Archives September 2024

11th September 2024: Mukand Limited, a leading player in Stainless Steel Long Products manufacturing, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Neeraj Kant as the CEO Designate. Mr. Neeraj Kant brings with him an impressive 38 years of experience in the steel industry, marking a significant milestone in Mukand Limited’s journey towards strengthening its leadership team and driving future growth.

A graduate in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Mr. Kant further honed his managerial skills by obtaining a Full-Time MBA from Edinburgh University Management School. Mr Kant also attended the General Management Program at CEDEP, INSEAD, France during 2016. His extensive academic background, combined with decades of industry experience, positions him uniquely to lead Mukand Limited into its next phase of business excellence, innovation and growth.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kant has made substantial contributions to the steel sector, holding key positions at some of the most reputable organizations in the industry. He began his career with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in Marketing & Sales, where he gained deep insights into customer expectations, customer behaviour and sales operations. His journey continued with Tata Steel, where he played a pivotal role in pioneering and implementing the “Retail Value Management” initiative in Marketing & Sales. Subsequently, for about 10 years he was the Managing Director of The Indian Steel and Wire Products Ltd. – ISWP (A Subsidiary of Tata Steel Ltd.) and was majorly responsible for turning around this company from a sick unit to a world class manufacturing organization. ISWP went on to win the prestigious international TPM Level 2 Award under his able leadership. The CSR accomplishments of ISWP were praised and recognized by the Tata Group as well as the State and Central Governments.

In his most recent role at Welspun Corp. Limited, Mr. Kant’s leadership was instrumental in driving operational efficiency and implementing innovative strategies that bolstered the company’s market position. His visionary approach and ability to navigate challenges have earned him recognition as a key influencer in the steel sector.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Kant has been actively involved in various industry bodies, demonstrating his commitment to the broader development of the steel industry. He has served as Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Jharkhand State Council and was an Executive Member of CII’s National Committee on “Ease of Doing Business”. His leadership has contributed to shaping industry policies and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. He is the recipient of the “Distinguished Engineers Award” and “Scroll of Honor” from the Institution of Engineers (India).

Mr. Kant’s appointment as CEO Designate comes at a pivotal time for Mukand Limited, as the company continues to focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. His deep understanding of the steel industry and his strategic vision are expected to drive Mukand Limited’s growth and reinforce its position as a leader in the Stainless Steel market. Mr. Kant’s leadership philosophy centres on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. He believes in empowering teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, Mukand Limited is poised to embark on a new era of growth and success.

Mukand Limited, a Bajaj group company is a leading manufacturer of specialty steel long products and heavy machinery in India. Incorporated in the year 1937, the company has two divisions namely Steel and Industrial Machinery. The Steel division manufactures specialty steel long products in the form of Wire Rods, Bars, and Bright Bars that feed into the Automobile, Architecture and Engineering and several other industries. On the other hand, the Industrial Machinery Division designs, manufactures, assembles and commissions heavy duty cranes, bulk material handling equipment, process plant machinery and turnkey projects. Mukand produces alloy steel from its facility in Hospet, Karnataka and stainless steel from its facility in Thane, Maharashtra.

Raipur, 11th September 2024: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, announced the appointment of David Stone as the Chief Executive Officer – Coal Mines. In his new role, David will oversee the entire coal mining operations of the company, spearheading strategy and leveraging technology and innovation to optimize resource efficiency.

David’s expertise will be crucial to optimizing resource efficiency at Vedanta Aluminium’s thermal power plants in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh in Odisha and Korba in Chhattisgarh, while also keeping a sharp focus on sustainable mining practices. The company has 5 operating coal mines with a combined capacity of ~40 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). These include Jamkhani, Kuraloi, Radhikapur, Ghogharpalli, and Barra – which is under exploration.

With a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, David’s has a rich global experience in managing and operating resource businesses. He has held leadership positions in roles spanning growth phases, mergers and acquisitions, project development, and the seamless running of operations through to closure. He has consistently demonstrated a transformative ability within these businesses with a dedicated focus on creating shareholder value. His global experience in mining operations includes notable tenures with Anglo American, Xstrata, and Glencore.

“We are thrilled to welcome David to Vedanta Aluminium. His proven track record makes him the ideal leader to drive our mining operations, ensuring backward integration to secure raw material and reduce cost of production for our business. His expertise will be invaluable as we enhance our resource efficiency while keeping an eye on ambitious growth plans,” said John Slaven, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium.

On his appointment, David Stone, CEO – Coal Mines, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “I am honored to join Vedanta Aluminium and lead the coal operations at such a pivotal time when the company is expanding production capacity and is on an ambitious growth path. I look forward to working with the talented team to implement innovative strategies that will optimize our resources, reduce costs, and contribute to the company’s growth and sustainability objectives.”

As part of Vedanta Aluminium’s strategy for expansion and cost reduction, the company has laid out a comprehensive plan for backward integration, emphasizing the importance of a robust coal supply chain. The new coal mines will significantly reduce the cost of power generation by supplying the company’s existing thermal power assets. Importantly, Vedanta Aluminium is committed to not adding any further coal-fired capacity to its power portfolio. Therefore, maximizing digitalization and innovation to drive the highest levels of efficiencies of the coal resources is essential to meet sustainability goals for Vedanta Aluminium.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.

11th September 2024: The Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the sister organization of the World Economic Forum, honoured Mr Akshay Saxena of Avanti Fellows with the esteemed Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award – India 2024. The award was presented by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas in the presence of distinguished personalities from industry, government and civil society at a ceremony held at New Delhi.

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, congratulated the winner and finalists. He appreciated the innovative challenges undertaken by social entrepreneurs in positively impacting lives and environment. Minister Puri said, “Social enterprises have been part of Indian fabric for a very long time. They typically cater to low income communities, typically agriculture, financial inclusion, health and education, clean energy.” He complemented government, social sector and corporates working together in partnership. He highlighted that Social enterprises have played a crucial role in upward mobility of millions of Indians over the years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship highlighted, “Social entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable milestones by addressing challenges in unconventional ways. Today, when the world is moving from an industrial age to an intelligent age, social entrepreneurs are catalysts for innovation and positive impact, benefiting both people and the planet. Their dedication to delivering impactful solutions for unmet needs has been truly extraordinary.”

Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder & Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum and Co-Founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, observed the growing alignment between corporates and social entrepreneurs. He mentioned how India’s social innovation landscape is offering globally relevant models for the sustainable development agenda. “The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship is proud to have partnered with the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Indian social entrepreneurs over the past 15 years”, he said.

Mr. Shyam S Bhartia, Chairman and Founder, Jubilant Bhartia Group and Founder Director of Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, congratulated the winner and all the finalists. In a significant announcement, Mr. Shyam Bhartia stated, “I am happy to announce that Jubilant Bhartia Group has signed the Rise Ahead Pledge, a new initiative of the Schwab Foundation and the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship. The Rise Ahead Pledge is a commitment towards increasing investments into social innovation. Thus, Jubilant Bhartia Group has become the first Indian company to sign this pledge.” In alignment with their commitment and the Global Alliance, Mr. Bhartia announced the establishment of the “Jubilant Bhartia Centre for Social Impact” supported by the Schwab Foundation. This centre will nurture emerging innovators and entrepreneurs, foster collaboration among past Social Entrepreneur of the Year (SEOY) winners, and support social start-ups. By offering resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and world-class facilities, they aim to empower social entrepreneurs to achieve significant societal impact. Additionally, there would be a partnership with IIM-Ahmedabad Ventures.

Mr. Hari S Bhartia, Co- Chairman & Founder, Jubilant Bhartia Group, in his vote of thanks commended the enterprising spirit of social entrepreneurs and said that the corporates can learn from the experience of social innovators, their problem solving abilities to address the needs of the society.

Mr. Akshay Saxena on winning the SEOY Award India 2024 shared, “I am delighted! Thank you Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship for recognising us. The recognition given to our work means so much not only to me but the entire team behind this platform. I hope this serves as an inspiration for others to join us in this journey. “

The other finalists for SEOY Award India 2024 were:

• Madhura Dasgupta Sinha, Aspire For Her, Mumbai
•  Hunny Bhagchandani, Torchit, Ahmedabad

Over the past fifteen years, the Social Entrepreneur of the Year (SEOY) Award has become one of the most prestigious accolades for social entrepreneurs in India. Since 2010, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation have collaborated to promote social innovation in India through this award, recognizing and supporting the expanding field of social innovation in the country.

Bengaluru,11 Sept 2024: As the much-awaited monsoon season arrives, offering a refreshing break from the sweltering summer heat, it also brings a host of seasonal ailments, especially for those with low immunity, including children. The drop in temperature and rise in humidity levels create an ideal environment for infections to thrive, making diseases such as cold, cough, malaria, dengue, typhoid, and pneumonia more prevalent.

Ayurveda, a centuries-old science, provides a holistic approach to combating these seasonal threats. While modern medicine offers solutions for treating diseases, ancient Indian herbs and Ayurvedic formulations offer a preventive approach to maintaining a healthy and energetic lifestyle. One such powerful formulation rooted in the principles of Rasayana tantra—one of the eight specialties of Ayurveda focused on rejuvenation—is Chyawanprash.

Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said Chyawanprash is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation, used for decades for boosting immunity and providing resistance against infections. Dabur Chyawanprash, based on an age-old formulation, is an Ayurvedic supplement, fortified with various herbs and minerals. Dabur Chyawanprash helps in prevention of a variety of diseases through its immunomodulatory effects. Dabur has conducted various clinical and preclinical studies which confirm Chyawanprash’s beneficial effect on immunity, seasonal influences, nasal allergies and infections, etc. Chyawanprash helps balance tridoshas ‘vata,pitta, and Kapha as mentioned in ancient ayurvedic scriptures. Dabur Chyawanprash helps activate Dendritic Cells, NK cells & macrophages helping fight germs.

Mr. Prashant Agarwal, Marketing Head – Health Supplements at Dabur India Ltd, emphasized, “With a rich heritage of Ayurveda and deep knowledge of nature, Dabur has always focused on providing safe, cost-efficient, and effective healthcare for all through the study of authentic Ayurvedic texts. Dabur Chyawanprash, a formulation created with ancient Indian knowledge of Ayurveda and the cutting edge of science, is the perfect way to protect ourselves from various day-to-day infections.”

Mr. Diwakar, Headmaster, Government Kannada Model Primary School KG Halli, Bengaluru, expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Immune India campaign is in perfect sync with our school’s mission to promote a healthy and active environment for our students. We believe that health and sports play a vital role in the all-round development of individuals.”

The event concluded with an interactive session where students actively participated and showcased their enthusiasm towards adopting a healthy lifestyle and engaging in sports activities. Dabur India, Corporate communication, Mr. Dinesh Kumar was present at the event.

Dabur Chyawanprash’s key ingredient, Amla (Indian gooseberry), is renowned for its immunity-boosting properties. Other ingredients, such as Guduchi, Pippali, Kantakari, and Shalparni, among others, work synergistically to alleviate common infections and allergies, particularly those affecting the respiratory system. This unique blend of herbs makes Dabur Chyawanprash a perfect ally in safeguarding health during the monsoon season.

New Delhi, 11 Sep 2024:  The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is set to host the highly anticipated launch of the second edition of ‘Treasures of the Gupta Empire,’ a comprehensive exploration of one of India’s most illustrious dynasties. Written by esteemed historian Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, the book will be officially released on September 12th, 2024, at 4:00 PM at the Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA, New Delhi.

The Gupta Empire (320-550 CE) is often celebrated as India’s Golden Age, marking a period of profound achievements in art, literature, science, and governance. The upcoming book offers a deep dive into this era, focusing on the artistic legacy of the Gupta period, particularly its exceptional coinage. As a special highlight, attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness a rare collection of original Gupta coins, providing a tangible connection to the empire’s wealth and artistic sophistication.

The event will feature an esteemed panel of speakers including Dr. Sacchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, and Dr. B.R. Mani, Director General of the National Museum. Joining them will be notable scholars such as Prof. K.K. Thaplyal from Lucknow University, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Manjul, Additional Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, and Dr. Prashant Kulkarni, Chairman of the Indian Coin Society. Sanjeev Kumar, the author of the book, and Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur, Director of IGNCA, will also contribute their expertise to the discussions, making the event a rich blend of scholarly insights and historical reverence.

The book launch promises to be a significant cultural moment, providing deeper insights into the Gupta Empire’s influence on India’s historical trajectory. This event will offer a rare glimpse into the intellectual and artistic achievements of an era that continues to shape India’s cultural heritage.

This event is expected to be a landmark occasion for anyone interested in India’s historical and cultural legacy, offering a unique blend of scholarship, history, and art.

Acclaimed comedian and actress Sumukhi Suresh is set to dazzle audiences as she joins the star-studded cast of Netflix’s upcoming show, The Royals. The highly- anticipated show features an impressive ensemble cast of Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter in lead roles, alongside Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Talwar and Milind Soman in pivotal roles. The show, a modern-day Indian royalty rom-com also includes Chunky Panday, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Vihaan Samant and Luke Kenny, promises to be a thrilling tale of romance, desire, ambition, and the allure of royalty.

Sumukhi expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “I’m incredibly grateful to Rangita Pritish Nandy, Ishita Pritish Nandy, and Panchami Ghavri for bringing together such a talented cast. The chemistry among everyone was electric, and everyone was dedicated to making The Royals a memorable experience. I’ve been a huge fan of Bhumi for a long time, and it was truly a dream come true to finally have the opportunity to work with her.”

Hinting at her complex and captivating role, Sumukhi says, “My character is like a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered. I’ve had the freedom to really sink my teeth into the role, and I can’t wait for audiences to see what I’ve got in store.”

As Sumukhi continues to ascend to the top of her field, The Royals marks a major milestone in her career. With her undeniable talent and infectious charisma, she’s sure to steal the show.

The teaser for The Royals is already out and has fans buzzing with excitement. Get ready to be captivated by this extraordinary saga of love, ambition, and a whole lot of laughter. Mark your calendars for the royal premiere of The Royals only on Netflix!

Kashmir, September 10, 2024: The Ganpati Festival, a revered tradition, is being celebrated this year with renewed enthusiasm and community spirit, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Punit Balan and his team. The festivities, which honor Lord Ganesha, took place at two key locations: Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir in Srinagar and Vessu KP Colony in Anantnag, South Kashmir.

Despite the challenges faced during the militancy years, the local community continues to witness and participate in these celebrations, reflecting the enduring spirit of communal harmony in the Valley. The active involvement of the local population underscores the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect that transcend religious boundaries.

Punit Balan, Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Trust Celebration Chief and Trustee shared his sentiments “Our aim is to unite the community and celebrate our cultural heritage with enthusiasm and respect. The support from the Indian Army has been crucial in ensuring that this year’s festival is spiritually fulfilling and safe. It is heartening to see the participation of our local neighbors, which speaks volumes about the strength of our community bonds and shared values.”

The Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir Management Committee and the Vessu Welfare Committee extend their heartfelt gratitude to Shri Punit Balan and the Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust for their support and generous contribution of eco-friendly Ganesha idols. Their contributions have significantly enhanced the festival’s impact, making it a beacon of environmental consciousness and communal unity.

The Ganpati Festival serves as a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and a testament to the strength of community ties. This year’s dual-location event promises to be a memorable occasion for all involved.

Mumbai, 10th September 2024: Bollywood’s queen of sass, Farah Khan, got the father-daughter duo Ananya Panday, Chunky Panday, grooving to Call Me Bae’s sensational track ‘Vekh Sohneyaa’, serving up ultimate Bae-vibes.

The episode began with a cooking session and culminated with Ananya, Farah Khan, Chunkey Panday and Farah Khan’s cook Dilip grooving to some signature Vekh Sohneyaa moves.

In typical Farah style, she and Dilip spiced things up with some impromptu culinary lessons giving Ananya a crash course on her famous Chicken Fried Rice recipe. Ananya started off by first dancing on Vekh Sohneyaa with Farah’s cook Dilip followed by all of them enjoying to the track. From sharp moves to dramatic spins, it was a full-blown party, with them adding their cheeky flair to the choreography, all under Farah’s expert and hilarious guidance.

Ananya, juggling the perfect hip swings with stir-frying chicken fried rice, was all smiles as Farah playful banter with Chunky left all in splits. With such an offbeat combo of dance, cooking, and hilarious banter, Ananya nailed both the dance steps and the kitchen lesson by the end of it.

September 10th, 2024: With India’s retail market projected to reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2030 (Source: Kearney Global Retail Development Index) MAPIC India 2024 is set to bring together leaders from retail, real estate, and technology for its flagship show at Jio World Convention Centre Mumbai scheduled from 18th -19th September 2024. The event will center on strategies for innovation and sustainable growth, providing insights crucial to navigating the rapidly shifting landscape of Indian retail

As the sector undergoes profound changes driven by evolving consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and a strong push toward sustainability, MAPIC India 2024 is designed to address the key forces shaping the industry’s future. This year’s agenda explores the redefinition of retail ecosystems, focusing on how integrated environments are transforming consumer experiences through smart malls, omni-channel strategies, and tech-driven customer engagement. Discussions will emphasize the growing importance of sustainability in retail real estate, highlighting how green building practices, energy efficiency, and responsible development are becoming core components of the industry’s evolution.

Speaking about the Event, Mr. Umang Gupta, Country General Manager RX India said, “MAPIC India 2024 in its 20th edition has evolved with the evolution of Indian Retail industry. This flagship event comes at a pivotal moment when the Indian consumer is changing and the format of Indian retail is evolving towards leveraging technology, building in efficient & immersive Consumer experience. As we move closer to realizing the sector’s $1.8 trillion potential, embracing the innovations and sustainability efforts that will drive future growth is crucial. MAPIC serves as a collaborative platform for shaping the future of retail ecosystems in India and I am sure MAPIC 24 will be a great immersive experience for all as we get the who’s who of Indian Retail at MAPIC.”

Additionally, the event will examine the role of AI, big data, and automation in optimizing retail operations, personalizing customer interactions, and enhancing supply chain efficiency. With market dynamics and global retail trends continuously evolving, the event will provide crucial insights into future-proofing retail strategies, ensuring businesses remain competitive amidst the rise of e-commerce and changing market conditions.

Speaking about the event Ashna Gemini Sharan, Portfolio Director of MAPIC India said “ This 20th edition of MAPIC India 2024 is set to address the fast-evolving retail landscape with our theme – ‘Decoding the NEW Retail CODE: Thriving in a Fast-Changing World.’ We’ve introduced a range of new experiences for exhibitors and delegates, including the exclusive Chairman’s Club, Retail Zone, Tech Zone, and Experience Boulevards, all aimed at fostering connections and empowering industry leaders. I invite the entire retail community to join us for this premier annual event, where innovation, networking, and fresh ideas come to life. Experience the magic of MAPIC this year.”

The event is expected to attract over 2000 delegates, 150+ speakers, 300+ exhibitors, 200+ retailers, and numerous sponsors, offering ample opportunities for networking, exploring new business models, and forming strategic partnerships. Mapic India is also introducing Chairman’s Club powered by GreenHonchos which is crafted to ensure that members have the perfect environment to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of retail in India

The MAPIC India Retail and Retail Tech Awards 2024 will also be a key highlight, honoring excellence across more than 30 categories and recognizing the pioneers and innovators setting new benchmarks in the retail sectors.

MAPIC India 2024 promises to be an essential gathering for those looking to harness the country’s retail potential, setting the stage for a future defined by innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

September 10, 2024, New Delhi, India: The India office of American Pistachios Growers (APG) has announced Jasprit Bumrah, One of the leading pace bowlers/ cricket icons in the WORLD, as the brand ambassador for California-grown American pistachios for the 2024-25 season.

“Jasprit Bumrah’s unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, makes him the ideal ambassador for American Pistachios Growers (APG),” said Garth Thorburn, the Minister Counselor for Agriculture at the US Embassy in India.
“We are thrilled to have him champion the message of pistachio nutrition. A significant number of pistachio growers in the United States, particularly in California, are of Indian origin. This partnership not only strengthens the bond between our nations but also promotes a shared vision of health and wellness for people everywhere. Welcome to the family, Jasprit.”

Speaking on the association, Jasprit Bumrah exclusively represented by RISE Worldwide said, “I’m delighted to partner with American Pistachio Growers. For an athlete, nutrition plays a huge role in performance, and I find pistachios to be a perfect snack. They are packed with protein and healthy fats, offering me sustained energy throughout the day. American pistachios are my go-to because they provide the nutrients I need to stay at my best.”

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Siddhant Bhargava MBBS, Diet specialist, celebrity nutritionist and a health entrepreneur “For athletes, American pistachios are a powerful ally. They’re rich in antioxidants that protect healthy cells from free radical damage and provide complete protein essential for muscle regeneration and repair. Also, they offer beneficial fats, fiber, and crucial nutrients that support peak performance and overall health.”

Mr. Sumit Saran, Indian representative of APG said, “We are very delighted and honored to be associated with one of India’s iconic sports figures, Jasprit Bumrah. His exceptional achievements have not only brought glory to the nation but have also inspired countless individuals.

India is a growth market for American pistachios. India itself does not produce any pistachios. However, as awareness about pistachios and its health benefits increase, we are seeing continuous growth in demand for American pistachios. With Jasprit Bumrah, we are looking to take this information about American pistachio nutrition and health to health-conscious consumers across the country,” Saran added.

American pistachios are easily available on all major e-commerce platforms and with major dry fruit retailers across India. Consumers can find them by simply searching or asking for “California pistachios” and choose from the many brands that sell them in India.