10, Jan 2024
Hikal Ltd and the Government of Gujarat ink MoU at Vibrant Gujarat Summit
Mumbai, 10th January, 2024: Hikal, the preferred long-term partner for leading global life sciences companies, and the Government of Gujarat have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 27th December 2023 in Gandhinagar as part of the investment initiative for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024.
Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, conceptualized in 2003 under the visionary leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India (the then Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat), has today evolved as one of the most reputed global forums for business networking, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive growth and sustainable development. This “Tenth Edition” of Vibrant Gujarat will celebrate “20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success”. The event is structured to facilitate discussions, negotiations, and agreements in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, information technology, agriculture, healthcare, and more.
Under the terms of the MoU, Hikal Ltd invests INR 500 crores into the existing state-of-the-art fine chemical plant at Panoli, Gujarat. The Panoli plant stands out as the sole Hikal site encompassing all three business verticals—Pharma, Crop Protection, and Animal Health. This substantial investment aims not only to bolster Hikal’s dedication to innovation and sustainable growth but also to contribute to the industrial development of the region. Moreover, this investment is anticipated to create employment opportunities, with an expected generation of 400 jobs. This strategic move underscores Hikal’s continuous efforts to integrate seamlessly with the current investment landscape, marking a significant step in fostering development in the region.
The Government of Gujarat, in turn, pledges to facilitate Hikal Limited in obtaining the necessary permissions, registrations, approvals, and clearances from the concerned departments of the State.
On signing the MOU Mr. Kuldeep Jain, Chief Finance Officer, Hikal Ltd said, “We are delighted to forge this strategic alliance with the Government of Gujarat. The MoU underscores a joint commitment to fostering economic growth, facilitating innovation, and creating employment opportunities within the state. We are working towards the Honourable Prime Minister’s goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat by developing and manufacturing life science products for a self-reliant India. At Hikal Limited, we are dedicated to making significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the state. Our existing plant in Panoli, Gujarat, underscores our long-term commitment to Gujarat while upholding the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
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- By Rabindra
10, Jan 2024
Tejus Jose Appointed as Director of Operations for ibis and ibis Styles India
New Delhi, 10.01.2024: Tejus Jose has been appointed as the Director of Operations for ibis and ibis Styles India, a key portfolio within one of the top hospitality groups- Accor Hotels. Tejus will bring his expertise to guide and shape the operational landscape. This transition marks a significant chapter for both Tejus and the dynamic hospitality brand he is now a part of.
Tejus Jose will be heading operations for 21 hotels located across 14 cities in India. Notably, this announcement comes on the heels of the recent unveiling of ibis Styles Goa Vagator, the latest property under the collaboration between InterGlobe Hotels and Accor.
Bringing a wealth of experience to the role, Tejus Jose has had an impressive career in the hospitality sector spanning over 23 years. His expertise includes hotel management, sales and marketing, with notable contributions at premier hospitality companies and international brands. Prior to joining ibis, he served as the General Manager at the first Hilton in Bengaluru, the Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks. Tejus was one of the first employees of Accor in India, starting at the iconic Hyderabad International Convention Centre and thereafter went on to manage a few Accor hotels as General Manager.
Tejus Jose’s diverse professional journey has seen him take on various roles, from Sales Manager to leading operations at renowned hotels across various cities, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta, majoring in Strategy.
Tejus’s appointment signals a new era of leadership and growth for ibis & ibis Styles India, promising enhanced guest experiences and operational excellence.
10, Jan 2024
EDII organises a two-day International Conference on ‘Infusing Technology in MSME Sector’
Mumbai, January 10, 2023: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) organised a two-day International Conference on Infusing Technology in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Sector aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancement in the MSME domain.
The conference, supported by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (IC Section), Government of India, was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of H.E. Mr. Chang Jae-Bok, Hon’ble Ambassador, Republic of South Korea. Hon’ble Guests, Ms. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Government of India; Mr Piruz Khambatta, Chairman, Rasna, & Chairman, CII Task Force, Ahmedabad, and Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, were also present at the inauguration.
The conference provided a platform for discussions on the infusion of technology in the MSME sector, bringing together key stakeholders, experts, and policymakers. The event also witnessed the release of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor: India Report 2022-23, providing valuable insights into the entrepreneurial landscape of the country.
In his congratulatory speech, Ambassador Chang highlighted the pivotal role of MSMEs in nurturing the Korea-India bilateral relationship. He encouraged participants to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries by leveraging the power of entrepreneurship.
Ms. Mercy Epao in her address said, “As we witness a paradigm shift towards innovation and global competitiveness in the MSME sector, I encourage entrepreneurs to seize the abundant opportunities facilitated by vibrant ecosystems, supportive policies, and a focus on research. Let us collectively elevate the MSME sector and contribute significantly to economic growth. I applaud EDII for its pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the Ministry and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.”
Mr Khambatta in his address said, “Entrepreneurial proficiency is a key factor for MSME entrepreneurs aiming to contribute significantly to economic growth. Higher entrepreneurial quotient among entrepreneurs strengthens the business ecosystem, creating a resilient and sustainable model for growth. This conference is a big step towards creating knowledge infrastructure in the domain. I am sure such efforts will further bolster MSME growth across the globe by giving a platform for experience sharing and mutual learning.”
Dr Sunil Shukla in his welcome speech said, “MSMEs have come to play a vital role in the development of economies, across countries. India houses various beneficial MSME related schemes and policies, and is constantly seeking to institute ways and means to strengthen the sector. This conference will help strengthen initiatives in this realm. I express my gratitude to the Ministry of MSME for supporting this very thoughtful initiative.”
More than 200 national and 74 international delegates from 75 institutions attended the conference. During the conference, technical sessions will be held to provide a deep dive on the key themes of technology infusion and competitiveness in the MSME sector, digital transformation in MSMEs: opportunities & challenges, policies and regulations: framework for MSMEs, and skill development and technology adoption in MSMEs: leveraging industry 4.0.
The sessions will be delivered by imminent speakers like Dr. Nimnual Piewthongngam, Chairperson, SME Committee, Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand, Bangkok; Amaya Ashani Palihawadana, Visiting Lecturer, Ministry of Sports and Rural Development, Sri Lanka; Charles Amoako Atta, State Interests and Governance Authority, Ghana; Dr Jaimin Vasa, Chairman & Managing Director, Vasa Pharmachem; Vinod Agarwal, Chairman, Arunaya Organics & Past Chairman of CII Gujarat; Dr Bharti Motwani, Associate Professor, University of Maryland, USA, and Dr Satya Ranjan Acharya, Professor & Director, Dept. Entrepreneurship Education, EDII.
10, Jan 2024
BikeWo ties up with Bounce Infinity to sell its entire range of scooters at its Outlets.
Hyderabad, 10th January 2024: BikeWo, India’s premier chain of multi-brand two-wheeler Electric Vehicle (EV) showrooms, has announced a collaboration with Bounce Infinity, India’s first smart mobility solution. This partnership will see Bounce Infinity’s entire range of scooters available through BikeWo’s extensive network of dealers and outlets.
Bounce Infinity, India’s pioneering locally-made electric scooter, features removable batteries and adaptable charging, emphasizing easy upgrades for new technology. It notably secured the India Book of Records’ honour for the “fastest north-to-south expedition on an electric two-wheeler.” Covering 4340 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir’s Khardung La Pass in a mere 19 days showcases its exceptional performance.
Speaking on occasion, Mr. Manideep Katepalli, Co-Founder at BikeWo said, “Bounce Infinity’s partnership with us is another exciting step forward in our commitment to provide our valued customers with outstanding EV Vehicle choices. Our expansive network, stretching far beyond Tier 1 cities, underscores our resilience, boasting a formidable presence of 70+ dealerships operational across 7 States. Leveraging our extensive reach, ambitious strategies, and strengthened collaborations, we aim to propel India’s EV adoption into the fast lane.”
“We are thrilled about our collaboration with BikeWo, a highly reputable brand known for its extensive reach and commitment to providing customers with exceptional choices in the EV segment. Partnering with BikeWo enables us to further extend our footprint in the market, reaching more potential customers and enhancing the accessibility of our innovative Bounce Infinity range. Their established network and dedicated service align perfectly with our mission to revolutionize electric mobility in India.” Vivekananda Hallekere, CEO at Bounce Infinity
Additionally, BikeWo is the first multi-brand EV Showroom to introduce the ground-breaking ‘BikeWo Shield’ warranty program, coverage of up to 5 years, encompassing bumper-to-bumper protection for Electric Vehicles, including essential components like batteries, motors, controllers, converters, and more. Upholding a commitment to an effortless customer journey, they’ve established efficient end-to-end inventory management through a Hub & Spoke model. Moreover, the showroom offers robust financing solutions with Bajaj Finserv and Pine Labs.
BikeWo already houses several leading 2W EV brands, which include Ola Electric, Quantum eScooters, Pure EV, Hero Lectro, Battre, Jitendra EV, Gemopai, GT Force, to name a few. Going ahead, they have ambitious countrywide expansion plans for scaling up BikeWo’s multi-brand EV dealership model, aiming to establish 1,000+ dealerships across 20 Indian states over the next three years.
10, Jan 2024
MIT Manipal and BIS Collaborate to Elevate Standardization Ecosystem in Pioneering Workshop
Manipal, Karnataka – 10 January 2024: The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) recently hosted an enlightening workshop on “Standardization Ecosystem” in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This event, held on January 9, 2024, symbolizes a significant step in the collaborative efforts between academia and industry, under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MAHE and BIS.
The workshop commenced with a powerful address by the Deputy Director General (Southern Region) of BIS, who emphasized BIS’s initiatives to engage faculty and students in the development of indigenous standards. He encouraged active participation from the institution to bolster the standardization ecosystem and contribute to a robust quality framework in India.
Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Technology & Science) of MAHE, attended as the Chief Guest. His insightful speech shed light on the crucial role of standards, especially in civil engineering. He elaborated on MAHE’s efforts to maintain operational standards and enhance stakeholder experiences, while integrating standardization with technological and scientific advancements.
Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, delivered the Presidential Address, underscoring MIT’s dedication to knowledge sharing and academic excellence. The workshop featured a panel of distinguished experts from BIS, including Smt. Sushma Rao Mantradi, Shri Shanmukha Shiva Palli, Shri Nitish Kumar Jain, Shri G Ram Sai Kumar, Shri Jitendra Kumar Chaudary, Shri Priyanshu Sharma, and Mohammed Ahamed Bijapur.
The sessions were dynamic, fostering insightful discussions and sharing best practices. They focused on the evolving landscape of standardization, and the critical role of BIS in setting quality benchmarks across industries. The event highlighted opportunities for faculty and research scholars to engage in standardization-related research and development.
Overall, the Standardization Ecosystem workshop at MIT Manipal was a notable platform for exchanging knowledge and fostering collaboration, setting a foundation for future endeavours in this vital field.
Dr. Shankaranarayana Bhat, Associate Director (FD & W), MIT Manipal welcomed the gathering. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Yashwanth, Assistant Director (FD & W), while Dr Vidya Rao, faculty from Instrumentation and Control Engineering rendered the invocation. The event was expertly hosted by Dr Anu Shaju and Mrs Soumya S faculty from the Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees.
10, Jan 2024
Filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer expresses gratitude at Filmfare Roundtable
Get ready for the ultimate cinematic spectacle as Filmfare takes center stage to honor excellence in Hindi cinema at the highly-anticipated 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism. This blockbuster partnership promises to unfold a dazzling celebration in the vibrant state of Gujarat. The Inaugural Roundtable, orchestrated by the Times Group, witnessed the illustrious presence of Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, alongside industry visionaries, filmmakers, and luminaries. The event buzzed with interesting talks and candid chats with top Indian filmmakers, adding extra excitement to the gathering. With a goal to make Gujarat a go-to spot for film productions, the roundtable has laid the groundwork for an exciting journey ahead.
Speaking at the Inaugural Filmfare Roundtable, Ashwiny Iyer, Filmmaker and Writer, said, “As filmmakers, we constantly seek diverse locations to capture breathtaking scenes and deliver fresh content to our audiences. We endeavor to showcase the diverse culture, deep-rooted traditions, intricate fabric, and vibrant hues of our nation on the grand stage of cinema through iconic characters. The Gujarat Tourism team has done a fantastic job in making this collaboration possible, enabling us to explore the state’s rich cultural heritage.”
Save the date! The 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism, promises a blockbuster night on January 28th 2024. Tune in to Filmfare for all the buzz and excitement.
10, Jan 2024
Kerala Literature Festival announces Raviz Hotels and Resorts as the hospitality partner
The Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) announces Raviz Hotels and Resorts as the official Hospitality Partner for its upcoming 7th Edition. The seventh edition of the Kerala Literature Festival is all set to begin from 11 – 14 January 2024 on the beaches of Kozhikode. KLF 2024 will be held the first time since UNESCO’s recent declaration of Kozhikode as the first ‘City of Literature’. With the reverberating success of KLF 2023 and a half-million-footfall, KLF has become Asia’s Largest Literature Festival today. Against the backdrop of Türkiye’s centennial celebration, KLF 2024 promises an immersive experience of literature, culture, and art, with Raviz Hotels and Resorts enhancing the festival’s hospitality.
“As we embark on this literary journey for the seventh consecutive year, the Kerala Literature Festival is thrilled to announce Raviz Hotels and Resorts as our esteemed Hospitality Partner. In the realm of words and ideas, where literature meets culture, we believe that our collaboration will create an atmosphere of inspiration and comfort. Together with Raviz, we are set to weave an unparalleled experience, where the pages of literature meet the luxurious chapters of hospitality.” Said Ravi Deecee, Chief Facilitator, Kerala Literature Festival.
This year’s festival will showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Türkiye, celebrating 100 years of being a republic. The program will feature music, dance, food, and various art forms, with a special highlight on Sufi dancers from Konya, the Home of Rumi. Over 25 performers will bring a vibrant cultural dimension to the festival, making it an unforgettable experience for attendees. The UK, Wales, Spain, Japan, USA, Malaysia, Spain, and France will be the other participating countries, making it a truly global celebration of literature and culture.
The partnership with Raviz Hotels and Resorts adds an extra layer of luxury and comfort to the festival. The Raviz Group aims to present the traditions, culture, and hospitality of Kerala to visitors. The unique blend of traditional warmth and contemporary presentation is evident in properties such as The Raviz Ashtamudi, The Raviz Kadavu, and The Raviz Kovalam.
The festival’s cultural programs, including “Cinema On the Beach” and fireside chats with renowned artists, promise evenings filled with entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Musical performances by TM Krishna and Vikku Vinayakram, along with a Surbahar and Sitar concert by Padmabhushan Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee, will further elevate the festival’s cultural nights.
Raviz Hotels and Resorts, known for its focus on sustainable models and best-in-class services, ensures that attendees can relax and enjoy the heavenly facilities unrolled exclusively for them, where the sky meets the water as the horizon melts.
10, Jan 2024
Elevating the Paradigm of Timeless Elegance of Bespoke Decor, Sunday Design unveils its Flagship Store in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Sunday Design, global furniture and home décor brand celebrated similarities between Italy and India with a focus on design and craftsmanship. The brand has successfully launched its flagship store in Namma Bengaluru with a Tablescaping Workshop this week. Sunday Design brings together the best of two worlds by working with Italian designers to create attainable yet contemporary and elegant furniture in India
A disruptor in the design world, Sunday Design has made luxury furniture and bespoke decor accessible to Indian markets. Working with renowned local and international designers, the brand seamlessly blends the finest elements from each sphere – the ingenuity of Italian designers and the creation of modern furniture that is now available to the patrons of Benagluru! Located in the heart of the city, the flagship store is a two floor experience centre like no other, spread across two floors and 7000 sq. ft.
The experience centre was inaugurated with a Christmas Event to add to the festive season. The Inaugural Mixer event, brought the architecture and design community together and served as a distinguished platform for networking and an exclusive preview of the collection. Attendees engaged in a Tablescaping Workshop, utilising bespoke decor and furniture provided by Sunday Design. This exquisite affair marked the official launch of Sunday Design in Bengaluru.
After the successful inauguration of the flagship store, Mr. Gautam Baid said, “After recognising a significant white space in India’s furniture design market, my aim is to bridge the gap between international and local designers. It is my belief that well-travelled customers should have access to great contemporary designs at affordable prices. Sunday, our solution, brings contemporary designs at affordable prices, catering to well-travelled customers and resonating with the Indian context. Our core strength lies in curating Italian team designs, a response that has been well-received by our audience.”
Manufactured in India, the products are of the highest calibre specs, localised for the Indian lifestyle and preferences, while remaining authentic to its Italian designs. With an aim to emerge as a premium home décor brand, their product range includes home and office furniture, home fragrances, table linens, tableware and soft furnishings. Mr. Gautam Baid’s vision for Sunday Design aligns with the ethos of making contemporary designs accessible to discerning customers at affordable prices. The brand’s unique approach of curating Italian designs has resonated positively with the Indian audience, reinforcing its position as a disruptor in the design world.
10, Jan 2024
Air India Express kicks off 2024 with Time to Travel sale
Bangalore, 10th January 2024: Air India Express launched its ‘Time to Travel’ sale on domestic flights across major channels for bookings made until 11th January 2024 and for travel till 30th September 2024. With fares starting from ₹1,799, the airline offers fab deals on routes such as Bengaluru-Chennai, Delhi-Jaipur, Bengaluru-Kochi, Delhi-Gwalior and Kolkata-Bagdogra, along with discounted sale fares across its network.
As part of the NeuPass rewards program, logged-in members having Highflyer and Jetsetter badges, get priority services under Xpress Ahead as complimentary. Members of the Tata NeuPass Rewards Program also earn up to 8% NeuCoins, in addition to exclusive member benefits like exclusive deals on meals, seats, baggage, change and cancellation fee waivers and more. In addition to loyalty members, students, senior citizens, SMEs, dependents, and members of the armed forces can also avail special fares on the airline’s award-winning mobile app and website, airindiaexpress.com.
Air India Express operates over 325 flights daily, connecting 31 domestic and 14 international airports, with a fleet of 63 aircraft, comprising 35 Boeing 737s and 28 Airbus A320s. Air India Express unveiled its refreshed brand identity, inviting travellers to ‘Fly as You Are’ with digitally empowered personalisation offering a wide range of Gourmair hot meals, comfortable seating, in-flight experience hub AirFlix, and a suite of exclusive loyalty benefits. The refreshed brand identity reflects the airline’s vision to inspire new possibilities and make meaningful connections with unmatched Indian warmth.
10, Jan 2024
M3M Foundation Joins Hands with Shikhar Dhawan Foundation for Saakshar Smart Shiksha Initiative
Noida, 10th January 2024: M3M Foundation, a trailblazing non-profit organization committed to educational advancements under their initiative, “Saakshar,” is extending its transformative efforts to Noida. In a pivotal development, the foundation has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation to introduce smart classrooms in 10 government schools across Noida.
Under the “Saakshar” program, M3M Foundation has already made significant strides in the realm of digital education and technology-driven learning. Commencing with the establishment of smart classrooms in government schools in the Nuh district, the initiative is already impacting numerous students with a technologically enriched learning environment while keeping track of their progress and learning achievement as well.
This collaboration with the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation signifies a strategic alliance to broaden the reach of smart classrooms to government schools in Noida. The collective efforts of M3M Foundation and Shikhar Dhawan Foundation aspire to elevate the educational experience for more than 5000 students and 100 + teachers in the selected 10 schools. The initiative has the integrated iPrep PAL, which is an adaptive learning system tailoring paths for K-12 students, bridging learning gaps that foster academic excellence, creating personalized routes for each learner to thrive.
Shikhar Dhawan, the esteemed cricketer and founder of the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Education is a powerful tool for transformation. We are excited to pursue this noble endeavor, aspiring to create an environment where students can access cutting-edge educational technology and resources, paving the way for a brighter future.
Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson of M3M Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s unwavering commitment, stating, “Our dedication to fostering digital education remains steadfast. The collaboration with Shikhar Dhawan Foundation is a pivotal step, aiming to empower students with the tools and resources necessary for a modern and comprehensive education.”
The MOU was signed between Mr. Amitesh Shah and Dr. Kanika Dewan representing the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation and Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, President M3M Foundation.
This joint venture is poised to make a significant impact on Noida’s educational landscape, aligning with the broader goal of fostering a more digitally inclusive learning environment for students across diverse communities.
