29, Jan 2025
Odisha’s Green Energy Vision Gets a Major Boost with Avaada Group’s Rs 20,700 Crore MoU
Bhubaneswar, 29th January 2025: Avaada Group, a leading name in India’s renewable energy sector, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth by signing a ₹20,700 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi at the Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. The event, inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, highlights Odisha’s ambition to become a leading green energy hub in India.
The Make in Odisha Conclave, the state’s flagship investment summit, is a platform for global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore opportunities in Odisha’s dynamic economic landscape. Avaada Group is showcasing its innovative renewable energy portfolio, which spans solar, wind and green hydrogen during the conclave.
As part of the MoU, Avaada has pledged a bold investment of ₹20,700 crore for:
- 1,500 MW of floating solar projects
- Two 1,000 MW Pumped Storage Projects (PSP)
- Green energy equipment manufacturing units
This investment aligns with Odisha’s vision of driving industrial growth while leveraging its abundant natural resources for a sustainable future.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman of Avaada Group, said: “Odisha is poised to lead India’s renewable energy revolution. The state’s rich resources and visionary leadership create unparalleled opportunities for green industrialization. Our ₹20,700 crore investment in renewable energy projects, including floating solar and pumped storage demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and innovation. We are proud to partner with the Government of Odisha to build a greener, stronger future for the region.”
Mr. Mittal highlighted that these initiatives align with India’s target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, as well as Odisha’s strategy to position itself as a global investment destination. With its strong fiscal health, as reported in NITI Aayog’s Fiscal Health Index 2025, Odisha is well-positioned to attract investments that drive sustainable development.
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29, Jan 2025
COWE and SIDBI Join Forces to Provide Free Childcare with Aveksha Day Care Centres
Hyderabad, January 29, 2025…..COWE (Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India) and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), a Government of India Agency that promotes. finances, develops Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), together opened two, the 13th and 14th Aveksha Day Care Centres at a slum colony in Road No 10, Greenpark Colony, Besides Bilal Masjid, Saidabad on Sunday on the important occasion of Republic Day and 14th centre at Balajinagar, Mother Teresa Colony in the city on Monday.
You have Pre-Schools and Day Care Centres for the rich. What about industrial workers and underprivileged families? Aveksha Day Care Centre is the answer and it is free.
Mr Chandramouli Vemula, GM of SIDBI inaugurated the new centre in the presence of Ms Madhu Tyagi Director of COWE; Ms Uma Gurkha, Founder Director of COWE; Prof Sujatha Surepally of SAFEE Foundation and Ms Rama Tirumareddy, COWE member for AVEKSHA project
The Balajinagar Centre was inaugurated by Shri T. Vidya Sagar, DGM of SIDBI
Speaking on the occasion Mr Chandramouli said SIDBI was set up under an Act of the Indian Parliament and acts as the Principal Financial Institution for the Promotion, Financing and Development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector as well as for co-ordination of functions of institutions engaged in similar activities. He urged the women from nearby colonies to utilise the opportunity and contribute to the economic progress of their family and children.
Prof Sujatha Surepally, Founder of SAFEE Foundation said the Aveksha Day Care Centre is the need of the hour as many couples get married early and are nuclear families. There is no support system at home or family backup to take care of their infants. Both parents need to work. This facility is a boon.
The newly inaugurated centre will benefit families located in the nearby localities.
Ms Vijayalaxmi Raghunathan sponsored Rs two lakhs towards infrastructure required to set up the new centre
It is a free facility for industrial workers as well as families from underprivileged backgrounds so that the women can leave their kids in the age group of 6 months to 6 years in the safe hands of a daycare centre team, morning to evening, Monday to Saturday and can go to work and earn extra income for the family.
On the whole COWE and SIDBI together with the newly inaugurated centre, so far have inaugurated 13 Aveksha Day Care Centres in the city. Additionally, My Home Group in partnership with COWE set up four centres exclusively for the benefit of construction workers’ children.
This effort of Aveksha and its centres so far impacted nearly 450 women going to work. They all are first-time workers. It also provided direct employment to 50 women and indirect employment to many.
Many mothers who are availing of the facility spoke and thanked the people behind the initiative for their noble gesture.
Each of the day-care centres is spread over an area of 800 to 1000 sqft. They are fully equipped to take care of 20-30 children from 9 am to 6 pm. Each centre will have three staff members -a Care Taker, Aayamma and a security guard. A vigilance team, trainers and auditors ensure best standards are maintained. All the standard protocols will be maintained for smooth operations of the centre.
29, Jan 2025
The 48th International Kolkata Book Fair 2025 Opens with Vibrant Inaugural Ceremony
- Dignitaries who were present in the inaugural ceremony of the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair were Smt. Mamata Banerjee, Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal; Dr. Phillip Ackermann, H.E Ambassador of Germany in India, Dr. Marla Stukenberg, Director Goethey- Institut, South Asia; Abul Bashar, Eminent Author of Bengal; Janab Firad Hakim, Mayor of West Bengal; Sujit Bose, MIC Fire and Emergency Services, Government of West Bengal and MLA of Biddhannagar; Indranil Sen, Minister of Tourism, Govt. of West Bengal; Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, Minister for Agriculture, Govt. of West Bengal; Tridib Kr. Chatterjee, President, Publishers & Booksellers Guild; Mukesh, IPS Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate; Sudhanshu Sekhar Dey, Honorary General Secretary, Publishers & Booksellers Guild; Dola Sen, MP, Rajyasabha; Krishna Chakraborty, Mayor, Biddhannagar; Mala Roy, Member of Lok Sabha; Biman Bandopadhyay, MLA, Baruipur, Pashchim Assembly Constituency; Chandrima Bhattacharya, Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge), Health and Family Welfare, Land and Land Reforms, Refugee and Rehabilitation, Government of West Bengal
- Shri Abul Bashar was conferred GUILD LIFETIME LITERARY AWARD worth Rs 2,00,000/- in the inaugural ceremony by our Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt Mamata Banerjee.
- CM Mamata Banerjee expressed gratitude being a part of the opening ceremony of the 48th Kolkata International Book Fair. The ceremony saw the launch of books like Salute 2, Lipiboddho- KIchu Kaj and Banglay Nirbachan o Amra
- Participation from almost 20 countries like Germany, USA, UK, France, Russia, Nepal, Spain, Peru, Argentina, Guatemala, Costa Rica and other Latin American countries etc .
- Tridib Kr. Chatterjee, President, Publishers & Booksellers Guild reminisced its glorious beginning by mentioning- On 5th March 1976 the first ever kolkata Book fair started its journey with just 52 book stalls but nestled in the love of Bengalis who are extremely fond of books, it did not take very long for the Kolkata Book Fair to grow to its present stature.
29, Jan 2025
Budgetary Measures to Combat Heart Disease and Diabetes
By-Nikkhil Jadhav Director – Strategy Heart Health India Foundation
The incidence of heart attacks among younger individuals is alarmingly on the rise, with 1 in 5 heart attack patients now under the age of 40. Similar trends are evident with diabetes, affecting a significant portion of the population. These issues are not solely linked to overall lifestyle changes but also to unhealthy food habits, particularly the consumption of packaged foods.
Despite packaging regulations that mandate the declaration of contents, many people continue to consume products containing harmful levels of trans fats. Foods with more than 1% trans fat have been directly associated with heart attacks, strokes, and type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that trans fats should constitute less than 1% of an individual’s total energy intake.
Given this scenario, I urge the government to implement the following measures in the upcoming budget to address these pressing health concerns:
1. Introduction of a Sin Tax on Packaged Foods Containing High Trans Fats
A sin tax should be levied on packaged foods that contain more than 1% trans fat, similar to the taxes imposed on alcohol and tobacco. The revenue collected from this tax can be allocated to:
Subsidizing medicines related to heart disease and diabetes. Despite price caps on pharmaceuticals, these medications remain costly for many citizens. Lowering the cost of treatment and medicines will make them more accessible to all segments of society.
Awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful effects of trans fats and promote healthy eating habits.
2. Introduction of a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Healthy Indian Snacks
To encourage the production and availability of healthier food alternatives, the government should introduce a PLI scheme for manufacturers of healthy Indian snacks. This initiative will help replace unhealthy packaged foods with nutritious, locally-sourced options, driving positive change through variety and accessibility.
29, Jan 2025
Isuzu Motors India Expands Across India with New Touchpoints, Including Bihar
29th January 2025, Bengaluru : Isuzu Motors India, a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, continues to expand its footprint in India with the inauguration of four new touch points across India. This includes two new 3S (Sales, Service, and Spares) dealerships in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and Patna, Bihar, along with two new Authorized Service Centers (ASCs) in Khammam, Telangana, and Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
With these new additions, ISUZU’s network has grown to 72 locations across India, reaffirming its commitment to being close to our customers, customer satisfaction, and a seamless ownership experience.
Isuzu Motors India has partnered with Sagar ISUZU for Indore, and with Imperial ISUZU in Bihar. This marks extension of ISUZU brand into Bihar. To enhance service and customer relations reach, the company also inaugurated new ASCs in Khammam, Telangana, and Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The Khammam ASC, operated by Beyond Auto Care, while the Ratnagiri ASC, operated by Shrine ISUZU. Shrine ISUZU also operates a 3S facility in Kolhapur. These facilities are built according to ISUZU dealership standards and all the staff members are trained by ISUZU experts to provide exceptional customer experiences.
Commenting on the network expansion, Mr. Rajesh Mittal, President & Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, said, “Our continued network expansion reflects ISUZU’s brand progress and underscores our commitment to staying closer to our customers while delivering a differentiated experience. With the addition of these dealerships and service centers, we are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for ISUZU vehicles across the country. “
Mr. Toru Kishimoto, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, added, “At ISUZU, we prioritize customer delight throughout their ownership journey. These new facilities reinforce our commitment to providing seamless, personalized sales and service experience. We strive to elevate the ownership journey. We wish the very best for our new dealers in their endeavours to take the ISUZU journey forward.”
29, Jan 2025
Chilean Cherry Exports to India Soar with Increased Sea Shipments
India, January 2025
Chilean cherries, with their vibrant red hue, unmatched sweetness, and juiciness, are celebrated as the perfect fruit for the festive and winter seasons. Now available across Indian markets, they bring the freshest and most delectable produce straight from Chile.
Chile, the world’s leading exporter of cherries, has nearly doubled its export to India in the 2024-25 season. According to the latest data available, the export volume has surged from 367 MT in 2023-24 to 708 MT in 2024-25.
What makes this growth special is the arrival of several containers by sea. The arrival quality was perfect, showcasing the systems and processes that Chilean cherry shipper and packers have adopted to serve a distant Indian market.
Mr. Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile to India and Mr. Jorge Andres Loyola Castro, ProChile Trade Commissioner, visited the Delhi’s Azadpur wholesale fruit market to witness the arrival and reception of the Chilean cherries in the market.
Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez Bulo, Consul General of Chile in Mumbai and Ms. Misri Kamlesh Goradia, ProChile Representative in Mumbai visited the Mumbai’s wholesale markets to welcome the cherries and show their support to Indian importers, wholesalers, and retailers.
Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile to India, remarked, “The growing popularity of Chilean cherries in India underscores the strong trade relations between our two countries. It is also amazing to see the high quality of Chilean cherries in India, even after they have traveled over 40 days in sea containers.”
Speaking on the occasion, Jorge Andres Loyola Castro, ProChile Trade Commissioner, said, “Our cherries are known for their exceptional quality and freshness and it is heartening to see Indian consumers embracing the vibrant flavours and health benefits of Chilean cherries, making them a key part of their festive and winter celebrations.”
Mrs. Claudia Soler, Executive Director of the Chilean Cherry Committee of Frutas de Chile, remarked, “This season showcases the extraordinary opportunity that these premium Chilean cherries have in the Indian market. Through targeted promotional activities and engaging campaigns, we aim to showcase their versatility, not only as a delightful snacking option but also as a cherished ingredient for festive recipes.”
29, Jan 2025
Cambridge Recognizes Hyderabad Student with Outstanding Learners Award
Hyderabad, 29 January 2025: Hansini, a high school student from Manthan School, Hyderabad has been awarded the prestigious Cambridge Outstanding Learners Award in the World Topper category for Economics at the AS Level. This recognition, presented by Cambridge International, celebrates students worldwide who demonstrate exceptional academic performance.
Hansini attributed her success to her hard work and the academic environment at her school. She said, “The opportunities and resources I had access to were instrumental in helping me excel. I am especially thankful to my teacher, Ruchika Ma’am, for her exceptional guidance and encouragement. Her passion for economics inspired me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence.”
Ruchika Upadhyay, Vice Principal of Manthan School and Hansini’s Economics teacher, expressed her pride in the achievement. She remarked, “Hansini’s dedication and intellectual curiosity have been remarkable. Her achievement reflects her consistent efforts and determination to excel. It’s a proud moment for all of us at Manthan.”
Surjeet Singh, Principal of Manthan School, also praised Hansini’s accomplishment. He stated, “This recognition reflects the high standards of academic excellence that Manthan School aspires to maintain. Hansini’s success showcases not just her talent but also the unwavering support provided by our teachers and staff. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and wish her continued success.”
29, Jan 2025
Child Star Kiyara Gori Joins ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,’ Enjoys On-Screen Chemistry with Brinda Didi
Child actor Kiyara Gori is all set to add a fresh spark to the popular Sun Neo show Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya as the story takes an exciting 6-year leap. Kiyara will now take on the role of Shree, a lively and charming character. This young talent has already made a mark with her impressive performance in a previous TV show, and now she’s ready to captivate the audience once again.
Kiyara is excited about her new journey on set and has shared her joy with us, saying, “I am so excited because I am going to be in another show where I will play the role of Shree. I enjoy shooting with Brinda Didi she is my mother in the show. I love going to the set because I made a new friend there—her name is Tiyanshika. We work together, and we have so much fun! We play, laugh, and even share our tiffin, chocolates, and snacks. It’s so much fun with her on set. my mummy comes with me to the set every day. She helps me learn all my dialogues properly.”
After a 6-year leap, Vaishnavi and Karthik‘s lives will take a new turn. Will they reunite, or will Chhathi Maiyya guide Vaishnavi back to Karthik? Or will something unexpected change the course of their story. To find out, keep watching Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya on Sun Neo, every Monday to Sunday at 7 PM.
29, Jan 2025
Fixderma Organizes Insightful Women’s Health Event at DLF Magnolias
Gurugram, January 28 – Fixderma, the popular dermat-prescribed skincare brand hosted a highly successful event at DLF Magnolias, focusing on critical health issues faced by women. The event brought together over 100 women and featured an esteemed panel of experts who engaged in a meaningful discussion on often misunderstood and overlooked topics like hormonal imbalances, PCOD, PCOS, perimenopause, and menopause.
The panel included Ms. Ishi Khosla, a leading nutritionist; Dr. Anjali Kumar, senior consultant gynecologist; Dr. Deepti Dhillon, an expert in skin health; and Shaily Mehrotra, Co-Founder & CEO of Fixderma, who collectively addressed the emotional, physical, and dermatological impacts of hormonal health.
Reflecting on the event, Shaily Mehrotra, CEO and Co-founder shared: “It was truly inspiring to see so many women open up about their experiences and actively participate in the discussion. At Fixderma, our goal is to not only provide effective skin solutions but also to empower women to make informed health related decisions.”
Dr. Anjali Kumar highlighted: “Perimenopause and menopause bring about significant changes in a woman’s body, and it’s essential to recognize these signs early on. Conditions like PCOS are also becoming more common due to poor lifestyle choices. Women need to prioritize their health and take care of themselves.”
Ms. Ishi Khosla emphasized the role of nutrition: “A balanced diet is key during these phases. Foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and essential vitamins can help combat many of the symptoms women face during menopause and beyond.”
Dr. Deepti Dhillon shared practical advice for skincare: “Hormonal changes during menopause can cause dryness, thinning, and pigmentation issues. Incorporating hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid and moisturizers with ceramides and peptides can help maintain glowing, healthy skin.”
29, Jan 2025
Swarnim Bharat’: Tagbin Brings India’s Vibrant Culture to Life for Republic Day 2025
New Delhi, 29 January 2025 – As the nation celebrated its 76th Republic Day, Tagbin, the driving force behind India’s most innovative tech-driven experiences, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, proudly presented an awe-inspiring tableau. Titled “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”, this vibrant depiction celebrates India’s creative economy, intertwining its rich cultural heritage with a vision for sustainable growth and progress.
It is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (Development along with Heritage). It highlights the role of India’s creative economy in building innovation, job creation, and economic prosperity, aligning with the ambitious Vision 2047 of transforming India into a developed nation.
The tableau started with the striking Yazh, an ancient Tamil string instrument, mounted atop a potter’s wheel. The Yazh symbolizes India’s profound musical legacy, while the potter’s wheel represents the transformative and enduring nature of Indian creativity. Together, they narrated a story of timeless traditions evolving into modern innovations.
As the tableau progresses, the audience is captivated by the kinetic transformation of the Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) into the Golden Bird (Sone Ki Chidiya). This dynamic installation symbolized the flight of India’s creative economy into global prominence, fueled by its abundant cultural resources. The Kalpavriksha represents boundless potential, while the Golden Bird embodies the wealth and vitality of a flourishing India.
On either side of the tableau, ten digital arches bring India’s creative domains to life. From performing arts and literature to cinema, visual arts, and design, these multi-sensory vignettes celebrated the diversity and dynamism of India’s cultural industries.
This tableau sets a new benchmark for innovation with state-of-the-art technologies, including:
Kinetic Kalpavriksha: A moving installation that transforms seamlessly, captivating audiences with its precision and symbolism.
LED and Digital Screens: Ten dynamic displays showcasing India’s cultural richness and modern creativity.
These technologies combine to offer an experience like never before, immersing viewers in the narrative of “Virasat se Vikas” (Heritage to Progress).
Speaking about the tableau, Saurav Bhaik, Founder and CEO of Tagbin, shared, “At Tagbin, we want to craft experiences that resonate across generations, seamlessly blending the richness of tradition with innovative technology. This tableau is a tribute to India’s creative brilliance and its potential to set global benchmarks by reimagining our cultural treasures. Partnering with the Ministry of Culture to bring this vision to life fills us with pride, as we hope to inspire every Indian to cherish our heritage and actively shape a brighter future.”
This tableau was more than a celebration; it is an invitation. It urges every citizen to take pride in their cultural heritage while contributing to the nation’s journey toward a brighter, more creative, and prosperous tomorrow. By blending tradition with innovation, “Swarnim Bharat” envisions a future where cultural heritage serves as the foundation for progress and economic empowerment.
