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Parimatch Sports Hosts Exclusive Live Stream with Cricket Star Sushma Verma

Parimatch Sports, a leading sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes, hosted a special Instagram Live stream with Indian cricket star Sushma Verma, celebrating the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the growing impact of female athletes in India’s sports landscape.

Parimatch Sports Hosts Exclusive Live Stream with Cricket Star Sushma Verma

Held on October 19th, the event was broadcasted live on Parimatch Sports official Instagram page, bringing fans together to discuss the future of women’s cricket in India.

As an influential wicketkeeper-batter with nearly a decade in the game, Sushma has represented India in multiple World Cups and currently plays for the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

During the 40-minute session with Parimatch Sports followers, she shared her cricket journey, insights into the sport’s growth, and the vital role female athletes play in shaping India’s evolving cricket landscape.

Reflecting on her career, which began when she first represented India in 2014, Sushma discussed the dramatic changes in women’s cricket over the years, “I believe many women cricketers made significant contributions even before the 2017 World Cup, but unfortunately, they didn’t get the attention they deserved. It was really after the 2017 World Cup that things began to change.”

Sushma is confident in the WPL’s potential to revolutionize the game for young athletes in India, adding, “The WPL is a game-changer. In the past, only a few girls would choose cricket as a career. Today, even match fees for women in India are on par with men, providing financial security and making cricket a viable career option. Parents are also starting to see the rewards of investing in their daughters cricket careers.”

The live discussion highlighted the importance of female representation in sports, with Sushma emphasizing that brands like Parimatch Sports can help shape the future of women’s cricket by sponsoring more tournaments and promoting female athletes.

“Many domestic women cricketers are still looking for sponsorship and support, and thats where brands can truly make a difference-helping elevate grassroots players to the top level. When youre at the top, you have access to all the resources, but its the early stages where support is most crucial. Parimatch Sports is one of those brands stepping in to provide that much-needed backing,” shared cricket star.

A memorable moment in the session was Sushma’s message for young athletes, “No matter what field youre in, never give up on your dreams. Like the popular Bollywood dialogue says, If you truly want something from your heart, the universe will help you achieve it. Stay patient with your dreams because challenges will come your way. Keep faith in yourself, and no matter how tough things get, don’t give up.”

After discussing female representation in sports, Sushma shifted the conversation to her personal experiences as an athlete, including her journey within teams and leagues, insights into her winning rituals, and the strategies she uses to maintain motivation during challenging times.

Talking about her experience with the Gujarat Giants in the WPL, Sushma noted how playing alongside top international stars has positively impacted her skills.

“The WPL is already among the top leagues in the world, bringing together some of the biggest names in cricket. The competition is intense, and the crowd support is incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to share the dressing room with players like Ash Gardner and Beth Mooney, and it’s been a great learning experience,” athlete said.

She emphasized that the league encourages players to exchange strategies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

“Indians are very emotionally connected to cricket, but Australians, for example, teach you how to mentally switch off and focus on delivering your goals. Most overseas players are very clear in their approach, and seeing that firsthand is incredibly inspiring. It’s all about learning from live examples,” shared Sushma.

Looking forward, Sushma aims to continue growing as a wicketkeeper-batter and make a strong comeback to the national side.

“My main focus is on continuing to improve and hopefully be part of a team that lifts major trophies, like the World Cup. There’s always room for growth, and I’m eager to keep evolving as a cricketer,” she said, underlining her ambition to contribute to India’s success in global tournaments.

For those who missed the session, the live stream is available for viewing on Parimatch Sports official Instagram page. Stay tuned to Parimatch Sports social media channels for updates on future exclusive events and exciting announcements.

About Parimatch Sports

Parimatch Sports is a high-quality sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes and designed to equip every brave soul on their winning track. With passion at heart, Parimatch Sports creates pro-on-field kits for football and cricket teams and a comprehensive range of everyday workout clothes for fans. The main feature that makes this brand stand out from the crowd is its exclusive design, inspired by top world’s athletes and their victories on the pitch. Parimatch Sports appearance on the market pursues an ambitious goal-expanding the horizons of Indias love for sports, bringing it to a brand new level.

KSB Limited Registers Significant Growth in the Third Quarter- July’24 to September’24

KSB Limited, a pioneer and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Pumps and Valves announced their third Quarter results which has seen a significant growth in the period July to September 2024. The company prioritizes innovate technology and delivering excellent service.

  • The sales value of INR 616.5 crores achieved for this quarter is 9.37% increase over the previous year

  • The Sales value for 3 quarters of 2024 is INR 1,806.7 crores which is about 9.86% increase over the same period last year

Major Highlights

  • Secured significant orders for solar pumps 430 million INR.

  • Achieved high employee engagement score of 88% in KSB voice survey, with strong alignment and commitment within the organization.

  • Expanded product portfolio with the launch of VT pump, a new pump at IFAT expo.

  • Installed a new electropolishing facility at the foundry, enhancing corrosion resistance and quality.

  • Implemented an Advanced Planning and Scheduling tool to optimize production tracking and ensure on-time delivery.

  • Completed digital transformation projects, including a Mobile Warehouse Management system, improving real-time inventory visibility, data accuracy, and decision-making.

Business Highlights

(All amounts in INR Crores)

Particulars

Q3 – 2024

Q3 – 2023

Jan’24-Sept’24

Jan’23-Sept’23

(Jul’24-Sept’24)

(Jul’23 -Sept’23)

Sales

616.5

563.7

1,806.7

1,644.6

Expenses

528.9

493.4

1,567.6

1,431.9

Operating Profit

87.6

70.3

239.1

212.7

OPM %

14.21%

12.47%

13.23%

12.93%

Other Income

6.6

8.4

31.3

29.8

Interest

0.6

2.0

2.3

3.7

Depreciation

13.7

12.3

39.9

36.0

PBT

79.9

64.4

228.2

202.8

PAT

59.3

48.1

171.0

151.8

Mr. Prashant Kumar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at KSB Limited

Summarizing the Q3 2024 performance, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at KSB Limited, said, “This quarter’s performance has been satisfactory with impressive numbers in energy segment.

Beyond business performance, one of our proudest achievements has been our employee engagement index delving into the realm of passion, dedication, job satisfaction and employee experience. We are dignified to hold the place amongst the top 4 KSB companies worldwide, flagging our Employee Engagement score at 88% at KSB Limited. This strikes an upbeat direction to foster continued enthusiasm and engagement towards highly potential-filled future for KSB.

Alongside this, we expanded our product portfolio with the launch of the VT pump at the prestigious IFAT expo held in Mumbai. Looking ahead, KSB remains focused on sustaining this growth by pursuing excellence, driving innovation, and delivering lasting value to all stakeholders.”

About KSB Limited

KSB Limited Founded in 1960 in India is a part of KSB SE & Co KGaA., – one of the world’s leading suppliers of pumps, valves and systems. Combining innovative technology and excellent service to provide intelligent solutions, the company has been offering innovative and sturdy solutions to cater to the myriad needs of the Indian Customer may it be in power, oil, building services, process engineering, water treatment, water transport, etc. The activities of KSB’s in-house research centre focus on the areas of hydraulics, sealing technology, materials, production technology and automation.

Today the KSB group has a presence on all the continents with its own sales and marketing companies, manufacturing facilities and service operations. More than 15,000 employees generate annual consolidated sales revenue of over Two billion Euros.

For more information, please visit www.ksb.com.

IFCCI Recognizes Impactful CSR Projects by Indo-French Companies at the 6th Annual CSR Conclave & Awards

The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI) celebrated the most impactful CSR initiatives by French and Indian companies, awarding top projects across seven categories at the 6th edition of the IFCCI CSR Conclave and Awards. The event was held in the esteemed presence of Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, and special guests Ms. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech, and former Indian cricketer Mr. Virender Sehwag. The key findings of all projects submitted by Indo-French companies was focussed on how Impact and Measurement are key for French companies doing CSR in India.

IFCCI Recognizes Impactful CSR Projects by Indo-French companies at the 6th Annual CSR Conclave & Awards

In her Keynote Speech, Ms. Roshni Nadar spoke about Shiv Nadar Foundation’s remarkable VidyaGyan schooling concept which nurtures gifted students from economically underprivileged rural backgrounds providing them with high-quality education. VidyaGyan seeks to bridge the urban-rural divide by creating a leadership pool. Ms. Nadar also spoke about the values of the Shiv Nadar Foundation and HCLFoundation reiterating their commitment to the cause of CSR.

Impact and Measurement key for French companies doing CSR in India

The Annual CSR Conclave brought together CEOs, policymakers, CSR leaders, CSR foundations and non-profit organizations to share best practices while recognising the efforts of the most impactful CSR projects. The event witnessed a gathering of over 120+ business leaders from top French and Indian companies.

Guest of Honor, H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India said in his address “As France and India look ahead to the India France Year of Innovation in 2026, I am pleased to see more and more French companies taking part in CSR activities in partnership with Indian companies. Today’s event underscores one of the priorities of our bilateral relationship as outlined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap by bringing together NGOs and CSR stakeholders from both our countries to promote international solidarity. On this occasion, I would also like to congratulate the winners of the IFCCI CSR Conclave & Awards 2024 in the fields of education, environment and sustainable development, education, inclusive health, livelihoods, and vocational training.”

Mr. Virender Sehwag, Former Indian Cricketer and Founder of the Virender Sehwag Foundation graced the occasion as a Special Guest. His remarks focused on the transformative power of sports and education in empowering youth, highlighting the potential for holistic development through such initiatives.

The Sehwag Foundation is dedicated to advancing sports, education, and healthcare for children, with a special focus on empowering young athletes by equipping them with the resources and opportunities needed to reach their full potential. It is our collective responsibility to support India’s para-athletes, who have made the nation proud with their exceptional performances in recent Olympic Games,Mr. Sehwag said during a fireside conversation with Ms. Payal S.Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI.

The theme of the Conclave was ‘Beyond Metrics: Putting Impact at the Forefront’ that reflects the evolving approach to CSR, where the emphasis is shifting from purely measuring quantitative outcomes to focusing on the tangible, long-term impact of CSR initiatives. In an era where CSR is becoming an integral part of business strategy, the gathering aimed to highlight how organizations can drive meaningful change that goes beyond traditional metrics like financial spend.

The event also commenced a CEO Panel discussion on ‘Redefining Success: Shifting from Output to Social Impact in CSR’ with panelists:

  • Mr. Ashwin Yardi, Chief Executive Officer, Capgemini Technology Services India

  • Mr. Raja Sivaji Ghosh, Managing Director, Sonepar India

  • Moderated by Ms. Amisha Shah Dhutia, Head – BNP Paribas Foundation

Speaking at the event, Ms. Payal S.Kanwar, Director General, IFCCI remarked, “IFCCI is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of its CSR Department, which is already supporting 35 impactful projects. Through collaborative efforts, IFCCI is empowering CSR initiatives by uniting member companies to pool resources, secure funding and deliver end to end project management for inclusive socio-economic growth. The IFCCI CSR Conclave and Awards exemplify this mission, bringing together leaders from both French and Indian companies to recognize and inspire meaningful change

WINNERS – IFCCI CSR Conclave & Awards 2024

Category

Organisation(s)

Project Name

Education

2 winners

Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation

Capgemini Technology Services India Limited

SMITA- Empowering Rural Students with Digital Education powered by Clean Energy

Digital Citizenship – Creating a digital enabled society that uses technology to engage in socio economic and political landscape

Environment and Sustainability

2 winners

Khushiyaan Foundation

Sicame Global Business Support

Beach Warriors

Climate Change Mitigation-Fuelling a sustainable cook stove initiative

Healthcare

HCLTech

Creating Community-based Safety Net for Better Health and Nutrition Outcomes for children, adolescents & Women of West Bengal

Livelihoods

2 winners

Cyient

Swades Foundation

Livelihood Initiatives – Skill Development & Women Empowerment

Samruddh Kutumb

Vocational Skills

Pernod Ricard India Foundation

Livelihood Training for Women with Disability

Best CSR Project of the Year

Sanofi India Limited

Mobile Medical Units (MMU) for Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Screening & Referral Program

Jury Special

La Fondation Dassault Systemes India

Establishing Solar Research and Competency Development Centre for research in Solar Energy domain

About the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI)

Established in 1977, the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the most active bilateral chamber in India. The Chamber has six offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. IFCCI represents a dynamic business platform of over 750 company members and 17 Sector Committees offering an extensive range of business services and giving access to people and information. www.ifcci.org.in

East India Continues to Lead in Retirement Preparedness with Highest Retirement Index of 54 Points: Max Life’s India Retirement Index Study 4.0

Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. (“Max Life“/ “Company“) has unveiled the findings of the fourth edition of its retirement survey, India Retirement Index Study (IRIS), conducted in partnership with KANTAR, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company.

East India Continues to Lead in Retirement Preparedness

The study reveals that East India continues to outshine other regions, scoring an impressive 54 on the Retirement Index, significantly higher than North and South India, both at 48, and West India at 49, as well as the national average of 49. This year’s IRIS findings further reinforce East Indias commitment to a well-rounded retirement with the Financial Index climbing from 53 to 57, Health Index moving from 50 to 51, and the Emotional Index increasing from 60 to 62.

Rahul Talwar, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Max Life said, “Retirement planning is becoming increasingly important for Indians, especially given rising life expectancy. East India, as highlighted by IRIS 4.0, is leading the way with its commitment to retirement planning, achieving the highest retirement score of 54 across all zones. Notably, 72% of individuals in the region are now investing specifically for their retirement, and 82% are confident about maintaining their health through retirement. It’s encouraging to see people in the region prioritizing financial stability, health, and emotional well-being by starting to plan early. This reaffirms our belief that a holistic approach is key to a comfortable retirement.”

Anxiety Decline and Health Focus in East India

Retirement-related anxieties around basic needs and child support decreased with fewer people worried about meeting basic requirements (62%) and children’s futures (64%). Health awareness remains strong in the East with 82% confident about staying healthy through retirement. An increase in regular health check-ups (now at 27%) demonstrate a proactive approach to health management.

Financial Prudence Leads in East India

Investment for retirement is on the rise with 72% of Indians in the East India now investing specifically for their retirement, compared to 67% in the previous year. Life insurance remains the preferred financial product, with 68% choosing it for retirement security. Notably, East India leads in National Pension System (NPS) ownership, with nearly one in four holding an NPS account. Financial product awareness is also high, with 97% of individuals aware of Life Insurance, and 90% aware of health insurance.

Positive Retirement Outlook and Emotional Preparedness

More than three in four individuals in East India view retirement positively, anticipating it to be a “tension-free” period focused on family and personal well-being. Emotional security is robust in the region, with 95% expressing confidence in the support of family and friends during retirement. However, feelings of loneliness persist for some, with 64% still concerned about it, and 76% expressing worries about changing environmental factors. In East India, 1 in 4 still feel that during retirement life, they will have to depend on other family members.

Retirement Savings Drivers and Future Outlook

Respondents in East India are increasingly prioritizing future medical expenses (35%) and children’s future (33%) in their retirement savings goals. Influences that drive these retirement investments include advice from family (43%), witnessing the retirement savings behavior of friends and colleagues (45%), and concerns about potential health challenges in the future (43%).

As East India exemplifies the benefits of proactive retirement planning, Max Life Insurance’s study underscores the importance of early and comprehensive preparation to achieve a financially secure, healthy, and fulfilling retirement across the country.

In conclusion, the IRIS 4.0 findings for East India highlights a strong shift in retirement readiness among the respondents. With 56% advocating for retirement planning before touching 35 years of age, and 94% amongst above 50 years of age expressing regret for not starting earlier, proactive financial planning is on the rise. A growing 75% regard life insurance as an essential tool, alongside increased investment in FDs, RDs, and mutual funds, which is helping more than 70% feel secure about their future. Health concerns and family well-being are significant motivators, as 1 in 3 East Indians prioritize medical needs and children’s future in their retirement plans. While dependence on family wealth sometimes stalls planning, an optimistic view of retirement prevails, with 82% aspiring to a healthy, active retirement and taking steps to maintain their well-being. Additionally, strong family bonds remain essential, with 91% wishing to live close to their children post-retirement, reinforcing the importance of familial support even within nuclear households.

About India Retirement Index Study

India Retirement Index Study is an annual retirement study by Max Life Insurance conducted in partnership with KANTAR. The survey aims to understand the retirement readiness of Urban India, with insights into awareness, aspirations and challenges of consumers during retirement and its planning. India retirement index is the degree to which Indians feel prepared for tomorrow’s retired life on a scale 0 to 100. It is based on how prepared India is for a healthy, peaceful & financially independent post-retirement life.

About Max Life Insurance

Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited and Axis Bank Limited. Max Financial Services Ltd. is a part of the Max Group. Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions, through its multi-channel distribution including agency and third-party distribution partners. Max Life has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY 2023-24, Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of INR 29,529 Cr.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.maxlifeinsurance.com.

About Kantar

Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world’s top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future.

To know more, visit www.kantar.com.

BriPublish Announces the 2024 Edition of the National Book Writing Fest (NBWF) for University Students: Free Participation for All

BriPublish, a leading brand under the BriBooks Group, has launched the 2024 edition of the National Book Writing Fest (NBWF), a groundbreaking event designed to empower university students across India to write, publish, and share their stories. This year’s Fest will be free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all students nationwide, with participation from top public and private universities. Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, NBWF offers an extraordinary opportunity to become a published author, adding a significant accomplishment to participants’ professional CVs.

National Book Writing Fest 2024 – Organized by BriPublish

Empowering Tomorrows Leaders Through Writing

The NBWF initiative aims to provide students with career-enhancing benefits, media exposure, and a chance to secure prestigious awards, including a cash prize of up to Rs. 1,00,000 for outstanding authors. Additionally, participants will gain national and global media visibility, broadening their audience and impact as emerging writers.

Ami Dror, Founder & President of BriBooks Group, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The National Book Writing Fest is a transformative initiative designed to unleash the potential of our youth by giving them a powerful voice. Through BriPublish, we are not only helping students become authors but also empowering them to shape narratives that inspire others. NBWF embodies our mission to make writing and publishing accessible, meaningful, and impactful for everyone.”

Highlights of NBWF 2024

  • Open to All University Students: NBWF 2024 is available to all undergraduate and postgraduate students across India, ensuring equal access and opportunities for participation.

  • Professional Edge: Publishing a book through NBWF is a distinctive achievement for students’ CVs, underscoring creativity, commitment, and resilience. This experience allows participants to stand out in their academic and professional journeys.

  • Awards and Global Media Coverage: Alongside national recognition, top authors can earn a cash prize of up to Rs. 1,00,000, with winners showcased in leading media outlets, increasing visibility and impact on a global scale.

Join the 2024 National Book Writing Fest

NBWF 2024 is more than just a Fest-it’s a journey of creativity, mentorship, and exploration. For additional information, please visit www.bripublish.com/nbwf/2024

About BriPublish and BriBooks Group

BriPublish, a proud brand of BriBooks Group, is at the forefront of promoting youth literacy and storytelling. BriBooks Group, the world’s largest book writing and publishing platform, has helped over 600,000 students across 26+ countries become published authors. Through the National Book Writing Fest and other initiatives, BriPublish and BriBooks continue to create meaningful platforms that celebrate young voices and their potential to inspire change.

Futuristic Cloud Data Centers: Bolstering India’s Digital Future

The Cloud & Data Centre India 2024 10th Annual Conference was organized by Bharat Exhibitions on the 14th of November, 2024, at The LaLiT, New Delhi. Where innovation met opportunity in the heart of Indias digital revolution at an event for a transformative gathering that brought together most influential players in the data infrastructure ecosystem. From leading banks and private equity firms to cutting-edge cloud service providers and construction experts, the event united the entire value chain under one roof. From exploring actionable insights, forging strategic partnerships, and driving growth in Indias dynamic data landscape, with unparalleled networking opportunities and thought-provoking discussions, this event placed itself as the perfect gateway to success in the thriving digital economy of the country. The flagship summit is highly prominent that annually brings together industry experts, stakeholders, policymakers, technology providers, and business leaders to discuss and explore the latest trends, developments, challenges, and opportunities related to data centers, its deployment and its impact on various sectors. This edition was no different! Plus, it was the perfect platform to gain the insights and guidance to create an effective pathway to the future and network with peers. In todays data-driven business landscape, data centers enable businesses to manage, store, and analyze their data efficiently and securely. Data centers fulfil a fundamental role in supporting many daily digital activities, providing a range of essential services to organizations of varying sizes and from differing sectors. This growth in data is further stimulated by adoption of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, internet of things etc.

Anil Tandan, BIF, Bishakha Bhattacharya, AWS, Prashant Oberoi, Norden, Atul Sinha, DDG (BTU), DoT, Arvind Kumar, DG, STPI, S.N. Gupta, BIF, Shashi Dharan, Bharat Exhibitions

After the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, Mr. Shashi Dharan, MD, Bharat Exhibitions in his welcome speech said, “India’s data center market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8%, reaching US$ 8B by 2025. This is indeed a huge growth for India. The key drivers behind this growth are the increased mobile data consumption, rise of Industry 4.0 tech, rapid adoption of 5G and IOT solutions. Indian Govt’s role on Make In India and Data Center Incentivization Scheme are also boosting the data center scenario in India. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, NCR and Bengaluru have become data center hubs in recent past, accounting for over 55% of the country’s capacity.

Special Guest of Honour, Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) was heard quoting, “Digital economy is going to be double soon. To achive the target set by Govt of India is soon going to be a reality in our country. AI, ML in cloud, flexibility and scalability, multi cloud, interoperability and integration are pivotal pillars on which data center business and deployment are based upon. AI integration with cloud, edge computing have potential to create jobs”. He also added, that the new trend of multi cloud is emerging where everything has to become interoperable for its success. Sinha also added that with increasing demand for digital services, the collective focus on expanding and streamlining data centers is more critical now. “Big data analytics are driving unprecedented demand for data centers in India now“, he stressed upon.

Guest of Honour, Shri Atul Sinha, DDG (BTU), Department of Telecommunications, Govt. of India, “India’s digital journey has nothing been short of extra ordinary. We are emerging as a digital economy in fast paced manner. This conference today has great significance in building the digital seocity we all aspire for. Data centers are like backbone for our digital economy. Every aspect of our lives now is dependent on data centers to a great extent. 1 trillion dollar is the number we all are looking for. Data security, skill gap are major hurdles we need to overcome. We can make great strides in making India digitally secure and self reliant. India has all the potential to become a data center hub.”

Dr S. N Gupta, Broadband India Forum, in his Introductory Address said, “Hail Govt’s aim to make India a digitally empowered society. Internet penetration is the highest. India will soon become a major data center hub.”

Mr. Prashant Oberoi, Director, India & SAARC, Norden Communication in his Keynote Address stated, “We have exponential growth today in data centers. Digital payment and 5G proliferation will intensify this growth in the days to come. Localization of data centers is a major concern in India. We need to see all the emerging trends and see how the progress is made a successful one.”

Ms. Bishakha Bhattacharya, Head – Public Policy, AWS India & South Asia in her Industry Address said, “One region for one data center is our motto. We are more than 130k partners around the world. Our commitment is long term; we have multiple clusters of data centers. Lot of innovations is happening. Finally the application analytics is the area where we specialize upon. Certifying standards is also an area where our focus lies in priority. Amazing development in mathematics, where AI is being collaborated with multiple sectors.”

Brig. Anil Tandan, Director General, Broadband India Forum delivered the Vote of Thanks during the Summit, where he thanked all the dignitaries present for expressing their valuable inputs on the data center scenario within the country and also worldwide.

The Summit was spread across 4 Sessions including two Technical Sessions and concluding with a Panel Discussion Shri Vivek Dua, Sr. General Manager (Corporate Office), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Mr. Sumit Agarwal, Global Manager – Presales, Norden Communication, Mr. Suresh E. Bulusu, Director Pre Sales, Astrikos.AI, Mr. Prem Rodrigues, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, IMEA, Siemon, Mr. Saurabh Agarwal, CEO, TechBridge, Mr. Kirtikar Ojha, Head of Government Sales, L&T Data Centre & Cloud Services, Mr. Harkaran Singh Sachdev, Founder & CEO, Ekaga Group, Mr. Diwakar Jaiswal, Joint Director, Software Technology Parks of India, Mr. Mayuresh Shingore, Lead, Connected Business, Digital Blanket, Dr. Debabrata Nayak, Director, PwC India, Mr. A.S. Pandey, GM (IT) & CISO, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd., Shri Manoj Tandon, Director – Projects, Operations & Maintenance, RailTel, Mr. Amit Sehgal, Senior Vice President, Technology Head, HDFC Bank, Shri Subhash Chandra Kesarwani, Director (Tx and NGS), NTIPRIT, Mr. Prashant Oberoi, Director, India & SAARC, Norden Communication and Mr. Satyanarayana Reddy Erla, Technical Manager, India & SAARC, Siemon were some of the other eminent speakers during the sessions.

Next-Generation Datacenters: Cloud Transformation Aligned with Emerging Business Models, Cybersecurity in Cloud & Datacentres: Mitigating Risks in a Hyperconnected World, The Evolution of Data Centres in the Age of AI and Automation were the pertinent topics discussed during the technical sessions.

The summit was partnered and supported by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Norden Communication, AWS, VP Group, Astrikos.Ai, Siemon, TechBridge Consultancy Services, Ananta STPI Cloud Services, Ekaga Group, L&T-Cloudfiniti, Techspire Services, Communications Today, Digital Infrastructure Providers Association and Broadband India Forum.

HPCL Partners with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to Feed 1000 School Children for a Year

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has partnered with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to support 1000 students of government and government-aided schools at Jodhpur, Lucknow and Vishakhapatnam under their CSR initiative.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation signs an MoU with HPCL to support 1000 students of government and government-aided schools at Jodhpur, Lucknow and Vishakhapatnam

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on November 07, 2024 by Mr. Rajeev Goel, Executive Director – CSR & PRCC, HPCL and Mr. Dhananjay Ganjoo, Chief Marketing Officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation which is a non-profit organisation focused on providing unlimited food for education of school children as the implementing partner of the PM POSHAN programme.

The initiative would help provide hot and nutritious meals to students and ensure their holistic health and well-being.

“At HPCL, we are committed to supporting the young citizens of our country in their efforts to fulfil their aspirations. We hope that the initiative goes a long way in not just fulfilling the nutritional needs of the children but also ensuring better results in their educational endeavours.”, said Mr Rajeev Goel, ED-CSR&PRCC on the occasion.

“At The Akshaya Patra Foundation, we firmly believe that nutrition should not hinder a child from achieving their dreams,” said Mr. Dhananjay Ganjoo, Chief Marketing Officer of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, “We are deeply grateful to Mr. Rajeev Goel and HPCL for their understanding of our initiatives and enabling us to further reach more children, ensuring their nourishment and a lasting impact on their futures.”

The partnership between HPCL and The Akshaya Patra Foundation aims to establish a linear correlation between education and nutrition. It further would encourage children to increase their participation in school and enhance their nutrition status. Through this shared commitment, both organizations are contributing to a future where education and health go hand in hand, empowering the next generation to lower their drop-out rates to reach their fullest potential for a brighter tomorrow.

About HPCL

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), enjoys approximately 20.29% market share in India, and has a strong presence in refining and marketing petroleum products in the country. The Company owns and operates refineries in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam, with designed capacities of 9.5 MMTPA and 13.7 MMTPA, respectively. HPCL has a vast marketing network of 19 Zonal offices in major cities and 145 Regional Offices facilitated by supply and distribution infrastructures and customer touchpoints nationwide. The Company has Indias second-largest petroleum product pipeline network, with a network length of 5,134 km.

Under CSR HPCL supports projects that create empowered individuals and communities through sustainable social and economic development. Corporation has been successful in bringing positive changes in the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalized section of society such as children with special needs, girl children from tribal areas, socially disadvantaged groups, unemployed, women etc.

About The Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that strives to address classroom hunger and malnutrition in India. By implementing the PM POSHAN Scheme in government and government-aided schools, Akshaya Patra aims to fight hunger and, at the same time, bring children to school. Since 2000, Akshaya Patra has worked towards reaching out to children with wholesome food every single school day. The Foundation is continuously leveraging technology to cater to millions of children. Its state-of-the-art kitchens have become a subject of study and attract curious visitors from around the world.

As an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN with support of the Government of India and various State Governments, Akshaya Patra has grown from humble beginnings serving just 1,500 school children across five schools to becoming one of the largest (not-for-profit run) school feeding programme, serving wholesome food to over 2.2 million children from 23,000+ schools across 16 states and 2 union territories in India.

For more details, please log on: www.akshayapatra.org.

Phoenix Marketcity Pune Launches Wedding Festival: A Celebration of Special Bond, Elegance and Rewards

Phoenix Marketcity Pune, the premier shopping and lifestyle destination, celebrates the marriage season with the Phoenix Wedding Festival, offering a premium experience designed for brides, grooms, their families, friends, and wedding squads. Running until November 30, 2024, this event brings together the best in bridal fashion, jewellery and lifestyle products, creating an unmatched shopping experience in the heart of Pune.

Phoenix Marketcity Pune Launches Wedding Festival

Visitors to the wedding festival will be treated to an exquisite range of wedding collection from prestigious brands including Ethnicity, Jaypore, FabIndia, Mohanlal & Sons, Manyavar Mohey, House of Pataudi, Neerus, Ethnix, Raymonds over 100 ethnic brands to choose from. Expect intricately detailed lehengas, rich sarees and finely tailored sherwanis that combine the timeless beauty of tradition with the elegance of modern design. Each piece is crafted to suit diverse tastes and styles.

The jewellery section features a stunning selection from renowned brands like P N Gadgil & Sons, Tanishq, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Reliance Jewels, Senco, Orra, Bluestone, and many more adding a touch of glamour to any bridal look. From classic gold sets that exude heritage charm to bold, modern designs, each piece promises to enhance the bride’s or groom’s attire with unmatched elegance and style.

Shoppers will also find essential lifestyle products from brands like Croma, Reliance Digital, Bose for electronics and Home Centre & Hometown for home furnishings, perfect for couples starting their new lives together.

One of the festival’s standout attractions is assured gratifications worth up to Rs. 5,000 on shopping of ethnic brands worth Rs. 51,000 and above. To make the shopping experience even more exciting, the top shopper at the end of the campaign will be rewarded with a Solitario wedding ring worth up to Rs. 1 lakh, adding a premium touch to their preparations.

Phoenix Marketcity Pune is recognized for its commitment to delivering exceptional shopping experiences. With a mix of high-end fashion brands, elegant ambiance and exclusive events, the mall has established itself as Pune’s leading premium lifestyle destination. This wedding festival further highlights Phoenix Marketcity’s dedication to curating experiences that blend luxury, celebration and unparalleled quality. The award-winning mall for the Best Thematic Decoration, for their enchanting Saga of Ancient Feathers dcor at the Fortune Leadership Awards, Phoenix Market city Pune is all set to glam-up your wedding event.

This festival is more than just a shopping event; it’s a celebration of love and new beginnings, offering everything from must-have fashion pieces to accessories that complete the wedding ensemble. This visit promises discovery, elegance, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Come visit and make your wedding dreams come true at Phoenix Marketcity Pune’s Wedding Festival.

Location: Phoenix Marketcity, Viman Nagar, Pune

Website: www.phoenixmarketcity.com/pune

GREY GOOSE Raised a Toast to Fashion and Cheered the New Season of Festivities at Lakm?” Fashion Week in Partnership with FDCI

Celebrations have to be memorable, and when they are cheered and toasted with GREY GOOSE, the globally renowned premium vodka by Bacardi, the stage is set for an evening that marks the pinnacle of fashion and luxury.

GREY GOOSE Vive Le Voyage joined LakmÄ” Fashion Week 2024 as the official celebration partner, bringing its heritage French excellence to center stage, along with FDCI, to spotlight a new era of creativity and celebrate the best in the fashion world for the first time this season. With its longstanding ties to the highest tiers of haute couture in its birthplace of France, GREY GOOSE Vive Le Voyage brought its signature sophistication to Indias most prestigious fashion stage with this latest partnership.

The grand opening show by Pro, called “Hello Pro,” celebrated 15 years of the label in collaboration with Hello Kitty, which also celebrated 50 years. The show, held on the sprawling grounds of a picturesque bungalow in New Delhi, was a kaleidoscope of the colorful, vibrant collection with gorgeous, layered creations that excited the audience, ending on a high note with perfectly crafted GREY GOOSE martinis. “It was fulfilling to see happy, smiling faces and to see people dressed in their kawaii best! The after-party, post the “Hello Pro” showcase at Lakm Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, was truly a celebration to remember. Great music, good food, and the company of friends from around the world filled our hearts with so much love,” said the very delighted Aneeth Arora of Pro, reflecting on the success of the showcase.

The Abraham and Thakore show, created by designers David Abraham, Rakesh Thakore, and Kevin Nigli, titled “Finding Beauty,” concluded Sustainable Fashion Day at LakmÄ” Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. The grand after-show party at Monkey Bar in Vasant Kunj culminated in a vibrant celebration, where nearly a hundred fashion enthusiasts raised their toasts with GREY GOOSE cocktails, honoring the designers’ glamorous and eco-conscious evening ensembles crafted from upcycled materials.

The after-show party was the perfect way for us to unwind, and celebrate with everyone who came to support us. It was wonderful to see guests enjoying themselves, connecting with the collections on a more personal level, and mingling in a more relaxed atmosphere. The energy was electric, and it gave us a chance to engage with our audience beyond the runway. We couldnt have asked for a better way to cap off the event, with music, great food, and an incredible vibe that everyone loved,” stated the designers.

Festivities included an elegant pre-show gathering at the Imperial and a memorable post-show evening in Balisario, at the Shangri-La Eros Hotel, where GREY GOOSE brought a refined touch to the celebrations with exquisite serves.

The House of LakmÄ” Grand Finale by the late, legendary Rohit Bal at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi, will be remembered as an extraordinary tribute to his artistic genius. In his timeless black and white collection, “Kaaynaat – A Bloom in the Universe,” he celebrated the boundless energy of nature, bringing to life the delicate beauty of flora and fauna in ways that left audiences profoundly moved.

US Venture Capitalist Tim Draper Launches BonV Aero’s Air Orca, India’s First Fully Autonomous Logistics Drone

  • Marking a significant development in logistic drone technology

  • Poised to revolutionise both civilian and defence applications across territories

  • Eminent VC Tim Draper flies to Bhubaneswar to unveil the advanced drone

BonV Aero, an Odisha-based deep tech startup, has officially launched Air Orca, India’s first fully autonomous logistics drone. This milestone in India’s drone and logistics technology gained further significance through the presence of renowned venture capitalist Tim Draper, known for his early investments in companies like Tesla and Hotmail, along with Inflection Point Ventures, Headstart Investment Circle, Beyond Ventures, Indus Bridge Venture, IIT Mandi Catalyst, Sri Sri University and other industry veterans.

American Investor,Tim Draper launches BonV Aero’s Air Orca eVTOL

Drapers backing highlights international interest in BonV Aero, positioning Odisha as an emerging hub for advanced technological innovation. “Today’s launch of Air Orca marks an important advancement for India’s logistics sector and for us as an Odisha-based company,” said Satyabrata Sathapathy, CEO of BonV Aero. “Developing and manufacturing this drone indigenously has allowed us to tailor it for India’s needs. Tim Draper’s support strengthens the impact of this launch, and we’re grateful for his involvement as we aim to extend Air Orca’s benefits to both civilian and defence applications across India.”

Tim Draper expressed his enthusiasm at the event, stating, “It’s exciting to witness the launch of Air Orca here in Odisha. Autonomous drones like Air Orca provide practical solutions for modern logistics by expanding reach, flexibility and reliability with myriad use cases from disaster response to high-altitude operations for the defence forces. With the recent hurricanes in the US fresh in my mind, I anticipate that BonV Aero’s innovation can be an effective tool for disaster response in India and globally.”

The Air Orca is fully designed, developed and manufactured by BonV Aero in India. With advanced autonomous capabilities, Air Orca is engineered to tackle diverse logistical challenges, particularly in regions where traditional transportation methods are impractical. The drone is designed to serve as a first responder in post-disaster scenarios, delivering relief supplies and providing critical support during emergencies. Its high-altitude capabilities make it suitable for military logistics operations in challenging terrains, including the Himalayan region, at elevations of nearly 20,000 feet. BonV Aero is the first Indian company to set a world record by lifting a 30 kg payload at Umling La, Ladakh, the highest motorable road pass at 19,024 feet. This performance outshines other modes of aerial transport such as helicopters, that face greater challenges when transporting similar cargo at such high altitudes.

With Air Orca, BonV Aero aims to address a variety of logistics needs across sectors like healthcare, e-commerce, military logistics and disaster management on a global scale. This launch underlines the growing role of Odisha-based companies in India’s technology ecosystem and demonstrates how localised innovation is gaining national and international recognition.

For more info please visit: www.bonvaero.com.