Electric Bus Milestone: NueGo’s E-K2K Recognized by Asia and India

Mumbai, December 26, 2024: NueGo, India’s largest intercity electric bus service from GreenCell Mobility, was recognized by the ‘Asia Book of Records’ and ‘India Book of Records’ for setting the record of Maximum Distance Covered by an Electric Bus in a single expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. This achievement highlighted NueGo’s commitment to sustainable mass mobility solutions, demonstrating viability of electric buses across India while showcasing their environmental benefits. Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records adjudicator Kashmira Shah presented the record citations and medals to Mr. Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO, GreenCell Mobility.

NueGo commenced the Kashmir to Kanyakumari (E-K2K) Electric bus expedition on 4th October from Jammu and ended in Kanyakumari on 18th October. Covering 4,039 emission free kms across 200+ cities & towns, from 3,500 ft to sea level, NueGo’s electric bus spread the message of eco-friendly travel across the country. Along the route, the E-K2K bus conducted various community outreach programs, including student workshops, tree plantation, street plays, etc. Beyond completing a technological milestone, the journey represented India’s progress towards environmentally friendly mass mobility alternatives.

Mr. Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD, GreenCell Mobility stated, “NueGo’s E-K2K (Kashmir to Kanyakumari) journey marks a significant milestone in showcasing the transformative potential of electric buses for mass mobility and a sustainable future. Spanning over 200 cities and towns, this record-breaking journey raised awareness about cleaner, greener modes of travel through impactful community engagement initiatives, truly embodying the spirit of the ‘E-bus that does good’. We are deeply honored to have our efforts recognized with felicitations from the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records”

NueGo E-K2K expedition witnessed inaugurations by several distinguished dignitaries across different phases, showcasing nationwide support for electric mass mobility. Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, inaugurated the western leg in Nagpur, commending NueGo’s efforts in advancing electric transport. Dr. Devansh Yadav, CEO of Jammu Smart City, began the journey from Jammu, underscoring the role of electric mobility in modern urban ecosystems. The official flag-off from Delhi NCR was led by Sudhendu J. Sinha, Advisor, NITI Aayog, along with Dr. Sanjeev K. Lohia, Senior Advisor, The World Bank; Abhijeet Sinha, Project Director, NHEV; and Amit Bhatt, MD, ICCT India, marking the beginning of the northern leg.

In Bhopal, Shri Sanjay Singh and DSP Pramod Dube of the Bhopal Traffic Police flagged off the central leg of the journey, emphasizing the importance of sustainable transit for urban resilience. Further south, Shri Gopalakrishna VC, Director of Automotive and EV, Government of Telangana, inaugurated the Hyderabad phase, reflecting the region’s commitment to electric transportation. The Bengaluru phase was officiated by Shri Jagadeesh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nelamangala, Bangalore, joined by Mr. Manjunath, Commissioner, City Municipal Corporation, highlighting the synergy between public safety and sustainable travel. Shri Vijay Vasanth, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, officially flagged in the NueGo E-K2K Bus Expedition in coastal town of Kanyakumari, marking the end of an extraordinary expedition that began in the picturesque Kashmir Valley and traversed diverse terrains to promote the message of green mobility.

NueGo E-K2K journey additionally provided opportunities for community engagement in major cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kanyakumari. The team organized sustainability workshops, tree planting initiatives and street plays to raise awareness of the advantages of electric vehicles, highlighting their role as a catalyst for environmental awareness. Celebration with the Brave Souls of Indian Army, Fun and Interactive Road Safety Training Session, Medical Health Check-Up Camp, Delightful skit honoring the cultural richness and workshop on Sustainability & EVs at Maharani Gayatri Devi School, Ponjesly Engineering College, etc were some of the other major highlights of the voyage.

Key Milestones: –
 Saved about 3,900 kgs of CO2 emissions
 Tree plantation drives conducted in Delhi, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kanyakumari
 500+ tress were planted showcasing the expedition’s green footprint
 Journey completed in 14 days
 Shoonya, Transportation Growth Initiative, Basera Samajik Sansthan the NGOs that partnered for environmental and community engagements

SOUKYA Sets Foot in Portugal Advancing Global Growth Strategy

Monday, 24th December 2024, Mumbai: SOUKYA, India’s first NABH-accredited AYUSH hospital and the visionary creation of renowned holistic health specialist Dr. Isaac Mathai, is set to embark on its first global expansion since its inception in 2002. Addressing the growing global demand for integrative medicine, SOUKYA will establish its first international unit in Portugal with an investment of INR 220 Cr. The state-of-the-art residential medical institute, expected to be operational by late 2027, will offer its unique treatment approach combining traditional, time-tested natural systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy, and other complementary therapies for treating various chronic and lifestyle conditions.
Spread across 150 acres, the SOUKYA International Holistic Health Centre in Portugal will redefine holistic wellness with 40 exquisitely designed rooms, villas and suites along with a dedicated yoga hall creating a sanctuary where mind, body, and spirit harmoniously align. The centre will feature its own herb and vegetable garden, ensuring the freshest and most potent ingredients for treatments and meals. Designed by Dr. Suja Issac, Co-Founder and Executive Director of SOUKYA the architecture and landscape blends Portuguese and Indian influences. Located just 45 minutes from the Lisbon airport, the centre will be easily accessible for patients across Europe. Equipped to address a wide spectrum of rare and chronic illnesses, including cancer rehabilitation, addiction, lifestyle and metabolic disorders, paediatric developmental challenges, mental health conditions, reproductive and gastrointestinal disorders, and autoimmune diseases, the centre builds on SOUKYA’s proven success in treating advanced conditions such as liver cirrhosis, dermatitis, lupus nephritis, lung fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease amongst others. This holistic approach promises transformative healing in a serene, nature-immersed environment.

Speaking about the launch, Dr. Isaac Mathai, Founder Chairman & Medical Director, SOUKYA International Holistic Health Center, said “Over the years, SOUKYA has become synonymous with being the world’s premier integrative health destination, trusted by global dignitaries, industrialists, celebrities, and leaders. As awareness of preventive and integrative healthcare continues to grow, we felt this was the ideal time to establish our first health destination outside India, catering to our American and European clientele. Portugal emerged as the perfect choice, given the government’s commitment to prioritizing health and wellness. This new centre will be an ultra-premium destination, offering world-class treatments for both chronic and lifestyle conditions. With this stepping stone, our vision is to see SOUKYA expand across the globe, sharing India’s rich healthcare heritage with the world over the next 25–30 years.”

India’s AYUSH sector has experienced substantial growth in recent years. As reported by IBEF, the AYUSH services sector is estimated to be valued at $26 billion by 2024, bringing the total industry valuation to over $ 50 billion. Additionally, the manufacturing segment of the AYUSH industry grew significantly, reaching $18 billion in 2020 and is projected to hit $24 billion by 2024.

“With the growing awareness of integrative medicine, we aim to strategically position SOUKYA in India to cater to high-net-worth individuals within the domestic market and across select Asian countries. Our Portugal centre will serve a significant portion of our existing patient base while also attracting new clientele.” added Dr. Isaac Mathai

With growing awareness of AYUSH treatment methodology, health and wellness tourism in India is experiencing a remarkable growth, emerging as a major draw for both domestic and international travellers seeking holistic treatment and well-being. According to industry reports, the market potential for wellness tourism in India is substantial and projected to reach $26.55 billion by 2029, highlighting a strong upward trajectory. Launch of SOUKYA in Portugal is just a stepping-stone to take holistic healthcare ideology to many more patients. At SOUKYA, healing transcends mere treatment—it is a transformative journey toward enduring health, vitality, and balance.

Arcil’s CSR Drive Brings Sanitation and Solar Energy to Dahanu

 Arcil

Mumbai, Maharashtra – December 24, 2024– Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Ltd. (Arcil) has inaugurated two transformative projects aimed at improving educational infrastructure in rural government schools in Dahanu taluka of Palghar district. These CSR initiatives, executed in collaboration with two NGOs – Kokan Kala Va Shikshan Vikas Sanstha and Santhwana Trust, with a focus on enhancing sanitation facilities and providing solar energy solutions to local schools respectively.

The first project targets the Savate Zilla Parishad School, which currently serves 343 students, including 185 boys and 158 girls. The school had faced considerable challenges due to inadequate sanitation facilities. This lack of proper hygiene facilities has raised serious health concerns and hindered students’ comfort and attendance. The renovated and newly constructed toilet facilities are designed to significantly improve health and hygiene standards, thereby fostering better attendance rates and enhancing the overall student experience. The facilities will additionally provide much-needed privacy and hygiene for female students, addressing significant barriers that have historically affected their attendance. Furthermore, the project includes provision for menstrual hygiene management through the installation of sanitary napkin vending machine.

In addition to improving sanitation, Arcil has supported the installation of solar energy systems at five Zilla Parishad schools in the Dahanu region. This CSR initiative aims to provide reliable electricity, enabling access to better educational resources and technology for students. By harnessing solar power, these schools can reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources, promoting environmental sustainability within the community. The integration of solar energy is expected to enhance learning environments by powering essential equipment such as computers, fans, and lighting.

Mr. Pallav Mohapatra, CEO and MD, Arcil, emphasized the importance of these initiatives during the inauguration ceremony. He stated, “Investing in education and infrastructure is crucial for empowering our youth and building resilient communities. By improving sanitation facilities and providing sustainable energy solutions, we are not just enhancing the learning environment but also investing in the future of these children.”

The projects are not only about infrastructure development; they also aim to foster community engagement for long-term sustainability. Kokan Kala Va Shikshan Vikas Sanstha has been instrumental in ensuring that local communities are involved in maintaining and managing the new facilities. This approach has promoted a sense of ownership among community members, encouraging them to take an active role in supporting their children’s education.

The impact of these projects extends beyond immediate improvements in sanitation and energy access; they contribute to broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting quality education, gender equality, and good health and well-being within the community. By focusing on education in rural areas, Arcil aims to empower individuals while contributing to economic growth and social progress.

Pfaudler GmbH Strengthens European Presence with New Manufacturing Hub in Poland

Mumbai, December 23, 2024: GMM Pfaudler Limited through its subsidiary Pfaudler GmbH, Germany, has entered into an Investment and Shareholders’ Agreement on December 20, 2024, to acquire 51% stake of a limited liability company in Poland.
· This acquisition aims to establish a manufacturing and engineering facility in Poland, enhancing global manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness.

· The acquired entity specializes in the manufacturing of high-quality stainless-steel equipment for the pharmaceutical and food industries.

· Investment of PLN 12.2 million  will be made to establish this facility and the transaction will be funded through internal accruals

Management Comment

Mr. Thomas Kehl, CEO International Business said: “This acquisition reflects our continued focus on delivering cost- effective, high-quality solutions for our customers. Establishing this facility in Poland aligns with our vision of strengthening our market presence in Europe and beyond.”

EaseMyTrip Inaugurates it’s New Office in Mumbai

EaseMyTrip

Mumbai, December 2, 2024: EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s largest online travel tech platforms, today announced the launch of its new office in Mumbai, marking a significant expansion of its presence in India’s financial capital. Located at Skyline Icon in Andheri East, the new facility reinforces EaseMyTrip’s commitment to serving its growing customer base in Western India.

The state-of-the-art office, spanning the entire 4th floor of Skyline Icon, has been strategically designed to enhance the company’s capabilities in corporate travel management, B2B services, MICE operations, and holiday packages. This expansion comes as part of EaseMyTrip’s strategic growth initiative to strengthen its physical presence in key metropolitan markets.

Mr. Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “We are excited to open doors to our new office in the financial capital of India, Mumbai. Mumbai is a crucial market for our corporate travel and MICE services. This expansion allows us to better serve our growing customer base while reinforcing our position as a leading tech-driven travel solutions provider. The new facility enhances our ability to deliver personalized services backed by our cutting-edge technology and round-the-clock support.”

The new office features modern amenities and advanced technological infrastructure to support EaseMyTrip’s comprehensive range of travel services. The strategic location in Andheri East, close to Mumbai’s international airport and major business districts, positions EaseMyTrip to better serve its corporate clients and travel partners.

With offices in Delhi, Bangalore, and Noida, EaseMyTrip has a strong presence across the country. The brand also has a significant overseas presence with offices (as subsidiary companies) in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the USA, London, New Zealand, and the UAE. The new office in Gurugram is part of its larger vision to expand its footprints and bridge the market gaps with its travel booking services.

VitrA’s Eco-Friendly, 100% Recycled Washbasins Steal the Spotlight at Design Mumbai 2024

VitrA India made an unforgettable impression at the recently conducted Design Mumbai exhibition 2024. This event mainly highlighted VitrA’s innovative Recycled Ceramic Washbasins. In addition to the recycled ceramic washbasin, the expressively minimalistic Liquid Series by VitrA in collaboration with Tom Dixon was showcased at Design Mumbai 2024. The Liquid collection’s smooth-edged aesthetic provides a vision for the bathroom of tomorrow – defining a new standard in bathroom products for home, hospitality and commercial spaces.

The Recycled Ceramic Washbasin is the world’s first and only recyclable ceramic washbasin. This concept represents eco-friendly manufacturing, as it is crafted entirely from waste materials that are typically produced during the ceramic sanitaryware production process. Rather than allowing this waste to contribute to the massively expanding environmental pollution, VitrA has found a way to repurpose it into a high-quality, functional product.

This washbasin is made from broken ceramic pieces and waste sludge which are left for disposal. These materials are constructed by grinding broken ceramics into milled scrap and combining it with pulp from wastewater treatment facilities to create fresh sludge. This mixture is then shaped into moulds, dried, fired and glazed to create the final product. This creation is available in matt taupe finish and five distinctive shapes: oval, TV, round, pebble and square. Each basin has a slightly textured surface that enhances both its visual appeal and tactile experience.

This washbasin is designed to withstand high absorption rates and is resistant to deformation, ensuring a long-lasting product. Crafted entirely from waste materials, it saves approximately 5kg of raw materials per product, offering a sustainable solution that reduces the need for raw resources. It’s packaging is also made in an eco-friendly manner which aligns with VitrA’s sustainability goal. This innovative design has accredited VitrA with the high standing “Green Good Design Award”, a result of their unique approach and their role in setting new industry standards.

Mr. Tirthankar Sarkar, Sr. Country Manager, VitrA India stated, “VitrA focuses on promoting products which are made from recycled and waste materials. Through Design Mumbai we have aimed to bring a product which not only has a modish appearance but is safer for the environment as it reduces carbon emissions. This product is suitable for both design aficionados and eco-conscious customers.”

The Recyclable Washbasin stood out at the Design Mumbai event as it not only enhances bathroom aesthetics but also reflects VitrA’s strong commitment to sustainability. This environmentally safe product aligns with modern environmental concerns, supporting a circular economy by reducing waste and minimizing resource consumption.

By reusing ceramic waste, VitrA contributes to conserving natural resources and lowering environmental impact. For those who missed the event, stay connected with VitrA through their website and social media channels for updates on its latest innovations and future exhibitions.

Mphasis Gross Revenue grew 7percent YoY on a reported basis in Q2 FY25

Mumbai, 17 October 2024: Mphasis Limited, an Information Technology (IT) solutions provider specializing in cloud and cognitive services, announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30th September 2024.

Quarter ended 30th September 2024

• Gross Revenue grew 3.1% QoQ and 7.0% YoY in Q2 FY25 on a reported basis and grew 2.4% QoQ and 5.4% YoY in Constant Currency.

• Direct revenue grew 3.2% QoQ and 7.9% YoY on a reported basis and grew 2.4% QoQ and 6.2% YoY in Constant Currency.

• New TCV wins of USD 207 million in Q2 FY25 in Direct; of which 88% in new-gen services

• Reported operating margin at 15.4%.

• Net profit grew 4.7% QoQ and 8.0% YoY to ₹ 4,233 million in Q2 FY25.

• EPS grew 4.6% QoQ and 7.7% YoY to ₹ 22.4 in Q2 FY25.

“Despite many ongoing challenges, the macro environment continues to trend in the right direction. We are witnessing increased AI adoption across clients to address enterprise challenges with higher efficiency and accuracy, beyond cost advantage. Savings led transformation TM thesis is core to all our deal archetypes and solutions, thus significantly enhancing service delivery and savings for clients”, said Nitin Rakesh, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director, Mphasis.

Deal wins:

· A leading investment management company has selected Mphasis for its experience transformation program. Mphasis along with Kore.AI will be executing on this program and delivering significant savings.

· A leading retirement solutions provider has engaged Mphasis to transform its UK contact centre operations. Mphasis expects to deliver significant operational savings to the client through this program.

· Mphasis has been selected by a leading wireless network operator in the US as part of its renewed focus on cyber security and improving external reporting on cybersecurity posture and business risks. Mphasis’ empanelment and recognition as a key preferred vendor in the customer’s CISO organization puts us squarely in a new area of strategic spending and business criticality for the customer.

· A leading Insurance, Investments, and Retirement Solutions Provider has selected Mphasis to standardize and optimize its application operations, increase service availability and reliability and optimize the cost of operations. Mphasis solutions to help the customer scale up and down as needed while reducing cost and managing risk.

Awards and Recognitions:

· Mphasis recognized with ‘2024 Global DEI GOLD’ certification by Diversio.

· Mphasis recognized as second runner-up at the ‘ASSOCHAM – Best Employer for Women’ in the large category awarded at the 5th Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Awards 2024.

· Mphasis listed in the ‘100 Best Companies for Women in India in 2024’ by Avtar & Seramount; features in the Best Companies – Hall of Fame for having featured in the listing across five editions of the study.

· Mphasis LeadHER program wins Silver for ‘Best Leadership Development for Women’ at the Brandon Hall Group

HCM Excellence Awards 2024.

· Mphasis Silverline’s CalendarAnything won Demo Jam Session at the ‘2024 Southeast Dreamin’ Conference

Analyst Positioning:

· Mphasis is positioned in the Contenders Category in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Data Modernization Services 2024 Vendor Assessment.

· Recognized as ‘Leader’ in Everest Group’s Digital Transformation Services for Mid-market Enterprises PEAK Matrix®

Assessment 2024.

· Recognized as ‘Major Contender and Star Performer’ in Everest Group’s Open Banking IT Services PEAK Matrix®

Assessment 2024.

· Recognized as ‘Major Contender and Star Performer’ in Everest Group’s Key Verticals, Value Chain Elements, and

Nearshore Delivery Software Product Engineering Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024.

· Mphasis featured in Gartner’s Market Guide for EMEA Life Insurance Policy Administration Systems (gartner.com)

· Recognized as ‘Major Contender’ in Everest Group’s Lending Services Operations PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024

· Positioned in “Horizon 1” by HFS in HFS Horizons: The Best Service Providers for Core Banking Modernization, 2024

– HFS Research

· Mphasis featured in Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Healthcare Data, Analytics and AI, 2024 (gartner.com)

· Mphasis featured in Forrester’s The Modern Application Development Services Landscape,… | Forrester

· Recognized as ‘Major Contender and Star Performer’ in Everest Group’s Digital Workplace Services PEAK Matrix®

Assessment 2024 – North America

· Recognized as ‘Major Contender’ in Everest Group’s Application Development Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment

2024 – Focus on OutSystems

· Recognized as ‘Major Contender’ in Everest Group’s Salesforce Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2024

Springer Nature Launches New Fully Open Access, Cureus Journal of Business and Economics at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

Accompanied by Panel Discussion on ‘Research Integrity and its Role in Strengthening Social Science Research’ as part of its India Research Tour 2024

Prof. Anil Sutar, Dean, School of Research Methodology, TISS, Harsh Jegadeesan, Chief Publishing Officer, Springer Nature, Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, MD, Springer nature India Private Limited, Prof Sheila Rai, Council Member, ICSSR and Nidhi Gulati, Country Communication Director, Springer Nature Group, India.

Prof. Anil Sutar, Dean, School of Research Methodology, TISS, Harsh Jegadeesan, Chief Publishing Officer, Springer Nature, Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, MD, Springer nature India Private Limited, Prof Sheila Rai, Council Member, ICSSR and Nidhi Gulati, Country Communication Director, Springer Nature Group, India.

Mumbai, 3rd October 2024 – Springer Nature has launched its new fully open access Cureus Journal of Business and Economics at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai. This significant milestone is part of Springer Nature’s ongoing India Research Tour 2024 – a flagship initiative in collaboration with the Government of India, Indian Council of Social Sciences Research (ICSSR), and 26 partner institutions across nine Indian states.

The Cureus Journals Series of Journals by Springer Nature are community-based journals aimed at fostering collaboration and equity in research. They provide an innovative platform for open-access publishing, bridging academia and real-world research applications. The USP of these journals is its unique and efficient platform offering free peer-reviewed publishing with optional low-cost editing services, focused on equity, affordability and faster publishing. The Cureus Journal of Business and Economics is the 4th in the series, preceded by Cureus Journals of Medical Science, Engineering and Computer Science.

Harsh Jegadeesan, Chief Publishing Officer, Springer Nature, while speaking at the launch, emphasized the importance of open access in democratizing knowledge and making research accessible to a broader audience. He said: “The launch of Cureus Journal of Business and Economics marks a pivotal moment for Springer Nature as we continue our journey towards fostering open access publishing. This journal will play a critical role in disseminating high-quality research on global, economic and business challenges, especially in emerging economies like India and the Global South. At Springer Nature, we believe that open access is essential to advancing knowledge equity, and we are proud to contribute to the growth of research in these fields.”

Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director, Springer Nature India, highlighted the significance of the journal in India’s research landscape, stating: “India is emerging as a global hub for business and economic research, and we are committed to supporting this momentum with our Cureus Journal of Business and Economics. With our fully open access journals, we are empowering researchers and practitioners alike to access cutting-edge insights and contribute to solutions for today’s pressing economic issues. This aligns with our broader goal of enabling impactful research through our India Research Tour, which fosters dialogues around key issues such as research integrity.”

The launch was accompanied with an insightful panel discussion on ‘Research Integrity and its Role in Strengthening Social Science Research,’ reinforcing Springer Nature’s commitment to promoting transparency, rigor, and ethical research practices in academia. The panel comprised of Prof. Anil Sutar, Dean, School of Research Methodology, TISS, Harsh Jegadeesan, Chief Publishing Officer, Springer Nature, Prof Sheila Rai, Senior Council Member, ICSSR and Nidhi Gulati, Country Communications Director, Springer Nature, India.

Professor Shankar Das, Pro Vice Chancellor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), underscored the role of institutions in fostering responsible research, and said: “At TISS, we believe in nurturing research that not only contributes to academic excellence but also addresses societal challenges with integrity. This collaboration with Springer Nature is a testament to our shared vision to promote ethical research practices. Integrity in research is the foundation to building public trust and ensuring that our work truly benefits the society.”

The event also had a keynote from Dr. Harsh Jegadeesan and Prof. Sheila Rai, and a RISE (Research Integrity in Science and Education) Masterclass by Dr. Ed Gerstner, Director, Research Environment Alliances, Springer Nature, London.

Springer Nature remains dedicated to advancing global research through open access publishing, and its Cureus Journal of Business and Economics is poised to become a leading platform for researchers across the globe to share knowledge, collaborate, and contribute to impactful solutions.

Primus Partners: India-UAE Trade Set to Exceed Ambitious Target Early

Mumbai, 24 September 2024 Primus Partners, India’s leading home-grown consultancy firm, has today unveiled an in-depth analysis of the India-UAE economic relationship, something that got strengthened with the recent visit of UAE President Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India. The analysis explores current trade patterns and future projections, indicating that bilateral trade between the two nations is on track to surpass the ambitious $100 billion target well before 2030. This impressive growth is underscored by a notable 12.7% year-on-year increase.

Key Insights:

  • In 2022, the historic India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was enacted and came into force. Prime Minister Modi’s 7th visit to the UAE led to pivotal MoUs on trade, energy, infrastructure, culture & people-to-people initiatives
  •  UAE remains India’s 3rd largest trading partner and 2nd largest export destination (FY 2022-23)
  •  India solidifies its position as UAE’s 2nd largest trading partner (FY 2022-23)
  •  Bilateral trade reached $85 billion in FY 2022-23, expected to cross the 2030 target of USD 100 Bn well before the expected timeline
  • Both countries lead the path for key Collaborative Ventures Including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as well as the India-Israel-UAE-US (I2U2) coalition

Nilaya Varma, CEO & Co-founder of Primus Partners, emphasized, “India-UAE trade relations are entering a new era, driven by structural reforms like CEPA that have dismantled long-standing barriers. This shows how this trade growth is not only strengthening existing sectors like gems, jewellery, and IT but is also paving the way for emerging industries such as green energy and food security. The partnership is now more strategic and forward-looking, setting the stage for both nations to leverage their complementary strengths and create an integrated trade ecosystem that will be critical in navigating the shifting dynamics of global commerce.” “As these initiatives unfold, we expect to see transformative impacts across the region and beyond, reshaping global trade dynamics in the coming decades,” concluded Nilaya Varma.

Looking forward, Primus Partners’ analysis outlines a series of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating the India-UAE economic relationship that includes:

  • Implementation of a master dashboard to oversee critical infrastructure projects, particularly within the IMEEC framework
  • Establishment of a bilateral e-commerce marketplace for goods and services under the CEPA framework, potentially leveraging India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) model
  • Creation of an online digital repository highlighting investable projects in identified strategic sectors
  • Development of an International Water Credit Exchange Market to address water security challenges
  • Introduction of a unified tourism booking platform and special enclaves catering to luxury, religious, and business travel

Nader Haffar, Director of Primus Partners UAE, stated, “The India-UAE economic relationship has evolved into a multifaceted partnership that is reshaping the future of regional and global trade. This highlights how both countries are not just increasing trade volumes but are aligning their strategic goals in key areas like digital innovation, energy sustainability, and infrastructure. This synergy between two of the world’s fastest-growing economies is creating new opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a foundation for long-term prosperity that could serve as a global model for emerging market partnerships. Managing these partnerships will create a stronger and more diverse bilateral relationship, one that is less dependent on traditional sectors and more oriented toward future development. “

The India-UAE trade relationship is experiencing robust growth across several key sectors, reflecting the strategic alignment of both economies. Technology and infrastructure development have become vital growth drivers, with both countries collaborating on projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). This initiative encompasses railway lines, sea routes, road networks, electricity grids, optical fiber cables, and hydrogen gas pipelines, promising to revolutionize regional connectivity and trade.

Gems and jewelry, traditionally a cornerstone of trade, have seen increased activity under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The metals, stones, gems, and jewelry sector is among India’s key exports to the UAE. Additionally, India’s agricultural exports to the UAE, including cereals, sugar, fruits, vegetables, and tea, contribute significantly to the trade basket, helping to address the UAE’s food security objectives.

While the growth trajectory is impressive, challenges like the need for water security in both nations remain critical. To address this, the analysis recommends establishing an International Water Credit Exchange Market, involving governments, the private sector, NGOs, and academia to promote sustainable water management practices globally.

The analysis further highlights the transformative potential of the IMEEC and the India-Israel-UAE-US (I2U2) coalition. These initiatives are expected to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, secure supply chains, and foster transformative integration across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

EuroKids Targets Ambitious Growth in Mumbai with Unveiling of Harvard-Inspired ‘Heureka’ Curriculum

Mumbai, September 24, 2024: EuroKids, India’s foremost preschool expert, proudly announces the launch of its 8th version of the curriculum, ‘Heureka’, the Visible Thinking Curriculum. Inspired by Harvard University’s Project Zero and aligned with the National Education Policy 2020’s vision for comprehensive development, Heureka is curated to enhance young learners’ critical and creative thinking skills.

As part of EuroKids’ ambitious growth strategy, the preschool network also announced its plan to expand its presence in Mumbai and across Maharashtra. EuroKids plans to open 325 new centres in the state within the next 5 years and targets reaching 400 centres in Maharashtra, enhancing the quality of early education in the state. EuroKids, the leader in Early Education, recognizes the need for high-quality early education, so it keeps updating its curriculum.

Heureka represents a significant shift from teaching children “what” to think to empowering them with the skills on “how” to think. This curriculum introduces 20 structured Harvard-inspired Thinking Routines that spark curiosity, foster imagination, and cultivate critical thinking in young minds, ensuring that children are not merely absorbing information but are actively engaging with it in a way that fosters deeper understanding and creativity.

Developed over 18 months of rigorous research, pilot testing, and refinement, Heureka is anchored by the EPICS philosophy, addressing five core areas of development that are often overlooked in the education systems – Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Spiritual quotients. The pillars of the curriculum are the 13 distinct programs (CodeQuest, EuroKonect, EuroFit, EuroArt, Elevate, and many more) that are tailored to each child’s learning journey to prepare them not only for academic success but also for lifelong personal growth.

Announcing the launch of the curriculum, KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division (EuroKids), Lighthouse Learning, said“At EuroKids, we believe in laying the foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing curiosity and critical thinking from as early as two years old. Dr Anita Madan, Head Curriculum Development, designed Heureka to be the most innovative curriculum in the early childhood Care and Education space. Our holistic approach ensures that children are not just prepared for school but for life, equipped with the skills to navigate an ever-evolving world. We are excited to see how this curriculum will shape the thinkers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow. With this new curriculum, we are keen to further strengthen our presence in Mumbai and Maharashtra overall.”

Commenting on the launch of the curriculum, Dr. Anita Madan, Head Curriculum Development, EuroKidssaid, “Heureka is a transformative approach to early education. With the EPICS framework, we’re not just focusing on Intellectual Quotient (IQ) but fostering a well-rounded development that includes emotional, physical, creative, and spiritual quotients. We want to encourage children to not only answer the question but also question the answers. This shift cultivates curiosity, critical analysis, and a deeper connection with the world around them. More than academic preparation, Heureka is about fostering a mindset where children are empowered to make connections, solve problems, and engage with the world in meaningful ways.”

Aligned with NEP 2020, which emphasizes holistic development inspired by the ancient Indian concept of Panchakosha or the ‘five sheaths’ of human existence, Heureka integrates these principles into its educational approach. EuroKids is also enhancing its HomeBuddy app to complement the curriculum, offering enriched interactive content to support cognitive development while maintaining balanced screen time.

With over 23 years of experience, and a network of 1,600+ preschools across 400 cities, having nurtured over 7,00,000 students till date, EuroKids remains at the forefront of preparing young minds for the future. This curriculum underscores EuroKids’ commitment to shaping inquisitive, well-rounded learners, reaffirming its position as a leader in early childhood education.