All posts by Sujata Achary

Chandigarh, 28th January 2025: Bank of India announced its results for the quarter Q3 FY25. Net Profit improved by 35% YoY and stood at Rs.2,517 Cr for Q3FY25 against Rs.1,870 Cr in Q3FY24. On a sequential basis, Net Profit improved by 6 % from Rs.2,374 Cr in Q2FY25.

On the Asset quality front, Net NPA declined by 29.07% YoY from Rs.7,627 Cr in Dec’23 to Rs.5,410 Cr in Dec’24. Global Business increased by 13.62% YoY from Rs.12,72,887 Cr in Dec’23 to Rs.14,46,295 Cr in Dec’24 reporting a YTD growth of 9.28%.

Net Interest Income (NII) increased by 11% YoY and stood at Rs.6,070 Cr for Q3FY25 against Rs.5,463 Cr for Q3FY24 and Rs.5,986 Cr in Q2FY25. As of 31.12.2024, the Bank’s total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) was at 16.00% against 16.06% as of 31.12.2023.

Retail Credit grew by 21.22% YoY to Rs.1,27,825 Cr in Dec’24. (YTD Growth: 14.66%). Agriculture Credit grew by 18.46% YoY to Rs.95,173 Cr in Dec’24. MSME Credit grew by 16.36% YoY to Rs.89,134 Cr in Dec’24.

Priority Sector Advances increased by 16.63% YOY and achieved 45.27% of ANBC as on Dec’24. Agricultural advances achieved 21.19% of ANBC. Advances to Small & Marginal Farmers achieved 11.76% of ANBC in Dec’24 against regulatory norm of 10%. Advances to Weaker Sections achieved 14.11% of ANBC in Dec’24 against regulatory norm of 12%.

Bank has opened 2.23 Lakh new PMJDY accounts during Q3-FY’25 and 10.49 lakh new accounts during 9 Months ended FY’25.

As on 31st Dec’24, the Bank has 5202 number of Domestic branches.

Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, unveils the SWITCH IeV8, an electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) designed for mid-mile logistics at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025

Chandigarh, 25 January 2025: SWITCH Mobility Ltd, a part of the Hinduja Group, has unveiled the SWITCH IeV8, a revolutionary electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) in the 7.2T category catering to mid-mile logistics. Designed with sustainability and operational efficiency at its core, the SWITCH IeV8 is set to transform the logistics sector in India.

The SWITCH IeV8, a robust addition to SWITCH Mobility’s eLCV portfolio is engineered for optimal performance, durability, and sustainability in cargo transportation. Featuring cutting-edge advanced lithium battery chemistry, the IeV8 delivers an impressive range of 250 km on a single charge. Its versatile design accommodates up to 830 cubic feet of container space, making it ideal for diverse logistics needs. With a top speed of 80 km/h and fast-charging capabilities, it ensures swift and uninterrupted operations, meeting the demands of modern businesses.

With features like Electro-Hydraulic power steering (EHPS) for effortless maneuverability, a driver-centric AC cabin, tiltable steering, and sliding & reclining seats, the SWITCH IeV8 is crafted to deliver exceptional comfort and ergonomic excellence.

On the occasion, Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, of SWITCH Mobility, said, “The unveil of the SWITCH IeV8 represents our steadfast commitment to pioneering clean transportation solutions. This vehicle embodies our vision of providing innovative and environmentally conscious solutions that not only meet the demands of modern logistics but also contribute significantly to a greener future. With the IeV8, SWITCH Mobility reaffirms its position as a leader in innovation and eco-conscious development within the electric mobility sector.”

Mr. Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, SWITCH Mobility, added, “The SWITCH IeV8 is designed to address the increasing demand for efficient, reliable, and sustainable solutions in the mid-mile logistics segment. With a robust payload capacity up to 4 Ton and container compatibility of up to 830 cubic feet, the IeV8 is tailored to meet the varied needs of modern logistics operations. Its advanced lithium battery chemistry delivers a range of 250 km per charge, complemented by fast-charging capabilities that minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency. Built with SWITCH Mobility’s advanced EV architecture, the vehicle delivers superior operational performance resulting in lowest total cost of ownership

The SWITCH IeV8 is designed to deliver superior handling, durability, and driver comfort. With features like Electro-Hydraulic power steering (EHPS) for effortless maneuverability, a driver-centric AC cabin, tiltable power steering, and sliding & reclining seats, it ensures a comfortable and fatigue-free driving experience even during long hauls. These thoughtful additions prioritize driver well-being, enhancing safety and productivity on every journey.”

Powered by SWITCH iON, our proprietary telematics system, the SWITCH IeV8 offers real-time vehicle health monitoring, ITMS, and efficient fleet management, among over 50 advanced features.

Designed for both performance and durability, the SWITCH IeV8 is an innovative vehicle that empowers businesses to lower operational costs while minimizing their carbon footprint. With the SWITCH IeV8, SWITCH Mobility is all set to create a transformative impact on India’s logistics sector by offering a solution that seamlessly combines performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

India, one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, has put tourism at the center of its growth drivers in the services sector. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), India’s Travel & Tourism GDP is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 7.1% over the next decade. Currently, the tourism and hospitality sector contributes approximately 8% of India’s total employment. This momentum is expected to accelerate, with sectoral spending projected to rise by 1.2 times by 2034, emphasizing the need for a highly skilled workforce to meet future demands.

While metropolitan hubs have traditionally driven India’s tourism economy, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are emerging as key contributors. Travelers are increasingly seeking unexplored destinations, fueled by the rise of staycations post-pandemic, improved connectivity, and a growing inclination toward religious tourism. The rapid development of these smaller cities is expected to generate 24 million talent opportunities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets by 2033, with a balanced workforce comprising 75% male and 25% female talent.

Religious tourism, in particular, has been a significant driver of growth, gaining momentum year after year. The sector is expected to generate $59 billion in revenue by 2028 and create a significant number of temporary and permanent jobs by 2030. The increasing reliance on gig and temporary workers is providing flexible employment opportunities, especially during peak seasons. For instance, Maha Kumbh 2025 is anticipated to generate an estimated 1.2 Million gig and temporary jobs across various roles, including hotel staff, tour guides, and travel coordinators, to manage the massive influx of visitors. Religious tourism hubs like Ayodhya, Ujjain, Badrinath, Varanasi, Haridwar, Mathura, Tirupati, Amritsar, and Bodhgaya are spearheading this growth.

Beyond religious tourism, cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kochi, Rishikesh, Ahmedabad, Shillong, Guwahati, and Agra are witnessing remarkable growth due to their cultural significance and enhanced connectivity. Trends like destination weddings, adventure sports tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, and rural tourism are further propelling these destinations. This diversification is creating demand for a wide range of job profiles in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, such as Sales and Business Development Professionals (26%), Travel Consultants (22%), Tour Guides (15%), Digital Marketers (12%), Customer-Service Executives (15%), Logistics Operators (10%).

To sustain this growth and meet future workforce demands, focus on the upcoming budget will also be critical. Incentives that promote training for tour guides, hotel staff, logistics operators, and local artisans can strengthen the sector’s foundation. Upskilling initiatives focused on domestic tourism roles, such as customer-service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots, can further enhance employability and elevate the tourism experience for travellers. These training and upskilling initiatives can boost the likelihood of securing permanent and gig jobs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by 2 to 3 times.

Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services commented “India’s tourism sector holds immense potential to foster employment, drive inclusive economic growth, and unlock the capabilities of smaller cities. By capitalizing on the growth of Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations, leveraging emerging trends, and fostering a skilled workforce, the sector is poised to play a transformative role in the nation’s economic and social progress.”

Mumbai, January 28, 2025: The nation’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC, commemorated the 76th Republic Day with grand celebrations at its Hyderabad Head Office and other mining projects across India. Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), unfurled the National Flag at the Head Office in the presence of NMDC’s leadership team and enthusiastic employees. The event was graced by Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), Shri B. Vishwanath, CVO, Smt. G Priyadarshini, CGM (Personnel & Administration), and other senior officials and employees.

In his Republic Day address, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said, “Republic Day is not just a celebration of our democratic ethos but a reminder of the immense responsibility we bear, both as citizens and as an organization. NMDC has emerged as a growth leader, achieving a 9% surge in production and a 5% increase in sales over CPLY. As we stride into the fourth quarter, we are ready to blaze past the 45 million tonne milestone with confidence and determination. With record growth in revenue from operations (20%) and profit after tax (23%) in Q2 FY25, we continue to set industry benchmarks.”

Emphasizing the company’s role in India’s growth journey, he added, “Our vision extends beyond mining, as reflected in NMDC Steel Limited’s achievements and our expanded flagship CSR initiative, Balika Shiksha Yojana, now empowering 85 tribal girls with professional nursing education. At NMDC, we remain committed to being of the greatest service to India.”

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, NMDC organized the ‘Republic Day Run 2025’ across its projects in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. NMDC’s brand ambassador and two-time World Champion boxer, Nikhat Zareen took part in the run inspiring the runners. Her presence underscored the importance of fitness and aligned with the goals of the ‘Fit India Movement.’ promoting both physical and mental well-being and encouraging employees and local communities to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

In addition to the Run, NMDC engaged employees and associates indoor games and competitions such as Chess, Table Tennis, and Carrom. The winners were felicitated during the ceremony, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork among participants.

The celebrations across NMDC locations reflected the organization’s firm commitment to the nation’s growth and its dedication to building a strong, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.

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IIT Roorkee, 28 01, 2025: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in India, celebrated the 76th Republic Day with grandeur, reaffirming its 178-year-old legacy of excellence and commitment to shaping the nation’s future.

The celebrations commenced with the arrival of key dignitaries, including the Director, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Deputy Director, Prof. U.P. Singh, Registrar, Shri Prashant Garg, Dean of Administration, Prof. D.S. Arya, along with esteemed faculty members, staff, and students. Prof. Pant inspected the Guard of Honour presented by the Security Staff and NCC cadets before ceremonially hoisting the national flag. This was followed by a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem by the entire gathering, symbolizing unity and patriotism.

In his address, Prof. Pant reflected on IIT Roorkee’s pivotal role in India’s progress. “As one of Asia’s oldest technical institutions, IIT Roorkee carries a profound legacy of innovation, research, and societal impact. This Republic Day, we recommit ourselves to driving progress through cutting-edge research, sustainability, and the empowerment of future leaders,” he said.

The event celebrated India’s cultural diversity with vibrant performances by students from ABN Senior Secondary School, Anushruti Academy for the Deaf, and the IIT Roorkee Cultural Society. These presentations not only showcased India’s rich heritage but also reflected the talents and creativity of the younger generation.

Recognizing contributions within the institution, awards and commendation certificates were presented to employees for their exemplary efforts in 2024. Trophies for initiatives like the Best Cleaned Bhawan and Mess further highlighted IIT Roorkee’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity on campus.

The program concluded with a rousing chorus of the national anthem and a collective cheer of “Jai Hind,” leaving attendees inspired and proud. The celebrations were live-streamed, allowing alumni, students, and well-wishers worldwide to participate and connect with the institution’s enduring legacy.

Hyderabad, 28th January 2025: The third edition of the iconic 3-day music and dance extravaganza, ‘Ramayana Kalpavrksam’, conceived and curated by Hyderabad-based acclaimed dancer Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant, a celebrated artist and cultural ambassador, will be hosted from 31st January 2025 to 2nd February 2025, at the CCRT campus, Hyderabad. The signature festival and India’s finest talents in classical arts in a unique confluence of art, tradition, and scholarship is being presented by Shankarananda Kalakshetra and Natyarambha, in collaboration with Brhat. The festival is to be inaugurated by Chief Guest Sri Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament.

According to Ananda the creator of the annual festival, Ramayana Kalpavrksam brings Sri Rama Chetana back into our lives, a 3-day immersion into all things Rama through the prism of top-class performances, of dance, music, and Harikatha, through stars and doyens in the field, inspiring and scholarly talks, by renowned and young scholars, learning workshops on Indic knowledge, exhibitions, crafts and more.

The highlights performances in the evening segment, ‘Ramarasa’ promises to be a mesmerizing celebration of art and devotion, featuring an array of stellar performances from the worlds of Carnatic music, classical dance, and storytelling, with the renowned Carnatic duo Ranjani-Gayatri, premiering their much-anticipated musical feature, ‘RAMA by RaGa’; Vishaka Hari, the Harikatha legend, will enchant the audience with ‘Ramayana: The Life-Giving Tree’; a breathtaking presentation of Rukmini Devi Arundale’s iconic dance choreography, ‘Sabari Moksham,’ brought to life by the Kalakshetra Foundation; the rare and vibrant Manipuri Raas, Pung and Dhol Cholam, performed by the JN Manipuri Dance Academy, Imphal, transporting audiences to the cultural heart of Manipur and a soulful invocation, ‘Takkuvemimanaku,’ performed by the Shankarananda Kalakshetra ensemble. Each performance is a testament to the timeless legacy of Indian art forms, weaving together music, dance, and storytelling in an unforgettable homage to Lord Rama.

The morning sessions, ‘Ramamrita’ brings together six remarkable and scholarly speakers, each offering a unique perspective on the timeless epic of the Ramayana. Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, renowned for his deep understanding of Sanskrit literature and philosophy; Yashodeep Deodhar, creator of the widely popular 21Notes, sharing innovative insights into the Ramayana; Ami Ganatra, acclaimed author of bestselling books on the Ramayana, known for her fresh and thought-provoking interpretations; Dr. Anupama Kylash, a celebrated dance scholar, illuminating the Ramayana through the lens of classical Indian dance and culture; Dr. DK Hari and Dr. DK Hema, creators of the Bharat Gyan series, bringing their extensive research on India’s ancient wisdom and the Ramayana to life and Vikram Sridhar, a gifted young storyteller, weaving the magic of the Ramayana with his compelling narratives. This exceptional lineup promises to delve into the myriad facets of the Ramayana, blending scholarship, creativity, and storytelling to inspire and enlighten.

As part of the vibrant three-day festival, an array of engaging learning workshops and unique experiences await participants, in ‘Kala Charan’: a Sanskrit Learning Workshop, led by Udaya Shreyas of the Sanskrit Channel, offering an immersive dive into the beauty and essence of Sanskrit. A hands-on fabric painting session will have the young and talented artist Anusha Namburi, exploring the art of adorning fabric with creativity and a traditional Cheriyal Painting art form is brought to life by acclaimed Cheriyal artist Madhu Merugoju. The fest will also have a captivating display of vintage lithographs from the treasured collection of Pratima Sagar and MC Mohan, showcasing the divine in Indian households, ‘Framing Divinity – Devas in Our Homes’ as well as ‘Kala Grama’, a bustling bazaar celebrating the craftsmanship of talented artisans, offering a glimpse into India’s rich heritage and artistry, Ramayana Kalpavrksam promises to captivate attendees and leave them enriched by India’s timeless traditions.

Mumbai, January 2025: Say hello to smooth, plump, and perfectly hydrated lips with Dr.Jart+’s latest innovation—the VHS Hydrating Lip Mask! Combining science-backed skincare with playful design, this lip mask features a unique jelly texture that melts effortlessly into your lips, delivering a surge of hydration and nourishment. Packaged in an irresistible jelly bear jar, it’s the perfect blend of fun and functionality for your lip care routine.

The VHS Hydrating Lip Mask is enriched with hyaluronic acid, a superstar ingredient known for its unmatched hydrating properties. Hyaluronic acid works by locking in moisture and boosting the skin’s natural hydration levels, leaving your lips feeling soft, plump, and deeply moisturized. Perfect for repairing dry, chapped lips, this mask helps maintain a healthy lip barrier while delivering an instant hydration surge. With its quirky, retro-inspired packaging, the VHS Hydrating Lip Mask turns your lip care routine into something fresh and exciting.

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Mysore – 24 January 2025: Winter is one of the most awaited seasons in India, but it may also bring a plethora of diseases like Cold, Cough, and Respiratory problems to name a few; which are most prevalent in this season and usually occur due to low immunity. Chyawanprash is an around 3000-year-old & well-known Ayurvedic formulation that is used for boosting immunity and helps protect against common day-to-day infections like cough and cold. Dabur Chyawanprash contains many ‘Rasayana’ herbs which help in the prevention of a variety of infections through its immunomodulatory effects.

As part of its commitment to safeguard the health of future generations, Dabur Chyawanprash announced the launch of a mega awareness initiative aimed at securing the health of underprivileged kids across the country. Under this initiative, Dabur Chyawanprash, along with a renowned doctor, will conduct Immunity awareness sessions to educate children about the need to build a stronger immune system to fight against illnesses due to the changing season, common bacteria, and viruses.

The drive was flagged off in Mysore with a special session conducted for more than 150 kids from GHPS Gungral Chhatra llawala Hobli in Mysore With the esteemed Head Mistress, Mrs. Susheela, and Mr. Rajeev John, Marketing Head, Dabur India Ltd, Dinesh Kumar Dabur India Ltd & teachers from school attendance. The session was aimed at creating awareness among kids to fight illness in winter. The kids were also educated on ways to boost their immunity through basic hygiene and a nutritious diet.

Speaking on the occasion, Dabur India Ltd, General Manager Marketing, Mr. Amit Garg said, “Dabur Chyawanprash has been committed to helping every Indian achieve the strongest immunity for over 100 years. This initiative is a leap forward towards this commitment. We are concerned about the cold wave that claims so many lives every year. Through this initiative, we will attempt to reach out to provide protection to underprivileged kids by highlighting the importance of Immunity besides providing Chyawanprash to these kids.”

Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, said, “During cycles of seasonal change, there is a sudden temperature variation, which leads to illnesses like cough, cold & flu. Enhancing immunity is an effective way to fight illnesses like cold, cough, respiratory problems, etc. Dabur Chyawanprash is an effective solution to boost one’s immunity needs through changing weather cycles.”

Under this campaign, Dabur Chyawanprash has joined hands with leading NGOs from 22 cities in India i.e. Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Udaipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Siliguri, Patna, Gaya, Indore, Raipur, Pune, Aurangabad, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mysore, Nasik, Nagpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal.

Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India:

“Education is not just a fundamental right, it is the foundation for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. It has the power to transform lives, advance human potential, and unlock opportunities for all, especially for children and youth with disabilities who are often left behind. At CBM India, we believe that every child deserves access to quality education that empowers them to thrive and be active participants in their communities.

Inclusive education is about providing access and creating environments that meet every learner’s needs. Through our work, we strive to bridge gaps, partner with schools to create inclusive environments, support children with disabilities in their learning journey, and empower teachers with the tools and training they need to develop methods that reach and engage every student. We envision a future where education is a universal right, not a privilege, and no one is excluded from its transformative power.

On this International Day of Education, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive education and call upon governments, communities, and stakeholders to unite to ensure every child has access to learning opportunities. Together, let us promote equitable and accessible systems, and create environments where education makes it possible for every child to achieve their dreams. By working together, we can build a world where inclusive and equitable quality education drives positive change.”

24th January 2025: As Ayodhya observes the first anniversary of Ram Lalla’s ‘Pran Pratishtha,’ Amish Tripathi’s lauded documentary, ‘Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun’, continues to captivate audiences with widespread acclaim and growing viewership. Raking in an impressive viewership of 10 million, the documentary secured the 4th position among the most-watched unscripted shows, according to Ormax Media. It was also the Top-most liked by viewers. Hosted by Amish Tripathi, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the story of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, from the birth of Lord Ram till today, blending historical context with profound spiritual importance. It features insightful interviews with influential figures such as Former Home Minister L.K. Advani, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Chief Justice Bobde, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Archaeologist K K Muhammed, among others.

Reflecting on the documentary’s journey, Dilip Piramal said, “As we mark the anniversary of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, I’m grateful for the continued appreciation and recognition this documentary has received from our viewers. This is a civilizational moment for India and Dharma.’

Amish Tripathi said, ‘This project was born from a sincere attempt to narrate the story of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple’s cultural significance and its reconstruction — a moment of pride and unity for all Indians. It’s humbling to witness the enduring impact that the documentary ‘Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun’ has created so far.’

Produced by Dilip Piramal, Immortal Studios (founded by bestselling author and diplomat Amish & and his wife Shivani), and Casa Media, the documentary employs a thorough narrative technique to provide a realistic and detailed portrayal of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The title music composed by Grammy-award winning Ricky Kej, and sung by legendary singers Sonu Nigam and Malini Awasthi, has struck a chord with audiences.

As Ayodhya commemorates this historic anniversary, ‘Ram Janmabhoomi: Return of a Splendid Sun’ continues to inspire meaningful conversations around India’s rich cultural heritage and history.