India Emerged as a key player at Abu Dhabi Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2023

The Abu Dhabi Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2023 took place at Abu Dhabi witnessed India’s emergence as a key player, emphasizing innovation and strengthening global collaboration within the energy sector.

The panel delved into the complex challenges confronting industries, particularly those with substantial emissions footprints, in their quest to achieve ambitious climate objectives. The panel members unanimously shared insights into the pivotal role of cross-sector collaborations in addressing these challenges and facilitating the decarbonization of the value chain.

Speaking at the strategic conference’s panel discussion on “Cross-sector partnerships: overcoming barriers to reduce emissions”

Mr. Vijay Nirani, Founder & Managing Director, TruAlt Bioenergy Limited shed light on the pivotal role played by the Government policies in shaping the bioenergy sector and emphasized on India’s remarkable progress towards emerging as a global energy hub. He said, “The Global Biofuels Alliance symbolizes a golden bridge leading towards the realization of national and global objectives concerning energy emissions reduction and the pursuit of net-zero aspirations. India’s three key priorities that are pivotal for the success of biofuels worldwide are identifying high-potential markets, accelerating technology deployment, and fostering consensus on sustainability frameworks.”

“Representing the Indian sugar sector now begun to be known as the bioenergy hub,  it’s unimaginable that with the robust policies by the Government our involvement spans beyond production of sugar. It encompasses a diversified product portfolio spanning manufacture of sugar, alcohol, cogeneration power, ethanol, isobutanol, methane, CO2, and green hydrogen— indeed an establishment of a sustainable green economy. I am proud to share that TruAlt Bioenergy stands as a beacon of effective policy execution, achievements in biomass generation and its utilization for biofuel production. As a stakeholder, the story doesn’t just end there at profitability, our operational framework provides an illustrative example of approach that extends beyond procuring crops from farmers to fuelling their tractors through the residue of sugarcane and providing organic fermented manure to enrich soil quality. We are deeply committed  to facilitating farmers’ transition into thriving entrepreneurs.” Nirani further added.

Discussing the prospects of cross-sector partnerships in addressing emission reduction barriers Vijay affirmed, “It is imperative for companies like TruAlt Bioenergy and many present here to secure market access across various international landscapes to together overcome barriers to reduce emissions and achieve net zero. Such partnerships will discover prospects and opportunities that will unlock new value in an evolving energy landscape beyond meeting global targets, fostering business growth, discovering new products, solutions, technologies and much more.”

The panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Pattabi Seshadri, Managing Director & Senior Partner, Global Leader, Energy Practice at BCG, featured a distinguished lineup of industry leaders, including:

  • Vijay Nirani, Founder and Managing Director, TruAlt Bioenergy Limited
  • Vartika Shukla, Chairman and Managing Director, Engineers India Limited
  • Ibrahim N Al Zu’bi, Chief Sustainability Officer, ADNOC
  • Philippe Roodhooft, EVP Joint Venture and Growth Projects, Borealis

The panel conversation provided invaluable insights into industry collaboration strategies and the critical steps necessary to address the formidable challenges of the energy transition, particularly the imperative to decarbonize industries with significant emissions.

 

Bharti Foundation extends support to Umroi Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya to launch FLN Classroom

In pursuit of holistic development of children and with the aim to improve the foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) in the students during formative years, Bharti Foundation has extended its support to Umroi Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya in launching FLN classroom. The classroom has been integrated with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to lead teaching and learning through a modern and practical approach.

The classroom was officially inaugurated by Smt. Mary Lynrah (State Pedagogy Coordinator, SEMAM-SSA & DSEL), Smt. P. L. Nonglait (DSEO, Ri-Bhoi), Shri. Vincent Nanglang (SDSEO & DMC, Ri-Bhoi), Shri. Ansumon Gogoi (Project Coordinator, Bharti Foundation Meghalaya), Shri. S. Kharshandi (Asst. Professor, Shillong College) and Smt. Ellika Synrem (BMC, Bhoirymbong Block, Ri-Bhoi).

Umroi Presbyterian Higher Secondary School is widely recognized in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya as a prominent education centre for its exceptional education standards and a diverse range of co-curricular activities. The FLN classroom in the school is meant to ignite enthusiasm in the children, motivating them to actively engage and strive for the best knowledge achievable through education within the school. Bharti Foundation has been supporting the school in various co-scholastic areas, especially through the clubs in the school. Some of the clubs such as literacy clubs, eco and youth clubs, art and culture, and science and innovation clubs enable the students to actively take part in learning through hands-on activities and explore their potential and talents.

 

 

Optoma unveils dynamic 4K UHD laser projector UHZ50+ in Black colour at What Hi-Fi 2023 in Bangalore

Optoma, world’s No.1 DLP projector brand and a leading designer of projection products is all set to enthral its customers with launch of its dynamic true 4K UHD laser home cinema projector UHZ50+ in black colour on 6th October at What Hi-Fi 2023 Show in Bangalore. Featuring HDR capability, rich blacks, multiple smart features to support today’s streaming and gaming requirements. The projector comes with a long-lasting Laser engine with life span of up to 30,000 hours; IP6X certified optical design.

The What Hi-Fi (WHF) is one of most preferred shows in India for audio-video and its stakeholders including consumer tech manufacturers, industry professional, dealer, audiophile and shoppers.

With DuraCore Laser technology, UHZ50+ is able to deliver longer-lasting and excellent performance at true 4K UHD resolution with high brightness at 3,000 lumens and 2,700,000:1 contrast. UHZ50+ also comes with the upgraded Smart Home features including Optoma Marketplace, File Manager, Creative Cast, and connectivity with voice assistants, offering the comprehensive home entertainment experience. The  Smart projector comes with a Google & Netflix certified Android TV dongle from Hako mini.

The projector is capable to reproduce 125% Rec 709 colours, PureMotion MEMC delivers judder free motion videos. With the ability to implement 4-corner adjustment, 2D keystone correction, vertical lens shift, powered 1.3x zoom, and warping at 3*3 matrix, UHZ50 is also perfectly easy to install in any room at home, or to create a simulation scenario.

Speaking about the launch of the most awaited innovative products, Mr. Vijay Sharma, Country Head-India, Optoma Corporation said, We are thrilled to launch UHZ50+ the new version of the popular UHZ series. We decided to launch the projector at the What Hi-Fi Show 2023 because this is a perfect platform to unveil innovative products for tech enthusiasts. UHZ50+ is the new addition to our existing home cinema portfolio and with this projector, we aim to deliver astonishing content with high contrast, perfect colour combination to our customers”.

About Optoma

Optoma is a world leading designer and manufacturer of projection and audio products for business, education, professional audio/video and home entertainment. With our business philosophy of dedication, professionalism and efficiency which bring synergy to corporate vision, comprehensive product categories and flexible marketing strategy, Optoma has received global recognition from customers and media. Vertically-integrated from its parent company, Coretronic Group, Optoma has focused on projection system development and marketing since it was established. With full competency of resource distributing and controlling in the value-added chain, Optoma is the true pioneer in the world of projection technology. The extensive product range includes projectors for portable, fixed installation and home theatre projectors. Committed to fully serving the business/education, home, mobile/entertainment, Optoma is devoted to making your business more efficient, learning more attractive, and life more enjoyable. The Optoma Group has continental headquarters in Asia, Europe, and the USA.

Fairtrade India Achieves Remarkable INR 23.93 Crores in Sales, Fuels Sustainable Change at the First National Fairtrade Conference

Fairtrade India, in partnership with Fairtrade Network of Asia Pacific Producers, successfully concluded the First National Fairtrade Conference in India, showcasing a significant leap in sustainable and ethical commerce in India. The conference highlighted growing awareness and engagement of the Fairtrade Label across sectors. Independent research commissioned by the organisation revealed a significant rise in awareness of the Fairtrade Label in the SEC A consumers in Metros from 10 per cent in 2019 to 25 per cent in 2022. The conference spanning over two days brought together over 150 delegates from the Fairtrade ecosystem, including businesses, producers, partner organizations, industry experts, educational institutions, and consumers.

Mr. Abhishek Jani, CEO of Fairtrade India, said, “In 2022, Fairtrade Labelled product sales in India touched an impressive INR 23.93 Crores in Gross Merchandise Value, signalling a substantial growth in demand for ethically and sustainably sourced products. Sustainable avenues are helping producers and businesses – gain a competitive edge, innovate, and improve the value proposition for consumers while also improving their ESG performance. Businesses across FMCG, Fashion, Cosmetics and HORECA sectors in India are recognising that they can do business more responsibly and provide a better value proposition to their customers. It appears that in line with the Government’s Mission LiFE, there is growing traction for Sustainable Consumption and Production in India.”

“Our growing partnerships with renowned brands like Indian Terrain, Being Human, Myntra- Here and Now, LOREAL, Kimirica, Tea Culture of the World and Makaibari Tea, exemplify a shared commitment to promoting better livelihoods, sustainable sourcing, and responsible production, highlighting a new era where ethical values are driving industry standards and consumer choices,” he said.

Mr. Sanjeet Singh Khurana, Executive Director, Fairtrade NAPP (Asia Pacific) said,  “We operate in 18 countries with 289 Fairtrade-certified producer organizations across Asia- Pacific, including 112 in India, where we benefit close to 1, 42, 202 farmers and workers. A total of INR 80 crore Fairtrade Premium was generated between 2017-2021, funding Sustainable Development Goals, aligned community projects. Fairtrade India’s 2022 successes and this conference which has brought together our diverse stakeholders exhibit a growing dedication to ethical practices in India’s markets.”

In another big announcement, Jindal Global Business School was recognised as the first Fairtrade Business School in India. Several notable Fairtrade business and education sector partners and producers were also honoured during the conference, as a mark of encouragement for diverse institutions to embrace fair trade practices.

Aligned with SDG-12 (sustainable consumption and production pattern) and Mission LiFE (India led global movement to promote sustainable lifestyles,) the event shed light on adopting sustainable practices in businesses and lifestyle, focusing on their impact on our society and environment.

Supported by the SWITCH Asia Programme of the European Union-for promoting SDG12- Fairtrade India’s mission revolves around empowering producers and guiding them toward responsible production practices while also ensuring market access which is more remunerative for them. The National Fairtrade Conference serves as a testament to the establishment of a secure ecosystem that integrates economic, environmental, and social pillars, fostering a responsible consumer and business movement in the country.

About Fairtrade India:  

Fairtrade’s approach enables farmers and workers to have more control over their lives and decide how to invest in their future. As a leader in the global movement to make trade fair, Fairtrade supports  businesses and governments and connects farmers and workers with the people who buy their products on more sustainable terms. By choosing Fairtrade, people can create change through their everyday actions and choices. A product with the FAIRTRADE Mark means producers and businesses have met internationally agreed sustainability standards which have been independently certified. Farmers and workers have a strong voice at every level of Fairtrade, from how they invest in and run their local organizations to having an equal say in Fairtrade’s global decision-making.

 

MediBuddy’s Data Reveals that Early Intervention is Key to Tackling Diabetes

MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, unveils workplace data that underscores the vital role in early diagnosis and diabetes management. According to the data, the prevalence of pre-diabetes is 32.5%, while the prevalence of diabetes is 11.31%, highlighting the importance of early intervention in reducing the incidence of diabetes later in life; pre-diabetes can be typically detected nearly a decade earlier. The data also reveals that approximately 13.7% of the patients with diabetes were male, while only 5.3% were female. India accounts for one in seven of all adults living with diabetes globally. Accessibility to high-quality healthcare through telemedicine can help facilitate the uptake of preventive care and further lower health risks, especially in developing countries with a skewed doctor-to-patient ratio.

Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, MediBuddy says, “Our data demonstrates the profound impact of preventive medicine in mitigating healthcare costs and enhancing patients’ longevity and quality of life. We at MediBuddy advocate for preventive healthcare as a cornerstone of public health. Our industry must pivot from a reactive approach to a more proactive and primary care-centred model, whether delivered at home or in the workplace. “

Given the age statistics, the average age of individuals with diabetes was 50+ years, notably higher than that of pre-diabetic patients, between 20 and 40 years. Most of these patients took routine health check-ups with us, where they were initially diagnosed with either diabetes or pre-diabetes. The majority of these patients sought our care following their regular health examinations, during which they received their initial diagnosis of either diabetes or pre-diabetes.

After initial diagnosis, around 40% of those with diabetes and 25% with prediabetes opted to maintain continuous engagement with MediBuddy. Over a span of 7-8 months, MediBuddy’s holistic approach, combining medication, dietary modifications, and exercise, led to remarkable improvements, including a 1.8% reduction in HBA1C levels and a 1 Kg/m^2 decrease in BMI. In cases involving significant comorbidities, diabetes-related complications, or unstable diabetes, patients were educated about the necessity of regular physical follow-ups, which they received from network doctors. 

Dr. Preeti Kumar Goyal, Vice President of Medical Services, MediBuddy vHealth says, “One of the most striking trends observed over the years is the reduction in the age at which prediabetes is diagnosed. This highlights that early detection and management of prediabetes can effectively prevent its progression to diabetes. Similarly, early detection and proactive management of diabetes can help lower blood sugar levels, reduce the need for medications, and prevent or delay the onset of any complications. Our in-house team of doctors and clinical dieticians are easily accessible to help patients adhere to treatment plans and guide them about ways to prevent and control diabetes.” 

A much higher prevalence observed in Non-communicable diseases will lead to lowered quality of life and strain on the healthcare ecosystem. MediBuddy’s vision is to make high-quality healthcare accessible to a billion people. With specialist doctors on our platform, one can leverage and promote to bring about preventive changes in lifestyle and health. Through this collective effort, we can reduce the healthcare ecosystem’s burden and improve health metrics for future generations.

 

Gautam Solar launches N-type TOPCon solar modules in India at REI Expo 2023

Portraying its energy prowess in the clean energy revolution across the globe, Gautam Solar, for the first time in India, is showcasing its advanced and transforming N-type TOPCon (Tunnel oxide passivated contact) Solar Modules at the Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo 2023 from 4th to 6th October.

Gautam Solar’s revolutionary N-type TOPCon Solar Modules will be available in the wattage range 565 – 580 Wp. These modules are best suited for ground mounted projects and have a maximum efficiency of 22.45%. These modules have been certified as per UL & IEC Standards and are already available for the US and European markets.

TOPCon is a state-of-the-art Solar Module Production Technology in which a thin tunneling oxide layer is applied on an N-Type Silicon Substrate, followed by a layer of highly doped Poly Silicon and Passivated Contacts. The tunnel oxide layer allows charge carriers to pass while minimizing recombination losses. The passivated contacts reduce surface recombination.

In N-type Cells, the base silicon layer is doped with Phosphorous instead of Boron like in P-type Cells. As a result of this, free electrons are generated, which increases the efficiency of the cells, and hence the resulting modules.

Because of this difference, Gautam Solar’s N-type TOPCon Solar Modules offer 5% more power every year compared to P-type Solar Modules, on account of the increased cell efficiency.

Gautam Solar’s N-type TOPCon Solar Modules also have lower degradation rates of 1 per cent in first year and 0.4 per cent in subsequent years unlike 2 per cent in first year and 0.55 per cent in subsequent years for P-type Modules. This increases the longevity of the solar modules. It degrades only to 87.4% of its initial rated power at the end of 30 years compared to P-type modules which degrade to 84.8% in their 25 years lifecycle.

In addition to the above, Gautam Solar’s N-type modules also provide BOS Cost Savings of 3.26 per cent and LCOE reduction of 1.56 per cent.

These modules are based on M10 Cells and are composed of 144 half-cut cells produced using Non-Destructive Cutting Process for better low-light performance and negligible chances of micro-cracks. In addition, they feature multi-busbar design with round ribbon connectors for lower electrical losses and better utilization of light. The modules will be available in both Monofacial and Bifacial variants, with the latter providing an additional 10-30% power from the rear side, depending on the installation conditions.

“Our endeavor has always been to leverage technological innovations to come up with products that will holistically transform the solar energy landscape. As one of the few Indian Companies to have secured patents and IPs for our work in the Solar Industry, the focus on latest technology has been the cornerstone of Gautam Solar’s product offerings and our N-type TOPCon Solar Modules are the latest addition to that list.” noted Gautam Mohanka, CEO of Gautam Solar. Gautam Solar added A+ grade production line, with N-type TOPCon machines from a leading equipment supplier, becoming only the second company in India to do so, at its state-of-the-art factory in Haridwar.

About Gautam Solar

Gautam Solar has been ranked among India’s Top 10 Solar Module Manufacturers twice consecutively (Source: “RE Update Q2 2023”, August 2023; “India Solar Annual Report Card CY2022”, March 2023). It has 25+ years of solar industry experience with 4 factories in Haridwar, India and its corporate office in New Delhi, India. The company is in process of expanding to 2 GW module manufacturing capacity. Using the latest machines and technology, Gautam Solar’s solar panels are manufactured using First-hand top line machines. It has multiple Patents & IPs registered in its name and is known for its technically superior and innovative solar modules.