Years of severe drought have created a water crisis in the Mahbubnagar region in Telangana, a state in southern India where half the population of 35 million depends on agriculture to earn a living. The water table had virtually depleted and the monsoon rains now only last three to four months a year. The only option for providing adequate water for farming and drinking is to pump it from the Krishna River to a reservoir nearly 300 meters above. From there, through a gravity-driven “lift irrigation” system, the water can be channeled through nearly a hundred kilometers of canals to the parched farms and more than 300 villages that were at risk of turning to desert.
That 12-year-long project, the Mahatma Gandhi Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation Scheme (MGKLIS), was recently completed. This was made possible only through considerable feats of civil engineering: industrial-strength water pumping technology and electric-power management systems that ABB, with decades of irrigation experience in India, provided.
Now, the villages have a dependable supply of drinking water. Just as crucially, with the canals and a network of storage tanks irrigating about 137,000 hectares of land (an area nearly as large as the sprawling city of Los Angeles in California, U.S.A.), farmers who had retreated to cities in search of a livelihood, are now returning to cultivate the soil once again.
“Agriculture is one of the largest sectors of the Indian economy, employing almost half of the population. Best in class technology from ABB which can be used to manage availability of water and create the last mile connect with farmers, can have a significant impact on India’s future development,’’ said Sanjeev Sharma, Managing Director of ABB India. “ABB India is proud to be a part of projects like these where we use ABB technology to build a sustainable future for the nation and mitigate uncertainties.’’
Ramakrishna, a local farmer left the village eight years ago and worked as a manual laborer in the construction industry in the city. “After hearing the benefits of the project from my friends, I came back to have a look,” he said. Now Ramakrishna cultivates peanuts in his home village. “I can now get adequate water throughout the year and have witnessed the parched land transform into miles of greenery,” he added.
Heavy lifting, carefully controlled
Pumping water at thousands of liters per second to reach a reservoir 298 meters above river level – the height of the Eiffel Tower – requires huge motors and high-voltage power systems. The MGKLIS project called for lifting the water in three separate stages, with ABB handling the critical middle stage – Lift II, with an 86-meter rise.
The key features of the Lift II project were five 30-megawatt (MW), 11-kilovolt (kV) motors, each with a 23,000-liters-per-second pumping capability. They are the largest capacity and physically biggest motors used yet by ABB India in an irrigation project. Each motor has a footprint of more than 30 square meters.
Powering these motors up to pumping speed from a dead start requires considerable amounts of electricity and potentially puts great strain on the mechanical systems and the local utility grid. ABB’s soft starter solution involves a 6 MW load commutated inverter (LCI) that minimizes the electrical surge, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) in the motors that enable them to start smoothly before accelerating up to 333rpm.
ABB partnered with Andritz Pumps to provide this advanced pumping solution. In addition, ABB also offered substation equipment, transformers, and a digitally enabled supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) monitoring system that ensures a steady and reliable drawing of power from the grid and smooth pumping of water into the reservoir.
Larsen & Toubro Infotech Ltd. a global technology consulting and digital solutions company has joined the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA), the world's largest open source blockchain initiative. As a member of the EEA, LTI will collaborate with industry leaders in pursuit of ethereum-based enterprise technology best practices, open standards, and open-source reference architectures.
LTI is working with several clients across Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Manufacturing, Energy, Media and Government to help monetize the benefits of blockchain through disruptive business models, improved customer experience and significant cost reduction. The Company has also built an innovation ecosystem leveraging partnerships with academia, start-ups and major technology providers, and has built several ready-to-deploy solutions in the areas of trade finance, supply chain, travel insurance, and rights & royalty management among others.
Sanjay Jalona, CEO and Managing Director, LTI said, “LTI is an early adopter of blockchain with rich solutions and global clients for payments, supply chain and enterprise integration solutions. We are investing to combine the power of blockchain with other exponential technologies like IoT and Cognitive to add speed, transparency and trust to the entire ecosystem. Our membership with EEA will help us scale our blockchain expertise further.”
LTI’s deep industry knowledge and blockchain expertise across platforms combined wtih EEA’s best practices will help the Company deliver exponential innovation opportunities and operational efficiencies to the world’s leading companies. LTI has also been recognized by leading industry anaysts as a significant player in the distributed ledger technology space.
With more than 400 member companies, the EEA membership base represents a wide variety of business sectors from every region of the world, including technology, banking, government, healthcare, energy, pharmaceuticals, marketing, and insurance. The EEA’s industry-focused, member-driven working groups are each tasked with creating and delivering specific advancements to the development and use of ethereum-based technologies.
Racold, India’s largest provider of water heating solutions launched a new range of water heaters with Classico Swift today. A unique offering, Classico Swift is a perfect package which combines power with compactness to cater to the needs of the urban consumer.
As acceleration takes hold in metros, there is a need for constant product innovation to support the fast-paced lifestyle of urban residents. The urban existence today is governed by time and space; while cities continue to grow; household space and people’s time continue to diminish. Recognizing this , Racold, created Classico Swift that is a super fast water heater which comes equipped with a 3 KW heating element which heats water 33% faster , resulting in time and energy saving. The Classico Swift is a compact water heater, available in both vertical and horizontal installations, which can easily fit into the urban home structure.
The titanium enamel coating in Classico Swift provides extreme protection from corrosion durability, compression and pressure resistance. This feature also increases efficiency and reduces energy consumption.
Commenting on the launch, V. Ramnath, Managing Director, Ariston Thermo India Private Limited Thermo Private Limited, said, “As a frontrunner in India’s water heater industry, we are constantly evolving with the changing needs of our customers. The Classico Swift has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of our customer base that predominantly resides in cities. It is a first of its kind in the mid-segment category that offers a perfect amalgamation of comfort, convenience and superior energy efficiency. The new offering is yet another testimony to our ability to build products which are backed by consumer insights”.
Available in 6 liters & 10 liters –Vertical and Horizontal Installation with superior power rating of 3KW, the Classico swift range is a sensible choice for those who want instant heating facility and ease of installation. The Classico Swift is priced at 6440 onwards and is available at all leading electric and sanitary ware stores across the country.
The key features of the Classico Swift are:
· 33% Faster Heating: The high-power 3KW heating element ensures you get hot water in no time
· Compact Design: Compact and utilitarian design developed keeping urban bath-spaces in mind, with options in vertical or horizontal installations.
· Titanium Plus: A special titanium enamelled heating element gives better protection and longer life.
· Energy Efficiency: A 5-star rated product for select models. It has high density and thick PUF that ensures energy efficiency and reduced electricity bills. (Available for select models)
· HPR: Its high pressure withstanding capacity makes it suitable for high-rise buildings and high-pressure pump applications.
· Rust proof: Rust proof outer body prevents corrosion leaving no room for rust which ensures long life for the water heaters.
· Smart Guard: A special anode used with the heating element employs an electrolytic process that protects the heating element from corrosion, thus greatly enhancing its life.
Infinix Mobile, the online smartphone brand from the house of TRANSSION India launched an uber cool Topaz blue colour in its latest Hot S3 series today. Giving an edge to its customers’ style quotient, the variant comes supported with the advanced Face unlock feature, which makes Hot S3 amongst the first smartphone under the sub 10K category to add this feature.
Apart from their newly launched hip new blue variant, the smartphone is also available in Blush Gold and Sandstone Black colour variants.
Perfect Selfie
With 20-megapixel front camera, the smartphone can create, high-resolution images featuring extraordinary clarity and vivid natural colors with every selfie. The dual LED soft light flash creates a soft radiant complexion of a supermodel for a beautiful picture-perfect image every time. The HOT S3 comes with a unique feature called Full View selfie mode, which lets you capture the selfies on full view screen. Not only this, the smartphone lets you take Bokeh shots, where you can blur the background and make the subject standout. While its 13-megapixel rear camera supports PDAF and F2.0 aperture with features like touch focus, HDR, panorama and 1080p video recording.
Enjoy an unmatched, full-fledged view
The HOT S3 has 18:9 aspect ratio & its 5.65’’ screen comes in 5.2” phones body size, so the smartphone offers an impeccable grip in the palm of your hand. An impressive 81 per cent screen-to-body-ratio, gives you complete access to the rather big 5.65” screen.
Performance and Power
HOT S3 is the first smartphone from the house of Infinix that comes with Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 Octa-core processor. Enjoy a faster and smoother software experience with Android Oreo 8.0. Plus a customized XOS 3.0 user interface is designed to carry out complex tasks while consuming less energy. Packed with 4000mAh battery that ensure that the handset does not quite run out of charge while you indulge in some unplugged photographic experiences. It is a dual SIM smartphone with dedicated microSD card slot, which can support up to 128GB memory card. State-of-the art technology makes the HOT S3’s fingerprint sensor precise and snappy in responsiveness.
Own it at a price that’s absolute value for your money
The Hot S3 is a mid-range smartphone that is efficient, long-lasting, secure and beautiful, addressing today’s highly-demanding mobile-first world. Available in two variants, the 3GB RAM+ 32GB ROM variant is priced at INR 8,999 and 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM priced at INR 10,999 respectively.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today rolled out its ‘Summer Campaign’ consisting of a wide array of exciting service initiatives, in line with the company’s consistent efforts towards enhancing customer delight. All Toyota owners across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions can avail free vehicle check-up for all Toyota models and more through the campaign period effective 16th April ’18 to 31st May 2018.
This summer, Toyota is back with the seasonal campaign, sure to pamper the customers yet again by indulging them in a wide range of service offers that will make this hot season more fun-filled & enjoyable.
Toyota globally having pioneered the “Customer First” approach, has timed this service campaign bonanza corresponding with the vacation season in India, to ensure customers gear-up their vehicles for a safe, comfortable and trouble-free drives during this summer.
The campaign provides an assortment of exciting packages & offers* through all authorized dealerships in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:
· 22 Point Free Vehicle Check–up
· Discounts on Car Care packages
· Assured gift on Purchase of Battery & Tyres
· Discounts on taking appointments through the Toyota Connect App
· Lucky Draws
Speaking on the launch of Toyota’s Summer Campaign, N. Raja, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “ Customer First – being our key cornerstone, we remain dedicated to offer desired service support to our customers for the best care of their Toyota cars. We having assessed & understanding our customers’ needs, hence at the onset of every season, offer customized and attractive service packages that ensures the highest quality of maintenance and experience at every touch point.
We hope this exclusive service campaign will add further delight to the experience of owning a Toyota vehicle. Being safety leader, it is our conscious effort to raise awareness on importance of regular maintenance of the cars to ensure safe driving experience. The dealers have also tasked themselves to reach out to customers and invite them for complete vehicle check, to ensure ‘NO MISS’ on the best deals before the summer drives.
We wish all our customers ‘Happy & Safe Summer Drives’ and look forward to serving many more customers this season.”
This exclusive service package of Toyota is sure to make their esteemed customers much happier, to hallmark its globally renowned Quality, Durability and Reliability [QDR] values.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., part of the $19 billion Mahindra Group, has announced the launch of Automobili Pininfarina, the world’s newest sustainable luxury car brand.
Automobili Pininfarina, promoted by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., will be based in Europe. The company will design, engineer and manufacture high technology, extreme performance, luxury electric vehicles for the most discerning global customers.
Automobili Pininfarina will combine Pininfarina’s legendary automotive design prowess with Mahindra’s growing electric vehicle (EV) expertise gained from its participation in the Formula E electric racing car championship. Automobili Pininfarina plans to launch its first model, a ‘Pininfarina’ badged electric hypercar, in 2020.
Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman, Pininfarina SpA, “We are pleased to welcome the new company, Automobili Pininfarina which represents an additional client for Pininfarina SpA, joining the list of the many prestigious car makers for which we will be designing cars in the future. This project helps me and my family to realize my grandfather’s dream of seeing outstanding innovative cars solely branded Pininfarina on the roads”
According to Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, “Italy’s renowned design expertise produces objects of true beauty and unique style. Drawing upon the pedigree and design vocabulary of the Pininfarina aesthetic heritage we will develop a rare collector’s item that only a handful of connoisseurs will ever own. It will be an innovative and pioneering product powered by high technology. The Mahindra Group has bet big on electric vehicles. They are the future, and when power, beauty and high end EV technology come together in one car – that will be the perfect luxury vehicle, that will give car lovers the freedom to roam without impacting the planet adversely.”
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Chairman, Mahindra Racing, said, “We believe that this is the perfect time to launch Automobili Pininfarina, given Mahindra’s growing EV expertise from our participation in Formula E racing where we are currently second in the constructors’ and drivers’ championships, and Pininfarina’s design expertise that will allow us to develop stylish, extreme-performance, electric vehicles for global markets.”
Automobili Pininfarina will be led by Michael Perschke, as its Chief Executive Officer. Michael brings with him over 25 years of experience with premium German brands at both headquarter director-level as well as in various market roles. He was the Managing Director of Audi in India and a member of the Management Board of Volkswagen Group Sales India, from 2010 to 2013. Michael will play an instrumental role in developing the strategy for Automobili Pininfarina. He will be joined by Per Svantesson as Chief Operating Officer. Per brings with him relevant experience including his stints with the Volvo Group and NEVS.
Michael Perschke, CEO, Automobili Pininfarina commented, “Establishing Automobili Pininfarina as a leading sustainable luxury brand is our strategic vision and will be a dream come true. It will combine 88 years of iconic design heritage with leading edge electric vehicle competence of the Mahindra Group and Mahindra Formula E racing. It’s a powerful combination. I am honoured to lead Automobili Pininfarina and our ambition is to make it a respected and desirable brand recognized by connoisseurs who value design heritage, substance and sustainable high performance EV technology.”
L&T Technology Services Limited , a leading global pure-play Engineering R&D Services company today announced the winners of the second edition of its unique industry academia initiative TECHgium. Covering hundreds of engineering colleges across the country, including several top tier engineering institutes, TECHgium is a first of its kind initiative in India to scout for and recognize the best of engineering talent among the fresher community.
TECHgium ushers in a new generation of engineers with skills and capabilities that the industry covets. The initiative is aimed at imparting engineering students with relevant exposure to the challenges and practical insights for Industry 4.0. TECHgium will also help create an ecosystem that bridges the industry-academia schism by facilitating the participants with an opportunity to work on technologies of tomorrow and enhance their career prospects and simultaneously augment the solution development team of LTTS.
LTTS invested over 100 working hours to mentor students shortlisted for the PoC round, with subject matter experts from respective industry domains mentoring the students. As a result, the winning teams came up with remarkable solutions around IoT, Machine Learning, Advanced Image Processing and Smart Tools.
The team from Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore were declared as winners for developing a mechanism for wide angle viewing for diagnostic hysteroscopy products. The students of National Institute of Engineering, Mysore won the second prize for creating a variable valve timing mechanism for internal combustion engine. The winner of the third prize went to the team from Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College, Pondicherry for their work on Smart tools and integration with IoT platforms. A special prize was awarded to the students of Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh for devising a Multi-camera Multi Target Visual Tracking System.
Some of the other noteworthy POCs demonstrated at TECHgium include active noise cancellation for automobile mufflers submitted by the students of IIT Madras that caters to the Transportation & Commercial Vehicles domain and Artificial Intelligence framework for Microgrids for Industrial Products submitted by the students of VIT University.
The winners of TECHgium were selected by a distinguished jury of industry experts including K.S. Viswanathan, Vice President NASSCOM, Dr. Ranganath Navalgund, Honorary Professor, ISRO and Ganapathiraman, Country Manager, ARC India.
Dr. Keshab Panda, CEO & Managing Director, L&T Technology Services Limited said, “India has always been the nation of innovators and pioneers and the kind of engineering talent that can be brought to light here is unparalleled. TECHgium is our ode to the great Indian engineering potential and we are confident that this initiative will be instrumental in providing the right stimulus to the enormous academic potential of the country. The success of TECHgium would be immensely helpful in LTTS’ endeavor to propel innovation, bridge industry-academia gap as well as solve myriad engineering challenges and help in building digital skillsets among today’s youth.”
K.S. Viswanathan, Vice President – Industry Initiatives, NASSCOM commented “Across the whole spectrum of the industry, skill profiles are undergoing rapid changes witnessing a rising demand for enhanced digital capabilities. India has enormous pool of fresh talents propelled by innovative thinking and attitude to build solutions in key sectors where technology can play a revolutionary role. We are extremely hopeful that initiatives brought out by TECHgium will play an instrumental role in mentoring academic talents in the country, propel innovation in bringing technological empowerment to solve complex industrial problems in the country.”
The second edition of TECHgium received a record-breaking participation from over 17,000 students across 220 engineering colleges signing up for the event. The platform gave aspiring engineering students an opportunity to create concepts, submit abstracts, present technical presentation and showcase Proof of Concept (PoC) on real life technical challenges. Some of the challenges included Machine Learning Platform for Video Analytics for elevators, Augmented/Assisted Reality applications for industrial customers, Video analytics tool for detecting human intentions and Reduction of Emission from Automobiles among others.
