Water Infrastructure players appeal to the Government for inclusion of Drinking Water and Waste Water Projects under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS)

Funds dry up as money lending institutions deny ECLGS funding to Water Infrastructure players

Mumbai, 15 July, 2021: Water Alliance India, Ion Exchange Limited, Swach Environment Private Limited, Nangloi Water Services Private Limited, industry associations and other companies dealing with water management services have appealed to the Government of India to include water and waste water sectors in Emergency Credit Guarantee Limit Scheme (ECLGS 2.0) in order to seek financial support from lending institutions.

 

The water sector in India is under severe financial stress due to the Covid -19 pandemic with various drinking water and sanitation projects suffering immensely on account of restrictions imposed on activities, lack of manpower, credit crunch and shortage of raw material. With no financial support in the face of cautious lending by financial institutions, a failure to define the water and waste water projects under any of the pre-defined sub-sectors of Infrastructure or Construction in the ECLGS will spell doom for the viability of projects which are battling enormous financial distress.

 

Commenting on the issue, Mr. Sourav Daspatnaik, Managing Trustee, Water Alliance India said: “It is a matter of great concern that Water, Waste Water and Sanitation sectors which have been at the forefront of the Covid-19 crisis are not considered in the eligible sectors. Just like power and electricity, Water, Waste Water management and Sanitation must be considered as an essential service and cannot be subservient to other sectors. The life line of water infrastructure development in India will tumble if such reliefs under the Government policies are not made available to Water, Waste water and Sanitation sector.”

 

The Government of India in response to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, announced an Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). Under the Scheme, the Government undertook to guarantee additional facilities provided by lending institutions to their existing borrowers. The same was further revised as ECLGS 2.0 wherein the Government guaranteed additional lending to the 27 sectors including the 26 sectors defined by the committee headed by Shri KV Kamath and the Health sector. Later, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, Leisure and Sporting sectors were included in the list of eligible sectors.

 

However, the water infrastructure players have not been able to avail this scheme in the absence of water sector being listed in the 26 sectors defined by the KV Kamath Committee. The loans under ECLGS can be sanctioned only up to 30.09.2021 and disbursed up to 31^st of December 2021. 

 

Mr. Ajay Popat, President, Ion Exchange said, “The Covid-19 pandemic and consequential lockdowns have impacted many drinking water and waste water management projects of the Central and the State Governments. Many participants in the water sector are MSMEs. The very idea of introducing Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) was to help those sectors which have been impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is unfortunate that drinking water and waste water management sectors have not been considered to avail the benefits of ECLGS and as a result multiple projects and MSMEs involved in the sector have been affected financially, apart from being crippled with lack of manpower, severe hike in raw materials like steel, cement, electrical etc. Since most of these contracts have fixed prices, the cascading effect of all have resulted in acute credit crunch and financial distress. Thus, it is high time that the appropriate authorities revisit the list of beneficiaries of ECLGS and include drinking water and waste water management sectors into it or the viability of many MSME projects will be in question.”

 

Dr. Ajay Pradhan, President, Consulting Engineering Association of India (CEAI) said, “There has been a growing demand from the Water and Waste Water Sector infrastructure players to issue a proper clarification urgently in defining the Drinking Water and Waste Water projects as a separate sector or as sub-sectors under the Infrastructure or Construction sector to combat the financial distress. As the apex body for consulting and technical engineers in the country, we remain hopeful and confident that a clarification would be issued soon bringing this into effect thus, enabling the lending institutions to process additional funding for the run-down water infrastructure players”

 

Mr. Naresh Jain, President, Delhi Jal Board Contractors Welfare Association said, “The scope of ECLGS must be expanded to include drinking water and waste water management sector. This sector, like other MSMEs, needs urgent relaxations and immediate support to survive. In the absence of the ECLGS being extended to the water sector, many companies may be compelled to shut their operations which will not only cause great inconvenience to the public at large but will also result in having a ripple effect on its workforce who will be left jobless during these testing times. Thus, drinking water and waste water management sector must be added to the list of sectors identified by the KV Kamath Committee, failing which will only add to the already mounting hardships for MSMEs engaged in this sector.”

 

Mr. Shantanu Mitra, CFO, Nangloi Water Services Private Limited also commented, “Capital construction work is a significant part of several drinking water and waste water management projects. Since the construction sector has already been identified in the list of 26 sectors by the KV Kamath Committee, thus, it is imperative that the drinking water and waste water sectors should be considered as a part of the construction sector and subsequently be included in the list.”

 

About Water Alliance India (“WAI”):

Water Alliance India (“WAI”) is an organised group of members involved across diverse fields of the water sector. The organisation’s mission is to develop an enabling ecosystem to increase access to water, integrate emerging technologies, establish the concept of reduce, reuse, recycle and work towards sustainable development. WAI intends to create a hub connecting and engaging resources from multiple disciplines including private and public providers of water related services, consultants, agencies with expertise in water and waste water management, industries, government and non-government organisations etc.

अॅमेझॉन प्राइम व्हिडिओवर 'तूफान'च्‍या वर्ल्‍ड प्रि‍मिअरपूर्वी 'तूफान'च्‍या टीमने स्‍थानिक मीडियासोबत केल्‍या खास गप्‍पागोष्‍टी

 फरहान अख्‍तर, मृणाल ठाकूर आणि राकेश ओमप्रकाश मेहराने पुण्‍यामध्‍ये आणला 'तूफान'

एक्‍सेल एंटरटेन्‍मेंट व आरओएमपी पिक्‍चर्ससोबत सहयोगाने अॅमेझॉन प्राइम व्हिडिओ प्रस्‍तुत चित्रपट 'तूफान'चे निर्माते आहेत रितेश सिधवानी, राकेश ओमप्रकाश मेहरा आणि फरहान अख्‍तर

 अॅमेझॉन प्राइम व्हिडिओवर चित्रपट 'तूफान' सुरू होण्‍यापूर्वी तूफानी टीम – फरहान अख्‍तर, मृणाल ठाकूर व राकेश ओमप्रकाश मेहरा यांनी आज अद्वितीय व्‍हर्च्‍युअल शहरी दौ-याच्‍या माध्‍यमातून पुण्‍याला भेट दिली. भारतभरातील विविध शहरांना व्‍यापून घेणा-या या अद्वितीय व्‍हर्च्‍युअल दौ-यामध्‍ये टीम विविध राज्‍यांमधील मीडिया, चाहते व स्‍थानिक हिरोजसोबत गप्‍पागोष्‍टी करताना पाहायला मिळेल. मीडियाला चित्रपट निर्मितीची विशेष झलक दाखवण्‍यात आली, ज्‍यामुळे चित्रपटाप्रती त्‍यांची उत्‍सुकता व उत्‍साह वाढला आहे.

प्रमुख अभिनेता व सह-निर्माता फरहान अख्‍तर 'तूफान'साठी व्‍हर्च्‍युअल शहर भेटीसाठी उत्‍सुक होते, ते म्‍हणाले, ''पुणे हे इतर प्रत्‍येक शहराप्रमाणे उत्तम संस्‍कृती व प्रेरणादायी कथांचे स्‍थान आहे. हे देशातील काही प्रख्‍यात क्रीडा व्‍यक्तिमत्त्वांचे घर आहे आणि आपल्‍याला त्‍यांच्‍या योगदानाचा अभिमान वाटतो. निर्माता व अभिनेता म्‍हणून मला पुण्‍यामधील स्‍थानिक मीडियासोबत गप्‍पागोष्‍टी करण्‍याची आणि 'तूफान'च्‍या प्रबळ व प्रेरणादायी कथेबाबत सांगण्‍याची संधी मिळाल्‍याने खूप आनंद होत आहे. अनेक वर्षांपासून या शहराने मला दिलेले प्रेम व पाठिंबा पाहून मी खूप भारावून गेलो आहे.'' चित्रपटामधील भूमिकेबाबत सांगताना ते म्‍हणाले, ''चित्रपट 'तूफान'सह मला समजले आहे की, शारीरिकदृष्‍ट्या कितीही प्रबळ असले तरी बॉक्‍सरच्‍या जीवनात सामावून जाणे पूर्णत: नवीन अनुभव आहे. मी भूमिकेसाठी शारीरिकदृष्‍ट्या व मानसिकदृष्‍ट्या तयार असण्‍यासाठी दररोज ८ ते ९ तास प्रखर प्रशिक्षण घेतले. ही भूमिका व कथा माझ्या मनाच्‍या खूप जवळ आहे आणि आशा करतो की, प्रेक्षकांना ही भूमिका आवडेल.''

व्‍हर्च्‍युअल शहर भेटींबाबत आपला उत्‍साह व्‍यक्‍त करत प्रमुख अभिनेत्री मृणाल ठाकूर म्‍हणाली, ''मी फरहान यांच्‍या मताला दुजोरा देते की, क्रीडाक्षेत्रामध्‍ये पुण्‍याचे मोठे योगदान राहिले आहे. मला येथील लोकांसोबत गप्‍पागोष्‍टी करण्‍याचा खूप आनंद होत आहे. मला या शहराबाबत आवडलेली बाब म्‍हणजे येथील विविधता. शहरातील लोकांपासून पाककलेपर्यंत येथे भारतभरातील अनेक भारतीय पाककला पाहायला मिळू शकतात. या शहराबाबत माझ्या काही सर्वोत्तम आठवणी म्‍हणजे तरी मिसळ पाव व भाकरवडी सारख्‍या स्‍वादिष्‍ट पदार्थांवर ताव मारणे. मी प्रत्‍येकवेळी या शहराला भेट देते तेव्‍हा वेळात वेळ काढून गोड व स्‍वादिष्‍ट स्‍थानिक पाककलांचा आस्‍वाद घेते. पाककलेव्‍यतिरिक्‍त पुणे शहर पर्यटन स्‍थळांसाठी देखील प्रसिद्ध आहे, माझी काही आवडीची पर्यटन स्‍थळे या शहरांमध्‍ये आहेत.'' आपल्‍या भूमिकेबाबत सांगताना ती म्‍हणाली, ''रिंगणामध्‍ये असलेल्‍या प्रत्‍येक पुरूषाला महिलेचा पाठिंबा असतो. माझी भूमिका अनन्‍या अज्‍जू भाईला अझिझमध्‍ये रूपांतरित करण्‍याच्‍या संपूर्ण प्रवासामध्‍ये उत्‍प्रेरकाची भूमिका बजावते. या भूमिकेला इतरांपेक्षा वरचढ ठरवणारी बाब म्‍हणजे ती आत्‍मविश्‍वासू, दयाळू व उदारमतवादी मुलगी आहे. अनन्‍याची भूमिका साकारल्‍यानंतर मला वाटते की, एक अभिनेत्री म्‍हणून मी अधिक निर्णायक व आत्‍मविश्‍वासू बनली आहे. मला खात्री आहे की बॉलिवूडमधील प्रत्‍येक अभिनेत्रीला अशा प्रकारची भूमिका साकारायला आवडेल. मला आनंद होत आहे की, मला प्रबळ व नीडर अनन्‍याची भूमिका साकारण्‍याची ही संधी मिळाली आहे.''

दिग्‍दर्शक राकेश ओमप्रकाश मेहरा म्‍हणाले, ''पुणेकर खूपच स्‍वागतार्ह आहेत. मी येथील लोकांच्‍या विनम्र व शांतचित्त स्‍वभावाचे मनापासून कौतुक करतो. स्‍थानिक मीडियासोबत गप्‍पागोष्‍टी करताना खूपच चांगले वाटले आणि त्‍यांनी या वर्षांमध्‍ये दिलेले प्रेम व पाठिंब्‍यासाठी त्‍यांचे मनापासून आभार मानतो. मी आशा करतो ते चित्रपट 'तूफान'साठी देखील त्‍यांचे प्रेम व आशीर्वादांचा वर्षाव करतील.'' ते पुढे म्‍हणाले, ''चित्रपट 'तूफान'ची कथा एका व्‍यक्‍तीला सामना कराव्‍या लागणा-या आव्‍हानांबाबत आणि असे असताना देखील कधीच हार न मानण्‍याच्‍या वृत्तीबाबत आहे. हा मनोरंजनपूर्ण, तसेच रोमांचक, विचारशील व प्रेरणादायी चित्रपट आहे. तर मग कॅलेंडरवरील तारखेवर खूण करून ठेवा आणि पॉपकॉर्न तयार ठेवत हा मनोरंजनपूर्ण चित्रपट पाहण्‍याचा आनंद घेण्‍यासाठी सज्‍ज राहा.''

एक्‍सेल एंटरटेन्‍मेंट व आरओएमपी पिक्‍चर्ससोबत सहयोगाने अॅमेझॉन प्राइम व्हिडिओ प्रस्‍तुत चित्रपट 'तूफान' हा रितेश सिधवानी, राकेश ओमप्रकाश मेहरा व फरहान अख्‍तर यांची निर्मिती असलेला प्रेरणादायी स्‍पोर्टस् ड्रामा आहे. या चित्रपटामध्‍ये प्रतिभावान कलाकार आहेत, जसे प्रमुख भूमिकेत फरहान अख्‍तरसह मृणाल ठाकूर, परेश रावल, सुप्रि‍या पाठक कपूर, हुसैन दलाल, डॉ. मोहन आगाशे, दर्शन कुमार आणि विजय राज. राकेश ओमप्रकाश मेहरा यांचे दिग्दर्शन असलेल्‍या चित्रपटाचा उत्कंठावर्धक ट्रेलर आपल्‍याला स्‍थानिक गुंड अज्‍जू भाईचा व्‍यावसायिक बॉक्‍सर अझिझ अली बनवण्‍यापर्यंतच्‍या प्रवासाची झलक दाखवतो. 'तूफान' ही आवड व चिकाटीने भरलेली आशा, निष्‍ठा व अंतरिक शक्‍तीची कथा आहे.  

'तूफान' हा एकाच वेळी हिंदी व इंग्रजीमध्‍ये २४० देश व प्रदेशांमध्‍ये १६ जुलै २०२१ पासून अॅमेझॉन प्राइम व्हिडिओवर प्रिमिअर होणारा पहिला चित्रपट असेल.

चित्रपटाचा सारांश:

अपरिहार्य वातावरणामध्‍ये डोंगरीच्‍या रस्‍त्‍यावर जन्‍मलेला एक अनाथ मुलगा मोठा होऊन स्‍थानिक गुंड बनतो. तो मोहक व दयाळू तरूणी अनन्‍याला भेटल्‍यानंतर त्‍याच्‍या जीवनाला कलाटणी मिळते. ती त्‍याला योग्‍य दिशेने जाण्‍यास मार्गदर्शन करते. प्रेम व मार्गदर्शनासह त्‍याला खेळाप्रती आवड निर्माण होते आणि तो जागतिक दर्जाचा बॉक्‍सर बनण्‍याच्‍या दिशेने वाटचाल सुरू करतो. ही प्रेरणादायी कथा आहे. जीवनातील प्रतिकूल परिस्थितींचा सामना करणारे गरीब व वंचित व्‍यक्‍ती जीवनाच्‍या उत्तरार्धात मेहनत घेत आणि योग्‍य मार्गाचा अवलंब करत देशाचे हिरोज बनू शकतात. 'तूफान' चित्रपट मुंबईशी निगडित आहे. मुंबई शहर चित्रपटाच्‍या तिस-या पात्रासारखे आहे. मुंबई हे भारतातील महानगर व उत्तम शहरांपैकी एक आहे. हे कॉस्‍मोपोलिटन शहर असून येथे विविध संस्‍कृती व धर्म आहेत. मुंबईकरांच्‍या स्पिरीटसह मुंबई धावते. हा 'स्पिरीट' मुंबईचा अभिमानी अधिकार आहे, जो पात्रांच्‍या माध्‍यमातून चित्रपटामध्‍ये पाहायला मिळतो. 

ट्रेलर येथे पाहा: https://youtu.be/4qalsBNwZds

Tata Steel Foundation and TERI initiate Phase IV of the Green School project

 

~ The fourth phase of the Green School project will be extended to Sukinda ~

 

~ A new Green School Buddy Programme designed to encourage teachers to become peer planners for project ~

New Delhi, July 15, 2021: Tata Steel Foundation and TERI launched Phase IV of the Green School project today at a virtual event that saw the participation of all stakeholders including students, teachers and schools involved in the project. Beginning its fourth phase, the project will be extended further to include Sukinda, a town in Odisha and part of Tata Steel’s operational area to further its efforts around creating awareness among students on climate change, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

 

The new phase of the project was initiated in the presence of R R Satpathy, General Manager, Corporate Services, Tata Steel Kalinganagar, Anna Kujur, Eco-Revolutionist, Athkosia Adivasi Sangathan and Suruchi Bhadwal, Senior fellow, Earth Sciences and Climate Change, TERI.

 

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project will go completely virtual this year with a greater emphasis on generating awareness amongst students around climate action, particularly on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The new phase of the project aims to encourage teachers of partner schools to become peer planners and develop yearly plan of activities for their schools under the themes of climate action and SDGs.

 

Additionally, the project is introducing a new programme called the ‘Green School Buddy Programme’ to help students become future change makers. The programme will see students associated with the project since its inception and who have developed their capacities on various aspects of sustainability, conduct and lead school activities. Students from at least one of the best performing schools under the Green School project will be selected as Green School Buddies. These students will be motivated to plan and execute informal sessions to generate awareness on environmental issues for new students and those in the primary section. Tata Steel Foundation and TERI will work on guiding these Green School Buddies in the planning the sessions.

 

Speaking on the occasion, R R Satpathy said: "Restoration of the ecosystems is our key focus in Phase IV of the Green School Project. While our generation can help initiate this process of restoration, it is the students who have to work on imbibing these qualities in them and become change makers of tomorrow. We need to start from the basics and help them understand the value of resources and generate awareness around environmental degradation.”

“Your generation needs to innovate and develop technologies to protect and restore the planet for a better future. The Green School Project has been performing well and with restoration being the new area of focus the scope of this initiative has grown exponentially,” R R Satpathy added.

 

Speaking on co-existence and bringing harmony between humans and nature, Anna Kujur, Eco-Revolutionist, Athkosia Adivasi Sangathan, said: “We need to learn to love our environment and nature. With land degradation and deforestation, the adverse effects of local climatic changes can be clearly observed. Thus, planting trees and addressing deforestation will greatly help in working towards a healthy environment and consequently a healthy body.”

 

“Reducing the use of fossil fuels & our interference with the environment while increasing the application of cleaner energies will help us mitigate the impacts of climate change. Sustainable development and the 17 SDGs thus hope to steer the global economies on a climate friendly pathway,” Suruchi Baldwal, Senior Fellow, Earth Sciences & Climate Change, TERI said in her session on ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ at the launch event.

 

The Green School project was formally launched in April 2017 to help the students across Tata Steel's operational areas in Jharkhand and Odisha improve their critical, interdisciplinary and holistic thinking. The focus of the project is to create awareness and enable the student and teacher fraternity to better understand their relationship with nature and make concerted efforts to conserve it through resource management initiatives at local levels.

 

About Tata Steel Foundation

Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) was incorporated on August 16, 2016 under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel Limited and is committed towards playing a larger role in India’s sustainable development by embedding wider economic, social and environmental objectives through its programmes. The Foundation has therefore broad-based its community engagement to effect societal changes through its Proximate Community Development (PCD) programmes that include creating a systemic education process for children and adolescents, eradicating worst forms of child labour, doubling income generation of its marginalized households and addressing water and sanitation issues of its communities. Complementing its PCDs are a set of change models, called Signature Programmes, which engage in research-based development models which are replicable at scale across a wide region. The Signature Programmes, which can consolidate diverse resource pools and multiply the impact potential on citizen’s lives, enable the Foundation to advocate a structure to government and other organisations working for positive change. Some aspects of such programmes are evident in programmes like MANSI (Maternal and Newborn Survival Initiative), RISHTA (An Adolescent Health Education Project), Thousand Schools Programme and Samvaad.

 

 

 

About Tata Steel              

Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes per annum. It is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and commercial presence across the world. The group recorded a consolidated turnover of US $21.06 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2021.

A Great Place to Work-Certified^TM organisation, Tata Steel Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, is spread across five continents with an employee base of over 65,000.

Tata Steel has been a part of the DJSI Emerging Markets Index since 2012 and has been consistently ranked amongst top 5 steel companies in the DJSI Corporate Sustainability Assessment since 2016. Besides being a member of ResponsibleSteel^TM and worldsteel’s Climate Action Programme, Tata Steel has won several awards and recognitions including the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse recognition for its Jamshedpur, Kalinganagar and IJmuiden Plants, and Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant for 2016-17. The Company, ranked as India’s most valuable Metals & Mining brand by Brand Finance, featured amongst CII Top 25 innovative Indian Companies in 2020, received rating of ‘A-‘ (leadership band) from CDP for its Climate Change disclosure and Supply Chain disclosure, Steel Sustainability Champion 2020 recognition from worldsteel, ‘Most Ethical Company’ award 2021 from Ethisphere Institute, Best Risk Management Framework & Systems Award (2020) from CNBC TV-18, and Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting FY20 from ICAI, among several others.

To know more, visit www.tatasteel.com and www.wealsomaketomorrow.com.

MediaTek Launches Helio G96 and Helio G88 SoCs Bringing Advanced Display and Photography Capabilities to Premium Smartphones

 

The newest chipsets in the Helio G series enable device makers to provide smooth displays, intuitive OS experiences and elite photography features

 

HSINCHU, Taiwan – Jul 15, 2021 – MediaTek today announced two additions to its Helio G series: Helio G96 and Helio G88. The launch of these system-on-chips (SoCs) will give device makers the ability to provide powerful smartphone features with cutting-edge display and photography capabilities to bring intelligent mobile experiences to every customer.

 

“With the launch of the Helio G96 and Helio G88, MediaTek advances its position as the leading mobile chip innovator, delivering new SoCs to boost display and photography experiences for the mainstream market,” said CH Chen, Deputy General Manager of Wireless Communication Products at MediaTek’s Wireless Business Group. “MediaTek is continually advancing chip performance, speed and reliability. These new Helio G series chips are at the core of incredible mobile experiences.”

                                  

The MediaTek Helio G96 SoC ensures premium everyday user experiences with its support for 120Hz displays with up to FullHD+ resolution  for notably smoother scrolling of webpages and animations in apps, Helio G96 120Hz display support has no limitation in DDIC supply, C-phy or D-phy interface, and support both LCD or AMOLED display. Combined with support for up to 108MP cameras for the most detailed images, fast Cat-13 4G LTE WorldMode modem integration, dual 4G SIM and VoLTE and ViLTE services, as well as its Intelligent Resource Management Engine and Networking Engine, MediaTek’s Helio G96 brings an impressive breadth of features and capabilities to 4G smartphones.

 

Announced in tandem, the MediaTek Helio G88 SoC supports fast 90Hz displays to create super smooth mobile app and operating system (OS) capabilities. Its octa-core CPU features two Arm Cortex-A75 CPUs operating at up to 2.0GHz, enabling responsive reactions, fast app loading and camera captures. The Helio G88 builds on generations of photographic excellence with support for up to 64MP main cameras, a hardware depth engine for dual-camera bokeh captures, a Camera Control Unit (CCU) and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and Rolling Shutter Compensation (RSC) technologies.

 

Key Features of MediaTek Helio G96 include:

 

• Incredible 120Hz FullHD+ displays
• Supersized 108MP main cameras
• Fast 4G LTE with Dual 4G SIM
• MediaTek HyperEngine 2.0 Lite game technology
• High-end 4G smartphone performance

 

Key Features of MediaTek Helio G88 include:

 

• Brilliant 64MP main cameras
• MediaTek HyperEngine 2.0 Lite generation technologies
• Dual 4G VoLTE
• Integrated Voice Wakeup

 

With the latest chips in the Helio G series, device makers can deliver elite photography and powerful display features for the next generation of smartphones. MediaTek brings incredible mobile innovations to consumers around the world and makes premium technology accessible for the mainstream market.

 

For more information on MediaTek’s Helio G series, visit: https://www.mediatek.com/products/smartphones/helio-g

 

About MediaTek Inc.

MediaTek Incorporated (TWSE: 2454) is a global fabless semiconductor company that enables 2 billion connected devices a year. We are a market leader in developing innovative systems-on-chip (SoC) for mobile device, home entertainment, connectivity and IoT products. Our dedication to innovation has positioned us as a driving market force in several key technology areas, including highly power-efficient mobile technologies, automotive solutions and a broad range of advanced multimedia products such as smartphones, tablets, digital televisions, 5G, Voice Assistant Devices (VAD) and wearables. MediaTek empowers and inspires people to expand their horizons and achieve their goals through smart technology, more easily and efficiently than ever before. We work with the brands you love to make great technology accessible to everyone, and it drives everything we do. Visit www.mediatek.com for more information.

The top four comedy flicks to kick start a weekend laugh-athon

To grab some popcorn, sit back on the couch and stream a comedy movie is as good as life gets. They always say laughter is the best medicine! So, why not treat yourself to a strong dose of comic genius? PVR Pictures bring to you four of the funniest comedy films now playing online:

Fading Gigolo (2013)

Woody Allen starring in a comedy is incentive enough for any cinephile to hit the play button, but this funny little gem also has the supremely talented John Turturro don the director’s hat, apart from featuring in the title role.

Fading Gigolo is the story of Fioravante, a man who decides to solve his friend’s money troubles by joining the “oldest profession in the world”. What begins as a quick attempt to make a few bucks, translates into a crazy mess when the aspiring gigolo falls for a widow who is also desired by a local police officer. As a rollicking love triangle ensues, the laughs just get better and better.

With a cast that also includes Modern Family star Sofia Vergara along with the scintillating Sharon Stone, this one’s for fans of cheeky wit and intelligent banter.

Fading Gigolo is available on iTunes and Google Play Movies

Youth (2015)

Sir Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel and the majestic snow capped Alps, now that’s quite a delightful combo, isn’t it?

Youth follows the journey of Fred (Caine) and Mick (Keitel), two old time chums who are on a vacation up in the Swiss mountains. While Fred is a retired musician, Mick is a filmmaker on the verge of finishing a very important script, one he believes would be his “last great movie”. As the two lifelong pals witness changing times and observe their children’s complicated lives, Fred receives a royal offer he literally “can’t refuse”.  Laden with warm moments and sweet laughs, this film will tickle its way into your heart.

Youth is available on Amazon Prime Video

The Personal History of David Copperfield (2020)

If adventure filled comedies bring a smile on your face, this Charles Dicken’s adaptation is sure to win you over.

Dev Patel stars in this whimsically lovable tale of David Copperfield, an exceptionally talented and wonderful human being who has been gifted with the power of incredible storytelling. As his skill takes him to great places, we discover the bittersweet childhood of an orphan and his unbelievable flight to fame. With positive vibes and a happy soul, this film is the perfect cosy watch to cheer your spirits.

The Personal History of David Copperfield is available on BookMyShow Stream

 Gringo

Some folks are enticed by comedy that is dark and wicked, if you are a part of that club, then Gringo is just the film for you!

Featuring stalwarts like Joel Edgerton and Charlize Theron, Gringo mixes black humour with thrilling action to deliver a knockout of comedy gold. The plot sees a seemingly harmless businessman getting entangled with dangerous drug lords, back stabbing partners and a lethal mercenary.  Who is double crossing whom in this madcap ride? Watch the film to laugh out loud at the most zany and naughtiest of jokes.

Gringo is available on iTunes and Google Play Movies.

GSSE 2022: Global Stainless Steel Expo will now be held at Jio World Centre, Mumbai from 3-5 March 2022

To give impetus for the growth and development of stainless steel industry in India, Virgo Communications & Exhibitions is organizing “GSSE 2022: Global Stainless Steel Expo” from 3-5 March 2022 in Mumbai. The event will be held at a new venue, Jio World Centre in BKC: a state-of-the-art convention facility that offers a world-class experience and ambience for commerce, large events, festivals and concerts. The three day event will be a focused International B2B exhibition-cum-conference to connect global stainless steel industry and related stakeholders under one roof - manufacturers, buyers, influencers, regulators, industry associations and media who share a common vision of presenting stainless steel based sustainable solutions.

 

Pratik Shah, Director, Chromeni Steels said “India is the fastest growing stainless steel market and second largest producer of stainless steel in the world after China. The constant product upgradation using cutting edge technology and increased application of stainless steel in various end-user industries is the hallmark of our resilient industry. GSSE is well timed and presents an ideal opportunity to showcase innovation that augments India’s growing dominance in the global arena”. Speaking about the event, Rajeev Sherry, Managing Director, Outokumpu India and steering committee member said “We are upbeat as business activity has picked up and there is pent-up demand for quality stainless steel. This is an encouraging trend considering the second wave of Covid-19 has subsided in most parts of the country. GSSE is an apt platform to showcase impressive, efficient and state-of-the-art solutions to potential customers”.

 

“The fast-paced vaccination drive by government targeting 70% population by end of this year exudes lot of optimism and confidence. With travel restrictions being slowly relaxed, we are gearing up to host a successful business meet and provide an outstanding experience to all the stakeholders in accordance with covid-19 safety protocols” said Anitha Raghunath, Director of Virgo Communications & Exhibitions.

 

GSSE 2022 will attract participation of leading manufacturers of long & flat products, duplex, bars, pipes, tubes, sheets, coils, finished goods, machinery, technology, tools, welding equipment from India and overseas. The visitors’ profile include segments like Architecture, Building & Construction, Automotive, Transportation, Dairy, White Goods, Water & Waste management, Gas & Energy, Pharmaceutical/Medical Devices, Food Processing/Wine/Alcohol/Beverage, Hospitality/Lifestyle, Oil, HVAC & Refrigeration, Infrastructure, Defence, Cookware/Utensils, Laminate / Hardware, 3D Printing and much more.

 

Since inception in 2004, Virgo Communications & Exhibitions has made a lasting impression worldwide with a portfolio that spans multiple geographies and arena. Over the years, they have evolved at an exponential pace and are today, globally renowned for creating highly effective business networking and interactive platforms for various niche market segments through their noteworthy trade shows, knowledge forums and publications across myriad categories. Virgo is one of India’s leading B2B Exhibition Organizer, Publication & Media House having a dedicated team of professionals who are equipped with a robust customer Database and CRM system. They have established successful trade shows in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Virgo also publishes magazine on Elevators & Escalators, Beer & Brewing industry amongst others.

 

For further information please contact Aanurag Dhoot on +919987753824 / anurag@virgo-comm.com or G. Raghunath on +919845095803 / raghu@virgo-comm.com.

 

www.gssexpo.com

How Justin Narayan’s Indian and Fijian heritage helped him win MasterChef Australia Season 13, watch his journey on MasterChef Australia Season 13 on Disney+ Hotstar

 

~ Justin Narayan’s Noodle Taco and Charcoal Rooster With Toum, Flatbread and Pickle Salad became two of the most loved preparations of this season. Watch his journey on MasterChef Australia Season 13 on Disney+ Hotstar ~

 

The final results are out and Indian-origin contestant Justin Narayan has emerged as the winner of the MasterChef Australia Season 13. Justin was competing in the finale against Kishwar Chowdhury and Pete Campbell. Through his journey in MasterChef Australia Season 13, Justin Narayan managed to make a mark and surprise the judges and his fans alike with the dishes he presented and his composure. If you missed out on all the action, you can watch Justin Narayan’s journey through the competition on Disney+ Hotstar Premium in English, Hindi and on Disney+ Hotstar VIP in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

 

From the very early days of the competition, he started to make his mark, slowly. The judges of MasterChef Australia Season 13  Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo were fans of his innovation and expertise despite learning from a home kitchen. Justin, who is a first-gen Australian with Fijian and Indian heritage, started cooking at the age of 13 while learning from his family members. His Fijian and Indian roots inspire his culinary skills. According to him, his mother is the best cook he has ever met, but Justin also draws inspiration from Gaggan Anand and Gordon Ramsay. He spent a large part of his childhood bonding with his grandparents over cookery shows and that’s what kicked the cooking fever in him.

 

Justin draws inspiration from Indian and Fijian culture and let’s his preparations give a perspective on where he comes from. In 2017, Justin travelled across India where he fell in love with the culture, people and Indian food. Narayan has a strong sense of Indian flavours and loves experimenting with spices. If given a choice, he will gravitate towards savoury over sweet.  To commit to his dream to cook and someday start his own cookery show that millions can watch and learn from, Justin Narayan gave up his career as a youth pastor. Not many know that Justin also put his Master’s study on hold to be in the MasterChef kitchen.

 

It won’t be a stretch to say that his fellow contestants absolutely loved and admired him. At one point in the competition, when Justin was chosen to be a team captain, his teammates couldn’t help but praise how he emerged as a leader. Some admired how he was keeping his team motivated and others hoped he was the captain of their team every time. Justin also made sure he was holding on to light banter to keep the stress off his teammates.

 

A lot of what Justin Narayan prepared on the show ended up going viral. But his Noodle Taco, Charcoal Rooster With Toum, Flatbread and Pickle Salad, Indian Rooster Curry, Crispy Rooster Pores and skin and an Apple and Cucumber Pickle, and Spiced Candy Potato Taco were some of the gems that he shared with the world. Every time Justin tried something, social media was flooded with people trying his preparation.

 

Justin Narayan was competing with 24 participants from across Australia who brought their distinct experiences and styles of home cooking to show with a dream to win.

 

~You can watch all the episodes of MasterChef Australia Season 13 on Disney+ Hotstar Premium in English, Hindi and on Disney+ Hotstar VIP in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu ~