4, Jan 2024
Akasa Air’s Braille in-flight safety manual and dining menu are a testimony of the airline’s commitment
National, January 04, 2024: Access to air travel is an integral part of the civil aviation industry. It is about enabling everyone to enjoy the freedom that air travel offers. In this regard, Akasa Air is committed to being a socially responsible, economically sustainable, and inherently empathetic airline.
Inclusivity and empathy are the core values of Akasa Air. Since its inception, the airline has endeavoured to proffer a cohesive travel experience to all its passengers. Akasa Air partnered with Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) to develop the airline’s safety manual and in-flight dining menu in Braille to ensure customers with visual impairments have a seamless experience on board. By incorporating Braille, passengers with visual impairments can independently understand the safety instructions and select their meal preferences, enhancing their overall travel experience.
In-flight safety manual in Braille
In January 2023, Akasa Air introduced its in-flight safety manual in Braille for persons with visual impairments. The Braille in-flight safety manual explains the safety instructions, in English and Hindi. It is provided to passengers onboard upon request, and covers detailed instructions on seatbelt operation, location of emergency exits and life jackets, tactile diagrams that help orient passengers to aircraft and aircraft positions and other essential safety information.
Braille Menu Cards on Café Akasa
In October 2023, Akasa Air introduced its inflight dining menu card in Braille, onboard its meal service Café Akasa. The Braille menu cards are thoughtfully designed and feature a variety of options including meal choices, snacks, beverages available to order while on the flight.
Akasa Air is committed to its agenda of ensuring inclusive and accessible air travel and shall continue to introduce many more initiatives to continue making strides in this mission.
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- By Rabindra
4, Jan 2024
IMS-Design & Innovation Academy (IMS-DIA) organized a Convocation Program
Noida: IMS-Design & Innovation Academy (IMS-DIA), design education hosted its annual convocation ceremony on its campus. The program’s graduates were honoured at the event for their remarkable performance during the tenure. The auspicious occasion was graced by Pradhyumna Vyas, President of the World Design Organization.
During the programme IMS -DIA Founder & President, Honourable Mr. Rajeev Gupta & Ms. Shilpi Gupta, CMD and IMS-DIA Director, Dr. Anuradha Modak Debnath also made their presence on the occasion. A Total of 105 degrees were conferred on the students of Fashion Design , Interior Design , Jewellery Design , Communication Design and Product Design batch.
Mr. Rajeev Gupta extended his congratulations to the graduating students, emphasizing the importance of their role in shaping the future landscape of design.
The ceremony recognized the academic achievements and accomplishments of IMS-DIA, showcasing their notable contributions to the design industry. During the ceremony, the college also recognized and honoured outstanding students for their academic excellence, community service, and leadership skills
Interacting with the students, Pradhyumna Vyas, President of the World Design Organization said IMS-DIA’s “commitment to promote design talent is commendable. He also said that it is important to have a good environment for learning, you can learn anything anytime, anywhere .To be successful in life we should be prepared for all kinds of challenges and responsibilities. If we do not get challenges in life, we will not be able to achieve success”
IMS-DIA Director, Dr. Anuradha Modak Debnath enlightened upon the heritage value, craft, effects of Design & Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Design for the beginning of Alankara.
The occasion was also witnessed by Mr. Ganesh Singh, Director Centre of Management Education, AIMA; Mr. Rajiv Pande, Joint President & Unit Head, Ginni Filaments Ltd; Ms. Aanchal Mehra Ahuja, Associate Retail Head, Ahujasons; Ms.Tulika Sharma, Co -Founder , Director, O Tessere Studio Pvt.Ltd; Ms.Vishwadeepti Abrol, Founder, The Indian Karigar; Ms.Netra Rajesh, Owner, Sparrow Interior Design Firm; Ms. Mubyana Koirala, Political Consultant, Varahe Analystics; Mr. Gaurav, Boutique Head, Zoya – Titan & others
4, Jan 2024
Plasma Waters and Heartfulness Insititute to Enable Sustainable Food Security
India, 4rd January 2023: The Indian subsidiary of US Agri-Tech company Plasma Water Solutions Inc announced a very unique and promising partnership with one of the leading global NGOs of India, The Heartfulness Institute. The two organizations have signed a collaboration agreement to promote the common purpose of enabling food security in the most sustainable manner & introducing the Green Revolution 2.0 from India to the rest of the world.
Plasma Water Solutions’ proprietary breakthrough cold-plasma technology converts water from any source, in continuous flow & real-time, to Plasma-ized WaterTM (PW). PW technology is used for seed treatment, crop spray and irrigation to enhance productivity through faster and more efficient germination, accelerated growth, preventing the transmission of plant pathogens and enhancing stress tolerance during the crop cycle.
With over 150+ years of collective experience and expertise in fields ranging from Forestry, Plantation, Plant Bio Technology to Plant Physiology and Environmental Engineering, the Heartyculture Nursery team of Heartfulness Institute has been recognized with multiple awards from the Government of Telangana (Green Kanha and Mayuri Haritha Vanam). Kanha Shantivanam, the world HQ of Heartfulness, has been awarded the Platinum Honour for being ‘The Biggest Green Campus’ from Indian Green Building Council in 2019. The entity specializes in nurturing native & endangered trees and plants of India too & actively leads various afforestation projects in private/ public partnerships.
“The institute has been promoting good practices in agriculture, training farmers in natural solutions and methods to promote plant health, soil health & water health without harming the environment while enhancing food productivity and farmers’ income which is in perfect alignment with the value proposition that Plasma Waters technology offers,” said Robert Hardt, President & CEO, Plasma Water Solutions Inc, USA, while expressing his gratitude to the President of Heartfulness Institute, Shri Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji), & the Heartfulness team for the proactive support extended in the last several months. He further said that he sees Heartfulness as a strategic partner in shaping the company’s R&D efforts meaningfully in India & spreading the outcome to the rest of the world.
Different teams at Kanha Shantivanam have been testing the effects of Plasma Waters treatment on seeds, disease and plant health for the last several months as this was the first site of the company through Samunnati in India. This 1700-acre campus has been extensively using Plasma Waters sprays on multiple crops, vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants & trees. Applications range from treating 250 Neem trees’ dieback issues, 350 Papaya plants’ mosaic virus infestation, 74 date palm trees & 22 Pongamia Pinnata trees’ infestation to seed treatment & sprays on a wide range of food crops, horticulture, hydroponics and nurseries.
The collaboration agreement states that the joint validation trials of Plasma-ized WaterTM application for Agriculture, R&D activities, Agro-Forestry & other agriculture-related uses will be conducted at a large scale & at multiple centers/nurseries of the Heartfulness Institute. The existing & new use cases will be tested & demonstrated to the farming community, various stakeholders and agriculture value-chain players to benefit the community at large.
The President of Heartfulness Institute, Shri Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji), the visionary behind all the Green initiatives of Heartfulness, said, “Our experience with Plasma Waters has been very positive. It has shown significant results in germination, stand quality & disease management. Since this is a natural sustainable solution, Heartfulness would not only use it, recommend it but also meaningfully contribute to the R&D activities of the company in India.”
While the core practices of Heartfulness Institute is in training individuals on the refinement of human consciousness through meditative practices, the Institute has been working incessantly towards the cause of education, environment, farming & reskilling at a very large scale under its holistic living principles based on minimum inputs for maximum outputs fundamentals. The goal is to take the least but give back to the environment & community in leaps and bounds. Located in the dry and arid environs of Reddy District, Telangana, on the Deccan Plateau, with fast depleting groundwater and once a dry barren land, this 1700 acre campus in the last 5 years, has undergone transformation in to a lush green place with the plantation of more than 200,000 trees. A sapling nursery with more than 600,000 saplings is acting as a supply for the plantation in the region, while close to 1,000 trees saved and translocated from faraway places resurrected here.
The Heartfulness Institute is a perfect partner for a purpose-driven Agri-Tech company like Plasma Waters and its R&D activities with the focus, patronage & passion for sustainable Green Revolution that is offered here heartfully.
“The diverse platform for demonstration & continuous refinement of the tech that is offered by Heartfulness through opportunities ranging from traditional farming, hydroponics, aeroponics, tissue culture processes, horticulture, floriculture, oil seeds, fruit orchards to agro-forestry & afforestation projects is very exciting & reassuring for our India journey,” said, Pragya Kalia, MD, Plasma Water Solutions India Pvt Ltd.
Mr Vamsi Chalagulla, Joint Secretary of Heartfulness and a tech-preneur himself, said, “under Daaji’s guidance, Heartfulness has trained thousands of farmers and farming communities so far on sustainable climate smart agri practices and techniques. Plasma Waters technology fits the offerings well since it is natural and helps the farming community on multiple fronts.
4, Jan 2024
Rang Mirage Hosts 3-day Fun Learning Workshop
New Delhi, 04th January 2024 – Rang Mirage, a renowned art gallery, is delighted to announce a three-day Fun Learning Workshop for kids aged 8-12, taking place from January 5th to January 7th, 2024, at the Rang Mirage Art Gallery in Sainik Farms, Gate No.1, New Delhi. Promising an immersive and enjoyable experience, the workshop aims to nurture young minds through artistic exploration, fostering a love for creativity. This engaging event invites children to discover the joy of expression while being guided by the vibrant ambiance of the esteemed Rang Mirage Art Gallery.
Embark on a creative journey with the upcoming 3-day workshop led by the esteemed Founder of Rang Mirage, Mr. Shambhu Nath Goswami. As a seasoned Senior Artist and skilled trainer, he guarantees an enriching experience tailored for young talented artists. The workshop unfolds across distinct art forms, offering a comprehensive exploration of creativity. Day 1, on January 5th, immerses participants in the world of Drawing and Painting, fostering techniques and expression. Day 2, slated for January 6th, delves into the tactile realm of Pottery, promising hands-on experience and skill development. The final day, January 7th, unfolds the intricacies of Craft, providing a holistic approach to artistic expression. This well-curated workshop ensures a diverse and engaging platform for young artists to refine their talents and broaden their artistic horizons.
Registration for the workshop is open, with a nominal fee of Rs. 9000 per kid. The fee includes all materials required for the workshops, ensuring that young participants can fully immerse themselves in the creative process.
Commenting on the same belief, Mr. Shambhu Nath Goswami expresses, “We’re excited to provide a platform where children can explore their artistic talents while having a blast,” “This workshop series aims to inspire and nurture the creativity of our young participants in a secure and inspiring setting.” he added.
The venue, Rang Mirage Art Gallery, located in a safe and accessible locality in Sainik Farms, Gate No.1, New Delhi, offers a secure environment for young artists. The workshop also provides exclusive amenities such as snacks, a dedicated kids’ play area, and free parking available. Security guards will be present throughout the event to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
For parents looking to foster their child’s artistic talents in a vibrant and supportive environment, Rang Mirage’s Fun Learning Workshop is the perfect opportunity. Don’t miss this chance to unleash the creativity within your child. Spaces are limited, so interested parents and guardians are encouraged to secure a spot for their children at the earliest.
4, Jan 2024
Dr. Kalpanaa Sankar honoured with Lifetime Contribution to the Sector by an Individual
Bengaluru, January 4, 2024: Dr. Kalpanaa Sankar, Managing Director of Belstar Microfinance Limited was honoured with the ‘Lifetime Contribution to the Sector by an Individual’ Award during The Inclusive Finance India Award 2023, instituted by ACCESS & HSBC India along with the Ministry of Financial Services, Government of India.
The award was handed over by Dr. Vivek Joshi – Secretary Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India in the presence of Mr. Tamal Bandyopadhyay – Consulting Editor, Business Standard; Mr. Vipin Sharma – CEO, ACCESS Development Services and Smt. Aloka Majumdar – Head of Corporate Sustainability, HSBC.
In partnership with HSBC India, The Inclusive Finance India Award is a flagship initiative by ACCESS Development Services institutionalized in 2009, in partnership with HSBC India. The Inclusive Finance India Awards was instituted to recognize the larger contribution of thought leaders, individuals, and the initiative aims to celebrate & encourage deserving institutions to continue to enhance outreach to the poor by way of motivating management and staff through recognition to their painstaking efforts and enhancing credibility of the institution thereby making it more attractive for funding.
This award was conferred on her in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the advancement of financial inclusion in India. The award committee acknowledged that Dr. Kalpanaa’s influence reaches far beyond the borders of India. Her guidance has been instrumental in establishing financial inclusion initiatives in South Africa, Afghanistan and Brazil, showcasing the global impact of her work.
With double doctorate in Nuclear Sciences, and also in Women’s Studies and Self-Help Groups, Dr. Kalpanaa is also the Managing Trustee of Hand in Hand India. As the Managing Director of Belstar Microfinance Ltd., Dr. Sankar has successfully built a loan book of INR 8,000 crores in over 10 years with stable portfolio quality and client connect. As a consultant to the Government, she has actively contributed in programs aimed at poverty reduction, job creation and microfinance in India. Her notable efforts towards women empowerment, child welfare and poverty reduction has transformed lives of millions.
Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Kalpanaa Sankar, Managing Director, Belstar Microfinance Limited said, “I am very grateful and honoured to receive the ‘Lifetime Contribution Award to the Sector by an Individual’ by ACCESS Development Services and HSBC India. The award is a testament to the collective dedication and passion of my team at Belstar Microfinance and Hand in Hand India who have helped in reshaping finance paradigms. This recognition fuels our passion to continue crafting a brighter financial inclusion landscape, empowering women and future generations. Together, let’s empower communities and pave way for equal opportunities.”
An inspirational leader with passion, empathy and integrity, Dr. Sankar has been a recipient of several awards including the Nari Shakti Puraskar-2016, bestowed by the Government of India for her contribution to the empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized women. She has been a consultant with United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Wetlands International, besides functioning as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Tamil Nadu. She has also authored publications on child labour, microfinance and self-help groups.
4, Jan 2024
Garuda Aerospace Receives Medium Class RPTO Authorization from DGCA
4 January 2024; National: Leading drone company Garuda Aerospace continues to lead the way in the adoption of drones for various applications across industries. In yet another milestone in India’s drone-tech ecosystem, Garuda Aerospace has now received authorisation for RPTO (Remote Pilot Training Organisation) from DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) for Small and Medium Class drones. This authorisation from DGCA positions Garuda Aerospace as the first and only drone company in India to have a dual certification for training and manufacturing of small and medium class drones. The combined authorisation for manufacturing and pilot training for small and medium size drones enables Garuda Aerospace to accelerate its training and manufacturing capabilities, thus supporting the company’s efforts in the adoption of drones and allied technology.
The DGCA authorisation allows Garuda Aerospace to strengthen its support to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative that aims to empower 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs) with agricultural drones. The authorisation also enables Garuda Aerospace to achieve its target of training one lakh youth across India to become drone pilots. Moreover, certification supports the company’s DE&I initiative, Equality Drone Training Program that empowers persons with disabilities.
Garuda Aerospace’s growing range of small and medium drones are designed for diverse applications. While small class drones are ideal for surveillance and monitoring, photography, etc, medium drones excel in applications spanning agricultural mapping, spraying, infrastructure inspection, delivery and load carrying services, emergency response among others.
Speaking on this milestone, Garuda Aerospace’s Founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, said, “At Garuda Aerospace, we strive for excellence and this dual certification by DGCA for training and manufacturing of small and medium drones is a testament to our efforts and the vision we have for our company and our country. We are humbled by this authorisation and extend our thanks to DGCA. We firmly believe that drones have the power to support and transform numerous sectors. While the benefits of drones and drone technology are being realised gradually, these certifications from DGCA and the support and confidence from the government are paving the way for the steadfast adoption of drones in India. We are confident that these combined efforts will position India as a hub in the global market.”
Extending support various initiatives, Garuda Aerospace recently deployed over 1000 drones for demonstrations as a part of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. Garuda Aerospace had previously received its Type Certificate and RPTO Authorisation from DGCA for its Garuda Kisan Drones. The company also most recently received its second Type Certification from DGCA for medium class drones. Backed by former Indian Cricket team captain M S Dhoni as an investor, Garuda Aerospace has been at the helm of innovation in India’s drone ecosystem. Following the launch of the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, Garuda Aerospace announced its plans of expediting its Initial Public Offering (IPO).
4, Jan 2024
The Monster Energy Honda Team Get Ready to Kick Off 2024 With The Dakar Rally
Saudi Arabia, January 4, 2024: A new season of the World Rally-Raid Championship kicks off this week with the Monster Energy Honda Team all set to tackle the Dakar Rally aboard the new Honda CRF450 RALLY. The current FIM Manufacturers’ World Championship holders will see a line up featuring world leading riders with victories on the Dakar and the very hardest of W2RC rallies under their belt.
With the only American to win the Dakar, 2020 winner Ricky Brabec, alongside Chilean rider Jose Ignacio Cornejo who is looking to get that elusive podium finish, American Skyler Howes, who was a new signing to the team in September, will also be on a mission for victory after his third place finish in 2023. Spaniard Tosha Schareina will also be one to watch after his victory on the Argentine Desafio Ruta 40 last year.
The 2020 and 2022 Dakar Rally runner-up Pablo Quintanilla will be looking to go one step higher on the podium to take the most prized trophy in motorsport back to Chile, while Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren will also be strong in the overall standings after his success over the past two seasons at Andalucia and Abu Dhabi.
Honda is no stranger to winning the world’s toughest rally, its first victory coming in 1982 at the hands of Frenchman Cyril Neveu who went onto win it again in 1986 and ’87, before Edi Orioli and Gilles Lalay took over the top step with the ever dominant NXR750 in the two years that followed when it was the original Paris-Dakar Rally in Africa.
Ricky Brabec added his name to the history books in 2020 and Kevin Benavides made it a second consecutive victory for Honda in 2021 as the Monster Energy Honda Team will now look to make a return to the victory circle with a strong rider line up.
The 2024 Dakar Rally is shaping up to be harder than the previous editions as the riders will not only endure 7,967 kilometres of riding across a prologue and 12 stages but it’ll also include the new ’48-hour chrono’ stage which will test the endurance of man and machine across the legendary Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia. There’ll be no communication with the outside world, no help from mechanics and entrants will have no idea where they are in relation to their fellow competitors when they bed down for the night at one of seven bivouacs dotted across stage six. Plus it’ll hit at just the midpoint of the event, so although a rest day follows, there’ll be a further six days of action to go.
The fifth Dakar in the spectacular Saudi Arabian desert will see 60% of all-new sections on the stages as the route starts at the historical AlUla before winding across to the far Eastern town of Shubaytah before returning to the finish at the coastal town of Yanbu by the Red Sea after 14 days of rallying. Expect plenty of stunning backdrops as the riders make their way through this epic adventure in a test of skill, speed and endurance.
In the words of the creator of the world’s most famous motorsport event, the late Thierry Sabine,“A challenge for those who go. A dream for those who stay behind” and this challenge will commence for the Monster Energy Honda riders on Friday 5th January 2024 when the 46th edition will kick off with a 28km Prologue.
Ruben Faria (General Manager)
“The 2024 Dakar Rally will be a really tough as what David Castera (Director, Dakar Rally) has done is make the stages longer and tougher than 2023. He’s introduced new ideas including the 48 hour chrono stage which will see the riders supplied with just basic rations and just a tent and sleeping bag plus there’ll be no campers, no mechanics and all in the middle of a 600 kilometre stage, so it’ll be very difficult.
The riders have tested the new Honda CRF450 RALLY early during 2023 and all the riders have all enjoyed riding it during testing too. We had a very successful test before the Rallye Du Maroc in October before our riders teamed up with each other meaning Adrien and Tosha went to Morocco, Ricky and Skyler trained in the USA and Pablo and Nacho rode at home in Chile. We also had a test in early December too so I’m happy that all our riders are in good shape with no injuries on a new bike that we believe will perform well.”
Pablo Quintanilla (7)
“This is a special one as this is my twelfth Dakar, so I’m super motivated to start plus I feel really good and strong and, I am without injury and that’s important for this race. As always I will do my best with the goal to win. I will do everything to achieve this as the most important thing when you finish a rally is to feel like you gave 100% to fight for the victory.”
Ricky Brabec (9)
“I’m looking forward to this edition of the Dakar as we will be going in through rocks and riding a bit more in the open desert so that’s good for as I feel like it’s my strong point on the motorcycle.
It’s going to be a long 12 days with many new things out there with the 48h Chrono stage, fresh locations and the unknowing factor of the weather as things like this all play a factor. I’m really looking forward to getting to the finish of this Dakar as this is my ninth one, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed and keeping my hopes high for a good outcome.”
Skyler Howes (10)
“I am pretty excited for the 2024 Dakar. The route looks really fun with some new challenges and looking at the differences in terrain with more broken rocks and stones, it looks like this year it’ll be very physically demanding which is good for me. I prefer to have a rally like this as it makes things more challenging with the navigation plus this makes for a good rally. I am feeling focused and confident so I’m excited to see what this Dakar can bring us with the new motorcycle.”
José Ignacio “Nacho” Cornejo (11)
“Heading into this rally I’ve been having some good training sessions after having had a good couple of recent rallies with the team so I’m happy with the bike, in a good place and looking forward to 2024. My preparation coming into the Dakar has been similar to previous years so I’m ready both physically and mentally for this tough challenge.”
Adrien Van Beveren (42)
“We compete in the World Rally-Raid Championship but the Dakar Rally is the one that everybody wants to win and that’s also my dream; my life is centred around this so I’m really happy to be here for another chance to go for victory. The new Honda CRF450 RALLY is amazing. I had some requests after the Morocco rally and the Monster Energy Honda Team and Japan have been working really hard for me that’s made me really happy with the modifications on my bike. I can’t wait to start.”
Tosha Schareina (68)
“It’s very exciting as it’s my third Dakar and the first with the Monster Energy Honda Team. We know it’ll be a tough rally but it’s the first year I arrive with my homework done regarding navigation and bike training as having been able to do the World Rally-Raid Championship and having done extra kilometres of training in the desert, this has given me extra confidence to face the Dakar properly.”
4, Jan 2024
Geeta Phogat to Inaugurate 5th Edition of Ekal Run
Kolkata, 4th January, 2024: FTS Yuva, the youth wing of Friends of Tribals Society is organising its annual flagship event Ekal Run at Godrej Waterside, Kolkata on 7th January, 2024 which would be inaugurated by India’s first ever gold medalist in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games Geeta Phogat wherein 5000+ participants will run for their chosen category of timed run – 21km, 10km, 5km and non-timed /fun run of 3km. People of all age groups will participate in the run.
Geeta Phogat started her career as a freestyle wrestler and in 2010, she would go on to win India’s first-ever gold medal in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games. Later, she went on to be the first-ever Indian female wrestler to qualify and represent India at the Summer Olympic Games. Coming from a small village in the state of Haryana, Geeta Phogat found it extremely challenging to follow her dreams of becoming a wrestler and to work towards making them a reality. Geeta Phogat also became the first woman wrestler to represent India at the Olympics, an accomplishment unparalleled at the time and set a benchmark for future Indian women wrestlers.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, President FTS Yuva, Kolkata Chapter said, “I am thrilled to announce that Geeta Phogat will flag off our 5th Edition of Ekal Run. FTS Yuva is at the forefront of organizing this exceptional marathon which is for the cause of educating the rural children. This marathon inspires individuals to exceed their limits and achieve remarkable feats, at the same time contributing to this noble cause. With unwavering dedication, Ekal Run brings together athletes, enthusiasts, and communities to create moments of triumph and camaraderie that last a lifetime.”
Key Members:
FTS Yuva Board Members – Anirudh Modi Mentor; Niraj Harodia – National Coordinator; Gaurav Bagla, President; Rishabh Saraogi, Vice President; Vikash Poddar, Vice President; Abhay Kejriwal, Vice President; Vinay Chugh, Advisor; Raunak Fatesaria, Secretary; Rohit Bucha, Jt. Secretary; Rishav Gadia, Treasurer,; Rachit Chowdhary, Jt. Treasurer; Mayank Saraogi, Head Donation & Fund Raising; Ankit Deewan, Head Membership, Yogesh Choudhury, PRO and Vaibhav Pandya, Board Member.
4, Jan 2024
GreenCell Mobility & EKA Mobility sign MoU to deploy 1000 electric buses
Mumbai, 04 January 2024: GreenCell Mobility, a prominent player in the electric mass mobility space, and EKA Mobility, a leading EV & technology company (partnered with Mitsui Co., Ltd. & VDL Groep), announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). As part of this agreement, EKA Mobility will supply GreenCell Mobility with 1000 intercity electric buses in the 12-meter and 13.5-meter category over the next few years. Both companies are dedicated towards driving a significant shift in the global automobile sector by introducing industry-leading electric buses to revolutionize public transportation.
Mr. Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO of GreenCell Mobility, commented on this partnership, saying, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with EKA Mobility, a leader in the electric vehicle domain. This partnership not only strengthens our position in the market but also significantly aligns with our long-term vision for sustainable mobility. At GreenCell Mobility, as market leaders, we are setting a new benchmark in the industry. Our combined efforts are poised to transform public transportation, offering a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solution. This initiative is a significant stride towards our commitment to innovation and sustainability, and it underscores our dedication to a greener, more sustainable future. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership opens up and are committed to leading the charge in the evolution of electric mobility.”
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility, emphasized the strategic synergy, saying, “Our collaboration with GreenCell Mobility is strategically positioned to usher in a cleaner, more sustainable future through electric mass transportation. Public transportation, especially the intercity bus transportation is the primary mode of transport for more than 50% of Indians. Electrification of public transportation will pave the way for cleaner air, quieter streets, more efficient, convenient, safer, and cost-effective travel for all. At EKA, we are committed to developing sustainable, environmentally conscious, and profitable products. By combining our expertise, we hope to set new standards in the commercial electric mobility, contributing considerably to the nation’s sustainability objectives.”
GreenCell has become India’s most reliable shared electric mobility player by leveraging proven global experience, developments in e-mobility technology, and the Government of India’s strong push for electrification of transportation. NueGo, the intercity arm of GreenCell, achieved a remarkable feat by being recognized in the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records for launching India’s First Ever All-Woman Electric Intercity Bus in 2023.
EKA Mobility will be responsible for the supply, sales, and service of these e-buses, ensuring the highest standards in this collaborative endeavour. The initiative will save annual fuel cost of INR 700 mn and avoid 12 mn gallons of diesel, equivalent to the impact of growing 1.5 mn trees. Moreover, around 0.6 mn individuals are estimated to benefit daily from a sustainable public transit system. Overall, this initiative is anticipated to result in a saving of 32400 Tonnes of CO2 emissions, substantially contributing to the reduction of tailpipe emissions fostering a cleaner future.
4, Jan 2024
Companies that are making the IVF process hassle-free and accessible for women
According to a report from the Office of National Statistics, more and more working women are choosing to have children later in life, often in their thirties, owing to the pressure of having to balance a family with their jobs, have a higher standard of living, and increasing cost of raising children. The India in-vitro fertilization (IVF) services market size was valued at $883.50 Million in 2022 and is estimated to surpass $4667.80 Million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 18.08% from 2023- 2032.
Here are some of the companies making the IVF process hassle-free and accessible for women.
Arva
Founded in 2023, Arva is a new-age fertility tech company that empowers women and their partners to build families on their timelines. Arva Health, a startup focusing on women’s healthcare through data-driven insights, has introduced home fertility tests for women. Arva offers an at-home fertility diagnostic test with a personalized analysis and goal-based recommendations that can be tracked over time. In addition, Arva provides a Fertility concierge- a team of wellness experts, including gynecologists, nutritionists, and mental health counselors, to offer support during the fertility journey.
Elda Health
Founded in 2020, Elda Health is a digital wellness platform that understands and stands for women, globally. Elda offers holistic mid-life and wellness solutions through physical, mental, medical, and social interventions. From menstruation to menopause: Elda Health believes in a “you first” approach. Work hand-in-glove with a community of women who grow together, and encourage them in their
journey of self-care and wellbeing. At Elda, it creates a positive sense of self. Women should feel empowered, making strides in all walks of life. Supporting wellness through mindful initiatives, led by its expert panel of doctors, programs are designed to provide undivided attention to women and mid- life care, globally.
Maya
Founded in 2012 Maya, earlier known as LoveCycles, offers a smartphone app for women that acts as a smart menstrual cycle tracker with offerings such as assigning color codes, password protection, setting reminders to phone calendar, backup and sync data (available on paid premium version) along with recording metrics such as weight, temperature, pill intake, symptoms among others. The app is available across multiple OS platforms. Product of Plackal Technologies. The app is being used by 6 million+ users across the globe and is available in 15+ languages.
Subhag Health Tech
Founded in 2018, Subhag Health Tech is the developer of infertility treatment devices. The company uses patented technology and develops Intra intra-uterine insemination kits for infertility treatments. The products include Androwash and V-conceive. Subhag HealthTech has come up with VConceive, the world’s first home-based IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) kit. Subhag has invented the world’s first home IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) kit named V conceive ™ to solve the problem of childlessness for infertile couples without visiting doctors and IVF clinics. Apart from VConceive, Subhag HealthTech has also developed AndroWash which eliminates the andrologist from the value chain. This preprogrammed, automated, sperm washing device will now enable gynecologists to perform the sperm wash at their clinic without depending on the labs.
