Picture a future where aspirations meet the tools needed to bring them to life. The Art of Living Social Projects, inspired by the humanitarian vision of world-renowned spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is making this vision come alive. Guided by Gurudev’s profound belief that, “Youth are the backbone of our country, and they determine the country’s development. They have to be competent enough to face challenges in life,” The Art of Living’s Skill Training Centres are more than learning hubs – they are catalysts of transformation. These centers equip individuals with the tools to achieve sustainable livelihoods, economic independence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

A grand inauguration, turning dreams to reality

Empowered by Skill and Resilience

This mission came to life in the story of Kamesh Maurya, a 19 year old determined dreamer from Baknauri village, Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. Despite being the youngest of six siblings, Kamesh carried his family’s hopes on his shoulders and embraced the challenge of offering a brighter future to them.

Kamesh’s journey took a transformative turn when he enrolled in The Art of Livings’ Mobile Repair Training Program, conducted in collaboration with Radico Khaitan. The three-month programme didn’t just teach technical skills; it provided the confidence and resilience needed to drive ambitions into action. Guided by dedicated trainers like Gaurav Kumar, Kamesh mastered key skills, including software installation and IC repairs. He was thrilled to have met Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Moradabad and credits Sudarshan Kriya for helping him stay calm and focused, enabling him to overcome challenges while pursuing his dreams.

Kamesh Turns His Vision into Reality

Immediately upon graduating, Kamesh proudly opened his own mobile repair shop in Baknauri on the 4th of December 2024 in his village of 18,000 households, where he sees vast potential. His optimism stretches beyond local earnings to the surrounding villages as well. For Kamesh, this isn’t just a business. It’s proof of what determination and the right guidance can achieve.

“I want to expand my shop and make my career in mobile repairing,” Kamesh shares with determination. “I am deeply grateful to The Art of Living Social Projects and Radico Khaitan, whose support has made this possible.”

Building Futures with Skill Development

The Art of Living Social Projects tackles unemployment and underemployment through skill development and entrepreneurship programmes. By collaborating with governments, corporates, and community organisations, these initiatives empower youth to break socio-economic barriers and contribute to national progress.

Their approach goes beyond technical training. With a focus on industry-ready skills, leadership development, and soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving, participants are equipped for success. These programmes also provide a second chance for those excluded from traditional education, enabling them to start small businesses and contribute to local economies.

Kamesh Maurya (extreme left) is the proud owner of a mobile repair shop

Transforming 4,20,000+ Lives

With 103 centres across India, The Art of Living Social Projects has impacted over 4,20,000 young people, including 3,10,000+ rural beneficiaries; offering training in 48 unique job roles. These initiatives provide more than just certificates; they build confidence and resilience, creating a ripple effect that strengthens families, communities, and nations. Additionally, 7,500+ villages have been positively influenced by over 300 dedicated trainers.

Kamesh’s story is a powerful reminder of how skill building programmes can change lives. With the right support and opportunities, young people like him can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, proving that potential is everywhere – sometimes, all it takes is a little guidance.

About The Art of Living Social Projects
The Art of Living Social Projects has resolved to create positive societal impact through transformative initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation strives to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities alike.

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• Probuds T24 offers “doped” sound with 10mm drivers, High Bass Polyurethane Diaphragm speaker

• Features Quad-mic ENC for crystal-clear calls, 35ms ultra-low latency for seamless gaming, and advanced Bluetooth V5.4 connectivity for an unmatched audio experience

• Equipped with a 500mAh battery, Probuds T24 provides up to 45 hours of playtime, with fast charging, delivering 150 minutes of playtime in just 10 minutes

Probuds, the audio sub-brand of Lava International Ltd., India’s leading homegrown smartphone brand introduced Probuds T24, offering a “doped” audio experience at a price of Rs. 1,299. Designed for those struggling with the challenges of multi-device connectivity, the Probuds T24 is a game-changer for seamless multitasking. In the mid-level segment, it delivers superior quality and an enhanced everyday experience, whether youre making calls, consuming content on the go, or enjoying podcasts, videos, and music. Probuds T24 is launched with a retail first strategy for an exclusive on-ground experience across retail outlets and e-store for convenience. Available in five color variants, the product will be introduced in phases starting December 06^th, 2024.

Probuds T24

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Satya Sati Business Head – Accessories, Lava International Ltd., said, “Our endeavor with the Accessories business has been to address industry gaps through consumer insight and push the boundaries of innovation to create quality products and offer an enhanced experience across product catalogue. The mid-segment in the audio industry is under catered, where we believe T24 will fill in the gap. We have grown steadfast this year and remain committed to expand our product line up with quality and value.”

Product Features:

Dopamine-Induced Audio Experience

Probuds T24 is powered by 10mm drivers, delivering a “doped” sound experience with high bass polyurethane diaphragm speaker that elevates music listening to new heights. Equipped with quad-mic ENC, it ensures crystal-clear conversations.

Advanced Bluetooth Chipset

The Probuds T24 is equipped with the advanced Jieli JL7006F8 Bluetooth chipset IC, ensuring robust performance and reliable connectivity. Bluetooth V5.4 provides seamless and stable pairing with your devices, while an ultra-low latency of just 35ms offers a rush-filled gaming experience

Exceptional Play Time and Dual Device Pairing
The Probuds T24 offers up to 45 hours of playtime with its powerful 500mAh battery and fast charging capabilities. A quick 10-minute charge delivers an impressive 150 minutes of playtime, ensuring minimal downtime. For multitaskers, the dual device pairing feature provides seamless connectivity between your laptop and mobile, allowing you to stay connected and entertained without interruption.

Price and Availability

Probuds T24, priced at Rs. 1,299, will be available in five color variants namely Herb Green, Venom Black, Dope Blue, Trippy Macaw, Snake White. It will hit key retail markets starting December 06^th, 2024, with an online launch on Lava’s e-store.

Spec Sheet:

AboutProbuds

Probuds, the audio sub-brand of Lava comprises of neckbands, earbuds and wired earphones. Embodying Lava’s philosophy of Make in India, the product catalogue is conceptualized, designed and manufactured at brand’s Noida plant. Currently the catalogue features products across neckbands, ear buds and wired earphones.

About Lava International Limited

#ProudlyIndian | Made in India, Made for India

Lava International Limited, headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, is a pioneering mobile handset and solutions company in India, founded in 2009 with the vision to empower individuals. The companys corporate office and manufacturing facility, equipped with a production capacity of 42.52 million handsets per annum, are strategically located in Noida. Lavas commitment to innovation is reflected in its two state-of-the-art research and development centers in Noida, housing dedicated teams in software and hardware design. The companys extensive nationwide presence is facilitated by a robust retail network of 1.65 Lakh retailers, directly served by over 1000 distributors, and supported by a vast after-sales service network of 800+ professionally managed service centers. The brand has a global presence in 20+ countries.

Beyond smartphones, Lava is expanding its product portfolio to include smartwatches, Neckbands, Probuds, and an extended True Wireless Stereo (TWS) segment. The brands credibility is underscored by being ranked the Most Trustworthy Brand in the CMR Retail Sentiment Index.

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The 16^th GRIHA Summit, organized by the GRIHA Council, concluded with a strong emphasis on ‘Accelerating climate action and fostering resilience in the built environment’. Over two days, the Summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and community representatives to explore strategies for sustainable infrastructure development.

Launch of GRIHA Infrastructure Rating for Highways at the 16th GRIHA Summit

Dr Vibha Dhawan, President of the GRIHA Council and Director General of TERI, highlighted the event’s overarching vision in her address. “Challenges will always arise, but what truly matters is how we face them and create a lasting change. Perfection may never be reached, but the chance to go green is here, and its up to us to seize it,” she said.

Delivering the valedictory address, Smt Meenakashi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, and Member of Parliament, called for unified efforts to achieve climate resilience. “Let’s not let others dictate our agenda. It’s time to run our own green agenda, rooted in our heritage and guided by GRIHA standards. GRIHA symbolizes India’s commitment to sustainability and green living. With the concepts of reusing and recycling, we have to get our existing buildings compatible with the standards provided by GRIHA,” she said.

The valedictory session opened with remarks by Mr Sanjay Seth, Vice President and CEO, GRIHA Council, who underscored the critical need for innovation and collaboration. “The conversations we’ve had, the ideas we’ve shared, and the solutions we’ve proposed over these past two days will play a crucial role in transforming our built environment. It is our collective responsibility to leverage our expertise and passion to drive positive change. As we reflect on our journey, we also celebrate the exceptional achievements that are setting new standards for sustainable excellence,” he stated.

A significant highlight of the session was the launch of two new sustainability frameworks: the GRIHA Rating for Ports and the GRIHA Infrastructure Rating for Highways, designed to promote environmentally responsible practices in these critical sectors. Both ratings aim to advance sustainability by providing standardized frameworks for assessing and enhancing infrastructure performance.

Mr Aditya Bhutani, Director and COO of AIS GlassXperts, emphasised the role of partnerships in advancing sustainability. “Net zero isnt just an opportunity; its the reality we must achieve. Change doesnt require grand gestures; small acts, multiplied by millions, can transform the world,” he remarked.

During the valedictory session, GRIHA award ceremony was also held wherein the GRIHA 3-star and 2-star Rated Projects were felicitated by the eminent dignitaries. Winners of GRIHA Exemplary Awards and GRIHA Exhibition Design Competition were also awarded.

As part of the Summit, a side event titled “Scaling Up Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Technologies in Buildings in India” was organised in collaboration with GIZ India, Ornate Solar, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). The session focused on addressing critical challenges such as balancing aesthetics with efficiency, assessing the lifecycle impacts of BIPV materials, and evaluating the economic feasibility of large-scale applications.

With four plenary sessions and six thematic tracks, the Summit addressed pressing issues towards accelerating climate action at various levels including policy advocacy, united stakeholder action, energy transition and promoting smart & resilient infrastructure development. This years key deliberations revolved around managing urban heat, exploring biophilic designs & innovative construction materials, incentivising for propelling a low-carbon development, the role of communities and transformation of existing infrastructure.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Ms Shabnam Bassi, Deputy CEO and Secretary, GRIHA Council, reaffirming the commitment to advancing sustainability through collaboration and innovation.

The 16th GRIHA Summit witnessed participation from government and industry leaders, policymakers, architects, urban planners, product manufacturers, researchers, financial institutes, and civil society. GRIHA Council expresses gratitude to its partners, esteemed partners, including the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, and Rajasthan, as well as industry leaders such as Knauf, Asahi Glass, ARS Steel and Alloy International Pvt. Ltd, Union Bank of India and many more.

About GRIHA Council

GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) is jointly established by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India and TERI in 2007. It holistically evaluates the environmental performance of buildings over its entire life cycle based on qualitative and quantitative criteria, thereby providing a definitive standard for ‘green buildings’ and habitats. GRIHA has been developed for various building typologies considering the Indian climate and construction practices. India, in its NDC document submitted at COP 21 in Paris has highlighted GRIHA as an indigenous green building rating system developed in India. GRIHA is a part of the mitigation strategy for combating climate change in India’s “Nationally Determined Contributions” submitted to UNFCCC by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MOEFCC), Government of India. GRIHA has received accolades in spheres such as energy efficiency, site planning, conservation, and efficient utilization of resources.

About TERI

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), based in India, is an independent, multi-dimensional research organization with capabilities in policy research, technology development, and implementation. An innovator and agent of change in the energy, environment, climate change and sustainability space, TERI has pioneered conversations and action in these areas for nearly five decades. Headquartered in New Delhi, it has centres in six Indian cities, and is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, sociologists, economists, engineers, administrative professional and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Phoenix Marketcity Pune is all set to sprinkle the magic of Christmas within its premises. From December 14th to January 1st, 2025, the shopping mall will turn into a ‘Christmas Wonderland’ capturing the festive spirit with joy, cheer, and unforgettable experiences. With a dazzling 40-foot Christmas tree, enchanting carol performances, live shows, exciting games, and a charming Christmas market, there’s something for everyone to revel in.

Christmas Festivities Galore in Phoenix Marketcity Pune

Prepare to be enchanted from the moment you step in, with festive decor transforming every corner into a magical Christmas retreat. The centrepiece of a magnificent 40-foot-tall Christmas tree will provide the perfect backdrop for all your pictures. Enjoy live music concerts from talented artists while you try your hand at exhilarating games. Watch little ones jump in joy as carnival artists perform with their acts, mesmerizing jugglers perform, and parades of toons and cosplayers light up the atmosphere. And what’s a celebration without meeting Santa Claus Get ready to meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus as they spread Christmas cheer in person.

Speaking about the initiative, Phoenix Marketcity Punes Central Director, Anshuman S. Bharadwaj, shares, “This is the season of joy and togetherness, and we love to create moments where families and friends come together to celebrate. It makes us happy to see the smiles and laughter as everyone basks in the Christmas magic, making all our efforts worthwhile. We hope to bring a little extra sparkle to everyone’s holidays this year with our vibrant events and magical atmosphere.”

For the shopping enthusiasts, there will be a charming Christmas market with handicraft items, artisanal products, festive treats and decorations. While a dedicated gaming zone can keep the kids occupied, parents can indulge in interactive workshops to explore new skills. Christmas choirs and movie nights will also add to the festivities on select evenings. It is truly a treat for all ages to relive the magic of Christmas, up close and personal.

If you love relishing the magic of the season, you must visit Phoenix Marketcity Pune from December 14th onwards. Don’t forget your Santa hats and headbands-let’s make it a December to remember!

Website: www.phoenixmarketcity.com/pune.

Event Details:

Date: From 14th December 2024 to 1st January 2025

Venue: Liberty Square, Phoenix Market city, Pune

Tickets: Available now on BookMyShow.

Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, is extending their support as the title sponsors of the Ability Sports League T20 (previously known as Karnataka Wheelchair Premier League). The tournament will be held from 10th December 2024 to 17th December 2024 at Alur KSCA Ground. The 3rd edition of the league will provide wheelchair athletes with the opportunities to showcase their unique talents and abilities, while competing in an inclusive arena.

The brand equipped all the 90 players with professional-grade cricket kits, including helmets, gloves, pads, and bats

The T20 tournament is the first South Asian wheelchair cricket league, offering athletes a unique platform to represent the future of India’s wheelchair cricket team. Launched in 2018, the league offers over 600 players in wheelchairs with the chance to showcase their talents and play for an international league. Cycle Pure Agarbathi has further extended their support by supplying the 90 players from six teams with helmets, gloves, pads, bats and kits.

The brands support aims to level the playing field by providing each player with their own individual kit. This includes helmets, gloves, pads, and bats, ensuring that every athlete has the necessary equipment to perform at their best.

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi said, “At Cycle Pure Agarbathi, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and unite communities. Supporting the Karnataka Wheelchair Premier League is our way of supporting the incredible athletes who demonstrate strength, resilience, and determination. We are proud to contribute to this platform that celebrates inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve greatness, regardless of the challenges they face.”

Cycle Pure Agarbathi has showcased their support on numerous occasions to athletes by providing a platform to display their skills. The organisation is renowned for their contributions towards the Tiger Cup and Mysore Warriors, where the team was awarded the winners of the 2024 Maharaja Trophy.

About NRRS

The Mysuru-based NRRS was founded by Shri N. Ranga Rao in 1948. A true visionary and philanthropist, Shri Ranga Rao created the ubiquitous Cycle Pure Agarbathi which has, today, become the largest selling incense stick brand in the world. From a home-grown enterprise, NR Group has evolved into a successfully run business conglomerate with an established presence in India and abroad. The Group has diversified into various business categories like functional air care products (Lia brand of room fresheners and car fresheners), wellness home fragrance products (IRIS) under Ripple Fragrances, floral extracts (NESSO), and Rangsons Technologies. Today, it is truly an Agarbathi to Aerospace conglomerate as it is also involved in making parts for defence helicopters. The organization has largely committed towards social responsibilities and fulfils them, through its charity arm ‘NR Foundation‘.

NR Group today is managed by the third generation of the Ranga family.

For more information on NR Group, please visit www.nrgroup.co.in.

Tusk Groups, under the visionary leadership of Founder and CEO Rajesh S, is pioneering a transformative movement for Indian businesses. By enabling companies to showcase their presence on the world’s most prestigious stage-Times Square, New York-Tusk Groups is redefining global branding. For the first time, Indian brands are competing on par with international giants such as Google, Dell, and Samsung, establishing their global footprint in a truly iconic way.

India to New York: Launch your brand on Times Square’s premium billboard displays with Tusk Groups – Elevate prestige, boost sales and inspire global recognition

Why Times Square
Known as the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a global symbol of culture, commerce, and innovation. With over 50 million tourists annually and generating 1.5 million daily billboard impressions, advertising in Times Square offers:

• Unmatched Visibility: Your brand seen by millions every day.

• Prestige & Recognition: Establishing credibility alongside global leaders.

• Employee Inspiration: Boosting team morale and fostering pride.

• Sales Growth: Enhancing customer trust and driving business expansion.

• Premium Perception: Positioning companies as industry pioneers.

Tusk Groups specializes in securing premium billboard spaces, including the coveted Middle Board Display, ensuring maximum visibility and impact for its clients.

Empowering Businesses Across Borders
Tusk Groups works with businesses in India, UAE, USA, and Singapore, with a strong presence in Indian cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. By bridging local expertise with global platforms, Tusk Groups empowers companies to achieve international success.

End-to-End Branding Solutions
Tusk Groups delivers a seamless experience for businesses by managing the entire process, from securing advertising slots at Times Square to producing high-quality visuals and promotional videos. These campaigns are then shared across digital platforms, allowing companies to amplify their visibility further.

A Revolutionary Impact
Launching at Times Square is more than an advertisement-it’s a milestone that boosts brand equity, inspires employees, motivates sales teams, and enhances trust among clients. This premium branding initiative allows businesses to stand out globally and establish themselves as credible, innovative market leaders.

R. Sasikumar, the official spokesperson for Tusk Groups, shared his thoughts:
*”Tusk Groups is more than a service provider; we are a bridge to global recognition. For companies, launching in Times Square is not just a marketing strategy-it’s a legacy that resonates across borders. We are proud to be the first and only Indian company facilitating such transformative opportunities.”*

Why Choose Tusk Groups
With expertise in advertising and a deep understanding of global branding, Tusk Groups ensures every campaign delivers exceptional results. The company’s strengths include:

• Innovative Campaigns: Tailored solutions for maximum impact.

• Global Reach: Serving clients across India, UAE, USA, and Singapore.

• Comprehensive Services: From concept to execution.

• Premium Partnerships: Aligning with industry leaders like Google and Samsung.

A Vision for the Future
Founder and CEO Rajesh S has built Tusk Groups on a foundation of innovation and excellence. His vision is to elevate businesses from local markets to global platforms, creating opportunities for companies to achieve unparalleled success.

India to New York: Making Dreams a Reality
This initiative is a bold testament to the ambition and innovation of Indian businesses. By collaborating with Tusk Groups, companies are realizing their dreams of global recognition, showcasing their brands at Times Square, and inspiring their teams to reach new heights.

For more information, please visit: tuskgroups.in

CloudThat is excited to announce it is a recipient of the 2024 AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) Award, recognizing the top AWS Training Partners around the globe that have provided significant contributions related to number of students trained, number of classes delivered, and YoY student growth.

CloudThat CEO Bhavesh Goswami with the AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) 2024 award

Presented during the Partner Awards Gala at AWS re:Invent 2024, the Geo and Global AWS Partner Awards honor partners demonstrating specialization, innovation, and collaborative excellence. These awards recognize the AWS Partners that have continually evolved their business models to deliver outstanding customer support and success.

CloudThat’s relentless focus on transforming education and closing skill gaps in the cloud-driven era has earned this prestigious distinction. By offering advanced certifications in AI/ML, cloud security, and DevOps, and expanding access to AWS Skill Builder in untapped markets, CloudThat has consistently tailored its training programs to address the dynamic needs of modern cloud technologies. Through its comprehensive training solutions, CloudThat has empowered professionals and organizations to excel, establishing itself as a benchmark in the technology education industry.

“It is an extraordinary honour for CloudThat to become the first Indian company to win the AWS Training Partner of the Year Award (APJ) twice in a row,” expressed Bhavesh Goswami, Founder and CEO of CloudThat. He further added, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the practical, dynamic, and industry-aligned skills needed to thrive in a digital-first world. Winning this award consecutively is a testament to the impact of our training programs and our team’s unwavering commitment to empowering learners with world-class cloud expertise. This milestone inspires us to aim higher, innovate further, and build a future-ready cloud workforce. I am deeply grateful to AWS for this acknowledgment and to our clients, learners, and partners who trust us as their upskilling partner.”

Jason Menezes, Program Manager at Lupin, congratulated CloudThat, saying, “Congratulations on being named the AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) 2024. As a customer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the passion, expertise, and dedication that CloudThat brings to empowering professionals and organizations through world-class cloud training. This recognition is well-deserved and reflects the impact you’ve had on transforming the cloud journey for so many.“

Syed Shareque, Cloud Engineer Executive at Savic, also expressed his congratulations, adding, “Achieving this prestigious award for the second consecutive year is truly commendable. A big shoutout to the CEO, Bhavesh, and the entire team for consistently setting high standards and leading with excellence. Wishing CloudThat continued success and even greater accomplishments in the future.“

The Geography and Global AWS Partner Awards included a self-nomination process across several award categories, awarded at both the geographic and global level. All AWS Partners were invited to participate and submit a nomination. Award submissions were reviewed by a third-party, Canalys, and selected with special emphasis placed on customer success use cases.

In addition, there were several data-driven award categories, which were evaluated by a unique set of metrics that helped measure AWS Partners’ performance over the past year. Canalys audited the datasets used to ensure that all measurements and calculations were objective and accurate. Finalists represented the top three ranked AWS Partners across each category.

The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program focused on helping partners innovate, accelerate their journey to the cloud, and take full advantage of the breadth and depth of AWS.

CloudThat is honored to receive the AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) Award for 2024, a recognition of its innovative approach to addressing skill gaps and equipping individuals and organizations to excel in the AWS ecosystem.

About CloudThat

Established in 2012, CloudThat is an award-winning company and the first in India to offer both cloud training and consulting services. As a global leader in digital transformation, CloudThat empowers individuals and organizations with skills in cloud and other cutting-edge technologies like GenAI, Data, AI/ML, DevOps, and IoT. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, with offices in the UK, USA, and Bangladesh, CloudThat has supported clients across 30+ countries, training over 750,000 professionals and delivering 350+ consulting projects for 200+ organizations. CloudThat is also a proud AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner, AWS Advanced Tier Training Partner, and Microsoft Solutions Partner. With 11 prestigious awards in the last 7 years, including the AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) 2024 and Microsoft Training Services Partner of the Year 2024, CloudThat continues to lead with innovation, driving impact for businesses and professionals worldwide, while working to bridge the global digital skills gap.

• Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization successfully concluded the “2024 Seoul My Soul in India” event on December 05 in New Delhi, India.

• 3,000 New Delhi residents gathered to explore vibrant lifestyle of seoulites’.

• The event featured a variety of programs; including K-pop concerts by leading K-pop group ONEUS, the Seoul brand showcase, and more.

• Four themed pop-up booths highlighting Seoul’s trendy festivals and lifestyles drew significant attention

Seoul Tourism Organization announced the successful conclusion of the “2024 Seoul My Soul in India” event held in New Delhi, India, on December 5. Drawing a crowd of 3,000 attendees, the event offered a rich blend of Korean culture and seoulites’ unique lifestyles. Highlights included a live performance by the K-pop boy group ONEUS, fan meet-and-greets, Seoul Brand Show, and an interactive pop-up booth showcasing Seoul’s trendy appeal.

“2024 Seoul My Soul in India” event

The main event opened with an energetic K-pop performance by local dance crews, including EZ, ZXD, and ETERNALS who have gained recognition for their K-pop cover dances. The Seoul Brand Show featured a live painting performance and lucky draw with impressive prizes such as round-trip flights to Seoul and hotel accommodations. The evening’s centerpiece was a live concert by ONEUS, complete with fan engagement activities, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Four themed pop-up booths offered visitors an immersive taste of seoulites’ glamorous lifestyles. At the Beauty Zone, fans received K-beauty makeovers, recreating the vibrant energy of Seouls festivals. At the K-pop Zone, visitors took photos like K-pop stars in music video-inspired settings. Attendees were also able to take memorable photos in front of SEOULDAL, the giant tethered balloon that is one of Seoul’s newest landmarks.

The Brand Zone featured the latest official Seoul My Soul goods, including beautiful caps and hoodies, recently launched in Seoul.

The 10th edition of ALUCAST EXPO – the comprehensive biennial International Conference and Exhibition on Die Casting Technology and biggest industry platform in India yet, was kicked-off with much fanfare on December 5 at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Center, Dwarka, Delhi, India.

Distinguished leaders at ALUCAST Expo 2024 launch the ALUCAST publications, setting the stage for a new era of innovation in die casting technology

The three-day exhibition held from December 5 to December 7 and was attended by over 200 exhibitors and over 300 brands from countries, including Thailand, Germany, USA, Spain, Italy, Austria, Japan, China and France.

Organized by The Aluminium Casters Association (ALUCAST) and produced by NrnbergMesse India, the mega expo where industry die-casting leaders, innovators, and manufacturers converged to unveil the latest technically advanced products, materials, tools, equipment, and consumables attracted over 8000 industry visitors from 20+ countries.

Mr. Prasan Firodia, President, ALUCAST and Managing Director, Force Motors & Jaya Hind Industries said, “India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in aluminum die casting, with manufacturers leveraging cutting-edge technologies to produce complex critical components, including structural parts, on par with global standards. The country now boasts the largest aluminum die-casting machine at 4400 tons, capable of producing large, high-precision parts, highlighting Indias advanced capabilities in the sector.“

Ms. Sonia Prashar, Managing Director, NuernbergMesse India shares, “ALUCAST 2024 is set to redefine industry standards with an overwhelming response from the industry. Beyond the auto industry, the anticipated growth in sectors like consumer electronics, aerospace, and electrical equipment positions aluminium die casting as a cornerstone of India’s manufacturing future. Committed to innovation and business growth we warmly welcome all stakeholders to explore, learn, and engage at this transformative event and be part of the innovations shaping the industrys future.”

The expo gathers significance with India’s growing aluminium die casting sector in manufacturing, especially in automotive technology, with rising demand for lightweight, non-ferrous metals.

Aluminium die casting solutions play key role in diverse industries like Oil and Gas, Automobile, Electronics, Industrial, Aerospace, Telecom, Electrical and Construction.

Indias target to double the size of its auto industry to INR 15 lakh crore by the end of 2024 demonstrates its stronghold in automotive manufacturing, driven by a booming EV market projected to grow at a 49% CAGR by 2030.

Inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr Peter Ottmann, CEO, NrnbergMesse GmbH on December 5, the first day witnessed address by Mr. Prasan Firodia, President, ALucast & Managing Director, Force Motors Limited & Jaya Hind Industries Pvt Ltd.

Mr. Vinay Raghunath, Partner, EY also addressed the gathering as keynote speaker.

The dignitaries also released ALUCAST Publications – Technical Volume, ALUCAST Journal, Exhibitors Directory that was followed by the Awards Distribution Ceremony for Best Foundry Award 2024 to honour the Innovation & Design.

Ms. Sonia Prashar, Chairperson of the Board and Managing Director, NuernbergMesse India Pvt Ltd and Secretary-General, Federation of European Business in India delivered the Vote of Thanks and the three-day expo was kicked-off.

The ALUCAST also provided a 2.5 days of in-depth presentations and sessions by global industry leaders, this years conference theme, “Leveraging Innovation & Technology for Global Competitiveness”, will cover advancements in semi-solid casting, AI applications, die longevity, and workforce reskilling, all key topics driving the future of die casting.

The visitors witnessed the latest machinery, tooling, material and technology designed to elevate productivity and efficiency tailored to meet the diverse needs of the aluminium die casting sector as well as an ultimate platform for forging valuable connections, fostering collaborations, and shaping future innovations.