Category Archives: News

Empower Youths: Mohit Kamboj feels start-up system, entrepreneurship make them future ready

Mohit Kamboj is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist dedicated to progress, unity, and transformative change across India

India stands on the cusp of a transformative era, an economic and social renaissance driven by the unmatched energy of its youth. With over 65% of the population under the age of 35, India is not just a young nation, but a pulsating powerhouse of ambition, innovation and aspiration. In this context, entrepreneurship must be seen not merely as a means of economic development, but as a national mission, an instrument of empowerment, self-reliance and inclusive growth.

The Rise of India’s Start-Up Ecosystem

India’s journey from the periphery to the forefront of the global innovation map has been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, we are the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem, and cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune have emerged as vibrant centres of innovation. What’s more encouraging is the entrepreneurial spark igniting in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, from Indore to Guwahati, where young Indians are daring to think big and build local solutions for local and global challenges.

But the real opportunity lies beyond the urban bubble. To truly unlock the potential of India’s demographic dividend, we must democratize entrepreneurship ensuring it is accessible not just to the urban educated elite, but also to youth in rural and underserved communities. The goal must be to make innovation a grassroots movement.

Entrepreneurship: The New Freedom Struggle

Today’s young entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are redefining what freedom means. This is a new-age freedom movement, one that seeks economic independence, self-expression, and societal impact. Much like our forebears who fought for political liberty, India’s youth are carving pathways to economic sovereignty by creating jobs, not just seeking them, and by developing indigenous solutions to uniquely Indian problems.

What makes entrepreneurship truly powerful is that it does not require a family legacy or elite education. It requires vision, resilience and an enabling ecosystem. That’s where government, industry, academia, and civil society must work in unison.

Building the Foundation: Education and Policy Reforms

For entrepreneurship to thrive, it must be deeply embedded into the educational framework. We need to move beyond rote learning to foster critical thinking, creativity and financial literacy. Schools and colleges should nurture risk-taking and entrepreneurial problem-solving as core life skills.

Government initiatives like Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, and Skill India have laid a robust foundation. The next frontier is to extend these programs into rural India and marginalized communities to discover the next unicorn founder in a village, not just in a metro.

On the policy front, simplifying tax norms, streamlining business approvals, and expanding access to seed funding and incubators will be crucial. Entrepreneurs need a springboard, not a quagmire of red tape.

Celebrating the Risk-Takers

India must shift its cultural mindset, from applauding only academic rank-holders to celebrating those who take risks and solve real-world problems. Innovation demands courage. Failure is not a stigma, it is a stepping stone. We must normalise setbacks and nurture resilience in our youth.

What excites me most is how youth-led start-ups are addressing India’s most pressing challenges, be it in affordable healthcare, agriculture technology, digital skilling, financial inclusion or waste management. These ventures are not just commercial endeavours, they are social revolutions in motion.

A National Imperative

If India’s demographic dividend is to become its greatest asset, we must empower our young people with the right tools, opportunities, and mindset to lead from the front. Entrepreneurship is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity for sustainable, inclusive growth.

As someone who has built from the ground up, I can say with conviction that our real investment must be in people. In their potential, their dreams and their ability to transform India from within. Let us imagine and build an India where every young individual, from Nagpur to Nandurbar, from Varanasi to Visakhapatnam, has not just the aspiration, but also the access to dream, create and lead.

NMIMS Chandigarh welcomes new batch with Inspiring Orientation Ceremony

Chandigarh, July 15, 2025: SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh marked a significant milestone with the successful inauguration of its new cohort at the School of Technology Management & Engineering (STME) through a vibrant and insightful Orientation Ceremony held on 12th July at the campus. The event brought together distinguished dignitaries, faculty, parents, and enthusiastic first-year students to celebrate the beginning of a promising academic journey.

The ceremony commenced on an auspicious note with the NMIMS Anthem and a lamp-lighting ritual, symbolizing the light of knowledge and new beginnings.

Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director I/C, NMIMS Chandigarh Campus and Associate Dean, STME, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and holistic student development. She proudly shared that NMIMS has recently been re-accredited with a NAAC A++ grade, attaining an impressive CGPA of 3.59 out of 4.0.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Nishant Kumar Yadav (IAS), Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh, and Guest of Honor Dr. Ashok Sangwan, Head of IT Security at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Yadav delivered an inspirational keynote, sharing insights from his journey to the Indian Administrative Services, his training at the IAS Academy in Mussoorie, and the broader relevance of education, discipline, and physical wellness in shaping effective public service leaders. He also spoke about Chandigarh’s unique heritage, encouraging students to pursue their goals with dedication and purpose.

Dr. Sangwan followed with a dynamic session focused on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the importance of strong foundational skills in engineering. He engaged students through interactive activities and emphasized the importance of staying present in the learning process, fostering both technical expertise and soft skills for sustained success in the industry.

A special highlight of the program was the “Wellness First” awareness session led by Dr. Inderdeep Kaur Sawhney, Health Officer at the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh. The session addressed critical topics related to mental health and drug awareness, offering students practical strategies to manage stress, recognize early signs of substance misuse, and maintain emotional well-being during their academic journey.

The event concluded with faculty briefings by Dr. Jagpreet and Dr. Yugal, who outlined the academic framework, support systems, and institutional care mechanisms in place for students.

With courses set to begin on Monday, July 14, 2025, the orientation ceremony successfully laid a strong foundation for the incoming batch, fostering a sense of purpose, community, and enthusiasm. NMIMS Chandigarh continues its mission to nurture future leaders through a blend of academic rigor, innovation, and personal development.

Aviva India Launches Child Future Plan for Semi-Urban Families

New Delhi , 14th July 2025: Aviva India, a leading private life insurance company, announced the launch of its latest life insurance offering – Aviva Bharat Bal Vikas Yojana, a Non-Linked Non-Participating life insurance savings plan aimed at helping families in rural and semi-urban India build a secure future for their children. With premiums starting at just ₹1,000 per month, the plan combines guaranteed maturity benefits and life cover, helping families confidently plan for milestones like higher education, skill development or even starting a small business.

The plan offers a minimum entry age is 3 years, and the maximum entry age is 50 years, with policy terms ranging from 12 to 30 years and a maturity age of up to 80 years, making it suitable for a wide range of life stages and financial goals. Its flexible premium payment options—monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually—make it easier to fit into diverse household budgets.

In the unfortunate event of the life insured’s demise during the policy term, the nominee will receive the highest of:

• Death Sum Assured, or
• Surrender Value as on date of death (higher of Guaranteed Surrender Value or Special Surrender Value), or
• X%** (minimum 105%) of the total premiums paid

Commenting on the launch, Vinit Kapahi, Chief Marketing Officer, Aviva India, said, “Aviva Bharat Bal Vikas Yojana is built around real, everyday aspirations of families beyond metro cities. It’s a simple, goal-oriented plan for parents who wish to protect and nurture their children’s dreams, without the complexities often associated with financial products.”

The plan offers maturity benefits in the form of a guaranteed sum assured at the end of the policy term, ensuring financial support for the child’s future. It also provides tax benefits as per prevailing laws, making it a practical choice for families looking for both financial security and future-focused savings.

This launch reflects Aviva’s deepening commitment to financial inclusion – reaching not just metros, but real Bharat, where protection is needed most.

World Youth Skills Day 2025: Building Future-Ready Youth

By – Amit Goyal, Managing Director, South Asia, Project Management Institute.

“As we mark World Youth Skills Day 2025, it is vital to recognize that empowering today’s youth with future-ready skills is synonymous with equipping them to master the projects of tomorrow. In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence, building digital fluency and cultivating adaptive competencies are essential to developing future-ready mindsets and meaningful career pathways.

We see clearly that skills in project success, data-informed decision-making, and collaborative agility are not just valuable, but are actively redefining the future of work across all sectors. These are the core competencies that enable individuals to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close complex undertakings, turning challenges into opportunities.

To enable inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience, preparing youth must become a shared priority. Institutions must evolve beyond conventional training paradigms and invest in scalable, experiential learning frameworks that integrate mentorship and real-world application. By fostering a culture of continuous development and ethical innovation, we empower youth to lead transformative change, manage complex initiatives, and deliver tangible value through AI and digital skills across industries, communities, and borders. At PMI, we believe every person has the potential to be a successful project leader, driving progress for a better future.”

Tata Technologies CEO: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable EV Future Through Upskilling

By- Mr. Warren Harris, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Technologies.

“At Tata Technologies, our vision of ‘Engineering a Better World’ is centered around empowering young minds with the skills and capabilities they need to excel in their careers and lives. Recognising the significant amount of the skill gap in the EV space, in terms of R&D, maintenance, service, etc., it is our constant endeavour to support upskilling of both students and working professionals. Our in-house skilling and partnership programs like the ‘Ready Engineer Program’, teacher training with iRISE, government partnerships to form ITIs and the InnoVent hackathon challenge, are the results of our commitment towards upskilling the youth. We understand the critical role of the youth in driving the future of electric mobility. Today, courses in areas like AI and machine learning for EVs are becoming increasingly vital. Thus, by focusing on these emerging areas, we aspire to empower the youth to adapt to the evolving culture and contribute to shaping a sustainable future.”

Artist Khushi Khandelwal Debuts Her First Solo Exhibition at AIFACS

New Delhi, July 14th 2025: Emerging Artist Khushi Khandelwal will be showcasing her first solo art exhibition, which will open on July 18th till July 24th, 2025, at Gallery A, AIFACS (All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society), New Delhi. The art exhibition is titled “What’s Under My Skin?” will be open for public, free of cost, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. 

“What’s Under My Skin?” is more than a title, it’s an invitation to showcase the complex emotional topography that exists beneath the daily surface, examining individual accounts of worry, inner struggle and psychological exposure.

In this series of work, Khushi intends to bring forward the overall concept of anxiety as a parasite growing inside the human body, which is not visible directly. Her pieces strive to render tangible inner condition, employing metaphor and material to make sense of the unsensory. Having a strong visual language that shifts effortlessly between realism, metaphor, and abstraction, Khushi’s paintings aim to investigate what is beneath the skin—issues of anxiety, emotions, vulnerability, and the internal self.

Using an intuitive mix of media—pencils, paints, markers, and pastels—Khushi creates a multi-textural world where feelings dictate form. Each piece is a standalone reflection, yet together they form a cohesive narrative of internal reckoning and transformation.

“This is my first solo show, and it’s a completely new and thrilling opportunity for me. The theme came from thinking about emotions like anxiety and how they grow inside us, almost like parasites. They take root deep within, but no one sees them unless something is torn open. This exhibition is me cutting open that surface, letting people see what’s really happening underneath,” said Khushi Khandelwal. 

The exhibition marks a significant moment in Khushi’s artistic journey, having previously participated in group shows but never on this scale or with this level of personal storytelling.  All the original pieces will be up for sale, with a specially chosen set of prints for those who want an even more affordable entry point into the world of Khushi’s Art.

SEDL partners with Indian Army’s Western Command for Blood Donation Drive

Mohali, 12^th July 2025: Spray Engineering Devices Ltd. (SEDL), a leading sustainable engineering and innovative technological solutions provider specialising in evaporation, crystallisation, heat exchange, condensation and thermal heat recycling process across industrial sectors, recently partnered with the Western Command of the Indian Army to organise a blood donation drive at its Mohali facility. The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from SEDL employees and volunteers, resulting in the collection of 70 units of blood.

The drive was conducted under the supervision of medical officers from the Armed Forces Medical Services, ensuring strict adherence to safety and hygiene protocols. As a gesture of appreciation, SEDL also presented mementoes to the Western Command team for their support and service to the nation.

“At SEDL, we believe corporate purpose must extend beyond engineering excellence,” said Mr. Vivek Verma, Managing Director, SEDL. “We are proud to have hosted this life-saving initiative in collaboration with the Indian Army. Every unit donated reflects our shared responsibility toward society and Nation. We remain committed to contributing meaningfully to the communities and institutions that strengthen our country,” he added.

This drive is a part of SEDL’s widening social outreach efforts for 2025. In a recent environmental initiative, SEDL joined hands with 13 BN CRPF, Chandigarh to mark Van Mahotsav through a large-scale plantation drive. The event, inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, also marked the dedication of a new Wellness Park. As a contribution, SEDL provided 100 plant nameplates and 5 water sprinklers, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Further strengthening its grassroots engagement, SEDL’s employees have initiated an internal education program for the children of blue-collar workers at its facilities. What started with just a handful of students has grown into a volunteer-led movement that today supports over 50 children, offering access to basic education, mentoring, and learning resources.

Beyond its innovations in boiler-less sugarcane processing and sustainable water technologies for zero carbon emission, SEDL is dedicated for Sustainable Environment Development and has been expanding its social outreach too. The blood donation drive is part of a series of community initiatives planned for 2025 — including health camps, wellness workshops, and tree plantation drives.

With over 600 installations in sugar processing and more than 270 water treatment systems worldwide, SEDL reinforces its commitment to driving sustainable and socially responsible industrial growth.

Dance, Devotion, and Discipleship Shine at Guru Purnima Nritya Mahotsav

July, 13 2025: The Satyagraha Mandap at Gandhi Darshan came alive with rhythm, reverence, and radiance as the Guru Purnima Nritya Mahotsav unfolded on the sacred evening. Organised by Urvashi Dance Music Art & Cultural Society in collaboration with Gandhi Darshan and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the event was a soul-stirring tribute to the timeless Guru-Shishya tradition.

Inaugurated by Shri Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti & Darshan Samiti, the event brought together disciples of celebrated classical dance gurus from across India. “Guru Purnima is more than a festival—it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to preserving and promoting Indian cultural heritage through our gurus and their disciples,” remarked Shri Goel.

Dr. Rekha Mehra, Founder of Urvashi Dance Music Art & Cultural Society, shared an emotional note, stating, “Through this Mahotsav, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to the Gurus who continue to be the torchbearers of Indian classical traditions. This evening is an offering of love, respect, and legacy.”

A Warrior’s Rhythm: Disciples of Ajay Bhatt
The festival opened with a striking performance of Mayurbhanj Chhau, a martial dance form from Odisha, by disciples Abhishek, Vishal, and Ravi Shanker. Their commanding leaps and martial movements embodied the spirit of ancient warriors, choreographed with precision by their guru, Ajay Bhatt.

Krishna’s Leela in Chaturang: Disciples of Vishwajeet
Following this was Chaturang, a vivid Kathak presentation by Suraj Kumar, Anchal Sharma, and Astha Gupta, disciples of Vishwajeet. Their dance explored the divine play of Lord Krishna, weaving together Sahitya, Sargam, Tarana, and Nritya with emotive abhinaya and synchronized grace.

Shudh Nritya in Jhaptaal: Disciples of Ritu Gupta
Disciples of Ritu Gupta showcased the technical richness of Kathak in Jhaptaal through a presentation of tukdas, tihais, parans, and pramilus. Their footwork and rhythmic clarity offered a glimpse into the pure dance (nritta) aspect of the form.

Invoking Shakti and Samarpan: Disciples of Purnima
Guru Purnima’s disciples performed two emotionally resonant pieces:

Shakti – A dynamic invocation of the Goddess, highlighting divine femininity and empowerment.

Samarpan – A moving portrayal of the Guru-Shishya bond, complete with mirror work and interactive elements that symbolized teaching, correction, and surrender.

Kathak Through the Eras: Disciples of Barun Banerjee
In a sweeping historical narrative, disciples of Barun Banerjee presented Kathak’s transformation through three key phases:

Mandir Kaal – as a sacred offering in temples,

Darbar Kaal – as an art form refined in royal courts, and

Adhunik Kaal – as a modern yet rooted expression.
This performance stood out for its narrative arc and deeply researched choreography.

Guruvy Namah: Disciples of Punita Sharma
Disciples Sukriti Singh, Rashika Johar, Ritika Mishra, Sumedha Singh, and Charvi, trained by Punita Sharma, offered Guruvy Namah, a heartfelt tribute to the Guru set to Sargam and structured in teen taal. Through aamads, tukdas, tihais, parans, and ladis, the performance reflected rhythmic brilliance and devotion.

Divine Invocation: Disciple of Vandana
The concluding performance was a soulful Durga Stuti in Pancham Sawari Taal (15 beats), performed by a disciple of Vandana. The dancer invoked the fierce yet compassionate energy of Goddess Durga, leaving the audience enveloped in spiritual stillness.

A Living Legacy: Gurus and Their Disciples
Adding to the grandeur of the evening were spellbinding performances by the disciples of some of India’s most celebrated dance legends — Padma Bhushan Dr Uma Sharma, Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, and Padma Shri Nalini-Kamalini. Each group of disciples carried forward the distinct legacy of their gurus with finesse and devotion. From intricate footwork to expressive abhinaya, their performances reflected years of rigorous training and a deep-rooted commitment to preserving the purity and grace of Indian classical dance. These acts not only paid homage to their mentors but also reaffirmed the living tradition of the Guru-Shishya parampara that lies at the heart of Indian culture.

The Guru Purnima Nritya Mahotsav transcended performance to become a sacred offering—a living homage to the Gurus who shape not just artists, but custodians of cultural legacy. As the last note faded and the final bow was taken, what lingered was the spirit of gratitude, discipline, and the enduring beauty of the Guru-Shishya bond.

People Forum of India Announces Major National-Level Restructuring; Dr. Bhargav Mallappa Appointed In-Charge of Headquarters Administration

New Delhi, 12 July 2025:

The People Forum of India, an affiliate of the National Bharat Sevak Samaj — a public service body legislated by Parliament in 1952 and established under the guidance of former President of India, His Excellency Gulzarilal Nanda Ji — announced a major administrative restructuring during a press meet held today.

Addressing the media, Dr. S. Manimozhyaan, National Chairman of the People Forum of India, said, “It is an honour to meet one of the strongest pillars of Indian democracy – the media. On behalf of our organization, I thank you for attending and supporting our vision for a restructured and revitalized People Forum of India.”

With over 30 years of service in the organization, Dr. Manimozhyaan has held key positions, including State General Secretary and National Vice Chairman, before being appointed as National Chairman. He emphasized that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who refers to himself as a “Servant of the People,” the spirit of public service has gained renewed recognition and respect.

Complete Dissolution of Administrative Structure

To streamline operations and improve efficiency, the People Forum of India has dissolved its entire national and state administrative structure effective July 11, 2025. This move aims to ensure that welfare schemes reach citizens more effectively, and a new administrative setup will be introduced in three phases:

1. Phase 1: Appointment of National-level office bearers and State Chairpersons

2. Phase 2: Appointment of State office bearers and District Presidents

3. Phase 3: Appointment of District and Taluk-level office bearers

All previous ID cards are now void. Only newly appointed officials will receive secure ID cards embedded with barcodes and certificates of appointment.

Key Appointments Announced

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa has been appointed National Deputy Chairman and In-Charge of National Headquarters Administration & Organization. Known for his extensive national and international contributions to public service, Dr. Mallappa will oversee the appointment of new office bearers across the country.

Dr.S.Selvaganesh have been appointed as Vice President in charge of National Advisory Committee

Dr.Mylaraswamy have been newly appointed as a National Vice President incharge of South India

Mr.B.P. Suresh have been appointed as a National Treasurer

Mr. B.K. Paranthaman has been appointed State Chairman for Tamil Nadu. He will prepare a list of new state and district office bearers for review and approval by the National Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Dr. Manimozhyaan clarified that no individual or office bearer should use previously issued ID cards or engage in organizational activities under the forum’s name. Legal action will be initiated against unauthorized individuals misusing the organization’s identity.

A nationwide membership drive will commence from July 15, 2025, inviting both existing and new volunteers to apply for positions within the newly structured framework.

Reaffirming the Motto: “Public Service is God’s Service”

In closing, Dr. Manimozhyaan said, “The People Forum of India will continue to act as a bridge between citizens and the government. We are committed to strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring that every scheme reaches its intended beneficiaries.”

Fire and Industrial Safety a Key Focus for UP Government: Minister Rakesh Sachan

“Fire & Industrial Safety is one of the priority sectors of UP Govt”, says Shri Rakesh Sachan, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Khadi and Villages Industries, Sericulture Industries, Handloom and Textile, Govt. of UP.

UP Government considers Fire and Industrial Safety as key sectors for the prevention of accidents in the industrial as well as residential sector. Setting up disaster management units in every district, providing information through e-portals, spreading awareness among MSME workers, ensuring compliance with fire safety norms, and conducting regular checks of fire safety equipment are the key focus areas of our government said, Shri Rakesh Sachan, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Khadi and Villages Industries, Sericulture Industries, Handloom and Textile at PHDCCI’s 4th edition of UFSEC held today, from 10th & 11th July 2025, at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.

UP is the largest state in the country, and under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi and Hon’ble CM Yogi, the state has worked on strengthening its infrastructure. Earlier, many entrepreneurs were hesitant to invest here. But during the UP Global Investors Summit 2023, over 19,000 MoUs were signed, reflecting investment intents worth approximately ₹33.5 lakh crore, He discussed that this is a very important topic today at this conference many views have been shared regarding the country’s preparedness for such situation.

He further appreciated PHDCCI for working hand in hand with the government for the past 120 years and said that the UP government is consistently working towards the goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. After agriculture, the MSME sector is the second-largest contributor to India’s economy in terms of employment generation and GDP contribution. Nearly 1.75 crore people have gained employment through MSMEs, and it plays a very significant role in the GSDP of UP.

Uttar Pradesh is moving ahead as a growth engine, the government has recently allotted a sizeable land for a textile manufacturing park in Kanpur and I further urge investors to invest in UP and participate in the state’s vision.

Shri Rajendra Singh, Member & HOD, National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India discussed that while disasters don’t announce themselves, unpreparedness always does. He added, each life lost and every economic setback is a reminder that preparedness is not just essential but non-negotiable.

He further informed that NDMA has developed comprehensive protocols on chemical and industrial safety and shared that in the past two years, the focus has been on mock drills to enhance real-time preparedness. He informed that Last year, the Hon’ble Home Minister highlighted the need for action in industrial businesses. The 15th Finance Commission allocated ₹5,000 crore to states for expansion and modernisation of fire services, with ₹700 crore allocated to Uttar Pradesh.

Mr Singh deliberated that the success of these initiatives depends on partnership and cooperation, and it is up to the states to utilise the funds. Out of the ₹2.28 lakh crore allocated, 40% has been utilised to provide relief, 30% for rebuilding, 20% for mitigation, and 10% for capacity building. He also advised everyone to take this seriously, learn from past incidents, and be prepared for the future.

Shri Shashank Chaudhary, IAS, ACEO, Invest UP, highlighted upon the investment opportunities in UP. He said UP is the only state with 13 expressways (6 operational and 7 upcoming), the highest number of international airports, and one of the largest numbers of domestic airports. It also has a rapid transport system, enabling sustainable transportation.

He informed that the current GSDP of the state is around $350 billion and that 56% of the total population is in the working age group. Further, UP has an ecosystem of 3,000+ Industrial Training Institutes. On the industrial ecosystem, he stated that the state has the highest number of MSMEs in India (9.6 million), with a 15% YoY growth in the manufacturing sector, contributing 11% to the state’s GSDP. He also mentioned the presence of district-wise export clusters for 75 unique One-District One-Product (ODOP) items and said the government is actively focusing on investment.

He concluded that the state has a favourable business environment, currently ranked 2nd in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) rankings. To attract foreign investment, the state government has launched the UP FDI-FCI policy. He also discussed platforms like Nivesh Mitra and Nivesh Sarathi, along with the Online Incentive Management System, which reflect the government’s commitment to investor facilitation through digital governance.

Shri Sunil Kumar Jha, IPS, Director General Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India discussed how North India especially the Delhi-NCR region is an important industrial corridor, but it also poses various disaster risks. He noted the aging infrastructure and inadequate fire safety equipment in many industries. He highlighted the need for proper fire and disaster preparedness, especially for small-scale industries.

Mr. Jha also noted that climate-induced heat waves further increase the complexity of disaster response. The central government has introduced the Fire Safety Bill to bring about uniformity which has been implemented in Uttar Pradesh. Various campaigns are being promoted across educational institutions through the department’s portal, time-to-time advisories are issued. He informed that BIS issues the National Building Code and that a new version will be released by 2025.

Further he called upon all stakeholders to collaborate and focus on smart fire-fighting technologies, AI, robust training for first responders, and investment in fire research and development making fire safety not just a compliance requirement, but a corporate necessity, responsibility, and priority.

Shri Hemant Sapra, Co–Chair, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, spoke about PHDCCI providing such a platform where stronger policies and environments can be created, as the life of every individual and worker is important. He informed that PHDCCI has been working for the safety issues for the past 30–35 years. Fortunately, the government has created policies and infrastructure that ensure safety and implementation.

He added that BIS has also upgraded the standards of safety products. He also emphasised that 100% implementation must be ensured and that a conscious effort is needed to maintain safety both personally and in one’s surroundings.

Shri Vivek Agarwala, Co– Chair, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, discussed on how this conference on industrial safety, fire safety, and disaster response is aligned with PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat. He said that PHDCCI is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, and aligning with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, both for the country and Uttar Pradesh is the chamber’s goal.

This 4th edition of UFSEC is a step in that direction, focusing on deliberations on such vital issues. There should be One Nation, One Policy, One System, as currently every state has a different policy. We want one unified policy for better resource utilisation, added Mr. Agarwala.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta CEO and Secretary General, PHDCCI discussed that Safety is one of the most important aspects of our lives. Today, there is a need to be aware and prepared. It begins with each citizen understanding its importance and even one act of negligence can cost millions of lives. In a rapidly changing world, awareness of safety at every phase is essential. This expo and conference is a platform to discuss these critical issues and we are truly honoured to have such luminaries here to deliberate on this crucial topic.

He added, nothing is more powerful than protected and well-lived lives. If safety becomes a habit and health is prioritised, then success follows naturally.

Dr. SP Garg, Conference Convenor & Former Executive Director, GAIL (HSE) India Ltd spoke on the theme of the 4th edition of UFSEC and said the conference is critical, as 4% of the world’s GDP is lost due to such incidents. Therefore, we need to seriously discuss and strategise ways to create safer work environments both on and off campus.

Shri Mahesh Kudav, President, Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association and Shri Rajendra Sankhe, Chief Operating Officer, Indorama India Pvt. Ltd. also deliberated on various aspects of safety in the industry. The conference witnessed over 100 exhibitors participated, underscoring the global relevance of industrial safety, fire prevention, and disaster preparedness. The participation of both national and international stakeholders reflects a shared commitment towards building resilient industrial ecosystems and fostering cross-border collaboration on safety standards and technologies. Revolving around the theme “Building a Safe, Sustainable, and Resilient Tomorrow,” UFSEC 2025 aims to foster co-learning through knowledge sharing, promote meaningful interactions among stakeholders, and establish new partnerships and networks.