30, Sep 2024
FICCI’s Two-Day R&D Summit to Promote Innovation in India’s S&T Sector
New Delhi: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is set to host the FICCI Bharat R&D Summit 2024 on October 3rd and 4th at Federation House, New Delhi. This two-day event will bring together thought leaders from industry, academia, and government to explore avenues for collaboration in research and development (R&D) and innovation.
The summit will feature key sessions addressing critical topics, including the commercialization of research, fostering startup ecosystems through Science & Technology (S&T) clusters, and global best practices for R&D funding. The event will also highlight successful case studies of industry-academia partnerships and feature a showcase of groundbreaking research projects with potential for commercialization.
Senior officials from the Department of Science & Technology and Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India will share their insights related to R&D. Leaders from TCS, Reliance, Adani, etc will share industry perspectives at the programme.
Various R&D institutes and Universities would be showcasing their research work, which is available for commercialization. A committee has been set up by FICCI to evaluate the research work, which industry could look at for possible commercialization.
The event promises to be a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and action, paving the way for stronger R&D infrastructure and partnerships in India.
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- By Saudamini Bastia
27, Sep 2024
Founder, Saurabh Luthra Unveils Romeo Lane’s Expansion Roadmap
~Join the Journey to 40 New Cities and International Destinations
Saurabh Luthra’s Romeo Lane, currently established in 11 cities across India, is poised for significant expansion. Plans are underway to extend its presence to an additional 40 cities domestically and to launch international branches. This expansion is driven by Saurabh’s vision to cater to diverse guest experiences throughout the day, transforming Romeo Lane into a preferred destination for family dining at lunch and a vibrant nightlife venue in the evenings. Targeting metropolitan and tier-2 cities in India, Romeo Lane aims to meet the rising demand for exceptional dining and nightlife. Internationally, the brand eyes entry into key cities in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe, leveraging its appeal with a blend of Indian and global cuisine and dynamic nightlife offerings.
As part of this expansion, Saurabh Luthra envisions enhancing Romeo Lane’s offerings with new seasonal specialties, innovative organic cocktails, and exclusive dining experiences. Collaborations with local suppliers, event organizers, and technology partners will further bolster Romeo Lane’s growth strategy, ensuring operational excellence and maintaining the highest standards of service.
Saurabh Luthra’s leadership at Romeo Lane epitomizes a commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction. Under his stewardship, Romeo Lane has evolved into a beloved destination renowned for seamlessly integrating fine dining with vibrant nightlife experiences. His strategic vision and hands-on approach have fostered a culture of innovation, ensuring Romeo Lane remains at the forefront of Delhi’s dynamic food scene.
The recent success of Romeo Lane can be attributed to Saurabh Luthra’s relentless pursuit of offering exceptional dining experiences that resonate deeply with patrons. By actively listening to customer feedback and swiftly adapting to market trends, Saurabh Luthra has positioned Romeo Lane not just as a restaurant, but as a cultural hub where each visit promises culinary delight and memorable moments.
For more information on Saurabh Luthra’s leadership and Romeo Lane’s expansion plans, please visit www.romeolane.com.
26, Sep 2024
Restoring Hope in the Aftermath: SEEDS’ Lifesaving Support for Women and Children in Assam’s 2024 Floods
In 2024, Assam once again faced the devastating impacts of severe flooding, displacing thousands and threatening the lives of vulnerable communities. Among the most affected were women and children, who found themselves grappling with the loss of shelter, security, and access to essential services. In the face of these overwhelming challenges, efforts to restore hope and rebuild lives became vital, focusing on providing immediate relief and long-term support to help these communities recover.
Amid the crisis, SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society), an organization with 30 years of experience in disaster recovery and resilience, stepped forward to provide crucial relief to vulnerable communities. The floods, which began on June 18, 2024, left many areas waterlogged and isolated, forcing families to relocate to higher ground using makeshift floating vessels made from bamboo and banana trees. With power outages lasting for weeks and water supplies halted for over 20 days, the challenges faced by the affected communities were immense.
SEEDS focused its relief efforts on three severely impacted Gram Panchayats in Karimganj district of Assam: Suprakandi, Nilambazar, and Charkuri, prioritizing marginalized communities, women-led households, and elderly individuals who relied on small-scale agriculture and labor for their livelihoods. These areas were among the hardest hit, with damaged sanitation infrastructure, contaminated water sources, and schools closed for over a month.
SEEDS’ Lifesaving Response to Assam’s Flood Crisis
SEEDS responded swiftly to assist families affected by the flooding in Assam, providing immediate aid to those in need. Food kits containing rice, wheat flour, dal, oil, and spices were distributed to 1,282 households, providing them with the essential supplies to survive in the wake of disaster. Additionally, 2,178 households received hygiene kits. These kits ensured basic sanitation and health in a challenging environment where access to clean water and hygiene was severely disrupted. The road to recovery was challenging. With many areas cut off by floodwaters, SEEDS used boats and local vessels to reach affected villages, setting up distribution points to ensure families received urgent aid. Alongside food and hygiene kits, SEEDS provided shelter kits to 891 families and repaired 11 handpumps, restoring safe drinking water to the communities. These immediate interventions laid the groundwork for a more significant focus—creating secure environments for women and children.
Child-Friendly Spaces: Nurturing a Future of Hope
One of SEEDS most transformative contributions to flood recovery was the establishment of Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) in Suprakandi and surrounding wards. In total, 11 CFS centers were set up, offering a sanctuary for 392 children during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. These spaces were more than just shelters; they were hubs of informal education, play, and psychosocial support. Children in these spaces found an escape from the trauma of the flood crisis. CFS centers gave them a sense of normalcy and structure, allowing them to engage in learning and recreational activities in a safe and nurturing environment. More than that, these spaces became centers of protection, shielding children from the physical and emotional stress brought about by the disaster. The overwhelmingly positive response from the community demonstrated how crucial these spaces were in helping children cope and heal.
Ensuring Safety and Health: SEEDS’ Support for Women in Assam’s Flood-Affected Communities
While children were being cared for in CFS centers, SEEDS focused its attention on another critical issue—women’s safety and well-being. SEEDS baseline findings revealed alarming gaps in the relief camps. Women and adolescent girls lacked privacy and proper safety arrangements, leaving them feeling unsafe in these communal spaces. Many chose to return home, despite the risk, to sleep in homes partially submerged in water. In response, SEEDS launched initiatives specifically aimed at addressing the concerns of women in these difficult times. In partnership with Anganwadi Workers (AWW), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), and Village Development Police (VDC), SEEDS organized women’s meetings and awareness programs. These sessions focused on safe menstrual hygiene practices during disasters, prevention of gender-based violence in relief camps, and ways for women to safeguard their personal safety. Additionally, SEEDS incorporated health education into these programs, covering essential topics like preventing diarrhea, proper ORS preparation, and maintaining a safe water chain. These awareness programs were repeated multiple times in each ward, ensuring that no one was left behind. Through these efforts, SEEDS reached 687 women and adolescent girls, providing them with crucial information and protection during the recovery process.
Building Resilience for the Future
Beyond the immediate relief, SEEDS is committed to helping these communities build long-term resilience. Recognizing that floods are a recurring threat in Assam, SEEDS advocates for flood-resilient infrastructure, such as raised toilets and flood-proof homes. In collaboration with local authorities, SEEDS continues to push for solutions that will help these communities withstand future disasters. One of the key strategies SEEDS recommends is the cash-for-work program, which would provide a dual benefit—helping communities recover while stimulating the local economy. Additionally, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) committees are being trained within villages to ensure long-term health and hygiene improvements, creating a culture of preparedness that will last far beyond this crisis. As SEEDS continues its work in Assam, it remains focused on empowering women and children, not just through immediate relief but also by addressing the deep-rooted social issues that make these groups vulnerable in times of disaster. By promoting women’s education, protection, and safety, SEEDS is helping to build a future where communities are not only able to recover from floods but also thrive in the face of them.
Conclusion
While the frequent occurrence of floods in Assam has led to a troubling sense of normalcy, often categorizing these events as low-to-medium-level disasters, they cannot be taken lightly. The recurring nature of floods requires sustained attention and strong disaster management strategies to protect vulnerable populations. SEEDS demonstrated that disaster relief must extend beyond the basics. By focusing on women and children, they created spaces of safety and hope, providing critical supplies and helping the community rebuild physically, mentally, and emotionally. SEEDS’ efforts underscore the need for both immediate relief and long-term resilience-building to ensure communities can recover and thrive amid such natural calamities.
26, Sep 2024
Aluminum Casement Windows: The Perfect Blend of Aesthetics and Functionality
Authored by Mr. Dinesh Chandra Pandey, Founder of Shankar Fenestrations and Glasses ( PABROS)
Aluminum casement windows are a popular option for contemporary homes and commercial buildings because they seamlessly combine functionality and beauty. These windows, which are renowned for their streamlined designs, provide visual appeal to any area while providing useful features like energy efficiency, low maintenance, and durability. The lightweight yet strong quality of aluminum enables wider window panels, offering abundant natural light and ventilation.
Aluminum casement windows are not only fashionable and long-lasting, but they also have excellent corrosion resistance and come in a range of treatments, providing comfort and a modern appearance in any environment. Aluminum casement windows are a popular option for contemporary residences and businesses because of their streamlined appearance, dependability, and simplicity of operation. These windows offer several advantages and a great compromise between efficiency, practicality, and style.
Let’s examine the main characteristics that make aluminum casement windows a wise purchase.
1. Stylish and Appealing Design
Aluminum casement windows are a chic addition to any house or structure because of their distinct, modern lines. They seamlessly mix with a variety of architectural types thanks to their sleek frames and contemporary appearance, giving any room’s outside and interior a refined touch.
2. Unrestricted Views
The unobstructed view offered by aluminum casement windows is one of their most appealing qualities. In contrast to sliding windows, which could feature a center separating frame, casement windows open completely outward. By doing this, homeowners may take full advantage of their surroundings and have an unobstructed, clear view of the outdoors.
3. Enhanced Airflow
Maximum ventilation into the space is enabled via aluminum casement windows that extend outward. Casement windows allow in substantially more fresh air than sliding windows, which only open halfway; this helps to ventilate the room and improve the quality of the air indoors. They are perfect for houses in warm or humid areas because of their function.
4. Cleaning Ease
It might be difficult to clean a window’s exterior, particularly one that is located upwards. Aluminum casement windows, on the other hand, swing open, which facilitates easier indoor and outdoor surface cleaning. Time and effort are saved by this function, especially when maintaining larger windows.
5. Stability-Inducing Friction Hinges
The stability of windows in strong winds is a common worry. Friction hinges on aluminum casement windows solve this problem by enabling the window to remain open at any angle. This means that these windows are secure even in windy situations because it removes the need for extra stoppers or support systems.
6. Strengthened Security
When selecting windows for your house or place of business, security is always the top concern. Multi-point locking mechanisms, which secure the window at multiple locations across the frame, are standard on aluminum casement windows. Homeowners can feel more at ease knowing that their property is better secured overall.
7. Adaptable Size Selections
Because aluminum casement windows come in so many sizes, it’s simple to locate the ideal solution for any space or structure. The size versatility of these windows guarantees that they may be customized to meet your unique requirements, whether you’re installing a giant bay window or smaller, individual components.
8. Economy of Cost
Aluminum casement windows are not only useful and aesthetically pleasing, but they are also reasonably priced. They lower ongoing costs by providing a durable solution with little maintenance needs. Because of their resilience, which keeps them from corroding or warping in inclement weather, they are a wise long-term investment.
9. Minimal Upkeep
The fact that aluminum casement windows require almost no maintenance is one of its main selling features. Because aluminum resists rust, corrosion, and fading, the windows will look good and work well for many years without needing to be repaired or replaced frequently.
When looking for a window that strikes a mix between security, utility, and aesthetic appeal, aluminum casement windows are the ideal option. Their capacity to offer unhindered vistas, improved ventilation, and heightened safety makes them a useful and fashionable complement to any residential or commercial structure. Aluminum casement windows are a great option for contemporary living because of their low maintenance requirements, affordability, and range of size options.
26, Sep 2024
RAKEZ hosts industry-specific event to promote digital marketing excellence among clients
Ras Al Khaimah, 26 September 2024: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recently conducted an insightful session on ‘Driving Growth through Digital Marketing’ to enhance digital marketing competence within its business community. It featured insights from marketing experts Marco Borghi of RAK Ceramics and Lalaine Chu-Benitez of Illustrado, who shared actionable strategies for boosting online business visibility and growth.
Borghi emphasised how strategic digital marketing can significantly influence business expansion, with examples of successful tactics employed during his career. Chu-Benitez highlighted the foundational elements of establishing a strong digital marketing strategy, focusing on understanding and targeting the ideal customer base.
RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Mastering digital marketing is crucial in today’s fast-evolving market. This event is part of our mission to empower our business community’s leaders by providing them with cutting-edge strategies and knowledge. Our goal is to prepare them to excel and expand their operations effectively.”
The session helped attendees gain crucial insights on the importance of a clear brand mission, vision, and values, the development of digital strategies tailored to their target audience, and the judicious use of digital tools to extend their reach, with advice on careful investment in third-party services. Moreover, the event facilitated networking, enabling participants to forge valuable connections with industry leaders and peers.
“Events like these contribute to RAKEZ’s ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of startups and SMEs. By offering education on the latest trends and fostering networking, we ensure that the business community remains agile and competitive in the digital landscape, preparing them for sustainable growth and helping them adapt to fast-changing market dynamics,” added Jallad.
26, Sep 2024
Mobileware Technologies Raises INR 15.6 Crore from Zaggle to Accelerate Growth and Innovation in Digital Transactions
Mumbai, 26th September 2024: Mobileware Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge digital payment solutions, secures an investment of INR 15.6 crore from Zaggle, a prominent player in the fintech and SaaS space. Lastaki Advisors and Khaitan & Co were the advisors to Mobileware for the transaction.
The newly acquired funds will be utilized to expand the team, drive product innovation, and enhance the range of product offerings. This investment positions Mobileware to boost productivity, tap into new customer segments, and potentially establish a presence in international markets.
Mainly, this investment will enable Mobileware Technologies to bridge the gap between financial services and technology by enhancing its flagship API banking platform, TransXT, also known as ‘Bank in a Box.’ Currently, TransXT serves over 80 banks and 20 fintech companies, either through direct banking relationships or system integrator (SI) partnerships. Mobileware provides seamless, secure digital payment solutions including NPCI-certified UPI, IMPS, BBPS, and AePS switches.
Mr. Satyajit Kanekar, Co-Founder of Mobileware Technologies, commented on the investment, stating, “With the increasing volume of digital transactions, we are witnessing a revolution that extends beyond borders. According to the ACI Worldwide Report, approximately 49% of global real-time payment transactions occur in India. This underscores that digital transformation in the payment landscape is no longer optional; it is essential for businesses aiming to remain competitive and meet the changing expectations of their customers. This investment marks a pivotal moment for us to further innovate in the payments space and strengthen our partnerships with banks and financial institutions across the country.”
Amitabh Kanekar, Co-Founder of Mobileware, added, “The investment from Zaggle serves as a significant endorsement of our vision and capabilities. With our established partnerships with NPCI and a strong commitment to compliance and security, we are well-positioned to enhance India’s digital infrastructure and contribute to a cashless economy. At Mobileware, we are dedicated to making digital payments faster, safer, and more accessible for everyone.”
26, Sep 2024
Mosaics Fine Art Festival Selects Best of Show Winner
Artist Ann Kathryn Kehoe awarded first place prize at 29th annual art festival.
(St. Charles, Mo., Sept. 25, 2024) Missouri resident Ann Kathryn Kehoe was recently awarded the prestigious title of “Best of Show” at the Mosaics Fine Art Festival’s 29th annual event. She was among nearly 100 juried artists from more than 15 states.
Kehoe received a cash prize of $1,000 as the first-place winner for her jewelry. Eight artists were honored with an “Award of Recognition” prize along with $500 each. The awardees include:
- Chris Abigt, oil/acrylic, from Ottumwa, Iowa
- Rob Gilmore, photography, from Maryland Heights, Mo.
- Naomi Hart, mixed media, from Hartford, Wisc.
- Christian Nevin, jewelry, Orlando, Fla.
- Neshama Roash, photography, from St. Louis, Mo.
- Tatyana Robberts, oil/acrylic, from O’Fallon, Ill.
- Leslie Song, mixed media, from St. Louis, Mo.
- Steve Springmeyer, photography, from St. Louis, Mo.
Denise Wulff, president of Mosaics Fine Art Festival, said Kehoe was chosen as the overall winner based upon her “handcrafted jewelry, which was both unique and beautifully designed.” Wulff noted that Kehoe “wowed the judges with her artistry and creativity.”
Pictured from left to right is Mosaics Fine Art Festival Denise Wulff, artist Ann Kathryn Kehoe, and Mosaics’ vice president Melinda Nolan.
The Mosaics Fine Art Festival is a nonprofit organization that showcases local and regional artists while educating the community’s children and adults in how art can enhance their lives. The festival features a wide array of artwork produced by a mix of emerging, mid-career and established artists in all media. For more information, call (314) 406-2067 or visit Mosaics Fine Art Festival.
22, Sep 2024
Building the Future: Club NPC 2024 Unites India’s Construction Fraternity
Over 12,000 Members Discuss Skills, Technology, and the Future of India’s Infrastructure
New Delhi, India – September 22, 2024
The Club NPC Annual General Meeting (AGM) and networking event, held on September 21, 2024, at the PHD Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi, brought together over 15,000 members from various sectors of the construction industry. Leaders, professionals, and stakeholders participated in a landmark event that emphasized innovation, knowledge-sharing, and a unified approach to advancing India’s construction industry.
Keynote by ‘Airport King of India’ Sparks Dialogue on Skill Development and Technology
Prof. Charanjeet Singh Shah, renowned as the ‘Airport King of India’ for his work on major airports across the country, delivered a powerful keynote address, highlighting the importance of integrating new skills and technologies in the construction sector. “To meet the goals of Prime Minister Modi’s Viksit Bharat mission by 2047, we must equip our workforce with advanced skills like AutoCAD and artificial intelligence. This is not just about upgrading technology but uplifting laborers by imparting these critical skills,” said Prof. Shah.
Prof. Shah’s emphasis on skill development resonated with attendees as he outlined how technological advancements can align the construction industry with India’s ambitious growth targets.
Leaders of Club NPC Highlight Unity, Innovation, and Community Service
Mr. Yogesh Jagatramka, President of Club NPC India, opened the event by reiterating the organization’s core mission of creating a close-knit network to drive India’s progress. “We are a family of the people, by the people, and for the people. Together, we can reshape the future of India’s infrastructure by fostering collaboration and innovation across all sectors of the construction industry.”
Vice President Mr. Karan Arora emphasized the need for continual self-improvement: “Our focus on self-discovery and learning ensures that our members stay ahead of industry trends, continually upgrading their skills to remain competitive.”
Ms. Rieetu Bhatnagar, Secretary of Club NPC, celebrated the deep friendships and professional bonds formed within the organization, saying, “These relationships not only enhance our careers but also our personal growth.”
Md. Perwez, Director of Finance and Founder-Treasurer, lauded the role of Club NPC members during the pandemic. “Our members served like Corona Warriors, ensuring essential construction projects continued during the most challenging times. Their efforts demonstrated the power of unity and commitment to societal welfare,” said Perwez.
Driving Change and Future Growth
The event marked a significant moment for the construction industry, offering a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of India’s infrastructure and the role of technology, education, and collaboration. The discussions and workshops are expected to set the stage for groundbreaking developments, helping India’s construction sector play a key role in the nation’s future growth trajectory.
17, Sep 2024
Ganpati Bappa’s Grand Eco-Friendly Farewell by Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust
Delhi, 17 September 2024 – The Lal Bagh Ka Raja (Regd) Trust has successfully concluded its 10-day Ganpati Mahotsav 2024 at Burari, Delhi. This year’s event, held from 7th to 16th September, was a grand combination of spirituality, culture, and community service, with notable attendees and eco-friendly initiatives that set it apart as one of Delhi’s most cherished celebrations.
Among the distinguished guests who graced the event were Manoj Tiwari, a renowned politician and artist, as well as revered spiritual figures like Baba Bageshwar Dhirendra Shastri, who led the Hanuman Katha, and Aniruddha Maharaj, who delivered the Ram Katha. Their presence added a spiritual fervor to the festival, which drew in thousands of devotees from across Delhi and beyond.
In addition to spiritual discourses, a Bhandara (community feast) was organized for the entire 10 days of the festival, feeding over 25,000 devotees daily. This act of service exemplified the Trust’s dedication to social welfare, making the event not just a religious celebration but a true community gathering.
The Ganpati idol, towering at 18 feet, was a central attraction for the devotees. Staying true to the Trust’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the idol was crafted with more clay and less plaster of Paris, while herbal colors were used for decoration, minimizing the environmental impact of the festival. These choices were aligned with the Trust’s ongoing “Go Green” initiative, aimed at reducing pollution during religious festivities.
To culminate the event in a unique and eco-friendly manner, the Trust has taken a bold step to adopt a new method of immersion (Visarjan). Instead of submerging the idol in nearby water bodies, a huge pit was dug at the event site in Burari for the burial of the idol. This method ensures that harmful substances do not enter local water systems, preserving the environment while honoring religious traditions.
The Chairman of Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust, Mr. Rakesh Bindal, shared, “This eco-friendly approach to Visarjan has been a priority for the Trust, and we hope to set an example for others to follow. Our aim is to promote sustainable festivities while staying rooted in tradition.”
The Ganpati Visarjan, held today, marked the grand culmination of the Mahotsav, with an overwhelming number of devotees joining in to witness the final ritual. The event was a massive success, and the Trust is grateful to all who participated, making it a truly memorable celebration.
About Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust
The Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust, based in Delhi, is committed to organizing religious festivals and engaging in charitable endeavors that benefit the community. Their annual Ganesh Pooja event blends spiritual devotion with environmental responsibility, aiming to create lasting connections with the community and promote a sustainable future.
15, Sep 2024
Lalbagh Ka Raja Trust Offers Prasad to 10,000 Devotees at Bhandara
Delhi, 15 September 2024 – The Lalbagh Ka Raja Trust in Delhi, overseen by Mr. Rakesh Bindal, the chairman of the trust, along with other trustees, is hosting its grand 10-day Ganesh Pooja celebration at DDA Ground, near Sant Nirankari Samagam, Burari, Delhi, feeding over 10,000 devotees through a daily Bhandara. The event running from September 7 to September 16, has drawn lakhs of visitors, making it a major cultural and spiritual highlight in the city.
The Bhandara, which serves free meals, is a key part of the trust’s mission to give back to the community. Throughout the 10 days, volunteers have been tirelessly working to ensure that every devotee receives a nourishing meal. Even the paramilitary forces and security personnel are provided meals daily. This large-scale act of service reflects the trust’s dedication to fostering a sense of togetherness and devotion.
In addition to the religious activities, the mela surrounding the event offers a wide range of entertainment options, including paid food stalls, giant wheels, and various attractions for families and children. The combination of spiritual and festive elements has turned the Ganesh Pooja into a community celebration that blends devotion with enjoyment.
“We are proud to serve 10,000 people through our Bhandara and offer a space where families can enjoy the festivities as well. We aim to make sure no one leaves without experiencing both the blessings of Ganesh and the joy of the mela,” said Mr. Rakesh Bindal, Chairman of Lalbagh Ka Raja Trust, along with other trustees.
The event also features spiritual discourses and prayers, including Hanumant Katha and Ram Katha by renowned spiritual leaders Bageshwar Maharaj and Aniruddha Maharaj. The presence of celebrities and political figures has further elevated the significance of the event.
