18, Feb 2025
“Environmental Consciousness Should Begin Early for Students,” States Hon’ble Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations
Hyderabad, 18 February 2024: H. E. Rev. Hon. Patrcia Scotland – Hon’ble Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations visited the Heartfulness International School at Kanha Shanti Vanam Campus during the two-day ‘Sustainability in Classroom’ initiative hosted by Heartfulness Institute in the outskirts of Hyderabad. Hon’ble Secretary General was joined by Ms. Anna Rajkumar – Principal, Heartfulness International School and was led on a guided tour of the facility which is sustainability-driven and prioritizes training the students in environmental-consciousness very early on. Ms. Scotland was impressed by the pedagogy adopted in grooming the children to be the next generation of thought-leaders on environment and sustainability besides sound academics. Hon’ble Secretary General interacted with the students who welcomed her with Sanskrit shlokas. The primary students also performed Gujrati and Kenyan dance forms showcasing a diverse heritage and culture.
H. E. Rev. Hon. Patricia Scotland – Hon’ble Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations said about introducing students to environmental conscious on a young age, “When children are exposed to sustainability concepts at an impressionable age, it stays with them for a lifetime and moulds them into future leaders who can guard and lead the planet to a better future.” She added that she was impressed by Heartfulness International School’s initiative on bringing sustainability to classrooms with a practical approach.
Ms. Anna Rajkumar, Principal of Heartfulness International School, added about the relevance of Sanskrit in modern times: “We aim to produce very grounded leaders who learn the values through a treasure trove of Sanskrit language. It also unifies the students, helps them gain clarity of thought, and we train them early on to journal their observations of their experiments on plants and the environment around them.”
The Heartfulness International School is a unique school with the concept of not only housing sustainable infrastructure and biodiversity, but also groom the students through environmental values, enable students to use scientific curriculum wherein they test for themselves the viability of sustainable initiatives – AgriTecture, Hydroponics, Nature Farming, Microgreen Labs and make their reports on observations. The school integrates sustainability and green living ideas in school curricula from around the world and conveys the critical need to regenerating the action to climate change.
The focus is on making children the future thought-leaders on environment and climate change. They are also trained to keep in touch with their roots through the knowledge of Sanskrit to produce grounded leaders who can have a discovery-driven approach and detectability-based learning. The partners of the schools are Ministry of Education (Govt. of India), United Nations, ICRISAT, AICTE, ICAR.
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18, Feb 2025
Paytm Launches JanNivesh Rs250 SIP in Collaboration with SBI Mutual Fund to Contribute to Viksit Bharat
Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and pioneer of QR codes, Soundbox, and mobile payments, has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Paytm Services Private Limited (PSPL), an AMFI registered mutual fund distributor, ARN-114595, is now making it easier for millions of Indians to invest in their future. In partnership with SBI Mutual Fund, India’s largest asset management company, Paytm has launched the JanNivesh ₹250 SIP, in line with the Government of India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by enabling financial inclusion and empowering citizens to invest in their future. This initiative, launched today by SEBI Chairperson Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch and SBI Chairman Shri C S Shetty, enables users to begin their investment journey with just ₹250, making financial growth accessible to all.
The JanNivesh SIP initiative is aimed at empowering citizens to contribute towards India’s financial and economic growth. It offers individuals a simple, affordable entry into wealth-building through small, regular investments, facilitating participation in key financial instruments with just ₹250. Additionally, it provides flexible SIP options – daily, monthly, or weekly contributions – to suit varied financial needs and preferences. This step is pivotal in encouraging financial literacy, economic inclusion, and supporting the Viksit Bharat journey.
The company aims to empower Paytm’s merchant partners by offering them the opportunity to make their first investment, helping them build long-term wealth for their business. This initiative is designed to improve their financial stability and contribute to the broader vision of financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Paytm is committed to supporting the growth of its merchant partners and strengthening the financial foundation of their businesses.
D.P Singh, DMD & Joint CEO, SBI Mutual Fund said, “We have launched the JanNivesh ₹250 SIP, a key initiative that brings us closer to our goal of promoting financial inclusion. Through our partnership with Paytm and other Fintech players, we are offering millions of Indians an easy and flexible entry point to begin investing in their future. This is an important step in our shared vision for a Viksit Bharat, where every citizen has access to wealth-building opportunities.”
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, “We are excited to participate in the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat vision with the launch of JanNivesh ₹250 SIP on Paytm, in partnership with SBI Mutual Fund. The mutual funds market currently has over 100 million investors, and we are thrilled to be part of the journey towards expanding this to 300-400 million mutual fund investors. This initiative, with its simple and low-investment amount SIP options, allows millions of Indians to start investing and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. We extend our gratitude to SBI and SEBI for making this vision a reality.”
How to Set Up Your JanNivesh SIP on Paytm:
- Open the Paytm App and tap on the JanNivesh SIP icon in the ‘Do More with Paytm’ section.
- Choose your preferred investment frequency—Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
- Select the investment amount, starting from ₹250, that you wish to contribute towards your SIP.
- Click on “Proceed” and enter your PAN details when prompted.
- Complete your SEBI-mandated KYC steps by providing the required details.
- Review your SIP details and proceed to set up UPI Autopay mandate for seamless payments.
- Once the UPI Autopay mandate is successfully set up, your SIP will be registered.
Your investments will then be processed automatically based on your selected frequency. This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free way to invest and grow your wealth with JanNivesh SIP on Paytm!
Paytm’s collaboration with JanNivesh ₹250 SIP is set to transform India’s investment landscape, driving financial inclusion and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. Just as Paytm pioneered QR code mobile payments and revolutionized the payment sector, it now aims to bring the same level of innovation to the investment space. This initiative aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision, offering millions of Indians an accessible, affordable way to start investing and contribute to India’s future prosperity.
18, Feb 2025
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Unveils Road Safety Awareness and Health Program for 1,250+ Drivers in Mizoram
Bengaluru, 18th February 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to promote safe driving practices, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of awareness and health check-up initiative for over 1,250 drivers in Mizoram. Coinciding with ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), the initiative is in response to rising road accidents across the state. The occasion was graced by the distinguished presence of the chief guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl, Mr. Zorammawia Tochhawng, Dealer Principal, Zote Toyota and executives from TKM.
In 2023 & 2024, Mizoram witnessed 106 and 124 road accidents respectively with corresponding fatalities at 96 and 112. Lack of driving discipline, over-speeding, violation of traffic regulations, and inadequate enforcement measures have contributed to these accidents. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, in collaboration with local authorities, is actively engaging with commercial drivers to educate them on responsible driving behaviours while ensuring their physical and mental well-being through dedicated health screenings.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s comprehensive safety initiative for commercial drivers such as truck, bus and van drivers comprise of two key components:
1. Road Safety Awareness Sessions
Designed to educate and empower drivers, the sessions cover:
- Importance of road safety and responsible driving practices
- Rules and regulations for commercial drivers
- Awareness on penalties for traffic violations
- Mental and physical well-being for professional drivers
- Importance of vehicle insurance and compliance
2. Comprehensive Health Check-ups
Ensuring the physical and mental well-being of drivers, the initiative includes:
- Screening for common health conditions (Blood Pressure, Sugar, Eyesight, Hearing etc) affecting driving performance
- Prescription of essential medicines and health advice
- Referral to government healthcare centres for further treatment, if needed
Moreover, as part of broader road safety measures, 34 units of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition system) & 20 units of CCTV cameras are being installed at key locations to enhance road monitoring, deter traffic violations, and improve enforcement measures, ensuring a safer driving environment for all. Through this structured approach, TKM aims to equip drivers with the right knowledge and health support, enabling them to make informed, responsible decisions on the road.
Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Chief Guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl said, “Ensuring safe roads requires a multi-faceted approach that includes awareness, enforcement, and community engagement. Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s initiative is a commendable step in educating drivers about responsible driving while also prioritizing their health. 68 percent of road accidents take place due to carelessness of the drivers which can be avoided. Drivers should also focus on the fitness of vehicles as this also leads to accidents. I urge all commercial vehicle drivers, especially truck drivers, to participate in the event. By empowering commercial drivers with knowledge and support for their well-being, we are not only enhancing road safety but also fostering a more disciplined driving culture. Collaborative efforts like these are essential in making a lasting impact, and we appreciate Toyota’s dedication to this crucial cause.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Governance, said, “At Toyota, road safety is more than just a responsibility; it is a mission. Our goal is to actively engage with drivers, empowering them with the right knowledge and health support. Through our structured awareness sessions and physical health screenings, we are committed to making a tangible impact on driving behaviour, ensuring safe roads. Our ‘People First’ philosophy drives us to support initiatives that improve lives, and this program is a step forward in our long-term vision for road safety in India.”
18, Feb 2025
Chennai Welcomes Airtel’s SEA-ME-WE-6 Cable, Promising Enhanced Network Capabilities
Bangalore (India), February 18, 2025: Bharti Airtel Limited (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, landed the new SEA-ME-WE 6 (Southeast Asia-Middle East-West Europe-6, or SMW6) in Chennai. The company had already landed the cable in Mumbai on December 30, 2024.
These cable landings were completed by SubCom, a leading supplier of subsea fiber optic cable data systems responsible for the engineering, manufacture and installation of SEA-ME-WE-6. The 21,700 Rkm submarine cable system connects India to Singapore and France (Marseille) crossing Egypt through terrestrial cables. With this, Airtel has further enhanced its network presence with diversified capacity in the submarine cable system globally.
Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO – Airtel Business, said, “At Airtel we strive to provide the best in class services to our customers and this new investment and milestone would further improve our secure, diverse and scalable global network. We are delighted to further strengthen our global connectivity by landing one of the largest cable systems into our facilities. This complements our existing network strength of 400,000 Rkms across 50 countries. This also underlines our commitment to address Digital India’s growing demand for global connectivity & data with additional routes, diversity and capacity.”
The cable landing, both in Mumbai and Chennai, will be fully integrated with Airtel’s data centre arm, Nxtra by Airtel, at its large facilities in the respective cities with an aim to enable global hyperscalers and businesses in the country to seamlessly access international connectivity and data centre services.
As a key member of the consortium of the SEA-ME-WE-6 cable system, Airtel has investment in the core cable and has additionally co-built a private network of four Fiber Pairs between Singapore, Chennai and Mumbai. This cable system will bring a whopping 220 TBPs of global capacity to India.
Airtel’s global network spans five continents. The company has investments in 34 cables globally with some of the recent ones including 2Africa, Southeast Asia-Japan Cable 2 (SJC2) and Equiano. Apart from these cables that connect India to key regions like APAC, Europe, the Middle East and US, Airtel’s global subsea network investments also include large cable systems like i2i Cable Network (i2icn), Europe India Gateway (EIG), IMEWE, SEA-ME-WE-4, AAG, Unity, EASSy, Gulf Bridge International (GBI) and Middle East North Africa Submarine Cable (MENA Cable) amongst many others.
18, Feb 2025
Uttar Dakshin Concert to Feature a Mesmerizing Jugalbandi by Pandit Ronu Majumdar and Vidwan R. Kumaresh
Hyderabad, February 18, 20205……Uttar Dakshin Concert is to be held in the city on March 1 at JNAFAU Auditorium, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, at 6 PM. It will be a Grand Jugalbandi. It will bring together two legendary maestros—Padma Shri Pandit Ronu Majumdar on the flute and Vidwan R. Kumaresh, the celebrated violinist from the Carnatic music tradition.
This much-awaited Jugalbandi will be organised jointly by Vivid Arts and Surmandal Hyderabad.
Pandit Ronu Majumdar, one of India’s most revered flautists, was recently honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri for his immense contributions to Indian classical music. His soulful renditions and unparalleled mastery over the bansuri have enthralled audiences worldwide. Vidwan R. Kumaresh, one of the most acclaimed violin maestros of the Carnatic music fraternity, is known for his dynamic and deeply expressive performances, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.
Despite coming from two distinct classical traditions, both artists share a profound belief that the difference in styles is not a challenge but rather the richness of Indian classical music. They see their collaboration as a way of creating a holistic musical experience, where the intricate rhythmic and melodic structures of both styles merge into a unified, immersive soundscape.
Adding to this grand musical confluence will be Shri V. Narhari on the Tabla and Shri Tumkur Ravishankar on the mridangam, whose rhythmic brilliance will further elevate the concert.
The Uttar Dakshin series has consistently brought together the finest Hindustani and Carnatic musicians, fostering an artistic dialogue that celebrates the diversity and unity of Indian classical music. This Jugalbandi promises to be an unforgettable evening for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
18, Feb 2025
Federal Bank Unveils Prospera, a New Offering for Non-Resident Indians’ Savings
India, 18th February 2025 – Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, unveiled a new NR Savings account variant – Prospera. The Prospera NRE Savings Account offers an impressive suite of benefits designed for the emerging affluent NRI segment which includes Complimentary Insurance Benefit up to ₹60 Lakh, complimentary airport lounge access, special rewards for debit card spends and other banking benefits. As an introductory offer, the Bank is providing discount of up to 24% on flight and hotel bookings on select travel platforms using Prospera Debit Card.
“For over seven decades, Federal Bank has been a trusted partner for Non-Resident Indians across the globe, facilitating their financial aspirations and connections with home,” said Mr. KVS Manian. “Today, we handle approximately one-fifth of India’s inward remittances, symbolizing the immense trust that the Indian diaspora and our partners place in us. We recognize that today’s NRI customers seek more than just basic banking and want to enjoy a comprehensive financial experience that matches their aspirations and lifestyle. We are committed to continuously evolving and enhancing our products and services to meet the changing environment and the needs of our customers.”
“Our new offerings reflect our understanding of the evolving needs of the Indian diaspora and our commitment to serving them better,” added Joy P V, Executive Vice President and Country Head – Deposits, Wealth and Banca, Federal Bank.
The launch happened in Dubai, marking Managing Director & CEO, Mr. KVS Manian’s maiden international media interaction since assuming office in September. During the event, Mr. Manian highlighted the deep-rooted connect that the Bank has with the NRI population. The Bank also highlighted its achievements in the NRI banking space, such as market leadership in remittance services, digital innovation in cross-border banking, a strong presence across key NRI markets, a robust remittance partnership network in the UAE, and consistent growth in NRI deposits.
17, Feb 2025
Raffles Udaipur Welcomes Twinkle Khanna for a Memorable Book Reading Session at The Writers Bar
February 2025, National – Embark on a captivating journey at The Writers Bar for an unforgettable book reading session with Indian Author and Columnist, Twinkle Khanna.
On 17th February 2025, Raffles Udaipur invites you to an enchanting evening in the esteemed presence of Twinkle Khanna. Dive deep into the pages of her latest masterpiece and experience a literary evening like no other. The evening will begin with the Anandini & Bili Hu experience upon arrival, accompanied by live acoustic music, setting the stage for an unforgettable night filled with excitement and anticipation.
Bathed in the gentle glow of ambient lighting, Twinkle Khanna will grace the stage, offering a glimpse into her creative world as she shares captivating insights and powerful excerpts from her latest book, Welcome to Paradise. Following this enthralling reading, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to engage with Twinkle Khanna in a thought-provoking interactive session, delving deeper into her creative journey and the inspiration that fuels her work.
The Writers Bar is timeless and elegant, with colonial-inspired design that exudes sophistication. A bibliophile’s discreet haven, it boasts a well-stocked intimate library, brass counters, textured walls, and chandeliers that shimmer with pearls of light.
With over 3,000 books lining its shelves, the space invites guests to immerse themselves in the history of great literary works created within its walls. To make the evening even more special, attendees will have the chance to get their personal copies of the book signed by Twinkle herself. As the night unfolds, guests will be treated to a delightful hi-tea spread, offering a chance to mingle, converse, and enjoy the company of fellow literature lovers in an atmosphere of charm and warmth.
“Raffles Udaipur is delighted to host this extraordinary book reading session. We are pleased to welcome Twinkle Khanna, whose literary brilliance will undoubtedly captivate our guests. The audience at Raffles Udaipur is in for a truly immersive experience, as they indulge in a night of insightful conversation and literary discovery,” said Mr. Rajesh Namby, General Manager of Raffles Udaipur.
17, Feb 2025
Axis Rolls Out Reliable Thermal Cameras for Precise Detection in Any Weather or Lighting
India, 17th February, 2025 – Axis Communications the market leader in network video, announces three robust thermal cameras offering outstanding thermal imaging, regardless of light and weather conditions. These cameras deliver reliable detection and verification with a low false alarm rate—all while protecting privacy. They feature a powerful sensor with extremely high thermal sensitivity.
AXIS Q1972-E offers high-resolution thermal imaging in a bullet form factor. With four lens alternatives (10 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, and 35 mm), it ensures optimal installation. There are also two box thermal cameras available. AXIS Q2111-E comes with a 60 mm lens making it ideal for long-range detection to capture events taking place at great distances. AXIS Q2112-E offers high-resolution thermal imaging and a choice of lens options (10 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 35 mm, 60 mm) for a wider or narrower field of view, including long-range detection. The thermal box cameras can be mounted on a positioning unit (sold separately) to deliver a 360° unobstructed field of view.
These powerful thermal cameras deliver actionable insights to support informed decision-making. They come with AXIS Motion Guard, AXIS Fence Guard, and AXIS Loitering Guard preinstalled for proactive surveillance. Plus, AXIS Perimeter Defender is available with AI-based functionality for enhanced protection. Built on a powerful analytics platform, it’s also possible to add custom-made third-party analytics.
Key features include:
- High-resolution and long-range thermal detection
- Flexible mounting options
- Support for powerful analytics
- Lens options available
- Built-in cybersecurity with Axis Edge Vault
17, Feb 2025
Giri Trading Agency Boosts Hyderabad Footprint with New Showroom in Padmarao Nagar
Hyderabad, 17th February 2025: Giri, India’s leading provider of spiritual and cultural products, proudly inaugurated its newest showroom in Padmarao Nagar, Secunderabad. This marks the third showroom in Hyderabad, further strengthening Giri’s presence in the region and reaffirming its commitment to serving the spiritual and cultural needs of devotees.
The grand inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Swami Pujanananda Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad, as the Chief Guest. His presence added a spiritual significance to the occasion, highlighting Giri’s mission to provide authentic Vedic and traditional products to customers seeking divine and cultural enrichment.
Giri has long been a trusted name, offering an extensive range of products including divine idols, puja essentials, spiritual books, Carnatic music, traditional textiles, and much more. With the opening of this new showroom in Padmarao Nagar, Giri aims to make its vast collection of high-quality, authentic products more accessible to devotees and culture enthusiasts in the region.
“We are thrilled to open our third showroom in Hyderabad, reinforcing our commitment to uplifting and promoting India’s rich heritage. The Padmarao Nagar showroom will serve as a hub for spiritual seekers, providing an extensive range of products that cater to their devotional and cultural needs,” said Mr. Amar Girish, Sales Head, Giri Trading Agency Private Limited.
The inauguration event featured special pujas, spiritual discourses, and exclusive launch offers. Devotees and patrons are encouraged to visit the new showroom to explore the divine offerings of the Giri.
17, Feb 2025
Indian Standards should be accorded top priority: Centre
India, 17th February 2025:- Implementation of Indian Standards should be accorded top priority, said Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India while chairing an inter-ministerial meeting on Implementation of Standards – Bringing more products under Quality Control Orders (QCOs) in New Delhi.
The Secretary emphasized on the role of QCOs in achieving the aim of ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat” considering its twin objectives of uplifting quality ecosystem in domestic market and curbing sub-standard imports. Referring to the speech by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 78th Independence Day, wherein a thrust on Indian Standards has been envisioned to make Indian products stand out in the global market, she appealed to all the Ministries to prioritise Indian Standards.
The discussions during the meeting focused on the importance of Standards and its benefits through QCOs, which enforce mandatory compliance to standards for various products and play a vital role in protecting public health & safety and enhancing the competitiveness of industry, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The implementation of QCOs provides these businesses with a level playing field by ensuring that all market players meet the same quality standards. This initiative not only boosts the competitiveness of MSMEs in the domestic market, but also facilitates access to global markets, opening up new avenues for growth and exports.
The meeting witnessed participation from representatives of nearly 17 Union Ministries and Departments, including Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), and Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), among others.
The Department of Consumer Affairs briefed on the positive impact of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on the toys industry. The introduction and implementation of the QCO for Toys has led to remarkable improvements in both safety and quality standards for toys manufactured and sold in India.
The status of 628 products which are under consideration at the Ministries/Departments for bringing them under QCOs was also reviewed during the meeting. The discussions concluded with consensus for expediting the timelines for implementing QCOs for these products, which will further strengthen India’s commitment to improving product quality and impetus on Atma Nirbhar Bharat across different sectors.
Compliance with standards is voluntary unless made mandatory under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016. All ministries and departments of the Government are empowered in this regard. A detailed stakeholder consultation is carried out with industry before notifying and implementing QCOs.
