Archives 2024

20th December 2024 – As the festive season draws near, organisations worldwide are gearing up for increased employee travel and celebrations. Amidst the joy and excitement, it is vital for employers to keep the safety and well-being of their global workforce at the forefront. International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, shares expert tips on managing travel risks and ensuring your employees stay safe and healthy during this festive period.

Holiday seasons typically see a considerable surge in employee travel, posing challenges for organisations, especially in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of diverse workforces. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the number of international travellers reached approximately 790 million in the first seven months of 2024, an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This rise in travel is expected to continue during the year-end holiday period.1 In the United States, travel projections indicate that 119 million Americans will embark on journeys during the festive season, with record-breaking numbers anticipated the weekends before and after Christmas Day.2

Similarly, Heathrow Airport, a major international hub in the United Kingdom, is expecting its busiest December on record, with a 21% increase in the number of passengers travelling on Christmas Day compared to last year.3 The International SOS Risk Outlook 2025 report highlights political and social unrest, geopolitical tensions, and transport risks and disruptions as top perceived risks by organisations, further emphasising the need for robust travel risk management strategies, particularly during periods of increased travel activity.

Dr Kate O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, emphasises the importance of health precautions: “As employees embark on their holiday travels, organisations must recognise that the festive period typically coincides with heightened risks of respiratory viruses, including colds, flu, COVID-19, and RSV, particularly in the northern hemisphere. Proactively supporting the workforce with pre-travel health briefings and resources can help employees stay healthy and prepared. Providing resources for managing travel stress and encouraging healthy habits such as eating healthily, staying hydrated, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can minimise the risk of illness. Additionally, it is crucial to remind travelling employees to ensure their vaccines are up to date and they are aware of any medical alerts for their destinations.”

Michael Rogers, Chief Security Analyst at International SOS, adds, “With the upsurge in travel, the festive season also brings increased safety risks, including crowd surges in busy areas and natural hazards such as winter storms in certain regions. Meanwhile, the recent arrest of a man suspected of planning a terror attack on a Christmas market in Bavaria, Germany, illustrates both the underlying persistent threat of such incidents and that authorities are generally well-placed to thwart plots. Travellers must stay well-informed and prepared to handle sudden and potentially significant disruptions due to geopolitical or socio-economic forces, natural hazards, and other threats. Organisations should ensure that their employees are aware of the security risks associated with their travel destinations. Providing access to real-time security updates and having a robust emergency response plan can significantly mitigate potential risks. Travelling during the holidays involves more than choosing a destination; it requires careful consideration of safety.”

To help organisations ensure the health and safety of their travelling workforces this holiday season, International SOS offers the following expert tips:

1. Provide access to critical information: Ensure employees have easy access to emergency contact numbers, travel advisories, local weather conditions, recommended accommodations, and potential crime hotspots. Encourage thorough pre-travel risk assessments.
2 . Prioritise health and wellbeing: Remind travelling employees to keep vaccinations up-to-date, carry an adequate supply of any necessary medications, and schedule a pre-travel health consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
3. Ensure security awareness: Emphasise the importance of situational awareness and remind employees to be aware of their surroundings, stay vigilant and keep their valuables secure or out of sight, especially in large crowds.
4. Establish clear communication protocols: Before a trip, clearly define communication expectations, such as preferred methods of contact, frequency of check-ins, and designated points of contact within the organisation.
5. Promote flexibility & contingency planning: Encourage employees to maintain flexible departure and return dates/routes to accommodate unexpected circumstances. Allow extra travel time to account for potential delays and congestion at airports, train stations, and on roads due to increased travel volume. Emphasise the importance of developing and implementing contingency plans to address unforeseen events.

December 20, 2024: Bajaj Broking, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bajaj Finance Limited, took an initiative to drive ‘Daan Utsav’, as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign with ‘Belong’. This initiative focused on fostering social well-being and encouraging a strong sense of community among employees as they came together to support those in need.

Through this campaign, Bajaj Broking invited employees to contribute a variety of essential items that were donated to various NGOs across different locations in India. Contributions included food items such as rice, wheat, pulses, cereals, and biscuits, along with unused clothing, toys, and stationery. The campaign reflected Bajaj Broking’s commitment to social responsibility and aimed to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals in need.

Through ‘Belong’, Bajaj Broking aspired to create a culture of empathy and community impact within the organization, with employees actively participating in efforts to promote inclusivity and support in the society.

20th December 2024: The Change of Guard Ceremony organized by NAREDCO Mahi at the Sheraton Grand in Pune marked a new chapter in the organization’s journey to promote women’s leadership in the real estate sector. The event officially announced Dr. Ananta S. Raghuvanshi as the new Chairperson and Ms. Smita Dhanraj Patil as the President of NAREDCO Mahi. Dr. Raghuvanshi, who previously served as President, has now transitioned to the role of Chairperson, while Ms. Patil, the former President-elect, has assumed the role of President.

Speaking on her new role, Dr. Ananta S. Raghuvanshi, Chairperson of NAREDCO Mahi, remarked, “This is an important step in NAREDCO Mahi’s ongoing efforts to provide a platform where women in the real estate industry can thrive. Inclusion and professional development are central to our mission of empowering women to make significant contributions to the sector. Together, we aim to create policies and opportunities that have a lasting impact on the industry.”

Ms. Smita Dhanraj Patil, the newly appointed President of NAREDCO Mahi, shared her vision for the organization, stating, “NAREDCO Mahi is uniquely positioned to foster collaboration among women leaders and influence key policies for the sustainable growth of the real estate sector. I look forward to working with our members to build a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry.”

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Mr. G. Hari Babu, National President of NAREDCO, commented, “The leadership transition within NAREDCO Mahi reflects the organization’s commitment to empowering women in real estate. The contributions of leaders like Dr. Ananta Raghuvanshi and Ms. Smita Patil are vital in shaping an inclusive and progressive industry.”

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO, emphasized the significance of increasing women’s participation in the construction industry, stating, “More women should join the construction industry. The rise of women leaders in real estate is a promising sign of the industry’s ongoing transformation. Under the leadership of NAREDCO Mahi, we are confident that the organization will continue to drive meaningful change and promote greater inclusion of women in the sector. The construction sector in India is currently growing at an impressive rate of approximately 20%, with even greater acceleration expected in the future. Given this rapid expansion, propelling women workforce integration into real estate industry will fuel double engine growth”

Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman of NAREDCO, added, “Sustainability and inclusivity are key priorities for the future of real estate, and NAREDCO Mahi is making significant strides in these areas. I am certain that this new leadership team will further these efforts and inspire the industry as a whole.”

The ceremony also featured two-panel discussions that addressed pressing issues in the sector. The first panel, “Women at the Helm: Shaping the Future of Real Estate,” brought together industry leaders to discuss the evolving role of women in real estate. The second panel, “Building a Greener Future: The Role of Sustainable Realty,” focused on the integration of sustainability into real estate practices.

NAREDCO Mahi’s mission continues to center on providing women leaders and professionals with the resources and opportunities needed to contribute effectively to the industry’s growth and evolution. Through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and policy advocacy, the organization remains committed to advancing inclusion and fostering professional excellence.

Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 20th December 2024: The dense forests in the Mussoorie Hills in the Himalayas were witness to a first-of-its-kind musical, “Prakriti Ki Aarti,” a unique musical tribute to nature leaving attendees immersed in wellness-oriented music and spirituality, amidst nature’s tranquillity during the unique Aaroha spiritual Musical Wellness retreat at Punarnava Wellness Resort, Dehradun.

Conducted by Vaishnavacharya Jai Jai Sri Abhishek Goswami Maharaj, crafting a spiritually uplifting experience for all present The Prakriti Ki Aarti, a soulful confluence of some of India’s finest classical artists including Padmashri and Sangeet Natak Award winner, Marwari folk maestro Ustad Anwar Khan Manganiyar, doyen of the Benares Gharana, and a three-time Grammy nominee renowned flutist and music composer Pt. Ajay Prasanna, and Hindustani Classical vocalist and leading exponent of the Gwalior Gharana Meeta Pandit.

Speaking about the retreat, Bani Sharma, Project Head said, “The Aaroha Spiritual Musical Wellness Retreat was designed to celebrate music, spirituality, and the beauty of nature. The Prakriti Ki Aarti was a truly magical moment and watching everyone come together in celebration was the perfect way to conclude this journey.”

Offering a distinctive blend of classical and Sufi music, wellness practices, and spiritual insights designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, Aaroha Spiritual Musical Wellness Retreat is the brainchild of Vaishnavacharya Jai Jai Sri Abhishek Goswami Maharaj, Entrepreneur Bani Sharma, and Brand /Communication specialist Abhinav Sood.

“It was from the Himalaya’s that Lord Hanuman brought the “Sanjivani buti”. This range is known for its rich flora and fauna, therefore what better place than here to offer our prayers to mother Nature” continued Sri Abhishek Goswami Maharaj.

“Uttarakhand is known for its pilgrimage sites, Yoga, wellness and the rich life-giving plant species. For this project we sought a location that was nestled in peaceful surroundings and amid nature. Dehradun is the first such location that all of us agreed upon:” said Abhinav Sood, Communications Inc.

The retreat began with “Evoking the Divine”, a spiritual invocation conducted by Vaishnavacharya Sri Abhishek Goswami Maharaj, which set a peaceful and meditative tone. This was followed by “Thumri in the Hills”, where Meeta Pandit enchanted listeners with her timeless classical vocals. The first evening ended on a high with “The Manganiyar Magic”, led by Ustad Anwar Khan Manganiyar, whose folk melodies transported the audience to Rajasthan’s cultural heartland.

The Aaroha Spiritual Musical Wellness Retreat brought together some of the most celebrated names in classical, folk, and Sufi music, offering a unique experience that connected the soul with music and the serenity of the hills. Managed by Weegroup, with media partners ABN Andhra Jyoti Aaroha Musical Wellness was supported by Sukoon, Dakpathar, Communications Inc., and Stotrak Hospitality

New Delhi: The idea of a sugar-free diet can feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can cut out added sugars while still savoring naturally sweet and delicious foods. While most people associate sugar with weight gain or diabetes, its role in accelerating skin aging often goes unnoticed.

Excess sugar triggers a biochemical process called glycation, where sugar molecules bind to proteins like collagen and elastin, the key components that keep skin firm and youthful. This damage leads to wrinkles, sagging, and a lackluster complexion.

Research in the British Journal of Dermatology shows that glycation generates harmful molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These compounds degrade collagen, reduce skin elasticity, and increase susceptibility to UV damage and pollution. High sugar levels also fuel inflammation, accelerating aging and raising the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, for surgery patients, sugar impedes healing and slows recovery.

According to Dr. Rahul Chauda, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital Kaushambi, Says, Here’s a 7-day sugar-free diet plan designed to help you transition comfortably:

Day 1: Focus on whole foods. Swap sugary drinks for infused water or herbal tea. Satisfy your sweet cravings with fresh fruits like berries or apples.

Day 2: “Instead of sugary cereals in the morning, try oatmeal topped with nuts and seeds. Use spices like cinnamon to add natural sweetness.”

Day 3: To curb sugar cravings, include healthy fats in your diet, such as avocados and almonds. Replace sugary snacks with yogurt and fresh fruit.

Day 4: Opt for savory breakfasts like scrambled eggs or whole-grain toast with nut butter. Avoid packaged sauces that often contain hidden sugars.

Day 5: Add naturally sweet vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots to your meals. These provide natural sweetness along with fiber to keep you satisfied.

Day 6: Use natural sweeteners like dates or honey sparingly in desserts. For example, blend dates into smoothies for a guilt-free treat.

Day 7: Reflect on how your body feels after a week without added sugars. Many people notice improved energy levels and reduced cravings by this point.

While glycation damage cannot be fully reversed, cutting back on sugar can slow aging and improve overall skin health.

Dr. Rahul Chauda’s Tips for Reducing Sugar in Your Diet
Eliminate Added Sugars: Avoid sugary drinks, processed snacks, and desserts. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods instead.

Boost Antioxidants: Include citrus fruits, nuts, and other antioxidant-rich foods to repair skin damage and support collagen production.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking water enhances skin elasticity and promotes overall health.

Choose Low-Glycemic Foods: Opt for complex carbohydrates like oats and legumes to maintain steady blood sugar levels.

By embracing a low-sugar lifestyle, you can enhance your skin’s vitality and achieve long-term health benefits. Beauty begins from within, and small dietary changes can lead to a lasting transformation

19th December 2024 –Kärcher India is reinforcing its leadership in the professional cleaning domain through an innovative campaign that highlights its expertise in delivering tailored mechanized cleaning solutions to diverse industries. By adopting a consultative selling approach, Kärcher identifies the specific challenges faced by its target group and recommends customized products and accessories that effectively address industry-specific needs.

Renowned for its commitment to enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime, Kärcher’s machines are trusted by numerous Fortune 500 companies. From maintaining workplace hygiene to supporting critical industries such as food and pharmaceuticals by ensuring cleanliness across the value chain, Kärcher’s solutions deliver measurable value and tangible results.

This campaign highlights Kärcher’s role as a leader in mechanized cleaning solutions, offering professional systems designed for sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and beyond. By addressing non-negotiable yet specialized cleaning needs, Kärcher ensures hygiene in sensitive environments and upholds brand image through impeccable facility management.

Aligned with India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Kärcher highlights its commitment to sustainability and innovation by promoting the adoption of mechanized cleaning solutions. Through its advanced cleaning machines, Kärcher contributes to creating cleaner, healthier environments in public and private spaces alike while supporting industries in maintaining high sanitation standards, efficient cleaning, and optimizing resource use.

“Swachh Bharat is more than a mission; it represents a movement toward a cleaner India,” said Mr. Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director of Kärcher India. “By integrating our mechanized cleaning solutions into this national initiative, we are playing a pivotal role in transforming hygiene practices across industries and public spaces.”

The campaign emphasizes the business benefits Kärcher delivers, extending beyond product features:

● Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and reduced downtime.

● Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Durable machines that deliver sustainable, long-term savings.

● Sustainability Alignment: Eco-friendly solutions that contribute to green initiatives.

● Demonstrable ROI: Tailored recommendations that ensure cleaning investments drive measurable value.

The tagline ‘There’s Kärcher for That’ embodies the brand’s ability to address a wide range of cleaning challenges with precision and efficiency. From handling time-sensitive tasks to managing expansive operations, the tagline reinforces Kärcher’s versatility and reliability.

By directly addressing critical industry pain points such as time constraints, flexibility, and large-scale cleaning, the tagline creates instant resonance with decision-makers, solidifying Kärcher’s position as a trusted problem-solver in diverse sectors.

To convey its capabilities effectively, Kärcher employs targeted taglines that emphasize its adaptability and reliability:

● Short Time Window. Rapid Results. There’s Kärcher for That.

● Maximum Flexibility. There’s Kärcher for That.

● Supersized Floors. There’s Kärcher for That.

These messages directly align Kärcher’s solutions with industry-specific needs, ensuring clear communication of its capabilities.

Mr. Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director of Kärcher India, remarked “Kärcher’s professional cleaning solutions campaign reflects our deep understanding of B2B cleaning requirements, which are both diverse and mission-critical. Whether it’s maintaining strict hygiene protocols in healthcare, ensuring operational safety in manufacturing, or upholding brand image in retail, our solutions are tailored to meet unique challenges. By focusing on consultative selling, we ensure every customer receives solutions that not only address their needs but also deliver measurable outcomes. Our campaign exemplifies this approach, positioning Kärcher as a trusted partner in the journey toward a cleaner, more progressive India.”

This campaign represents another milestone in Kärcher’s commitment to redefining professional cleaning standards in India. By combining innovation, industry expertise, and a customer-centric approach, Kärcher continues to set benchmarks in reliability, excellence, and sustainability.

As the campaign progresses, Kärcher is poised to further strengthen its leadership, delivering impactful results for its customers while contributing to India’s vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Bengaluru, December 19, 2024:Velocity, India’s leading cash-flow-based financing platform, has earmarked 200 Cr in 2025 to support and accelerate growth in the restaurant and cloud kitchen ecosystem across India.

The fund is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by F&B brands and help them grow. F&B brands often struggle to secure financing from traditional sources like banks and NBFCs. Recognizing this gap, Velocity offers cash-flow-based financing, enabling restaurants and cloud kitchens to effectively manage capital expenditure, and working capital, open new outlets, purchase equipment, and launch sub-brands under existing ones without impacting operational profits.

India’s food delivery and dining-out market is projected to nearly double, growing from ₹5.5 trillion to ₹9 trillion by 2030, according to a report by Swiggy and Bain & Company. This surge is driven by rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer preferences, and the expanding reach of food aggregator platforms. Velocity’s fund is perfectly aligned with this growth and has placed a strong focus on empowering new-age restaurants and cloud kitchen brands, particularly those operating via food aggregator platforms like Zomato and Swiggy.

Commenting on the fund launch, Atul Khichariya, Co-Founder and COO, of Velocity said, “The growing appetite of Indian consumers for diverse culinary experiences, combined with the convenience of online food delivery, is driving remarkable growth in the F&B sector. This shift is also fueling a premiumization trend, as consumers increasingly seek high-quality food and beverage options, reflecting their willingness to spend and indulge in unique dining experiences. Velocity’s cash-flow-based financing model ensures that F&B brands can scale seamlessly while maintaining financial flexibility.”

Since 2020, Velocity has funded several notable F&B brands such as IDC Kitchen, Smoor, Daily Sushi, Brahma Brew Works, Milano Ice Cream, Imperio, Amore Gelato, Jamie’s Pizza, and Babas Chicken. These businesses utilized the funds to expand operations, strengthen supply chains, and enhance marketing efforts.

Elaborating on Velocity’s role in shaping IDC Kitchen’s growth story, Abhishek Manikchand Baldota, Director – IDC Kitchen, said, “ Velocity has been instrumental in the growth of our business and has become an invaluable partner in our journey to success. The beauty of Velocity’s financing lies in its true sense of partnership. We felt like we had gained a financial partner genuinely invested in our success. With Velocity’s support, we have been able to accelerate our expansion plans, invest in inventory, and scale our marketing efforts”

Minseong Seok, Founder of Daily Sushi, added “The partnership with Velocity went beyond providing funds. They ensured independence and transparency through the right integration of technology and support from a dedicated team.”

India’s F&B industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by the convergence of quick commerce, cloud kitchens, and ultra-fast delivery models. Platforms like Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Blinkit have introduced 10-minute delivery services such as Zepto Cafe, Bolt, and Bistro. Bigbasket and Magicpin are also preparing to enter this space while emerging players like Swish and Zing are also gaining traction. This shift to ultra-fast delivery is redefining convenience for consumers, pushing F&B brands to adapt swiftly. Moreover, initiatives like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) are enabling F&B brands to extend their reach beyond traditional marketplaces, unlocking new revenue streams in India’s evolving food delivery ecosystem.

To stay competitive, F&B brands are embracing technologies to better understand consumer behavior, standardize processes, and are investing in automation and machinery. As India’s F&B sector evolves rapidly, Velocity’s ₹200 crore fund is designed to support new-age innovators in the space. By offering fast, scalable, and flexible financing solutions, Velocity enables F&B brands to seize emerging market opportunities, scale operations, and meet increasing consumer demand.

19th December 2024: Techno India DAMA Hospital, a flagship institution of Techno India Group and a leading 320-bed Super Specialty Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata announced the launch of cutting-edge Robotic Technology for Orthopaedic Care. This new medical advancement is set to revolutionize orthopaedic treatments, particularly for knee-related ailments, offering patients a more precise, safer, and efficient surgical experience.

The announcement of this noble initiative was made in the presence of Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group, Mr. Meghdut Roychowdhury, Chief Innovation Officer & Executive Director, Techno India Group, Dr Sourav Ghosh, Medical Director, Techno India Dama Hospital, eminent Orthopedic Surgeons from India, Dr Rajeev Raman and Dr Goutam Gupta. Also present were the officials from Joints & Velys, Mr. Ram Mohan, General Manager, East & North, Joints & Velys and Mr Raunaque Nayeem, Area Sales Manager, Joints & Velys.

In collaboration with VELYS Digital Surgery, a state-of-the-art robotic platform developed by Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Techno India DAMA Hospital introduced this advanced technology as a pioneer institution in Eastern India. This AI and robotics-powered solution aims to significantly improve the surgical process, reducing complications while enhancing precision, recovery time and patient outcomes.

The VELYS Digital Surgery platform allows surgeons to perform highly accurate joint surgeries, guided by real-time data, with minimal risk of blood loss and bone damage. The system is designed to streamline the procedure, providing surgeons with digital insights, allowing them to plan and execute surgeries with unparalleled accuracy. Surgeons remain fully in control, with the robotic system acting as an advanced tool to assist in surgery, ensuring a tailored approach for each patient.

The Key Benefits of Robotic Surgery at Techno India DAMA Hospital are :

a. Reduced Surgery Time: The robotic system shortens the operating time, allowing more surgeries to be performed in a day (upto 6 – 8 procedures).

b. Minimized Radiation Exposure: The system does not require the use of CT scans or MRIs, minimizing patient exposure to radiation.

c. Higher Precision: Surgeons can plan the entire procedure digitally, increasing the accuracy and effectiveness of the surgery.

d. Quicker Recovery: The precision of robotic surgery leads to reduced soft tissue damage and a faster recovery time for patients.

e. Low Risk of Complications: The system ensures minimal blood loss and bone damage, providing safer outcomes for patients.

“At Techno India Group, we strive to blend innovation with compassion to redefine healthcare standards. The introduction of this progressive Robotic Technology at Techno India DAMA Hospital reflects our unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge advancements for enhancing patient outcomes and providing world-class care. Together, we aim to make precision medicine and advanced treatments accessible to all, setting a new benchmark for excellence in Eastern India. This initiative not only strengthens our leadership in the healthcare sector but also aligns with our vision to empower communities through transformative solutions. By integrating technology and expertise, we are paving the way for safer, more efficient medical procedures. Our goal is to create a future where superior healthcare is within everyone’s reach, ensuring better lives for generations to come.” said Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co Chairman Techno India Group.

“We are introducing this ground breaking robotic technology in Eastern India joining hands with VELYS Digital Surgery. We will now be able to offer our patients a much more advanced, efficient and precise way to treat orthopaedic ailments. This technology not only improves surgical outcomes but also reduces recovery time, offering our patients a higher quality of life,” said Dr Sourav Ghosh, Medical Director, Techno India DAMA Hospital.

As per Johnson & Johnson MedTech, the collaboration with Techno India DAMA Hospital marks a significant advancement in the application of robotic surgery. This innovative platform aims to augment surgical precision, thereby minimizing patient risks and improving recovery outcomes. By prioritizing minimally invasive techniques, the initiative seeks to optimize patient care, reduce lifestyle disruptions, and promote access to world-class medical solutions.

The new robotic surgery technology comes at a time when the demand for orthopedic treatments, particularly joint replacements and knee surgeries, are on the rise. With this technology, Techno India DAMA Hospital aims to make advanced orthopedic care more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric.

 Orange Business has designed, build, and will be operating the Cloud and Data Center Infrastructure

 Cutting-edge and future ready platform tailored to cater business needs in the country

 Initial 1st Phase capacity already operational at Manesar in the state of Haryana

Anant Raj Cloud, the wholly owned subsidiary of Indian real estate & infrastructure giant Anant Raj Limited, has teamed up with Orange Business to expand its offering in the country’s burgeoning cloud and data center market. This expansion is driven by the surge in digital adoption across various industries in the country.

Anant Raj Cloud launched its sovereign-cloud platform named ‘Ashok Cloud’ with an objective to provide tailored, secure, and robust cloud services alongside its data center business to enterprises and public sector undertakings in India. The company sought support in dimensioning resources, designing the right technical framework, and creating an overall governance model for its operations that addresses local data privacy and security regulations, promulgating a sovereign Cloud offering.

With a rich expertise in digital integration, Orange Business was chosen as the trusted technology partner to support Anant Raj Cloud’s digital transformational journey. Orange Business has designed, built, and is now operating multiple services for Anant Raj Cloud’s platform, including setting up a data center and cloud infrastructure to efficiently serve multiple customers while ensuring stringent data security and resource isolation. The deployment phase is completed, and ARC (Anant Raj Cloud) has already started onboarding its customers.

With a robust foundation of access controls, encryption mechanisms, and continuous monitoring, the Public Cloud Service provides a secure and scalable platform tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

In the future, Anant Raj Cloud plans to introduce additional services to support the growth of its customer’s businesses more effectively. These new offerings will be designed to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation, ultimately helping its customers to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Sovereign, Flexible, secure, and scalable infrastructure design

By storing data locally in data centers, Anant Raj Cloud will help its customers comply with data residency laws and other local sovereign requirements.

“The economic upturn in India and the Government of India’s push for data localization underscores enterprises’ increasing reliance on digital infrastructure. Together with our trusted technology partner, Orange Business, we are addressing this critical demand for flexible, secure, and scalable cloud services and robust data center capabilities to process ever-growing amounts of data, thanks to digital take-up and the rapid adoption of generative AI,” comments Gagan Singh, Chief Business Officer at Anant Raj Cloud.

Anant Raj Limited plans to further invest in its cloud capacity including a 307MW data center footprint across India, which will be at its existing facilities located in the towns of Manesar, Rai, and Panchkula.

“We are delighted to partner with Anant Raj Cloud to deliver a secure, reliable, future-proof infrastructure along with cutting-edge cloud services for its growing customer base, providing customized solutions that align perfectly with their business needs,” comments Chalapathi Rao, CEO, of Orange Business India.

December 19, 2024 – SanchiConnect, a DeepTech Enablement Network in partnership with YourNest Venture Capital announces investment through India’s biggest DeepTech accelerator programme, investing INR 48 crore in eight transformative startups under its Velocity Accelerator Program. This initiative, marking the largest DeepTech funding cohort of 2024, underscores Velocity’s position as India’s leading accelerator for emerging and DeepTech innovations. With this milestone, the program demonstrates its commitment to nurturing groundbreaking ideas and driving economic growth in the country’s startup ecosystem.

The seven-month-long program garnered an overwhelming response, receiving 1,280 applications from 23 states and six Union Territories, reflecting its national reach and inclusivity. After a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, eight exceptional startups were selected for their disruptive potential across various sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, healthcare, enterprise solutions, and artificial intelligence.

The eight selected startups exemplify innovation at its finest. Induz, for instance, leverages AI tools to automate and unify large-scale enterprise data, while LeanWorx offers cloud-based productivity monitoring systems for the manufacturing sector. Think Metal has developed a compact, cost-effective 3D metal printer that delivers 10x faster production at half the cost. Presage Insights uses advanced AI for predictive analytics to improve decision-making across industries. Superfone is India’s first app-based business phone number platform for SMBs, integrating telephony with business software. CargoFL employs AI-powered logistics solutions to optimize supply chains and improve operational efficiency. Finally, a couple of other groundbreaking startups complete this exceptional cohort.

Beyond funding, the Velocity Accelerator Program offers startups a comprehensive growth platform. In addition to financial support, the program provides expert mentorship, go-to-market strategies, and access to industry leaders. A key highlight of the program is a four-day immersive boot camp at IIT Kanpur’s Noida Campus. This boot camp includes workshops on branding, leadership, and team-building, along with cultural activities and fireside chats that foster both professional and personal growth. The program equips startups with the necessary tools and insights to overcome challenges, scale effectively, and seize global opportunities.

Sunil Goyal, Managing Director of YourNest Venture Capital, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Programs like Velocity are instrumental in unlocking India’s DeepTech potential. The diversity of this cohort, backed by SanchiConnect’s technological support, exemplifies how collaboration can drive scalable, real-world solutions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Sunil K. Shekhawat, Founder and CEO of SanchiConnect, remarked, “The Velocity Accelerator Program reflects SanchiConnect’s unwavering commitment to fostering a robust DeepTech ecosystem in India. Our role extends beyond funding; we leverage our business expertise and program management capabilities to provide VCs and investors with the tools, insights, and support needed to identify and nurture potential early jewels.”

This INR 48 crore investment marks a significant milestone in India’s startup ecosystem, spotlighting the role of DeepTech in driving economic growth and technological innovation. By bridging the gap between visionary startups and critical resources, the Velocity Accelerator Program paves the way for Indian startups to thrive on the global stage.