wienerberger India Achieves Lowest Carbon Footprint With Porotherm Smart Bricks

* LCA shows 150 years of life cycle for Porotherm

wienerberger India's flagship product, Porotherm Smart Bricks, has demonstrated an exceptional environmental performance in a recent Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) conducted by LEAD Consultancy and Engineering Services (India) Pvt Ltd.

The LCA, adopted the 'Cradle to Grave' approach, adhering to international standards (EN 15804+A2 & ISO 14025 / ISO 21930) and assessed the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of various walling materials. The ‘Cradle to Grave’ approach covers entire life cycle of a product from the excavation of raw materials to manufacturing process, transportation, installation, and usage to its end-of-life phases.

Porotherm Smart Bricks including Porotherm HP, Porotherm Plus, FB Exteria and Grinded bricks showed a remarkable GWP of 97.103 Kg CO2e per ton, significantly outperforming other materials. The lifespan of Porotherm is 150 years as per the LCA report.

Porotherm Vs other walling materials

The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of Porotherm is much lesser as compared to other walling materials as per the LCA 

- Porotherm: 97.103 Kg CO2e/ton

- Autoclaved Concrete: 230 Kg CO2e/ton

- Burnt Clay Bricks: 330 Kg CO2e/ton

- Concrete Blocks: 400 Kg CO2e/ton

- Reinforced Concrete Wall: 800 Kg CO2e/ton

For a typical 1500 Sqft residence, Porotherm's total embodied carbon is 1491, compared to:

- 3172 for Autoclaved Concrete

- 21133 for Burnt Clay Bricks

- 18401 for Concrete Blocks

- 52277 for Reinforced Concrete Wall

"This significant reduction in carbon footprint underscores our commitment to sustainability," said Mr. Monnanda Appaiah, Managing Director, wienerberger India. "Our eco-conscious approach enables us to create environmentally friendly products, contributing to a greener future."

Sustainable Manufacturing

Porotherm's composition includes an impressive 90% recycled waste, including:

- Stone slurry

- Rice husk

- Tank clay (silt removed from dead tanks and lakes during de-silting)

Only 10% of the raw material is clay sourced from clay mines. This innovative use of recycled materials significantly reduces waste and minimizes the product's ecological footprint.

The benefits of Porotherm's sustainable manufacturing process extend beyond environmental benefits, offering:

- Reduced waste disposal costs

- Conservation of natural resources

- Lower energy consumption

About wienerberger India

wienerberger India provides innovative building solutions, focusing on environmental responsibility and sustainable development. With a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, wienerberger India strives to minimize its ecological footprint while promoting sustainable development.

For more information log on to : https://www.wienerberger.in/

FADA Releases 42 Days Festive Period Vehicle Retail Data

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for 42 days festive period.

Festive Period Retails

Commenting on 42-days festive period (from 1st day of Navratri to 15 days post Dhanteras) retails, FADA President, Mr. C S Vigneshwar said, "I am delighted to announce that the automobile retail sector has achieved a new milestone, surpassing last year's festive records. We witnessed a remarkable surge in numbers since the beginning of Navratri, nearly hitting our forecasted target with 42.88 lakh vehicles registered during this period—a growth of 11.76% over last year's 38.37 lakh units.

Two-wheeler sales were particularly robust, registering a 13.79% growth to reach 33.11 lakh units, largely driven by strong rural demand. As expected, Passenger vehicles bounced back after a lull, growing by 7.10% to 6.03 lakh units, spurred by pent-up demand and unprecedented discounts available in the market.

While we celebrate these achievements, we acknowledge that we could have fully met or even exceeded our targets of 45L units if not for the unseasonal heavy rains in South India, especially in Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu, and the Cyclone Dana that affected Odisha.

As the festivities conclude, FADA anticipates passenger vehicle stock levels will reduce further from what we reported in our October retail data press release. However, FADA advises caution as the complete picture on inventory will emerge by month-end.

With 1.5 months remaining before the calendar year ends, FADA urges OEMs to focus on liquidating 2024 stock so that Dealers can enter 2025 with ideal FADA-recommended 21 days of inventory.

Looking ahead, the auto industry is yet to fully benefit from a government push in infrastructure spending, which we expect will bolster commercial vehicle sales. Additionally, tractors should perform better, supported by good rainfall and the government's increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops, putting more money into farmers' hands."

Tata Motors And Magenta Mobility Lead The Charge To Electrifying Last-Mile Transportation

The Indian last-mile logistics sector is experiencing a rapid transformation, fueled by the growing demand for efficient, cost-effective and sustainable solutions. At the forefront of this change is Magenta Mobility – an integrated electric mobility solutions provider, has emerged as a key player in the logistics sector by leveraging the high-earning capabilities and lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of Tata Motors' Ace EV – India’s most advanced, zero-emission, four-wheel small commercial vehicle. By inducting Ace EV to their fleet, Magenta Mobility is redefining the standards of last-mile delivery, achieving unparalleled success in operational efficiency and sustainability.

Tata Ace EV has empowered Magenta Mobility to execute its operations with a reduced carbon footprint while maintaining high performance and reliability. The Ace EV is ideally suited to handle the demands of last-mile logistics sector ensuring consistent, cost-effective and timely deliveries across varied routes.

Mr. Maxson Lewis, Founder & CEO, Magenta Mobility, said, "As a born-electric cargo fleet operator, we were waiting for the right vehicle to disrupt the market. The Ace EV suits the requirement perfectly, offering a larger payload capacity and longer range that the 4-wheel electric segment needed. The Ace EV has significantly enhanced our operations, offering us a sustainable solution and unmatched efficiency, high uptime and profitability. With Ace EV's superior range and payload capacity, we have been able to optimise our business while decarbonising logistics. This association with Tata Motors has allowed us to align our business goals with the broader mission of achieving a net-zero carbon future."

The Tata Ace EV, developed in collaboration with its customers, represents Tata Motors' commitment to offering innovative, zero-emission solutions that meet modern business demands. Supported by over 200 dedicated Electric Vehicle Service centres nationwide, Ace EV features an advanced battery management system and 'Fleet Edge' telematics, utilising smart technologies to improve vehicle uptime and road safety with real-time insights into vehicle status, health, location and driver behaviour. Ace EVs have cumulatively covered a distance of more than 5 crore km with ~99% uptime, demonstrating their reliability and efficiency in real-world operations. The Ace EV is available in 600kg and 1000kg payload options, engineered for diverse customer requirements and applications. The Ace EV has received significant success and appreciation from its customers and remains to be India’s most loved electric SCV.

SCMHRD, Pune Clinches Winner’s Trophy At Cummins India’s REDEFINE 2024 B-School Case Study Competition

* IIM, Tiruchirappalli shines bright, securing the runner-up award

Today, Cummins India Limited, one of the leading power solutions providers in the country, culminated REDEFINE 2024, its prestigious annual B-school case study competition. The exceptional Team Musketeers from Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune emerged as competition winners, claiming the esteemed trophy and cash prize, while Team Strategic McQueens from Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Tiruchirappalli earned the distinguished runner-up award.

This year's competition focused on the theme “How Digital Solutions Enable Sustainability in Traditional Businesses?”, encouraging participants to think beyond conventional boundaries. A total of 3780 students participated across 1260 teams, representing 18 of the nation’s top B-schools, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and innovative thinking. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, six finalist teams were selected to showcase their solutions at the two-day grand finale organized in Pune. The event featured interactive leadership sessions, dynamic networking opportunities, and exclusive tours of the Cummins Technical Center India and the Kothrud Engine Plant. The finale culminated with a jury evaluation round and live voting by employees held at the Cummins India Office Campus (IOC).

A distinguished panel of Cummins India leaders, including Anupama Kaul, Human Resources Leader, Subramanian Chidambaran, Director - Corporate Strategy, and Ajay Patil, Chief Financial Officer, judged the finalist teams' presentations at the grand finale. The event was attended by senior leaders and employees of the company. In addition to the main competition, all finalist teams participated in a fun social media contest. They created short and engaging team introduction videos, which were uploaded on their college's LinkedIn page. Team Musketeers from SCMHRD, Pune received maximum engagement for their video and was declared the winner of this contest.

Congratulating the winners, Anupama Kaul, HR Leader, Cummins India, added, “I was truly impressed and inspired to see the incredible talent and innovative ideas showcased at REDEFINE 2024. Some of the solutions presented even have the potential to revolutionize our industry. I congratulate all winners and participants for their hard work and outstanding contributions. This competition is not just about winning; it's about learning, collaborating, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. REDEFINE is a long-term strategic investment in our future. By empowering young minds, we are shaping the future of our company, industry and country. It is a legacy we are proud to build.”

Subramanian Chidambaran, Director – Corporate Strategy, Cummins India, said, "REDEFINE, at its core, is a unique platform for innovation. It empowers next generation leaders to think critically and creatively to address the challenges of today and tomorrow. In a world grappling with climate change, this year's competition compellingly challenged participants to harness the vast potential of digitalization as a strategic tool for reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability initiatives. The participants displayed exceptional analytical skills and strategic thinking. This intensive competition required significant time and effort, and I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of all participants. I am equally excited to see what they achieve in the future.”

In the lead-up to the grand finale, Cummins India organized a series of engaging activities designed to ignite curiosity among the students. An interactive leadership session was held to familiarize participants with the company’s mission, vision, business strategy, and technology. Additionally, a quiz competition assessed their knowledge of industry trends and dynamics, further enriching their understanding of the business landscape.

The six shortlisted teams who participated in the grand finale included:

Power Innovators from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune

Team CnP from Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow

Carbon Crushers from IIM, Mumbai

Musketeers from Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Pune

Strategic McQueens from IIM, Tiruchirappalli

ISB_101 from Indian School of Business, Hyderabad

To learn more about REDEFINE 2024, visit Cummins REDEFINE | Cummins Inc and follow Cummins India on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

About Cummins India Limited: 

Established in 1962 and headquartered in Pune, Cummins India Limited (NSE: CUMMINSIND | BSE: 500480) is one of the leading power solutions providers in the country. As the oldest Cummins entity in India, Cummins India Limited is involved in the power generation, aftermarket, and export businesses. The company has a strong manufacturing backbone and has five state-of-the-art manufacturing plants, assembly, and distribution facilities. With over 480 customer touchpoints, the company is committed to powering the success of its customers and ensuring that its services and solutions are readily accessible. The company has over 3,000 employees who contribute their expertise and commitment to ensuring Cummins India delivers on its mission of “making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world”.

Marriott Bonvoy Golf Tournament 2024 Celebrates Golfing Excellence And Community Spirit

The Marriott Bonvoy Golf Tournament 2024 came to a triumphant close at the breathtaking Prestige Golfshire Club, with JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa hosting an unforgettable gathering of golf aficionados. This premier event celebrated the spirit of golf while championing a meaningful cause. Led by the Marriott India Business Council, the charity fundraising dinner set out to make a transformative impact by supporting Rising Star Outreach in their efforts towards empowering and uplifting individuals and families affected by leprosy, offering them renewed hope and pathways to brighter futures.

Now in its sixth year, the tournament proudly celebrates the enduring partnership between Marriott Bonvoy and one of India’s most distinguished golfers, Shiv Kapur—an Arjuna Award winner, with three Asian tour wins in 2017, and two-time European Challenge Tour champion. Kapur has also earned the distinction of delivering the ‘Best Finish’ by an Indian golfer at the US Open. As the event's marquee player, Shiv captivated attendees with his insights and personal journey, inspiring aspiring golfers, engaging media representatives, and connecting with prominent influencers. His presence not only enriched the tournament’s atmosphere but also deepened its significance, solidifying it as a premier event that bridges the worlds of sport and unforgettable experiences.

"We're excited to host and see an outstanding turnout of golf fans at the prestigious Marriott Bonvoy Golf Tournament once again this year. This annual event underscores Marriott Bonvoy’s commitment to delivering exceptional, curated experiences for our valued guests. We are honored to have Shiv Kapur with us, whose presence has elevated the tournament’s success. Our newly introduced auction gala dinner was a highlight, warmly embraced by our guests and enabling us to give back to the community in a meaningful manner” said- Ranju Alex – Area Vice President, South Asia- Marriott International

Commenting on his long-standing association, Shiv Kapur remarked, "Marriott Bonvoy continues to impress with its commitment to curating distinct, immersive experiences. My ongoing partnership is a testament to how we elevate these unforgettable experiences, camaraderie, and shared passion for this legendary sport. This tournament has always been a fantastic platform for connecting with fellow golf enthusiasts, and this year, it brings the added purpose of giving back to the community. I am truly honored to support the charity initiative, with proceeds going to Rising Star Outreach, an organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of those impacted by leprosy. Together, we are merging the love for golf with a powerful purpose, reinforcing the impact sport can have when paired with meaningful social change."

Following the tournament, the evening culminated in a successful Fundraiser Gala Dinner at the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, featuring rare collectibles for the auction, and live entertainment. Proceeds from the auction dinner will support Rising Star Outreach of India in their work to combat leprosy.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott Bonvoy app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Doctors At Fortis Mohali Saves Cancer Patient With Complex Kidney Cancer Using Advanced Robotic-Assisted Surgery

·         Fortis Mohali becomes the first hospital to perform a surgery of this complexity in this region

·         Surgeons successfully used an advanced robotic technique to remove a 14 cm kidney tumor and tumor thrombus clot from a major vein

·         As cancer cases rise in the region, this will help patients from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir to get effective surgical treatment for kidney cancer

A team led by Dr. Dharmender Aggarwal, senior Uro-oncologist and robotic surgeon at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, has successfully performed a complex robotic-assisted surgery to remove a massive 14-centimetre kidney tumour and tumour thrombus (blood clot) from a 62-year-old patient. This advanced surgery, performed with the cutting-edge da Vinci robotic system, is the first of its kind in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, demonstrating the effectiveness of robotic-assisted surgery for high-risk cases.

The 62-year-old patient initially experienced blood in his urine. After initial treatment at local centres, scans revealed a 14 cm tumour in his right kidney, which had completely replaced the organ and formed a thrombus (blood clot) that extended into the renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC), the main vein returning blood to the heart. The surgery required removing both the tumour and the thrombus from the kidney, renal vein, and IVC, making it a highly complex procedure.

“This type of advanced kidney cancer typically requires a highly invasive procedure, with significant risks of blood loss and complications. However, we opted for a robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy combined with an IVC thrombectomy, a procedure that requires extreme precision to safely remove both the kidney and the tumour thrombus,” said Dr. Aggarwal, adding, “Using the advanced da Vinci robotic system, we carefully dissected the inferior vena cava, placed slings to control blood flow, and removed the tumour thrombus along with the affected part of the IVC. We then repaired the vein, ensuring proper blood flow. The complex part of surgery was completed in just 12 minutes, which would have taken 20-30 minutes in the traditional approach.”

Remarkably, the procedure, completed robotically, resulted in minimal blood loss, far less than in traditional open surgery, eliminating the need for a transfusion. Moreover, adoption of this advanced surgical technique reduced the risk of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure while doing the IVC thrombectomy.  The patient was discharged after three days with minimal discomfort, benefiting from quicker healing, reduced pain, and a shorter hospital stay.

The patient expressed his gratitude for the care he received at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, saying, “I was deeply concerned about the risks involved, but Dr. Aggarwal and the entire team reassured me at every step. I am amazed at how quickly I was able to recover and return home.”

This case highlights the capabilities of robotic-assisted surgery for managing complex and high-risk cases. The da Vinci robotic system offers enhanced magnification, greater precision, and reduced blood loss, making it an essential technology for complex surgeries like this.

“We have set a new standard for what can be achieved with surgical robotics in North India. We hope that more hospitals in the region will adopt this technology, and that more surgeons will undergo specialised training in robotic techniques. This is the future of surgery, and it offers significant benefits for both patients and medical professionals alike,” Dr. Aggarwal added.

Tata Sampann Launches ‘Pyar Bhara’ Campaign Across Indian Market

~ To highlight how Tata Sampann brings to you food, with itsgoodness, as intended by nature ~

Check out the new film link  here: https://youtu.be/LiYcEkKyiV0

Tata Sampann, a brand from Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL) offers an array of products like unpolished pulses, spices with native natural oils, high fibre Gurjari variety Poha, premium quality dry fruits & many more, in one of their most natural versions. Tata Sampann’s latest brand campaign- ‘Pyar Bhara,’ brings alive this unique proposition & encourages consumers to choose food Ingredients full of nature’s love.

The ad shows a friendly banter between chefs Sanjeev Kapoor & Ranveer Brar while showcasing how Tata Sampann Unpolished Dal is special, as it has essential nutrients & goodness of nature intact, making it a great choice for consumers.

By celebrating the joy of cooking with untampered natural ingredients, the ‘Pyar Bhara’ campaign promotes the idea of consuming food in the form nature intended, making every meal both delicious and nourishing for the family, thereby fostering a deeper connection between consumers and the ingredients they use in their cooking.

Speaking about the campaign, Deepika Bhan, President, Packaged Foods - India, Tata Consumer Products, stated, “We believe that polishing is a harsh process which takes away most nutrients dal has to offer. This is why we don’t polish our dal - we bring it to our consumers, unpolished and full of Nature’s Love”. And not just dals, all Tata Sampann food holds the same promise."

Sharing his thoughts, Anurag Agnihotri, Chief Creative Officer (West) at Ogilvy India, said, “When food isn’t processed and tampered with, doesn’t have anything artificial or superficial, what does it have? Perhaps, just love. Tata Sampann doesn’t polish its pulses and its pure spices have native natural oils, retaining the love that nature has put in it. This is the idea that we wanted to bring alive. And coming from two beloved Indian chefs, it will hopefully be heard, understood and loved.”

Talking about his association with the brand Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said “Cooking is an honest art. The dish will only come alive if your efforts and ingredients are full of love. That's why I choose Tata Sampann. Their products have nature's pure and unlimited love. You can feel it, every time you cook with their products. I'm proud to be part of a campaign that celebrates this love for Indian food. Nature's. Mine. Yours.”

Chef Ranveer Brar fondly spoke of the brand campaign and said “Tata Sampann reminds us that the most nourishing, delicious food is the one nature provides in its intended form. I believe the secret to preparing great food lies in respecting the way nature makes it and I'm thrilled to lend my voice to a campaign that captures this sentiment beautifully. Tata Sampann's close to nature products can truly elevate the joy of home-cooked food.”

The Tata Sampann ‘  Pyar Bhara’ campaign will be promoted across various digital platforms, including social media, where consumers can engage with the content and share their experiences cooking with Tata Sampann products. The new films launched are live on Tata Sampann’s social media, encouraging consumers to discover how nature’s love transforms everyday cooking, making our daily food nourishing & tasty. Check out the new film here: https://youtu.be/LiYcEkKyiV0

About Tata Consumer Products Limited:

Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company’s portfolio of products includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices 

ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Organic India, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, Tata Copper+ and Tata Gluco+. Its foods portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, Tata Soulfull, Ching’s Secret and Smith & Jones. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of over 263 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of ~Rs. 15,206 Crs with operations in India and International markets.

Last 10-year financials are available on Historical financial data.

For more information on the Company, visit our website:

www.tataconsumer.com