Archives June 2023

5 Fashion Influencers You Must Follow if You Are a Bride-to-be

If you’re seeking budget-friendly bridal shopping but love Bollywood-style outfits we’ve got your back! Here are 5 fashion influencers you must follow if you’re a 2023 bride!

Moi Blog – Bride on a budget? Jyoti Chahar known as Moi Blog has got you covered. Known for exploring and sharing trendy looks there is no concern of Delhi this influencer did not cover. An eye for the most recent celebrity wedding with a tight budget, For every wish a bride will have to watch her blog.

Sejal Kumar – Sejal Kumar is a fashion and lifestyle influencer with over 1 million subscribers on YouTube. Her style is youthful and trendy, making her a great choice for brides-to-be who want to experiment with their wedding looks. Check out her wedding shopping vlogs for some great ideas.

Scherezade Shroff – Scherezade Shroff is a fashion and lifestyle influencer with over 350k subscribers on YouTube. Her style is elegant and sophisticated, making her a great source of inspiration for wedding shopping. Check out her wedding shopping vlogs for some great ideas.

Aashna Shroff – Aashna Shroff is a fashion and beauty influencer with over 600k followers on Instagram. Her style is feminine and chic, making her a great source of inspiration for wedding shopping. Check out her Instagram page for some great wedding shopping ideas.

Santoshi Shetty – Santoshi Shetty is a fashion and beauty influencer with over 400k followers on Instagram. Her style is edgy and bold, making her a great choice for brides who want to stand out on their wedding day. Check out her Instagram page for some great wedding shopping ideas.

All of these influencers have great wedding shopping vlogs on their YouTube channels, so be sure to check them out for some inspiration. And have a rocking experience being the bride-to-be.

Sherlyn Chopra to Play Lead in ALTT’s Paurashpur – 2

Sherlyn Chopra

New Delhi, 27th June 2023In the highly anticipated sequel to the popular and bold Costume drama on ALTT, the vivacious actress Sherlyn Chopra has been chosen to portray the character of Rani Snehlata. This series delves into themes of power, gender dynamics, sacrifice, and the consequences of ambition.

ALTT, a popular streaming platform, has cast the seductive and sassy Sherlyn Chopra as the lead in its upcoming online series, Paurushpur-2. The original series, Paurashpur, caused a stir with its unconventional plot and daring screenplay. With Sherlyn taking the lead, the soon-to-be-released sequel is expected to push even more boundaries.

Paurashpur-2 is a gripping Costume drama set in a fictional kingdom where power, betrayal, and prophecy shape the destiny of the empire. The new season explores themes of power, gender dynamics, sacrifice, and the consequences of ambition. It takes viewers on a captivating journey through the treacherous world of palace intrigue, where loyalty is tested, alliances are shattered, and the pursuit of power knows no bounds.

An elated Sherlyn Chopra shared her excitement after signing the deal. She said, ‘I am thrilled to be a part of the grand Costume drama series Paurashpur. This project allows me to venture into uncharted territories, both in terms of character and appearance. I hope that the audience embraces and appreciates this new side of me, as I wholeheartedly bring this captivating story of revolution and empowerment to life.’

Mr. Vivek Koka, Chief Business Officer of ALTT, stated, ‘Paurashpur 2 is our prized intellectual property, and we are delighted to extend this franchise to a new season. We are excited to see Sherlyn in the lead role, as she truly embodies the essence of a mysterious and enchanting queen of Paurashpur.’

ALTT is the leading digital entertainment platform in India. They have plans to produce a variety of innovative and groundbreaking programs in the coming months. ALTT has also formed strategic alliances and agreements to create content for some of the largest digital platforms. Their current order book includes 8 shows featuring some of the industry’s most well-known names.

New Board Members for Young Entrepreneurs Association

New Board Members for Young Entrepreneurs Association  

Hyderabad, 26th June 2023: Completing a decade in Hyderabad, The Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA) is one of its kinds and is known for its unique approach! Bursting with unparalleled experience, fresh perspectives, and an unwavering commitment to empowering young professionals, this remarkable team is set to revolutionize the world of entrepreneurship.

Since its inception in 2012, YEA has been a force to be reckoned with. YEA is a dynamic group of forward-thinking, action-oriented visionaries who are the true torchbearers of the Hyderabad business community. And now, with our youngest members aged between 25 and 45, we are injecting new energy and invincibility into our ranks. Approximately 70 entrepreneurs from different fields come together and meet every month to exchange ideas, which are centered on whole & family oriented businesses.

So, without further ado, allow us to introduce the titans who will lead the charge in 2023-24: Mr. Subhakar Alapati, the unstoppable President of YEA, Mr. Satyajit Reddy, the trailblazing General Secretary, Mr. Yeshwanth Nag, the Magnetic Membership Chair, Mr. Aman Chainani, the visionary Event Chair, Mr. RC Rahul, the creative powerhouse as the Creative Chair, Mr. Ashish Kapoor, the mastermind behind unforgettable events as the Event Chair, and last but not least, Mr. Chetan Agarwal, the financial maestro as the Finance Chair. This star-studded lineup brings together a wealth of successful startup launches and unparalleled business acumen of family businesses, ensuring YEA’s growth plans reach stratospheric heights.

President Mr. Subhakar Alapati, Founder Director of Global Tree exclaims, “This is a monumental moment for Young Entrepreneurs Association! The future has never looked brighter as we soar to new heights, expand our horizons, and leave an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape. As we embrace our new board members, we are not only celebrating a decade of groundbreaking achievements but also gearing up for an extraordinary international Retreat to Italy this year. As YEA begins this thrilling era of expansion and potential under new leadership, the anticipation is great. In order to create a Meet, Connect, and Network eco system of the highest caliber, YEA is likewise very careful when adding new members.

The Young Entrepreneurs Association is on the brink of greatness, and we invite you to be part of this extraordinary organization. With multiple events being hosted this year, as well as organizing international events, we will unleash the unstoppable force of entrepreneurial success.

To kickstart the year, YEA had a speaker event with Pawan Chandana from Skyroot Aerospace. During the encounter, the founder graciously shared their inspiring journey. It was an interesting evening of discussion about the future of space travel and the way India is progressing in the Aerospace line. By far it was the most interactive event ever in YEA and the members thoroughly enjoyed the engaged conversation. The talk was followed by Drinks and Dinner.

JK Organisation conducts Blood Donation Camps

JK Organisation conducts Blood Donation Camps

26th June 2023: JK Organisation, with 138 years of heritage a renowned Indian industrial group, held “Blood Donation Camps” to mark the 90th birth anniversary of Late Shri Hari Shankar Singhania, the former President of the group. The camps were arranged at the various offices and manufacturing facilities owned by the group. Padma Bhushan recipient Late Shri Hari Shankar Singhania actively contributed to the expansion and unification of the JK Organisation by setting up several new ventures along with acquiring and integrating a number of businesses into the group.

The blood donation drive was specifically organized on this day in honour of the former leader, who was always ready to do more for the community in addition to the group’s various social initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Bharat Hari Singhania, Chairman, JK Organisation mentioned that, “JK Organisation has stood strong for more than a century now committed to enhancing the quality of life for everybody, with the founders’ belief in giving back to society ingrained in the company’s spirit. On the occasion of the late Shri Hari Shankar Singhania’s birth anniversary, the JKO Group companies organised a blood donation drive as an initiative towards contributing to wellbeing of the larger population.”

A total of 5712 JK Organisation employees donated blood for this humanitarian cause. Before donating blood, all of the donors underwent blood pressure, haemoglobin, weight check, and other tests at the camps. A certificate of appreciation for contributions was presented to each donor.

All of JK Organization’s group companies, including JK Tyre, JK Paper, JK Lakshmi Cement, Udaipur Cement Works Ltd, JK Agri Genetics, JK Fenner, JK Foods, Delopt, CliniRx, JK Insurance, Indica Travels, PSRI Hospital, and JK Lakshmipat University, took part in the drive.

Who is the new queen of Paurashpur

New Delhi,26th June 2023 Get ready for the grand return of Paurashpur, as the highly anticipated sequel, Paurashpur-2, prepares to enthrall audiences with its captivating storyline and bold and titillating screenplay. ALTT has assembled an all-new cast, leaving fans eagerly speculating about who will claim the coveted role of the next Queen.

ALTT has assembled an all-new cast for this installment, promising an even more gripping experience than its predecessor. Among the plethora of stunning actresses considered for the lead role, one lucky individual will be crowned the next Queen, around whom the plot will revolve, filled with enigma and seductive allure.

While Rakhi Sawant, currently immersed in her divorce celebration, has been suggested as a strong contender for the bold character of Rani Snehlata, other potential candidates have also emerged. Hina Khan, with her dazzling presence, could effortlessly embody the role of the Empress of Paurashpur, radiating glamour and charm. However, it seems that the sensually captivating Sherlyn Chopra is fiercely vying for the crown, given her enduring passion for OTT platforms. In an unexpected turn of events, there is also speculation surrounding Urfi Javed, who may have secured the assignment at the last minute.

Paurashpur-2 takes place in an absorbing historical drama set in a fictional kingdom. The narrative revolves around alluring queens engaging in power games that leave viewers transfixed. The first season of this mesmerizing series, which aired on Zee5 and ALTT in 2020-21, has set the stage for a leading lady in the sequel who is unafraid to take risks when the scene demands it.

Hero Motocorp Partners With Nwwa and Indian Navy to Support in Community Development Initiatives

Hero Motocorp

In keeping with its commitment to further the cause of inclusive learning and education, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has partnered with the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA) to support their community development initiatives.

As per an MoU signed today between Hero MotoCorp and the NWWA, the Company will support CHETNA – an Early Intervention Center in Delhi that provides occupational therapy, speech therapy, play and counselling to children born with neuro-developmental disabilities.

The initiative, launched as part of the flagship ‘Hero Salutes Heroes of the Nation’ program under the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform ‘Hero We Care’, aims to support children in their learning needs, enabling them to progress through the early developmental stages, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

The support and therapies provided at the Early Intervention Center – CHETNA helps in minimizing the impact of neuro-developmental disabilities through multi-modality interventions in children under six years of age. CHETNA also help these children achieve their maximum potential and promote their integration into mainstream education.

Speaking at the MoU-signing ceremony, Mrs. Kala Hari Kumar, President, NWWA, said, “We welcome the support extended by Hero MotoCorp for this special program. We are proud to be in partnership with ‘Hero Salutes Heroes of the Nation’ – a truly unique initiative of the Company. Children are our future and the Indian Navy and NWWA are deeply committed to their welfare. This project will help children with disabilities receive the support to learn, grow up and be a part of the mainstream education system. It makes a huge difference not only in the lives of the children but their parents who will learn how to care for and support the needs of their children.”

Mr. Bharatendu Kabi, Head – Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Communication, Hero MotoCorp, said, “We are privileged to partner with the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association in this noble cause. As an organization committed to equity and inclusion, we are proud to support a program that will help children suffering from neuro-developmental disabilities, giving them the right support at an early age to overcome the developmental challenges and be a part of formal education.”

As part of the ‘Hero Salutes Heroes of the Nation’ program under its Hero We Care CSR initiative, the Company has already been partnering with the armed forces and paramilitary organizations – including the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Border Security Force (BSF) in the field of mobility solutions, livelihood and education.

Boris Singh makes FC Goa his new home

Mumbai,26th June 2023 FC Goa has completed the signing of one of India’s most exciting young talents, Boris Singh, the Club can officially confirm. The 23-year-old has impressed mightily over the last two seasons in the colors of Jamshedpur FC, starring in their ISL Shield-winning campaign in 2021-22.

This marks FC Goa’s fourth signing of the window following the arrivals of Indian internationals Rowllin Borges, Sandesh Jhingan, and Udanta Singh.

“I am very happy to have joined FC Goa. I hope to contribute to the best of my abilities and make all the fans proud,” stated Boris after putting pen to paper on a multi-year deal that will see him in the iconic Orange of the Club for the upcoming 2023-24 season and beyond.

“I like the style of football played here. And I am really looking forward to working with coach Manolo (Marquez) and the team. I have seen many young players develop a great deal under him and I hope he’ll get the best out of me too.”

Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football also expressed delight at the new signing. He said, “We are thrilled to have Boris Singh join FC Goa. He’s a fantastic young talent with great ambition. His work rate and tireless efforts on the field have rightfully earned him recognition, and we eagerly anticipate the excitement he will bring to the game.

“His versatility adds an extra dimension of depth to our squad. Boris has displayed exceptional adaptability and tactical understanding, and this has allowed him to excel in multiple positions.

“His seamless transitions between roles provide us with enhanced flexibility and strengthen our overall squad depth. I am confident that he will prove to be a valuable asset for our coaching staff and will continue to grow and thrive during his time at the club.”

Boris Singh adds pace and energy

Hailing from Manipur, Boris Singh has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most promising footballers. Known for his electrifying pace, sound defensive skills and attacking abilities, the youngster is set to breathe in energy to FC Goa’s lineup. Having the experience of playing as a winger and a wing-back on either side of the field, his versatility and ability to contribute both in defense and attack make him one that FC Goa fans will be waiting to see .

The youngster initially rose to fame after graduating from the AIFF Elite Academy and getting selected for India’s squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, where he started in two of three group stage games. Following the World Cup, he joined Indian Arrows and made 31 appearances for them in the I-League across two seasons.

A short stint with ATK FC’s developmental team followed, before Boris began his ISL journey with ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020-21. Midway through the season, the wing-back shifted base to Jamshedpur FC, with whom he lifted the coveted Hero ISL League Winners’ Shield the following year.

In the recently concluded 2022-23 season, the 23-year-old registered four goals for the Men of Steel, two of which came in a winning cause in the Super Cup against ATK Mohun Bagan, which, in turn, cemented their spot in the semi-finals.

NIT Rourkela to host CSAB-2023 and co-host JoSAA-2023, Registrations for admission to NIT+ System Started from 19th June 2023

NIT Rourkela to host

ROURKELA,26th June 2023: National Institute of Technology Rourkela(NIT Rourkela) isconducting the centralized seat allocation process for the year 2023 for admission to various undergraduate programs at 31 NITs, IIEST, 26 IIITs, 03 SPAs (School of Planning and Architecture) and 36 GFTI (Government funded technical institutes), all collectively called the ‘NIT+ System.’

The centralized seat allocation for the NIT+ system will be conducted by the Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) along with the Joint Admission Board (JAB) for IITs. The seat allocation will be based on the common rank list (CRL) of candidates in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main), whereas seat allocation to IITs will be based on the CRL in JEE (Advanced).

Unlike previous years, the registration for JoSAA rounds of seat allocation started on 19th June 2023, immediately the day after declaration of JEE (Advanced) results. The CSAB-Special Rounds will begin on 31st July 2023 after the completion of JoSAA rounds. The whole counseling process is expected to be completed by 14th August 2023, and classes in the NIT+ System are expected to start by 17th August 2023.

In addition, based on the JEE (Main) rank, separate CSAB-Supernumerary rounds will also be conducted by CSAB for admission to supernumerary seats for Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli in selected NITs.

NIT Rourkela informs CSAB-NEUT rounds will be conducted by CSAB from 26th June 2023 to allocate seats under the scheme of ‘Reservation of seats in Degree Level Technical Courses for States / UTs lacking such facilities in the AICTE-approved institutions’ to candidates of North-East states and Union Territories.

It is estimated that approximately 2.5 – 3.0 lakhs JEE (Main) qualified candidates are expected to register in the CSAB for admission to about 40000 seats in NITs, IIEST, IIITs, SPAs, and Other-GFTIs. This includes 20% female seats reserved in NITs. The entire process of choice filling, seat allotment, and document verification will be conducted online so that students do not have to travel to any institute.

The key changes in JoSAA/CSAB-2023 include:

  •  Candidates desirous of admission to IITs and the NIT+ System must secure at least 75% marks in the 12th Class or be in the top 20 percentile in the 12th Class exam conducted by the respective Boards. For SC/ ST/ PwD students, the qualifying marks would be 65% in the 12th Class exam.
  •  It is possible that the Class XII passing status of a candidate is revised [due to re-totaling, re-evaluation, etc.] by the Class 12 examination board after the first round of joint seat allocation begins. Due to the revision of the passing status of the registered candidate, if a candidate satisfies the performance in Class 12 (or equivalent) examination requirement for admission to IITs/NITs/IIEST/IIITs/Other-GFTIs and becomes eligible for admission, then such a candidate can approach the IIT Guwahati with the revised passing certificate. The candidate will be considered for seat allocation only in subsequent rounds (if any). The allocated seat (if any) shall be the same as what the candidate would have got based on the revised passing status to begin with. To ensure this, a supernumerary seat will be created, if needed.
  •  In line with the Judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, Overseas Citizen of India(OCI)/Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders having the said status before 04 March 2021 will be treated on par with the Indian Nationals for the seat allocation process in JoSAA/CSAB-2023 for GEN and GEN-PwD seats. The OCI/PIO candidates will also get the benefits of female supernumerary seats. The state code of eligibility of OCI/PIO passing Class XII (or equivalent) examination in India shall be at par with Indian nationals. However, OCI/PIO passing the Class XII (or equivalent) examination from an institution abroad are eligible for other State quota seats or All India quota seats (but NOT for Home State quota seats) in the NIT+ System. However, a candidate occupying two seats (one in the JoSAA round and one in the DASA round) of the NIT+ System is mandatorily required to relinquish one of the seats before the start of CSAB-Special Rounds, else both seats will be canceled.
  •  Candidates having less than 40% disability but having difficulty in writing and have availed the services of a scribe or extra time during the examination will also be required to do the physical verification at the verification center.
  •  Candidates whose category got changed during JoSAA-2023 rounds will be allowed to restore their birth category on the production of a valid certificate during the registration phase of CSAB-Special Round 2023. NIT Rourkela has developed an online interface wherein candidates can apply for the restoration of their birth category by uploading a valid category certificate.

A multi-lingual helpdesk in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Bangla, Hindi, Odia, and English languages has been established at the CSAB-2023 headquarters at NIT Rourkela (Tel: 91241 21003) to assist the candidates during the entire process of JoSAA/CSAB-2023 counseling process. In addition, a total of 52 Help Centers (at least one in every State/ UTs) have also been established to assist the students online and offline in their local languages and English.

The business rules, certificate formats, FAQ documents, and other documents such as Opening and Closing ranks of various programs, seat matrix, contact details of help centers, document verification centers, etc., are available on the JoSAA website. Candidates should ensure that their certificates are in hand and valid. OBC-NCL and EWS certificates must have been issued on or after 01 April 2023 by the competent authority.

NIT Rourkela stated that the process has also been eased for persons with disabilities (PwD). The PwD candidates will have the choice to verify their documents before the seat allocation process or at the time of document verification in each round. A dedicated helpdesk is functioning at the NIT Rourkela to assist divyang aspirants. Further, help documents in immersive reader format will soon be available for the PwD candidates.

Explaining the importance of CSAB, Prof. Mukesh K. Gupta, Chairperson, Local Organizing Committee, CSAB 2023, said,“We have seen 100% B.Tech seat allocation for NITs and IIITs in CSAB-2022 last year. Multilingual helpdesk was very useful for candidates and therefore, we are increasing the number of telephone lines. Based on last years’ experience, we would like to inform candidates that they must pay Seat Acceptance Fee to accept the allotted seat even if they chose FLOAT or SLIDE option. They should also ensure that their bank account is KYC-compliant to avoid payment failures and they should not postpone any activity to the last moment. Some candidates lose hope in JoSAA Rounds. They should wait and participate in CSAB-Special Round.”

In his message to the aspirants, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela,andChairman CSAB 2023, said, “It is important for the candidates to know that there is no JEE (Main) cut-off to participate in JoSAA/CSAB counseling process. We have taken several steps to simplify the counseling process. The JoSAA/CSAB counseling process is completely online, and the candidates are not required to travel to any institute for the seat allocation process or document verification. Candidates should be responsible for filling their choices of academic programs and completing the steps of online reporting carefully.”

Further, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, mentioned,“In case of any query, they can contact CSAB headquarters at NIT Rourkela through multilingual telephone helplines or any of the 52 Help Centers established by CSAB-2023, at least one in each State/ UT, to help them in their local language. The outreach activities undertaken by NIT Rourkela in the last edition of CSAB in 2022 had helped reach a more significant number of candidates, especially those belonging to socio-economically disadvantaged groups and those from rural backgrounds or with linguistic barriers, in understanding the seat allocation process. The registration of candidates increased by 28% in JoSAA Rounds and 36% in CSAB-Special Rounds last year.”

Candidates are required to follow these steps to participate in JoSAA-2023.

  • • Step 1: Visit the JoSAA official website at https://josaa.nic.in
    • Step 2: On the homepage, login using JEE registration Id and password.
    • Step 3: Complete the choice filling section
    • Step 4: Review and lock the choices filled in the CSAB registration form
    • Step 5: Wait for the Result Declaration
    • Step 6: Upon Result Declaration, do Online Reporting by 1) Document Uploading; 2) Willingness Option (FLOAT/ SLIDE/ FREEZE); 3) Pay Seat Acceptance Fee; 4) Response to query, if any
    • Step 7: Pay Partial Admission Fee (PAF) in the 6th JoSAA Round
    • Step 8: If desired, participate in CSAB-Special Round from official website at https://csab.nic.in

Important dates:

  • • 19th June 2023: Registration and Choice Filling process for JoSAA Starts
    • 28th June 2023: Registration and Choice Filling process for JoSAA Ends
    • 30th June 2023: Display of Seat Allocation for Round 1
    • 30th June to 4th July 2023: Online Reporting (Fee Payment, Document Uploading, Willingness Option)
    • 6th to 28th July 2023: Round 2 – 5 of JoSAA
    • 29th to 31st July 2023: Payment of Partial Admission Fee (PAF)
    • 2nd August 2023: Registration and Choice Filling for CSAB-Special Rounds Starts
    • 6th August 2023: Registration and Choice Filling for CSAB-Special Rounds Ends
    • 7th August 2023: Display of Seat Allocation for Special Round 1
    • 7th to 9th August 2023: Online Reporting for Special Round 1 (Document Uploading, Willingness Option)
    • 11th August 2023: Display of Seat Allocation for Special Round 2
    • 11th to 14th August 2023: Online Reporting for Special Round 2 (Document Uploading, Willingness Option)
    • 12th to 17th August 2023: Expected date for commencement of 1st year classes

Mega Health Camp for Construction Workers at Sikka Kaamya Greens, Greater Noida West organised by CREDAI NCR

Mega Health Camp

CREDAI NCR has undertaken a health check-up camp and Eye check-up camp for National Capital Region (NCR) construction workers. It is part of its proactive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The health camp was held in Sikka Kaamya Greens, Greater Noida West. More than 200 attended the camp where free medicine was also distributed.

The construction workers underwent thorough examination by a physician including blood pressure, sugar, height-weight check-ups etc. Construction Workers consulted certain routine problems which were duly responded by the physician. Similarly, Eyes were tested in Eye check-up camp. CREDAI NCR has partnered with Felix Hospital, a leading healthcare service provider, for this purpose.

“At CREDAI NCR, we firmly believe in making a meaningful impact on people’s lives and strive to foster sustainable growth in the real estate sector while ensuring the well-being of all stakeholders. This is an ongoing effort on our part. Recently, we donated oxygen cylinders to leading charitable hospitals. This healthcare initiative for construction workers aligns with our core values and demonstrates our commitment to their well-being,” Manoj Gaur, President of CREDAI NCR, stated.

CREDAI NCR has consistently been at the forefront of corporate initiatives to impact society positively. By extending support to the healthcare needs of construction workers, the organization aims to enhance the overall quality of life and ensure the welfare of the community it serves.

Government’s Support Essential for Private Players to Ramp Up Commitment to Climate Change Mitigation: Experts

Bengaluru,26th June 2023 The real estate sector has a lot to contribute towards net zero goals being set by countries across the world. It can play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable world for future generations, provided it receives adequate regulatory support from the government.

Mr. Mallanna Sasalu, COO, Provident Housing Limited, addressed this and other relevant points on how the sector can improve upon its present level of carbon emissions, as part of a panel titled, ‘A Roadmap to Achieve Net Zero Goals’, at the 24th International Conference on Environment Management and Climate Change, organised by the Institute of Directors (IOD), in Bengaluru on Thursday.

“It is imperative for real estate players to acknowledge the environmental impact of urban development and take proactive measures to mitigate the harm caused due to construction activities. We must look at innovative ways for optimal usage of natural resources like air, water, and solar energy, and for dealing with pressing issues like solid waste management. Our commitment to sustainable development is important and with adequate support from statutory regulators, it is achievable,” Mr. Sasalu said.

Further, citing the example of the Shivanasamudra hydro-electric project, which lit up Bengaluru streets in the early 1900s, he said, “Investments in terms of climate goals should be looked at from long-term perspectives. If the patrons who funded the Shivanasamudra project back then had looked at immediate profits, we would not have had electricity on Bengaluru’s streets so early in the century. Thus, any investments into creating a sustainable world should be seen from the lens of Total Economic Value (TEV) in the long run because the returns are exponential.”

Mr. Sasalu also touched upon several sustainable practices that Provident Housing follows, such as the treatment and reuse of wastewater, waste segregation at the source, rainwater harvesting, and their latest commitment of one tree per family in all their upcoming projects.

During the session, Mr. Shaji K V, Chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) emphasised the commitment of India to become a net-zero emitter by 2070, acknowledging the proactive steps already taken by the country. He highlighted the potential risks of climate change on the distribution and quality of India’s natural resources and the livelihoods of its people, particularly small and marginal farmers, who are most vulnerable to its impacts. He reaffirmed that agriculture is at the frontline of climate change impact.

Chaired by Mr. Ovais Sarmad, Former Deputy Executive Secretary, UN Climate Change, Germany, the panel also included Mr. Thierry Berthelot, Consul General of France and Mr. Achim Burkart, Consul General of Germany, who shared insights on preparations for COP28, ensuring ‘Net-Zero,’ and developing social and economic priorities alongside a combined strategy for Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and a low-carbon future.

The Institute of Directors, India, organised the 24th International Conference on Environment Management and Climate Change at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. The conference, spanning two days starting June 22nd, focused on the theme: “Board’s Strategy towards a Green Economy.”

Other business & industry leaders, who participated on day 1, included Mr. Arun Balakrishnan, Chairman, IOD- Bengaluru Chapter, Founder Chairman & Independent Director, HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited & former CMD, HPCL; Lt. Gen. Surinder Nath, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.) President, Institute of Directors, Ex-Chairman, UPSC & Ex-Vice Chief of Army Staff Former Independent Director, L&T Board; Mr. Bhaskar Anand Rao, CFO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd. (BIAL); Mr. Chanchal Kumar IAS, Special Secretary & Managing Director, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.; Mr. Sailesh IAS, Member, Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) former Secretary, Dept. of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, India & Mr. Ashok Kapur, IAS (Retd.) Director General, Institute of Directors.