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Bhubaneswar, 30th December 2024– Startup Odisha, an initiative of the MSME Department, The government of Odisha is all set to celebrate the grand event STARTUP UTSAVV 2024, which is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the state’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. The event, scheduled for January 31st, 2024, aims to be a spectacular event marked by awards, felicitations, and the signing of significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with industry leaders such as ICAI, NIF, ISBA, and NRDC. The event also consists of “Ask Me Anything” Session, a Session on Blockchain Ecosystem of India, Masterclass on Design Thinking, Masterclass on Role of Academic Institution & Incubators, Session on Innovation, Technology, and Intellectual Property Institutional Support for Entrepreneurship and S Success Stories by Startup of Odisha.
The event is likely to witness the presence of eminent dignitaries such as Shri Pratap Keshari Deb, Hon’ble Minister, Dept. of Industry, Energy, and MSME, Shri Subroto Bagchi, Chief Advisor Govt.

 Odisha (Institutional Capacity Building), Shri Pradeep Kumar Jena, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Odisha, Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman, Startup Odisha as well as Smt. Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary cum Development Commissioner, Govt. of Odisha and Shri Saswata Mishra, Principal Secretary, MSME, Govt of Odisha. The dignitaries will address the audience and share insights on the state’s commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

 Highlighting the achievements of the Incubator of the Year, Supportive Incubator of the Year, and Emerging Incubator of the Year, as well as commending successful incubators, stands as a pivotal focus of STARTUP UTSAVV 2024. The celebration extends to acknowledging externally funded startups, recognizing top innovators from Odisha Startup Yatra and Odisha Startup Xpress, and rewarding the top ten innovators from each program. Adding an exciting dimension to the already dynamic program, the event will witness the launch of Startup Yatra Booklets and Brochures. Additionally, it will shine a spotlight on student-led enterprises, women-led startups, and showcase. The outstanding achievements of 122 Startup Odisha Grantees from 2022-23 and 51 Startup Odisha Grantees from 2023-24.

 Moreover, the event will felicitate the top 50 innovators from both Startup Yatra and Xpress. Notably, both Startup Yatra -2023 and Startup Xpress -2023 were inaugurated by the hon’ble Chief minister on September 11, 2023. Covering over 200 colleges and 60 schools, these initiatives garnered a total participation of over 36,535 students, surpassing the initial target of 25,000 students. The success of Startup Yatra and Xpress is underscored by the collection of over 4,436 ideas, far surpassing the target of 3,500 ideas. Van Camps and boot camps were conducted at colleges and schools across Odisha as part of Yatra and Xpress.

Hyderabad, January 29, 2024-…. Investment opportunities in Telangana State were showcased in a round table conference held today at T-Hub to 12 member delegates from the Nordics, Estonia and Western Europe.

Some of the prominent ones of the 12-member delegation were JAB Holdings (they own all the large coffee brands like Peets Coffee, Krispy Kreme and Pret), Whitestone Capital, Metaplanet holding (Founder of Skype) and Bjella Investments from Norway. The combined holdings of just these 4 Family offices are over $100B in assets under management.

The round table was the initiative of the Government of Telangana, NAR Infra Pvt. Ltd and Prasad Vanga, CEO and Founder of Anthill Venture, a Speed Scaling Ecosystem that invests in, and scales, early-stage companies in Media, Urban Tech and Health Tech. Prasad Vanga is a successful entrepreneur, angel investor and business transformation coach.

Anthill Ventures has invited the delegation to Hyderabad, and Parvathi Reddy seized the opportunity to get the government involved and showcase Telangana as an investment potential state. Being an entrepreneur herself and having a lot of work in the state herself, she understands the governance and ease of doing business here, the skilled workforce available, the infrastructure, the safety, and the liveability all included make Hyderabad and Telangana a great place to do business. She has taken it upon herself to showcase Telangana as the best destination for opportunities and investments.

The delegation was convinced by the Government of Telangana to come to Hyderabad over other cities because of our innovative outlook and a strong focus on entrepreneurship said N. Parvathi Reddy one of the panel speakers and Co-Founder and Executive Director at NAR Infra Pvt. Ltd. an industry leader in the infrastructure sector in India.

D. Sridhar Babu Minister of IT, Government of Telangana; N. Parvathi Reddy, FICCI FLO Young Leader and alumni of Family Business from the Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad; CEO of T-Hub Srinivas Rao Mahankali and Honourable Principal Secretary ITE & C Jayesh Ranjan; Founder of the Family Office Alliance Philip von Wulffen & Anthill Venture’s CEO & Founder Prasad Vanga and others participated.

Speaking on the occasion D. Sridhar Babu said Telangana is the youngest but the best state in terms of human capital, infrastructure, proactive government and in ease of doing business. The state is not just competing with sister states in India, but is also competing with countries of our size. Please come forward and invest in the state. You will have minimal government intervention in your affairs. Last year the Telangana state got Rs 20,000 crore investments. This year we have already signed MoUs worth Rs 40,000 crore in investments.

Jayesh Ranjan asked why tech companies prefer Hyderabad and Telangana. It is because of the talent pool. When I say this, it doesn’t mean that other cities don’t have. We compete with cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Gurgaon. When compared to these cities our talent pool proved more productive, work-minded, and lived up to their deliverability. This was proven again during the pandemic. They proved to be a more responsible workforce. This was observed by many CEOs and they told us. The workforce here takes up challenges and lives up to those challenges. The attrition rate in Hyderabad is 6-7% lower compared to Bengaluru and the cost of acquiring talent is 15% lower.

The main driver of the tech industry is innovation. When I say these other cities are also doing well in terms of innovation and even better than us. But what makes this city apart from the rest is the innovation ecosystem and the state-of-the-art centres of excellence and innovation hubs, Jayesh Ranjan added.

We will continue the progress of the state. Policies of the previous government/s if good will be better and continued.

The Founder of the Family Office Alliance Philip von Wulffen & Anthill Venture’s CEO & Founder Prasad Vanga spoke on the manifestation & evolution of the Family Office Alliance

Family Office Alliance is an entity established by a wealthy individual/s to manage the family’s wealth.

The Family Office Panel Discussion was held with the founder of Cyient & Chairman at IIT Hyderabad BVR Mohan Reddy, iLabs Founder Srinivasa Raju Chintalapati and noted dignitaries including CEO at Bjella Investments Kristin Bjelland & General Partner at White Star Capital Cristina Ventura.

AI In Everything We Do — An Innovation Panel Discussion held with actor, producer and tech-preneur Rana Daggubati, Rauno Miljand who manages Skype in addition to his personal family offices, Peder Wallenberg, Senior Partner at Cohesion Investments and Akis Evangelidis, Co-Founder of Nothing.

Aditya Ghosh, former president and full-time director of IndiGo and co-founder of Akasa Air with Vinay Dube spoke on Scaling up in India. Giving his keynote address, Aditya Ghosh shared his experience in transforming and leading India’s largest & most profitable airline.

All the panellists shared their ideas and points of view on the growth story of Telangana.

In the end, the delegation had an exclusive tour of T-Works, India’s largest prototyping centre.

Bangalore, January 29, 2024 – IGCI’s 4th Artistic Gymnastics Invitational drew over 150 female gymnasts from various cities, aiming to revolutionize gymnastics competition through innovation, inclusivity, and a focus on individual progress. Organized by Coach Harish Parab, owner of The Gymnast, Mumbai a high-performance coach from Maharashtra, and Ms. Vivienne V, owner of RnR Fit Gymnastics Academy in Bengaluru, the meet took place at the academy on January 27th & 28th, 2024, from 8 am to 4 pm on both days. Gymnasts as young as 7 years old, hailing from over 15 cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa, Faridabad, and Delhi, participated across 8 levels. The event received support from Tata Soulfull, Chrysalis High, Ashley Furniture, Acceltrade, Nutrifymydiet, and Machas Bakery.

Winners across the events:

● Category A Team Champions: RnR Fit Gymnastics, Bengaluru; Champions Gymnastics Center, Chennai; Art Corner Gymnastics, Bengaluru.

● Category B Team Champions: RnR Fit Gymnastics Academy, Bengaluru; PTKS Gymkhana, Mumbai; Art Corner Gymnastics, Bengaluru.

● Category C Individual Winners: PTKS Mumbai; Art Corner Gymnastics, Bengaluru; RnR Fit Gymnastics, Bengaluru.

Speaking about the event, the parent of Larkan McGregor, a Category B participant aged 10, said, “I wanted to let you know how absolutely enjoyable the meet was. It was run very efficiently, and the live stream was easy for our families all the way in the US to watch. The professionalism of the judges and staff was impeccable. We honestly felt like we were at an event in the US that we have attended before.”

Ms. Vivienne Vidyasagar, Owner/Director of RnR Fit, expressed the motivation behind invitational meets in gymnastics, stating, “Cultivating a passion for gymnastics and witnessing the incredible talents on display at each invitational meet fills us with pride. RnR Fit is dedicated to fostering a community where gymnasts of all ages can thrive and showcase their skills. The record-breaking participation in our fourth invitational meet in Bangalore reflects the growing enthusiasm for gymnastics in the city. We are committed to providing a platform for budding gymnasts to shine and contribute to the vibrant gymnastics landscape in India and beyond.”

New Delhi: With Valentine’s week just around the corner, the anticipation is building for Delhi’s hottest musical event. Moonrise Festival, scheduled for February 10th and 11th at the JLN Stadium, is all set to turn up the heat with an electrifying artist lineup and cult performances.

The festival’s management team has recently revealed some exciting brand partnerships, featuring renowned names such as Krasa, 24Seven, and Red FM. This significant announcement has once again thrust the festival into the spotlight. The two-day spectacle managed and promoted by Icebolt Marketing Solutions, guarantees an unforgettable musical journey with performances by legendary artists like Adnan Sami and the acclaimed Bollywood sensation Akhil Sachdeva.

Talking about the development organizer Vineet, founder of Moonrise Festival India Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to have Krasa as the title sponsor on board and youth-centric brands like 24Seven and Red FM as partners. In the coming week, we are expecting a few more names to join the list. The festival has garnered an overwhelming response and we look forward to a grand and successful show on both days of the festival.”

The two-day-long music festival, happening in the heart of the city at one of the most iconic venues in New Delhi, JLN stadium, offers an unmatchable experience of music, youth culture, and culinary delight to visitors. The main highlight of the festival is the stellar performance by the music maestro, Adnan Sami, and Bollywood hits by Nasha Boy Akhil Sachdeva, who shot to fame with his Love Anthem ‘Tera Ban Jaunga’ from the movie Kabir Singh. The musical tableau includes performances by many leading artists including cult rappers like Sid-K, DG Immortals, Krsna, and Seedhe Maut, Indie Band Twin Strings and DJs like DJ Yogi, DJ Kashish and DJ Cheshta.

The inaugural day will be dedicated to the timeless melodies of Bollywood’s Romantic theme, and the following day to the compelling rhythms of Cult Hip Hop. Beyond music, the festival heightens the attendees’ experience with a wide range of local and international food delicacies along with flea markets that allow you to both shop and have fun.

The activities during the festival include tattoo making, hair braiding, tarot card reading, and face painting. The festival will be full of surprises, including fun activities, token rewards, artist meet-and-greets, and dedicated special guest zones, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

The passes and tickets for the event are available on leading platform Paytm Insider and more details can be explored on its Instagram handle, @moonrisefestivalind.

New Delhi, January 29th, 2024: Sports For All (SFA), India’s leading tech-enabled multi-sports school competition platform, today commenced with New Delhi’s inaugural edition of the SFA Championships. With record participation of athletes across the city, SFA Championships aims to unveil the city’s best sporting talent, discover the ‘number one school in sports’, and enable a platform for future champions to compete on a professional platform.

The opening day of the SFA Championships was held on the grounds of Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (KSSR), DDA Squash and Badminton Stadium, and Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex, all equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Reflecting on the profound impact of sports on youth, Mrs. Manmohan Kaur, Advisor to the Cost Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, shared “Sports serve as a cornerstone in the holistic development of individuals, fostering not just physical well-being but also providing essential life skills such as discipline and teamwork. Witnessing the passion and determination exhibited by these budding athletes, I believe such championships are important in empowering talent and promoting a culture of sportsmanship and excellence,.for our country.”

The pulse of the competition resonated through the air as the crack of rifles and pistols set the tone for intense contests. Participants, ranging from U-12 to U-16 boys and girls, showcased their precision with the peep sight rifle and air pistol.

Vani Chauhan, a talented U-17 Shooter from Manavsthal School, shared her journey filled with dedication and triumphs “Seeing my cousin sister excel in shooting sparked my interest, and I’ve been practicing for 2.5 years. I started in Gurgaon and later moved to Delhi for nationals. Winning bronze across key competitions was a huge motivation to pursue further in sports. My aim is to play at the national level like my idol, Rhythm Sanghwan. Her journey inspires me, and discovering SFA Championships made me realize it’s a great platform for shooters like me.” 

Simultaneously, the squash courts echoed with the rapid movements and strategic plays of athletes across the U-9 to U-19 categories. Young swimmers plunged into the water with determination, competing in U-12 to U-15 categories of backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

Results for Day 1

SFA Championships is poised to make sports accessible for school athletes across the country, thereby empowering today’s talent to become the Champions of tomorrow. The journey to represent the country at the Olympics is what SFA Championships is enabling for emerging athletes.

Infiniti Mall, Mumbai’s leading food, shopping, and entertainment destination is gearing up to host patrons for a memorable celebration on the momentous occasion of India’s 75th Republic Day. The mall will be organizing a range of cultural performances, which is sure to engulf the atmosphere with the emotions of unity and community spirit.

Audiences can relish partaking in celebrations at the mall’s Andheri and Malad locations from the 26th January 2024 to the 28th of January 2024.

New Delhi, January 24, 2024 – Prem Jain Memorial Trust hosted a significant event on January 24, 2024, featuring the prestigious Prem Jain Memorial Address and the launch of two impactful books. The event took place at the C D Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, Delhi, as part of the annual Sustainability Festival, Harit-Prem Bharat Mahotsav. Decarbonizing India was the Theme of this Mahotsav. The Memorial Address was delivered by world renowned architect and Urban Planner Ar. Christopher Charles Benninger and the Keynote Speaker was Honorable Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, Chairman, National Green Tribunal ( NGT ).

The event’s program commenced with the Prem Jain Memorial Address delivered by world renowned architect Ar. Christopher Benninger, followed by a keynote address by NGT Chairman, Justice Adarsh Goel.

Addressing the event legendary architect Ar. Christopher Benninger said only 36% enjoy the rights of the city, while the lives of the remaining 64% remain unsustainable, at the Prem Jain Memorial Address here today.

He offered an exploration of the 9 Principles of Intelligent Urbanisation, including a delicate balance with nature, tradition, and technology. He emphasized the importance of efficiency, human scale, conviviality, an opportunity matrix, balanced movement, and institutional integrity in creating thriving and inclusive urban environments.

The event was part of the annual Sustainability Festival, Harit-Prem Bharat Mahotsav held annually by the Prem Jain Memorial Trust.

In his Keynote Address Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, former Chairman of National Green Tribunal ( NGT ), said, “Dedicated to fostering connections between sustainability champions and the youth of Bharat, this occasion marks the convergence of wisdom, literature, and environmental consciousness.”

He went on to add, “With 351 polluted river stretches and 134 air-polluted cities, the NGT intervenes through suo motu proceedings for effective disposal of cases related to environmental conservation. As guardians of our environment, we must recognize the legal duty to safeguard these resources, preventing their conversion into private ownership. The fight against pollution extends beyond the Ganga cleanup, revealing a stark reality where states like Maharashtra, Assam, and Gujarat contribute significantly to the 351 polluted river stretches, despite their substantial economic contributions.”

“Dr. Prem Jain, visionary behind the Green building movement in India, has not only transformed the landscape of the building industry but has also instilled a powerful vision for India – to ascend as a global beacon in the Sustainable Built Environment. As the esteemed Chairman of the Indian Green Building Council ( IGBC ) since 2007, he tirelessly championed a Greener way of life, laying the foundation for India to emerge triumphantly as the world leader in ‘Green.’ Dr. Jain’s legacy as the ‘Father of Green Buildings’ resonates, inspiring a paradigm shift in the conception and design of buildings worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the future of our planet,” said his daughter, Payal Jain.

“Dedicated to fostering connections between sustainability champions and the youth of Bharat, this occasion marks the convergence of wisdom, literature, and environmental consciousness. Today we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Prem Jain, the visionary ‘Father of Green Buildings,’ and strives towards a greener, more sustainable future for Bharat,” said Renu Jain.

Two noteworthy books were also launched during the event:

1. “PJMT Handbook on Wellness in Educational Institutions”
2. “Subliminal Bridges of Eco-Poetry” – Poetry addressing climate change

‘Nara Lokesh’s life is an example for today’s youth and he got the honour of becoming a leader from the people through hard work and perseverance’, says Unnam Nalini Devi

The birthday celebrations of TDP National General Secretary Nara Lokesh were held grandly in Kandukuru under the leadership of the constituency leader Unnam Nalini Devi. The occasion featured a spectacular cake-cutting ceremony along with the leader distributing clothes to sanitation workers in Kandukur.

Subsequently, Unnam Nalini Devi stated that Nara Lokesh’s life serves as an ideal for today’s youth. She emphasized Lokesh’s journey, earning the honour of becoming a leader through hard work and perseverance. Treating the people of the state as his family, she highlighted Lokesh’s remarkable 3,200-kilometer march to understand public problems. As the national general secretary of the party and the architect of the Workers’ Welfare Fund, Unnam Nalini Devi revealed that Nara Lokesh has consistently supported activists, ensuring their welfare and backing thousands of them.

She further added, ‘As the Panchayati Raj Minister, Lokesh implemented numerous development programs in villages, including the construction of 23 thousand kilometers of CC roads and distribution of LED bulbs. Moreover, as the Minister of IT, he attracted investments and companies, creating employment and job opportunities for the youth.’ Unnam Nalini Devi expressed confidence that the TDP will emerge victorious in the upcoming elections. The event saw participation from local Telugu Desam Party leaders and sanitation workers participate in this program.

New Delhi, January 23, 2024: Bhagat Halwai, a renowned UP-based sweet emporium, comes with a new range of delicacies to celebrate the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration on January 22, 2024. In collaboration with a reputed NGO in the state, Ek Pahel, Bhagat Halwai created a “MahaLaddo”, made of desi ghee, weighing approximately 51kg, and towering at an impressive 3 feet tall. The delectable creation, made from boondi, was the highlight of the festivities.

Six skilled artisans from Bhagat Halwai dedicated 6.5 hours to meticulously handcraft the mahaladdoo prasad, symbolizing the joyous occasion of Lord Ram’s consecration in Ram Janambhoomi at the grand Ayodhya Ram Mandir. In addition to the mahaladdoo, Bhagat Halwai has designed an exclusive sweet box with a captivating Ayodhya Mandir theme and is offering exciting discounts on the same. The sweet box boasts a variety of mouthwatering treats, each carefully curated to add a touch of sweetness to the celebrations.

Shivam Bhagat, Director of Bhagat Halwai, expressed his excitement about the initiative stating, “At Bhagat Halwai, we are honored to be a part of this historic occasion. The Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration is a momentous event for our nation, and we are thrilled to contribute to the celebrations by crafting a one-of-a-kind laddoo and sweet box. Our aim is not only to indulge in the joyous festivities but also to spread happiness among the underprivileged children through our collaboration with Ek Pahel.”

Mr. Pradeep Bhagat, Managing Director of Bhagat Halwai, shared his thoughts on the initiative, stating, “As a family-owned business with deep roots in our community, it is our responsibility to give back. We believe in the power of sharing joy, and what better way to do that than by distributing our specially crafted laddoo and sweet boxes to underprivileged children. This initiative aligns with our values, and we are proud to be a part of the larger celebration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration.”

Bhagat Halwai invited a host of guests at the festivities, who witnessed the creation of the monumental laddoo on 22 January at Bhagat Halwai, Dayalbagh, Agra. The joyous occasion followed by the distribution of sweets to underprivileged children, showering the spirit of unity and happiness.

23rd January 2024 – The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced the success of the Celebrate Bahrain Season witnessing a huge number of over 100,000 visitors, showcasing the kingdom’s appeal as a premier global tourism destination. These diverse celebrations showcased family, musical, cultural, and sporting events across various governorates, reflecting the success of Celebrate Bahrain Season, achieved in collaboration with numerous partners.

Celebrate Bahrain Season, concluded in a successful New Year’s celebration across iconic locations such as Water Garden City, Marassi Beach, Bahrain Bay, Bahrain Harbour, Bahrain Fort, Bahrain National Museum, and Al Najmah Club. The overwhelming turnout exceeded expectations, transforming the Festival City into a vibrant melting pot of cultures, entertainment, and joy, enriching the experiences of everyone involved.

One of the key highlights of Celebrate Bahrain Season was its ability to attract a significant number of tourists from around the world. The exclusive promotions and diverse range of events successfully captivated the attention of global travelers, making it an unparalleled destination for tourists seeking a unique and memorable experience. The season’s success in drawing a substantial number of visitors underscores Bahrain’s appeal as a leading tourist destination and reinforces the nation’s commitment to fostering a thriving tourism industry.

Bahrain’s commitment to hosting successful, inclusive events is evident in the resounding success of Celebrate Bahrain Season. These events, with its diverse offerings and strategic partnerships, has not only surpassed expectations but has also set a new standard for cultural celebrations in the region. As the kingdom continues to evolve as a prominent tourism hub, seasons like Celebrate Bahrain play a pivotal role in shaping Bahrain’s global identity and attracting visitors from around the globe.