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New Delhi, 12 July 2025:

The People Forum of India, an affiliate of the National Bharat Sevak Samaj — a public service body legislated by Parliament in 1952 and established under the guidance of former President of India, His Excellency Gulzarilal Nanda Ji — announced a major administrative restructuring during a press meet held today.

Addressing the media, Dr. S. Manimozhyaan, National Chairman of the People Forum of India, said, “It is an honour to meet one of the strongest pillars of Indian democracy – the media. On behalf of our organization, I thank you for attending and supporting our vision for a restructured and revitalized People Forum of India.”

With over 30 years of service in the organization, Dr. Manimozhyaan has held key positions, including State General Secretary and National Vice Chairman, before being appointed as National Chairman. He emphasized that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who refers to himself as a “Servant of the People,” the spirit of public service has gained renewed recognition and respect.

Complete Dissolution of Administrative Structure

To streamline operations and improve efficiency, the People Forum of India has dissolved its entire national and state administrative structure effective July 11, 2025. This move aims to ensure that welfare schemes reach citizens more effectively, and a new administrative setup will be introduced in three phases:

1. Phase 1: Appointment of National-level office bearers and State Chairpersons

2. Phase 2: Appointment of State office bearers and District Presidents

3. Phase 3: Appointment of District and Taluk-level office bearers

All previous ID cards are now void. Only newly appointed officials will receive secure ID cards embedded with barcodes and certificates of appointment.

Key Appointments Announced

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa has been appointed National Deputy Chairman and In-Charge of National Headquarters Administration & Organization. Known for his extensive national and international contributions to public service, Dr. Mallappa will oversee the appointment of new office bearers across the country.

Dr.S.Selvaganesh have been appointed as Vice President in charge of National Advisory Committee

Dr.Mylaraswamy have been newly appointed as a National Vice President incharge of South India

Mr.B.P. Suresh have been appointed as a National Treasurer

Mr. B.K. Paranthaman has been appointed State Chairman for Tamil Nadu. He will prepare a list of new state and district office bearers for review and approval by the National Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Dr. Manimozhyaan clarified that no individual or office bearer should use previously issued ID cards or engage in organizational activities under the forum’s name. Legal action will be initiated against unauthorized individuals misusing the organization’s identity.

A nationwide membership drive will commence from July 15, 2025, inviting both existing and new volunteers to apply for positions within the newly structured framework.

Reaffirming the Motto: “Public Service is God’s Service”

In closing, Dr. Manimozhyaan said, “The People Forum of India will continue to act as a bridge between citizens and the government. We are committed to strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring that every scheme reaches its intended beneficiaries.”

Shashi Panja, Minister for Industries, Commerce & Enterprises Headlines SRMB Presents Times Network Growth Summit West Bengal

Kolkata, July 12, 2025: Times Network, India’s premium broadcast network, hosted SRBM Presents Growth Summit West Bengal bringing together influential leaders across government, business, and academia to explore Bengal’s transformation as a resilient, future-ready growth engine for India. The summit featured engaging sessions that covered key pillars of Bengal’s growth journey—ranging from future-ready education, AI and robotics, and MSME empowerment to industrial transformation, skilling, and sustainable infrastructure.

Eminent industry stalwarts including Prof. Ved Prakash, Former Chairman, University Grants Commission; Ashish Beriwala, Director of SRMB Srijan; Prof. Biswajoy Chatterjee, Vice Chancellor, UEM Jaipur; Vinod Gupta, Managing Director, Dollar Industries amongst others offered actionable insights on bridging academia and industry, building intelligent ecosystems, driving inclusive entrepreneurship, and strengthening Bengal’s role as a national economic catalyst.

Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Commerce & Enterprises, and Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal said, “West Bengal has emerged as one of the fastest-growing states in India, attracting over ₹1.33 lakh crore in private investments, creating 1.8 lakh jobs. The iron and steel sector leads with ₹45,240 crore investment and 62,500 jobs, followed by oil, gas, and energy at ₹27,159 crore and 16,000 jobs, and logistics at ₹19,000 crore with 25,000 jobs. With 800 private industrial units, the top 10 investors alone have contributed ₹44,000 crore and 32,500 jobs.”

She further added, “The state houses India’s largest leather complex, hosiery park, foundry park, and railway manufacturing units. It is also the cement hub of India with all nine major companies investing. Bengal Silicon Valley, spread over 200 acres, has attracted 11 data centers and leading IT firms like TCS, Wipro, Infosys, and Cognizant. The 2023 Industrial Corridor Policy spans six strategic corridors backed by a ₹3,485 crore ADB loan, while the Logistics Policy (₹2,072 crore) enhances trade efficiency. The Tea Tourism Policy has led to 32 proposals across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri. The Sand Mining Policy has earned ₹500 crore already, with ₹2,280 crore projected over five years. The shift to freehold land for industries and 21 proposals approved marks a major land reform. With 90 lakh MSMEs, Bengal leads with 36.4% female-headed establishments and 12.73% female workforce participation. MSME credit stands at ₹8.6 lakh crore, supported by 30X cluster growth and 35 GI-tagged Bengal products, signaling inclusive and sustainable industrial growth.”

The Summit, co-powered by Dollar Industries, University of Engineering & Management (UEM), and Sister Nivedita University, with OmDayal Group of Institutions and Julien Day School as Associate Partners ended with cross-sectoral insights, and a shared commitment to Bengal’s rise as a center for growth, innovation, and opportunity.

New Delhi, 12 July 2025: Unlike cosmetic trends that come and go, the modern conscious consumer is turning to lasting beauty in a world where time is precious and first impressions are more important than ever. Semi-permanent cosmetics are quickly becoming a necessity rather than a specialty product. Redefining beauty routines with long-lasting precision at the forefront of this revolution is RiStudio, an expert-led destination that blends science, artistry and safety to create ever-lasting everyday beauty.

Located in the heart of Delhi, RiStudio stands out as one of the few beauty destinations in India offering a global-standard service. Each service customised to individual skin tone and face structure, RiStudio has been successful in offering natural looking enhancements be it fuller brows, lifted lashes, or softly tinted lips that subtly elevate one’s features while maintaining their individuality. With an unwavering commitment to quality and hygiene, the studio exclusively uses PhiBrows pigments, globally regarded as the cleanest and most stable in the market. These treatments reshape the facial canvas by correcting asymmetry, adding definition and enhancing overall harmony, making it a beauty investment that lasts from the gym to the boardroom and the red carpet to everyday life.

“Effortless beauty isn’t about changing how you look, it’s about enhancing what’s already yours,” says Ridhi Khanna, Founder of RiStudio and India’s premier permanent makeup artist, known for her transformative artistry and pioneering role in the PMU industry. She became the first Indian to earn the prestigious PhiBrows Master title, gaining global recognition for her work. Always on the pulse of global trends and technology, Ridhi was honoured as a jury member at the 2024 PMU Congress in Chennai cementing her position as a respected authority in both national and international beauty circles. Notably, she is the only Indian professional certified in the advanced BB Stroke technique.

With services ranging from INR 1,500 to 70,000+, RiStudio strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and exclusivity, opening the door to world-class beauty for a discerning yet diverse clientele. This includes both men and women who seek a lifestyle of both luxury and efficacy in beauty, hygiene and self care. Trusted by celebrities and professionals alike, RiStudio also serves as a PhiAcademy-certified training center, shaping the future of PMU artistry in India.

Founder Ridhi Khanna shares: “RiStudio has always been about enhancing what’s already beautiful. It was built around a simple idea, that beauty should make your life easier, not more complicated. For me, semi-permanent makeup is about giving women their time back,  it’s about combining precision with intention, so every woman leaves feeling confident, but still completely herself. At RiStudio, we take the best of international techniques and adapt them thoughtfully  keeping in mind Indian skin, features and what actually works in real life. It’s all about making world-class beauty feel personal and accessible.”

Kolkata, 12^th July, 2025: The National Homeo Laboratory (NHL), a name known for its quality and trust in the realm of homeopathy, today, celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with a grand celebration. The landmark occasion marked 75 years of unwavering commitment to homeopathy and healing sciences and was graced by Dr Ruma Bhattacharjee, Chief Consultant, Dr Parimal Banerjee Medical Research Centre, Dr Kamal Malik, Renowned Homeopath & Mental Health Specialist, Dr Simarjeet Singh Gill, Former CEO, CMRI Hospital, Dr Ramjee Singh, Former Chairman, Central Council of Research in Homoeopath and Mr Biswajit Sinha Roy, Director, National Homoeo Laboratory.

To script the historic legacy of the organisation, a coffee table book chronicling the illustrious history of the National Homeo Laboratory was launched, capturing the spirit, milestones and impact of the organization over the past 75 years.

“To serve homoeopathy for the next 75 years, we are actively planning a new, completely modernized factory designed to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards. This is not just an upgrade; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the future of homoeopathy, ensuring we continue to provide the highest quality medicines with even greater efficiency and reach. In the coming months we also will be launching a range of new breakthrough homoeopathy medicines” said Mr Biswajit Sinha Roy, Director, National Homeo Laboratory.

The celebration was a reflection on NHL’s incredible voyage and reminisces of the past. Moreover, it was a promise towards a flourishing future with hopes for an even more glorious Centennial Jubilee.

Indore / New Delhi, July 12, 2025: In a proud moment for Indian enterprise, Zed Black, the incense brand endorsed by cricket legend MS Dhoni, has been spotlighted as a case study at Harvard Business School. Its parent company, Mysore Deep Perfumery House (MDPH), has been recognized for transforming a traditional, family-run incense business into a ₹1,000 crore fragrance giant. With its roots in a modest garage in Indore, MDPH’s journey of purpose-led growth, innovation, and global expansion is now set to inspire classrooms and entrepreneurs across the world.

Founded in a garage in Indore in the early 1990s by Shri Prakash Agarwal, MDPH has grown into one of the world’s top incense exporters. Operating across 9.4 lakh sq. ft. of manufacturing space, it produces 3.5 crore incense sticks and sells around 15 lakh packs of Zed Black Incense Sticks daily and employs over 4,000 people—80% of whom are women. With exports to over 45 countries, MDPH’s flagship brands include Zed Black Agarbatti, Manthan Dhoop, Orva (lifestyle & aromatherapy), and Samarpan (prayer essentials).

India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of agarbatti, where fragrance is central to religious rituals and wellness routines. In this evolving market, Zed Black has played a key role in redefining tradition through innovation—whether by introducing charcoal-free bamboo-less agarbattis, premium dhoop sticks, or launching luxury perfumery through its D2C platform Orva.

At the heart of MDPH’s success is a unique blend of values, strategy, and celebrity-driven branding. The brand’s longstanding association with legendary Cricketer & Captain Cool MS Dhoni, now in its eighth year, brings unmatched credibility and trust. Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan as the face of Manthan Dhoop has helped organize and elevate the unstructured dhoop segment for a younger, aspirational audience.

“This Harvard case is more than a milestone—it’s a celebration of Indian entrepreneurship rooted in values and powered by vision. Our journey from incense sticks to essential oils, from bamboo-less innovation to luxury perfumery, reflects a mindset shift: we are not just a product brand—we’re a ritual partner. With a presence in over 45 countries and a diverse fragrance portfolio tailored to global sensibilities, we’re proud to take India’s aromatic legacy to international shelves. From the Middle East to Latin America, Zed Black is helping the world discover the emotion behind every Indian scent”, shared Ankit Agrawal, Director, MDPH & Zed Black

The recognition on the Harvard platform is believed to be one of the first from both Indore and the Indian agarbatti sector, with the case already included in the curriculum at institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York. As global business schools seek real-world examples of family-led, values-driven growth, MDPH’s story is garnering wider academic attention.

“What’s kept us going for over three decades isn’t just the business of incense—it’s the intention behind every stick we roll. The intention to build with integrity, to stay consistent even when it was hard, and to always lead with honesty, empathy, and discipline. From a garage in Indore to households across the globe and over 3,000 women empowered along the way, this journey proves that when Indian values meet global ambition, the outcome is not just success, it’s significance. Our digital backbone ensures we remain agile as we expand across geographies and product categories. As we aim for ₹1,000 crore turnover by FY27, our focus is on building a future-ready, tech-driven FMCG powerhouse”, shared Anshul Agrawal, Director – Operations & HR, MDPH

While MDPH remains rooted in prayer traditions, its future-focused approach has included automation, packaging innovations (like resealable zipper packs), and category expansion into wellness and lifestyle products. While India remains the world’s largest incense consumer, MDPH has gone beyond traditional formats, tapping into modern wellness rituals with offerings like essential oils, reed diffusers, and Eau de Parfum. With their premium D2C offerings under Orva, including La Riva Eau de Parfum, the brand has entered the lifestyle and personal fragrance category that sees fragrance as both spiritual and personal.

“The MDPH case is a powerful example of how a traditional, family-run business in India can evolve strategically while staying grounded in its core values. It presents rich opportunities for students to analyze market structures, identify competitive moats, and evaluate growth choices. More importantly, it highlights the often-overlooked intersection of family dynamics and business decision-making”, shared Prof. Tulsi Jayakumar, Executive Director, Centre for Family Business & Entrepreneurship, SPJIMR.

From local homes to global classrooms, MDPH’s recognition at Harvard is a powerful reminder that when tradition meets innovation, and purpose drives performance, the result is not just scale—its significance.

Mumbai, July 12, 2025: In a bid to engage local communities across Indian villages, small towns and metro cities, children from SOS Children’s Villages India, who are part of Bal Panchayats, perform street plays or nukkad nataks aimed to raise awareness about the vital role that their parents and communities play in the holistic development of children. These performances are a part of SOS India’s Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) and focus on community outreach and child development.

Since the 1990s, children under FSP have been performing short skits on social issues in the communities they reside in. Beginning from 2010, these have become an integral part of FSP. These street plays become an informal and effective medium to raise awareness about informed parenting, active community involvement and the key role this plays in directly impacting a child’s cognitive, emotional and social growth. The plays inspire the adults to create and advocate a more supportive and nurturing environment for children, and leads to the development of well-rounded, resilient, and responsible future citizens. This closely aligns with SOS Children’s Villages India’s core mission of ensuring every child grows in a loving, caring, and safe environment.

Sumanta Kar, CEO, SOS Children’s Villages India said, “We believe that when children are empowered to express themselves, they become catalysts for change. For over a decade, our Family Strengthening Programme has supported Bal Panchayats in creatively using street theatre to voice the challenges they and their communities face be it child rights, education, climate change or protection in their local contexts. These street plays are more than performances; they are platforms for participation, where children between 10 to 17 years take the lead from scripting and rehearsals to staging. Children speak for children, and this peer-to-peer approach has been designed for their holistic development.”

The nukkad natak is conducted in all locations across the country where SOS Children’s Villages India has their FSP set up. The plays are typically organised quarterly or bi-quarterly in each of these locations and range from 15 to 30 minutes each. About 10-20 children organise and participate in each natak, including overseeing acting, emcee-ing, and supporting logistics.

The theme of the plays mostly circles around eight key themes – child rights and protection, education for all, health and hygiene, child marriage prevention, child labour prevention, gender equality, climate change, and substance abuse or domestic violence. The FSP team works with the Bal Panchayat to create an orientation on the themes identified by the children, followed by script development and talent identification, role distribution, rehearsals, a mock performance, and finally the children’s performance in the community. Community mobilisers and group leaders inform local communities through announcements and visits to gather audiences, with 100–150 people typically attending each play. This has led to several contextual issues gaining traction and action by the local ward and panchayat’s representatives such as building roads, cleaning of waterlogged drains, etc.

“Each play is a moment of transformation, not only for the performers but for the community. We’ve witnessed significant community engagement across all our programme locations, reaching hundreds with every performance. The children’s voices carry messages of resilience, equity and dignity. This initiative is directly aligned with our purpose: ensuring that every child grows with the bonds and support they need to become their strongest selves. Our vision is to build communities where children feel heard, valued, and empowered and these plays are living proof that when given the opportunity, children can spark dialogue and foster social change at the grassroots level,” added the CEO.

The plays serve a dual purpose as they build the skills, confidence, and growth of children associated with SOS India’s while simultaneously educating and sensitising the community, advancing SOS India’s mission of holistic child development and societal change. The performances by the children have encouraged school enrolments and motivated communities to support Bal Panchayat groups, effectively turning awareness into action, thus indicating that these performances have tangible community engagement, raising awareness and discussion on child rights, education, and gender issues.

National– 11th July 2025 – In a significant step towards improving cold chain logistics in Nigeria, a pilot program under the IFC TechEmerge Sustainable Cooling Innovation program initiative is introducing Phase Change Material (PCM) technology to boost efficiency and sustainability in temperature-controlled transportation. Through partnerships with SPAR, a supermarket division of the Artee Group, and local delivery partner IMI, this project aims to preserve perishable goods more effectively in Nigeria’s complex logistics environment.

The pilot involves a fleet of four trucks equipped with PCM technology, designed to maintain optimal temperature ranges to ensure product quality during transportation. The fleet includes two 14-ft trucks for chilled goods and two 18-ft dual-chamber trucks capable of sustaining both chilled and frozen temperatures. These trucks use thermoTab active systems with PCM, which takes 6-8 hours to charge at the warehouse and maintains the desired temperature for up to 12 hours, making them suitable for short and long-haul deliveries.

Temperature-controlled logistics (TCL) is crucial for ensuring perishable items are delivered in top quality, yet inefficiencies in TCL systems contribute to substantial food waste globally—estimated at $1.2 trillion annually—and challenge the sustainability of food supply chains. Integrating PCM technology into the fleet is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency, reducing food waste while promoting environmental sustainability.

Benefits of PCM Technology

1. Reduced Carbon Footprint: PCM technology optimizes fuel usage, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with global climate goals.
2. Operational Cost Savings: By maintaining stable temperatures and lowering diesel usage, PCM technology helps reduce logistical costs—a critical advantage in regions like Nigeria, where efficient logistics can support both food security and economic resilience.
3. Enhanced Efficiency and Flexibility: The dual-chamber trucks support both chilled and frozen applications, offering greater flexibility in transporting a variety of perishable goods without compromising their integrity.

A Step Towards Sustainable Logistics

This initiative, led by the IFC TechEmerge Sustainable Cooling Innovation program, showcases the potential of advanced PCM technology in creating a more resilient and sustainable cold chain in Nigeria. As consumer demand for fresh, quality-controlled food products continues to grow, such innovations are likely to play a key role in the future of temperature-controlled logistics, ensuring that food reaches consumers safely, efficiently, and with minimal environmental impact.

Nairobi Kenya ,11th July 2025: Novotel Nairobi Westlands’s Chef has emerged among the top winner of the third edition of the Better Kitchen Awards 2025 held in Mumbai India marking a proud moment for Kenya’s hospitality industry on the global stage.

The prestigious event recognized Chef Abhijeet Bagwe, Executive Chef at Novotel Nairobi Westlands, as a Global Chef, celebrating his outstanding culinary expertise and reaffirming both his and the hotel’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and cross-cultural culinary exchange.

Receiving the award, Chef Abhijeet expressed his gratitude, saying:

“I am truly honored to be recognized with this award. The Better Kitchen Awards are not only respected in India but also hold international prestige. In Nairobi’s hospitality circles, this recognition is seen as a symbol of excellence and a reflection of the high standards we strive for daily. This honour strengthens the power of passion, dedication, and consistency in our craft.”

Fabio Gonsalves, General Manager of Novotel Nairobi Westlands, present at the awards praised the honour and Chef Abhijeet’s contribution to the Novotel Nairobi’s culinary journey “It is moments like these that remind us we are part of something much bigger. Our culinary story is not limited by geography, it is a global journey driven by passion. Having Chef Abhijeet represent Novotel Nairobi Westlands at such a prestigious platform made this recognition all the more meaningful.”

Since opening its doors in August 2024, Chef Abhijeet has been a key part of the Novotel Nairobi Westlands team. Known for his hearty spreads and creative twists, he brings together local and international flavors in a way that keeps guests coming back. From everyday dining to special events, his dishes have quickly become a favorite among visitors and regulars alike setting a new standard for dining experiences in Nairobi.

The Better Kitchen Awards 2025 brought together over 300 leading professionals from the culinary, hospitality, and HoReCa sectors. The evening celebrated outstanding achievements in innovation, talent, and leadership across the kitchen and service industries across India and the globe.

Now considered one of the most anticipated events on the hospitality calendar, the Better Kitchen Awards honour individuals, institutions, and brands that have made a lasting impact on the growth and transformation of the industry. This year’s edition was themed ‘Nari Shakti’, shining a spotlight on the powerful contributions of women shaping the future of hospitality.

ViewSonic Unveils AI-Driven ViewLessons Studio and Newly Enhanced myViewBoard, Empowering Indian Educators with Next-Generation Teaching Tools 

National, 11 July 2025: ViewSonic Corp., a global leader in visual and EdTech solutions, today launched ViewLessons AI Studio in India, reinforcing its commitment to transforming classroom experiences through innovative, AI-powered learning solutions. With over 300 million K–12 students, India presents a massive opportunity—and ViewSonic is meeting it with an AI-powered platform offering 900+ editable, curriculum-aligned lessons mapped to CBSE and ICSE standards. The company also introduced myViewBoard® 3.0, its enhanced interactive whiteboarding software, recently awarded the ISTE Seal for “Creativity Tools,” further driving inclusive, collaborative, and tech-enabled learning across Indian classrooms.

“At ViewSonic, we recognize that AI is no longer a distant concept it’s a defining force in how the world works, learns, and communicates,” said Muneer Ahmad, Vice-President of AV Business at ViewSonic India. Education must evolve with it. ViewLessons AI Studio is built with this reality in mind, giving teachers in India the ability to generate high-quality, curriculum-aligned lessons in seconds. It’s not just about saving time it’s about unlocking new possibilities in how learning is designed and delivered. Alongside myViewBoard 3.0, which continues to support interactive, accessible teaching, we’re helping educators embrace the future with confidence.”

Redefining Educational Content Creation

India is emerging as a global hub for AI-led innovation in education. To meet the evolving needs of Indian classrooms, ViewSonic introduces ViewLessons AI Studio, a powerful content creation tool designed exclusively for Indian educators. It enables teachers from Grades 1 to 12 to instantly generate fully NCERT-aligned lessons, available in both editable PowerPoint and Open Learning Format (.olf) an open, cross-platform file standard that works seamlessly across devices and software environments.

Unlike conventional template-based tools, ViewLessons AI Studio allows teachers to customize lessons by editing text, inserting multimedia (images, videos), and adding hyperlinks. Educators can tailor content to suit different learning styles and reuse lessons to build a rich digital repository while dramatically reducing preparation time.

ViewSonic’s dual-content model further enhances flexibility: educators can choose from a ready-to-use lesson library or use AI to create bespoke content, supporting a range of digital proficiency levels and classroom contexts across India.

Enhancing Classroom Engagement and Accessibility

Recognized for innovation and inclusivity, myViewBoard® empowers educators with tools to create dynamic, collaborative learning environments. The redesigned Magic Box simplifies navigation and offers categorized content access for subjects like math and science, as well as ad-free YouTube search for uninterrupted media integration.

The platform’s Participate Mode encourages active learning with real-time response tracking and grading, while an AI-powered pen tool enhances interactivity by converting hand-drawn shapes into smart visuals using live web search.

Accessibility remains central to myViewBoard’s design. Inclusive features include immersive reading, text-to-speech, multilingual support, and Irlen filters colored overlays that reduce visual stress and assist learners with dyslexia or Irlen Syndrome. Additional tools such as spotlights, customizable backgrounds, and adaptive layouts support neurodiverse students, including those with ADHD or other cognitive challenges.

myViewBoard supports a wide range of file formats .ppt, .pdf, Google Slides, olf, and. Iwb and offers cloud-based access, enabling educators to manage multiple lesson tabs and share screens in real time, making it a comprehensive digital teaching platform.

Strengthening Leadership in Indian EdTech

As AI continues to transform global education, ViewSonic is deepening its investment in India with solutions built on local insight and relevance. By solving real-world challenges like limited preparation time and the need for engaging, flexible content ViewLessons AI Studio helps educators evolve from content creators to designers of meaningful learning experiences.

With ViewLessons AI Studio and myViewBoard 3.0, ViewSonic delivers future-ready EdTech solutions that empower Indian educators to teach with greater creativity, confidence, and clarity

“Fire & Industrial Safety is one of the priority sectors of UP Govt”, says Shri Rakesh Sachan, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Khadi and Villages Industries, Sericulture Industries, Handloom and Textile, Govt. of UP.

UP Government considers Fire and Industrial Safety as key sectors for the prevention of accidents in the industrial as well as residential sector. Setting up disaster management units in every district, providing information through e-portals, spreading awareness among MSME workers, ensuring compliance with fire safety norms, and conducting regular checks of fire safety equipment are the key focus areas of our government said, Shri Rakesh Sachan, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Khadi and Villages Industries, Sericulture Industries, Handloom and Textile at PHDCCI’s 4th edition of UFSEC held today, from 10th & 11th July 2025, at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.

UP is the largest state in the country, and under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi and Hon’ble CM Yogi, the state has worked on strengthening its infrastructure. Earlier, many entrepreneurs were hesitant to invest here. But during the UP Global Investors Summit 2023, over 19,000 MoUs were signed, reflecting investment intents worth approximately ₹33.5 lakh crore, He discussed that this is a very important topic today at this conference many views have been shared regarding the country’s preparedness for such situation.

He further appreciated PHDCCI for working hand in hand with the government for the past 120 years and said that the UP government is consistently working towards the goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. After agriculture, the MSME sector is the second-largest contributor to India’s economy in terms of employment generation and GDP contribution. Nearly 1.75 crore people have gained employment through MSMEs, and it plays a very significant role in the GSDP of UP.

Uttar Pradesh is moving ahead as a growth engine, the government has recently allotted a sizeable land for a textile manufacturing park in Kanpur and I further urge investors to invest in UP and participate in the state’s vision.

Shri Rajendra Singh, Member & HOD, National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India discussed that while disasters don’t announce themselves, unpreparedness always does. He added, each life lost and every economic setback is a reminder that preparedness is not just essential but non-negotiable.

He further informed that NDMA has developed comprehensive protocols on chemical and industrial safety and shared that in the past two years, the focus has been on mock drills to enhance real-time preparedness. He informed that Last year, the Hon’ble Home Minister highlighted the need for action in industrial businesses. The 15th Finance Commission allocated ₹5,000 crore to states for expansion and modernisation of fire services, with ₹700 crore allocated to Uttar Pradesh.

Mr Singh deliberated that the success of these initiatives depends on partnership and cooperation, and it is up to the states to utilise the funds. Out of the ₹2.28 lakh crore allocated, 40% has been utilised to provide relief, 30% for rebuilding, 20% for mitigation, and 10% for capacity building. He also advised everyone to take this seriously, learn from past incidents, and be prepared for the future.

Shri Shashank Chaudhary, IAS, ACEO, Invest UP, highlighted upon the investment opportunities in UP. He said UP is the only state with 13 expressways (6 operational and 7 upcoming), the highest number of international airports, and one of the largest numbers of domestic airports. It also has a rapid transport system, enabling sustainable transportation.

He informed that the current GSDP of the state is around $350 billion and that 56% of the total population is in the working age group. Further, UP has an ecosystem of 3,000+ Industrial Training Institutes. On the industrial ecosystem, he stated that the state has the highest number of MSMEs in India (9.6 million), with a 15% YoY growth in the manufacturing sector, contributing 11% to the state’s GSDP. He also mentioned the presence of district-wise export clusters for 75 unique One-District One-Product (ODOP) items and said the government is actively focusing on investment.

He concluded that the state has a favourable business environment, currently ranked 2nd in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) rankings. To attract foreign investment, the state government has launched the UP FDI-FCI policy. He also discussed platforms like Nivesh Mitra and Nivesh Sarathi, along with the Online Incentive Management System, which reflect the government’s commitment to investor facilitation through digital governance.

Shri Sunil Kumar Jha, IPS, Director General Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India discussed how North India especially the Delhi-NCR region is an important industrial corridor, but it also poses various disaster risks. He noted the aging infrastructure and inadequate fire safety equipment in many industries. He highlighted the need for proper fire and disaster preparedness, especially for small-scale industries.

Mr. Jha also noted that climate-induced heat waves further increase the complexity of disaster response. The central government has introduced the Fire Safety Bill to bring about uniformity which has been implemented in Uttar Pradesh. Various campaigns are being promoted across educational institutions through the department’s portal, time-to-time advisories are issued. He informed that BIS issues the National Building Code and that a new version will be released by 2025.

Further he called upon all stakeholders to collaborate and focus on smart fire-fighting technologies, AI, robust training for first responders, and investment in fire research and development making fire safety not just a compliance requirement, but a corporate necessity, responsibility, and priority.

Shri Hemant Sapra, Co–Chair, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, spoke about PHDCCI providing such a platform where stronger policies and environments can be created, as the life of every individual and worker is important. He informed that PHDCCI has been working for the safety issues for the past 30–35 years. Fortunately, the government has created policies and infrastructure that ensure safety and implementation.

He added that BIS has also upgraded the standards of safety products. He also emphasised that 100% implementation must be ensured and that a conscious effort is needed to maintain safety both personally and in one’s surroundings.

Shri Vivek Agarwala, Co– Chair, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, discussed on how this conference on industrial safety, fire safety, and disaster response is aligned with PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat. He said that PHDCCI is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, and aligning with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, both for the country and Uttar Pradesh is the chamber’s goal.

This 4th edition of UFSEC is a step in that direction, focusing on deliberations on such vital issues. There should be One Nation, One Policy, One System, as currently every state has a different policy. We want one unified policy for better resource utilisation, added Mr. Agarwala.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta CEO and Secretary General, PHDCCI discussed that Safety is one of the most important aspects of our lives. Today, there is a need to be aware and prepared. It begins with each citizen understanding its importance and even one act of negligence can cost millions of lives. In a rapidly changing world, awareness of safety at every phase is essential. This expo and conference is a platform to discuss these critical issues and we are truly honoured to have such luminaries here to deliberate on this crucial topic.

He added, nothing is more powerful than protected and well-lived lives. If safety becomes a habit and health is prioritised, then success follows naturally.

Dr. SP Garg, Conference Convenor & Former Executive Director, GAIL (HSE) India Ltd spoke on the theme of the 4th edition of UFSEC and said the conference is critical, as 4% of the world’s GDP is lost due to such incidents. Therefore, we need to seriously discuss and strategise ways to create safer work environments both on and off campus.

Shri Mahesh Kudav, President, Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association and Shri Rajendra Sankhe, Chief Operating Officer, Indorama India Pvt. Ltd. also deliberated on various aspects of safety in the industry. The conference witnessed over 100 exhibitors participated, underscoring the global relevance of industrial safety, fire prevention, and disaster preparedness. The participation of both national and international stakeholders reflects a shared commitment towards building resilient industrial ecosystems and fostering cross-border collaboration on safety standards and technologies. Revolving around the theme “Building a Safe, Sustainable, and Resilient Tomorrow,” UFSEC 2025 aims to foster co-learning through knowledge sharing, promote meaningful interactions among stakeholders, and establish new partnerships and networks.