Author: Team

Culmination and Felicitation Ceremony for Project S.O.R.T. Phase-1 in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 13 Jan 2025 –Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) announced the successful culmination of Phase-1 of the S.O.R.T. project in Bengaluru. Since the launch of the phase in February 2024, the initiative has transformed 80 metric tons of organic waste into 15 metric tons of compost.

Noteworthy, this initiative is a part of the CSR program by the Motherson group, being implemented by IPCA which focuses on community mobilization for behaviour change and the comprehensive treatment of solid waste.

The ceremony was graced by eminent presence of Dr. Shanti Tummala (Founder of HSR Citizen Forum) and Dr. Sowmya Raghavan (SWM Practitioner) highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling urban waste challenges.

The project, implemented across 20 societies and institutional areas with 95 Aerobin composters, focused on sustainable solid waste management. It achieved significant outcomes, including promoting source segregation, producing high-quality compost, and cultivating behavioral change among residents and stakeholders.

Urban India generates 62 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, much of which goes untreated. By emphasizing source segregation and on-site treatment, S.O.R.T. project reduced landfill waste, mitigated pollution, and encouraged compost use in agriculture, benefiting over 5,000+ residents in Bengaluru.

The initiative’s core technology, Aerobin composters, operate without energy and ensures efficient, odour-free composting. Managed by trained operators, these composters yield compost within 40-45 days, promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Dr. Radha Goyal, Deputy Director of IPCA, stated, “The success of the S.O.R.T. project in Bengaluru demonstrates the power of innovation and community-driven initiatives. Transforming organic waste into valuable compost reduces landfill dependency and creates resources for a healthier environment. We are thankful to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and residential societies for their continuous support throughout the project.We look forward to expanding this model to more cities.”

With the success of Phase-1, the S.O.R.T. project plans to expand its reach in Bengaluru, targeting more residential societies and educational institutions to scale up waste treatment capacities and further reduce the city’s ecological footprint.

Rajasthali Resort & Spa Brings Royal Rajasthan to Siliguri with an Opulent Cultural Meet and Greet

Siliguri, 13th January, 2025 – Rajasthali Resort and Spa proudly hosted a vibrant meet and greet event at Hotel Hi Land, bringing together local residents and wedding planners from Siliguri to celebrate the rich heritage of Rajasthani culture. Designed to celebrate the rich heritage of Rajasthani culture, the event was a resounding success, showcasing the beauty and traditions of Rajasthan through an immersive cultural experience.

The venue was transformed into a royal retreat, recreating the grandeur and opulence synonymous with Rajasthali. The culinary offerings were a highlight of the evening, with guests indulging in an array of authentic Rajasthani dishes, including dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and mouth watering sweets. This gastronomic journey not only delighted the taste buds but also provided a deeper understanding of Rajasthani culinary traditions.

Mr. Vichin Sehgal, Vice President of Rajasthali Resort, shared his thoughts on the event, stating, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from the Siliguri community. This event was not just about showcasing our culture but about building meaningful connections with local wedding planners and residents who share a passion for the rich traditions of Rajasthan. We look forward to continuing these relationships and bringing a piece of Rajasthan to Siliguri.” The evening concluded with heartfelt conversations, new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the vibrant culture that Rajasthan has to offer.

Mr. Saurabh Pandoh, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Rajasthali Resort, reflected on the event’s success by saying, “As we shared the majesty of Rajasthan with the Siliguri community, we were reminded of the transformative power of cultural exchange. We’re thrilled to have established meaningful connections with local wedding planners and residents, and we can’t wait to collaborate and create unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of Rajasthan.”

IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success, Showcasing the Organizational Excellence of IEML

New Delhi, January 13, 2025: The inaugural edition of IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 concluded triumphantly, marking a significant milestone in the global food and beverage industry. Organized collaboratively by India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML), Greater Noida, and the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), the event was hosted at the India International Convention Centre (IICC – Yashobhoomi), Dwarka, New Delhi, from January 9–11, 2025.

IEML, under the leadership of Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of IEML, once again demonstrated its unparalleled capability in orchestrating large-scale international events, even beyond its flagship venue in Greater Noida. Known for its transformative approach to the exhibition industry, IEML set new benchmarks with IndusFood Manufacturing 2025, highlighting innovation, collaboration, and global business opportunities in the food manufacturing sector.

The event brought together four specialized shows under one roof:

• IndusFood Tech: Showcasing cutting-edge food processing technology.

• IndusFood Packaging: Introducing sustainable and smart packaging solutions.

• IndusFood Ingredients: Featuring premium ingredients driving F&B innovation.

• IndusFood Hospitality: Presenting modern solutions for the hospitality sector.

Spanning 27,000 square meters of exhibition space, the event attracted over 12,000 visitors and buyers, including 500+ hosted international participants. The exhibition featured 300 exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art machinery, technology, and solutions. The accompanying summit offered 17 engaging sessions, attended by 600+ industry delegates, fostering robust discussions on the future of food manufacturing.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar emphasized the strategic importance of such events, stating, “IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 is a testament to IEML’s vision of creating a globally recognized platform for innovation and excellence. With support from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and our dedicated partners, we aim to transform India into a hub for F&B innovation, generating sustainable investments and fostering meaningful collaborations.”

The event drew international buyers and delegates from over 18 countries, including Algeria, Australia, Canada, Israel, South Africa, and the USA, exploring partnerships with Indian companies. This global participation reaffirmed India’s position as a burgeoning leader in the F&B sector.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar’s pioneering leadership and IEML’s operational excellence were pivotal in making IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 a transformative experience for exhibitors, buyers, and stakeholders alike. With its comprehensive focus on technology, packaging, ingredients, and hospitality, the event created a unique ecosystem for groundbreaking advancements and impactful business outcomes.

This flagship event solidifies IEML’s status as a trailblazer in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry, contributing significantly to India’s economic and industrial growth.

Pre-Budget Expectation 2025 Health & Wellness

By-Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder and Director, Manasthali Wellness

 This year, we are expecting a comprehensive and adequately funded mental health budget for 2025–26. This budget will not only address current mental health challenges but also set the groundwork for a more resilient and mentally healthy society. As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that our budget reflects the increasing importance of mental well-being in our society. We urge a significant rise in funding for mental health services, including outpatient care, counseling, and community-based programs, to close existing gaps in access to resources and ensure individuals in need can easily obtain essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the effectiveness and accessibility of telehealth services. Allocating resources to expand and enhance telehealth infrastructure for mental health consultations will improve access, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas, thus helping reduce disparities in mental health care. Additionally, the rise of the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) virus has highlighted the importance of addressing both physical and mental health challenges in parallel, as emerging infectious diseases can significantly impact mental well-being. Prevention plays a crucial role in mental health care, and we recommend allocating funds for the development and implementation of early intervention and prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. These efforts will help reduce the overall burden of mental health issues and promote a healthier population.

A Grand Commencement – The 16th Apeejay Kolkata Literature Festival Unveils at Allen Park, Kolkata

Kolkata, January 11, 2025: The 16th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) commenced at Allen Park, Kolkata, with a mesmerizing performance by Usha Uthup, who emphasized the joy of living in the moment and the importance of reconnecting with books. A heartfelt tribute was paid to the late filmmaker Shyam Benegal, celebrating his legacy of portraying India’s diversity, with insights from actors Ila Arun and Nikhil Bhagat and the launch of Arjun Sengupta’s book Shyam Benegal: Filmmaker of Real India.

Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar launched their book Keep Moving at the first session of day 1 at 16th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, emphasizing fitness as a holistic journey including mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Milind shared his journey from swimming to running, highlighting discipline over societal expectations, while Ankita spoke about self-discovery and resilience through challenges like marathons. They also addressed societal issues around fitness, with Milind championing women’s inclusion through initiatives like Pinkathon.

Singer-actor Ila Arun captivated the audience by sharing stories from her versatile career spanning theatre, cinema, and music. With her trademark wit and charm, she recounted crucial moments that shaped her artistic journey and the challenges of she faced throughout her illustrious career. Actor-director Vinay Sharma joined her in exploring the interplay between the performing arts, offering insights into the symbiotic relationship between theatre and cinema.

Renowned historian and author William Dalrymple delved into his journey as a writer, offering a glimpse into the inspirations behind his acclaimed works. In a candid conversation with historian and acclaimed author Rana Safvi, he reflected on his passion for uncovering stories that bridge the past and present.

The Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize 2025 shortlist announcement gave way to an engaging discussion on the evolving role of book covers in a visually driven world. The jurors for this session were Shobhaa De, Kunal Basu, Alka Pande, Anja Riedeberger, and Samar Jodha, and was moderated by AKLF director Anjum Katyal. Following this, Pinaki De celebrated 50 years of Ray’s Sonar Kella with a presentation on a new volume.

The Oxford Junior Literary Festival, held at the Oxford Bookstore had interactive storytelling sessions, for classes 2-5, namely Storytime: Storytelling and Interaction with Sutapa Basu. For classes 6–8, a session titled Naughty and Nice: What Makes a Character Fun? explored character creation. The day also included Making Magic with Madhurima Vidyarthi and Sutapa Basu.

Poetry sessions at Alliance Française du Bengale’s Poetry Café, yet another exciting part of the AKLF featured a variety of engaging sessions. Forfeatured notable poets Jaydeep Sarangi, Amit Shankar Saha, Bishnu Mohapatra, Debasish Lahiri, Bashabi Fraser, and Sharmila Ray.

The three-day festival enjoys the support of esteemed partners – Kenilworth Hotel, as the Hospitality Partner; Cha Bar for Refreshments; Calcutta Business School, ILead and Teacher’s Centre as the Institutional Partners; and Glenburn Penthouse and Alliance Française du Bengale as Festival Collaborators along with The Park as the Festival Partner and Flurys as Gifting Partner. Additionally, 91.9 Friends FM serves as the Radio Partner. The event will feature contributions from numerous prominent publishing houses, fostering a collaborative and lively literary ambiance. To name a few- Aleph Book Company, Bloomsbury, Hachette, HarperCollins, Harvard University Press, Jadavpur University Press, Juggernaut, Niyogi Books, Penguin Random House, Readomania, Routledge, Rupa Publications, Speaking Tiger, Vitasta Publishing, Westland Books, and many others.

PRAMA India Showcases Latest Video Security Products and Solutions at SSSA Business Expo in Rajkot

PRAMA India showcased the Latest Video Security Products and solutions at SSSA Business Expo-2025. The event was organised by Saurashtra Security and Surveillance Association (SSSA) from 10-11 January at Christ College Ground in Rajkot. The event was inaugurated by ribbon cutting and lighting of the lamp ceremonies in the presence of dignitaries and distinguished guests. PRAMA India booth attracted security industry professionals, end-users and discerning visitors at the event. India’s leading indigenous video security brand, PRAMA received an overwhelming response from the security professional community in Rajkot.

PRAMA management representative said, “PRAMA showcased the latest products and solutions in Rajkot. We appreciate SSSA for the specially curated show ‘SSSA Business Expo-2024’. The beautifully designed spacious Prama booth showcased the latest products and vertical solutions, including, , Places of Worship Solution,, School Surveillance Solution, Ranginview, Advanced traffic Management solution, City Surveillance solution, Healthcare Sector Solution, AI Sense Solution, Building Solution, Defence Sector solution, Religious and Cultural Heritage Site security Solution, PRAMA VMS, Switches and Cables.”

 He further elaborated, “PRAMA, being India’s premier indigenous security brand holds, great significance. The spectacular growth that India security industry has achieved, PRAMA’s evolution as a leading security brand is the manifestation of Indian spirit and ingenuity. We are taking indigenous manufacturing to the next level. We are here to offer best-in-class products with cutting edge technologies that can deliver solutions as per the vertical market requirements.”

 PRAMA both displayed the latest video security products, including the Raginview Cameras and myriad vertical solutions. The AI Sense Cameras attracted a large number of visitors.

The ‘SSSA Business Expo-2024 was a unique event platform created by the Saurashtra Security and Surveillance Association (SSSA). SSSA (Saurashtra Security & Surveillance Association) is a professional organization of Distributors, System Integrators, Professionals and Consultants in the Saurashtra Region of Gujarat State. SSSA is built to represent, promote and enhance the growth and professional development of our team members. SSSA members help each other in providing professional development tools, products and services that help members to grow their businesses and prosper. Saurashtra Security & Surveillance Association is a registerd organization working for the betterment and growth of distributors, System Integrator, Professionals and Consultants associated with SSSA. The four-day event helped to create awareness about the latest IT and Security trends.

 The event was attended by the security professionals and key stakeholders. The visitor profile comprised of representatives and delegates from Gujarat Government, Gujarat Police, Diamond and Textiles Industries, IT Professionals, Security Business Community.

 PRAMA was one of the leading event sponsors for the show.PRAMA India booth got a good response from the key partners, trade visitors and key stakeholders at the ‘SSSA Business Expo-2024’. The event concluded on a high note while creating an enriching experience for all the stakeholders in the Rajkot.

SIA-India hosts Power – Packed IndSpaceX 3.O Wargame Stimulating Next Gen Space Battlefields at DefSat 2025

New Delhi, 11 January 2025: The IndSpaceX 3.0 simulated a contest between two notional spacefaring adversaries vying for dominance at the DefSat 2025. The strategic table-top exercise addressed the degree of severities including the 4 Ds’ – Disrupt, Deny, Degrade and Destroy along with Information War-Delay and Information War-Deceive.

 “In a turbulent world dominated by Western supremacy, countries like India cannot rely on the mercy of global powers. Initiatives like G20 and BRICS are steps forward, but true self-reliance — Atmanirbharta — requires every ministry to adopt it, not just the Ministry of Defence. Building our own strength is the only path to becoming a global power,” emphasized Lt. Gen. V. G. Khandare.

 The simulation had “Green Land,” and “Orange Land,” teams developing strategies for achieving operational space superiority amid scenarios involving information warfare, system disruptions, and resilience-building tactics. The exercise was chaired by Lt. Gen. V. G. Khandare, Principal Advisor to the Ministry of Defence, and conducted by Lt. Gen. PJS Pannu, Senior Advisor to SIA-India. Dr. Subrata Rakshit, Director General (TM) of DRDO, served as the Technical Umpire, while Dr. Ranjana Kaul, Partner at Dua Associates, contributed as an Umpire.

 The day began with the release of two significant reports — PRISM: 1.0: US-India Export Controls Dialogue and India-Africa Space Collaboration: Unlocking Strategic Opportunities for Growth. These reports underscore India’s growing role as a strategic leader in space and defense collaboration.

 The Perspectives on Regulatory Issues in Strategic Markets (PRISM) 1.0 webinar, held in November 2024, discussed significant policy reforms, including liberalizations in ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime), which are poised to strengthen U.S.-India collaboration in defense and space sectors. SIA-India, in collaboration with the IndUS Tech Council, continues the webinar series with otherstrategic markets like Australia, Japan, and Germany.

 Mr. Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India, stated: “By navigating global regulatory landscapes and fostering international collaborations, India is poised to emerge as a powerhouse in defense and space manufacturing. The PRISM series and India-Africa partnerships exemplify the synergy between innovation and policy alignment, unlocking new avenues for sustainable growth and technological leadership.”

 This report on “India-Africa Space Collaboration: Unlocking Strategic Opportunities for Growth” celebrates the enduring partnership between India and Africa, emphasizing their shared vision to leverage space technology for socio-economic development. Highlighting India’s advancements in space technology and Africa’s growing ambitions, the report underscores how collaborative efforts in satellite technology, Earth observation, and capacity building can address global challenges like climate change, food security, and connectivity. In this endeavor, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SIA-India and Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, has been signed in December 2024, signaling a new era for India-Africa partnerships in space technology.

 Addressing the growing importance of space technology, Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri stated that “The government’s strategic initiatives are reinforcing the aatmanirbhar vision. India plans to expand its military satellite capabilities significantly, targeting around 100 military satellites by 2030. This expansion is essential for ensuring robust communication and surveillance capabilities to safeguard national interests. Furthermore, with ₹25,000 crore allocated for defense space investments in the fiscal year 2024-25, India is making an unprecedented commitment to the defense space domain, ensuring a robust and resilient ecosystem.”

 DefSat 2025 reaffirmed India’s strategic commitment to advancing its defense space capabilities and fostering global partnerships. With the successful execution of IndSpaceX 3.0, pivotal policy dialogues, and key international collaborations, India has further cemented its role as a leading player in the global space landscape. As these partnerships mature, they will unlock transformative opportunities for technological innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth in the defense space sector.

A Kid’s Guide to Money: Empowering the Next Generation with Financial Literacy

January 11, 2024: Financial literacy is a crucial life skill, yet it often remains absent from early education. Addressing this gap, A Kid’s Guide to Money, a book for children aged 7–12, is set to launch in January 2025. Combining adventure and financial lessons, the book uses ten captivating stories set in a haunted library to teach essential skills like what is money, saving, budgeting, and investing in an engaging and relatable way.

The book is co-authored by three industry experts: Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai, best-selling author of Corporate Chanakya and an authority on the Indian treatise Arthashastra; Brainologi Founder, Shubhada Dayal, a former financial services professional who brings practical insights into money management and hosts the popular parenting podcast Homework Hustle; and Brainologi Co-founder, Sheetal Kapoor, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, and co-host of Homework Hustle podcast.

Shubhada Dayal shares, “An early understanding of money can significantly influence financial outcomes later in life. Children are critical participants in household finances, holding considerable purchasing power. Additionally, with smart devices becoming more accessible to kids, they are increasingly vulnerable to financial crimes. These factors underscore the need to start financial education at the right age. Developed using a structured lesson plan but presented in the form of stories, A Kid’s Guide to Money is the perfect starting point to teach kids about money.”

Sheetal Kapoor adds, “Often, conversations between parents and children about money are stressful, with both sides failing to fully understand each other. Parents need to explain their reasoning more effectively. This book helps facilitate such conversations, making them more productive and meaningful.”

A Kid’s Guide to Money is now available for sale on Amazon.in and promises to be a valuable tool for children to develop financial intelligence while having fun. The book will officially launch on January 10, 2025, inspiring a new generation to make smart financial decisions.

Maaya makes title clash, Senthil exits with semifinal defeat

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 11, 2025: The talented Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi remained on course for her first singles title in more than a year with yet another upset win but top seed Senthil Kumar’s impressive run at the ITF J300 event ended with a semifinal defeat on Friday.

Maaya has been in red-hot form which she utilised to knock out the second seed Eleejah Inisan from France in the fiercely-fourth girls singles semifinal at DLTA Complex.

Passing the test of nerves with flying colours, the 15-year-old Maaya eked out a 6-4 6-7(4) 6-2 win to set up the title clash with Ekaterina Tupitsyna, who too had to fight hard against Polina Berezina.

Tupitsyna emerged a 6-3 4-6 6-1 winner in the tight semifinal.

Maaya had won a singles title back in December 2023 when she triumphed in Pune in a J100 event.

Senhtil has been in a superb touch but his run was finally stalled by Korean fourth seed Donghyun Hwang, who came out winner with a 6-4 6-1 scoreline. Once Senthil lost the opening set, the Korean raced away to the finish line with a double break.

Hwang will clash with unseeded American of Indian origin Roshan Santhosh, who prevented an all-Korean boys singles final with his 6-4 6-0 win over Hyeon Seok Seo in the other semifinal.

The boys doubles title was grabbed by the fourth-seeded pair of Artem Bogomlov and Roman Kharlamov, who bounced back in the final against equally formidable combination of Alan Aiukhanov and Alexey Shibaev, winning 5-7 7-6(6) 10-1.
The girls trophy went to the top seeds Konstantinova Yoana and Rada Zolotareva, who emerged winner against the Korean-Taipei team of Yesung Lin Choo and Yu-Chen with a 6-3 6-2 scoreline.