Author: Sai Krishna

TGRTC is expected to register Rs 10,000 crore turnover next financial year: VC Sajjanar, VC & MD TGRTC. Sajjanar shared the historical transformation of TGRTC

Hyderabad, March 11, 2025:The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) organized a Conference on Navigating Corporate Failure and Digital Fraud: Pathways to Success at FTCCI Surana Auditorium, Federation House, Hyderabad on Monday evening

The program was organized to explore how good governance practices can help companies prevent fraud and corruption. It also covered the consequences of failing to do so.

Giving his opening remarks, Dr Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI, said the program was a platform for dialogues, learning, and collaboration to prevent digital fraud.

Naresh Chandra and Dr Tasneem Shariff, Chair and Co-chair of the Corporate Laws, IBC & ADR Committee set the tone for the meeting, and introduced speakers.

Sri V C Sajjanar, IPS, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Telangana State Road Transport Corporation was the chief guest.

Addressing a 150-plus audience, Mr. Sajjanar said he was a hardcore police officer, then tasked to manage TGRTC as MD. I didn’t know business. When I took over, the Corporation was not doing well and it was loss-making. The total turnover of the corporation in September 2021, when he took over, was Rs 3800 crore. We turned it around now in four years. Today it is a billion-dollar company. The turnover next year is likely to reach INR 10,000 crore.

The historical transformation happened because of the passion, commitment, determination, and hard work of our 50,000 employees, he shared

This was also possible due to the strong government support, without which we couldn’t have navigated the scenario. You need to have strong internal controls and transparency. We have been paying TGRTC employees without defaulting salaries and paid salaries on the first of the month due to a bit of financial engineering, he shared

Speaking about digital frauds, Mr. Sajjanar said we have reached a stage, we can’t do without technology. We depend heavily on it. The rise of AI and Big Data also increased the scope of digital fraud. Digital Frauds have been rising at an alarming pace. The cybercriminals are exploiting the increasing reliance on online platforms to steal personal information, money, and disrupt businesses. Hence, digital frauds have to be boardroom priorities of all the corporate houses.

Sajjanar, a former top cop, suggested that AI-powered fraud detection must be used to analyze data and identify suspicious activity. Use Blockchain technology to secure financial transactions, which ensures tamper-proof and resistant to alteration. Training the staff on cybersecurity is important to prevent digital fraud, and focus on educating them about basic security practices. Digital fraud is no longer a business risk, it is a societal concern, Sajjanar said.

A.J. Jawad, Registrar of the International Arbitration & Mediation Centre (IAMC), Guest of honour, a seasoned advocate, Senior Mediator and Trainer said business and marriages have a similarity. In both cases we don’t anticipate trouble. The courts in India have 5 crore pending cases, to dispose of them we need 324 years, provided there are no more new cases added. Further, when the dispute gets locked, 1.5% to 2% of GDP is lost due to the delayed outcomes in the country. The only way out for this is mediation and arbitration. Don’t wait for judicial reforms. Mediate the deal before you seal the deal. Then, if there is any dispute that arises, mediation can be

FTCCI and IAMC signed a letter of support between the two organisations to spread knowledge and create awareness about the same.

Aruna Ravikumar, Journalist and Author, talked on Red Flag in detecting corporate frauds, be aware, be prepared. She spoke about MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) and Ponzi scheme
We believe the popular saying that an idea can change a life. But an idea can also destroy your business, she said.

Answering a question, Aruna said fraud is not gender-based. Women want to get into men’s world. We see many women involved in digital fraud now. Though it is not gender specific, you need to be alert, use common sense, and don’t fall prey to easy money.

Chartered Accountant Sharath Kumar delved into Leadership Strategies for Navigating Fraud in Digital AI. AI-driven frauds are on the rise. Blind trust on it can be suicidal. AI is a double-edged weapon. He gave a lot of case studies of recent frauds and how many corporate executives fell prey to cyber cheaters. Digital frauds happen when human intelligence fails. Human observation and common sense are very important.

The father and son duo of Niloufer Cafe Mr. Babu Rao and his son Shashank Anumula, MD of ABR Cafe & Bakers Pvt Ltd spoke about The Silver Lining of Setbacks: Turning Failures into Strategic Advantage. They shared their success, challenges, and plans. The café, which had 30 people in 1978, has now risen to a 2000-employee café. We are the only café in the world to have 2000 employees with just five outlets. We have one lakh walk-ins into our cafes every day. Mr. Babu Rao shared that they were coming out with another outlet in Gachibowli in 40,000 sft on the 19th April.

Sairam Palabindela, Founder of Cyber Security Solutions, talked about Strategies for Prevention, Recovery, and Growth.

R. Ravikumar and KK Maheshwari, Vice Presidents of FTCCI, and several other office bearers were also among the attendees.

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Presents #SheForShe This Women’s Day

She’s Not the Only One – She’s One of Many at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

(New Delhi, March 2025) At Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, luxury isn’t just about opulence – it’s about the people who shape it, the hands that craft it, and the passion that brings it to life. Here, the essence of luxury is channeled by extraordinary women who recast moments into memories, spaces into sanctuaries, and service into an art form. This Women’s Day, the hotel unveils #SheForShe, a powerful movement that strengthens voices, toasts contributions, and inspires women to lift one another higher.

From the meticulous precision of Housekeeping to the strategic acumen of Finance, from the creativity in the Kitchen to the dynamism of Sales and the warmth of the Front Office to the expertise in F&B and Marketing – women are at the soul of Shangri-La. The initiative’s core message, She’s Not the Only One – She’s One of Many at Shangri-La, defines the power of unity, backing that strength is multiplied when women stand together.

#SheForShe is a celebration of women and a testament to the collaborative effort across all levels, from higher management to groundwork. At Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, the recognition of women’s contributions is a shared responsibility. This ongoing support, from senior leaders and heads of departments who champion the cause to team members who stand beside each other – creates an environment where every woman feels empowered and praised.

More than just an initiative, #SheForShe is an interactive journey that encourages guests, employees, and followers to participate in meaningful ways. A User-Generated Content (UGC) assists women in sharing their own #SheForShe moments, sparking a ripple of inspiration. The ‘Tag a Woman Who Inspires You’ initiative ignites digital conversations, turning admiration into action.

With #SheForShe, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi reimagines Women’s Day as a movement, a tribute, a call to action. This luxury is shaped by these incredible women’s hands, hearts, and minds. It is a legacy of empowerment evident in every detail, every moment, every story.

Empowering Women with Economic Opportunities

86 e-autos, 2 push carts, and 10 sewing machines were distributed to women from vulnerable communities by Shri B. Dayananda, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru.

Bengaluru, March 10, 2025: In a major step towards empowering marginalized women and promoting economic independence, an empowering initiative was held at CAR (City Armed Reserve) Headquarters Parade Ground to celebrate International Women’s Day, where 86 e-autos, 2 push carts, and 10 sewing machines were distributed to women from vulnerable communities by Shri B. Dayananda, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru. The event was organized by United Way Bengaluru in collaboration with the corporate partners: GE Aerospace, State Street, Continental, Fivetran, DeliverHealth.

This marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to support women’s empowerment, implemented by United Way Bengaluru, especially in areas where access to livelihood opportunities can be limited. Supported by Parihar, an initiative of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office, the e-auto programme is dedicated to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women from vulnerable communities. The push carts will enable women to run small businesses, while the sewing machines will empower them to engage in productive, sustainable work from home. The collaboration highlights the role of Public-Private-People partnerships in supporting the women’s entrepreneurial aspirations and helping them become self-sufficient and actively contribute to their families.

“On this International Women’s Day, we honor the spirit and strength of women who are embracing new opportunities to transform their lives. This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when public institutions and corporates come together with a shared vision for social progress. By enabling financial independence for women through sustainable livelihoods, we are not only securing their future but also strengthening the community as a whole. We deeply appreciate the support of our corporate partners for their commitment to this cause. Their contribution through CSR sets a benchmark for impactful Public-Private Partnerships, inspiring more organizations to step forward and be part of meaningful change,” said Shri B. Dayananda, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City.

British Lingua Observes International Women’s Day: Advocates Education and Language as Pillars of Women’s Empowerment

New Delhi, 8th March 2025:On International Women’s Day 2025, British Lingua, a globally recognized institute for English communication skills, organized a seminar titled “Empowering Women Through Education and Language: A Path to Social Justice.” The event, led by Dr. Birbal Jha, a distinguished educationist and social reformer, Founder of British Lingua, served as a platform to highlight the vital role of women in society and the pressing need for gender equality through education and linguistic empowerment.

In his address, Dr. Birbal Jha, emphasized women’s empowerment as a cornerstone of societal progress, stating:
“8th March is not just a day of celebration but a moment of reflection and commitment to gender equality. Women are the backbone of society, and their empowerment defines the progress of a nation. A woman is not only the foundation of a family but also the architect of society. Empowering her means empowering the world.”

Education: The Key to Empowerment
The seminar focused on education as the primary driver of women’s empowerment. Dr. Jha reiterated that education is the catalyst for breaking barriers and enabling women to reach their full potential.

“An educated girl does not just uplift herself but raises entire generations. When you educate a girl, you educate a society. When you empower a woman, you empower a civilization,” emphasized Dr Birbal Jha, an English litterateur of international repute for literary skills and English skills training in India.

Women: The Pillars of Progress
Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in shaping civilizations, economies, and social structures. Their contributions to family, society, and professional fields are unparalleled. Yet, despite their significance, women worldwide continue to face discrimination and inequality.

“Women’s empowerment is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right. A nation’s true progress is measured by the dignity and opportunities it provides to its women. A society that uplifts its women is a society that thrives.”, added Dr Birbal Jha, known as the Youngest Living Legend of Mithila.

Breaking Stereotypes and Creating Opportunities
Dr Birbal Jha held that for centuries, societal norms have restricted women’s ambitions. However, history has proven that when given equal opportunities, women excel in every field—be it politics, business, science, or the arts.

“A girl’s dreams should not be confined by outdated traditions. Give her wings, not shackles,” remarked Dr. Birbal Jha, a globally recognized litterateur and author.
Dr Jha further added, “To create a truly inclusive and progressive society, we must collectively remove barriers hindering women’s growth. This includes addressing workplace discrimination, wage gaps, and the lack of leadership opportunities. Women are not meant to be confined—they are meant to shine.”

Respect for Women: A Foundation for Progress
Highlighting the importance of respect for women, Dr. Jha stated, “A society that does not respect its women is destined to struggle. Women must be treated with dignity, and their voices must be heard in every sphere of life. Respect for women is not just a virtue; it is the foundation of a just and progressive world.“

“Ensuring women’s respect and equal participation in society is not the responsibility of one individual alone. It is a collective duty—one that falls on governments, organizations, and individuals alike,” Dr Birbal averred.

Dr. Jha firmly believes that women have consistently demonstrated intelligence, resilience, and leadership skills in driving meaningful change. Their unique perspectives bring balance and harmony to leadership roles.

“Every woman is a leader—whether at home, in the workplace, or in society. It is time to recognize, respect, and celebrate their contributions. The world needs more women in leadership, decision-making, and positions of influence,” concluded Dr. Birbal Jha, a social advocate and crusader.

The seminar reaffirmed that education and language proficiency are critical tools in bridging the gender gap and fostering a more equitable society. British Lingua remains committed to empowering women through education and language skills, ensuring they can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life.

Inspecting Dams: How Satellites and Drones Help Avoid Catastrophes

A dam’s surface might appear calm and unyielding. But looks can be deceiving.

That’s why governments around the world require dams to be inspected periodically. It’s a complex process that looks for tiny shifts in the earth around the dam, the appearance of hairline cracks or other evidence that the structure is under stress.

Many of the world’s 70,000 dams, however, are located in remote areas that make regular inspections difficult.

That’s why, increasingly, the data for dam inspections is being captured from the sky, where drones and satellites keep a watchful eye.

“Drones and satellites have revolutionized dam inspection by providing access to previously unreachable areas and offering new, more affordable ways to monitor the entire structure,” said Raul Colcher, IEEE Life Senior Member.

Emerging Threats to Dams

While rare, dams do occasionally fail. The International Commission on Large Dams, which tracks the largest dams in the world, said that about 300 of the 36,000 dams in its database have ever failed. These incidents have caused major loss of life and property damage. The commission points out that though the failure rate has historically stood at around 1%, the rate has dropped dramatically in recent years.

“Generally speaking, the main causes are natural — like erosion, extreme weather or seismic activity, and human factors —bad projects, execution errors, inadequate maintenance and aging,” Colcher said.

Some experts see climate change as emerging threats to dams, because it increases the likelihood of massive rain events.

“Climate change is resulting in increased water behind dams, which in turn results in increased pressure on the structure,” said IEEE Senior Member Paul Kostek. “This highlights the need for increased inspections and the use of technology to expand the reach of inspectors.”

Emergence of SAR
In recent years, the most valuable satellite-based inspection tool has emerged: SAR, or synthetic aperture radar. This tool uses microwave pulses to map the ground, collecting the reflection of those pulses as they are bounced back from Earth. One advantage of SAR technology is that it can peer through clouds as it creates highly detailed three-dimensional models of objects on Earth.

Over the years, a number of SAR satellites have been launched, and these satellites take continuous measurements of the planet. One constellation of SAR satellites passes over the same location on Earth once every 12 days. That continuous measurement has led to another capability, known as InSAR or Inferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, which compares two SAR images to detect tiny changes, as small as one millimeter, in a dam’s surface, from space.

SAR systems can also be mounted on drones, Kostek said, allowing for other perspectives.

“Using unmanned aerial vehicles or satellites allows inspections to be done without travel and when needed, prioritizing those dams that need a visit,” Kostek said.