Latest news with #Selvakumar
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
When sustainability and low carbon are targets, a factory near Chennai sets an example
Among the hundreds of industries functioning in the Sriperumbudur industrial belt of Kancheepuram district, one factory seems to stand out as far as efficient use of natural resources of water and sunlight is concerned. A solar panel manufacturer has pioneered the art of saving water through the 'Zero liquid discharge' (ZLD) project, with zero waste generation. First Solar, a US-based wholly owned subsidiary of First Solar, Inc, operating within a water-intensive industry segment, is engaged in the manufacture of solar panels for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) located in the SIPCOT Industrial park of Pillaipakkam near Sriperumbudur. The 3.30 giga watt (GW) solar panel manufacturing factory, spanning more than 130 acres, has actualised the mantra of 'reuse, recycle, and repurpose' in the manufacturing process through efficient use of water and manufacturing waste. N.L. Selvakumar, head, environment and recycling, First Solar, who is in charge of the ZLD system, said the factory floor, spanning more than 24 lakh needs water for two purposes — cooling the factory and manufacturing. The company, which requires almost 3.60 million litres of water per day, had tied up with Metrowater to supply tertiary-treated reverse osmosis (RO) water from the Koyambedu sewage treatment plant for the factory's needs. But subsequently, the company set up their own water treatment facility (ZLD), resulting in the reduction of more than 50% dependence on the sourced RO water from Koyambedu plant. The ZLD system, which has been set up and managed in-house, extracts water from the discharged wastewater, and enables its reuse by producing 'ultra pure water' for the manufacturing and cooling processes, thereby drastically reducing the intake of water requirements. The system has enabled the creation of solar modules in the State with the lowest water footprint in the world, compared to traditional polysilicon-based solar panel production, according to the company. The factory, employing more than 1,400 persons, has also set up a sewage treatment facility, which operates a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) sewage treatment plant that utilises the treated water for watering the garden. Over 80 kilolitres per day of treated water is being generated, Mr. Selvakumar added. Sujoy Ghosh, Country Managing Director, First Solar, says the company's commitment to the environment not only lies in water conservation but also in generating clean electricity. He said as part of this, the company had installed their own captive solar plants of 53.66 mega watt (MW) in southern parts of the State. Mr. Ghosh further said the company's green footprint was 35% renewable energy, and ongoing solar projects promise expansion to 116.80 MW. Unlike the manufacturing waste generated by polysilicon-based solar panel producers, the factory, which generates 2% of industrial wastes, recycles them into minerals to be used again for solar panels and crushed glass.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- The Hindu
BJP man arrested for assaulting owner of an eatery in Tiruchi
A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionary was arrested on charges of attempting to murder the owner of an eatery near Khajapettai bus stand here recently. The accused, A. Sairam alias Sekar, 58, of Sangiliandapuram has been sent for remand. He was the secretary of the Palakkarai zone of the BJP, said the police. Police sources said Sairam came to the eatery on the night of May 16 and allegedly quarrelled with its owner B. Selvakumar, 61, as to why he had hung a portrait of Periyar in the outlet. Sairam allegedly abused and hit Selvakumar with a hotbox on his head causing injury. Selvakumar was admitted to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital. Acting on a complaint on May 17 from Selvakumar, the Palakkarai police registered a case under Section 109 of the BNS (attempt to murder) and a couple of other sections, the sources added.
Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Kollywood comes to Penang: Edison Awards 2025 to light up Spice Arena on May 17
GEORGE TOWN, May 5 — Over 50 renowned Kollywood celebrities are set to descend on Malaysia as Penang prepares to roll out the red carpet for the 17th Edison Awards at the Setia SPICE Arena on May 17 — a spectacular night celebrating the South Indian film industry. In an exclusive interview with Bernama here today, Edison Awards founder J. Selvakumar said this year's star-studded lineup includes acclaimed director-turned-actor SJ Suryah, early 2000s leading actress Simran Rishi Bagga, veteran actress Kushboo Sundar — who has starred in over 185 films — as well as Priya Anand, among others. Selvakumar said the 2025 edition will honour excellence across 50 categories, including Best Actor and Best Actress, in addition to recognising directors, technicians, and other creative talents behind the scenes who contribute to the Tamil cinema industry. 'We expect around 6,500 attendees to witness the dazzling performances, exclusive red carpet show, and special sessions with some of the biggest names in the industry. 'This marks the first time the Edison Awards will be held in Penang, following a smaller-scale event in Kuala Lumpur back in 2017,' he added. In addition to celebrity appearances, Selvakumar said the show will also feature dance, music and fashion show performances by local artistes. He noted that the event is scheduled to run from 5pm to 9pm and will be officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. 'With ticket prices starting from just RM99 and available at Selvakumar said the organiser is also offering various promotions and discounts to attract more moviegoers to the award show. The 17th edition of the Edison Awards saw top-tier nominations for the Best Male Actor Award featuring Kollywood stalwarts such as Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vikram, Sivakarthikeyan and Vijay Sethupathi while Keerthy Suresh, Trisha, Nayanthara and Tamanah are vying for the Best Female Actress category. The Edison Awards, named in tribute to the Father of Cinema, Thomas Alva Edison, have long been a prestigious platform for both legendary and emerging talents. Over the years, the awards have celebrated iconic stars such as Vijay, Dhanush, Simbu and Vikram, as well as rising stars like Sivakarthikeyan and music sensation Anirudh, who continue to captivate millions worldwide. — Bernama
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Penang To Host Star-studded Edison Awards 2025
By Ratcharathan A/L Rawe Shanggar GEORGE TOWN, May 5 (Bernama) — Over 50 renowned Kollywood celebrities are set to descend on Malaysia as Penang prepares to roll out the red carpet for the 17th Edison Awards at the Setia SPICE Arena on May 17 — a spectacular night celebrating the South Indian film industry. In an exclusive interview with Bernama here today, Edison Awards founder J. Selvakumar said this year's star-studded lineup includes acclaimed director-turned-actor SJ Suryah, early 2000s leading actress Simran Rishi Bagga, veteran actress Kushboo Sundar — who has starred in over 185 films — as well as Priya Anand, among others. Selvakumar said the 2025 edition will honour excellence across 50 categories, including Best Actor and Best Actress, in addition to recognising directors, technicians, and other creative talents behind the scenes who contribute to the Tamil cinema industry. 'We expect around 6,500 attendees to witness the dazzling performances, exclusive red carpet show, and special sessions with some of the biggest names in the industry. 'This marks the first time the Edison Awards will be held in Penang, following a smaller-scale event in Kuala Lumpur back in 2017,' he added. In addition to celebrity appearances, Selvakumar said the show will also feature dance, music and fashion show performances by local artistes. He noted that the event is scheduled to run from 5pm to 9pm and will be officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. "With ticket prices starting from just RM99 and available at Selvakumar said the organiser is also offering various promotions and discounts to attract more moviegoers to the award show.
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: The rise and rise of scam ads
MALAYSIAN cybersecurity authorities are warning of a surge in scam advertisements flooding search engines and social media platforms: fake job offers, instant loan schemes and counterfeit luxury goods. To tell the size of the surge in scam adverts, one just has to see what search engines like Google blocked or removed last year, 14.2 billion ads. It also suspended 39.2 million advertiser accounts, including 415 million ads and over five million accounts flagged for scam-related violations. But those blocked, removed or flagged don't make up the total of scam ads out there. Cybersecurity Malaysia is of the view that the best line of defence remains a cautious user. No debate here. But it must surely be aware that not all users are learned enough to know what HTTPS or URLs are. These users require more than perfunctory advice to be cautious. There is no doubt that scam ads have become sophisticated, but cautious users would be able to detect the red flags that they come attached with. An investment scheme that promises instant huge returns is one. A limited-time offer is another. Vigilance by Internet users is certainly critical, but it is not the only weapon against scam ads. Our cybersecurity authorities, too, must wage an aggressive war against scammers by getting search engines, social media platforms and telecommunications companies to do their part. But a war against scammers can only be won if the few agencies tasked with cybersecurity get their act together. When more than one agency is in charge, things are sure to slip through. In the case of Malaysia, we can think of at least three agencies — the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Cybersecurity Malaysia and the police. Universiti Sains Malaysia Cybersecurity Research Centre director Professor Dr Selvakumar Manickam is right in saying that inter-agency coordination needs significant improvement. He put it thus to the New Sunday Times: "The roles, responsibilities, and specific expertise of agencies such as the MCMC, Cybersecurity Malaysia and the police must be defined and streamlined." To him, comprehensive improvements are needed as to how scam advertisements are monitored and regulated in Malaysia. In the United Kingdom, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) springs into action relatively quickly. In 2023, the financial watchdog blocked 10,000 scam ads from Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. The FCA also ordered businesses to amend or remove 8,582 promotions in 2022, besides publishing 1,900 alerts to consumers about potential scammers. We aren't sure if any of our cybersecurity authorities does this, but we certainly don't read about it. It is hard to estimate how much Malaysians lost to scam ads, but scams in general cost 95,800 victims RM3.18 billion between 2021 and April last year, according to the Digital Ministry figures. This may just be the tip of the iceberg as many victims do not report being scammed. As Selvakumar told the NST, Malaysia needs legislative and regulatory reforms. One such is shared responsibility for scam losses, holding social media platforms and telcos accountable as they are uniquely positioned to identify network-level threats. Besides, such legal reforms would incentivise them to adopt robust preventive measures.
