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CyberPeace and British Deputy High Commission (BDHC), Kolkata announces CyberPeace Hub in Odisha…

Odisha, 23 March 2023: CyberPeace – a global non-profit working on CyberPeace and Cybersecurity announced its State level, Odisha CyberPeace Hub in its CyberPeace Dialogue – Odisha on Wednesday in Bhubaneswar, post its launch of CyberPeace cluster in Jharkhand. The Dialogue was jointly organized by CyberPeace and the British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata, supported by Autobot Infosec Pvt. Ltd.

The launch of the CyberPeace Cluster is a major step towards ensuring a secure cyber environment for the netizens of Odisha. This initiative is a multi-stakeholder effort between the Industry, Academia, Civil Society, private sector, UN agencies, and Government organizations to transform Odisha into an International Cybersecurity Hub.

The CyberPeace Hub envisions becoming the core of cyber security activities such as a CyberPeace Centre of Excellence (CCoE) in cybersecurity and; a cyber rehabilitation center providing training, research, incubation, and development services. It will also serve as a hub for cybersecurity start-ups and other private sector organizations, which aim to create a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem in the state.

The launch witnessed the presence of Mr. Dominic Gillan, CSSF India Cyber Programme Manager, British High Commission, New Delhi; Mr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary, Electronics and IT, Government of Odisha; Mr. Brahma Mishra, President, Utkal Chambers of Commerce; and Mr. Abhishek Singh, Lead – Policy and Advocacy, CyberPeace. The inaugural ceremony of the Dialogue started with registration and networking followed by the Ganesh Vandana and Diya Lighting Ceremony.

Mr. Abhishek Singh, while delivering the inaugural speech said, “Global issues like Cyber warfare and cyber crime are a growing concern in the digital age and result in significant damage affecting individuals, businesses and governments alike.” He further pointed out the types of common Cyber attacks and said that launching
the Cyber peace cluster is a step towards ensuring a secure cyber environment for netizens across states.

Mr. Dominic Gillan, First Secretary, Cyber Programmes, British High Commission, New Delhi expressed his gratitude towards the partnership with CyberPeace. He mentioned “Threats in Cyberspace have grown in intensity and severity in the last few years,” and added that people, organizations, systems and even governments
are becoming targets to such threats. He further expressed his gratitude to the partnership between India and UK, and mentioned that challenges can be countered when the UK works with India. Furthermore, he gave examples of work done by the UK to counter threats and increase education and awareness about Cyberspace.

Mr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT, Government of Odisha talked about the present dangers the public face in present times and commented that the Cyber world is the biggest democratic world because everyone has power. He further addressed the audience by saying that the fear of deterrence in the real world doesn’t work in the cyber world as attacks can come from anywhere in the world.

Later, Mr. Brahma Mishra, President, the Utkal Chamber of Commerce emphasized on cyber awareness among youth, children, and citizens. He further commented that in present times cybercrime has become a great challenge to society, individuals and corporates and we need to find the best method to protect ourselves from cybercrime.

The launch was followed by the CyberPeace Dialoue on the topic, “Building cyber security ecosystem in Odisha: Roadmap in the future”. It was moderated by  Abhishek Singh, Lead – Policy & Advocacy, CyberPeace. The discussions were highlighted with an overview of the global cyber space landscape and high priority issues related to cyber crimes and possible resolutions.

Israeli Firm Tabor Becomes First High-Tech Manufacturer To Join Gujarat Based Quantum Computing Tech. Park-‘GKQCTP’

23rd March 2023, New Delhi/Ahmedabad-India and Nesher-Israel In a major thrust to ‘Make In India’ prog., Haifa, Israel-based High-Tech. firm Tabor Electronics becomes the first manufacturer in Quantum Tech. and Electronics space to join India’s first Quantum Computing Tech. Park Project ‘Greater Karnavati Quantum Computing Technology Park (GKQCTP)’, proposed to be set up at Gujarat, India.

An MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) for joining the upcoming ‘GKQCTP’ Park has been signed recently between Promoter of Greater Karnavati Quantum Computing Technology Park (GKQCTP), Innogress and Tabor Electronics, which is a high-end test and measurement devices- equipment design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, and technical services OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) catering to needs of Quantum Computing, Quantum Tech. and Semiconductor industry. Tabor Electronics has earned global recognition for its highly innovative engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the High-Tech industry, and now focusing on catering to emerging needs of test, measurement and control solutions, devices and components for fast emerging Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology industry.

Worth to mention that Innogress proposed setting up India’s first Quantum Tech. focused Technology Park, Greater Karnavati Quantum Computing Technology Park (GKQCTP), at Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar area of Gujarat during Vibrant Gujarat 2022 and working towards bringing Quantum Computing and Quantum Tech. players under ‘GKQCTP’ for creating an integrated Quantum Tech. ecosystem in India. Testing, measurement, and control are key components of Quantum Tech. ecosystem which enables design and manufacturing of Quantum Computers and other Quantum Devices like Quantum Sensors, QKD Devices.

While signing this MoU Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Tabor Electronics Mr Paul Nurflus said “Tabor Electronics is attracted by ‘Make in India’ and ‘PLI’ schemes of Govt. of India, and considers India and Gujarat for its next High-Tech. manufacturing destination for catering to fast emerging Quantum Computing and Quantum Tech. industry along with Semiconductor manufacturing opportunities emerging in India. We believe that upcoming Greater Karnavati Quantum Computing Technology Park is aligned with our vision of ‘Make in India’, hence we decided to join this High-Tech. Park for catering the needs of local as well as Global Quantum Tech. and Semiconductor industry. Along with manufacturing plan for high-end test, measurement and control devices-equipment at the proposed Park, we have also plan to set up High-Tech. Testing Service facilities for Quantum Computing and Quantum Tech. industry which can be accessed by Quantum Tech. startups and OEMs in opex/subscription model for testing its new products, quantum chips and quantum hardware with an objective of taking it to market in a shorter time cycle with minimal capex”.

“We are looking forward making this proposed Quantum Computing Tech. Park of Gujarat a strong hub of Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology in collaboration with Innogress and other ecosystem players. Tabor’s participation in Greater Karnavati Quantum Computing Technology Park to also foster ‘India-Israel’ friendship which seen strong bonding due to efforts of Indian PM Modi and Israel PM Netanyahu” Mr Paul Nurflus adds further.

Adding his perspective founding partner of Innogress, promoter of Greater Karnavati Quantum Computing Technology Park, Mr Sumant Parimal said “Tabor Electronics signing a MoU with us for joining our Quantum Computing Tech. Park as strategic partner is a big boost to bring High-Tech. manufacturing to Gujarat, India. We are confident that on-boarding of Tabor shall take us towards our target to build $1Billion Quantum Tech. ecosystem at Greater Karnavati Quantum Computing Technology Park. We thank Tabor Electronics management and its CFO, Paul Nurflus, and its India head, Nikhil Mitaliya for believing in our vision to develop Quantum Tech. ecosystem at Gujarat, and aligning their make in India plan with GKQCTP project”.

Innogress also invited Tabor Electronics CFO, Paul Nurflus into the apex Advisory board of GKQCTP and Country head Nikhil Mitaliya into the executive team of GKQCTP for better coordination and alignment of visions.

Join Juhi Chawla and Hari Darshan on a Spiritual Journey with Natural Incense Sticks

New Delhi, 23rd March 2023: Hari Darshan, India’s leading manufacturer of premium pooja products, is pleased to announce the introduction of its Pure Series Natural Incense Sticks and Natural Series Premium Masala Agarbattis. Both of these new products have received Juhi Chawla’s endorsement as their brand ambassador.

For more than 50 years, Hari Darshan has offered spiritual and devotional products, building a reputation as a company that values truthfulness, originality, and authenticity. Their products are crafted with the utmost care, using only high-quality natural ingredients to create an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.

The Natural Series Premium Masala Agarbattis is a line of charcoal-free incense sticks that are handcrafted with organic essential oils, herbs, and wood powder. It has a natural aroma and emits less smoke, which is what customers currently want. The pure herbs and oils used in these incense sticks are a unique blend that help elevate your senses. All-natural ingredients calm you down so you can concentrate on your spiritual path.

Mr. Goldy Nagdev, the MD of Hari Darshan, says, “These herbal incense sticks are a great option for those who favor natural and environmentally friendly products because they are made without the use of artificial preservatives and only with herbal ingredients.”

The Pure Series Natural Incense Sticks are a line of robust, carbon-free herbal incense sticks made with the intention of fostering a serene environment conducive to meditation or prayer.

Bollywood actress and philanthropist Juhi Chawla, who represents Hari Darshan, finds her morals and ideologies aligning with the company’s dedication to promoting spiritual practices. She states, “Being a spiritual person, I believe in the power of natural fragrances to create a peaceful and serene environment. With these incense sticks, I find myself transported to a world of tranquility and peace, and I am excited to share this experience with fellow spiritual enthusiasts.”

Hari Darshan, a renowned household name in the nation, offers a diverse range of sacred equipment, including dhoop, agarbatti, hawan samagri, chandan tika, kalawa, gulab jal, puja diya oil, and camphor, to facilitate devotion, meditation, and spiritual practices.

Hari Darshan extends an invitation to all of its customers to try its brand-new Pure Series Natural Incense Sticks and Natural Series Premium Masala Agarbattis and take in the meditative and spiritual atmosphere they produce. The company believes that these new products will enhance the spiritual journey of its customers, and they are confident that they will love them.

Coromandel International Limited announces entry into Specialty and Industrial Chemicals, foray into CDMO and expansion in Crop Protection Chemicals

Delhi, 23 March 2023: Coromandel International Limited (BSE: 506395, NSE: COROMANDEL), India’s leading Agri solutions provider is in the business of Fertilisers, Crop Protection Chemicals, Bioproducts, Specialty Nutrients, Organic Fertilizer, and Retail.

The Board in its meeting held today approved the company’s plan to expand its operations in Crop Protection Chemicals and foray into Contract Development & Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) business. The Board further approved the plan to diversify into new growth areas namely Speciality and Industrial Chemicals. This is in line with the company’s strategy to establish a sizeable presence in the Crop Protection Chemicals business and leverage its deep technical capabilities and best-in-class infrastructure to enter into adjacencies like CDMO, Speciality and Industrial Chemicals.

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Mr Arun Alagappan, Executive Vice Chairman, Coromandel International Limited, said,

“Coromandel’s current capabilities in Crop Protection Chemicals offer a strong starting position and flexibility for play in Speciality and Industrial Chemicals. With India’s high import dependency in the specialty chemicals, global supply chain diversification trends and strong policy push by the Government, these businesses offer significant growth prospects in addition to supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of the nation.

Entry into CDMO business is a strategic portfolio choice where Coromandel can leverage its expertise in handling complex chemistries at commercial scale and strong development capabilities across various chemistries.

Scaling up our Crop Protection Chemicals business will significantly help leverage the growth opportunities in India and the global markets. The company plans to set up new Multi Product Plants in two of its manufacturing locations apart from purchase of additional land for future expansions.

Coromandel plans to invest Rs. 1,000 crores over the next two years in the above businesses and leverage the macro tailwinds in the Chemicals sector to build a business of scale.”

Vedanta Aluminium recycles 12.5 billion litres of water in FY23

New Delhi; 23rd March 2023: Vedanta Aluminium Business, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has recycled 12.5 billion litres of water as of February during FY 2022-23. On World Water Day, the company has also undertaken the groundbreaking ceremony of a new Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a processing capacity of 440 kilo litres per day (KLD), at its mega aluminium smelter in Jharsuguda. Once operational, the treated water from the facility will be reused within the plant premises, reducing fresh water consumption by 15 crore litres per year. This reiterates the company’s commitment to become Net Water Positive within the decade, leveraging advanced technologies for efficient water utilisation and community participation towards building a sustainable water footprint. Vedanta Aluminium’s water sustainability efforts are aligned to the 6th UN Sustainable Development Goal of ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’.

In the week leading up to World Water Day, Vedanta Aluminium organized an interactive session with Ramveer Tanwar, popularly known as the Pond Man of India and a noted pond conservationist, to encourage employees and community members to work towards water conservation in their personal and professional capacities. Desilting and restoration activities of several waterbodies were also undertaken at its operations in Kalahandi and Jharsuguda districts, Odisha and in Korba, Chhattisgarh, with the active participation of employee volunteers and professional experts. Further, the company organized community marches and street plays at local educational institutions to spread increased awareness of the need to conserve water.

Speaking about the program, Mr Rahul Sharma, CEO, Vedanta Limited – Aluminium Business, said, “On World Water Day, we recommit to our mission of becoming Net Water Positive and ensuring a sustainable water footprint in the regions where we operate. The quality of our lives and business sustainability is contingent on the planet and hence, excellence in ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) forms the bedrock of our aspirations. Water is a critical shared resource that is crucial to sustaining the ecology and communities around us, and hence, our endeavours are aimed at ensuring the sustainability of our operations and making more water available for local communities and biodiversity.”

Commenting on the impact of the new STP project, Mr. Ajay Pandey, COO – Power, Vedanta Jharsuguda, said “Our operations maintain a laser-focus on ensuring the judicious usage of precious water resources. By deploying a strategic mix of resource conservation and source rejuvenation programs, we have been successful in achieving a steady improvement in our water management efforts. The new Sewage Treatment Plant provides an additional fillip to our efforts in this regard and will help accelerate our roadmap to water positivity.”

The company has a structured 4-pronged approach to water sustainability, which involves:

Robust monitoring of water usage:

• Water management is integrated into decision-making processes for all projects
• Water-related risk assessments have been carried out to identify the degree of water stress, and accordingly, undertake mitigation measures
• All water quality parameters, including reduction of specific water consumption, are strictly monitored
• Quick Response Teams respond to extreme weather conditions, including unprecedented heavy rainfall
• Internet of Things (IoT) and other leading-edge technologies deployed for efficient & automated water management

Ensuring maximum water reutilization:

• Stringent control measures and technologies adopted to ensure zero discharge operations
• High-Concentration Slurry Disposal (HCSD) system deployed for ash management to ensure maximum water recycling through feedback loops
• Operational excellence in Cooling Tower systems have resulted in one of the best Cycles of Concentration (COC) globally; higher the COC, less is the additional freshwater intake

Creating a positive water footprint:

• Partnership with TÜV SÜD, a global leader in sustainability solutions, for creating the roadmap for Vedanta Aluminium to become net water positive
• Rainwater harvesting infrastructure and on-site water reservoirs created for water sourcing during contingency scenarios

Working with local communities:

• Restoration and rejuvenation of over 40 community waterbodies in the vicinity of its operations in Chhattisgarh and Odisha in this fiscal alone
• Training communities on growing climate-resilient crops and adopting better methodologies (like SRI technology in paddy cultivation) for improving yield in the face of irregular climactic conditions
• Helping local farming communities adopt drip-irrigation, treadle pump, solar powered water pumps, rainwater harvesting structures like percolation tanks, etc. to boost irrigation potential and reduce dependency on monsoons for cropping
• Construction of hundreds of community water infrastructures like check dams, tube wells, bore wells, farm ponds, percolation tanks, etc. to help communities get perennial access to water for household and irrigation purposes
• Integrated watershed management benefiting thousands of communities through livelihood creation, capacity building, new livelihood opportunities and more

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.27 million tonnes in FY22. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow. www.vedantaaluminium.com

Gnarly Troop adopts village in Bihar to foster major societal transformation

New Delhi, 23 March 2023: Gnarly Troop, a non-profit organization, has adopted the Bakhari Village (Paigambarpur Panchayat) of Muzaffarpur in Bihar to facilitate major societal transformations among around 1500 villagers in the area. Embarking on its endeavour to help communities tackle tough challenges where people across the country are striving to overcome odds, Gnarly Troop has been creating awareness for value management of time and resources so tomorrow’s leaders can build a better foundation for the future.

Bringing in major transformational changes, post-adoption of the village, Gnarly Troop has established a rural development centre, community hall for farmers, women, and children, library for students, and an open sky campus for Paigambarpur Panchayat meetings and for the higher authority members of the village. At the open sky campus, every Sunday, the Gnarly Troop organises a meeting where the members of the Panchayat and other higher authorities of the village discuss the development of the area and the prospects of future growth. During the meeting, the members of the Panchayat and representatives from Gnarly Troop also addressed issues like banking services, government forms, etc., and provided solutions to the residents of the village.

The Bakhari Village of Muzaffarpur in Bihar has around 586 voters who are over 18 years of age and over 900 children; with the male-female ratio being 1:1.2. The major occupational income of the villagers is through wages, and the number of students enrolled in an educational institutions is 134. Around 60 per cent of men and women depend on the hiring for work in and at agriculture land. With the help of the Gnarly Troop, employment in private jobs has increased by 17 per cent.

“There is an imperative need to confront the global learning crisis and help less privileged children gain the basic skills they need and deserve – no matter where they are. And following Gnarly Troop’s mission to boost education, economic mobility and health – the building blocks for a good life and a strong community, we’re ensuring every child gets a strong start in life, teenagers have the tools to learn and grow, and young adults thrive in the job market,” noted Founder of Gnarly Troop Amarjeet Kr Thakur.

Stating that, going forward, the Gnarly Troop will be adopting at least one village each year in various parts of the country, Mr Thakur said, “At the Gnarly Troop Village, you will find climate change is happening now, people are able to know the importance of studying, they participate in skill development training at Gnarly Troop Rural Area Development Centre to change the motion from poverty to health, to education, our community development programs offer the opportunity to dramatically improve the quality of life of less privileged children and people. We welcome many eminent personalities and intellectuals here in Gnarly Troop Village as role models to share their stories of struggles, success and how they stay physically and mentally fit.”

Through programmes for sustainable development with educational and technical support in and at Gnarly Troop Academy, along with the foremost priority to set up a health and wellness centre for nutrition support and health services. At the Bakhari Village, the Gnarly Troop will also be supporting the implementation of a parenting skills programme to enhance their knowledge of child development and encourage discipline in children.

CollegeDekho appoints Parag Gupta as Chief Financial Officer

Mumbai, March 23, 2023 – CollegeDekho, India’s largest higher education services ecosystem, has appointed Parag Gupta as Chief Financial Officer. Parag comes with over two decades of rich and diverse experience across all aspects of finance and will be leading the finance department of the company and will provide strategic advice to the CEO and the company board.

Parag Gupta is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has over two decades of experience working in the internet, e-commerce, fintech, banking and telecom industries. Before CollegeDekho, he served as a CFO in various organizations including Housr, PayPal, Nimbuzz, AT&T, Spectra, etc. In his various roles, he was instrumental in advising the board and the senior management in making prudent financial decisions which helped the companies in achieving their financial/investment targets besides ensuring financial health, cashflows and growth for the companies.

Commenting on the appointment of Parag Gupta as CFO, Ruchir Arora, Co-Founder and CEO of CollegeDekho said “We are thrilled to have Parag on board. He has a diverse array of experience in management and leading finance departments across several different businesses. CollegeDekho will benefit from Parag’s deep acumen in business planning and financial management as we move through our next level of growth.”

Commenting on his new role as a CFO, Parag Gupta said, “I am excited to join CollegeDekho in its mission to transform the higher education system in India. As the company embarks on an ambitious future, I look forward to working with Ruchir, Saurabh and Rohit as well as the rest of the leadership in driving strong growth for the company and building CollegeDekho as the leading player in the higher education space in India.”

Parag’s appointment comes at a time when CollegeDekho has led existing investors to double down on their investment by pumping USD 9 million into the company.

Cosmo Foundation’s Sustainable Water Management Initiatives benefit over 15,000 people across four states

Mumbai, 23rd March 2023: Cosmo Foundation, the community outreach initiative of Cosmo First Limited, today celebrated World Water Day by re-emphasizing water conservation and access to clean water through various initiatives. With over 15000 beneficiaries, the Foundation has invested approximately 1.12 CR in its efforts to provide clean and accessible water to communities in four different states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi. These initiatives have impacted the lives of over 100,000 community members, providing them with access to safe drinking water and improving their overall quality of life. By prioritizing sustainable water management practices and investing in these critical resources, Cosmo Foundation is playing a vital role in creating a better future for communities across India.

In a bid to save water during monsoons, Cosmo Foundation has implemented rainwater harvesting across Maharashtra and Gujarat in 11 government schools, which is expected to save 68,72,000 litres of water. Cosmo has also installed underground water tanks across 6 villages in Maharashtra. Additionally, the company has motivated 44 farmers to adopt drip irrigation, covering 44 acres of land and saving significant amounts of water. The cleaning of pond water and implementation of STP systems in Kagzipura (Khuldabad, Aurangabad) have also been successful in keeping the water clean and have improved the lives of 1800 villagers. In water-scarce areas like Aurangabad, Cosmo Foundation has installed six water tanks in rural schools. The company has also installed water purifiers and coolers in three schools in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, to provide access to clean drinking water.

Talking about the initiative, Yamini Jaipuria, Managing Trustee, Cosmo Foundation said, “Our focus is on conservation of water and creating access to water and drinking water. We believe that it is our responsibility to contribute towards a sustainable future for generations to come. Water conservation and access to clean water are critical for the well-being of communities, and we are committed to making a positive impact through our initiatives.”

Cosmo Foundation has invested significantly in rainwater harvesting at its plants, as part of its commitment to sustainable water management. With these initiatives, the company hopes to create a sustainable future and contribute towards a better world.