Category Archives: News

FAI Annual Seminar 2025 Wraps Up, Emphasizes Green Agriculture and Farmer-Focused Innovation

New Delhi, Dec 13: The Fertiliser Association of India concluded its 61st Annual Seminar 2025 yesterday in New Delhi after three days of focused discussions centered around driving Atma Nirbharta in fertilisers, policy reforms, nutrient stewardship, green production technologies and digital marketing innovations. The seminar brought together senior government officials, international experts, industry leaders, global suppliers, scientists and farmer representatives to shape a collective roadmap for the country’s nutrient future.

Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Chairman, FAI, and MD & CEO, Coromandel International Ltd., said,

 “Our journey towards a greener future begins with smarter, responsible fertiliser use. The fertiliser industry is working to strengthen domestic capacity, promote balanced and precise nutrient application, and ensure farmers have timely access to advanced technologies. FAI will continue to serve as a strong and unified voice of the industry, championing key policy reforms while working hand in hand with the farming community to advance sustainable agriculture. We also remain focused on the development and responsible marketing of novel solutions including nano fertilisers, ensuring their benefits are clearly and effectively communicated to the farming community.”

The Chief Guest, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, Hyderabad,  commended the seminar for fostering meaningful dialogue on sustainable nutrient management and advancing innovations that directly benefit farmers.The event featured four thematic sessions- Session-I- Policies for Green Fertiliser, chaired by Ms. Aneeta C. Meshram, Additional Secretary, Department of Fertilizers; Session II: Nutrient Management to Empower Farmers, chaired by Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; Session III: Green Solutions for Fertiliser Production, chaired by Mr. K.J. Patel, MD, IFFCO; and Session IV: Futuristic Fertiliser Marketing, chaired by Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty, Co-chairman, FAI.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari,  Director General, FAI delivered the welcome remarks. He highlighted how the proceedings of the seminar were structured across four technical sessions and referred to the concerns raised by the Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary, Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, during the inaugural session. He also mentioned the points made by the Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in the second session, which focused on agriculture.

Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty, MD, HURL, concluded the seminar by presenting the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the speakers, participants, and organizers, acknowledging their contributions and the collaborative discussions that will advance sustainable, farmer-focused solutions in the fertiliser sector. These sessions brought together leading experts who highlighted the evolving global and domestic policy landscape, sustainability imperatives, and India’s shifting fertiliser ecosystem. Speakers underscored the changing global policy environment for green fertilisers, emphasized the need for reforms in the urea sector and reinforced the strategic importance of boosting indigenous P&K production to strengthen the nation’s self-sufficiency goals.

Unlock Clarity on Childcare Compliance in Organizations

Dec 12:-  Organizations across India are navigating the childcare provisions under the Maternity Benefits (Amendment) reinforced in the recently implemented Social Security Code, 2020, while seeking practical clarity on effective implementation.

With questions about what qualifies as compliant childcare, the right operating model, and varying state-level guidelines, teams are seeking simple, reliable guidance. This webinar brings a clear, people-first perspective to help HR leaders create supportive, compliant childcare solutions that strengthen workplace inclusion.

To address these and offer clear, actionable guidance, an expert-led webinar will be held on 17 December 2025, from 4:00–5:00 PM IST. The session aims to demystify childcare compliance requirements and give HR leaders clarity on how to operationalize them in a way that is legally aligned, employee-centric, and sustainable.

The discussion will be led by Ketika Kapoor, Founder and CEO, ProEves; who will unpack the evolving landscape, real organizational practices, and key insights from large-scale childcare studies.

What the session will cover

• How labor laws have progressed and what evolution means for today’s childcare obligations

• On-ground organizational realities: common challenges, cost concerns, and how different employers are navigating the landscape

• Key insights from research studies, including trends in childcare access and their impact on women’s workforce participation

• Practical pathways to compliance, including adaptable and scalable childcare solutions

Who should attend

HR leaders, compliance teams, DE&I practitioners, corporate legal professionals, and business heads seeking clarity on childcare compliance and implementation models.

St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer Raises $925,000

The nonprofit’s 54^th annual Men’s Dinner fundraiser supports local cancer charities. 

St. Louis, Mo., Dec 12: St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer (STLMGAC) – a leading nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer research, prevention, and care activities in the St. Louis region – recently hosted its 54^th annual Men’s Dinner that raised $925,000 for local charities.

This year’s event, held at the Ritz-Carlton, featured Pro Football Hall of Famer and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Terry Bradshaw as keynote speaker. A four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers and two-time Super Bowl MVP, Bradshaw is also a longtime co-host of FOX NFL Sunday and recipient of multiple Emmy awards.

Funds raised from the dinner benefit a range of St. Louis-area organizations that support cancer research, treatment, and patient care. Local beneficiaries include the American Cancer Society-Hope Lodge, The Bennet Project, BJC Healthcare, The Breakfast Club, Camp Rainbow, The Cancer Support Community, The December 5^th Fund, Friends of Kids with Cancer, Gateway to Hope, HavenHouse St. Louis, Make A Wish Foundation – Missouri, Mercy Cancer Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis, SSM Health Foundation St. Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, Valeda’s Hope, Washington University School of Medicine, and many more organizations.

“For more than five decades, St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer has united our community in the fight against cancer,” said Executive Director Anita Kraus. “The generosity of our donors and partners allows us to make a lasting impact in supporting families, fueling lifesaving research, and sustaining vital programs across the St. Louis region. We are proud of our Men’s Dinner’s 54-year legacy and look forward to continuing this shared mission of hope and healing.”

Since its inception in 1969, STLMGAC has raised more than $6 million for over 40 organizations serving the local community. The independent nonprofit provides meaningful support for individuals and families affected by cancer while advancing scientific research in pursuit of a cure.

Pictured from left to right are World Wide Technology president and 2025 STLMGAC Man of the Year Joe Koenig with Terry Bradshaw.

For information about the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, call (314) 786-5950 or visit website.

Arth by Emcure and Jai Vakeel Foundation host one-of-a-kind event honouring contributors to disability inclusion, with Aamir Khan as Chief Guest

Mumbai, Dec 11: Arth by Emcure, in collaboration with Jai Vakeel Foundation, hosted “Inclusion Ke Sitaare” at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu to recognise individuals and organisations supporting inclusion through education, employment, representation and community participation for neurodivergent and intellectually disabled individuals.

 Actor Aamir Khan attended as Chief Guest and spoke about the role of families, caregivers and educators in building acceptance, encouraging more people to support inclusion in everyday life. The event was led by Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and founder of Arth by Emcure, and Archana Chandra, CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation, who emphasised that true inclusion comes when every person feels valued, accepted and able to participate equally in society.

Awards were presented to contributors from across India who have taken meaningful steps to remove barriers and build inclusive environments. The honours included recognition for Akshar School for inclusive education, Sol’s Arc for expanding inclusive employment opportunities, Astha for enabling accessible public services, and Buddy Up Network for responsible and positive media representation. Dr. Smita Mahobia was also acknowledged for her individual efforts in guiding families and creating supportive pathways.

The awardees were selected by a jury comprising Dr. Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, former Chief Justice of India, Shilpi Kapoor, Founder of BarrierBreak, Arman Ali, former Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, Kanchan Pamnani, Advocate and Solicitor, and R. S. Prasanna, Film Director. The jury reviewed eligible nominations and deliberated to identify those advancing meaningful inclusion in their communities.

A performance by a children’s group that included children with intellectual disabilities opened the evening, reflecting the confidence and joy that participation brings.

According to a 2022 systematic review published in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, the estimated prevalence of intellectual disability in India is around 2 percent, indicating that millions of individuals require sustained inclusion and support across education and community environments (Source: PMC National Library of Medicine). A 2024 workforce inclusion report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) notes that persons with disabilities in India have a labour force participation rate of approximately 36 percent, much lower than the general population.

Organisers said such gaps highlight why recognition of inclusive practices can encourage more schools, workplaces and civic systems to support people with intellectual disabilities in everyday life.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Thapar said, “Inclusion is meaningful when every child and adult can participate with confidence and support”. Ms. Chandra added that, “acknowledging supporters and advocates helps families feel encouraged and recognised in their efforts”.

Families, educators and supporters attended the ceremony, united in the belief that every person deserves the right to belong and be included in society.

DailyObjects Launches ‘The Playground’ Design Experience at Jio World Drive

Mumbai,  Dec 11: DailyObjects, India’s leading design-driven lifestyle brand, opens The DailyObjects Playground at Jio World Drive, BKC, an immersive, free-flowing exhibit that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings while maintaining a distinctive identity. Situated just steps from Apple’s flagship BKC store, the space transcends the idea of a traditional kiosk, inviting visitors to drift, explore, and play instinctively.

Rooted in the brand’s design-first philosophy, the Playground celebrates flow, continuity, and quiet expressiveness. Its elliptical, open-loop form and thoughtfully placed glass partitions work together to create an experience without boundaries and one that merges seamlessly with its surroundings and encourages natural, intuitive movement. With no sharp edges or abrupt breaks, the space guides visitors gently, inviting them to “Follow the Flow” through an environment shaped by curiosity.

Inside, soft, deliberate design cues and intuitive pathways lead visitors organically through the exhibit, while a track-inspired floor palette, defined by symmetry, geometry, and playful rhythm, encourages moments of pause and reflection. The result is a setting of openness and effortless flow, a clear expression of DailyObjects’ values of ease, clarity, and a quiet delight in everyday living.An intentionally seamless structure ensures the objects remain the heroes. Positioned within a clean, uninterrupted field of vision, DailyObjects’ latest products including the flagship launches Stack, Loop, Pop, and the brand’s newest watchbands invite exploration the way one would discover objects in a thoughtfully designed and curated play environment.

“At DailyObjects, design is not just what you see; it’s an experience,” said Pankaj Garg, Founder, DailyObjects. “The Playground, our signature experiential space format, brings that to life, offering an immersive environment where visitors engage with our products, forging a deeper, multi-sensory connection and lasting affinity with the brand.”

Located within Mumbai’s most prominent retail hub, the Jio World Drive exhibit also marks the brand’s third retail presence in the city, deepening DailyObjects’ connection with its Mumbai audience. Its placement strategically beside the Apple Store, underscores the brand’s long-standing synergy with the Apple ecosystem, where DailyObjects’ products naturally extend and elevate the design language of the devices people use every day.

“Mumbai has always been an important market for us,” the brand noted. “The Playground allows us to meet our customers where they are, offering them a real, tactile encounter with DailyObjects’ design-led products.”

Dormer Pramet Launches Force Solid Carbide Drills for Enhanced Productivity

India,  Dec 10:- Dormer Pramet, a leading global manufacturer of metal cutting tools under  the Sandvik Group, has launched its latest range of high-performance Force solid carbide drills. Designed  for modern manufacturing environments, this new series delivers exceptional durability, precision, and  productivity across a wide range of materials. 

The Force lineup is designed to empower users to overcome drilling performance challenges through a  combination of advanced geometries, optimized coatings, and innovative flute designs. Together, these  features ensure smooth chip evacuation, longer tool life, and superior drilling accuracy in both continuous  and demanding applications. 

The New Force Range Includes: 

• Force X Generation 2 offers enhanced through-coolant and solid options for various drilling  depths, featuring advanced flute geometry and a TiAlN-top coating to ensure reliable performance  in ISO P, M, and K materials. 
• Force Micro delivers exceptional accuracy in diameters ranging from 0.7 to 2.95 mm, ensuring  smooth high-speed operation while maintaining long tool life. 
• Force Deep Hole Drills (Force DHD) provide excellent positional accuracy and efficient chip  evacuation at drilling depths of up to 20xD, supported by internal coolant channels and a Nano Tip multilayer coating for superior thermal stability and durability. 

“Manufacturers are continuously looking for tooling solutions that deliver greater efficiency, accuracy, and  reliability,” said Amit Raina, Country Manager, Dormer Pramet India. “The new Force range embodies  our commitment to offering high-performance drilling tools that provide certainty and consistency at every  stage of the machining process. These solutions are built to support productivity growth and ensure secure  operations for our customers worldwide.”

With this launch, Dormer Pramet continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner in delivering  reliable, efficient, and high-performance machining solutions. The Force drill series reflects the  company’s mission to provide Certainty at Every Turn, helping manufacturers achieve higher output,  reduced downtime, and consistent part quality in today’s competitive industrial landscape

A Christmas Crafted with Love – Celebrate the Season with Choko La’s Handmade Chocolates, Festive Cakes & Curated Hampers

As the temperature dips and the world begins to shimmer with festive anticipation, a gentle warmth rises against the winter chill – one wrapped in comfort, nostalgia, and the joy of coming together. In this cocoon of love and celebration, Choko La steps in to add decadent, handcrafted deliciousness to every cozy moment, making Christmas feel richer, sweeter, and unmistakably magical. This year is momentous as Choko la marks 20 years of pioneering India’s artisanal chocolate culture, an anniversary that adds an extra layer of delight to its festive offerings.

There is a certain magic to Christmas as Choko La’s Christmas collection defines where nostalgia meets indulgence, recasting festive gifting into an experience rooted in craftsmanship, celebration, and togetherness. From designer Yule Logs finished with meticulous detailing to handcrafted pralines, cookies, pops, and figurines shaped with expressive seasonal motifs, every element of the collection recalls the spirit of a holiday made meaningful.

Choko La’s Christmas hampers bring together artisanal treats that honour the tradition of premium couverture chocolate. These aren’t off-the-shelf gifts; they are curated expressions of care featuring rich plum cakes housed in premium printed Christmas boxes, festive pops and cookies adorned with Santas and reindeer, indulgent hot chocolate kits designed for winter rituals, and a selection of bonbons, bars, and truffles that turn every moment into a celebration. Each hamper is a blend of classic holiday flavours and modern craftsmanship, thoughtfully assembled to evoke the comfort of childhood memories and the delight of unwrapping something truly special.

What elevates the collection is the brand’s authentic couverture chocolate that brings depth, smoothness, and flavour clarity to every bite. From designer cakes like the Santa Greeting Cake to fun chocolate figurines, the range showcases the artistry that has made Choko La synonymous with premium artisanal chocolate for two decades. The milestone 20-year celebration is subtly echoed in the finesse of the festive detailing, from the glossy red hat to the snow-speckled tree and the soft shimmer of a golden ribbon, each piece recalling the legacy of a brand that has shaped India’s contemporary chocolate narrative.

The hampers span a spectrum of gifting needs, from intimate gestures to grand celebrations. Whether it’s a compact Christmas box filled with gourmet cookies and pops, or a luxurious hamper layered with pralines, bars, plum cake, and hot chocolate, each offering is designed to help people share warmth, affection, and festive joy. Personalised messages can be added to every hamper, making each gift feel uniquely heartfelt. Corporate clients benefit from seamless multi-city dispatch and nationwide delivery, with recommended timelines of 7–10 days for customised orders. This thoughtful approach ensures every gift arrives beautifully presented and on time.

With its handcrafted creations and festive elegance, Choko La invites you to celebrate Christmas with gifts that speak from the heart, rich in warmth, wrapped in love, and filled with artisanal delight. And as the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary, this festive season becomes not just a moment of gifting, but a tribute to two decades of passion, craftsmanship, and chocolate made with love.

Women in Cloud Celebrates 5 Trailblazing Women Tech Leaders

Women in Cloud (WIC) Honors 5 Leading Women Tech Achievers At The 3rd empowHERaccess Global Prestige Awards 2025

Bengaluru, Dec 10: In a glittering ceremony held in Bengaluru, Women in Cloud (WIC) honoured 5 women achievers at the 3rd edition of #empowHERaccess Global Prestige Awards 2025, as part of the #WICxSaksham2025 initiative that is designed to co-create, celebrate, and collaborate with leaders powering the Viksit Bharat narrative.

#WICxSaksham2025 is a joint initiative of Women in Cloud (WIC) and Veeam to empower and prepare next-generation leaders in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, driving India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat by 2030. The awards were held at ITC Welcome, Bengaluru and celebrated exceptional women techies and leaders, who are leading the race in creating a Cyber Resilient Viksit Bharat.

WICxSaksham2025 is a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a Viksit Bharat Mission that will see India becoming a developed, self-reliant digital powerhouse by 2047. Achieving this vision demands an AI-ready, cyber-resilient workforce and strong collaboration across policy, industry, and academia. empowHERaccess Global Prestige Awards 2025 under WICxSaksham2025 recognized such women leaders who are helping in advancing this national priority by equipping India’s youth, professionals, and institutions with the skills, innovation capacity, and leadership readiness required to secure India’s digital future.

• The winner in Trailblazer Leadership Award was Sobhitha Neelanath, Senior Manager, Software Engineering, Salesforce.

• The winner in Technologist Visionary Award was Padma Subramanian, Co-founder & CEO at Fyrii.

• The winner in Women Tech Entrepreneur of the Year was Shanthi Reddy, Executive Director, YouMitra.

• The winner in Mentor of the Year Award was Shilpa Mitra, Principal Software Engineering Manager, Microsoft
• The winner in Ally of the Year Award was Sunil Bhargava, Senior Vice President Offers Management, Kyndryl

The awards were given in the presence of a global delegation comprising leading tech leaders like Karen Cone Board Director & Venture Partner Mastersfund, Dr. Vijay Rai, Chief Strategy Officer Veeam, Chaitra Vedullapalli, Co-founder & President, Women In Cloud, Michelle Pruitt Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Ram Dutt, CEO Meylah Corporation and industry icons. Also present at the ceremony were the senior executives from EY, Microsoft, Veeam, Kyndryl, RV College of Engineering and other educational institutions, Grace Hopper Leadership and Women in Cloud’s global network of changemakers.

Congratulating the winners, Chaitra Vedullapalli, Co-founder & President, Women In Cloud said,

“It was a great honor for us as we recognize, acknowledge and celebrate women techies and leaders at the #empowHERaccess Global Prestige Awards-India Edition. These awards are designed to honor the changemakers driving India’s inclusive innovation ecosystem of a Cyber Resilient Viksit Bharat. The winners are not just creating new benchmarks but designing a future where technology, equity, and empowerment move hand in hand.”

The nominations for #empowHERaccess Global Prestige Awards 2025 were in five categories.

• Trailblazer Leadership Award – The award will honor women leaders or allies driving high-impact ESG and ERG initiatives that create sustainable, inclusive growth.
• Technologist Visionary Award: This award will recognize innovators developing breakthrough Cloud, AI, and Cybersecurity solutions shaping tomorrow’s industries.
• Women Tech Entrepreneur of the Year: This award celebrates founders leading impactful B2B or B2C ventures, fueling India’s innovation economy.
• Mentor of the Year Award: This award will honor mentors expanding access, opening doors, and elevating the next generation of women in tech.

Ally of the Year Award: This award will recognize allies who champion diversity and inclusion through hiring, mentorship, advocacy, and empowerment.

KLM Adds Fourth Weekly Flight on Hyderabad–Amsterdam Route for Winter 2025

Hyderabad, Dec 9:- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced an increase in its Hyderabad Amsterdam operations for the ongoing winter season. From January to March 2026, KLM will operate four weekly flights from Hyderabad to Amsterdam, up from the current three weekly services. This seasonal enhancement reflects positive travel demand from the region and highlights Hyderabad’s growing importance within the Air France-KLM India network. Hyderabad became KLM’s fourth gateway in India in September 2025, complementing its services from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.

The expansion provides travellers from Telangana and neighboring states with greater flexibility during the peak winter travel period.

Further this increase is part of the broader Air France-KLM India winter schedule, under which the airlines will operate up to 55 weekly flights from four gateways: Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

Commenting on this development, Laure Daynié, Country Manager India said;

“Hyderabad is an important market for Air France-KLM, and we are pleased to increase frequency to four weekly flights during the winter peak. This increase in frequency will provide customers with more travel flexibility and strengthen connectivity to our global network via Amsterdam. We look forward to welcoming more travellers from Hyderabad on board our flights.”

Terre des Hommes India to Host ‘Children and Climate 2025’ for Stronger Child-Centric Climate Action