All posts by K S Krishna

19th December 2024 –Kärcher India is reinforcing its leadership in the professional cleaning domain through an innovative campaign that highlights its expertise in delivering tailored mechanized cleaning solutions to diverse industries. By adopting a consultative selling approach, Kärcher identifies the specific challenges faced by its target group and recommends customized products and accessories that effectively address industry-specific needs.

Renowned for its commitment to enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime, Kärcher’s machines are trusted by numerous Fortune 500 companies. From maintaining workplace hygiene to supporting critical industries such as food and pharmaceuticals by ensuring cleanliness across the value chain, Kärcher’s solutions deliver measurable value and tangible results.

This campaign highlights Kärcher’s role as a leader in mechanized cleaning solutions, offering professional systems designed for sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and beyond. By addressing non-negotiable yet specialized cleaning needs, Kärcher ensures hygiene in sensitive environments and upholds brand image through impeccable facility management.

Aligned with India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Kärcher highlights its commitment to sustainability and innovation by promoting the adoption of mechanized cleaning solutions. Through its advanced cleaning machines, Kärcher contributes to creating cleaner, healthier environments in public and private spaces alike while supporting industries in maintaining high sanitation standards, efficient cleaning, and optimizing resource use.

“Swachh Bharat is more than a mission; it represents a movement toward a cleaner India,” said Mr. Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director of Kärcher India. “By integrating our mechanized cleaning solutions into this national initiative, we are playing a pivotal role in transforming hygiene practices across industries and public spaces.”

The campaign emphasizes the business benefits Kärcher delivers, extending beyond product features:

● Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and reduced downtime.

● Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Durable machines that deliver sustainable, long-term savings.

● Sustainability Alignment: Eco-friendly solutions that contribute to green initiatives.

● Demonstrable ROI: Tailored recommendations that ensure cleaning investments drive measurable value.

The tagline ‘There’s Kärcher for That’ embodies the brand’s ability to address a wide range of cleaning challenges with precision and efficiency. From handling time-sensitive tasks to managing expansive operations, the tagline reinforces Kärcher’s versatility and reliability.

By directly addressing critical industry pain points such as time constraints, flexibility, and large-scale cleaning, the tagline creates instant resonance with decision-makers, solidifying Kärcher’s position as a trusted problem-solver in diverse sectors.

To convey its capabilities effectively, Kärcher employs targeted taglines that emphasize its adaptability and reliability:

● Short Time Window. Rapid Results. There’s Kärcher for That.

● Maximum Flexibility. There’s Kärcher for That.

● Supersized Floors. There’s Kärcher for That.

These messages directly align Kärcher’s solutions with industry-specific needs, ensuring clear communication of its capabilities.

Mr. Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director of Kärcher India, remarked “Kärcher’s professional cleaning solutions campaign reflects our deep understanding of B2B cleaning requirements, which are both diverse and mission-critical. Whether it’s maintaining strict hygiene protocols in healthcare, ensuring operational safety in manufacturing, or upholding brand image in retail, our solutions are tailored to meet unique challenges. By focusing on consultative selling, we ensure every customer receives solutions that not only address their needs but also deliver measurable outcomes. Our campaign exemplifies this approach, positioning Kärcher as a trusted partner in the journey toward a cleaner, more progressive India.”

This campaign represents another milestone in Kärcher’s commitment to redefining professional cleaning standards in India. By combining innovation, industry expertise, and a customer-centric approach, Kärcher continues to set benchmarks in reliability, excellence, and sustainability.

As the campaign progresses, Kärcher is poised to further strengthen its leadership, delivering impactful results for its customers while contributing to India’s vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Bengaluru, December 19, 2024:Velocity, India’s leading cash-flow-based financing platform, has earmarked 200 Cr in 2025 to support and accelerate growth in the restaurant and cloud kitchen ecosystem across India.

The fund is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by F&B brands and help them grow. F&B brands often struggle to secure financing from traditional sources like banks and NBFCs. Recognizing this gap, Velocity offers cash-flow-based financing, enabling restaurants and cloud kitchens to effectively manage capital expenditure, and working capital, open new outlets, purchase equipment, and launch sub-brands under existing ones without impacting operational profits.

India’s food delivery and dining-out market is projected to nearly double, growing from ₹5.5 trillion to ₹9 trillion by 2030, according to a report by Swiggy and Bain & Company. This surge is driven by rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer preferences, and the expanding reach of food aggregator platforms. Velocity’s fund is perfectly aligned with this growth and has placed a strong focus on empowering new-age restaurants and cloud kitchen brands, particularly those operating via food aggregator platforms like Zomato and Swiggy.

Commenting on the fund launch, Atul Khichariya, Co-Founder and COO, of Velocity said, “The growing appetite of Indian consumers for diverse culinary experiences, combined with the convenience of online food delivery, is driving remarkable growth in the F&B sector. This shift is also fueling a premiumization trend, as consumers increasingly seek high-quality food and beverage options, reflecting their willingness to spend and indulge in unique dining experiences. Velocity’s cash-flow-based financing model ensures that F&B brands can scale seamlessly while maintaining financial flexibility.”

Since 2020, Velocity has funded several notable F&B brands such as IDC Kitchen, Smoor, Daily Sushi, Brahma Brew Works, Milano Ice Cream, Imperio, Amore Gelato, Jamie’s Pizza, and Babas Chicken. These businesses utilized the funds to expand operations, strengthen supply chains, and enhance marketing efforts.

Elaborating on Velocity’s role in shaping IDC Kitchen’s growth story, Abhishek Manikchand Baldota, Director – IDC Kitchen, said, “ Velocity has been instrumental in the growth of our business and has become an invaluable partner in our journey to success. The beauty of Velocity’s financing lies in its true sense of partnership. We felt like we had gained a financial partner genuinely invested in our success. With Velocity’s support, we have been able to accelerate our expansion plans, invest in inventory, and scale our marketing efforts”

Minseong Seok, Founder of Daily Sushi, added “The partnership with Velocity went beyond providing funds. They ensured independence and transparency through the right integration of technology and support from a dedicated team.”

India’s F&B industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by the convergence of quick commerce, cloud kitchens, and ultra-fast delivery models. Platforms like Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Blinkit have introduced 10-minute delivery services such as Zepto Cafe, Bolt, and Bistro. Bigbasket and Magicpin are also preparing to enter this space while emerging players like Swish and Zing are also gaining traction. This shift to ultra-fast delivery is redefining convenience for consumers, pushing F&B brands to adapt swiftly. Moreover, initiatives like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) are enabling F&B brands to extend their reach beyond traditional marketplaces, unlocking new revenue streams in India’s evolving food delivery ecosystem.

To stay competitive, F&B brands are embracing technologies to better understand consumer behavior, standardize processes, and are investing in automation and machinery. As India’s F&B sector evolves rapidly, Velocity’s ₹200 crore fund is designed to support new-age innovators in the space. By offering fast, scalable, and flexible financing solutions, Velocity enables F&B brands to seize emerging market opportunities, scale operations, and meet increasing consumer demand.

19th December 2024: Techno India DAMA Hospital, a flagship institution of Techno India Group and a leading 320-bed Super Specialty Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata announced the launch of cutting-edge Robotic Technology for Orthopaedic Care. This new medical advancement is set to revolutionize orthopaedic treatments, particularly for knee-related ailments, offering patients a more precise, safer, and efficient surgical experience.

The announcement of this noble initiative was made in the presence of Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group, Mr. Meghdut Roychowdhury, Chief Innovation Officer & Executive Director, Techno India Group, Dr Sourav Ghosh, Medical Director, Techno India Dama Hospital, eminent Orthopedic Surgeons from India, Dr Rajeev Raman and Dr Goutam Gupta. Also present were the officials from Joints & Velys, Mr. Ram Mohan, General Manager, East & North, Joints & Velys and Mr Raunaque Nayeem, Area Sales Manager, Joints & Velys.

In collaboration with VELYS Digital Surgery, a state-of-the-art robotic platform developed by Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Techno India DAMA Hospital introduced this advanced technology as a pioneer institution in Eastern India. This AI and robotics-powered solution aims to significantly improve the surgical process, reducing complications while enhancing precision, recovery time and patient outcomes.

The VELYS Digital Surgery platform allows surgeons to perform highly accurate joint surgeries, guided by real-time data, with minimal risk of blood loss and bone damage. The system is designed to streamline the procedure, providing surgeons with digital insights, allowing them to plan and execute surgeries with unparalleled accuracy. Surgeons remain fully in control, with the robotic system acting as an advanced tool to assist in surgery, ensuring a tailored approach for each patient.

The Key Benefits of Robotic Surgery at Techno India DAMA Hospital are :

a. Reduced Surgery Time: The robotic system shortens the operating time, allowing more surgeries to be performed in a day (upto 6 – 8 procedures).

b. Minimized Radiation Exposure: The system does not require the use of CT scans or MRIs, minimizing patient exposure to radiation.

c. Higher Precision: Surgeons can plan the entire procedure digitally, increasing the accuracy and effectiveness of the surgery.

d. Quicker Recovery: The precision of robotic surgery leads to reduced soft tissue damage and a faster recovery time for patients.

e. Low Risk of Complications: The system ensures minimal blood loss and bone damage, providing safer outcomes for patients.

“At Techno India Group, we strive to blend innovation with compassion to redefine healthcare standards. The introduction of this progressive Robotic Technology at Techno India DAMA Hospital reflects our unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge advancements for enhancing patient outcomes and providing world-class care. Together, we aim to make precision medicine and advanced treatments accessible to all, setting a new benchmark for excellence in Eastern India. This initiative not only strengthens our leadership in the healthcare sector but also aligns with our vision to empower communities through transformative solutions. By integrating technology and expertise, we are paving the way for safer, more efficient medical procedures. Our goal is to create a future where superior healthcare is within everyone’s reach, ensuring better lives for generations to come.” said Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co Chairman Techno India Group.

“We are introducing this ground breaking robotic technology in Eastern India joining hands with VELYS Digital Surgery. We will now be able to offer our patients a much more advanced, efficient and precise way to treat orthopaedic ailments. This technology not only improves surgical outcomes but also reduces recovery time, offering our patients a higher quality of life,” said Dr Sourav Ghosh, Medical Director, Techno India DAMA Hospital.

As per Johnson & Johnson MedTech, the collaboration with Techno India DAMA Hospital marks a significant advancement in the application of robotic surgery. This innovative platform aims to augment surgical precision, thereby minimizing patient risks and improving recovery outcomes. By prioritizing minimally invasive techniques, the initiative seeks to optimize patient care, reduce lifestyle disruptions, and promote access to world-class medical solutions.

The new robotic surgery technology comes at a time when the demand for orthopedic treatments, particularly joint replacements and knee surgeries, are on the rise. With this technology, Techno India DAMA Hospital aims to make advanced orthopedic care more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric.

 Orange Business has designed, build, and will be operating the Cloud and Data Center Infrastructure

 Cutting-edge and future ready platform tailored to cater business needs in the country

 Initial 1st Phase capacity already operational at Manesar in the state of Haryana

Anant Raj Cloud, the wholly owned subsidiary of Indian real estate & infrastructure giant Anant Raj Limited, has teamed up with Orange Business to expand its offering in the country’s burgeoning cloud and data center market. This expansion is driven by the surge in digital adoption across various industries in the country.

Anant Raj Cloud launched its sovereign-cloud platform named ‘Ashok Cloud’ with an objective to provide tailored, secure, and robust cloud services alongside its data center business to enterprises and public sector undertakings in India. The company sought support in dimensioning resources, designing the right technical framework, and creating an overall governance model for its operations that addresses local data privacy and security regulations, promulgating a sovereign Cloud offering.

With a rich expertise in digital integration, Orange Business was chosen as the trusted technology partner to support Anant Raj Cloud’s digital transformational journey. Orange Business has designed, built, and is now operating multiple services for Anant Raj Cloud’s platform, including setting up a data center and cloud infrastructure to efficiently serve multiple customers while ensuring stringent data security and resource isolation. The deployment phase is completed, and ARC (Anant Raj Cloud) has already started onboarding its customers.

With a robust foundation of access controls, encryption mechanisms, and continuous monitoring, the Public Cloud Service provides a secure and scalable platform tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

In the future, Anant Raj Cloud plans to introduce additional services to support the growth of its customer’s businesses more effectively. These new offerings will be designed to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation, ultimately helping its customers to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Sovereign, Flexible, secure, and scalable infrastructure design

By storing data locally in data centers, Anant Raj Cloud will help its customers comply with data residency laws and other local sovereign requirements.

“The economic upturn in India and the Government of India’s push for data localization underscores enterprises’ increasing reliance on digital infrastructure. Together with our trusted technology partner, Orange Business, we are addressing this critical demand for flexible, secure, and scalable cloud services and robust data center capabilities to process ever-growing amounts of data, thanks to digital take-up and the rapid adoption of generative AI,” comments Gagan Singh, Chief Business Officer at Anant Raj Cloud.

Anant Raj Limited plans to further invest in its cloud capacity including a 307MW data center footprint across India, which will be at its existing facilities located in the towns of Manesar, Rai, and Panchkula.

“We are delighted to partner with Anant Raj Cloud to deliver a secure, reliable, future-proof infrastructure along with cutting-edge cloud services for its growing customer base, providing customized solutions that align perfectly with their business needs,” comments Chalapathi Rao, CEO, of Orange Business India.

December 19, 2024 – SanchiConnect, a DeepTech Enablement Network in partnership with YourNest Venture Capital announces investment through India’s biggest DeepTech accelerator programme, investing INR 48 crore in eight transformative startups under its Velocity Accelerator Program. This initiative, marking the largest DeepTech funding cohort of 2024, underscores Velocity’s position as India’s leading accelerator for emerging and DeepTech innovations. With this milestone, the program demonstrates its commitment to nurturing groundbreaking ideas and driving economic growth in the country’s startup ecosystem.

The seven-month-long program garnered an overwhelming response, receiving 1,280 applications from 23 states and six Union Territories, reflecting its national reach and inclusivity. After a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, eight exceptional startups were selected for their disruptive potential across various sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, healthcare, enterprise solutions, and artificial intelligence.

The eight selected startups exemplify innovation at its finest. Induz, for instance, leverages AI tools to automate and unify large-scale enterprise data, while LeanWorx offers cloud-based productivity monitoring systems for the manufacturing sector. Think Metal has developed a compact, cost-effective 3D metal printer that delivers 10x faster production at half the cost. Presage Insights uses advanced AI for predictive analytics to improve decision-making across industries. Superfone is India’s first app-based business phone number platform for SMBs, integrating telephony with business software. CargoFL employs AI-powered logistics solutions to optimize supply chains and improve operational efficiency. Finally, a couple of other groundbreaking startups complete this exceptional cohort.

Beyond funding, the Velocity Accelerator Program offers startups a comprehensive growth platform. In addition to financial support, the program provides expert mentorship, go-to-market strategies, and access to industry leaders. A key highlight of the program is a four-day immersive boot camp at IIT Kanpur’s Noida Campus. This boot camp includes workshops on branding, leadership, and team-building, along with cultural activities and fireside chats that foster both professional and personal growth. The program equips startups with the necessary tools and insights to overcome challenges, scale effectively, and seize global opportunities.

Sunil Goyal, Managing Director of YourNest Venture Capital, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Programs like Velocity are instrumental in unlocking India’s DeepTech potential. The diversity of this cohort, backed by SanchiConnect’s technological support, exemplifies how collaboration can drive scalable, real-world solutions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Sunil K. Shekhawat, Founder and CEO of SanchiConnect, remarked, “The Velocity Accelerator Program reflects SanchiConnect’s unwavering commitment to fostering a robust DeepTech ecosystem in India. Our role extends beyond funding; we leverage our business expertise and program management capabilities to provide VCs and investors with the tools, insights, and support needed to identify and nurture potential early jewels.”

This INR 48 crore investment marks a significant milestone in India’s startup ecosystem, spotlighting the role of DeepTech in driving economic growth and technological innovation. By bridging the gap between visionary startups and critical resources, the Velocity Accelerator Program paves the way for Indian startups to thrive on the global stage.

December 19, 2024: The Captains Professional Basketball Pvt Ltd (CPBL), in partnership with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), today at an exclusive press conference announced the launch of the Pro International Basketball League (InBL PRO U-25), an initiative to transform Indian basketball by creating superior opportunities. The league is set to commence on January 15, 2025, with six teams fighting for the championship. Post commencement, one game will be played each day, culminating with the final fours in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of March 2025. The players will go in for auction on January 9, 2025, and will feature both Indian and international talent from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and others – and mark the beginning of a bold new chapter for Indian basketball.

Key stakeholders present at the launch included Mr. Aadhav Arjuna, President, of BFI, Mr. Kulvinder Singh Gill, Secretary General, of BFI, Mr. Chengalraya Naidu, Treasurer, of BFI, Mr. Rupinder Brar, Founder and Chairman, of INBL Pro, Mr. Abhisek Yash Tyagi, Founder and Co-Chairman, INBL Pro, Mr. Dushyant Khanna, Founder and Director, INBL Pro and Mr. Parveen Batish, CEO, INBL Pro.

The INBL PRO features six franchises and will bring together some of the best young talents from India and the world. Each team will consist of 12 players. The composition of each team includes 6 Indian players under 25 and 6 international players. Ensuring top-tier training and development, the league will feature 12 international coaches and six Indian assistant coaches.

A New Era for Indian Basketball

Mr. Aadhav Arjuna, President, the Basketball Federation of India, said, “The INBL PRO U-25 is a significant initiative that will raise the standards of Indian basketball. By blending international expertise with local talent, a new benchmark for the sport is being set in India and we, at BFI is happy to collaborate with INBL in this landmark league. It is first time in India U25 Professional League is starting and the College and youth players will benefit.”

Mr. Kulvinder Singh Gill, Secretary General, Basketball Federation of India, added, “This league will elevate the game in India by creating never-seen-before opportunities for India’s young talent to learn, grow, and compete at a professional level. With international players and coaches, the Indian players will be able to get unmatched experiences that will set them for the global stage.”

International Expansion with the Indian Panthers in New Zealand
Justin Nelson, Commissioner of the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZ NBL), has awarded INBL a franchise, the Indian Panthers, to allow Indian talent an international platform in the NZ NBL, one of the world’s top 10 leagues. As a part of this, the top 10-12 Indian players will live and train in Auckland, New Zealand, and represent India for 5 months, competing against other professional teams weekly in high-level international games. The Panthers will also provide Indian players with much-needed exposure to advanced training methodologies, game preparation, and strategy in one of the most competitive basketball environments. It is a first-of-its-kind opportunity for Indian players to hone their skills globally.

Mr. Rupinder Brar, Founder and Chairman of INBL Pro, said, “InBL Pro has created aspirational pathways for Indian players to play at the highest level while inspiring the next generation of players. We want to make basketball matter more in India and InBL Pro offers players a chance to compete at a high level, while also entertaining fans with the sport’s fast-paced and dynamic nature.”

“InBL Pro U-25 is all about development, entertainment and global exposure. By taking it international with players, coaches, and venues, we are setting a new benchmark for professional basketball in India. It is a leap towards integrating U25 Indian players into the global basketball ecosystem,” said Mr. Parveen Batish, CEO of INBL Pro.

Approximately 50% of India’s population (1.42 billion) is under the age of 25. This represents a significant pool of untapped talent. By targeting this age bracket, InBL Pro aims to develop players early in their careers and prepare them for international exposure. Combining development, entertainment, and international collaboration, the league represents a transformative step in elevating Indian basketball on the world stage.

December 19, 2024: Godrej Professional, a leading professional hair brand offering hair colour and hair care from the house of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), announced Bollywood’s rising star Sharvari as its first-ever brand ambassador. The reveal took place at the grand finale of Godrej Professional Spotlight, a platform celebrating hairstylists on a national stage. Known for her standout performances in films like Munjya, Maharaj and Vedaa, Sharvari perfectly reflects the brand’s commitment to style, confidence, and empowerment. Her fashion-forward persona and values align seamlessly with Godrej Professional, making her the ideal face of the brand.

Commenting on the development, Abhinav Grandhi, General Manager, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, “We are excited to have Sharvari as the very first brand ambassador for Godrej Professional. Being a fashion & lifestyle icon, Sharvari has millions who look up to her for her impeccable sense of style and grace. Her association with Godrej Professional comes at a time as we are growing and continuing to expand our footprint in the hair and beauty industry.”

Expressing her excitement about the association, Sharvari said, “It’s an honour to be the first-ever brand ambassador for Godrej Professional. Godrej has been a trusted name amongst Indian households for over 120 years and has truly revolutionized the hair colour category in the country. They’re known for their innovative and high-quality hair colour range such as Dimension & Colourplay. Hair has always been a defining part of my style—whether I am embodying a character on screen or turning heads on the red carpet. When approached to represent Godrej Professional, I was thrilled as it resonates with my personal style.”

Sharvari dazzled as the showstopper unveiled 2025’s trending hair color and styling looks. The stunning showcase was curated by Godrej Professional’s dynamic trio: Yianni Tsapatori, Creative Director – Hair; Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head; and Najeeb-Ur-Rehman, Technical Ambassador. Godrej Professional also showcased the Dimensions and Colourplay range of its hair colours.

Alongside the unveiling of its brand ambassador, Godrej Professional announced the winners of Spotlight, a platform celebrating hairstylists’ creativity on a national stage. Out of 400+ entries received; 30 finalists showcased curated hair color looks in a grand hair show. Bhavin Bavaliya, from Bonanza Beauty Lounge based in Rajkot, won First Place, receiving INR 5 lakh and the chance to collaborate with a celebrity, marking a milestone in their career. Priyanka Sinha of Kaixo Academy from Kolkata secured Second Place with INR 2.5 lakh, while Laltlan Kimi – Luv Salon from Bengaluru took Third Place with INR 1.5 lakh. A jury including celebrity stylist Yianni Tsapatori, (Creative Director – Hair, Godrej Professional); Monica Bahl (CEO of Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council); and Kanishka Ramchandani (Editor, Professional Beauty Hairdressers Journal India); along with special guest jury – actress Adaa Khan and Helly Shah, selected the winners.

Through Spotlight, the 30 shortlisted hair stylists underwent ‘the Recognition of Prior Learning’ certification program from the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), an Awarding Body of the National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Through this program, the hairstylists received National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned Government of India certification. The 30 hair stylists can now use the certificate to procure loans for professional endeavors. Godrej Professional Spotlight is supported by the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC) as Industry Trade Partner and Professional Beauty Hairdressers Journal India as a Trade Media Partner.

Monica Bahl, CEO, of the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), emphasized the initiative’s impact, stating, “Godrej Professional Spotlight is a shining example of how skill development and industry collaboration can drive growth and recognition for hairstylists across India. By partnering with Godrej Professional, we are elevating Indian talent to global standards and creating opportunities that inspire the next generation of salon professionals.”

Abhinav Grandhi of Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), added, “We are incredibly proud of the overwhelming response to Godrej Professional Spotlight. This platform not only offers an opportunity for talented hairstylists to showcase their creativity but also reflects our commitment towards education and training. Through this initiative, we aim to empower stylists with the skills and exposure necessary to excel in an increasingly competitive market. This is just one of our steps towards our long-term commitment to nurture and uplift India’s salon professionals.”

The Godrej Professional Spotlight event celebrating hair artistry and the spirit of fashion, was attended by over 300 hair stylists. Adding to the glamour, renowned actor Karanvir Bohra hosted the event, making it a memorable celebration of talent and creativity.

19 December 2024: Interarch Building Products Limited, a pioneer in Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL), a leading name in steel manufacturing. This partnership is set to redefine India’s urban infrastructure by promoting the use of steel as the preferred material for multi-story buildings, data centers, and heavy structures.

This collaboration will leverage Interarch’s expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing, and project management alongside JSPL’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities for heavier structures, enabling the development of high-performance steel solutions. Together, the two companies aim to drive innovation in the construction industry by advocating for sustainable and efficient urban development practices.

Steel is becoming the material of choice for modern urban construction due to its speed, strength, flexibility, and sustainability. The partnership between Interarch and JSPL seeks to address these demands by combining the former’s proficiency in PEB construction with the latter’s advanced steel production capabilities.

Mr. Arvind Nanda, Founder and Managing Director of Interarch Building Products Limited, said: “Our partnership with Jindal Steel & Power marks a significant step in transforming India’s urban landscape. By enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of construction, we aim to support India’s vision for smarter, safer cities.”

Mr. Ajay Agarwal, EVP, Construction Material Business, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, added: “This strategic partnership with Interarch underscores our commitment to transforming India’s urban infrastructure. By integrating our high-quality, innovative steel solutions with Interarch’s engineering expertise, we aim to set new benchmarks for sustainable,
future-ready construction practices that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving nation.”

Additional Areas of Collaboration
1. Marketing & Awareness Campaigns:
Joint efforts such as seminars, webinars, and conferences for architects and developers to promote the advantages of steel construction.
2. Technical Expertise & Training:
Workshops and technical resources to educate industry professionals on the latest steel design and construction techniques.
3. Advocacy & Policy Support:
Engagement with industry bodies and government agencies to promote favorable policies for steel-based construction.

This partnership signifies a remarkable leap toward transforming India’s urban infrastructure, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and durable construction solutions.

19th December 2024: As India accelerates its journey toward a $5 trillion economy by 2025, the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) continues to set new standards in integrated infrastructure development. Aiming to ensure the effective adoption of PM GatiShakti across states, Primus Partners – India’s leading home-grown consultancy has outlined seven transformative strategies.

Launched in 2021, PM GatiShakti NMP has grown from a platform supporting nine Infrastructure Ministries to include 16 Social Ministries, 15 Economic Ministries, and five other Ministries. Today, it integrates over 1,614 data layers from 36 States/UTs and 44 Central Ministries. Its adoption has already demonstrated measurable results, such as:
• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways reduced pre-alignment preparation time from six months to just 15 days
• The Ministry of Railways increased the construction of new rail lines from 4 km/day to 12 km/day
• The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas shortened the time for generating Electronic Detailed Report Surveys (e-DRS) from 6-9 months to 24 hours, resulting in resulting in savings of INR 169 crores (USD 20 million) through optimized pipeline alignment for the North-East Gas Grid (NEGG). These outcomes underscore the potential of the program to address long-standing inefficiencies in infrastructure planning.

Despite these successes, ensuring PM GatiShakti’s uniform adoption across states remains a challenge. Recognizing this, Primus Partners has laid out seven actionable strategies to optimize platform usage:
1. Enhance GIS mapping: Ensure precise representation of assets for better planning
2. Assign comprehensive data attributes: Include detailed attributes to enable efficient decision-making
3. Standardize frameworks: Develop uniform guidelines and SOPs for data integration across departments
4. Implement robust data validation: Adopt layered mechanisms for accuracy and reliability in data usage
5. Digitize land records: Address bottlenecks in land acquisition with updated, accurate data
6. Adopt institutional frameworks: Regularize meetings and approvals through Network Planning Groups (NPG) and Empowered Groups of Secretaries (EGoS)
7. Build capacity: Conduct training workshops and provide resources to support state officials in leveraging the portal effectively

Speaking on the transformative potential of the initiative, Davinder Sandhu, Chairman and Co-founder, Primus Partners, said, “Initially focused on multimodal logistics infrastructure for seamless connectivity, the program has expanded its scope to include comprehensive physical and social infrastructure development, leveraging the Area Development Approach and emphasizing economic corridor planning.

Some of the recent developments of PM GatiShakti are the launch of the District Master Plan portal with necessary planning tools and data layers developed based on discussion with District administration and plan to open access to PM GatiShakti NMP to the private sector by leveraging the platform’s extensive data repository for planning and implementing infrastructure projects efficiently. These advancements signify the program’s shift toward inclusive and collaborative infrastructure development, integrating public and private efforts to achieve the broader vision of sustainable growth and connectivity.”

Primus Partners also emphasizes that states in the early stages of portal adoption can accelerate their progress through policy mandates, adherence to Quality Improvement Plans, and continuous training initiatives. To ensure effective implementation, the appointment of nodal officers from each department or division is recommended to enhance coordination. By fostering collaboration across ministries and encouraging private sector participation, the PM GatiShakti portal has the potential to serve as a transformative tool for India’s infrastructure development.

December 19, 2024: The 19th edition of the India Digital Summit (IDS), the flagship annual conference of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is scheduled for January 16-17, 2025, at Aerocity, New Delhi. Being organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and Digital India, the theme of IDS 2025 is “Bharat’s Digital Path: Empowering Future Innovators”.

IDS is India’s oldest and largest conference of the digital ecosystem that brings together policymakers, regulators, senior bureaucrats, industry captains, C-suit executives, academicians, and senior professionals to deliberate the prospects and challenges before all digital sectors and showcase the latest products and services. IDS 2025 has been upscaled many times from previous years’ ones, with an agenda of over 300 sessions spread across 17 tracks, covering all sectors of the digital industry. It is expected to draw more than 15,000 delegates. An expansive exhibition with 100 stalls where more than 50 leading digital brands will showcase their latest innovations will be an integral part of IDS 2025. Numerous ancillary activities such as roundtables, workshops, industry meet-ups, masterclasses, hackathons, breakfast meetings, and sundowners, are set to galvanize the conference into a unique mix of insights, networking,g and exposure to cutting-edge Digitech.

The tracks in which the movers and shakers of India’s digital world will share their insights exemplify the depth and expanse of IDS 2025: Advertising, Artificial Intelligence, Banking, D2C & Logistics, Data & Security, Gig Economy, Global Capability Centres (GCGs), eCommerce, Education, Entertainment, Investments, Multiuser Technologies, Startup, Tech for Health, Tech for Rural, Tech for Sports, and Tech for Travel.

IDS 2025 will have a special focus on startups. There will be a ‘Startup Street’, and ‘Startup Pitching Sessions’ which will provide emerging startups with a dedicated space and sessions to showcase their innovations, visions and plans, through exhibitions, live demos, and one-on-one meetings, before industry leaders, venture capitalists, and domain experts to pitch for funding and partnership.

Instituted under IDS is India’s most prestigious bouquet of digital awards, the India Digital Awards (IDA). Adjudicated by a jury comprising over 40 industry stalwarts, the 15th IDA will be given away in four categories, divided into 47 subcategories, recognizing and celebrating digital excellence.

Underlining the necessity to bridge the various kinds of digital divides that persist across India, despite the country’s exemplary digital growth over the past decade, IAMAI has also introduced 2024 a special bouquet of awards under the IDS umbrella, the Digital Responsibility Awards (DRA). Divided into nine categories, the 2nd DRA will honor companies, campaigns and individuals who have made commendable contributions in bridging the digital divides.