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New Delhi, 28th August 2025: M1xchange, India’s leading RBI-licensed Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform, announced its partnership with Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, to introduce Trade Credit Insurance (TCI) on its platform. With this, M1xchange becomes the first TReDS platform in India to integrate an insurance partner into its ecosystem. This partnership establishes the insurer as the fourth stakeholder in the TReDS ecosystem, joining MSMEs, buyers and financiers.

The inclusion of Trade Credit Insurance (TCI) on the M1xchange platform is set to significantly boost confidence among banks and financiers. By mitigating credit risk, the offering will unlock greater liquidity on the platform, empowering MSMEs with vital working capital to drive their growth. The integration is also expected to attract more corporates, who will benefit from enhanced financing limits, thereby strengthening the overall supply chain finance ecosystem.

As part of this collaboration, insurance coverage will be customised to the credit profile of each buyer and seamlessly embedded within the M1xchange platform. With integrated claim processing, stakeholders can expect a smooth and transparent experience. This innovation simplifies access to secure financing for MSMEs while reinforcing the resilience and inclusivity of the wider supply chain finance framework.

Sundeep Mohindru, Promoter & Director, M1xchange, said, “ The partnership with Tata AIG marks a significant step in expanding the scope of TReDS. By adding Trade Credit Insurance as the fourth participant on our platform, we are enabling financiers to take larger exposures and creating more opportunities for MSMEs to access timely working capital. This will also expand the risk-taking ability of the platform, while encouraging wider participation from financiers and corporates. Our goal is to build a stronger and more liquid trade finance ecosystem, empowering India’s 6.3 crore MSMEs to grow and compete effectively.”

Deepak Kumar, Senior Executive Vice President, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited, said “We are pleased to collaborate with M1xchange to bring Trade Credit Insurance to the TReDS ecosystem. This partnership will provide financiers with an added layer of risk protection while ensuring MSMEs can access working capital with greater confidence. Together, we aim to mitigate payment risks, enhance the flow of trade credit in the economy, and support the growth of MSMEs through secure and reliable financial solutions.”

Additionally, M1xchange is the first to expand the scope of TReDS with its innovative Small-to-small financing initiative. This initiative has successfully brought tier 2 and tier 3 MSMEs into the formal credit system, enabling them to benefit from early payments without collateral at competitive rates.

Bengaluru, August 28, 2025 – United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), in collaboration with its CSR partners, commemorated World Lake Day with an engaging and educational event at Kannamangala Lake, Bengaluru. The celebration brought together corporates to highlight the importance of urban lakes and their crucial role in sustaining the ecological and social fabric of the city. World Lake Day is a reminder that lakes are not just water bodies; they are life-sustaining ecosystems, community hubs, and cultural landmarks.

The event covered a guided lake walk and a bird-watching session, allowing people to appreciate the biodiversity supported by the lake ecosystem. As part of the immersive experience, attendees engaged in hands-on water testing activities to understand the health of the lake, learning about water quality indicators and how pollution impacts aquatic life. Interactive ‘Learn and Play’ sessions were organized to make environmental education fun and accessible.

Corporates also had the opportunity to explore the lake’s ecosystem, understand the threats it faces, and discuss ways to preserve such water bodies. They also gained hands-on experience in measuring water clarity, helping them understand the physical indicators of water health. It also revealed that the oxygen levels in the lake were within a healthy and appropriate range, indicating relatively stable aquatic conditions. The event concluded with a collaborative reflection session, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and community action in lake conservation efforts.

United Way Bengaluru continues to drive lake conservation initiatives under its flagship program ‘Wake the Lake’, empowering citizens and corporates alike to become stewards of their local water bodies.

ICAI Hosts Convocation Ceremony Across 15 Centers Pan India; Confers Membership to 13,737 Newly Qualified Chartered Accountants

Kolkata, 26 August 2025: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament, organized a grand Convocation Ceremony simultaneously across 15 locations in India to confer certificates of membership to newly qualified Chartered Accountants and felicitate rank holders.

The Convocation was held at New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ghaziabad, Ernakulam, Vijayawada, Ahmedabad, Pune, Indore, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Ludhiana. A total of 13,737 newly enrolled Chartered Accountants were awarded their membership certificates, marking the beginning of their professional journey.

The Convocation ceremonies commenced concurrently across all centers, with Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, Competition Commission of India (CCI), inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest from New Delhi. The New Delhi ceremony was led by CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI and CA. Prasanna Kumar D, Vice-President, ICAI, in the august presence of Central Council Members—CA. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, CA. (Dr) Sanjeev Kumar Singhal and CA. Hans Raj Chugh, along with CA. (Dr) Jai Kumar Batra, Secretary, ICAI.

While Addressing Newly Qualified Chartered Accountants from New Delhi, Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, CCI, stated, “I congratulate all the newly graduating Chartered Accountants. This day marks a celebration of your hard work, sleepless nights and your unshakeable determination to succeed in one of the most difficult examinations in the country. ICAI is acknowledged for its excellence, ethics and influence and continues to play a pivotal role in nation-building by contributing to corporate governance, taxation, auditing standards, sustainability and digital financial systems. The CA qualification will open numerous opportunities for you, not only in your career but also in your personal growth. With the rapid adoption of technologies such as AI, blockchain, and algorithmic pricing, continuous learning will remain essential to ensure transparent, efficient, and sustainable growth.”

She further added, “Chartered Accountants play a vital role in translating principles into practice, ensuring that market practices remain transparent, ethical, and compliant with regulatory frameworks. The trust placed in their signature is immense, impacting clients, stakeholders, markets and public interest. As professionals, you are the custodians of independence, objectivity and integrity in every valuation and decision you make.”

On this occasion, CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI, congratulated the newly enrolled Chartered Accountants and said, “Receiving the membership certificate is a defining milestone that marks your transition from students to professionals. Indian Chartered Accountants are called partners in nation-building, and soon they will be recognized as partners in global building, strengthening India’s growth while reinforcing international financial systems. You are the future torch bearers of the profession and I urge you to embrace innovation, remain committed to lifelong learning and lead with integrity and values that will not only uphold the dignity of the profession but also enhance India’s credibility on the global stage.”

With over 65% of our population under the age of 35, the youth are not only the future of this nation, but also the present drivers of innovation, consumption and progress. With ICAI conferring membership to 13,737 newly qualified Chartered Accountants, this addition to the profession further strengthens India’s talent pool. As India moves towards becoming the third-largest economy, these young Chartered Accountants will be the greatest asset. Each of these new members holds the power to shape India’s destiny. As new professional avenues such as forensics, sustainability and artificial intelligence emerge, Chartered Accountants, who have closely witnessed the evolution of technology, will take the lead in these initiatives and contribute to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

While addressing the gathering, CA. Prasanna Kumar D, Vice-President, ICAI, said, “Chartered Accountants are not just service providers, they are strategic business solution providers driving the economy forward. The profession offers dynamic opportunities across practice, employment, entrepreneurship, taxation, audits, technology and ESG. Ethics is non-negotiable; integrity, transparency and sound judgment will form the foundation of trust in your work. I would request each one of you to carry forward the legacy of the profession with pride and contribute meaningfully to India’s economic growth story.”

The President ICAI also administered the oath to the newly inducted members. ICAI conducts convocation twice a year to award the Certificate of Membership to newly enrolled members, celebrating their entry into the CA fraternity. This prestigious event serves as a platform to unite young professionals under the esteemed Chartered Accountancy fraternity, fostering a deep sense of belonging and connection with both the profession and the Institute. Through rigorous training and a stringent examination process, only individuals who demonstrate outstanding knowledge, intelligence, dedication and proficiency are qualified to become Chartered Accountants.

Addressing the Convocation Ceremony, CA. Sanjib Sanghi, Council Member, ICAI, lauded the role of parents in shaping the success of the newly qualified Chartered Accountants. He stressed that their future must be built on trust, perseverance, resilience, and integrity. Highlighting the concept of NEST-Networking, Entrepreneurship, Skill, and Technology-he explained its importance in their professional journey.

CA. Ravi Kumar Patwa, Council Member, ICAI, noted that as India moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the CA profession will gain prominence. Urging members to uphold ethics, pay their membership fees, and serve society, he remarked, “If hard work is your weapon, success will be your slave.”

Guest of Honour CA. (Dr.) Debashis Mitra acknowledged parents’ contribution to the success of the new professionals. Emphasizing that ICAI, set up under an Act of Parliament, safeguards the nation’s financial health, he urged CAs to be fearless and innovative like Garuda, ICAI’s mascot. Stressing the values of Independence, Excellence, and Integrity, he envisioned ICAI being lauded by the Prime Minister in 2027 as the guardian of India’s financial stability.

Hyderabad, August 25, 2025 – The 14th edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2025, powered by IDFC FIRST Bank, witnessed an unprecedented turnout with a record-breaking 28,300 runners, making it one of India’s largest and most celebrated community sporting events. The marathon, held on Sunday, featured three categories—Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K—which concluded at Gachibowli, marking the official kickoff of India’s marathon season.

Flag-offs took place at two different locations with dignitaries, including Mr. Avinash Mohanty, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, and Mr. D. Joel Davis, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Hyderabad City, leading the ceremonies for the 10K and Full Marathons, respectively.

It witnessed unprecedented Participation and Community Engagement. A total of 28,300 runners, including 5,000 from over 150 Indian cities, registered for the marathon.

The event welcomed runners from all walks of life, including corporates, PSUs, the armed forces, government institutions, and civic bodies.

Notable corporate participation included Dr. Reddy’s with 701 registrations, which is the highest by any single corporate house, and they were recognised accordingly.  Aptar was recognised for 46% women’s participation. Arcesium, which donated ₹30 lakh, was recognised as the Top Corporate Charity Donor

The event saw the participation of 56 elite international athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, and India took part in the race. The marathon is the second-largest in India to hold a World Athletics Basic Label certification.

NMDC’s and IDFC’s employees and families actively participated in the event, showcasing the companies’ commitment to fitness and community.

Elite athletes and others received their prizes at GMC Balayogi Stadium, Gachibowli, from the hands of dignitaries such as Mr. Avinash Mohanty, Mr. Vinay Kumar, Mr. Shreepad Shinde, Mr. Toru Yamaguchi, Mr. Praveen Kumar, Mr. Saurabh Sharma, Mr. Nirish Lalan and a couple of Police Officers.

NMDC MARATHON 2025

PROVISIONAL RESULTS ELITE MARATHON OVERALL MEN – TOP 3

Rank                Name                                      Grosstime

 01                    CHERUIYOT KENYA                 02:17:27

 02                    URGA ETHIOPIA                      02:18:33

 03                    CHELUKO KENYA                     02:21:19

PROVISIONAL RESULTS ELITE MARATHON OVERALL WOMEN – TOP 3

 Rank                Name                                      Grosstime

  01                   KIBET KENYA                              02:39:27

  02                    KUMSA ETHIOPIA                     02:41:16

  03                   MEHARI ETHIOPIA                    02:45:15

 

PROVISIONAL RESULTS ELITE MARATHON OVERALL IND MEN – TOP 3

 Rank                Name                                      Grosstime

 01                   ANISH THAPA                            02:24:41

 02                    TIRTHA PUN                               02:27:18

 03                    KALIDAS LAXMAN HIRAVE      02:27:41

PROVISIONAL RESULTS ELITE MARATHON OVERALL IND WOMEN – TOP 3

Rank                 Name                                      Gross time

01                     BHAGIRATHI NON                   02:51:52

02                     ASHVINI JADHAV                     02:57:02

03                    JYOTI GAWATE                         03:12:10

PROVISIONAL RESULTS HALF MARATHON OVERALL MEN TOP 3

Rank                 Name                                      Nettime

01                     MOHIT CHOUDHARY               01:09:28

02                     MALLIKARJUN MS                    01:19:51

03                     AVIK PAL                                    01:20:16

                          

PROVISIONAL RESULTS HALF MARATHON OVERALL WOMEN – TOP 3

Rank                 Name                                      Nettime

01                     DIVYA S                                     01:32:23

02                     FARHEEN FIRDOSE                  01:32:57

03                     EKTA RAWAT                            01:38:11

                       

PROVISIONAL RESULTS 10K MARATHON OVERALL MEN – TOP 3

Rank                 Name                                      Nettime

01                     ABDUL SALAM                          00:34:19

02                     LAVISH RAWAT                         00:35:22

03                     B CHANDRA SHEKHAR            00:35:28

 PROVISIONAL RESULTS 10K MARATHON OVERALL WOMEN – TOP 3

 Rank               Name                                      Gross time

01                     KODAVATH SWAPNA                00:41:53

02                    GADDAM RAJESHWARI            00:43:35

03                    ABHILASHA BHAGAT                00:48:46

 

The total prize money was ₹48.55 lakh across male and female categories for all three races.

The Elite marathon winners in both men’s and women’s categories were awarded: $6,000, $3,000, and $2,000 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places respectively (international) and ₹3 lakh, ₹2.5 lakh, and ₹2 lakh for Indian winners.  ₹1.5 lakh bonus was awarded for breaking the course record.  The Men’s Elite category witnessed a new course record and broke the old record. The top three of the half-marathon received Rs 50,000/-, Rs 40,000/-, and Rs 30,000/-, and 10 winners received Rs 25000/-, Rs 20,000/- and Rs 15,000/.

The 14th edition was hailed as the greenest Hyderabad Marathon ever: 30–35% of registrants opted out of T-shirts.  This year’s edition of the marathon reduced the use of flex boards.  Waste materials were collected and recycled.  In an inclusive move, rag pickers were engaged to collect and segregate waste, which was then sent for recycling, offering them both dignity and community involvement

The marathon raised ₹1.4 crore for 29 charity partners and NGO.  The target was to raise ₹3 crore by September 15, 2025.  This event has become a model for purpose-driven sports events in India

The event was the best example of volunteerism in India.  4000 volunteers, the highest in India for any marathon, helped orchestrate the event.  16 ambulances, 12 bike ambulances, 9 elite-specific aid stations, and 12 hydration stations were deployed.  Over 80,000 man-hours were invested in organising the marathon, involving 6 months of preparation

The support from the Telangana Government, GHMC, Police, Sports Authority, and sponsors made the event a massive success

The Elite, half, and full marathons were flagged off by DCP D. Joel Davis, Joint CP, Traffic, Hyderabad City and Shri K Praveen Kumar. Executive Director (Commercial), NMDC; Mr. Shreepad Shinde, Head Business Excellence, IDFC FIRST Bank, Toru Ymagishi; Saurabh Sharma, Director of Marketing at ASICS India

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. D. Joel Davis, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Hyderabad City, described the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon as “a true celebration of human potential,” acknowledging the determination and unity displayed by thousands of runners.

Mr. K. Praveen Kumar, Executive Director (Commercial), NMDC, shared that CMD Amitava Mukherjee has a deep passion for fitness, which reflects in NMDC’s support of the event. “At NMDC, we combine our expertise in mining with a commitment to fitness. We believe that a healthy population is the foundation of a strong nation. This marathon is a step toward building a fitter India.”

Mr. Shreepad Shende, Head of Business Excellence, IDFC FIRST Bank, added, “At IDFC FIRST Bank, we care for both the health and wealth of individuals. This event is one of the most sought-after marathons in India, and we are proud to be part of it.”

10K Run was flagged off by Mr. Avinash Mohanty, Cyberabad Police Commissioner, Mr. Shreepad Shende, Head Business Excellence, IDFC FIRST Bank, Nirish Lalan, Head Branch Banking South, IDFC FIRST Bank, Mr. Vinay Kumar, Director Technical, NMDC, and Shri K Praveen Kumar. Executive Director (Commercial), NMDC; Saurabh Sharma, Director of Marketing at ASICS India.

Speaking at the flag-off of the 10K Run, Mr. Avinash Mohanty, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, remarked, “It is a great honour to be here with nearly 10,000 enthusiastic participants. Their energy is contagious—I feel inspired and motivated to join in myself.”

“We at NMDC combine our mining expertise with a passion for fitness,” said Mr. K. Praveen Kumar, Executive Director, NMDC. “Fitness is essential for a strong nation.”

In a true display of commitment, Mr. Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), NMDC, not only flagged off the 10K Run but also actively participated and completed the race, setting an inspiring example of leadership and fitness.

The city owned the event.  Many walked on to the street to greet the runners.  80 cheer zones were voluntarily set up by the citizens to encourage and cheer up the runners.

“The 14th edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon has set new benchmarks with over 28,000 runners and the presence of international elites,” said Mr. Rajesh Vetcha, Race Director, NMDC Hyderabad Marathon. “Each year, our focus is on making the marathon more impactful, integrating global standards with meaningful charity collaborations and enhanced runner experiences.”

Established in 2007, the Hyderabad Runners Society is a not-for-profit organisation with over 22,000 active members. It promotes running as a healthy lifestyle choice and organises the annual NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, alongside year-round activities at 46 locations across the city.

Guwahati, August 25, 2025 — After successful editions in Chennai, Mumbai, and Lucknow, East Zone Regional Abilympics 2025 was flagged off on 22nd August at Kalakshetra, Guwahati. This marks the final regional event in Phase 2 of the Abilympics skill competitions before the nationals in Delhi this November.

The event was inaugurated by Shri. Mukesh Chand Sahu Principal Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Women and Child Development along with guest of honour Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Manta, Additional Secretary Cum Director Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Assam. The inauguration was attended by Mr. Mrityunjay Bansal, Deputy Commissioner, Income Tax (Headquarters) of North East Region at Guwahati, Dr. Jitender Aggarwal Secretary General NAAI and Founder Sarthak Educational Trust, and Shri S.K. Gupta, Advisory Board Member, Sarthak Educational Trust alongwith Mr. Siddhartha Rastogi, Advisory Board Member, Sarthak Educational Trust.

Organized by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) in collaboration with Sarthak Educational Trust, and supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), TPCDT, and IndusInd Bank and the East Zone Abilympics welcomed over 100+ Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Participants competed across a wide range of vocational skills including Photography, Painting & Decoration, Crochet, Engineering Design, Hairdressing, Massage, and Bakery & Patisserie.

Shri. Mukesh Chand Sahu Principal Secretary Women and Child Development Assam Government shared “Disability as a subject has been evolving for years, and it will continue to do so. Each of us has abilities, none of us are complete — which is why the focus must be on creating opportunities, not discrimination. Identifying and nurturing talent from regional and local areas is a mammoth task, and Abilympics is doing it beautifully. It benefits the community at the grassroots and shines a light on hidden talent. My best wishes to all participants as they move ahead to the Nationals and Internationals.”

Shri. Bhaskar Jyoti Manta, Additional Secretary Cum Director Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of Assam added, ““In Assam, we are making strong efforts to launch initiatives for PwDs which will benefit them in the long run. From competitive exams to Paralympic sports, PwDs from Assam have already excelled on national and global stages. The upcoming National University for Disability Studies near Guwahati — the first of its kind in the Northeast — will further reflect the state government’s commitment to inclusive development and prepare skilled, market-ready candidates for the future.”

Alongside the competitions, a Regional Conference on Disability Inclusion and Skilling was held on Day 1 (August 22), featuring a dynamic lineup of panels and key speakers. Sessions focused on Assistive Tech Innovations, Policy & CSR Partnerships, Inclusive Workplaces, and PwD Changemaker Stories, while also highlighting the synergy between Abilympics and Non-Profits in strengthening the skills pipeline. Leaders from government, corporates, NGOs, and the disability sector took part in the 2 day event to co-create solutions for a more inclusive future.

Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary-General of NAAI and Founder & CEO of Sarthak Educational Trust, said, “The East Zone Abilympics marks the final leg of this phase for Divyangjan to showcase their skills, secure opportunities, and take one step closer to representing India on the world stage at Finland 2027. At Sarthak, our vision goes beyond skill-building — we are building futures. By 2027, we aim to empower 10 million PwDs and create over 2 lakh sustainable jobs.”

He further highlighted the local impact, “Our Guwahati center, launched in 2022, has already trained over 900 PwDs, with nearly 70% placed in corporates. Another 300 have been upskilled in digital literacy. From districts like Baksa, Barpeta, and Morigaon, we are now expanding across the Northeast to ensure no talent is left behind.”

Participants echoed this sentiment. Snigdha Rajbongshi, a hearing-impaired participant from Guwahati, shared, “I never imagined I’d get such a platform. Abilympics showed me that my crochet skills matter, and now I dream of reaching Nationals and one day representing India at Finland 2027.” Several others like here were not just there to win, but to represent a life of quiet resilience and extraordinary creativity in various work skills.

Paving the Road to Finland 2027

The winners from Guwahati will qualify for the National Abilympics in Delhi (November 2025), where Team India will be selected to compete at the 11th International Abilympics in Finland (2027) — the global “Work Skill Olympics” for Persons with Disabilities.

The East Zone Abilympics promises to be not just a competition, but a celebration of resilience, talent, and inclusion — reaffirming that disability is not inability.

Hyderabad, August 23, 2025 – Dewi Collective, an exclusive community for women, celebrated a remarkable milestone with its first official meeting at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Hitex, bringing together visionaries, entrepreneurs, and dreamers for an evening of empowerment, collaboration, and inspiration.

The event was graced by Chief Guest ‘Pradhaan Dewi’ – Ananthika Sanilkumar (of 8 Vasanthalu fame) and Guest of Honor – Madhoo Nekkanti, fondly known as Bebakka (Bigg Boss fame), whose presence added glamour and encouragement to the evening.

Ananthika Sanilkumar unveiled Dewi Magazine, a platform designed to spotlight every member, celebrate their journeys, and inspire them to reach greater heights.

Speaking during the meeting Ananthika said, ” It is an honor to be part of this momentous occasion, the first official meeting of the DEWI Collective. Today, we gather to celebrate the power of women, their dreams, and their empowerment. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of women who are driving change and innovation in their respective fields. I commend the organizers and members of the DEWI Collective for their dedication and passion. Your efforts will undoubtedly inspire and empower women to chase their dreams and make a lasting impact.”

Some key highlights of the meeting include: a vibrant showcase of creativity and innovation by Dewi members and local women-led businesses, inspiring presentations by Dewi members about their ventures, encouraging collaboration and networking, hypnotherapy and past life regression sessions by Sowmya Bhas of DoubleYou Therapies, promoting mental well-being and self-discovery and the launch of Anantha – Give Wings to Your Dreams, a unique program to help women pursue long-forgotten passions and aspirations.

The founding leadership team with Honorary Chairperson: Satyavathi Prasanna Madipadige, Chairperson & Founder: Dr. Neelima Vemula, Vice Chairperson & Co-Founder: Dr. Kalyani Guduguntla, Co-Founder & Brand Custodian: Pallavi Nagalla speaking at the launch said, “This first official meeting and the launch of Dewi Magazine mark the beginning of a movement. Our vision is to celebrate every woman’s journey, give a voice to her dreams, and create a community where women inspire and uplift each other.”

The event was powered by strong partnerships and generous sponsors: Kanaka Vastra Silks, Visista Gold and Diamonds, Vasavi Ventures, TP Holidays, and SpaceQubes, all of whom share Dewi Collective’s vision of celebrating and empowering women.

New Delhi, August 21, 2025:

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Deputy Chairman of the People Forum of India (NBSS), today met Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, at his New Delhi office.

The meeting highlighted the Forum’s commitment to advancing social justice at the grassroots, with a particular focus on women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, and community welfare. Dr. Mallappa stressed the importance of strengthening support systems for marginalised groups, noting, “Social justice cannot remain a policy discussion alone—it must translate into real, measurable change in the lives of women, youth, and disadvantaged communities. The People Forum of India is determined to act as a bridge between government initiatives and ground realities.”

Dr. Athawale welcomed the Forum’s vision, commending its approach of blending civic participation with policy execution. He underlined the crucial role that organisations like the People Forum of India can play in ensuring government welfare schemes reach those who need them most.

Dr. Mallappa also shared the Forum’s plan to expand its footprint in Maharashtra, mobilising volunteers and coordinators to promote awareness of social justice schemes and women-centric empowerment initiatives. “Our grassroots work in the state will focus on enabling self-reliance, dignity, and opportunity for every section of society,” Dr. Mallappa added.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that collaboration between government and people-led forums will be critical to ensuring that social justice and empowerment programmes are impactful at the community level.

21 August 2025: Nemetschek India, a subsidiary of the Nemetschek Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Veermata Jijabhai Technological Institute (VJTI) on August 20, 2025, to establish an Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Centre of Excellence. The signing was followed by the inauguration of a state-of-the-art AEC Lab at the VJTI campus.

The collaboration aimed at fostering innovation, research, and skill development in the construction and design domain brought together industry and academia on a common platform. The Centre of Excellence is expected to empower students and faculty with hands-on experience in the latest digital technologies for AEC, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

The MoU signing and lab opening ceremony were graced by Dr. Sachin Kore, Director, VJTI, Sunil Pandita, Chief Division Officer and an alumnus of VJTI, Nemetschek Group, and Prof. A. S. Wayal, Head of Civil Engineering Department, VJTI.

Speaking about the occasion, Sunil Pandita, CDO, Nemetschek Group, said, “Through this collaboration, Nemetschek India reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and architects by providing access to world-class tools and practices. As an alumnus, it is deeply gratifying to contribute back to my alma mater in such a meaningful way. This initiative would strengthen industry-academia ties and help create future-ready professionals.”

Dr. Sachin Kore, Director, VJTI, added, “The AEC Centre of Excellence and the newly inaugurated lab reflected VJTI’s commitment to equipping students with the skills required to meet the evolving demands of the construction and infrastructure sectors. We were pleased to join hands with Nemetschek India to advance digital learning and research opportunities for our students.”

The AEC Lab is equipped with advanced software solutions from the Nemetschek portfolio, enabling immersive learning in Building Information Modelling (BIM), structural engineering, design, and project management. The Centre is also expected to host joint research projects, faculty development programs, and student-led innovations in collaboration with industry experts.

This partnership marked a significant milestone in Nemetschek India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen academic alliances in the country, following similar collaborations with leading technical universities.

Hyderabad, August 21, 2025: To address the pressing issue of Trump-era tariffs impacting Indian exports, the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) organised a roundtable on “Navigating Trade Headwinds: US Tariff Impact on Telangana Exporters” on Wednesday till late evening at Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad.

The event saw participation from over 35 exporters across diverse sectors such as textiles, quartz, gems & jewellery, chemicals, engineering goods, and agriculture. Notable attendees included: Mr. Mahesh Desai, Past Chairman, EEPC (Engineering Export Promotion Council); Manoj Kasyap, Executive Director, Mahi Granites; D. Pedda Swamy, Business Development Manager, APEDA; Kamal Jain, Chairman, Logistics & Shipping Committee, FTCCI; Mr. Vineet Darda, Co-founder, Darda Advisors LLP; Prashanth, Head of Business Development, SAM Agritech Ltd; I.N. Shetty, GM, Ravi Foods; Abhinva Reddy, Wellspun …and many others from Telangana’s export ecosystem.

Mr. Madhukar Babu, Joint Director (MSME), Commissioner of Industries, Government of Telangana, was the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he encouraged exporters to “build on your inherent strengths” and look beyond traditional markets like the USA. Drawing comparisons from the success stories of Hero Motors and Bajaj in Africa, he urged businesses to research and target new geographies.

He assured exporters that all feedback from the roundtable will be conveyed to the Government of Telangana, especially regarding logistical challenges. He also mentioned that the state’s Logistics Policy is ready, with guidelines under development, and exporter inputs will be incorporated.

Mr. R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, emphasised the importance of strategic preparedness. Today it is the USA; tomorrow, it could be another country. We must build resilience into our export operations.

Mr. AVPS Chakravarthy, Chairman of FTCCI’s International Trade Committee, highlighted the broader economic implications of the tariffs. He noted: The U.S. accounts for 18% of India’s exports and supports 2.2% of GDP. Sectors such as chemicals, rice, textiles, engineering goods, and gems & jewellery are heavily impacted. For example, Indian textiles are now 35% costlier in the U.S. market compared to Bangladesh or Vietnam.

Chakravarthy reiterated that FTCCI had already submitted a memorandum to Telangana’s Minister for Industries & Commerce, Sri Duddilla Sridhar Babu, requesting: Exemption from trade license fees for manufacturing units, Reduction of commercial establishment fees to ₹7,000/year, Faster release of pending incentives, Subsidies to reduce shipping and logistics costs

He proposed a three-step action plan. Mr. Chakravarthy also outlined a simple yet powerful roadmap to find new markets. Target Europe, Canada, Latin America, and ASEAN. Utilise FTAs, including the upcoming UK agreement, expected to save £400 million/year.

FTCCI will support exporters with buyer connections and tools like the Indian Trade Portal. But we must work on to Improve Products & Processes; Adopt automation and data-driven production; Build local supply chains and reduce costs; Leverage FTCCI’s upcoming workshops for SMEs; Push for Government Support; Advocate for central and state-level interventions; Improve infrastructure such as cold storage for Agri-exports; Engage in diplomatic dialogue using strong India–US ties.

Mr. Mahesh Desai, Past Chairman, EEPC, stressed that different export categories require tailored strategies. He discouraged overreliance on subsidies and encouraged: Economizing raw materials, import substitution, using embassies and delegations to explore African and other new markets and adopting Japanese models in sourcing and logistics

Exporters impacted by the tariffs collectively recommended a strategic shift that includes: Focusing on core strengths, Diversifying export markets, Exploring new international opportunities, Cost innovation and operational efficiency and Government Support & Policy Assurance

Almost all speakers advocated for a multi-pronged approach—encompassing market diversification, government engagement, cost innovation, and legal preparedness—to make Indian exporters resilient to global protectionist shocks, including those from the U.S.

 By – Dr. Birbal Jha

Across continents and civilizations, the elderly have been revered as the custodians of wisdom, the bearers of culture, and the moral compass of society. Their experiences form the backbone of our collective identity, reminding us that while youth may power the present, it is age that safeguards the future. As an old African proverb wisely says, “When an elder dies, a library burns.” This eternal truth reminds us that every elderly person embodies an archive of history, lessons, and values that no book alone can preserve.

In India, the tradition of “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava”—seeing parents as divine—emphasizes the sacred duty of respecting and caring for our elders. Similarly, the Chinese say, “One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade.” This proverb beautifully reflects how the sacrifices of one generation provide comfort and progress to the next. Indeed, the elderly, through their struggles and endurance, plant the trees of opportunity under which the youth sit today.

Every culture, in its own idiom, celebrates the dignity of age. In Greece, there is a saying: “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” It underlines how the elderly embody selflessness, thinking beyond themselves to nurture future generations. In Africa, people wisely observe, “The youth walk faster, but the elder knows the road.” This reminds us that progress is not a matter of speed alone, but of direction—and it is the wisdom of the elderly that keeps society from losing its way.

The strength of communities lies in their intergenerational bonds. A Kenyan proverb says, “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” Just as families and societies thrive when young and old stand together, so too does the world become stronger when it honours the wisdom of the past while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. In Scandinavian culture, we hear, “A shared joy is a double joy; a shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” Elders play this vital role of multiplying joy and soothing sorrow within families, creating emotional resilience in communities.

Even in modern times, nations that value their senior citizens are those that thrive. Japan, with its deep-rooted practice of Keiro no Hi (Respect for the Aged Day), provides a model for the world. The Japanese proverb, “The old age of an eagle is better than the youth of a sparrow,” conveys how age brings refinement and depth of character. Meanwhile, Native American wisdom teaches us: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” This bridges the wisdom of the past with the responsibility of the present, highlighting how elders are the link between history and destiny.

Caring for the elderly is not merely an act of kindness—it is the ethical foundation of society. If we neglect our elders, we impoverish ourselves. For, as the Igbo of Nigeria put it: “What the elders see while sitting, the young cannot see standing on tiptoe.” It is their insight that helps societies navigate crises and preserve continuity.

On this World Senior Citizens’ Day, let us reaffirm the truth that the elderly are not a burden but a blessing. They are the roots that nourish our family trees, the storytellers who keep culture alive, and the guardians of ethical values that prevent societies from drifting into chaos. By honouring them, we are not only paying respect to their past contributions but also securing a wiser and more compassionate future for ourselves.

My guiding belief has always been: Language for livelihood, culture for identity, and ethics for society. Let us live by this ethos by speaking to our elders with respect, celebrating the cultural wisdom they pass on, and upholding the ethics of care and solidarity across generations.

For in the words of a timeless Chinese proverb, “Filial piety is the root of virtue.” The way we treat our senior citizens is the clearest reflection of our humanity. Let us, therefore, honour wisdom, strengthen bonds, and build a future-ready society—hand in hand with those who walked before us.

Senior citizens are the living libraries of our civilization, the guiding lights who have walked the long road of life with courage, sacrifice, and wisdom. Their contributions—whether in nurturing families, building institutions, preserving culture, or shaping the nation—are the very foundation on which our society stands today.

As we celebrate Senior Citizens’ Day, let us honor their toil and treasure their wisdom. In respecting and caring for our elders, we are not merely repaying a debt of gratitude but also safeguarding the values that define our humanity. They are the roots that keep us grounded and the beacons that show us the way forward.

On this day, I call upon every citizen, young and old alike, to rise in respect, express gratitude, and pledge support for our seniors, for a society that reveres its elders is one that secures its future.