Archives January 2024

Bengaluru, 29th January, 2024:  ACC Limited, the most trusted legacy brand and one of India’s largest cement and building materials company of the diversified Adani Group, today announced robust Q3 FY’24 financial results on the back of a sharp growth in volume and improvement of important KPIs.

 Mr. Ajay Kapur, Whole Time Director & CEO, ACC Limited, said, “ACC’s financial performance has seen a complete turnaround in the last 12 months. Recent capacity additions have taken the Adani Group’s cement capacity to 77.4 MPTA. This will enable volume and revenue growth on a sustainable basis.”

 Operational Highlights:

• Operational excellence initiatives continue to help in improvement of productivity, performance, and optimisation of cost.
• 1 MTPA cement grinding commenced at the Ametha Integrated Cement Plant. Earlier, in Sept 2023, 3.3 MTPA clinker production facility was commissioned. (In January 2024, ACC announced acquisition of 55% stake in Asian Concretes and Cements Private Ltd (ACCPL), which along with its subsidiary Asian Fine Cements Pvt Ltd (AFCPL), has 2.8 MTPA cement capacity). This will enable further improvement in volume growth in the coming quarters.
• Kiln fuel cost reduced, driven by optimization of fuel mix and higher consumption of alternative fuels.
• 16.3 MW of waste heat recovery system (WHRS) at Ametha commissioned in Q3 FY’24, resulting in increase in WHRS capacity to 46.3 MW. Work on WHRS facility at Chanda (18 MW) & at Wadi (21.5 MW) is on track and will be commissioned in FY’25. This will take the total capacity of WHRS to 85.8 MW. This will result in WHRS share in total power mix ~@25%. 

 Financial Highlights:

The company has achieved significant improvements in all financial matrices.  Revenue has grown 8.3%, Operating EBITDA (excl. other income) has grown 139%, EBITDA margin expanded by 10 pp from 8.4% to 18.4%.

Cash & Cash equivalent at Rs. 4,282 crore is an improvement over previous quarter (Rs. 3,634 crore). The Company’s consolidated net worth has improved by Rs.538 crore and stands at Rs.15,361 crore. Working capital is amongst the best in comparison with peers and stands at 28 days cycle.

Sharp jump in EPS from Rs. 6.01 in Dec’22 to Rs. 28.55 in Dec’23. Shareholder’s net worth reflects turnaround in all KPIs, resulting in a robust financial performance and balance sheet strength.

Consolidated Financial Performance for Q3 and 9M FY ‘24:

Branding:

As part of our branding initiative, thematic campaigns were launched during the Cricket World Cup on new channels and digital platforms. We were the official partner of ‘Gujarat Giants’ for the 10^th Pro Kabaddi League, bringing together a legacy of excellence and passion for promoting sports which is essential for the youth and development of the country. We are proud partners of the Gulf Giants.

Outlook:

Cement demand in India will continue to grow at 7-8%, primarily fuelled by investments in infrastructure and large-scale residential housing projects. This growth aligns strategically with the broader economic development goals of the country, as we move from a USD 3.5 trillion to USD 7.3 trillion economy by 2030. Opportunity buy of low cost petcoke will help to further optimise fuel costs in the coming quarters and will augur well in our cost optimisation journey.

ESG Highlights:

• ACC maintains a consistent emphasis on a low carbon portfolio through the introduction of eco-friendly products and solutions.
• We are making all plants with built-in Waste Heat Recovery Systems and making a transitional shift towards green power as a major source of our energy needs.
• Our target is to attain a five-fold water-positive status by 2030.
• More than 1.1 million people continue to benefit from our CSR initiatives.

Awards:

• ACC won the ‘IconSWM-CE Excellence Award’ for its sustainable co-processing practices at the 13th IconSWM-CE & IPLA Global Forum 2023.
• ACC was recognized with ‘Gold Award in OH&S Category’ at the 15th EXCEED OH&SS Award 2023.
• ACC Lakheri Plant won four awards during the 37^th Mines Safety Week.
• ACC Bargarh Plant bagged Gold Awards at the 14th Kalinga Safety Excellence Awards.
• ACC was felicitated with the prestigious ‘Safety Excellence Award’ at the UPES Sustainability Fair 2.0.

Hyderabad, 29th January, 2024: Rainbow Children’s Medicare Limited (RCML), India’s leading pediatric multi-specialty and perinatal care hospital chain, announced its financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months ended December 31, 2023.

The company recorded its highest ever Revenue and EBIDTA despite the continued seasonal headwinds. The effect of lower than expected rainfalls and subsequent irregular seasonal variations had an impact on the patient footfalls and occupancy in the current quarter as compared to the same period last year, which was marked with higher footfalls and inpatient admissions as children continued to adapt in post COVID environment.

The operations at hospitals based in Chennai, Vijayawada and Vizag were affected for 10-15 days during the quarter
due to cyclone Michaung which had a devastating impact in parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The company is happy to share that it has commissioned it’s 8th hospital in Hyderabad with 60 beds at Central
Hyderabad, Himayat Nagar. This step has further strength ened company’s Hub and Spoke network with combined 890 beds at Hyderabad.

The Company remains dedicated to the timely execution and initiation of the projects to add 280 beds during the current financial year. The coming months of the current financial year are going to be busy, as the company prepares to commission two new hospitals and an additional block at an existing hospital during this time.

Financials and operational highlights are as follows:

Key Development

• The new hospital in Hyderabad central city, at Himayat Nagar with 60 beds commenced operations on 4
  the January, 2024. A separate press release on same has been filed to the exchanges.
•  Project Status update:

. The expansion for an additional block in Hydernagar with 50 beds in addition to the existing 110 beds is
in concluding stages and will commence operations within this quarter.

.  New hospitals in Anna Nagar, Chennai (~80 beds) and Sarjapur Road, Bangalore (~90 beds) are in the final stages of development and are expected to commence operations in Q4 FY24.

.  Development of the spoke hospital at Hennur, Bangalore (~60 beds) and the regional spoke hospital at
Rajahmundry (~100 beds) is progressing well and will be completed in the next 12-15 months.

. For the regional spoke hospital at Coimbatore, the builder has received the government approvals and the project work will commence soon

• The company completed 100% payment to HSVP (Haryana Shahri Vikas Pradhikaran) and received allotment letters for 2 land parcels in Gurgaon in Sector 44 and Sector 56 respectively. The company is working with the government agencies to take possession of these land parcels. Simultaneously the company is in the process of finalizing the architectural designs.
• The Company continued to have strong balance sheet and have cash & cash equivalent, fixed deposits andmutual fund investments aggregating to Rs. 4,947 Mn. as of December 31, 2023, which will be deployed forthe ongoing capex plan of the company. Based on the present cash flow and expected internal accrual in the
  coming years, the company expects to complete all the planned capex with internal accruals and balance IPO
  funds.
• During the quarter, company has spent Rs. 604 Mn. for the capex.

Commenting on the performance for Q3 FY2024 Dr. Ramesh Kancharla, Chairman & Managing Director, Rainbow Children’s Medicare Limited (RCML) said,

“ I’m delighted to announce that our company has showcased a resilient operating and financial performance this quarter. The revenues for Q3 FY24 was Rs. 3,359.6 Mn, which is a growth of 9.6% compared to Rs. 3,064.0 Mn in Q3 FY23. The EBIDTA for Q3 FY24 was Rs. 1,180.9 Mn, which is a growth of 10.6% compared to Rs. 1,067.6 Mn in Q3 FY23 and the PAT for Q3 FY24 was Rs. 625.7 Mn, which is a growth of 7.4% compared to Rs. 582.4 Mn in Q3 FY23.

We have managed to fortify our operations and deliver stable performance despite the continued seasonal headwinds.

Our operating performance reflects our commitment to delivering high quality healthcare to our patients.

We remain dedicated to the timely execution and initiation of our projects and add 280 beds during the current
financial year.

The company continues its unwavering dedication to its mission: to provide outstanding multi-disciplinary pediatric
and perinatal care. We are constantly refining our services to serve our patients.”

Gandhinagar, January 29th, 2024: The 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism, kick-started with a spectacular premiere night held on January 27, 2024, at the iconic Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre managed by The Leela in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The evening set the stage for the upcoming grand night of the 69th edition of Filmfare Awards, that is set to unfold on January 28, 2024, at GIFT City, Gujarat.

Hosted by the dynamic duo, Aparshakti Khurana and Karishma Tanna, the Curtain Raiser celebrated the exceptional technical brilliance in Hindi cinema, recognizing the outstanding achievements of the industry’s technical artistes during the past year.

The celebration peaked when the stunning actress Janhvi Kapoor made a grand entrance in the Hyundai IONIQ 5 posing as the showstopper for renowned designers Shantanu & Nikhil Mehra, in their exclusive collection ‘Gaia’.

Moreover, the glamour quotient soared with an enchanting Red Carpet, where celebrities struck poses, infusing a dash of glitz and glamour into the prelude festivities. Renowned personalities from the film fraternity, including Karan Johar, Janhvi Kapoor, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Karishma Tanna, Aparshakti Khurana, Zareen Khan, Parthiv Gohil, and Manasi Parekh, among others, graced the Red Carpet, setting the stage for a night filled with style and sophistication. The dignitaries from government of Gujarat present at the curtain raiser were Shri. Mulubhai Bera (Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Cultural Activities, Forest & Environment and Climate Change, Government of Gujarat), Shri. Raj Kumar (Chief Secretary, Gujarat), Shri. Hareet Shukla (Principal Secretary, Gujarat Tourism), amongst others.

The grand celebration concluded on a high note with a power-packed live performance by the immensely talented singer and composer Parthiv Gohil, setting the stage for the much-anticipated grand night of the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism, to be hosted on January 28, 2024, at GIFT City, Gandhinagar.

Speaking on successfully raising the curtains to the much-anticipated awards night, Rohit Gopakumar, Director, Times Entertainment Division (Worldwide Media, Entertainment TV & Digital Network) expressed, “While the premiere night was filled with entertainment, music, fashion and a glorious celebration of technical brilliance, the grand awards night will be an even more magnificent spectacle as fans will get to witness the best of Hindi Cinema descend in Gujarat. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partners Hyundai Motor India, the ever-supportive media fraternity, and the Government of Gujarat for their outstanding support. We’re absolutely stoked to present this blockbuster celebration right here in the GIFT City, Gujarat, bringing the magic of Indian cinema closer to its ardent fans.”

Sharing their thoughts on the partnership, Shantanu & Nikhil said, “In an exciting collaboration with Filmfare at the 69th edition of Filmfare Awards, we take immense pride in presenting ‘Gaia’. This glamorous fusion of fashion and cinema, curated by Filmfare’s unwavering dedication, brings forth our collection. A heartfelt appreciation to Filmfare for being a driving force in seamlessly uniting the realms of fashion and cinema, creating an unparalleled synergy for a cause that transcends glamour—envisioning a sustainable future.”

“I am thrilled to have performed at Filmfare with such an exciting and engaging audience. It is a huge day for cinema lovers in Gujarat because the biggest awards of the country – Filmfare is taking place in the Vibrant Gujarat.” said Parthiv Gohil.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Black Lady to the winners of the Technical Awards. The recipients were honoured for their outstanding contributions across various technical categories, showcasing the depth of talent within the Hindi film industry. The list of winners included:

1. Best Action: Spiro Razatos, Anl Arasu, Craig MacRae, Yannick Ben, Kecha Khamphakdee, Sunil Rodrigues (Film: Jawan)
2. Best Background Score: Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Film: Animal)
3. Best Cinematography: Avinash Arun Dhaware (Film: Three of Us)
4. Best Production Design: Subrata Chakraborty, Amit Ray (Film: Sam Bahadur)
5. Best Costume Design: Sachin Lovelekar, Divvya Gambhir, Nidhhi Gambhir (Film: Sam Bahadur)
6. Best Sound Design: Kunal Sharma (MPSE) (Film: Sam Bahadur) and Sync Cinema (Film: Animal)
7. Best Editing: Jaskunwar Singh Kohli, Vidhu Vinod Chopra (Film: 12th Fail)
8. Best VFX: Red Chillies VFX (Film: Jawan)
9. Best Choreography: Ganesh Acharya (Song: What Jhumka? – Film: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)

Kolkata, 29th January, 2024: The highly anticipated Bollywood movie ‘Zindagi Kashmakash’ captivated the audience as the cast and crew graced the special screening held at Cinépolis, Acropolis Mall, Kolkata. The gathering was filled with excitement and anticipation for the film. The star-studded event was attended by the actors of the film Shiv Panditt, Tejaswini Kolhapure, Pavleen Gujral and the debut Director Nirnimesh Dube.

The film unfolds a gripping narrative, delving into the complex intricacies of life and relationships. Zindagi Kashmakash follows the journey of three individuals – Kanika, Monika and Angad, whose lives become entangled in a web of emotions and past traumas. Lawyer turned director, Nirnimesh Dube, weaves a tale that explores the profound impact of unresolved issues on the human psyche.

In the heart of Zindagi Kashmakash lies an exquisite tapestry of soul-stirring music, intricately woven around the sensitive narrative, the carefully curated soundtrack not only complements the storyline but also elevates the viewer’s experience, making it a symphony of emotions. Renowned singers Arijit Singh, Shaan, Papon, Ankit Tiwari, Neeti Mohan, Aditi Singh Sharma, Dominique Cerejo, Neeraj Sridhar and Tochi Raina have lent their enchanting voices to the musical gems in the film.

Speaking to the media, Shiv Panditt, Actor of the film said, “Zindagi Kashmakash is a journey of an Artiste, my friend and director Nirnimesh Dube. While the story focuses on how issue of unresolved mental health can disrupt countless lives, for me the film is a journey of one man’s effort to bring to you a group of actors telling a beautiful story.”

On this occasion, Tejaswini Kolhapure, Actress of the film said, “Zindagi Kashmakash is a movie which talks about mental health and complexities in relationships. It’s very important that we stay connected with family, share our concerns and heal or get healed in the process.”

Speaking to the media, Pavleen Gujral, Actress of the film said, “Zindagi Kashmakash is a roller coaster of emotions between three people, who go on a journey of self-discovery and traumas of their life together.”

Nirnimesh Dube, a Delhi based lawyer has made a remarkable transition from the courtroom to the world of cinema with his directorial debut, Zindagi Kashmakash. Nirnimesh Dube’s journey from a seasoned lawyer to a debut film director showcases his versatility and passion for storytelling. His ability to navigate between the intricacies of legal proceedings and the artistry of filmmaking is commendable, and Zindagi Kashmakash stands as a testament to his creative vision.

The film has garnered widespread acclaim, securing prestigious awards and accolades including Ayodhya Film Festival 2023, Best Feature Film at Penzance International Film Festival, UK and Best Debut Director (Runner Up) at Hohe International Film Festival, Germany.

‘Zindagi Kashmakash’ is scheduled to release soon on OTT platform, allowing audiences to experience this cinematic gem at their convenience.

Kolkata, 29th January, 2024: Interior design in 2024 will have a focus on individualism.  Interior designing has now become one of the most important of the lot. People are keeping extra amounts while buying properties. It’s also a lifetime investment. Just like fashion trends, there’s also trending types for interiors.

According to a recent survey by CII, Interior design has a total of 13% share in all of the design industry distribution in India. Several houses more than 50 interior design companies with a turnover of more than 2.5 crores. Kolkata is also witnessing a huge rise in demand to cater to. Many designers from Kolkata have pointed out that the market has increased by almost 15 per cent in 2023.

One of the biggest names in Kolkata, Kutchina – has also witnessed rise in demand for kitchen design as well as home. Mr. Namit Bajoria, “The growth factors are high because designs are emerging constantly. We started as Kitchen solutions but with the demand we have also incorporated high-end interior solutions along with new theme-based kitchen solutions. People like to go for those who can provide you with kitchen solutions as well as interiors. It is for this reason we have opened its luxury kitchen studio – The Signature Studio offering a wide array of trendy, stylish, modern and yet convenient kitchen solutions for the modern homemakers.”

Echoing similar ideas, Mr. Indranil Dey, Managing Director, Irony Home Studio said, “Kolkata’s real estate sector is also booming, with numerous residential and commercial projects coming up across the city. This has further contributed to the demand for interior decoration services. Additionally, the rise of online home decor platforms and social media has influenced people’s interest in interior design, leading to a rise in the number of potential clients.”

With increased awareness in eco-friendly and sustainability, Mr Abhijit Saha, Owner – Decoflor said, “People are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact and are seeking eco-conscious materials and practices for their interiors. As for the future, the interior decoration business in Kolkata is expected to continue growing.”

Hyderabad/Jaipur, 29th January 2024:  In a landmark event held today in Jaipur, FADA Academy, the academic arm of Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations and Bhartiya Skill Development University (BSDU) officially inked a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to spearhead skill development initiatives in the automotive sector for the state of Rajasthan.

FADA Academy empowers dealership leaders for comprehensive excellence. It meticulously hones front-end and back-end processes, elevates customer and technical operations, and optimizes financial outcomes across departments. The Academy’s proactive curriculum design and unwavering commitment to excellence underscore its crucial role in shaping the future of automotive skill development.

BSDU, renowned for its commitment to providing skill development education and training based on the Swiss Dual System of Skills Training, offers a comprehensive range of certifications, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and Bachelor of vocational study degree with the curriculum aligning rigorously with UGC/AICTE/NSDC/Sector Skill Councils.

The primary objective of this collaboration is to cultivate a pioneering vocational education ecosystem coupled with on-the-job training (OJT), fostering mutual benefits for BSDU and the Dealerships under the influential umbrella of FADA.

The MOU’s strategic plans include comprehensive workplace training (internship) for students at designated dealerships, providing invaluable hands-on experience essential for their future roles. The collaboration includes tie-ups with renowned Dealership Brands for workplace training, featuring a commitment spanning three years. Stipend fixation over the course of three years and the direct involvement of dealership experts in student selection and mentoring stand out as pivotal components of this collaboration.

In the current scenario, FADA boasts a workforce of 5 million individuals across our expansive network of dealerships and workshops. Anticipating future growth, we project this figure to double, reaching an impressive 10 million within the next five years. Furthermore, the state of Rajasthan currently employs 2 lakh people across various dealerships and we foresee a similar doubling effect in the next five years in the state as well. The strategic alliance between FADA and BSDU serves as a linchpin, providing a robust framework for the acquisition of trained and skilled manpower. Such collaborations are instrumental in meeting the escalating demand for highly skilled professionals in the automotive sector. 

Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Chairman Academy and Research at FADA, expressed unwavering enthusiasm, stating, ‘This partnership signifies a quantum leap in nurturing skilled professionals for the automotive service industry. FADA Academy, with its distinct industry insights, is committed to not just endorsing, but actively shaping a talent pool ready to meet the current and future demands of the sector. Recognizing the substantial shortage of skilled manpower in Auto Retail, we stand at the threshold of remarkable growth. This initiative by FADA Academy is our initial stride in earnestly addressing this critical gap.’

Mr. Sai Giridhar Secretary FADA added “through the strategic alliance between BSDU and FADA Academy, we are paving the way for a skilled workforce that will empower the Indian automobile dealership industry. This MOU not only promises hands-on training for aspiring professionals but also ensures a sustainable future for our dealerships. By bridging the gap between education and industry needs, we are shaping a landscape where innovation and proficiency thrive, fostering growth and excellence in our dynamic industry.”

Mr. Sharvik Shah – Chairman Rajasthan Chapter at FADA also highlighted that “the Synergy between FADA Academy & NMIMS has helped curate a course with a sweet blend of theory & practical Experiences from the Best of Auto Retail, Media & Industry experts. The GenX Programme has helped to Motivate the Newly Joined GenX to Join the business through peer learning & Knowledge sharing from Experts. We look Forward to many more events like this in Future.”

Prof. Vivek Bhandari President BSDU on the occasion said “we are delighted to enter into this strategic partnership with the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations of India. This collaboration will enable BSDU Jaipur to align closely with our primary stakeholders–our industry partners.  Since we are committed to the highest quality skilling education to meet the needs of the fast-changing automobile sector, this wonderful partnership will ensure that students can hit the ground running as they enter their professional life while also meeting the highest standards expected by industry.”

Mr. Sandeep Kumar Tomar Registrar BSDU added “this collaboration will enable us to align our academic programs at the Faculty of Automotive Skills Education with the practical needs of the automotive industry, ensuring that our students receive cutting-edge training and are well-prepared for successful careers in this dynamic sector of the Automobile service Industry.”

The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of key representatives from both FADA Academy and BSDU, underscoring their resolute commitment to the success of this groundbreaking collaborative effort. Anticipated as a game-changer in the automotive skill development landscape, this partnership between FADA Academy and BSDU is set to establish a new standard for industry-academic collaborations, directly contributing to the creation of a highly skilled and proficient workforce.

Mumbai, January 29, 2024:  EuroKids Preschool, the country’s foremost preschool expert, continues its legacy of instilling values and pride in the hearts of young learners nationwide as they celebrate India’s 75^th Republic Day. A dynamic blend of enthusiasm and learning unfolded across 50+ EuroKids centers as more than 2000 children enthusiastically participated in various activities designed to teach them about the significance of Republic Day.

Republic Day celebrations were not just a celebration but also a determined effort to instil in young minds a profound understanding of the country’s democratic journey. The highlight of the Republic Day celebrations at EuroKids was the interactive and age-appropriate activities tailored for toddlers. EuroKids preschools conducted a series of engaging and educational activities aimed at instilling a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility in young minds, which included a Patriotic Dress-Up event, in which children adorned themselves in traditional and patriotic attire, fostering a sense of pride in their cultural heritage.

The celebration commenced with a flag hoisting ceremony, symbolising unity and national pride. Following this, the young learners showcased their artistic talents through a vibrant Tri-color painting activity, infusing the surroundings with the colors of the Indian flag. The festivities continued as the children delivered heart-warming and insightful patriotic speeches, expressing their understanding of the significance of Republic Day and their deep-rooted love for the nation. EuroKids aims to go beyond traditional classroom learning and impart values essential for children’s overall growth and development through these activities.

Commenting on the celebrations, KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, Lighthouse Learning (EuroKids), said, “At EuroKids, we believe in nurturing young minds with a strong sense of responsibility towards the nation. Our Republic Day celebration was designed to be both educational and enjoyable, creating lasting memories for our students. These celebrations serve as a foundation for instilling values like patriotism, unity, and respect for the nation in our young learners. The enthusiasm and spirit displayed by our students during the Republic Day celebrations was truly heartening. We want to create an environment where children learn skills and develop a strong sense of social responsibility and love for their nation and its democratic principles.”

Speaking on the joyful celebration of Republic Day, Mrs. Divya Balaji, Centre Head, M.G. Road, EuroKids, Said, “We celebrated the spirit of unity in diversity on this Republic Day at EuroKids, where every child’s potential shines bright, paving the way for a future of strength and harmony. It was delightful to witness the enthusiasm and patriotism displayed by our students during Republic Day celebrations. The activities conducted not only instilled a sense of pride but also helped the children connect with the rich cultural heritage of their nation.”

With over twenty years of expertise in providing top-notch early childhood education, EuroKids is committed to not only imparting essential skills but also emphasizing the importance of celebrating India’s significant festivals and national days. These celebrations play a crucial role in enriching children’s cultural knowledge, making them aware of their significance, and adding an element of fun to their learning journey. EuroKids continues to lay a strong foundation of values and respect for India’s heritage, ensuring a holistic education that prepares children for the skills required in the 21st century and fosters a lifelong love for learning.

Pune: Geeta Pariwar, a renowned spiritual trust, is poised to organize the Geeta Bhakti Amrit Mahotsav 2024, an eight-day cultural and spiritual assemblage to be held in Pune, Maharashtra, from 4 to 11 February 2024. The auspicious event is a grand celebration of the 75th birth anniversary of revered spiritual leader, Param Pujya Swami Shri Govindadeva Giriji Maharaj, fondly known to his Bhaktas as Swamiji. The event will be witnessing a massive congregation of saints, sages and ascetics from across the country at the pilgrimage capital, Alandi, on the bank of the sacred Indrayani River.

The Geeta Bhakti Amrit Mahotsav 2024 will be graced by the presence of renowned personalities such as Yogarishi Swami Shri Ramdevji Maharaj, Shri Yogi Adityanathji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Shri Ravishankar Ji Maharaj, Respected Sadhvi Ritambharaji Didi Maa, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Acharya Shri Balakrishnaji Maharaj, and many more. The dignitaries will be sharing their insights and experiences on preserving and promoting the rich cultural tapestry of India.

Param Pujya Swami Shri Govindadeva Giriji Maharaj shared his sentiments, stating, “I feel immensely privileged to celebrate my birthday through the Geeta Bhakti Amrit Mahotsav, which will be a massive congregation of the most renowned spiritual leaders of the country. It is a profound joy to witness the convergence of spirituality, culture, and tradition during this auspicious occasion. May this event inspire and resonate in the hearts of all attendees, fostering a deeper connection with our cultural roots.”

The festival promises a melange of Vedic, cultural, and literary programs, including a Mahayaga of 81 Kundiy performed by around 2000 Vedics, a recitation of the Bhagavad Gita and Vedas by 11,000 students, a cultural extravaganza featuring over 250 artists, an enactment of the Ramayan, and a grand Shobha Yatra. These visually enchanting performances will captivate attendees and provide a spiritual feast for the soul.

Balaji Rao, Area Vice President, India & SAARC, Commvault 

“As we observe Data Privacy Day, it is imperative to reflect on the ever-growing importance of safeguarding sensitive information in our digital landscape. Currently, India ranks among the top three most targeted APAC countries for cybercrimes, with the prominent factor being the surge in Generative AI. A study conducted by PWC reveals that nearly half of the respondents fear the consequences of a cyber-attack, foreseeing potential losses in customer data and revenue. The increase in AI-powered cyber-attacks in India raises substantial concerns, highlighting the urgency for organizations to redirect their focus toward data governance and privacy.

In today’s era dominated by generative AI, integrating AI with data protection is imperative for solidifying cyber resiliency, and enabling faster and more precise threat detection. The objective of Data Privacy Day is twofold:  a reminder for organizations to embrace a more structured strategy regarding AI to counter new threats and for users to understand the power to protect personal data.

There’s no doubt privacy is not just a priority but a necessity. Effective data security serves as the bedrock of data privacy and leaders must recognize that security needs to be seamlessly integrated into every facet of their operations. As we navigate the digital landscape, let us collectively uphold a resilient architecture that extends visibility, ensuring that data privacy remains a steadfast commitment, safeguarding the trust of customers and the integrity of organizations.”

Jayaprakash Nair, Senior Engineering Leader – Data Science, Altimetrik 

“Data is the lifeblood of innovation and the key driver of transformative business strategies.  Commitment to harnessing the power of data goes hand in hand with ensuring data privacy. In the age of digital acceleration, where data fuels every decision, protecting the integrity and privacy of the customer information entrusted with enterprises is pivotal.

The surge in sophisticated data breaches and AI-powered cyber-attacks highlights the urgent need for comprehensive data security and privacy measures. As per a popular study, global consumers distrusting tech companies managing their personal data has risen to 48% in 2023. Organizations are bound by legal obligations and are responsible for fortifying defenses and implementing proactive strategies to protect sensitive data. Prioritizing stakeholder privacy is a central focus, realized through a comprehensive, proactive, and risk-based data privacy strategy.

The objective of Data Privacy Day encompasses two key aspects. It aims for every user to recognize their right and capability to safeguard and oversee their personal data. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of organizations understanding the reasons for safeguarding and securing their customers’ data, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Achieving harmony between innovation and data protection demands collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, policymakers, and an informed public.

Gartner foresees that by the end of 2024, 75% of the global population will fall under the umbrella of modern privacy regulations. Fundamental innovations such as edge computing, cloud security, the zero-trust security model, and AI governance empower individuals, acknowledging the critical balance between technological progress and individual privacy rights.

At Altimetrik, we recognize that responsible and ethical data practices not only safeguard individual privacy but also build the foundation for sustainable business success. We have pioneered initiatives to secure the digital realm through a holistic, user-friendly network architecture. As we navigate the evolving landscape of technology, AI plays a key role in unlocking new insights from data, driving efficiency, and fostering innovation. We approach AI with a vigilant eye on ethical considerations and data privacy. The company’s commitment to data security aligns seamlessly with the proposed Data Protection Bill of 2023, marking a significant stride toward a resilient digital infrastructure.”

Pune(S.N): Indiannica Learning Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Navneet Education Limited (Earlier known as Encyclopaedia Britannica), is thrilled to announce the Inter-School “Know for Sure” Quiz Competition in collaboration with Kaveri Group of Institutes. The Inter-School General Knowledge contest is scheduled for January 30, 2024, at Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School and Junior College, Ganesh Nagar Campus, Pune, commencing at 9:30 AM.This exciting event will be graced by Mr. Siddharth Basu, a renowned author and the Father of Quizzing in India, who will serve as the Quiz Master. Students from grades 6th to 8th from 25 Schools are invited to participate in what promises to be an intellectually stimulating competition.

The competition comprises three phases. In the first phase, schools are tasked with conducting a quiz based on 30 provided questions. The winning school will then select a team of two students for the subsequent phases.The second phase, Qualifying Rounds, is scheduled for January 30, 2024, at the venue, followed by the Grand Finale Round on the same day by Mr. Siddharth Basu. All participants will be awarded certificates, and teams reaching the grand finale will be given special prizes. Participating schools are invited to bring up to 10 attendees, including two participants. Teachers, fellow students, and participants’ parents are welcome to attend.

“India is witnessing major reform in the education sector by implementing NEP 2020 & NCF 2023; Indiannica Learning is committed to supporting schools, teachers & student by providing quality course books, a teachers’ training program and an interactive digital support system; this quiz program is a step to make the learner curious about the courses that they learn”, says Mr. Amit Gala, MD, Indiannica. “We have the comprehensive catalogue containing all subjects for CBSE, ICSE and State Board schools, which are well-mapped with National Curriculum Framework 2023 and NEP 2020.”The “Know for Sure” Quiz Competition promises to be a day filled with excitement and knowledge.