Vikram Solar Becomes India’s Largest Module Manufacturer With Upto 2.5 GW Capacity; Inaugurates 1.3 GW Module Manufacturing Facility

 

·         ~1,000 jobs estimated to be created in the current first phase

·         Capable of handling module wattage upto 640 watts

·         The first largest solar manufacturing unit in the state of Tamil Nadu

Vikram Solar, one of India’s leading module manufacturer and comprehensive EPC solutions & rooftop solar provider announced a new solar photovoltaic (PV) module 1.3 GW manufacturing facility located at Indospace Industrial Park, Oragadam, Tamil Nadu. With this unit, Vikram Solar’s cumulative PV module manufacturing capacity reaches 2.5 GW, which is currently the largest in India. It is aligned to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of making India self-reliant in solar manufacturing.

Key Highlights

-          Dedicated to the people of the state of Tamil Nadu

-          Equipped with high-tech automation and is compliant with industry 4.0 standards

-          Forward compatibility with upcoming technologies such as M12 cell modules, high-efficiency bi-facial & smart modules

-          0.13 million square ft. production area

-          Proximity to the sea-port will enable faster and cost-effective transportation

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Gyanesh Chaudhary, Managing Director, Vikram Solar, said, “We believe that the exponential demand surge for solar energy coupled with a clarion call globally to diversify trade markets and supply chain presents a huge opportunity for indigenous solar manufacturing. Vikram Solar is committed to enable India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and accelerate the clean energy transition. We believe, our new facility further strengthens not just Vikram Solar but the Nation’s solar manufacturing prowess and ecosystem. Apart from bridging the demand-supply gap for modules, our state-of-the-art facility will propel technological innovation, job creation and aid India’s renewable energy targets.”

Adding further, he said, “This is an extension of our endeavour to provide high quality, reliable, technologically superior products and timely delivery to our customers. It will further contribute as an R&D platform for next-gen module technology. We have extensively leveraged digitization to ensure reliable and efficient manufacturing operations. We thank the Tamil Nadu government for their continued support and conducive environment to enable ease of doing business within the state.”

The new manufacturing facility has a 1.3 GW module manufacturing capacity annually and was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr M.K. Stalin. The state-of-the-art machinery deployed at the factory and the convergence of digitization with manufacturing will recast the global manufacturing landscape and give Vikram Solar the competitive-edge. We have implemented digital production display board, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled inspection for zero defect amongst various such emerging technologies. The digitization initiatives have further enabled seamless process like lean manufacturing, reducing and controlling wastages.

Vikram Solar’s manufacturing footprint consists of 1.2 GW facility in Falta, West Bengal and the new facility of 1.3 GW in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The company has shipped over 3.5 GW PV modules globally.

Snapchat Get A New Look, With 3 Dimensional Version Of Bitmoji

Rolling out today, Snapchatters will be able to see a three dimensional version of themselves on their Snapchat Profile and Friendship Profile -- offering an entirely new way to express themselves and their personalities on Snapchat.

With more than 200 million people using Bitmoji every day, Snapchatters will soon be able to browse from over 1,200 combinations of body poses, facial expressions, gestures, and backgrounds to further personalize their digital avatars. From peace signs and prayer hands, to scenic beaches and trendy animal print backgrounds -- Snapchatters can now match their 3D Bitmoji to their every mood. Using Pixar-quality 3D capabilities, Snapchatters will see enhanced details on their customized avatar -- from the clothing textures and unique embellishments from their favorite fashion labels, to the sparkle and shine on their avatar’s earrings. 

Bitmoji bring visual identity and emotion into communication, content, and games and have added more nuance, and expression to everyday conversations. Bitmoji joined the Snap family in summer 2016 and over 300 million use it every month.

The new Profiles also will showcase an expanded Snapcode Menu, for easy Profile access. It will include editing options, like quickly changing your outfit, or hair style and, Profile sharing -- so Snapchatters can have the option to share their customized 3D Bitmoji with their friends on and off of Snapchat.

As Bitmoji takes its next venture into 3D tech and personalized design, we’d love to work with you to help tell this story, and how the new feature is just the beginning of a much broader 3D roadmap for the company.

Vestige Leads At #7 As The Only Indian Direct Selling company In DSN’s International Digital Momentum Index Global Rankings

* The rankings measure the top DS companies which reported significant growth due to its digital and social media marketing interventions in Quarter 2.

Vestige Marketing Pvt Ltd, India’s largest home-grown direct selling company with a vast portfolio in health, wellness, and hygiene products, was ranked number 7 in the Direct Selling News’ list of top direct selling companies as rated by the social media and online presence in the International Digital Momentum Index. Having grown strategically in business, markets as well as products, Vestige recently celebrated its 17th year of operations since inception in 2004.

The International Digital Momentum Index is a measure of top Direct Selling companies globally, which saw a significant social media growth and digital presence in Quarter 2. The rankings initiated by the Direct Selling Capital Advisors, showcase the comparison between Q2 to Q1 in their current results. Due to the pandemic, the industry witnessed a growth in Instagram followers and engagement while Facebook experienced a slight decline. The 100+ portfolio of Direct Selling companies also saw impressive web traffic and a quarter-over-quarter improvement of +20%. Overall, Q2 was a modest improvement from Q1, presumably due to the general reopening of the economy and social engagements, but still somewhat depressed going into the summer months.

Commenting on the milestone, Gautam Bali, Managing Director, said, “The current Covid situation over the last year has made the economy fragile and never before has it been important to reach out to customers in innovative ways. We have been able to customise our customer engagement platforms with intelligent use of social media and digital platforms in a timely manner to reach out to our distributor network, and continue to help them grow in their journey with us. I am delighted to witness that Vestige is the only Indian company to find place in DSN’s  global rankings for digital momentum. Gaining a rank of number 7 worldwide is a reassurance that our efforts to reach people through different platforms are on the right track.”

He further added, “In India, over 65% of the population is below 35 years, and direct selling is a great opportunity to leverage for employment and income creation. We are also the world’s largest digital and social media user population after China. Our online touch points have enhanced our customer experience and we will continue to create innovation with digital and social media to realise its full potential. We are committed to enable our vision of providing economic independence by creating entrepreneurs in tier 2 and 3 markets.”

Vestige has empowered and transformed the lives of millions of distributors across India and international markets providing access to health and wellness products for a better tomorrow. It has had a record growth of 30% CAGR and plans to expand its network in Middle East, Africa, and other regions by 2025. Vestige is currently present in 6 countries including India and will soon start operations in countries like Thailand, Ghana, and Philippines.

Vi Announces A New Campaign For ‘Vi Hero Unlimited’ Plan

 * Assures a worry free prepaid experience with unlimited data benefits

Leading telecom services provider, Vi, has unveiled a new campaign focusing on Vi Hero Unlimited plans. The campaign that features popular actor Vinay Pathak as the protagonist, presents Vi Hero Unlimited plans as the solution to the perpetual problem of data quota exhaustion faced by prepaid users. The campaign highlights the 3 features that Vi Hero Unlimited plans offer - Weekend Data Rollover, Night Time Free Data from 12am to 6am and Double Data, all under one umbrella. Thus, assuring a worry free mobile internet experience for customers.

With the pandemic, Work from Home, Learn from Home, Entertainment from Home etc. has led to the surge in internet usage. The differentiated offering from Vi will ensure that customers never run out of data on their packs. Being positioned as a unique customer proposition, the Vi Hero Unlimited campaign seeks to drive home the unlimited possibilities for those on Giganet by Vi 4G network enabling customers to thrive in the digital ecosystem. 

Commenting on the campaign, Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi said, “Mobile data has become a basic necessity for us all, even more so in the current scenario. With our campaign for Vi Hero Unlimited, we chose to highlight the concerns faced by most prepaid customers when they run out of data, and how our latest offering alleviates those concerns. With features like unlimited night-time data, weekend data rollover, and double data, we believe we have a hero product, and hope it becomes the ultimate choice for 4G users in the prepaid segment. Thereby ensuring they stay connected, always.”

Aiming to drive awareness on Vi’s superior unlimited portfolio, the TVC depicts the despair of youth who run out of data, cut to Vinay Pathak recommending ‘Vi Hero Unlimited - Sirf Naam ka nahin, kaam ka unlimited’ as the smart choice for continued connectivity and mobile internet experience. With this, Vi aims to provide more value to its Unlimited plan users. This unique proposition is aimed to increase unlimited and 4G subscriber base by attracting new users to Vi network.

Conceptualized by Ogilvy, the 6 weeks long campaign will have two TVC and extensive digital roll-out. Link to the TVC #1: https://youtu.be/M3CW8GYqskE

Speaking about the creative concept, Kiran Antony, CCO, Ogilvy South said, “The task was to differentiate Vi Hero Unlimited from the rest by bringing out the two most relevant pain points, running out of data in the middle of the night, and over the weekend. We got Vinay Pathak on board to do this without sounding too preachy or prescriptive. These films capture Vinay Pathak recommending Hero Unlimited to all the distressed people out there.”

Users can avail the benefits of Vi Hero Unlimited on recharges of Rs. 249 and above.

·         Weekend Data Rollover: This lets the users accumulate unutilized daily data during the weekdays and use it over the weekend.

·         Night Time Free Data- 12am to 6am: Prepaid customers can access unlimited high speed night time data without any restrictions, at no extra cost from 12:00 am to 6:00 am.

·         Double Data: Staying true to the name, this plan offers double the data benefit of 2+2=4GB data/day for 28 days, 56 days and 86 days respectively. These plans also offers 100 free SMS per day.

All the recharges from Rs. 249 and above will offer Weekend Data Rollover and Night Time Free Data. On recharges of Rs. 299, Rs. 449 and Rs. 699, users will be entitled for Double Data benefits in addition to Weekend Data Rollover and Night Time Free Data.

Vi helps Indians thrive today and tomorrow by designing meaningful solutions that fulfil their needs and unlock endless possibilities.

About Vi:

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is India’s leading telecom service provider. The Company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G and 4G platform. With the large spectrum portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

Honeywell Rewarded At The CSR Health Impact Award In India

* Honeywell’s COVID relief efforts in India recognized 

Honeywell won the CSR Heath Impact Awards, COVID-19 edition a Bronze Award. The award recognizes Honeywell’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Honeywell received the award in the “COVID Indigenous Response Project” category.

“Since the start of the pandemic, Honeywell has committed more than US$3 million towards COVID relief for India,” said Ashish Gaikwad, Managing Director, Honeywell Automation India Limited and President (Interim), Honeywell India.

“Realizing the immediate need of communities and the Government to address the challenges of this pandemic, Honeywell reoriented its CSR approach for maximum impact by offering to beef up healthcare infrastructure across multiple states. We have been partnering with the government and communities to set up COVID Care Centres, Critical Care ICU centres, donated Oxygen Concentrators and PPE Kits including N95 respirators for medical use,” he added.

Honeywell has established fully functional and equipped COVID care centers and critical care centers across six cities in collaboration with state and local governments.

Honeywell established 20-bed COVID care centers in Pune, Nainital, Gurugram and Delhi. These centers are equipped with beds, oxygen supply, personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, medical consumables, and basic medical infrastructure to treat non-critical patients.

The company also set up a 10-bed ICU center at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru with necessary equipment to support critical COVID-19 patients. These include class I ventilators, Fowler beds, BiPAP machines, multipara monitors with and without capnometers, a portable X-ray machine, an ECG machine, an infusion pump, and a laryngoscope set. A similar center is nearing completion in Mumbai.

Honeywell also donated around 1,000 oxygen concentrators and 10,000 N95 respirators, ventilators and PPE kits to government and private hospitals across the country.

The CSR Health Impact Awards — an IHW Council Initiative — recognizes CSR–based health initiatives by individuals, companies, and not-for-profit organizations.

About Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation

Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation (HHISF) is a not-for-profit organization that deploys Honeywell’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in the country. Realizing the immediate need of communities and the Government to address the challenges of the pandemic, HHSIF reoriented its CSR approach for maximum impact. Honeywell aims to align itself with the national agenda of saving lives and restoring livelihoods in the post-pandemic period. HHISF will also enhance focus on education and upskilling, holistic rural development, gender equality, natural resource management, sustainability and disaster management.

About Honeywell India

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. All of Honeywell’s global businesses have a strong legacy in India, built over the last eight decades. Honeywell’s India commitment is evident in three state-of-the-art manufacturing and engineering operations, and four global centers of excellence for technology development and innovation. Honeywell employs ~13,000 people across different locations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Dehradun, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Madurai, and Pune.  

433 Students From Aakash Institute Qualify NTSE (Stage II); Eligible For NTSE 2020 Scholarship

* 2020 numbers register a jump from 2019 when 366 students were selected. 

* NTSE is a national level scholarship program to identify and nurture talented students for pursuing courses in Science and Social Science as well as professional courses like Medical and Engineering. 

Ina stupendous result, 433 students from Aakash Institute, the national leader in test preparatory services, have qualified to be eligible for the NTSE 2020 scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the country. Witnessing a huge jump from last year number when 366 students had qualified. 

Commenting on the impressive results, Mr Aakash Chaudhry, Managing Director, Aakash Educational Services Ltd, said: “The result this year has gone beyond all expectations. Congratulations to all our students who have performed well in the NTSE (Stage II) 2020. It is the result of the hard work put by the students, the support of their parents and the quality test preparation imparted at Aakash. I wish them all the best for the future.” 

The NTSE scholarship under the present scheme is awarded to candidates for pursuing courses in science and social science up to doctoral level and in professional courses like medicine and engineering up to second-degree level. As on date, 2,000 scholarships are awarded in the country with reservation of 15 percent for SC, 7.5 percent for ST and 27 percent for other backward classes and 4 percent for a group of students with benchmark disabilities. 

Identification of talent comprises a two-stage selection process. While the individual State/UT conducts the first stage selection, the second stage selection at the national level is carried out by the NCERT. 

Aakash Institute aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash have shown a proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering entrance exams and competitive exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads. 

About Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) 

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL) provides comprehensive test preparatory services for students preparing for Medical (NEET) and Engineering Entrance Examinations (JEE), School/Board Exams and Competitive Exams such as NTSE, KVPY, and Olympiads. The “Aakash” brand is associated with quality coaching and a proven student selection track record in various Medical (NEET) and JEE/Engineering Entrance Examinations, Scholarship exams & Olympiads. 

With over 33 years of operational experience in the test preparatory industry, the company has a large number of selections in Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams and several Foundation level Scholarship exams/Olympiads, a pan India network of 200+ Aakash Centers (including franchisee), and an annual student count of more than 250,000. 

The Aakash group has investment from Think & Learn Pvt Ltd (Byju's) as well as by world's largest Private Equity firm Blackstone.  

Jaguar Return To Race O Home Soil At The Heineken London E-Prix For The First Time In 17 Years

* Jaguar Racing Formula E team countdown the days until the first race on ‘home soil’ in 17 years at ExCeL London

* Roehampton-born British Jaguar Racing driver, Sam Bird, currently leads the drivers’ standings and is pushing to increase his points lead in front of a home crowd

* A historic weekend for the team who sit third in the Teams’ Championship – only five points from top spot

* The lights go green on Jaguar Racing’s home double-header E-Prix at 15:00 BST on Saturday 24 July with the second race on Sunday 25 July at 14:00 BST

* Watch Vernon Kay present the action live on Channel 4 across the weekend

Jaguar Racing - the only British manufacturer competing in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – start a historic countdown to their first race on ‘home-soil’ in 17 years this week, ahead of the double-header Heineken London E-Prix on Saturday 24 and 25 July.

This weekend’s Heineken London E-Prix - the first ever indoor and outdoor Formula E race - also marks the sixtieth Formula E race for the team who were the first premium automotive manufacturer to join the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in 2015.

British driver Sam Bird, who grew up just miles away from the ExCeL circuit, is focussed on extending his lead in the drivers’ standings and his teammate Mitch Evans will be ready to push for a podium finish in front of the team’s home crowd. During a milestone weekend in the team’s racing history, the hunger for on-track points and podiums is bigger than ever as the Oxfordshire-based team sit third in the teams’ standings – only five points from top spot.

James Barclay, Team Director Jaguar Racing: “We have waited 17 years for this moment and it is one to savour. Racing is in Jaguar’s DNA and to be able to once again race on ‘home-soil’ in front of British fans is something we’ve been counting down to. We joined the world championship when there was no London E-Prix on the calendar and this weekend is our first opportunity to really put on a good show.

“There is huge motivation within the team to make our home E-Prix and sixtieth Formula E race a weekend to remember. We have a fantastic team, a highly competitive Jaguar I-TYPE 5 and a formidable driver line-up. We’re currently only five points from leading the teams’ championship, Sam Bird is leading the drivers’ championship and Mitch Evans is only 22 points behind him. We know racing - especially Formula E - is unpredictable but we are focussed on bringing points and podiums back home this weekend.”

Sam Bird, Jaguar Racing driver #10: “It’s been over five years since I’ve raced on British soil in Formula E. The return to London can’t come soon enough. To race on the streets where you grew up and in front of your home crowd is an experience like no other. I also can’t forget this is the first time I’ll be racing as a Brit with Jaguar Racing - the iconic British manufacturer. We’re about to race for the first time in 17 years for Jaguar on home soil and doing this during the weekend of our sixtieth E-Prix. I’m extremely proud to be a part of this historic moment and my attention is firmly on putting the Jaguar I-TYPE 5 in a podium position for the team and extending my lead in the drivers’ championship.”

Mitch Evans, Jaguar Racing driver #20: “This weekend in London is incredibly important for the team. Having been a part of Jaguar Racing since we joined the championship back in 2016, I know exactly what this means to everyone involved. 17 years have passed since the team last raced in the United Kingdom and I am determined to make this weekend a success on-track. I’ve dropped out of group one in qualifying and I’ll be using this to fuel my hunger to score points and podiums for the team."

This weekend marks the sixtieth E-Prix for Jaguar Racing in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the first race for the British manufacturer on home-soil in 17 years. Watch the lights go green at 15:00 BST on Saturday 24 July with the second race on Sunday 25 July at 14:00 BST.