ONGC Signs Cooperation Agreement With TotalEnergies To Detect And Measure Methane Emissions

On the occasion of India Energy Week 2024, ONGC signed a Cooperation Agreement with TotalEnergies to carry out methane emissions detection and measurement campaigns using TotalEnergies’ pioneer AUSEA (Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications) technology.

ONGC has been inviting international technology partners to help reduce its methane emissions in India by 2030, while TotalEnergies has decided to share its AUSEA technology in an effort to pivot the whole industry towards zero methane emissions by 2030. Both companies are party to the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), global industry initiative launched at COP28.

ONGC joins a growing list of national companies who have signed cooperation agreements with TotalEnergies for the use of AUSEA including Petrobras in Brazil, SOCAR in Azerbaijan, Sonangol in Angola and NNPCL in Nigeria.

One-of-a-kind technology by TotalEnergies, the AUSEA gas analyzer is mounted on a drone, and was developed by TotalEnergies and its R&D partners. Consisting of a dual sensor capable of detecting methane and carbon dioxide emissions, AUSEA identifies their source at the same time. This technology marks a step change in methane emissions detection and measurement compared to traditional techniques. By allowing access to hard-to-reach emission points, on all types of industrial facilities, both offshore and offshore, AUSEA is reputed as one of the most accurate technologies in the industry.

“Our industry’s priority in the fight against climate change is to slash methane emissions from operations. Aiming for zero methane emissions by 2030 is our collective ambition as signatories of the OGDC at COP28. We are pleased to collaborate and make our AUSEA technology available to ONGC, in India, to detect, measure and eventually reduce methane emissions on their own assets”, said the Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies Patrick Pouyanné.

Commenting on the pact, ONGC Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh said “In line with our collective ambitions as signatories of the OGDC at COP28, ONGC is scouting for new technologies to reduce its methane emissions by 50 % by 2027 and by 80% in 2030 compared to 2020. The introduction of the AUSEA technology will further strengthen our efforts to achieve zero methane emissions by 2038.”

TotalEnergies, a pioneer in slashing down methane emissions. After halving its methane emissions from its operated sites between 2010 and 2020, TotalEnergies set ambitious targets to step up its efforts and reduce methane emissions by a further 50% by 2025 – with the ambition to reach this target a year early, in 2024 - and by 80% in 2030, compared to 2020.

TotalEnergies is also committed to promoting the United Nations Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0) framework with other national and international oil companies. The Company has now held the OGMP Gold standard status for the three years in a row.

About TotalEnergies in India

TotalEnergies, is present in India since 1993 and has a growing footprint in the Country. The Company has partnered with the Adani Group through Joint Ventures in Gas and Renewables (Adani Total Private Limited, Dhamra LNG Terminal Private Limited, Adani Total Gas Limited, Adani Green Energy Limited) and also has a presence in energy storage (SAFT) and distributed solar generation. It operates in the chemical business (Hutchinson) and is active in LPG, lubricants and special fluids, an underground LPG storage facility at Vizag through a JV with HPCL, and manufacturing & marketing of modified bitumen derivatives through a JV with Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The Company has a R&D centre in Mumbai (Technical Centre Asia- Pacific) and a Digital Innovation Center located in Pune, in partnership with Tata Consulting Services (TCS).

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables, and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, more sustainable, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in nearly 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

About ONGC

ONGC stands as a prominent global player in the energy industry, with a growing international presence. Dedicated to advancing sustainable energy initiatives, ONGC has set Net Zero Scope-1 and Scope-2 Emissions goals by 2038, exemplifying its commitment to environmental stewardship. Committed to sustainable energy solutions, ONGC plays a pivotal role in meeting India's growing energy demands while upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and environmental responsibility. The company's global footprint strengthens its portfolio and establishes it as a significant player in the worldwide energy landscape. ONGC's commitment extends beyond operational excellence, including a dedication to environmental sustainability, responsible business practices, and a strong emphasis on corporate governance, setting industry benchmarks and fostering trust among stakeholders.

Photo Caption: The Cooperation Agreement was signed by Country Chair of TotalEnergies in India Dr. Sangkaran Ratnam, and ONGC Director (Exploration) Sushma Rawat on 6 February 2024.

Tata Digital Announces Naveen Tahilyani As Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Of The Company

Tata Digital Private Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Sons Private Limited, is pleased to announce appointment of Mr. Naveen Tahilyani as new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director for the Company.

Mr. Naveen Tahilyani is currently the CEO and Managing Director of Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited. He comes with a strong understanding of Indian consumer landscape and an extensive experience in the financial services sector. He has a proven track record of driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and achieving operational excellence.

Naveen has a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electronics and Communication from IIT Madras and a Postgraduate diploma in Business Management from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

Naveen succeeds Mr. Pratik Pal who has served Tata Digital with dedication since its inception. Under Pratik’s leadership, Tata Digital achieved significant milestones including launch of the Tata Neu app, and the foundation he helped to lay will continue to shape the company's future success.

Given Pratik’s background and strong contribution to Tata Digital, he will continue in Tata Digital to ensure continuity and contribute with his wealth of experience to the organization.

Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said: “Pratik has been successfully leading the Company since its inception and led Tata Group’s foray into digital commerce. I would like to thank Pratik for his significant contribution to Tata Digital.”

He further added “I am delighted to welcome Naveen to Tata Digital. Naveen brings in strong understanding of consumer domain and a very successful track record of leadership. I wish Naveen success in his new role.”

Naveen will take up new role effective February 19, 2024.

About Tata Digital: 

Tata Digital is a future-ready company that focuses on creating consumer-centric, high-engagement digital products. By creating a holistic presence across various touchpoints, we aim to be the trusted partner of every consumer and delight them by powering a rewarding life. The company's debut offering, Tata Neu, is a super-app from the Tata Group that provides an integrated rewards experience across various consumer categories like groceries, fashion and electronics, travel and hospitality, health and fitness, entertainment, and financial services on a single platform. Founded in March 2019, Tata Digital Private Limited is a subsidiary of Tata Sons Private Limited.  

Yamaha Introduces FZ-X In The All-New Chrome Color Scheme

-          The model is available at a price of INR 1,39,700 (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

-          First 100 online bookings for FZ-X in Chrome to get a Casio G-Shock watch on delivery of the vehicle.

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd., in line with ‘The Call of The Blue’ brand campaign, today introduced FZ-X in a stunning Chrome color scheme, elevating the style quotient of the line-up. This recent introduction reaffirms Yamaha's dedication to keeping its product range refreshed and contemporary, ensuring it resonates with the dynamic preferences of its customer base, particularly the vibrant younger buyers.

The Chrome color scheme exudes timeless elegance with its brilliant finish. The variant retains the FZ-X's robust performance and cutting-edge technology that Yamaha is renowned for. The new color addition guarantees a blend of both style and performance to customers. The FZ-X in Chrome color is available at a price of INR 1,39,700 (Ex-showroom, Delhi). The first 100 online bookings for the variant will get a Casio G-Shock watch on delivery of the vehicle.

FZ-X will maintain its current features, including a 149-cc engine with 12.4 PS peak power @ 7,250 rpm and 13.3 Nm peak torque @ 5500 rpm, Traction Control System (TCS), single-channel ABS in the front with a rear disc brake, Multi-function LCD instrument cluster, LED headlight, rear mudguard, lower engine guard, and Bluetooth-enabled Y-Connect App, among others.

IPRS Is Set To Mark Its Presence At "Deccan Alternative Music Conference 2024", Scheduled From Feb 9-10 in Bengaluru

The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) is set to mark its presence at the “Deccan Alternative Music Conference, scheduled from 9th to 10th February in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to enlighten and empower musicians from the region, shedding light on crucial aspects of the music business covering copyright, royalties, and the role of music copyright societies in safeguarding creators' rights. 

In an era where music is not just an art but a thriving industry, understanding music copyright is paramount, IPRS has always endeavoured to make musicians aware of their rights. Music copyright protects the intellectual property of creators, ensuring they receive due recognition and compensation for their work. It encompasses the rights of composers, songwriters, and independent artists, offering them a legal shield in the ever-evolving music landscape.

Music copyright societies play a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of creators. Rights management societies, like IPRS, act as custodians of creators' rights, managing and licensing their music to ensure fair compensation. By joining a copyright society, music creators gain a powerful ally in navigating the complexities of the music industry, ensuring that their music is duly protected and monetized.

For creators, royalties serve as a consistent source of income. IPRS, as a govt. authorised music copyright society, actively collects and distributes royalties on behalf of its members, turning creative endeavours into a sustainable livelihood. Understanding the nuances of royalties is crucial for artists to maximize their earnings and foster a thriving music-creator economy.

As part of the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, IPRS is hosting an insightful workshop aimed at demystifying music copyright and licensing, the role IPRS plays in managing creator and publisher rights, and their right to royalties. IPRS will guide participants through the benefits of being represented as a community, ensuring due credits through data registration, and providing valuable insights that will help boost their musical journey.

In addition to the workshop, IPRS is organizing an exclusive enrolment boot camp during the conference. Independent artists, songwriters, and composers can seize this opportunity for on-the-spot registration. This initiative is designed to empower creators by facilitating seamless access to the benefits of IPRS membership.

Creators attending the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, are encouraged to participate in the workshop and enrolment boot camp, gaining valuable insights and establishing direct connections with the IPRS team. The conference promises not just a platform for musical expression but also a gateway to unlocking the full potential of a creator's work.

IPRS invites all independent artists, bands, songwriters, and composers to be part of this enriching experience. Mark your calendars for the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, and embark on a journey to enhance your understanding of music copyright, royalties, and the transformative role of IPRS in shaping the music industry.

Commenting on this, Singer, Composer and IPRS member Bindhu Malini said, “As a member of IPRS, I am aware of how critical it is to understand and protect our rights as a creator in the dynamic music business. The Deccan Alternative Music Conference offers a priceless forum for knowledge, networking, and understanding the nuances of the music business to new and upcoming artists and music creators. Being a member of IPRS means more than just financial returns; it's about joining a global community of music creators, where IPRS acts as a strong ally, advocating for my cause and safeguarding my rights. Glad to be part of this journey.”

Adding to this, Mr. Rakesh Nigam, CEO of The Indian Performing Right Society Limited said; “As we participate in the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, our focus is on empowering creators hailing from the vibrant musical landscapes of the region. A special thanks to the organisers of the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, for crafting this unique space where regional talents can amplify their understanding of the music business. Through strategic collaborations and extensive outreach, our goal is to reach every artist, transcending geographical boundaries, and making sure they are well-versed about the opportunities and protections that await them in the rapidly evolving music industry.”

The Indian music industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, transcending borders. Independent and non-film music is gaining popularity and winning fans across geographies. But it is alarming that a vast majority of songwriters are unaware of their rights, the clauses outlined by the Copyright Law in favour of music creators, and how to protect their rights and rightful dues. IPRS has been incessantly working towards empowering and educating music makers on matters that shape their careers and help them reap more from their creations. IPRS’s participation at the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, is a step towards that.  

About IPRS:

IPRS is the Music Copyright Society in India registered under the Copyright Act, 1957 representing the authors, composers, and publishers of music. It counts more than 13,000 of India’s best-known authors, composers, and music publishers as its members. IPRS is authorized under the Copyright Act, 1957 to carry on the business of issuing and granting of licenses in respect of musical works and literary works associated with musical works assigned to it by its members. These revenues are collected and distributed to its members including the authors’ statutory royalties after deducting its administrative expenses for the exploitation of the works either by way of live performances and/or sound recordings through any medium except when shown as a part of a cinematograph film shown in a cinema hall.

Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities, And Social Sciences – MAHE, Bengaluru And LabourNet Services To Foster Future Workplace Leaders

In a significant move set to redefine the traditional boundaries of humanities education, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru, and its distinguished Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (DLHS), announce a transformative partnership with LabourNet Services India Pvt. Ltd., under their CLARE - Centre for LabourNet’s Academic Research Endeavour initiative. 

The official ceremony for this pioneering collaboration took place on February 6th, 2024 (Tuesday) at MAHE, Bengaluru Campus, where Dr. Shilpa Kalyan, Head of DLHS, and Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chairperson, LabourNet Services India Pvt. Ltd. signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Mr. Siddharth Srinivasan, Consultant, LabourNet Services India Pvt. Ltd., the faculty members and student representatives of DLHS were also witness to the beginning of this momentous collaboration. 

Centre for LabourNet’s Academic Research Endeavour (CLARE), is LabourNet’s knowledge wing that offers experiential learning and hands-on training to university students to understand subject problems and implement solutions.  LabourNet’s Capstone Project is a landmark initiative by CLARE to build lasting relationships between academia and the industry in real time. It is a programme that enables students to gain valuable insights from the world of work and apply their learning to solving current business challenges.

Extending Education Beyond Boundaries: Key Highlights of the Collaboration 

Engaging with Real World Problems: Students of DLHS, MAHE, Bengaluru will embark on the challenge of solving real-world problems in a workplace setting. LabourNet extends its support by providing a platform for experiential learning through practice-based live projects that promise a transformative educational experience. 

Promoting Interdisciplinary Application: This collaboration facilitates a fruitful engagement between academia and the development sector. Going beyond theoretical learning, it enables interdisciplinary thinking and practice, thereby equipping graduates to test out their innovative ideas and strategies. 

Mentorship by Seasoned Professionals: LabourNet with its pool of experts provides intensive one-on-one mentorship for students throughout the process of completing their capstone projects. From designing data collection tools and formulating policy suggestions to crafting media campaigns, the mentors will handhold students besides offering masterclasses in essential job-related skills.  

Excited about the partnership, Dr. Shilpa Kalyan, Head of DLHS, said, "The collaboration between LabourNet and DLHS represents a strong coalition committed to creating sustainable lives. Within academia, we understand that tackling societal issues necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, and our partnership is evidence of the significant influence the humanities can have on promoting social responsibility, empathy, and long-lasting change”.

The collaboration will facilitate capstone projects, a mandatory requirement in the curriculum, for postgraduate students from 2023-24 and for undergraduate students from 2024-25 onwards. These projects, custom-designed for students of humanities and social sciences, will give students a chance to work on high-impact interventions in a purpose-led and performance-driven organizational setting. 

About DLHS, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru: 

The Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (DLHS) is a constituent unit of the Bengaluru campus of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence recognised by the UGC and ranked among the top universities of the world. The department offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in specialisations such as English, Media, Psychology and Social Sciences. Apart from discipline-specific education, students also receive training in thinking across disciplines and applying their knowledge in workplaces and the larger social sphere. The programmes also provide a solid foundation to equip future leaders, researchers, thinkers, and innovators.  

About LabourNet:

LabourNet is a full-service blue/grey collar workforce solutions provider that links worker skill development and earnings growth with business performance and corporate gains. Centre for LabourNet’s Academic Research Endeavour (CLARE) provides practice-oriented capstone programmes to bridge the gap between industry and academia. It is an immersive educational programme offering hands-on fieldwork experiences to university students, thereby fostering practical skills, reflective thinking, and cross-cultural competence in themes related to sustainable development and the informal economy. Visit www.labournet.in  

SOCIAL Introduces Nestlé India’s New Plant-Based Range In Their New Irresistible Menu

* The new menu is available at select SOCIAL and BOSS Burger outlets across 5 cities in India

Nestlé India has collaborated with SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighbourhood café, to test launch MAGGI Professional’s plant-based range. The products have been used to craft The New Irresistible Menu, that is available at 41 SOCIAL and 40 BOSS Burger outlets across Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Chandigarh for three months.

The plant-based range has been especially developed for chefs and features two offerings - a burger patty and mince, alternatives to meat-based meals. The products provide similar sensorial attributes as chicken, with the familiar bounce and juiciness. They are a source of protein & fiber, and naturally free from cholesterol. The range caters to the evolving preferences of a young audience with global cultural exposure and mindful consumption habits.

At SOCIAL, the New Irresistible Menu, features a celebration of culinary innovation and delicious combinations such as Sensational Seekh #NotGuilty – Seekh and you shall find these impressive plant-based kebabs! Served with mint chutney and laccha onions; Chilli #NotChicken – we’ve put the chilli In chillin with this succulent plant-based chunks tossed in a finger-licking chilli sauce; and Garden Club Sandwich – super fulfilling and tasty club sandwich with veggies and plant-based treat.

At BOSS Burger, the new menu includes options such as The ImBOSSible Cheeseburger – a plant-based cheeseburger that's so bold and blockbuster, it will go beyond craving; and the Crumb De La Avo Burger – crumbed patty topped off with smashed avocado - bold, creamy, tasty and planti-ful.

Talking about the partnership, Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & Managing Director, Nestlé India said, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with SOCIAL, to pilot MAGGI Professional’s new plant-based range through a limited period menu. This is a part of our commitment to offer more food choices to our valued consumers, both in home and out of home. We are confident that the chefs would enjoy cooking with this range and create novel dishes for their consumers.”

Commenting on the initiative, Riyaaz Amlani, Founder & Managing Director, Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to embark on this culinary journey with Nestlé which brings together the culinary expertise of SOCIAL and the innovative plant-based range from Nestlé India. The New Irresistible Menu is not just a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences, but it also signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable, conscious, and innovative approach to dining. We believe this collaboration will redefine the possibilities of plant-based dining in India, and offer our guests a novel, sensory symphony of flavours.”

Guests can now try The New Irresistible Menu at select SOCIAL outlets 27th January 2024 onwards, and for delivery on BOSS Burger via DotPe, Swiggy and Zomato.

Samsung Launches Galaxy XCover7 Smartphone, Perfect Blend Of Military-Grade Durability, Work Continuity And Productivity

Highlights

Made in India, Galaxy XCover7 will deliver enhanced mobility with advanced 5G connectivity, and an upgraded mobile processor performance

With an increased touch sensitivity, Galaxy XCover7 supports usage even with the gloves on

Galaxy XCover7 offers a replaceable battery and is a reliable product that makes charging more convenient and quicker

Features a programmable key for customisable shortcuts like push-to-talk, barcode scanning, and quick access to specific applications

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today launched its first ever enterprise focused smartphone - Galaxy XCover7, a powerful device which is  rugged, and offers exceptional usability. Galaxy XCover7, engineered to survive extreme conditions aims to ease the lives of professionals, providing faster connectivity, seamless continuity, and minimizing risk of interruptions caused by external factors, allowing them to work faster and smarter.

The Galaxy XCover7 will deliver enhanced mobility with 5G connectivity, upgraded mobile processor performance and increased memory. Additionally, the Galaxy XCover7 comes with a new powerful rear camera optimised for single and multiple barcode/QR code scanning and expanded display size and resolution, providing users the ability to work in a variety of settings. The easy POGO charging pin for convenient recharging in any setting, and increased touch sensitivity to support usage even with the gloves on makes Galaxy XCover7 a reliable and convenience-oriented product.

Defined by its durability and cutting-edge features, the Galaxy XCover7 ensures seamless continuity and enhanced productivity that enable users to work from anywhere in the world. The smartphone series come with an immersive, wide-screen display that enhances visual clarity, allowing users to work more efficiently even on the field. Knox Vault in Galaxy XCover7 helps protect the most critical data on these devices, including lock screen information like PIN codes, passwords and patterns.

“At Samsung our objective is to provide our users convenience and durability through our product offerings. We have introduced Galaxy XCover7 series in two variants, the Galaxy XCover7 Enterprise Edition and Standard Edition. Both devices are engineered with cutting-edge technologies making them extremely powerful and resistant to tough weather conditions. Powered by Knox, we are excited to bring these revolutionary made in India products to our corporate customers and are optimistic that it will enhance employee productivity and ensures data security”, said Mr. Akash Saxenaa, Vice President, Enterprise Business, Samsung India.

Built To Last With Next-Level Durability

With a robust case and a fortified glass display, the Galaxy XCover7 adheres to military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H1) standards and has been rigorously tested to ensure it withstands severe weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and rain.

The IP68-rated2 smartphone is not only water and dust-resistant but is also built to withstand drops of up to 1.5 metres3, ensuring rough handling or accidents do not impact operations.

Engineered To Maximize Productivity and Security

Featuring a programmable key for customizable shortcuts and a powerful processor for fast performance, the Galaxy XCover7 empowers users to work better while its Samsung Knox Vault ensures the safety of their data, protecting critical information in a separate, tamper-resistant hardware.

The device boasts of a 50MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera and offers 6GB of RAM paired with 128GB of internal memory, expandable up to 1TB via microSD card.

Price, Variants and Where to Buy

Corporate and institutional customers can buy the Galaxy XCover7 at Samsung.com and from our online EPP portal - www.samsung.com/in/corporateplus For bulk purchases, customers can make enquiries at - https://www.samsung.com/in/business/smartphones/xcover/fill-details/

The product available in two editions – Standard and Enterprise, will be available4 at INR 27208 and INR 27530 respectively.

Knox Suite Subscription

Samsung is offering 12 months subscription of Knox Suite on the Galaxy XCover7 Enterprise Edition, giving the users tools to secure, deploy, and manage devices throughout their life cycle.

Warranty

Consumers will be offered a 1-year warranty on the standard edition and a 2-year warranty on the enterprise edition.