Archives January 2025

January 20, 2025: Stonewood Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Amish Mathur as the General Manager of Maan Vilas by Stonewood Premier, Udaipur. A seasoned hospitality professional with 27 years of vast experience, Mr. Mathur has honed his expertise across a diverse range of roles including working with QSR chains, international hotel brands and independent properties. His 360-degree understanding of the hospitality business is complemented by his expertise in pre-opening projects and managing properties in remote locations.

Mr. Mathur is a hotel management graduate from the 1994-97 batch from Mangalore University and started his career with The Taj Rambagh Palace Jaipur as a management trainee. He later took charge of reservations at North Zone and became part of the sales & Taj Reservation Network.

In his most recent role at Zone Palace by The Park in Phalodi, Mr. Mathur successfully undertook the renovation of a 300-year-old haveli, establishing a sustainable business model. His straightforward yet effective philosophy, “sell the destination to sell the hotel,” proved to be remarkably successful in driving growth and ensuring a consistent flow of business.

On a personal note, Mr. Mathur is a passionate wildlife enthusiast with a keen interest in wildlife photography. In addition to his love for nature, he enjoys music, which serves as his pastime when he is not occupied with work.

(Left – Right) Mr. Sandeep Nelamangala, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Limited & President, Mobility Solutions, Bosch India, Mr. Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of the Bosch Group in India and Managing Director, Bosch Limited, with Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister (HI & Steel), at the Bosch stall at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Shri Kumaraswamy had a firsthand experience of the Hydrogen powered demonstrator vehicle witnessing the technology’s potential to decarbonize transportation and transform commercial mobility with cleaner solutions.

Best,

India, 2025: HDFC ERGO General Insurance, India’s leading non-life insurance company, has launched #GalatRaastePeMatJao, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the risks associated with unsafe driving practices and promoting responsible road usage.

 Indian roads have been witnessing a large number of deaths and serious injuries due to accidents caused by various factors such as over speeding, mobile phone usage, reckless driving, etc. Alarmingly, over 4.60 lakh road accidents happened in the country in 2022 in which over 4.40 lakh individuals got injured.

 To address these concerns, HDFC ERGO has unveiled a campaign titled #GalatRaastePeMatJao, to create awareness metaphorically and urge individuals to avoid unsafe practices like using mobile phones while driving, over-speeding, and other risky behaviours, thus motivating people to be responsible on roads.

 Aligned with this campaign, the Company is also distributing car danglers across select network of cashless garages across the country. These car danglers, with important road safety messages, aims to serve as reminders to the vehicle owners to follow safety measures, while they are driving.

 Speaking about the need of road safety week, Parthanil Ghosh, Director and Chief Business Officer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, said, “Road crash casualties lead to tremendous emotional and financial turmoil for families. Additionally, it also significantly denting the Indian GDP, to the tune of 3% to 5% annually. As per the latest Global Status Report on Road Safety by WHO, road traffic crash numbers continue to rise in India. Sadly, young people from 18-45 age-group accounted for around 65% of total accident deaths in 2022. Road accidents are caused by various factors, with the use of mobile phones accounted for over 2% of the deaths with drunken driving accounted for over 2.5% of the persons killed in 2018. As a responsible corporate citizen, at HDFC ERGO we have always taken initiatives that can contribute towards building a Healthy and Safe India. Through #GalatRaastePeMatJao, we aim to raise awareness about the profound impact of unsafe driving habits and foster a culture of responsible road behaviour.”

 HDFC ERGO has launched various campaigns to propel the idea of road safety such as #TakeItEasyonRoads in 2015, a social media campaign to spread awareness on the impact of distracted driving, which is one of the key reasons for road accidents; Do Not Disturb an awareness campaign in 2018 around various reasons that lead to road accidents and #EyesOnTheRoad to raise awareness on the importance of being focused on the road.

 In 2020, the company also launched High beam – not OK please radio campaign, addressing the misuse of the high beam while driving and #KyaYehChaltaHai, highlighting the casual attitude of people towards Road Safety and encouraged the audience to obey even all traffic rules, no matter how small they are. Reinforcing its commitment to drive road safety, the company launched #RoadSafetyKiZimmedariHamari in 2021, highlighting the importance of working collectively towards road safety and #SadakSurakshaJeevanSuraksha in 2022 to raise awareness on various aspects of road safety that can prove to be dangerous, if not followed carefully.

New Delhi, January 20, 2025: Coromandel International Limited, India’s leading agri-inputs company, has inaugurated an advanced Soil and Leaf Testing Laboratory at its plant in Kakinada. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, this facility is designed to provide precise soil and plant nutrient analysis, helping farmers across India better understand their soil and its nutrient composition. This empowers them to make informed decisions on agri-input usage, promoting sustainable agricultural practices while safeguarding soil health for future generations.

The hi-tech laboratory was inaugurated by Mr. Arun Alagappan, Executive Chairman of Coromandel International Limited, along with Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, in the presence of other senior leadership team.

The laboratory features advanced equipment such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), which provides precise detection of essential soil and plant nutrients; Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) which enables detailed leaf nutrient analysis. Other advanced technologies present at the lab include spectrophotometers, microwave digesters, and near-infrared spectrometers, ensure comprehensive and precise testing capabilities. These tools provide farmers with valuable insights into soil health and nutrient availability, allowing them to adopt precise agricultural practices that optimize fertilizer usage. By addressing nutrient deficiencies, improving crop yields, and minimizing unnecessary input costs, the laboratory supports long-term soil health and sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Coromandel International Ltd., emphasized Coromandel’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. He said, “We are focused on empowering farmers with the tools to optimize productivity and sustainability. By offering soil and leaf test-based fertilizer recommendations, we help farmers make informed, tailored decisions for specific crops, regions, and seasons. This first-of-its-kind laboratory will change the game for farmers in being able to predict better outcomes through the precise nutrient insights.”

Mumbai, 20th January 2025 – Collective Artists Network’s Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT), India’s premier storytelling platform, is thrilled to announce Baat Pakki, a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the chaos and charm of the Indian wedding season. The series marks the YouTube web show debut of India’s digital star Apoorva, popularly known as The Rebel Kid. Known for her infectious energy, bold persona, and relatability, Apoorva has built a strong connection with audiences through her dynamic digital presence. Now, she steps into a new realm of storytelling, bringing her signature charm and authenticity to this vibrant and emotional narrative.

Anuj Gosalia, Founder and CEO of Terribly Tiny Tales commented, “With Baat Pakki, we are embracing the exciting possibilities of short-form video storytelling. The format allows us to craft impactful, culturally resonant narratives that fit seamlessly into the lives of our modern audiences. Baat Pakki is the perfect start to this journey, blending TTT’s storytelling expertise with the vibrant energy of India’s most loved digital star, The Rebel Kid. This is storytelling reimagined for a new generation, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring it to life.”

Baat Pakki will be a 5-episode series released over two weeks on TTT’s YouTube Channel. It explores the relatable, funny, and emotional moments that make wedding season so memorable, with plenty of drama along the way. The show has partnered with Himalaya Wellness Company and Manyavar Mohey as associate partners, and Gillette and Philips Garment Steamer as category partners. Additionally, Baat Pakki features four original soundtracks by independent music artists, Akshay & IP, Charan, Tanishq Seth, and Shreya Gupta.

Baat Pakki offers a fresh canvas for The Rebel Kid to showcase her acting chops and connect with fans in an entirely new way. Commenting on her role, Apoorva (The Rebel Kid) said, “I’ve always believed in the power of authentic storytelling, and Baat Pakki feels like a celebration of everything we cherish about weddings in India but with a unique narrative. This being my first YouTube web show, I couldn’t have asked for a better platform or a more incredible team to bring this story to life and it has been an enriching experience. I’m thrilled that my fans will see a new side of me in this role. I have loved connecting with my audience through different media, across formats, and with this project, I am looking forward to bringing to them a new dimension of the Apoorva that they know.”

All the stress, laughter and ridiculous issues that come in the way of the bride-to-be as she prepares for her big day is what Baat Pakki captures over 5 episodes in this season.

Gurugram, 20th Jan 2025: ProcureYard, a Gurugram and Bengaluru based B2B commerce platform for raw material, founded in 2023 by Anshu Kandhari, Pankaj Bisht, Somdutt Parashar, and Tushar Agarwal has raised a seed round of $1.72 million led by Powerhouse Ventures. The round also saw participation from Java Capital, 2am VC, well known angels Abhishek Goyal, Co-founder, Tracxn and Rajesh Sawhney, Founder, GSF.

The Company has also reached an important milestone of Rs. 300 crore in ARR (Annualised Revenue RunRate) and has turned profitable while growing 6X. ARR is the revenue level reached by a company after 12 months.

The capital raised will be strategically directed towards product development and working capital management. ProcureYard plans to leverage its custom-built conversational AI platform which drove success in metals and replicate it to other raw materials. The Company plans to increase their market presence with their supply chain solutions.

ProcureYard has built a smart procurement platform for EPC contractors to interact, understand their own data and digitize their supply chain. The Company has also launched a multi-lingual voice agent that understands customer enquiries and matches them with the right set of suppliers.

Sri Peddu, General Partner, Powerhouse Ventures, states, “Procureyard is redefining the digital transformation of a traditional, fragmented sector with its vertical AI approach. This is a massive industry plagued by supply chain inefficiencies, and the time is ripe for streamlining procurement processes and delivering unparalleled value to SMEs. Their ability to achieve profitability so early in their journey, coupled with their rapid growth, is a clear indicator of their strong execution capabilities and market demand. With their innovative AI agents already solving critical inefficiencies, we are thrilled to support ProcureYard as they expand into new verticals. The team’s vision and focus on profitability set them apart in a competitive market, and we believe they are well-positioned to become a market leader in this space.”

Anshu Kandhari, Co-founder & CEO, ProcureYard, says “At Procureyard, we’re using technology to revolutionize even the most traditional industries. Our AI agents, designed with deep expertise, deliver unparalleled solutions—helping SMEs find the right suppliers, negotiate deals, forecast finances, and extract actionable insights, all without complex tools. Globally, no one offers vertical AI solutions like ours in B2B raw material procurement, and it’s thrilling to witness the transformative impact on our customers and the industry.”

He further added, “Since our seed funding, we’ve achieved over 6x growth and reached profitability while targeting a $1+ trillion untapped market. As we prepare for Series A, we’re doubling down on scaling our reach, advancing AI solutions for underwriting, lending, and risk mitigation, and continuing to redefine possibilities in this sector.”

Operating across 20+ states, ProcureYard has built a robust network of over 200 suppliers serving more than 200 SMEs in India. The company aims to touch an ARR of Rs. 3,000 crore in the next 12 – 18 months.

ProcureYard is a one stop shop for all supply chain needs for construction, manufacturing and infrastructure companies. The company offers a comprehensive suite of solutions, including procurement and sale of construction raw materials, excess inventory liquidation, customization services, logistics management, financing options, and cutting-edge vertical AI solutions for supply chain optimization and customer relationship management.

Bhubaneswar,20th January 2025: The 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) convened at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. The event was chaired by Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Chairman CGPB. Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI, and Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, were the other dignitaries gracing the occasion.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the exploration, research, and mining sectors to discuss advancements in geosciences, mineral exploration strategies, and critical challenges. Key discussions focused on mineral resource augmentation, clean energy initiatives, geohazard management, and sustainable development, emphasizing a collaborative approach to emerging priorities.

The proposed Annual Programme of GSI for the ensuing Field Season year 2025-26 was placed before the Board for discussion. For the upcoming year 2025-26, GSI has formulated about 1065 scientific programs, which include 402 Mineral Development projects (G2; G3; G4; and Offshore Explorations) that have the potential to generate auctionable mineral blocks soon. 167 Mineral Discovery Projects (RMT; Research Project; C-MAP; GT; MPA; Multispectral/Hyperspectral projects) have the potential to generate promising areas for future exploration in the G4 stage. Within the exploration activity, a significant focus has been placed on critical mineral exploration, with 227 dedicated projects targeting strategically important mineral commodities such as REE, RM, graphite, lithium, vanadium, and PGE, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year. The field season program of GSI for FS 2025-26 includes 25% of investigations on critical minerals, that entails out of the total budget of GSI, about 300 crores will be spent on critical mineral exploration and investigation.

In addition, GSI has outlined 141 projects under Natural Hazard Studies, Public Good Geoscience, and Fundamental Geoscience for 2025-26. These include projects on landslides, geotechnical studies, polar & glaciology research, climate change, and environmental studies, as well as initiatives in fundamental geoscience. This comprehensive approach reflects GSI’s commitment to disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and scientific innovation.

GSI has initiated 65 geoinformatics projects leveraging cutting-edge AI/ML modeling, legacy data integration, and the deployment of emerging technologies like Magnetotelluric& Heliborn survey to enhance exploration efficiency. A key highlight of the event was the announcement of the Mineral Hunt Techniques Hackathon winners, showcasing start-ups and unicorns employing AI/ML-driven prospectivity analysis to accelerate target, identification of mineral deposit discovery.

Furthermore, several publications, including on the Geology and Mineral Resources of Jharkhand and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and a Geology and Mineral Resource Map of the North Eastern Region were released.

In his address at the 64th CGPB meeting, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines & Chairman, CGPB, emphasized the platform’s vital role in fostering collaboration and advancing geosciences. He outlined key initiatives by the Ministry of Mines, aligned with two significant recent budgetary announcements, on Critical Mineral Mission and Offshore Mining.
Shri Rao highlighted the successful auctioning of 24 critical mineral blocks so far in the year 2024-25 and launch of India’s first-ever auction of 13 offshore mineral blocks. He encouraged exploration agencies to utilize NMET funding to enhance mineral exploration efforts & execution of R&D projects. Shri Rao also stressed the utilization of legacy geological data available in the NGDR portal and underscored new initiatives to issue more exploration licenses, enabling private agencies to contribute to the mineral exploration landscape.

In the technical session of the meeting, the Hackathon winners—namely, the first prize-winning team AMD, the second prize-winning team GSI, and the third prize-winning team IIT-ISM, Dhanbad, presented their algorithms and methodologies for targeting critical minerals using AI/ML tools. These methodologies will be of immense use to GSI in their mineral exploration work by intensive use of AI/ML in the mineral exploration programme. Additionally, the session had presentations on recent changes in guidelines for forest clearance by MoEFCC and recent developments in NGDR.

In the presence of senior officials, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, inaugurated an Exhibition showcasing various exhibits on diverse themes of geoscience, in which GSI, PSUs, private exploration agencies and startups showcased their achievements.
The event concluded on an inspiring note, emphasizing the importance of progress, innovation, and a shared responsibility to shape a brighter future for generations to come.

By- Richa Agarwal, Chairperson, KCC

“As someone deeply invested in this journey from the very beginning, the VK VI Conference holds a special place in my heart. What began as a small gathering of creative minds has grown into a powerful platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration—a space where diverse ideas meet to shape a more sustainable future. The principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family—have always guided our vision. To see these principles come to life through rich dialogue and innovative thinking is incredibly rewarding. This symposium isn’t just about design, architecture, or art; it’s about building a community that values holistic growth, pushes boundaries, and addresses the challenges of our time with empathy and creativity. I’m personally inspired by the energy and commitment of everyone involved, and I believe the solutions born from this gathering will leave a lasting impact on the world we are working to build.”

By- Dr. Shwetal Ashwin Patel

“The sixth edition of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, titled ‘INTERSECTIONS & CONFLUENCES: Art, Architecture, Design, Craft, Music, Textile, Ecology & Community,’ marks a new chapter for this important initiative, founded by the Emami Group, Anamika Kala Sangam Trust, and KCC. Having been part of VK since its inception in 2019, I’m excited to co-curate this edition with Ushmita Sahu. ‘INTERSECTIONS & CONFLUENCES’ delves into the interconnectedness of creative practices and its implications for interdisciplinary work today. While we face numerous challenges, VK provides an opportunity for practitioners and the public to gather, converse, and reflect on new ways to live and work in harmony with each other and the planet.”

By- Ushmita Sahu

“The VK VI Conference is more than just a gathering of creative minds—it’s a catalyst for change. In a world that increasingly demands sustainable solutions, this event underscores the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Architects, designers, artists, and thinkers come together to challenge norms and rethink possibilities. Embracing the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we acknowledge the interconnectedness of our work and the world. This year’s focus on ecological practices, grassroots innovation, and policy reform demonstrates that creativity is not just about aesthetics—it’s about responsibility. The conversations and partnerships fostered here will open new pathways for designing a future that values diversity, equity, and the environment. VK VI is a space for bold ideas, but more importantly, it’s where those ideas are transformed into real-world impact.”

Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) announces admissions for Culinary Arts and for Bakery and Pastry Arts. Budding chefs and baking enthusiasts who want to advance their culinary skills to the next level and master the art of bakery and pastry under the guidance of industry experts can apply for the courses.

IBCA is connected with top hotels/restaurants where students are trained and placed. Students have to go through selection trials and interviews for placement, which are held at the end of their respective duration.

The following courses are available in the IBCA institute with their respective duration: 18 months Advance Diploma Course in Culinary (Level 3), 18 Months Advance Diploma Course In Pastry (Level 3), 12 Months Diploma Course In Culinary Arts (Level 2), 12 Months Diploma Course In Pastry Arts (Level 2), 6 Months Certificate Course In Pastry (Level 1), 3 Months Certificate Course In Culinary, 3 Months Certificate Course In Pastry, Culinary Hobby Course and Pastry Hobby Course.

How to apply: Applicants seeking admission are required to fill out the online application form available on the institute’s website. The admission prerequisites will be in accordance with the various regulatory bodies as amended from time to time.

Admission Process: Applications for the Academic Year 2025 are open to applicants who have passed or will appear for the qualifying examinations under the higher secondary (10+2) from any recognized Board of Education such as AISSCE/IB/ICSE/CBSE, or equivalents.

IBCA is an institute in teaching and learning for comprehensive Bakery and Culinary programs with national and international certificates. It is accredited with City & Guilds (London), Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, India (THSC), and National Skills Development Corporation, India (NSDC).

Chennai, January 20 2025: Zee Tamil is known for revolutionizing Tamil entertainment and the channel continues to deliver back-to-back fiction and non-fiction launches, each receiving overwhelming responses. Adding to this legacy, Zee Tamil is set to captivate its audience once again with the simultaneous launch of two highly anticipated serials ‘Manasellam’ and ‘Getti Melam.’ Premiering on January 20, these family dramas promise to take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster with their unique storylines and compelling characters. Mark your calendar and tune into Zee Tamil at 2:30 PM for ‘Manasellam’ & 7:30 PM for ‘Getti Melam’.

 The first show Manasellam will premiere at 2:30 PM on Zee Tamil, is a heart-touching family story set in a beautiful village in Virudhunagar. Raja Sundaram, the head of the family, plans to arrange two marriages within his family. But things take an unexpected turn when a secret love story comes to light, creating conflict and emotional drama. Featuring a talented cast, including Deepak, Jaibala, and Vanathi, this serial will take you on an emotional journey filled with twists, love, and family bonds.

 At 7.30 PM, Zee Tamil will present Getti Melam, the first-ever one-hour mega-fiction drama. This show chronicles the struggles of Sivaraman (played by Ponvannan) and Lakshmi (Praveena) a middle-aged couple striving to build their dream home and arrange their daughters’ marriages. Exploring themes of traditional values clashing with modern ideals, Getti Melam features a star-studded cast including Chaya Singh, Sowndharya Reddy, Sibbu Surya, and Viraat, with a special cameo by Prajan.

 With Manasellam showcasing the intricate bonds of family in a charming village backdrop and Getti Melam delivering an inspiring tale of dreams and generational dynamics, Zee Tamil promises to keep you hooked with its engaging storytelling. Don’t miss this double dose of entertainment on January 20, gather your family, and tune in to Zee Tamil for an unforgettable experience that will touch your heart and leave you asking for more!