L&T Flags-Off First Set Of Piperack Modules To HPCL’s Visakh Refinery

The Hydrocarbon arm of Larsen & Toubro, flagged-off the first set of piperack modules for India’s maiden Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) for HPCL’s Vizag Refinery.

This facility will enable HPCL to convert the heaviest oils into high-quality Euro 6 diesel while simultaneously eliminating fuel oil production, as well as increasing feedstock and product flexibility. This facility, licensed by Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), is being built by L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering (LTHE) under an EPCC Contract.

Also, a large-scale modularization concept is being implemented on this project, which is the first of its kind for a refinery project in India. There are total of 30 modules which will be fabricated and assembled in L&T’s state-of-the-art fabrication facility at Kattupalli, near Chennai. These will be transported to Vizag using sea route. The first lot of these piperack modules were flagged-off in the presence of senior dignitaries from HPCL, EIL and L&T.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Subramanian Sarma, Whole-time Director & Sr. EVP (Energy), Larsen & Toubro and CEO & MD, LTHE said “L&T has built significant modularization capabilities over the years and have been deploying these for offshore projects and I am delighted that we have now brought this concept to onshore projects as well. This should address some of the challenges faced by the industry with respect to skill availability and enhanced schedule, HSE & quality performance.”

The execution strategy brings to fore L&T’s complete gamut of services including its EPC strengths, equipment manufacturing, in-house engineering and modular fabrication which enable delivering such large refinery and petrochemical process plants.

Upon completion, the RUF will be another feat in L&T’s project delivering capabilities and will be a game-changer in defining how large refinery projects will be delivered in future.

Organized under Offshore, Onshore, Construction Services, Modular Fabrication and Engineering Services verticals, LTHE delivers 'design to build' engineering and construction solutions across the hydrocarbon spectrum.

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is an Indian multinational engaged in EPC Projects, Hi-Tech Manufacturing and Services. It operates in over 50 countries worldwide. A strong, customer–focused approach and the constant quest for top-class quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

Minister For Health And Family Welfare Inaugurates Oxygen Generator Plants Set Up By Ashok Leyland

India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group, has set up 2 Oxygen Generator Plants at Government Hospital, Hosur. The Oxygen Generator Plants were inaugurated today by Thiru. Ma. Subramaniam, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of Dr. A Chellakumar, MP, Krishnagiri, Mr. R. Gandhi, Hon’ble Minister for Handlooms and Textiles, Mr. Y Prakash, MLA Hosur and Mr. Balachander NV, Chief Sustainability Officer and President – Communications, CSR & Corporate Affairs, Ashok Leyland.

The Oxygen Generator Plants together have a combined capacity to generate 500 litres per minute and have a storage capacity of 4000 litres with a bottling facility. Set up at a cost of Rs 1.18 crores, this initiative strives to ensure immediate access of oxygen supply to Hospitals and Public Health Centers in and around Hosur.

Commenting on the contribution, Mr. Vipin Sondhi, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, says, “As the Nation stands in solidarity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, we stand united with the Government to provide support in these challenging times. At Ashok Leyland, our commitment to support our society during these challenging times is our priority and we are extending our support through this contribution of the Oxygen Generator Plants. We have also joined hands with Kauvery Hospital to provide free vaccination to the community. These initiatives reiterate our commitment towards Corporate India's response to COVID-19.”   

Mr. Balachander NV, Chief Sustainability Officer and President – Communications, CSR & Corporate Affairs Ashok Leyland, speaking on the occasion, said, “We sincerely appreciate the Governments’ effort in leading the fight from the front, and we are constantly engaging in initiatives to support the Government in the best possible way. The setting up of the Oxygen Generator Plants will benefit all the nearby Hospitals and Public Health Centers in Hosur thereby enabling them to become self-sufficient in providing oxygen supply in a sustainable manner. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are constantly engaging with the community and staying committed to social causes in the state.”

The Company stands true to its brand promise ‘Aapki Jeet. Hamari Jeet.’, by actively working and offering critical support to the community.

Axis Mutual Fund Launches Open Fund - Axis Consumption ETF

 

Highlights: -

·         An Open Ended Exchange Traded Fund tracking NIFTY India Consumption Index

·         The fund that seeks to track returns by investing in a basket of NIFTY India Consumption Index stocks and aims to achieve returns of the stated index, subject to tracking error

·         Minimum Investment (NFO) Rs. 5,000 and in multiples of Rs.1/- thereafter

·         Benchmark: Nifty India Consumption TRI Index

·         NFO date: August 30, 2021 to September 13, 2021

Axis Mutual Fund, one of the fastest-growing fund houses in India, today announced the launch of their new fund– ‘Axis Consumption ETF’. The new fund offers (NFO), which will open on Monday, August 30, will allow exposure to the consumption theme in a neatly packed bite sized exchange traded fund.

The new fund offers long-term wealth creation solutions and targets to achieve returns by investing in a basket of NIFTY India Consumption Index stocks.

India's economy already had strong growth prospects for the next ten years. The trend line in India's annual GDP growth has been accelerating from 5.8% in the 1990s to 6.9% in the first 2 decades of the new millennium (source: Morgan Stanley). We believe this trend will likely continue for the next decade given the following structural factors:

·         Favourable demographics: Over the next 10 years, 122 million individuals are likely to enter the work force, which is equivalent to about 20% of India's current work force. (source: Morgan Stanley)

·         Globalization: This provides the enabling factors of external demand and financing that can be used to boost growth.

·         Reforms: The government is continuing the reforms that India started in the early 1990s, which relate to the ease of doing business, FDI, government finances, taxation, infrastructure and greater autonomy for states.

Digitization adds an incremental fillip to this growth in our view. Digitization is integral to two changes: a) policy initiatives that are boosting financial inclusion and b) technology changes that are reducing the cost of delivering financial services to the masses and small enterprises. These, along with the government's focus on employment for all, will make growth more inclusive, which in turn makes us more confident about India's growth outlook.

A key beneficiary in this growth is consumption. As an aspirational populous India, today, stands next only to China as the largest growth prospect in consumption ecosphere. As median incomes rise, the expenditure pie for Indian families are likely to increasingly pivot to discretionary spends which include entertainment, travel, consumer appliances and even property.

This growth has already resulted in significant growth across many B2C businesses across a variety of sectors. An indicator of this performance is The NIFTY India Consumption. The index comprises of a diversified grouping of companies across sectors like Consumer Non-durables, Healthcare, Auto, Telecom Services, Pharmaceuticals, Hotels, Media & entertainment, etc. that reflect the essence of consumption in India today across essentials and discretionary spending. The NIFTY India Consumption Index comprises of the 30 largest consumption oriented companies by free float market capitalization.

The potential of passive investing in the Indian financial markets has gained quite momentum and seems likely to stay. The two most popular vehicles for passive investing are index funds and exchange-traded funds. Passive Investing is a low friction investment strategy tracking a specific index as closely as possible. It participates in the constituents in the same proportion as the index and removes the risk of security selection at an efficiently low cost strategy by relying on broader market wisdom.

Apart from being cost effective, ETFs let investors invest at real-time prices as opposed to end of day prices by sector funds. It protects their investments from the inflows and outflows of short-term investors. Furthermore, ETFs are best suited to earn asset-class linked performance and is touted to be one of the most flexible tools for gaining instant exposure to the markets, thereby equitizing cash.

On the launch of the NFO, Mr. Chandresh Nigam, MD & CEO, Axis AMC, said “We at Axis AMC, strongly stand by being responsible fund house. We strive to provide our consumers with a basket of products that are potently driven by quality and are relevant in the current context giving long term returns. Through the launch of Axis Consumption ETF, we aim to provide our consumers with an investment option that has proof of growth & strong returns. The consumption market has remained strong, gained traction and grown consistently over the last few decades. Our investors are smart and are completely driven by data, it is important that we distinctly show the surge in passive investing. I believe Axis Consumption ETF is a good opportunity for investors to gain exposure as well as a steady and continued long-term growth in the market.”

Source: Axis MF Research

About Axis AMC: Axis AMC is one of India`s fastest growing assets managers offering a comprehensive bouquet of asset management products across mutual funds, portfolio management services and alternative investments.

Atlas Copco Introduces ‘Pneumatech’ In The Indian Market

Atlas Copco - a leader in compressors, vacuum solutions, generators, pumps, power tools, and assembly systems, announced the introduction of its brand – Pneumatech in India on the successful completion of the brand’s 55 years global operations.

Pneumatech is a leading compressed air treatment and gas generation equipment manufacturer, under the Atlas Copco Group with a presence across the globe. Besides having a global reach in terms of sales and customer service and support, it has a global approach to manufacturing, with 15+ customer centers and 6 manufacturing facilities across the globe.

Products and services under Pneumatech are designed to meet the effective demand for energy efficiency while keeping environment in mind. The biggest environmental impact comes from reduction in the carbon footprint that comes with products from Pneumatech. Every project for a new product also sets a target to reduce the product’s carbon impact.

Pneumatech will enable the customers in the Indian market to optimize the energy-consumption from the compressed air system. In addition, it improves the lifespan of the compressed air equipments and lowers the overall consumption of energy along with reduction in carbon footprint.

Andy Prabhakar, General Manager, Brand Portfolio at Atlas Copco said “At Atlas Copco, we are committed to provide energy efficient solutions to our customers. And, by introducing Pneumatech in the Indian market, we will be able to empower our customers to achieve sustainable productivity and increased profitability. Through the introduction of Pneumatech, we, with our innovation and technologically advanced products, will pave a way for the best in class products with application centric solutions to our customers in the compressed air treatment world.”

Pneumatech's innovative products and solutions provide clean, dry air and gas to general industries as well as automotive, textile, power generation, oil & gas, food & beverage and electronics.

The All-New Tata Safari Debuts In The Himalayan Country Of Nepal

Tata Motors, India’s leading automotive brand, in partnership with Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd., has launched its premium flagship SUV – The All-new Safari in Nepal. With a compelling blend of comfort, performance and prestige, the all-new 7-seater will available at a starting price of NPR 81.99 Lakhs, appealing to the modern day, contemporary SUV customers who desire the perfect mix of power and elegant sophistication.

Tata Motors has also unveiled the "Adventure" persona of the Safari that accentuates the 'rugged and sporty' styling of the SUV while adding a flamboyant look for customers to choose what matches best with their personality. Launched in an expressive Tropical Mist color scheme, it takes inspiration from the rich and diverse flora across the vibrant landscapes of India. With its tough & stylish exteriors and true-blue SUV characteristics, the Safari will be at home across the rich and diverse landscape of Nepal. The vehicles are now on display and have been made available for test drives across the dealer network by Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd.

Speaking on the launch of the all new Safari in Nepal, Mr. Mayank Baldi - Head PVIB, Tata Motors, said, “We’re extremely delighted to announce the launch of our premium flagship SUV - The All-New Safari, in Nepal. The New Safari is the culmination of our bold aspirations and unstinted commitment to design, safety, and driving pleasure – the key pillars of the ‘New Forever’ range. With its performance-engineered body, born out of Omega Architecture, carrying the legendary JLR pedigree, best-in-class features and premium finish, the new Safari personifies the pinnacle of SUVs, augmenting the brand’s iconic legacy in the fastest growing market segment. Successfully crossing a significant milestone of 10,000 production units for the Indian market in a span of less than 6 months, we couldn’t be happier with our customers’ response and continued trust in Tata Motors. Wishing for a similar love and adulation for the New Safari from our Nepal customers and brand enthusiasts”

Commenting on this momentous occasion, Mr. Rajan Babu Shrestha, Chief Executive Officer, Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd., said, “The introduction of the Safari marks another milestone in our partnership with Tata Motors, considering it is a unique offering to suit the aspirations and lifestyles of the Nepalese customers, while also promoting the uptake of SUVs. The Safari is an iconic brand and we are delighted to partake in this exciting journey and bring the best of the products to our customers in Nepal before this festive season. Additionally, as a part of our initiative to give the best to our customers, we will also be displaying the Safari at a first of its kind experience zone at Labim Mall, in the heart of Lalitpur city. This experience centre also provides a privilege parking space for all Tata Motors’ customers while also giving them a seamless experience to learn more about the products and services from the company while sipping their choice of freshly brewed coffee.”

The all-new Safari has been designed and engineered to offer supreme comfort, safety, durability, and performance to our SUV customers. Be it intra-city commute, expressway cruising or the unexplored paths in the hinterland, Safari being powered by 2.0 litre Turbocharged Kyrotec engine, delivers a new benchmark of drivability. Stretching over a 2741 mm wheelbase, mesmerizing you with a majestic panoramic sunroof, signature Oyster White Interiors paired with the Ashwood finish dashboard, and overwhelming you with a cutting edge 8.8-inch floating island infotainment system, the New Safari will be an adorable package to our customers in Nepal.

In its new avatar, the Safari takes forward the brand’s rich legacy by combining Tata Motors’ Impact 2.0 design language with the proven capability of OMEGARC, the architecture derived from the renowned D8 platform from Land Rover - the gold standard of SUVs worldwide.

The Safari not just stands apart as a 6/7-seater vehicle but boasts of a plethora of features like an advanced ESP with 14 functionalities and Boss Mode providing enhanced ride comfort to ensure active and passive safety – making it compelling for the fast-evolving and technologically advanced Nepalese market. Furthermore, the vehicle comes in additional color options of Daytona Grey and Orcus White along with the signature Royal Blue.

Taking the style quotient a little higher, the ‘Adventure’ persona comes with R18 black tinted charcoal grey machined alloys and an all-piano black finish in its grille, roof rails insert, outer door handles along with a Safari mascot placement on the bonnet. On the interiors, the ‘Adventure’ persona looks plush with signature earthy brown interiors, dark chrome interior accents on air vents, knob, switches, inner door handle and instrument cluster along with a piano black interior pack on steering wheel, grab handles, floor console frame and IP mid pad finisher. The all-new Safari will be available in nine variants, starting from XE and going up to the XZA+. Launched early this year in India, the product has received a massive response and is one of the top-selling 6/7-seater high SUVs in India, commanding a sizable market share of 18%, in the High SUV segment.

FLAME University Gets E-LEAD Certification By QS I∙GAUGE

FLAME University, a pioneer of liberal education in India, is now certified with an E-LEAD certificate by QS I∙GAUGE to certify the preparedness of FLAME University to conduct online teaching and learning. QS I∙GAUGE is a brand incorporated in India as an independent private-sector initiative specialised in rating colleges, universities and schools. It brings together global expertise, experience, and reputation of UK based (QS) Quacquarelli Symonds, along with deep local knowledge of luminaries from Indian education.

The certification process involved rigorous data collection, evaluation and assessment of performance metrics as set out in the methodology by QS. It is a validation of the effort put in by FLAME University faculty and professional associates in setting up their online learning systems last year, in the wake of the COVID-19 induced lockdowns. QS I∙GAUGE is a comprehensive and independent rating system for India’s universities and colleges.

Consisting of seven primary indicators and five secondary indicators, ranging from Teaching and Learning, Employability and Social Responsibility to Research and Innovation, the QS I∙GAUGE rating provides a unique 360-degree perspective of India’s institutions for higher learning.

Speaking on the future plans on online education, Dr. Dishan Kamdar, Vice-Chancellor, FLAME University said, “Technology adoption is one of the focus areas at FLAME University and we have been progressively adopting technology into our program offerings and upgrading our faculty members with cutting-edge practices to ensure our online course delivery is relevant and rigorous, and benefits our students. I am happy that our efforts are beginning to be acknowledged and the E-LEAD certification is a recognition of the standards we have strived to uphold. We have ambitious plans to infuse more technology into the delivery of courses and also expand our offerings through MOOCs.  We look forward to partnering with QS I-GAUGE in enhancing our future endeavours. “

QS Maintains complete operational control and supervision on the processes. Each rating produced is strictly monitored for quality control by the QS Intelligence Unit in London. This is the same team that produces the authoritative QS World University Rankings (since 2004) and related regional and subject rankings, as well as the globally recognised QS STARS university ratings system.

Based on the globally recognised QS STARS University Rating System developed by QS, QS I·GAUGE has been adapted to capture the reality of the dynamic Indian education sector, while at the same time maintaining the strict quality standards that are synonymous with the QS brand.

About FLAME University 

FLAME University is the pioneer of liberal education in India, delivering the country's premier interdisciplinary education experience. It is driven to being one of India's most respected and reputed centres of learning - the premier destination of choice for higher education in the nation for learners and teachers, to push the design and nature of studies and to create a societal up-gradation phenomenon, particularly in the fields of liberal education and leadership. FLAME has been set up with an idealistic vision and a social commitment to contribute to society nobly. With more than 100 quality full-time faculty members, the university offers an unparalleled educational experience. The student-teacher ratio is 10:1, unmatched at the higher education level in India. Spread on 60 acres of green expanse with aesthetically designed infrastructure, and the campus currently consists of four schools: FLAME School of Liberal Education, FLAME School of Business, FLAME School of Communication, and FLAME School of Fine & Performing Arts. FLAME University has been established as a state private university vide the FLAME University Act 2014 (Maharashtra Act No. II of 2015) of the Government of Maharashtra. It is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f), and degrees awarded by the University are recognized under Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956

About QS-ERA India Private Limited

QS-ERA India Private Limited is a revolutionary joint-venture between QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd. of the United Kingdom and India’s ERA Foundation. Conceived as an independent private-sector initiative, QS-ERA brings together the global expertise, experience and reputation of QS, and the deep local knowledge and partnership network of the ERA Foundation. Based in Bangalore, QS-ERA produces QS I•GAUGE college & university rating tools and school rating tools which capture the essence of the dynamic Indian education system and conforms to international standards and best practices. QS maintains complete operational control and supervision on the processes. Each rating produced is strictly monitored for quality control by the QS Intelligence Unit in London. This is the same team that produces the authoritative QS World University Rankings (since 2004) and related regional and subject rankings, as well as the globally recognised QS STARS university ratings system. Close supervision by QS (IU) ensures the independence, quality and integrity of the ratings, leading to their global recognition.

Various Attractions Are Added At Zero Point Of India-Pakistan Border, The Only Border Tourism Centre In Gujarat

·       'Ajay Prahari' memorial erected in the memory of heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives for protecting the nation

·       Auditorium, Solar Trees, Selfie Points, Kids and Gaming Zone, Viewing Desk, T-Junction Pillars are constructed at Nadabet

·       Army weapons are put in display so that the tourists coming for Seema Darshan get to know the preparedness of the army and security forces

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani, Gujarat Tourism Department is developing Border tourism under Seema Darshan project at zero point of international border at Nadabet. With this innovative approach of Border Tourism, people of the nation are getting an opportunity to know the border and enjoy the experience of border tourism.

With this innovative experiment of giving the citizens a real experience to see the life style of the BSF Jawans who are constantly safeguarding the Mother land; tourism in Gujarat has gained momentum. Tourists are coming in the state in big number to see the lifestyle, duties and patriotism of these army men. Besides, they are getting an opportunity to witness the thrilling work of protecting and defending the border of the country.

Considering the big number of the tourists coming in Gujarat, various attractions have been added at Nadabet by the tourism department like Pared Ground, Exhibition Centre, Auditorium, Lighting, Solar Trees, Selfie Points.  Kids and Gaming Zone is also constructed for the entertainment of children.

‘Ajay Prahari’ Memorial has been erected in the memory of those heroic soldiers who sacrificed their lives for protecting the nation. Tourists visiting the memorial can also pay homage to the martyrs. The 30-foot-high T-junction, adorned with beautiful murals, will be the focal point of the Seema Darshan complex.

In addition to that, a platform is created on the road from T-Junction to zero point and various army weapons like surface to surface missile, surface to surface air missile, T-55 Tank, Artillery Gun, Torpedo, and Mig-27 aircraft have been put in display. With this, the tourists coming for Seema Darsha will get an opportunity to know the preparedness of our army and security forces.

A viewing desk tower is also created so that the tourists visiting Nadabet can also enjoy the view of the border. Tourists can anjoy a spectacular border view from the tower. A children play area is created for the children where they can play various outdoor games.

A pared ground is prepared for the Retreat Ceremony. A retreat ceremony will be organized by the BSF Jawans on this Pared Ground. The sight of this retreat ceremony creates a unique sense of patriotism in every tourist visiting Nadabet.

Various facilities like Parking, Drinking water, toilet blocks, arrival plaza, sitting arrangements, shops, retaining wall etc. have been made available for the tourists.  Solar trees have also been installed to illuminate Nadabet with solar energy at night.

The local employment has been increased in the last 5 years due to launch of Seema Darshan Program.

Nadeshwari Mata temple is situated near zero point, where a large number of tourists come to visit every year. A rest house has also been constructed near Nadeshwari Mata temple.

Seema Darshan – Nadabet is located at Banaskantha district near the Indo-Pak border. The tourists can easily visit the nearby places. A well know Amba Mata temple i.e. Ambaji, Jesor Bear Sacntuary, Balaram Palace and Balaram Mahadev Temple are located in Banaskantha District. Besides, 'Rani Ki Vav' and 'Patola House' in the neighboring district of Patan are also interesting places to visit.

It is mandatory for every tourist visiting the Seema Darshan to have a government approved photo identity card.

Tourists can reach Seema Darshan – Nadabet easily by road. It is located at 262 kms from Ahmedabad, 372 kms from Vadodara, 315 kms from Rajkot, 524 kms from Surat, 371 kms from Bhavnagar and 265 kms from Bhuj. The nearest airport is Ahmedabad airport.

It is to be noted that, Seema Darshan Program at Zero Point at Nadabet was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani on 24th December, 2016.

Various Developmental works are completed by Gujarat Tourism Department under Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Gujarat Tourism Department is actively working to develop various tourist places of the state. Vadnagar, Modhera and Patan are also included in the Heritage Circuit. Various developmental works have been done by Tourism Department at historical Modhera Sun Temple under Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Various developmental works like path-way, seating arrangements, area development, retaining wall, RCC wall, pitch wall, general lighting, plantation, street poll, electric works, benches etc. have been done at the Sun Temple.

The Sun Temple was built by Bhimraj first (I) in the 11th century. From the architectural point of view, this Sun Temple is a supreme example among the temples built in the Solanki style in Gujarat. Lakhs of tourists from all over the country and the world come to Gujarat to see this historic heritage every year.

It is to be noted that Modhera is famous as the first Solar Village of the country. Historic Modhera Sun Temple and Modhera Village will sparkle with solar energy. Houses in the Modhera village and the Sun Temple will be completely illuminated through solar energy.