Mining of oceans to unlock huge opportunities, new areas of operations for Indian Industries: Secretary, Ministry of Mines

New Delhi, 19 February 2023: India is looking to mine oceans, which will unlock huge opportunities and new areas of operations for Indian Industries, said Shri Vivek Bhardwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India during a conference on 16 February on the sidelines of the silver jubilee edition of the International Engineering & Technology Fair 2023, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with Finland Chamber of Commerce in India, NSIC, and Government ministries in New Delhi. He said that the Government is amending the Offshore Areas Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, which is open for comments from the industry.

“We need to increase domestic exploration and we have enlisted 13 private exploration companies as the opportunities are immense. We also need to look at acquiring foreign assets. We sent a team to Argentina to identify mines for investments and we have two lithium mines and one copper mine there. Within the coming period, we will shortlist projects to invest, which will be open to the private sector,” Shri Bhardwaj said. He also urged the industry to get into organized recycling to make India the recycling hub of the world. Talking about the opportunities and possibilities in the metals and mining industry, he said that the Government has proposed amendments in the MMDR Act to encourage junior miners. The Mines Secretary was speaking at a conference titled ‘Vision 2047: Atmanirbharta in Minerals and Metals’ to discuss the roadmap and opportunities in the metals & mining industry of India.

Koushik Chatterjee, Chairman, Metal & Metallurgy Expo 2023 and Executive Director and Group CFO, Tata Steel Ltd said that the metals and metallurgy sector is the foundation of India’s economic growth and underlined the need to develop a sustainable metals and metallurgy Industry, which is aligned with India’s Sustainable Development and Net-Zero goals.

Gajendra Panwar, MD, Danieli India Ltd said that the industry should build modern steel plants capable of delivering premium quality steel to become globally competitive. Noting that India needs to become carbon neutral, he said that Green Hydrogen is a great option to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. But, until it is available and affordable, we must look for other technologies to use natural gases to bring down carbon emissions, he added.

Sunil Duggal, Chairman of CII National Committee on Mining and Group CEO, Vedanta Ltd said that the enormous potential of the mining and metallurgy sector needs to be unlocked and added that the industry is fully committed to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India Aatmanirbhar in coming years.

Over 400 companies from 19 countries are displaying their latest products and technologies at the IETF. Finland is the focus country at the IETF this year. The silver jubilee edition of IETF includes 3 concurrent shows and 9 focus shows. The latest innovations in Advanced Building Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Capital Machinery, Digital Gaming, Fluid Power, Factory & Plant Maintenance, Healthcare, Industrial Automation & Robotics, Modern Logistics Solutions, Metal & Metallurgy, and Water & Solid Waste Management are being presented at the event being held during 16-18 February.

Implementation of effective wastewater management techniques is critical for ensuring water security in India: Kaushal Kishore

New Delhi, February 19, 2023: Shri Kaushal Kishore, Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, said, “We need to accelerate our efforts, make people aware of water-related issues and requirement of lifestyle changes, develop innovative technologies and religiously implement wastewater treatment strategies.” This necessitates the complete integration of water conservation and wastewater treatment practices at different levels in our daily life.

The Minister was speaking at the ‘Conference on Water and Wastewater Management’ organised by CII on the sidelines of the 25th edition of the International Engineering & Technology Fair (IETF) to discuss water-related issues and possible solutions to enhance India’s water management capabilities.

“The government has also emphasized the utilization of modern technologies and methods while developing today’s cities. We are working on a mission to make India a Developed Nation by 2047 in which water conservation, groundwater recharge, quality, and equal access to all will play a critical role. Safe and adequate water will also facilitate India’s mission to improve the health of every citizen,” he added.

The Minister launched ‘Our Cup of Joy’, a book by CII, that is a compilation of case studies, initiatives, and practices that are being implemented across the country to judiciously use fresh water and effectively manage wastewater. CII is also organizing the ‘Water & Waste Expo 2023’ at the ongoing IETF 2023 event, which demonstrates innovative and futuristic technologies employed in the water treatment segment.

Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Chairman, CII-National Committee on Water & Chairman & Managing Director, Ion Exchange (India) Ltd, said, “Wastewater treatment is the best alternate option to deal with water shortage and ensure adequate supply to every citizen and industry. We need to harness the potential of state-of-the-art technologies that are available today to get desired results. Most importantly, the players need to emphasize on the implementation of digital technologies which can help identify the gaps and bridge them. “

Sattva Group Knits Sport and Sustainability With Sattva Global City Fest 2023

Sattva Group Knits Sport

Bengaluru, 20th February,2023: Sattva Group, one of India’s leading Property Development, Management, and Consulting organizations, conducted a 2-day mega event, Sattva Global City Fest 2023. The fest, one of many more to come, is designed to bring people together through sports and sustainable efforts to achieve community development and awareness around a sustainable planet. Sattva Global City played host, where occupants of the Tech Park took part in big numbers on the 18th& 19th February and met with tremendous success. A total of 14 teams, including Sattva put up an incredible show on both days, calling the curtains on the first-ever edition of its kind.

A team from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and RV Engineering College worked tirelessly to ensure that the festival was environmentally friendly and sustainable. With objective to inculcate practices that contribute to the ecosystem, it requires participation and encouragement from all quarters. Such associations pave the way for more such continued efforts, further establishing Sattva Global City as one of SEZ.

The two-day extravaganza was graced by champion cricketer, Bengaluru’s own David Johnson. His presence lifted the spirits of all the participants and brought a new wave of excitement among the audience. The cricketer not only gave a glimpse of his impeccable talent on the ground but also interacted with the audience, adding excitement to the proceedings. With a footfall of hundreds of attendees and participants from various corporations at Sattva Global City, the first edition of the fest was a resounding success. The matches were played with great sportsmanship and the audience was treated to some fantastic cricketing skills on display. The final match was played between teams Capgemini and Dimaag AI, and Capgemini emerged as the champions.

Commenting on the fest’s success Mr. Shivam Agarwal, VP – Strategic Development, Sattva Group said, “When Sattva Global City Fest was still in its bud, we wanted to do something that was fun and engaging for people to come together with the bigger goal of building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community. Today, we are thrilled to see how beautifully our thoughts have blossomed and our vision for a sustainable future has come to life.

Sharing his excitment, Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Vice President, Sattva Group said, “The central theme of Sattva GCF23, serves as a testament to our dedication to building a better world for future generations. And with the goal of keeping waste under 9% and offsetting our carbon footprint, we hope to set an example for others to follow and inspire meaningful change. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the participants and volunteers who made it possible and look forward to making a positive impact on our community.”

The Sattva Global City Fest 2023’s central theme was sustainability and environmental protection, which aligned with the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. As part of which, the group has succeeded in keeping event waste to under 9% and aims to adopt more such eco-friendly measures at all of Sattva Global City events in the future. The team proposed the all-encompassing theme of ‘Mission9,’ with the goal of keeping waste generated by the event to less than 9% of comparable levels.

The Fest was an amalgamation of sustainability, social impact efforts, and cricket. This acts as a  testimony to Sattva Group’s commitment in creating a better world for all. The fest was a grand success, and Sattva intends to hold such events in order to build on its success to make it bigger and better in the coming years.

Samsung Launches the Highly-Anticipated Galaxy S23 Series in India at Bhajanlal Commercial Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata

Samsung Launches the Highly-Anticipated Galaxy S23

KOLKATA, INDIA, 18TH FEBRUARY, 2023 – Samsung launched its latest flagship series, the Galaxy S23, in India, at Bhajanlal Commercial Pvt. Ltd. one of the leading mobile retail stores in the country on February 16, 2023, at midnight. The event was attended by the popular Bengali actress Paoli Dam, who is also a regular patron along with Mohan Bajoria and Jayant Bajoria of Bhajanlal Group.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2023, boasting impressive features and cutting-edge technology. The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display features an impressive 120Hz refresh rate and stunning FHD+ resolution, protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

The Galaxy S23 series also features advanced camera technology, with a triple rear camera system that includes a 108-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5-megapixel macro lens. It also features a large 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging technology, ensuring that the device can keep up with the most demanding users.

Available in three variants, including the Galaxy S23, the Galaxy S23 Plus, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the new flagship series comes in four eye-catching colors, including Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Green, and Phantom Pink.

“I’ve known Mr. Mohan Bajoria, the driving force behind the success of the Bhajanlal Group, for a long time. He is a dynamic entrepreneur of affable nature with great observation and technical knowledge. I am thrilled to be a part of the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series with him at Rowdon street outlet of Bhajanlal Stores ”, said the Tollywood sensation.

“We are delighted to be an exclusive partner of Samsung for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series,” said Mr. Jayant Bajoria, Times Men of the Year 2018 and the mind behind the successful implementation of new methods and technologies into his family business. “As a leading mobile retail store in India, we are committed to providing our customers with the latest and most innovative devices. The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is a device that represents the pinnacle of smartphone technology, and we are confident that it will be a big hit with our customers.”

Mr. Mohan Bajoria, beaming with pride at the success of the Bhajanlal Group, concluded that “Similar to Samsung, which produces a vast array of consumer electronics, appliances, and mobile devices and has a strong presence in many international markets, including India, Bhajanlal also offers a wide selection of mobile phones, music and sound systems, TVs, gaming consoles, smart gadgets, and other electronics, as well as related services such as mobile phone repairs. We also provide consumer-friendly services like buyback programs, exchange offers, and extended warranty plans. We have been serving our clientele, ranging from corporate giants to individual consumers, since 1995 and have been awarded the title of Best Business House consecutively since 2018. It is clear that the Samsung Galaxy S23 series is a winner, and so is Bhajanlal.”

Airbus partners with Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to advance aerospace education and research

Delhi, 18 February 2023: Airbus and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand access to aerospace education and research in the country. The partnership will help foster relevant skills and develop a leading pipeline of the talented workforce that will power the future of the aerospace sector in India.

The MoU was signed in the presence of institute representatives and senior Airbus management at Aero India 2023, a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held in Bengaluru.

Under this agreement, both Airbus and IISc will collaborate to develop curriculum, training, modules and promote research and innovation on topics such as sustainability, engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and big data, that are relevant to the aerospace sector. It will also give students an opportunity to engage with Airbus experts who will mentor them on their research projects and help them apply their learnings to address future challenges of the aerospace sector.

“The Indian aerospace sector is on a growth trajectory. This is further broadening the scope for talented professionals in the country who have the right skills to meet future needs. The partnership with IISc will foster potential synergies in the aeronautical sector that will help develop the next generation of aerospace professionals in the country,” said Suraj Chettri, Director, of Human Resources, Airbus India & South Asia.

Both entities will develop online training programs for students that are in line with Airbus’ current and future needs. This will entail matching IISc capabilities with Airbus’ traditional competencies to meet new emerging priorities.

WHITEFIELD ART COLLECTIVE launches its sixth edition

Simi Gupta, Curator, Srikanth Gowda, Corporator BBMP, Tariq Chinoy Director Virtuous Retaily DSC02189

Whitefield Art Collective, the public art festival supported by the Yuj Arts Foundation announced the inauguration of its month-long, sixth edition today. Whitefield Art Collective 2023 encourages creative explorations around the theme of “A Fine Balance”, through partnerships with leading institutions and notable individuals from the city’s artistic community. The theme was chosen with the aim of examining the delicate relationship between human beings and their environment, with a special focus on climate change and sustainability. Over 100 art installations, sculptures, paintings and photographs are displayed at the festival. Collaborators this year include Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Srishti Institute of Art and Design Technology, JD Institute of Fashion Technology, JD School of Design, Chamarajendra Government College of Visual Arts, ArtFlute, Synesthesia Collective, Geechugalu Collective, and Broke Artists Collective. Renowned artists displaying their work this year comprise the late Yusuf Arakkal, Gita Hudson, Maria Antony Raj, Saravana D, Ezhilarasan Ezhumale, and Nithin Sadhu. VR Bengaluru is the venue partner, and the festival is also supported by Blue Tokai, Salt, Detailing Bull, PVR, and Demi Networks.

The festival commenced with the unveiling of the ‘Art Car’, painted by The Geechulagalu Collective, followed by “Wearable Art” – a Fashion Showcase by JD Institute of Fashion Technology, and culminated with a viewing of ‘A Fine Balance’ – 2023 Art Exhibit. The venue partner, VR Bengaluru, will be a hub of artistic activity, with installations, exhibitions, an art bazaar, art workshops, a young artists program, and several other exciting events.

Sumi Gupta, Curator of Whitefield Art Collective, said, “I am thrilled to steer this fantastic project which has incredible collaborations with institutions and student artists in Bengaluru, creating a vibrant platform for large-scale installations, sculptures, mixed media works and photography. Whitefield Art Collective 2023 brings together a community of connoisseurs, art students, patrons as well as the people of Bengaluru in a celebration of the city’s art and culture.”

Whitefield Art Collective is supported by the Yuj Arts Foundation and is also part of VR Bengaluru’s Connecting Communities© initiative that aims to encourage civic pride, strengthen the local economy and enhance the city’s national and international image.

Embrace the Power of Your Mind With the Second Pillar of Aujasya by the Leela Developed in Partnership With Thinkright.me by Jetsynthesys

INDIA, 18th February 2023: The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts launched the second pillar of their signature wellness program – Aujasya by The Leela – “Renew – Mindfulness.” The program has been curated in partnership with ThinkRight.me by JetSynthesys, India’s leading meditation and mindfulness platform guiding people to live a happy and balanced life.

Inspired by the ancient Sanskrit word that describes “vigor of life”, Aujasya by The Leela is a wellness program designed as an authentic and holistic journey. Built on the 2 Rs of well-being Restore- Food and Nutrition and Renew – Mindfulness, Aujasya aims at strengthening vitality or energy allowing guests to embrace an enriching and healthy lifestyle. The brand launched the first pillar Restore in partnership with food and nutrition consultant Dr Ankita Jalori last year.

The second pillar, Renew-Mindfulness, is built as an online platform that presents four segments of a balanced mind and body. Exclusively created by ThinkRight.me, these include Maitri (Loving Kindness), Samskara (Inner Refinement), Ekaa (Being One) and Sukh (Mind and Body Balance). Each segment consists of guided Meditation, Sound Healing and Yoga. Guests can seamlessly access these exclusively curated sessions during their stay at The Leela properties. The program also has a special section for children called Aujasya Junior that encourages children to take mindful steps towards a happier and calmer future.

The program was introduced at an intimate event held at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, with a talk by spiritual mentor and guide, Sister BK Shivani focusing on the power of the mind and importance of thinking right.

Speaking on the launch, Anjali Mehra, Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President Marketing, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts said, “The challenges of today’s world often lead to disruption in our lives. Through Aujasya by The Leela we have made a commitment to give control back to our guests and empower them to take informed choices towards prioritizing their wellbeing. Encouraged by the response to our first pillar Restore- Food and Nutrition, we are delighted to expand our offering with the launch of the second pillar Renew – Mindfulness. We are excited to partner with ThinkRight.me for developing this online platform and hope that with this we are able to bring a sense of calm, joy, and balance in the lives of our guests when they stay with us.”

“We are happy to associate with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts to further the dialogue around mindfulness and the power of thought. As part of this association, ThinkRight.me will provide curated content around mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and well-being for the guests of The Leela. To commemorate this partnership, we also held a successful edition of our ongoing ThinkRight. I Talks series and are grateful to Sister BK Shivani for the insights and learnings she shared. Since its inception, ThinkRight.me has worked hard to promote mindful living and the power of thinking right, especially keeping in mind the times we live in. The reaction to our guided meditation sessions on the app has been encouraging, prompting us to take the discussion to a wider audience base, and also to more on-ground stages. Through our association with The Leela Group which has committed to promoting wellness, we aim to jointly create awareness and continue conversations around mindfulness and its impact on wellbeing.”, commented Rajan Navani, Founder and CEO of JetSynthesys.

Aujasya by The Leela is a unique program that stays true to the brand’s ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava – placing the guest at the center of everything while curating experiences that resonate with the evolving needs of today’s discerning luxury travelers.

Campus Finale of Hult Prize at Ximb 2023

Campus Finale of Hult Prize at XIMB 2023

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Hult Prize is a year-long competition founded in 2009, which takes place in over 3000 campuses across 120 countries, where students get a chance to show how they can make a difference by solving a social issue and making this world a better place.

The Hult Prize Organizing Committee at XIM Bhubaneshwar conducted the OnCampus Grand Finale round on 5th February 2023. Eight teams made it to the Campus-Finale round and displayed competence of the highest order. The event was graced by an esteemed panel comprising Susmita Misra – Founder and CEO of The Magic of Sarees, Bidyut Bhanjdeo, Chief Business Officer at Raymond, Nirdosh Chouhan, CTO at Melorra and Kanti Prakash Brahma, Global Production Controller at H&M, Aditya Agarwal, Co-founder and CMO at Campus Sutra.

The judges kicked off the event by elucidating the importance of entrepreneurial spirit. They also urged students to take part in competitions such as The Hult Prize, which is an international event cutting across nations and thus providing invaluable experience and exposure.

Later the teams commenced their presentations with the theme being “Redesigning  Fashion”. The presentations showcased many innovative ideas, covering all the business aspects ranging from market segmentation and generating business plans to financials.

The idea of understanding the scope of changes in the fashion industry and innovative suggestions by Team Muffins caught the eye of the judges.

After intense competition among the eight teams, the judges chose Team Muffins, Team Marcos, and Team The Hulks as Winners, First Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up, respectively. The winning team, Team Muffins, is now looking forward to the next round, which will be an exhilarating ride. They will be representing XIM Bhubaneshwar
in the upcoming rounds and continue hunting for its one-of-a-kind award in seed capital of $1,000,000.

NMDC signs Collaborative Research Agreement with CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar

NMDC

Hyderabad, 18 February 2023: National Miner NMDC signed an Agreement for Collaborative Research with CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar on “Feasibility Studies for Preparation of Fused Magnesia from Kimberlite Tailings” today at its Head Office in Hyderabad. The Agreement was signed between Shri S.K. Chaurasiya, GM, R&D from NMDC, and Dr. Ashok Kumar Sahu, Chief Scientist, and Head, Strategy Planning & Business Development, from CSIR-IMMT in the presence of NMDC’s Director (Production) Shri Dilip Kumar Mohanty, senior officials of NMDC and Dr. Kali Sanjay, Chief Scientist, and Head, Hydro & Electrometallurgy Department, CSIR-IMMT.

NMDC operates the only mechanized diamond mine in Southeast Asia at Panna in Madhya Pradesh. This mine produces around 10 carats of diamond (2g) per 100 tonnes of Kimberlite processed, which is dumped as waste after the recovery of diamonds. Kimberlite tailings are used for the development of value-added products and are also known to be a good source of caustic magnesia. Addressing this research gap for the best utilization of Kimberlite that is available and accumulated over the years at Panna Diamond Mines,

NMDC has initiated the Research Agreement to study the processing and preparation of fused MgO and TiO2.

Speaking on this project, Shri Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC said, “NMDC is tapping on the opportunity to utilize Kimberlite tailings from our Panna Mines as a resource to produce high-cost fused magnesia. We are confident that our endeavor will lead to converting waste to wealth and import substitution proving to be a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Oasis Fertility, Kurnool conducts Mass Baby Shower to felicitate couples who conceived through IVF!

Kurnool, February 18th, 2023: Infertility is becoming a major concern in India due to erratic lifestyles, consumption of junk food, obesity, delayed parenthood, PCOS, and many other factors. Though 15% of Indian couples have infertility issues, hardly 3% seek fertility assistance. The misconceptions about infertility and the lack of awareness of advanced fertility treatments prevent couples from attaining parenthood. Hence, spreading the good news about advanced technologies and treatment options is the need of the hour.

Oasis Fertility, Kurnool, is one of the reputed fertility centers in Andhra Pradesh that offers highly personalized fertility treatments that are backed by technology. Several couples have attained parenthood with the assistance of Oasis Fertility, Kurnool. The center conducted a mass baby shower to felicitate all mothers-to-be who conceived through IVF treatment.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vijaya Lakshmi D, Clinical Head and Fertility Specialist, Oasis Fertility, Kurnool stated, “I am very delighted to be part of this wonderful occasion, and my heartfelt wishes to all the mothers-to-be. At Oasis Fertility, we provide all kinds of advanced fertility treatments to both men and women enabling them to have their own biological children. Several million babies have been born out of IVF all over the world and hence couples need to come out of their fears and inhibitions and visit a fertility center if they are unable to conceive even after a year. Couples should also be aware that fertility declines with age and therefore the earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes. The infertility problem is on the rise world over, and due to a lack of awareness only 1% of those seeking treatment. Oasis through advanced technologies is in a position to make couples conceive their own genetic babies. We have a fertility preservation facility in Kurnool, to help patients suffering from cancer, as radiation and chemotherapies such patients undergo, harm their healthy cells. These patients can now do testicular tissue freezing in the case of men and oocyte freezing for women, very few centers have this facility. We are also offering Drug-Free IVF called CAPA IVM for the first time in the country. Oasis has to date fulfilled the dreams of 67000 couples.”

Chief Guest Smt. S.V. Vijayamma Garu, YSRCP Leader, said, earlier women had to bear the blame for not getting pregnant or conceiving a baby and the man went about marrying more women to bear his child. But infertility treatment brought about a change in the mindset and made men realize that the cause for not bearing a child could be due to deficiency in them and that’s a happy development. But the belief of women being responsible for not conceiving continues in rural areas, therefore there is an utmost need to build awareness about infertility treatment in rural areas. To seek infertility treatment people had to go too far to places like Hyderabad and Bangalore, but such advanced treatment is available in Kurnool itself. I look forward to Oasis setting up centers in smaller towns in the neighborhood of Kurnool and reaching out to the semi-urban and rural populace.

Guests of Honour Smt. B.T. Jaya Lakshmi Garu, B.A.N.I.S Yoga Master & National Gold Medalist; said, earlier not bearing a child was considered to be a curse, but today infertility treatment can help couples conceive. Practicing Yoga can help bear healthy children and my advice to all childbearing-age couples is to adopt yoga for a better lifestyle.

Dr. Vinusha Reddy Garu, Gold Medalist, State BJP Spokesperson; said, in our country, there are more than 2.73 crores of childless couples. Our culture giving children is given a lot of importance, though not much prominence is given to this by Westerners. The childless couple endures enormous trauma, especially the women get blamed for it. Oasis is known to provide the latest treatment and is now offering India’s first CAPA IVM (Drug-Free IVF) baby, thus the best possible infertility care in the country. Oasis is also known for its ethical care as trust is very critical in infertility care. Oasis center here is a boon for the people of Kurnool.

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Dasari, Clinical Head & Fertility Specialist, Oasis Fertility; joined the couples who conceived through IVF, along with the kids at the Mass Baby Shower Celebrations, hosted by Oasis Fertility, at Oasis Fertility, Kurnool, today.