MobilTM Signs Hrithik Roshan As New Brand Ambassador

MobilTM, a global leader in lubrication technology innovation, today announced Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan as its new brand ambassador. Well-known for his confidence and unrivalled energy, Hrithik emerged as the obvious choice to highlight Mobil’s brand values of driving human progress, building confidence, and enabling customers to unlock their true potential.

Announcing the partnership, Vipin Rana, CEO, ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt Ltd, said, “We are excited to partner with Hrithik Roshan for our Mobil lubricants in India.  We believe his personality will resonate well with trade partners and consumers to feel confident about what Mobil can deliver to serve India’s lubrication needs”.

Commenting on the brand association, actor Hrithik Roshan said, “I am really looking forward to partnering with Mobil and its trusted brand name that is recognized world over. I strongly believe that confidence is the real driving force of champions to make a difference to people’s lives and the community, and this is what the Mobil brand is all about”.

Mobil had earlier partnered with Hrithik Roshan’s action thriller ‘Vikram Vedha’ which reiterated on the message that prioritizing one’s wellness by making the right choices was important.”

For more than a century, Mobil has been serving the world’s lubrication needs as a technology leader and trusted partner. Mobil products are engineered to help consumers get outstanding engine performance and protection for their cars, trucks, and motorcycles. For businesses, Mobil has helped customers around the world – and in every industry – to reduce costs, improve productivity and enhance equipment efficiency.

About ExxonMobil in India

ExxonMobil’s downstream business engages in the distribution, sales and marketing of Mobil branded lubricants and specialties. The chemicals business provides market development support, analytical and reporting services. It also conducts chemical product application support services and product testing support at its technology center in Bengaluru. The upstream business provides consulting and LNG market development support services for other ExxonMobil upstream affiliates. The Global Business Center/Technical Center provides a range of support services for ExxonMobil’s operations around the globe. ExxonMobil contributes to programs in India that support education, health and the community.

GOVO Ropes In Sidharth Malhotra As Its Brand Ambassador

-          The renowned Bollywood heartthrob will now be seen endorsing GOVO's exceptional range of products nationwide

GOVO, an emerging Bangalore based audio electronics brand, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with renowned Bollywood actor Sidharth Malhotra as its brand ambassador. With this partnership, the actor will represent the brand and endorse its range of premium-quality audio products, enhance its brand presence and establish a deeper connection with its diverse customer base.

As a rising force in the audio industry, GOVO is committed to delivering innovative, design-led and cutting-edge audio solutions that enrich the lives of its customers. GOVO's precision engineering delivers an outstanding bass performance. With a range of premium-quality audio products, including earbuds, headphones, and speakers, GOVO is dedicated to providing an unparalleled audio experience. With a strong foothold in the southern market, their goal is to become one of the top three audio electronics companies in the near future.

Sidharth Malhotra, known for his exceptional talent, versatility, and striking persona, resonates perfectly with GOVO's vision and brand ethos. With numerous successful films to his credit, Sidharth has captivated audiences worldwide and has emerged as a prominent youth icon. His charisma, style, and dedication to his craft make him the ideal choice to represent GOVO and its commitment to excellence.

Through this collaboration, GOVO aims to leverage Sidharth's wide reach and influence to promote its products and expand its market presence. Sidharth's association with GOVO will strengthen the brand's credibility, instill confidence among consumers, and further elevate its position as a leader in the audio industry.

Speaking about the association, Mr. Varun Poddar, Founder, GOVO said, "We are extremely excited to have Sidharth Malhotra on board. Sidharth's exceptional popularity and undeniable appeal, combined with his unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, align perfectly with GOVO's core values. This association marks a significant milestone for us as we strive to elevate our position as the preferred choice for audio enthusiasts worldwide. With this association, we are confident that we will reach unprecedented heights in the industry."

Expressing his enthusiasm about the association, Sidharth Malhotra said, "I am super stoked to join forces with GOVO and embark on this exciting journey as their brand ambassador. Together, we will redefine the way people experience audio and bring exceptional sound quality to every listener."

About GOVO:

GOVO is a Bangalore-based audio electronics brand established in 2022. With its brand developed in London, the company aims to fulfil its global aspirations. Designed to meet the needs of modern-day customers, GOVO's product range adapts to the ever-changing lifestyle, making it relevant for day-to-day use.

GOVO, as a brand, embraces a profound sense of pride in its unrivalled position as the foremost authority in bass performance within the audio industry. The brand’s primary message, "Bass ka boss," serves as a testament to the pivotal role that bass plays, firmly establishing it as a critical factor for the customers' audio purchasing decisions. In the extremely competitive audio electronics market, GOVO is determined to position itself as a formidable challenger with its focus on bass performance and industry-leading design trends that sets it apart from incumbent brands

Website Link: https://govo.life/

Instagram handle: https://instagram.com/govo.life

L&T Ropes In Green Energy Stalwarts To Form Green Energy Council

·         Green Energy Council Formed to Bolster L&T's Resolute Commitment to Carbon Neutrality by 2040

·         Formation of council in line with company’s commitment to play a meaningful role in building India’s green energy future.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), an Indian multinational engaged in Infrastructure, Hi-Tech Manufacturing and Services, announced the formation of L&T Green Energy Council, a think-tank comprising of eminent thought leaders, in a significant step towards building a global green energy business.

The council will be responsible for identifying technology trends in green energy, analysing the evolving global policy developments, evaluate emerging business models and advise on collaborations.

"We are delighted to announce the establishment of the L&T Green Energy Council, which brings together renowned thought leaders who are at the forefront of driving global advancements in green energy. This council will serve as a powerhouse of expertise and strategic guidance as we strengthen our commitment to build a world-class green energy business. With our country aiming to achieve energy independence by 2047 and reach Net Zero by 2070, we are confident in our ability to make significant contributions to India's transition towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future," said Mr. S.N. Subrahmanyan – CEO & MD, L&T.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Subramanian Sarma, Whole Time Director & Sr. Executive Vice President (Energy), L&T, stated, "The establishment of the L&T Green Energy Council with world-class global experts is a testament to L&T's commitment to the green transition in India, and the council's guidance will be instrumental in building a top-tier green energy business."

The four eminent Industry stalwarts forming the L&T Green Energy Council comprise of:

Prof. Eicke R. Weber, a global authority on renewable energy technologies, currently serves as the Co-President of the European Solar Manufacturing Council. Additionally, he holds the honorary position of President of the German Energy Storage Association.

Mr. Bart Biebuyck is one of the leading global thought leaders in the green hydrogen economy. Until recently, he held the position of Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, a prestigious public-private partnership between the European Commission, Hydrogen Europe, and Hydrogen Europe Research. Now he helps to realize various huge hydrogen production facilities around the world as well as supporting countries to get to their decarbonization targets through building hydrogen ecosystems.

Prof. Christopher Hebling is the director of Hydrogen Technologies at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, one of the leading global research institutes on renewable energy technologies in Germany. Additionally, he is the delegate on behalf of Germany in the Executive Committee of the Technology Collaboration Program (TCP) for the Generation and Utilization of Hydrogen of the International Energy Agency, IEA. Furthermore, he is the Co-Chair of the board of the National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, NOW.

Prof. Patrice Simon is one of the world's foremost technology leaders in the field of electrochemical materials. He currently holds the position of Distinguished Professor at the Université Paul Sabatier, and he is a member of French Academy of Sciences. He also leads the French program on batteries for CNRS. Prof. Simon was the former Director of European Research Institute ‘Alistore ERI’.

As the world strives towards a Net-Zero economy, India assumes a pivotal role in the fight against climate change. The imperative to innovate and scale cutting-edge clean energy technologies becomes paramount in the mission to significantly reduce atmospheric emissions and curb pollutants in cities. Leveraging robust capabilities in the energy sector, L&T is firmly dedicated to playing a substantial part in shaping India's green energy future. With a resolute commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, L&T has already embarked on initiatives encompassing green hydrogen project development/EPC, electrolyser manufacturing, and battery cell manufacturing.

Background:

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 23 billion 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 has enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

upGrad’s Study Abroad Continues To Scale; Hires Actively In Noida

~ The business vertical is actively looking at recruiting freshers and seasoned professionals for 4 high-growth categories ~

The Study Abroad arm of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development & Placement Company, upGrad plans to add another 500 members through the next three months to further expand its business footprints across Noida. The fresh recruits would be made across multiple sub-departments including Sales, Marketing, Tech and Product.

Commenting on the development, Ankur Dhawan, President at upGrad Abroad, said, “It’s an exciting time for us as we see an increased intent coming out of India for our study abroad programs. We have built a strong business model that is minimising geographical barriers not just for our learners but also for the back-end teams. Hence, it’s critical for us to get more of such young employees on-board who are keen on international exposure and can work in sync with the brand’s mission of easing the skilled talent mobility for several global economies.”

The business looks at recruiting fresh talent directly from college campuses and universities to accelerate employability, especially amid times when freshers are likely to be more impacted as IT companies have turned cautious in their hiring plans on the back of a global slowdown impact.

The development comes soon after the brand recently integrated its massive study-abroad portfolio and consolidated its organic and inorganic businesses under a single operating stream. The vertical also expects to break even this year and cross INR 500 crore of annual gross revenue during FY24. "We are building strong business pockets across the country to ensure enhanced operational and cost efficiencies," concluded Saurabh Deep Singla, CHRO at upGrad.

About upGrad

Started in 2015, upGrad is Asia’s largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development & Placement Company. The offerings range from online & hybrid Degree programs to pathway and study abroad programs to certification and Bootcamps to Diploma, Master’s and Doctorate programs for working professionals. upGrad also provides most of these programs to enterprise clients through its B2B arm along with recruitment and staffing services. To date, upGrad has enrolled 10 million+ learners across 70+ countries. It boasts a strong network of 300+ direct global university partners, a wide lineup of 2500+ pathway connections, over 20,000 recruitment partners, and a robust enterprise arm with a clientele of 3000 corporate partners worldwide. www.upgrad.com

Meghalaya's State Tobacco Control Cell Receives Prestigious “WHO Award For Exemplary Efforts In Tobacco Control”

The State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC) of Meghalaya has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its outstanding tobacco control efforts. Each year, the WHO recognises exceptional individuals and organisations from each of the six WHO regions for their significant contributions to the fight against the dangers of tobacco use. This year the prestigious WHO Director-South-East General's Asia Region Award was bestowed upon the State Tobacco Control Cell.  

The anti-tobacco campaign has reached remarkable milestones, including the active participation of approximately 7,975 schools across the state. 4,9 lakh students have enthusiastically supported the campaign, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to the cause. With a reach of more than 3,500 villages, the campaign has successfully increased widespread awareness and participation. In addition, a total of 7,388 rallies have been held, mobilizing communities, and generating considerable momentum in the fight against tobacco. The impressive signature campaign conducted over the past several months is further evidence of the campaign's success, representing the widespread support and commitment to a tobacco-free society.  

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, stated, “We are immensely proud of Meghalaya's State Tobacco Control Cell for their exceptional efforts in tobacco control, which has now been recognized by the WHO Award. This accolade is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our dedicated team as well as the importance of sustained efforts in promoting public health and preventing the harmful effects of tobacco use. This recognition inspires us to continue our endeavours and create a brighter, healthier future for Meghalaya.” 

Lauding the dedicated efforts of all the stakeholders involved in the tobacco control initiative, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health & Family Welfare Department stated, "Our state stands tall today, adorned with the prestigious award from WHO, a testament to our unwavering commitment to tobacco control. With collective efforts and unwavering determination, the Departments of Health, Education, Home (Police) and our community have triumphed over the tobacco epidemic. Let us extend heartfelt congratulations to every school and its students that embraced the call to action, organising rallies and spearheading signature campaigns. Your invaluable contributions have paved the way for this remarkable achievement. As we revel in this victory, let us not rest on our laurels. Together, let's forge ahead, united in our mission to foster a healthier, tobacco-free environment for our communities. May this award inspire us to reach greater heights and continue making strides towards a brighter, cancer-free future.” 

The State Tobacco Control Cell, in collaboration with the Education Department and the Police Department, has implemented a comprehensive Tobacco Control Program that has earned this esteemed recognition from the WHO. This program has demonstrated remarkable success in creating awareness, inspiring action, and fostering community engagement in the fight against tobacco. 

Shri. Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, mentioned “Transformational development outcomes can be achieved if various departments and all the stakeholders work in a collaborative way. Thanks to our state leadership led by Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Sangma for providing such a steady foundation and fostering camaraderie and between the departments to collaborate and work together with a sense of urgency and purpose.” 

Shri. Ram Kumar S, IAS, Secretary of Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, congratulated all the schools across the state, “I am elated to witness the impact of the proactive measures taken by the participating schools to educate, inspire, and engage with the communities in this tobacco control campaign, by organizing rallies and signature campaigns in public places. These schools, through the partnership of Sambandh Health Foundation has effectively shared the message far and wide, reaching every corner of the society. Their efforts have fostered a sense of collective responsibility to safeguard ourselves and future generations from the devastating effects of tobacco. Together, we can create a healthier and tobacco-free Meghalaya." 

Dr. Lana Lyngdoh, Nodal officer of the STCC, emphasized the significance of the campaign and stated, "This campaign serves as a powerful symbol of our rejection of a harmful product and our unwavering commitment to preserving and cherishing life. Each signature collected represents a voice raised against tobacco, igniting a determination to build a tobacco-free world for present and future generations." 

These outstanding results exemplify the State Tobacco Control Cell's (STCC) unwavering commitment to making a significant impact in tobacco control. The Government of Meghalaya recognizes the hard work and dedication put forth by the STCC, schools, students, and all those involved in the campaign. 

Finolex Cables Ltd. Revenues For Quarter Ended March 2023 Were Rs.1224.3 Cr As Against Rs.1186.9 Cr

Finolex Cables Ltd., (FCL) at the meeting of its Board of Directors approved results for the fourth quarter as well as the full year of 2022-23. 

Revenues for the quarter ended March 2023 were Rs.1224.3 Cr as against Rs.1186.9 Cr for the corresponding period in year 2021-22, representing a 3% growth in value terms. In volume terms, Electrical Wires increased by 7% compared to Q4 of the previous year. Within Communication Cables segment, most product lines increased in volume, by an average of 25%. Volumes in new products within the FMEG sector were affected by the changes to the energy efficiency norms which came in to effect from 1st January 2023. While input costs had begun to show moderation, the impact on margins would not be felt until another quarter. 

For the full year 2022-23, sales were Rs. 4481.1 Cr as against Rs. 3,768.1 Cr in the previous year – an improvement of 19%. During the year, commodity prices continued to remain volatile, which led to several price revisions to pass on both cost reductions as well as cost increases to the end customers, resulting in a situation where margins fluctuated every quarter. For the full year Electrical Wires grew about 16% in volume; OFC volumes grew by more than 50%, while all other products in the Communication segment grew more than 25%. As mentioned above, changes to the energy efficiency norms affected the sale of Fans during the last two quarters and impacted overall growth in the New product lines. Addition to product range, and expansion of distribution network have all contributed to the better revenues and volumes within these product segments.  

Profit for the quarter, before taxes, was Rs.173.5 Cr, as compared to Rs.126.4 Cr in the previous year – the improvement is a result of volume led growth in the major segments as well as some pricing actions to maintain margins.  

For the full year, profit before taxes stood at Rs 646.0 Cr as against Rs 526.6 Cr in the previous year – an improvement of 23 %. 

PAT for Q4 of 2022-23 stood at Rs 134.6 Cr as against Rs 104.6 Cr for the corresponding period of the previous year – an improvement of 29%.  

For the full year, profit after taxes were Rs 501.7 Cr as against Rs 404.6 Cr in the previous year – an improvement of 24%. 

At its meeting today, the Board has recommended a dividend of 350 % for the year, which means an outgo of Rs7/ per for every share of Rs 2/- the overall dividend outgo would be Rs 107.1 Cr. 

For the year ended 31st March 2023, the consolidated results reflect net sales of Rs 4481.1 Cr as against Rs 3768.1 Cr in the previous year and Profit After Taxes of Rs 504.3 Cr as against Rs 599.1 Cr in the previous year.   

The Company recently announced that it will be setting up a plant to manufacture Preforms for drawing fiber as well as enhance the fiber cabling capacity. For this purpose, Capex plans of approx. Rs. 300 Cr to be spent in fiscal 2023-24 and 2024-25 have been put in place. These plans are in addition to the already announced expansion into setting up of an E-Beam facility as well as other additions. 

Winners of Solar Decathlon India Design Challenge For Net-Zero Future Proof Building 2022-2023 Announced

·         The 3rd edition saw participation from 1780 students and 126 academic institutions

·         Student teams presented net-zero solutions for 36 real building projects on the final day of presentation

Solar Decathlon India (SDI), aimed at building the next generation of leaders to combat climate change in India, is an annual challenge for undergraduate and postgraduate students from Indian educational institutions to develop innovative, net-zero energy-water and climate resilient solutions for the building sector in India. After two years of COVID-19 forced virtual events, SDI conducted its 3rd edition at Infosys’ campus in Mysuru, one of the most sustainability operated campuses in the world, where six teams topped their divisions. These six teams pitched their solutions to a Grand Jury consisting of real estate and media stalwarts, and Team V? from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur won the coveted Grand Prize for the most promising and investment worthy design.

The winners were announced in the presence of innovator and social entrepreneur Anish Malpani, who also delivered the keynote address. The 36 Finalist projects were exhibited at the finals to a crowd of over 650 people. On May 28, Solar Decathlon India holds an internship fair where leading organisations working on climate change and net-zero buildings look to hire the best and brightest minds.

Infosys provided the venue pro bono for the three-day Finals, which was conducted as a carbon-neutral event. The SDI trophies awarded to the winners were themselves carbon negative, demonstrating how Climate Change mitigation can be addressed with creativity and perseverance.

The Council of Architecture (CoA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding as a knowledge partner with AEEE, who co-organises SDI, to expand outreach and the impact of Solar Decathlon India to address Climate Change. This is expected to facilitate architectural educational institutions and students to participate in the competition.

Prasad Vaidya, Director Solar Decathlon India, said “Some of these student teams have developed net-zero building designs that are on par with the work of the best professionals design teams in India. Within 9 months these students were able to scale a very steep learning curve. If students can do this so well, it is time that building owners and developers start demanding this quality of work on every building project they invest in.”

Chaitali Bhattacharya, Interim Director, IUSSTF, said “The Solar Decathlon India is an innovative platform that encourages and instils a healthy competitive spirit in youngsters by challenging them to think outside the box and use their ingenuity to design a net-zero niche. It was encouraging to see how inventive and imaginative solutions to global climate change challenges were presented at the Finals.”

“The IPCC AR6 2023 Synthesis report, which I co-authored, emphasises the importance of resilient net-zero buildings in the urban transition to limit global warming. The Solar Decathlon India finalists proposed innovative solutions integrating renewable technologies, sustainable design, and community engagement to transform Indian cities to achieve the 1.5oC goal.” - Aromar Revi, Director, IIHS.

“Bringing about a paradigm shift in design and construction practices is a complex and time[1]consuming task. It is thrilling to witness the ideas and designs that have emerged from this season of Solar Decathletes for net-zero buildings across different building typologies. The novelty with which they engage with various tools and skills introduced to them through the Solar Decathlon India, has transformative potential for the building sector.

With SDI, we have planted the seeds of a movement, where buildings transcend their function as mere shelters and become powerful symbols of energy efficiency, resilience, and a sustainable legacy for future generations. Solar Decathlon India represents a paradigm shift in building design, inviting builders, developers, and academia to participate in this movement and redefine their roles.” – Satish Kumar, President and Executive Director, AEEE.

Solar Decathlon India is conducted by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) under the aegis of the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) ran for nine months. The 2023-24 challenge saw 154 teams competing, with 1780 students from 126 academic institutions, guided by 200 faculty mentors. Solar Decathlon India 2023-24 edition saw over 30 organisations offer opportunities for the challenge participants.

Full list of division wise winners of the 2022-23 Challenge:

Single-Family Housing

Winner: Team Zenith from Arvindbhai Patel Institute of Environmental Design and MANIT Bhopal

Runner Up: Team SuGriha from Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur and MBS School of Planning and Architecture

Multi-Family Housing

Winner: Team Synergy from Sir J.J. College of Architecture and Thakur College of Engineering and Technology

Runner Up: Team Al Ma'arij from M.H. Saboo Siddik College of Engineering and Rizvi College of Architecture

Educational Building

Winner: Team Green Collars from RV College of Architecture and School of Design, RV University

Runner Up: Team LENS from SMEF's Brick school of Architecture and BRACT's Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology

Office Building

Winner: Team V? from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur

Runner Up: Team ECO-TRIBE from Dr Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture and Navsahyadri Education Society's Group of Institutions - Engineering

Community Resilience Shelter

Winner: Team Samakrut from SMEF's Brick School of Architecture and BRACT's Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology

Runner Up: Team Tattva from Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal Institute of Technology, and Academy of Architecture Rachana Sansad

On-Site Construction Worker Housing

Winner: Team Echo from School of Architecture Planning & Design, DIT University and Dehradun Institute of Technology University

Runner Up: Team sattva 2.0 from University School of Architecture and Planning and Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

About Solar Decathlon India

The Solar Decathlon India is a challenge among postgraduate and undergraduate students from Indian educational institutions to learn and design net-zero-energy-water, affordable, and resilient design solutions for real, live projects to combat Climate Change through the buildings sector.

Student teams develop affordable and industry-ready solutions for real projects with the help of online Self-Learning Modules and expert mentorship provided during this year-long challenge. It is a hands-on, practical, innovation-based challenge that moves the construction and real estate industry towards implementing net-zero solutions developed by students.