Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), located in Pallavaram, Chennai, has been awarded the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation, as per the report of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body under the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder Chancellor of VISTAS distributes gifts to employees in recognition of their outstanding contribution to achieving NAAC A++ accreditation

To celebrate this milestone, a special event was organized at the university campus, where the Founder Chancellor of Vels University, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, expressed his gratitude to the professors and staff who contributed to this achievement. As a token of appreciation, Dr. Ganesh presented awards to the faculty and staff members who played a key role in securing this accreditation.

In his address at the event, Dr. Ganesh remarked, “The A++ accreditation is the highest rating given by the University Grants Commission. This is a testament to the quality and standards of our university, and it will speak volumes to both the parents and students who choose to be part of this institution. Out of nearly many higher education institutions in India, only few deemed universities have received this A++ accreditation, and we are proud to be among them. This success is the result of collective efforts from faculty and staff across various departments.”

He further acknowledged the contribution of staff members and emphasized, “Without your dedication and hard work, this would not have been possible. I would also like to extend my special thanks to Dr. Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President of Vels Group, who has led this initiative. Today, Vels Group is operating 52 institutions across 34 campuses with 7,700 employees and 48,000 students globally. Our next goal is to reach 100 institutions, and we will continue this journey together, growing and succeeding as one team.“

The event also saw the participation of several key figures from the university and Vels Group, including Pro Chancellor (Planning and Development) Dr.A. Jothimurugan, Pro chancellor (Academics) Dr. Aarthi Ganesh, Vice President Dr. Preetha Ganesh, and Vice Chancellor Sriman Narayanan.

The celebrations concluded with Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh joining the professors and staff for a grand gala dinner , further strengthening the bond of unity and shared achievement within the university.This NAAC A++ accreditation marks a significant step forward for Vels University, solidifying its position as a leader in higher education and setting the stage for future growth and excellence.

About VISTAS
Established in 2008 and recognized by the MHRD, Government of India, VISTAS is a distinguished multidisciplinary institution in Tamil Nadu. With three campuses spread across 100 acres in Chennai, the university offers a diverse range of programs from undergraduate to Ph.D. levels in fields including Medicine, Nursing, Engineering and Technology, Agriculture, Oceanography, Law, and the Arts and Sciences.

For further details visit vistas.ac.in.

Vatika Group, a renowned real estate leader in the Delhi NCR region, proudly announces that 17 of its iconic projects across Delhi NCR, spanning a total of 9.5 million sq. ft., have been awarded prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, including 11 projects that have earned the coveted LEED Platinum certification – the highest standard in green building. Vatika Group’s achievement marks a rare feat in securing LEED certification across diverse real estate verticals – commercial, retail, residential, and schools.

Vatika Group – Leading Developer in Delhi NCR to secure prestigious LEED Certifications Across Residential, Commercial, Retail, and Educational Projects

This remarkable achievement underscores Vatika’s leadership in sustainable development. Leading commercial projects such as Vatika Mindscapes, One On One, First India Place have achieved LEED Platinum status, and premium retail and residential projects like V’Lante, Seven Elements and Sovereign Park have received LEED Gold certifications, reflecting Vatika Groups exceptional commitment to energy-efficient, environmentally responsible spaces. Vatika Group has also secured LEED Platinum status for MatriKiran Junior School and MatriKiran High School, reinforcing the group’s mission to foster eco-friendly environments beyond real estate.

With this, Vatika Group sets a new benchmark in sustainable real estate, ensuring that its developments promote a greener, healthier future. Buildings that have stood for more than two decades have also secured LEED certification without any major modifications, highlighting the forward-thinking approach embedded in every Vatika project.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Krishan Goyal, AVP – Product Strategy & Risk Management, Vatika Limited, stated, “We are honoured to receive LEED certification for our key projects. This recognition aligns with our ongoing commitment to sustainable development and reflects our vision of creating spaces that meet the highest standards of quality while promoting a greener, healthier future.”

LEED, administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is a globally recognised benchmark for evaluating a buildings environmental performance. Vatika Group’s certifications demonstrate its unwavering pursuit of creating resilient, sustainable communities, as sustainability remains at the core of its growth strategy.

Durex The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT), an impactful program by Reckitt, global leaders in consumer health and hygiene, once again made a significant mark at the highly anticipated Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2024. The event was inaugurated by Shri. Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, alongside Shri. Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Meghalaya, Shri. Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya and Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Development of North-Eastern Region, Government of India, among other dignitaries.

Winners of the vibrant and inspiring graffiti competition based on Durex TBBT’s five pillars-Inclusion, Consent, Protection, Awareness, and Equity-at the Cherry Blossoms Festival 2024

With over 50,000 visitors each day, the two-day festival showcased stellar performances by global icons including R&B artist Akon, legendary disco band Boney M, British band Clean Bandit and Dutch Moroccan DJ R3HAB; Bollywood stars like Kanika Kapoor and Jasleen Royal as well as local favourites like Khasi Bloodz, SK Korn, Lucas, The Great Society, Rito Riba, and Queen Sensation.

In collaboration with Department of Health, Durex The Birds and Bees Talk sparked conversations about growing up life skills at the festival’s only and biggest Health pavilion. The Durex TBBT Arena featured a diverse range of activities, including a graffiti competition, 360-degree rotation camera booth, photo opportunities with TBBT mascots Joy and Bubble and exciting give-aways like postcards, fridge magnets featuring expressive art and bags. The pavilion attracted over 30,000 visitors daily from across states, including Gen Alpha, Gen Z and millennials. It served as a hub for engaging conversations on life skills, safe practices, and fostering healthy attitudes.

Durex TBBT emphasized its five key pillars – Inclusion, Consent, Protection, Awareness and Equity – through a dynamic graffiti competition curated by Pulak Rabha, a renowned Guwahati-based artist specializing in sculpture, painting, graphics and applied arts. Hosted in collaboration with National Health Mission Meghalaya, the competition offered young artists a platform to express their perspectives on the program’s core values. The jury included Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt; and Ms. Flourish Lyngdoh, State Consultant, Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram & Comprehensive Primary Health Care, National Health Mission Meghalaya.

The competition saw participation from thousands of candidates who travelled from hundreds of miles from far off districts of Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal representing different tribes and showcased their exceptional talent on canvas. 11 standout participants were shortlisted to present their artistic interpretations of TBBT’s pillars live at the festival grounds, creating vibrant, thought-provoking graffiti. The winning artist, Shembhalang Thawbroi from East Khasi Hills, focused on the pillar of Protection, highlighting the importance of stopping harmful habits and empowering positive change. He was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. Other winners included Selwyn Anderson Suchiang (East Khasi Hills) and Noibid Borah (Nagaon, Assam), while special mentions were given to Albert Kurbah (East Khasi Hills) and Mrinmoy Boro (Kamrup, Assam), who also received cash prizes for their outstanding art.

On this occasion, Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia, shared, “At Reckitt, we aim to bridge education and experience by giving young people a voice and a platform to express, understand, and advocate for the values that shape their futures. Through Durex Birds and Bees Talk, we’re proud to be part of the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, a unique confluence of art and culture that fosters meaningful conversations. By integrating life skills education into such vibrant cultural setting, we underscore the importance of dialogue in shaping a safer, more inclusive world, while celebrating the power of creativity to inspire positive change.”

Ravi Bhatnagar, Director, External Affairs & Partnerships, SOA, Reckitt, added, “Mediums like Graffiti, Music and Art transcend language and dialect, creating a universal platform for connection and expression. At the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, we leveraged these powerful art forms to spark meaningful conversations on sensitive yet vital topics. By establishing the festival’s only and largest Health Pavilion and initiatives like the graffiti competition, Durex TBBT fostered an inclusive environment where young minds could engage, reflect and advocate for values that shape their future in impactful and memorable ways.”

Shri Abhilash Baranwal. IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya, said, “I was deeply impressed by the graffiti created by the participants, which beautifully captured the core messages of The Birds and Bees Talk program. I also reviewed the thoughtfully designed curriculum by TBBT, and I believe initiatives like these are crucial, especially in today’s social media-driven era, to raise awareness on consent, sex education, and health. I hope this impactful work expands to regions like Ri-Bhoi district and wish the team continued success.”

Ms. Flourish Lyngdoh, State consultant Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram & Comprehensive Primary Health Care, National Health Mission, Meghalaya, said, “We are thankful to Durex The Birds And Bees Talk for partnering with National Health Mission on it’s journey to make the state of Meghalaya healthier. By empowering our youth to make informed decisions, TBBT aligns seamlessly with our mission to create a unified impact on their lives.”

Implemented by Plan India, Durex TBBT program reaches youth across ten states in India, focusing on cultivating growing up life skills for adolescents. Through structured interventions, the programme promotes essential conversations among adolescents, teachers, and communities. Durex TBBT addresses challenges faced by adolescents by delivering age-appropriate, accurate information, fostering healthy behaviours, and equipping youth with life skills, values, and attitudes essential for becoming responsible, empowered adults.

John Cockerill, a global pioneer in industrial engineering, is excited to announce its participation at METEC India 2024, the premier event for the metallurgy, steel casting, and metal forming industries, taking place from November 27-29 in Mumbai. As India strengthens its commitment to green steel production to achieve its ambitious decarbonization goals, METEC India 2024 will serve as a platform for John Cockerill to showcase its latest advancements in sustainable steelmaking technologies and high efficiency manufacturing solutions, empowering the nation’s drive towards a greener, more resilient industrial future.

John Cockerill to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technologies at METEC India 2024

With a strong commitment to transforming the Indian steel industry, John Cockerill’s participation will highlight innovative technologies that meet both the evolving needs of Indian steelmakers and global regulatory standards. From Jet Vapor Deposition (JVD) technology, which enables sustainable coatings, to E-Si technologies for electrical steel production, John Cockerill is focused on supporting India’s Vision 2047 goals for a sustainable and energy-efficient steel sector.

Commenting on the company’s participation in METEC, Franois-David Martino, CEO of John Cockerill Industry and Chairman of John Cockerill India Limited, said, “METEC India 2024 is a tremendous opportunity for us to engage with key players in the Indian steel sector and share our advancements in sustainable steel technologies. Our mission is to partner India’s steel industry with practical, proven solutions in manufacturing green and advanced steel that help meet critical decarbonization targets.”

Placing an emphasis on India’s role as a global steel manufacturer, Michael Kotas, Managing Director of John Cockerill India Limited, said, “The Indian steel sector is scaling newer heights, showcasing its potential to achieve more along the way. METEC India is an ideal platform to demonstrate how our technologies can support the nations drive to a greener future for the steel industry.“

At METEC India 2024, John Cockerill will showcase advanced technologies that support India’s steel industry in its decarbonization efforts and address the rising demands of the electric mobility sector. Experts will present E-Si, a comprehensive solution designed to enable steelmakers to sustainably produce high-quality electrical steel. The E-Si line is designed specifically for producing high-performance electrical steels, essential in the manufacture of efficient electric motors and transformers, paving the way for energy-efficient applications across the industry.

Key highlights include Jet Vapor Deposition (JVD) technology, a low-emission alternative to traditional galvanizing, which enhances both environmental performance and operational efficiency. This state-of-the-art solution for the coating of metal strip optimizes the quantities of zinc used and thus production costs.

Additionally, John Cockerill will offer a preview of Volteron™ technology for net-zero steel production, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. Volteron™ is a carbon free, cold direct electrolysis process that extracts iron from iron ore using electricity. It is the world’s first industrial-scale low temperature, iron electrolysis plant targeted to start production in a first phase in 2027 of between 40,000 and 80,000 tonnes a year of iron plates.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the John Cockerill team and explore how these innovations advance both production capacity and environmental goals.

Join John Cockerill at METEC India 2024 to explore the future of sustainable steel production and discover how advanced technology can unlock India’s potential as a global leader in green steel.

50 contenders competed in a gruelling Mega Test at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) for the honour of being crowned the autoX ‘Best of 2024’ Award Winners, reserved for only the ten best machines of the year.

What is the autoX Best of 2024

The annual autoX Mega Test is conducted in order to select the top-ten machines launched in the past year. They do this by gathering all the machines launched in the past twelve months in India and testing them to near destruction in order to choose the most outstanding machines of the year.

Winners of the autoX Awards, these 10 machines are the Best of 2024′

The top-ten consists of five four wheelers, three two wheelers, and two special awards for performance car and bike of year – these go to the fastest car and bike around the short loop of the BIC. The Awards were handed out at prestigious award ceremony, held at the Andaz hotel at Aero City in New Delhi.

How does autoX choose the ‘Best of 2024’

They evaluate machines on quality, comfort, ride, handling, refinement, design, drivetrain, practicality and value-for-money. Plus, they rate a vehicle’s X-Factor – that special something, je ne sais quoi if you will, that a car or bike brings to the table which just pulls at your heart strings that little bit more than the competition. In addition, a Lap Time provides a uniform method to determine all the dynamic factors of a vehicle, such as power, high-speed stability, handling, braking, etc.

Their aim is to be as transparent, objective and scientific about this as possible.

Who chooses the Best of 2024

The full team of autoX experienced road testers – with over 100 years of cumulative experience in testing cars and bikes – score every vehicle on the different parameters listed above before the final scores are averaged to ensure that no biases come into play. They also publish these points in order to be totally transparent.

Why is this test conducted at the BIC

Because it’s the only place where each new vehicle can be tested in a controlled environment. The BIC allows the team to push every vehicle to its limit, revealing the inherent engineering under the skin – or lack thereof. This is true for everything from a Ferrari to an Ather.

Dhruv Behl, Editor-in-Chief, autoX, said, “Our aim is to identify the most outstanding machines launched in the past year across segments. The machines that make up the autoX Award winners, our ‘Best of 2024,’ are the definitive 10 best machines launched in the past year.”

Here are the ten autoX award winners:

Best of 2024: 4W

MG Windsor EV

Hyundai Creta

BYD Seal

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Best of 2024: 2W

Aprilia RS 457

BMW R 1300 GS

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Best of 2024: Performance Car of the Year

Ferrari Roma Spider

Best of 2024: Performance Bike of the Year

Kawasaki ZX-6R

The autoX Awards 2024 were conducted in collaboration with Indian Oil as Exclusive Fuel Partner, ICICI Lombard as Exclusive Insurance Partner, Tamil Nadu Tourism as Tourism Partner and BMC as Technical Partner. To get all the details on the autoX Awards, visit the awards microsite by clicking here www.autox.com/awards.

You can follow autoX through its monthly magazine, which has recently celebrated its 18^th anniversary, on it social media platforms, YouTube channel, as well as its fully revamped, cutting-edge website by clicking here www.autox.com.

FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), an organization that promotes entrepreneurship and professional excellence for women in India, organised a day long Trade Connect event ay Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. Women entrepreneur members from its 20 chapters across India showcased their products and services for domestic and international markets.

FICCI FLO Trade Connect

FICCI FLO is committed to empowering women and its national initiatives span across a diverse range of aspects of personal and professional growth. These efforts not only strengthen our national economy but also create a supportive ecosystem where women can excel and lead. With its vision going beyond the national stage, FICCI FLO is committed to provide its members a global presence through partnerships, trade delegations, and cross-border collaborations.

Around 50 women entrepreneurs displayed their products and services from key sectors such as textiles and apparel, handicrafts, food processing, IT and digital services, health and wellness products, sustainable and eco-friendly products, tourism and hospitality industry. There was an interactive session of women entrepreneurs with representatives from 19 nations- USA, Peru, Finland, UK, Chile, Japan, Germany, Armenia, Belgium, Egypt, Latvia, Israel, Austria, Angola, Bhutan, Vietnam, Lithuania and Mexico.

“FICCI FLO has created an enduring impact on the lives of countless women across India, from seasoned entrepreneurs to those taking their first steps into business. Our objective is to work towards shaping a future where women are empowered to lead across all sectors and borders, and where FLO’s legacy of impact will continue to inspire, uplift, and connect women worldwide,” said Ms Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO).

The Business Interaction segment had pre-scheduled meetings tailored to the members specific interests, where every participating nation offered unique perspectives and opportunities. The Deputy Heads of Mission, Trade and Commercial Ministers, First Secretaries, Trade Counsellors, Trade Advisors, and many embassy representatives were present at the event. The trade connect presented a strategic opportunity for FICCI FLO to expand reach, empower its businesses, and envision new partnerships that foster bilateral relationships between India and other countries.

Amid the vibrant activities of the FIND Festival – a celebration of learning, learners and educators – Ekya Schools proudly inaugurated India’s first K-12 School of Innovation, Creativity, and Design: Ekya Nava. This is a first-of-its-kind, purpose-based school designed to nurture a problem-solving mindset throughout a student’s learning journey, igniting purpose through experiential methods and community involvement. Ekya Nava aims to cultivate the future generation of thinkers, innovators, technology-forward entrepreneurs and shapers of the world.

Dignitaries during ‘Ekya Nava Inaugurated as India’s First K-12 School of Innovation, Creativity, and Design at Second Edition of FIND Festival’

The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka, Shri Madhu Bangarappa who emphasized the need for transformative education. Shri. Madhu Bangarappa shared, “Quality education matters the most. To truly improve it, we must give educators and institutions the freedom to innovate.” The occasion was further honored by Dr. K. P. Gopalkrishna, Founder & Chairman, TISB and National Public Schools who highlighted the changing education landscape. He stated, “The focus in education has shifted towards holistic learning, which emphasizes understanding the practical aspects of student life. There is tremendous scope for experimentation and research in this field, helping students develop critical thinking and creativity.”

The inauguration featured a series of engaging activities as part of the FIND Festival, including a Design Thinking Challenge, a learning showcase, interactive workshops, engaging panel discussions, museum installations, a human library, and a student life gallery. Additionally, the event witnessed the launch of the book “Prompting the Future- AI for Transformative Teaching” by the Ekya Professional Development Institute, which provides hands-on tools for teachers to navigate complexities of AI, making instruction more efficient and impactful.

FIND festival serves as Ekya School’s flagship celebration event that offers a platform for collaboration and exploration of innovative approaches to learning. The focal point of the event was the Design Thinking Challenge, where students collaborated in teams to brainstorm this year’s theme: “How might we use technology to promote kindness in our community“. The challenge provided a glimpse into Ekya Nava’s dynamic, hands-on approach, reflecting its commitment to fostering critical thinking and real-world skills through experiential learning.

In addition to the chief guests, the ceremony was further enriched by the presence of Dr. K. C. Ramamurthy, IPS (Retd.), Chairman of CMR Group and Former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Dr. Sabitha Ramamurthy, President of CMR Jnanadhara Trust and Chancellor of CMR University; Shri. K. R. Jayadeep, Director of Ekya Schools and CEO of CMR Group of Institutions; and Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools. Their presence highlighted Ekya Nava’s dedication to pioneering a new era in education.

Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools shared her vision for the future of education, “Each year, the FIND Festival brings together a community of learners and educators to explore innovative approaches to education. This year’s theme, Children and the Future, we are focusing on the skills and mindset needed to shape tomorrow’s world. The launch of Ekya Nava embodies our deep commitment to reimagining education-nurturing generations of thinkers, innovators and changemakers.”

Ekya Nava differentiates itself with four core pathways: Design, Making, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Information Technology & Society. These pathways are tailored to encourage a cross-disciplinary approach, empowering students with transferable skills like problem-solving, creative ideation, collaboration, and confidence – going beyond the core curriculum.

To discover more about Ekya Nava, please visit us here.

What if every Indian child could turn their dreams into achievementsLEAD Group, India’s largest School Edtech company, proudly announces the launch of National Championships 2024, the sixth edition of its prestigious national-level platform where students showcase their creativity, talent and growth! With participation open to 1.5 million students from over 3,000 LEAD Group partner schools, the championship is much more than a competition-it’s a platform for leaders, thinkers and innovators of tomorrow to discover their true potential.

National Championships 2024

This year, the National Championships introduces an expanded vision for student development, focusing on 21st-century skills such as Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Confidence, and Coding proficiency. The National Championships 2024 is open to students from pre-primary to Class 9 and aligns with the well-rounded development recommended by the National Curriculum Framework 2023.

The championship spans five categories that build essential life skills and encourage participants to step confidently into the future. The categories are designed to inspire students to think outside the box, address real-world challenges, and explore themes such as Innovation, Space Exploration, Technology, and Environmental Sustainability.

• L’il Champs (Nursery – Class 2) – Individual: Building confidence, creativity, and speaking skills.

• Speech Champs (Junior: Classes 3-5; Senior: Classes 6-9) – Individual: Focused on content, pronunciation, and eloquence.

• Coding Champs (Junior: Classes 3-5) – Team of two: Fostering technical skills, creativity, and collaboration.

• Spelling Champs (Junior: Classes 3-5; Senior: Classes 6-9) – Individual: Enhancing knowledge of the English language.

• English Quiz Champs (Junior: Classes 3-5; Senior: Classes 6-9) – Individual: Promoting communication, critical thinking, and knowledge.

Sumeet Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of LEAD Group, shared, “Imagine a nursery student presenting an idea with the confidence of a keynote speaker, or a Class 5 student developing a tech solution that sparks change. These opportunities are not available to students in small towns! The National Championships 2024 brings this exposure to 1.5 million students!”

The grand finale in January 2025 promises exciting prizes worth up to Rs. 10 lakhs, including laptops, tablets, kindles, trophies, and merchandise. In addition, Zonal Winners will be declared, ensuring recognition at every stage. This initiative is aligned with LEAD Group’s larger mission to revolutionize education through innovations like the TECHBOOK, an intelligent book that makes personalized, immersive, and adaptive learning a reality in India’s schools.

About LEAD Group

LEAD Group is Indias only School Edtech company dedicated to transforming school education through its pioneering Integrated School Edtech System. With a presence in over 8,000 schools across 400+ towns and cities, LEAD Group reaches more than 35 lakh students and empowers over 50,000 teachers. Since its founding in 2012, LEAD Group has been committed to delivering an international standard of education to schools across India. Through its comprehensive approach, LEAD Group combines research-backed curriculum and pedagogy with cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning outcomes and teacher effectiveness. Its integrated system helps partner schools provide holistic education, equipping students with the skills and confidence to succeed in life.

LEAD Group was founded by Sumeet Mehta and Smita Deorah with the mission to transform school education in India. The Group continues to set new benchmarks in school education, inspiring the next generation of learners and educators.