Archives January 2024

Hyderabad, January 27, 2024…Anurag University, a 25-year-old, Telangana State’s first private University with over 12000 students on its rolls, today announced AnuragCET 2024, a common entrance test for admissions into various bachelor, master and doctoral programmes in Engineering, Agriculture and Nursing courses and announced scholarships worth Rs 6.5 crore for the same.

The 1st to 10th rank holders of the AnuragCET 24 will get a 100% scholarship, the 11th to 25th 50% and the 26th to 100, 25%. Similarly, 1 to 10,000 rankers in EAPCET or 1 to 50,000 rankers in JEE will get 50% scholarship, 10,000 to 15,000 EAPCET or 50001 to 75000 JEE rankers will get 25% and EAPCET 15001 to 25000 or JEE 75001 TO 100000 rankers will get 10%. Besides scholarships, the first 500 students taking admission into University through AnuragCET with a 10+2 score greater than 75% will be presented Laptops. The merit scholarship of 50% tuition fee waiver based on EAMCET ranks will be extended up to 20000 Rank for students who have pursued intermediate education in Government Junior Colleges.

It introduced Sports Scholarships (up to 100 % concession in tuition fee) for admissions during the academic year 2023-24 and this year the same is extended to NCC (National Cadet Corps) and Performing Arts for the coming academic year.

Prof.Balaji Utla – Registrar; Mrs.S.Neelima – CEO; Prof.V.Vijaya Kumar – Dean, School of Engineering; Prof M Mutha Reddy, Dean Examinations; Prof V. Vijay Kumar, Dean School of Engineering; Prof. K.S. Reddy, Dean Academics and Planning; Prof G. Vishnu Murthy, Dean CSE; Prof. V. Srinivasa Rao, Dean Student Affairs; Prof. Sathees Kumaran, Dean, Research & Development and Dr. M. Srinivasa Rao Director, Admissions; Heads of the Departments have participated in the Press Meet.

Addressing a press conference at its campus in Venkatapur in the city outskirts on Saturday, Mrs S. Neelima, CEO of Anurag University said the objective of its scholarship program is to attract talent and nurture the same for meaningful contribution to society and the country at large. The AnuragCET 2024 will begin on 11th February with an online test. The last date to submit for the same is 10th February. Desirous candidates can log into www.anurag.edu.in website, scan the QR code and apply for the same. Entry is free.

The Registrar of the college Prof Balaji Utla declared formal opening up of the registrations.

The tests will be both online and offline. The offline exams will be conducted at the Anurag University campus on alternative Sundays as well as in many districts in Telangana. The CET will also be held in some select private as well as Govt Intermediate colleges. Students from several states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and many other states are expected to write the exam. The CET saw 19500 students from six states writing in the last year. This year Anurag University Academic Leadership is expecting nearly 40,000 students from more than 10 states in the country to appear for it.

The Lalitha Degree and PG college turned Brownfield University from a mere 180 to 12000 students in the past 25 years, Anurag University has become a name to reckon with for infrastructure, academic leadership, and academic environment within India today. It aims to be one of the 50 universities in India in the next 7 to 8 years and subsequently a destination for overseas students.

The University comprises 6 Schools offering 22 Undergraduate, 19 Post Graduate and 14 Doctoral Programs in total. All the eligible programs offered by Anurag University have been accredited by the NBA and also has been accredited by NAAC. Spanning over 150 acres, built-up area exceeding 10 lakh sq. ft, in-house hostel facility, has a faculty roster of over 500 individuals, including more than 200 doctorates, 20 plus patents to their credit and 15 books as authors, 300 plus papers published. Its faculty received grants for more than 15 major projects over 4 years.

It’s B. Tech Computer Science and Engineering program got 6 year accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) while other B.Tech programs have been accredited for 3 years. Anurag is the first private university in Telangana to have that distinction.

Anurag is in the process of collaborating with foreign universities like Purdue, Indiana, Aalborg University, Denmark and MSOE, Wisconsin

Anurag University introduced the Honors and Minors program to enable its students for inter-disciplinary learning emphasizing Problem & Project-based learning. The Minors program was introduced to help core branches of Engineering lay their hands on computers and related disciplines to help them earn gainful employment in IT sectors besides opportunities in their core areas of specialization. Anurag is the only University in the Telangana state to introduce this program to promote core branches of engineering such as Mechanical, Automobile, Civil and Chemical Engineering.

Vijayawada: 27th January 2024: Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, in its bid to sensitize health concerns in women and encourage them to have a healthy lifestyle, launched a 10 day long specially crafted initiative for women of all ages from puberty to menopause called the WOW (Wellness of Women) Camp. This wellness camp, scheduled from January 22nd to January 31st between 10 AM to 5 PM, offers exclusive health tests for women at a discounted price of Rs 1000.

The WOW Camp package encompasses a consultation with a senior gynaecologist, along with vital tests including Pap smear, HB, HbA1C, and TSH. Additionally, women have the option to avail the HPV vaccination at a reduced rate. Spearheaded by four experienced obstetricians and gynaecologists, the WOW campaign is designed to prioritize and improve women’s health by making wellness packages accessible and affordable.

“We are excited to launch the Wellness of Women (WOW) camp, an initiative aimed at empowering women to take charge of their health. Our comprehensive package, including consultations and discounted tests, ensures that women of all ages can access quality healthcare,” said Dr T V Vijay Kumar, Medical Director at Ankura Hospital,Vijayawada.

The WOW camp emphasizes not only the diagnosis and treatment of health issues but also the importance of preventive care. The camp seeks to make a positive impact on the community by encouraging women to prioritize their well-being through regular check-ups and screenings.

Mumbai, January 27th, 2024: As we celebrate 100 years of the Gateway of India, the Mumbai Festival 2024 shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the city through “Mumbai Walks.” The event, held at the iconic monument this evening, witnessed numerous Mumbaikars who embarked on a journey to rediscover the untold stories that shaped the very essence of Mumbai. 

“Mumbai Walks” emerged as a heartfelt exploration of Mumbai’s past, shining a spotlight on the individuals whose perseverance, bravery, and selfless contributions have subtly moulded the city’s soul. Participants, diverse in backgrounds and ages, united to honour the unsung heroes who are the pride of Mumbai. 

With a remarkable attendance, the event highlighted the deep connection Mumbaikars have with the culture and heritage essence of their city. The overwhelmingly positive response emphasized the shared gratitude and admiration for those who have contributed to Mumbai’s glorious past. 

Felicitating the heartbeat of the city, the unsung heroes, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Mumbai’s spirit never falters, never tires, and never fears. In this city, people arrive with dreams, and Mumbai unfailingly transforms those dreams into reality. The collective stride of every individual, exemplified by initiatives like Mumbai Walks by Mumbai Festival, makes the city more special. Together, through shared endeavours, we shape the essence of Mumbai, forging a unique identity. We, as a community, are the heartbeat of Mumbai.” 

Adding an extra layer of significance, the event saw the active participation of prominent celebrities, including Rohit Shetty, Shilpa Shetty, Sidharth Malhotra, Amruta Fadnavisji, Pankaj Tripathi, Kapil Sharma, Kabir Bedi, Vivek Oberoi. Shri Girish Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Deepak Kesarkar, Hon’ble Minister of School Education and Marathi Language, Hon’ble Guardian Minister, (Mumbai City), Government of Maharashtra, and Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon’ble Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Government of Maharashtra, also graced the occasion with their presence. These celebrities and dignitaries walked alongside our everyday heroes, signifying the harmony and diversity that defines Mumbai. 

Mumbai Walks paid tribute to various unsung heroes, each receiving well-deserved recognition during the event. Among those honoured were Indian Army officers, Indian Navy officers, Mumbai Traffic Police officers, taxi drivers, auto rickshaw drivers, the Mumbai dabbawalas, locomotive pilots of the Indian Railways, doctors, nurses, and many more. 

The night also saw mesmerizing performances by Avadhoot Gupte, Pankaj Tripathi, Amruta Fadnavisji, Ricky Kej, and other talented artists, showcasing their exceptional skills and leaving the audience captivated.

The Mumbai Walks experience was more than a simple stroll through the iconic streets; it was an expression of gratitude and tribute to the unsung heroes who make Mumbai the “Sapno ka Sheher”. The event captured the emotions, stories, and resilience that make Mumbai a unique city.

Hyderabad, 27th January 2024: Resonance Educational Institutions, Hyderabad; hosted a creative and inspiring Republic Day celebrations, with Girl students forming a long human chain and conducting a parade of students carrying a 75-meter-long India flag aloft, to mark the 75^th Republic Day of India, at the Resonance Dundigal Campus, Dundigal; today. Chief Guest Smt Bharatheeyam Satyavani, Motivational Speaker; Founder, Bharateeyam; Ammamma of Andhra Pradesh and Nanamma of Telangana; joined Resonance Girl students along with Shri Purnachandra Rao, Managing Director, Resonance Hyderabad Centres; Mr Markandeya, COO, Resonance Hyderabad Centres; in the parade holding the Indian flag.

Addressing the students Smt Bharatheeyam Satyavani said, congratulate all of you for celebrating the Republic Day in an innovative way by marching with the 75 meter Indian flag. Freedom fighters are the reason we live in a free country. We must honour their sacrifices and aim to live together in harmony and peace. Today’s Independent India was the aim of every Freedom Fighter. They will always be memorable for their patriotism and love for the country.

Republic Day 2024 themes are “Bharat-Loktantra ki Matruka” (India – Mother of Democracy) and “Vikas Bharath” (Developed India) the 2024 Republic Day parade will mark a historic moment with the inclusion of an all-women centric -tri-services contingent. We Girls students of Resonance Educational Institutions from Hyderabad are extremely delighted and proud to celebrate our golden heritage of our country and feeling proud to be part of Women Centric 75th Republic Day. Such celebrations not only honour our past but also inspire the future generations to contribute positively to the growth and development of the country as it thrives on the Global stage, says Shri Purnachandra Rao.

Over 600 girl students from the college, participated in the celebrations.

Bangalore, 27th January 2024:Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, today, announced a special‘Republic Day Sale’to mark India’s 75^thRepublic Day. Vistara, through this celebratory sale, offers its customers the chance to plan their upcoming trips across its domestic network at exciting fares, including discounts applicable across all three cabins – Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class.

Bookings under the sale are open starting 00:01 hours on 26 January 2024 until 23:59 hours on 28 January 2024 for travel until 30 September 2024 (blackout dates apply). The one-way domestic fares  Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class (convenience fees applicable). All fares are inclusive of taxes and are applicable on select sectors/flights.

Mr. Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara,said, “We are delighted to join the entire nation in celebrating our 75^th Republic Day with this special sale. We hope that it will encourage our customers to travel and discover different parts of the country with India’s Best Airline at attractive, discounted fares.”

Bookings under the sale are now open on Vistara’s website, iOS and Android mobile apps, at Vistara’s Airport Ticket Offices (ATOs), through the airline’s call centre, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), and through travel agents. Direct channel discounts, corporate discounts/soft benefits will not apply on these promotional fares, and vouchers cannot be used for these bookings. The seats available on sale are limited and available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to the Republic Day Sale, Vistara is also promoting its new custom inflight background music, ‘Vistara’s Symphony’, through a social media campaign, encouraging its followers to use it in their reels and stories. Launched last month, this unique boarding and landing music is a harmonious blend of India’s diverse sounds, featuring instruments from different regions of the country. The composition also incorporates the easily recognizable Vistara MOGO at repeated intervals, offering a distinct, Vistara experience onboard. 

Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards. The only Indian carrier to feature amongst World’s Top 20 Airlines, Vistara has been named ‘16th Best Airline’ globally, while also being recognised as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row, ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia’ for the fifth consecutive year, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the third time in a row and ‘Best Business Class Airline in India and South Asia’ for the second time in a row at the coveted World Airline Awards 2023 by Skytrax. Vistara also received the ch-aviation Asia’s Third Youngest Airline Fleet award for the second consecutive year.

India, January 27th, 2024: NueGo, India’s first premium intercity electric coach service from GreenCell Mobility is proud to launch a new campaign, honoring its women coach captains and hosts on National Girl Child Day. The campaign, called “Breaking Barriers with NueGo”, spearheaded by the brand, NueGo, features empowering stories from NueGo’s accomplished women coach captains and cabin hosts.

“At NueGo, we greatly value diversity and inclusion. We are thrilled to spotlight our talented women employees with this inspirational campaign,” said Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO, GreenCell Mobility. “Their stories of determination in pursuing their passions in roles historically held by men demonstrate the power of breaking barriers. On National Girl Child Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women and girls across India.”

The campaign includes video interviews and profiles detailing the motivations and milestones of NueGo’s pioneering women employees. From learning to drive large coaches to managing teams of drivers and hosts, these women prove that girls can achieve anything they set their minds to.

“We hope this campaign inspires women everywhere to dream big and believe in themselves,” added Devndra Chawla. “At NueGo, we will continue our efforts to promote equality and open up opportunities for women. Because when girls and women are empowered, society as a whole benefits.”

NueGo excels traditional bus travel, seamlessly blending the comfort of flight-like travel with the ethos of eco-friendly mobility. Commuters on these routes are ensured an exceptional journey, where they are assisted to their seats, provided with clean, disinfected tissues and water bottles, and can indulge in a serene ride aboard NueGo’s noiseless AC electric buses. The coaches are also equipped with state-of-the-art features, offering unparalleled safety and comprehensive convenience to passengers.

NueGo places a strong emphasis on the safety and comfort of its guests, exemplified by the establishment of upscale lounges. Travelers awaiting their NueGo buses can indulge in a variety of amenities within these lounges. These fully air-conditioned spaces offer facilities such as immaculate and sanitized restrooms, charging points, and F&B services, among others.

Mumbai, India and Marietta, USA January 27th, 2024: Nanocyl, a Birla Carbon brand, will participate in NanoTech 2024, scheduled to take place from January 31 – February 2, 2024, at the Tokyo Big Sight in Japan. Nanocyl will be stationed at Booth 5K-02, showcasing its range of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) solutions along with other innovative products designed to redefine industry standards.

Speaking about the participation, Laurent Kosbach, Business Head – Nanocyl, said, “Participating at NanoTech provides us with a unique platform to highlight our commitment to cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of industries worldwide. With the Nanocyl brand, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of nanotechnology, and through showcasing our solutions, we aim to contribute to the ongoing advancements in the field, fostering innovation and sustainability.”

The solutions to be displayed at the event include:

• NC7000™, NC8000™ & NX5000™: industrial MWCNTs engineered for high-performance applications, providing improved energy capacity and electrical conductivity. Those materials are available in liquid dispersion below.
• Plasticyl™: A high-quality solution offering enhanced performances and durability for conductive plastic applications.
• Orgacyl™: Solvent based MWCNT liquid dispersions. Advancing the possibilities in the field of batteries, organic electronics with superior conductivity and reliability.
• Aquacyl™: Water-based MWCNT dispersions, an eco-friendly solution designed to meet the sustainability demands of various industries.

Birla Carbon has strategically acquired Nanocyl, in the last quarter of 2023, to enhance its footprint in Carbon based solutions for the Energy Systems and Plastics market, establishing a dominant position in materials crucial for the optimal performance of lithium ion batteries and various other conductive applications including Plastics. Nanocyl’s high quality multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) solutions find applications across diverse sectors such as energy storage, automotive, electronics, and industrial, among others. NanoTech 2024 is the ideal platform for Nanocyl to share its solutions in the carbon nanotubes industry.

Join Nanocyl – A Birla Carbon brand at Booth 5K-02 to learn more.

https://en.www.nanotechexpo.jp/main/

New Delhi, 27th January 2024: Punjab National Bank today announced its Financial Results for the Quarter Ended 31st December 2023.

Highlights of the quarter is as follows: Net Profit increased to ₹ 2,223 Crore during Q3 FY’24, with YoY growth of 253.41%. Return on Assets (RoA) improved YoY by 41 bps to 0.58% in Q3 FY’24. Return on Equity (RoE) improved YoY by 860 bps to 12.45% in Q3 FY’24. Net Interest Income increased by 12.13 % YoY to ₹ 10,293 Crore in Q3 FY24. Operating Profit was at ₹ 6,331 Crore during Q3 FY’24 grew by 10.75 % on YoY basis. Credit Cost improved by 61 bps to 1.26% in Q3 FY’24 from 1.87 % in Q3 FY’23. GNPA ratio improved by 352 bps on YoY basis to 6.24 % as on December’23 from 9.76% as on December’22. NNPA ratio improved by 234 bps on YoY basis to 0.96 % as on December’23 from 3.30% as on December’22. Provision Coverage Ratio (including TWO) improved by 911 bps on YoY basis to 94.28 % as on December’23. Slippage ratio improved YoY by 136 bps to 0.81 % as on December’23. Global Business increased by 10.82% on YoY basis to ₹ 22,90,742 Crore as on December’23.

Global Deposits grew by 9.35% on YoY basis to ₹ 13,23,486 Crore as on December’23. Global Advances grew by 12.90% on YoY basis to ₹ 9,67,256 Crore as on December’23. Core Retail Advances grew YoY by 17.6% to ₹ 1,53,384 Crore as on December’23. MSME Advances grew by 15.4% on YoY basis to ₹ 1,43,983 Crore in December’23 from ₹ 1,24,728 Crore in December’22. Agriculture Advances (PS) grew by 17.4% on YoY basis to ₹ 1,16,902 Crore in December’23 from ₹ 99,590 Crore in December’22. RAM share improved by 113 bps on YoY basis to 55.07% as on December’23. Bank has achieved all the mandated targets under Priority Sector Advances. CRISIL and ICRA have upgraded PNB’s Bonds Ratings to AA+/Stable from AA/Positive for Tier I Bonds and AAA/Stable from AA+/Positive for Tier II Bonds. PNB crossed Market Cap of Rs. 1 Lakh Crore in December 2023

As for the Business performance in key parameters, Savings deposits increased to ₹ 4,78,880 Crore as on December’23 from ₹ 4,51,945 Crore as on December’22 registering a growth of 6.0% on YoY basis. Current deposits increased to ₹ 68,636 Crore as on December’23 from ₹ 64,589 Crore as on December’22 registering a growth of 6.3% on YoY basis. CASA Deposit increased to ₹ 5,47,516 Crore as on December’23 from ₹ 5,16,534 Crore as on December’22 registering a growth of 6.0% on YoY basis. CASA Share stands at 42.47% as on December’23. Total Retail increased by 19.0% YoY basis to ₹ 2,14,215 Crore in December’23 from ₹ 1,79,984 Crore in December’22. Within Core Retail Credit, Housing Loan increased by 15.1% on YoY basis to ₹ 90,579 Crore. Vehicle loan increased by 26.2% on YoY basis to ₹ 19,440 Crore. Personal Loan increased by 30.9% on YoY basis to ₹ 20,696 Crore. Agriculture Advances grew by 11.5% on YoY basis to ₹ 1,54,129 Crore in December’23 from ₹ 1,38,201 Crore in December’22.

In terms of profitability, Net Profit for Q3 FY’24 was at ₹ 2,223 Crore and ₹ 5,234 Crore for 9M FY’24 increased by 253.4% and 288.0%, respectively on YoY basis. Operating Profit for Q3 FY’24 was at ₹ 6,331 Crore and ₹ 18,515 Crore for 9M FY’24 increased by 10.8% and 11.1%, respectively on YoY basis. Net Interest Income for Q3 FY’24 was at ₹ 10,293 Crore and ₹ 29,720 Crore for 9M FY’24 increased by 12.1% and 18.9%, respectively on YoY basis. Total Income of the Bank for Q3 FY’24 was at ₹ 29,962 Crore and ₹ 87,924 Crore for 9M FY’24 recording growth of 16.5% and 25.6%, respectively on YoY basis. Total Interest Income of the Bank for Q3 FY’24 was at ₹ 27,288 Crore and ₹ 78,788 Crore for 9M FY’24 recording growth of 21.9% and 28.5%, respectively on YoY basis. Operating Expenses declined from ₹ 6,801 Crore as on Q3 FY’23 to ₹ 6,636 Crore as on Q3 FY’24.

In terms of Efficiency/Productivity Ratio, Global Yield on Advances improved YoY by 122 bps to 8.45% in Q3 FY’24 and 133 bps to 8.22% in 9M FY’24 as compared to 7.23% in Q3 FY’23 and 6.89 % in 9M FY’23 respectively. Global Cost of Deposits increased YoY by 81 bps to 4.96 % in Q3 FY’24 and 90 bps to 4.85 % for 9M FY’24. Global Yield on Investment improved YoY by 18 bps to 6.76 % in Q3 FY’24 and 30 bps to 6.78 % for 9M FY’24. Business per employee improved to ₹ 23.08 Crore in December’23 from ₹ 20.55 Crore in December 22. Business per branch improved to ₹ 220.51 Crore in December’23 from ₹ 200.74 Crore in December’22. Net profit per employee improved to ₹ 9.16 lakhs in Q3 FY’24 from ₹ 2.54 lakhs in Q3 FY’23. Net profit per branch improved to ₹ 87.47 lakhs in Q3 FY’24 from ₹ 24.83 lakhs in Q3 FY’23.

On Asset Quality, Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) were at ₹ 60,371 Crore as on December’23 as against ₹ 83,584 Crore as on December’22 declined by ₹ 23,213 Crore on YoY basis. Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA) were at ₹ 8,816 Crore as on December’23 as against ₹ 26,363 Crore as on December’22 declined by ₹ 17,547 crore on YoY basis. Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) Excluding TWO improved by 1694 bps YoY to 85.40 % in December’23 from 68.46 % in December’22.

CRAR was at 14.63% as on December’23. Tier-I is at 11.73% (CET-1 was at 9.86%, AT1 was at 1.87%) and Tier-II is at 2.90% as on December’23. Risk Weighted Assets were at ₹ 7,37,201 Crore as on December’23.

Bank has achieved all mandated target under Priority Sector such as Priority Sector Advances exceeded the National Goal of 40% and was at 43.45% of ANBC. Agriculture advances exceeded the National Goal of 18% and was at 19.89% of ANBC. Credit to Small & Marginal Farmers exceeded the National Goal of 10% and was at 11.03% of ANBC. Credit to Weaker Sections exceeded the National Goal of 12% and was at 14.54% of ANBC. Credit to Micro Enterprises exceeded the National Goal of 7.50% and was at 9.07% of ANBC.

PMJDY account increased to 491 Lakhs as on December’23 from 450 Lakhs in December’22. Enrollment under PMJJBY, PMSBY & APY in December 2023 are as under:

                                           (No. in Lacs)

The Number of Digital Transactions at PNB increased to 461 Lakhs during 9M FY’24 from 292 lakhs during 9M FY’23 registering a growth of 58% on YoY basis. Internet Banking Services (IBS) users increased to 414 Lakhs as on December’23 recorded 9% YoY growth as against 381 Lakh as on December’22. Total Digital Loan Disbursed during the quarter improved to ₹ 2,312 Crore as on December’23 from ₹ 1,530 Crore as on September’23 registering a growth of ₹ 782 Crore on QoQ basis. Bank has launched PNB rupee Wallet App – Central Bank Digital Currency mobile app for customers. Bank has initiated online Locker Agreement for customers through tie up with NeSL. Facility for application of PMJJBY & PMSBY using Jan Suraksha API through PNB. One/Retail IBS has been started by the Bank.

As on 31st December’ 2023, the Bank has 10,108 number of Domestic branches. Rural: 3,911 (39%), Semi-Urban: 2,472 (24%), Urban: 2,001 (20%) & Metro: 1,724 (17%), 2 International Branches, 12,455 number of ATMs and 29,768 BCs.

The Bank also won awards in last quarter, notable ones being the IBSi Global Fintech Innovation Awards under 2 categories – Best Digital Channel/Platform Implementation: Best Adopted Tools & Practices for the PNB ONE-Super App Initiative and Best Transaction Banking Implementation. PNB also received Commendation Certificate of SCOPE Meritorious Award in the category of Innovative Practices in Women Empowerment for the year 2016-17. The Bank secured Third Rank under EASE Reform Index for Q2FY’24 – Ranked No1 under 2 themes: “Digital and analytics -driven business improvement” & “Tech and data enabled capability building” and Ranked No 3 under theme: “Developing people and enhancing HR operations”. PNB was also recognized for Excellence in Customer Service at Index of Service Excellence of India Event 2023 by Jagdish Sheth School of Management. The Bank also won the 23rd Greentech Environment Award 2023” for outstanding achievements in “Environmental Excellence” category and achieved Second Position in the category of Public Sector Banks with Highest Pledge Finance by Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority.

New Delhi; 27th January 2024: On the occasion of National Girl Child Day (24 January), Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has renewed its commitment to empowering girls and young women living in the vicinity of its operations in rural Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The company has implemented several initiatives with a thrust on ensuring access to better education, improving healthcare, eradicating child malnutrition, and creating wider avenues for skill development. Together, they are helping bridge the gender divide and ensuring an equitable future for young women and girls across rural India.

As part of this year’s celebrations, the company undertook several initiatives focused on building financial independence among young girls and also imparting greater community awareness on health and gender issues. These included a collaboration with bank representatives to conduct financial awareness sessions for over 100 young girls around the Jharsuguda unit in Odisha, explaining the several savings and deposit schemes for girl children in India.

An expert session on greater awareness of the rights of girls and the importance of female health and hygiene was conducted for more than 200 students at Lanjigarh, Odisha in collaboration with government medical staff. Employee volunteers from the company’s world-class alumina refinery in Lanjigarh also organized activities such as singing, painting, and essay writing competitions at local schools.

Meanwhile, at BALCO, India’s iconic aluminium producer in Korba, Chhattisgarh, special activities such as a tree plantation were organized, where the unit planted one sapling each for every community member and employee raising a girl child. Over 100 saplings were planted under this initiative. In addition, health and wellness workshops for new mothers were also organized, focused on imparting essential knowledge about infant care practices, childhood nutrition, and ensuring the overall well-being of the child.

Highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for girl children to progress, Mr. John Slaven, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium said, “Women are the real architects of society, leading the development of their independent family units and through them, their entire communities. By educating girls, providing them with the best possible healthcare facilities, and empowering them with the right skill sets, we support their journey towards developing into independent women who contribute to building a truly inclusive society. At Vedanta Aluminium, we are not only committed to building strong sustainable industries but also strong societies, backed by strong and empowered women.”

A standout among the company’s slew of community initiatives oriented towards children is its flagship social impact program, Nand Ghar – which are modernized anganwadis that function as vibrant community hubs for holistic women & child development, providing quality healthcare and proper nutrition to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

In line with its vision to empower rural women, Vedanta Aluminium has also recently launched the third phase of Project Panchhi, a unique recruitment initiative, earlier this month in Jharsuguda, Odisha. Conceptualized under the visionary leadership of Vedanta’s Chairman, Mr. Anil Agarwal, the project is focused on meeting the needs of girls from marginalized communities. Through Project Panchhi, the company seeks to extend support to those high- potential girls who are likely to opt out of pursuing further studies and a fulfilling career due to financial constraints. The company is also empowering nearly 10,000 girls through its Nayi Kiran project in Chhattisgarh, focused on enhanced Menstrual Health Management (MHM) practices. Further, it is also unlocking avenues for growth through comprehensive trainings in   grassroots sports, such as archery and karate.