All posts by K S Krishna

New Delhi, 24th Dec 2024: NTPC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GRIDCO, a Govt. of Odisha undertaking for Energy and Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), the public transit agency of Govt. of Odisha, on 23rd December 2024, in Lok Sewa Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.

This tripartite MoU intends furthering the green energy technologies in Odisha, especially green hydrogen mobility scheme.

The MoU was exchanged among Shri DMR Panda, CGM (RE), NTPC, Shri Trilochan Panda, MD, GRIDCO and Dr N Thirumala Naik, IAS, MD, CRUT in the presence of Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Hon’ble Housing & Urban Development Minister, Govt of Odisha.

Shri V K Dev, IAS, Principal Secretary of Energy , Ms Usha Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and other senior officials from NTPC, GRIDCO, CRUT were present on this occasion.

NTPC will setup a green hydrogen fuelling station in Bhubaneswar along with hydrogen buses for short-haul and long-haul operation. This will open an option of phasing out fossil fuel buses in favour clean and green fuels, bringing decarbonisation and energy security. MNRE has contributed partially for setting up of this project in Bhubaneswar.

NTPC is successfully operating the green hydrogen blending project at Surat, Gujarat for last two years and already taken similar mobility initiatives at Leh, Ladakh, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Kandla, Gujarat. NTPC is also developing the green hydrogen hub in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and aims to reach 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.

New Delhi: Anytime Fitness, a nation’s leading fitness brand, celebrates a proud moment as its Managing Director, Mr. Vikas Jain, receives the prestigious ET Inspiring Leader 2024 Award – A Trusted Name in the Fitness and Health Industry. The award, a recognition of Mr. Jain’s visionary leadership and contributions to the fitness Industry in India, was presented by Bollywood veteran actor Anil Kapoor in a grand ceremony recently held in the national capital.

This recognition underscores Anytime Fitness’ commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle through its innovative approach, world-class facilities, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. With a network of over 140 gyms in India, Anytime Fitness has become a trusted name, empowering individuals to prioritize their fitness journeys with 24/7 convenience and personalized support.

On receiving the award, Mr. Vikas Jain expressed his gratitude, saying, “This honor is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team at Anytime Fitness. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can achieve their health and fitness goals. Receiving this award from a legend like Anil Kapoor is truly humbling and motivates us to continue inspiring lives.”

“Anil Kapoor, known for his commitment to fitness and wellness, applauded Anytime Fitness for its contributions to the health and fitness landscape, emphasizing the brand’s role in inspiring countless individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.” Mr Jain added.

The ET Inspiring Leader Award is a recognition of exceptional leadership and transformative contributions in respective industries. Mr. Vikas Jain’s achievement highlights his exceptional leadership in the fitness sector, showcasing a commitment to innovation, community engagement, and delivering impactful fitness solutions.

As Anytime Fitness continues to grow its presence across India, this accolade reaffirms its position as the go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts seeking convenience, quality, and expertise.

Crack Academy successfully hosted the Government Job Fair in Patiala, drawing enthusiastic responses from aspirants seeking government jobs. The event saw the participation of more than 500 candidates, making it a landmark gathering for government job seekers in the region.

The job fair featured expert speakers from Delhi who delivered insightful sessions on exam preparation, eligibility criteria, and effective strategies for tackling competitive exams. The aspirants received actionable tips, valuable guidance, and curated recommendations for books and study materials to help them on their preparation journey.

Commenting on the event’s success, Neeraj Kansal, Founder and CEO of Crack Academy, said, “It was overwhelming for us to receive such massive responses from aspirants. The fair underscored the importance of clear guidance and direction that candidates need to prepare for government exams. We are proud to have provided a platform that equips the aspirants with the tools, knowledge, and motivation needed to excel in their pursuit of government jobs.”

Crack Academy’s primary aim behind this initiative was to provide proper guidance to candidates, equipping them with the tools needed to realize their dreams of landing a government job. The event gave participants renewed clarity, motivation, and valuable insights, empowering them to approach their exam preparation with greater focus and confidence.

CHARLOTTE (Dec. 24, 2024) – Holiday blues are on the rise this year according to notable mental health counselor and life coach Veronda Bellamy– known for creating the Relevancy Factor® which received nationwide attention during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and seasonal depression due to high expectations both personally and by loved ones. According to a study by the American Heart Association, 79% of people surveyed agree that, during the holidays, they are so focused on creating special moments for others they overlook their own needs.

Happyology® Portal is an online, self-paced program designed to help participants free their mind while learning to be their authentic selves. The program includes disrupting the mental blocks and setbacks so that people can live more powerful, purposeful lives through analyzing, treatment, evolving and connecting. The vision of the program is to empower women to discover and disrupt the mundanity of living that has left them stagnant, unfulfilled or hopeless.

“Given the political climate along with the cost of living being at an all-time high while many people struggle to make ends meet; unprecedented stress and uncertainty almost feel normal and that is a huge problem,” said Bellamy. “People are learning to re-evaluate life and what makes them happy, the Happyology® methodology and course is designed to do just that. Pulling back to self-reflect and change paces can be a huge coping mechanism to help manage depression amongst many other ways to help navigate.”

Happyology® was developed after a recent survey in the journal JAMA Network Open found a three-fold increase in depression — from 8.5 percent before the pandemic to nearly 28 percent in late March and early April 2020. Anxiety also spiked about 30 percent of Americans experiencing clinically significant symptoms in the same period.

24 December 2024: As the countdown to 2025 begins, India’s premier Gaming and Hospitality Brand ‘Deltin’ is all set to redefine New Year celebrations with its highly anticipated ‘MegaPlay’ event on board Deltin Royale & Deltin Jaqk in Goa. Taking place from December 27, 2024, to January 1, 2025, this six-day spectacular promises an unforgettable blend of music, dance, and awe-inspiring performances.

The festivities promise an electrifying lineup of performances designed to captivate and dazzle audiences. On New Year’s Eve, Deltin Royale will host Rahul Vaidya, renowned singer known for his stellar runs on Indian Idol 1 and Bigg Boss 14, while Deltin Jaqk will come alive with the sensational Shanmukha Priya, the Indian Idol 12 finalist celebrated for her powerful voice and standout performances on The Voice. Throughout the week, the renowned dance duo Tarun & Shivani will set the stage ablaze at Deltin Royale, while Reality show dancers ‘Shivam & Sonali Kar’ will dazzle guests at Deltin Jaqk.

Adding to the grandeur, Deltin Royale and Deltin Jaqk will also feature a mesmerizing array of acts including Vegas and Bollywood dancers performing mesmerizing dance medleys, plus illusionists, bands, acrobats, instrumentalists and a whole lot more.

Mr. Manoj Jain, COO of Delta Corp Ltd, expressed his excitement for the MegaPlay event and said “The year has been filled with remarkable entertainment, and as we approach its final moments, we are dedicated to giving our guests an unforgettable farewell to 2024 and a spectacular welcome to 2025. With ‘MegaPlay,’ we promise an extraordinary week-long celebration, featuring stellar performances and unparalleled experiences. We invite everyone to join us in making this New Year’s Eve truly legendary.”
Set against the luxurious backdrop of Deltin Royale and Deltin Jaqk, ‘MegaPlay’ will offer a blend of sophistication, energy, and excitement that caters to every reveller’s taste. This celebration offers not only exceptional performances but also the opportunity to savour gourmet cuisine, engage in thrilling games, win exciting prizes and experience the unparalleled hospitality that defines the ‘Deltin Life’.

For those looking to bid farewell to 2024 and embrace 2025 with style, ‘MegaPlay’ is the destination of choice. Deltin Royale and Deltin Jaqk are ready to welcome guests to a New Year’s celebration that will be etched in memory long after the clock strikes midnight.

Panchjanya is set to organize the ‘Sagar Manthan: Good Governance Dialogue 2024’ on December 24, 2024. The event marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, celebrated nationwide as Good Governance Day. This year, Panchjanya will commemorate his birth centenary, making the occasion even more significant. The program’s theme draws inspiration from Vajpayee Ji’s governance model, emphasizing good governance and development.

The ‘Sagar Manthan: Good Governance Dialogue 2024’ will be hosted at Novotel Dona Sylvia in South Goa from 11 AM to 5 PM. The event will also be streamed live on Panchjanya’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

The Chief Guest for the event will be the Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant, who will engage in discussions on governance, development, and other critical issues. In the program, Shri Gopal Arya Ji, Akhil Bharatiya Sanyojak of Paryavaran SanrakshanGatividhiyan, will address the topic “Prakriti Bhi Pragati Bhi.” In addition, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik (Union Minister of State) will share his valuable insights on “Good Governance: A Synchronization,” the renowned thinker and Chairman of India Foundation, Shri Ram Madhav Ji, will present his views on the topic “Naya Vishva aur Bharat Uday,” discussing the emergence of a new global order and India’s rising role on the world stage” whereas Shri Hitesh Shankar (Editor of Panchjanya) will address the gathering alongside Shri Arun Goyal (Managing Director of Panchjanya).

On this day-long thought-provoking event, Shri Navin Sehgal (Chairman of Prasar Bharati) will share his views on “Atal’s Vision for Governance” and Smt. RivabaJadeja (MLA from Gujarat) will speak on “Good Governance by Women,” Shri Jayen Mehta (Managing Director of Amul) will highlight the importance of cooperation in governance with his talk, “Collaborative Impact,” and Shri Chandraprakash Dwivedi, renowned filmmaker, will discuss “What Dharma says about Governance.”

Other distinguished personalities will also share their insights on governance and development. The event will also showcase a cultural presentation of Goa’s traditional dances and live performances on musical instruments by artistes of Sanskar Bharati, adding a touch of local heritage to the proceedings.

24th December 2024: In a heartfelt tribute to the backbone of India’s agriculture, BigBasket, a TATA Enterprise, marked Kisan Diwas with a host of initiatives to honor the contributions of farmers across the country. With its ongoing commitment to empowering farmers, BigBasket celebrated the day by connecting with over 5,000 farmers through personalized letters from CEO Hari Menon and heartfelt messages from customers, expressing gratitude for their dedication and hard work.

The letters, delivered to farmers at Bigbasket’s 77 collection centers across India, emphasized the critical role farmers play in ensuring fresh, healthy meals for millions of households. The CEO’s message expressed deep appreciation for the enduring partnership, celebrating the efforts of farmers who make every harvest a success. Adding a unique dimension, customers also contributed messages of thanks, creating a direct connection between consumers and the farmers who sustain them.

To further mark the occasion, bigbasket hosted a special Farmer Felicitation Event at its Chintamani Collection Center in Karnataka on December 20, 2024. Farmers were recognized with mementoes for their exceptional contributions, followed by a community lunch. The event brought together farmers and bigbasket representatives in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration.

Speaking about this, Hari Menon, CEO & Co-Founder, bigbasket, stated, “At bigbasket, we owe our success to the efforts of our farmer partners. On Kisan Diwas, we wanted to go beyond business and celebrate their invaluable contribution to society. These personalized letters and customer messages are a small token of our gratitude, and we look forward to continuing this journey of mutual growth.”

BigBasket’s Kisan Diwas celebrations are part of its broader efforts to uplift and empower over 30,000 farmers through direct partnerships and collaboration with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). By eliminating intermediaries, the company ensures fair prices and access to a larger market for farmers.

BigBasket has made organic products more accessible by eliminating the cost disparity between organic and conventional produce. This move has driven significant growth, with organic fruits and vegetables contributing 25% of total fresh produce sales. Leveraging cutting-edge tools like geotagging, weather risk management, and digital labeling systems, BigBasket ensures high-quality, traceable, and fresh produce while mitigating climate-related risks for farmers.

BigBasket has grown its farmer network by over 60% year-on-year, bringing more small and marginal farmers into its supply chain and enabling them to tap into a wide consumer base.

Through initiatives like these, BigBasket has cemented its position as a trusted partner for farmers and customers alike, fostering a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.

Accor, a global leader in hospitality, proudly announces its double win at the Travel+Leisure India’s Best Awards 2024, securing prestigious accolades in two key categories: Best Hotel Group in the World, and Best Loyalty Programme for the Group’s ALL loyalty programme.

The awards, presented on 12 December 2024, reaffirm Accor’s position as a leader in the global hospitality industry. These recognitions highlight Accor’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and creating meaningful connections with its guests and loyalty members.
Being named the Best Hotel Group in the World reflects Accor’s dedication to redefining hospitality through its diverse portfolio of over 45 brands, ranging from luxury to economy, and

its presence in more than 110 countries. The award underscores Accor’s ability to combine innovation with heartfelt service, creating exceptional moments for its guests worldwide.

The recognition of ALL as the Best Loyalty Programme showcases the programme’s innovative approach to rewarding members with a comprehensive suite of personalised benefits. From exclusive travel experiences to elite status recognition, ALL continues to enhance the way loyalty is experienced, embodying Accor’s promise to go beyond expectations.

Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer, Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia Pacific, Premium, Midscale & Economy at Accor, expressed her delight at receiving the honours, “We are incredibly honoured by these two prestigious accolades. Being recognised as the Best Hotel Group in the World and having ALL acknowledged for its exceptional benefits is a testament to the passion and dedication of our teams globally. These awards inspire us to continue elevating the experiences we deliver to our guests and members and to keep setting new benchmarks for excellence in hospitality.”

The Travel+Leisure India’s Best Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the travel and hospitality industry, honouring brands that consistently provide unparalleled service and innovative experiences.
With these accolades, Accor further strengthens its position as a global leader in hospitality, remaining steadfast in its mission to redefine excellence through innovation, sustainability, and heartfelt care.

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

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

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

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

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

24th December 2024: Mr. K L Ramesh has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC), effective 23rd December 2024. The announcement was made during the recent Governing Council meeting, where Mr. Ramesh was welcomed with great enthusiasm. Mr. Ramesh brings a wealth of experience in leadership roles across various organizations. He has served as Vice President (1996–1998) and President (1998–2000) of the All India Agarbathi Manufacturers Association (AIAMA), Chairman of FAME R&D Center (2000–2004), and Regional Convener (South Zone) and Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). His extensive contributions include roles as Chairman of the Import Raw Materials Committee at Karnataka Agarbathi Manufacturers Cooperative Society (KSAMCS) and Co-Chairman of the Governing Council at HCSSC, New Delhi.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Mr. Ramesh has actively contributed to social and community services. He is the President of Sri Sai Kutumbam Charitable Trust, Trustee of the Sri Shirdi Saibaba Temple Trust (Channapattana), and General Secretary of Asha Kiran Dialysis Center under AMCT. Mr. Ramesh is also a Member of the Community Services Committee of the Rotary Club of Bangalore and COA Member of Rotary Bangalore Vidyalaya.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Ramesh said, I am deeply honored to take on this prestigious role as Chairman of the Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council. This opportunity allows me to work closely with a diverse group of stakeholders, including artisans, industry leaders, government bodies, and training partners, to collectively uplift and empower our skilled workforce. My focus will be on fostering innovation, enhancing skill development initiatives, and creating sustainable opportunities that ensure the growth and prosperity of the handicrafts and carpet sectors. Together, we can preserve the rich cultural heritage of our crafts while equipping artisans with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive, modern economy.