Archives March 2025

Kochi, March 7, 2025: Future Generali India Insurance Company (FGII) is delighted to announce the inauguration of its first all-women’s branch in Kochi, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to empowering women in the workforce and enhancing customer service through gender inclusivity.

The branch, located on the 5th Floor of Pulikkal Estate, M.G. Road, Kochi, was inaugurated by Mr. Anup Rau, MD & CEO of Future Generali India Insurance, in the presence of senior leadership including Ms. Ruchika Varma, Chief Marketing, Customer and Impact Officer; Mr. Ramit Goyal, Chief Distribution Officer; Mr. Akshay Kashyap, Chief People and Organization Officer; Officer; Ms Ritu Sethi, Chief Internal Audit Officer; Mr Ashish Lakhtakia, General Counsel, Chief Regulatory Affairs & Company Secretary. The event marks a key achievement in the company’s long-term vision of fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment while providing top-tier insurance solutions to its customers cutting across various sections of society.

‘Shakti’, as the name suggests, symbolizes strength, resilience, and empowerment and the branch resonates the company’s commitment to fostering an environment where women lead with confidence and drive meaningful impact in the financial services sector.

Located in the heart of Kochi, the pioneering branch will be powered by an exceptional team of 12 women—with plans to onboard even more in the coming months. The dedicated all-women “shakti” sales team will provide expert insurance solutions while paving the way for greater representation of women in the industry. Moving forward, FGII plans to scale this model by expanding similar branches across other key cities, reinforcing its commitment to an equitable workplace.

Speaking at the inauguration event of the all-women’s branch in Kochi, Anup Rau, Managing Director and CEO, Future Generali India Insurance Company Ltd. said, “At Future Generali India Insurance, we have always believed that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not just values but catalysts for meaningful change. On this International Women’s Day, I am immensely proud to announce another step in our DEI journey—the launch of ‘Shakti’, our first-ever all-women branch in Kochi, Kerala. Our dedicated all-women “Shakti” sales team will provide expert insurance solutions while paving the way for greater representation of women in the industry. We hope this initiative inspires more women to pursue careers in insurance and financial services, nurturing the next generation of women leaders at FGII.”

With DEI firmly rooted in the DNA of the organisation, FGII has been undertaking several measures to create a benchmark not just as an inclusive insurer and inclusive employer but also as an inclusive corporate citizen. As an inclusive insurer the company has been customising solutions to address every conceivable homogeneous group, however small. As an inclusive employer, it has been empowering women in leadership roles and operational excellence, not only to foster a stronger workforce but also enhance its ability to serve its customers with greater empathy and understanding.

“The inauguration of the all-women’s branch reinforces our commitment to building an inclusive future, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. As part of our ongoing efforts, we will continue to create more opportunities for women employees to showcase their sales and leadership skills,” Rau said.

For a country the size of India, where women comprise roughly half of the nation’s population, at around 49 per cent, less than one-third, or only about 30%, are covered under health insurance between 2019-21, as per data fetched from the National Family Health Survey India report. Around 34.20 per cent of women are covered under life insurance, IRDAI’s annual report 2022-23 suggests.

Understanding the need gap, the company had launched a comprehensive health insurance plan “HEALTH POWHER” to address the various needs of women across the different stages of their lives last year. Now the launch of this all-women’s branch is not only a reflection of Future Generali’s progressive approach to gender diversity but also demonstrates its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women in the insurance industry. The branch aims to break barriers and establish a benchmark for other organizations to follow. With an all-women team leading the operations, the Kochi branch is poised to enhance the customer experience, provide specialized insurance solutions, and strengthen engagement with the local community.

The establishment of this all-women’s branch also underscores Future Generali’s resolve to expand its footprint in key regions, contributing to the company’s broader goal of providing accessible and inclusive insurance services across the nation. This milestone represents a growing trend within the company to drive innovation, inclusivity, and operational excellence across all levels of its workforce.

The company recently celebrated a significant milestone in its DEI journey of having 1% representation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in its workforce by launching a limited-edition collectible – ‘It’s a Onederful World’. Nearly 22 per cent of the company’s PwD hires are women, once again underscoring its efforts to build a workplace that is inclusive in every sense.

Bengaluru, March 7, 2025 – Nespresso, the pioneer in premium portioned coffee, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first boutique at Select Citywalk Mall, Ground Floor, Saket, New Delhi. This launch marks a significant milestone in Nespresso’s global expansion following its initial entry into India in late 2024.

The new boutique offers coffee enthusiasts an immersive experience, showcasing Nespresso’s iconic range of high-quality coffees and state-of-the-art machines. Consumers can explore and savor a variety of coffee blends, receive personalized recommendations from trained coffee specialists, and learn about Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability.

Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nespresso, said: “The launch of the Nespresso boutique in Delhi is a testament to our commitment to the growing coffee culture in India. I’m very proud of this important milestone, which will help us bring Nespresso’s unforgettable taste to Indian coffee lovers. We believe that every cup of Nespresso coffee tells a story of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. With this new space, we invite coffee lovers to immerse themselves in an unparalleled sensory journey, where they can explore our diverse range of exceptional blends and innovative machines.”

Speaking on the expansion, Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, stated: “Coffee culture in India is evolving rapidly, and we are delighted to bring our globally renowned expertise and the premium and unique experience of Nespresso. Launching Nespresso in India reflects our quest for excellence and commitment to deliver world-class coffee experiences to Indian consumers. As India’s coffee culture continues to develop, we are excited to introduce an aesthetically befitting space where coffee connoisseurs can savor the brand and discover the extraordinary.”

Nespresso and Nestlé India are pleased to announce that its official distribution partner in India is Thakral Innovations Pvt Ltd, covering the full range of Nespresso coffee products across all channels.

Nespresso has been sourcing high-quality green coffee from India since 2011 and collaborates directly with around 2,000 coffee farmers in the country through its AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program. This initiative focuses on improving coffee quality, farm productivity, and sustainability, reflecting Nespresso’s commitment to creating a positive impact throughout the coffee value chain.

Chennai, March 2025: GReaT Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels is introducing exclusive Financial Year-End Meeting Offers, designed for corporate teams to unwind, strategize, and celebrate their achievements in a serene and inspiring setting. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Yercaud, the property offers relaxing open spaces, breathtaking views, and seamless connectivity from Bengaluru and Chennai, with Salem Airport conveniently located nearby. This all-inclusive retreat combines state-of-the-art meeting facilities, comfortable stays, curated dining experiences, and engaging recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for leadership retreats, strategy sessions, and team-building getaways. The weekday offers start from INR 5500 plus taxes per person on double sharing.

 Speaking on the launch of the offer, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, said:
“At GRT Hotels, we understand the importance of an inspiring and distraction-free setting for corporate meetings and leadership retreats. GReaT Trails Yercaud offers the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and convenience, ensuring teams can recharge and refocus while enjoying a seamless experience.

 Beyond business, guests can embrace the tranquil surroundings, enjoy nature walks, bonfires, and adventure activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience that fosters both productivity and relaxation. Whether it’s a high-impact leadership meeting or a corporate offsite, GReaT Trails Yercaud provides the perfect blend of work and leisure, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating experience for every team.

Kolkata, March 05, 2025 – Srijan Realty, a leading real estate developer in Eastern India, today announced the appointment of Arindam Mukherjee as its Chief Operating Officer for their business operations outside of West Bengal. Arindam in his new role will ensure efficiency to strengthen the business operations and design processes for Srijan Realty.

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. R N Agarwal, MD, Srijan Realty, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Arindam in the new role at Srijan Realty Team. This role will be key to advancing and strengthening the company’s strategic focus outside of West Bengal. He brings 25 years of experience with a deep understanding of the Real Estate market which will play a crucial role in steering this exciting journey”

Talking about his new role at Srijan Realty Arindam expressed “As India has one of the fastest growing real-estate markets I am excited to join Srijan Realty on this journey. With a strong foundation already in place in Eastern India, I look forward to working with the talented team at Srijan to build an exceptional real estate business outside West Bengal that resonates with both our customers and stakeholders.”

In his previous role as the Head of Land Acquisition and Special Projects at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., Arindam Mukherjee was responsible for overseeing the strategic procurement and management of land assets, ensuring seamless expansion and infrastructure development to support the company’s growth initiatives.

Surat/Ahmedabad, March 7th 2025: Tribevibe Entertainment is bringing the sensational Aditya Gadhvi to Ahmedabad and Surat for an unforgettable live concert experience, this March! Aditya Gadhvi, renowned for his mesmerising voice and folk-fusion music, will take the stage to perform his biggest hits, including ‘Khalasi’, ‘Naagar Nandji Na Lala’, ‘Hansala’ and many more. Fans can expect an immersive musical journey celebrating Gujarat’s rich heritage and contemporary rhythms.

Heading first to Surat, Aditya Gadhvi will perform at the C.B. Patel Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 16th and then head to Ahmedabad to perform at the Savanna Party Lawn on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025.

Aditya Gadhvi shared his excitement about the upcoming concerts, saying, “Performing in Gujarat is always special for me. The energy and love from my fans here are unmatched and I can’t wait to share this musical journey with them in Surat and Ahmedabad.”

Shoven Shah, Founder & CEO of Tribevibe Entertainment, added, “At Tribevibe, we are committed to delivering unforgettable live entertainment experiences. Bringing Aditya Gadhvi’s incredible talent to Surat and Ahmedabad aligns perfectly with our vision of celebrating India’s rich musical heritage.”

By-Dr. Sara Varughese, Managing Trustee, CBM India Trust

“This year’s International Women’s Day focuses on two themes, ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’ and ‘Accelerate Action’. Both call for urgent, transformative strides toward gender equity. Achieving this requires society to ensure that all women, including women with disabilities and those from other marginalized groups, have equal voice, rights, and opportunities.

Data shows that women with disabilities face a double burden, as discrimination based on gender and disability reinforce each other. Beyond the employment gap where only 23% of women with disabilities have jobs compared to 47% of men with disabilities (UNDP), they also experience reduced access to education, healthcare, and political representation. Addressing these inequalities demands sustained efforts to create fair opportunities and participation at every level.

At CBM India, we believe that accelerating action means systematically dismantling the structural barriers excluding women and enabling their full engagement in education, health, livelihoods, and community development.

Our commitment to gender equity is demonstrated through some of our past and present initiatives. One example is an inclusive garment production unit we set up in Karnataka, which provided vocational training and employment to women with and without disabilities. Another is Sankalp, a women’s credit cooperative we established in Maharashtra with over 9,000 women members. Our humanitarian action efforts include a women-led mangrove reforestation project, while our healthcare initiatives extend to marginalized communities through an eye health program for trans women in Hyderabad.

On this International Women’s Day, we renew our dedication to advancing gender justice and disability inclusion. We are committed to creating spaces where every woman participates with dignity and autonomy. Together, we can drive collective action toward a society where rights and equity are realized for all women and girls, today and every day.”

New Delhi, March 7, 2025: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) successfully concluded its high-profile conference, ‘Navigating the Future: Multi-Modal Ecosystem in India’. This event, part of ICC’s Centenary Celebrations, brought together top policymakers, industry leaders, and technology pioneers.

The conference witnessed participation from key dignitaries, including: Mr Rajesh Menon, Associate Director & Maritime Expert, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Mr Kanishka Sethia, Chairman, National Logistics & Supply Chain Committee, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) CEO, Western Carriers (I) Ltd, Mr Arun Kumar Shrivastava, Member, Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority of India and Former MD, Central Warehousing Corporation, Mr Mohammad Athar Saif, Co-Chair National Infrastructure & Construction Committee ICC & Partner and Leader at Capital Projects and Infrastructure Group, PwC, Mr Archit Agarwal, Chairman National Infrastructure & Construction Committee & Director G R Infraprojects Limited.

With the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan as a focal point, discussions centred on boosting infrastructure integration across rail, road, waterways, and airways, optimizing supply chains, and harnessing digital innovation to revolutionise India’s logistics sector. The event underscored the urgent need for a seamless, cost-efficient, and technology-driven multi-modal transport framework to enhance India’s global competitiveness.

Highlighting the transformative potential of a seamlessly connected transport ecosystem, ICC President and Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal said, “A well-integrated multi-modal logistics framework is no longer an option but a necessity for India’s economic expansion. By bringing together government, industry, and academia, we are laying the foundation for an efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive transport infrastructure.”

ICC Director General, Dr Rajeev Singh echoed this sentiment, emphasising the urgency of accelerated infrastructure investments. “Today’s deliberations have reinforced that synchronised infrastructure development, combined with cutting-edge digital solutions, will define the future of logistics in India. The time to act is now,” he remarked.

Key Highlights from the Conference:

● Inaugural Session: Focused on the PM Gati Shakti initiative’s role in driving cross-sector infrastructure synergies.

● Panel Discussions: Optimising Multi-Modal Connectivity: Examined strategies for seamless integration of rail, road, ports, and aviation to streamline logistics.

● Building for the Future: Explored investments in Multi-Modal Logistics Parks, technology-driven efficiency, and last-mile connectivity enhancements.

● Strategic Dialogues & Industry Collaboration: Leaders from government bodies, logistics firms, and technology innovators exchanged insights on unlocking new opportunities in India’s supply chain sector.

Mr Rajesh Menon, Associate Director & Maritime Expert, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, emphasised, “India stands at a pivotal moment in its logistics and infrastructure transformation. With the National Master Plan now cascading into District Master Plans, we are eliminating bottlenecks by integrating land records and optimising multimodal connectivity. The challenge ahead is not just policy formulation but effective execution, where private sector participation will be instrumental. Maritime trade, requires significant investment—addressed through initiatives like the Maritime Development Fund. With robust policy frameworks, capital infusion, and fast-tracked project execution, India is poised to redefine its logistics landscape and achieve its economic ambitions.”

Mr Kanishka Sethia, Chairman, National Logistics & Supply Chain Committee, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) CEO, Western Carriers (I) Ltd, remarked, “The PM Gati Shakti Yojana is a game-changer in India’s infrastructure and logistics landscape. By integrating multiple modes of transport and leveraging digital planning tools, we are breaking silos and driving efficiency like never before. This initiative is not just about connectivity; it’s about unlocking India’s economic potential and achieving a seamless supply chain ecosystem. As we move forward, the government and industry collaboration will be key to realising the vision of a $20 trillion economy by 2040.”

Mr Mohammad Athar, Co-Chair National Infrastructure & Construction Committee ICC & Partner and Leader at Capital Projects and Infrastructure Group, PwC, expressed, “India is on an accelerated growth trajectory, adding trillions to its GDP at an unprecedented pace. The expansion of our manufacturing sector, the evolution of our cargo profile, and the increasing integration with global trade underscore the critical need for robust logistics infrastructure. Multimodal logistics parks, backed by strong policy frameworks and private sector investments, will be instrumental in reducing logistics costs and enhancing India’s competitiveness. As we strive to be a $1 trillion export economy and beyond, coordinated efforts through initiatives like Gati Shakti and strategic public-private partnerships will be key to unlocking India’s full potential as a global manufacturing and trade powerhouse.”

Mr Arun Kumar Shrivastava, Member, Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority of India and Former MD, Central Warehousing Corporation, added, “The future of India’s multimodal logistics ecosystem hinges on seamless digital integration, strategic infrastructure development, and collaborative efforts between stakeholders. With India’s urban population set to rise and logistics demands growing, we must invest in digital infrastructure, real-time tracking, and multimodal connectivity to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Rail-side warehousing, commodity-specific MMLPs, and incentivized land allocation for private players can be game changers in optimizing freight movement. By leveraging technology and integrating with major transport networks, we can build a world-class logistics framework that strengthens India’s global competitiveness and economic resilience.”

Mr Archit Agarwal, Chairman National Infrastructure & Construction Committee & Director G R Infraprojects Limited opined, “The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering a robust multimodal infrastructure. The private sector’s active participation in multimodal logistics will be the key to achieving our shared goal of reducing logistic costs and boosting India’s economy. As we chart the path forward, I firmly believe that public-private partnerships will play a pivotal role in making the PM Gati Shakti vision a reality.”

Hyderabad, 07 March 2025: Shri Amitava Mukherjee has assumed office as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NMDC with effect from March 6, 2025.

 A seasoned officer from the 1996 batch of the Indian Railway Accounts Services (IRAS), Shri Mukherjee has served the Government of India in various capacities before ascending to the apex leadership of NMDC. With his visionary leadership, Shri Mukherjee has been guiding NMDC as the CMD (Additional Charge) since March 2023 and Director (Finance) since November 2018. He also serves as the chairman of NMDC Steel Limited and Legacy Iron Ore Limited.

 In his leadership, NMDC has achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first iron ore mining company in India to surpass 45 million tonnes output in FY24. He has steered NMDC to its highest ever turnover and net worth in company history, adopted cutting edge digital and technical infrastructure, and resumed operations at the only mechanized diamond mine in the country.

 He has played a defining role in the commissioning of the NMDC Steel Plant which now stands tall as the pride of Bastar. Led by him, the company has made inroads in gold mining in Australia and laid a visionary international expansion blueprint towards becoming a global mining powerhouse.

 Shri Mukherjee has been instrumental in executing key investment strategies, bolstering financial discipline, and driving NMDC towards a future of responsible mining. With him at the helm of affairs, the Navratna company is foraying towards the ambitious goal of building a mining capacity of 100 million tonnes by 2030.

 This appointment underscores his influence and impact on India’s industrial and economic landscape as a leading figure in the mining sector with a dynamic experience and steely aspirations.

Researchers led by Professor Nikita Gamper of the University of Leeds’ School of Biomedical Sciences have found that the body can efficiently make its own specific “sleeping pills” that, like benzodiazepines, dull impulses from a specific nerve and regulate an individual’s level of discomfort.

 The results, complemented by earlier research by Professor Gamper and Professor Xiaona Du of Hebei Medical University in Shijiazhuang, China, may lead to a major advancement in pain management and a shift away from potent opioids like morphine or fentanyl. Scientists working on the study will look more closely at how this could benefit those who suffer from chronic pain with new research funding announced for the New Year.

 According to Professor Gamper’s statement, “We know a lot about how people experience pain, but there isn’t much we can do about it. Opioids continue to be the gold standard despite all of the incredible findings and textbooks that have been written. No significant improvement over opioids has been made. If you have pain, you will probably be prescribed either opioids, which are really effective but hazardous, or ibuprofen, which is fine for mild pain but completely useless for severe pain or neuropathic pain.”

 A class of depressive medications known as benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are used as sleeping aids and to treat anxiety and seizures. At the University of Cincinnati, Professor Gamper and his colleagues Professor Du and Dr. Temugin Berta discovered that some cells that are connected to human nerves and reside in structures known as spinal ganglia can emit a peptide that functions similarly to benzos. These peptides do not, however, put the entire nervous system to sleep because the process is restricted to the peripheral nervous system; as a result, they do not pose the same concerns as dangerous and addictive opioids.

 According to the research, nerves have the ability to “tune out” pain signals or limit how much pain the brain perceives a person to be feeling.

 The results may provide patients attempting to manage chronic pain on a daily basis some optimism, according to Dr. Ganesan Baranidharan, a pain management consultant in Leeds. He stated: “One of the main issues facing the health service is chronic pain. Physiotherapy, injections, and surgeries are some of the ways that we try to help people in clinics manage their pain. Another method is “self-management,” which involves learning to live with pain. But long-term use of opioids and nerve medications can have serious side effects, like memory loss and zombie-like feelings, and some patients will have chronic pain that requires medication. In order to treat chronic pain, we need other options, even though some individuals respond quite effectively to small doses of opioids. Our patients will benefit more from our continued research and development of suitable medications to cure certain ailments.”

Their findings have been published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

 Pain is a daily burden for up to one-third of the world’s population, and even though it is the main cause of medical visits worldwide, it is still not adequately managed. Furthermore, Dr. Berta of Cincinnati, whose work is supported by the NIH HEAL effort, stated: “Millions of people experience chronic pain, and over half struggle to find appropriate relief.” As pain researchers, we have the chance to identify novel processes that underlie the development of chronic pain and to disseminate discoveries that could advance therapeutic approaches.

 Seeing a member of his close family experience neuropathic pain had a significant impact on Professor Gamper’s decision to concentrate his research in this field. In the end, he continued, “the ability or at least the opportunity to relieve people from pain drives you, not curiosity. Pain is an interesting phenomenon to study.”

 While the scientists had never met before, they were familiar with each other’s work and quickly discovered that they had been working on related tests that yielded identical results. Their work “embodies the collaborative spirit of academic research,” according to Dr. Berta, and demonstrates how scientists may collaborate to make important strides in our understanding and treatment of pain. The Medical Research Council and the pharmaceutical sector have recently awarded £3.5 million to a Leeds research team headed by Professor Gamper to further investigate their findings. Beginning in January 2025 and lasting five years, a new study will examine novel methods of pain management and possible indicators of neuropathic pain in greater detail, taking into account the new information regarding spinal ganglia and the “benzo” peptide.

National, 07 March 2025: MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare company, is marking International Women’s Day with an interactive campaign—#HerHealthBuddy. This initiative aims to challenge misconceptions, break stigmas and educate individuals about crucial aspects of women’s health. Through an engaging quiz format, expert insights and myth-busting facts, the campaign empowers women to take control of their well-being and encourages society to prioritise women’s health beyond just one day of recognition.

Women’s health is often overlooked, misunderstood, or surrounded by misinformation. To bridge the knowledge gap, #HerHealthBuddy presents an interactive challenge—testing awareness of essential topics like menstruation, reproductive health and medical disparities.

With questions such as, “How many years does the average woman spend menstruating?” and “What’s the most common undetected health condition among women?”, the campaign highlights vital but often unspoken facts. Each answer is backed by educational insights, shedding light on overlooked health concerns such as thyroid disorders, period stigma and the gender gap in medical research.

Women’s health isn’t just a ‘women’s issue’—it’s a family issue that impacts a community and ultimately spirals into a global issue. While society celebrates women’s achievements, real progress requires prioritising their health through education, support, and systemic change.

Speaking about the campaign, Saibal Biswas, SVP and Head of Marketing, PR and Partnerships, MediBuddy, said, “Women often bear the weight of complex biological experiences, managing incredible bodily transformations with remarkable resilience. However, the lack of comprehensive health education—the belief that women must endure health challenges silently—often leads to misunderstandings and self-neglect. With #HerHealthBuddy, we’re taking a step towards changing that narrative. Knowledge is power, and by educating women and those around them, we empower them to make informed choices about their health. This Women’s Day, let’s do more than celebrate. Let’s care. Let’s educate. Let’s #AccelerateAction.”

MediBuddy aims to bridge the gap between awareness and action, urging women to prioritise their well-being and seek comprehensive healthcare support.