6, Sep 2023
Union Bank of India and IREDA enters into an MoU to Boost Renewable Energy Projects

Union Bank of India and IREDA enters into an MoU to Boost Renewable Energy Projects

Hyderabad/ Mumbai, September 6, 2023 – Union Bank of India (UBI) and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration and cooperation in various areas of renewable energy and financial assistance. This MOU represents a significant step forward in advancing the goals of sustainable development and renewable energy adoption in India.

The MOU was signed in Mumbai today, in the presence of Ms A Manimekhalai, MD&CEO, Union Bank of India & Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA. Also present on the occasion were Shri Nidhu Saxena & Shri Ramasubramanian S, Executive Directors, Union Bank of India, other Senior Executives of the Bank and Shri Bharat Singh Rajput, GM, IREDA. The MOU comes into effect immediately upon signing and is initially valid for a period of five (5) years. It may be extended further upon mutual consent of the Parties involved, highlighting their long-term commitment to fostering the growth of renewable energy projects in India.

Under the terms of the MOU, both Union Bank of India and IREDA have pledged to collaborate on various fronts, including co-originating renewable energy projects, loan syndication and underwriting, management of Third-Party Resources (TRA) for IREDA borrowers, and the potential investment in IREDA Bonds.

Specifically, the collaboration encompasses the co-origination of projects in the realm of renewable energy, encompassing Small Hydro projects and Ethanol Projects. Additionally, Union Bank of India and IREDA will work together to facilitate the syndication and underwriting of loans for renewable energy projects, promoting easier access to financial resources for the development of such projects.

Union Bank of India will also play a crucial role in managing Third-Party Resources (TRA) for borrowers associated with IREDA, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of project management.

6, Sep 2023
5 popular crime shows on Indian television that were beloved by viewers

Crime shows have consistently garnered a strong following on Indian television, captivating viewers with their gripping narratives centered around criminal investigations and the relentless pursuit of justice. Let’s revisit five iconic crime investigation series that made a lasting impact on audiences:

Savdhaan India

Savdhaan India: This highly acclaimed crime series, primarily hosted by the renowned actor Sushant Singh and aired on STAR Bharat, delves into real-life crime incidents. The show’s major objective is to create awareness amongst the viewers and sheds light on the challenges faced by victims and law enforcement officials. Fans can look forward to the upcoming season of Savdhaan India with the new theme “Criminal Decoded,” set to premiere on September 26th, Monday to Saturday at 10.30pm on STAR Bharat.

Crime Patrol:

Crime Patrol: Sony Entertainment Television’s long-standing crime show, hosted by Anup Soni, brings to life actual criminal cases from India. Its primary objective is to make its viewers understand the crimes various criminal activities happening around which are unknown to many and offer insights into the investigative process.

C.I.D.:

C.I.D.: Holding the distinction of being the longest-running series on Indian television, “C.I.D.” airs on Sony Entertainment Television. The series revolves around a team of Crime Investigation Department officers, led by ACP Pradyuman, Senior Inspector Abhijeet, and Senior Inspector Daya. Together, they tackle complex and intriguing criminal cases, often involving murder and other serious offenses.

Suraag

Suraag: Airing in the 1990s on DD channel, “Suraag” featured Sudesh Berry as a CID officer who partners with his assistant to crack the most perplexing cases. The show gained recognition for its portrayal of their team’s ability to solve seemingly unsolvable cases, especially those involving murder. The show’s strong performances kept viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode.

Karamchand

Karamchand: Originally broadcast on Doordarshan in 1985, “Karamchand” starred Pankaj Kapur and offered a unique blend of entertainment. This 1980s television gem was remembered fondly by many viewers for its ahead-of-its-time storytelling. The witty banter between Karamchand and his assistant Kitty added an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a hit among audiences.

These shows continue to send shivers down the spines of the audience, offering both entertainment and immense love from their viewers.

6, Sep 2023
Teen Bengaluru girl goes global in science & astrophysics

AnikaPhoto2

Bengaluru 6 September 2023- Anika Jha is a 13-year-old girl from Bengaluru who is passionate about learning and solving problems around her with technology and science. She is a Ted Ed speaker inspiring others to embrace their unique form of intelligence and a Youth Worker at an NGO (Distressed Children and Infants International, DCI) where she helps children and orphans in poverty or with disabilities get proper quality education.

Anika participated in the online Mars Design Engineering Competition, organized by the Mars Society (nonprofit organization that advocates for human Mars exploration and colonization, founded by Dr. Robert Zubrin in 1998, former members include Elon Musk and Buzz Aldrin).

She has dedicated an entire month to create a feasible and detailed plan for the first manned mission to Mars with her international teammates. With them, she has written a 25-page scientific report detailing the Science, Engineering, and Human Operations aspects. She met and interacted with NASA scientists, former mission controllers, astrobiologists, etc. to get feedback on her report and learn more about Mars. Her report won in 2 categories: Science and Overall, Winner.

As the Overall Winner, Anika and her team are especially invited to the annual international Mars Society Convention, taking place at Arizona State University (Arizona, USA) from October 5 to 8 this year. Additionally, her report will be published by the Mars Society as a book and ebook in the next few months.

Aside from her manned Mars mission project, Anika has developed a Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence based web application called Quake It Off to address the problems caused by earthquakes. Her solution is chosen in the Technovation Girls (global tech education nonprofit based in USA that empowers girls to become leaders, creators, problem-solvers, and tech entrepreneurs) from 22000 other applications as a finalist. For this, she is personally invited for 5 days to present her solution in front of world leaders and industry experts at San Francisco’s Silicon Valley in a World Summit.

Anika won first place in the TISBHacks hackathon organized by TISB (The International School Bangalore), and was in the top 3 winners of the OakCodeFest 24-hour hackathon organized by Oakridge International School twice in a row. She is passionate about space science and has been recognized as a standout entry by NASA’s Astrophoto Challenge twice for her image processing. She has received expert feedback from NASA scientists for this.

Crimson Scimitar by S.P. Grogan
6, Sep 2023
Crimson Scimitar by S.P. Grogan, now available from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of Crimson Scimitar by S.P. Grogan. The book is published by Addison & Highsmith Publishers, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding original works of fiction.

Crimson Scimitar is the awakening, epic novel of our times and no-holds-barred critical commentary on Hollywood culture and social media. What if, in 2011, Osama bin Laden, the al Qaeda jihadist terrorist, was captured instead of killed? What would a trial in the U.S. judicial system look like? And what if the ones who captured him were stars of a reality TV show trying to boost their ratings? And what if when bin Laden was captured al Qaeda was planning an attack on the United States, worse than 9/11? Who do you think will come to the rescue? Finally, would you cheer for a young al-Qaeda jihadist who might bring peace to the Mideast?

Literary Titan says “Through its powerful narrative, Crimson Scimitar becomes a compelling reminder of the urgent need for unity and the futility of war. Within the expansive tapestry of court proceedings and the enthralling stories that encircle Osama bin Laden, the novel weaves together suspense, intrigue, and action elements that befit a thrilling tale.”

Author S.P. Grogan is a best-selling and award-winning author. His other books include Lafayette: Courtier to Crown Fugitive, Vegas Die: A Quest Mystery, and Captain Cooked, winner of a Best In the World Gourmand Award.

Crimson Scimitar, 624 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-331-6, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. It is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the various imprints of Histria Books are distributed worldwide by the Independent Publishers Group (IPG). For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com

Histria Books
7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA
HistriaBooks.com
(561) 299-0802

Bart’s Heart by Cargill H. Alleyne
6, Sep 2023
Bart’s Heart by Cargill H. Alleyne, available now from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of Bart’s Heart by Cargill Alleyne, illustrated by Colby Zahn. The book is published by Histria Kids, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for children that both educate and entertain. It is the second installment in a series of educational children’s books about the human body called Anatomy for Kids.

Bart’s Heart presents facts about the human heart in an entertaining, colorful manner. In addition to the facts presented, there is a glossary at the end of the book which provides both meanings of the medical terms as well as pronunciations. There is also a small heart hidden in the detail of each illustration for the reader to discern.

Bart tries to survive his hockey game while his Dad shouts fun facts about the structure and function of his heart. We hope that the text will promote the habit of parents, caregivers, and teachers reading with their children. We also hope that it will spark an interest in the human body in children of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Cargill H. Alleyne, Jr., M.D. is a neurosurgeon in private practice in Augusta Georgia. He is a former Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery at Augusta University. Colby Zahn, M.S., C.M.I is an illustrator at UWorld E-learning Providers. She was formerly an illustrator in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.

Bart’s Heart, 46 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-318-7, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. It is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the various imprints of Histria Books are distributed worldwide by the Independent Publishers Group (IPG). For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com

Histria Books

7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA

HistriaBooks.com

(561) 299-0802

5, Sep 2023
Jasudben ML School (JML) hosts prestigious AISM Quiz at zonal and regional Levels

Mumbai, 5th September: Jasudben ML School (JML), in Khar, Mumbai, hosted the Association of ICSE Schools in Maharashtra(AISM) quiz at both zonal and regional levels, powered by @quizzingwithami. The highly anticipated Zonal quiz was hosted on the 28th of July, 2023, while the regional level rounds were conducted on Saturday, 19th of August, 2023, at the school’s premises.

The AISM quiz received an overwhelming response, attracting participation from 76 schools, with an impressive number of 320 students competing in the Zonal level quiz with enthusiasm and fervour. These budding bright minds were divided into three sub-categories: Sub-Junior (grades VI-VIII), Junior (grades IX – X) and Senior (grades XI-XII), forming teams of two for all categories.

The quiz commenced with an enthralling oral elimination round that led to the top four teams from each category qualifying for the Zonal finals, which were held in the school auditorium on the same day. Additionally, the winning teams in each category from the Zonal level also earned an opportunity to compete in the AISM Regional Final, which was held on Saturday, 19th August 2023, on the school premises.

Commenting on this exciting quizzing event, Mrs Damayanti Bhattacharya, Principal, JML School, said, “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured here at Jasudben ML School (JML) to be chosen as the host for the highly esteemed AISM Quiz, both at the Zonal and Regional levels. The AISM Quiz is an opportunity for students to delve into a world beyond textbooks and traditional learning, challenging participants to explore a diverse range of subjects and domains. We can’t wait to witness the excitement and enthusiasm that the AISM Quiz will bring to our school premises.”

With an impressive accomplishment of over 300 live quizzes to her credit, Ms. Ami Goradia of @quizingwithami had the privilege of hosting the Zonal and Regional Rounds in Mumbai. With an extensive experience under her belt, the quiz was designed to traverse beyond textbooks, encompassing an extensive array of subjects such as arts, science, history, geography, films & television, celebrities, mathematics, music, current affairs and many more captivating domains to challenge participants’ knowledge.

Ms. Goradia is celebrated for her innovative and engaging quiz formats, ensuring an exciting, lively, and fun experience for all the participants and the audience alike. With her as the quiz master, the audience was also given a chance to participate and win exciting prizes actively. The quiz encompassed a wide array of elements, from captivating audio-visual segments to rapid-fire rounds and thought-provoking connections, ensuring an immersive journey through the vast landscape of knowledge.

Commenting on her experience, Ms. Ami Goradia, Quiz Master, AISM Quiz, said, “The Zonal Rounds of the AISM Quiz hosted by me at JML School was a resounding success with more than 300 students from 76 schools participating! The impeccable arrangements made by the school ensured that the 3 huge quizzes, including the preliminary rounds, went ahead crisply, and the entire event was finished well within time but without any compromises. Each student and all the accompanying teachers were extremely well looked after, as is the tradition of the school’s hospitality. The Regional round, too, was a resounding success along the same lines where the outstation schools were extremely expressive about their entire experience of quizzing as well as the arrangements made by the school. I am surely looking forward to hosting the Nationals of the AISM Quiz if JML plans to host them!”

With 6 teams of 02 students qualifying for the long-awaited regional finals on 19th August 2023, the quiz saw 3 teams from the schools- Hutching’s Pune, Cathedral and John Cannon, and NL Dalmia from Mumbai for sub-juniors, juniors and the seniors category going head to head with the winners going on to the National round of the AISM quiz being held on the 4th and 5th of November in Odisha.

5, Sep 2023
ICICI Bank opens a new branch in Balangir

Balangir: ICICI Bank has set up a branch at Chandrasekhar Nagar in Balangir district, Odisha. This is the fourth branch of the Bank in the district. The branch has an ATM-cum-Cash Recycler Machine (CRM) to offer cash deposit and withdrawal services to the customers round the clock.

Shri Chanchal Rana, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Balangir inaugurated the branch.

The branch offers a comprehensive range of accounts, including savings and current accounts, trade and forex services, fixed and recurring deposits, loans- business loan, home loan, personal loan, auto loan, and gold loan along with remittance and card services. It also provides locker facility at its premises. Door-step banking services for senior citizens, differently abled, and visually impaired individuals are also available. It operates from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm on Monday to Friday and on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of the month.

The Bank has a network of about 180 branches and 350 ATMs in Odisha.

5, Sep 2023
UPES Runway Incubator Signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) With IIT Ropar’s iHUB – AWaDH

New Delhi/Dehradun, September 05, 2023: UPES Runway Incubator has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with iHUB – AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub), IIT Ropar. This milestone represents a significant stride in their shared journey of advancing cutting-edge research and fostering entrepreneurship. This strategic partnership unites the two institutions, both driven by a mutual vision of advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and enhancing the startup ecosystem.

The MoU covers various key aspects that reflect the collective dedication toward driving positive transformation within academic and entrepreneurial domains. AWaDH is a first-of-its-kind innovation hub established by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to support R&D in the domains of Agriculture, Water, IoT, and ICPS (Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems).

The collaboration will shape the future of emerging entrepreneurial ideas and ventures. It will play a pivotal role in extending financial support in the form of grants and investments, reflecting its firm dedication to nurturing and amplifying innovative initiatives. Additionally, this partnership will also support the establishment of a state-of-the-art Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) lab at UPES, backed by AWaDH. The lab will serve as a hub for fostering CPS skills among UPES and external institutions students, researchers, and startups and will also drive research and innovation in the Uttarakhand region. Moreover, the startups will also be able to leverage the lab’s resources to further its technologies.

Mr. Rahul Nainwal, CEO, Runway Incubator, said, “We aim to inspire a culture of collaborative research, drive technological innovation, and provide a nurturing environment for both students and startups. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we eagerly look forward to spurring accelerated innovation in key areas and fostering a dynamic ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs. Together, we strive to connect the domains of knowledge and application, charting a path towards a successful future.”

Mr. Mukesh Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer, iHub – AWaDH, IIT Ropar said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with UPES Runway Incubator. Harnessing the power of our combined synergies, we are determined to provide unparalleled support to students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, empowering them to bring their revolutionary ideas to life. This is a strong step towards building a community that thrives on innovation, creativity, and a shared vision for a brighter and better future.”

Runway is an incubation initiative by the UPES Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UCIE). UCIE has been recognised by the Government of Uttarakhand as a business incubator and is also a member of the University Business Incubator (UBI) Global platform. Recently, Runway Incubator also concluded its annual ‘Take Off’ Startup Challenge. The contest witnessed participation from over 400 aspiring entrepreneurs from various fields like Social Impact, Healthcare and Biotech, D2C, Fintech, Manufacturing / Robotics / AI / ML, Fashion and Lifestyle, Energy and Sustainability and Ed-tech.

iHUB – AWadh spearheads flagship initiatives like SPRINT (Strategic Program for Research Innovation and Next-Gen Tech-Commercialisation) and SAMRIDHI (Strategic Acceleration for Market, Research, Innovation & Development: A Holistic Initiative for ICPS Startups). Both initiatives focus on stimulating research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in our country through tailored guidance, skill enhancement, networking opportunities and funding support.

5, Sep 2023
Rahul Shivshankar to join Network18 as Consulting Editor

Rahul Shivshankar to join Network18 as Consulting Editor

New Delhi | 5 September 2023: Noted TV news editor and anchor Rahul Shivshankar is all set to join Network18 Group as a Consulting Editor.

He will join the stellar line-up of TV news anchors, editors and writers at India’s largest news network.

Commenting on his new role, Shivshankar said, “I am very excited to be associated with Network18, which has evolved into the country’s most influential news network on the back of its unflinching commitment to reporting the facts that speak truth to the people.”

“It is a privilege to add to the plethora of sober reflections, critical news analysis, and balanced voices that are already platformed on the network by some of the news industry’s leading lights,” he added.

Shivshankar will contribute across platforms at the network.

The group presently runs India’s top TV news brands such as CNN-News18, News18 India, CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz and News18 regional channels. The network is also home to some of India’s top digital news brands such as Moneycontrol, Firstpost, News18.com, among others.

Welcoming Rahul Shivshankar to the group, Puneet Singhvi, CEO (Digital) & President-Corporate Strategy, Network18 said, “Rahul is a distinctive journalist and editor with an unparalleled audience connect. He has been the face of prime time TV journalism and a leading newspaper columnist for almost two decades. His work will add a fresh dimension to our coverage of big events, both on TV and digital.”

A news industry veteran with nearly three decades of experience in print and television journalism, Shivshankar began his career as a reporter with Times of India, where he broke a large number of stories and started writing for the edit page as one of the youngest leader writers at the paper.

Later, he became part of the core team that launched Times Now and continued to rise through the ranks.

As Editor-In-Chief of Times Now, he played a pivotal role in catapulting the channel to its next phase. He has interviewed many important newsmakers including Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu, Boris Johnson, Bill Gates, Hillary Clinton, Mike Pompeo, Anthony Fauci and many others.

Shivshankar has received critical acclaim for his coverage of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror attacks. He was invited to contribute to an anthology of investigative narratives about the attacks published by Roli Books. He has also authored a soon-to-be released book on the 2024 Elections, commissioned by Penguin Random House.

5, Sep 2023
Karcher’s Remarkable Presence at PharmaTech Expo – India’s Preeminent Pharmaceutical Technology Event

Karcher's Remarkable Presence at PharmaTech Expo - India's Preeminent Pharmaceutical Technology Event

Delhi, 5th September 2023 –Kärcher Cleaning Systems Pvt Limited, a global leader in cleaning technology, has recently taken a momentous stride by actively participating in the prestigious PharmaTech Expo, held from 25th to 27th August 2023. This event, renowned as one of India’s largest pharmaceutical exhibitions, attracted thousands of industry experts and enthusiasts, serving as a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and business opportunities.

PharmaTech Expo is celebrated for bringing together professionals from the pharmaceutical and lab industries on a grand scale. With participants hailing from various corners of the globe, it stands as one of the premier B2B trade shows, fostering collaboration and showcasing cutting-edge technologies in the pharmaceutical and healthcare machinery sectors.

Kärcher, a brand renowned for its cutting-edge cleaning solutions, exhibited a range of products that garnered significant attention from PharmaTech Expo attendees. Notable highlights from their showcase included:

• DUCT CLEANING MACHINE – HD10/25-4S: It features an integrated electronics system for machine monitoring, ensuring automatic switch-off in case of voltage fluctuations, leaks, or phase failure. Large rubber wheels make it easy to navigate uneven surfaces, stairs, and landings, while the sack truck principle ensures ergonomic transport.

• HIGH-PRESSURE WASHER HD 10/15-4 Cage Food: This is an ideal cleaning solution, designed in a cage version that aligns seamlessly with stringent hygiene standards. This high-performance washer features an advanced pressure pump capable of handling inlet temperatures of up to 85°C, ensuring particularly effective and thorough cleaning.

• HIGH-PRESSURE WASHER HDS-E 8/16-4 M 24 kW: Experience time and energy savings with the EASY! Force high-pressure gun and EASY! Lock quick-release fasteners. The EASY! Force high-pressure gun provides fatigue-free work, while the EASY! Lock couplings are not only durable and robust but also five times faster than traditional screws. With the HDS-E 8/16-4 M 24 kW, embrace efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and top-tier performance in one cutting-edge package.

• HIGH-PRESSURE WASHER HD 10/16-4 Cage Ex/ Flame Proof HD 10/16 Ex: Safety is paramount in pharmaceutical production facilities, and this washer meets the highest standards. Equipped with a high-performance crankshaft pump, it delivers optimal pressure, making it a reliable and durable solution for the pharmaceutical industry. Its explosion-proof equipment makes it a crucial addition to maintaining safety in potentially hazardous environments.

In attendance as the spokesperson for Kärcher was Mr. Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director at Kärcher Cleaning Systems Pvt Limited. His insights into the innovative cleaning solutions provided by Kärcher were invaluable to visitors seeking to elevate their hygiene and maintenance standards.

“Mechanized cleaning solutions are the cornerstone of excellence in the pharmaceutical industry. We enable the seamless fusion of impeccable quality and unmatched efficiency. Our vacuuming and dust extraction solutions, tailored for all industrial scales, ensure that every product meets stringent hygiene standards, while production processes run at their peak.” –Mr.Jatinder Kaul

The response from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, with numerous attendees expressing keen interest in Kärcher’s product offerings. The benefits of Kärcher’s solutions, including enhanced efficiency, improved hygiene, and safety, resonated strongly with pharmaceutical and lab professionals in attendance. Many visitors recognized the potential cost savings and quality improvements that Kärcher’s products could bring to their operations.

The event provided an excellent platform for Kärcher to interact with industry experts, establish and enhance business relationships, and explore new opportunities for growth within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.