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Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa is delighted to announce the appointment of Firoz Sarwar as the new Associate Director of Sales. As an institute topper and a scholarship holder in MBA (Marketing) and B.E. (IT), Firoz comes with a brilliant academic track record along with a well-rounded professional experience of over 17 years in luxury hospitality sales and business development with some of the most prestigious brands in the industry.

As a Sales leader, Firoz has been associated with renowned luxury hospitality brands including Sofitel and The Leela. His track record includes notable achievements such as being named “Sales Person of the Year” and “Top Yield Achiever” during his tenure at The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts. His strategic business acumen, eye for detail and exceptional leadership brings in wealth of experience and expertise to our team.

In his new role, Firoz will oversee the strategic direction of the sales department, driving key initiatives to enhance the resort’s market presence. With a deep understanding of both business and leisure segments, he will focus on optimizing hotel’s revenue performance and strengthening client relationships.

As an Associate Director of Sales, Firoz will lead a dynamic team, driving sales strategies that cater to both domestic and international markets. He will also focus on leveraging the unique features of Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar, positioning the resort as a premier destination for leisure and business travelers.

Anand Choubey, General Manager of Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, said, “We are excited to welcome Firoz Sarwar to our leadership team. His vast experience and proven track record in driving sales within the luxury hospitality sector make him an invaluable asset. We are confident that under his able leadership and direction, the resort will continue to reach new heights and deliver exceptional experiences for our guests and partners alike.”

In his leisure time, Firoz loves to go on long-drives and explore new places. He also has deep interests and immense knowledge towards advance astrology.

Mumbai, October 18, 2024: Beauty Garage Professional, a leading Made-in-India brand revolutionizing the hair care industry, has been recognized at the ET Business Leaders Awards 2024, receiving the prestigious title of True Made-in-India Hair Care Brand Transforming the Industry. This accolade reaffirms the brand’s commitment to revolutionizing the sector by offering safe, innovative, and high-performance products that cater to the diverse hair care needs of Indian consumers.

Founded in 2017 by Mahesh and Jigar Ravaria, Beauty Garage Professional has disrupted the market by providing an Indian alternative in a domain previously dominated by international products. The brand’s rise has been meteoric, driven by its relentless focus on quality, safety, and technological advancement.

Mr. Mahesh Ravaria, Co-founder and CEO of Beauty Garage Professional stated, “This recognition from ET Business Leaders 2024 is a testament to our mission of delivering world-class, Made-in-India products that redefine hair care. It motivates us to continue innovating and setting new benchmarks in the industry,”

Since its inception, the brand has grown at an impressive rate of 60% annually, expanding its presence to over 5,000 salons nationwide and establishing a robust distribution network of 100+ partners. Beauty Garage Professional currently boasts a diverse portfolio of 110 SKUs and continues to set the standard for hair care innovation and excellence in the market.

In addition to the ET Business Leaders Award, Beauty Garage Professional was recently named Best Manufacturer of Hair Care Products at the National Feather Awards 2024 and was recognized in Entrepreneurs Today’s 40 Under 40 list for 2024, further cementing its position as a leader in the hair care industry.

New Delhi, October 18, 2024: LPU’s School of Agriculture recently hosted an International Conference on “Recent Trends in Smart and Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Nutritional Security-2024.” The conference aimed to tackle critical challenges in global food systems by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It brought together experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge, innovations, and best practices to enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability. Key focus areas included sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, post-harvest management, value addition, technological advances in food and human nutrition, agricultural policy, extension, and public health.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU presented as the chief guest of the event. Other distinguished attendees included Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro Chancellor of LPU, and Guest of Honors Dr. S.K. Malhotra VC of MHU Karnal, Dr. J.S. Sandhu former DDG (Crop Science) at ICAR, Dr. R.G. Aggarwal Chairman of Dhanuka Agritech Limited.

Other eminent speakers, including Dr. Naveen Shivanna, Dr. Dilfuza J. Pushkinova from Uzbekistan, Dr. Anil Kumar Anal from Thailand, and Dr. Pankaj B. Pathare from Oman also presented and shared their insights and experiences in sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal remarked on the perception of agriculture among the younger generation, stating that despite its historical significance as the world’s first profession, many view it as low-profile. Dr. Mittal emphasized the essential role of farmers as the backbone of any country and called for policy reforms to support them better.

Dr. S.K. Malhotra stated that the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project address climate change challenges in agriculture through research and development. To effectively implement climate-resilient farming, state governments should upscale smart and sustainable practices at the village level. This integrated approach includes developing tolerant crop varieties, promoting protected cultivation, utilizing eco-friendly soil and plant health management, and employing AI-based solutions and efficient water and nutrient technologies.

Prof. Dr. J.S. Sandhu, delivered the Lecture on Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Memorial. He stated Dr. Swaminathan as the visionary father of India’s Green Revolution, noting that his groundbreaking work not only transformed India’s agricultural landscape but also laid the groundwork for global food security, impacting millions of lives.

In his address, Dr. R.G. Aggarwal highlighted the transformative power of innovation in Indian agriculture. He noted that while Indian agriculture is experiencing positive growth, productivity in many crop segments lags behind global standards. This, he attributed primarily to farmers’ limited adoption of modern technology, non-remunerative crop prices, and the need for quality agricultural inputs. He stressed that enhancing these factors could significantly improve farmers’ incomes and overall prosperity.

The conference provided an invaluable platform for students to learn about the latest innovations, sustainable practices, and emerging trends shaping global agriculture and food security.

18 October 2024, Mumbai: The India Clean Up Confluence 2024 is set to convene on October 20th at G5A in Mumbai. This landmark summit, organized by Carter Clean Up and Greenmyna, will unite leaders from clean-up movements, government bodies, corporations, and the public to initiate dialogue and foster collaboration on sustainable solutions for a cleaner, healthier environment.

The confluence will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers from various sectors, including environmentalists, policymakers, and activists. Esteemed speakers include Dia Mirza, Actor, Producer, & UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador; Pradeep Sangwan, Founder of Healing Himalayas; Swati Singh Sambyal, Author and Captain D.C. Sekhar, Founder & Managing Director of AlphaMERS Ltd.

Expressing her thoughts on the event, Actor and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza shared, “The India Clean Up Confluence isn’t just an event—it’s the beginning of a nationwide movement. For the first time in India, clean-up communities from across the country will come together under one roof to share experiences, strategize solutions, and build strong partnerships. I’m excited to contribute insights and engage in conversations that will empower clean-up efforts nationwide, fostering lasting change.”

The event is being organized by a dedicated team of industry thought leaders comprising Ashwin Malwade, Nupur Agarwal, Maansi Desai, Freishia B, and Harold Fernandes, who have been instrumental in shaping this first-of-its-kind initiative in India.

Expressing their excitement about the upcoming India Cleanup Confluence, the team members Freishia B, Nupur Agarwal, Harold Fernandes, Ashwin Malwade and Maansi Desai said, “This confluence marks a critical turning point for Mumbai and India. With India generating an estimated 62 million tonnes of waste annually and only a fraction being treated, the need for a collaborative approach and innovative solutions becomes more crucial than ever. By uniting stakeholders from all sectors, we foster meaningful collaboration and shape a more sustainable future. The confluence is in line with the UN’s sustainable goals, especially SDG 11 aimed at creating sustainable and resilient cities, and SDG 13 aimed at evoking action to combat climate change. The actionable outcomes of this event will serve as a roadmap for creating lasting environmental change, with communities, businesses, and the government working hand in hand.”

Key Panels and Agendas

Innovating for a Cleaner Tomorrow: Aimed at exploring New Solutions and the Future of Clean-Up Movements, this panel will delve into cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies for waste management and pollution reduction, offering insights into the future of clean-up movements. The aim is to foster collaborations to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution caused by poor waste management.

Navigating the Landscape of Clean-Ups: Focused on grassroots movements, this session will address the practical challenges and successes of clean-up initiatives, offering solutions for scaling them across the country.

Regulatory Frameworks for a Sustainable Future: This discussion will explore the role of effective policies and government regulations in driving long-term environmental change and supporting sustainable waste management.

The India Clean Up Confluence 2024 (ICUC), with the vision “Together for a Better Tomorrow”, aims to leave a lasting impact by raising awareness of pollution’s environmental consequences, strengthening partnerships between grassroots movements, policymakers, and corporations, and generating innovative solutions to tackle India’s waste management challenges. The event will culminate in a comprehensive action plan outlining concrete steps toward a cleaner, greener future for the nation. The event is proudly sponsored by Listenlights and AGF, whose support has been instrumental in making this initiative a reality.

Mumbai, Thursday, 18 October 2024 — DCW Limited, a leading specialty chemical company in India, has announced a significant investment to expand its CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) production capacity from 20,000 metric tonnes (MT) to 50,000 MT. This expansion involves increasing capacity by 30,000 MT through a combination of new installations, de-bottlenecking existing facilities, and process optimization.

The capacity increase will be rolled out in phases, with 20,000 MT expected to be operational in the second half of Q2 FY26 and an additional 10,000 MT by the end of FY26. This phased approach ensures rigorous quality control while effectively meeting the growing demand for CPVC, which is renowned for its superior thermal and chemical resistance properties in construction, plumbing, and industrial piping applications.

DCW Limited’s competitive edge lies in its ability to use its own S-PVC (Suspension PVC) as a raw material when market conditions are favourable. This capability guarantees a consistent quality and supply of inputs for CPVC production, further strengthening the company’s position in the market.

The total investment of Rs. 140 crore aligns with the rising demand for CPVC across various sectors. To maintain financial prudence, DCW Limited plans to fund approximately 30% of the project through internal accruals and balance through debt, but maintaining its position for a reduction in overall debt in the coming years.

Saatvik Jain, President of DCW Limited commented:

“This investment is a key pillar of our growth-with-deleveraging strategy, which allows us to expand while maintaining a strong financial position. By utilising our existing infrastructure and expertise for growth, we are positioning DCW as a major player in the specialty chemical space. With a demand-supply mismatch for CPVC in India, this expansion further aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of our Hon’ Prime Minister and supports the country’s growing infrastructure needs. This capacity expansion positions DCW Limited to further solidify its leadership in the specialty chemicals market catering to more sophisticated and stable end-user markets, ensuring better profitability and long-term growth opportunities.”

Bengaluru, October 18, 2024 – Leading corporations have highlighted the need for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives to intensify capacity building and scaling-up resources to sustain and improve quality of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in schools across India. CSR representatives of these corporations made the suggestions at a Roundtable conference organised by Prayoga that examined the influential role of CSR in effective STEM education. Prayoga is recognized as a Science and Industrial Research Organization by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Union Ministry of Science and Technology.

The roundtable delved into the challenges of the current education system, emphasising the importance of transitioning from traditional, theory-heavy teaching methods to interactive, experiential learning approaches. A key objective was to explore the dimensions of capacity building for teachers, especially in under-resourced and rural areas, where the education gap is most pronounced, ensuring that the students actively engage and understand the information they receive, while ensuring the social and emotional well-being of students.

“We have received highly positive feedback from participants,” said Dr. H. S. Nagaraja, Founder and Chief Mentor, Prayoga. “It was inspiring to see CSR stakeholders unite to discuss ways to enhance STEM education across India. One crucial missing element in our education system is research. Integrating research and inquiry-based learning into classrooms is essential to prepare a future-ready workforce. At Prayoga, we are dedicated to advancing this initiative, understanding that reaching our objective requires collective engagement. We are eager to leverage the momentum generated by this event to further our mission of enhancing STEM education in rural schools.”

The event underscored the significance of continuous professional development for educators, highlighting their dual role as knowledge providers and drivers of innovation. Participants stressed the necessity of investing in educational infrastructure, including STEM labs and digital resources, to enhance teaching effectiveness. Such investments, along with sustained teacher training programs, are deemed vital for the growth of STEM initiatives.

“Critical and creative thinking skills are essential in 21st-century education, particularly within STEM fields. Without fostering the ability to question, challenge, and innovate, we risk inadequately preparing students for their future. If students cannot seek, question, or innovate, then perhaps we are not preparing them for anything at all. Today, assessments must go beyond teaching methods and rote learning to assessing these very basic but powerful skills. Enhancing teacher capabilities and capacities is crucial, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives should significantly contribute to this effort. By implementing experiential learning and other such modern methods of teaching, to bridge the gap that continues to linger between mainstream education and the skills that students need to develop. Scaling up through CSR partnerships allows this model of effectiveness to be replicated in more schools, opening doors to sustainable improvement in STEM education,” noted Dr M Pundaleeka Kamath, Lead – Integrated Community Development Programs – Bosch India Foundation.

“STEM education extends beyond the four walls of a classroom, thriving within a community where students can actively apply their learning. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives play a key role in fostering such a culture by engaging schools, families, and other key stakeholders to provide essential support to students, providing materials that can help sustain this creative flow of knowledge. By collaborating with key stakeholders, CSR can improve the scale and impact of STEM programs. It is also essential to focus on the communication skills of the student as many have great knowledge but cannot present it well. It is thereby important for the school leadership and supportive households to empower students to advance and effectively utilise their educational experiences,” highlighted Mr. Nagabhushana K, Head- IR, SEG Automotive.

The need for creating a supportive ecosystem—where parents, teachers, and students are engaged in the learning process—is essential for fostering a mindset of lifelong learning and innovation. CSR programs were seen as instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and practice by providing schools with the resources and expertise needed to integrate STEM into everyday learning.

Looking ahead, Prayoga plans to strengthen collaborations with corporate partners to build sustainable, scalable solutions that transform STEM education at the grassroots level. These efforts will ensure that students not only receive quality education but are also equipped with the skills and competencies necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Through such initiatives, Prayoga continues to achieve its vision of nurturing scientific curiosity and developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Pune, 18 October 2024: Neolite ZKW, a leading name in the automotive lighting industry, recently inaugurated their cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Pune, Maharashtra. The new plant will strengthen the company’s production capabilities and marks a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainable and energy-efficient manufacturing. The Ground breaking Ceremony had Mr. Venkatram M, Managing Director, Groupe Renault, as the Chief Guest and in attendance were some senior dignitaries from various OEM’s along with Mr. Rajesh Jain, Managing Director, NEOLITE ZKW, and other board members.

As part of Neolite’s vision to be the most preferred partner in the automotive lighting sector, the Pune plant has been designed with cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices. The facility complies with Green Building Standards, incorporates energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and features advanced material movement systems, including AGVs and Overhead Conveyors. With a focus on Industry 4.0 and 5.0, the plant is equipped with digital factory concepts, ensuring high levels of automation and efficiency. Neolite ZKW has long been at the forefront of innovation in automotive lighting. The company continues to invest in the latest technologies, such as high-resolution LED headlights for Adaptive Lighting Systems and the exploration of laser light as the next big step forward in the industry. The Pune facility reflects Neolite’s commitment to staying ahead in the automotive lighting space, supporting it’s vision of being the future of lighting technology.

With sustainability at its core, the Pune plant adopts zero-discharge processes with water recycling and Re- use initiatives. These eco-friendly measures are a part of Neolite ZKW’s larger goal to build a greener and more sustainable manufacturing environment, supporting both local and global OEM partners.

Rajesh Jain, Managing Director of NEOLITE ZKW, commented on the launch, stating, “The inauguration of our new Pune plant is a significant milestone in our pursuit of leadership in automotive lighting innovation. This facility enhances our capability to cater to the evolving needs of the Passenger Vehicle Segment by providing cutting-edge lighting solutions tailored to the market’s demands. We are committed to delivering superior quality and performance, and this new plant will play a crucial role in achieving that goal.”

Rajesh Soni, Chief Executive Officer of Neolite ZKW, further emphasized the strategic importance of the new plant, stating, “By establishing this facility in Pune, we are bringing our operations closer to our key customers. This move allows us to offer greater convenience and quicker response times to our valuable customers. As we continue to grow, we aim to replicate this level of proximity with some of our major clients as well, ensuring that our innovative products are readily accessible to support their evolving requirements.

This new facility is an important step toward fulfilling Neolite ZKW’s mission to exceed customer expectations, all while upholding world-class industry practices and setting new benchmarks in the automotive lighting sector.

National, 18 October 2024: ixigo, India’s leading OTA for the next billion users, has launched an innovative video generated entirely by artificial intelligence on its social media platforms. The video titled, “Udaan Ki Hai Ab Apni Baari,” celebrates the spirit of air travel, featuring music, background voice, lyrics, graphics & motion—all created using AI.

The video offers a fresh and creative take on travel, showcasing how emerging technologies can transform traditional content creation to deliver engaging social media content that resonates with travel enthusiasts. Featuring elements that capture the beauty of air travel like the serene view of clouds from the window seat and the thrill of soaring at heights, the video brings the essence of Udaan Ki Hai Ab Apni Baari to life. From catchy tunes to vibrant visuals, the seamless integration of 100% AI-generated content reflects ixigo’s innovative approach in the digital content space.

Delhi: Volkswagen India has announced mega-deliveries of its most loved cars in the Delhi-NCR region. Celebrating the festive occasion of Navaratri & Dussehra, the brand delivered 300 cars to its customers across the national capital region. Highlighting customer excitement for the highly aspirational and advanced Volkswagen cars – Taigun, Virtus and Tiguan, the mega-deliveries present the discerning choice of customers for key facets of Build Quality, Safety and Fun-to-Drive that resonate with the brand’s products and services.

Volkswagen India has continued to driving customer excitement through its annual festive extravaganza – Volksfest with exciting offers and benefits for customers across India. The brand has continued to deliver exceptional products that epitomize the thrill of driving and with Volksfest 2024, the brand has taken festivities closer to customers with curated activities such as ‘Trust Drives’ and ‘Experience Zones’ across malls in 14 major metropolitans of India.

The brand has also launched the highly anticipated Virtus GT Line and Virtus GT Plus Sport in October this year. The Virtus GT Line has been conceptualized to offer customers an accessible price point with advanced features and powerful performance, while the Virtus GT Plus Sport epitomizes the quintessential motoring spirit in a black themed avatar. The brand has also introduced an enhanced feature package for the Taigun GT Line while reinvigorating the line structure with the introduction of a new Highline Plus variant for both India 2.0 cars, thereby giving customers more for less at a highly competitive price point.

October 18, 2024: Shell India has announced the launch of new EdTech initiatives, aimed at providing the next generation a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. The programmes use advanced digital learning tools and leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to identify individual learning gaps and provide customised learning interventions. Developed in collaboration with Pratham Infotech Foundation, Education Initiatives, and Khan Academy, the new initiatives build on the success of Shell’s global flagship programme, NXplorers, which is implemented by Learning Links Foundation and Smile Foundation and has benefitted over 3 lakh students across India.

Introducing the new programmes, Latika Taneja, Head of Corporate Relations, Shell India added, “At Shell, we are more than just advocates for STEM education; we are its passionate champions! With these new innovative programmes, we are excited to harness the power of digital technology to design personalised learning curriculum and make learning more fun and interactive. Our new partnerships, coupled with our ongoing association with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission for NXplorers, are pivotal to our mission of fostering inclusive growth and empowering the next generation.”

Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, AIM, NITI Aayog, said, “When systems thinking is harnessed effectively, it can spark transformative movements. Shell’s NXplorers programme demystifies complex systems thinking, transforming it into engaging workshops that empower students to become innovative problem solvers. As we are expanding our partnership with Shell India, we aim to reach more students, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to India’s growing innovation ecosystem.”

In the coming years, these programmes will be implemented in multiple schools across Delhi NCR, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Comprehensive teacher training will accompany these efforts to create a dynamic and personalised learning environment, enabling students to overcome foundational learning gaps and gain access to advanced STEM skills.

Shell India will further expand its ongoing NXplorers programme, which aims to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Building on the successful pilot in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, the programmes will now scale to more schools over the next three years.