Category Archives: News

Spread Holiday Cheer: Magniflex India’s MagnifleXmas Collection Drive Brings Joy to Those in Need

Bengaluru, December 07, 2024: This holiday season, Magniflex India invites you to be a part of the heartwarming initiative, MagnifleXmas, taking place at all our franchise outlets across India until December 23rd.

The initiative aims to collect new or unused toys, sweaters, or stationary for underprivileged children. Donors are encouraged to attach a personalized message to the items, adding a special touch to their gift.

On December 25th, Mr. Anand Nichani, Managing Director of Magniflex India, will personally deliver these thoughtful donations to Makkala Jagriti, an NGO in Bangalore dedicated to uplifting and supporting children in need. This special drive not only highlights the joy of giving but also emphasizes the importance of community spirit during this festive season.

Everyone with a spirit of kindness interested in making an impact can visit our nearest Magniflex outlet to drop off your contributions in the designated red Christmas bags.

Connecting with Soil: Maati Nature Resort Launches National SoilOurPride Campaign on World Soil Day

Kankavali, Sindhudurg, December 07, 2024: On the World Soil Day this year, Maati Nature Resort, Sindhudurg’s leading ecological and soil-centric tourism destination, has commenced a national-level campaign #SoilOurPride to build consensus and awareness around preservation, protection and nurturing of soil in all forms and establishing the connect of urban and semi-urban citizens with the soil.

To being with, the initiative will aim at planting at least one lakh trees by creating #SoilfulMinds in the next five years by generating interests at the grassroots level and uniting civilians to take up the cause.

Maati Nature Resort has planned this initiative in response to a clarion call given by the Prime Minister to preserve and nurture the country’s ‘Soil’ and to observe ‘Panch Pran’ and ‘Saptarishi’ as part of India’s Amrit Kaal’ where ‘Green Growth’ is one of the objectives. Accordingly, it has charted out a well-elaborated, long-term and sustainable programme to contribute to the Prime Minister’s mission to nurture and work for the soil thereby uniting various stakeholders including a large mass of citizens for the noble cause.

In a unique initiative of #SoilOurPride, Maati Nature Resort has broadened the footprint of ‘Panch Pran’, as envisaged by the Prime Minister for Amrit Kaal, into an action plan of ‘Panch Sutra’ (five principles), which will unleash and focus on various attributes of Soil, viz. Soil for Ecology, Soil for Entrepreneurship, Soil for Health, Soil for Culture and Soil for Community Development.

Maati Nature Resort’s #SoilOurPride programme has aimed to create One Lakh ‘Soilful Minds’ who will take a pledge and accordingly act to ‘Preserve, Nurture and Nourish’ the spirit of their own soil by committing to certain causes.

On the occasion of the ‘World Soil Day’, beginning with the first objective of ‘Soil for Ecology’, Maati Nature Resort collected well-nourished soil from its own campus and from the surroundings to plant 1000 saplings and distributed then to the citizens. All the visitors to the Resort were presented with the tree saplings and bags of soil by administering a pledge ‘Save Our Soil, Love Our Soil’ to preserve, nurture and protect the soil and ecology by planting the tree.

Prafull Sawant, Founder and Director of Maati Nature Resort said, “Inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision about Panch Pran and Saptrishi, we have commenced this national-level initiative to integrate urban and semi-urban civilians and other stakeholders to work for various causes related to soil from ecological, entrepreneurial, health, cultural and overall community development standpoints.”

He added, “The ‘Soil for Ecology’ will further aim at nourishing the health of soil and plant at least One Lakh trees and undertake other green initiatives whereas the ‘Soil for Entrepreneurship’ will appeal urban people to explore some or other entrepreneurship or rural development opportunities in their natives or surroundings; so that they can go back to their roots and contribute for overall development of the rural India.”

The campaign will not only promote ecological programmes, but also will try to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship, health, culture and community development among the people by connecting back to the soil thereby boosting reverse migration of urban civilians for meaningful purposes to give a much-needed fillip to rural development.

Added Sawant, “We, at Maati Nature Resort, always strive to inspire people to Love Soil, Respect Soil and appeal them to come back to their own Soil by taking any initiative of entrepreneurship, cultural or community development”.

Maati Nature Resort takes up socio-cultural and community development initiatives. On 15th August 2023, as part of the Prime Minister’s ‘Meri Mati – Mera Desh‘ Abhiyaan, it celebrated the event by sending soil bags for the mission. Under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the Resort has been training the village carpenters to create their own artefacts from unused wood and earn their livelihood.

Empowering Rural Livelihoods: Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival 2024 Promotes Sustainable Practices

Kolkata, December 7, 2024: The 6th edition of the Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival (HOTF), organized by the Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT), was inaugurated today at City Centre 1, Salt Lake, Kolkata, India. Running until December 8, 2024, the festival bridges rural Himalayan communities with urban audiences, spotlighting the rich cultural, agricultural, and ecological heritage of the region.

The Himalayan Orange, a symbol of unity and sustainability, takes center stage as a representation of the livelihoods tied to agro-tourism, homestays, and orange-based organic products. These include traditional pickles, cooking ingredients, snacks, orange tea, and more, all of which are integral to supporting rural economies. The festival highlights the critical role urban consumers play in uplifting rural enterprises by embracing community-based tourism (CBT), supporting homestays, and purchasing organic products directly from local producers.

The festival draws inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s deep connection to the Himalayan region. Tagore’s frequent visits to Mongpu and his admiration for the mountains and their people continue to resonate as a guiding philosophy for ACT. His writings reflect a profound love for the serene landscapes and the vibrant culture of the region, embodying the ideals of harmony between nature and humanity. This legacy inspires ACT’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism that honours the traditions, livelihoods, and ecological balance of the Himalayan communities.

This year’s festival celebrates the diversity of the Himalayan region, featuring agrotourism, crafts, cuisine, and cultural performances from regions such as North Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and others. Farm-to-table experiences, interactive sessions for collaboration between urban tour operators and rural tourism stakeholders, and live demonstrations of sustainable practices aim to foster connections and partnerships.

Kolkata, as a pivotal hub connecting North Bengal, Sikkim, Northeast India, Nepal, and Bhutan, offers an ideal platform to promote rural tourism in the Himalayan belt. Post-pandemic travel trends have seen a rise in demand for short, meaningful trips, encouraging urban dwellers to explore their regional surroundings, embrace slow travel, and invest in sustainable tourism.

The festival underscores the importance of nurturing agro-tourism and empowering mountain communities through homestay programs, eco-friendly tourism initiatives, and the production of orange-based organic goods, bamboo products and many other local handicrafts. These efforts contribute to holistic development by boosting local livelihoods, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting environmental sustainability in South Asia and the Himalayan region.

For over 30 years, ACT has been a pioneer in rural and community-based tourism. Its year-round advocacy focuses on empowering Himalayan communities, preserving their cultural and natural heritage, and fostering sustainable tourism practices aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Inspired by Tagore’s vision, ACT continues to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, ensuring the holistic development of people and the environment.

PM E-Drive scheme to boost electric truck market, says DICV’s Satyakam Arya

Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO of DICV, emphasized that this initiative would not only encourage fleet modernization but also create a favorable environment for the introduction of electric vehicles

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has lauded the government’s PM E-Drive scheme as a significant step forward in India’s transition to carbon-neutral mobility. Satyakam Arya, Managing Director & CEO of DICV, highlighted the scheme’s potential to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, aligning perfectly with the company’s sustainability goals.

The PM E-Drive scheme, which links incentives to the scrapping of older trucks, is expected to promote enhanced safety standards and reduce emissions. Arya emphasized that this initiative would not only encourage fleet modernization but also create a favourable environment for introduction of electric vehicles.

“The PM E-Drive scheme marks a pivotal step in accelerating the transition to carbon-neutral mobility in India. By linking incentives to the scrapping of older trucks, the scheme not only promotes enhanced safety standards and reduced emissions, but also encourages fleet modernisation, perfectly aligning with our goals at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles,” Arya stated in a press statement.

The Rs 10,900-crore PM E-Drive scheme, aimed at boosting electric vehicle adoption and expanding charging infrastructure, took effect on October 1. The scheme, which will run until March 31, 2026, replaces the earlier Rs 11,500-crore Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) II initiative, which concluded in March.

Furthermore, Arya emphasised that the scheme’s focus on expanding charging infrastructure will be instrumental in driving the adoption of electric trucks, providing the necessary support for long-term sustainable growth. “This initiative will unlock significant opportunities for the commercial vehicle sector, advancing the adoption of clean, efficient, and technologically advanced transport solutions for a greener tomorrow,” he remarked.

The development comes month after Daimler India Commercial Vehicles – the Indian subsidiary of the world’s largest truck maker, announced its entry into the zero-emission truck market in the country. The company has kicked off a clinical trial of its light-duty electric truck eCanter in the country, which is likely to hit the roads in the coming 6-12 months, the company had earlier said in April.

The third generation eCanter will be assembled in the Indian market to cater to the growing need for e-commerce in the country. The launch of the model also marks Bharat Benz’s foray into the 3.5 to 7.5 tonne truck market- a space where the company had remained absent so far.

So far globally, Daimler Trucks has sold over 2500 eCanters around the world with over 8 million kilometres on the road. Based on the Mitsubishi Fuso platform, the light-duty truck is being assembled in Japan as well as Europe, and India will be the third major market where this model will be locally assembled.

‘Shaping The Future of Work’: New Book Explores Flexible Work Solutions for Bharat’s Workforce

[December 7, 2024, Hyderabad]: Professor Chandrasekhar Sripada’s book, ‘Shaping The Future of Work: Build Flexible Work Options and Unleash the Human Capital of Bharat,’ was today unveiled by Dr BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman & Board Member, Cyient, Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, and Ms Vasanthi Hariprakash, Founder- CEO, Pickle Jar Media, at the Indian School of Business (ISB).

Chandrasekhar Sripada is a clinical professor of organisational behaviour (teaching) at ISB. The professor in the book explains why and how firms and governments must rethink conventional work, organisational, and leadership practices and provide fresh insights to engage the next-gen workforce. Professor Sripada also recommends practical strategies to make India’s world of work inclusive and future-ready.

The programme was also marked by a conversation with the author.

AI and Sustainable Energy Take Center Stage at FTCCI-CDSRI Pre-Conference Workshop

Hyderabad, December 7, 2024: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in collaboration with Chadradeep Solar Research Institute (CDSRI), organized a pre-conference workshop on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Sustainable Energy Solutions. The workshop, held at the FTCCI premises, Hyderabad, was a precursor to the upcoming International Conference on the same theme slated for next year. The event garnered support from prominent organizations including COWE Telangana Chapter, MeitY, TASK, Atal Incubation Centre, T-Hub, Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, and Beyond Scale.

The primary objective of the workshop was to convene industry experts to deliberate on contemporary challenges and opportunities in sustainable energy. The discussions aimed at developing a comprehensive agenda and action plan for the forthcoming international conference.

Dr. Sandeep Chattopadhyay, Founder of CDSRI, underscored the transformative role of AI in enhancing the efficiency of renewable energy resources. Moderating the technical session, Dr. Chattopadhyay emphasized how AI and IoT(Internet of Things) can serve as catalysts for achieving the net-zero emissions goal by 2070.

Mr. Ajay Mishra, Former Special Chief Secretary, highlighted the potential of AI in improving vehicle efficiency and performance monitoring. He noted that organizations leveraging AI-integrated products and systems would gain a competitive advantage in the global market.

FTCCI President Mr Suresh Kumar Singhal stressed the importance of harmonizing advancements in AI with the pursuit of sustainable energy. He remarked, “The insights shared by experts will help make the world smarter, greener, and more sustainable.”

The workshop featured in-depth discussions on renewable energy domains such as solar, wind, hydrogen-powered, and electric vehicles, focusing on their integration with AI and IoT. Industry leaders shared actionable insights and strategies for incorporating AI into these sectors to optimize efficiency and drive innovation.

Key contributions included:

Mr. Kamal Jain, Chair of FTCCI’s Shipping and Logistics Committee, addressed trade barriers and challenges in the import of machinery and equipment critical to the renewable energy sector.

Mr. Mohan Raidu, Chair of FTCCI’s ICT Committee, elaborated on the urgent need for AI adoption in the energy sector to foster technological advancements.

The workshop outlined preliminary recommendations and a roadmap for the upcoming International Conference on AI in Sustainable Energy. Participants left with a shared vision to advance the integration of AI into sustainable energy solutions, making significant strides towards a greener future.

In another function held on Thursday evening H. E. Aaref Alnuaimi Consul General of UAE in Hyderabad visited FTCCI. Mr Suresh Kumar Singhal, president, Mr R. Ravi Kumar, Sr. Vice President, Mr Meela Jayadeva, Immediate Past President and Mr A.V.S. Chakravarthi interacted with him. They had a discussion on trade opportunities between the countries and particularly with Telangana Industries in various areas such as Pharma, Information Technology, Jewellery etc

Film on Mahayogi Spreading Love Amid Religious Strife to Release on 13th December

Kolkata, 7th December 2024: God has created mankind with a lot of love and he searches for the image of his own love in humans. But would God be happy to see humans fighting among themselves in the name of religion and politics? Never, friends. God has tears in his eyes today. In a world where millions of people are still homeless, crores of children sleep hungry on the streets, in the same world, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, all religions are considering each other as their enemies. Casteism, apartheid, racial discrimination is at its peak. Neighbouring countries are bent on war. There is unrest, bombs, missiles and death everywhere.

In such a situation, a volcano of anger is erupting from inside the earth. There is devastation everywhere, somewhere tsunami, somewhere epidemic, somewhere earthquake, somewhere flood. Interference with nature is at its peak. Somewhere trees are being cut, somewhere birds and animals are being killed, somewhere the black smoke of pollution, somewhere the spread of virus is proving fatal for humans.

Today, evil forces are raising their head everywhere. Man has forgotten that he is the incarnation of God. In such a situation, Mahayogi has come to tell all of us that this will not happen now. Now it is the turn of humanity to wake up. Kalyug is in its last phase and Mother Earth, nature, the entire universe and God himself are now ready to suppress the evil. He has called upon all of us through Mahayogi that we should forget religious, social and internal discrimination and walk on the path of mutual love, peace and global unity. Only then will Kalyug end and Satyug begin.

Producer director Rajan Luthra is conveying the same words of God to the people through his film “Mahayogi Highway 1 to Oneness” that God resides only in their love and mutual harmony, and nowhere else.

Mahayogi, who brings God’s message to you, is coming to theaters near you on 13 December 2024. This film has been shot in the US cities of San Francisco, Los Angels and in the beautiful locations of Haridwar and Kedarnath in India.

This Hollywood film has been made by USA’s production house Triloc Films Inc. This movie also has a very good message and inspiration for the audience. The film will open their eyes and change their thinking about life and the world.

Rakesh Sabharwal of Prince Movies is releasing the film all India. The mastermind of this Hollywood picture is Rajan Luthra who has written and directed it. Mr Satadeep Saha, SSR Cinema Pvt Ltd Kolkata is the West Bengal Distributer.

Quest Global Recognized with Top CSR Award for Impactful Education Programs

Bangalore, December 7th, 2024 – Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, was honored with the “Best Scholarship Programme Initiative of the Year” at the Indian CSR Awards 2024. The award felicitated Quest Global’s initiative across Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra where over 900 scholarships were given to students in primary and secondary schools, Junior Technical Schools (JTS), and those pursuing engineering and other undergraduate degrees. The program helped students hone their communication skills, technical proficiencies, and a multitude of soft skills.

The honour, which was conferred at the 4th edition of the Indian CSR Awards in New Delhi, is an endorsement of Quest Global’s contribution to supporting education at multiple levels which spans from primary and secondary education to college, covering institutions like Junior Technical Schools (JTS), engineering programs, and other undergraduate degrees. For instance, the JTS scholarship program offers end-to-end aid including infrastructure support, computer labs, uniform distribution, and salaried computer lab staff to oversee the modernization of rural students’ skill sets. The overall initiative continues to add to its proven track record, under which more than 500 students have gone on to pursue higher education.

“We believe that empowering individuals with knowledge and skills creates a better future. The programs we have implemented go beyond financial support by offering mentoring and career guidance that helps youth build their confidence. Education is the catalyst for societal change, and we are committed to building on the remarkable progress the initiative has achieved so far in India. This CSR award is a testament to our organization’s commitment to excellence in social responsibility, and we are honored to be recognized for our efforts in this space,” said Cheryl Rodness, Global Head of Brand, Quest Global.

As part of its efforts to bolster education in rural and urban India, Quest Global has partnered with several outstanding organizations such as the IEEE, Nasscom Foundation, Smile Foundation, Uthishta, Y4D and Youth for Seva. Through these collaborations, Quest Global has contributed to sustainable development goals such as Quality Education, Decent Work & Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities. The robust partnerships have resulted in job placements for over 300 diverse students. Through these initiatives, Quest Global strives to create a brighter future for young Indian from all backgrounds by empowering them to achieve their professional goals.

Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya Star Sneha Wagh Reflects on the Power of Spirituality in Today’s World

In a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast, actress Sneha Wagh who portrays the character of Chathi Maiyya in Sun Neo’s show Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya has found a sense of calm and purpose through her spiritual journey. Recently, Sneha opened up about how this journey began and the profound impact it has had on her life.

Opening up about her spiritual journey, Sneha Wagh shared,“My spiritual journey began around 2016-2017 when I started seeking inner peace. Over time, especially in the last three to four years, my connection to spirituality deepened. This happened as I visited many of India’s authentic temples, listened to the stories and teachings associated with them, and read about their significance. During these visits, I discovered temples in the most remote parts of India, places many people don’t even know about. These experiences made me realize how incredibly rich our country is in terms of culture and heritage.”

The Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya actresss further added, “Initially, it was the temple architecture that attracted me. Later, the deities within these temples started drawing me in, and that’s when I began exploring mythology. Through mythology, I connected with the broader narrative of how life and civilization evolved. This realization strengthened my faith and interest in spirituality, leading me to immerse myself in learning more about our culture and civilization.”

Sneha Wagh also reflected on the cultural exchange and said, “Today, I see an interesting shift—while we are adopting western culture, many people in the West are embracing Indian traditions. They recognize the value of our practices after conducting thorough research and proving their benefits scientifically. Observing this, I became even more motivated to delve deeper into our heritage. I started reading extensively and researching various aspects of Indian spirituality, which helped me find internal peace and a path that feels truly meaningful. This journey has shown me the richness of Indian culture and inspired me to follow a life rooted in these timeless values.”

Sneha Wagh replaced Devoleena Bhattacharjee as Chhathi Maiyya in the Sun Neo show, and viewers are captivated by her performance. Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, airing on Sun Neo at 7 PM, follows Vaishnavi (Played by Brinda), an orphan who draws strength and comfort from her unshakable faith in Chhathi Maiyya, who acts as a motherly figure in her life. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Brinda Dahal, and Ashish Dixit.

TGH Onco Life Cancer Center’s Day-Care Chemotherapy Department Inaugurated By Ms. Priya Dutt

The TGH-Onco Life Cancer Center located in Talegaon, Dabhade is well-known for its top-notch cancer services, ensuring that patients from rural areas can receive timely intervention without the need to travel to the city. Now, to further provide seamless services to the patients without any delay, the Hospital has started a dedicated daycare chemotherapy ward with 12 beds. This department was inaugurated by Mrs. Priya Dutt, the Chairperson / Trustee- Nargis Dutt Foundation.

Present on the occasion were Mr. Ganesh Khandge (President- TGH), Mr. Shailesh Shah (Chairman- TGH), Dr. Satyajit Gadhokar (Secretary- TGH), Mr. Uday Deshmukh, Chairman and Founder of Onco Life Cancer Center. This program was organized under the leadership of Sachin Deshmukh, Managing Director of Onco Life Hospital, and Center Head Dr Santosh Sahu.

Ms. Priya Dutt, Chairperson of Nargis Dutt Foundation said, ” This facility represents a significant step forward in cancer care. Patients now have access to state-of-the-art technology and advanced facilities, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment and care. I offer my heartfelt wishes to Onco Life Centre for its continued success and growth in serving the community’s healthcare needs.”

While announcing this program, Uday Deshmukh, the chairman and founder of Onco-Life, expressed that through our four centers in Satara, Chiplun, Talegaon (Pune), and Wagholi (Pune), we are consistently striving to provide advanced cancer treatments to the people of Western Maharashtra. These treatments, delivered by highly experienced cancer specialists, are offered at government and affordable rates. He emphasized the sincere effort to bring these services closer to patients in rural areas, enabling them to combat diseases like cancer without having to travel to big cities. He further acknowledged the support of Priya Dutt’s Nargis Dutt Foundation, which will extend services to even more patients, and expressed gratitude for their contribution.