Category Archives: Business

Showcase at RX Japan’s International Jewellery Kobe

Kobe, Japan, April 08, 2024 — International Jewellery Kobe (IJK 2024), organized by RX Japan, is set to be the premier jewellery event of the year, taking place from May 16-18, 2024, at the Kobe International Exhibition Hall. With over 800,000 jewellery items from 500 international exhibitors, IJK 2024 will open its doors for an opportunity for networking, product showcasing, and business expansion in the jewellery industry.
The sheer scale of IJK 2024 makes it a must-attend event for exhibitors and visitors alike. Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their latest collections, interact with industry professionals, and expand their business reach.
For visitors, IJK 2024 offers a unique opportunity to discover a wide range of jewellery styles, from traditional to contemporary, and to connect with global brands and designers.

One of the key highlights of IJK 2024 is the diverse range of participants. Renowned international jewellery brands like Cartier, BVLGARI, Tiffany&Co., and ROLEX will be presented by exhibitors, showcasing their exquisite creations for sale.

Additionally, locally grown Japanese jewellery names like MIKIMOTO and TASAKI will be featured, highlighting the craftsmanship and artistry of Japanese designers. Visitors can also explore high-quality “Akoya Pearls” at “Pearl City” Kobe, adding to the rich offerings of the event. Brands from other countries, far from Japan, will also be participating, demonstrating the global appeal and reach of IJK.

“We are thrilled to announce that IJK 2024 is on track to be the largest edition yet, with a record number of exhibitors expected,” said IJK show director, Yoshihito Waki. “This year’s show will offer a wide selection of jewellery and jewellery-related products, making it a must-visit event for anyone in the industry.”

In addition to the wide array of jewellery items on display, IJK 2024 will also feature rare finds, adding to the excitement and exclusivity of the event. Visitors can expect to discover unique pieces that are sure to captivate and inspire.

THORLO Announces Sponsorship of Pickleball Athlete Allyce Jones

Statesville, NC, April 08, 2024 — THORLO, a leading engineer in cushioned performance socks, is pleased to announce its latest partnership with Pickleball champion Allyce Jones. By collaborating with Allyce Jones, THORLO further strengthens its position as a trusted ally for Pickleball players worldwide.

Allyce’s athletic journey is notable for its impressive achievements, beginning with her success in Volleyball at Utah Valley University, where she earned awards such as UVU Female Athlete of the Year. Following her college career, she transitioned into coaching, securing four state championships, and receiving the NFHS Coach of the Year award for the West Region of the USA.

In 2020, Allyce discovered her passion for Pickleball, leveraging her exceptional work ethic and athletic background to swiftly ascend as a touring professional on the PPA tour, currently holding a top position among female players. “Allyce Jones’s outstanding journey embodies the spirit of dedication and perseverance that we value at THORLO.” said Martin Lieberman, CEO of Lamour Group, the parent company of the THORLO brand.

With its reputation for engineering socks specifically tailored for Pickleball, THORLO understands the impact of the sport on foot health and aims to raise awareness about the importance of quality foot protection to optimize performance on the court. THORLO socks offer essential protection against the rapid stops and movements inherent in Pickleball, ensuring that athletes like Allyce can perform at their peak without compromise.

As a brand dedicated to supporting athletes in their pursuit of excellence, THORLO is delighted to stand alongside Allyce as she continues to push boundaries in Pickleball and inspires athletes of all levels to prioritize foot protection, empowering them to pursue their passions with confidence.

India, 8th April 2024: Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), a constituent institute of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, along with the Harish and Bina Shah Foundation (HBSF)- a charitable foundation started by MAHE’s successful Alumnus (1980) Mr Harish Shah is proud to launch the HBSF-MAHE EduEmpower Scholarship for meritorious students from weaker economic sections across India. The scholarship was officially launched on the 6th of April 2024, at an event held in MIT and is aimed to support approximately 240 HBSF-MAHE Scholars (an average of 60 HBSF-MAHE Scholars in a year), aggregating to support of Rs 12 crore per year. This scholarship will be available for students joining the academic year 24-25. It is the first time that a scholarship of this magnitude and mission has been constituted and supported by an alumni of MIT.

Mr Harish Shah, an Alumnus of MIT 1980, founded ‘Signet’ in 1986, a company that today stands as India’s leading pharmaceutical raw materials business with global outreach and pioneering product offerings. In 2020, Signet became a part of IMCD N.V., Netherlands. The Shah family’s philanthropic foundation, the Harish and Bina Shah Foundation(HBSF) started in 2002 and supports several mainstream and emerging social issues such as education, health, livelihoods, gender equity, environment and sustainability, and arts and culture.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA TO AVAIL THE HBSF-MAHE-EduEmpower Scholarship

• Should have studied standard 8–12 (5 years of schooling) in any State / Central Government School / PU Colleges within India
• Must have scored 85% or more marks or equivalent in standard 12 board examinations with Physics, Mathematics, and any optional paper as subjects
• The candidate’s family income should be less than INR 8 lakhs per annum.
• The candidate’s All India Rank in the MAHE entrance test should be between 1–10,000

Speaking on the initiative, Dr Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor MAHE said, “ This is a great day for MAHE and MIT to announce an initiative by an Alumnus. In the life of an Academic Institution, the accomplishments of its Alumni is a great testament to what “providing education is all about”

Mr Harish Shah shared his excitement by stating “I always wondered what I can do for MIT and the Manipal group, who have shaped me in so many ways. This scholarship at MIT is one such initiative, where we as a family believe many more children can aspire to have a holistic and technically sound education, thereby becoming good citizens of tomorrow’s India.It feels nostalgic to return to MIT where I have spent five glorious years and I feel wonderful that I am returning to my roots, this time to give back.”

Cdr. (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director, MIT, has this to say “As a university committed to offering equal opportunities to all aspiring minds, we are proud to announce the launch of the HBSF-MAHE-EduEmpower Scholarship to support meritorious students from underprivileged economic backgrounds to pursue their dreams in engineering. This initiative sponsored by an Alumnus is a demonstrating testament to our commitment towards fostering talent and creating a more inclusive society, ensuring that talent knows no economic boundaries”.

Dr. HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, said, “I’m proud to inform that our college is offering scholarships to worthy applicants. Education is about more than just information acquisition; it’s about empowering individuals to reach their greatest potential. We aspire to create a brighter future for our students and society at large by offering these scholarships because we think that every gifted and driven student should have the chance to fulfill their aspirations”.

Syngenta MD Susheel Kumar applauds Haryana farmers’ adoption of new technologies

Kurukshetra/Karnal, 8th April 2024: Reiterating its commitment to empowering farmers, Susheel Kumar, Country Head and MD of Syngenta India, a leading Swiss-based agri-science company, on Saturday applauded the ease and speed with which Haryana farmers have adopted the use of drones and other technologies including CropWise Growers App. Joining a drone flying demonstration by Syngenta-trained drone pilots at the Integrated Beekeeping Development Centre (IBDC) in Kurukshetra, Kumar said Haryana was poised for faster growth with a mix of enabling policies and progressive vision of farmers. IBDC is an Indo-Israel agriculture project established by the Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Haryana for the development of beekeeping in Haryana. Kumar visited the facility and expressed keen interest in the activities of IBDC. The support to IBDC is in keeping with Syngenta’s commitment to sustainability and conservation of pollinators.

A native of Haryana, who loves to call himself ‘son of the soil’ Kumar said Syngenta will continue to support initiatives of the Haryana government to empower farmers through futuristic farming techniques and practices. “Farmers safety is at the heart of Syngenta and towards this we carry out stewardship activities to train farmers on safe spraying,” Kumar added.

Syngenta’s R&D Center is a 25-year-old state-of-the-art facility in Karnal carrying out breeding activities of seeds like Okra, Watermelon, Tomato, and cucumber. “Through its continued emphasis on high-quality research, the Centre is dedicated to providing the finest varieties for best yields and economic gains of farmers in Haryana and north India,” said Kumar while demonstrating to the farmers the various activities being carried out here.

Later, Kumar also joined a group of farmers who demonstrated drone flying. “Under our CSR program, in collaboration with Syngenta Foundation of India, we launched a drone pilots training program under which we have trained 100 drone pilots in Haryana including 18 women, from across 16 districts of Haryana. This is a game-changer for it will not only provide new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth, but will also enhance efficiency for our farmers, and help in their yields. It augurs well for the future of farming in Haryana, as drones help in precision spraying of crop protection solutions saving resources and time,” Kumar said.

With the increasing role of drones in boosting agricultural productivity and empowering farmers, this initiative aims to equip farmers of Haryana with the benefits and implications of modern farming practices and also educate farmers about the transformative potential of drones in farming, including efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and the promotion of sustainable practices.

Syngenta’s farmer-focused CSR and stewardship efforts, such as I-CLEAN (Inculcating Cleanliness, Learning, Education, Awareness, and New Habits), I-SAFE (Inculcating Safety Awareness for Farmer Empowerment), WeCare, Soil Care, and Drone Awareness Yatras, have played a key role in bringing positive transformations at the grassroots level.

Syngenta has been implementing SoilCare projects across states since 2019. In Haryana, we conducted 1000 Soil tests and provided Soil Health Cards to farmers in 2023 along with education on how to analyse the test report and the way forward.

“Under WeCare where we partner with schools and academic institutions to educate young children on safety needs and leverage them as ambassadors. This initiative brings about a behavioral change in farmers,” informed Kumar.

Emphasizing on the key role of technology in achieving sustainable agriculture, Kumar said that Syngenta India is at the forefront of enabling farmers to embrace innovation, not only for a greener future but also for increased productivity and improved income. Highlighting the significance of technology integration in agriculture, he noted that the world faces escalating food demand and environmental challenges. He underlined how technology adoption in agriculture can ensure food security, resilience, and resource-efficient farming systems.

Dr KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India Pvt Ltd highlighted Syngenta’s commitment to technology-driven progress across the country and support farmers towards rural prosperity by bringing new technology and sustainable solutions in time given unique challenges and needs of Indian farmers. He mentioned the launch of drone spray solutions and the successful implementation of commercial spray services across several states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka is a step towards realizing our commitment.

Ather Energy launches the Rizta, its family scooter on Community Day

8th April 2024: Ather Energy, one of India’s electric scooter manufacturers, today launched its family scooter, the Rizta, at the second edition of the Ather Community Day in Bengaluru. Designed and engineered as a scooter for the entire family, the Rizta prioritizes comfort, convenience, and safety. It comes with a host of new connected features to enhance the riding experience including features like SkidControlTM and WhatsApp on the dashboard. Competitively priced for the mass market, the Rizta starts at INR. 1,09,999 (Ex-showroom Bengaluru).

The all-new Rizta will have 2 models and three variants – Rizta S and Rizta Z with a 2.9 kWh battery and a top-end model Rizta Z with a 3.7 kWh. The 2.9 kWh variants will deliver a predicted IDC range of 123 kms and the 3.7 kWh variant will deliver 160 kms. While Ather offers the Rizta S in 3 monotone colors, the Rizta Z will be available in 7 colors which include 3 monotone and 4 dual-tone colors.

Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO, Ather Energy, said, “We entered the two-wheeler market with our performance scooter, the 450 series, which was recognized in the industry. Now, we are setting foot in the family segment with the Rizta, which has been designed and engineered with the Indian family in mind. It focuses on key aspects such as comfort, safety, and connected tech, which we believe makes it an upgrade from the conventional scooters in the market. Rizta will reflect Ather’s proposition of quality, reliability, and safety.”

Comfort and convenience

Ather Rizta aims to prioritize comfort and convenience, featuring the largest seat in its segment ensuring ample space for its users and a large floor board. Furthermore, the Rizta Z features a backrest for enhanced comfort by providing lumbar support for the pillion. With 56L storage space, including a 34L underseat capacity, and an optional 22L Frunk accessory, Ather believes Rizta offers a large storage space in the scooter market, making it easy to carry day-to-day essentials. The under-seat storage can also be fitted with an optional multi-purpose charger with an 18W power output, which can charge electronic devices such as phones, tablets, portable speakers, and other similar devices.

Safety and ride handling

Over the years, Ather has been committed to improving the safety standard for two-wheeler riders by launching multiple features. With Rizta, Ather introduces the SkidControl™. This is Ather’s proprietary traction control system that seamlessly controls motor torque to mitigate the loss of traction while accelerating on low friction surfaces such as patches of road with gravel, sand, water, or oil.

Additional safety features, such as FallSafeTM, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Theft & Tow Detect, and Find My Scooter which were previously seen on Ather’s 450 series of scooters, too are integrated into the Ather Rizta.

All three variants come with a top speed of 80 mph and two riding modes – Zip and SmartEco. Moreover, ride assist features such as MagicTwistTM, AutoHoldTM, and Reverse Mode, integrated in the 450 series are also present in the Rizta.

The Rizta carries over the same philosophy as the 450 series including its low center of gravity, balanced weight distribution from front to rear, and equal balance on both sides, allowing precise control regardless of the rider’s level of skills or prevalent riding conditions. The Rizta is easy to maneuver given its shorter 1286mm wheelbase.

HALO – Smart Helmet

Ather also announced its entry into the Smart Helmet category with the Ather HALO product line. Ather HALO is a full-face, top-of-the-line, integrated smart helmet. It will feature superlative audio by Harman Kardon. It offers riders a seamless experience with its proprietary auto WearDetect technology, and wireless charging, and allows them to control music & calls through the scooter’s handlebar. HALO also comes with Ather ChitChatTM, which enables helmet-to-helmet communication between the rider and pillion. It has a clean and futuristic design and comes with two color options.

Ather has partnered with Harman Kardon to deliver high-quality audio, enhancing the ride experience. HALO has also been designed to add a layer of safety for the rider by allowing critical sounds, thus delivering an uninterrupted and safe listening experience. Ather believes they have ensured seamless integration of the helmet with the scooter, which includes a specially developed wireless charging solution in Rizta’s boot. Halo’s wear-detect technology allows the helmet to recognize when it’s worn, enabling a seamless 3 way pairing of the helmet, phone, and scooter. Ather believes all of this ensures an engaging, enjoyable and safe ride with Halo.

In addition to this, Ather introduced HALO Bit, a module that can be attached to Ather’s half-face helmets. Ather has developed an ISI and DOT-rated custom half-face helmet, which will be available to all customers soon and will be compatible with HALO Bit, enabling every Ather helmet to be a smart helmet. The introductory price of HALO is INR 12,999 and HALO Bit is INR 4,999.

Swapnil Jain, Co-founder & CTO of Ather Energy said, “We wanted to transform helmets from a mere compulsion to an integral part of a fun, engaging ride. So we built the HALO, our first smart helmet which offers premium sound by Harmon Kardon and integrates our proprietary auto WearDetect technology and wireless charging. With HALO we made sure that the experience extends to the pillion with features such as ChitChatTM and music sharing. “

AtherStack 6.0

Ather also rolled out AtherStack 6.0, the latest upgrade to its software stack. AtherStack powers all the experiences on Ather Scooters It is built on various interconnected layers of software, firmware, and system algorithms. The latest update brings a host of new features and experiences to the scooters including a new mobile app, integration with WhatsApp on the Ather dashboard, live location sharing, ping my scooter, auto reply to calls, and Alexa integration. Existing Ather owners will also get AtherStack 6.0 as an over-the-air update with some of these features.

“AtherStack has been an integral part of our product strategy since the launch of our first scooter, allowing us to constantly enhance our product experience. With new features like WhatsApp on the dashboard, live location sharing and voice commands, we believe Ather Stack 6.0 will bring an important upgrade to rider safety, convenience and connectivity. Optimising the touchscreen dashboard and revamping the mobile app will offer a seamless ownership experience to both Rizta and Ather 450 customers” added Swapnil Jain, Co-founder & CTO of Ather Energy.

With WhatsApp on the dashboard, the rider can now read their most recent messages on the dashboard when the scooter is at a standstill, essentially eliminating the hassle of checking their phones during their ride. The new ‘Ping my scooter feature’ gives Ather owners the ability to find their scooter amidst a sea of other two-wheelers with the help of loud audio and visual cues, which can be activated with the tap of a button on the new Ather App. Another new feature in AtherStack 6.0 is the integration of Alexa Smart Assistant, which comes with over 50 prompts available in both English and Hindi. Riders can access information like the current charge status, last parked location, trip feasibility, push navigation, and more with just a voice command. Live location sharing is another new safety feature that allows a rider to share their location while on the move, to a pre-set contact.

The all-new mobile app brings a more personalized and seamless experience to Ather customers. Along with a new interface, the app brings a new feature named WidgetX that provides the user with contextual information on the home screen. The app also provides detailed insights into their ride history, and savings due to switching to EV and commemorates various milestones.

All three variants come with Ather’s 5-year optional warranty program, ‘Ather Battery Protect’ which extends the battery warranty to 5 years/60,000 kms. This warranty program not only covers battery failures but also guarantees a minimum of 70% state-of-health for the battery at the end of 5 years.

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Jayesh Ranjan launched a new chapter, called Chapter 7

Hyderabad,8th April 2024 ….. Corporate Connections expands its footprint in Telangana. In a function held in Hotel Park Hyatt in Hyderabad on Saturday night, Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government launched a new chapter of a global networking platform in Hyderabad

Mr.S.P.Reddy, Chairman & MD, Terminus Group, S. Sharad Mahiswari, Kamalesh Gupta, Executive Directors of Corporate Connections and KVT Ramesh Master Franchise for Corporate Connections in Telangana and AP also graced the launch.

Speaking on the occasion Jayesh Ranjan said Telangana is a progressive state. But our progress is island growth. Our growth is not inclusive. While large companies are doing well MSMEs are struggling, shutting down. While urban cities are progressing fast, rural places are stagnant. Though we promised to double agriculture income, we are nowhere close to doubling. So he emphasized balancing economic growth in the state.

Jayesh Ranjan urged just launched Chapter 7 to focus on Telangana as the most progressive state to their peers in other states. Showcase the strengths of the state. Promote investments into the state. This music to government officials like me. He expressed his desire that the Government of Telangana will work with Corporate Connections and Chapter 7 in organizing their global events at Hyderabad

Corporate Communications has already one chapter in Hyderabad and it is the second one.

This Chapter launched had an initial membership of 18 individuals/business owners, Ssharad Mahiswari, Executive Director, of Corporate Connections said that they would be limiting the membership to 25 per chapter.

About 100 guests including Corporate Connections members and many outstation guests participated in the launch function. We had the presence of Directors & Members from 18 Cities in India and a video message was shared by Global Market President Robert Gervais informed Sharad Mahiswari.

Corporate Communications is Canada-headquartered and has a global presence. Corporate Connections is spread over 4 continents across 29 countries and 65 cities.

Corporate Connections has 600-plus Members in India and plans to expand to various cities in India. We are looking to spread our wings into multiple cities immediately,” said KVT Ramesh

This is an ideal platform for global business leaders to generate exceptional and measurable results through executive networking opportunities. Our proven model has helped executives build strategic and tactical relationships through a structured and supportive environment and has been a catalyst for change in their businesses and communities.

Further, only one individual from an industry vertical can become a member of a chapter. “to make a safe environment to do business”.

“Corporate Connections is the premier platform for accelerating executive-level connections. It provides global business leaders with the ideal setting for generating exceptional and measurable results through executive networking opportunities.” “Our members join CorporateConnections®️ to develop business relationships, gain access to advanced professional development opportunities and participate in peer advisory groups, said S. Shard Mahiswari.

MOHRAN’s Productions: A Five-Year Celebration of Cinematic Innovation

In 2019, a young filmmaker named Utkarsh K. Nemade embarked on a journey to fulfill his cinematic dreams. Little did he know that his vision would give birth to MOHRAN’s Productions, a company that would redefine the landscape of film production and distribution. As MOHRAN’s Productions marks its 5th anniversary, it’s a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements and milestones that have shaped its evolution.

From its humble beginnings, MOHRAN’s Productions has grown into a multifaceted powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Founded by Utkarsh K. Nemade, the company initially focused on production services but soon expanded its horizons to include distribution, carving out a niche for itself in the competitive market. Today, MOHRAN’s Productions offers a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution for films, audio/visual content, TV, radio, and events.

At the heart of MOHRAN’s Productions lies a deep-seated passion for storytelling and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Over the past three years, the company has distributed over 20 films and 30 short films, showcasing a diverse range of voices and narratives. From indie gems to mainstream hits, MOHRAN’s Productions has championed projects that push boundaries and resonate with audiences worldwide.

One of the company’s standout achievements is its end-to-end distribution solutions, which encompass theatrical releases, digital releases, and promotional platforms for films and advertisements. By providing filmmakers with a comprehensive platform to showcase their work, MOHRAN’s Productions has become a catalyst for talent discovery and industry innovation.

Behind the success of MOHRAN’s Productions is a dedicated team of professionals who bring their expertise and creativity to every project. Led by founder Utkarsh K. Nemade, the team includes luminaries such as Kunal Mahajan, a talented cinematographer and editor; Dr. Prachetan Potadar, a visionary creative director and founder; Dr. Akshay Kamble, a stalwart in public relations; Shaun Philip, a maestro in the sound department; and Krishiv Chawla, a wizard in graphics and animation. Together, they form the backbone of MOHRAN’s Productions, driving its mission forward with passion and ingenuity.

As MOHRAN’s Productions celebrates its 5th anniversary, it stands at the precipice of even greater achievements. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a relentless pursuit of innovation, the company is poised to redefine the boundaries of storytelling and entertainment in the years to come. As the industry evolves and new challenges emerge, MOHRAN’s Productions remains unwavering in its dedication to pushing the envelope and inspiring audiences around the world.

As we look ahead to the future, one thing is clear: the journey of MOHRAN’s Productions is far from over. With its pioneering spirit and unwavering determination, the company is destined to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, inspiring generations of filmmakers and storytellers for years to come. Here’s to the next 5 years and beyond – may they be filled with creativity, innovation, and boundless success.

NTPC Sets Target of 40 MMT Coal Production from Captive Mines in FY25

Mumbai8th April 2024 NTPC, India’s leading integrated power company, has set a target of 40 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of coal production from its captive mines for the fiscal FY’25. The ambitious target will help NTPC achieve significant growth of 17% in captive coal production compared to the previous fiscal.

This will fulfill over 15% of coal requirement through captive mines in FY25, thereby strengthening fuel security for the power major.

The company achieved an impressive coal despatch of 34.15 MMT and Coal production stood at 34.38 MMT by the end of 31st March 2024.

This outstanding performance reflects NTPC’s relentless commitment to enhancing coal production from its captive mines and ensuring efficient supply to meet the nation’s energy needs.

To achieve sustained growth in coal production, NTPC has implemented a range of strategies and technologies. These include the adoption of rigorous safety measures, improved mine planning, equipment automation, workforce training, and the implementation of continuous monitoring and analysis systems. These initiatives have played a vital role in optimizing operations, enhancing productivity, and ensuring the safety of the workforce.

NTPC remains committed to delivering reliable and sustainable power to the nation. This remarkable growth in coal production and despatch is a testament to NTPC’s dedication to operational excellence and its contribution to meeting India’s energy demands. The company will continue to explore innovative technologies and sustainable practices to further enhance its performance and support the nation’s energy goals.

Hindustani Classical Recital held Surmandal paid rich Tribute

Hyderabad, 8th April 2024 .. Surmangadal in association with Telangana Tourism organized a Hindustani Classical Recital of Pt. Shubhendra Roa on Sitar and Vidushi Dr. Ashwini Bhide on Vocal, as a part of Morning Raaga at Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University(JNAFAU) at Masab Tank, Opp Mahavir Hospital, Hyderabad on Sunday.

Pt. Shubhendra Rao, an internationally acclaimed performer, composer, cultural entrepreneur and music educator enthralled the audience.

His relentless service in promoting Indian music has made him a highly respected figure in the field of music across the world. A protégé of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Rao has established himself “not only as a master of his instrument but also as a thinking musician” and “a musical bridge to many cultures. Internationally, he has performed at major music festivals and prestigious concert halls including the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Sydney Opera House, Salzburg International Music Festival, National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, and Theatre de la Ville in Paris. As a composer, Rao distinguishes himself by pushing the boundaries of classical music and creating music for artists across cultures. When Gods Meet and Apa Deepo Bhava was commissioned by Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh.

The New York Times described his composition, Yathra, as ‘movingly meditative’. His composition, Ekta, to honour German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to India was described as ‘exemplifying the very best in the musical traditions of the East & West’. Leading magazines and newspapers like India Today, The Hindu, and Indian Express invite Rao to write articles as an expert on music and music education. A co-founder of the Shubhendra and Saskia Rao Foundation, he is working tirelessly to revolutionize music education in India. Together with his wife, Saskia Ra, who has authored India’s first-ever music curriculum for children, Sangeet4All, they are transforming the way music is taught in schools in India.

Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, a celebrated Hindustani classical vocalist known for her nuanced and intellectually driven approach to music also performed and took audience by storm with his impeccable performance

Born in Mumbai, she comes from a musical lineage and initially trained within the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana tradition. Her curiosity for knowledge led her to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry, even working as a scientist for a time. However, music remained her true calling, and she eventually dedicated herself fully to the art form.

Accompanying Pt. Ram Kumar Mishra was Shri Tanay Rege on Tabla and Dnyaneshwar Sonawane on Harmonium.

Ramkumar Mishra is an Indian tabla player. He belongs to Banaras Gharana.

Tanay Rege is a disciple of Shri Praveen Karkare and Pandit Yogesh Samsi. A master in Music (MA) and scholarship holder of the Ministry of Culture, Citi NCPA, and CCRT (Central Government) he has performed solos at Prestigious Festivals all over the country.

Fascinated with the world of Swar and Taal right from his childhood days in Nashik, Dnyaneshwar was deeply drawn towards Indian music from the early age of five. Pursuing this inclination, he started training in Harmonium from the renowned Harmonium player Bapu Kulkarni of Nashik, for nearly eight years, gaining knowledge of basic playing techniques and structures of the Gayaki (Vocal music styles) in Hindustani Raag Sangeet.

India’s tax regime now simplified beyond recognition: Shri Ram Nath Kovind

NEW DELHI,8th April 2024: While conferring TIOL Fiscal Awards on India’s three extraordinary economists – Prof. Jagdish N Bhagwati of Columbia University, New York; Dr Vijay Kelkar and Mr N K Singh at a function here in the national capital, the former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind while lauding India’s progress in streamlining taxation policy said, “The complex regimes themselves have been simplified beyond recognition. Now there are fewer tax lapses in process and taxation policy has become more predictable.”

Going further impact of tax process reforms, Shri Kovind said, “Investor confidence and ease of doing business has enhanced. The modalities of interaction between taxpayers and tax assessors have also undergone a tectonic shift in the recent past. All this has been made possible by leveraging technology and now the way forward will be increasing adoption of digital modes, of communication, and faceless tax assessment.”

The function was well-attended by the who’s who of the economics and policy world besides several Parliamentarians and a patroness of a media house.

Shri Kovind also praised the TIOL Knowledge Foundation for designing Fiscal Awards to encourage active policy work in the areas of tax, the use of digital technologies, and sound macroeconomic policies. He also appreciated TIOL for playing an active role in shaping and influencing appropriate policy decision-making and fostering dialogue among all stakeholders.

The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivans Narayan Singh showered his praises on to three awardees and termed their contribution to the Indian and global economy and policy-making invaluable and unparalleled.

Delivering his Special Address, the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Prof Arvind Panagariya, recalled the pivotal role played by each of the three honourees in shaping global trade policy and India’s fiscal policy journey which ensured vital micro-stability needed for high trajectory growth in the economy.

The noted trade economist Prof Jagdish Bhagwati, the recipient of TIOL Kautilya Global Award 2023, recalled his father’s legacy and fondly remembered his association with last year’s TIOL awardee former Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh during a televised address from California.

While dedicating his Fiscal Award to the last four FMs of India with whom he had worked closely, Dr Vijay Kelkar called for the sharing of GST revenue with the Third Tier of the government. He noted that the urban economy requires much more efficient infrastructure and greater supplies of the local public goods. Unfortunately, urban local bodies are woefully short of the needed fiscal base to undertake investments for this vital infrastructure and for the supplies of needed high-quality public goods. Equitable sharing of the GST with the Third Tier will go a long way in strengthening the fiscal base of our urban governments and also to deepen democracy and governance at the grassroots level, he added.

Demanding a separate secretariat for the GST Council, Dr Kelkar emphasized that the time has come to simplify the GST rate structure. The GST rate structure designed 5 years back was largely to keep the effective rate of taxes to maintain revenue neutrality. This plethora of rates has made the Indian GST system unnecessarily complex, he added. He also urged the incoming government to undertake the GST reforms as early as possible.

“Out of the total countries who have implemented a GST or VAT, around 80 percent of those countries have chosen to have a single rate. A single GST rate for India has been an unmet goal, all along the discussions done before implementation. In fact, very early on in the GST debate, a single rate of 12 percent was recommended by the 13th Finance commission. The ages old tax policy of having a differential tax rate for “must have” and “nice to have” goods and services should be done away with,” said Dr. Kelkar.

Speaking on issues of fiscal policy for the 21st century in the Indian context, Mr. N.K. Singh, recipient of the TIOL Fiscal Heritage Award, made five profound points relating to fixation of fiscal norms, observed that long-term growth-fostering policies containing investment in infrastructure may deserve somewhat different treatment than one-size-fits-all, especially for fast-growing economies. He raised the point: What would be the ingredients in a post-pandemic world, which combines the virtues of growth with stability?

He concluded by saying: “We need a more robust fiscal and debt framework which is suitable in the Indian context, and at the same time meets global standards.” In this context, he emphasized the Prime Minister’s recent address to the RBI, in which he spoke of the virtues of growth and stability, and also pointed out that those issues of debt, both public and private, need informed decisions.

While praising Shri N. K. Singh’s role as the Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission, Dr. P. Thiaga Rajan, Minister for IT & Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu said that he differed with him on many issues as both come from different backgrounds and eras of fiscal challenges.

Former RBI Governor Dr. C. Rangarajan, Prof. Lord Nicolas Stern of the London School of Economics, and former US Treasury Secretary Mr. Larry H Summers also delivered their address virtually and heaps of praise on the awardees.

Justice Shiva Kirti Singh, former Judge of Supreme Court of India and the Chairman of Hon’ble Jury highlighted the challenges of selection and thanked his predecessor Late Justice Lahoti for laying out robust processes and structures for selection.

Expressing his happiness over honoring such towering personalities TIOL Knowledge Foundation Chairman Mr. Shailendra Kumar highlighted the enormous contributions of awardees and the deep impact they have left on Indian and global economics, law, and policy-making.

The event was attended by who’s who of economics, law, policy-making, and media including Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Dy. Chairman of the erstwhile Planning Commission, Senior lawyer Mr. Harish Salve, Politician Shri K. C. Tyagi, Vice Chairman of Niti Ayog Shri Suman Bery, and Ms. Sobhana Bhartia, Chairman of HT Media.