Archives 2025

Federal Bank’s New MD & CEO Meets CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan to Discuss Avenues for Collaborative Growth

Federal Bank’s

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Federal Bank’s new Managing Director and CEO, Mr. KVS Manian, met with Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan today to discuss avenues for collaboration & growth. He also met with the Minister of Industries, law, and Coir Mr P Rajeeve. Mr. KVS Manian, who assumed the role of MD & CEO of Federal Bank in September 2024, brings nearly three decades of leadership experience in the banking sector. Since taking charge, he has been actively engaging with stakeholders across the state to gain insights into its landscape, opportunities, and challenges.

During the meeting with the Chief Minister, discussions centered on strengthening the partnership between the Federal Bank and the state government to foster economic growth and development initiatives in Kerala. Federal Bank, which has its origins in Kerala and now boasts a nationwide presence, operates over 600 branches in the state, accounting for 40% of its total branch network. It is also one of the most preferred banks for the large Non-Resident Indian community, predominantly from Kerala.

Mr. KVS Manian said ” Our discussion with the Honourable Chief Minister was both constructive and forward-looking, focused on unlocking new avenues for Kerala’s progress. At Federal Bank, we see our journey as inseparable from Kerala’s own. Our success has always been intertwined, and we remain committed to being more than just a perfect banking partner aim to be a catalyst for empowerment and development, ensuring that as Kerala rises, we rise with it.”

Federal Bank has been actively participating in various development initiatives within the state, focusing on supporting local businesses, empowering entrepreneurs, and promoting financial inclusion. The institution has also been using its CSR resources for conducting developmental activities across Kerala, including running skilling centers that provide vocational training and help in employment generation, with close to 500 trainees passing out last year alone. The bank has also been offering scholarships to students from financially backward families and has supported 600 cancer patients in Kerala through its Sanjeevani program. International Finance Corporation, the investment arm of the World Bank, is a key shareholder in Federal Bank.

DR. AGARWAL’S HEALTH CARE LTD: Successful completion of Initial Public Offering and listing on BSE and NSE on Feb 4, 2025

Mumbai, February 18, 2025: Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care Limited, India’s largest eye care service chain(1) operating a network of 221 Facilities across 10 countries, today announced its unaudited consolidated financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2024.

Highlights of the Quarter Ended December 31, 2024 (Q3 FY2025)

  • Revenue from Operations of INR 431 Cr, growth of 29.5% YoY
  • Revenue from Operations – India of INR 390 Cr, growth of 34.5% YoY
  • Revenue from Mature Facilities of INR 291 Cr, growth of 16.6% YoY
  • EBITDA of INR 128 Cr, growth of 26.3% YoY with EBITDA margin of 28.8%
  • Profit after Tax of INR 28 Cr, growth of 25.0% YoY with PAT margin of 6.4%
  • 221 Facilities as of December 31, 2024
  • 12 Facilities have been added in Q3 FY2025

Highlights for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2024 (9M FY2025)

  • Revenue from Operations of INR 1,251 Cr; growth of 27.2% YoY
  • Revenue from Operations – India of INR 1,124 Cr, growth of 31.7% YoY
  • Revenue from Mature Facilities of INR 874 Cr, growth of 15% YoY
  • Sale of Services(2) contributed 79.9% and Sale of Products(2) contributed 20.1% to revenue from operations
  • EBITDA of INR 356 Cr, growth of 27.5% YoY with EBITDA margins of 27.8%
  • Profit after Tax of INR 68 Cr, growth of 26.2% YoY with profit after tax margins of 5.3%
  • 42 Facilities were added in 9M FY2025
  • Of these 35 new Facilities have been set up and seven Facilities have been acquired
  • Performed 213,602 surgeries in 9M FY2025, growth of 31.8% YoY

Commenting on Q3 FY2025 and Nine Months ended December 31, 2024 results, Dr. Adil Agarwal, CEO, Dr. Agarwal’s Health Care Limited, said:

“We are delighted to announce our maiden quarter performance post listing where we have delivered a robust growth of 29.5% in revenue and 26.3% in EBITDA. We have continued to witness strong growth in both patient footfalls and the number of surgeries performed. Our commitment to providing exceptional care, along with investments in cutting-edge technology, positions us for long-term success. While we have maintained our growth trajectory, we remain committed to delivering sustainable and steady growth in the coming quarters.”

Development Commissioner for Handlooms Organizes Grand Fashion Event at Bharat Tex 2025

Grand Fashion

Delhi:– The Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organized Breathing Threads, a spectacular fashion event at Bharat Tex 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam. The show celebrated India’s rich handloom heritage and demonstrated the potential of Indian textiles on the global luxury stage.

Held in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council and Vaishali S Couture, the event highlighted the skill, tradition, and innovation embedded in Indian hand-woven textiles. Featuring fabrics from five states—West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan—the showcase presented 30 looks modeled in seven traditional weaving techniques, including Chanderi, Maheshwari, Jamdani, Khun, Benarasi, Kota Doria, and Murshidabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Beena, IAS, Development Commissioner for Handlooms, emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s handloom sector. “Indian hand-woven textiles are an untapped wealth, and through initiatives like Bharat Tex 2025, we are ensuring that our skilled artisans receive the recognition and global opportunities they deserve,” she stated.

The event was attended by key stakeholders from the Indian textile industry, along with international buyers from Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kuwait, and Chile. This global participation reaffirmed the growing international demand for India’s sustainable, handcrafted textiles.

The Ministry of Textiles continues to champion India’s handloom sector by fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic opportunities for artisans. Breathing Threads was a powerful demonstration of how India’s centuries-old craftsmanship can seamlessly blend with modern design to captivate audiences worldwide.

RSWM Limited Showcases Eco-Friendly Innovations Inspired by Panchtatva at Bharat Tex 2025

Mumbai, 18 February 2025: RSWM Limited, the flagship company of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, proudly unveiled its Panchtatva-inspired textile innovations at Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest Global textile event, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The Panchtatva initiative was praised by Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, Government of India and launched by Smt. Roop Rashi Mahapatra, Textile Commissioner, Government of India, along with the esteemed management of RSWM Limited.

Drawing inspiration from the ancient Indian wisdom of ‘Panchtatva’— the five elements of Fire, Earth, Water, Air, and Space — RSWM showcased at Bharat Tex 2025 its textile innovations that are in alignment with the government’s vision for a sustainable future. The pioneering initiatives and industry-leading products and solutions, both in conscious business practices and eco-conscious textile science at Bharat Tex 2025, demonstrated a convergence of tradition and modern technology to create environmentally responsible textiles.

The visitors were enamoured with the products showcased under each ‘Panchtatva’ element, which collectively played a critical role in RSWM’s textile innovations. Fire-inspired textiles incorporated advanced fire-retardant, UV-resistant, and heat-protective fabrics designed with cutting-edge thermoregulation technology. Earth-based fabrics included textiles made from organic cotton, hemp, jute, and biodegradable polyester, ensuring strength with environmental responsibility. Water-based products featured moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and water-repellent textiles catering to diverse functional needs. Air-inspired products focused on breathable, anti-odor yarns, mesh knits, and lightweight denim fabrics for modern comfort. Space-driven advancements introduced future-ready textiles utilizing high-tech fibers, graphene-enhanced fabrics, and adaptive materials. Some of the showcased Panchtatva-inspired products included anti-odor functional yarns, Hollow Polyester Fiber- Thermolite/Airtherm®, lightweight denim, breathable mesh knits, flame-resistant yarns, water-repellent denim, antimicrobial silver-infused cotton, and ultra-strong Dyneema® fibers.

Shri. Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, GoI along with Mr.Rajeev Gupta(Left), JMD, RSWM Limited appreciating Panchtatva initiative at Bharat Tex 2025

RSWM’s Spring Summer Collections 2026 included three categories EcoFusion, Intelligent Simplicity, and Evolve. Belonging to the LNJ Knits line of knitted fabrics, the “EcoFusion” collection combines high-performance finishes with eco-friendly fibers. Featuring Transformative Teal, Electric Fuchsia, Blue Aura, Jelly Mint, Amber Haze, and Pure Peach, the collection integrates recycled materials with advanced technologies, including anti-bacterial silver ions, UV protection, and odor-neutralizing finishes.

The “Intelligent Simplicity” collection including Melange Yarns reflect the balance between inner peace and self-expression, with serene shades like Blue Aura and Jelly Mint blending with bold tones like Electric Fuchsia and Transformative Teal. The “Evolve” collection from the line of LNJ Denim fabrics, included Artful Canvas, Tech Threads, Urban Luxe, Modern Classic, and Air Lite categories, weaving innovation with timeless traditional craftsmanship.

Highlighting the power of blending cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly materials, RSWM also showcased a new “Performance Wear” collection featuring Greige Yarn fabrics like Seacell Lyocell and Umorfil Viscose, offering environmentally responsible comfort and functionality.

Mr.Riju Jhunjhunwala, Chairman & Managing Director, RSWM Limited, said, “We were elated to host Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh on this occasion. His vision for the industry and the valuable guidance shared with the team here is truly inspiring. At RSWM, sustainability is not just a goal; it is a way of life. The ‘Panchtatva’ initiative is representative of the wide variety of innovative products we produce at RSWM and embodies India’s rich heritage while addressing the future needs of responsible textile manufacturing. By aligning with government initiatives and pushing the boundaries of sustainable production, we are ensuring a greener tomorrow for generations to come.”

Mr.Rajeev Gupta, Joint Managing Director, RSWM Limited, added, “Innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand to drive the textile industry forward. Through our ‘Panchtatva’ initiative, we have reimagined textiles with eco-conscious materials and advanced technology, reinforcing our commitment to circularity and resource efficiency. Bharat Tex 2025 provided the perfect platform for us to showcase our capabilities and continue meaningful discussions with stakeholders on shaping a greener future.”

The company’s sustainability initiatives are indexed and regularly tracked. These initiatives are aligned to key government policies including increased biofuel usage, zero liquid waste discharge, reduced emissions, and the expansion of renewable energy solutions.

RSWM Limited actively engages with policymakers and industry stakeholders to contribute towards a more sustainable textile sector. At Bharat Tex 2025, Mr. Rajeev Gupta, JMD, RSWM Limited, participated in a round-table discussion on the theme “Innovate Forward: Shaping a Sustainable Textiles Future.”

Having pioneered eco-friendly business practices for over six decades, RSWM Limited continues to champion the circular economy through its commitments to reuse, reduce, recycle, and replenish. A key highlight at Bharat Tex 2025 was RSWM’s reaffirmation of its leadership in eco-friendly business practices through PET bottle recycling. The company has been amongst the first to begin PET bottle recycling in the Indian textile industry. RSWM’s plant, established in 2014, has set industry benchmarks in sustainable textile manufacturing by capturing and recycling 1,830 million PET bottles annually into polyester fiber called FibreGreen®.

RSWM’s sustainability achievements include an annual biofuel usage of 8,818 MT, saving 1.3 million KL of water annually, using up to 50% recycled polyester, consuming 76.5 million KW of green energy annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 800,000 Tonnes every year, recycling 1,830 million PET bottles annually, utilizing 8,162 MT of recycled cotton annually, and applying 72,357 KG of organic fertilizer annually.

RSWM Limited’s ‘Panchtatva’ initiative seamlessly integrates India’s traditional values with cutting-edge technology, reinforcing the vision of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Mission LIFE’ – a people-centric approach to sustainability. With continued engagement with government bodies, industry alliances, and technological advancements, RSWM remains committed to shaping a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. As a key player in India’s textile landscape, RSWM will continue to push the boundaries of responsible manufacturing while aligning with national goals and global best practices.

Fineotex Chemical’s Azadirachtin-Based Product Approved for Mosquito Control

Fineotex Chemical’s

Mumbai, 18 Feb 2025: Fineotex Chemical Limited (FCL), one of India’s leading multinational specialty performance chemical manufacturers, has announced that its revolutionary biotechnology-based mosquito control solution, AquaStrike Premium (formulation based on Azadirachtin), through its wholly owned subsidiary FSPL Private Limited has received approval from the Central Insecticide Board, Government of India for technical import and formulation under Insecticides Act, 1968.

The approval strengthens FCL’s commitment to public health and environmental sustainability in India. This milestone underscores the product’s effectiveness as a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and highly efficient alternative to conventional mosquito control methods and also leads to water preservation. Developed in Malaysia with European design engineering, the product Aquastrike Premium has undergone rigorous testing in WHO-approved laboratories and holds multiple international certifications. Unlike traditional insecticides, this odorless and invisible liquid solution is simply sprinkled onto water surfaces, eliminating the need for gaseous spraying. Its innovative formulation not only eradicates mosquito larvae but also preserves water quality, making it a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to chemical-based insecticides.

Speaking of the launch, Sanjay Tibrewala, Executive Director, Fineotex Chemical Limited, said: “The approval of the product formulation from the Central Insecticide Board is a significant achievement in our mission to provide sustainable and effective mosquito control and water preservation solutions in India. AquaStrike Premium is a breakthrough innovation that not only combats mosquito-borne diseases but also ensures environmental safety. At Fineotex, we remain committed to bringing advanced, eco-friendly technologies to India, contributing to public health and water conservation.”

It has received multiple international approvals, including recognition from the Ministry of Health in Malaysia, a Non-Pesticide classification by the Malaysian Pesticide Board, and is also approved by Singapore’s Public Utility Board.

Fineotex Chemical Limited will work closely with government agencies, NGOs, and healthcare organizations to implement large-scale mosquito control programs, contributing to a healthier and safer future for India.

Kia Launches Syros, Marking Its Entry into the New SUV Segment

New Delhi, India – 18 Feb 2025: Kia India, a leading mass-premium automaker, has introduced a new SUV segment between the mid and compact SUV categories with the launch of the all-new Kia Syros at an attractive price of 8.99 lacs. Drawing design inspiration from its premium models EV9 and Carnival, the Syros combines cutting-edge technology, premium comfort, and a bold design to create a unique value proposition for Indian consumers.

kia

 Unparalleled Technology & Smart Connectivity
Kia Syros brings a segment-first Over-the-Air (OTA) software update system, allowing automatic updates of 16 controllers without requiring a dealership visit—an innovation typically found in luxury vehicles.
The Kia Connect 2.0 system offers an extensive suite of 80+ features, enhancing the driving experience through seamless connectivity and intelligent vehicle management.
In addition, Kia introduces Kia Connect Diagnosis (KCD), allowing users to remotely assess their vehicle’s condition, and Kia Advanced Total Care (KATC), which proactively alerts customers about required services such as tyre replacements and maintenance, ensuring worry-free ownership.

 Premium Comfort & Spacious Interiors
With a 2,550mm wheelbase, the Kia Syros prioritizes passenger comfort. The 76.2cm (30”) Trinity Panoramic Display panel serves as the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, offering a seamless digital interface.

 Key comfort features include:
● Dedicated 5-inch Climate Control Display, providing quick and easy access to climate settings.
● Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Harman Kardon Premium 8-speaker sound system for an immersive audio experience.
● Rear Seat Ventilation, extending comfort beyond the front seats.
● Sliding and Reclining 60:40 Split Rear Seats, offering flexible boot space and enhanced passenger comfort.
● Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, bringing an open-air feel to the cabin.

 Safety & Performance
Kia Syros is equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring 16 autonomous safety features and comprehensive 20 robust safety package, including:
● Smart cruise control with Stop & Go
● Front Collision Warning with Avoidance Assist
● Lane Keep Assist and Lane Follow Assist
● 360-degree camera with blind view monitor
● Electronic Stability Control & Hill Start Assist Control
● Six Airbags for Enhanced Protection
● ABS

 The bold exterior, inspired by Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, is complemented by signature Starmap LED lighting, Digital Tiger Face, R17 (43.66 cm) crystal-cut alloy wheels, and a muscular stance, ensuring a commanding road presence.

 Engine & Variants
Kia Syros is available in two engine options:
● Smartstream 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine (88.3 kW/120PS, 172Nm)
● 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine (85 kW/116PS, 250Nm)

 Both engines are offered with manual and automatic transmission choices, including Kia’s first-ever Smartstream G1.0 turbo GDI with a 6MT configuration.

 The Syros is available in four trims – HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, with eight color options, including Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Pewter Olive, Intense Red, Frost Blue, Aurora Black Pearl, Imperial Blue, and Gravity Gray.

  Mr. Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said “India is witnessing a rising demand for SUVs, especially among young, tech-savvy, and adventurous drivers who expect more from their vehicles. In line with these evolving preferences, Kia India is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive industry through innovation and customer-centric design. The Kia Syros represents the next evolution in our portfolio – a new species of SUV that blends advanced technology, exceptional comfort, and bold design. What sets it apart is the use of sustainable materials in its interiors, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future. Despite this, the Kia Syros offers a strong value proposition, delivering premium features and unmatched quality that resonate with the aspirations of modern Indian drivers.”

 Kia Syros is introducing a range of innovative ownership programs designed to enhance the customer experience and provide peace of mind. The My Convenience Secure add-on offers coverage for selected wear & tear parts, while the My Convenience program tailors maintenance packages based on individual usage and car care needs. For more comprehensive protection, My Convenience Plus combines maintenance, extended warranty, and roadside assistance.

 Additionally, Kia customers can benefit from the Extended Warranty, covering unexpected mechanical and electrical failures, and the Scratch Care Program, which offers free repair for one scratch within the first 12 months of ownership. Kia also provides Roadside Assistance, with standard coverage for 3 years, extendable for up to 6 years. These programs underscore Kia’s commitment to providing exceptional service and support to its customers.

10*9 cm giant meningioma on a 34-year-old international patient from Ghana

Bengaluru, India – A 34-year, gentleman named Mr. Adan (name changed), hailing from Ghana, South Africa adhering to Jehovah’s beliefs, presented with symptoms of left-sided weakness persisting for a year and headaches worsening over the pasts eight months ago. The weakness affected his left upper and lower limbs progressively, leading to difficulty grasping objects with his left hand and walking difficulty. He had a seizure episode two months ago which worsened his headache and neurological deficits.

Mr. Adan was subsequently admitted to Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, where Dr. Arjun Srivatsa, Director & HOD – Institute of Neurosciences, Dr. Shylesh M P, Associate Consultant – Neurosurgery and their team, conducted a thorough examination followed by a panel of imaging and blood tests. The MRI Brain Contrast revealed a large 10x 9 cm tumor abutting the right side of the brain.

Dr. Arjun, Director & HOD – Institute of Neurosciences , Sakra World Hospital, explained, “A meningioma is a tumor that grows from the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. A meningioma is not a brain cancer, but it may press on the adjacent brain, nerves and vessels and can cause trouble. Meningioma is one of the most common type of tumor that arises in the brain. Most meningiomas grow very slowly, however certain tumours can grow at a rapid rate and behave aggressively. They can grow over many years without causing symptoms. But sometimes, their effects on nearby brain tissue, nerves or vessels may cause serious disability. Meningiomas occur more often in women. They’re often found at older ages. But they can happen at any age and either sexes. Because most meningiomas grow slowly, often without symptoms, they do not always need treatment right away, instead, they may be watched over time. However large meningiomas causing compression of the brain require immediate attention”

Following the diagnosis of right parietal convexity meningioma, the patient underwent a successful craniotomy for tumor excision. Dr. Arjun stated “Since Mr. Adan being a follower of Jehovah’s sect and clearly against transfusion of blood or any forms of blood products like platelets, plasma etc., it is a challenging situation for the surgeons and the anesthetic team to handle the intraoperative blood loss. Meningiomas being highly vascular tumours tend to bleed profusely during the surgery hence a meticulous surgical technique and hemostasis has to be achieved during the surgery to minimize the amount of blood loss. This patient had a significant amount of bleeding during the surgery inspite of all the necessary precautions to minimize blood loss and had a significant dip in his hemoglobin levels. It was quite as task for us to remove the entire tumour amidst significant bleeding encountered during surgery. Yet, with best of our efforts the entire tumour was resected without much complications. Patient recovered well without any neurological deficits, however his hemoglobin level were well below the expected levels. Despite encountering significant post-operative anemia, we were able to manage without any blood transfusion. “

He further added, “Significant advancements in anesthesia and surgical techniques have enabled the minimization of blood loss and the avoidance of blood transfusions during procedures which is specifically benificient in such patient’s who are followers of the Jehovah sect”

The patient improved and was weaned off the ventilator, though he had generalized weakness, dizziness and was severely pale because of low hemoglobin levels. We started him on Human recombinant Erythropoietin which is a medicine used to boost up the hemoglobin levels. Patient began to show signs of improvement, started eating normally, and was initiated on neurorehabilitation and physiotherapy. At the time of discharge patient was back on his feet, with no neurological deficits, feeding well and returned back to his country with a smile on his face”

Dr. Arjun stressed, “Blood loss is a known thing in huge complex meningiomas. Operating on Jehovah’s witness patients demands sensitivity to their beliefs. Timely diagnosis and prompt intervention are keys for a good functional post-operative outcome.

“After surgery,” said Mr. Adan, “I felt relieved as my headaches decreased and I regained strength and mobility. I’m grateful for the successful outcome and the team’s understanding of my decision to avoid a blood transfusion.”

Yotta Joins India AI Mission to Boost AI Adoption with GPU & Cloud Services

Sunil Gupta,

Mumbai, India, 18 Feb 2025: Yotta Data Services has been officially empaneled under the India AI Mission, a Government of India initiative aimed at establishing the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). As a leading AI and cloud services provider, Yotta brings unmatched GPU capacity, advanced AI platforms, and a robust sovereign cloud infrastructure to accelerate AI-driven innovation in India.

With over 9,216 advanced GPUs, committed to the India AI Mission (and to be made available in phases), including 8,192 NVIDIA H100 GPUs and 1,024 L40S GPUs, Yotta’s Shakti Cloud delivers ultra-low latency, high-performance AI compute power to government entities, startups, and enterprises. Its offerings include AI Labs for students, AI Workspaces, GPU-as-a-service (GPUaaS), and API endpoints for AI models, enabling rapid AI development and deployment. All these services are available from Yotta’s NM1 campus, India’s largest and most scalable data center, offering instant access to GPU computing power. The highly flexible and scalable architecture of the Uptime Institute Tier IV Certified NM1 data center enables organizations to consume AI resources on demand

Yotta is playing a pivotal role in advancing India’s AI ecosystem by supporting the India AI Innovation Center’s latest initiative to develop Indigenous foundational models. With its state-of-the-art hyperscale data centers and AI-ready cloud infrastructure, the company provides the high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities essential for training Large Multimodal Models (LMMs), Large Language Models (LLMs), and Small Language Models (SLMs). By offering access to world-class GPU and TPU clusters, the company eliminates the need for heavy upfront investments in hardware, enabling Indian researchers, startups, and entrepreneurs to accelerate AI development. Moreover, its secure and indigenous data hosting solutions ensure that AI models are trained on locally stored datasets, adhering to data sovereignty regulations. The company also provides structured and unstructured data lakes, facilitating robust model training.

Further strengthening its value proposition, the company has forged global collaborations with Microsoft Azure AI, Sarvam AI, and Hanooman AI. These partnerships enhance AI accessibility, foster talent development, and empower organizations to leverage cutting-edge AI tools within India’s sovereign cloud ecosystem. By supporting research institutions, startups, and enterprises, the company is driving India’s AI revolution forward.

Sunil Gupta, Co-founder, CEO, and MD of Yotta, emphasized the strategic and market-driven approach of the India AI Mission in accelerating AI infrastructure and innovation. He noted that instead of directly investing in building data centers, purchasing GPUs, and managing AI infrastructure, the government has chosen to empower service providers to take on the investment risks, deploy GPUs, and operate AI services on a cloud-based model. What sets this initiative apart is its demand-side funding strategy, which places financial resources directly in the hands of researchers, startups, and enterprises that require GPU access for training and deploying AI models. This enables them to pay for AI services provided by the private sector, fostering a competitive and sustainable AI ecosystem. By focusing on its core role of policy and governance, the India AI Mission is enabling AI ecosystem players to innovate and scale at various layers of the AI stack, encouraging a thriving, market-led AI economy rather than a government-controlled infrastructure model. This approach ensures a scalable and sustainable AI industry that can compete globally while addressing India’s unique AI needs. Gupta further exhorted Indian enterprises and startups to get inspired by the Indian Govt.’s vision of made-in-India models and take advantage of Yotta’s readily available capacity to build their own LLM models.

He also expressed his appreciation to the India AI Mission team for their dedication and vision in making India a global AI powerhouse.

He greatly appreciated the leadership and efforts of Mr. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at MeitY and CEO of the India AI Mission, who conceived the idea of India AI Mission and is a figurehead in international AI governance and policy. He also expressed his gratitude for Ms. Kavita Bhatia, COO of the India AI Mission and Scientist G at MeitY, and Mr. Sushil Kumar Jangid, Scientist ‘B’ in the AI & Emerging Technologies Group at MeitY, for their pivotal role in advancing India’s AI ecosystem and democratizing access to AI resources and for being drivers of the India AI Mission since its inception. He also highlighted the contributions of the young and dynamic, Mr. Abhishek Das, GM-Compute at India AI Mission and formerly Joint Director at C-DAC Pune, whose expertise in high-performance computing and AI infrastructure has given a fillip to the compute mobilization efforts of the India AI Mission and strengthened its drive towards innovation and technological advancement.

“Students Must Be Groomed for Environmental Consciousness from an Early Age,” Says Hon’ble Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations

Hyderabad, 18 February 2024: H. E. Rev. Hon. Patrcia Scotland – Hon’ble Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations visited the Heartfulness International School at Kanha Shanti Vanam Campus during the two-day ‘Sustainability in Classroom’ initiative hosted by Heartfulness Institute in the outskirts of Hyderabad. Hon’ble Secretary General was joined by Ms. Anna Rajkumar – Principal, Heartfulness International School and was led on a guided tour of the facility which is sustainability-driven and prioritizes training the students in environmental-consciousness very early on. Ms. Scotland was impressed by the pedagogy adopted in grooming the children to be the next generation of thought-leaders on environment and sustainability besides sound academics. Hon’ble Secretary General interacted with the students who welcomed her with Sanskrit shlokas. The primary students also performed Gujrati and Kenyan dance forms showcasing a diverse heritage and culture.

student

H. E. Rev. Hon. Patricia Scotland – Hon’ble Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations said about introducing students to environmental conscious on a young age, “When children are exposed to sustainability concepts at an impressionable age, it stays with them for a lifetime and moulds them into future leaders who can guard and lead the planet to a better future.” She added that she was impressed by Heartfulness International School’s initiative on bringing sustainability to classrooms with a practical approach.

Ms. Anna Rajkumar, Principal of Heartfulness International School, added about the relevance of Sanskrit in modern times: “We aim to produce very grounded leaders who learn the values through a treasure trove of Sanskrit language. It also unifies the students, helps them gain clarity of thought, and we train them early on to journal their observations of their experiments on plants and the environment around them.”

The Heartfulness International School is a unique school with the concept of not only housing sustainable infrastructure and biodiversity, but also groom the students through environmental values, enable students to use scientific curriculum wherein they test for themselves the viability of sustainable initiatives – AgriTecture, Hydroponics, Nature Farming, Microgreen Labs and make their reports on observations. The school integrates sustainability and green living ideas in school curricula from around the world and conveys the critical need to regenerating the action to climate change.

The focus is on making children the future thought-leaders on environment and climate change. They are also trained to keep in touch with their roots through the knowledge of Sanskrit to produce grounded leaders who can have a discovery-driven approach and detectability-based learning. The partners of the schools are Ministry of Education (Govt. of India), United Nations, ICRISAT, AICTE, ICAR.

BYD India Reveals SEALION 7 eSUV Price, Starting at Rs 48.9 Lakh

BYD India

New Delhi, India: BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD, the world’s leading NEV (New Energy Vehicle) manufacturer, has announced prices of its all-new BYD SEALION 7 to customers. BYD India unveiled the BYD SEALION 7 Pure Performance eSUV at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 on January 18, 2025. The fully electric SUV had also commenced bookings for customers on the eve of the unveiling. Priced at ₹48.9 lakh the Pure Performance eSUV has garnered over 1000 bookings within a month under the Promotional Booking Policy.

The BYD SEALION 7 is a purely performance fully electric SUV that seamlessly blends ocean-inspired aesthetics with cutting-edge innovation. It is a highly successful product with a strong global legacy. It incorporates BYD’s cutting-edge Intelligence Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) and the acclaimed CTB (Cell to Body) technology. This technology integrates BYD’s Blade Battery as a structural element of the chassis, enhancing both safety and performance while offering increased cabin space, superior handling, and an extended range. The BYD SEALION 7 is available with an 82.56 kWh battery pack and a choice of Premium and Performance variants.

Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head ofthe  Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, said, “The unveiling of the SEALION 7 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is a milestone event for BYD India. Besides, SEALION 7 has witnessed an overwhelming response of over 1000 bookings within a month of announcing the car. Combined with our network expansion to over 40 dealers and counting, this response to SEALION 7 furthers our vision for innovative and sustainable mobility in India.”

The BYD SEALION 7 can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.5 secs in the Performance trim, and the Premium does the same in 6.7 seconds. The BYD SEALION 7 Performance offers a range of 542 km and the Premium can go 567 km on a full charge (both range figures as per NEDC test). The Performance takes the power figure to 390 kW and torque to 690 Nm. The Premium variant makes 230 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. The BYD SEALION 7 measures 4,830 mm in length and 2,930 mm of wheelbase ensuring solid design proportions and ample interior space.

Designed by BYD’s Global Design Director, Wolfgang Egger, the BYD SEALION 7 features sleek, flowing lines, an aerodynamic profile, and a distinctive ‘OCEAN X’ front styling. The interior is equally impressive, with a 15.6-inch (39.62 cms) rotating touchscreen, premium quilted Nappa leather seats, and 128-color ambient lighting options. Additional highlights include a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade, a heads-up display, and a quiet cabin designed to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness. With its impressive performance, advanced features, and luxurious design, the BYD SEALION 7 is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle market in India.

The BYD SEALION 7 offers an unparalleled driving experience, combining comfort, entertainment, and innovative design. It allows for immersive audio with 12 Dynaudio speakers, personalized comfort with ventilated and heated seats, and a 50 W wireless phone charger. The vehicle also houses an intelligent and effortless tailgate, futuristic dynamic water drop tail lamps, 11 airbags as standard, and Driver Fatigue Monitoring among other features.

BYD SEALION 7 is also equipped with VTOL (Vehicle to Load). This converts the BYD SEALION 7 into a portable power station allowing it to power any electronic device making it a boon in the outdoors or during emergencies.