1, Feb 2024
Lackluster Budget for Housing

Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces
Unfortunately, the interim budget 2024 didn’t directly include any major positive changes for India’s housing industry. While the expectations included industry status, tax benefits, affordable housing boosts, and easing liquidity issues for developers, none of these materialized in the interim budget.
However, there are a few ways we could interpret the situation cautiously optimistically:
– Indirect benefits: The focus on infrastructure spending might indirectly benefit the housing industry by improving connectivity and boosting overall economic activity, potentially leading to increased demand.
– Focus on affordable housing: While lacking specific budget allocations, the government’s recent emphasis on “Housing for All” and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) could translate into concrete measures later.
– Uncertainty avoided: The absence of negative changes may be seen as a positive in an environment where economic headwinds exist.
This is only the interim budget, and the main Union Budget in February will hold more substantial announcements. Even without direct intervention, government policies impacting interest rates, inflation, and economic growth can significantly influence the housing industry.
Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.
1, Feb 2024
Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp Aims to Cultivate Nationwide Entrepreneurial Skills
Sambalpur; February 1, 2024: IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, hosted the 5-day “Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp (Phase II)” at its campus. Organized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) & Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), the boot camp was inaugurated by Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman – AICTE in virtual mode from AICTE Headquarters, New Delhi. As many as 81 start-ups are participating in the boot camp from the States like Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, out of them 40 startups are from Odisha.

The Chief Guest, Prof. T. G. Sitharam Chairman AICTE, Govt. of India acknowledged the successful completion of six IDE boot camps in phase-one and said, “The commencement of phase-two at ten locations of the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Boot Camp marks the unique initiative envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The goal is to nurture innovation, design, and entrepreneurial skills among the youths of India.
Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, shared, “This initiative aligns with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, who envisions India leading in the startup age. In today’s world, power can be classified into hard power and soft power, and innovation is a crucial element of soft power. Research, innovation, and entrepreneurship are interlinked components of soft power. India is making strides in research and innovation, with efforts to reposition it from a lower rank, albeit challenging in funding. However, in entrepreneurship and startup India is among top three position in the world.
Prof Jaiswal further said,” It is important for students and innovators to become the job givers and creators rather than job seekers. The focus should extend beyond completing the curriculum. He said, “Innovation is the key to the future of every nation, and it has the power to shape industries, revolutionize markets, and leave a lasting impact on the world.”
The introductory address was given by Prof Diwahar Nadar, faculty of IIM Sambalpur while the event was concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Ishika Jaiswal, faculty of IIM Sambalpur.
On the first day, the participants showcased their innovations in the exhibition. On the fourth day, the local tour will be arranged for the participants to provide them with real-world insights, networking opportunities, and creative inspiration, enhancing their entrepreneurial mindset. On the final day, the student teams pitch their innovations in front of expert panels consisting of startup founders, incubators, lP experts, angel Investors and VCs & knowledge agencies. The IDE Bootcamps exemplify the government’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, propelling India towards becoming a global hub for innovation-driven enterprises.
1, Feb 2024
Purnam’s Spring Edition 2024 Set to Enchant New Delhi
Event Highlights:
Date: February 9th, 2024
Venue: The Claridges, New Delhi
Showcasing: Over 50 indigenous brands, local talent, and skilled craftsmanship

The exhibition promises an immersive experience of India’s rich cultural heritage, intricate handlooms, artisanal marvels, and curated fashion statements by renowned designers and craftsmen.
Social Impact Commitment: PURNAM remains dedicated to social impact, supporting NGOs such as Pins & Needles, Udayan Care, Gestures Ecological, and Spread A Smile India. The exhibition will showcase creative products for noble causes, empowering underprivileged communities.

Founders’ Vision & Breaking Stereotypes: At the heart of PURNAM lies the founder’s unwavering commitment to fostering creativity hand in hand with entrepreneurship. They aspire to create a dynamic platform where the innovative spirit of artisans and entrepreneurs thrives, driving positive change within our society. PURNAM’s success story is uniquely defined by its founders – Saroj Bhatia, Indu Gupta, Jani Dhingra, and Sarita Baluja – a group of incredibly talented and resilient women. Despite their age, these visionary founders are actively involved in every aspect of the organization, challenging stereotypes and proving that age is no barrier to entrepreneurship and creativity.
1, Feb 2024
T.V. Mahalingam’s epic novel ‘Brahma Hathya’ now on stands by Westland Books

Chennai, February 1, 2024: Set to stand as a testament to the power of storytelling, T. V. Mahalingam’s debut novel ‘Brahma Hathya’, is an Indian mythological fantasy set in the mystic lands of Kedar where the ice-clad mountains hold secrets and stories. Published by the award-winning Indian publisher- Westland Books, the 356-page novel roots through the complexities of violence, heritage, kinship, betrayal, love and bravery against all odds.
With growing interest in mythology and fantasy genre, and yet only a few original stories being explored under this theme, Brahma Hathya narrates a story of a young shepherd boy that unfolds as he meets a mystic Jogi with no past. In the far distant lands, a Brahman makes a bold prophecy of death and destruction. The unbridled power of the majestic Trivikrama, the lord of the kingdom of Vaishali, the mesmerising and mysterious Avanti and the fearsome tribes of the forest come together in a story that combines myth with love, power and mystery. Who is the Jogi? Who is the Brahman? What secrets do the halls of Vaishali hold?
Expressing his sentiments on the book launch, the author’s brother T.V. Naarayan, said, “Brahma Hathya is a masterpiece and an ode to all the great fantasy fiction stories from India. T.V. Mahalingam was a journalist and technophile, communications expert, and a cricket enthusiast. An avid reader, he could talk for hours about mythology, science, history. For someone who loved fiction and fantasy, he chose that genre for his first novel on Indian mythology and fantasy.”
1, Feb 2024
Sancta Maria Students’ projects receive global appreciation and grants
Hyderabad, 1 February 2024: Two projects submitted by Sancta Maria International School Students as part of the ISP Changemakers programme have made a significant mark, receiving grants for their future implementation. The ISP Changemakers programme offered by the International Schools Partnership empowers students with the essential tools and methodologies to create initiatives that make a significant social impact. Engaging in this programme enables students to tackle pertinent concerns in the community, which are instrumental in shaping the future.

The ‘Courteous Conversations Crusade’ project aims to foster a safer and more respectful online environment by combatting the use of inappropriate language and promoting a more positive verbal behaviour. It plans to achieve this by establishing a code of conduct, creating educational materials such as online guides and webinars, implementing AI-based content filters, and developing reporting mechanisms for offensive content.
The initiative also involves a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of respectful online communication across various platforms. In collaboration with social media platforms and digital rights organisations, the project aims to curb the use of foul language in the short term by motivating people to be more aware of its negative effects and, in the long term, by fostering a more thoughtful and considerate online community.
The ‘Eatwise!’ project presented by primary school students aims to address the impact of unhealthy food choices on children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being by instigating a positive transformation in their food practices. It emphasises the importance of reflection and a shift in perception towards healthier food options, promoting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle for children.
The implementation involves various educational initiatives such as age-appropriate questionnaires and nutritional information displays. Creative engagement methods like art competitions and community involvement through recipe booklets will be employed. The project also includes sharing best practices with a sibling school, fostering healthy competition and accountability through inter-house competitions and creating a school kitchen garden for seasonal organic produce, in partnership with Organo-Et.
The impact is multi-faceted, aiming to promote mindful food choices, building a healthier community by preventing lifestyle diseases, and fostering a future-ready generation by instilling responsibility, empathy, and an understanding of the importance of a sustainable world in the next generation.
“As a proud participant in the ISP Changemakers, I’ve discovered that the true potential for positive impact lies in our daily choices. Through the Eatwise! project, I’ve embraced the incredible power of change in every meal. It’s not just about eating; it’s about choosing change – a change towards a healthier, more mindful lifestyle that resonates with the ethos of ISP Changemakers”, says Sancta Maria student Vanika.
Ms. Ruchira Ghosh, Principal of Sancta Maria International School, said “Our students are shaping up to be the architects of positive change, proving that even small actions can yield monumental impacts. The Eatwise and Courteous Conversations projects exemplify the transformative power of our collective efforts. Through these initiatives, our students are not just embracing change but becoming catalysts for a healthier, more respectful, and sustainable future.”
1, Feb 2024
Medhavi Skills University Forms Strategic Alliance with London Wellness Academy
Sikkim, 1 February 2024: In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the future of its student body, Medhavi Skills University (MSU), Sikkim, has proudly inaugurated a partnership with the London Wellness Academy, previously known as Steiner Training. This esteemed organization is celebrated for its excellence in grooming talent for the world’s leading cruise lines.
This collaboration was officially unveiled on January 29th, 2024, in a ceremony that underscored MSU’s unwavering dedication to elevating its students to international prominence. Spearheaded by Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder & Pro-Chancellor of MSU, the initiative is a bold step towards achieving the University’s vision of establishing India as the global Skill Capital.

The event was graced by Ms. Debbie Weaver (Pritchard), Director of International Recruitment at London Wellness Academy, whose insights into the cruise line industry underscored the immense value of global exposure for MSU students, facilitating their seamless integration into the international job market. A major highlight was the launch of MSU’s Global Opportunities Program, designed to bridge the gap between students and international career prospects in the cruise and hospitality sectors, further cementing MSU’s role in crafting world-class professionals.
The presence of Mr. R. P. Maurya, General Manager (HR) at National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, as the Guest of Honour, enriched the event with valuable industry insights, emphasizing the critical nexus between skill development and market demands.
Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder & Pro-Chancellor of MSU shared his excitement about the partnership, emphasizing MSU’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and global employment opportunities. “This collaboration,” he noted, “is a clear reflection of our dedication to preparing our students for the global stage.” He also thanked Ms. Debbie for accepting the invitation to visit the MSU Sikkim Campus from UK. Ms. Debbie Weaver expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “It is a privilege to collaborate with Medhavi Skills University. This partnership is poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities for its students on a global scale.”
Mr. R. P. Maurya, General Manager (HR) at National Hydroelectric Power Corporation added, “The synergy between academia and industry is pivotal for nurturing well-rounded professionals. I am thrilled to witness an event that so strongly advocates for international exposure as a cornerstone of career success.”
The event concluded on an optimistic note, with students and faculty alike inspired by the promising avenues for global engagement that this partnership is set to offer. MSU reaffirms its commitment to empowering its students, aligning with its broader goal of positioning India as the Skill Capital of the world.
1, Feb 2024
Clinisys ramps hiring in India by over 50%, creating opportunities for skilled professionals
Bangalore February 1 2024: Clinisys, a global leader of intelligent diagnostic informatics solutions, announces its plan to ramp up hiring in India by over 50% in 2024 calendar year to support its 3,500+ lab customers around the world and further expand its global operations. The organization has elevated Karthik Reddy, as the new Vice President to lead its technology front in India.
Clinisys has consolidated its market position through strategic acquisitions and aggressive pursuit of its vision to move to cloud computing. Over the last two decades, the organization has grown its global operations and expanded its workforce in India across technology and other business services segments. Focused on enriching its dynamic, globally connected workforce which operates in offices across 10 countries including India, Clinisys recognizes the significance of its goal to add over 50% of its workforce from India in 2024. These professionals will support Clinisys’ pioneering lab informatics products and cloud transition initiative.
As Vice President of Clinisys India, Karthik will be responsible for leading all aspects of the Clinisys India development expansion, including partnering with cross-functional teams to increase overall product delivery efficiencies, grow lab expertise locally, drive innovation and enhance customer support response time. Karthik will also provide leadership around organization structure, budget controls, recruiting, training, and other business imperatives within Clinisys India. Karthik has been a senior healthcare technology, product and operations leader in North America for the last 12 years and has relocated to Bangalore with his family to lead India operations.
“As the global leader in lab informatics, with over 40 years’ domain experience, Clinisys has a clear strategy to create and deliver the next evolution of cloud-based laboratory solutions. To deliver our plans at the appropriate velocity and scale, expanding our workforce in India is the obvious decision. The next evolution of the Clinisys Laboratory Solutions will unite the laboratory industry, facilitate change, and help enable healthier and safer communities.” said Clinisys CEO Michael Simpson.
Karthik Reddy, VP, Clinisys India adds, “I am excited to be leading our Clinisys India team as we accelerate growing talented and diverse technology professionals at all levels. Our global footprint as a software leader in the lab informatics space offers our team members first-hand experience in the latest tech stacks and the ability to grow domain expertise across multiple countries and continents. Our expansion in India will offer many interesting, complex and mission critical endeavors both in our cloud transformation and in our cutting-edge discipline software products. Clinisys India offers a collaborative learning environment, an incredibly fulfilling domain to work in, an opportunity to work with the best and brightest tech talent and ultimately a hugely rewarding career with tremendous growth potential.
As an organisation, we will continue to invest in expanding our workforce in India and nurture our tech talent by providing the right opportunities. Our talent acquisition strategy will pursue a balanced mix of freshers and experienced professionals which effectively means we will be recruiting 40% freshers and remaining 60% positions will be experienced and senior positions with a proven technology background.”
Clinisys is also pleased to announce that it has recently won a ‘Silver’ award in ‘Best Digital Application in Diagnostics’ category at 3rd edition of IHW Digital Health Summit & Awards 2024, organized by Integrated Health & Wellbeing Council of India.
Clinisys recognizes the essential contribution global professionals bring to its mission as it continues to develop and deliver the next evolution of laboratory informatics.
1, Feb 2024
M3M Foundation selects Lokesh Kumar from Tauru through science competition
Tauru, Nuh, Haryana: M3M Foundation is supporting to YMRD’s “Team Kaizel” into the uncharted territories of NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge 2024 to be held from 18th-20th April 2024. With the support of “Team Kaizel”, M3M Foundation in collaboration with local district administrations in selected districts of India (Panipat, Faridabad, Noida, Gurugram and Nuh) has selected six students through organizing science exhibitions. The selected students have become part of “Team Kaizel” and will now fly for NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge 2024. This will provide them with a unique international exposure opportunity. M3M Foundation’s commitment to innovation and passion for science exploration sets the tone for this historic journey.

Completing this campaign, M3M Foundation has selected Lokesh Kumar, Nuh, Pallavi, Gurugram-Badshahpur, Rohit Pal, Panipat, Arun Kumar, Faridabad, Utkarsh and Om, Noida.
Lokesh Kumar from Tauru was selected in the science competition organized by M3M Foundation at Sardar Gurmukh Memorial School, Nuh, who will fly for NASA. On this occasion, Nuh District Education Officer, Paramjeet Chahal was present as the chief guest, along with Anika Bansal from M3M Group, Kusum Malik, FLN Coordinator, Ram Kishan District Science specialist and Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, President of M3M Foundation were present.
M3M Foundation, an organization committed to promoting education, healthcare, and skill development in communities across India. The foundation is determined to nurture talent with interest in science and technology.
The NASA’s Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) is an annual engineering design competition that challenges students from around the world to design, build, and test human-powered rovers capable of traversing challenging terrains and completing mission-focused tasks.
Following their commitment for fostering and promoting science education, the M3M Foundation is supporting YMRD’s “Team Kaizel,” (an organization for supporting young scientists and researchers). This is the only team supported by an NGO out of 8 selected teams from India comprises of group of exceptionally talented students from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar & Mahatastra. The team has earned the honor of representing India at the Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) hosted by NASA from 18th to 20th April 2024. This prestigious event focus on emphasizing the design, construction, and testing of technologies for traversing unique environmental terrains.
In conjunction with their support to “Team Kaizel,” M3M Foundation is collaborating with the district administration to identify and select students within the selected districts (Panipat, Faridabad, Noida, Gurugram & Nuh) who share a passion for science and innovation through organizing science exhibitions and STEM engagement one student will be selected and will be a part of Team Kaizel providing them with an unparalleled international exposure opportunity.
Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, and Trustee of M3M Foundation, shared her insights on the mission, stating, “At M3M Foundation, we believe in empowering young minds to reach for the stars. Gopal Jee’s leadership exemplifies our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering science education. The journey of Team Kaizel is not just a scientific exploration; it’s a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when passion meets support. I congratulate and best wishes all the students selected from various districts.”
Fueled by the dynamic synergy of M3M Foundation, Team Kaizel is not merely chasing stars; they are propelling dreams into the vast expanse of the universe.
The NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge 2024 is not just a competition; it’s a testament to the collaborative spirit of young minds and the support of organizations like M3M Foundation. Join us in this cosmic symphony as YMRD’s Team Kaizel to pioneer the future of space exploration.
These are the children who will fly for NASA
1. Lokesh Kumar, Class X, GSSD Raheri, Tauru, Nuh
2. Pallavi, 10th Class, GGSSS, Badshahpur, Gurugram
3. Arun Kumar, GSSS NIT-1 Tikolna Park, Faridabad
4. Utkarsh, VRSB Inter College, Greater Noida
5. Om, Bhairav Devras Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Noida
6. Rohit Pal, Panipat
1, Feb 2024
Covestro and Siemens conclude strategic supplier agreement
Covestro and Siemens have concluded a strategic supplier agreement for the next five years. This framework agreement is the basis for all future business relationships that exist between the two companies in many different areas. The agreement is worth a high double-digit million euro amount and enables much faster and easier collaboration.

Until now, Covestro and Siemens have always concluded individual supply agreements for different material groups and services. The new structure now provides a general framework and serves as the basis for all future contracts and agreements between the companies. It covers the full range of Siemens’ offering, from the purchase of materials to the supply of complex solutions, for which Siemens will be involved in the early stages of project development at Covestro.
“With this agreement, we are strengthening our trusting partnership and can now work together even more closely and efficiently,” says Thorsten Dreier, Chief Technology Officer at Covestro. “This step makes it clear that we will continue to rely on our partnership with Siemens in the future. Siemens has proven to be a reliable supplier in many projects over the many years of cooperation and therefore we want to continue to work together with Siemens in the future to drive the transformation of the chemical industry towards climate-neutral production and a circular economy.”
Axel Lorenz, CEO Process Automation at Siemens, says: “We are very pleased to continue our successful path together with Covestro. In recent years, we have greatly expanded our portfolio for the chemical industry. At the same time, the challenges for sustainable production in the industry have grown significantly. The new agreement takes this development into account and offers a very good basis for implementing innovative ideas together even more easily in the future.”




