to bring this taste of freedom to households across India.” Haldiram’s is also giving away free Reward Points under their Loyalty Program to all customers.

Zepto’s young gun, Aadit Palicha, adds: “We’re known for our speed, but this time, we’re delivering more than just products – we’re bringing a slice of India’s heritage to millions, and fast!”

This Independence Day, Times Prime invites everyone to savor the taste of freedom. With perks worth up to Rs. 60,000 annually, Times Prime membership is the cherry on top of this sweet deal.

August 14, 2024: RecFaces, a leading provider of advanced facial biometric software, is excited to announce its upcoming business trip to India from August 20 to September 21, 2024.

RecFaces, in collaboration with Startologic Technologies, is exhibiting at the Fire & Security India Expo (FSIE) in Mumbai from August 22 to 24, Booth no. B-26, P8. At FSIE, RecFaces will showcase how their solutions can enhance existing video management systems (VMS) and improve access control systems through live demonstrations of their flagship products, Id-Guard and Id-Gate.

Oleg Kurochkin, Business Development Director for the APAC region, will be available in the following cities:

• Mumbai (August 20-31)
• Bengaluru (September 1-8)
• New Delhi (September 09–21)

This visit aims to strengthen collaboration with technology partners and system integrators, meet with end users, and foster innovation within the Indian security landscape.

“We are excited to participate in FSIE Mumbai to demonstrate our cutting-edge facial recognition technology and strengthen our technical footprint through focused knowledge sharing sessions across India,” said Oleg Kurochkin, Business Development Director, APAC region, RecFaces.

“FSIE Mumbai is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our portfolio of advanced security solutions. Our goal is to simplify complex security challenges and enhance operational efficiency. We look forward to sharing our expertise and collaborating with industry professionals,” said Shashi Kumar Yadav, Chief Executive Officer, Startologic Technologies.

New Delhi, August 14, 2024: Continuing on the path of cultural transformation, Philip Morris International (PMI)’s India affiliate, IPM India, recently launched the ‘PMI DNA’ – a measurable framework capturing the core strengths and values for people while they adopt this new culture. As part of this initiative, three pillars were developed to help people bring the best to PMI.

We Care: Commitment to be more intentional, proactive, inclusive & support others at all times

We are Better Together: Set aside divisions, breaking down silos, and come together as One PMI to make PMI stronger

We are Game Changers: PMI’s nature is to innovate and lead. With an idea to pivot, redefine, & outperform to collectively push to stay ahead

The PMI DNA reflects the organisation’s passion to deliver innovative and iconic products and develop new solutions in the healthcare and wellness space. In continuation with its efforts towards creating positive change for the society, IPM India recognizes that people are the driving force behind success of the organisation. ‘How we work together reflects who we are’.

An ever-changing landscape – with increasing complexity, challenging categories, and relentless technological advancement – requires next-level collaboration, integration, and trust. ​`What’ we deliver has consistently brought success. `How’ we deliver it will drive growth today and set us up for success in the future.

Commenting on the cultural framework, Navaneel Kar, Managing Director, IPM India, said, “2024 marks another exciting chapter for IPM India. The PMI DNA is reflective of us when we are at our best, highlighting our strengths and aspirations. Our cultural ambition is clear: bring the best out of PMI. By living our DNA, we will foster an environment of psychological safety with open and honest conversations, focus on how we deliver our results, calling out and addressing undesirable behaviours, & prioritize enterprise goals over personal ones, because when PMI succeeds, we all succeed.”

Sharing her views, Jasneet Kaur, Director, People & Culture, IPM India added, “By putting our DNA into action day-to-day, we will show each other, and the world, our true nature and potential. On our best days, we have always demonstrated this DNA. When our best days become our everyday, we are unstoppable. Now, armed with our guiding values, we embark on a journey fueled by passion, purpose, and unwavering determination. As the ripple effects continue to reverberate, we are inspired to align our actions with our values, ensuring they remain at the forefront of our endeavors.”

Over the coming months, IPM India will begin to see more conversations on DNA incorporated into everything the organization does- helping unlock the collective power and advancing both our people and business towards continued success.

Mumbai, 14th August 2024: Mumbai-based eClerx Services Ltd. has announced its quarterly financial results for the period ending June 30, 2024. The company reported a sequential and Y-o-Y growth in revenue numbers. The Indian IT / ITES firm continues to build on its strong delivery track record and remains focused on pursuing organic growth opportunities across key international markets.

Key highlights from the consolidated financial results reported for the quarter ended June 30, 2024

eClerx’s USD operating revenue increased to $93.3 million vs. $83.9 million posted in Q1FY2023-24, an increase of 11.1% YoY and 1.5% QoQ. EBITDA stood at INR 187.3 crore for the quarter and grew 7.0% compared to INR 175.0 crore recorded in Q1 of the previous fiscal. EBITDA margin decreased from 25.3% in the corresponding quarter to 23.3 % for the current quarter.

• Profit before tax increased to INR 147.9 crore and grew by 5.2 % Y-o-Y, against INR 140.6 crore in last year. Net Profit in this quarter rose by 5.0 % to INR 111.6 crore.
• Basic earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 FY24-25 has improved to INR 23.1; representing a 4.6 % growth when compared with INR 22.1 clocked in Q1 FY2023-24.
• Total delivery headcount was maintained at a similar level to that in the preceding quarter, expanding to 17,628 at the end of the June quarter.

Commenting on the firm’s performance, Mr. Kapil Jain, Managing Director and Group CEO at eClerx said, “We announced our 4-year strategic roadmap last quarter, and I am pleased to note that the early signs are encouraging. Deal pipeline is strong, we are working on several cross-sell initiatives, and our value proposition continues to resonate with clients. We are confident that our strategy will deliver results in the coming quarters.”

The Mumbai-based firm counts many Fortune 2000 companies amongst its list of clients. The company has also continued with its trend of winning awards and recognition for its product and service innovation, notable examples of which are noted below

Key developments, initiatives and recognitions

• eClerx’s GenAI360 Platform won the Silver winner for AI Innovation at the 19th Annual 2024 Globee® Award for Technology in a hotly contested category that saw more than 1,700 nominations
• eClerx Services Ltd also won two Gold Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards for its pioneering approach in human resources management and technological innovation.

Bengaluru August 14, 2024: On the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, ITC Ltd. has paid tribute to the Nation with the creation of a unique musical composition ‘Desh Ek Raag’ performed by the Gurus and Shishyas of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC-SRA). The soul-stirring composition captures the confluence of Hindustani Classical Music forms, rooted in the cultural traditions of the country. The musical ensemble innovatively combines western and Indian instrumental accompaniments to play Hindustani Classical tunes in order to contemporise Indian classical music for the younger generations. The composition, rendered in a musical video, was shared by Mr. Sanjiv Puri, Chairman of ITC, through a post on LinkedIn today. Mr. Puri is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ITC-SRA.

Performed by ITC-SRA Gurus and scholars, in collaboration with other artists, the special composition is an ode to the Nation, in which Parampara and Pragati (Tradition & Progress); Viraasat and Vikas (Heritage & Development) go hand-in hand. In line with ITC’s credo of ‘Nation First: Sab Saath Badhein’, which underscores the Company’s core belief in creating inclusive and enduring value for the nation, the Desh Ek Raag initiative is testimony to ITC’s commitment to contribute meaningfully to preserve, nurture and promote India’s rich heritage of Hindustani Classical Music.

Crafted by some of ITC-SRA’s Gurus, the special composition is based on Raag Desh, which is an integral part of Vande Mataram – the National Song of India. The link of the Video is provided below:

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Sanjiv Puri, Chairman, ITC Ltd., said, “I am delighted that, as a tribute to our country on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITC-SRA) has created a special composition, presented in the form of a music video ‘Desh Ek Raag – an Ode to the Nation’. This musical masterpiece by the talented scholars of ITC-SRA draws inspiration from Raag Desh, stirring a profound sense of pride and admiration for our great nation.”