GPS Renewables to Manufacture High-Efficiency Biogas Agitators in India Under Exclusive BGTS Partnership

Image - biogastechnik-sued.de

GPS Renewables, a full-stack biofuels firm offering technology and project solutions for climate-positive biofuel projects, and its subsidiary Proweps, have entered into an exclusive partnership with Germany-based Biogastechnik Süd GmbH (BGTS) to introduce Advanced Paddle Agitators (mixers) under their brand Varibull to India. This partnership aims to improve operational efficiency of biogas plants and reduce costs for Indian CBG (Compressed Biogas) Developers.

Currently, most CBG developers use conventional agitators – mechanical devices that mix organic waste and water within anaerobic digester. These consume more power and are inefficient in handling high fibrous substrates like paddy straw or Napier grass often leading to operational challenges such as poor mixing, crust formation and deposits inside biogas digesters. These inefficiencies are addressed by the Varibull Paddle Agitator, developed by Biogastechnik Süd in Germany. It offers high mixing efficiency, better handling of difficult substrates and significantly lower power consumption.

The agitator will be manufactured at GPS Renewables’ facility in Bengaluru and it will be offered competitively than currently available conventional biogas equipment. The company also plans to explore exports from India to other markets as part of its larger goal of making advanced biogas technologies easily accessible.

Rajesh Ayyappasur, Director - Business Development & Partnerships at GPS Renewables, said, “At GPS Renewables, our focus has always been on introducing innovative technologies that can categorically address challenges in biogas production in India. We do this either through our in-house solutions or through collaborations with global experts. This partnership with Biogastechnik Süd Germany marks a significant milestone for us as we enter into a new product category with the introduction of paddle agitators. Biogastechnik Süd is a pioneer in biogas components, and their Varibull Paddle Agitator is one of the best-selling agitators worldwide, trusted for its durability, low maintenance, and efficiency.”

Mainak Chakraborty, CEO and Co-founder, GPS Renewables, said, “Many Indian CBG plants that rely on conventional agitators face crusting, sediment build-up, uneven mixing, higher power consumption, and frequent breakdowns—challenges that directly impact throughput and reliability. As India’s leading full-stack biofuel firm offering TEPC services and critical process equipment under the OptiMaxx brand, we are committed to solving these issues through global technology partnerships, in-house R&D, and strong execution on the ground. Proven paddle agitators like Varibull from BGTS are purpose-built for tough substrates and will enable efficient mixing, lower energy use, and reliable, low-maintenance operation for CBG developers.”

Gregor Maier, CEO of Biogastechnik Süd, said, “At Biogastechnik Süd, our mission has always been to deliver reliable, efficient and durable technologies that add long-term value to biogas operators worldwide. India is one of the most important growth markets for bioenergy, and we are proud to partner with GPS Renewables, whose strong execution capabilities and deep sector understanding make them the ideal partner for localizing our solutions. The integration of our Varibull Paddle Agitator will help Indian plants maximize performance, reduce downtime, and ensure sustainable operations over decades.”

Robert Ohneberg, International Sales Manager at Biogastechnik Süd, added, “Our products are designed to perform under the toughest operating conditions. Many biogas and CBG plants in India struggle with uneven mixing, sedimentation, and excessive energy consumption. With GPS Renewables, we are confident that we can address these challenges effectively. The Varibull Paddle Agitator has become one of the best-selling agitators worldwide for its robustness, minimal maintenance needs, and efficiency. By bringing it to India, we aim to support developers and operators in achieving higher process stability, greater gas yields, and reduced lifecycle costs.”

Through this partnership, GPS Renewables will distribute and integrate Biogastechnik Süd paddle agitator technology within its turnkey plant solutions and OptiMaxx equipment portfolio, offering Indian CBG developers a proven, future-ready mixing solution.

About GPSR (GPS Renewables) Group

Headquartered in Bengaluru, GPS Renewables (“GPSR”) is a full-stack biofuels firm offering technology and project solutions for climate-positive biofuel projects. Starting from captive biogas plants, GPSR has scaled up to set up some of the world’s largest RNG plants. In 2022, GPS Renewables launched GPSR Arya Pvt Ltd (“ARYA”) a wholly-owned subsidiary, to commission BOO (Build-Own-Operate) projects, augmenting its climate impact ambitions.

GPSR has formed joint ventures with Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Oil India to build compressed biogas (CBG) plants across India. These plants will process agricultural and organic waste, reduce carbon emissions, and support the government’s SATAT initiative.

About Biogastechnik Süd GmbH

In 1999, Biogastechnik Süd’s founders Clemens and Gregor Maier created the Varibull paddle agitator to overcome crusting and poor mixing issues on their own farm. Today, Varibull is the world’s best-selling mixer, proven in thousands of installations. Over the years, BGTS has expanded into a full range of biogas solutions—including paddle agitators, screw presses, feeding systems, and other critical plant components—developed from practice, for practice. This farmer-driven innovation ensures durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient technologies that deliver sustainable success for CBG developers worldwide.

About proweps

proweps envirotec GmbH is a Germany based international active consulting and engineering company specialized in technologies to utilize organic waste and biomass for biogas, biomethane or BioCNG or BioLNG production. The company offers a wide range of engineering services that are necessary for the realization of turnkey treatment plants. This includes feasibility studies, design & engineering, project management, supervision of construction and commissioning Furthermore key process equipment or key technologies required for turnkey plants are delivered as pretreatment, pasteurization, digester systems are completely supplied on customer demand. Long time international experience is the key for many successful projects realized on the international waste and biomethane market.

Metro Renews Strategic Partnership with Wipro to Further Strengthen IT Operations

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading AI-powered technology services and consulting company, announced the extension of its partnership with Metro AG (“Metro”), an international food wholesaler, for an additional two years. Under the renewed agreement, Wipro will continue to provide Metro with integrated digital services across cloud, data, application development, and AI-enabled IT support services.

Wipro has been working with Metro since 2021 as a strategic IT partner, driving a change management program that has seamlessly transformed the Company’s entire IT landscape and significantly improved the efficiency of business operations. Aligning with Metro’s cloud-first strategy, and partnering with multiple hyperscalers, Wipro has successfully completed the migration of 80 percent of Metro's on-premise infrastructure to the cloud. The transformation has significantly increased the company’s ability to respond to customer needs with agility and speed, enhanced cyber resilience, and helped Metro reduce its carbon footprint.

As part of the extended engagement, Wipro will continue to support Metro’s digital transformation, leveraging the power of cloud, advanced analytics, automation, and Gen-AI-powered solutions. This will be carried out in close collaboration with Metro's internal teams, ensuring alignment with business priorities. The extension of the service contract will enhance security and scalability, ensuring uninterrupted and future-ready business operations. Wipro will also contribute to Metro’s data and AI strategy, with cost-efficient bespoke solutions as well as through data management and governance use cases.

“Our partnership with Wipro has helped us strengthen our IT landscape and ensure stable, reliable operations,” said Dr. Khaled Bagban, CIO of METRO. “Operational stability is critical to our core business, and this partnership plays a key role in maintaining that foundation. As we transition to the public cloud, we are creating a more flexible and scalable environment that supports our Core growth strategy at METRO. Looking ahead, we will continue to prioritize secure services and operational efficiency to enable long-term business success."

Ann-Kathrin Sauthoff-Bloch, Regional Head and Managing Director Germany and Austria, Wipro Limited, said, “This extended engagement with Metro AG underscores our commitment to driving AI-powered innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth for our clients in the food wholesale sector. This is a testament to our consultative approach and the deep collaboration we undertake with our clients to keep driving their innovation with our AI-powered solutions. We look forward to accompanying Metro on this next step of their transformation journey.”

*This deal was mentioned in Wipro Limited's financial results announcement press release, dated April 16, 2025, for the quarter-ended March 31, 2025, with a description of Metro AG, but without naming the company.

About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading AI-powered technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients’ most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With over 230,000 employees and business partners across 65 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our customers, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at https://www.wipro.com.

About Metro

METRO is a leading international food wholesaler which specialises in serving the needs of hotels, restaurants, and caterers (HoReCa) as well as independent resellers (Traders). Around the world, METRO has approx. 15 million customers who benefit from the wholesale company’s unique multichannel mix: customers can purchase their goods in one of the large stores in their area as well as by delivery (Food Service Distribution, FSD) – all digitally supported and connected. In parallel, METRO MARKETS is being developed as an international online marketplace for the needs of professional customers which has been growing and expanding continuously since 2019. Acting sustainably is one of the company principles of METRO which has been listed in various sustainability indices and rankings, including MSCI, Sustainalytics and CDP. METRO operates in more than 30 countries and employs over 85,000 people worldwide. In financial year 2023/24, METRO generated sales of €31 billion.

Murugappa Group to Acquire Germany's 259 Years-Old Hubergroup for $310 Mn

The Murugappa Group, in partnership with Avenue Capital Group, has agreed to acquire Hubergroup, a 259 years old German company, for an enterprise value of $310 million. This acquisition will help Murugappa expand its presence in the global print and packaging sector.

Founded in 1765, Hubergroup has grown from a small family-owned business to a global leader in the printing inks and chemicals industry, known for its dedication to quality and innovation.

In 2015, Hubergroup celebrated its 250th anniversary, marking its status as one of the world's largest ink manufacturers.

The acquisition deal includes $160 million to refinance Hubergroup's debt and a $150-million equity infusion from Murugappa.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to strengthen Hubergroup's market position and support its growth in key international markets.

Hubergroup has been facing significant debt issues. The company planned to take on substantial debt to buy equity in its subsidiaries from its parent company, MHM Holding GmbH. This led to financial challenges, and the company had to extend its repayment deadlines with the help of lenders.

The acquisition by the Murugappa Group includes $160 million to refinance Hubergroup's debt, highlighting the extent of its financial struggles.

The headquarters of Hubergroup is located in Grossenbrode, Germany. This is where the company's main operations and management are based.

Hubergroup is a significant player in the printing inks and chemicals industry. In India, Hubergroup India is the market leader with a 30% market share. The company serves major print media houses, packaging companies, and FMCG clients.

Apart from the this acquisition of Hubergroup, Murugappa Group-owned CG Power has announced plans to raise Rs 3,000 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) to fund acquisitions and capex plans, including its foray into the semiconductor business.

Notably, Murugappa-owned CG Power acquired a 55% stake in GG Tronics India for Rs 319 crore to bolster its railways Business. The company has recently announced a definitive agreement to acquire the radio frequency components business of Renesas Electronics Corporation for $36 million, enabling it to enter the semiconductor design business

Infosys Invests €5 Mn for a Minority Stake in German VC Fund UVC Partners

Infosys has partnered with UVC Partners, a German-based venture capital fund, committing to invest €5 million (approx USD $5.42 million). The investment will be made over an approximately 5-year period as and when the capital is called.

UVC Partners focuses on early-stage investments in European B2B tech startups, including areas like AI, Software, Deep Tech, Space Tech, Semiconductors, Quantum, Robotics, Decarbonization, Nuclear Fusion, Hydrogen, and Mobility.

In an exchange filing, Infosys said, "The Infosys Innovation Fund aims to partner with UVC's ecosystem and startups to complement its capabilities and co-create next-generation solutions."

By partnering with UVC, Infosys gains access to early-stage European B2B tech startups. This strategic positioning allows Infosys to explore innovative technologies and solutions that align with its business goals. Investing in startups diversifies Infosys's portfolio beyond its core services. It provides exposure to emerging sectors like AI, Software, Quantum, Robotics, and Decarbonization.

Infosys said Germany is a strategic market for the company, and UVC is a leading early-stage venture capital firm investing in disruptive startups within the German and European ecosystems. "AI and Deep Tech are rapidly evolving and are crucial to Infosys' strategy, with increased usage across its clients for creating intelligent products, experiences, and business transformations," the IT company said in a press release.

Infosys has bought a minority holding in UVC, not exceeding 20 per cent of the fund size, in the all-cash deal.

UVC Partners is a Munich- and Berlin-based venture capital firm that invests in European B2B startups. The VC firm support founders who are radical, humble, genius, irreverent, bold, caring, visionaries, scientists, makers, truth-seekers, builders, inventors, and hackers. Its initial investments range from €500,000 to €10 million, and they're committed for the long haul, fostering growth and innovation. The UVC team includes rocket scientists, CS geeks, electrical engineers, AI researchers, mechanical engineers, materials scientists, and economists.

Infosys, in April, acquired in-tech, a leading Engineering R&D services provider focused on the German automotive industry. This strategic move enhances Infosys's engineering capabilities, particularly in areas like e-mobility, connected and autonomous driving, and electric vehicles. Through this acquisition, Infosys strengthens its engagements with leading German original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The multidisciplinary team at in-tech, spread across Germany, Austria, China, the UK, and other locations, brings extensive industry expertise.

Vodafone and FlyNex in Germany Launches Online Platform for Commercial Drone Flights

Vodafone Germany, in collaboration with data collection company FlyNex, has launched DroNet Hub, a comprehensive online platform designed to assist businesses in planning and managing commercial drone flights. This platform addresses the complexities of drone flight operations, including flight approval, trajectory planning, network coverage quality, and post-flight data evaluation.

The new online platform 'DroNet Hub' makes commercial drone flights possible for every company with just a few mouse clicks - regardless of whether it is a large corporation or a medium-sized company. Everything from planning to implementation and analysis to the finished report is now possible online.

DroNet Hub simplifies the process, enabling companies to plan, control, and analyze drone flights with just a few clicks. It includes features like automated data collection and reporting, and integrates AI to quickly analyze aerial photographs for automated report generation¹. These reports can be used to create 3D models or digital twins of the monitored areas.

The platform also offers a new tariff called DroNet Connect Stream, which provides a high-speed data volume of 500GB, expandable to 1TB, ensuring consistent live data transmission from drones directly to the Hub. Additionally, it incorporates mobile network data to help understand connectivity and population density along the flight path.

This innovation is particularly beneficial for monitoring infrastructure such as industrial plants, electricity pylons, and wind farms, which often require complex inspections. Drones can inspect these structures for damage without the need for on-site presence, significantly reducing risks and costs. The launch of DroNet Hub marks a significant advancement in making commercial drone flights more accessible to businesses across Germany.

 

© Vodafone

DroNet Hub platform's capabilities suggest that it could significantly enhance commercial drone operations for various businesses. The integration of flight planning, implementation, report generation, and AI analysis can streamline operations and offer valuable insights for companies utilizing drone technology.

For instance, industries like agriculture, construction, and environmental monitoring could benefit from the data analysis and AI capabilities of DroNet Hub to optimize their operations and decision-making processes. The platform's ability to support fast and straightforward approval with predictions of expected connectivity and population density on the flight path is particularly useful for ensuring safe and efficient drone flights.

 

DroNet drone © Vodafone

It's worth noting that similar platforms and technologies have been successfully implemented in various sectors, demonstrating the potential for DroNet Hub to facilitate successful drone operations. For example, Elsight's Halo connectivity solution has been used by companies like DroneUp, MissionGo, and Speedbird for drone deliveries and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, showcasing the reliability and safety that robust connectivity solutions can provide.

As DroNet Hub continues to be adopted by more businesses, it's likely that success stories will emerge, highlighting the platform's impact on commercial drone operations. For the latest case studies and success stories, it would be beneficial to keep an eye on industry news and Vodafone's official communications.

Infosys Collaborates with Leading German Bank Commerzbank

Infosys, a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, recently collaborated with Commerzbank, a leading German bank, and Murex, the global leader in trading, risk management, and processing solutions for capital markets. Together, they achieved a successful go-live of a consolidated, unified trading platform that streamlines Commerzbank's business processes and IT landscape.

Commerzbank consolidated FX, FX derivatives, equity, and commodities onto Murex's integrated MX.3 platform. This move simplifies operations, cuts costs, speeds up time to market, and prepares the bank for future challenges. Infosys' Role in this is to support Commerzbank by optimizing the utilization of Murex's comprehensive suite of solutions and services. Infosys handled development, integration, testing, migration, go-live, and aftercare support.

The platform consolidation significantly enhances process efficiency and benefits Commerzbank. It simplifies the technology landscape, reducing the cost of managing multiple servers and platforms.

The transformation lays the foundation for future business growth and scale.

Sebastian Kauck, CIO Corporate Clients at Commerzbank, emphasized the collaboration's success. He stated that the new setup enables Commerzbank to enhance process efficiency while simultaneously reducing costs. It also positions the bank for future business growth and swift adaptation to market changes.

Luc Testud, Murex Managing Director for Central Europe, expressed pride in supporting Commerzbank's model simplification journey. The integrated cross-asset platform accelerates innovation and enables further steps in digitalization².

Dennis Gada, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking & Financial Services at Infosys, expressed delight in collaborating with Commerzbank. The consolidation empowers Commerzbank to improve time to market, streamline operations, promote standardization, and effectively manage regulatory changes while fostering sustainable growth.

This transformation paves the way for future modernization and digitization of Commerzbank's trading ecosystem.

Tesla Receives Approval of 'Gigafactory Berlin', Its Only Production Facility in Europe

Tesla has received approval for the expansion of its Gigafactory Berlin, which is its only production facility in Europe. The approval came after a meeting between community members and local officials held in the Hangelsberg district of Grünheid, Germany. Despite some opposition and ongoing protests concerning environmental concerns and the use of local resources, the expansion plans were approved with a majority vote by the local council. The expansion aims to increase the factory's production and logistical capacity, including the construction of a train station. This development is part of Tesla's strategy to enhance its manufacturing capabilities in Europe.

There were a number of environmental concerns regarding Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin. The factory's demand for 1.4 million cubic meters of water per year, which is equivalent to the consumption of a town of 30,000 people. This has raised concerns about the potential strain on the area's water supplies, especially since about two-thirds of the site is located on a water reserve.

Demonstrators walk past the Tesla factory in Gruenheide, Germany, May 11, 2024, at the end of their protest. A local council in Germany on Friday May 17, 2024, approved a plan by electric carmaker Tesla to expand the grounds of its first plant in Europe, which has drawn persistent protests this year. ( Image source|Patrick Pleul/dpa via AP, File)

There have been Deforestation and Wildlife concerns. Local authorities made objections to the clearing of trees from the site, which involved relocating protected anthills, and lawsuits over the presence of snakes and lizards.

Moreover, there are allegations of "suspected water pollution and a possible environmental crime" related to the factory. Building on vast areas of open land might disrupt groundwater formation, affecting the regional water association.

These concerns have led to a series of complaints and legal actions by environmental groups, as well as protests and attempts to disrupt the factory's operations. Despite these challenges, the factory has continued to move forward with its expansion plans.

Steps Tesla is taking to address Environmental concerns

Tesla has taken several measures to address the environmental concerns related to its Gigafactory Berlin:

• Tesla plans to install around 400 nesting boxes for birds breeding in the area.
• The company will search the forest for hibernating bats, forest lizards, and other creatures that need to be moved to safer locations.
• Tesla is implementing water-saving and wastewater-reducing measures to mitigate the impact on the local water supply.
• There are specific requirements for groundwater protection included in the factory's environmental approval.
• Measures for species protection have been incorporated to ensure the safety of local wildlife.
• Tesla has set limit values for air pollutants and regulations on their measurement to minimize air pollution.

These steps are part of more than 400 ancillary provisions included in the final environmental approval to address the various concerns raised by environmentalists and local residents. Tesla's efforts reflect a commitment to balancing its expansion with environmental stewardship.

Energy integration at the Gigafactory

Tesla has contracted with E.ON, Germany's largest electric utility company, to design energy solutions for the factory. This collaboration is focused on utilizing sustainable energy products and aligns with Tesla's mission to build sustainable energy vehicles using sustainable energy.

The Gigafactory is designed to be a net-zero energy factory upon completion, meaning it will be entirely powered by renewable energy sources.

Infosys to Acquire Germany's in-tech for About €450 Million

Infosys to Acquire in-tech, A Engineering R&D Services Provider focused on German Auto Industry

Infosys has announced a definitive agreement to acquire in-tech, a leading Engineering R&D services provider focused on the German automotive industry. This acquisition is part of Infosys' strategy to strengthen its Engineering R&D capabilities and expand its footprint across Europe. The acquisition is expected to close during the first half of fiscal 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

In-tech is known for its work in digitization within the automotive, rail transport, and smart industry sectors, particularly in areas such as e-mobility, connected and autonomous driving, and electric vehicles. With a team of 2200 people across various locations, in-tech brings extensive industry expertise and deep client relationships with German original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to Infosys.

The acquisition is valued at approximately €450 million, and it aligns with Infosys' commitment to the automotive ecosystem, enhancing its service offerings in the software-defined vehicles (SDVs) domain. It's a significant move that underscores Infosys' continued investment in digital engineering and its vision for the future of automotive innovation.

The acquisition of in-tech by Infosys is expected to bring several benefits. Infosys will enhance its engineering research and development (R&D) capabilities, particularly in the automotive sector, which is a key focus area for in-tech. In addition, the acquisition will expand Infosys' footprint across Europe, providing access to new markets and clients, especially in the German automotive industry.

Moreover, with the global network of over 320,000 technology experts that Infosys has, in-tech will be able to realize projects faster and more flexibly, benefiting clients with quicker time-to-market for their products.

Recent Acquisitions by Infosys

Infosys has been active in its acquisition strategy to bolster its capabilities and expand its global presence. Here are some of the recent acquisitions by Infosys:

• Insemi: Acquired in February 2024, Insemi is a company that specializes in semiconductor technology.
• BASE: Acquired in August 2022, BASE is a life science company that provides consulting and implementation services
• oddity: Acquired in April 2022, oddity is a digital agency that focuses on customer experience and digital transformation.

Germany's Handelsblatt Media Group Ties-Up with Infosys To Enhance Its Digital Storytelling Using AI Technologies

Infosys and German media company Handelsblatt Media Group have announced a strategic collaboration to make complex reports on global economic and finance issues more accessible and easily consumable for the public.

As part of this partnership, Infosys will work with the Handelsblatt Research Institute (HRI), an independent economic research institute under the umbrella of the Handelsblatt Media Group.

As part of their collaboration, In the first year of this partnership, Infosys will work with Handelsblatt Research Institute (HRI), an independent economic research institute under the umbrella of the Handelsblatt Media Group.

Infosys will leverage Infosys Topaz, an AI-first platform, to make complex reports more accessible and consumable for the public. This partnership aims to redefine the storytelling experience for economic and financial reports, making them smarter and more reliable

This collaboration will enable new-age customizations such as chat functionality, text translation, text-to-speech, and automatic data updates, making the reports smart, reliable, and widely accessible.

Soon after the announcement of this collaboration shares of Infosys Ltd gained as much as 1.7%.

Handelsblatt Media Group is a German media company specializing in business and financial journalism. Founded in 1946 and Handelsblatt group started with the publication of the newspaper Handelsblatt which evolved from a thrice-weekly to a daily publication focused on economic and financial news. Over the years, the group expanded to include other specialized magazines and digital platforms.

The Handelsblatt Media Group publishes two prominent titles — Handelsblatt, a leading German newspaper covering business, finance, and economic topics, and — Wirtschaftswoche, a weekly magazine that provides in-depth analysis and insights into the business world.

The group has actively embraced digital media. Their digital activities include websites, apps, and other online platforms.

India Partners with Germany's Fraunhofer ISE for Developing Indigenous Hydrogen and Clean Energy Technologies

Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Germany based Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) for a long-term collaboration focusing on hydrogen technologies.

This collaboration will pave the way to forge active engagements & collaborations based on mutual needs and strength to further research & technological capabilities in the hydrogen & clean energy sector.

Both countries have committed to develop a national green hydrogen economy to facilitate achievement of the Paris Agreement targets.

The LoI will trigger development of higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for hydrogen energy clusters being set up by DST and identify existing technologies and potential interventions from Fraunhofer in green hydrogen, integrate them with indigenous technologies, and deploy /calibrate them for Indian conditions.

DST will provide the enabling framework for cooperation in the hydrogen valley cluster projects, support activities, and facilitate the resources needed wherever applicable and possible. Meanwhile Fraunhofer acts as a technology partner for the hydrogen valley /cluster, provides information and access to technologies of TRL 5 – 8, scientific and technical experts, collaboration in preparing technology roadmaps and guidelines for innovation ecosystem/cluster.

The LoI was signed on 25th February, 2023, by Dr. Anita Gupta, Scientist G and Head, Energy Technologies Cell, DST and Prof. Dr. Christopher Hebling, Director, Division Hydrogen Technologies, Fraunhofer ISE in the presence of Secretary, DST, Dr. S. Chandrasekhar.

The event was also attended by Mr. R. Madhan, Director, Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), Ms Anandi Iyer, Director Fraunhofer India and officials representing both the sides.

Hama, A German Electronic Manufacturing Firm, Enters the Indian Market

Hama, the German brand and world's leading manufacturer of electronic accessories specializing in various categories including gaming, computers, mobility, photo, video, audio, and multimedia, has expanded its footprint to India. The brand with a legacy of over 99 years has entered the Indian market by making strategic tie-ups with the leading distributors and retailers/e-tailers in the country.

The company, which has a turnover of more than $550 million euros, entered India earlier this year and plans to launch over 300 products with the promise of premium German quality at an affordable price and offering product warranties that range from 1 to 30 years on the simplest accessories. With over 18,000 products, Hama offers a very diverse range; hence, they are regarded as the epitome of ideal accessories. Hama turns simple accessories into a product experience. Hama is omnipresent in over 70 countries across the world.

Hama prioritizes quality, impeccable service, and price. The company intends to cater to the social media savvy generation by offering premium quality accessories including gaming mice and headphones, multiport hubs, multi-device wireless mice, mobile accessories including Apple-certified accessories for iPhones and iPads, HDMI cables, binoculars, camera trolley bags, and tripods.

Priyam G. Agrawal, Country Head, Hama, commented, "Hama has been all about offering the best German quality products at budget-friendly rates. Soon, we will be celebrating 100 years in the electronics accessories business, and there is no better way to bring in our celebrations than by launching in India. It gives me so much pride to note that no other electronics accessory business can make it this far and still not compromise on quality."

Hama has signed in with some of the best distribution companies in India, such as Supertron Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Creatvie Newtech Ltd and Limonics Distribution for pan-India distribution. Additionally, Hama also has stitched partnerships with e-tailers like Amazon and retailers such as Croma and Apple Premium Resellers like Maple to reach out to millions of users across India.

"Hama is dedicated to serving the Indian consumer with the same determination, diligence, and service that it has been providing to the German and European markets for more than 99 years now," added Agrawal.

From AI, EV, Quantum To AI-based Startups, India and Germany Partner for Everything in Tech

Indian Prime Minister, Mr, Narendra Modi is on a tour of Germany accompanying Indian official delegation that include Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Mr. Anurag Jain, Secretary of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

As a result of this tour, India and Germany have agreed to work together with focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) -based Startups as well as Artificial Intelligence research and its application in Sustainability and Healthcare.

Dr Jitendra Singh and German Minister for Education & Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, have agreed that there is a lot of scope to work together in Artificial Intelligence for which experts on two sides have already met. An Indo-German call for proposals for this would be raised soon inviting proposals from researchers and industry.

Dr. Singh said that both the countries are now working in frontier areas of science & technology, including Electric Mobility, Cyber Physical System, Quantum Technologies, Future Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen Fuel, Deep Ocean research and proposed to develop joint cooperation in these areas. Two countries have already started mapping each other’s strength in areas like application of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainability and Healthcare.

Besides, an MOU between Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India and German Research Foundation (DFG) has recently been concluded to support the International Research Training Groups (IRTG) program would further boost the cooperation towards capacity building targeting the training of Indian and German students for pursuing the PhD program. The maiden call for inviting proposals under this program from Indian and German research groups is already on.

In addition to these, several initiatives for human capacity developments in science and engineering have recently been worked out, which includes Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER) to facilitate lateral entry of women researchers into ongoing S&T projects and Paired Early Career Fellowships creating an inclusive ecosystem for the Indo-German S&T cooperation with exchange of young researchers on both sides. Industrial Fellowships aimed at industrial exposure of young Indian researchers in a German industrial ecosystem.

German Data Protection Commissioner Orders Govt Authorities and Agencies To Leave Facebook By the End of the Year

All German authorities and government agencies have to leave Facebook by the end of the year as a data protection-compliant operation of a fan page is not possible on the American online platform, orders the Federal Data Protection Commissioner (Golem).

In a letter to government departments and agencies earlier this month, commissioner Ulrich Kelber said Facebook had provided no way to run pages for institutions, whose feed users can subscribe to by clicking "like", in an EU-compliant way.

Kelber said it was impossible to run a fan page in such a way that followers' personal data was not transmitted to the United States. Under EU law, personal data can only leave the EU for a jurisdiction with equivalently strict data protection rules, something that is not the case for the United States.

"Given the continuing violation of personal data protection, there is no time to waste," Kelber wrote to the government organisations. "If you have a fan page, I strongly recommend you switch it off by the end of the year."

Besides Facebook, Kelber would also begin auditing other social media apps such as Facebook-owned Instagram,  TikTok, and Clubhouse. Pointing to data privacy concern, Kelber has advised authorities to remove accounts from these sites as well.

This move from Data Protection Commissioner comes as pressure from European regulators on Big Tech intensifies. Last week, Germany’s antitrust watchdog launched an investigation into Apple, after similar probes into Facebook, Google and Amazon.

Germany To Have World’s 1st Carbon Neutral Cement-Plant

Representational Image

HeidelbergCement, a German multinational building materials company headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, intends to upgrade its facility in Slite on the Swedish island of Gotland to become the world’s first carbon-neutral cement plant.

The company’s Slite factory presently produces around 75% of the cement used in Swedish concrete, and emits around 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) a year. If all goes according to plan, all of this CO2 will be captured and concealed underground.

The installation at the Slite plant of HeidelbergCement’s subsidiary Cementa will be scaled to capture up to 1.8 million tonnes of CO2 annually, which corresponds to the plant’s total emissions.

Additionally, the use of bio-based fuels in the cement production at the facility will be increased in line with the Group’s commitment to significantly raise the share of biomass in the fuel mix. The full-scale capturing of the plant’s CO2 emissions is targeted by 2030.

However, the company estimates that the authorization processes and the construction period will take around 10 years. It has already launched feasibility study to examine technology, environmental impact, legal issues, financing, logistics, and energy supply.

HeidelbergCement, which is one of the largest building materials companies in the world, entered the Indian cement market in 2006, with the acquisition of Mysore Cement.

Women Entrepreneurs in North-East Gets Support from German Govt

Welcome To Dhriiti

"Dhriiti – The Courage Within" - a NGO (social enterprise) that promotes entrepreneurship, has partnered with German government’s agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to launch the application of the second cohort of Her&Now for women entrepreneurs of Northeast India.

As one of the partners of GIZ, Dhriiti is implementing the project Her&Now in Northeast Region (NER) of India with the objective of equipping women micro-entrepreneurs in Northeast Region of India to set up and scale up their enterprises leading to economic empowerment resulting in an increased sense of agency in their lives.

Over the next 2-years, Dhriiti would be providing incubation support to 140 women-led startups and acceleration support to 40 women-led enterprises in the North-East region of India.

GIZ is implementing the project 'Economic Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs and Start-ups by Women' on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and in partnership with the Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE), to promote aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs in India under the name of ‘Her&Now’.

Her&Now through its dedicated incubation and acceleration programs will look at improving the overall framework conditions for women-led businesses in India and also provide support to women entrepreneurs through various programs and workshops.

Applications are now open for cohort 2 of GIZ-support programmes in the North Eastern Region as well as Rajasthan and Telangana.

For the 1st batch, 80 women entrepreneurs from the Northeast India region were selected to be part of the programme.

Dhriiti was founded in December 2004 by three professionals Anirban Gupta (XIMB), Nidhi Arora (XIMB) and Arindam Dasgupta (IRMA)

Via ~ Nenow.in