Archives January 2025

– By Mr. Jash Panchamia, Management, Suraksha Smart City

 In recent years Vasai has made its mark on MMRs real estate map. With government support and a growing need, the city has undergone a dynamic resurrection and emerged as a thriving hub for retail investments and urban development. Once considered a distant suburb, Vasai is now referred to as the gateway to Mumbai. Being at the forefront of change, the emergence of a new Vasai is driven by a burgeoning retail sector that is reshaping its identity. The arrival of flagship stores, entertainment venues, and a plethora of dining options has turned Vasai into a vibrant epicentre of social and economic activity, drawing businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

The retail business space has proven to be a catalyst creating more than just shopping destinations. It has managed to create a social and cultural hub that enriches community life. The carefully curated blend of retail, dining, and leisure options is attracting a diverse demographic while boosting the local economy. This retail-driven developments have also elevated Vasai’s real estate appeal, making it a choice of interest for homebuyers and investors seeking value and higher returns on investment.

Vasai’s growing appeal comes with the added benefit of its strategic location on Mumbai’s suburban railway network, with dual connectivity to the central and western railway lines. Vasai Road station serves as a vital link for daily commuters, ensuring seamless access to Mumbai and its key business districts. The area’s connectivity is set to receive a significant boost with a wave of upcoming infrastructure projects, including the Virar-Alibaug Corridor, Bhayander-Vasai Sea Link, and Metro Line 13, which will link Mira-Bhayander and Vasai, reducing travel time across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). These developments, coupled with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train and the Vasai-Diva-Panvel Railway Line Extension, will transform Vasai into an accessibility powerhouse.

Infrastructure development does not end there. The upcoming Vadhavan Port project aims to establish Vasai as a logistics and maritime hub, while the Surya Regional Water Supply Scheme addresses critical water needs. Additionally, proximity to Thane, where 34 mega infrastructure projects are in progress, is set to foster economic growth through retail developments and job creation, further backing real estate growth in the region. The retail markets taking shape in Vasai makes it an appealing residential and commercial destination, with budget-friendly real estate developments available for everyone.

In Vasai East’s evolving urban landscape, retail developments are characterised through the creation of pedestrian-friendly pathways and easy access to public transportation, like the suburban rail system, reshaping the region into a well-rounded urban environment. These developments are closely tied to the real estate market, as the presence of bustling retail hubs drives demand for both residential and commercial properties. The emergence of mixed-use projects incorporate retail, residential, and office spaces has ensured that communities that offer convenience, quality of life, and a sense of belonging come into being.

The coming together of retail and real estate in Vasai highlights a shared growth trajectory. Retail districts also act as urban magnets, encouraging population growth and increasing housing demand. This, in turn, augments further retail expansion, launching a cycle of growth with benefits to every stakeholder. The addition of quality social infrastructure—schools, hospitals, shopping and recreational spaces— has further enhanced Vasai’s reputation as the land that offers a high standard of living.

Looking forward, Vasai is set a benchmark by creating a sustainable and economically vibrant city based on integrating retail into its urban framework. Its strategic focus on infrastructure, retail, and housing positions Vasai as a model for blending tradition with modernity, showcasing how cities can leverage retail to boost urban appeal and quality of life.

Chandigarh January 21, 2025: TVS Motor Company and Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) today unveiled concept models of advanced electric three-wheelers and micro four-wheelers at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The concept models address the pressing need for sustainable mobility and align with the evolving demands of road and urban infrastructure in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Together with Hyundai Motor, TVSM is exploring contributing to the last-mile mobility market of India. While binding agreements are yet to be executed, Hyundai Motor is exploring offering design, engineering, and technology while TVSM will contribute towards the manufacture, market, and co-development of the vehicles.

These innovative concepts underline TVSM’s focus on providing mobility solutions that are efficient, exciting, responsible, safe, and sustainable.

Commenting on the announcement, Sharad Mishra, President, of Group Strategy, at TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS is proud to partner with Hyundai to shape the future of urban mobility. By combining Hyundai’s global expertise with our deep understanding of mobility solutions, we aim to develop next-generation micro-mobility solutions that redefine last-mile connectivity. This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability. With a shared vision, we are confident that this partnership will deliver impactful solutions that set new standards in design, engineering, technology, and quality.”

Commenting on the concepts, Mr SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design, Hyundai Motor, said, “Hyundai Motor is a customer-centric brand, and caring for people in India is our first mission. This commitment has driven us to explore designing micro-mobility solutions tailored to India’s unique environment, reimagining the iconic three-wheeler to enhance mobility experiences through thoughtful design. Collaborating with TVS Motor, we aim to locally produce the three-wheeler while exploring global opportunities for the four-wheeler, blending intuitive functionality with the spirit of a rapidly innovating India.”

When love, faith, and destiny collide, extraordinary tales are written. Sun Neo’s beloved show Ishq Jabariya takes a thrilling turn as Gulki, played by Siddhi Sharma, and Aditya, portrayed by the talented Lakshay Khurana, face a rollercoaster of emotions in their journey of love and resilience. Known for its gripping narrative and unforgettable moments, the show now serves up an episode filled with joy, hope, and unexpected heartbreak.

Gulki has faced countless hardships and dramatic twists in her journey. Finally, she feels that brighter days are ahead, and it’s time to celebrate. Aditya’s birthday brings the perfect opportunity to spread happiness and create joyful memories. But just as Gulki begins to hope for peace, an unexpected tragedy strikes.

Aditya gets bitten by a snake, leaving everyone in shock and despair. With Aditya’s life hanging by a thread, the celebration turns into a desperate race against time. Gulki is determined to save him, but will her courage and faith be enough?

Will Gulki succeed in protecting Aditya, or is this the tragic end of their story? And if Aditya’s fate takes a dark turn, how will this change the course of the tale?

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 7:30 PM, is an engaging love story centred around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.

Mumbai, January 21, 2025 – Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund has launched the New Fund Offer (NFO) of its Baroda BNP Paribas Energy Opportunities Fund that will open for subscription from January 21, 2025 toFebruary 4, 2025. This scheme enables investors to benefit from the expanding energy sector, as India transitions from a developing to a developed economy.

It is said that “Energy is the key to prosperity”. History shows that countries’ energy demands increase as they transition from developing to developed economies. “As India’s GDP is projected to grow by 1.9x times in the next 5 years, India’s demand for energy is also poised to grow 1.7x times. Our Baroda BNP Paribas Energy Opportunities Fund is positioned to unlock profitable investment opportunities for investors from the developments in India’s Energy sector,” said Suresh Soni, CEO, Baroda BNP Paribas Asset Management India Pvt Ltd (AMC).

Riding India’s Energy Growth Wave

Between 2003 and 2023, Chinese energy consumption, per capita, surged from 1.5 megawatt hours (MWh) to 6.6 MWh#, reflecting strong growth tied to GDP expansion. Similarly, South Korea’s energy consumption has closely mirrored its per capita rise in GDP. India is now on a similar growth trajectory, with broad-based energy demand across households, agriculture, industry, commercial establishments, and infrastructure.

” Energy is a broad investment theme comprising almost a third of the stocks of the Nifty 500 index across a range of sectors and sub-sectors. Further, our research shows that not only does the Nifty Energy Total Return Index (Nifty Energy TRI) have a lower price-to-equity and price-to-book ratio compared to the Nifty 500 Total Return Index, but it also boasts higher dividend yield and faster earnings growth compared to the broader market,” said Sanjay Chawla, Chief Investment Officer – Equity and Fund Manager for the scheme.

Energy sources to meet the demand of the economy include coal, crude oil, gas, nuclear, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and hydrogen. The Baroda BNP Paribas Energy Opportunities Fund will allocate at least 80% of its assets to equity instruments of companies involved in exploration, production, distribution, transportation, and processing of traditional and new energy across market capitalizations.

Historically Proven Performance

Research by Baroda BNP Paribas AMC highlights that the Nifty Energy TRI has outperformed the Nifty 500 TRI over 3, 5, 7, and 10-year periods ending 31st December 2024&. This long-term outperformance underscores the potential of the energy theme to generate potential returns for investors across time horizons. “Our Baroda BNP Paribas Energy Opportunities Fund may be considered ideal for equity investors with a holding period of three years or more,” added Mr. Soni.

A Future-Ready Portfolio

The scheme will focus on investment opportunities across the traditional energy chain as well as new energy transitions. “Indian energy demand is a secular story that will be powered by the doubling of the size of India’s middle class, lifestyle changes driven by higher incomes, and energy transition. In addition, government’s focus on improving India’s energy security by more than doubling the share of natural gas to 15% of the energy mix by 2030 and boosting our coal security coupled with, the government’s plan to invite bids for 50 Gigawatt of renewable energy capacity annually between FY24-28 will see India’s solar power capacity grow 4X and wind power by 2.5X by 2031-32^. These structural changes aim to open a whole vista of profitable investment opportunities for investors,” added Mr. Chawla.

Chandigarh, January 21, 2025- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has been recognized with the Great Place to Work® Certification for the second time in a row, affirming its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture for its employees. Awarded in the Non-Profit and Charity category, this certification reflects NSDC’s continuous dedication to employee satisfaction and organizational excellence.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International, stated, “This is a testament to NSDC’s core values of integrity, inclusion, innovation, and impact, which makes it an inspiration for every member of NSDC to excel. We are committed to nurturing an environment that promotes learning, innovation, and equitable opportunities for all.” He also mentioned that NSDC celebrates its identity as a diverse and inclusive community, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and respect throughout the organization, which is essential for a productive and rewarding work environment.

The Great Place to Work® is a global leader in workplace culture, helping organizations create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience. In India, the Great Place to Work® collaborates with over 1400 organizations annually, spanning 22 diverse industries. According to its research, exemplary workplaces share attributes such as effective leadership, a consistently positive employee experience, and a commitment to sustainable financial performance.

NSDC has significantly contributed to India’s skilling ecosystem by facilitating the implementation of several successful upskilling initiatives and vocational institutions which have elevated the benchmarks of skilling in India. With more than 40,000 training centres across 750 districts, NSDC successfully placed 9.4 million candidates, trained over 40.19 million candidates, including 18 million women and 12.9 million individuals from urban and rural India. One of the NSDC’s most transformative initiatives has been the launch of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) which provides a comprehensive platform integrating skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

This latest accolade reinforces NSDC’s position as a leader in skill development in the industry and workplace culture in India, paving the way for impactful changes at both grassroots levels and within the professional landscape.

Bangalore, January 21, 2025: The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship event, Confluence 2025, on January 18. The event attracted over 400 attendees and served as a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas, fostering innovation, and celebrating creativity.

This year’s theme, Cadence of Creations – Exploring the Beauty of Patterns in Nature, Technology, and Design, highlighted the interconnectedness of disciplines and the power of collaboration. The event was generously sponsored by Canara Bank, UpGrad, Whatfix, and ICICI Bank.

The event featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including:
Advit Sahdev (Marketing Strategist)
Dejeshwini N (Illustrator)
Dr. Vijender Singh Chauhan (Educator)
Prof. Rajendra Bera (Aeronautical Engineer and Author)
Nandita Jayaraj (Science Communicator & Journalist)
Suman John (Social Entrepreneur)
Ankur Warikoo (Entrepreneur)

“IIIT-B has always been a hub for innovation and a melting pot of ideas. Confluence 2025 reflects our commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and meaningful discussions. This year’s theme, Cadence of Creations, highlights the interconnectedness of patterns in nature, technology, and design. Events like Confluence which are completely student driven, ignite curiosity, broaden horizons, and prepare our students to lead with creativity and purpose. The success of this second edition reflects the power of shared ideas and collective growth.” said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore.

Event Highlights

The day opened with Advit Sahdev, who connected marketing strategies with historical contexts, emphasizing the significance of timing in decision-making. Dejeshwini N followed with a captivating session, showcasing patterns in art, colors, and creativity, leaving the audience with a renewed appreciation for artistic expression.Dr. Vijender Singh Chauhan delivered a powerful session on the influence of social media algorithms and biases in generative AI. He underscored the importance of critical thinking and diverse representation among influencers, urging participants to reflect on their digital consumption habits. Prof. Rajendra Bera took the audience on a journey through the world of physics, discussing patterns in natural phenomena and their applications in building advanced AI systems. His session prompted thoughtful engagement from students.

In the afternoon session, Nandita Jayaraj shared her experiences as a science communicator, celebrating the contributions of women in science and inspiring young women to embrace their scientific potential.

Suman John highlighted the importance of disability inclusion, offering practical insights on fostering inclusivity in daily life and creating a society that values diversity.

The event concluded with an inspiring talk by Ankur Warikoo, who shared real-world experiences on navigating life’s challenges, overcoming failures, and finding clarity amidst uncertainty. His address encouraged attendees to embrace courage, believe in their entrepreneurial potential, and steer their careers toward success.

Confluence 2025 established itself as a dynamic platform for thought-provoking discussions, innovative ideas, and meaningful connections. IIIT-B continues to champion the exchange of knowledge and the celebration of creativity through such transformative initiatives.

Chandigarh, January 21, 2025: Vedanta Ltd. said in an exchange notification that it will conduct meetings of its equity shareholders and secured and unsecured creditors on February 18 to seek their approval on the proposed demerger.

The demerger aims to create five separate entities focused on aluminum, power, oil and gas, steel and ferrous, and certain existing businesses under Vedanta Ltd. As per Vedanta’s earlier exchange filing, the proposed demerger will simplify Vedanta’s corporate structure by creating sector-focused independent businesses, providing global investors, sovereign wealth funds, retail investors, and strategic investors, with direct investment opportunities in dedicated pure-play companies.

Vedanta said in September 2023 that the demerger would provide a platform for individual units to pursue strategic agendas more freely and better align with customers, investment cycles, and end markets. It will help unlock value and provide the potential for faster growth in each vertical. Each company will have its market, demand, and supply trends and the potential to deploy technology to raise productivity. At the same time, the new companies will remain committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and net water positivity by 2030, the company said.

In November, the Mumbai Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal cleared the way for the meetings of Vedanta’s equity shareholders, and secured and unsecured creditors. Vedanta has already received a go-ahead/no objection from the stock exchanges.

Research firms and brokerage houses have expressed confidence in Vedanta’s demerger, seeing it as a chance of rerating. Emkay Research said in its December report on the mining sector that it believes that “Vedanta’s proposed demerger… focusing on the exposed commodity would open up a case for re-rating, as the investors would take exposure based on the outlook for that particular commodity and the business fundamentals without taking exposure to other commodities that come attached as part of the diversified group.” The brokerage sees a significant upside in Vedanta based on the expected valuation premium that pure plays get over diversified miners.

The share price of Vedanta Ltd. (VEDL) rose by 72% in the last year (2024).

Earlier this week, Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), the parent company of Vedanta Ltd. raised $1.1bn through new bond issuances. It had garnered strong investor demand with the bonds receiving final orders of $3.4bn+ representing an oversubscription of 3.1x. VRL has refinanced $3.1bn in USD bonds since September 2024 through four successive international bond transactions.

These transactions have repriced Vedanta Resource’s curve and reflect strong demand from international bond investors, including numerous marquee investors. The total quantum of USD bonds raised by VRL marks the largest amount raised by an Indian issuer over the last three years. VRL’s credit ratings have also been upgraded by multiple notches since its return to capital markets in 2024, to reflect the company’s improving liquidity, capital structure and longer debt maturity profile.

Bengaluru, January 21, 2025 – The Bangalore Hospital, a pioneer in healthcare and a legacy institution in Karnataka, proudly announces its association as the official Medical Partner for the prestigious Lalbagh Flower Show 2025. The event, a hallmark of Karnataka’s rich heritage, will be held from January 16th to January 26th at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, celebrating over a century of floral magnificence.

The Lalbagh Flower Show is an integral part of Karnataka’s cultural identity, captivating visitors with its vibrant displays for over 100 years. Similarly, The Bangalore Hospital, with its 35-year legacy, has been at the forefront of delivering exceptional healthcare services in South Bangalore. This collaboration celebrates two iconic institutions—one in nature’s artistry and the other in medical care—uniting to serve the people of Karnataka.

Founded as the first corporate hospital in South Bangalore, The Bangalore Hospital continues to be run by dedicated doctors and is a testament to the state’s pioneering spirit in healthcare. Over the years, the hospital has integrated advanced medical technologies to enhance patient outcomes, including the installation of India’s first 640-slice CT scanner, which delivers unmatched precision in diagnostics.

Dr. Lahari Surapaneni, CEO of The Bangalore Hospital, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The Lalbagh Flower Show represents Karnataka’s enduring legacy of beauty and innovation. At The Bangalore Hospitals, we share the same commitment to excellence, innovation, and service to the community. We are honored to contribute to this historic event by ensuring medical support for all visitors.”

When love, faith, and destiny collide, extraordinary tales are written. Sun Neo’s beloved show Ishq Jabariya takes a thrilling turn as Gulki, played by Siddhi Sharma, and Aditya, portrayed by the talented Lakshay Khurana, face a rollercoaster of emotions in their journey of love and resilience. Known for its gripping narrative and unforgettable moments, the show now serves up an episode filled with joy, hope, and unexpected heartbreak.

Gulki has faced countless hardships and dramatic twists in her journey. Finally, she feels that brighter days are ahead, and it’s time to celebrate. Aditya’s birthday brings the perfect opportunity to spread happiness and create joyful memories. But just as Gulki begins to hope for peace, an unexpected tragedy strikes.

Aditya gets bitten by a snake, leaving everyone in shock and despair. With Aditya’s life hanging by a thread, the celebration turns into a desperate race against time. Gulki is determined to save him, but will her courage and faith be enough?

Will Gulki succeed in protecting Aditya, or is this the tragic end of their story? And if Aditya’s fate takes a dark turn, how will this change the course of the tale?

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 7:30 PM, is an engaging love story centred around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.

Mumbai, January 21, 2025: MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) is proud to announce a historic achievement as our students, Ms. Taneesha Kotecha, Ms. Pritha Vertikar, and Ms. Sayali Wani, claimed the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 positions, respectively, in the Under-19 category for Table Tennis at the prestigious Youth National Championship held in Vadodara from January 3rd to 11th, 2025.

Demonstrating exceptional skill and determination, these athletes showcased their prowess on the national stage, securing multiple accolades. Ms. Taneesha Kotecha clinched the Gold medal in U-19 Doubles, a Silver medal in Teams, and a Bronze medal in U-19 Singles. Ms. Pritha Vertikar earned two Silver medals in U-19 Doubles and Teams, while Ms. Sayali Wani also secured Gold in U-19 Doubles and a Silver in Teams.

Shri Rahul V. Karad, Executive President of MIT World Peace University, said “This milestone is a moment of immense pride for MIT-WPU. Our students’ accomplishments in Table Tennis reflect not only their talent and hard work but also the comprehensive support system at MIT-WPU. We are committed to providing an environment that nurtures academic excellence alongside excellence in sports. These extraordinary young athletes inspire us all, and I congratulate them on this phenomenal achievement.”

This remarkable achievement stands as a shining example of the athletes’ relentless dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence. It also underscores the pivotal role of Mr. Rohit Bagawade, whose mentorship and unwavering support have been instrumental in unlocking the potential of these gifted players. The triumph of our athletes reflects MIT-WPU’s steadfast commitment to fostering talent in sports alongside academic excellence. With state-of-the-art sports facilities and a holistic approach to education, the university remains dedicated to cultivating future champions who inspire the nation.