Archives February 2024

Masai School, India’s fastest-growing jobtech platform has hit a record high of over 6,000 current enrolments in its program in the last five years. As the only pay-after-placement-modelled-job tech institute in India, it has a track record of more than 94 percent and over 4,500 placements. Started by Prateek Shukla, Yogesh Bhatt and NrupulDev, the organisation aims to harness and empower the underutilized talent of the country and plug the employability crisis.

RishabChaurasiya, hailing from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and a graduate of Masai School, expressed, “My decision to enrol in Masai was influenced by my elder brother, who secured a job post his Masai program. I secured a position at WLC Technologies, marking a significant shift from repairing household electrical appliances to being an integral part of a reputable company. This brought significant transformations to my life.”

Another alumnus of Masai School, Neelam Singh from Madhya Pradesh shared his experience, “After graduating, I took on several low-paying jobs driven by my determination not to depend on my family. With the responsibility of supporting a large family, I aimed to secure a well-paying job that would help in their overall well-being. This motivated me to enrol in Masai School, a decision that eventually led to securing a job that aligned with my aspirations.”

Under the umbrella of Masai School, Prepleaf emerges as a groundbreaking initiative, offering individuals a distinctive avenue to enrol without the constraints of traditional tests. This pioneering approach is geared towards achieving a transformative shift in the accessibility of high-quality tech education, reshaping the landscape of skill-based learning in today’s educational sphere.

Prepleaf stands out as a part-time upskilling course, meticulously designed to cater to the needs of individuals who cannot commit to the 11:11:6 Masai model. Breaking away from the rigid structures of traditional education, it places a premium on skills over degrees, providing a flexible and inclusive solution for those seeking to enhance their technical prowess.

Launched in 2022, Prepleaf has already forged partnerships with two colleges in Madhya Pradesh – SAGE Indore and SAGE Bhopal, signalling its commitment to broadening the horizons of students in the region. By eliminating testing barriers, Prepleaf aims to empower college students, tech enthusiasts and working professionals seeking a job change, with a more inclusive and practical approach to acquiring valuable tech skills, fostering a new era in learning.

While speaking about Masai School, Prateek Shukla, CEO and Co-founder of Masai School said, “Merely possessing degrees is insufficient for achieving success in the tech industry. With an increasing number of companies prioritising portfolios and projects during the hiring process, this program is designed to equip enrolled candidates for seamless entry into industry roles. Additionally, the emphasis is also on imparting industry expertise to students and graduates hailing from tier 2 and 3 cities.”

Hyderabad, February 02nd, 2024: The Westin Hyderabad HITEC City, under the ownership of Chalet Hotels Limited, proudly announces the USGBC LEED® Gold Rating, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable development.

The certification was officially presented by Mr. Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, Managing Director of GBCI India for Southeast Asia & the Middle East to Mr. Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Chalet Hotels Limited, and Mr. Deep Preet Bindra, General Manager – The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, earlier today. This recognition underscores Chalet Hotels’ dedication to upholding advanced global sustainability standards and marks a significant step toward realising sustainable development goals.

The five star hotel’s LEED GOLD certification highlights its conscientious use of water, electricity, and land. Featuring a cutting-edge rainwater harvesting system with a capacity of 165 cubic meters per day, the property excels in water efficiency. The system, consisting of storage and recharge pits, surpasses 90% efficiency, providing ample flushing water for a week. Moreover, the property achieves over 40% water efficiency through integrating water-efficient fixtures, waterless urinals, and the utilisation of treated water.

Additionally, a state-of-the-art Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a capacity of 400 cubic meters per day has been installed, significantly reducing the demand for potable water. The treated water from the STP is judiciously employed for irrigation, cooling tower operations, and fulfilling flushing requirements, further contributing to the property’s commitment to sustainable water management.

Notably, 18% energy efficiency is achieved through a commitment to renewable energy, Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) in chiller and pumping systems, and the use of Electronically Commutated (EC) fans for Air Handling Units (AHU) and Ceiling Suspended Units (CSU). Furthermore, the property proudly procures 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.

The hotel’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond energy and water conservation. It includes the reuse of manure for landscape areas through an organic waste composter, provision of adequate daylight to guest rooms, along with reusable bath amenities to reduce single use plastic usage, enhanced indoor air quality through the implementation of a ‘no smoking’ policy, and provision of in house bottled water to ensure zero plastic policy of the hotel is adhered to through all its initiatives. The Westin Hyderabad HITEC City also proudly hosts an exclusively electric vehicle fleet with 100% charging infrastructure, contributing to a greener and more sustainable tomorrow. The fully powered EC charging station further solidifies the hotel’s commitment to various other Green Hotel initiatives. As a beacon of innovation and eco-conscious leadership, the hotel is poised to inspire others on the journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited said, “I take great pride to receive the LEED GOLD certification for our hotel, The Westin Hyderabad HITEC City. Responsible design and construction are integral components of our sustainability ethos, positively impacting the planet earth.”

Deep Preet Bindra, General Manager, – The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace said, “In the realm of sustainable development, our team of empowered women take the lead with purpose and grit. With the prestigious USGBC LEED® Gold Rating, our commitment shines brightly, forging a legacy of responsible business practices. We’ve not just constructed a beautiful hotel but woven a tapestry of positive impact on the world – proving success is measured not just in achievements but in lasting contributions to a sustainable future.”

Mr. Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, Managing Director, Southeast Asia & Middle East of GBCI India said, “GBCI is immensely proud to present The Westin Hyderabad HITEC City with the prestigious LEED® Gold Rating. This achievement, marked by an all-women operated team, underscores the hotel’s commitment to advanced global sustainability standards. The Westin Hyderabad HITEC City serves as a symbol of inspiration for the hospitality industry, setting a remarkable precedent for sustainable practices. In a world focused on eco-conscious leadership, this accomplishment will act as a catalyst for a more resilient and sustainable future.”

New Delhi: Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) orchestrated a splendid ceremony to confer the ‘National Skills Awards for Eminence’ at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, coinciding with the Electronics Expo 2024. The event, graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution & Textiles, witnessed the recognition of outstanding achievers in different categories.

 The objective of the awards is to recognize outstanding contributions across various categories, honouring organizations and individuals for their exceptional efforts in furthering skill development and promoting excellence in India’s electronics sector. The awards ceremony aimed to highlight and celebrate key stakeholders driving innovation and nurturing skills in the industry.

 The Skilling Initiative of the Year award was conferred upon LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd.
The Education Initiative of the Year award was presented to SRM Institute of Science & Technology. Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd. was honoured with the CSR Initiative of the Year award. SFO Technologies Pvt Ltd. received the Business Eminence Award of the Year. The Emerging Global Organization of the Year award went to CP Plus. National Centre for Flexible Electronics, IIT Kanpur won the Incubation & Startup Initiative of the Year award. The Woman CSR Leader of the Year award was given to Aradhana Rai Gupta from Havells India Ltd. The accolade was conferred by Wilfredo Gonzales Vidal, Deputy Minister of Communications, Cuba.

 Padma Bhushan Dr Ajai Chowdhry, Founder of HCL & Chairman of EPIC foundation was honored with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his contribution to India’s electronics industry over the past four decades. This recognition serves as a testament to the remarkable contributions he has made for the growth of ESDM sector.

 The eminent winners were chosen for their phenomenal contributions to furthering skill development, education, corporate social responsibility, business excellence, global impact, and nurturing startups within electronics.

 Mr Amit Manwani, Chairman ESSCI said: “A skilled workforce is the most critical asset for
the electronics industry as we step into an era of rapid technological disruptions. Building a vast talent pool through training, upskilling and nurturing skills is crucial for India’s
electronics sector to innovate, expand globally and realize its full potential. At ESSCI, our
diverse skilling initiatives aim to create a culture of excellence by empowering individuals
and organizations with industry-relevant skills to succeed.”

 Sandeep Narula, Chairman of ESC said: “The electronics industry is a major economic
growth driver for India and to reap the benefits of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and for
indigenous manufacturing to flourish, a robust skill development strategy is crucial. Investing in creating an electronics skills ecosystem through industry collaborations, vocational training, and apprenticeships will build a future-ready workforce. This will drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness while opening doors for youth employment as the industry scales up across domains like communication systems, consumer electronics, strategic electronics, and medical electronics.” Mr. Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director, ESC was also present in the event to felicitate the winners.

“For India’s electronics sector to achieve its full potential, a skilled workforce is imperative.
ESSCI is proud to play a key role in helping develop industry-ready talent through our
diverse skilling initiatives. We aim to build a vast pool of skilled professionals who can take
the electronics industry into the future through their expertise. Upskilling existing talent and nurturing new skilled workers will be vital for the sector’s growth and to capitalize on the opportunities of a digitally transforming world. ESSCI remains dedicated to enabling a
culture of learning and excellence across electronics, empowering both individuals and
organizations.” said Dr Abhilasha Gaur, COO, ESSCI.

 ESSCI extends hearty congratulations to the deserving winners and remains committed to promoting skills and innovation in electronics. ESSCI also set up a stall at the expo to showcase skill initiatives bridging industry skill gaps. The stall highlighted the importance of hiring certified talent to attract and retain professionals. It addressed skill mismatches in recruitments regarding locations, roles and compensation expectations.

There’s something enchanting about romancing your partner in the lap of nature during the winter season. Imagine being surrounded by the breathtaking views of the majestic snow-capped Pir Panjal range from the warmth and comfort of your wood-panelled room! Only at Skyview by Empyrean, a cosy mountain harbour located in Jammu’s Sanget-Patnitop area, will you get to experience some of the most exciting and romantic moments with the love of your life!

Here’s how:

Indoor Romance 

The property offers a total of 15 premium rooms and luxury suites that offer views of the mountains and the Skyview Gondola. From the wood-panelled Gondola View Luxury Rooms inspired by the natural environment of the region, you can soak in the picturesque setting of Sanget Valley. The Mountain View suites and rooms offer magnificent views of the Himalayas over lush green forests, epitomising luxury, comfort and warmth — just the right ingredients for you to brew that romance. Whether you’re sharing a cup of ‘chai’ in your private balcony watching flaming sunrises and sunsets, or partaking in deep conversation by the roaring fireplace, there is a corner on the property to match the mood.

Firing Up The Taste-Buds 

Food and romance are known to have a deep connection, what with some of the most romantic relationships starting with a meal together! At Skyview’s Banana Leaf restaurant, love blooms and how! This luxurious dining space features a variety of global and regional cuisines prepared with love by a team headed by Skyview’s highly-decorated Executive Chef, who creates an immersive culinary experience that will leave you smacking your lips in satisfaction! From Chinese to Continental to mouth-watering desserts, there is a delicacy that will uplift the palate of every kind of food connoisseur. For a quick bite, newly-married couples can head over to Skyview Café for a taste of their famous sizzlers. For those who want to just chill and stay in, room service is just a call away.

Bonding Over Adventure

For adventurous honeymooning couples who love to spend time outdoors during winter, there are a plethora of exciting activities to pump up the adrenalin rush and create the perfect setting for bonding. Other than taking long romantic walks exploring the 22-acre mountain harbour in all its glory, couples can also sign up for scenic gondola rides to Patnitop and back, mountain biking, archery, ATV, ziplining or even hop on to the magic carpet ride!

Riding Into The Sunset On A Gondola

Environmentally-aware honeymooners will be delighted to learn that Skyview by Empyrean is India’s first Sustainable Tourism Destination, certified by The Responsible Tourism Society of India. Furthermore, the sustainable ride on the highest CEN-Certified Ropeway in Asia (in terms of ground clearance) is the stuff dreams are made of! Enroute you are treated with unfiltered aerial views of pristine mountain ranges, lush forests and clear blue skies that will uplift your spirits! The fact that this ropeway is not only net zero, it significantly minimizes traffic, air, and noise pollution, makes the experience all the more au-naturel!

Patnitop Calling 

The property offers easy accessibility to Patnitop, an enchanting hill station that is just 10 minutes away. An ideal destination for honeymooners, Patnitop offers a range of attractions for couples. For those seeking blessings for their new life as a married couple, the Sudh Mahadev temple and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple are close by. Boating at Mansar lake or spending quality time at Natha Top either paragliding, skiing or taking a walk amidst nature are also very popular among tourists.

“We applaud  the government’s budget announcement for its strong commitment to sustainable and green initiatives. The focus on providing free electricity to one crore households through rooftop solarization is a commendable step towards ensuring energy security and reducing environmental impact. This initiative, aligned with Vibrant Energy’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices, serves as a model for responsible development. It delivers a dual benefit by alleviating financial burdens on households and fostering cleaner energy sources.

The budget’s strategic allocation of Viability Gap Funding for 1GW offshore wind energy is a critical support required to bolster the renewable energy footprint in the country. Other initiatives to support the electric vehicle ecosystem and the promotion of bio-manufacturing are welcome initiatives for achieving net-zero targets. These steps not only contribute to a greener and more resource-efficient economy, but they also generate considerable economic possibilities, including entrepreneurship in EV infrastructure and employment for youth with technology skills. Vibrant Energy looks forward to actively participating in these initiatives, contributing to India’s journey towards a cleaner and more resilient future.”

02nd February, 2024: As the new year and the Spring season unfolds, Fabindia invites fashion and lifestyle enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a celebration of style, craftsmanship, and sustainability with the “Big Spring”. Spring is all about freshness and what better time to launch the Spring campaign than at the beginning of the new year. It is a celebration where fashion meets traditional handicrafts and quality meets affordability. And it’s all happening across their 350+ stores and online on fabindia.com and the fabindia App, from 9th Jan 2024 onwards.

The Big Spring represents a fusion of tradition and elegance, offering a curated range that not only captures the vibrant spirit of spring but also echoes Fabindia’s commitment to artisanal fashion. Whether you are revamping your office wardrobe, attending a ceremony or planning a vacation, their latest deals and styles have got you covered.

Shop from a curation of contemporarily designed kurtas, saris, shirts and trousers. Complete the look with trendy accessories including fine Indian jewellery, bags and footwear. The choices also extend to the fabHOME collection on home linens, décor and gifting concepts. And of course, Bigger Bags lead to Bigger Savings.

Talking about the Big Spring at Fabindia, Mr. Ajay Kapoor, President Retail, Fabindia said, “The onset of Spring has always held a special place for our patrons to upgrade their wardrobes and home décor. We would be offering cotton and fine linens adorned with Indian hand block prints and traditional crafts in everyday apparel for work, at home and on the move to premium woven silks and silk blends celebrations and weddings. We look forward to making the shopping experience for our customers all the more unforgettable across all our stores. This Spring will certainly be Big on Style, Bigger on Offers and the Biggest on Smiles.”

Explore the stunning offerings within Fabindia’s Big Spring celebration, featuring an array of dazzling pieces that are sure to captivate your senses.

Hyderabad, 02nd February, 2024: Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., India’s fifth-largest cement group, takes another significant step towards reinforcing its commitment to quality and efficiency with the inauguration of its brand new Ready-Mix Concrete Plant in the bustling metropolis of Hyderabad. The new plant is 5^th in the region and is conveniently located at Medchal, expands Nuvoco’s ability to meet the region’s expanding need for construction materials.

By establishing the Medchal plant, the company solidifies its market-leading position. This adds to its existing facilities located in Miyapur and Jeedimetla, which are within 35 km, and Uppal & Patencheru, which are 40 to 60 km away. Located near industrial, commercial, and residential developments, Medchal offers high potential for growth. The plant’s strategic location ensures quick market access thereby reducing traffic disruptions and fulfilling Nuvoco’s commitment to operational excellence.

This state-of-the-art plant is fully equipped to meet a wide range of customer requirements, providing top-quality concrete solutions for various development projects across the region. The plant will cater to several localities within a 10-15 km radius, including Medchal, Kallakal, Shamirpet, Gundlapochampally, Kompally, Dulapally, and Kandlakoya. With a capacity of 60 Cum/Hour (M1 Grade), the facility can produce all grades of concrete, including Value Added Products (VAP).

Mr. Prashant Jha, Chief of the Ready-Mix (RMX) Concrete and Modern Building Materials business at Nuvoco Vistas expressed his excitement at the inauguration of this latest plant, stating, “The newly opened facility strengthens the company’s position in Hyderabad. It also plays a vital role in shaping the dynamic construction ecosystem of Medchal and its neighbouring areas. This expansion affirms the company’s commitment to meeting the changing demands of the construction sector.

Nuvoco adheres to the highest quality and environmental standards and focuses on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. The company remains committed to contributing to the construction industry’s growth and development in India.

Bengaluru, 2nd February 2024: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will dedicate to the Nation NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station (2×800 MW), NSPCL Rourkela PP-II Expansion Project (1×250 MW) and lay the foundation stone of NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Project, Stage-III (2×660 MW) with a total investment of Rs 28,978 Crore during a programme at Sambalpur on 3rd February 2024.

Located in Sundargarh district of Odisha, Darlipali STPP is a pit-head Power Station with Supercritical (highly efficient) Technology and is supplying low-cost power to its beneficiary states, such as Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Sikkim.

The 250 MW project of NTPC-SAIL Power Company Ltd is established in Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) to provide reliable power for the steel plant which is vital for economic growth.

Further, NTPC is developing Talcher Thermal Power Project, Stage-III within old TTPS plant premises in Angul district of Odisha, which was taken over by NTPC from Odisha State Electricity Board in the year 1995. The old TTPS plant was decommissioned after completing more than 50 years of service to the Nation.

The upcoming plant will have highly efficient Ultra Super Critical Technology-based units and approximately three times capacity of the old TTPS plant. While 50% capacity from this project is dedicated to the state of Odisha, other beneficiary states such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Assam will also get low-cost power from this pit-head station.

This project is being constructed with all modern environmental features like efficient electrostatic precipitator, Flue gas desulphurization, bio-mass cofiring, covered storage space for coal and will thus help in lesser Specific Coal Consumption and CO2 emissions.

Besides creating direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region, these projects have contributed to improvement of physical infrastructure such as approach road, drainage, transportation and communication facilities. Various community development initiatives are also being undertaken by NTPC in the surrounding villages in the area of education, drinking water, sanitation, health, women empowerment, rural sports, etc. NTPC has also set up a Medical College cum Hospital in Sundargarh, Odisha.

ICC welcomes the Interim budget announcements aimed at Viksit Bharat. Although there are no tax tweaking as expected but the Budget is a ‘Statement of strong Intent”, said ICC statement released today.

ICC appreciates Govt.’s commitment to reduce fiscal deficit and setting a target of 5.1% for the upcoming year and finally taking it to 4.5% by 2026. This reflects a strong commitment from Government to lower borrowings and inject liquidity in the economy which may come back in the form of asset price bubbles and unsecured loan driven consumption.

In the Interim Budget 2024 has proposed to raise capital expenditure by 11.1% to ₹11.11 lakh crore. ICC  lauds the Government’s unveiling of a long-term plan and sustaining Capex and Infrastructure development as a key engine of growth. The increased investment is poised to stimulate private capital expenditure and it will not only drive economic growth but also create increased employment opportunities.

Income Tax benefits for Start Ups have been extended till 31.3.25. We hope concessional  Corporate Tax Rates for new Investments would be maintained in main budget 2024. The Interim Budget 2024 announced a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore will be established with 50-year interest-free loan tech-savvy growth. This will encourage private sectors to scale up Research and innovation significantly in sunrise domains. ICC lauds this initiative, as this was one of our key recommendations to raise R& D (which is currently less than 1%) as a proportion of GDP .

The focus on targeted Incentives for agriculture/farmers, carbon neutrality by 2070, building one crore rooftop solar units, green energy, connectivity, rural housing, integrated tourism projects is praiseworthy. The Budget balances growth and inflation very well. At the same time provides continuity, direction to growth initiatives. ICC welcomes the statement on the development of Eastern region and transforming the region into a growth engine for the nation.