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Hyderabad, June 26th, 2025: Shree Jagannath Swamy Ramgopal Trust has been organising the Rath Yatra for the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subadra every year, coinciding with the Rath Yatra at Jagannath Puri. The trust has been conducting this Rath Yatra regularly from the last 130 years from the Jagannath Temple at General Bazaar, Secunderabad.

Mr. Purshottam Malani, Founder Family Trustee – Shree Jagannath Swamy Ramgopal Trust said, “It is with great joy that we announce the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath. We expect that devotees from Secunderabad & Hyderabad will seek the blessings of the Lord in large numbers”. He further requested all to note the below timings and plan Darshan accordingly.

The temple gates will be opened for Darshan from 6:15 AM and will be closed by 1:00 PM. Thereafter, the Rath Yatra procession is scheduled to start from the temple at 4:00 PM and after passing through General Bazar, it is scheduled to be at M.G. Road from 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM, after which it will pass through Hill Street, Ranigunj and will reach back to the temple at around 4:00 AM the following morning.

Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik stated “Goa is often synonymous with sun, sand, and beaches—and rightly so. But there’s a deeper story waiting to be told. As India’s first state to adopt regenerative tourism, we are redefining travel by blending nature, culture, and community into experiences that are both meaningful and memorable. Our latest campaign, #GlowOnArrival, celebrates this spirit—inviting travellers to discover Goa’s monsoons through forest walks, wellness retreats, heritage homestays, and vibrant village life. With growing international connectivity and enhanced infrastructure, including the new Mopa airport, Goa is also fast emerging as a destination for MICE, weddings, and adventure. We warmly welcome our friends from Kazakhstan to explore this soulful, sustainable, and spirited side of Goa.”

Sambalpur, Odisha | June 26th, 2025: Reinforcing its strong commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility and cultural preservation, IIM Sambalpur in collaboration with Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the University of Maryland has taken center stage in Odisha’s Journey towards economic transformation. Through the Economic Transition Coalition Odisha (ETCO), IIM Sambalpur is co-authoring a strategic plan to integrate jobs, growth and sustainability with in the state.  

It is through a white paper published by ETCO that ETCO leverages the deep local expertise of IIM Sambalpur and Odisha’s industry and academic leaders, insights from CGS’s work on energy transition in India and other regions.  The whitepaper titled, “A New Economic Transition Framework for Jobs, Growth, and Sustainability in Odisha” describes an extensive vision for Odisha to become a high-income, inclusive, and Net-zero economy by 2050. This partnership highlights a five-pronged strategy focusing on high and equitable incomes, sustainable food systems, climate resilience, zero biodiversity loss, and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “Sustainability at IIM Sambalpur is not confined to buildings or rankings. As, we know that Odisha is on the cusp of a historic moment to lead India’s global sustainable development narrative. IIM Sambalpur’s role as a partner in this coalition is a perfect example of how academia can impact policy and can create profound change across from industry. As a leading partner in ETCO, IIM Sambalpur has been instrumental in identifying policy actions and strategic frameworks needed to ensure Odisha becomes a hub for green manufacturing, renewable energy, and inclusive development which include Transition Strategy for workers in mining and thermal sectors, promotion of green technologies such as green steel, carbon capture, and hydrogen-based energy systems. Establishment of climate-resilient infrastructure in response to Odisha’s vulnerability to natural disasters, strong focus on biodiversity conservation, reducing animal-human conflict, and creating artificial habitats and eco-corridors and Sustainable food systems supporting equitable farmer incomes, agroforestry, and soil carbon rejuvenation are also crucial. With a vision aligned to India’s net-zero goals and NEP 2020’s call for interdisciplinary collaboration, IIM Sambalpur is redefining what it means to be a business school in the 21st century not just creating managers but enabling sustainable nation builders.”

Additionally, the framework also proposes leveraging Odisha’s mineral-rich landscape and long coastline to evolve into a global green manufacturing and export hub, while ensuring environmental safeguards and community participation remain paramount.

The artist dreams of setting up a Museum of Live Statues in Hyderabad in PPP Mode.

Hyderabad, June 25, 2025 — Dr. A. Rajesh, a renowned live statue artist from Hyderabad, has been honored with a rare distinction for his remarkable creation: a live statue of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, which has been accepted by the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust and is now installed in the main temple complex in Shirdi. This makes Dr. Rajesh the only artist in the country to receive such esteemed recognition.

Dr. Rajesh’s live statue of Sai Baba is the first ever to be accepted and installed by the Shree Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, making this an exclusive and monumental event in both the art and spiritual realms.

Live statues, especially of revered figures like Sai Baba, are gaining traction as a new form of cultural tourism, bringing in visitors and devotees to see these interactive sculptures that blend spirituality and art said Rajesh while interacting with the media in the city.

A graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNFAU), Dr. Rajesh has brought the revered figure of Shirdi Sai Baba to life through his live statue, capturing the attention of the temple authorities. His creation was not only embraced but also installed within the temple’s sacred premises, alongside six additional live statues of Sai Baba, each made and donated by devotees.

In a statement, Dr. Rajesh expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a rare honour, and a deeply emotional experience. For me, these live statues are more than just art — they bring memories and loved ones back to life.”

Live Statue artists are very few in the country, a handful of them. On average, all these artists spread across India produce about 20 live statues a year. But, this trend is catching up says Dr Rajesh.

It is Rajesh’s dream to set up a “Museum of Live Statues”, something similar to Madame Tussauds in London. He wants to set up a PPP model where he needs two acres of land and corporate support to create 100 live life-size statues of well-known artists in India, as well as Freedom Fighters. He is looking at the investment or support to the extent of Rs 20 to 30 crores for the museum. It is his dream. This could become a major tourism attraction, he said. We can bring to life the heroes of the past

He is also looking for some challenging work. He feels that artists are not getting the support from the government that they deserve.

Dr. Rajesh’s portfolio spans over 50 live statues, along with more than 100 other works of art, including murals, paintings, and sculptures. He has dedicated his career to creating life-like statues that celebrate the lives of revered figures and the memories of lost loved ones. His technique, blending fibreglass and resin, results in lightweight yet durable statues that evoke a profound sense of realism.

“These live statues are not just representations; they are a way to bring the past into the present, allowing us to interact with the memories of those who have passed,” he shared. His creations include life-sized statues of deceased people, helping families preserve their cherished memories. Notably, one of his most heartfelt works is a live statue of his late mother, which he created as a personal tribute.

The concept of live statues is rapidly gaining popularity in India, resonating deeply with the country’s rich tradition of idol worship and reverence for historical and spiritual figures. Through his work, Dr. Rajesh brings to life the revered saints and national icons like Sai Baba and Mahatma Gandhi, offering a fresh and interactive experience for today’s audience. This growing trend highlights India’s longstanding craftsmanship and the innovative ways in which artists like Dr. Rajesh are blending tradition with modern-day artistry.

Over his 16-year career, Dr. Rajesh has earned recognition from prestigious institutions such as Hetero Drugs, NFCL, the Tourism Department, Salarjung Museum, HMDA, and GHMC. His works continue to capture the imagination of those who value the fusion of art, history, and memory.

Dr. Rajesh is not just an artist, but a pioneer who has created a new genre of art that links India’s rich idol-worship tradition with modern interactive art forms.

With over 50 live statues to his credit, Dr. Rajesh has single-handedly revolutionized the live statue genre, making it a mainstream trend that celebrates Indian culture and personal stories.

June 24th, 2025:  Yara India, a part of Norwegian multinational Yara International – the world’s leading crop nutrition company and a provider of agricultural, industrial, and environmental solutions, today announced the release of its 3rd Sustainability Report 2024, titled “Greener Pathways – Fostering a Nature-Positive Food Future.”

The report highlights Yara India’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusive growth, and agricultural transformation through innovative and sustainable practices. This is Yara India’s third sustainability report, developed in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Universal Standards 2021 and externally assured by TÜV SÜD South Asia (BIS 14489:1998 and ISO 14001:2015 certified). The report captures the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance across its operations in India and especially manufacturing plant in Babrala, Uttar Pradesh, and community initiatives under Kiran – A Yara India Community Initiative.

Key Highlights from the Report:

· Farmer Engagement: Over 650,000 farmers reached through agronomy sessions and digital platforms like FarmCare and YaraConnect.
· Sustainable Logistics: Shift to rail transport reduced carbon emissions and saved over $205,000 in logistics costs.
· Environmental Performance: Reused 967 million litres of water, afforested 7.4 acres, and targeted a 70,000 tCO₂e reduction in emissions by 2026.
· Gender Inclusion: Targeting 30% senior women leadership by 2025 and empowering women farmers through tailored interventions.

· Yara Leadership Academy: Empowered 699 youth- and women-led MSMEs across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar through a 15-week accredited capacity-building program, equipping them with leadership and business skills to drive sustainable growth.

· Community Impact: Reached 20,000+ students, provided healthcare to 6,389 patients, and supported 379 women’s self-help groups.
· Zero Corruption: Maintained zero confirmed incidents of corruption with 100% of operations assessed for corruption risks, supported by robust policies including Code of Conduct, Anti-Bribery, Whistleblower, and POSH.
· Sustainable Logistics: Shift to rail transport reduced carbon emissions by 27% and saved over $205,000 in logistics costs.

Speaking on the release of the report, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia, said, “Sustainability is not just an initiative, but how we operate at Yara. From building resilient farming communities to transforming how food is grown and delivered, Yara India is committed to creating lasting value. This year’s report reflects our focus on empowering smallholder farmers, advancing women in agriculture, and scaling innovations that support a nature-positive food future. The third edition of our Sustainability Report highlights our collective effort to nurture a regenerative agricultural future, empower farmers, and build resilient rural communities. The challenges are real, but so is our resolve to address them with solutions that are inclusive, science-led, and locally rooted.”

Sharing her thoughts on the release of Greener Pathways, May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, said, “Sustainability is a key priority for Norway across all sectors. It is encouraging to see this commitment reflected in the work of Norwegian companies like Yara in India. I congratulate Yara India on the release of its Sustainability Report 2024. This is a testament to Norway’s strong commitment to responsible business and climate action.”

The report also outlines Yara India’s forward-looking initiatives, including expanding regenerative agriculture, adopting vessel-based shipping to further reduce its carbon footprint, and accelerating the adoption of biostimulants and digital technologies.

As India’s agricultural landscape evolves, Yara India reaffirms its role as a catalyst for sustainable transformation, partnering with farmers, communities, and policymakers to create a food system that is climate-smart, inclusive, and resilient.

EV91Technologies Private Limited Launches Flagship Electric Two-Wheeler Operations Fleet in Delhi, Strengthens Commitment to Urban EV Adoption and Women Empowerment

New Delhi, 23rd June 2025: EV91Technologies, one of India’s fastest-growing electric mobility startups, has launched its flagship electric two-wheeler operations fleet in Delhi, further solidifying its commitment to building a reliable and inclusive EV ecosystem in the country. The newly inaugurated facility, strategically located in the capital, is equipped with advanced tools and trained professionals to deliver seamless servicing, diagnostics, battery checks, and spare part replacements and EV Vehicles for their riders across Delhi-NCR.

The launch marks a significant step in EV91’s nationwide expansion strategy. The brand is led by a dynamic leadership team including Arun Kumar (Founder & CEO), Manoj Kumar (Co-founder & COO), Lalith Kumar (Co-founder & CBO), and Umesh S K (Chief Financial Officer)—all of whom bring a strong vision for sustainable transportation and accessible EV ownership across India.

Speaking at the event, Arun Kumar, CEO and Founder of EV91Technologies, said,
“Delhi is a crucial market for the EV transition, and this new centre is designed to support our customers with fast, reliable, and professional service. Our aim is to not only provide exceptional vehicles but also ensure an effortless post-sales experience that builds long-term trust.”

The event also witnessed the presence of notable industry leaders and partners including Vaibhav Sarda from Stride, who leads their green financing initiatives, Rishabh Deo from Gogoro, actively engaged in business development and strategic alliances, and Jyotir Jain, Director at BizDateUp and Partha Pratim from MotoVolt. Their support reflects the growing collaboration among EV, finance, and startup ecosystems in India.

In a strong step toward social and economic inclusion, EV91Technologies is proud to collaborate with Zepto, Big Basket, Apollo, Flipkart Minutes and other e-commerce players to empower delivery partners in Delhi-NCR. Through this initiative, we are providing electric two-wheelers on a rental basis to the riders who are unable to afford their own vehicles — enabling them to earn independently while supporting the shift toward sustainable mobility.

In parallel, we are already working with Rapido Pink to strengthen operations led by women riders. Together, these efforts have targeted employment opportunities to women, with a targeted expansion to 5,000+ fleet and out of which 1000 will be female riders in the coming months.

Our commitment remains clear — to create dignified, green, and scalable employment for underserved women across urban India.

With the launch of the Delhi fleet operations and impactful collaborations like Rapido Pink, and e-commerce partners EV91Technologies continues to drive forward its mission to make electric mobility a trusted, inclusive, and widespread reality.

Bodh Gaya, June 21, 2025: On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya organized a special press conference at the Director’s Office, reaffirming its commitment to holistic well-being and mindful leadership.

The event was graced by Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, and Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh, Vice Chancellor of the Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), whose presence added inspiration and meaning to the day’s celebrations.

Addressing the media, both dignitaries emphasized the growing significance of integrating yoga and mindfulness into academic and professional spaces, especially in a post-pandemic world where mental and physical health have taken center stage.

Following the press interaction, a dedicated yoga and meditation session was held on campus, where Dr. Sahay, Prof. Singh, faculty members, and staff of IIM Bodh Gaya actively participated. The session reflected the spirit of Yoga Day, celebrating inner harmony, self-awareness, and a healthy lifestyle.

IIM Bodh Gaya continues to nurture not just academic excellence but also the overall wellness of its community, aligning with the values that yoga represents: discipline, balance, and unity of mind and body.

Bengaluru, 20th June, 2025: DizzyDuck Studio will celebrate International Yoga Day by offering its first-ever curated wellness experience called “Flow With Grace”, on June 21 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. It will be a two hour, immersive, and sensory experience that brings together the power of yoga with the meditative impulse of live handpan music. An immersive experience, co-led by yoga facilitator Shruti Dewan and handpan artist Neeraj Mistry, Spark will give participants a meaningful, restorative experience to slow down, move intentionally and explore stillness in themselves. There are 15 spots for this experience, as we wanted to keep the group small, intimate and free of distractions; we wanted participants to tap into a nurturing environment where attention can be personal and rest is comfortable and meaningful.

“This is more than a yoga class,  it’s a mindful journey. We wanted to bring forward something that encapsulates the heart and spirit of Yoga Day, connection, calm and community. By offering participants an experience that brings together the mind with intentional movement and the therapeutic tones of the handpan, participants can explore and experience a practice that heals both body and mind.” said Ipshita Das, Founder Dizzy Duck

The session will begin with some gentle flow-based movements before we move deeper into asana guided by Shruti Dewan. Neeraj Mistry will be playing the handpan live, which will invite the participants to tap into their movement through improvised expression, meaning that the tones coming from the handpan will elevate how participants experience emotions and give them freedom to move comfortably within a sensory rich experience. Towards the latter half of the session, the focus will be on stillness, with supported poses for the participants to find rest, and sound healing, to guide them into clarity.

DizzyDuck Studio, a simple, peaceful area renowned for encouraging creativity and mindful living, will serve as the event’s backdrop. It will be converted into a haven of peace with natural materials, gentle lighting, and fragrant accents. The public can purchase tickets for this event, and a select group of community members and collaborators are invited as guests. From total novices to seasoned practitioners, all skill levels are welcome.

19 June 2025, Gurugram – Carlsberg Group in India today announced a new partnership with Water.org to improve access to safe water and sanitation in communities across the Ganges River Basin, including the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The collaboration reinforces Carlsberg’s commitment to responsible water stewardship by investing in sustainable, measurable solutions that empower local communities.

Water.org helps tackle India’s water and sanitation crisis by making access affordable. Through its WaterCredit solution, launched in India in 2004, the organization partners with microfinance institutions, banks, and government programs to provide small, affordable loans for water and sanitation improvements to families in need. This approach has enabled more than 30 million people to get access to safe water or sanitation. Water.org continues to scale its impact by developing financial solutions at both household and community levels, supporting India’s goal of providing tap water for all.

Through this initiative, Carlsberg Group and Water.org will enable access to 247 million liters of water in the Ganges River Basin, helping people in areas that need safe water the most. The partnership aims to provide safe water or sanitation solutions to more than 112,000 people by March 2028. In addition to providing access to safer water, the partnership will engage communities in awareness efforts to drive long-term behavior change and local impact.

The partnership is an important step towards Carlsberg Group’s target of replenishing 100% of the water consumed at its breweries and beverage production sites in high water risk areas by 2030.

“At Carlsberg India, we understand that water is not just a resource — it’s a lifeline for communities,” said Nilesh Patel, Managing Director, Carlsberg India. “Our partnership with Water.org reflects our commitment to sustainable water management and community well-being. By supporting access to safe water, we’re helping families build healthier lives, strengthen their resilience, and secure a better future. Investing in water is, ultimately, an investment in people, in sustainability, and in long-term progress.”

 “This collaboration with Carlsberg helps scale the impact of our proven solution. One that’s empowered millions of people to finance their own safe water and sanitation solutions,” said Gary White, CEO and Co-founder, Water.org. “As part of an important network of partners, Carlsberg is helping accelerate that momentum in India, where access to safe water or sanitation can change everything for families in need: improving health, regaining time, and building bright futures.”

Water access drives measurable improvements in health, household resilience, and gender equity. This partnership will help create lasting impact across the Ganges River Basin, ensuring that local communities can thrive, even in the face of climate challenges.