Archives February 2025

New Delhi, 13th February 2025: AutoNxt Automation, India’s pioneering electric tractor manufacturer, recently had the honor of engaging in a productive discussion with Hon. H.D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries. The meeting focused on the critical need to include electric tractors in the existing EV promotion schemes, a move that could significantly bolster India’s position as a global leader in tractor manufacturing and drive sustainable transformation in agriculture.

The AutoNxt Automation leadership team shared their on-ground insights and experiences, highlighting how the inclusion of electric tractors in EV promotion initiatives could accelerate the adoption of sustainable technology, reduce emissions, and support Indian farmers with cost-effective and reliable solutions.

Kaustubh Dhonde, Founder & CEO of AutoNxt Automation, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are deeply thankful to Hon. H.D. Kumaraswamy for providing us with this opportunity to present our vision for sustainable agriculture. The Minister’s attention to the challenges faced by the industry and his guidance on the next steps have given us immense motivation to continue driving innovation in the sector.”

Pankaj Goyal, Co-Founder & COO of AutoNxt Automation, added, “This meeting is a testament to the government’s proactive approach towards promoting clean and green technologies in agriculture. The inclusion of electric tractors in EV promotion schemes will not only help reduce emissions but also empower farmers with affordable and efficient solutions.”

The discussion highlighted the transformative potential of electric tractors in reducing carbon footprints while enhancing productivity in the agricultural sector. AutoNxt Automation remains committed to collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to accelerate India’s journey toward sustainable farming.

As India moves closer to achieving its sustainability goals, such initiatives reflect a shared commitment to leveraging innovation for the greater good of the nation. AutoNxt Automation eagerly looks forward to continuing its contributions to the sector and supporting the government’s vision for a greener future.

Sometimes, a change of place brings with it new experiences and valuable life lessons. Actress Diksha Dhami, who is playing the lead role of Chaina in Shemaroo Umang’s newly launched show ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain’, recently shared her memorable shooting experience in Jaipur. Filming in the heart of Rajasthan not only gave her a taste of the vibrant culture but also helped her grow as an actor.

Diksha shared with a smile, “Filming in the villages around Jaipur was an unforgettable experience. The charm of the traditional farms, forts, and authentic culture left me in awe. Despite the cold weather, where I was running around in my ghagra choli while everyone else was bundled up, every moment was worth it! On our last day, we explored the vibrant markets of Jaipur, picking up beautiful jewelry and clothes that made the whole trip even more special.

She further added, “The warmth and kindness of the villagers was incredible. For them, seeing the shoot was something exciting and new, and for us, it was a chance to witness their raw, natural beauty. The experience of being surrounded by the rich colors and traditions of village life, not just on screen but in reality, was inspiring. It was a true learning experience, one that I will always cherish.”

At the core of ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain’ is the intense rivalry between Chamkeeli and Chaina. While Chaina fights for justice and tradition, Chamkeeli uses cunning and manipulation to achieve her goals. This clash of right versus wrong creates a rollercoaster of drama, emotions, and shocking twists that will leave audiences hooked.

Pune, 13 February 2025: Kamran Taylor, a young chef from England, was crowned champion at the world’s largest competition for young chefs, the IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad, which featured participants from 50 countries.

In a glittering Grand Finale of the 11th edition of YCO, contested by the top ten teams after the first two rounds, Armenia’s Arsen Armenakyan secured the Silver, while Yves Gabriel Cabrera Po from the Philippines won the Bronze Trophy.

The 11th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad was organized by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London.

The host country, India, made the nation proud as Chef Aliakbar Mustafa Rampurawala from IIHM Bangalore won the prestigious Dr. Suborno Bose Culinary International Challenge Prize, along with UAE’s Jasmin Ali Maher Lutfi Jarrar. This unique category featured 28 teams, which were not placed in either the Grand Finale or the Plate rounds. They were divided into 14 pairs, representing two countries each, in a spirit of culinary collaboration.

The Plate Trophy, contested by teams ranked between 11 and 20 after the first round, was proudly lifted by South Korea’s Shi-Hyun An.

The YCO Champion, Plate Trophy winner, and Dr. Suborno Bose International Culinary Challenge recipients were chosen after two rounds of intense competition showcasing the best culinary talents from around the world.

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the Young Chef Olympiad, said, “The world of culinary arts is united under the grand Kolkata sky. Culinary diplomacy means this. In a united world of young chefs, it’s the best way to make the world happy and sustainable through food. Only in India can you achieve something like this. This year, YCO felt like a family, and we had a new venue for the opening ceremony in Goa, on the banks of the Arabian Sea.”

Prof David Foskett OBE, Chairman of the Jury for YCO said, “YCO is a grand celebration of friendship, Unity and Passion. It depicts the unifying power of food in a world of conflict. YCO can happen only in India, under the visionary leadership of Dr Bose, who does again and again and again.

Padmashri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor remarked, “YCO is surely about compassion. But when you do it for 11 years, you multiply the compassion. YCO is also about competition with collaboration. Dr Bose is not only a lovable madman with a golden jacket, but he is a man of steel.”

Dr. Bose also highlighted IIHM’s efforts in integrating AI into hospitality and hospitality education. He announced IIHM’s Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration on AI in Hospitality with 50 countries, promoting inclusivity, human touch, and sustainability.

Bangalore, 13th Feb 2025– Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, and Garuda Aerospace, a pioneering UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2025, Asia’s biggest Airshow, being held from February 10th –14th. This partnership establishes a dedicated UAV design, engineering, and certification center to develop indigenous drone technologies specifically for Indian defence applications, along with agriculture, and smart cities, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace are showcasing prototypes, designs, and operational UAVs at Aero India 2025. In addition, a demonstration of indigenised UAV components highlights India’s advancements in autonomous UAV technologies.

Tata Elxsi will lead the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV subsystems, leveraging its expertise in avionics, miniaturisation, ground control systems, secured communication, and energy optimisation. Its proven capabilities in avionics certification, including compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C standards, will ensure regulatory adherence and safety. By integrating its proprietary autonomous and digital twin technologies, AI-driven solutions, and advanced propulsion and battery management systems, Tata Elxsi will enhance UAV efficiency, reduce energy consumption by 20%, cut costs by over 20%, and accelerate development cycles by up to six months.

Garuda Aerospace, as an OEM with a strong presence in defence and other sectors, will lead business acquisition and delivery. The drones developed under this initiative will cater to multiple applications such as payload management, goods delivery, precision agriculture, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, addressing critical operational needs across industries.

The Indian defence forces and Border Security Force are expected to be key beneficiaries of this collaboration, gaining access to cutting-edge UAV capabilities. Additionally, this initiative will create new employment opportunities and contribute to workforce development in the aerospace sector.

Jayaraj Rajapandian, Head of Aerospace, Rail & Off-highway, Tata Elxsi, stated: “Our partnership with Garuda Aerospace marks a major milestone in India’s aerospace ambitions. By driving AI-powered UAV advancements, we are strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and reinforcing the country’s self-reliance in aerospace technologies.”

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said “This strategic collaboration with Tata Elxsi reinforces our commitment to indigenous innovation. Over the next three to five years, we will focus on fully indigenised production and supply of airborne and ground systems, strengthening India’s leadership in UAV technology.”

Social Beat, one of India’s leading digital marketing agencies, successfully executed a comprehensive digital campaign for Fortune Foods to celebrate the brand’s 25-year milestone. Titled ‘Swaad Ka Safaar,’ the campaign aimed to bring alive the values and legacy of Fortune Foods through the love of Ghar Ka Khana, engaging audiences across generations through nostalgic and relatable storytelling.

The campaign’s creative approach resulted in a series of AI-generated videos and a brand-new 25-year logo launch film, encapsulating Fortune’s journey from then to now. The use of AI-driven creative assets brought a modern touch to the brand’s legacy content, ensuring relevance for both existing and new customers.

Commenting on the campaign’s success, Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder, Social Beat, said: “Fortune Foods has been a trusted name in Indian households for 25 years, representing a rich culinary heritage. Our objective was to create a campaign that not only celebrates this milestone but also resonates with people of all ages. The success of this campaign demonstrates the power of digital storytelling in building emotional connections with consumers.”

Jignesh Shah, Head of Digital, Fortune Foods, added, “Completing 25 years is a monumental achievement for Fortune Foods, and it was important for us to celebrate this milestone with our customers who have been part of our journey. Social Beat’s innovative approach to digital storytelling through Ai generated videos helped us convey the brand’s legacy and emotional connect in a way that truly resonated with our audience. The results speak for themselves, and we look forward to more collaborations with Social Beat in the future.”

The campaign was executed in three phases: pre-launch, launch, and sustenance, with key highlights including the unveiling of Fortune’s commemorative logo and a heartwarming 25-year journey video made by Social Beat that struck an emotional chord with audiences. The campaign across key cities including Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Pune, garnered massive digital traction with over 36 million impressions and a reach of 11.7 million users.

The campaign has set a new benchmark for digital-first brand celebrations in India. Social Beat continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, delivering impactful campaigns that drive brand growth.

Citizens can now witness an extraordinary celebration of the achievements of changemakers as Zee Kannada News presents the telecast of the prestigious Zee Achievers Award 2024 on 16th February 2025 at 6 pm. This special telecast is an opportunity for viewers to honour and be inspired by 46 distinguished individuals whose relentless contributions have made a significant impact across various fields.

As Zee Kannada News marks its third anniversary, it takes pride in recognizing changemakers who have redefined excellence and societal progress. The telecast will bring to life the inspiring stories of these achievers, showcasing their perseverance and dedication. The presence of eminent personalities such as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Minister Ramalinga Reddy, and film stars Dhruva Sarja and Priyanka Upendra amplifies the significance of this momentous occasion.

In a special video message, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated the awardees and commended Zee Kannada News for recognizing selfless contributors who often remain away from the limelight. Former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda lauded the initiative, emphasizing that in today’s evolving media landscape, dominated by social media and artificial intelligence, Zee Kannada News has set a strong precedent for recognizing true achievers. Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, Pontiff of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, highlighted the importance of acknowledging such efforts, stating that Zee Kannada News has earned the trust of the people of Karnataka through its unbiased news coverage and that recognizing exceptional achievers serves as a stepping stone to greater accomplishments. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar further underscored that the honored achievers are true assets to society, whose relentless efforts have significantly contributed to the nation’s development, emphasizing that awards should be seen as motivation for continued service. Minister Ramalinga Reddy echoed these sentiments, stating that those who dedicate their lives to the betterment of society without seeking personal gain are the backbone of the nation and that media recognition of such individuals accelerates societal progress, benefiting the state as a whole.

The Zee Achievers Award 2024 is a powerful tribute to individuals who have made a difference, from social work and business to education, medicine, and spirituality. Among the esteemed awardees are Satyanarayana, National Paralympic Coach; Dr. Sharad Kulkarni, Ayurvedic Doctor; Dr. Dhyaneshwar, Physician; N. Reena Suvarna, ACP Whitefield; and Girish Linganna, Space & Defense Expert, among many others. Their efforts and unwavering dedication to their respective fields serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for society.

This exclusive telecast is more than just an award show; it is a testament to the spirit of progress and perseverance. Join Zee Kannada News in celebrating these real-life heroes, as their journeys unfold on-screen, leaving an indelible mark on viewers and encouraging a future driven by excellence and service.

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 21 News channels, reaching more than 555+ million viewers in current year through its linear properties.

Chennai, 13th February 2025: BCT Digital, a global risk technology and compliance products company, has been recognized as a category leader in Chartis Research’s 2024 Model Governance Solutions Quadrant. The company’s rt360 Model Risk Management (MRM) solution was highlighted for its comprehensive capabilities in model coverage, governance framework, model inventory management, and model risk analytics.

The Chartis Research report evaluated BCT Digital’s rt360 MRM solution across several criteria, including its ability to manage the lifecycle of financial models, mitigate model risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Jaya Vaidhyanathan, CEO of BCT Digital, commented, “Being named a category leader in the Chartis Model Governance Solutions Quadrant reflects the strength and impact of our approach to model risk management. Our focus is on delivering solutions that simplify complex model governance challenges, enabling financial institutions to maintain robust control over their models while adapting to an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment.”

The solution automates model governance processes, including model validation, monitoring, and risk assessment, streamlining collaboration between departments. Features such as a centralized Model Register act as the single source of truth for all model-related activities, improving transparency and traceability. The Workflow Engine automates tasks and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration for improved efficiency. The MRM solution also enables financial institutions to reduce reliance on external validation services, streamline model risk management processes, and scale operations with minimal added cost.

In recent years, banks and financial institutions have prioritized MRM solutions. They are seeking robust and sophisticated software to automate model monitoring and quarterly assessments. This focus on automation ensures compliance with the guidance and standards set by their respective central banks. For instance, the Central Bank of UAE published new regulations and standards on Model Management Standard (MMS), applicable to all models used by banks, and the Model Management Guidance (MMG), specifically focused on Expected Credit Loss (ECL) models.

SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank Group, has started registrations for the 13th Batch of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, inviting young changemakers from India, NRIs, OCIs, and citizens of Nepal & Bhutan to contribute to rural transformation. Please find attached a press release sharing the announcement with the development sector aspirants.

This 13-month fellowship provides a structured platform for graduates and young professionals (ages 21-32) to work alongside rural communities and 13 leading NGOs across India, creating impactful, grassroots change.

The fellowship focuses on 12 key thematic areas, including health, rural livelihoods, food security, environmental protection, education, water, technology, women’s empowerment, self-governance, social entrepreneurship, traditional crafts, and alternate energy.

We would be happy to arrange an interaction with the leadership of SBI Foundation, to discuss the Fellowship’s outlook and impact over the past 12 years. Looking forward to your interest and support in spreading the word.

Maharashtra, 13 February 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is transforming rural education in Chandrapur, Maharashtra through its innovative CSR programmes in physical literacy and sports promotion. Fourteen students from Ambuja-supported ZP Upper Primary School, Upparwahi, Chandrapur, participated in the 2024 International Karate Championships in Hyderabad, winning one Gold, five Silver, and seven Bronze medals.

Similarly, Anushka Mandavkar, a seventh grader from Nadgaon School, has progressed to become a state-level 800m runner under the Khelo India initiative. She recently secured 2nd position in 300m running at an event in Nagpur. Since 2018, the initiative has empowered thousands of students, enhancing physical fitness, building sports skills, and inspiring participation in national and international competitions.

The programme started as a pilot in 10 schools in Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, and later expanded to include 15 schools in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It focuses on developing core physical competencies like endurance, agility, strength, and speed. Due to Ambuja Cements’ efforts, a 2023 assessment by ELMS Sports Foundation reported a 73-74% improvement in students’ physical fitness in addition to creating inspiring success stories.

Ambuja Cements is championing holistic development in underserved communities by collaborating with sports organizations, local authorities, and schools. The initiative also boosts school attendance, enhances discipline, and promotes inclusivity, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to unlock their full potential.

Something big is brewing in the world of music and cinema, and it involves none other than the legendary trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. For the first time ever, the maestros are stepping into the Malayalam film industry, but that’s just the beginning of the intrigue. This isn’t just any film, it’s set to be a high-energy, action-packed spectacle, inspired by WWE and the raw, electrifying world of wrestling. But what makes this project truly special?! With the trio known for crafting unforgettable soundtracks across industries, what kind of musical magic will they bring to a story built on adrenaline and combat?

Produced by Ramesh Ramakrishnan, Ritesh Ramakrishnan and Shihan Shoukath, this ambitious project is backed by Reel World Entertainment, a collaboration between the globally renowned Transworld Group and the creative force of Lensman Group. At the helm is debut director Adhvaith Nayar, who, alongside Sanoop Thykkudam, has crafted a story that promises to be as intense as it is groundbreaking.

The film is already making waves in industry circles, and while the official cast remains a closely guarded secret, whispers suggest it features a stellar ensemble unlike anything seen before. Who will step into this thrilling world? The suspense builds, with an official cast and title announcement just a few weeks away.