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BCPL sets industry standard; awarded for exceptional environmental accomplishments

By BNE News Desk / December 8, 2023

Guwahati: Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited has clinched the prestigious '23rd Annual Greentech Environment Award 2023' for its exceptional accomplishments in Environment Management under the category of "Environment Excellence." The award has acknowledged the BCPL's unwavering dedication to environmental preservation and its outstanding performance in this regard.

The environment team, representing BCPL, played a pivotal role in securing this accolade. They presented a comprehensive overview of the various initiatives and activities undertaken by BCPL to enhance environmental sustainability. The presentation highlighted the company's proactive measures aimed at improving and safeguarding the environment through innovative and responsible practices.

This accolade is a testament to BCPL's steadfast commitment to fostering a healthy and protective environment. The award recognizes the company's consistent efforts in environmental conservation, woven seamlessly into its day-to-day operations, said Pranjal Changmai, the managing director of BCPL. He said that, it has always been devoted to operational excellence, with a primary focus on sustainable development.

The 'Environment Excellence' award underscores BCPL's milestone achievement in the pursuit of environmentally friendly petrochemical production. The company's dedication to sustainable social responsibilities as a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) is evident through its strategic initiatives and practices. BCPL's recognition at the Greentech Environment Awards 2023 serves as a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming a leader in environmentally conscious petrochemical production.

As BCPL continues its commitment to excellence, this award establishes its position as an industry leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. The company's forward-thinking approach and dedication to a greener future set a commendable example for the industry at large.

During the FY 2021-22, the company successfully and safely operated the plant on a sustained basis at 100.46 per cent capacity utilization producing 2.72 Lakh MT of Polymers and 55,923 MT liquid hydrocarbons. The products were marketed to downstream industries achieving Polymer sales of 2.75 Lakh MT.

The company generated revenue of Rs. 3243 crore making net profit of Rs. 690.53 crore during FY 2021-22

ALSO READ: Northeast India's cultural splendour takes over Iconic Times Square in New York

Ministry creating market enabling environment for trade: Ports minister Sonowal

By BNE News Desk / December 8, 2023

New Delhi: Sarbananda Sonowal, union minister of ports, shipping, and waterways, and AYUSH today said that the ministry is focusing on creating a “market enabling environment” for trade.

“Ports are moving towards PPP model wherein the terminals or berths are operated by private operators who have experience in international operations”, Sonowal noted, as per a press handout. The minister described ports as “gateways for international trade.”

Under the holistic development plan for Nicobar Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the ministry has been entrusted with the responsibility of developing an International Container Transhipment Hub at Galathea Bay, he informed. Last month, Sonowal visited the site of the proposed project, with an outlay of Rs 44,000 crores.

During his visit to Andaman, Sonowal had said that Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India, should be seen as a potential tourism destination.

The minister also mentioned that ports in India handled 795 tons of traffic in 2022-23 against 672.68 tons two years earlier (2020-21).

Sonowal informed that the Port Health Organisation (PHO) module under SAGAR SETU – National Logistics Portal (Marine) has been launched by the Ministry. “[It] will now be used to grant permission to ships to enter or leave the ports through this module online which will bring in transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business”, he added.

The minister made these revelations answering an unstarred question at the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

ALSO READ: Northeast India's cultural splendour takes over Iconic Times Square in New York

Northeast India's cultural splendour takes over Iconic Times Square in New York

By BNE News Desk / December 8, 2023

Guwahati: Finderbridge, a burgeoning tourism startup from the Northeast, made history when its advertisement was recently displayed on the screen in New York's iconic Times Square.

"We are thrilled to utilize this opportunity to showcase the captivating beauty of Northeast India for the very first time on the world’s most iconic stage”, Himangshu Baruah, the CEO of Finderbridge Tourism, told Business North East. “The initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to position and promote Northeast India as India’s most unique travel destination and attract visitors from across the globe.”

“This landmark occasion not only signifies a significant leap in promoting Northeast India but also establishes Finderbridge as the first Indian company to showcase Northeast India’s tourism potential on the global stage, gracing the iconic screen at Times Square for the very first time”, added Baruah.

The broadcast at Times Square took place on November 27 at 9:00 am Eastern Time. People passing by were shown a captivating glimpse of Northeast India's unique charm.

Simultaneously, the video has been shared across Finderbridge's social media platforms to “ensure a global audience has the opportunity to appreciate the diverse cultural richness and natural beauty on display”, informed the company.

The 15-second advertisement features stunning visuals of the Northeast’s picturesque landscape, vibrant festivals, indigenous art forms, and the unique cultural heritage of its people.

The teaser beckons viewers to explore the beauty and experience the warmth of Northeast India.

The short video also serves as a teaser to the tourism film 'Journey to the Incredible Northeast India,' available on Finderbridge's YouTube Channel.

"We believe that this video, along with more broadcasts scheduled at Times Square in the upcoming days, will effectively capture the essence of Northeast India and inspire travelers worldwide to explore this hidden gem of India," said Baruah, adding, “This momentous event is poised to leave an indelible mark on the global tourism map, beckoning adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike to embark on a journey to the incredible Northeast India.”

Finderbridge, the first travel organization from the North East, was launched on April 18, 2017, and is recognized as an ‘Ashoka Youth Venture’. It was among three startups from India to get selected for the Ashoka ChangemakerXChange Summit held in the Philippines in 2017.

ALSO READ: Importance of city gas distribution discussed with CM

Importance of city gas distribution discussed with CM

By BNE News Desk / December 8, 2023

Guwahati: Anil Kumar Jain, chairperson of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) and AK Tiwari, member, PNGRB met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on December 7 at Guwahati.

The chairperson briefed CM about the progress of oil and gas infrastructure in the state of Assam and role that Assam is playing towards realising the Prime Ministers vision for creation of gas based economy.

He highlighted important city gas distribution (CGD) issues and sought for assistance of state government in promoting natural gas.

The chairperson assured all possible efforts by PNGRB for rapid natural gas infrastructure growth in the state of Assam. He emphasised that rationalisation of Value Added Tax (VAT) on compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) along with mandates for conversion of public transport to CNG would encourage the use of natural gas in the state.

Further, he suggested support from the government for faster adoption of domestic PNG connections by providing benefits in line with Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

The chief Minister assured all possible assistance for development of natural gas infrastructure. He believed that accelerated consumption of natural gas will also lead to increase in gas production from the gas fields in Assam which are presently underutilised.

On the sidelines of the meeting with the CM, chairperson and member, PNGRB also met Paban Kumar Borthakur, chief secretary of Government of Assam and deliberated the issues of CGD and Natural Gas Pipeline (NGPL) entities in detail.

The CS assured his full commitment towards growth of natural gas in the state.

ALSO READ: Foreign language learning launched in Nagaland

Foreign language learning launched in Nagaland

By BNE News Desk / December 8, 2023

Guwahati: Nagaland government and Nagaland University have joined hands to set up a centre for leaning foreign languages from Korean to Arabic and German.

The Centre for Excellence for foreign languages will be launched under a memorandum of understanding signed between the state government and the varsity on December 5.

CoEFL will offer comprehensive language learning programmes in Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, German, Arabic and other languages from across continents. Its curriculum covers culture, work ethics, business practices and life skills.

As young people from Nagaland and other northeastern states emigrate for work to everywhere from Seoul to Dubai and Munich to Paris, the language programmes are expected to be a huge draw.

"The plan of Action entails the establishment of CoEFL, providing a 3 month certificate course for the first year and subsequently CoEFL will apply for accreditation from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to incorporate degree courses as a formal field of study with extended PhD facilities", said a Nagaland government release.

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