5, Jun 2025
Marriott India strengthens the Green Commitment on World Environment Day 2025
5th June 2025, Thursday: Marriott India proudly achieved its ambitious goal for World Environment Day 2025, a commitment to plant 100,000 trees across its extensive portfolio of over 150 hotels nationwide. This significant undertaking marked a powerful escalation of Marriott India’s dedication to sustainability and ecological restoration, building upon the success of its previous environmental initiatives.
This landmark endeavor was built upon the successful foundation of last year’s “Two Trees per Room” initiative, launched on World Environment Day 2024. That program, a cornerstone of Marriott India’s environmental stewardship, saw over 32,600 trees planted by more than 4,900 volunteers. This year, Marriott India exponentially scaled its impact, with over 15,000 volunteers planting 100,000 trees. This monumental achievement reinforced its commitment to tangible environmental action and a healthier planet.
To achieve this ambitious goal, each Marriott India property actively participated in localized tree-planting initiatives. This collective effort, in collaboration with reputable reforestation organizations, was designed to dramatically expand our collective green footprint. Trees were strategically planted in areas optimized for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and climate change mitigation, while also providing vital support to local communities.
“Marriott India is incredibly proud to have successfully achieved our goal of planting 100,000 trees, a testament to our profound dedication to environmental responsibility,” said Sanjay Gupta – Chairman of the Marriott India Business Council. “This ambitious goal truly underscores our belief that sustainability is not just a passing trend, but a fundamental pillar of responsible hospitality. We are committed to making a lasting, positive impact on our environment for generations to come.”
On World Environment Day 2025, JW Marriott Pune reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by pledging to plant four saplings for every hotel room, totaling 1,664 saplings and seeds. Partnering with Vanvibhag Pune, these trees were successfully planted within their jurisdiction, contributing significantly to local reforestation efforts. This initiative highlights JW Marriott Pune’s dedication to environmental stewardship and community collaboration, aiming to create a greener, healthier future for generations to come.
Marriott India’s dedication extends beyond this signature initiative. We continue to implement a wide array of innovative practices aimed at minimizing our ecological impact, including energy-efficient operations, robust waste reduction programs, and responsible sourcing. By leading through example, Marriott India is committed to setting new benchmarks for sustainable hospitality within the industry.
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- By Neel Achary
5, Jun 2025
From Banaras to Baltimore: Dr. Yashasvi Singh’s Global Achievement
National, 05th June 2025: In a proud moment for India and the city of Varanasi, Dr. Yashasvi Singh, a 39-year-old urologist from the holy city, has become the only Indian to be awarded the prestigious Satyendra Tewari Fellowship at the globally renowned Johns Hopkins University, USA.
Dr. Singh, currently serving as Associate Professor of Urology at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), was selected through a rigorous national selection process involving performance evaluations and interviews conducted by the Indian American Urological Association (IAUA) and the Urological Society of India (USI). His achievement marks a historic milestone as he becomes the inaugural recipient of this elite international fellowship.
A Journey Rooted in Dedication
Born in Varanasi, Dr. Singh’s academic journey began at St. John’s DLW in 2003, followed by an MBBS degree from NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur. He pursued his MS in General Surgery from Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi, where his exposure to complex surgical challenges sparked a lasting interest in urologic oncology.
His surgical finesse deepened under the mentorship of Dr. P.B. Singh at Max Hospital, Patparganj, leading to his super-specialization in Urology (MCh) from GMCH Guwahati. After completing a fellowship at KKCC Erode in minimally invasive urological cancer surgeries, Dr. Singh joined BHU in 2020, where he rose to become an Associate Professor.
Mastering the Future of Surgery
As part of the fellowship, Dr. Singh trained at the Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, from April 14 to May 2, 2025. There, he observed state-of-the-art robotic and open urological cancer surgeries—including nephrectomies, prostatectomies, cystectomies, and lymph node dissections—using cutting-edge da Vinci robotic platforms (Xi, SP, and DV5).
Dr. Singh is also spearheading research into the molecular underpinnings of kidney and prostate cancers, focusing on the role of micro miRNA and small nuclear RNA—potential game-changers in early cancer detection and personalized therapy.
Global Recognition for Indian Medical Talent
The fellowship also gave Dr. Singh the opportunity to attend the American Urological Association (AUA) conference and present India’s growing expertise in robotic surgery on a global platform. His efforts are expected to foster long-term research collaborations between Johns Hopkins and BHU, benefiting future generations of Indian urologists.
A Symbol of Hope and Excellence
Dr. Yashasvi Singh’s story—from the narrow lanes of Banaras to the cutting-edge surgical theaters of Baltimore—embodies the spirit of India’s medical excellence, perseverance, and global ambition. At a time when India is rapidly advancing in medical innovation and surgical technologies, his achievement offers inspiration to thousands of young doctors dreaming of global impact. As robotic surgery revolutionizes cancer care with precision and faster recovery, Dr. Singh stands at the forefront of this transformation—carrying India’s aspirations in his skilled hands.
5, Jun 2025
MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar Performs High-Risk Cardiac Surgery, Preventing Need for Heart Transplant
Chennai, 5th June 2025: MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, has successfully performed a high-risk cardiac surgery on a 58-year-old male patient diagnosed with Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm (SOVA) — a rare, life-threatening cardiac anomaly involving a swelling (aneurysm) of one of the aortic sinuses.
The aneurysm, located in the right coronary sinus, was obstructing blood flow from the heart and compressing the septum, resulting in worsening heart failure and severely impaired cardiac function.
The patient was admitted with complaints of shortness of breath, chest discomfort and fainting. Further examination revealed the presence of SOVA involving aneurysm in the right coronary sinus, one of the outpouchings at the root of the aorta. It is an uncommon cardiac abnormality with an incidence of just 0.09%. The patient also had other health problems of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and narrowing of the left renal artery.
The complex procedure involved placing the patient on a heart-lung machine, allowing the surgical team to perform a meticulous repair of the aneurysm. Once repaired, the heart was gradually rewarmed and normal circulation restored. Chest tubes, pacing wires, and steel sutures were employed to support post-operative healing and monitoring.
The patient had previously been advised to undergo heart transplantation at multiple centres due to severely depressed heart function and heart failure.
In his comments, Dr. Madan Mohan, Senior Interventional Cardiologist who led the procedure, said “The aneurysm was diagnosed and treated before it could rupture, thereby preventing a potentially catastrophic event”.
Dr. Sanjay Theodore, Clinical Lead, Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, said, “This is an excellent example of how advanced cardiac care can reverse serious conditions and eliminate the need for major procedures like heart transplants. Our multidisciplinary team — comprising Cardiac Anaesthetist Dr. Kamalakannan, cardiac specialist nurses, perfusionists, technical staff — and the patient’s resilience were key factors in the successful outcome.”
This case highlights MGM Healthcare Malar’s competence in managing complex cardiac abnormalities with precision and care. The hospital remains committed to providing cutting-edge cardiac care with a patient-first approach.
5, Jun 2025
REHAU India Marks World Environment Day with a Call for Conscious Action and Local Impact
As people come to terms with intensifying realities of climate change, every act of environmental responsibility counts and REHAU India is proving that sustainability isn’t merely a pledge, but a practice. On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the global leader in polymer-based solutions celebrated its enduring emphasis on sustainable innovation, local action, and meaningful change. From advanced water recycling systems at its state-of-the-art Vadodara facility to spirited employee-led clean-up drives across the country, REHAU’s approach remains rooted in combining German engineering with ground-level impact.
Last year’s highlight was the company’s nationwide clean-up initiative under its annual REHAU Return program, conducted in sync with World Cleanup Day 2024. Over five days in September, teams from Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Vadodara joined hands to collect over 1,500 kilograms of waste all of which was responsibly handed over to local municipalities for recycling.
“We believe sustainability begins with us and must ripple outward,” said Mr. Tushar Verma, Executive Vice President, REHAU India. “These initiatives are a reflection of our culture, our people, and our responsibility. We’re deeply aware that true environmental change happens when action becomes habit – right from saving water, reducing waste, or choosing the right materials for long-term impact.”, he added.
This mindset is perhaps best exemplified by REHAU India’s pioneering water conservation initiative at its Vadodara manufacturing facility. The plant recycles approximately 2.1 million litres of water annually, a volume sufficient to meet the yearly water needs of 25 families. In a state like Gujarat, which is classified as water-stressed with rising concerns around groundwater quality – this effort offers a real, measurable contribution toward sustainable industrial practice.
While water conservation and waste management remain core focus areas, REHAU India’s sustainability vision extends to its product innovation too. By embracing eco-conscious materials and engineering solutions that are RoHS-compliant, DOP-free, and often crafted from post-industrial recyclates, the company continues to integrate environmental thinking into the DNA of its offerings right from edgebands, solid surfaces, or energy-efficient interior panels.
In recent years, the group has made meaningful strides in reducing its global carbon footprint not only through pledges, but through measured, tangible action. Since 2018, carbon emissions have been brought down from 135,157 tons to 47,305 tons in 2024 – a dramatic 65% reduction. To put that into perspective, it’s the environmental equivalent of taking over 47,000 cars off the road for an entire year. This kind of progress doesn’t happen overnight. It reflects years of focused efforts: cleaner energy use, smarter processes, and a deeper understanding that true innovation is as much about responsibility as it is about results.
These decisions that are deemed thoughtful, precise, and people-first – are powered by a wider global focus to sustainability across all REHAU subgroups. “We see it not merely as a duty, but a design challenge,” said Verma. “How can we make what we do better, cleaner, more enduring? It starts from the materials we use to the communities we work in, we’re constantly looking for ways to raise the bar.”, he highlights.
As the world reflects on environmental responsibility this June 5, REHAU India’s message is clear: change doesn’t always have to be loud. However, it must be consistent. Through deliberate innovation, mindful resource use, and a culture that puts sustainability into practice, REHAU is helping shape a future that respects both progress and the planet.
5, Jun 2025
KC GlobEd Empowers Finance Professionals with Future-Ready Global Certifications
New Delhi: As global finance continues to grow more integrated, dynamic, and regulation-heavy, the expectations from finance professionals have expanded far beyond traditional accounting. The need for globally recognised certifications across accounting, auditing, taxation and other critical finance domains has never been more urgent. Rising to meet this demand, KC GlobEd, a leading global edutech platform, is enabling finance professionals and students to prepare for the world’s most in-demand professional qualifications including US CPA (Certified Public Accountant), US CMA (Certified Management Accountant), and US EA (Enrolled Agent), with UK ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and many more coming soon.
KC GlobEd empowers learners through expertly designed review programs that feature up-to-date study materials, practical case studies, and mentorship from industry experts – equipping them to confidently hover through the accounting & finance arena. With over 15,000 learners across 122 countries and a strong nationwide presence through 70+ franchise centres, the platform has become a trusted destination for career-focused finance learning. Designed for commerce, finance, and business graduates, final-year students, and working professionals, these programs combine expert-led instruction, real-world case studies, and flexible learning formats, making them ideal for anyone looking to grow or pivot into the international accounting finance & taxation landscape.
“Finance today is not siloed. It is global, connected, and forward-looking.”, said CPA & CA Kamal Chhabra, Founder and CEO of KC GlobEd. “Professionals today need adaptability, strategic thinking, and global perspective. These are things that equally matter alongside theoretical knowledge. We are focused on making this preparation accessible, immersive, and outcome-driven – thus equipping both emerging and experienced professionals to thrive in the finance roles of tomorrow.”, he added.
To enhance career outcomes, KC GlobEd places a strong emphasis on employability. Through placement partnerships, and access to job opportunities with top MNCs and consulting firms, the platform ensures that students are not merely exam-ready, but also career-ready. Starting salaries for successful candidates often range from ₹6 to ₹12 LPA, depending on qualifications and experience. Backed by a complete ecosystem – ranging from tailored study plans & mock exams to live classes, doubt-clearing sessions and performance analytics, KC GlobEd is helping redefine how finance professionals in India and abroad prepare for high-demand international credentials.
5, Jun 2025
Haier India Powers a Sustainable & Greener Tomorrow with New Solar Rooftop Project to Mark World Environment Day
India, 05 June 2025 – Haier Appliances India, the No.1 global major appliances brand for 16 consecutive years, has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable manufacturing by commissioning a rooftop solar power project at its Industrial Park in Greater Noida. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Haier’s long-term sustainability roadmap, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and integrating renewable energy into core operations. Announced in conjunction with World Environment Day, the launch reinforces Haier’s strategic focus on responsible innovation and environmental stewardship, aligning with broader efforts toward a cleaner, greener future.
The newly launched solar rooftop initiative will have a capacity of 4.5 Megawatt-peak (MWp) with 7,174 monocrystalline solar modules spread across 36,000 square meters of rooftop area. The installation is expected to generate 5.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually, helping the facility reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and traditional grid power. By avoiding approximately 5,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year, the project’s environmental impact is equivalent to planting over 250,000 trees—a vital step toward restoring ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr NS Satish, President, Haier Appliances India said, “At Haier, sustainability is not a parallel effort — it is a defining pillar of our core operations and long-term strategic vision. The commissioning of the solar power project at our Greater Noida facility represents a bold step toward transforming how we drive progress by embedding sustainable innovation at the heart of our operations. By generating clean electricity on-site, we are not only improving energy efficiency but also reducing our carbon emissions in a measurable way. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to building a future-ready, environmentally responsible manufacturing ecosystem that aligns with India’s renewable energy ambitions and climate goals.”
With this initiative, Haier is not only advancing its sustainability agenda but also actively contributing to India’s renewable energy targets and reinforcing global climate commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More than just a power solution, it exemplifies the strategic integration of clean energy into large-scale manufacturing—setting a benchmark for green industrial practices.
5, Jun 2025
Allcargo Terminals MD Suresh Kumar R. Reiterates Carbon Neutrality Vision and Global Green Initiatives on World Environment Day 2025
By-Suresh Kumar R., Managing Director, Allcargo Terminals Limited and ESG Head – Allcargo Group
”World Environment Day serves as one more reminder of the interdependence between humankind and the environment. While raising awareness and offering a platform for collaboration to address environmental concerns, it also reiterates the importance of making conscious choices while keeping environmental sustainability at the core.
At Allcargo Group, we remain committed to our mission to chart sustainable pathways and our vision to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2040. As a part of that goal, we are working on multiple fronts across the Group – adoption of renewable energy and alternative fuels and greener logistics practices. For instance, Allcargo Terminals’ (ATL) Chennai facility already runs on 70% renewable energy through solar rooftops and open access. Five of our seven ATL sites are solar energy-equipped, with capacity expansion under way. ATL has increased its fleet of electric forklifts from 10% to 25%, and ASCPL (Allcargo Supply Chain Private Limited) has transitioned to 100% electric material handling equipment across all warehouse facilities. Additionally, ASCPL has deployed sensor-based genset IoT systems to track and improve fuel efficiency.
As a part of our community upliftment and environmental stewardship initiative, we recently completed a rainwater harvesting, storage and ground water recharge project at Sawangi Tehsil in Nagpur to address the issue of water scarcity in that area, revitalise agricultural activities and rural economy. The project has positively impacted the livelihood of over four thousand people. This initiative is the latest in a series of long-term community development programs we are committed to.
This year’s theme ‘Putting an End to Plastic Pollution’ resonates with us as we are working towards reducing environmental impact by adopting sustainable alternatives. In June 2023, we declared our Mumbai headquarter Allcargo House completely plastic free. Single-use plastic items are now barred at Allcargo House and reusable cloth bags are made available on premises. We also undertake beach clean-up drives as part of our efforts to raise awareness on the adverse impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
Our efforts extend globally as well. The Allcargo Group’s global subsidiary ECU Worldwide has introduced Greenwayz, a sustainable shipping solution powered by biofuel in the Nordic region. We have plans to expand this initiative in a phased manner across key trade lanes. The ECU Worldwide office in Antwerp has been regularly participating in the Annual Port Clean-Up to remove plastics, discarded fishing nets and other debris that could endanger the marine environment.
Environment sustainability is a collective effort in which every supply chain stakeholder has a role to play. Going forward, we will sharpen our focus on integrating circular economy principles into our operations.”
5, Jun 2025
BENZ Packaging Reaffirms Sustainability Commitment on World Environment Day
New Delhi, India – June 5, 2025 – On the occasion of World Environment Day, BENZ Packaging, a leader in eco-conscious industrial packaging, reaffirms its commitment to building a greener future through scalable, sustainable solutions.
“Our planet can no longer afford short-term thinking,” said Chaitanya Chopra, Director at BENZ Packaging. “This World Environment Day, we’re not just celebrating milestones—we’re challenging ourselves and our industry to do better. From responsible sourcing to AI-powered efficiency, sustainability is no longer an add-on. It’s our foundation.”
At a time when industrial waste remains a major contributor to environmental degradation, BENZ Packaging has proactively adopted biodegradable materials, moisture-control technology, and low-impact logistics to help clients reduce their environmental footprint across sectors like automotive, renewables, and engineering.
Over the past year alone, the company has:
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Replaced over 120 tonnes of plastic with recyclable alternatives
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Developed India’s first industrial VCI paper that’s 100% plastic-free
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Launched closed-loop packaging pilots in partnership with key OEMs
BENZ Packaging’s newly automated facilities are designed to optimize energy usage and minimize material waste, even as they scale to meet rising demand. BENZ Packaging continues to lead the transition toward responsible manufacturing, setting new benchmarks with its fully recyclable packaging, zero-waste production strategies, and carbon-conscious supply chain. As India and the world grapple with environmental crises, BENZ Packaging is expanding its R&D focus on compostable and water-based packaging and engaging with industry forums to push for policy change and sustainability-first supply chains.
5, Jun 2025
NXP India MD Hitesh Garg Highlights Measurable Climate Action and ESG Commitment on World Environment Day 2025
By-Mr. Hitesh Garg, Vice President and India Managing Director at NXP Semiconductors
“At NXP, caring for our environment and our workforce are deeply interconnected. This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a sustainable future through measurable action — from reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and scaling renewable electricity, to recycling over 89% of our waste and 55% of our wastewater. Supported by global certifications, strong oversight, and continuous workforce training, our efforts are rooted in accountability and action. These steps not only reflect our global ESG goals but also align closely with India’s Net Zero ambitions — a national mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070. Together, we’re turning environmental ambition into action, and action into long-term impact.”
5, Jun 2025
Palau Opens Doors to Indian Tourists with 30-Day Visa-Free Entry: A Gateway to Paradise
In a significant move to boost tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties, the Republic of Palau has announced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens, marking a new chapter in Indo-Palau relations. Known for its breathtaking marine biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes, Palau is emerging as a hidden gem for Indian travelers seeking unique, nature-rich travel experiences including WW II Relics and remains in the ocean and on land.
Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and ecological wonder. With its UNESCO-listed Rock Islands, world-renowned dive sites like Blue Corner and Jellyfish Lake, and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, Palau is fast becoming a must-visit destination for nature lovers and explorers alike.
Indian traveler is a matured , and is looking for newer places to visit. Palau is a new country for Indians and with airlines such as United Airlines, China Airlines, Quantas , Japan Airlines, Nauru Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines operating into Palau , its soon going to be the most sought after destination said Dr Neeraj A Sharma – The Honorary Consul General of Palau to India, recently during a media interaction.
While Palau does not currently have direct air connectivity with India, travelers can reach the island nation through connecting flights from major Southeast Asian hubs like Manila (Philippines), Taipei (Taiwan), or Seoul (South Korea).
Excitingly, Air India is soon expected to launch direct flights from India to the Philippines, significantly easing access to Palau. With Manila being one of the key connecting hubs to Palau, this move will not only reduce travel time but also open up seamless travel opportunities for Indian tourists keen to explore this Pacific paradise , said the Honorary Consul General Neeraj Sharma.
Under the leadership of President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., Palau continues to champion sustainable development, environmental protection, and responsible tourism. His administration remains deeply committed to preserving the natural heritage of Palau while opening its doors to global travelers in a way that respects and enhances the local ecosystem. President Whipps’ initiatives to balance growth with conservation have placed Palau at the forefront of climate advocacy and eco-tourism.
Neeraj A. Sharma, has been actively working to promote Palau as a prime travel destination for Indian tourists. From hosting tourism awareness campaigns to engaging with Indian travel operators and media, Dr. Sharma is playing a pivotal role in building cultural and economic bridges between the two nations. His efforts are expected to not only increase tourist footfall but also foster long-term tourism partnerships and collaborations. The famous Indian restaurant Taj Palau owned by NRI Robert Scaria is the favorite eating place for the global citizens visiting Palau.
As India continues to look towards east for unique travel experiences, Palau stands ready to welcome Indian travelers with warmth, wonder, and a world of natural beauty—now just a flight away.
