New Delhi: The Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC) under the Education & Training Initiatives of Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) is going to set up India’s first ‘Technology Innovation Research Centre’ at the ATDC-Training of Trainers’ Academy, Gurgaon, in collaboration with JUKI India Pvt. Ltd. This Centre will demonstrate leading edge technologies and undertaking applied research. The ATDC-JUKI TECH Innovation Centre is an important initiative to strengthen the Apparel Industry, especially the SMEs, to adopt new technologies for increasing productivity, efficiency and quality for better price realisation and better global competitiveness.
The Centre will be launched by Textiles Secretary Smt. Kiran Dhingra, IAS tomorrow in the presence of Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, ATDC & IAM; Hari Kapoor, Vice-Chairman, ATDC; and a team from JUKI.
The ATDC-JUKI TECH Innovation Centre will be a platform where industry and academia can focus on showcasing and demonstrating leading edge technology and carrying out applied ‘Research’ which is a key word in SMART (Skills for Manufacturing of Apparel through Research and Training). Applied ‘Research’ combined with technology training can become a potent force to catalyse advancement of apparel production techniques and praxis, that would be relevant for India’s apparel manufacturing environment.
Smt. Dhingra will also be the Chief Guest and Convocation Speaker on the 2nd Convocation of Institute of Apparel Management at the Apparel House Auditorium tomorrow. The Institute of Apparel Management, which over the last three academic years has carved a niche as a premier fashion institute, is celebrating its 2nd Convocation. The Guests of Honour for the Convocation are Shri V. Srinivas, Joint Secretary (Exports), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and Shri Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India. The students’ innovative displays will be also available for viewing at Lynx-I & II during the day of the Convocation.
ATDC-JUKI is also organising a seminar on “Intelligent Sewing Systems” at the ATDC – JUKI Tech Innovation Centre on January 18, 2013. This seminar deals with contemporary production practices that would help you to enhance productivity.
Success in my Habit
Friday, January 18, 2013
India, US team up for agri extension training in Africa
Hyderabad: India and the United States have joined hands to provide extension training to agricultural professionals in three African countries of Liberia, Kenya and Malawi.
Latest Techniques
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management and US Agency for International Development will equip 180 professionals from these countries in the next two years with latest techniques and tools in improving productivity, public private partnerships, strengthening agricultural value chains and market institutions.
Addressing 30 participants from the three countries here on Wednesday, Jonathan Shrier, Special Representative for Global Food Security in the US Department of State, said the developing countries were home to 87 crore hungry people despite the progress made since the Green Revolution.
Major Challenges
Climate change, shrinking natural resources, a decline in per capita cultivable land and rising demands for food were major challenges the world faced now.
“We need game-changing innovative solutions to address these challenges,” he said.
India, which emerged as a hub for low-cost, effective local innovations can help address these issues around the world, he added.
Latest Techniques
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management and US Agency for International Development will equip 180 professionals from these countries in the next two years with latest techniques and tools in improving productivity, public private partnerships, strengthening agricultural value chains and market institutions.
Addressing 30 participants from the three countries here on Wednesday, Jonathan Shrier, Special Representative for Global Food Security in the US Department of State, said the developing countries were home to 87 crore hungry people despite the progress made since the Green Revolution.
Major Challenges
Climate change, shrinking natural resources, a decline in per capita cultivable land and rising demands for food were major challenges the world faced now.
“We need game-changing innovative solutions to address these challenges,” he said.
India, which emerged as a hub for low-cost, effective local innovations can help address these issues around the world, he added.
MeadWestvaco to invest Rs 1,000 cr for expansion
Ahmedabad: The US-based packaging major MeadWestvaco Corporation on Tuesday said it will invest $184 million (Rs 1,000 crore) to expand the company’s presence in industrial packaging and triple its sales in India.
The US major, which signed a MoU with the State Government recently, said the investment will be over the next three to five years in the packaging and paperboard industry in India, and create 800 jobs in this industry.
The investment includes the purchase of Vapi-based Ruby Macons Ltd, and plans to expand the current production at the facility with the installation of a new paper machine to manufacture new paperboard products and grades.
The expansion is already underway and should increase the production starting in 2013, John Luke, Jr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MeadWestvaco, said in a statement here.
In November 2011, MeadWestvaco had announced the acquisition of Ruby Macons Ltd, a market leader in corrugated packaging materials in India, as part of the company’s growth strategy, including its emphasis on growth in emerging markets.
This will expand the company’s presence in industrial and agricultural packaging in India, which already includes a converting facility in Pune making rigid, humidity-resistant corrugated packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables, consumer goods, household appliances and pharmaceuticals.
The US major, which signed a MoU with the State Government recently, said the investment will be over the next three to five years in the packaging and paperboard industry in India, and create 800 jobs in this industry.
The investment includes the purchase of Vapi-based Ruby Macons Ltd, and plans to expand the current production at the facility with the installation of a new paper machine to manufacture new paperboard products and grades.
The expansion is already underway and should increase the production starting in 2013, John Luke, Jr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MeadWestvaco, said in a statement here.
In November 2011, MeadWestvaco had announced the acquisition of Ruby Macons Ltd, a market leader in corrugated packaging materials in India, as part of the company’s growth strategy, including its emphasis on growth in emerging markets.
This will expand the company’s presence in industrial and agricultural packaging in India, which already includes a converting facility in Pune making rigid, humidity-resistant corrugated packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables, consumer goods, household appliances and pharmaceuticals.
NMIMS ties up with CETYS University to develop capabilities
Mumbai: Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) has signed a pact with CETYS University of Mexico to develop competencies and capabilities of both institutes.
The association will include preparation of faculty at doctorate levels and in particular engineering courses. CETYS University will use NMIMS's expertise to pursue doctoral programmes, NMIMS said in a release. It will also involve enriching curriculum of both universities in programmes that need to be constantly researched. Also, there will be a student exchange programme for MBA students so that they get an opportunity to go abroad to understand and experience other regions of the world. Short-term sessions of the programme will begin from March. Groups of students who are found suitable for the programme will get to participate in a 2-3 weeks session in engineering and management practices.
"NMIMS has always been ambitious on various ways to prepare students for the global economy and the mission has been to give global focused education to its students. The CETYS University of Mexico was also founded on the mission of enriching and value based education to its students," said Dr Rajan Saxena, vice chancellor, NMIMS University.
"Technology and distant education go hand in hand...The idea is to develop virtual technological innovations to educate and give value addition to education," he said. Both universities work on similar technology, i.e., blackboard technology which ensures that the convergence is easy. It reduces the burden of getting faculties to the region and also helps in offering a global reach.
"Both the universities have been working towards collaborative options for some time now and the MoU was the next logical step to formalise and strengthen the association," said Dr Fernando Leon - Garcia, president, CETYS University.
The association will include preparation of faculty at doctorate levels and in particular engineering courses. CETYS University will use NMIMS's expertise to pursue doctoral programmes, NMIMS said in a release. It will also involve enriching curriculum of both universities in programmes that need to be constantly researched. Also, there will be a student exchange programme for MBA students so that they get an opportunity to go abroad to understand and experience other regions of the world. Short-term sessions of the programme will begin from March. Groups of students who are found suitable for the programme will get to participate in a 2-3 weeks session in engineering and management practices.
"NMIMS has always been ambitious on various ways to prepare students for the global economy and the mission has been to give global focused education to its students. The CETYS University of Mexico was also founded on the mission of enriching and value based education to its students," said Dr Rajan Saxena, vice chancellor, NMIMS University.
"Technology and distant education go hand in hand...The idea is to develop virtual technological innovations to educate and give value addition to education," he said. Both universities work on similar technology, i.e., blackboard technology which ensures that the convergence is easy. It reduces the burden of getting faculties to the region and also helps in offering a global reach.
"Both the universities have been working towards collaborative options for some time now and the MoU was the next logical step to formalise and strengthen the association," said Dr Fernando Leon - Garcia, president, CETYS University.
Four FDI Proposals Amounting to Rs. 1286.75 Crore Approved by FIPB
New Delhi: Based on the recommendations of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in its meeting held on December 31, 2012, the Central Government has approved four (04) proposals of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounting to Rs. 1286.75 crore approximately.
The following four (04) proposals have been approved:
Sl. No. Name of the applicant Particulars of the proposal FDI/NRI inflows(` In crore)
INDUSTRIAL POLICY & PROMOTION
1 M/s Pran Beverages (India) Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata Change in foreign collaborator and increase in foreign equity participation to carry out the business of manufacture of fruits/vegetables juices and their concentrates, squashes and powders, and manufacture of Beverages n.e.c. 30.25
PHARMACEUTICALS
2 M/s Hospira Inc., USA, M/s Hospira Pte Ltd., Singapore, and M/s Hospira Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd. Induction of foreign equity into Indian company which will acquire manufacturing facilities in the pharmaceuticals sector. 1194.75
3 M/s Perrigo API India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai Induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of manufacture of pharmaceutical ingredients. 55.00
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
4 M/s InterCall Asia Pacific Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Singapore To set up a WOS to undertake the business of providing audio, video and web conferencing services for business, commercial, banking and other establishments. 6.75
2.The following two (02) proposals have been deferred:
Sl. No Name of the applicant Particulars of the proposal
1 M/s Alliance Insurance Brokers Private Limited, Mumbai Induction of foreign equity by way of issue and transfer of equity shares to carry out the business of insurance broking.
2 M/s Aon Holdings B.V., Netherlands Post facto approval for induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of Insurance broking, and risk advisory services.
3.The following one (01) proposal has been withdrawn from the Agenda:
Sl. No Name of the applicant
1 M/s Ingka Holding Overseas B.V.
The following four (04) proposals have been approved:
Sl. No. Name of the applicant Particulars of the proposal FDI/NRI inflows(` In crore)
INDUSTRIAL POLICY & PROMOTION
1 M/s Pran Beverages (India) Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata Change in foreign collaborator and increase in foreign equity participation to carry out the business of manufacture of fruits/vegetables juices and their concentrates, squashes and powders, and manufacture of Beverages n.e.c. 30.25
PHARMACEUTICALS
2 M/s Hospira Inc., USA, M/s Hospira Pte Ltd., Singapore, and M/s Hospira Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd. Induction of foreign equity into Indian company which will acquire manufacturing facilities in the pharmaceuticals sector. 1194.75
3 M/s Perrigo API India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai Induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of manufacture of pharmaceutical ingredients. 55.00
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
4 M/s InterCall Asia Pacific Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Singapore To set up a WOS to undertake the business of providing audio, video and web conferencing services for business, commercial, banking and other establishments. 6.75
2.The following two (02) proposals have been deferred:
Sl. No Name of the applicant Particulars of the proposal
1 M/s Alliance Insurance Brokers Private Limited, Mumbai Induction of foreign equity by way of issue and transfer of equity shares to carry out the business of insurance broking.
2 M/s Aon Holdings B.V., Netherlands Post facto approval for induction of foreign equity to carry out the business of Insurance broking, and risk advisory services.
3.The following one (01) proposal has been withdrawn from the Agenda:
Sl. No Name of the applicant
1 M/s Ingka Holding Overseas B.V.
India and Vietnam have signed an MoU on MSME
New Delhi: India and Vietnam have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for identifying thrust areas and opportunities, and developing institutional framework for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in Vietnam.
Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam and India's Ministry of MSME have signed the MoU during the ongoing four day state visit of Mr Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India to Vietnam.
The MoU also aims at promotion of partnership projects and institutional cooperation between the two countries, organising trade fairs and exhibitions for marketing the products of MSME, exchange of business missions to initiate transfer of technology and business alliance, and providing training for improvement of managerial and technical skills for MSME. It is a part of India’s efforts to further strengthen economic ties with Vietnam.
India and Vietnam have set a bilateral trade and investment target of US$ 7 billion by 2015. A Joint Committee has been set up by Ministries of both the countries to monitor the implementation of the MoU
Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam and India's Ministry of MSME have signed the MoU during the ongoing four day state visit of Mr Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India to Vietnam.
The MoU also aims at promotion of partnership projects and institutional cooperation between the two countries, organising trade fairs and exhibitions for marketing the products of MSME, exchange of business missions to initiate transfer of technology and business alliance, and providing training for improvement of managerial and technical skills for MSME. It is a part of India’s efforts to further strengthen economic ties with Vietnam.
India and Vietnam have set a bilateral trade and investment target of US$ 7 billion by 2015. A Joint Committee has been set up by Ministries of both the countries to monitor the implementation of the MoU
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Hero MotoCorp begins work on Rajasthan plant
New Delhi: Two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp (HMCL) on Monday said it has started construction of its fourth manufacturing plant and a new Global Parts Centre (GPC) at Neemrana, in Rajasthan.
The company will invest Rs 550 crore in setting up this plant and the GPC. Both facilities are expected to be operational towards the end of financial year 2013-14, it said.
“The commencement of work on the new plant is indicative of our intention and strategy for the future. We foresee a revival in market sentiment sooner than later and, when it happens, we will be ready to meet the upsurge in demand,” Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, HMCL, said.
The Neemrana plant, spread over 47 acres, will provide direct employment to over 1000 people, and have an installed capacity of 7.50 lakh units per annum.
“At the same time, we will be setting up a modern GPC spread over 35 acres at Neemrana,” he said.
The Global Parts Centre is expected to be operational in the third quarter of the next financial year (2013-14) and will initially employ 400 people.
The GPC will have an automated storage and retrieval system, automated packaging and sorting systems, online tracking of parts using a warehouse management system, lean manufacturing systems and, importantly, the green building concept, Munjal added.
The company will invest Rs 550 crore in setting up this plant and the GPC. Both facilities are expected to be operational towards the end of financial year 2013-14, it said.
“The commencement of work on the new plant is indicative of our intention and strategy for the future. We foresee a revival in market sentiment sooner than later and, when it happens, we will be ready to meet the upsurge in demand,” Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, HMCL, said.
The Neemrana plant, spread over 47 acres, will provide direct employment to over 1000 people, and have an installed capacity of 7.50 lakh units per annum.
“At the same time, we will be setting up a modern GPC spread over 35 acres at Neemrana,” he said.
The Global Parts Centre is expected to be operational in the third quarter of the next financial year (2013-14) and will initially employ 400 people.
The GPC will have an automated storage and retrieval system, automated packaging and sorting systems, online tracking of parts using a warehouse management system, lean manufacturing systems and, importantly, the green building concept, Munjal added.
Apollo Tyres opens R&D centre in Netherlands
New Delhi: Apollo Tyres on Monday opened its global research and development (R&D) centre in Enschede, the Netherlands. It will serve as a hub for the development and testing of car and van tyres for all product brands — Apollo, Vredestein and Dunlop (32 countries in Africa) — of the company, it said.
Named Apollo Tyres Global R&D BV, the new centre will start operations with more than 100 people from various parts of the world, including 20 car tyre specialists from India and South Africa. It will later be scaled-up to nearly 150 people.
R&D Restructuring
“The Global R&D centre is an important milestone in our journey to become a $ 6 billion tyre company by 2016,” Onkar S. Kanwar, Chairman, Apollo Tyres said.
Recently, the company restructured its R&D team, across its three key geographies, to create synergy and greater alignment to the company’s growth aspirations.
Two Global Hubs
In line with this strategy, the company is bringing together its R&D resources comprising almost 250 people in Africa, Europe and India to create two global R&D hubs — Enschede, the Netherlands for car and van tyres and Chennai, for commercial vehicle tyres.
Both R&D departments will be in close contact with original equipment manufacturers and replacement clients, test centres, raw material suppliers and research institutes.
“Going forward, R&D will continue to be the cornerstone of our vision, as we plan to ramp up the R&D spend to 3 per cent of our sales revenue,” Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Apollo Tyres said.
Named Apollo Tyres Global R&D BV, the new centre will start operations with more than 100 people from various parts of the world, including 20 car tyre specialists from India and South Africa. It will later be scaled-up to nearly 150 people.
R&D Restructuring
“The Global R&D centre is an important milestone in our journey to become a $ 6 billion tyre company by 2016,” Onkar S. Kanwar, Chairman, Apollo Tyres said.
Recently, the company restructured its R&D team, across its three key geographies, to create synergy and greater alignment to the company’s growth aspirations.
Two Global Hubs
In line with this strategy, the company is bringing together its R&D resources comprising almost 250 people in Africa, Europe and India to create two global R&D hubs — Enschede, the Netherlands for car and van tyres and Chennai, for commercial vehicle tyres.
Both R&D departments will be in close contact with original equipment manufacturers and replacement clients, test centres, raw material suppliers and research institutes.
“Going forward, R&D will continue to be the cornerstone of our vision, as we plan to ramp up the R&D spend to 3 per cent of our sales revenue,” Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Apollo Tyres said.
India plans to develop a forecasting model for energy demand and supply
New Delhi: India plans to develop a forecasting model for energy demand and supply that will help in policy decisions. The model, on the lines of UK's Energy Calculator 2050, will be available to industry and researchers.
"The proposal has in-principle approval of the Prime Minister and the task to set up a model is entrusted to Planning Commission," a senior government official said.
Apart from India, China is also in talks with UK's Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to set up a similar model. "This will be the government's own energy model, which will provide energy pathways for four decades. This will provide effective tool for taking energy related policy decisions in an integrated manner," Planning Commission Adviser-Energy Anil K Jain said. The model will be handy to predict demand, supply and pricing more objectively and in a manner, which will help to optimize natural resources, he added.
Planning Commission is creating this energy model because the country has separate ministries and departments for different types of energy such as coal, power, petroleum, nuclear and renewable. It will also guide Indian negotiators in taking stand at international forums, especially on the climate change, he said.
Bangalore-based Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) is assisting Planning Commission in setting up the model. CSTEP's Chairman VS Arunachalam says that since GDP growth is dependent on energy supply, it is important to know how much energy India would need and how to meet the demand.
Currently, the Planning Commission's recommendations on energy are based on studies carried out with expert groups, but these often do not capture the changes in global energy scenarios and technological advances. Jain said almost all developed nations have their own energy models that help them in taking crucial policy decisions regarding demand, supply, pricing and utilization. US Energy Information Administration is one such model that keeps global energy data and has been a resource center for various countries including India.
"The proposal has in-principle approval of the Prime Minister and the task to set up a model is entrusted to Planning Commission," a senior government official said.
Apart from India, China is also in talks with UK's Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to set up a similar model. "This will be the government's own energy model, which will provide energy pathways for four decades. This will provide effective tool for taking energy related policy decisions in an integrated manner," Planning Commission Adviser-Energy Anil K Jain said. The model will be handy to predict demand, supply and pricing more objectively and in a manner, which will help to optimize natural resources, he added.
Planning Commission is creating this energy model because the country has separate ministries and departments for different types of energy such as coal, power, petroleum, nuclear and renewable. It will also guide Indian negotiators in taking stand at international forums, especially on the climate change, he said.
Bangalore-based Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) is assisting Planning Commission in setting up the model. CSTEP's Chairman VS Arunachalam says that since GDP growth is dependent on energy supply, it is important to know how much energy India would need and how to meet the demand.
Currently, the Planning Commission's recommendations on energy are based on studies carried out with expert groups, but these often do not capture the changes in global energy scenarios and technological advances. Jain said almost all developed nations have their own energy models that help them in taking crucial policy decisions regarding demand, supply, pricing and utilization. US Energy Information Administration is one such model that keeps global energy data and has been a resource center for various countries including India.
Canada seeks comprehensive economic pact with India
New Delhi: Canada wants an "ambitious" Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India, Canadian High Commissioner to India Stewart Beck said here on Monday.
Addressing a seminar, the envoy said the agreement should ensure maximum movement of people apart from giving the best possible rates for Canadian goods. He added that Canada could also bring capital to India. The envoy hoped that the foreign investment agreement would help both countries. "This is something which will also help Indian investments in Canada," the envoy said.
In the field of education, Beck said the number of student visas issued to Indians had touched 13,000 last year from 3,000 in 2008.
Admitting that relations between the two countries were affected by some problems earlier, the envoy said the past has been buried.
Addressing a seminar, the envoy said the agreement should ensure maximum movement of people apart from giving the best possible rates for Canadian goods. He added that Canada could also bring capital to India. The envoy hoped that the foreign investment agreement would help both countries. "This is something which will also help Indian investments in Canada," the envoy said.
In the field of education, Beck said the number of student visas issued to Indians had touched 13,000 last year from 3,000 in 2008.
Admitting that relations between the two countries were affected by some problems earlier, the envoy said the past has been buried.
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