L&T Technology Services has inaugurated a simulation centre of excellence (CoE) for Airbus at its Bengaluru campus. The CoE is designed to provide engineering support for Airbus aircraft structural simulation activities across its business units in France, Germany, the UK and Spain. Equipped with simulation software, hardware and computational machinery, it aims to standardise processes across all Airbus European business units and aircraft programmes, streamline efficiency and enhance productivity. Launched about 18 months ago with a specialised core team, the CoE is likely to be scaled up over the next two years. “The establishment of the simulation CoE for Airbus reflects our deep-seated commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation alongside Airbus,” says Alind Saxena, president, sales & executive director, LTTS. “This centre is not just about technology; it’s about creating a standardised, efficient framework that propels Airbus’ industry-leading aircraft into the future. Together, we are not just navigating the present landscape but also shaping the future of aviation, ensuring our collaboration remains a key driver of our success in India and the world.”
The Hyderabad-based SatNav Technologies has evolved into a global leader in cloud-based IT and custom mapping solutions. At the core of its offerings lies QuickFMS, an award-winning facilities management software that boasts a user base exceeding 1.8 million across six countries. QuickFMS stands out for its versatility, offering modules such as property management, space management, asset management, and maintenance management, among others. The company offers QuickFMS in various deployment models with a transparent pricing structure that includes one-time deployment fees, mapping or customisation charges, and software licence fees tailored to the chosen model. The company has witnessed a remarkable journey of growth and innovation since its inception. It began with incubation by Satyam Computers, fostering a focus on IT products and intellectual property development and subsequently transitioned into SatNav Technologies, focusing on IT mapping products, navigation, telematics, and facilities management, all while retaining its valuable intellectual property. “In recent years, we have continued its evolution by aligning with Microsoft Azure and expanding its international presence through reseller partnerships. With a commitment to enhancing alignment with Microsoft Marketplace, growing the network of resellers in various countries, and expanding its customer base globally, SatNav Technologies is poised for a bright future,” says Amit Kishore Prasad, founder, MD, and CEO.
In a move towards sustainable mobility, MG Motor India and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) have announced a strategic partnership, to enhance and enrich India’s EV charging infrastructure. Under this agreement, MG and HPCL will together install 50kW/ 60kW DC fast chargers at key locations covering highways and cities across India. “The key to a successful transition to electric mobility is a robust EV ecosystem,” observes Gaurav Gupta, chief growth officer, MG Motor India. “As an early mover in the EV space, MG has been at the forefront of the development of a strong EV ecosystem. Along with our ecosystem partners, we are working to create a vast network of EV charging stations, in addition to battery recycling & battery second life solutions for end-to-end sustainability of electric vehicles. Our partnership with HPCL is yet another step to expanding the EV charging infrastructure in India to energise and enhance customer confidence in EVs. HPCL’s vast network and significant presence in India will ensure that existing and prospective EV users across the country have convenient access to our charging solutions.” Adds Rajdip Ghosh, chief general manager, highway retailing, HPCL: “HPCL has a nationwide network of 22000+ Fuel Stations and is committed to a sustainable future by providing green fuel to the customers. Also, it aims to install 5,000 electric vehicle charging stations by December 2024. Through this partnership with MG Motor India, HPCL shall leverage the vehicle base of MG to increase the utilisation of its chargers installed across India. HPCL will analyse charger usage to improve customer experience and strategic expansion in EV Charging infrastructure at places. This synergy will help in the growth of the EVs in the coming days.”
Vedanta Aluminium has announced the appointment of its CEO John Slaven as vice-chairman of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI). In this capacity, Slaven will spearhead global initiatives aimed at fostering the sustainable transformation of the aluminium industry and promote the critical role of aluminium in enabling the energy transition to a Zero Carbon modern world. “I am delighted to accept the responsibility of vice-chairman of the IAI,” says Slaven. “Aluminium has already proven itself essential in the global transition to a Net Zero future. I believe the onus lies on us as global leaders of the collective industry to boost awareness of aluminium’s limitless potential and champion its applications in building a greener planet. The IAI has undertaken stellar efforts in this regard, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members and colleagues to reinforce aluminium as the definitive metal of the future”.
Oriflame, is the leading Swedish well-being brand known for its commitment to safe, performing, and responsible products. Edyta Kurek, the company’s senior vice-president & head, India and Indonesia, was recently in Mumbai and spoke about the company’s dual-focused strategy. “Our social selling model empowers individuals to achieve both well-being and financial freedom. We foster micro-entrepreneurship and provide training and skills to build successful careers. This approach offers not only flexibility but also acts as a startup builder, equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive. As part of our strategic transformation, were placing a strong focus on connecting with young, consumers conscious about their well-being. We understand the importance of wellness to today’s consumers. By aligning with these trends and values, we create a movement towards sustainable and ethical beauty wellbeing practices that resonate with the youth, offering products that enhance their wellbeing while empowering them to achieve financial freedom.”
The government of Ghana, Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia and Tech Mahindra, with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) AT, Ghana and Telecel Ghana, have announced their partnership on a new shared infra Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC). This collaboration aims to deliver affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana. The NGIC has been awarded 5G licence and is expected to launch 5G services across Ghana within the next six months, followed by expansion to other parts of Africa. “The creation of a shared 5G Mobile Broadband Infrastructure is critical for delivering affordable, high-speed data access to the people of Ghana and help achieve our Digital Ghana vision,” says Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, minister for communications & digitalization, Republic of Ghana. “The creation of NGIC as a neutral, shared platform, accessible to all mobile network operators and tower companies, will help to expand 5G services rapidly across the country. We are inspired by India’s digital infrastructure and low-cost mobile data usage and keen to replicate it in Ghana,” she adds. Informs Mikko Lavanti, senior vice-president, the Middle East and Africa, Nokia. “Establishing an Open Access Network like NGIC will foster innovation and create numerous opportunities across various sectors. We are proud of our partnership with NGIC in helping Ghana realise its digital vision and unlock its full potential”.
In a bid to strengthen its malt spirits portfolio, liquor-maker Jagatjit Industries is mulling to launch single malt whisky by March 2025. The company aims to achieve a revenue of R970 crore in 2024-25, says Roshini Sanah Jaiswal, promoter & executive director, Jagatjit Industries. The company which has been working towards the launch for the last 12 months, has increased malt production from 120,000 litres a month to 200,-300,000 litres a month. In 2020, it had planned to launch a single-malt named Hamira; however, the plan was dropped due to Covid-19. “We have now changed the mix to include more malt spirit and are increasing the production gradually, so that the bottom lines will not be under pressure. The launch of the single malt will help achieve better margins, which will reflect in the following year,” Jaiswal adds. The Indian single malt category is gaining momentum as most liquor giants, domestic and international, have forayed into the category, stirring up the competitive landscape. “We are not late to the party, the single malt category is only being born, it’s not even cracked the surface in India,” Jaiswal remarks. “Our differentiation will come from flavours, casks and the quality of the whiskey.” The company plans to launch the product in a tentative price range of Rs.4000 and above.
Erekrut is an innovative technology-led job platform that connects recruiters, campuses and job seekers. Its mission is to inspire & connect the professional community by bringing the best recruiting experience through the use of relevant technology and customisation as per individual needs that brings transparency and connectivity at all levels. It enables recruiters to onboard candidates from expansive data of job seekers and young talent from colleges worldwide. Recruiters manage candidates using Erekrut Application Tracking System while customising the assessment as per their needs or using free job assessments provided by Erekrut. Using Erekrut ATS, recruiters can maintain their funnel for future needs. Erekrut provides a similar Student Tracking system for campuses across to connect with recruiters and manage the placements hassle free. Recruiters can also connect with colleges and assess students in advance for their future needs. Both campuses and recruiters can promote themselves using customizable micro-website created at Erekrut. “Our goal is to give best fit filtered candidates as quickly as possible. We help institutions in achieving 100 per cent placement support to millions of students studying. Erekrut is poised not only to become the most preferred hiring portal but also the most preferred choice of the recruiters and institutions,” says Ravinder Goyal, co-founder, Erekrut.