All posts by Sujata Achary

Chandigarh, January 21, 2025- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has been recognized with the Great Place to Work® Certification for the second time in a row, affirming its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture for its employees. Awarded in the Non-Profit and Charity category, this certification reflects NSDC’s continuous dedication to employee satisfaction and organizational excellence.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International, stated, “This is a testament to NSDC’s core values of integrity, inclusion, innovation, and impact, which makes it an inspiration for every member of NSDC to excel. We are committed to nurturing an environment that promotes learning, innovation, and equitable opportunities for all.” He also mentioned that NSDC celebrates its identity as a diverse and inclusive community, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and respect throughout the organization, which is essential for a productive and rewarding work environment.

The Great Place to Work® is a global leader in workplace culture, helping organizations create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience. In India, the Great Place to Work® collaborates with over 1400 organizations annually, spanning 22 diverse industries. According to its research, exemplary workplaces share attributes such as effective leadership, a consistently positive employee experience, and a commitment to sustainable financial performance.

NSDC has significantly contributed to India’s skilling ecosystem by facilitating the implementation of several successful upskilling initiatives and vocational institutions which have elevated the benchmarks of skilling in India. With more than 40,000 training centres across 750 districts, NSDC successfully placed 9.4 million candidates, trained over 40.19 million candidates, including 18 million women and 12.9 million individuals from urban and rural India. One of the NSDC’s most transformative initiatives has been the launch of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) which provides a comprehensive platform integrating skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

This latest accolade reinforces NSDC’s position as a leader in skill development in the industry and workplace culture in India, paving the way for impactful changes at both grassroots levels and within the professional landscape.

Chandigarh, January 21, 2025: Vedanta Ltd. said in an exchange notification that it will conduct meetings of its equity shareholders and secured and unsecured creditors on February 18 to seek their approval on the proposed demerger.

The demerger aims to create five separate entities focused on aluminum, power, oil and gas, steel and ferrous, and certain existing businesses under Vedanta Ltd. As per Vedanta’s earlier exchange filing, the proposed demerger will simplify Vedanta’s corporate structure by creating sector-focused independent businesses, providing global investors, sovereign wealth funds, retail investors, and strategic investors, with direct investment opportunities in dedicated pure-play companies.

Vedanta said in September 2023 that the demerger would provide a platform for individual units to pursue strategic agendas more freely and better align with customers, investment cycles, and end markets. It will help unlock value and provide the potential for faster growth in each vertical. Each company will have its market, demand, and supply trends and the potential to deploy technology to raise productivity. At the same time, the new companies will remain committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and net water positivity by 2030, the company said.

In November, the Mumbai Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal cleared the way for the meetings of Vedanta’s equity shareholders, and secured and unsecured creditors. Vedanta has already received a go-ahead/no objection from the stock exchanges.

Research firms and brokerage houses have expressed confidence in Vedanta’s demerger, seeing it as a chance of rerating. Emkay Research said in its December report on the mining sector that it believes that “Vedanta’s proposed demerger… focusing on the exposed commodity would open up a case for re-rating, as the investors would take exposure based on the outlook for that particular commodity and the business fundamentals without taking exposure to other commodities that come attached as part of the diversified group.” The brokerage sees a significant upside in Vedanta based on the expected valuation premium that pure plays get over diversified miners.

The share price of Vedanta Ltd. (VEDL) rose by 72% in the last year (2024).

Earlier this week, Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), the parent company of Vedanta Ltd. raised $1.1bn through new bond issuances. It had garnered strong investor demand with the bonds receiving final orders of $3.4bn+ representing an oversubscription of 3.1x. VRL has refinanced $3.1bn in USD bonds since September 2024 through four successive international bond transactions.

These transactions have repriced Vedanta Resource’s curve and reflect strong demand from international bond investors, including numerous marquee investors. The total quantum of USD bonds raised by VRL marks the largest amount raised by an Indian issuer over the last three years. VRL’s credit ratings have also been upgraded by multiple notches since its return to capital markets in 2024, to reflect the company’s improving liquidity, capital structure and longer debt maturity profile.

When love, faith, and destiny collide, extraordinary tales are written. Sun Neo’s beloved show Ishq Jabariya takes a thrilling turn as Gulki, played by Siddhi Sharma, and Aditya, portrayed by the talented Lakshay Khurana, face a rollercoaster of emotions in their journey of love and resilience. Known for its gripping narrative and unforgettable moments, the show now serves up an episode filled with joy, hope, and unexpected heartbreak.

Gulki has faced countless hardships and dramatic twists in her journey. Finally, she feels that brighter days are ahead, and it’s time to celebrate. Aditya’s birthday brings the perfect opportunity to spread happiness and create joyful memories. But just as Gulki begins to hope for peace, an unexpected tragedy strikes.

Aditya gets bitten by a snake, leaving everyone in shock and despair. With Aditya’s life hanging by a thread, the celebration turns into a desperate race against time. Gulki is determined to save him, but will her courage and faith be enough?

Will Gulki succeed in protecting Aditya, or is this the tragic end of their story? And if Aditya’s fate takes a dark turn, how will this change the course of the tale?

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 7:30 PM, is an engaging love story centred around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.

Mumbai – 21 January, 2025: Itihas ki ek anjaani aur adbhut kahani ab Disney+ Hotstar par dekhne ko milegi! The trailer for The Secret of the Shiledars is here, teasing an unforgettable journey into the unknown, where every clue uncovers something deeper, and every discovery leads to a new mystery. As Ravi (Rajeev Khandelwal) embarks on a quest to uncover hidden secrets and untangle his true identity, the path is far from straightforward. Streaming exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar from January 31, 2025, this captivating saga is one you won’t want to miss!

Produced by Nitin Vaidya under the banner of Dashami Creations LLP, with Aditya Sarpotdar as the showrunner and director, the series is based on the acclaimed Marathi novel Pratipashchandra[1] [2]. The Secret of the Shiledars stars Rajeev Khandelwal as the protagonist, leading the viewers on a quest for the hidden treasure, with Sai Tamhankar, Gaurav Amlani, and Ashish Vidyarthi in prominent roles.

[3] Showrunner & Director of the show Aditya Sarpotdar said, “Being a Maharashtrian, The Secret of the Shiledars is especially close to my heart. It’s my way of representing the courage and sacrifices of the Maratha Shiledars. The novel Pratipashchandra by Dr. Prakash Koyade has been a favorite of mine for a long and it’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Disney+ Hotstar and Dashami Creations to adapt this book and create this world on screen. It is a thrilling, adventurous journey that is set in the modern world but is steeped in history. It’s a treasure hunt that’ll keep you at the edge of your seats.”

Actor Rajeev Khandelwal said, “Playing a character like Ravi has been an incredible journey for me. It’s a contradiction of sorts that despite knowing what I was stepping into I actually had no idea what I was stepping into. From the moment we started shooting, I knew we may end up creating something magical under the skilled direction of Aditya. And we actually did. With The Secret of the Shiledars, he has ventured into an entirely new and intriguing genre, showcasing his brilliant creative vision. The show’s unique premise inspired me to push my limits as an actor, and working with Sai, Ashish sir and all other cast and crew members made the experience even more rewarding. I can’t wait for the world to see what we’ve made. Hope they enjoy this joyride as much as we did while creating it’’

Actress Sai Tamhankar said, “To be part of such an enriching show that challenges you at every step and shapes you as an artist is truly what an actor craves. With The Secret of the Shiledars, I’m glad to have put my best foot forward. Being from the heartland of Maharashtra, seeing it represented on-screen so authentically is immensely fulfilling. I believe this story will keep viewers hooked till the very end. Sharing screen time with stalwarts like Rajeev, with his incredible body of work, was truly inspiring. I am looking forward to what the audience has to say.”

Producer of the show, Nitin Vaidya said, “With The Secret of the Shiledars, we’ve brought together history, self-discovery and unexpected twists in an intriguing narrative that is set in the modern world. Disney+ Hotstar’s reach ensures that this story will touch a wide and diverse audience. We’re proud to share this labor of love and hope it sparks a deeper appreciation for the Shiledars’ legacy.”

Nagpur, 21 January 2025: As the world celebrates the first anniversary of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the Ramayan Cultural Centre, an initiative by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, is poised to pay tribute to Lord Ram’s values and ideals, emerging as a beacon of cultural preservation and education.

The Ramayan Cultural Centre, spearheaded by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has brought the timeless teachings of the Ramayan to life through immersive exhibitions, interactive installations, and educational workshops. The Centre has also become an integral part of regional development and India’s new tourist destination, attracting tourists and scholars from around the globe.

By combining cutting-edge technology with traditional storytelling, the Centre provides a unique space for visitors, especially the youth, to connect with the ancient text in a modern and meaningful way. The Centre is an extraordinary place of cultural and spiritual significance, focusing on showcasing the Ramayan through art and storytelling. The centre features the “Ramayan Darshanam Hall,” which contains over 120 detailed oil paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayan, bringing the epic to life for visitors.

With its focus on cultural education and empowerment, the Ramayan Cultural Centre plays a crucial role in securing the legacy of the Ram Mandir, ensuring that future generations will continue to draw inspiration from the timeless teachings of the Ramayan. In the coming year, the Ramayan Cultural Centre is set to continue flourishing, standing as a beacon of India’s commitment to preserving its heritage, fostering unity, and inspiring future generations.

The Ramayan Cultural Centre, located in the Koradi Temple complex near Nagpur, was inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu in 2023, which not only aims to bring India’s rich cultural heritage to life but also aims to boost tourism and other development factors in the region. The Ramayan Cultural Centre is the brain child of Shri Banwarilalji Purohit, Vice President & Trustee of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.

Kharar, 20.01.2025: Gillco International School came alive with excitement and energy as it hosted Carnival Euphoria, a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and camaraderie. The event, designed as the ultimate family fun day, drew an enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, and visitors from across the region.

The day was packed with activities and experiences for all age groups. Thrilling rides kept adrenaline levels high, while mesmerizing live performances captivated the audience. Food lovers were spoiled for choice with an array of delicious food stalls, and creativity found new avenues in pottery-making sessions. Adding an educational twist to the fun, exciting science experiments sparked curiosity among young minds.

Speaking about the event, Dr. Kritika Kaushal, Principal of Gillco International School, said, “Carnival Euphoria reflects our commitment to holistic learning and creating meaningful community experiences. It was heartening to see families come together, bond, and celebrate in an environment filled with joy and creativity. Events like these help us strengthen the connection between education, fun, and family values.”

The school extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making Carnival Euphoria an unforgettable experience. With laughter, colors, and cherished memories filling the day, the event was truly a grand success.

Mumbai, January 20, 2025: The Board of Directors of IDBI Bank Ltd. met in Mumbai today and approved the financial results for the Quarter and Nine monthEnded December 31, 2024.

•  Net profit at ₹1,908crore, YoY growth of 31%.
•  Operating Profitat ₹2,802crore, YoY growth of 20%.
•  NIM stood at 5.17%, YoY growth of 45 bps.
•  Cost of Deposit stood at 4.63%
•  Cost to Income ratio stood at 43.71%, down from 47.22% YoY.
•  CRAR stood at 21.98% with YoY growth of 166bps.
•  Return on Assets (ROA) stood at 1.99%, YoY growth of 29bps.
•  Return on Equity (ROE) stood at 20.13%, YoY growth of 56bps.
•  Net NPA down to0.18%,YoY reduction by16 bps.
•  Gross NPA down to3.57%, YoY reduction by 112 bps.
•  PCR stood at 99.47%, YoY improvement by 30 bps.

Operating Performance for Q3of FY 2025

•  Net Profit improved by 31% in Q3 of FY 2025to ₹1,908crore as against net profit of ₹1,458 crore in Q3 of FY 2024.
•  Operating profit improved by 20%inQ3 of FY 2025to ₹2,802as against₹2,327 crore inQ3 of FY 2024.
•  Net Interest Incomeimproved by23% in Q3 of FY 2025to₹4,228crore as against₹3,435 crore inQ3 of FY 2024.
•  Net Interest Margin (NIM)improved by 45 bps inQ3 of FY 2025to 5.17% as compared to 4.72% inQ3 of FY 2024.
•  Cost to Income ratiodownby 351 bps inQ3 of FY 2025to 43.71% as against 47.22%in Q3 of FY 2024.
•  Cost of Deposit stood at 4.63% inQ3 of FY 2025as compared to 4.34% inQ3 of FY 2024.
•  Cost of Fundsstood at 4.82% inQ3 of FY 2025as compared to 4.60% inQ3 of FY 2024.

Business Growth

•  Total Deposit increased to ₹2,82,439 crore as on December 31, 2024 as against ₹2,58,442 crore as on December 31, 2023 registering a growth of 9%
•  CASA increased to₹1,30,899crorefrom₹1,28,962crore on YoY basis, reporting a growth of 2%. CASA ratio stood at 46.35%.
•  Net advances grew by 18% YoY to ₹2,06,807crore as on December 31, 2024as against ₹1,75,001cras on December 31, 2023.
•  The composition ofcorporate v/s retail in gross advances portfolio was at29:71as on December 31, 2024as against 29:71as onDecember 31, 2023.

Asset Quality

• Gross NPA ratio improved to 3.57% as on December 31, 2024as against4.69% as on December 31, 2023.
•  Net NPA ratio improvedto0.18% as on December 31, 2024as against0.34% as onDecember 31, 2023.
•  Provision Coverage Ratio (including Technical Write-Offs)improved to 99.47% as on December 31, 2024from 99.17% as onDecember 31, 2023.

Capital Position

•  Tier 1 capital improved to19.91% as on December 31, 2024as against 18.04% as onDecember 31, 2023.
•  CRARimproved to21.98% as on December 31, 2024as against20.32% as on December 31, 2023.
•  Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) stood at ₹1,87,678crore as on December 31, 2024 as against ₹1,72,145 crore as onDecember 31, 2023.

Significant Developments

•  IDBI Bank was adjudged Runner Up in Best Digital Performance & Innovations and Best ESG Initiatives in the Large & Mid-Sized Bank segment at the ASSOCHAM 19th Annual Summit & Awards- Banking & Financial Lending Companies.
•  IDBI Bank inaugurated ten Business Correspondent managed Banking Outlets called IDBI SAMEEP offering basic banking products and thus enhancing the Bank’s footprint in a capital light model.
•  IDBI Bank launched a feature of booking flights through IDBI Go Mobile+ Application with attractive offers and deals.

Himani Shivpuri, beloved for her role as Katori Amma in &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, is not only a renowned actress but also a compassionate individual with strong ties to her roots. Recently, she took a significant step to give back to her homeland by adopting her paternal village, Bhatwadi, located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, with the support of the PravasiUttarakhandi Council. Her goal is to revitalise the village and create sustainable opportunities, particularly as many young people have moved to cities in search of work, leaving behind an aging population, including many elderly women. The veteran actor’s efforts reflect her deep commitment to development, sustainability, and preserving the heritage of her beloved Bhatwadi. Speaking about this meaningful initiative, Himani Shivpuri, also known as Katori Amma, shared, “Bhatwadi holds a special place in my heart. It is not just my paternal village but also the canvas for many of my childhood memories. It saddens me to see the village lose its vibrancy as young people leave in search of better opportunities. Today, the village is primarily home to older residents who often feel disconnected and unsupported. The elderly possess so much knowledge and skill that could be used in areas like organic farming, handicrafts, or even running homestays for tourists. These ventures could offer them financial independence and a renewed sense of purpose. I believe it is my responsibility to step in and help make a difference. One of my main focuses is to revive agricultural practices, especially orange farming, which thrived in the village when I was younger. I have vivid memories of the lush orange orchards that once defined Bhatwadi, but sadly, they have disappeared over time. I plan to reintroduce orange farming and explore modern techniques to enhance both yield and quality, which could bring economic growth and employment to the village.”
Additionally, Himani aims to promote terrace farming, a traditional practice in the region. She explained, “Terrace farming is a sustainable way to utilize the hilly terrain while being environmentally friendly. I want to collaborate with agricultural experts to train villagers in advanced farming techniques and introduce crops suited to our climate and soil. This will not only generate new job opportunities but also encourage young people to return home. This is a collective effort, and the participation of the villagers is crucial. Together, we can transform Bhatwadi into a model village where tradition and progress go hand in hand. Our villages are the foundation of our culture and identity. By nurturing them, we nurture our future. I encourage everyone, especially the PravasiUttarakhandis, to consider how they can contribute to the development of their native villages. Together, we can restore the vitality and spirit of our communities, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”

Bhubaneswar, 20th January 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, today announced the launch of five all-women bank branches under the motto “By Women, For Women” in the states of Odisha & Jharkhand. These branches, staffed entirely by women employees, are designed to create a supportive and empowering environment for both the Bank’s women employees and women customers as well as general customers at large. The Bank is opening three such branches in Odisha and two in Jharkhand. Out of the 5 branches, three are urban branches and two are rural.

This initiative is a part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to empowering women, unleashing their true potential, and promoting gender parity. Encouraging women employees to take the lead in managing the overall operations of these branches, gives them greater opportunities for professional growth and to aspire for higher leadership roles in the Bank.

While the five all-women branches will welcome all customers, there will be a greater thrust towards servicing women customers and fulfilling their unique banking requirements. The branches will focus on empowering women customers through various tailor-made savings and loan schemes such as the Bob Mahila Shakti Savings Account, Bob Women Power Current Account, Baroda Mahila Swavalamban loan scheme for women entrepreneurs, and the Bob, SB Self Help Group.

The branches will promote various government schemes that support entrepreneurship & social security. The five all-women branches will also actively promote financial literacy & education through regular events, thereby increasing financial inclusion.

Speaking on the initiative, Ms. Beena Vaheed, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “With the opening of five all-women branches in Odisha and Jharkhand, we are working towards building an environment, culture and ecosystem where women can flourish. Our all-women branches reflect Bank of Baroda’s deep commitment to empowering women – both as employees and customers. These branches provide our women employees with a platform to aspire, innovate and excel, while also prioritising and expanding women’s access to financial services. I am excited about the possibilities this will create in building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”

The newly inaugurated branches are located at Niladri Vihar (Bhubaneswar), Khunta (Cuttack), Irba (Ranchi), Dhanupali (Sambalpur), and Jamshedpur Women’s College (Jamshedpur).

New Delhi Jan 20, 2025: In a bid to address the growing technological demands of modern defence systems, IP Bazzaar, in collaboration with Reinforce Intellectual Property Association (RIPA), is organizing a Tech Talk on “Emerging Technologies Shaping Modern Defence.” The event will take place on January 24, 2025, at the National Productivity Council, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

The roundtable discussion will bring together experts from the defence sector, academia, and the industry to focus on enhancing collaboration for the development of cutting-edge defence technologies. The event will explore the current state of India’s defence technology landscape in comparison to global advancements and will seek to identify critical gaps that need to be addressed to foster self-reliance.

A key theme of the discussion will be the importance of aligning academic research with the strategic needs of the defence sector to create indigenous solutions that meet India’s specific requirements. The organizers have emphasized the need for targeted research and development initiatives to address the challenges of modern defence systems and improve country’s technological readiness.

“India’s defence sector is at a pivotal point where technological advancement is critical to meet evolving security challenges. Strategic collaboration between industry and academia is essential for cultivating innovation, facilitating international cooperation, and developing state-of-the-art Indigenous technologies,” said Mr Lalit Ambastha, Co-Founder of IP Bazzaar.

The Tech Talk will include perspectives from key stakeholders, highlighting the gaps in defence technology development and strategies to bridge them. Discussions will focus on research and development priorities, innovation frameworks, and long-term pathways for collaboration between academic institutions and the defence industry. The event will also touch upon ways to foster a culture of innovation within the defence sector, ensuring that India remains competitive in the global defence landscape.

The roundtable is expected to feature notable speakers and delegates from leading institutions, think tanks, and organizations, including the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). These discussions aim to identify actionable steps for enhancing India’s defence capabilities through focused innovation and partnerships.

Speakers:

1.  Major General (Dr) Ashok Kumar (Retd), VSM, DG, CENJOWS
2.  Air Vice Marshal Rajiva Ranjan VM (Retd), Ex Asst. Chief of Integrated Def. Staff
3.  Cmde (Dr) Arun Pratap Golaya (Retd), VSM
4.  Cmde Manish Tripathi (Retd), Ex-Deputy Asst. Chief of Integrated Def. Staff
5.  Mr. Sumit Chauhan, CEO, Datopic Technologies
6.  Prof. Prabhat Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, D Y Patil International University
7.  Brigadier Rajeev Ohri (Retd), VSM
8.  Mr. Vivek Venugopal, Executive Director, PwC

The event’s focus on fostering collaboration aligns with broader national objectives to strengthen India’s defence infrastructure and technological self-reliance. It reflects the urgent need to address the critical areas where India lags behind global standards while leveraging its strengths to achieve significant progress.

IP Bazzaar, a technology consulting firm specializing in the commercialization of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), is leading this initiative as part of its mission to bridge the gap between innovation and application. Known for creating platforms that connect stakeholders across industries, IP Bazzaar aims to drive meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes through this Tech Talk.

The event will be open to representatives from the defence sector, academic institutions, and industrial organizations interested in contributing to the future of defence technology in India.