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21 February, 2024: News18 Odia announces the upcoming ‘Rising Odisha’, an essential event highlighting the significant growth and development efforts taking place in Odisha. The event is set to take place on 23rd February 2024 at the Welcomehotel by ITC Hotels in Bhubaneshwar, from 5:00 PM onwards. This platform aims to discuss not only success stories across various sectors but also the challenges that Odisha faces for its further development.

The event will bring together key stakeholders, thought leaders, policymakers, and visionaries to discuss and celebrate Odisha’s remarkable journey of transformation and progress. Rising Odisha will showcase significant development in the fields of healthcare, women empowerment, sustainable industrial development, sports, and rural connectivity through initiatives like Laxmi Bus, etc., along with the evolving landscape of the education sector.

Honorable Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will grace the occasion, providing valuable guidance to drive the state towards further progress and development.  He will be joined by other eminent speakers, policymakers, and experts to discuss important topics, sharing development plans designed for Odisha’s future growth.

The esteemed guests at the include Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha; Pratap Keshari Deb, Minister, Industry, MSME and Energy; Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Minister, Higher Education; Tusharkanti Behera, Minister, Sports and Youth Services;Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport; Manoj Mishra, Principal Secretary, Electronics and Information Technology; Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India; Smt. Shreemayee Mishra, Chairperson, OB & OCWWB and Dr. Brundha D. CEO, SHAS, BSKY

The plenary sessions at the Rising Odisha will include discussions on various topics such as Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) – ‘Game Changer in Health Services’, Mission Shakti – ‘Key to Prosperous Odisha’, Transformation in Education, Odisha – ‘The Sports Capital of India’, Laxmi Bus – ‘The Lifeline of Rural Odisha’, and Industrialization Beyond Metal and Mines.

 Tune in live on News18 Odia on 23^rd February, 2024 from 5:00 PM onwards.

Bengaluru, 21 February 2024: ServiceNow, a leading digital workflow company, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education, with a goal to skill over 10,000 students on the ServiceNow Platform in the first year. This MOU is the first step in a strategic partnership with the potential to scale to 25,000 students within three years.

This collaboration provides students global and centralized learning, while building future-ready skills and capabilities. The MOU will create a continuing education path with access to ServiceNow Administrator and Developer courses on the Now Learning platform. Importantly, students will be introduced to emerging AI technologies, providing valuable insights needed by all prospective employees. This is in line with AICTE’s vision of offering holistic student development through domain specific skills that lead to accelerated digital career pathways.

According to the latest research by ServiceNow and Pearson, artificial intelligence and automation will require 16.2 million (approx. 1.6 crore) workers in India to reskill and upskill while also creating 4.7 million new jobs in the technology sector. Hence, digital upskilling and reskilling is pivotal across industries for attaining professional growth and thriving in the digital age.

Nick Tzitzon Chief Strategy and Corporate Affairs Officer at ServiceNow, meeting AICTE leadership in New Delhi said, “ServiceNow is excited to partner with AICTE to equip engineering students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. At ServiceNow we believe digital transformation requires talent transformation and the RiseUp with ServiceNow program is designed to empower young engineers with job-ready capabilities. The MOU will enable AICTE affiliated institutes across India to build a pool of qualified talent that will drive the next wave of tech innovation in India.”

Prof. (Dr) T G Sitharam, Chairman – All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) said  Ensuring our students are prepared for an evolving world is paramount, requiring us to offer them modern skills and greater access to professional growth opportunities. Our collaboration with ServiceNow is aimed at providing students with advanced training in innovative concepts and techniques, alongside motivation to explore cutting-edge technologies tailored to their needs. This partnership underscores our commitment to student upskilling and technological literacy, essential for their future success.

Dr Chandrasekhar Buddha, Chief Coordinating Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Anuvadini, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)  said Preparing students for a changing world is crucial, necessitating the provision of contemporary skills and enhanced access to professional development. Partnering with ServiceNow, we aim to equip students with the latest in innovative thinking and technology, encouraging them to engage with new technologies that meet their needs. This collaboration highlights our dedication to enhancing students’ skills and tech literacy, vital for their future achievements.

ServiceNow’s RiseUp program is a global program designed to skill one million people with in-demand digital skills around the world. In India, ServiceNow has launched the University Academic program and has partnered with 20 universities covering 16 states including Government partnerships, FutureSkills Prime NASSCOM and ICT Academy of Tamil Nadu and trained thousands of students developing job ready talent.

India is igniting ServiceNow’s growth globally, with all top 10 technology providers and most of the top five banks in India using ServiceNow products. There is a growing need for skilled workers familiar with implementing ServiceNow to help India’s businesses and organisations be at the forefront of the digital wave improving how we work.

Mumbai / Kolkata, 21 February 2024:  Medica Superspecialty Hospital, the leading private hospital chain in Eastern India, performed a pioneering procedure to address a congenital Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in saving the life of Aloka Mandal, a 47-year-old woman from Berhampur, Murshidabad, West Bengal. She was suffering from a condition marked by a 40 millimeter hole with floppy margin in the upper chambers of her heart. Doctors implanted a customized Occluder device with a diameter of 48 millimeters, a rarity in such cases worldwide. The entire procedure was conducted under the Swasthya Sathi scheme of Government of West Bengal. The adept team comprised of Dr. Anil Kumar Singhi, Head – Paediatric Cardiology & Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Department of Paediatric & Congenital Heart Disease, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, and his team of experts, which included Dr. Soumya Kanti Mohapatra, Associate Consultant, Department of Cardiology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Dr. Somnath Dey, Cardiac Anesthetist, Medica Superspecialty Hospital & Mr. Arnab De, Chief Cath Technician, Medica Superspecialty Hospital.

Aloka Mandal, hailing from Murshidabad district, was battling a heart condition known as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), despite being in her late forties. She experienced symptoms such as fatigue and heart palpitations, prompting her family to seek medical attention. Upon diagnosis at a local hospital, it was revealed that she had a substantial hole in her heart’s upper chambers, leading to complications such as heart chamber enlargement and mild elevation in lung pressure.

Undeterred by the diagnosis, the family turned to the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Department at Medica Superspecialty Hospital for advanced treatment options. She underwent Transesophageal Echocardiogram at Medica, and the medical team confirmed a large hole in the heart, 40 millimeters in size, with floppy edges. This birth defect had been there for a long time and caused serious problems for her heart, making some parts bigger and slightly increasing pressure in her lungs. The team also presented viable treatment alternatives and decided to operate her on December 14th, 2023.

Enumerating the details about this difficult case, Dr. Anil Kumar Singhi, explained, “While ASD typically is treated by the age of four, Aloka Mandal’s case required intervention in late fifth decade. Traditional treatment options necessitated open-heart surgery; however, advancements in medical science enabled minimally invasive procedures. Despite this progress, a unique challenge arose: the standard Occluder devices, with their 40–42-millimeter diameter, fell short of her need. Her ASD demanded a bespoke solution – a 48-millimeter device, available only from a select few manufacturers, requiring a pre-order. Our team thoroughly explained every treatment possibility, ensuring our patient and her family had the knowledge to make a well-informed choice. Moreover, we meticulously readied ourselves for any potential emergencies that might arise during the procedure.”

With unwavering determination, Aloka underwent the procedure. During cardiac catheterization, her lung pressure was found to be within acceptable limits, and her coronary arteries showed normalcy, and the doctors successfully implanted the specialized occluder device in her heart in their first attempt. Remarkably, she experienced rapid post operative recovery and was discharged within 48 hours of admission.

Dr. Singhi added, “Atrial Septal Defect constitutes 10% of congenital cardiac anomalies. In Aloka’s case it may have been missed out. This disease typically surfaces when one is mid -thirties to mid -forties. “

Aloka Mandal expressed, “Upon receiving the diagnosis of ASD, both my family and I were taken aback and scared too. I was worried about my family. Dr. Singhi and other doctors sat with me and explained every detail in a way that I would easily understand and that helped me to win over my fear and anxiety. I could not believe that I could go home so fast. My family and I will forever remain indebted to the entire medical team at Medica for granting me a second chance at life.” 

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Jt. Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “Medica has consistently championed cutting-edge technology to overcome complex medical challenges, ensuring patients receive state-of-the-art care without the need to seek treatment outside of West Bengal. The Swasthya Sathi scheme’s ability to execute intricate operations, ensuring accessible healthcare, is evidence of its efficacy as a public health scheme with far reaching socio-economic implications. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to Dr. Anil Kumar Singhi and the team for their steadfast commitment in administering innovative treatment to congenital cardiac ailment of our patient. We wish Aloka Mandal and her family a healthy life ahead.”

Gurugram, February 21, 2024: We are thrilled to announce the next chapter in our partnership between Haldiram’s and Times Prime. Following the remarkable ‘Azaadi ka Tyohaar’ celebration, where we joyfully distributed laddoos, we are joining forces once again to offer an exclusive benefit to our valued Times Prime members.

Mr. Kailash Agarwal, President Retail & QSR at Haldiram’s, remarked on the partnership, “Building upon our successful collaboration with Times Prime, we are excited to elevate this relationship further. The laddoo distribution by Haldiram’s and Times Prime during ‘Azaadi ka Tyohar” on the occasion of 77th Independence Day, set a high standard. Now, we are pleased to offer Times Prime members a sweet offer of complimentary ‘sweet lassi’ with their orders, enhancing their Haldiram’s experience as a token of our appreciation.”

Harshita Singh, Founder and Business Head of Times Prime, reflected on the partnership‘s evolution, saying, “Transitioning from a one-off campaign to a year–long collaboration with Haldiram’s underscores our commitment to providing our members with unparalleled value and unique experiences. The positive response to our initial effort has not only motivated us to continue but also deepened our partnership, starting with this exclusive offer.”

This new milestone in the collaboration between Haldiram’s and Times Prime celebrates the innovation and tradition embodied by both brands. It reflects a mutual dedication to delivering memorable and value-driven experiences to customers.

Times Prime members are warmly invited to savor this special offer, symbolizing the enduring partnership and shared appreciation for their continued support. Both organizations eagerly anticipate bringing more value, joy, and innovative benefits to the Times Prime membership experience throughout the year.

Mumbai, 21 February 2024 – Remember Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia? Now, prepare to see her in a whole new light! &PriveHD is pulling out all the stops with an exclusive premiere of “Postcard from the Edge” on February 21, a film that’s equal parts Hollywood glitz, dark humour, and raw vulnerability.

Directed by the iconic Mike Nichols, this critically acclaimed masterpiece takes you deep into the heart of Tinseltown, where Suzanne Vale (Meryl Streep) navigates her way through addiction and the complexities of her relationship with her famous mother Doris Mann, played by Shirley MacLaine. Based on Carrie Fisher’s semi-autobiographical novel, the film offers a humorous yet heartfelt exploration of family, fame, and the struggles of overcoming personal demons in the unforgiving world of Hollywood.

Don’t miss the chance to be captivated by &PriveHD’s latest offering—a Hollywood film that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder life’s mysteries. With Fisher’s signature wit, this cinematic gem is a two-time award winner with 12 nominations. So, get ready to be spellbound by this unforgettable journey of self-discovery, served with a generous helping of reality. It’s a movie that will leave you speechless! 

Brace yourself for a riveting journey as Suzanne Vale endeavors to reclaim her identity amidst the intricacies of maternal relationships.

Mumbai, 21 February, 2024: Brace yourselves for a captivating journey where love, betrayal, and deep-rooted traditions intertwine in Colors Kannada’s brand-new drama, “Karimani”. Premiering on February 19th at 9:30 PM and airing every Monday through Friday, “Karimani” embarks on a unique exploration of desires clashing with vows, in association with Levista Instant Coffee and Dhruti Masala as special partners.

Sahitya, a bright woman nearing graduation, dreams of a promising future without her mother by her side. Her world takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Karna, the enigmatic heir to a powerful business empire. Drawn together by an unexpected spark, their lives become entangled in a whirlwind of shocking secrets, hidden agendas, and forbidden love. Prepare to witness their destinies collide in a thrilling rollercoaster of unpredictable twists and turns, forever altering the paths they thought they were destined for.

Spandana Somanna brings to life the determined Sahitya, whose world crumbles when she is asked to sign divorce papers on her wedding day. Thrust into a web of deceit, she finds herself drawn to Karna (played by Ashwin Yadav), a man caught between loyalty and a hidden truth that threatens his world. Together, they navigate a complex tapestry of love, betrayal, and family secrets, leaving you on the edge of your seat.

Beyond their star-crossed love, “Karimani” boasts a rich tapestry of supporting characters. Suchendra Prasad portrays Sahitya’s father, Vishwanath, desperately holding onto hope for his daughter’s happiness. Anusha Rao shines as Karna’s stepmother, Arundhathi, offering him unexpected solace. Meanwhile, a battle for connection unfolds between Rajendra Prasad (played by the seasoned actor himself) and his son Karna, with secrets simmering beneath the surface. Karna’s wise teacher Anuradha, loyal uncle Venkatesh, and Karna’s trusted family maid Papamma add further depth and intrigue, while Sahitya’s aunt Nalini and Rajendra’s sister Vanaja promise to thicken the plot of the story.

“With ‘Karimani,’ Colors Kannada embarks on a captivating journey that unfolds the intricate tapestry of tradition, love, and shocking betrayals,” said Prashanth Nayak, Business Head of Colors Kannada. “This emotionally charged series will leave you breathless with its unpredictable twists and turns, delving into the depths of human desire and the sacrifices we make for those we cherish. ‘Karimani’ is more than just a drama; it’s a powerful exploration of the choices we make and the consequences they unleash. We’re confident this unique show will resonate deeply with our viewers and leave an indelible mark.”

Witness the captivating saga of love, betrayal, and tradition unfold in “Karimani,” premiering February 19th at 9:30 PM exclusively on Colors Kannada.

Navi Mumbai and Panvel is undergoing a major makeover and is all set to become the next Mumbai 3.0. This is being done in order to decongest the island city, improve connectivity, provide more affordable housing, and bring prosperity to people living across the MMR region. In line with this vision, a number of large infrastructure projects are being undertaken that promise to change the entire dynamics of the real estate landscape in Panvel, Navi Mumbai, and the surrounding region. The long-awaited and much looked forward to the project; the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link (MTHL) has formally been thrown open to traffic. This project has the propensity to bring immense prosperity to the region’s residents.

Speaking on how Navi Mumbai and Panvel are emerging as the next growth driver for the Indian economy Mr. Navin Makhija, Managing Director, The Wadhwa Group said, “The Navi Mumbai and Panvel region is seeing a complete transformation and it will change completely in the next 2 to 3 years, where we expect prices to rise to astronomical levels. The ongoing infrastructure development projects coupled with improved connectivity with Mumbai, through the MTHL route, have further cemented that premise. In addition, the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport will further give a boost to the housing sector, and overall economic development of the region.”

Apart from MTHL, there are several other infrastructure projects that are in various stages of completion. These include Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), Ulwe Coastal Road connecting MTHL and NMIA, International Corporate Park at Kharghar touted as BKC 2, Navi Mumbai Integrated Industrial Township, 30-km-long suburban rail corridor connecting Karjat with Panvel, Extension of Sion-Panvel expressway, Metro connectivity between CSM International Airport and NMIA, Nerul Passenger Water Transport Terminal and future Metro lines in Navi Mumbai. These projects, once completed, will bolster economic development in the MMR, increase employment opportunities for the people, and provide housing across different price segments for the people in the region.

Real estate prices in Mumbai that are anywhere within 50 minutes of travel from South Mumbai are priced not less than Rs. 35,000/- to Rs. 40,000/- per sq ft. This is in sharp contrast to Panvel, where traveling across the harbor by the MTHL takes 50 minutes; but surprisingly property prices here are just 1/3 rd to that of Mumbai. In this short commute time, a home buyer or investor gets a more reasonably priced home that comes along with better infrastructure and cleaner air to breathe with a higher Air Quality Index (AQI).

Navi Mumbai International Airport
The Navi Mumbai International Airport will be completed in four phases between now and 2032. On completion, a total of 142,000 direct and 200,000 indirect jobs are estimated to be created as a result of the project. The government is also planning a quick mass transit system. It has approved a new 33.15-kilometer Metro Railway project connecting Navi Mumbai International Airport with Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Coastal Road to NMIA
The Ulwe Coastal Road will help in connecting MTHL to the Navi Mumbai International Airport. This connector will drastically reduce travel time and provide ease of travel to commuters, commuting between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The 7kmlong road will connect MTHL Junction to Amra Marg Junction in Belapur.

International Corporate Park
Plans are afoot to develop Kharghar into an International Corporate Park on the lines of Mumbai’s BKC; conveniently located just 12 kilometers away from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. It will consist of corporate offices, hospitality, educational institutions, entertainment, and healthcare facilities for the residents.

Navi Mumbai Integrated Industrial Township
The state government has also decided to develop the Navi Mumbai Integrated Industrial Township as the new IT and service sector hub of Maharashtra, in addition to promoting educational and research institutes here. The Maharashtra government is working on building several data centers, within which 65 percent of India’s data capacity is planned to be developed in Navi Mumbai itself.

30-km-long suburban rail corridor connecting Karjat with Panvel
Work on the 30-km-long suburban rail corridor connecting Karjat with Panvel has also started. This route will reduce the travel time from CSMT to Karjat by more than 20 minutes. It will provide an alternative route from Mumbai to Karjat via Panvel. This suburban corridor will enhance economic development in the fast-developing areas of Panvel, Karjat, and NAINA (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area).

Mumbai has reached a point of saturation with extremely high property prices. Panvel and Navi Mumbai on the other hand with its rapid development of social, economic, and transport infrastructure offer home buyers and investors an attractive option to invest here. In addition, the Panvel and Navi Mumbai regions provide home buyers with tranquil surroundings, a pollution-free environment, and improved quality of life for residents. Presently, property rates are quite competitive, but given the fast pace of ongoing project developments, these are bound to rise in the immediate future.

Hyderabad/Pun, February 21, 2024: Finolex Cables Ltd., a key player in the optic fibre cables sector, has taken a substantial leap towards fostering economic growth and development by formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Industries, Government of Maharashtra. This strategic partnership sets the stage for Finolex Cables’ significant investment of Rs. 580 crores, marking a noteworthy milestone in the company’s expansion efforts within the optic fibre cables industry.

The envisioned investment is strategically aligned with the Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of providing last-mile optical fiber-based connectivity to every village in the country. Anticipating a surge in demand, Finolex Cables is positioning itself to cater to the increasing need for optic fibre cables (OFC), fueled by the nationwide 5G roll-out and the growing requirement for fiber-to-home connectivity.

Highlighting Finolex Cables’ commitment to fortifying its capabilities and product range in the optic fibre cables sector, the company, currently possessing a fibre drawing capacity of 4 million fibre km per year and a cabling capacity of 8 million fibre km per year, is set to establish an additional plant dedicated exclusively to fibre optic cables. This expansion initiative encompasses the installation of fibre draw towers and the implementation of backward integration for the production of glass preforms, crucial in the fibre drawing process. Notably, this aligns with the goals of the Government of India’s Make in India program.

In a groundbreaking move, Finolex Cables aims to become the second company in the country to manufacture glass preforms, a vital component for optical fibre production. The proposed upgrade will see the Draw Tower capacity doubling to 8 million fibre km per year, pushing the fibre optic cables’ annual capacity to 10 million fibre km from the current 8 million fibre km. This expansion initiative is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for 400 plus individuals.

Under the terms of the MoU, the Government of Maharashtra has committed to actively supporting Finolex Cables Limited in obtaining the necessary registrations and approvals from the relevant state departments. This collaboration is anticipated to facilitate a seamless and successful implementation of Finolex Cables’ ambitious expansion project, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development and employment opportunities.

Speaking on this occasion, Finolex Cables Limited, Deputy CEO & CFO, Mahesh Viswanathan, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion plans and the collaborative effort with the Government of Maharashtra. “This strategic investment reinforces our commitment to contribute to the state’s economic development and create employment opportunities. We are grateful for the support from the Government of Maharashtra, and we look forward to a seamless and successful implementation of our expansion project. “

In order to augment the OFC business further, the company has also opened EPC division for executing

orders for laying fibre -optic cable networks in various locations all over the country. The business has already commenced in Gujarat and is expected to be expanded to other geographies soon.

Bengaluru, 21 February 2024: Rallis India Ltd, a leading agri-inputs company, grew its Custom Synthesis & Manufacturing (CSM) portfolio through commercialization of 3 new products in FY24. These new products span across the agrochemical value chain and include one each of Intermediates, Active Ingredients (AI) and Formulations. Two of these three products are being manufactured at Rallis India’s new manufacturing plants at Dahej. With these new product wins, Rallis has broadened its CSM customer base especially among Japanese innovator agrochemical companies.

Commenting on this development, Sanjiv Lal, MD & CEO of Rallis India Limited said, “This expansion of our CSM portfolio reflects our strategic commitment to more chemistry-led manufacturing underlying our recent investments at Dahej. These new product successes and customer acquisitions further affirm the enduring trust that Rallis India holds from a growing number of Japanese and other global agrochemical companies”.

S.Nagarajan, Chief Operating Officer of Rallis India Limited, added, “The commercialisation of these new products demonstrates our enhanced process development, scale-up and manufacturing capabilities to handle complex chemistries and next-gen sustainable formulations. It is also a testament to our ability to work closely and transparently with the customers to deliver high quality products at the right price while upholding our stringent EHS standards”.

Rallis remains committed to further expansion and scale-up of its product portfolio by strengthening its existing customer partnerships and building new ones with global agrochemical companies to advance the cause of sustainable agriculture.

India, 21 February 2024: The 37th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, renowned for its celebration of global craftsmanship and culture, has introduced an innovative parking solution in collaboration with Abhay Techno Services (ATechnos), making parking hassle-free and efficient for visitors. The Mela, which commenced on February 2nd and will continue till February 18th, now offers smart and FASTag-enabled parking facilities, revolutionizing the visitor experience.

To streamline parking operations and enhance convenience, the Surajkund International Crafts Mela has partnered with ATechnos, a leading technology company. This partnership brings forth a seamless parking experience, integrating advanced technologies to facilitate smooth entry and exit for attendees. Through FASTag integration, visitors can enjoy swift access to designated parking areas, minimizing wait times and ensuring a stress-free arrival process.

Moreover, embracing the digital payment ecosystem, Mela introduces UPI-enabled transactions for parking fees, adding another layer of convenience for visitors. With cashless payments powered by UPI, attendees can effortlessly complete their parking transactions, further enhancing the event’s overall experience.

ATechnos system utilizes automated barriers, license plate recognition cameras, mobile apps, and instant digital payments. It provides visitors with contactless parking, real-time space availability, and digital receipts.

Mr. Apurv Modi, MD and Co-founder of ATechnos expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “We are honored to be a part of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela and contribute to its success with our smart parking solutions that redefine convenience and efficiency for attendees. Our goal at ATechnos has always been to leverage technology to enhance everyday experiences, and through this partnership, we aim to set new standards for event parking management.”

Integrating smart parking facilities aligns with Mela’s commitment to embracing innovation and enhancing visitor satisfaction. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the Surajkund International Crafts Mela celebrates India’s cultural heritage, attracting over a million artists and visitors and offering an immersive and memorable experience for visitors worldwide.