Archives November 2023

Odisha Startup Yatra & Startup Xpress collect 190 plus ideas this week

Odisha Startup Yatra

Bhubaneswar, 6th November 2023: The Odisha Startup Yatra and Startup Xpress continued its glorious journey across various schools and colleges of the state and gathered 197 more ideas this week. Even though the initiative is inching towards the end, the enthusiasm around it has not died down. Increasing number of bootcamps are scheduled at different institutions to generate record numbers of ideas and set a new benchmark. It is poised to establish a groundbreaking precedent for engaging the student community in the state’s development process, while also nurturing the seeds of entrepreneurship within them.

This week as the Yatra moved forward after Dussehra holidays, about 13 bootcamps were conducted across 7 districts that received 197 ideas with participation from 1279 students. These bootcamps were held in Jagatsinghpur, Boudh, Nayagarh, Sonepur, Bhadrak, Cuttack & Khordha District.

Over the past 30 days, an impressive total of more than 31,000 students from 200 plus colleges and 60 plus schools in Odisha have actively participated. As this remarkable initiative enters its final phase, we anticipate a surge in innovative ideas from our students. This impressive journey underscores the students’ unwavering commitment to becoming the driving force behind their community’s growth, with entrepreneurship as their undeniable passion.

On Saturday, that marks the 34th Day of the Yatra, boot camps were held at Sailabala Women’s Autonomous College(Cuttack), Trident Academy of Technology(Khordha) and Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir(Nayagarh).

The excitement and enthusiasm from the student community was palpable with their passionate pitches.
The aim of Startup Odisha Yatra and Startup Xpress 2023 is to encourage grassroots innovators and promote entrepreneurship among them.

Odisha Startup Yatra & Xpress, taking its journey forward will conduct three boot camps at Nayagarh Autonomous College and Inspire +2 College, Nayagarh and Malusanta Govt High School, Koraput on November 6th (Monday) to foster entrepreneurship and innovation at grassroots level.

Indian Overseas Bank Led the Charge Against Corruption with Vigilance Awareness Walkathon

Indian Overseas Bank

Chennai, 06th November 2023 – In a resounding call to action, Indian Overseas Bank proudly organized a Vigilance Awareness Walkathon as a part of our commitment to combat corruption and foster a brighter future for India. The walkathon was a crucial event marking Vigilance Awareness Week and embodied the bank’s unwavering determination to eradicate corruption.

Vigilance Awareness Walkathon united people from all walks of life to send a clear message – Say NO to corruption and commit to the nation.

Dignitaries from Indian Overseas Bank, including Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava, MD & CEO, and Shri Rajeev Kumar, CVO, were present, along with several other executives from the central office and Regional Office, Chennai.

Omaxe Diwali Carnival Lights up Faridabad; Spectacular Entertainment and Community Spirit on Display

Omaxe Diwali Carnival

Omaxe, one of India’s leading real estate developers, is celebrating the first-ever and largest “Omaxe Diwali Carnival” in Faridabad, spreading festive joy, togetherness, and memorable experiences to the city’s heart. With an expected footfall of over 200,000 visitors throughout the 10-day carnival, this event is set to redefine the Diwali celebrations in the region.

The Omaxe Diwali Carnival, which commenced on October 27th, promises a vibrant and captivating atmosphere that will continue to shine brightly until November 5th. Featuring a wide array of attractions and activities, the carnival has captivated the hearts of the city and beyond.

The carnival boasts many engaging experiences, including Halloween cosplayers, mesmerizing selfie zones, a bustling carnival shop, a delectable food street, and enchanting classical dance performances that have added a captivating touch to the evenings. On Halloween, a spine-tingling spectacle unfolded as more than 1,200 bikers, alongside kids and families from across Delhi NCR, participated in a “Ghost Ride,” donning spooky costumes and delivering unforgettable performances.

“Omaxe Diwali Carnival is not only an exceptional entertainment and shopping destination but also a reflection of Omaxe’s commitment to fostering community spirit and delivering joy to the residents of Faridabad,” Jatin Goel, Executive Director Omaxe Group said.

The carnival also coincided with Karwachauth celebrations, in which over 1,000 ladies gathered to adorn intricate Mehandi designs on this special day. The event featured ladies’ musical evenings, lively Gidda and Blindfold Dance, and vibrant Haryanvi cultural dance performances, adding a cultural touch to the festivities.

The Omaxe Diwali Carnival has garnered strong industry support, with prominent companies like BYD, Jeep, IFB, Firstcry, Titan Eyeplus, and Mia by Tanishq forming associations with the event to make it a memorable experience for the people of NCR.

Each evening comes alive with musical performances, captivating acts, and mesmerizing dance performances, creating a vibrant and celebratory ambiance for all attendees. The carnival will culminate with a remarkable E-cracker show that will light up the skies, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and shoppers alike.

Ekya Schools celebrates FIND Festival 2023: India’s first K-12 Global learning Festival

Ekya Schools celebrates

Bengaluru, 6th November 2023 – Ekya Schools celebrated a significant milestone in K-12 education with the successful culmination of the Ekya FIND Festival 2023 on 4th November. Hosted at the CMRIT Campus, Bengaluru, the event brought together a vibrant community of educators, students, and thought leaders, all dedicated to reshaping the future of education.

The festival, themed “World of Learning, Learners, and Extraordinary Educators,” was inaugurated by Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools. Her opening remarks set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of innovation and community in education. “Positioned as India’s pioneering global learning platform, the FIND Festival 2023 emerges as a transformative force in the K-12 education arena. It aimed to address gaps prevalent in education festivals, embodying a commitment to innovation, celebrating educational excellence, and exploring progressive practices. I am elated to see great participation from the stakeholders globally. Ekya Schools will passionately drive this movement in the times to come, reflecting our dedication to empower a community propelled by learning, innovation, and the pursuit of global educational excellence.” she stated.

Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Honourable Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & Information Technology, delivered an inspiring keynote address “As a nation, we stand at a crucial juncture. With confidence, I affirm that we’re experiencing the era of modern India. Educators possess the power to drive the country’s future, shaping the destiny of our students who are, indeed, the future. I am privileged and honored to be a part of this unique FIND Festival and learn about the institute’s commitment to focus on extraordinary teaching. ”

The festival showcased a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive sessions, and inspiring talks, each focusing on the future of learning and teaching. Renowned educational figures, including Dr. K. P. Gopalkrishna, Founder and Chairman of National Public Schools, shared their insights and experiences “The current challenges faced by educators in India are a clarion call for a shift in perception. To transform the educational landscape, we must inspire a new generation of teachers, showcasing the noble essence and impact of the profession. Encouraging passionate, young talent to embrace teaching and revamping the education system are pivotal steps towards bridging the gaps that persist in our society. As we focus on revitalizing the teaching profession, we sow the seeds for a brighter future, transcending rural-urban divides and transforming schools into hubs of modernity. Quality education is paramount for progress, hence, it is imperative for us to elevate its status by welcoming committed individuals and solidifying the foundation of India’s educational framework.”

Highlights of the festival included panel discussions on innovative education practices, a Design Thinking Challenge where students engaged in creative problem-solving to address real-world situations, and the Learning Showcase where students presented their holistic learning experiences. Besides this, the ‘ReThink Education Booth’ became a hub for exchanging new concepts and technologies in education.

Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, President of CMR Jnanadhara Trust, reflected on the event’s success, “The Ekya FIND Festival has set a new standard for educational conferences. It’s a testament to our commitment to fostering a community of learners and educators who are ready to take on the challenges of the future.”

The festival concluded with Shri. K. R. Jayadeep, Director of Ekya Schools, expressing gratitude to the participants and attendees for making the event a resounding success.

The Ekya FIND Festival 2023 has firmly established itself as a pivotal event in the educational calendar, bringing together diverse voices to share, learn, and inspire. It marked a step forward in creating a more dynamic, innovative, and inclusive educational landscape for the future.

International Seminar on “Empowering Mountain Communities” and Book Launch of “Himalayas: Mountains of Life” by Dr. Kamaljit S. Bawa

Empowering Mountain Communities

New Delhi: The Mountain Climate Trust conducted an international seminar on “Empowering Mountain Communities” along with the book launch of Dr. Kamaljit S. Bawa’s internationally acclaimed coffee table book “Himalayas: Mountains of Life” on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at Seminar Hall, 1, 2 & 3, Kamladevi Block, India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi.

The event was graced by the honorable Sant Balbir Singh Seenchewal, Padmashri, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and world-renowned environmentalist. The seminar was inaugurated by the dignified presence of Shri Virendra Dayal, Padma Bhushan, Former Chef de Cabinet United Nations, Member Human Rights Commission and Lt. Gen Ata Hasnain (Retd), Former GOC 15 Corps (Srinagar), Member NDMA and Chancellor Central University of Kashmir.

The seminar was focused on the importance of empowering mountain communities to counter global warming through sustainable development. Eminent Indian and international environmentalists and disaster experts discussed their insights with participating NGOs, Environmental Institutes, and policy makers on the occasion.

Emphasis was laid upon the unique challenges mountain states face in overcoming climate change and disasters due to their location and fragmented development. An overarching regional authority could coordinate efforts to build resilience.

An environmentalist at heart and weaving spirituality to eco-friendliness, Sant Balbir Singh Seenchewal is rightly termed as the Green Sant. He is a man with a mission and shares his thoughts as, “My heart goes out to the mountains as they are the first to bear the brunt of climate change. Our sages in the past climbed up the hills to meditate, they survived alone on fruits and were scarcely equipped to lead their lives. Life in the hills isn’t easy which is why people there are simple and make do with whatever little they can. But in recent times, things have changed. Everyone wants to travel to the hills for holidays, trek etc and the more affluent ones want to build their homes there to live comfortably in the summer months leading to unnecessary construction. And trust me, as compared to the facilities we are now developing in the hill states of India, we are not even sparsely equipped to manage the solid waste! None of us are unaware of the monsoons hills faced the past season. Cloud bursts and landslides are only becoming frequent.”

In his speech Sant Balbir quoted Gurbani as “The wind is our guru, water is father, and the earth, mother” emphasizing the importance of ecology and nature in the scriptures. He mentioned how he and his contemporaries transformed a rivulet into its current exemplary form. Kali Bein, the river was a dirty drain due to negligence of the population of the surrounding area is now a source of clean water supply for irrigation purposes. Proudly he states that President APJ Abdul Kalam termed this project as ‘One of the Nine Wonders of India’.

Sant Balbir wishes to see humans respecting and revering the gift of nature that we have all been bestowed upon just like our ancestors did.

On the occasion Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain, Chancellor Central University of Kashmir and Member Disaster Management Authority delivered the Keynote Address and said, “Mountains are where National Security has huge stakes; with the LoC and the LAC both existing there. The onset of Climate Change threatens mountain infrastructure and displaces several mountain communities from traditional areas posing several security and disaster risks which need deep study to overcome.”

Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar shared his concern as “This is an occasion for all of us to discuss the serious threat to Himalayan Ecology. Supporting the livelihoods of mountain communities living in remote areas is the best way to protect the Environment and promote Social Development Goals.”

Shri Falguni Rajkumar, former Secretary Government of India said, “Though the North Eastern States are doing a commendable job, distance from the rest of the country makes the Management of Climate Change more difficult. An overarching regional Authority maybe a way out to coordinate the efforts as a region.”

Zohra Chatterji, Former Secretary, Government of India stated, “I am very concerned and feel helpless about the smog situation in Delhi. The warnings are consistent with every passing year and very clearly now indicate that the time to act has arrived! In our individual capacities we can’t do very much but together a lot can be achieved to combat this situation. So here I salute and thank Mrs Saifullah for this extremely essential initiative that I am more than delighted to support.”

Mrs Saifullah, Founder and Managing Trustee of MCT said, “The objective of the seminar was to be a voice and a platform to all Institutions and NGOs working to mitigate Climate change in the Mountains.”

The seminar was graciously honoured to have the attendance of the following dignitaries:

– Shri Dan Singh Rawat, Chairman, Uttarakhand Development Bank Ltd.

– Lt. Gen Ata Hasnain (Retd),Former GOC 15 Corps (Srinagar), Member NDMA and Chancellor Central University of Kashmir.

– Shri Eklabya Sharma, former Director General, ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) and the world’s leading authority on the subject

– Dr. Kamaljit S. Bawa FRS. Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts, Boston and Founder, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bengalurut

– Shri Falguni Rajkumar, IAS Retd, Former Secretary, Government of India, Special Advisor UNIDO, Chairman IIM, Shillong

– Dr Siddiq Wahid, PhD, Harvard University and distinguished Professor, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies

– Representatives of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Wildlife Institute of India Dehradun and Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Environment, Katarmal, Almora, Amity University Noida also attended

Apart from the above-mentioned dignitaries, thoughts and efforts made towards the goal to adopt sustainable route were shared by representatives of NGOs from all the Himalayan States, Indian Forest Service /Institute on Himalayan forests and wildlife and Institute of Excellence on Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar University.

Needless to say that the seminar on “Empowering Mountain Communities” was a success also because of the efforts of the following participants:

  • – Captain Swadesh Kumar, Founder-President, Adventure Tour Operators Association who spoke on the importance of porters and sherpas in the mountain tourism industry.
  • – Vikramjit Singh Bangari, Founder of Stone Age Hospital and Sarpanch of Sainkarvi Village
  • – Shri Kartikeya Desai, Founder of Desai and Associates shared how the role of development economics can help promoting sustainability and impact in mountain communities.
  • – Samay Chedda, Partner, Nova Char spoke about the use of biochar charcoal and wood vinegar for soil rejuvenation.
  • – Shri Asheesh Sharma, Senior Executive, Greenbird spoke on the need for sustainable waste management in mountain communities. He shared his expertise on how to develop and implement sustainable waste management systems that are tailored to the specific needs of mountain communities.

In addition to their individual contributions, these speakers also worked together to create a cohesive and informative program. They ensured that the topics covered were complementary and that the audience had the opportunity to learn from a variety of perspectives.

NTC Observes Founder’s Day

NTC Group,

Chennai, 6th November 2023: NTC Group, a prominent player in the logistics and supply chain sector, celebrated its founder’s day on November 3, 2023, to commemorate the birthday of Dr.K. Chandramohan, Founder & Chairman, NTC Group. The company’s employees across its locations celebrated the day with unwavering spirit.

As part of the celebrations, a blood donation camp was organized at the NTC Group headquarters and its branch offices across the country to drive awareness on donating blood. Furthermore, as a testament to NTC Group’s commitment to environmental welfare, a mass tree plantation campaign was implemented, wherein over 10,000 saplings were planted in various locations in Namakkal.

NTC Group’s employees also paid visits to numerous orphanages and provided philanthropic support to underprivileged communities. This initiative was part of NTC Group’s mission to uplift the economically disadvantaged sections of society.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raajasundaram, Joint Managing Director, NTC Group said, “Our Founder & Chairman believes in having a strong commitment towards societal engagement, wherein we strive to bring about inclusive growth and development through various initiatives across our operating locations. Besides many professional feats in the logistics sphere, Dr.K. Chandramohan takes persistent efforts to improve the health, wellbeing and lives of the impoverished in the country. Our observance of Founder’s Day is in line with his vision and beliefs.”

An entrepreneur and visionary, Dr. K. Chandramohan laid the foundations for NTC Logistics in 1997. With an MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management and over 26 years of experience, he is the recipient of many awards for his dynamic leadership and creating a niche in the ODC and project logistics segment that is unparalleled in history of Indian logistics. Under his Chairmanship, NTC Logistics is ranked 7thin the list of the world’s largest specialised vehicles and equipment globally.

Orchids The International School Successfully concludes “Run for Unity” Event at Jaya Prakash Narayana Park

Run for Unity

Bengaluru, 6th November 2023: Orchids The International School is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the “Run for Unity” event, a commemoration of the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This event, held on November 4th, 2023, was a resounding success, underlining one’s commitment to promoting unity, wellness, and a sense of community among the students.

The “Run for Unity” commenced at Jaya Prakash Narayana Park at 8:30 AM. The event bore witness to the participation of an estimated 300 to 400 students from Orchids International School, spanning from grade 8 and above. The occasion was of profound significance, not only for its emphasis on physical well-being and Orchids’ holistic development curriculum but also for its alignment with the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrated on October 31st each year.

On this special occasion Manjula B, VP Academics for Sports, Orchids The International School expressed, “We gather to celebrate the values of wellness, and unity. This event is a reminder of the strength, the importance of nurturing wellness, and the sense of community that defines us. We would like to extend our profound gratitude to all participants, as well as the parents whose unwavering support and involvement contributed to the grand success of the “Run for Unity” event.”

Participants, including students, faculty members, families, came together to celebrate a day of physical fitness and community building. Orchids The International School, ever dedicated to the intellectual, physical, and moral development of our students, believes in cultivating responsible, compassionate, and united individuals. The “Run for Unity” event highlighted these values and the enduring commitment to shaping young minds for a better tomorrow.

Meta reinforces commitment to user safety and well-being, extends Digital Suraksha Summit to Karnataka

Meta reinforces commitment

Bangalore, 6th November 2023: Extending its commitment to user safety and youth well-being, Meta today organized a Digital Suraksha Summit in Karnataka. The Summit was attended by Priyank Kharge, Honourable Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology (IT & BT) Government of Karnataka, besides various creators, educators, CSO partners, and members of parenting communities.

Earlier this year, Meta launched the Digital Suraksha Summit, building on its efforts to offer a safer and inclusive internet to everyone. It included a slew of measures on enabling digital education and literacy across youth well-being, child safety, tackling misinformation as well as the overall education of users towards various safety tools and resources available across Meta platforms.

Speaking on the occasion, Priyank Kharge, Honourable Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology (IT & BT), Government of Karnataka, said, “India is witnessing rapid digital adoption. This further creates a need for users to be provided with easy-to-access tools and resources to safeguard their wellbeing online. The government of Karnataka is committed to working with various stakeholders and experts to create an enabling and inclusive digital environment. In this regard, it is commendable that companies like Meta are aligned with the government’s vision to keep people, especially women and youth, safe online. I appreciate their support in prioritizing online user safety of the people of Karnataka.”

Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President, Meta in India, added, “We are cognizant of the empowering role our apps are playing in the country – giving voice to millions of people, especially women and youth. We work tirelessly to put in place the right policies, products, and precautions so people have a safe and positive experience online. I am delighted to bring our Digital Suraksha Summit to Karnataka, the IT hub of the country and engage in a meaningful dialogue on how we can continue to partner with civil society organization and policy stakeholders to continue our industry leading effort in this area.”

Over the past three years, Meta has launched 30+ safety tools and features to promote online safety. Since a large percentage of online users today are teens, Meta has rolled out a series of initiatives and tools as part of its Youth Wellbeing efforts. These include features like ‘Quiet Mode’ on Instagram, which help give teen users more control over the time spent on the app and what they see.

Further, other recent features include Parental Supervision Tools and a Family Center to help parents get more involved in their teen’s experiences on Instagram. While the Parental Supervision Tools allow parents of young users to manage the time on Instagram, the Family Center includes an education hub. Similar tools have been introduced on Messenger, so parents can see how teens spend their time and who they interact with on Messenger. Meta has also introduced new tools to limit unwanted interactions in Instagram DM and Messenger and nudging teens to set time limits on Facebook.

Other features for Facebook include resources for child and women safety that can be found in the Safety Centre. These are designed to support parents, caregivers and educators with policies, resources and tools to support the safety and well-being of youth online, as well as provide access to host all the safety resources women would need when navigating the platform. Both resources are available in Kannada and 10 other Indian languages.

Avaada Chairman Mr. Vineet Mittal Outlines Commitment to a Sustainable Uttar Pradesh at the Renewable Energy Conclave

Avaada Chairman Mr. Vineet Mittal

[Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 6th November 2023]Avaada Chairman, Mr. Vineet Mittal, addressed the Uttar Pradesh Renewable Energy Conclave, reinforcing Avaada’s steadfast commitment and dedication to propel the state towards sustainability and prosperity.

In a speech resonating with hope and unwavering resolve, Mr. Mittal emphasized the transformative potential of Uttar Pradesh, which is emerging as a symbol of growth and innovation during what he referred to as the “Amrit Kal”, or the Golden Era. He praised the state’s ambitious goals in the energy sector, particularly its commitment to producing 22,000 MW of solar power by 2026-27, with a substantial investment of Rs 40,000 crore for the Energy Sector and a staggering Rs 125,000 crore for Renewable Energy.

Mr. Mittal applauded the visionary leadership of the state government for spearheading these initiatives and expressed a firm belief that these targets will not only be met but surpassed, thanks to the government’s unwavering support.

The Avaada Chairman underscored the state’s commitment to transform its power sector, highlighting the importance of providing economically achievable and high-quality electricity at affordable rates to all its citizens.

Avaada has already established a presence in Uttar Pradesh with renewable energy plants in Kanpur and Badaun, and another is in progress in Banda. Mr. Mittal reiterated Avaada’s dedicated commitment to the state, intending to be a cornerstone in Uttar Pradesh’s journey towards growth and sustainability.

The Renewable Energy Conclave served as a platform for all stakeholders to unite and work together, inspired by the immense potential of renewable energy that lies ahead. As progress sweeps across every corner of the state, Uttar Pradesh is on an unstoppable journey to become ‘Uttam Pradesh,’ a vision of the state government fully shared by Avaada Chairman Mr. Vineet Mittal.

Avaada’s dedication to Uttar Pradesh’s sustainable future, in harmony with the state’s aspirations, showcases its commitment to ushering in the era of “Amrit Kal,” where actions align with the universe, and the nation stands as a global champion.

A green economy can lead to sustainable growth: Experts at FTCCI’s CEO Forum on Green Economy

Meela Jayadev

Hyderabad, November 05, 2023….. The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) organised its CEO Forum, where an interactive session on ‘Green Economy’ was held this weekend late evening at Park Hyatt, Banjara Hills.

The CEOs Forum was the first in the four series this year and was organised with the support of Radha TMT and ICICI Bank.

The Panelists were Srinivas Cherla Director of Sustainability, Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), Govt of Telangana; Dr Rambabu Paravastu Chief Sustainability Officer, Greenko Group and Masood Mallick Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Re Sustainability Limited.

They were in conversation with Anil Agarwal, Convenor of the CEO Forum. The future generation should have a better environment. All our deeds must bear that in mind, said he while initiating the panel discussion.

A green economy is an economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment, said Meela Jayadev giving his opening remarks.

Your presence here today shows your commitment to promoting sustainability and a better future for all.

Participating in the panel Srinivas Cherla Director of Sustainability, Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), Govt of Telangana spoke about Industrial use cases of Hydrogen, Telangana Government’s efforts to establish a Green Hydrogen Valley in the Telangana region and widespread adoption of green hydrogen by industries. We engaged with a diverse group of stakeholders who have expressed interest in transitioning to green hydrogen. Some of them include Steel, Fertilisers, Glass, Data Centres, Pharmaceuticals, Cement and others. We have also learned that business priorities, mandatory de-carbonisation compliances, and transition impacts vary significantly among industry players and sectors. He urged industries interested in exploring the potential of green hydrogen in your sector to connect so that we accelerate our transition to a more sustainable future.

RICH is helping build Centres of Excellence in green hydrogen among others. A green hydrogen policy was also proposed and a draft was made and circulated for consultation. The policy was drafted and notified in line with its strong policy focus on renewable energy, a path of net zero energy transition by 2070, he added. He shared a few provisions of the said draft policy. The Policy ambition is to produce half a million metric tonnes of Green Hydrogen Production Capacity by the year 2030.

Dr Rambabu Paravastu, Chief Sustainability Officer of Greenko Group, explained Climate Maths and spoke about achieving a 1.5-degree climate pathway. To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees centigrade, annual emissions need to be halved by 2030. If the limit crosses 1.5 degrees, global warming becomes irreversible. This means NTPC, Reliance, the companies like them can’t be in business the way they are running it now. Similarly, Cement, Steel, chemical industry cannot manufacture as it manufactures today. Today we are emitting more than 35 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels. The whole industry needs to transform in the next three decades. The 1.5-degree centigrade climate change pathway is going to be disruptive, he observed. If we achieve net zero, India can be energy independent and we need not import oil. It is a unique opportunity for Indi. The pathway towards net zero is an opportunity, he said.

A Green Economy seems to be an excellent opportunity to remodel our infrastructure, he added. He spoke about survival in the net zero.

India’s annual emissions are five times less than the global average, he said.

Masood Mallick Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Re Sustainability Limited said 93% of copper, 100% lithium, and cobalt are imported by India. But we throw the items made using them in landfills. In other words, we are throwing our precious foreign currency in landfills. If the same is recycled and reused, we could have precious natural resources. It can be a good business opportunity. Everything can be recycled, he announced. The next big question is how to select the right technology. Integration and inclusion are the few pillars you will find in choosing the right technology, he said.

Speaking further he said the economic value of a tree is fixed by the Supreme Court as Rs 76,000/- Similarly we must allow natural resources to find their value then only the mindset of conservation comes, he said. In his concluding remarks, he observed that the time for a Green Economy arrived. And the best way to approach this is to use a science-based lens to address it.

Sunil Saraf, MD of Raha TMT, Ajay Saraf, Executive Director of ICICI Bank, Suresh Singh, Senior Vice President, Ravi Kumar, Vice President, CEO Khyati Naravane, several past presidents, retired bureaucrats, diplomats and industry leaders graced the CEOs Forum.