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A “Cool” COP28: Danfoss joins 60+ governments in supporting Global Cooling Pledge
Danfoss, an industry leader in energy efficiency and climate technologies have announced its endorsement and support for the implementation of Global Cooling Pledge. Recognizing the need to act on cooling, Danfoss joined forces with over 60 governments and other leading corporations to endorse a global pledge in support of sustainable cooling, launched at COP28 in Dubai.
Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India Region said, “Energy demand for space cooling is expected to grow threefold by 2050 if no measures are taken. Already space cooling represents 50% of energy consumption in building operations and it is one of the major contributors of emissions. Implementation of Global Cooling Pledge will give a push to the series of commitments by govts. to accelerate emissions reductions from energy use and refrigerants towards near zero emission cooling by 2050.”
Increasing temperatures, population growth, urbanization and rising incomes are driving the increased need for cooling. According to the first ever Global Cooling Watch Report, launched at this year’s COP28, cooling demand could triple by 2050. This would lead to a doubling of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which is equivalent to more than the total annual greenhouse gas emissions of the United States of America today[1].
Jürgen Fischer, President, Danfoss Climate Solutions, said, “Cooling is one of the biggest societal opportunities of our time. It’s needed everywhere to cool our food, our buildings, and our vaccines. It brings health, growth, and food security for the world’s population. The commitments made by governments through the Global Cooling Pledge are a brave step, but now we must see them take action, implement the technologies readily available today and spread sustainable, energy efficient and climate friendly cooling technologies around the globe. Action is needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C.”
District cooling: keeping our cities cool without heating up the planet
District cooling is one of the most promising and efficient ways to cool and decarbonize buildings. It typically saves up to 50% of energy compared to conventional cooling systems1.
Anju Mary Kuruvilla, Director- Industry Affairs, Communication& Sustainability said, “Innovation already exists, in the form of District Cooling solutions to increase energy efficiency and the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants to decarbonize the building sector, for creating comfortable, healthy indoor spaces. This will offset the climate change effects. Global alliance of 60+ govts’ along with Danfoss and other leading corporations will contribute to the efforts for reducing the carbon footprint.”
In most cases, chilled water is supplied from a central, electrically powered chiller and circulated to buildings through pipelines. Thermal storage opportunities in district cooling networks enable shifting cold-water production away from peak hours and adapting to variable renewable energies. Centralized plants help professionalize refrigerant management and support the move towards more climate friendly refrigerants. From an urban planning perspective, heat islands, noise and space requirements can be avoided.
Aditya Shriram elected as President & Prashant Mahale elected as Vice President of AMAI
Aditya A. Shriram, Deputy Managing Director, DCM Shriram Ltd. has been elected as the new President of Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI), the august body of Rs.36,000 crore Alkali and Chloro-Vinyl industry in the country. Prashant J. Mahale, Sr. Executive Vice President, Reliance Industries Ltd. has taken over as the new Vice President at the 48th Annual General Meeting of AMAI held at New Delhi.
An Industrial Engineer from Cornell University and an MBA from London Business School, Aditya has worked in various businesses and functions within the group. He is a strong advocate of safe and sustainable development, and his priority is growth with ethics and adoption of highest standards of ESG in business.
Prashant Mahale is a seasoned professional with over 35 years of leadership experience across Petroleum Downstream, Petrochemicals, Chlor-Alkali, Specialty/ Bulk chemicals, and Pulp & Paper industries. At Reliance, he has successfully led businesses with P&L responsibility, managed Feedstock operations, and spearheaded Strategic Procurement and Commercial Contracts. A Chemical Engineer, Prashant further honed his leadership through executive programs at ISB Hyderabad, Darden School of Business (University of Virginia), and XLRI Jamshedpur.
AMAI represents producers of caustic soda, chlorine, soda ash, PVC, CPVC and a few other related products which are an important segment of the chemical industry, providing inputs which find wide spread usage in a diverse range of industrial and consumer goods. The industry has espoused the spirit of Make in India and has been meeting most of the country’s needs for a long time against all odds including the onslaught of cheap imports. Major end use areas for caustic soda are in Aluminium processing, Textiles, Inorganic and Organic chemicals, soaps & detergents and pulp & paper and for soda ash in glass, soaps & detergents, silicate production, etc. Major uses of chlorine are to produce PVC, CPW, Chloromethanes, water/effluent disinfection besides usage in inorganic & organic chemicals.
AMAI is doing pioneering work in imparting chemical safety training, particularly focused on chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, bleaching solution/powder, etc. the major chemicals used extensively for disinfection and are hazardous to handle.
Amara Raja Infra Commissions NTPC’s Anta Solar PV Project
Set to generate 213 million units of green energy annually ..Amara Raja Infra Private Limited (ARIPL), part of the $2 billion Amara Raja Group, has achieved another milestone in the renewable energy sector by successfully commissioning NTPC’s Anta (Ground Mounted) Solar PV Project of 90 MW/135MWp.
This project, spanning across 437-acres site in Anta, Baran District of Rajasthan, is the country’s first Balance of System (BoS) Solar contract awarded in 2021 from a CPSU. It is set to generate 213 million units of green energy per year and is commissioned in the existing premises of gas-fired thermal power station of NTPC in Anta.
The landmark project is part of ARIPL’s current 2000MW Solar PV Portfolio and constructed transmission infrastructure for evacuation of over 7500MW of renewable energy through EHV Sub-Station and Transmission lines in India.
NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing 1/4th of the power requirement of the country. It has a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants spread across the country.
Dwarakanadha Reddy B, Business Head (Power EPC), ARIPL, mentioned, “The successful commissioning of this project for NTPC is a testament to Amara Raja Infra’s technical expertise and project execution prowess. The project would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment and support from NTPC. This will propel the renewable energy transition forward and reinforce our position as a prominent player in the clean energy space in India.”
Amara Raja Infra Wins Greenko’s 700MWp Solar Project
Amara Raja Infra Private Limited (ARIPL), part of the $1.75 billion Amara Raja Group, has achieved a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector by securing a solar BoS project of 500MW/700MWp from Greenko.
This project, spanning across a 2,200-acre site near Uyyalavada Town, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, marks ARIPL’s largest capacity solar project to date, establishing itself among leaders in the industry. This landmark project contributes to ARIPL’s order book, which totals Rs 1,516 crore for Q4 of FY’24.
The project scope encompasses Engineering, Procurement and Construction of the entire Balance of System (BoS) for the 700 MWp project, which is part of Greenko’s Integrated Renewable Energy Project, conceived as the world’s first and largest Gigawatt scale project with solar, wind and pumped storage components.
Greenko is a leading renewable energy company with 6.8 GW+ operating capacity constituting solar, wind, and hydro power projects across India.
“This project from Greenko is a testament to tireless and dedicated efforts by our team in the renewable energy space. We are proud that Greenko among other noteworthy customers continue to choose Amara Raja as a preferred partner. We have been able to scale significantly in a short amount of time, aided predominantly by the level of credibility that we enjoy with our customers,” said Vikramadithya Gourineni, Executive Director, ARIPL.
“Over the past many years, we have proven ourselves as a trustworthy partner with high integrity that underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering critical projects as per customer timelines. This project from Greenko is an opportunity for us to prove our worth once again in the ever-evolving solar space,” added Dwarakanadha Reddy, Business Head, Amara Raja Infra (Power).
This milestone achievement adds to ARIPL’s impressive revenue of Rs 1,756 crore for FY’24.
Anaptyss Scales India GCC Infrastructure to Over 100,000 Sq. Ft. to Scale Global Delivery
Anaptyss, a digitally enabled managed services provider in the global BFS&I industry, has announced a significant expansion of its physical footprint in India, with its total operational space set to exceed 100,000 sq. ft. over the next two years. This move aligns with the company’s plan to double its India workforce by 2027 by adding over 600 highly skilled professionals across specialized financial services and risk management domains.
The company’s flagship global capability center based in Gurugram, currently spanning ~28,600 sq. ft. will be expanded by 17,000 sq. ft., bringing the total space to over 45,600 sq. ft. — nearly doubling the capacity to over 1000 seats serving 24×7 operations. The expanded center will augment the delivery for Anaptyss’ growing client base in North America and South America, including Canada and Mexico.
In Noida, Anaptyss operates a 55,000 sq. ft. facility with a capacity for approx. 500 professionals. As part of its long-term growth strategy, the company is exploring the development of a dedicated campus in Noida, which will further enhance its global delivery capabilities and serve as a talent magnet for specialized BFS&I roles.4
In parallel, Anaptyss continues to deepen its presence across Pune, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, while accelerating its footprint in Hyderabad and Jaipur — cities identified for their robust talent ecosystems and infrastructure readiness.
“We continue to see a strong global demand for our digitally enabled, value-driven managed services. The expansion of our India delivery centers, including the ramp-up of the Gurugram GCC, plans for a dedicated campus in Noida, and strategic focus on the cities of Pune, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Jaipur will help us serve the demand at scale”, stated Anuj Khurana, Co-Founder and CEO, Anaptyss.
“The high-end tech-laden infrastructure combined with our digitally enabled managed services model and niche domain talent empower Anaptyss’ global delivery ecosystem, offering best-in-cl-ass value and unique capabilities to our clientele. And India remains at the core of our global delivery strategy centered on Value”, added Anuj.
The company’s multi-city expansion strategy is driven by the availability of top-tier talent from IITs, IIMs, NITs, and leading B-schools. Strong communication proficiency, rapid infrastructure development, and supportive state policies further enhance the appeal of these locations. This location-diverse, digitally enabled model positions Anaptyss to deliver domain-rich value-led managed services across North America, LATAM, and Europe.
An evening of innovation and startups brings together delegates of 50+ countries
To accelerate its vision for – Startup India @ 2047: Unfolding the Bharat Story –organizing committee members of Startup Mahakumbh supported by The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has scheduled an evening of innovation and startups at Vanijya Bhawan with attendees panning across the globe.
To foster collaboration at a global scale, the evening is set to witness delegates from 50+ countries to witness the scale of world’s largest congregation of startups in India at the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh slated to be held at Bharat Mandapam from April 3-5, 2025.
Igniting a New Era of Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the landmark event – Startup Mahakumbh – will aim to shape the future of India’s startup ecosystem with a focus on a self-reliant and innovative Viksit Bharat by 2047. The event will showcase sectoral pavilions focused on AI, Deeptech & Cybersecurity, HealthTech & BioTech, AgriTech, Climate Tech, Incubators & Accelerators, D2C, FinTech, Gaming & Sports, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, Defence & Space Tech and Mobility. Each pavilion will host sector-based exhibitions, conference sessions, master cl-asses, pitching opportunities, roundtables, etc., to facilitate global exposure and opportunities for startups
Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, states, “By fostering an innovation-driven culture, this evening will play an integral role in shaping the future of disruptive Indian entrepreneurs. With delegates from over 50 countries, Startup Mahakumbh will be an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the breadth and potential of India’s startup ecosystem on a global stage.”
Asserting the position of India as a key figure in the global startup ecosystem, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “The evening will help showcase the expanse of India’s startup ecosystem at a convivial yet innovative evening. Ambassadors, Consulates, Deputy High Commissioners, alongside many others from countries such as Italy, Spain, Brazil, Korea, Sri Lanka, among others will help in bridging global networks and fostering collaboration among startups and key stakeholders.”
Archana Jahagirdar, Founding & Managing Partner, Rukam Capital and member of the Organizing Committee at Startup Mahakumbh, said, “Startup Mahakumbh is a remarkable initiative that brings together the best of global innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. It is exciting to witness India’s vibrant startup ecosystem on such a grand stage. This evening provides a unique platform to foster meaningful connections, share insights, and collaborate, driving growth and creating opportunities for disruptive startups to thrive on a global scale.”
Strategic move will further strengthen the foothold in four-wheeler automotive plastics
Lumax Auto Technologies Limited, a leading Tier-1 automotive systems and components supplier, has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining 25% stake in IAC International Automotive India Private Limited India from the International Automotive Components Group. IAC Group will continue to support IAC India thr0ugh a technology support agreement.
IAC India is a well-established Tier-1 plastic interior systems and components supplier to key automotive OEMs in India including Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles among others. IAC India is a leader in the vehicle interior space and the sole supplier of integrated cockpits and door panels for the recently launched BEV model from Mahindra – BE6 & XEV 9e. It also has a strong and well established engineering centre providing advanced design and engineering services to customers in India and overseas which provides it a competitive advantage.
Mr. Deepak Jain, Chairman, Lumax Group, said, the consolidation will strengthen our strategic vision and enable future growth, building on the strong foundation to drive continuity, performance, and scalability. This development marks a significant milestone in our journey towards long-term value creation and providing comprehensive solutions across lighting, plastics, and interiors. It also reinforces its strategic position within IAC India and expands our footprint on major Electric Vehicle platforms of leading OEMs such as Mahindra & Mahindra, emphasising our commitment to the future of sustainable mobility
Mr. Anmol Jain, Managing Director of Lumax Auto Technologies, added,This strategic move will further strengthen Lumax Auto Technologies foothold in four-wheeler automotive plastics. This further integration will allow for better cost optimisation and rationalisation of resources, potentially creating financial flexibility at the parent level to pursue future strategic, inorganic opportunities that align with our long-term vision. In addition, it will accelerate innovation and enhance our value proposition per vehicle that is seeing a shift towards improved interiors in passenger vehicles.
IAC India has five manufacturing plants across the country including two in Chakan, Pune and one each in Manesar, Nashik and Bangalore. It also has an in-house state-of-the-art Engineering centre in Pune with key capabilities in Product Designing and Engineering, Dimensional Engineering, Product Development, Program Management and Tooling development. The Engineering centre has a team of 330 engineers and designers with Global experience catering to all tool development requirements from customers as well as from its global sister concerns.
The closure of the transaction is subject to completion of customary conditions precedent and is expected by 31 May 2025. Lumax had earlier acquired 75% stake in IAC India in March 2023. Post the closure of above acquisition, IAC India will become a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of LATL. LATL will explore the possibility of merging IAC India with Lumax in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements to unlock further synergies between the two companies.
ARAI certifies Škoda Auto India vehicles E20 compliant
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has certified Škoda Auto India’s 1.0 TSI engine to be E20 compliant. This marks Škoda among the first few OEMs to receive E20 compliance from an official body.
Speaking on the certification, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said: “Along with making cars that lead in driving dynamics and safety, efficiency and sustainability have also been at the centre of our product and production practices. TSI technology has been time-tested and proven for efficiency and emissions, while being effectively powered. We have evolved and adapted this technology to various updates in standards and policies across the globe. The 1.0 TSI especially, with its 3-cylinder turbo configuration tuned for power and efficiency is a versatile powertrain, and the E20 certification is a testament to this. We are confident of a similar outcome when the 1.5 TSI is tested, later this year.”
The certification
The 1.0 TSI is now among the first few engines in India to receive an E20 certification by an official body. The 1.0 TSI powers the Kushaq SUV and Slavia sedan in Škoda Auto India’s line-up. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The 1.5 TSI powering these two cars are also undergoing tests. The results of this are tentatively slated for Q4 2024. The Indian government has made it mandatory for all cars from April 1, 2025 to be E20 compliant. The E20 fuel blend consists of 20% ethanol – made from renewable sources like corn, sugarcane or biomass — and 80% petrol. This reduces the amount of fossil fuel per litre and emissions.
The engine
The 1.0 TSI makes 85kW of power (115ps) and 178Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. While the engine is available across variants in the Kushaq and the Slavia, the E20-compliant engine made its debut in the recently introduced Kushaq Onyx AT and will eventually make it to every 1.0 TSI Škoda to roll off the production line from Chakan, Pune.
Ashok Agarwal was appointed as a Member of the Hindi Committee of the MoHA
Ashok Agarwal has been appointed as a distinguished Member of the Hindi committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The esteemed Hindi committee plays an important role in promoting the use and development of the Hindi language across various domains in the industry, aligning it with the Indian government’s commitment to fostering linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
Mr. Agarwal will bring a wealth of his experience, and expertise to this important role to bring revolutionary changes in the system for the betterment. With a strong background in related fields, he has demonstrated a deep and enthusiastic commitment to the promotion and preservation of the Hindi language in an ecosystem. The appointment is a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting linguistic diversity and fostering a deeper connection with our cultural roots.
With happiness and joy, Mr. Ashok Agarwal stated “I am happy to be appointed as the Member of the Hindi Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs. I thank the honorable Home Minister Manniya Sri Amit Bhai Shah ji and Minister of State Home Affairs Sri Nisith Pramanik ji for their immense blessings and support. Today it is a very blessed day for me and my family as I feel great that in the auspicious month of January, when Shree Ram Lala is also about to come home after such a long wait, this moment is no less than a blessing for me.”
In his new role, Mr. Agarwal’s responsibilities are to actively contribute to the formulation of policies, strategies, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the usage of Hindi within the Ministry of Home Affairs. His role is crucial in ensuring that Hindi continues to thrive as a language of communication and administration, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of our nation.
I am happy to take up this new role and will try my best to do justice to this position. I promise to fulfill my duties with sincerity. I am happy that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India recognized a simple and common man like me and I am happy that MODI Sarkar is doing the best of their ability. I sincerely thank all the officers of the Hindi Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs and all my fellow members for giving me this chance. With the blessing and support of my parents, beloved wife, and children, I shall commence the work of this appointment from today to the best of my abilities”, Mr Agarwal concluded.
Mr. Agarwal’s tenure as a Member of the Hindi Committee has started from 20th January, 2024 and looking forward to working collaboratively with the Ministry of Home Affairs to achieve the shared goal of nurturing and preserving the linguistic heritage of our great nation.
Auto-Tech majors and Start-ups Spearheading EV adoption & Sustainable Mobility Revolution
The surge in hybrid and electric vehicle sales in the full calendar year of 2023 underscores a notable shift towards sustainable mobility, reflecting evolving consumer preferences. Hybrid car sales reached a record-breaking 82,607 units, surging over four times compared to 2022, while battery-operated electric car sales nearly doubled to 81,710 units. This marked the first instance where hybrid cars outsold electric cars annually, offering valuable insights into changing consumer trends in sustainable mobility.
Driving this transformation are innovative companies investing in advanced auto-tech features to enhance electric vehicle appeal. This includes the development of connected cars and integration of autonomous driving technologies, leveraging cutting-edge advancements like artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and biometric systems. These efforts by companies dedicated to sustainable mobility and electric vehicle adoption are reshaping the automotive landscape, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
We take a glance at start-ups playing a pivotal role in driving sustainable mobility and electric vehicle adoption nationwide
Revfin, stands out in several aspects—offering inclusive financial solutions to traditionally underserved and un-banked customers, spearheading the sustainable mobility movement.
Revfin’s collaboration with SUN Mobility is driving sustainable mobility in India. By offering innovative financing solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), particularly through the Battery-as-a-Service model, they’re making EVs more accessible and affordable. Their focus on inclusive finance, such as the ‘Stree Shakti’ program empowering women, and their use of AI-powered tools for quick loan processing, demonstrates their commitment to advancing EV adoption. With over 50,000 E-rickshaws financed and loans extended to over 10,000 women, Revfin is not only accelerating EV adoption but also promoting gender inclusivity and financial empowerment. Their emphasis on responsible lending, including IoT-equipped vehicles for monitoring, ensures sustainability in the EV ecosystem. Overall, Revfin’s initiatives are propelling India towards a greener and more inclusive future in transportation.