ISMA Appoints Deepak Ballani as New Director General
The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) appointed Deepak Ballani as its new Director General. With over 25 years of extensive experience in public policy, government affairs, and organizational management, Ballani brings a wealth of expertise to this pivotal role.
Prior to joining ISMA, Ballani served as the Director General at The All India Plastics Manufacturers Association, where he spearheaded policy advocacy, government affairs management, and international partner management.
Ballani's illustrious career journey includes notable positions with renowned organizations such as PwC India, UNIDO, NSIC, and others, where he led projects focusing on energy efficiency, technology transfer, and international business development.
CCI Approves Merger of Garagepreneurs Internet with North East Small Finance Bank
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the merger of a financial technology company, Garagepreneurs Internet Private Limited (GIPL), with the North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB). This strategic move aims to combine the strengths of both entities in the financial services sector.
The proposed transaction involves the merger of GIPL, including its subsidiaries Quadrillion Finance Private Limited (QFPL) and Intergalactory Foundry Private Limited (IFPL), with NESFB and its subsidiary RGVN (North-East) Microfinance Limited (RGVN). This merger is subject to the approval of the jurisdictional National Company Law Tribunal and certain related transactions.
GIPL operates under the brand name "slice" and focuses on facilitating payments and credit products through digital means in India. The company's core mission is to enable access to financial services for underbanked customers through affordable and transparent cost solutions and structures.
Tata Power Solar Completes India's Largest Solar-BESS Project in Chhattisgarh
Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL), a subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), completed India's largest Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) project in Chhattisgarh.
The project consists of a 100 MW Solar PV Project combined with a 120 MWh Utility Scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
It comprises a 100 MW Solar PV Project and a 120 MWh Utility Scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). TPSSL secured the Rs. 945 crore project from SECI in December 2021, handling engineering, construction, and commissioning.
The project anticipates generating 243.53 million energy units annually, cutting carbon emissions by 4.87 million tonnes over 25 years, aligning with India's renewable energy targets. Tata AutoComp Systems Limited supplied the BESS, reflecting a commitment to excellence and collaboration.
SBI Partners with Aurionpro for its Transaction Banking Platform
Aurionpro Solutions clinched a significant deal with the State Bank of India (SBI) for the license, implementation, and support of its cutting-edge cash management and transaction banking platform, iCashpro+. Valued at nearly Rs. 100 crore, this prestigious contract entails phased delivery of license and implementation over 12 months, followed by a 6-year maintenance and support period.
Mar 13, 2024
Bank of Baroda Launches Green Term Deposit Scheme
Bank of Baroda (BoB) announced the launch of the bob Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme, aimed at raising deposits for financing eligible environment-friendly projects and sectors.
The scheme offers customers the dual benefits of stable financial returns and contribution to a greener planet.
Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry Launches Credit Assistance Program for Jan Aushadhi Kendras
Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare, inaugurated a credit assistance program for Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
The launch ceremony witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), marking a pivotal moment in the endeavour to strengthen the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country.
Mar 12, 2024
IndusInd Bank Launches Indus PayWear, an All-in-one Tokenisable Wearable
IndusInd Bank introduced 'Indus PayWear,' which, in collaboration with Mastercard, boasts to be the country's first all-in-one tokenisable wearables for both debit and credit cards.
As per the company, this offering aims to enable users to tokenise their IndusInd Bank cards onto a chip-enabled wearable device.
Indus PayWear facilitates tap-and-pay transactions at any contactless Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminal globally, eliminating the need for physical cards or payment apps. Users can securely make purchases with ease.
The Indus PayWear range includes three options: a ring, watch clasp, and stickers, catering to diverse customer preferences. The wearables are priced affordably, ranging from Rs. 499 to Rs. 2,999.
India, EFTA Ink Free Trade Agreement
India signed a trade and economic partnership agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) - a grouping of Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland - that includes a binding $100-billion investment commitment in the next 15 years.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the signing as a 'watershed moment', as it is India's first modern trade pact with a bloc having developed countries.
The agreement has 14 chapters, including trade in goods, rules of origin, intellectual property rights (IPRs), trade in services, investment promotion and cooperation, government procurement, technical barriers to trade and trade facilitation.
Adani Green Operationalises 1,000 Mw of Solar Project at Khavda in Gujarat
Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) operationalised a total of 1,000 Mw of solar energy capacity at the world's largest renewable energy (RE) park at Khavda in Gujarat. With this, AGEL has achieved operational capacity of 9,478 Mw and continues its journey to the stated goal of 45,000 Mw by 2030.
The world's largest RE plant of 30 Gw spans a staggering 538 sq km of barren land, five times the size of Paris. The project is expected to be completed in the next five years and will create over 15,200 green jobs.
AGEL is set to replicate its success in building and operating India's first and the world's largest wind-solar hybrid cluster at Jaisalmer.
Mar 11, 2024
Integrated Command and Control Centre for Agriculture
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda, inaugurated the Agriculture Integrated Command and Control Center at Krishi Bhawan, Delhi, in March 2024.
The Centre aims to empower farmers across the country by providing them with information, services, and facilities using digital technology, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making farmers self-reliant. Shri Munda said that the objective of the new initiative is to provide farmers the information about the reality in the farm and also to find out what are the real challenges our agriculture sector is facing. He said that with the availability of real-time data and its analysis, their problems can be resolved and capacity will be expanded and crops will be good, which will ultimately benefit the agriculture sector in the country.
Union Minister Narayan Rane Lays Foundation Stone of MSME-Technology Centre in Sindhudurg, Mahara...
Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Narayan Rane laid the foundation stone of the MSME-Technology Centre in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg in March 2024.
He also inaugurated Sindhudurg Audyogik Mahotsav and Self Employment Conclave on this occasion. In a statement, the Ministry said, the government is establishing twenty new technology centres and one hundred extension centres across the country to expand the access to technology by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
The estimated project cost of MSME-Technology Centre, Sindhudurg is 182 Crore rupees. This technology centre will focus on sectors like general engineering and food processing. It will also create new opportunities for growth for MSMEs in the nearby areas by providing access to new technology, skills and consultancy.
Mar 10, 2024
RBI, Bank Indonesia Sign Mou To Promote Use Of Local Currencies For Cross-Border Transactions
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank Indonesia (BI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai on Thursday for establishing a framework to promote the use of local currencies viz. the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for cross-border transactions.
The MoU was signed by the Governor of Reserve Bank of India Mr. Shaktikanta Das and the Governor of Bank Indonesia Mr. Perry Warjiyo. This collaboration marks a key milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between RBI and BI.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the RBI said the MoU on establishing a framework for cooperation in the area of cross-border transactions in local currencies between India and Indonesia, aims to promote the use of INR and IDR bilaterally. It said this will eventually contribute to promoting trade between India and Indonesia as well as deepen financial integration and strengthen the long historical, cultural and economic relations Between India and Indonesia.