Archives 2025

New Delhi,  Dec 17: The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), under the aegis of the German Embassy, successfully hosted the 26th edition of the much-loved German Christmas Market (GCM) at the PSOI Lawns, Chanakyapuri. The two-day event, a cornerstone of Indo-German cultural exchange in New Delhi, witnessed a significant turnout of dignitaries, diplomats, and families, marking a vibrant celebration of the festive season.

Visitors engaged in an authentic holiday atmosphere full of traditional German flavours and Indian treasures. Children were delighted by a dedicated schedule of activities, including an on-the-spot painting competition, festive games, creative workshops, and special appearances by a juggling clown and Santa Claus throughout both days.

The German Christmas Market was inaugurated by the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, Georg Enzweiler along with opening remarks from Jan Noether, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.

“The German Christmas Market is always a highlight of our cultural calendar in India. This event is far more than a festive gathering; it has become a true Delhi tradition. To see this city embracing the tradition of the German Weihnachtsmarkt deepens mutual understanding and strengthens the ties between Germany and India. It is through such shared experiences that we build a lasting partnership, one rooted in mutual respect and cultural exchange.” – Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy

“Witnessing the scale, joy, and deep-rooted affection for this market as I experience it for the first time fills me with a sense of pride. For the 26th year, this event has seamlessly blended the objectives of the IGCC (fostering trade, innovation, and collaboration) with celebration, becoming an essential part of Indo-German friendship. It is opportunities like the German Christmas Market which leave a lasting impact on cultural and economic partnership. This tradition not only enriches our bilateral ties but also reflects the shared values and vibrant spirit of cultural exchange.” – Jan Noether, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce

The choral singing by the Mozart Choir of the Austrian Cultural Forum New Delhi brought in the yuletide spirit of beloved European traditions to the PSOI Lawns in Chanakyapuri.

Live band performances set the mood for the evenings, getting the crowd grooving to evergreen retro tunes.

The 2025 edition featured innovations and sustainable solutions powered by German engineering. A stunning car display featuring the all-new BMW X3 xDrive 20 added to the glamour of the event with its eye-catching iconic glow. German industry leaders, including ORAFOL, demonstrated their expertise in advanced films and reflective solutions, promoting road safety awareness through an engaging interactive face-painting station. Deutsche Bahn presented its vision for integrated, sustainable mobility, engaging visitors on the future of smart transportation. BOSCH drew significant attention with a display focussing on their latest power tools, demonstrating cutting-edge efficiency and technology for both professional and DIY users. These exhibits reinforced the market’s role as a platform not just for festivity, but for tangible engagement and technological exchange between India and Germany.

“It is heartening to see how the German Christmas Market has grown over the years and now stands as a bookmark event for Delhi’s winter season. It is IGCC Delhi’s largest cultural event and provides us with a vital platform to connect with our partners, stakeholders and the wider community. The market uniquely merges commerce with culture, enabling us to present innovation within the vibrant setting of festive traditions. It remains our privilege to carry this cherished tradition forward for many more editions to come.” – Shivani Chaturvedi, Regional Director, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce

The event was supported by other Associate Partners Deutsche Bahn, Lufthansa, and R.E. Rogers India and Partners such as Airbus, BMW, Bosch,DZ Bank, Germany Tourist Office, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg and Orafol.

“Participating in the German Christmas Market for the second year reaffirms DB’s commitment to cultural exchange and sustainable mobility. We thank IGCC and the German Embassy for this valued partnership, which allows us to engage with citizens, celebrate Indo-German ties, and share DB’s role as operator and maintainer of the Namo Bharat regional rail project in Delhi NCR.” -Michael Kortüm, COO, DB RRTS Operations India

The successful conclusion of the 26th German Christmas Market reaffirms its status as a cherished tradition, leaving behind a strengthened sense of Indo-German fellowship and a joyful, lasting memory for all who attended.

Bhubaneswar, Dec 17:Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar has successfully performed a highly complex Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation  on an elderly woman suffering from severe aortic stenosis, marking a significant milestone in advanced cardiac care in the region.

The procedure was carried out at the hospital’s cardiac unit by Dr. Dibya Ranjan Behera, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, along with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. The patient had presented with recurrent fainting episodes and chest pain and was diagnosed with critical narrowing of the aortic valve, necessitating urgent intervention. Given her advanced age and multiple comorbidities, conventional open-heart surgery posed substantial risks, making TAVI the safest and most effective minimally invasive option.

The case was particularly challenging due to severe calcification of the patient’s aorta and femoral arteries, a condition known as porcelain aorta, which ruled out standard transfemoral access for the procedure. Alternative access routes were carefully assessed but deemed unsuitable. To overcome this obstacle, the cardiology team employed intravascular lithotripsy  an advanced technique used to fracture calcium deposits within the artery successfully widening the calcified femoral artery and enabling safe passage of the catheter system.

Following adequate vessel preparation, a balloon-expandable valve was precisely implanted, restoring normal valve function. The patient’s post-procedure recovery has been remarkable, with complete resolution of symptoms and a swift return to daily activities.

Commenting on the success of the procedure, Dr. Dibya Ranjan Behera said;

“TAVI has transformed cardiac care for elderly and high-risk patients. Performing an IVL-assisted TAVI in such a complex scenario required meticulous planning, technical precision, and seamless teamwork. This achievement underscores our ability to manage even the most challenging cardiac conditions using advanced interventional techniques.”

With this landmark procedure, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar continues to set new benchmarks in cardiac interventions, reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class patient care through innovation, expertise, and clinical excellence.

Young Innovators emerge victorious at Ministry of Education’s Smart India Hackathon “Hardware Edition grand finale at VNR VJIET”

Bengaluru, Dec 17: The 8th edition of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 Hardware Edition successfully concluded at VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology (VNR VJIET), Hyderabad, with a grand Valedictory Ceremony. Hosted as a Ministry of Education–designated Nodal Centre, the event brought together 25 finalist teams comprising 150 students from 22 premier institutions across 10 states, making it one of the most significant national student innovation gatherings of the year.

Organised by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) in collaboration with AICTE, SIH 2025 focused on developing technology-driven solutions to critical national challenges. At the VNR VJIET nodal centre, 10 teams  MACGYVER (Chengalapattu, Tamil Nadu), Team Jayastra (Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh), Circuit Sentinels (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu), 818_Dhruva (Indore, Madhya Pradesh), CtrlAltDefeat.. (Bengaluru, Karnataka), Tech Mates 2025 (Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), ECO GRID INNOVATORS (Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh), Team Innoventors (Jaipur, Rajasthan), AkashPankh (Pune, Maharashtra), and Sky Sentinels (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu) were declared Joint Winners across five problem statements. Each winning team received a cash award of ₹75,000. The solutions addressed key areas such as river water quality monitoring, renewable energy integration, power distribution safety, UAV-based surveillance systems and smart infrastructure, demonstrating strong potential for scalability, patenting and real-world deployment.

Engineer Peeyush Gupta, Information Specialist, NMCG, Ministry of Jal Shakti said,

“The solutions presented here by students have direct applicability on the ground, and the Ministry will explore collaboration with the winning teams to take these ideas forward. I do not want the students to let this journey end here.”

Dr. B Chennakesava Rao, Director, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, said

“Smart India Hackathon teaches students the true value of teamwork, time management and resilience under pressure. Hosting this national finale reflects our commitment to enabling young innovators to build solutions of real societal impact.”

The event received widespread appreciation for its scale, seamless execution and mentoring ecosystem, reinforcing VNR VJIET’s standing as a trusted national innovation host. The winning solutions are now expected to move into the post-hackathon development phase, with concerned ministries facilitating mentorship, refinement and potential pilot implementation. By successfully hosting the Hardware Edition Grand Finale, VNR VJIET reaffirmed its role in advancing youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building.

Dec 17: Mafatlal Industries Limited (MIL), the flagship of the Arvind Mafatlal Group and one of India’s oldest and most respected textile institutions, has partnered with Kosol Energie to commission a state-of-the-art 4 MW solar power project at its Nadiad manufacturing facility. This initiative marks a significant step in the company’s long-term transition to clean energy, reinforcing its commitment to future-ready, responsible, and energy-efficient manufacturing.

For over a century, Mafatlal has embedded sustainable thinking into the heart of its business, long before ESG became a formal framework. This legacy of responsibility now enters a new phase with the commissioning of this solar project, which stands as a powerful testament to the Group’s commitment to building a resilient, energy-secure, and environmentally conscious future for Indian textiles.

The planned ground-mounted solar project is estimated to deliver approximately 6.5 million units of clean energy annually. This will substantially cut dependence on conventional grid electricity, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute meaningfully to Mafatlal’s decarbonization goals. By integrating renewable power at scale, the company reinforces its belief that sustainability is not an obligation, but an essential driver of competitiveness and long-term value creation.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Priyavrata Mafatlal, Managing Director of Mafatlal Industries Limited, said, “At Mafatlal Industries, sustainability has never been a new direction; it has always been part of our DNA. For over a century, we have believed that responsible progress is the only progress that lasts. This solar initiative strengthens that belief and marks an important step in how we prepare our business for the future. Clean energy, efficient manufacturing, and long-term value creation are not goals we pursue occasionally; they are principles we live by every day. This project reflects our commitment to building a more resilient future for our industry and for India.”

Mr. Kalpesh Kalthia, Chairman & Managing Director, Kosol Energie Private Limited, commented, “We are honoured to partner with Mafatlal Industries—an institution that represents over a century of Indian industrial excellence. This 4 MW solar project is more than an energy installation; it reflects a shared vision for a cleaner and more responsible manufacturing future. At Kosol Energie, our mission is to empower industries with reliable, high performance solar solutions, and this collaboration stands as a testament to the growing trust in our technology and engineering capabilities.”

The Nadiad facility, home to a multigenerational workforce and one of the company’s largest production centres, has long been central to Mafatlal’s growth journey. Over the years, the company has also advanced several sustainability practices, including responsible water use, improved waste management, and cleaner manufacturing processes.

The new solar project builds on this legacy by providing long-term energy stability, improving operational efficiency, and reducing the facility’s environmental footprint. With this milestone, Mafatlal Industries reinforces its position as a heritage brand that continues to evolve with purpose, combining innovation with responsibility and growth with sustainable impact.

Hyderabad, Dec 16:- The Indian School of Business in partnership with the US National Bureau of Economic Research recently hosted the annual ISB-NBER conference on the theme of ‘Household Finance across the Lifecycle’ at its Hyderabad campus. The conference brought together leading national and international economists, academics, and global subject-matter experts to discuss and deliberate on critical dimensions of household financial behaviour.

The conference is a collaborative effort between ISB and NBER, designed to foster cutting-edge investigation and analysis of major economic issues. Through a series of research papers and panel discussions, the conference examined a range of topics, including household consumption and savings, responses to financial windfalls, the impact of inflation on portfolio rebalancing, disparities in home loans, and the role of health and deposit insurance in household financial stability.

Shilpa Aggarwal, Associate Professor, ISB, said;

“The two-day conference brought together leading economists to examine how households make financial decisions across different stages of life. The insights shared have important implications for both policy and practice in a rapidly evolving Indian economy. The discussions also highlight ISB’s continuing commitment to fostering research that strengthens household financial resilience and informs policy thinking.”

At the 2-day event, leading economists and academicians shared their research findings at the conference. Experts included Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Professor at the University of Chicago and NBER; Viral V. Acharya, former Deputy Governor of the RBI and Professor at New York University and NBER; Pulak Ghosh, Professor at IIM- Bangalore; James M. Poterba, Professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Tarun Ramadorai, Professor at Imperial College London;  and Shashwat Alok, Professor at ISB.

Kochi, Dec 16: Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company, today announced the launch of Ozempic® (injectable semaglutide) in India. Ozempic® is a once-weekly GLP-1 RA (receptor agonist) indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults living with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The arrival of Ozempic® in India comes at a crucial time. According to the World Health Organisation’s 2023-24 estimates, India has 101 million (roughly 11.4 % of India’s population) people living with diabetes, making it the second largest diabetes-affected populations in the world after China. The country also has 136 million individuals with prediabetes and 254 million people living with generalised obesity, signalling an accelerating health challenge that requires effective, evidence-based therapies.

Clinical benefits of Ozempic®:

• Demonstrated powerful HbA1c reduction with compelling weight-loss benefits, supporting better metabolic health
• Suitable for adults with HbA1c ≥=7%, including those with high cardiovascular risk or established cardiovascular disease
• Provides additional lowering of cardiovascular events, a key concern for people with long-standing T2DM
• Offers protection against chronic kidney disease progression, supporting long-term health outcomes

“Bringing Ozempic® to India is a major milestone” said Vikrant Shrotriya – Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India. “Backed by global trust, proven clinical excellence & world class quality, reinforced by a robust supply chain, Ozempic® offers Indian doctors an effective treatment choice. Our goal is to provide patients an innovative & accessible therapy that offers improved glycaemic control, meaningful weight management and long-term heart and kidney protection – all delivered through a simple, easy-to-use pen device. This once-weekly treatment demonstrates Novo Nordisk’s ongoing commitment to better health outcomes and chronic disease care.”

How does Ozempic® work?

Ozempic® is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps:

• Improve glycaemic control and reduce HbA1c
• Regulate appetite and food intake by acting on areas of the brain that control hunger
• Support weight loss in people with T2DM
• Reduce risks of cardiovascular and kidney complications associated with diabetes

Its once-weekly administration and globally trusted safety profile make it a preferred treatment option in clinical practice across several countries.

Ozempic®, the original GLP-1 RA (semaglutide) therapy, has been researched and developed by Novo Nordisk for over 20 years and is backed by over 38 million patient-years of global clinical use. Semaglutide was recently included in WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines – highlighting the proven health benefits of this innovative treatment for people living with diabetes and obesity.

Ozempic® is now available in India as 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg in FlexTouch® Pen – an easy-to-use, once-weekly pen device. The multiple dosing strengths support physician-guided titration and long-term diabetes management.

India, Dec 16: In a landmark achievement, ELE|NA, the nature-inspired spa and wellness brand from Atmosphere Wellness, has been named to the Forbes India Select 200, an honour reserved for brands shaping the future of their industries. The recognition celebrates ELE|NA’s vision, innovation, and its profound influence on the global wellness landscape.

At DGEMS (D Globalist Entrepreneur Mobility Summit) 2025, where influential leaders converge to discuss tomorrow’s world, Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President – ELE|NA, represented the brand in high-level dialogues on sustainability, experiential travel, and the evolving meaning of luxury wellness. Her presence signalled ELE|NA’s growing authority as a voice shaping the future of well-being.

Since its inception in 2015, ELE|NA has crafted a distinctive philosophy—Wellness Your Way™—a personalised, immersive, and sustainable approach inspired by the Elements of Nature. Its signature journeys and rituals have reimagined spa culture in the Maldives, harmonising ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic science.

Now entering India, ELE|NA brings with it an elevated vision: to create sanctuaries where nature, design, and an intentional blueprint for wellness unite to transform mind, body, and spirit.

“Being featured in the Forbes India Select 200 is an extraordinary honour,” said Heidi Grimwood. “ELE|NA has always championed wellness that is authentic, intuitive, and deeply connected to the world around us. As we step into India, we aim to craft spaces that are both luxurious and transformative.”

With its Forbes India accolade and thought-leadership presence at DGEMS, ELE|NA continues its ascent as a global luxury wellness innovator, inspiring a new generation of sustainable, experience-driven well-being.

Mumbai, Dec 16: Haryana based high-quality steel tubes and pipes manufacturer, Vibhor Steel Tubes Ltd  has received multiple orders for the supply of Metal Crash Barriers from three companies. The orders have been awarded by Veda Metallics, YNM Pan Global Trade Private Ltd, and Surich Industries for the supply of metal crash barriers.

Metal crash barriers are typically deployed at accident-prone locations such as highways, bridges, and high embankments to contain and redirect the impact energy of vehicles, thereby preventing major accidents.

Earlier this year, VSTL commissioned its greenfield project in Odisha and subsequently commenced the supply of crash barriers, power transmission line towers, Electric Resistance Welded pipes, and Galvanised (GI) pipes produced at the unit. The plant offers a range of value-added steel products including power transmission line towers, crash barriers, high mast lighting poles, octagonal poles, and monopoles.

Commenting on the development, Mr Vijay Kaushik, Chairman and Executive Director, Vibhor Steel Tubes, said;

“There has been a significant increase in demand for several value-added steel products from across the country. With our Sundargarh capacity now on stream, we are hopeful of capturing a significant share of this demand going forward. The work orders received for metal crash barriers are a testament to our commitment to quality and operational efficiency.”

With the new capacity commissioned, the company’s total manufacturing capacity has increased to 377,000 MTPA, spread across its three plants located in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Odisha.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2025, the company recorded strong growth in its standalone net profit compared to the same period last year. Operating income on a standalone basis also registered healthy growth year-on-year.

Vibhor Steel Tubes manufactures a wide range of steel products including electric resistance welded pipes, hot-dipped galvanized pipes, hollow section pipes, and primer-painted pipes. The company also has a contract manufacturing agreement with Jindal Pipes to manufacture and supply finished goods under the brand name Jindal Star, which currently contributes a significant share of its overall turnover.

New Delhi, Dec 16:  As consumers reflect on the year gone by and prepare their homes for a fresh start, Croma, India’s trusted omni-channel electronics retailer, has announced the ‘Cromtastic December Sale’, a year-end shopping event designed for customers looking to upgrade their lifestyle before stepping into 2026.

Running from December 15 to January 4, the sale offers some of the best deals of the year across electronics and home appliances at Croma stores nationwide, positioning it as the final upgrade window of 2025.

Unmissable Deals Across Categories

Smartphones

• Latest iPhone models

• Premium Samsung Galaxy and Fold series

• Popular Vivo smartphones

Laptops

• MacBook Air (latest generation)

• Next-generation AI PCs

• Gaming laptops

• Lenovo performance laptops

Televisions

• Large-screen Samsung Smart UHD TVs

• Croma UHD Google TVs

• Compact Google TV options

Washing Machines

• Front-load and top-load models from LG and Samsung

• High-capacity Croma washing machines

Air Conditioners

• Voltas inverter ACs

• Haier 5-star inverter ACs

Commenting on the sale, a spokesperson from Infiniti Retail Ltd. said:
“December is when customers actively look for meaningful upgrades—whether it’s refreshing their home setup, preparing for the year ahead, or purchasing what they postponed during the festive season. With Cromtastic December, we’ve curated strong price drops, bank offers, and EMI benefits so shoppers can make informed, value-driven purchases before the year closes.”

The Cromtastic December Sale is available across all Croma stores, offering customers attractive deals, flexible payment options, and year-end upgrade opportunities across key product categories.