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  • India on way to become a developed nation by 2047: NK Singh

    economy

    India, the world’s fastest-growing economy, is on a trajectory to become a developed nation by 2047. This ambitious goal, set to coincide with the 100th anniversary of India’s independence, is not just a dream but a vision that the Indian government and its people are committed to realizing. The vision was articulated by NK Singh, a distinguished economist and the Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission, while being conferred the prestigious Honorary Fellowship at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Singh expressed his honour to join the ranks of eminent Indians like Nobel Prize-winning Professor Amartya Sen and former President KR Narayanan.

    Singh emphasized that the vision of a developed India by 2047 is a commitment shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all Union Ministers. To achieve this vision, India needs to maintain its current pace of growth for the next two decades. In the financial year 2023-24, India’s growth rate was 8.2 per cent, which is estimated to be 7.2 per cent in the current financial year. This growth trajectory, if sustained, will propel India towards its goal of becoming a developed nation. Singh’s illustrious career includes his tenure as the Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Review Committee (FRBM) and his contribution to several key parliamentary standing committees.

    The Indian government’s approach to achieving this vision involves wide-ranging consultations and inputs from state governments, academia, industry, civil society, and the mobilization of the country’s youth. The focus is on building competitive scale in targeted sectors, fostering innovation, and ensuring the development of digital infrastructure that supports growth and inclusivity. The government’s commitment to digital infrastructure is evident in the rapid growth of internet users in India. With 850 million broadband users as of July 2023, India has experienced the fastest growth in internet users globally. The average monthly data consumption per user reached 19.5 GB in 2022, with monthly mobile data usage soaring from 4.5 exabytes in 2018 to 14.4 exabytes in 2022. This exponential growth is expected to continue, with projections indicating a quadrupling of data consumption by 2024, driven by the impending implementation of 5G technology and India’s topping global data consumption in the next five years.

    G7 Summit ends, PM Modi returns home

    IANS

    The government’s focus on sustainability is also reflected in its ambitious plan to develop Hydrogen Hubs across the Central Government and State Government ports. Deendayal Port Authority has already finalised MoUs worth Rs 1.68 lakh crore for this venture. The vision of a developed India by 2047 also involves a significant focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. The youth of India are seen as the driving force behind the creation of a vibrant startup ecosystem that fosters job creation, economic inclusivity, and technological advancements. By encouraging a culture of innovation and providing incubation support, the latent entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth can be unleashed.

    In conclusion, the vision of a developed India by 2047 is a collective aspiration that requires the concerted efforts of all sectors of society. With a sustained growth trajectory, strategic investments in digital infrastructure and sustainability, and a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, India is well on its way to becoming a developed nation by 2047. This vision, while ambitious, is grounded in the reality of India’s current growth and the commitment of its government and people to realize it.

  • Wipro Opens New Smart And Connected IoT Experience Centre In Pune


    WIPRO CIB Pune

    Driving Leadership with Smart Internet of Lighting (IoL)™ technology and Design Excellence across Workplace, Industrial, and Outdoor Lighting

    PUNE: Wipro Commercial & Institutional Business (CIB), a leader in lighting and seating solutions, proudly announces the grand opening of its new Experience Centre in Pune.

    The Experience Centre is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses via advanced IoT and Smart Technology applications. Featuring open collaborative spaces, the center showcases Wipro’s innovative Internet of Lighting (IoL)™ solutions and ergonomic seating designs. The center also features vibrant and inclusive designs aimed at boosting employee productivity and promoting mental well-being,

    The facility highlights Wipro’s Smart & Connected solutions for Smart Factories, Smart Cities, and Smart Offices, utilizing technologies like Power over Ethernet (PoE) and wireless lighting management systems. The showcase features Wipro’s iSense, an advanced wireless IoT solution, which is widely adopted by office and industrial clients for seamless, wireless control of lighting fixtures, TVs, and AC units.

    “The opening of our new Experience Centre marks a significant milestone for Wipro’s Commercial and Institutional Business,” said Anuj Dhir, Senior Vice President & Business Head of Commercial & Institutional Business at Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting. “This center exemplifies our commitment to innovation and excellence, offering customers firsthand access and experience to our cutting-edge solutions. With India’s burgeoning office spaces, industries, and infrastructure bolstered by robust government initiatives and investments, we are poised for unparalleled growth.”

    He further added, “ As we expand nationally and replicate this model in key cities, our goal is to make our pioneering innovations more accessible across India. This expansion aligns seamlessly with our growth strategy, reinforcing our mission to deliver comprehensive lighting and seating solutions. This new facility empowers architects, interior designers, facility managers, and business leaders to immerse themselves in transformative smart lighting and seating solutions, offering practical insights to enhance their work environments.”

    The facility provides live demonstrations that show how different lighting settings can influence space functionality and mood. Visitors can explore Wipro’s innovative and ergonomically designed seating solutions and receive personalized advice and project support from in-house design consultants and technical experts.

    Wipro Seating Solutions offers a variety of solutions for offices, public spaces, collaborative environments, and auditoriums. The company has integrated acoustic materials, launching partitions and luminaires that add vibrancy to office interiors while delivering excellent noise reduction for peaceful and productive workspaces.

    In addition, as part of Wipro’s Industrial Solutions, the company offers advanced LED highbay products that are designed for high ambient temperature environments, such as foundries and glass plants, exemplifying its innovative approach to industrial lighting. The company’s smart industrial lighting solutions, utilizing the iSense IoT lighting management system, have received high praise from industrial customers.

    Wipro has revolutionized office lighting with its brightness management concept, providing optimal and soothing illumination. The company’s dedication to Green Building and WELL standards has earned substantial recognition, illuminating around 55% of green building projects in India, including the nation’s first Green Building in Hyderabad.

    Wipro CIB is certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, ensuring the highest standards of quality in its products and services. Wipro’s commitment to product and design innovation has earned national and international recognition, including awards such as the Red Dot Award, the India Design Mark, the Frost & Sullivan Award for LED lighting visionary innovation leadership, and the International Diamond Prize for excellence in quality by ESQR.

  • ISI Mark Now Mandatory for Kitchen Utensils in India

    Govt makes ISI mark mandatory for steel & aluminium utensils to ensure safety in kitchens

    IANS

    In a significant move to enhance kitchen safety and quality, the Central government of India has made it mandatory for stainless steel and aluminium utensils to conform to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The announcement was made on Friday by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, marking a significant step towards ensuring consumer safety and product quality.

    The Quality Control Order, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on March 14, 2024, mandates the ISI mark for such utensils. The ISI mark, developed by BIS, is a certification mark that assures product quality and safety. This move is expected to enhance consumer confidence and drive manufacturers towards adopting best practices.

    The order prohibits the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, storage, or exhibition for sale of any stainless steel or aluminium utensils that do not bear the ISI mark. Non-compliance with the order is a punishable offence, underscoring the government’s commitment to consumer safety and product integrity.

    kitchen

    Representational image.Creative Commons.

    IS 1660:2024 Standard and Its Key Elements

    The key elements of the IS 1660:2024 standard include general requirements covering the overall quality and thickness of materials used, classification and material grades ensuring the use of appropriate grades as per IS 21 for wrought utensils and IS 617 for cast utensils. The standard also details the shapes, dimensions, and workmanship needed for high-quality utensils. Performance tests, including specific tests for aluminium lunch boxes to ensure durability and safety, are also part of the standard.

    The BIS has recently formulated comprehensive standards for kitchen items, including IS 14756:2022 for stainless steel and IS 1660:2024 for aluminium utensils. These standards cover material requirements, design specifications, and performance parameters. The government believes that this move will enhance consumer confidence and drive manufacturers towards adopting best practices.

    Quality Control Orders Across Various Industries

    This development is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of the Indian government enforcing quality standards across various industries. For instance, on June 14, 2023, the Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) interacted with the representatives from the Indian Footwear Industry in New Delhi, Delhi, and decided to implement ‘Footwear Made from Leather and Other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2022’ on 24 footwear products from July 1, 2023. It was also decided not to extend the deadline for complying with the mandatory quality standards and included Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the ambit of the Quality Control Order (QCO). MSMEs were earlier exempt from QCO.

    The QCOs are expected to help in increasing the production of quality footwear, and exports and establishing Indian brands in the global markets. For 5 standards which have been revised recently, it was also decided to give six more months time to small industries for complying with the order and accordingly, it will come into force from January 1, 2024. Micro units will get an additional year and should follow the new norms from July 1, 2024.

    Related

  • The British Council And HSBC India Have Teamed Up To Introduce The ‘Climate Skills – Seeds For Transition’ Project


    (L to R)_Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council_Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India_Scott McDonald_Chief Executive, British Council_Hitendra Dave_CEO HSBC Ind

    A global program to nurture essential climate skills among India’s youth

    Aims to create over 2,000 Climate Skills Educators, in the first two years globally

    Aims to create over 2,000 youth leaders from marginalized groups and 300 educators in India

    NEW DELHI: The British Council, the UK’s international organization for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, in partnership with HSBC India, launched the “Climate Skills: Seeds for Transition India” project. This initiative aims to equip young people and communities in India with the skills needed to be resilient to the impending impact of climate change and to contribute to the opportunities of the transition to net zero.

    The program is part of the British Council’s long-term international effort to establish a global climate skills approach that empowers youth, informs decision-makers about alternative climate education strategies, and addresses grassroots, national, and global climate challenges. It seeks to go beyond discussion and partner with governments, communities, and institutions to create tangible solutions for the future generation to better understand the impact of climate change across all aspects of life and equip them with the necessary skills needed in the wake of climate change.

    The project works with young people aged 18-30 in five countries including India, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and Vietnam.

    Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of, the British Council said, “At the British Council, we are committed to empowering young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change. Our partnership with HSBC on the ‘Climate Skills—Seeds for Transition India’ project reflects our shared vision of a more sustainable future. By equipping youth with essential climate resilience skills, they can lead the transition to greener economies and drive positive change in their communities. These skills are increasingly critical as we consider projections for the life of our planet and its natural resources.”

    Speaking on the partnership, Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer, of HSBC India, said, “We have a long history of collaboration with the British Council and the co-creation of programs that help achieve a larger social purpose. Our partnership on the Climate Skills program will focus on youth and education, reflecting our joint commitment to equipping the younger generation to understand and adapt to climate change. Together, we aim to improve climate literacy and employability among marginalized youth communities in India.”

    Running from July 2024 to February 2026, the project aims to raise awareness among key stakeholders, including government institutions, policymakers, higher educational institutions, and young people, encouraging participation and engagement. It seeks to directly engage 2,000 youth and train 300 master trainers in India/each delivery country.

    The initiative highlights the British Council’s leadership in climate action and its upcoming global climate change strategy. This UK-led international collaboration aims to resource local organizations, empower youth to take climate action and provide alternative climate education approaches.  A unique aspect of the program is its focus on empowering both urban and rural youth by integrating youth-led social action with climate education. The program’s international connectivity aims to deliver locally-led interventions and connect them with a global network across five countries.

    The launch event featured a climate film screening, and an official launch by Scott McDonald, Chief Executive, of the British Council, and Hitendra Dave, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC India. Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India, Alison Barrett, Director India, Monomita Nag-Chowdhury, Programme Lead of The Climate Connection from the British Council; Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development; Yusuf Kabir, WASH Specialist I Focal Point for Climate, Environment & DRR, UNICEF; and Rishika Das Roy, Lead-Sectoral Strategy and Investment at India Climate Collaborative will be part of the discussions.

  • Mobile tariff hike: Centre responds, says market’s demand and supply decide it

    TELECOM

    The government has responded to misleading claims regarding recent mobile services tariff hike, saying with three private and one public sector players, the current mobile services market operates through the market forces of demand and supply.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said the rates of telecommunication services are decided by market forces, within the regulatory framework notified by the independent regulator.

    “The government does not intervene in the free market decisions as the functionality is under the domain of TRAI and tariffs are under forbearance,” said the regulator.

    The TRAI said the telecom service providers (TSPs) have increased the prices of mobile services after more than two years.

    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)IANS

    “In the last two years, some of the TSPs have invested heavily in rolling out the 5G services across the country. This has resulted into a significant increase in median mobile speed to the level of 100 Mbps and jump in India’s international rank from 111, in October 2022, to 15 today,” the TRAI explained.

    While protecting the interests of subscribers, for the orderly growth of the telecommunication sector, which includes investments in latest technologies like 5G, 6G, IoT/ M2M for Industry 4.0 etc., “the financial viability of the sector is important,” said the TRAI.

    Before last 10 years, the telecommunication sector was mired in controversies, lack of transparency and therefore, growth of mobile services was stagnant.

    “During the last 10 years, due to progressive policies of the government, the rates of telecommunication services be it voice or data, have fallen exponentially,” said the telecom regulatory body.

    With inputs from IANS

     

  • Sensex picks up positive momentum on positive global cues

    Sensex, Nifty end flat as markets turn to consolidation phase

    Indian equity benchmarks opened in the green on Friday following positive global cues. At 9:50 a.m., Sensex was up 282 points or 0.35 per cent at 80,180 and Nifty 50 was up 104 points or 0.43 per cent at 24,420.

    Buying is also seen in smallcap and midcap stocks. The Nifty Midcap 100 index is at 57,321, up 173 points or 0.30 per cent, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 index is at 19,028, up 108 points or 0.58 per cent. Overall broader market trend is positive.

    On NSE 1,589 shares are in the green and 497 in the red. According to the market experts, “The market which has been moving in a narrow range this week might react favourably to positive global and domestic cues.

    sensex

    IANS

    The positive global cue is the decline in inflation in the US by 0.1 per cent in June triggering hopes of a rate cut by the Fed in September for which the market indicates a 90 per cent probability.” Among the sectoral indices, IT, PSU, fin service and metal are major gainers. Only the realty is in the red.

    In the Sensex pack, TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Axis Bank, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, M&M, SBI, and Bajaj Finserv are the top gainers. Maruti Suzuki, Sun Pharma, Bharti Airtel, NTPC, Power Grid, and ICICI Bank are the top losers.

    The foreign institutional investors (FIIs) turned net sellers on July 11 as they sold equities worth Rs 1,137 crore, while domestic institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 1,676 crore. 

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Indkal Technologies licenses Acer brand to manufacture and sell mobile phones 

    Bengaluru-based Indkal Technologies, the official licensing partner of US-based power tools and home appliances BLACK+DECKER and Acer, announced its foray into the smartphone through a trademark licensing agreement with Acer Incorporated. Under the agreement, the consumer electronics company will design, manufacture, and distribute smartphones under the Acer brand in India. 

    “Acer smartphones are something we have been working on for a couple of years and we are ecstatic to announce the foray finally. Our customers will experience exceptionally well-designed smartphones with high-end processors, top-notch camera technology, and a host of premium features across the range, said Anand Dubey, CEO of Indkal Technologies. 

    • Read: Indkal Technologies to expand into personal audio space with own brand

    The entry of Acer into the Indian smartphone market highlights the sector’s significant growth potential.  The company claims to concentrate on smartphones priced between ₹15,000 and ₹50,000, aiming to heighten competition within this price segment.

    Jade Zhou, VP of Global Strategic Alliances at Acer Incorporated, commented on the agreement, “Since its establishment in 1987, the Acer brand mission has always been to break barriers between people and technology. We are excited that Indkal Technologies will further this mission in India”. Indkal owns the Acer trademark license in TVs, smartphones, and large appliances exclusively in India. 

    The Acer-branded smartphones will be available for purchase through both e-commerce platforms and offline retail stores. 

    Indkal Technologies, which specialises in developing, distributing, and supporting  consumer electronics, large and small home appliances, and smart devices, was launched in 2021.

  • Ola exits Google Maps, moves to in-house Ola Maps

    OLA

    India’s major ride-hailing company Ola has exited Google Maps and has shifted to its own Ola Maps for cab operations.

    Bhavish Aggarwal, co-founder and Chairman of the Ola group said that through this move, the company will save nearly Rs 100 crore per year.

    Last month Aggarwal cut all his ties with Microsoft Azure and shifted his company’s entire workload to in-house Artificial Intelligence (AI) firm Krutrim.

    In a social media post, he asked users to check Ola apps and update if required.

    Aggarwal said on X, “After Azure exit last month, we’ve now fully exited Google Maps. We used to spend ₹100 cr a year but we’ve made that 0 this month by moving completely to our in-house Ola maps! Check your Ola app and update if needed.”

    Ola

    IANS

    Aggarwal announced many more new features like street view, NERFs, indoor images, 3D maps, drone maps, etc will be integrated into Ola maps soon.

    “Many more features coming soon – street view, NERFs, indoor images, 3D maps, drone maps, etc!” Aggarwal said in a social media post.

    In October 2021, Ola acquired Pune-based geospatial services provider company GeoSpoc.

    Currently, Ola Maps provides services to its flagship ride-hailing app Ola cabs.

    At the time of the Krutrim AI launch, Ola announced that it would provide a mapping solution within its Cloud services.

    Recently, Aggarwal said that “early next year is when you can see our own cells in our own products.”

    Ola is building a battery cell gigafactory in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri District.

    With inputs from IANS

     

  • Grass Valley Publishers, LLC Releases You Can’t Go Home Again

    Grass Valley Publishers, LLC Releases You Can't Go Home Again

    Saint Paul, MN, July 12, 2024 –Grass Valley Publishers, LLC is releasing “You Can’t Go Home Again,” the debut novel from Minnesota author Christian Hendrix. Originally conceived as a piece of flash fiction in 2006, Hendrix turned it into a full-fledged novel, completing it in 2019.

    Read what reviewers are saying about “You Can’t Go Home Again”:

    “5/5 stars. A poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships, one which will take readers on a unique journey into a very particular headspace that many will never have experienced before.” – Reader’s favorites.

    About “You Can’t Go Home Again”
    After four years abroad, Lenoir Adams has come home. But something is different. As her friends and family attempt to adjust to this stranger, Lenoir’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic. She spends her days preaching about “the light” and her night’s meeting with mysterious new friends. As the news cycle continues round-the-clock in a post-9/11 world, her circle increasingly agonizes over her path, and rationale. The heartbreak and regrets from the past come to a head, as does Lenoir’s plan, setting them all to wonder if anybody really knows anyone. And if home is ever the same again.

  • India electricity generation jumps by 15% for May amid scorching heat wave

    ELECTRICITY

    India’s electricity production went up by a robust 15.06 per cent to 167.55 billion units in May this year compared to 145.61 billion in the same month last year, as demand surged amid the scorching heat wave, according to the monthly report of Central Electricity Authority.

    Thermal power, generated mainly from coal-and gas-based plants, contributed 127.87 billion units which represented a 14.67 per cent increase over the same month last year.

    The demand for electricity peaked at a record high of 250GW on May 30 as an extended heat wave across North India kept electricity demand elevated in May and most of June. The peak power demand is projected to go up to 260GW in 2024-25.

    With the monsoon gathering pace to cover the entire country ahead of schedule and temperatures coming down in the northern states, the peak demand is currently at around 200GW.

    Hydropower generation is expected to increase with the reservoirs getting replenished during the monsoon. In May, electricity generation from large hydro projects rose 9.92 per cent to 11.62 billion units.

    electricity supply

    IANS

    Renewable energy projects, excluding hydro, generated 22.50 billion units, 18.34 per cent more than the year-ago period.

    The power ministry has directed domestic coal-based plants to blend 6 per cent imported coal till September in order to ensure that sufficient electricity is generated to meet demand.

    With India clocking an economic growth of 8.2 per cent, the highest among the major economies, the demand for power has also shot up due to the increased economic activity.

    The Government is also considering taking a relook at the power demand projections in order to plan for creating more generation capacity in the next five years.

    With inputs from IANS