Archives September 2024

Gurugram: Six teams from KIIT College of Engineering have been shortlisted at the all-India level to participate in the prestigious “Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamps,” organized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC).

This initiative, aimed at nurturing the innovation, design, and entrepreneurial skills of students, will take place from 23rd September 2024 to 27th September 2024. Four of the selected teams from KIIT will attend the bootcamp at Amity University Jaipur, while two teams will participate at SVNIT Surat. Additionally, Dr. Kanika Kaur and Dr. Atul Kumar from KIIT College of Engineering have been invited as Ideas Mentors, further emphasizing the college’s commitment to fostering innovation.

Registrar Neelima Kamrah shared her excitement, stating, “The selection of our teams for the IDE Bootcamp is a proud moment for KIIT College of Engineering. It showcases the innovative talent of our students and the dedication of our faculty. We eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking ideas that will emerge from this experience and contribute to the national innovation landscape.”

Mumbai, 26 September 2024: After a 2-year bull run, residential real estate activity across the top cities stabilized in Q3 2024 – typically a slow quarter due to the monsoon and perceived inauspiciousness. Latest ANAROCK data reveals that housing sales across the top 7 cities declined by 11% annually, clocking in at approx. 1,07,060 units in Q3 2024 against approx. 1,20,290 units in Q3 2023. However, sales continued to outstrip new supply in Q3 2024, reflecting continued health in the market.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group, says, “Among the top 7 cities, MMR recorded the highest sales of approx. 36,190 units, followed by Pune with approx. 19,050 units. Cumulatively, the two western cities accounted for 52% of the total sales across the top 7 cities in Q3 2024. All the top cities individually recorded a dip in housing sales. The top 7 cities also witnessed a drop in new housing supply, with approx. 93,750 units launched in Q3 2024 against 1,16,220 units in the corresponding period in 2023 – a 19% annual drop. Nevertheless, the fact that sales remained higher than launches indicates that the demand-supply equation remains robust.”

City-wise, MMR topped new supply with approx. 29,615 units launched in the quarter, followed by Bengaluru with approx. 15,915 units. Interestingly, while most cities saw new supply decline annually, NCR and Chennai saw whopping 53% and 51% increases, respectively.

In terms of budget segments, the >INR 1.5 Cr luxury housing segment witnessed the highest new supply of 33%, followed by the premium (INR 80 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr) segment with a 30% share. The mid segment (INR 40– 80 lakh) contributed a 23% share of the total new supply during the quarter, while the affordable segment’s share fell further to just 13% – the lowest in a quarter.”

Available housing inventory saw an 8% yearly decline across the top 7 cities amid strong sales – from over 6.10 lakh units as on Q3 2023-end to over 5.64 lakh units by Q3 2024-end. The inventory decline is largely attributable to sales exceeding new launches in the quarter.

Average residential prices in the top 7 cities collectively saw double-digit growth of 23% in Q3 2024 against Q3 2023. Hyderabad recorded the highest 32% annual growth, followed by Bengaluru and NCR with 29% increases each.

“Housing sales in the third quarter tapered down amid high prices and the monsoon season,” says Puri. “As always in this period, the ‘shraad’ period also suppressed demand to an extent as many Indians defer home buying in this period. Overall, the housing market is stabilizing after creating a new peak in Q1 2024.”

Developers have several projects lined up during the festive quarter (Oct.-Dec.) during which the market is expected to see an uptick in demand.

“That said, growth in the upcoming quarters may not be as steep as seen in the last 1-2 years,” says Puri. “Residential prices too seem to have peaked out and are now gradually stabilizing across cities. Developers are likely to roll out several offers and discounts during the upcoming festive quarter to attract buyers.”

New Supply Overview

The top 7 cities saw approx. 93,750 units launched in Q3 2024, against 1,16,220 units in Q3 2023 – a 19% annual decline. On a quarterly basis, there was a 20% drop. In Q2 2024, approx. 1,17,170 units were launched across the top 7 cities.

The key cities contributing to new supply in Q3 2024 were MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region), Bengaluru, NCR (National Capital Region), and Hyderabad, which together accounted for 78% of the total addition.

• MMR saw approx. 29,615 units launched in Q3 2024 – an 18% yearly decrease and a 33% quarterly decline. Over 53% of the new supply during the quarter was added in the INR 40 lakh to INR 2.5 Cr segment
• Bengaluru added approx. 15,915 units in Q3 2024 – a quarterly decline of 1% but 7% annual growth. Approx. 87% of the new supply was added in the mid and upper-mid-segment (INR 40 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr)
• NCR saw a 53% yearly increase in new launches with approx. 14,130 units added in Q3 2024. On quarterly basis, this market a 17% decline compared to Q2 2024. A massive 64% of the new supply in the quarter was added in the ultra-luxury segment (>INR 2.5 Cr)
• Hyderabad added approx. 13,890 units in Q3 2024 compared to 24,900 units in Q3 2023 – a 44% yearly decline and a 1% quarterly increase in new launches. A whopping 97% of the new supply was added in the premium, luxury, and ultra-luxury segments (priced upward of INR 80 lakh)
• Pune added approx. 12,450 units in Q3 2024, witnessing a yearly decline of 49% and a 34% quarterly dip in new supply. Over 74% of the new supply was added in the mid and upper-mid-segment (INR 40 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr)
• Chennai added approx. 4,620 units in Q3 2024, seeing an 11% quarterly decline but a 51% annual jump. Over 80% of the new supply was added in the mid and upper-mid-segment (INR 40 lakh – INR 1.5 Cr)
• Kolkata added approx. 3,130 units in Q3 2024, a 5% annual decrease but a 46% rise over the previous quarter. Approx. 56% of the new supply was added in the sub-INR 80 lakh segment.

Housing Sales Overview

Approx. 1,07,060 units were sold in Q3 2024 – a yearly decline of 11% and a quarterly dip of 11%. NCR, MMR, Bengaluru and Pune together accounted for 80% of the sales in the quarter.

• MMR recorded the highest sales among the top 7 cities in Q3 2024, with approx. 36,190 units sold – a quarterly decrease of 13% and a 6% yearly drop
• Pune saw approx. 19,050 units sold in Q3 2024, a decrease of 10% over Q2 2024 and a 17% annual decline over Q3 2023
• NCR saw approx. 15,570 units sold in Q3 2024, a marginal decline of 2% over last year and of 6% on a quarterly basis
• Bengaluru sold approx. 15,025 units in Q3 2024, a quarterly and yearly decline of 8% each
• Hyderabad recorded approx. 12,735 units sold in Q3 2024, decreasing by 16% over Q2 2024 and 22% over Q3 2023
• Kolkata saw approx. 3,980 units sold in Q3 2024, declining by 14% over the previous quarter and by 25% over the corresponding quarter in 2023
• Chennai saw approx. 4,510 units sold during the quarter- declining by 10% quarterly and by 9% annually

Hyderabad, September 26, 2024 – The Smart City Living Lab announces the launch of its innovative Digital Twin for water utility network. This project was initiated in collaboration with ZF Technologies, a CSR initiative five months ago, represents a significant advancement in smart city infrastructure management.

Ms.Anuradha Vattem, Chief Technology Architect mentioned that the idea of building a Digital Twin has been triggered when an MOU for establishing Centre of Excellence for Water (Water COE)with Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board(HMWSSB) last February and one of the problems discussed was the Digital Twin for Water and Sewerage Treatment Plant.

In continuation with that, the team started understanding and thinking on how Digital Twin can be applied and used for Utility networks like water. And ZF has facilitated and fuelled our idea in building the first Digital Twin for a water network in IIITH Smart City Living Lab.

In brief about the product, an area of water network in the Kohli research Block was identified where Different nodes (water quality, water flow, water level and motor control) were deployed. After extensive research into existing software options and exploring all possibilities, the team opted to develop its own software stack, tailored specifically for this project. It has used the standard stack used for smart city solutions (including the oneM2M interoperable layer).

The ZF Team is led by Mr. Krishnaswamy Jambunathan, Vice President and Head – of Tech Center India at ZF Group and Rakesh Mishra, Head Of Finance. has graced the official launch of the Digital Twin at the Campus. Mr. Krishnaswamy Jambunathan appreciated the team’s effort towards developing the platform.

The successful implementation of the Digital Twin technology has garnered immense satisfaction from the ZF Team. Today’s launch event marks the culmination of this collaborative effort and paves the way for wider adoption of this groundbreaking solution.

After the Launch, Mementoes were given to the team who worked on the Digital Twin Project as a token of appreciation.

Dr Deepak Gangadharan says “The Water Network Twin project with ZF is very timely, given the National initiative of Sangam Digital Twin by DoT. This demonstrates the commitment and expertise of IIIT-H in being one of the major contributors in the Digital Twin space for Smart City solutions”.

Following the launch, the Smart City Living Lab and ZF technologies teams engaged in discussions regarding the various activities to be planned as a part of the future collaboration. ZF team mentioned that they were happy with the progress made on the campus and are very much interested in working on more future collaborations.

Dr. Karthik Vaidhyanathan expressed that The biggest takeaway from this project has been in taking the concept of digital twin from lab to land thereby contributing towards the goal of sustainable smart cities. This experience has enabled our team to move towards the development of a platform that enables city stakeholders in building digital twins for different smart city use cases

Ms. Anuradha Vattem reiterated that this visit from ZF to the Smart City Living Lab proved fruitful and it marks the beginning of many more engagements with ZF in the coming years.

Bangalore, India, September 25th, 2024 –a global leader among digital adoption platforms (DAPs), today announced it has secured $125 Million in a Series E funding round, led by Warburg Pincus with participation from existing investor SoftBank Vision Fund 2. The company is raising the new round at a significant premium, reinforcing its dominance as the leader in Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) and expanding into DAP adjacent offerings.

The investment will enable Whatfix to expand its category leadership and enhance its integrated product suite through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The company also aims to expand its market presence in the US, EMEA, and APAC regions to strengthen its footprint in the global public sector.

Since its funding round in 2021, Whatfix has achieved remarkable growth, solidifying its position as a leader in the newly established DAP category. The company serves a marquee global clientele, including Arrow Electronics, Schneider Electric, and Avnet, along with partners like Microsoft, Salesforce, Infosys, and Accenture, who trust Whatfix to accelerate ROI on their technology investments. Supporting 80+ Fortune 500 companies, Whatfix registered top-decile performance with a 4.5X increase in annual recurring revenue (ARR) since its 2021 round, with new products contributing 15% of revenue.

Pioneering the concept of “Userization,” Whatfix shifts responsibility to technology, ensuring it adapts to users, not the other way around. By integrating GenAI throughout its product suite, offering digital adoption, product analytics, and application simulation, Whatfix accelerates this user-first approach, building an experience layer across the enterprise software stack. This empowers enterprises to maximize technology ROI while allowing employees to build greater efficiency.

“Enterprises are grappling with the complexities of digital transformation and the ever-increasing pressure to deliver exceptional user experiences,” said Khadim Batti, CEO and co-founder of Whatfix. “Whatfix’s innovation is evident through the launch of four new products since 2021, securing five US patents with 18 more in the pipeline. This investment will add more fuel to the tank, accelerating a new era of innovation for our industry, bolstering the unparalleled value we bring to our customers, and reshaping the future of software adoption.”

As per Gartner’s 2023 Market Guide, 70% of organizations are projected to use DAPs by 2025, highlighting the critical role digital adoption platforms play in driving enterprise success. Leading this transformation, Whatfix has been the top DAP on Deloitte Tech Fast 500™ for three consecutive years and is the only DAP vendor to receive Customer’s Choice in the Gartner Peer Insights 2024 Voice of Customers for DAP report. Additionally, Whatfix is consistently recognized as a market leader in DAP reports from Gartner, Forrester, IDC, and the Everest Group.

“As organizations rapidly adopt an evolving array of AI-enabled technologies, Digital Adoption Platforms (DAPs) have become essential for successfully navigating digital transformation,” said Amy Loomis, Research Vice President, Future of Work at IDC. “DAPs provide valuable insights, empower users to be more agile, and drive significant business outcomes by accelerating application adoption and optimizing workflows. DAPs will evolve to address a broader range of enterprise needs, including AI-specific challenges, solidifying their role as a preferred approach to maximizing software ROI. By 2027, IDC predicts that 80% of G1000 organizations will rely on DAPs to mitigate technical skills shortages.”

Narendra Ostawal, Managing Director, Head of India Private Equity, Warburg Pincus, said, “Whatfix’s unique digital adoption platform is revolutionizing how organizations implement digital transformation programs, create outstanding user experiences, and empower users to fully leverage software functionalities and enhance productivity. As a partner of choice for top global enterprises across industries, we believe Whatfix has immense potential to capitalize on the tailwinds and solidify its position in the high-growth DAP market. We are delighted to partner with the Whatfix team led by Khadim and Vara, as they steer the company towards its vision and goal.”

Narendra Rathi, Investment Director, from SoftBank Investment Advisers, added, “Since our initial investment in 2021, we are pleased to see Whatfix’s strong growth and sustained innovation. Their role in the digital transformation journeys of Fortune 500 companies is a testament to their customer focus. We are excited to continue backing Khadim and Vara as they enter their next phase of growth.”

“From day one, Whatfix has truly put us, the customer, first,” said, Jochen Heidner, Project Manager of Purchasing Systems at Mercedes-Benz and Whatfix customer for the CERTUS CC project. “Their digital adoption platform (DAP) has been instrumental in the CERTUS digital transformation journey, simplifying complex processes and empowering our teams to achieve more. What’s truly remarkable is their exceptional customer support—they’ve been helpful, and genuinely nice and supportive every step of the way.”

Adam P. Burden, Global Innovation Lead from Accenture LLP, said, “Software is more user-centric than ever, and Whatfix is at the forefront of this innovation in user enablement.  With Whatfix, you can tailor applications to each user’s workflow, optimize efficiency and create great outcomes. By using Whatfix’s AI-powered product suite—including application simulation, analytics, and digital adoption—our clients can better leverage both their existing and new technology investments. With the capabilities of Whatfix, we’re able to build products where the software serves the user, not the other way around. We look forward to our continued success together.”

26.09.2024, New Delhi: The profession of eye care is often perceived as limited to clinical tasks like vision testing and prescribing corrective measures. However, for women eye care professionals, the role extends far beyond these basics. Women in this field not only excel in medical precision but also bring a unique blend of empathy, patient education, and emotional support to their practice. Their daily activities involve not just diagnosing and treating vision problems but also dedicating themselves to enhancing the overall quality of life for their patients. This holistic approach makes their contribution both impactful and invaluable in the realm of healthcare.

Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director of Orbis (India), emphasizes, “Women eye care professionals play an integral role in elevating the standard of care in India. Their ability to combine technical skill with compassionate patient interaction is what makes their contribution so essential. By focusing on both precision and empathy, they are able to provide a well-rounded approach to healthcare that goes beyond simple diagnosis.”

For a women eye care professional, the day often begins before sunrise, balancing family duties with professional preparation. She reviews patient histories, coordinates with her team, and readies the clinic for the day’s work. Each patient’s needs are unique, requiring meticulous attention to detail, especially in a field where minor anomalies can signal significant issues. Preparation is vital not just for the day’s success but also for managing the dual demands of her personal and professional life.

Consultations are at the heart of her work, where she must combine medical expertise with empathy. Women in this field often bring a unique sensitivity to patient interactions, understanding that many patients are anxious about their vision. An optometrist or ophthalmologist not only performs precise diagnostic tests but also provides reassurance and clear communication, particularly to women patients who might feel more comfortable discussing their concerns with another woman. This empathetic approach is crucial in building trust and ensuring that patients feel supported throughout their care.

The diverse cases that eye care professionals handle keep their work dynamic and challenging. For a woman in the field, this often means seamlessly transitioning from routine exams to complex cases like diabetic retinopathy or performing surgeries with the utmost precision. Women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving, often approaching cases with a combination of clinical skill and intuitive care, ensuring that patients receive the best possible outcomes.

Women eye care professionals also play a significant role in educating patients, particularly other women, about eye health. They offer advice on preventing digital eye strain, maintaining regular eye exams, and understanding how lifestyle factors like diet and UV protection impact eye health. Many women in this field extend their influence beyond the clinic, participating in community outreach or school vision screenings, where their compassionate approach can make a profound impact on public health.

As the day winds down, a women eye care professional reflects on her cases, follows up with patients, and prepares for the next day. Despite the demands of their personal lives, many dedicate time to continuous learning, staying updated with the latest research and advancements in eye care. This commitment to growth and education ensures they remain at the forefront of the field, providing the highest level of care to their patients.

The life of a women eye care professional is one of balance, dedication, and deep compassion. Their role goes beyond the technical aspects of eye care; it’s about improving lives, offering emotional support, and making a lasting difference in their communities. Through their expertise, empathy, and commitment to ongoing education, they empower their patients to see the world more clearly while balancing the challenges and rewards of their own lives.

Hyderabad/New Delhi, India, 25^th September 2024: Drone Destination, India’s foremost Drone-as-a-Service provider and the largest DGCA-certified Drone Pilot Training company in India, and DeHaat, a India’s largest full-stack Business to Farmer (B2F) platform, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in bringing cutting-edge drone technology to India’s farmlands. This partnership aims to enhance agricultural efficiency by offering drone spraying services while promoting DeHaat’s wide range of agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, to farmers across rural India.

Under this collaboration, Drone Destination will provide drone spraying facilities to interested farmers, ensuring that DeHaat’s innovative products reach the country’s hinterlands. Additionally, DeHaat, through its vast network of 14,000+ DeHaat Centers spread across 11 states and catering to 2.7Mn+ farmers, will generate leads for drone services and offer agricultural services directly to end-users. This agreement will streamline access to modern agricultural solutions, driving productivity and sustainability for Indian farmers.

 According to Mr. Chirag Sharma, CEO, Drone Destination, “We are excited to join hands with DeHaat in revolutionizing India’s agricultural sector. Drone technology has immense potential to enhance farm productivity, and with DeHaat’s strong market presence, we can reach more farmers and deliver innovative solutions to help them thrive in today’s competitive environment.”

 Commenting on the partnership, Amrendra Singh, Co-founder & Director, DeHaat, said, “DeHaat, with its ‘Farmer’s First’ vision has always stood for empowering the Indian farming ecosystem through strong technological interventions. Our collaboration with Drone Destination represents another significant step forward in that direction. By integrating drone technology with our comprehensive agricultural services, we aim to provide farmers with cutting-edge tools that can increase crop yield and ensure sustainable farming practices.”

 Drone Destination will be registered as a service provider on DeHaat’s platform, allowing farmers to access drone services directly and effortlessly. DeHaat will also list its agricultural products and services on Drone Destination’s platform, ensuring seamless integration and accessibility for rural farmers. In addition, both companies will work together to aggregate orders for drone spray services, ensuring an efficient and streamlined process for farmers.

The collaboration is expected to drive significant advancements in rural farming communities by facilitating the adoption of advanced technologies, ultimately helping to enhance productivity and improve overall agricultural outcomes.

By- Dr. Preeti Nagar, Dietician at Noida International Institution of Medical Sciences College & Hospital (NIIMS)

 Ultra-filtered milk, also known as UF milk or diafiltered milk, is a game-changer for those seeking a healthier dairy option. This innovative product boasts enhanced nutritional properties, making it an ideal choice for individuals with specific dietary needs. But what sets ultra-filtered milk apart from regular milk, and who can benefit from it?

The Ultrafiltration Process

Ultra-filtered milk undergoes a unique process where regular milk is passed through membranes, removing excess water, lactose, and some minerals. This process retains larger molecules like proteins and fats, resulting in a milk product with increased protein content and reduced sugar levels.

Key Benefits of Ultra-Filtered Milk

1. Increased Protein Content: Ultra-filtered milk contains nearly twice as much protein as regular milk, making it perfect for athletes, bodybuilders, and those seeking high-performance nutrition.
2. Less Sugar: The ultrafiltration process reduces lactose, making ultra-filtered milk an attractive option for those managing diabetes or monitoring sugar intake.
3. Lactose-Free: Ultra-filtered milk is 99.9% lactose-free, alleviating symptoms of lactose intolerance.
4. Enhanced Calcium and Vitamin D: Some ultra-filtered milk brands are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, promoting bone health.
5. Longer Shelf Life: Ultra-filtered milk has a longer shelf life due to higher pasteurization temperatures.

Who Can Benefit from Ultra-Filtered Milk?

1. Athletes and bodybuilders seeking high protein intake.
2. Individuals with lactose intolerance or sensitivity.
3. Those managing diabetes or monitoring sugar intake.
4. Individuals require enhanced calcium and vitamin D for bone health.

Who Should Avoid Ultra-Filtered Milk?

1. Those with milk allergies.
2. Individuals concerned about processed foods.
3. People sensitive to additives.
4. Those following specific dietary restrictions (e.g., ketogenic or paleo diets).

Impact on Lactose-Intolerant Individuals

Ultra-filtered milk is a boon for lactose-intolerant individuals, offering:

1. Lactose-free benefits.
2. Added lactase enzymes to aid digestion.
3. Enhanced nutritional profile with more protein and less sugar.

Ultra-filtered milk offers numerous benefits, especially for those seeking higher protein, lower sugar, or lactose-free options. While it may not be suitable for everyone, this innovative dairy product is a valuable addition to the market.

Bengaluru, 25^th September 2024 — In a landmark move that marks the next phase of the quick-commerce revolution, U.S. Polo Assn. (USPA), the official brand of the United States Polo Association, is collaborating with Zepto operators to bring its exclusive collection to the platform. Zepto, India’s fastest growing consumer internet platform known for its 10-minute delivery promise, is expanding its offering to include premium apparel and fashion, starting with USPA.

This collaboration not only enhances Zepto seller’s portfolio but also signifies a shift in how shoppers can access fashion—from groceries and personal care to now clothing from premium international brands—all within the same rapid delivery window.

On the announcement, Aadit Palicha, co-founder & CEO, Zepto shared, “We’re thrilled about this partnership. USPA, a brand that is synonymous with premium quality and timeless style. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our quick-commerce journey as Zepto expands into the fashion and lifestyle space. With USPA on board, our sellers are delivering a new level of convenience to fashion shoppers across India.”

Shailesh Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, Arvind Fashions Limited says “With U.S. Polo Assn.’s sporty coolness and Zepto’s lightning-fast delivery, we are bringing a new level of accessibility and convenience to our customers. That’s such an exciting trend setting solution for modern day needs of our consumers.”

U.S. Polo Assn.’s collection is live on the platform, offering Zepto platform users a curated selection of timeless, stylish apparel. From classic polo shirts to casualwear, Zepto users can now enjoy iconic USPA pieces delivered within minutes.

This collaboration represents a significant leap in quick-commerce, with Zepto sellers expanding from essentials to premium fashion. Whether it’s grabbing a classic polo shirt minutes before an event or ordering casualwear for a spontaneous outing, Zepto’s users can experience the unmatched convenience of fast, high-quality fashion—a true game-changer for those who value both speed and style.

New Delhi: The University of Leeds (UoL) and TERI School of Advanced Studies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during an official visit by a UoL delegation to the institute. This strategic agreement aims to enhance academic cooperation and establish a long-term collaborative partnership between the two institutions.

Under the MoU, the partnership will focus on developing collaborative research projects, organising joint academic activities such as courses, conferences, and seminars, facilitating the exchange of research and teaching personnel, and creating opportunities for student placements and exchanges. The exchange of publications and other materials of common interest will further enrich the partnership. A key area of focus will be collaboration with the University of Leeds’ School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS), ensuring a vibrant exchange of expertise and thought leadership.

Professor Adam Tyson, Pro-Dean International for the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Leeds, highlighted the significance of the agreement and said, “We are excited to formalise this collaboration with TERI School of Advanced Studies, which represents a pivotal step in broadening our international academic and research networks. This MoU underscores our commitment to fostering cross-border partnerships that contribute to addressing global challenges. By combining the strengths of TERI SAS and the School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds, we will work together on innovative research and education initiatives that advance understanding in key areas such as sustainability, governance, and international relations. This partnership is not only a platform for academic exchange but also a means to contribute meaningfully to the solutions needed for the future. We look forward to the mutual learning and transformative impact this collaboration will bring.”

 Professor Suman Kumar Dhar, Vice Chancellor of the TERI School of Advanced Studies, expressed his delight about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with the University of Leeds marks a significant step toward enhancing our academic and research activities. TERI SAS is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding through collaboration with esteemed institutions worldwide. This MoU will enable us to combine our resources and expertise, fostering innovative research and actionable insights into sustainable development. By working together, we can develop impactful solutions that address critical environmental and social issues on a global scale.

I would like to congratulate the faculty members of the School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds and the Department of Policy and Management Studies at TERI SAS for jointly facilitating an innovative academic course titled ‘International Collaborative Studio on Public Policy’ as part of the Master’s Programme in Public Policy and Sustainable Development at TERI SAS. We look forward to many more collaborative academic and research initiatives between the two collaborative institutions.”

The strategic goals of both organisations to advance diverse research and expand their global networks are aligned with the newly formed relationship. The University of Leeds and TERI School of Advanced Studies are certain that their collaboration will produce innovative discoveries and impact society for a very long time.

National, September 25, 2024: Coromandel International Limited (BSE: 506395, NSE: COROMANDEL), India’s leading agri solutions company, today announced acquisition of additional equity stake in Baobab Mining and Chemicals Corporation (BMCC), Senegal, through its wholly owned subsidiary Coromandel Chemicals Limited. Coromandel will acquire an additional 8.82% equity stake in BMCC, taking its overall shareholding to 53.8%. Coromandel will invest USD 3.84 million (INR 32 cores) in BMCC, besides loan infusion of US$ 6.5 million (INR 54 crores) to fund expansion projects and meet working capital requirements.

Rock phosphate is a critical raw material for manufacturing Phosphoric Acid, an intermediate used for Phosphatic fertiliser production. BMCC, incorporated in 2011, has renewable exploitation permit for processing phosphate ore and Coromandel acquired 45% stake in September 2022. The company has since stabilised mining operations and is currently commissioning fixed processing plant to optimise the rock production.

Commenting on the investment, Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Coromandel International Limited, said, “With India importing majority of its rock requirement, investment in rock phosphate mines will be critical for attaining long term supply security for its phosphate fertiliser production. The Senegal rock is currently being blended at Coromandel’s Visakhapatnam unit along with other rock sources thereby providing us operational flexibility. Over the past two years, we have taken various initiatives to optimise rock production at BMCC and the increased throughput will support in securing rock phosphate for the upcoming Phosphoric Acid plant at company’s Kakinada Unit. The additional stake in BMCC is strategically important for capturing value chain and building self-sufficiency in our operations.”