Archives 2025

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.

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.

A Model Community in Sustainable Waste Management

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Noida, 21st February 2025: AAFT, one of India’s Largest Creative Educational institutes, recently announced the appointment of Nikkhil Beri, a Grammy award-winning producer, as the Industry Dean at AAFT School of Music. As a music producer and mix engineer, Mr. Beri has spent nearly two decades working with genres that range from Folk, Spiritual, Pop, Pop Rock to Acoustic. His work has taken him on a journey around the world, mixing for the Grammy-winning recording “Divine Tides” and collaborating with various musicians, from emerging talents to industry bests. He has also served as a sound engineer for Royal Caribbean Cruises, handling sound in some of the most advanced entertainment venues at the sea. His dedication to making high-quality music is evident in every mix, making them stand apart from the rest.

As the new Dean of Industry, Mr. Beri’s wealth of experience and niche knowledge about the ground reality will help students develop technical know-how and navigate the industry successfully. His mentorship will encourage students to explore their creativity to their fullest potential. With him on board, AAFT is excited to take its music program a notch higher and provide students with a practical learning experience, supervised by a true industry expert.

On his appointment Mr. Nikkhil Beri said, “Music is on the brink of a transformative future, and I believe it is essential for every student at AAFT to understand music in all its facets truly. My goal is to guide them through this journey, helping them explore and master every aspect of music. This vision will not only redefine the music industry but also create a completely new definition of what the music industry can be. Together, we will empower students to become innovators in the music world and reshape the industry’s future.”

Akshay Marwah, CEO of AAFT, shared, “We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Mr. Nikkhil Beri as the Industry Dean for the School of Music at AAFT. Grammy Award-winning music producer with a dynamic career in the global music industry, Mr. Beri, brings unparalleled expertise and creativity to our institution. Under his guidance, it will be a new horizon for AAFT to set benchmarks in academic excellence while allowing students to learn from one of the most accomplished and respected professionals in the industry.”

With an illustrious 31-year legacy, At AAFT, creativity and practicality is the central focus of the curriculum and the institution’s priorities, nurturing a vision in aspiring musicians that enables them to leave a mark in the industry. AAFT remains committed to providing top-tier programs that equip aspiring musicians with the skills and vision to excel in the global Interior landscape.

Mumbai, 21 February 2025: “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,” said, Shashwat Goenka, Vice Chairman of the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, at the fourth edition of ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, in Mumbai today.

Participating in the session titled ‘The Next Generation: Making Business Better’, Shashwat Goenka expressed how his organization identified the potential of makhana early.

Adding to the conversation, Shashwat Goenka, said, “Indians have a very unique way of consuming things. They want the punch of flavor in their snacks, but they also want them to be healthy. That’s the balance we aim to perfect. We will always prioritize health, but the taste will trump everything else. If a product is not enjoyable, consumers will not come back to it.”

Speaking on reinventing traditional snacking, Shashwat Goenka noted, “We identified the space of healthy snacking in time. Our bhujias have 45% less saturated fat, but they don’t compromise on taste. Today, we offer a gamut of healthy snacks that cater to evolving consumer preferences. Consumption has changed in the last two decades.”

Talking about the evolution of quick commerce, Shashwat Goenka added, “Quick commerce has taken off, and Indian consumers today are more aspirational and willing to try new things. Continuous supply chain availability is key to meeting this demand. “

Speaking on competition and success in the snacking industry, Shashwat Goenka said, “There is a heat of competition in the snacking market. Technology is changing faster than ever, and faster adoption of tech is the key to success. However, it is important to have a work-life balance. The number of hours does not matter; productivity does. Mukesh Ambani is someone I admire in this space as he has perfect vision, as well as Elon Musk.”

The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centered on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilization and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas by 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.

New Delhi, 21st February 2025 – Aksum Trademart Pvt. Ltd., a leading B2B supply chain startup, has reported a remarkable 143% year-over-year revenue growth for FY24, reaching ₹240 crore. The company’s profit before tax surged over 700%, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine supply chains with sustainability and accessibility at their core.

Aksum, backed by Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), has expanded into over 40 cities across India, broadening its product portfolio to include polymers alongside steel, scrap, chemicals, and construction materials. Its 600+ unique SKUs and tech-driven procurement automation solutions have streamlined supply chain operations for corporates and MSMEs alike.

“We are ready to build on this momentum in FY25 with a continued focus on creating sustainable and efficient supply chains for corporates and SMEs while upholding strong corporate governance,” said Sumit Bhatia, Co-founder of Aksum Trademart.

Sustainability at the Core

Aksum has reinforced its commitment to sustainability by deriving over 50% of its revenue from scrap and secondary steel, helping businesses reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance operational efficiency. This initiative supports a circular economy, offering cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional procurement.

Technology-Driven Growth & Financial Strength

Aksum’s digital-first approach has enabled seamless procurement, enhanced vendor-client collaboration, and real-time transparency. The company has also strengthened its financial foundation through partnerships with SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Yes Bank, offering working capital solutions to its clients.

To uphold transparency and governance, Aksum has appointed Grant Thornton as its statutory auditor, reinforcing trust among stakeholders.

As Aksum steps into FY25, it remains dedicated to leveraging technology, sustainability, and financial inclusion to build an efficient, responsible, and scalable supply chain ecosystem that empowers businesses of all sizes.

Chandigarh, February 21, 2025: The Minerals & Metals (M&M) business vertical of L&T secured an order from Hindalco for setting up an 850 KTPA (kilo tonne per annum) greenfield alumina refinery plant in Odisha. The scope of work includes engineering, procurement, construction & installation.

L&T has been associated with Hindalco for over three decades, playing a key role as an EPC contractor in their expansion programs across alumina, aluminum, and copper plants. The new order signifies Hindalco’s trust in L&T as a dependable partner to drive their ambitious growth plans.

M&M earlier secured an order for setting up an 8 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) Pellet Plant from a leading steel producer in India. The scope of work includes engineering, manufacturing, supply, construction & installation in collaboration with reputed technology providers.

“M&M has successfully commissioned several steel plants and alumina refinery projects, both greenfield and brownfield, across India and the Middle East. These new orders reaffirm L&T’s leadership in EPC steel plants and alumina refinery projects and are a testament to its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction,” said Mr D K Sen, Executive Committee Member & Advisor to the CMD, L&T.

L&T’s M&M vertical offers world-class end-to-end solutions in the EPC domain across sectors such as mining, minerals processing, industrial products, and material handling. Its product business provides cost-effective end-to-end solutions for industries such as mining, cement, steel, fertilizers, and ports.