Adani Group Is The Leader In Infrastructure Business

Adani Group, India’s largest critical infrastructure developer today released a compendium of its ESG FY23 performance. The compendium states how the portfolio of the companies are emerging as the leaders by setting higher standards in ESG across all its businesses. 

Adani portfolio of companies are committed to sustainable growth, capitalising on unprecedented opportunities. This growth is being shaped and influenced by the highest standards of responsibility across various aspects of our operations. The complement of outperformance and responsibility has enhanced stakeholder respect, confidence, engagement, valuations, and business sustainability.

The various recognitions by the top global ESG evaluators, are the result of group’s commitment to Environment, Society and Governance.

Business-wise Key Highlights:

Adani Enterprises Ltd. (AEL)

·         The group’s incubating company focussed on establishing diverse new businesses has pledged to grow 100 million trees by 2030 which is the largest 1t.org pledge in India so far and is amongst the most ambitious corporate pledges globally.

·         Adani Solar won the ‘Aegis Graham Bell’ Award in the category for Innovation in Manufacturing

·         Achieved IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Platinum certification for ‘Data Centre’ facility in Chennai and ‘Solar business’ building in Mundra.

·         MIAL (Mumbai International Airport Ltd) won the Best Sustainable Airport at the ASSOCHAM 14th International Conference and Awards for Civil Aviation, 2023

·         Adani Airports has converted all company owned vehicles from diesel to electric across all its operational sites.

·         44% reduction in operational emissions in Adani Airports.

Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd. (APSEZ)

·         The largest port developer and operator in India has been accorded the first position in global rankings for ‘Transport & Logistics’ sector among emerging markets by Moody’s ESG solution.

·         It has been ranked 10 out of 297 companies in ‘Global Transportation & Transportation Infra sector’ in S&P global corporate sustainability assessment.

·         Kattupalli Port and Mormugao Port received the ‘Platinum Award’ for ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Environment Excellence’ respectively from Apex India Foundation during the Apex India Green Leaf Awards 2022.

·         By FY25, the company targets 100% renewable energy mix in the electricity consumption: along with 50% reduction in energy intensity and 60% reduction in emission intensity.

Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL)

·         The largest renewable energy portfolio company in India, got certified ‘water positive’ by DNV for FY23, way ahead of its FY25 target.

·         Got conferred with ‘Platinum Environment Award by Grow Care India’ in recognition of highest level of commitment and concern in environment management.

·         Won ‘Leaders Award’ at the Sustainability 4.0 Awards, conferred jointly by Frost & Sullivan and The Energy Research Institute (TERI)

Adani Transmission Ltd. (ATL)

·         The largest private transmission and distribution company in India achieved a 30.04% renewable power mix in its subsidiary and leading distribution company Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd (AEML).

·         Targets 60% share of renewable power procurement by FY27

·         Already achieved ‘’Net Water Positive’’ status for 30 substations and 7 TL clusters under UNSDG 6

Adani Power Ltd. (APL)

·         The largest private thermal power producer in India scored 3.5/5 in FTSE ESG rating, much higher than the world utilities average score of 2.7/5

·         The Water Intensity performance of APL is 2.31 m3/MWh for FY 22-23 which is 34 % lower than Statuary limit for Hinterland plants (3.50 m3/MWh) & 7.6 % lower than stretched internal target of 2.50 m3/MWh

·         APL achieved ash utilization of 94.1 %

·         07 out of 09 APL operating locations certified with SUP Free certification, APJL & MEL SuPF target for FY 2023 – 24.

·         APL gets B Score for Fulfilling Climate Change and Water Security Commitments from CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) for 2022.

Adani Total Gas Ltd. (ATGL)

·         India’s leading private player in developing City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks completed water audit completed in 58 sites of ATGL, on track to become water positive in the coming years with focus on water consumption, meters & rainwater harvesting.

·         Rooftop solar capacity of 870 kW installed in 50 sites, Captive solar plant is being explored in FY23-24

·         ATGL has set up Adani Total Energies E-Mobility Limited (ATEEL) for E-mobility initiative to set up EV charging stations.

·         ATGL has set up 104 charging points. On track to install 4000+ EV charging points by 2024

Ambuja Cements Ltd.

·         TSR (Thermal Substitution Rate) has been improved from 6.62% during Jan.22-Mar.22 to 7.34% during Jan.23-Mar.23 by maximizing the usage of alternative fuels & Launching of “Geoclean“

·         Commissioned 38.4 MW of WHRS (Bhattapara L1 and L2 – 13 MW, Rauri– 11.4 MW & Marwar – 14 MW), 22.2 MW under commissioning at Bhatapara L1-5.3 MW, Suli 9.8 MW

·         Specific Electrical Energy has been reduced by 1.31% QoQ (Jan.-Mar.22 to Jan.-Mar.23) by taking various Energy Efficiency measures

Adani Wilmar Ltd. (AWL)

·         The no.1 edible oil company in India did successful solar power implementation at 8 plants out of 23 own units with plans to continue such installation across all plants in the coming years.

·         Efforts towards reducing water waste with ZLD installed at 9 major plants (2900 KL per day) (ZLD ensures recovery & reuse of water)

·         First Edible Oil Company to introduce recyclable packaging with 98% of packaging is recyclable.

About The Adani Group

Headquartered in Ahmedabad, India, the Adani Group is the largest and fastest-growing portfolio of diversified businesses in India with interests in Logistics (seaports, airports, logistics, shipping and rail), Resources, Power Generation and Distribution, Renewable Energy, Gas and Infrastructure, Agro (commodities, edible oil, food products, cold storage and grain silos), Real Estate, Public Transport Infrastructure, Consumer Finance and Defence, and other sectors. Adani owes its success and leadership position to its core philosophy of 'Nation Building' and 'Growth with Goodness' – a guiding principle for sustainable growth. The Group is committed to protecting the environment and improving communities through its CSR programmes based on the principles of sustainability, diversity and shared values. Further information at www.adani.com.

Federal Bank Introduces “Platinum Wealth” Builder Plan For Its Customers In Association With “Ageas Federal Life Insurance”

Federal Bank in association with Ageas Federal Life Insurance, India’s leading private life insurance company, announced the launch of “Ageas Federal Life Insurance Platinum Wealth Builder Plan”, a special offering for Federal Bank customers. A non-participating unit-linked life insurance plan, it offers life cover and market-linked returns that help you to meet your investment goals while financially securing your family’s future. 

Commenting on the specially-designed plan, Mr. Karthik Raman, CMO and Head – Products, Ageas Federal Life Insurance said, “We have introduced the Platinum Wealth Builder plan which is specially crafted for the customers of Federal Bank. As the name suggests, this unique plan is designed to build wealth with an attractive combination of life cover and investment options that help in generating returns while ensuring peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are protected.” 

Ms. Shalini Warrier, Executive Director, Federal Bank said, “Delivering unique, innovative and bespoke solutions to our customers is a key mantra for us in Federal Bank.  In line with that, and designed specially for our customers by our associate, Ageas Federal Life Insurance Company Limited, we are pleased to launch the Platinum Wealth Builder. This product is designed for customers of Federal Bank who are keen to invest in a solution that helps them to meet their financial goals while ensuring security of life.” 

Designed for discerning individuals, the plan offers a plethora of exclusive features. The policyholder can enjoy added security with the spouse cover option and as a reward for your commitment to the plan, you can earn wealth boosters and loyalty additions to your premiums paid, boosting your returns, and helping you achieve your financial goals even faster. Additionally, the plan returns all charges such as premium allocation charge, policy administration charge as well as mortality charge, on maturity. 

Platinum Wealth Builder Plan offers you flexibility in all aspects, whether it’s managing your investment, liquidity benefits or redeeming the maturity value. Since Ageas Federal Life Insurance Platinum Wealth Builder Plan is unit-linked, you can stay in complete control of your equity allocation depending upon your risk appetite by choosing from six investment fund o?erings. There are no limits on the number of switches or premium redirection done during the policy term and this does not attract any charges. 

The plan also offers a unique facility in Systematic Allocator which is a programmed investment solution in which the fund mix becomes more conservative as the investment time horizon approaches. The equity allocation for a typical 15-to-20-year policy term would be a maximum of 80 per cent which glides down gradually to 5 per cent as the maturity of the plan nears. The remaining portion at different periods, would get proportionately allocated to debt asset class. 

To help you fund your dreams at various stages of life, the Partial Withdrawal facility allows you to withdraw amounts up to a specified limit, any number of times and at any time after the fifth policy anniversary. Under this facility, you could also opt for Systematic Partial Withdrawal which allows you to set instructions to withdraw a pre-determined amount at a pre-defined frequency. 

When redeeming the Maturity Value, you may choose to opt for a Settlement Option whereby you have the option to take maturity proceeds in periodic instalments over a period of 2 to 5 years. 

Tax Benefits may be available on the premiums paid and benefits received as per the prevailing tax laws. It is advisable to consult your tax advisor for determining the tax benefits applicable to you. 

About Ageas Federal Life Insurance 

Ageas Federal Life Insurance is one of India's growing life insurance companies and offers a diverse range of wealth management, protection, and retirement solutions to individual and corporate customers. Ageas Federal Life Insurance Co Ltd is a joint venture of Ageas, a multinational insurance giant based out of Europe and Federal Bank, one of India's leading private sector banks. 

Having commenced operations in 2008, Ageas Federal was able to achieve breakeven within just five years; the Company's passion for innovation and growth helped it achieve this feat. Through a nationwide network of 3,200+ branches including partner bank branches, and a sizeable network of advisors, Ageas Federal Life Insurance has achieved presence across the length and breadth of the country. As of March 31, 2023, the Company has issued over 16 lakh policies with a sum assured of over ?1,37,632 crores. Ageas Federal Life Insurance has total assets under management of over ?15,129 crore and a robust capital base of over ?800 crores as of March 31, 2023.  

TECNO CAMON 20 Pro 5G: A Stylishly Designed 5G-Enabled Camera-Centric Smartphone

India’s most anticipated camera-centric smartphone TECNO CAMON 20 Pro 5G has finally been unveiled for the Indian markets. With the recent launch of the smartphone brand has profoundly embodied its "Keep Loving, Keep Living" philosophy. The photography inclined smartphone effortlessly combines innovative photography capabilities with a sleek design.

Powered by advanced 5G connectivity, the CAMON 20 Pro 5G provides with lightning-fast speeds and empowering them to embrace every moment of their lives. The smartphone's exceptional camera capabilities take center stage, allowing users to capture stunning photos and videos with remarkable clarity and detail.

Globally recognized- Artistic Flagship Appearance

The impressively made CAMON 20 Pro 5G has received international appreciation. The smartphone has been awarded USA Gold Muse design award after qualifying rigorous criteria of the jury. The CAMON 20 Pro 5G boasts an artistic flagship appearance that sets it apart from the crowd. With its super slim profile and textured leather back, the device showcases elegance. The carefully crafted 2.5D wear-resistant ceramic frame further enhances its premium feel, ensuring durability and a luxurious touch. The innovative fusion of leather texture and ceramic deco design not only adds a touch of luxury but also showcases the device's high-end quality, making the CAMON 20 Pro 5G a true masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.

Ultimate Pro-night photography experience

The CAMON 20 Pro 5G takes smartphone photography to different heights with its extra-ordinary camera capabilities. Equipped with an advanced 64MP RGBW(G+P) lens, the smartphone guarantees that the images captured are rich in clarity, colour and detail. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures steady and shake-free images, even in challenging shooting conditions. The presence of F1.65 aperture, lets the camera perform well in low-light situations, producing excellent photos with augmented brightness and reduced noise. The Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) technology ensures quick and accurate focusing, allowing users to capture those precious moments in a jiffy. In addition, the CAMON 20 Pro 5G supports video HDR, providing dynamic and vibrant video footage that brings your memories to life with incredible visual impact.

Unleash your Selfie game

The CAMON 20 Pro 5G caters to selfie enthusiasts with its exceptional 32MP Ultra Clear Selfie camera. The front camera of the smartphone is designed to deliver remarkable self-portraits with impeccable clarity and detail. With its high resolution, every selfie clicked by CAMON 20 Pro 5G is sharp ensuring a vivid click every time. The dual flashlight, with an F2.45 aperture, provides ample lighting for well-lit and natural-looking selfies, even in low-light surroundings. The wide 80.6° field of view (FOV) allows you to include more people or background scenery in your selfies, enabling you to capture group shots and breathtaking landscapes with ease. Whether you're snapping solo selfies or capturing precious moments with loved ones, the CAMON 20 Pro 5G's front camera ensures that your self-portraits are always picture-perfect.

Compelling next generation speed and performance

The newly launched CAMON 20 Pro 5G is bolstered by MediaTek's groundbreaking Dimensity 8050 5G-enabled processor, which represents a leap forward in mobile processing technology. Built on a cutting-edge 6nm fabrication process, this processor delivers exceptional performance and power efficiency. With its powerful CPU and GPU, the CAMON 20 Pro 5G effortlessly handles multitasking, demanding apps, and graphic-intensive games with ease. The integration of 5G connectivity ensures lightning-fast download and upload speeds, allowing users to enjoy seamless streaming, lag-free gaming, and quick access to online content. MediaTek's Dimensity 8050 processor in the CAMON 20 Pro 5G ensures a smooth and responsive user experience, making it the perfect companion for those who demand nothing less than the most efficient performance from their smartphones.

Pricing and availability

CAMON 20 Pro 5G comes in two efficient variants. The first variant is of 128GB ROM, which is priced at INR19,999 and the second variant of 256GB ROM, which is priced at INR21,999. The phone would be available for its first-ever sale from second week of June and in two exciting colours- Dark Welkin, Serenity Blue.

This Summer, Home Credit India Says “Life Mein No Samjhauta” With A New #ZindagiHit Campaign On Home Appliances

* The new campaign represents an extension of #ZindagiHit brand thought and embodies Home Credit India's relentless persuasion of being an enabler for better life to its customers 

* The digital AV showcases the consumer finance NBFC's expanding focus on consumer durables apart of Mobiles & home appliances, highlighting the seamless and easy financing options it offers 

Home Credit India (HCIN), a local arm of the leading global consumer finance provider, unveiled its summer campaign, with a considered focus on home appliances – #LifeMeinNoSamjhauta. The new digital campaign under #ZindagiHit brand thought showcases the consumer finance NBFC as an enabler towards fulfilling aspirations with easy financing options beyond mobiles to home appliances such as air conditioners, coolers, television, refrigerator, and other essentials. 

The #ZindagiHit brand thought centers on traits such as optimism, progress, trustworthiness, transparency, and that of an enabler, making it a brand of choice when it comes to consumer loans. Home Credit is trusted by 1.6Cr+ customers with the support and special relation enjoyed with over 50,000 retail partner network pan-India.  

Commenting on the summer campaign, Ashish Tiwari, Chief Marketing Officer, Home Credit India, said, "With the revival in positive consumer sentiments and declining inflationary pressures, the new brand campaign talks about Home Credit’s expanded consumer financing categories beyond mobiles, covering relevant home appliances to fulfill consumer aspirations and help them move up in life with dignity & respect. Being the fifth campaign under #ZindagiHit brand thought, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to building a deep connect with valued customers and potential loan seekers.” 

The narrative of the digital AV revolves around a family where the kids, reeling under scorching heat and profuse sweat, seek relief by going to a nearby bank ATM to enjoy cool air-conditioner breeze. However, the kids always get shunned away by the guard at the ATM. One day when the kids are getting scolded by the guard outside ATM kiosk, their father passing by with a friend, witnesses the scene and tries to stop the guard, but is left with a feeling of dejection and embarrassment. Seeing the helplessness of the father, the friend suggests him to buy any new AC by getting it conveniently financed from Home Credit and paythrough easy EMIs. Here in lies the value of Home Credit India, who financially enables borrowers through easy and hassle-free loans. With Home Credit, the father finds a new hope and confidence to be able to give a better life to his family. The video ends with the tagline ‘Life Mein No Samjhauta’ and a voiceover - “Inn garmiyon mein, chahe AC ho, ya cooler, fridge ya mobile, Karein apni aur apno ki #ZindagiHit with Home Credit.” (This summer, be it AC, cooler or fridge or mobile, make your ZindagiHit with Home Credit!).  

The new campaign is live across Home Credit’s social channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn. 

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Ranks MAHE 6th In University Category

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranked Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) 6th rank Nationally in the university category, making it one of the top 10 universities in the country. MAHE’s position moved to 6th from 7th last year, showing a consistent desire to improve and provide the best quality of education.

In overall India Rankings, MAHE has secured the position in top 20 varsities of the country with 16th rank. Many of the constituent units of MAHE are also among the Top 10 position under various disciplines. Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal stands in 2nd position in the Dental discipline. Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore 8th position. Kasturba Medical College of Manipal at 9th position in the medical domain, and Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal 9th in the pharmacy discipline. MAHE also remarkably improved its research ranking to 25th from 30th position among top-ranked 50 institutions.

The 8th edition of the rankings includes a total of 13 categories. The lists feature rankings of higher education institutions in subcategories, including top universities and colleges, under engineering, medical, legal, management, pharma, architecture, agriculture, and allied sector. Institutions have been ranked based on parameters such as Teaching, Learning and Resources, Research and Professional Practices, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach and Inclusivity, and Perception.

Commenting on the remarkable achievement, Dr Ranjan R Pai, President, MAHE Trust & Chairman Manipal Education & Medical Group (MEMG) said, “A total of 8686 institutes were evaluated in NIRF 2023 rankings, and it’s a proud moment for us as we have been recognized among 10 top universities in the country. MAHE appreciates all stakeholders, particularly students, alumni, faculty, and staff, for their efforts and unwavering support of this remarkable achievement.”

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), said, “We are delighted at this remarkable feat & honour that fills us with immense pride and joy! Our rankings have improved since last year, showing our commitment to excellence in higher education.

Dr HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, MAHE, says, “We at MAHE are thrilled to have earned the distinction of being one of the top-ranked institutions in India as per the 8th edition of The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). We will continue to aim for perfection and the highest level of performance. With the teacher's and students' diligent work, we aspire to keep up the position”.

Union Bank of India Honoured With Prestigious “Infosys Finacle Innovation Awards 2023”

Union Bank of India, a leading bank in India, is proud to announce that it has been awarded Seven (7) prestigious “Infosys Finacle Innovation Awards 2023”, which is most amongst Indian and Global Banks, for its outstanding contributions to the banking industry and technological excellence. 

The awards were presented at prestigious awards ceremony. These awards celebrate innovative application of technology in Banking sector. Union Bank's unwavering dedication to leverage technology to drive business growth, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction has been acknowledged through the following awards: 

Bank has been awarded as Platinum Winner under the following categories–  

Product Innovation - Platinum winner - Union Sparsh - Accessible Debit Cards 

Channel Innovation - Platinum winner - Union Bank Voice Assistant and Union Virtual Connect  

Ecosystem Led Innovation - Platinum winner - Rupay Credit Card on UPI and Sandbox Environment 

Process Innovation - Platinum winner - Digitizing MSME Loans. 

Bank has also bagged as Gold Winner for the following categories: 

Maximizing Customer Engagement - Gold winner - Account Statement on Digilocker 

Transformation Excellence - Gold winner - Centre of Excellence and Cloud Technology 

Business Model Innovation - Gold winner - Digital Banking Units 

Speaking on occasion, Shri Nitesh Ranjan, Executive Director said that, these accolades highlight Bank's relentless commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences through cutting-edge technology. Bank has embarked on its digital transformation journey under Project Union Sambhav to strengthen the bank’s digital footprint in the BFSI space with an aspiration to create “Digital Bank within Bank”.  

Bank’s digital transformation includes exploring innovative solutions and new emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, 5G, Blockchain, Natural language Processing, Augmented and Virtual Reality, AIOps etc.  

PhonePe SmartSpeakers Offer Voice Payment Notifications In Kannada

PhonePe, today announced the launch of voice payment notifications for its SmartSpeakers in Kannada. With the introduction of vernacular voice notifications, merchants can now validate customer payments instantly in the regional language of their choice, without having to check the customer’s phone screen or wait for the payment confirmation SMS from the bank, especially during peak business hours.

PhonePe SmartSpeakers are currently being utilized by merchant partners across 19,000 pin codes (covering over 90% of the country), to enable voice payment notifications. In Karnataka alone, PhonePe has successfully digitized 30 lakh merchant partners, who are actively utilizing its QR codes and other solutions. With the addition of voice payment notifications in Kannada, they can now access PhonePe SmartSpeakers in their preferred language within the PhonePe for Business app, without incurring any extra charges. On an average, PhonePe SmartSpeakers validate 11 crore transactions per month in Karnataka, demonstrating its widespread adoption in the state.

Speaking on the new offerings, Vivek Lohcheb, Head of Offline Business at PhonePe said, “As we take digital payments into the Indian heartlands, our aim is to actively solve for the numerous challenges that merchants currently encounter, thus ensuring the optimal utilization of our SmartSpeaker devices. Addressing the challenges that come with varying lingual needs is a step in that direction.  With the growing demand for payment validation, our objective is to make our devices accessible to every merchant in India by localizing and customizing our services to cater to their specific needs.”

Here’s the step-by-step guide for merchants to download and select the regional language of their choice on the PhonePe SmartSpeaker:

1) Open the PhonePe for Business App

2) Go to the SmartSpeaker section on the home screen

3) Under the Language bar, choose your preferred language from the multiple options available

4) The selected language gets downloaded on the device

5) Device gets rebooted with the updated language

PhonePe had launched SmartSpeakers last year, to provide reliable and convenient payment tracking at stores. Some of the features that make PhonePe SmartSpeakers stand out in the market include portability, a best-in-class battery, great audio clarity even in the noisiest of environments, and the compact and versatile form factor which allows merchants to use it even in the most congested counter spaces. Earlier merchants using feature phones relied heavily on SMS, but now with the PhonePe SmartSpeakers, their payment validation experience has been significantly eased. PhonePe SmartSpeakers come with up to 4 days of battery life, data connectivity, a dedicated battery level LED indicator for ease of use, audio alerts for low battery level, and a replay button for the last transaction.

About PhonePe:

PhonePe was founded in December 2015 and has emerged as India’s largest payments app, enabling digital inclusion for consumers and merchants alike. With 46+ crore (460+ Million) registered users, one in four Indians are now on PhonePe. The company has also successfully digitized 3.5+ crore (35+ Million) offline merchants spread across Tier 2,3,4 and beyond, covering 99% pin codes in the country. PhonePe is also the leader in Bharat Bill Pay System (BBPS), processing over 45% of the transactions on the BBPS platform. PhonePe forayed into financial services in 2017, providing users with safe and convenient investing options on its platform. Since then, the company has introduced several Mutual Funds and Insurance products that offer every Indian an equal opportunity to unlock the flow of money and access to services. PhonePe has been recognized as the Most Trusted Brand for Digital Payments as per the Brand Trust Report for two consecutive years (2022 & 2023) by Trust Research Advisory (TRA).

For more details: media@phonepe.com