All posts by Rabindra

October 2024: ITC Limited, one of India’s leading multi-business conglomerates and a global exemplar in sustainability, had set itself the target to meet 100% of electricity requirements from renewable sources by 2030 as a part of its ambitious Sustainability 2.0 Vision, a new paradigm of sustainability vision articulated by ITC Chairman Mr. Sanjiv Puri in 2019. In line with the Company’s continuing endeavour to have a ‘climate positive’ impact on the environment, ITC has recently commissioned its second offsite solar plant in Karnataka with a capacity of 9.45 MW in the Davangere district. The facility is ITC’s 4th offsite solar plant in the country, with similar units earlier built in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

In FY 2023-24, over 50% of ITC’s total energy requirements were already met from renewable sources such as solar, wind and biomass. Total Energy includes electrical energy as well as thermal energy.

The offsite solar plant is set to generate around 15 million units every year, providing green energy to the company’s numerous facilities in the state. These include the Company’s hotels such as ITC Gardenia and ITC Windsor, its R&D facility in Bangalore – the ITC Life Sciences and Technology Centre (LSTC), foods manufacturing units including two large Integrated facilities in Mysore and Malur, Agri product processing factory, Warehousing & Logistics facility as well as ITC Green Centre in Bangalore – an iconic Green Building Office and Information Technology Centre in the state.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr S. Sivakumar, Group Head of Agri, IT Business and Sustainability at ITC Limited said, “In line with ITC’s Sustainability 2.0 Vision, it has been our endeavour to accelerate efforts in decarbonisation. Expanding our renewable energy footprint has been one of the key pillars of our low-carbon growth strategy”.

With this new solar plant, ITC’s total share of electrical renewable energy in the state of Karnataka will be close to 90%. The plant, spread over 26 acres, is built with the latest bi-facial module technology and string inverters and complies to national & international standards on design & safety. This solar plant will help reduce 12,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

In its endeavour to contribute to a ‘cleaner and greener’ environment, ITC has been expanding its renewable energy footprint over the past two decades. The company has already made significant investments in renewable energy assets and is in the advanced stage of setting up multiple offsite solar projects across several states in the country. ITC’s renewable electricity capacity presently is over 200 MW covering both solar and wind power plants.

The Company has also invested in several solar electricity projects with rooftop solar power units installed in several locations such as Haridwar in Uttarakhand, Bolarum in Telangana, Tribeni in West Bengal, Trichy in Tamil Nadu and Kapurthala in Punjab, with more in the pipeline.

As a responsible corporate citizen, ITC has made a commitment to reduce emissions and dependence on energy from fossil fuels. Accordingly, all factories also incorporate appropriate green features. ITC’s premium luxury hotels, and office complexes continue to be certified at the highest level by either the US Green Building Council (USGBC) or the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). Being a global sustainability exemplar, 12 ITC’s hotels are the first in the world to receive LEED Zero Carbon certification and 5 ITC Hotels are the first 5 hotels in the world to be LEED Zero Water certified.

Ms. Prachi Kaushik, a renowned social entrepreneur and founder of the Vyomini Social Foundation, captivated students and attendees at the Symposium on Social Entrepreneurship – Paving the Way for Viksit Bharat @2047 organized by Amity University. In her keynote address, Ms. Kaushik explored how social entrepreneurship is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities, through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

Her presentation, titled Social Entrepreneurs in Improving Healthcare Access & Affordability Across the Globe, shed light on Vyomini Social Foundation’s efforts to bridge the healthcare gap by focusing on access, affordability, and sustainability. Ms. Kaushik shared valuable insights into how social entrepreneurs are using innovation to address healthcare challenges and ensure equitable health services for all.

The symposium brought together prominent figures in social entrepreneurship, with dynamic discussions on the intersection of healthcare, innovation, and social equity. A key highlight was a panel discussion themed around improving global healthcare access and affordability. Visionary leaders from various sectors discussed how sustainable, innovative models are reshaping healthcare landscapes worldwide.

In her speech, Ms. Kaushik also aligned her work with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, a national initiative aimed at building a self-reliant and developed India by 2047. Reflecting on this, she stated:

“Viksit Bharat 2047 envisions a self-reliant and developed India by the centenary of its independence. The vision underscores the need for economic growth, technological advancements, and sustainable practices, with a focus on inclusivity and social equity. Achieving this ambitious goal requires empowering our youth, fostering innovation, and enhancing infrastructure to reduce dependency on imports. Sustainable development is essential, ensuring that progress is not at the expense of the environment.”

Her message resonated deeply with the audience, particularly her focus on innovation and sustainability as vital pillars in creating equitable healthcare systems that align with India’s development goals for 2047.

The panel discussion further explored how social entrepreneurs are addressing global healthcare challenges through the integration of telemedicine, mobile healthcare units, and community health workers. Experts discussed the transformative role of digital health platforms, AI, and data analytics in enhancing healthcare efficiency, as well as the need for public-private partnerships to develop scalable solutions for global healthcare needs.

The symposium concluded on an inspiring note, with participants reaffirming the critical role of social entrepreneurship in shaping a future where healthcare is both accessible and affordable for all. The event emphasized the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in building a robust global healthcare system.

Bengaluru, Oct 15,2024 – Late Ratan Tata always ensured employees are taken care of along with the well-being of their families across the Tata Group companies, which shaped a number of leaders across the conglomerate, and there really was no one like him, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said on Monday.

Recollecting his association with Tata (86) who passed away last week, in a post on networking platform LinkedIn, he wrote, “Anybody who met Mr Tata came away with a story about his humanity, warmth, and dreams for India. There really was no one like him.”

Chandrasekaran, who took over as Chairman of Tata Sons in 2017 after the removal of (late) Cyrus Mistry, said his relationship with late Tata “grew over the years, first focusing on business and eventually evolving into a more personal connection”.

“We discussed interests ranging from cars to hotels, but when our conversations turned to other matters those of daily life he would show how much he noticed and felt. He was someone to be discovered, over time and through experience,” he recollected.

Remembering how the late Chairman Emeritus of the group laid emphasis on employee welfare, Chandrasekaran wrote, “Just after I became Chairman, I was introduced to a situation within Tata Motors which involved a dispute between the company and the employees’ union over wages for two years.”

He further noted, in March ’17, Mr Tata and I met the union leaders together. During the meeting, Mr Tata relayed three messages: he regretted the delay in finding a resolution. He explained that the company was going through hardship. And both of us committed that this dispute would be concluded within a fortnight.

According to him, “Mr Tata’s direction squarely focused on making sure employees were well taken care of — not just to resolve the dispute, but to ensure their and their families’ well-being”.

“Across other Group companies, his perspective on employees was uniform. It is something that has shaped a number of our leaders across the Group,” wrote Chandrasekaran, who was the CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) before he became the Chairman of Tata Sons.

Recollecting Tata’s love and care for dogs, Chandrasekaran recollected an instance about renovating the group headquarters “Bombay House” around the same time when the dispute at Tata Motors happened.

“I expressed a desire to renovate our headquarters, Bombay House. Bombay House had not been touched since 1924, and more important (as many people told me) Mr Tata would not like it. “Bombay House is a temple,” I was told, emphasising its sanctity,” he wrote.

Chandrasekaran recollected when he “finally mentioned to Mr Tata about Bombay House, he (Tata) said, ‘May I ask you something? When you say ‘renovate’, do you mean ‘vacate’?’ I explained that we planned to move everyone to a nearby office.”

Tata wanted to know where the dogs, which were an integral part of Bombay House, often seen at the reception, would go.

Chandrasekaran assured that a kennel would be built for them, to which Tata responded saying ‘Really?’ while considering the proposal.

“When the renovation of Bombay House was complete, Mr Tata wanted to see the kennel first. He was very happy to see how thoughtful the kennel’s design was, and how well the dogs would be cared for,” he noted.

Chandrasekaran further recollected, “Seeing his happiness with the kennel and his priorities was a reminder that while big projects are important, it’s the details that reveal how we think, what we prioritise, and how we are perceived. His joy was confirmation that we had done the right thing.”

According to him, if Tata ever visited a place, he could recall everything — from the placement of (the) smallest piece of furniture, the lighting, colours, and so on.

“His memory was photographic. He remembered the covers and content of books and magazines and referred to them even years later. He was always observing and processing, from large ideas to minute detail,” Chandrasekaran said.

Stating that there is so much else to say about who Tata was, he said, “but for now, as I process his absence, this will have to do: His eye received everything clearly, as his mind perceived everything clearly.”

Hyderabad/New Delhi, 15 October 2024: As part of its commitment to fostering MSME growth and advancing digital banking, Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, has strengthened its corporate banking services through the PNB One BIZ App, a mobile application designed to empower and simplify e-banking for both small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large corporates. This comprehensive platform is tailored for providing a one-stop solution for all banking needs without the need for branch visits.

A standout feature of this mobile app is the self-onboarding option for proprietors. Sole Proprietors can register online using debit card authentication or onboard by visiting a branch, while remaining corporate customers can submit an onboarding request through the PNB One BIZ app, download a prefilled form, and visit their nearest branch. Customers can also manage user roles and workflows, segregate accounts within corporates into divisions, and provide specific access to users.

Available on both iOS and Android, the PNB One BIZ App offers its corporate customers a variety of features such as corporate user management, account administration, fund transfers, bulk approvals and notifications. This app also offers value-added services such as PNB Shoppe (e-Marketplace), Pre-Approved Business Loan (PABL), eGST Express, tax payments and much more.

The PNB One Biz App, powered by cutting edge technology, sets a new standard for speed, reliability and security, empowering corporate users to bank with confidence.

One97 Communications Limited (OCL) that owns the brand Paytm, India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of QR, Soundbox and mobile payments, has announced its ‘Last-m inute’ Diwali Sale for travel bookings, in partnership with Axis Bank. This exclusive sale for Paytm users, running from October 15 to October 31 marks the first-ever campaign offering competitive discounts for bookings made less than 15 days before departure, catering to last-minute travellers.

The sale aims to make it easier and more affordable for Paytm users to plan both domestic and international trips during Diwali. Whether for a quick getaway or festive trip, the sale ensures affordable flights for last-minute travellers. For domestic travel, Paytm users can benefit from a 12% discount with savings of up to the promo code “FLYAXISLMD”. For those flying abroad, the company is offering a 5% discount, with savings of up to  the promo code “INTAXISLMD”.

These offers are available via Axis Bank credit cards and EMI, ensuring a smooth, flexible booking experience with significant savings for spontaneous travellers.

Paytm Spokesperson said, “To bring convenience amidst the rush of festivities, we are excited to launch the ‘Just In Time’ Diwali Sale, giving customers the chance to enjoy great deals even on short-notice travel plans. Our partnership with Axis Bank enables us to deliver excellent savings for both domestic and international flights, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective booking experience for all travellers this festive season.”

Orchids The International school is all set to host Mekathlon 2024 Delhi NCR edition, a leading tech fest that will see 1,500+ young minds compete in robotics challenges, model making, quizzes and more! The unique STEM fest will provide a platform for students to enhance their problem-solving skills and apply scientific and mathematical concepts in practical settings emphasizing the importance of STEM education, among future innovators!

Puducherry, INDIA – Intelligent power management company Eaton inaugurated its newly expanded electrical manufacturing facility in Puducherry today. The new 120,000 square feet facility includes a state-of-the-art 100,000 square feet shop floor dedicated to Power Distribution product lines, along with 20,000 square feet for utilities and supporting infrastructure. This expansion marks a major milestone in Eaton’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing excellence, localization, and community development.

The facility was inaugurated by Craig Arnold, Eaton Chairman and CEO. The expanded facility extends Eaton’s manufacturing footprint in Puducherry to over 260,000 square feet. With this expansion, Eaton aims to double the production capacity of its Power Distribution assembly lines, manufacturing critical products such as Air Circuit Breakers (ACBs), Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs) and Fuses. These products are essential to serve key segments like Data Centers, Industrial, Infrastructure, and large projects from Utilities.

Commenting on the inauguration, Syed Sajjadh Ali, Managing Director, Electrical Sector, India, Eaton, said, “This facility expansion displays Eaton’s focus on innovation and operational excellence while emphasizing our strategic vision for India. As we continue to invest in the region, this new facility significantly enhances our ability to support the growing demand for localized products, especially in high-growth sectors like Data Centers and large-scale Industrial projects. With advanced Industry 4.0 principles and streamlined manufacturing processes, we aim to provide innovative products while upholding our commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.”

Additionally, the expanded facility houses a centralized warehouse that consolidates all of Eaton’s Power Distribution products and includes a newly developed R&D center. This will ensure enhanced operational efficiency and faster delivery times for customers across India.

Ali added, “The investment in this facility reflects Eaton’s focus on sustainable growth in India, aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This will not only benefit our customers but also contribute to the local economy by creating over 300 new jobs in the next three years, further strengthening India’s role as a global manufacturing hub.”

Eaton is an intelligent power management company committed to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. Our products and solutions serve a wide range of markets, including data centers, utilities, industrial, commercial, residential, aerospace, and mobility. Guided by our principles of sustainability and ethical business practices, we help our customers manage power efficiently today and for the future. By leveraging trends in electrification and digitalization, Eaton is accelerating the global shift to renewable energy sources, tackling the world’s most pressing power management challenges, and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Actors are like water they fit into any glass as per the demand of their role adapting and transforming to bring their character to life. Recently, Actress Sumit Singh who is seen playing the lead role of Pinni in Star Bharat’s popular show Shaitani Rasmein shared her thoughts on why she embraced this role, revealing a deeper and more personal connection to the character.

Highlight her quest to do something different with every role she takes up, Sumit said, “This character is very different from the ones I’ve played before. When I first heard the name ‘Pinni,’ I found it interesting, and later, when I learned more about the show’s storyline, I really liked it. What excites me is the horror aspect, and my character has powers, which I find fascinating. I felt it was something unique that I should definitely do. In real life, we are just normal people without any special abilities, but in this show, my character has magical powers.”

She added, “I don’t focus much on logic; I believe in magic. As Sumit, I can’t do these magical things, but as Pinni, I can. It’s like living in a fantasy world, where I can feel those magical moments. I can even compare my character to Cinderella from fairy tales—just like her, my character also has magic and special powers.”

Dehradoon, October 2024 – The auspicious occasion of Karwa Chauth is here, celebrating love, devotion, and the bond between partners. This year, elevate your celebrations with Bath & Body Works’ range of his and her fragrances and gift sets that perfectly complement the festival.

As you prepare for the day’s rituals to celebrate Karwa Chauth, indulge in a luxurious self-care experience with Bath & Body Works’ Dressed in White. With its delicate notes of pear blossom, ivory gardenia, and satin woods, this fragrance embodies the elegance and beauty of new beginnings. Meanwhile, First Sight, a captivating blend of Italian bergamot, rich woods, and sugared musk, celebrates the thrill of finding your perfect match. Together, these fragrances are the ideal way to complement the love and devotion symbolized by Karwa Chauth.

Fragrance Details:

1. First Sight Body Spray: 
Smells like knowing you found your other half; with fragrance notes of soft bergamot, rich woods and sugared musk. It is designed for great coverage and leaves your skin feeling fresh and smelling clean.

2. First Sight Hydration Body Cream: 
Provides intense hydration, offering 24-hour moisture to relieve dry skin. Infused with natural essential oils, vitamin E, aloe, shea butter, cocoa butter, and hyaluronic acid, it is rich and luxurious, providing instant moisturization. Dermatologist-tested and made without parabens or artificial dyes.

3. Dressed in White Eau de Parfum:
Smells like the start of a beautiful adventure with fragrance notes of pear blossom, ivory gardenia and satin woods. It provides a powerful, long-lasting fragrance experience with a higher concentration of fragrance oils. This is our most luxurious fragrance indulgence, designed to be displayed on your vanity, counter, shelf… or anywhere, really.

4. Dressed in White Body Wash: 
Smells like the start of a beautiful adventure with fragrance notes of pear blossom, ivory gardenia, and satin woods. It gently cleanses your skin with a rich, bubbly lather and is infused with pro-vitamins B5 and aloe. Made without sulfates or parabens.

Gift Sets:

Ultimate Gift Box:
The Ultimate Gift Box, designed specifically for him. Infused with a soothing blend of lavender and sage, this collection not only smells delightful but also brings a sense of calm to his daily routine. Inside this thoughtfully arranged case, he’ll find everything he needs for a fresh start: a rejuvenating beard and face wash (118 ml), nourishing beard and scruff cream (113 g), hydrating beard oil (45 ml), and a sleek beard brush. Products come arranged inside a case.

Into The Night Gift Box Set: 
Celebrate her with the enchanting Into The Night Gift Box Set, designed to evoke the essence of a timeless, feminine night on the town. With fragrance notes of raspberry noir, amber crystals, velvety rose petals and mocha musk, this exquisite collection not only makes gifting effortless but also guarantees to put a radiant smile on her face. This thoughtful selection includes a luxurious shower gel (295 ml), a silky body lotion (236 ml), and a captivating fine fragrance mist (236 ml). Beautifully arranged inside a decorative gift box, this set is the perfect way to show your appreciation and love.

15th October 2024: GIGABYTE, the world’s leading computer brand, announced the launch of the AORUS Z890 series motherboards. These next-generation motherboards are set to redefine the standards in performance, AI integration, and user experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Powered by state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, these motherboards push the boundaries of what’s possible in computing. The new series introduces the groundbreaking D5 Bionic Corsa, a suite of AI-enhanced innovations that span software, hardware, and firmware for peak performance and signal optimisation. The upgraded user-friendly features on the AORUS Z890 series make it the most powerful and intelligent platform for the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processors.

Infinite Memory Performance

The core of the GIGABYTE Z890 lineup features is the D5 Bionic Corsa, an AI-enhanced technology to create new peak memory performance for DDR5 XMP 9500 MT/s and above. The D5 Bionic Corsa boasts four key technologies in every aspect from software and hardware to firmware. The AORUS AI SNATCH and the AI SNATCH Engine allow users to drastically improve performance with AI-overclocking, while the motherboard’s AI-driven PCB Design and HyperTune BIOS deliver AI design for signal enhancement on motherboards. The AORUS AI SNATCH is an auto-overclocking software that lets users access optimal performance with just one click. The AI SNATCH Engine is the AI model that serves as the core of AORUS AI SNATCH software to intelligently infer the best DDR5 XMP memory and CPU configurations, boosting speeds by up to 20%. The engine has been trained by GIGABYTE AI TOP on diverse overclocking datasets to improve precision and optimize performance with stability. The AI-driven PCB Technology employs AI algorithms to minimize signal reflection by 28.2%, ensuring signal integrity for peak performance across multiple layers. With the sturdy VRM design, combined with DDR Wind Blade technology, the temperatures can be reduced by up to 10°C for enhanced thermal efficiency. At the same time, on the firmware side, the HyperTune BIOS uses AI to optimize Memory Reference Code (MRC) and adapt signals for peak efficiency, significant memory clock boost, and enhanced overall performance.

Ultimate DIY-Friendly Experience

GIGABYTE Z890 motherboards feature innovative designs that take DIY-friendliness to new heights. The WiFi EZ-Plug combines Wi-Fi antenna connections into a single adapter, eliminating tedious screw-in installations. The EZ-Debug Zone centralizes diagnostic LEDs and control buttons for streamlined troubleshooting, including an optimal DRAM Installation Indicator LED which turns on when a module is installed incorrectly or in a non-recommended slot. The Sensor Panel Link incorporates an onboard video port to simplify sensor panel setup without the hassle of cable management. The PCIe EZ-Latch Plus delivers screwless installation for PCIe graphics cards, while M.2 EZ-Latch Click and M.2 EZ-Latch Plus allow for tool-free installation of M.2 SSDs and heatsinks. These enhancements significantly simplify the build process, making assembly more accessible and enjoyable for users of all experience levels.

Tailored Computing

Our upgraded UC BIOS features an intuitive interface with advanced performance tuning options. The AI PerfDrive utilizes intelligent evaluation to recommend optimal usage profiles based on the user’s actual system temperature performance. The Multi-theme Design offers customizable BIOS themes with one simple click, including a new grayscale option for an immersive user experience.

Cutting-edge performance and Thermal Management

GIGABYTE Z890 lineup supports the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2), leveraging robust VRM solutions for up to 21 phases with 110A SPS for unparalleled stability and power delivery. GIGABYTE’s exclusive NPU Overdrive feature in BIOS supercharges Intel’s latest processors, boosting AI performance by an additional 23% in real-world tests. At the centre of it all is a server-grade PCB with up to 8 layers, providing a robust foundation for superior overclocking and gaming stability.

All-round Connectivity

Our Z890 motherboards are at the forefront of connectivity, offering a seamless blend of next generation wired and wireless networks. The integration of PCIe 5.0 storage and the latest Thunderbolt 4 ports ensures ultimate reliability and speed in data transfer. The Wi-Fi 7 coupled with GIGABYTE’s directional ultra-high gain antenna dramatically enhances bandwidth, which delivers lightning-fast file transfer speeds and creates an immersive environment perfect for VR experiences.

AI TOP Series

As we strive for perfection, we’re proud to introduce the cutting-edge AI TOP series on the Z890 platform. This series includes the flagship Z890 AORUS XTREME AI TOP, Z890 AORUS MASTER AI TOP, and Z890 AI TOP, combining all the high-end features of our AORUS and AI TOP lines. These motherboards support dual graphics cards, up to dual 10GbE LAN, and dual Thunderbolt 5 along with our exclusive AI TOP Utility, empowering capabilities for local AI training. The AI TOP Z890 lineup is specifically engineered to unleash ultimate computational power, making it possible to train your AI on your desk.

Apart from the AI TOP Hardware, the AI TOP Utility 2.0 streamlines AI training with major LMM support, offering step-by-step workflows. With the support of major LMMs, users can train or fine-tune an LMM with datasets of texts, images, and video, making the AI model more capable than ever in generating images or even short videos instead of plain texts. Paired with AI TOP Hardware, the SSD, PSU, and Chassis are optimized for power efficiency, durability, and heat dissipation to handle heavy AI training workloads. GIGABYTE is also going to reveal AI TOP 100 and AI TOP 500 setup kits in Q4 2024, consisting of pre-built system barebones and plenty of flexibility and upgradeability for the future.

In this new era of AI, the AI-driven GIGABYTE Z890 is poised to unleash infinite performance. It’s more than just a motherboard; it’s a gateway to the future of computing, designed to meet and exceed the demands of all users, enthusiasts, and professionals.