Archives December 2024

3rd December 2024: Indian Bank signed an MoU with Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to offer customized Corporate Salary Package solutions for UPSRTC employees. The MoU was signed in the presence of State Transport Minister Shri Daya Shankar Singh, Executive Director of Indian Bank, Shri Brajesh Kumar Singh, and MD of UPSRTC Shri Masoom Ali Sarwar.
Other dignitaries included Principal Secretary Shri Venkateshwarlu, Special Secretary-Transport Shri K. P. Singh, UPSRTC Finance Controller Shri Ajai Jauhari and Additional MD UPSRTC Shri Ram Singh Verma also graced the occasion. Chief General Manager of Indian Bank, Shri Sudhir Kumar Gupta, Shri Sudhanshu Gaur (FGM – Indian Bank-Meerut), and Shri Navin Kumar Shrivastava (FGM-Indian Bank-Allahabad) were also present.

The MoU provides UPSRTC employees with benefits such as an insurance cover of up to ₹1 crore, free services, ATM card with lounge access and other exclusive offerings. Indian Bank plans to extend similar digital services to other government departments. The bank has also supported the establishment of 600 temporary changing rooms for women pilgrims at the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.

The foundation stones for three ATMs at Banda, Hamirpur, and Mahoba bus depots were digitally laid by the State Transport Minister during the event.

Indian Bank operates 1081 branches, 536 ATMs, 4343 BC locations, and 6469 touch points across Uttar Pradesh, with plans to introduce more digital products to meet customer needs effectively.

3rd December 2024: All India Payam e Insaniyat Foundation has today organized Mega Voluntary Blood Donation Camp for Thalassemia patients in Malakpet. Anil Kumar Yadav, MP & Malakpet MLA Ahmed bin Abdullah Balala had visited the blood donation camp and many others visited the blood donation camp. Abu Aimal and dedicated staff of TSCS had took part at the donation camp where the blood units collected will be for Thalassemia patients, who need blood for every 15 days just to survive and also for cancer patients.

TSCS President Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal appealed to the Hon’ble MP & MLA to help in releasing a G.O for mandatory antenatal test – HbA2 for every pregnant woman to help prevent the birth of Thalassemia Major Children, to be declared Thalassemia free FIRST STATE in INDIA.

Mr. M A Aleem Baig, Joint Secretary – TSCS briefed the Anil Kumar Yadav, MP & Malakpet MLA Ahmed bin Abdullah Balala, about the situation of Thalassemia in Telangana and the need of blood donors to come forward for transfusion of blood to Thalassemia patients. The collected blood will be utilized for the patients who need blood transfusion at regular intervals. TSCS has also

Speaking on the occasion he said, “We are really greatful to the 632 donors & others, who have come forward and donated blood to meet the blood requirement for Thalassemia patients. We are extremely honoured that Anil Kumar Yadav, MP & Malakpet MLA Ahmed bin Abdullah Balala has visited the blood donation camp. We explained him about the situation of Thalassemia in our state & country and also emphasized the need of blood donors to come forward and donate on a regular basis. It is also a very prestigious opportunity to host the honorable guest at our mega blood donation camp today”

Speaking about the blood donation camp Abu Aimal said “TSCS has been at the forefront in conducting mega blood donation camps in Hyderabad. We thank all the guests and donors who have extended their support to us and also promised to promote awareness of Thalassemia and its eradication”.

December 3rd, 2024: The 4th edition of the Me•Gong Festival 2024 came to a close with a trailblazing performance by the renowned European rock band, Europe. The event was graced by the presence of Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya.The Hon’ble Chief Minister welcomed the band Europe and other performers to Meghalaya and Garo Hills. He mentioned that many people in the state and the entire Northeast region had grown up listening to their songs, and it was a dream come true for many. He also noted that the region had a strong influence of rock music from the 80s and 90s, and that the Me•Gong Festival had attracted a large number of fans from across the country.

“We’re thrilled to perform at Me•Gong Festival in Garo Hills, it’s incredible that our music has reached this far corner of the world,” said Joey Tempest, Europe’s lead vocalist. “I recall our frantic fans in 1988, and we’re excited to experience the same energy here. This visit to Garo Hills will undoubtedly inspire our future lyrics.”

Tempest praised the breathtaking landscape of Garo Hills. “This band is still one of the best on the planet, and our impact continues to be huge.” With conviction, he declared, “Music will never die! Rock music lives on, underlying everything.”
In a lighthearted moment, Tempest quipped, “Garo Hills meets Gora (White)!”

The two-day festival, which began on November 29, 2024, witnessed a massive turnout of over thousands of people on the first day alone. The Day 1 event featured captivating performances by singer Gajendra Verma, India-based rock band Euphoria, and DJ Udita Goswami.

Day 2 of the event included the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP) stage which featured local talents like Sans the Clothes, Wangkimit, Strange Origins, and Ahaia. The evening performances by Restless Desire, Shanka Tribe, Indus Creed, and Europe got the audience in lakhs jumping.

The Me•Gong Festival upholds the rich cultural heritage of the Garo community. The event featured handloom and handicraft exhibitions with demonstrations from local artisans weaving traditional Garo attire and a culinary showcase of authentic Garo food such as Panta Bhaat, Nakham Bitchi, and Wak Pura. Sessions and workshops where visitors learned traditional Garo weaving techniques and crafted items like bamboo baskets and beaded necklaces were also available.

Furthering the festival’s commitment to environmental sustainability, there was a strong implementation of eco-friendly practices, including eco-friendly waste disposal bins and plastic-free zone. Additionally, promotion of local materials and ingredients in exhibitions and the food court was focused alongside a collaboration with local environmental organisations for tree-planting initiatives during the event.

Bengaluru 3rd Dec 2024 : PhonePe, today announced the launch of a new Dengue and Malaria Insurance Plan on its platform, starting at just INR59 per year. This affordable health coverage plan offers comprehensive year-round coverage of up to ₹1 lakh for medical expenses related to vector and air-borne diseases. This insurance cover also ensures users, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, are financially protected against unexpected medical expenses caused by such illnesses throughout the year.

This plan offers PhonePe users extensive coverage against 10+ vector-borne and air-borne diseases including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, swine flu, bird flu, typhoid, pulmonary tuberculosis, and meningitis. The cover includes hospitalisation, diagnostics, and ICU stays. Unlike other seasonal plans, the coverage with this plan is not limited to the monsoons. It extends throughout the year, ensuring that PhonePe users have access to year-round protection and continuous coverage. Additionally, users can instantly purchase, manage, and file claims via the PhonePe app, with a 100% digital claims process, ensuring faster settlements and a seamless user experience. Even working professionals with access to corporate health insurance can choose to avail this coverage as it offers additional protection for more specific health risks.

Commenting on the launch, Vishal Gupta, CEO at PhonePe Insurance Broking Services, said, “At PhonePe, we are committed to making insurance accessible and affordable to all. The launch of this product is a testament to our commitment of offering our users comprehensive coverage round the year. Through this, we aim to empower our users to manage health risks effectively while eliminating financial barriers to quality care. Our goal is to provide tailor-made insurance solutions to underserved populations across the country by leveraging our expertise in digital distribution, thus ensuring peace of mind for millions of Indians.

02nd December 2024, Chennai: In a move that aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, Danfoss, a global leader in energy-efficient technologies, plans to progressively ramp up local manufacturing capabilities in India within the next five years. As the country’s HVACR sector continues to expand rapidly, Danfoss management’s decision to support its customers through increased localization and the addition of new production lines for HVACR compressors, heat exchangers & controls will help bring world-class Danfoss solutions to the Indian market at an accelerated pace.

The decision to invest in ramping up local manufacturing capabilities in India will help minimize the company’s dependency on imports for the Indian market. It will also lead to repeated efforts to build/strengthen the local supplier ecosystem, a prerequisite for meeting the increasing market demands for Danfoss’ solutions. It marks a major milestone in Danfoss’ India manufacturing landscape, thus adding more sustainable, efficient, and affordable cooling solutions to its “Make in India” portfolio.

Kristian Strand, President, Danfoss Commercial Compressors, Denmark, emphasized, “India is a key pillar in our global strategy and has been for many years. We are committed to driving growth and sustainable innovation in the region, especially with a view to the fast-evolving market dynamics in the HVACR sector. Our focus on localizing our compressors’ production, is not just about meeting local demand. It is also about helping to develop a local supplier ecosystem and investing long-term in India’s future as a key player in our Global Climate Solutions operations. This strategic decision reaffirms our confidence in India’s capabilities and our dedication to contributing to Danfoss India’s growth and development.”

Danfoss’ range of compressors, heat exchangers & controls covers approximately 60-70% of customer requirements in India, highlighting its commitment to staying close to customers to meet market demands.

The company aims to significantly increase its localization across various product segments in a phased manner as part of its strategic focus. Danfoss India’s ongoing additional investment of INR 500 crores, announced earlier this year, is aimed at enhancing local manufacturing capabilities, leveraging local talents & transforming them into capable green professionals for the world, and expanding the company’s geographic footprint in the region with more India for India solutions. This investment will also ensure that Danfoss remains competitive and responsive to geopolitical shifts and emerging business opportunities while staying on track with its ‘Make in India’ ambitions.

Mr Madhur Sehgal, Head of Climate Solutions, Danfoss India Region, highlighted, “The localization of our diverse compressors’ portfolio & RAC controls will definitely be a game changer for the Indian HVACR industry. Through this localization move, we aim to develop a local supplier ecosystem, which is a prerequisite to succeed with our ‘Make in India’ ambitions, support our customers in their cooling & decarbonization journey, and contribute to India’s green transition to ensure a sustainable tomorrow. Our unwavering focus will be on faster delivery of cutting-edge products and enhanced customer satisfaction.”

In addition, Danfoss is dedicated to building more green professionals to drive future industry growth in India: Danfoss is actively engaging with select academic institutions pan India through its University Engagement Programs & CSR initiatives, setting up Centers of Excellence & supporting Research Facilities to nurture regional talent, promote studies on Sustainability within Engineering & Management domains, improve the percentage of women in HVACR sector, and create future green leaders, engineers, technicians and service staff for the country and the globe. The company also collaborates with Govt ITIs and Rural Community Colleges to support Refrigeration and Air conditioning-related courses to build a skilled HVACR community right from service technician levels to entrepreneurs & industry white-collars

Ravichandran Purushothaman, President – Danfoss India Region, expressed, “Danfoss commitment to India is unwavering and deeply rooted in our strong belief in the Danfoss India team’s solid potential as a manufacturing powerhouse for national and global markets. By nurturing indigenous talent & scaling up our local production capabilities for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, we aim to deliver European-quality products & solutions more swiftly to the Indian market.”

Danfoss India’s investments in ramping up its local production capabilities also align with its strategic vision to exceed customer expectations, adapt swiftly to dynamic market demands, and continue manufacturing in India for India and global markets. The company continues to redefine industry standards, combined with solidifying its name in the market for high quality, reliability, and performance, thus paving the way for a greener future and leading by example through its remarkable projects across varied industry sectors, duly supported by its strong employee and partner network nationwide, thereby reinforcing its position as a preferred decarbonization partner for India.

Mr Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI along with Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & SG, PHDCCI had a meeting with the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Mr Jagdeep Dhankar Ji, today.

Mr Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI said that our discussion focused on PHDCCI’s proactive role in advancing key Government of India initiatives, particularly in the areas of upskilling, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

Our efforts aim to nurture a generation equipped to excel in global innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in these crucial sectors of Indian economy, added Mr Jain.

The Hon’ble Vice President acknowledged PHDCCI’s efforts as the voice of industry and trade and appreciated its work towards innovation and progress.

Jaipur, 3rd December 2024 : SOMANY Ceramics Ltd., a leading name in the ceramic industry, collaborated with Manipal University on a project titled “Transforming Broken Tiles into Trendsetting Style,” this innovative initiative is aimed at promoting recycling of waste tiles into pieces of art and captivating murals, fostering a culture of sustainability while addressing waste reduction. 40 talented architecture students showcased their art and technical expertise in repurposing discarded tiles into breathtaking works of art, serving as a testament to their commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Anshuman Chakravarty, Vice President of Marketing at Somany Ceramics, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to witness the passion for recycling and sustainability among India’s future architects. Sustainability lies at the heart of Somany Ceramics’ innovations—our tile adhesive production is entirely crafted from recycled waste tiles. As responsible citizens, it’s crucial to continue advocating for reduced construction waste and the adoption of recycling practices. We deeply appreciate the students and faculty of Sushant University for joining us in this initiative, which beautifully combines artistic creativity with environmental responsibility”.

We are collaborating with Somany Ceramics Ltd. on an art installation project on Transforming Broken Tiles into Trendsetting Style. This collaboration provided students with a unique opportunity to apply their design skills in a real-world context. Through this tile art projects, students gained hands-on experience in sustainable design practices while making a positive impact on the environment said Prof. (Dr.) Madhura Yadav – Dean, Faculty of Design at Manipal University.

The SOMANY Ceramics and Manipal University collaboration was a resounding ode to the power of partnerships in driving positive change. By utilising the creativity and innovation of students, the initiative aimed to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and inspire future generations to become responsible stewards of the environment.

3rd December 2024: Newton School of Technology has launched “StartX,” an innovative seed fund program, designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to go beyond the regular course curriculum and develop impactful solutions during college years. The fund was officially announced by 2 very successful leaders and visionaries Pratik Poddar, Partner, Nexus Venture Partners and entrepreneur Varun Mayya at NST’s Pune campus in Ajeenkya DY Patil University. In one of its kind seed fund, StartX will provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help students develop tech-driven products tackling real-world problems, fostering a culture of bold ideas and transformative innovation.

Focused on tech-led products for innovation, the seed fund programme with one crore fund size will offer students an opportunity to pitch their startup ideas to the industry experts, venture capitalists, angel investors and other industry stakeholders to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within the campus, the programme is aimed to help students bring big ideas to reality and build innovative products for time ahead driving India’s tech future.

Providing students with a 360 degree support the funding programme will take students through the comprehensive journey of building solutions from ideation to revenue generation. Starting with workshops with industry leaders on lean models, product building and fireside chat with established founders, each student can raise up to 10 lakhs from the fund to kickstart their idea.

Starting November 2024, the programme will have different phases with key milestones including idea submission, MVP development, and a business proposal pitch.

Through the programme, students will access a strong network of industry experts leveraging Newton School’s founders’ connection in the startup ecosystem. With tailored mentorship the students will have critical support from experts during the ideation and product development phases. Through curated workshops, participants will refine their ideas into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), ensuring a solid foundation for market entry.

Even before the launch of “Newton StartX,” students at Newton School of Technology have showcased their entrepreneurial spirit. In their very first year, they’ve already pitched ideas to leading VCs and started developing innovative solutions, including hydroponics systems, AI-powered study companions, and SaaS tools. From the outset, students have been connecting with industry leaders, such as [insert names from orientation], gaining invaluable insights and mentorship. This foundation of hands-on experience and industry exposure sets the stage for “StartX” to accelerate their journey of innovation and impact.

Speaking at the launch, Siddharth Maheshwari, Co-founder Newton School, said, “Young Indians are bursting with energy and ideas to shape the future but lack guidance and resources. At NST, our curriculum is designed to foster and nurture innovation, creative thinking to thrive, experiment, experience and lead. Technology remains the core of everything we do at NST and therefore with the launch of our seed fund programme “StartX” we want to empower students to turn their ideas into user-focused, scalable and impactful solutions. With our strong and robust network of VCs and entrepreneurs, students will receive top-notch guidance throughout the program.”

NST has been at the forefront of higher education curriculum focusing on innovation, research, and preparing students for a change with technological excellence and driving economic growth. Enabling students by investing in young Indians and empowering them to make a difference driving tech innovation and positioning India on the global stage, NST is on a mission to make India a hub of world changing ideas. With the launch of the StartX, Newton School of Technology reaffirms its role as a catalyst for entrepreneurial success, empowering students to transform ideas into impactful businesses by bridging the gap between academia and practical application of knowledge.

Pratik Poddar, Partner, Nexus Venture Partners, one of the leading global VC firms and investor in Newton School, said, “Entrepreneurship isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about taking bold steps and executing relentlessly. The single most important thing to do is listen to your users. Understand their pain points, and then build solutions that truly address them. Programs like StartX provide an invaluable platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life from day zero.”

3rd Dec, 2024 – Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani is pleased to announce a generous contribution from alumnus Lalit Ahuja, Founder, and CEO of ANSR (Global Capability Centres). Lalit’s donation is directed towards BITS Pilani’s $100 Million Endowment Fund, which aims to drive educational access, purposive research, innovations, and infrastructure development for a new generation of innovators.

Lalit Ahuja, is the Founder & CEO of ANSR and a notable leader and industry veteran, is widely recognized for his pioneering work in building global capabilities centers for Fortune 500 companies. ANSR has established over 130 centers employing over 150,000 people supporting R&D, innovation, and technology transformation. Prior to founding ANSR, Lalit held key leadership roles as CEO at prominent companies such as Datamatics, LG Electronics, and News Corporation (Star TV). He also served as Chairman and President of Target India. His journey began in the Indian Navy, where he retired as a lieutenant commander, having led the Naval Computer Applications Centre and served as Senior Engineer Officer on multiple warships. Lalit through the ANSR foundation is also supporting BITS, Pilani with scholarships to the needy and meritorious students and fellowship for research in emerging areas.

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Mr. Lalit Ahuja’s commitment to BITS Pilani reflects the extraordinary impact our alumni continue to have on our mission. His generous support underscores the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders through research excellence and education for all, especially those from economically challenged backgrounds.”

Lalit Ahuja, Founder and CEO of ANSR, shared his vision behind the contribution: “BITS Pilani shaped my formative years and instilled a lifelong commitment to innovation, service and giving. I am eternally grateful to my alma mater for the education and upbringing that has shaped my career journey from the very outset. My contribution to the BITS Pilani’s $100 Million Endowment Fund is a tribute to that legacy, and I am excited to support initiatives that empower young minds and create an enduring impact in education, research, and beyond.”

Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean Alumni Relations, BITS Pilani stated that, “this gift from Mr. Ahuja is a testimony to the love and concern that alumni have for the alma mater. The endowment would enhance our capacity to deliver world-class education and take strategic initiatives for the growth of the institution through focus on sustainability, technology, and accessibility.”

BITS Pilani’s Endowment Fund and Diamond Jubilee
The $100 Million Endowment Fund, which was formally launched at BITS Pilani’s convocation coincided with the institute’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. This fund represented a significant milestone in BITS Pilani’s mission to drive educational access, research excellence, and innovation.

Kolkata, 2024 – The India International Grand Trade Fair (IIGTF), 2024 organised by Bharat Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with CCG Marketing & Services, was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished dignitaries at City Square Ground, New Town, Kolkata. The International event is an exceptional confluence of innovation, trade, and cultural exchange.

The Ceremony was graced by His Excellency Mr. Dasho Tashi Penjore, Consul General of Bhutan in Kolkata, Mr. Janak Raj Bhatta, Acting Consul General of Nepal in Kolkata, His Excellency Mr. Maxim V Kozlov, Consul General, Russian Federation In Kolkata, Mr. Deen Bandhu Singh, CSS, Zonal Development Commissioner, Falta Special Economic Zone, Government of India among others.

In his Welcome Address, Dr. N. G. Khaitan, President stated that West Bengal has historically played a pivotal role as a gateway to Southeast Asia and neighboring countries. Today, it continues to thrive as a commercial powerhouse, handling a substantial share of India’s cross-border trade. Besides, the State’s robust infrastructure and emerging industries in textiles, leather, and IT services, reinforce its position as a vital commercial and logistical center.

Dr. Khaitan underscored the significance of trade exhibitions like the India International Grand Trade Fair, which act as a critical catalyst, in amplifying trade by providing exposure, facilitating connections, and promoting innovations for both Indian and global players. Beyond business, IIGTF celebrates cultural diversity. It brings together people from different backgrounds, fostering understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditions and values, added Dr. Khaitan.

Showcasing thousands of unique products, both consumer and commercial, in around 500 stalls and 12 AC pavilions, the IIGTF is one of the largest trade fairs in eastern India. Besides, both domestic and international traders, artisans, entrepreneurs, start-ups and MSMEs, from more than 8 countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Turkey, Thailand and the UAE are exhibiting their products. In addition, 16 States of our country like Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Gujarat and many more are participating in this grand event. Last year the IIGTF garnered massive popularity, registering footfall of more than 2 lakh visitors.

Mr. Chandan Chatterjee, CEO, CCG Marketing and Services and Co-Chairman, Trade and Exhibition Sub-Committee, Bharat Chamber of Commerce, expressed that the IIGTF, 2025 held in Kolkata is expected to surpass last year’s success in terms of footfall and business opportunities, offering participants a truly international platform to thrive. The event will run over the next several days, promising exciting prospects for businesses and visitors alike.