Archives February 2025

Coyu Launches Flagship Store at Ireo Gurugram, Elevating Shopping Experience

Gurugram, India, February 24th, 2025 – Coyu, a premium multi-brand fashion and lifestyle platform catering to the modern Indian woman, is set to unveil its flagship store at the IREO complex in Gurugram. To celebrate the launch, Coyu will host an exclusive event on February 22, 2025, inviting customers to experience the store’s distinctive offerings. The spacious 6,000 sq. ft. store is designed to deliver a personalized shopping experience, centered around Coyu’s core philosophy of ‘Joy of the Find,’ where discovering new styles and creating a personal wardrobe is both exciting and fulfilling.

Launched in October 2024 by industry leader Mohit Gupta, co-founder of Zomato and former COO of MakeMyTrip, with help of Mukesh Bansal, founder of Myntra and Cult.fit (co-founder and Strategic Advisor), Coyu was created to meet the diverse occasion wear needs of women. The name “Coyu” is derived from ‘Collated for You, in Collaboration with You,’ underscoring the brand’s commitment to offering a carefully curated collection of premium fashion and enabling the modern woman to shape and express her own unique style.

The new store features over 50 handpicked brands, offering a diverse range of Western, Modern Ethnic, and Indo-Western wear. Showcasing renowned international labels like Karen Millen, Salsa Jeans, DKNY, Sister Jane, Pinko, and Nobody’s Child, alongside celebrated Indian brands such as Saksha Kinni, Our Love, Dash & Dot, Basanti Kapde & Coffee, Linen Bloom, Ganga Fashions, and Soup by Sougat Paul, Coyu is a one-stop destination for every occasion. With prices starting from INR 3,000 and going up to INR 30,000, the store caters to everything—from casual outings and business meetings to festive celebrations.

coyu

Coyu’s Shopping Experience
Coyu’s flagship store is designed to provide an exceptional shopping journey, offering an atmosphere that is both welcoming and exclusive. The store includes six spacious trial rooms, a dedicated lounge area, and a coffee station, creating a relaxed environment for customers. Exclusive styling sessions with expert stylists are available to help shoppers find their perfect look, and in-house alterations ensure a flawless fit for every customer.

Digital Services and Convenience
Coyu has already introduced its Try-at-Home service and 90-minute delivery with the opening of its first store at Ambience Vasant Kunj in October 2024. These services, which are currently being refined, provide convenience and flexibility for customers shopping from home. Coyu also operates a pop-up store at DLF Avenue Saket, bringing its curated selection of fashion to even more locations.

Key Features of the Coyu Flagship Store

Personal shopper lounge: For a more personalized shopping experience, customers can shop in a private lounge setting with our expert stylists picking the perfect pieces for your needs whether it’s a trousseau or a trip to the tropics.
Stylist Tips & Customization: Expert stylists provide personalized guidance, and in-house alterations guarantee a perfect fit.

 Try-at-Home & 90-Minute Delivery: Convenient online shopping with delivery in just 90 minutes.
Artisanal coffee cart with gourmet bites: Enjoy the expansive curation of fabulous fashion finds from 50+ brands or relax with a coffee in the lounge area.

Mohit Gupta, Founder & CEO of Coyu, shared, “At Coyu, we believe the future of premium fashion retail lies in creating immersive, omnichannel experiences. We are thrilled to unveil our flagship store in Gurugram, designed to offer modern Indian women a truly unique and personalized shopping journey. Our focus is on curating premium fashion that caters to diverse occasion wear needs, while seamlessly integrating online and offline services. With this launch, we aim to make an elevated lifestyle more accessible, personal, and inspiring.Coyu offers a platform for multiple homegrown fashion brands, providing a wide variety of high-quality apparel for every occasion. Through flagship stores, boutique outlets, and its online platform, Coyu provides a service-first shopping experience, from expert styling to express delivery and Try-at-Home services. At Coyu, every discovery is unique, and every purchase celebrates individuality.”

Ideas of India 2025: Day 1 Sets Stage for Groundbreaking Dialogues on Humanity’s Next Chapter

Chandigarh, 24 February 2025: The inaugural day of the ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 commenced with resounding grandeur, centred on the compelling theme, ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier.’ The summit witnessed an overwhelming response, solidifying its position as a premier platform for intellectual discourse and visionary thinking. This landmark event brought together luminaries from diverse fields to deliberate on India’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and the transformative impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Positioned at the intersection of India’s rich cultural heritage and its ascent as a global demographic and economic powerhouse, the summit served as a dynamic forum for thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators.

In the much anticipated opening session, ‘The Earth Flame Searching for Inner Peace’, celebrated Indian author, journalist, and travel writer, Pico Iyer, recounted his life in a catholic hermitage after a fire incident burned down his family home in California. “The very night I lost everything when my house burned down, I realized I still had the most important things. I also realized I don’t need 90% of things I accumulated; I can live more minimally. Humanity’s last frontier is really humanity’s first frontier which is what kind of invisible clarity and calm can we find to make our peace with AI and the other accelerating technologies.”

“India is not a poor country anymore, and we must take bold steps in developing our foundational AI models.”, said Dr. Manish Gupta, Senior Director at Google DeepMind, who leads AI research teams across India and Japan. Speaking on the topic ‘Transforming India with AI: Why We Need More Data’, he said, “Some assume that building foundational AI models requires hundreds of millions of dollars, but we must have the courage to take on challenges that have never been attempted before. AI is an old discipline, almost as old as computing itself. The reason ChatGPT and similar models took off is the innovation of transformer architecture, which has been key to foundational AI models.”

In the session, “The Frontiers of Science: Knowing the Unknown”, Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS, said, “One in ten people suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder.” Dr. Shubha Tole, Neuroscientist and Professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, talked about the importance of research, saying, “Research opens minds. It’s the art of asking questions, and through this process, we uncover profound insights. Who better to solve a problem than a mind trained in research?” Dr. Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director of Science Gallery, Bangalore, talked about the state of research funding in our country. “Our funding system is skewed and laced with bureaucratic hurdles. The funding landscape is poorly developed and needs to be strengthened. We also need to rethink the direction of research.”

In the session titled ‘The Next Generation: Making Business Better’, Shashwat Goenka expressed how his organization identified the potential of makhana early, stating, “We discovered the market value of makhana before people even adopted it. Healthy snacking was an untapped space, and we saw the opportunity before it became mainstream.”

Speaking in the session, ‘Wah Ustads: Magic at Their Fingertips’, Taufiq Qureshi said, “During our childhood, we were given honest feedback and guidance from gurus at home. “In my house, we had already covered A to Z of percussions, A for Alla Rakha and Z for Zakir Hussain. I didn’t feel any pressure growing up. I feel fortunate that I was born in a family which has such rich musical legacy. So, very early in my career, I tried to create my own identity and music and succeeded.”

“With legacy comes responsibility, which can be overwhelming but you gradually find your voice”, said Bickram Ghosh. “I performed my first concert at the age of 9, and I was immensely praised. But when I returned home, I was debarred from performing for next 10 years so that I don’t get used to attention. In one of my early performances, I was told by someone in live audience that I didn’t perform as well as my father. My father advised that I have to create my own sound instead of following him.”

At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson & MD, Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd. shared a powerful narrative of resilience, leadership and legacy. Speaking in the session titled ‘Transformative Leadership — Adapting to Change,’ she reflected on her journey of steering Kirloskar Systems through adversity while upholding its vision and values. Geetanjali said, “Success comes with an enabling environment. When we brought Toyota to India, I joined my husband in that journey, supporting him in two joint ventures. After his passing, I remained committed to Kirloskar, doing everything I could for the company.”

In a session, Conscious Development – Making Governance Ecologically Sensitive, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, said, “There should be no VIP culture at the Kumbh Mela. Safety and amenities should be available for everyone, and they are already in place at the Kumbh.” Speaking about rumours that tourism in Goa has declined, he said, “This is not accurate. Certain influencers are attempting to shift perceptions away from Goa as a premier tourism destination. This is not the appropriate platform to discuss which influencer is responsible, but we are conducting an investigation. Goa remains a safe and clean destination, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Additionally, people now visit Goa to see its temples, although previously, the main attractions were its beaches and churches. We are expanding and developing our airports and ports to accommodate both domestic and international tourists. Regarding sustainable development goals, we currently hold the fourth position and aim to reach the top by 2030.”

In the session ‘Adventures in Space – Our Place in the Universe,’ Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, Senior Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Visiting Professor at Caltech, said, “There is no conspiracy theory here. NASA is not keeping Sunita Williams in space. Sunita Williams’ return was delayed due to a technical glitch, but on March 19, they will be safely back home. In fact, we are using this opportunity to explore space further.”

In the session ‘50 years on – Art, Activism, and Acting,’ acclaimed veteran theatre artist and actor Amol Palekar remarked, “Actors have more social responsibility because people look up to them. There was a trend that movie only meant for entertainment. But art or movies cannot be mindless entertainment. If you see on any channel, 90% of topics covered by media is political news, as if there’s nothing else in our lives. We are stuck in a maze of who said what. Media should take responsibility to cover other aspects of our lives which can help us to become better human beings.”

Spotlighting the need for sustainable urbanization and development, Mayank Agrawal, CEO of Gallant Group of Industries, highlighted the role of technology in reshaping infrastructure. Sharing his insights in the session “Building Sustainably – Cities of the Future,” Mayank Agrawal stated, “India’s growing population and rising demand for housing require smarter solutions. AI is already playing a significant role in construction by predicting future equipment needs based on past data. Given that construction is labour-intensive, technology can drive cost-effectiveness and improve efficiency.”

Celebrated Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu inspired the audience with her views in the session ‘Fearless and Feisty – Telling Powerful Stories’. Taapsee remarked on the popularity of social media, stating “Don’t judge talent by their social media following. Cast actors in films because of their craft, talent, and ideology; not just because they have a huge follower count. I spend more time nurturing my talent than staying on social media. Trolling doesn’t affect me much.”

In the session titled ‘Diving into the Deep – A Decade in the Spotlight’ celebrated actress and climate change warrior Bhumi Pednekar opened up on several facets to her life. Bhumi said, “The way I look at the characters I have played is that they are women in their entirety. They are different shades of women a modern day Indian girl is. The common thing of all my characters is that they have agency. Something I really miss growing up was seeing women who didn’t fit into the bracket of conventional beauty standards are. I am genuinely fortunate and proud that my first movie was Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Usually women are defined by the rules that society expects them to be. But you don’t really have to. Women should make their own rules. I gained about 40 kilos for Dum Laga Ke Haisha but people around never judged me. So, I played the character with that confidence. Dum Laga Ke Haisha changed my life. I won’t ever want any other movie to debut.”

Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, said, “Coming from a small city like Lucknow has been a significant advantage for me. In such an environment, the need to prove oneself becomes second nature. Additionally, hailing from a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage has had a positive impact on me.” He was speaking in the session themed ‘What We Eat Is Who We Are: The Palate on a Plate’.

Celebrated singer and composer Papon captivated audiences during the session “Rhythm Divine: Growing Up with Music for the Soul.” He reflected on his musical journey, stating, “I was fortunate to be born into a family where music was a way of life. It was always like a mehfil at home. Delhi taught me a lot – the language, the nuances and the depth of music.”

Leading expert in foreign and national security policy, Ambassador Kurt Volker, Former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations, and President & Founder of Alliance Strategic Advisors, LLC, shed light on ‘The New World Order – View from America’.

Discussing the developments in United States since Donald Trump assumed office, he said, “There’s a feeling of disenfranchisement that Donald Trump has capitalized on to try and bring order back to people who are feeling dislocated.” He further commented on the developing geopolitics in Asia, stating, “China is a rising power which comes across as a direct adversary for United States; but India is a rising power that comes across a friendly state with shared values. President Trump personally likes Prime Minister Narendra Modi but that doesn’t stop his transnationalism.”

Qi Ventures Invests in LOGICLENS, Fueling Future Growth

Bengaluru, India – LOGICLENS, an emerging AI-driven video analytics start-up, has successfully secured its first investment from Qi Venture Crafts, the venture-building arm of Qi Ventures. This strategic funding marks a significant milestone in LOGICLENS’ journey to transform real-time video intelligence enhancing its power, accessibility, and industry-wide integration.

 Ajay Kumar Satpathy, a visionary entrepreneur from Jharkhand coming with a decade of experience in the AI industry alongside co-founder Anubhav Pandey, an ML architect from Bhopal, is on a mission to revolutionize video intelligence through cutting-edge artificial intelligence. LOGICLENS is an emerging startup specializing in Advanced AI based Video Analytics solutions. Our innovative technology leverages CCTV cameras to capture real-time events of interest, providing businesses and organizations with unparalleled insight and security. With a focus on precision and efficiency, LOGICLENS empowers clients to enhance surveillance, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions using state-of-the-art video analysis. LOGICLENS is at the forefront of revolutionizing the way we harness video data to drive better outcomes and safeguard our environments.

submission

 Abhijit Paul, Senior Director of Qi Ventures, spearheads Qi Venture Crafts, a platform dedicated to fostering innovation across India from Tier 1 cities to emerging entrepreneurial hubs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions. Under his leadership, Qi Venture Crafts provides promising start-ups with critical support, including business strategy development, market positioning, operational scalability, regulatory compliance, investor readiness, and funding acquisition. Additionally, the platform offers post-investment mentorship and guidance to help start-ups prepare for future funding rounds and long-term success.

 “India is a land of limitless opportunities, yet many brilliant ideas from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities struggle due to a lack of guidance, mentorship, and investment. This inspired me to establish Qi Venture Crafts to identify and nurture high-potential start-up ideas, equipping them with the resources they need to thrive and scale to remarkable success,” says Abhijit Paul, Sr. Director, Qi Venture Crafts.

 With Qi Venture Crafts’ backing, LOGICLENS is poised to redefine AI-driven video intelligence at an unprecedented scale, shaping the future of real-time video analytics.

 LOGICLENS pioneers hi-tech AI-driven video intelligence, leveraging advanced computer vision, deep learning, and edge computing to extract real-time, high-fidelity insights from unstructured video data. By fusing state-of-the-art neural architectures with spatiotemporal analysis, the company enhances security, retail optimization, and smart infrastructure orchestration.

 With this latest capital injection, LOGICLENS will expedite the evolution of its proprietary AI models, optimize multimodal sensor fusion, and expand its research into self-supervised learning paradigms. Additionally, the company will recruit elite machine learning engineers and data scientists to scale its AI pipeline, enhance computational efficiency, and drive the next generation of intelligent video analytics.

 “We envision a world where AI-driven video analytics empower businesses with intelligence, real-time decision-making capabilities,” said Ajay Kumar Satpathy, Founder & CEO of LOGICLENS. “Qi Ventures’ support validates our technology and fuels our ambition to redefine how businesses extract value from video data.”

 LOGICLENS is committed to staying at the forefront of AI-driven video analytics by exploring the latest technological advancements. The company is venturing into new areas such as Edge AI and Hybrid Processing to enhance real-time video analysis and reduce latency. LOGICLENS is also developing ultra-efficient edge AI models that run on low-power devices.

 Multimodal AI for Enhanced Perception is another key area of focus. The integration of audio, thermal imaging etc. with video analytics will allow for comprehensive situational awareness in sectors like industrial safety, autonomous security monitoring, and disaster management.

 Generative AI for Anomaly Detection is also part of LOGICLENS’ roadmap. The company is leveraging generative AI models to detect and predict unusual activities in crowded environments, aiding law enforcement, retail loss prevention, and traffic management.

 Additionally, LOGICLENS is working on AI-Powered Digital Twins. By creating real-time digital twins of environments, the company aims to revolutionize predictive maintenance in manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring, reducing downtime and optimizing efficiency.

 Expanding into the Agri-Tech sector, LOGICLENS is developing an AI-based Rodent Detection System for food storage facilities. This innovation ensures better hygiene and compliance with food safety standards, helping businesses maintain high operational standards.

 By spearheading these technological advancements, LOGICLENS aims to secure its position as a market leader in AI-driven video analytics. The company’s goal is to be the go-to solution for industries requiring intelligent surveillance, operational efficiency, and predictive analytics. With its strong foundation in innovation and strategic backing from Qi Ventures, LOGICLENS is set to shape the future of AI-powered video intelligence globally.

Papon Talks Music & Memories at Ideas of India 2025

Papon, Singer

Chandigarh, 24 February 2025: Celebrated singer and composer Papon captivated audiences at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 during the session “Rhythm Divine: Growing Up with Music for the Soul.” He reflected on his musical upbringing, journey to Bollywood, and the deep connection that he shares with music.

“I was fortunate to be born into a family where music was a way of life. It was always like a mehfil at home,” he shared. His father, known as the Bihu Samraat, introduced him to a world of melodies, from traditional Assamese tunes to legends like Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh.

Speaking about his musical evolution, Papon credited Delhi and Mumbai for shaping his craft. “Delhi taught me a lot – the language, the nuances, and the depth of music,” he said. However, Bollywood was never a planned destination for him. “I never set out for Bollywood. The people here are incredibly supportive – they believed in me.”

On the story behind his stage name, he revealed that ‘Papon’ was originally a nickname. When he asked legendary lyricist Gulzar about using his real name, Angarag Mahanta, Gulzar Sahab responded, “Your real name is beautiful, but you look and sound like Papon (‘Tum Dikhte sunte papon hi ho) And the name stuck.”

For Papon, music has always been an intimate experience, whether singing at home or performing for thousands. “Concerts are just an extension of what I used to do, singing for a few people at home. Now, it’s for five thousand, but the feeling remains the same.”

The session concluded on a soulful note as Papon mesmerized the audience with his music, leaving everyone in the magic of rhythm and melody.

ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, themed ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier,’ brought together thought leaders and innovators to discuss India’s growth in a rapidly evolving world. The summit explored key challenges and opportunities, including climate change, geopolitical shifts, and advancements in AI. The two-day summit brought together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

Indian Chamber of Commerce Unveils Centenary Marathon Run 2025

Marathon Run

Kolkata, 24 February 2025: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) announced the Centenary Marathon Run 2025 at a press conference held at ICC Tower. The event, scheduled for February 23, 2025, will mark a historic milestone, celebrating a century of ICC’s legacy while promoting fitness and sportsmanship. Dignitaries present at the announcement included Anirban Dutta, Secretary, IFA & Member, ICC Sports Committee; Sanjay K Jain, MD, T.T Limited & Chairman, ICC National Textiles Committee; and Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC. They also revealed the names of star athletes and eminent personalities who will be part of the highly anticipated run. The Centenary Marathon aims to bring together professional athletes, corporate leaders, and fitness enthusiasts, reinforcing ICC’s commitment to fostering a culture of sports and well-being.

ICC, a leading national chamber headquartered in Kolkata with a strong presence across India and global representation offices, is organizing the event under the theme “Run with Passion, Celebrate with Legacy.” The marathon will feature two race categories: an 11 KM Run, designed as a competitive segment for professional athletes, and a 3.5 KM Run, open to participants aged 18 to 60. To drive competition, cash prizes will be awarded across both categories, with the 11 KM winners receiving ₹20,000 (1st), ₹15,000 (2nd) and ₹10,000 (3rd), while the 3.5 KM winners will receive ₹10,000 (1st), ₹7,000 (2nd), and ₹5,000 (3rd).

The run will commence from Red Road, offering a scenic route through the city, starting at Mohammedan Sporting Club and concluding at George Telegraph Sports Club, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year – a happy coincidence!

The flag-off ceremony at 5:30 AM will feature an esteemed line-up of personalities, including Mr. Aankur Patni, Vice Chairman, Ion Exchange; Ms. Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, former MP Lok Sabha and Olympian with double gold medals in the Asian Games; Ms. Pranati Das, gymnast; Mr. Rahul Banerjee, archer; Dr. Sutapa Roy, Principal of Vidyasagar College for Women; Ms. Chaitali Das from Jute Story and Rakshak Foundation; Md. Iqbal, model; Mr. Kalyan Kar from the IT sector; Ms. Deblina Kumar; Mr. Debdut Roychowdhury, Founder and Director of Hatchlab Innovations Private Limited; and Ms. Sangita Sinha, Miss Asia Grand Universe.

India’s First Teen Pop Boy Band – A Landmark Music Initiative

Oscar & Golden

National, February 24, 2025: Multi-award-winning Indian-American songwriter Savan Kotecha has teamed up with Universal Music India, Republic Records, and Represent to launch a game-changing initiative set to redefine India’s pop music scene. This groundbreaking collaboration will spearhead the largest nationwide talent hunt to discover and develop India’s first globally positioned boy band, aiming to captivate audiences across the country and beyond.

Savan Kotecha, a 17-time Grammy nominee, Oscar & Golden Globe nominee, and the recipient of multiple Billboard Music Awards, BMI Awards, and ASCAP Awards is known for crafting chart-topping hits for Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, One Direction, Justin Bieber, and more. His vision extends to cultivating a thriving teen pop economy in India.

With a dynamic blend of A&R expertise, strategic marketing and a teen pop approach, this collaboration marks a bold step toward developing India’s next generation of pop superstars.

Reflecting on his mission, Savan Kotecha shares, “For too long, Indian youth have looked outside for their pop and teen idols. Boy bands from around the world have shaped entire generations, and now, it’s India’s turn. We want to create a group representing India’s diversity, dreams, and aspirations while igniting an unprecedented wave of fandom and paving the way for the Indian Teen Pop economy.

Adding to this, Sanujeet Bhujabal, Managing Director, Universal Music Group India & South Asia, said, “Our i-Pop strategy has been laser-focused on fostering a younger, Gen Z and Gen Alpha-driven soundscape in India. Now, with Savan, we’re taking this vision global by creating India’s first true pop boy band. This will be the biggest, most ambitious pop project and talent hunt India has ever seen, and we are beyond excited to bring this to life. At the same time, we’re committed to introducing and building a long-term teen pop economy in India.

Aayushman Sinha, Founder of Represent and a key management partner in this initiative, added, “What we want to build with this initiative is going to be a catalyst for the overall growth of the Indian pop culture ecosystem. We’re excited to get into a new era of talent development – something India and Indian artists have never seen before. We’re honoured to partner with Savan, UMG India and Republic to write this new chapter in Indian Pop Culture together. More importantly, this is about shaping a structured teen pop economy in India—one that fosters sustainable careers for young artists and cements pop music as a dominant cultural force.”

To bring a sharp, nuanced take to curating India’s first contemporary boy band, the project has partnered with Jugaad Motion Pictures. Beyond assembling a talented group of musicians, Jugaad is shaping the band’s collective identity—one built on personality, ambition, friendships, and conflicts.

Lajpat Nagar 3 RWA hosts Zero Waste Awareness Meet, leading the way in Sustainable Living

A Model Community in Sustainable Waste Management

zero waste mgt awarene

Delhi, 23 February 2025 – Lajpat Nagar 3 RWA is proving that sustainability isn’t just an idea—it’s a way of life. The neighborhood recently hosted the Zero Waste Awareness Meet, a community-driven initiative that has transformed waste management practices, ensuring that over 95% of waste is either composted or recycled. Residents have embraced the movement wholeheartedly, proving that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant environmental change.

Launched in 2023 by the Zero Waste Committee under the leadership of Mr. Charanjeet Singh, the initiative is a collaborative effort with the Lajpat Nagar 3 Residents Welfare Association (RWA) team, including Mr. SB Singh, Mr. Lalit Vohra, Mrs. Sujata Bahal, Mrs. Meeta Chaddha, and Mr. Sundeep Chaddha. The event was attended by MCD officials and the DDSIL team, who elaborated on the significance of this drive and its long-term impact on waste reduction.

Since becoming fully operational in February 2024, the initiative—managed by Tozero Sustainable Solutions, founded by IIT-Delhi alumnus Ajay Agarwal—has achieved remarkable milestones, including composting 48 tons of wet waste on-site, recycling 76 tons of dry waste, and providing sustainable employment to 12 waste pickers.

 

At the event, Councilor Sharad Kapoor, a passionate advocate for the project, praised the RWA’s dedication. “The people of Lajpat Nagar 3 are leading the way in responsible waste management. Their efforts serve as an example for the entire city. A cleaner Delhi starts with each of us, and this initiative proves that when a community comes together, real change happens.”

“Our community is proving that zero waste living is not just a vision but a tangible reality,” said Mr. Charanjeet Singh, speaking at the event, stated, “Our community is demonstrating that zero waste living is not just a concept but an achievable goal. Through consistent waste segregation, composting, and recycling, we are not only reducing landfill waste but also creating a sustainable blueprint for other communities to follow.”

Mr. Lalit Vohra, while speaking at the meet, remarked, “Waste management is often an afterthought, but this initiative proves that with a well-structured system, we can make a significant difference. Our efforts today will pave the way for a cleaner and healthier environment for the coming generations.”

Mrs. Sujata Bahal reflected on the impact of the event, saying, “It’s heartening to see our community so engaged in this movement. When sustainable habits start at home, they spread throughout the city, inspiring others to be more responsible with their waste.”

A key message emphasized throughout the event was that “My waste is my responsibility.” This initiative aims to instill a sense of ownership among residents, ensuring that waste management is not just a community effort but a personal commitment for everyone.

The final phase of the initiative, set to launch in March 2025, will fully transition Lajpat Nagar 3 into a 100% Zero Waste Community, serving as a model for sustainable urban living. This will serve as a model for other urban neighborhoods, proving that with the right strategies and community participation, sustainable living is truly within reach.

GNIT Organizes ATAL FDP on Quantum Computing and Nanotechnology for Cutting-Edge Learning

Kolkata, February 21, 2025: Guru Nanak Institute of Technology (GNIT) organised the AICTE-sponsored six-day Offline ATAL Faculty Development Program (FDP) titled “Quantum Computing and Nanotechnology: Synergy and Future Prospects”. With 60 participants from premier institutes across India, the FDP was coordinated by Dr. Sunipa Roy, Dean Research & Development, GNIT, and co-coordinated by Dr. Ipsita Saha, Associate Professor of Computer Science & Engineering. The program commenced with an inaugural session featuring Prof. (Dr.) Swarup Kumar Mitra, Principal, GNIT, and Dr. Adhish Kumar Chakraborty, Registrar, GNIT, who emphasised the significance of quantum computing and nanotechnology. The Chief Guest, Dr. Arpan Pal, Chief Scientist, TCS Research & Innovation Services, highlighted the transformative potential of quantum computing in the tech landscape.

GNIT

The six-day FDP featured engaging discussions led by eminent speakers from top academic institutions and industry leaders. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including quantum machine learning, quantum devices, nanotechnology, and security implications of quantum technology, quantum algorithms, and their applications. Experts also shed light on brain-computer interfacing, quantum tunneling-based nanosensors, and quantum teleportation. Hands-on training sessions allowed participants to work with advanced tools such as IBM Quantum Qiskit, modeling nanoscale device physics, and quantum computing simulations. An industry visit to IISER, Kalyani, further enriched the learning experience, providing participants with firsthand exposure to cutting-edge R&D labs.

The FDP received an overwhelming response, with participants appreciating the diverse range of topics covered and the opportunity to interact with experts in the field. Many highlighted the significance of such initiatives in nurturing research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group, stated, “At JIS Group, we are committed to nurturing innovation and academic excellence. This FDP successfully bridged the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications, equipping participants with the expertise required to navigate the future of technology.”

Blix Education Launches ‘Build-A-Machine’ 7-in-1 Engineering Kit for Young Innovators

Blix Education

Mumbai, 21st February 2025: Blix Education, India’s leading STEM-focused toy platform has recently announced the launch of ‘Build-A-Machine’, a 7-in-1 mechanical engineering kit to promote hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The toy brings real-life mechanical systems to young learners’ fingertips while encouraging them to explore and engage through building and experimenting.

The ‘Build-A-Machine’ kit comes with 100+ high-quality pieces that make learning interactive for 5 years and above the age of children. It enables them to construct and explore a variety of mechanisms including Scotch Yoke, Scissor Lift, Rack and Pinion Lift, Power Press Machine, Giant Whee,l, and more. As a result, it combines education and fun to spark interest in STEM learning from an early age.

Elated with the launch announcement, Mr. Abbas Gabajiwala, founder and CEO of Blix said, “Our mission at Blix Education is to make STEM learning accessible, engaging, and fun for children. Build-A-Machine is designed to ignite curiosity and introduce kids to the fascinating world of engineering through hands-on play. It empowers young learners to explore and experiment.”

Built with a STEM-based approach, ‘Build-A-Machine’ has a distinctive feature that operates without batteries. This allows children to experience the movement and functionality of machines in a completely manual and immersive way.

The newly launched toy functions as an innovative learning tool that introduces children to core engineering concepts in a fun and interactive way. By assembling different mechanical structures, they develop problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and a deeper understanding of real-world mechanics. The kit stimulates creativity and logical thinking, making it an ideal addition to classrooms and home learning environments.

Parents, educators, and young innovators can purchase the STEM toy from leading toy stores, educational retailers, and online marketplaces.

ZF Aftermarket Unveils India’s First ZF [pro]Tech Plus Workshop in New Delhi

Markus Wittig

New Delhi, India – February 21, 2025 – ZF Group, a global leader in driveline and chassis technology, as well as active and passive safety technology, proudly announces the opening of India’s first ZF [pro]Tech plus workshop in New Delhi. This milestone represents a significant step in ZF’s ongoing efforts to enhance technological capabilities, local expertise, and customer service excellence in the country.

ZF Aftermarket has a considerable legacy of workshops of over 40 years. This newly inaugurated workshop is part of ZF’s well-recognized ZF [pro]Tech network, which since 2012, has been empowering workshops by providing technical knowledge, training, and service data of OEMs.

The workshop in New Delhi was inaugurated by Markus Wittig, Global Head of Business Line Passenger Car, ZF Aftermarket, and Vijay Khorgade, Head of Business Line Pass Car IMEA. Rolly Chadha, Head of European Motor Works and the owner of this workshop, led the inaugural celebration. This event underscores the success and global importance of this initiative, highlighting ZF’s dedication to empowering its partners worldwide.

Markus Wittig, Global Head of Business Line Passenger Car, ZF Aftermarket stated, “I am very pleased with this launch of India’s first ZF [pro]Tech plus workshop. This reiterates our commitment and ambition in the Indian market. With this facility, we will be able to provide unparalleled support to our workshop partners, enhancing their capabilities and ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry in India. It also marks the start of a nationwide roll-out of our workshop concept in India.”

According to ACMA, the Indian automotive aftermarket grew by 10%, from 10.6 Bn USD to 11.3 Bn USD, in FY 2024, due to an increase in vehicle parc and increasing formalization of the repair and maintenance market.

Vijay Khorgade, Head of Business Line Passenger Car IMEA added, “For India, ZF Aftermarket is setting the benchmark for workshop expectations in terms of technology and quality. By offering technical know-how and training, we enable our partners to deliver exceptional service and support to their customers. As most of us know Indian automotive market is on the cusp of an evolution, and the ZF [pro]Tech plus concept enables workshops to keep pace with the new technologies and advances in mobility, making them relevant and ready for the future.”

Rolly Chadha Head of European Motor Works and the owner of this workshop expressed his enthusiasm, “We have been associated with ZF Group for several years now. As a legacy distributor, we are aware of the technology and quality ZF Aftermarket represents and we are thrilled to be part of the ZF [pro]Tech Plus network as the first-ever workshop. The comprehensive support and expertise provided by ZF Group will undoubtedly elevate our service standards and help us better serve our customers.”

Purpose and Impact:

Closely aligning with ZF Aftermarket’s strategy of “Maximizing Mobility Uptime,” ZF [pro]Tech workshops provide technical know-how, training, and mounting instructions to workshop partners. All ZF [pro]Tech workshops benefit from extensive support provided by ZF’s aftermarket experts, ranging from technical data and service campaigns to marketing support and a state-of-the-art training program. This holistic approach ensures that workshops are well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern automotive technology and deliver superior service to their customers. For distributors, ZF [pro]Tech workshops aim to generate secondary sales points by promoting ZF products at the workshop level. These workshops also play a crucial role in ZF’s long-term strategy, ensuring superior service, localized solutions, and a sustainable future for mobility.

The ZF [pro]Tech workshop concept is available in two versions: ZF [pro]Tech Start and ZF [pro]Tech Plus. In addition to all the advantages of ZF [pro]Tech start, the latter offers further benefits such as personal on-site support and annual participation in technical training on changing topics. There is currently already a network of more than 140 ZF [pro]Tech start workshops across India. ZF Aftermarket plans to significantly expand this network with both ZF [pro]Tech Start and ZF [pro]Tech Plus workshops within the next two years.

Expanding Presence in India:

With the launch of ZF [pro]Tech Plus, ZF Aftermarket continues to expand its presence in India, bringing world-class technology and expertise closer to its customers. The ZF [pro]Tech plus workshop in New Delhi is a significant milestone in ZF’s journey towards next-generation mobility and paves the way for further opportunities for distributors and workshops in North, South, and Western India.