Category Archives: News

SIAM’s First SAFAR Summit Focuses on Advancing Road Safety in the Automotive Industry

New Delhi, January 20, 2025: The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) successfully organized the 1st Summit on Automotive Future Advancement in Road Safety (SAFAR) today at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on the sidelines of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The event, themed “United Efforts for Road Safety: Safer Roads, Our Responsibility”, aimed to foster collaborative approaches to improving road safety in India through impactful discussions, interactive activities, and innovative initiatives.

The summit commenced with an opening session, where key dignitaries addressed the audience on “Driving a People-Centric Future: A Vision for Safer Roads in India”, and included two impactful Panel Discussion Sessions. The sessions featured high-level discussions, engaging strategies, and innovative initiatives to address key challenges and solutions for road safety.

During the Opening Session, the SIAM’s “Surakshit Safar Initiative Report (2025-2026)” booklet was launched by the Chied Guest Mr. V Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, which offers a comprehensive coverage of SIAM initiatives on road safety in FY25.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Mr. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “This is a momentous occasion as we organize this significant event during Road Safety Month. With 80% of India’s annual vehicle population comprising two-wheelers, who are among the most vulnerable road users, it is crucial to address this concern. This is the perfect time to reaffirm our commitment to safer roads and responsibly contribute to nation-building.”

Chief Guest Mr. V. Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, said, “The implementation of RVB framework—Road, Vehicle, and Behaviour—could yield better results in terms of road safety. Road engineering is critical; it can help us reduce accidents significantly. Vehicles should be equipped with advanced safety features, and drivers must follow guidelines for using them. Behavioural modification through education and awareness is crucial to improving road safety.”

Guest of Honour Mr. Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, Member, the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, said, “India’s federal structure, with its diverse states and large population, poses unique challenges. Reviving India’s age-old value of ‘Pehle Aap’ could significantly reduce road fatalities. We need focused interventions in vehicle technologies, emergency care, and enforcement. We can achieve the ambitious target of halving road fatalities and making our roads safer for everyone by collaborating effectively.”

Mr. Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM & Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & Tata Motors Electric Mobility, said, “The name SAFAR symbolizes a shared roadmap for a safer and more sustainable future. We must strictly follow the 4E model of road safety: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency. We have to educate people and drivers about road behaviour, ensure enforcement of rules and regulations, improve vehicle engineering, and ensure a better emergency response system. Advancing vehicle technologies, leveraging data analytics to identify high-risk zones, and deepening collaboration will facilitate India’s road safety efforts.”

Mr. Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India, said, “Bharat NCAP is a commendable step by the government, which strengthens India’s position in road safety. Our aim is to set new safety benchmarks for our customers while incorporating the most stringent safety standards. We are committed to supporting Bharat NCAP and helping address India’s unique road safety challenges.”

Mr. Kazuyoshi Kuroki, Chief Engineer, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., presented insights into Japan’s road safety measures and said, “Road safety follows the principle of education, enforcement, and engineering. Both public and private sectors have a crucial role to play. We must emphasize creating appropriate education programs, implementing effective laws and regulations, and ensuring collaboration.”

Mr. Sushant Naik, President, SAFE and Global Head, Govt & Public Affairs, Tata Motors, said, “Safer roads mean safer families, and it is our shared responsibility to bring meaningful change. Building a people-centric future reminds us that road safety can only be achieved through cutting-edge innovation. While progress has been made, challenges remain that need to be addressed.”

The First Panel Discussion Session, themed “Saving Lives by Adopting Multi-pronged Road Safety Strategies through Education and Enforcement”, focused on the significance of improving education and enforcement strategies, considering actionable recommendations, and strengthening collaboration. While moderating the session, Mr. Alok Jaitley, Vice President, SAFE and EVP, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Technology must be made more affordable so that more Indian customers can benefit from advanced safety features. We are optimistic about seeing these technologies become standard in vehicles across the country.”

Mr. K K Kapila, President Emeritus, International Road Federation (IRF), said, “By focusing on the 4 E’s—Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Emergency Response—we can drastically reduce accidents and nearly eliminate fatalities. A critical part of this is educating schoolchildren about road safety from an early age to instill responsible behaviour.”

Mr. Akash Passey, President, ZF India, said, “Over the last decade, many countries have successfully reduced road fatality rates, showing us what can be achieved with concerted efforts. Ultimately, it also depends on what customers prioritize and are willing to pay for when it comes to safety.”

Mr. Ramashankar Pandey, Social Defence Fellow of the Indian Administrative Fellowship at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment & Former MD, Hella India Lighting Ltd., said, “India has made significant strides in vehicle safety regulations, emerging as a global leader in this domain. However, true change comes when behaviour aligns with science. A balanced approach is essential while combining regulation with proactive solutions like alert and assist systems.”

Mr. K C Sharma, Chief Engineer, MoRTH, said, “Education of vehicle owners is extremely important. Enforcement of already existing laws is essential to prevent what is happening in terms of road fatalities.”

The second and last Panel Discussion Session, themed “Pivotal Role of Engineering, Emergency Care and Evaluation in Improving Road Safety”, focused on collaboration among stakeholders, public awareness and engagement in road safety efforts. Mr. Prashant K Banerjee moderated the session, which was graced by road safety stakeholders across the industries.

Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, President, ITS India, said, “We need advanced systems like ATMS (Automated Traffic Management Systems) to leverage data and analytics for improving road safety. We must implement measurable data points to incentivize good driving while addressing poor driving behaviour. Piloting such technologies can significantly enhance road safety efforts.”

Mr. Manish Jaiswal, Director, NATRAX, said, “Road safety is a complex challenge that demands comprehensive solutions, including better road infrastructure and improved vehicle engineering. Vehicle safety is a multifaceted issue as it’s the culmination of various factors working together.”

Mr. Abhijit Sengupta, Senior Director & Head of Business- Southeast Asia, HERE Technologies, said, “In our recent survey conducted with 1,300 drivers, we found that more than half of the respondents reported experiencing accidents in the last two years, this highlights the necessity of redefining and tackling key contributing factors behind the same. Behaviour emerged as the most significant factor, followed by road conditions and the enforcement of laws.”

Dr. Tejprakash Sinha, Co-Director, WHO, said, “We must enhance responsiveness in road safety interventions. Immediate healthcare assistance can save 30-40% of lives. Community-driven ambulance services can complement efforts, especially since 40-60% of accident victims are transported by private vehicles. The government is making commendable strides in increasing ambulance availability and their services. Establishing zero-fatality corridors can further boost road safety outcomes.”

Commander Mr. Pradeep K Jaiswani, COO, JP Research, said, “AI can play a critical role in road safety by identifying patterns and using data as a key intervention tool. With technology, we can capture the moments leading up to crashes and apply automated corrective measures. Data is pivotal across technology, healthcare, and policymaking.”

The summit also featured a range of interactive activities for public engagement and road safety awareness, including the “Road Safety Awareness Run”, with participation from over 1,200 students. The event was flagged off by the summit’s Chief guest. Highlighting the importance of road safety, the run was organized on the side of the Surakshit Safar Pavilion (सुरक्षित सफर) which beckons attendees through its four gates for 4Es of Road safety. With interactive VR games, simulators, vehicle models as well as “CPR Training & Certification” on display, the pavilion saw great participation from visitors. Additionally, school students showcased their creativity through competitions including poster-making, show and tell, extempore speech, road safety qawwali, nukkad natak (street play) on road safety themes, and daily street plays. Attendees also experienced an immersive VR journey into road safety, focusing on two-wheeler riding safety, four-wheeler driving safety, and pedestrian safety awareness.

Winter School at IIT Roorkee Explores Key Themes of Globalization, Development, Gender, and Leadership

Roorkee, January 20, 2025: Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) in collaboration with Lancaster University and Birmingham University (UK), and NIT Rourkela, successfully concluded a five-day Winter School on “Globalization, Development, Gender, and Leadership.” the event was held at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Roorkee, under the aegis of SPARC (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration) and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Ministry of Education, Government of India. The convenor (project director) and co-convenors are Prof. Pratap Mohanty (IIT Roorkee), Prof. Pavel Chakraborty (Lancaster University, UK) and Prof. Narayan Sethi (NIT Rourkela).

The Winter School brought together renowned academicians, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss critical issues surrounding gender dynamics in enterprise growth and globalization. The program commenced with a one-day policy workshop, inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, and Guest of Honour Shri Mrutyunjay Behera, Economic Advisor (Joint Secretary), Ministry of Education, Government of India.

In his address, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership in driving economic growth. He stated, “At IIT Roorkee, we are committed to fostering research and discussions that address global challenges. This Winter School is a significant step toward understanding and bridging the gender gap in leadership and enterprise, contributing to sustainable and inclusive development.”

The event also featured insightful deliberations from prominent experts representing institutions such as Ashoka University, Indian Institutes of Management, Azim Premji University, and Shiv Nadar University, as well as organizations like the World Bank, Good Business Labs, and IWWAGE.

Shri Mrutyunjay Behera remarked, “Gender parity is not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity. The deliberations at this Winter School highlight actionable insights that can influence policy and empower women to take leadership roles, enhancing organizational and national performance. The government has been taking a host of proactive steps in the direction”

Key topics discussed included the gender wage gap, labour force participation, and the transformative role of female leadership in boosting productivity, innovation, and financial performance in organizations. With India facing significant gender disparities in labour force participation—only 25% of women are active in the workforce, according to the latest PLFS data—the discussions highlighted pathways to achieve gender parity and its potential to add up to $770 billion to India’s GDP by 2025 (McKinsey, 2018).

The Winter School concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering collaborative research and policy innovation aimed at addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusive leadership. IIT Roorkee continues to lead such impactful initiatives, contributing to India’s progress toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

Oasis Fertility Introduces ‘In the Good Hands of Science’ Campaign to Empower Fertility Journeys at ART Conclave 2025

Pune, 20th January 2025: Oasis Fertility, a leading fertility care provider in India, in collaboration with the Pune Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society (POGS), have launched the Artificial Reproductive Techniques (ART) Conclave 2025 with the unique campaign – ‘In the Good Hands of Science’ at Sheraton Grand, Bund Garden Road, Pune, today.

The Conclave was inaugurated by Dr. Kiran Kurtkoti, Chief Guest of the event and President of the Association of Maharashtra Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society (AMOGS), along with Dr. Arati Nimkar, President of POGS, and Guests of Honour, Dr. Meenakshi Deshpande, Honourable General Secretary of POGS, Dr. Manish Machave, President Elect of POGS, Dr. Durga G Rao, Co-Founder and Medical Director of Oasis Fertility , Dr. Nilesh Unmesh Balkawade, Regional Medical Head and Fertility Specialist Mr. Pushkaraj Shenai, CEO of Oasis Fertility and Dr. Krishna Chaitanya M, Scientific Head and Clinical Embryologist. The main aim of the event is to highlight how science helps minimize or combat infertility rates by tackling various reproductive health-related ailments with the latest advanced technologies.

Being an educational and technology-driven exclusive platform, the ART Conclave brought together eminent personalities, including fertility experts, specialists, top-notch embryologists, and distinguished gynaecologists. Over 180 participants from various educational institutions and professions across the state attended the conclave.

The event featured hands-on training workshops covering a wide range of topics such as Ovum Pick-Up (OPU), Semen Wash Techniques, Hysteroscopy. Following the workshops, expert talks were organized, where esteemed national faculty shared their insights on various infertility topics. These sessions provided participants and delegates with invaluable knowledge and key takeaways.

Following the inauguration, Dr. Durga G Rao, Co-Founder and Medical Director of Oasis Fertility, remarked, “ART Conclave 2025 showcases how science transforms challenges into possibilities. We are excited to offer a hands-on workshop to enhance practical skills, along with sessions on ‘ART Law’ and ‘Unexplained Infertility’ to address legal frameworks and advanced diagnostic strategies. These sessions aim to equip professionals with the tools to ensure better patient outcomes and uphold ethical practices in reproductive medicine.”

Dr. Krishna Chaitanya M, Scientific Head and Clinical Embryologist, said, “The theme ‘In The Good Hands of Science’ highlights our commitment to addressing infertility through innovation. At ART Conclave 2025, we will focus on critical aspects of male fertility, including a session on the ‘Interpretation of Basic Semen Analysis and Its Optimal Management,’ and examine advancements in IVF protocols and techniques. This platform aims to enhance public awareness and empower individuals with evidence-based insights for informed fertility decisions.”

Dr. Nilesh Unmesh Balkawade, Regional Medical Head and Fertility Specialist, said, “With science and AI, we are addressing reproductive challenges with precision and hope. ART offers solutions where obstacles once seemed insurmountable, reaffirming the transformative impact of innovation in healthcare. Advanced technologies, scientific research, evidence-based treatments have paved way at our centre for individualized patient care and striving hard to give biological child through IVF Medication. “

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pushkaraj Shenai, CEO of Oasis Fertility, said, “At ART Conclave 2025, our theme, ‘In The Good Hands of Science,’ reflects our mission to combine precision and care to turn dreams into reality. Trusted by thousands of leading gynaecologists and obstetricians, we are proud to foster collaboration, innovation, and advancements in reproductive medicine. At Oasis Fertility, we remain committed to making these advanced treatments accessible and impactful. Our mission is to better serve the community and assist more couples in achieving their dreams of parenthood.”

The conclave also featured insightful sessions, including ‘Unexplained Infertility’ by Dr. Durga G Rao, ‘Anything About Male Infertility’ by Dr. Krishna Chaitanya M, ‘Anything About IVF’ by Dr. Nilesh Unmesh Balkawade, and Panel discussion on ‘When to Refer for IVF’ by Dr. Nilesh Unmesh Balkawade. A quiz session followed, offering attendees a chance to win attractive prizes while engaging with the presented topics.

Oasis fertility remains at the forefront of fertility care, providing clinical excellence and advanced technology treatments, including procedures such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A). These advancements have played a crucial role in helping young couples facing challenges with conception, as well as those from families with a history of chromosomal abnormalities, to achieve the birth of healthy biological children. Oasis Fertility is the first to introduce “CAPA In Vitro Maturation (IVM),” a drug-free IVF option particularly beneficial for patients with PCOS or those with previous poor IVF outcomes.

Rapido’s Bold 500-City Expansion Set to Reshape Urban Mobility Landscape

Bengaluru, January 20, 2025: India’s urban transportation landscape is set for a significant transformation as leading urban mobility platform, Rapido, announces its ambitious 500-city expansion plan at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, starting from January 17th. The company’s presence at the expo will showcase its commitment to connecting communities and fostering economic empowerment through accessible and convenient transportation solutions.

Building on its current operations in over 120 cities and having facilitated over 200 crore rides, the expansion will roll out in phases. Beginning in February with Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Rajasthan, the initiative will progressively extend affordable mobility options to new states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and others. This strategic approach aims to cater to the diverse transportation needs of a rapidly developing Bharat. Captains on the platform have earned a total of ₹15,111 crore since inception, and the platform facilitates 3.6 million rides daily.

“The Bharat Mobility Expo provides a vital platform to discuss the future of transportation in India,” said Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder, Rapido. “We’re excited to share our vision and demonstrate how technology can create positive social and economic impact. With over 1.3 crore Captains earning over 15,000 crore rupees on the platform, our expansion to 500 cities is a testament to our commitment to empowering individuals and building a more connected India. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders at the expo and collaborating to shape a more accessible and sustainable future for urban mobility.”

The Bharat Mobility Expo serves as a critical forum for industry leaders, policymakers, and the public to discuss and shape the future of transportation. The company’s participation underscores its dedication to innovation, accessibility, and its role in building a more mobile and connected India. Visitors to the stall can explore initiatives across our Bike, Auto, and Cab services. The company’s focus on safety and customer experience will also be highlighted. These initiatives showcase the platform’s contribution to creating over 1.8 million earning opportunities within the gig economy. The company’s innovative technology, focused on enhancing customer experience and safety, will also be a key highlight.

NSDC Honored for Building a Workplace Culture of Excellence and Growth

Mumbai, January 20, 2025- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has been recognized with the Great Place to Work® Certification for second time in a row, affirming its commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace culture for its employees. Awarded in the Non-Profit and Charity category, this certification reflects NSDC’s continuous dedication to employee satisfaction and organizational excellence.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International, stated, “This is a testament to NSDC’s core values of integrity, inclusion, innovation and impact, which makes it an inspiration for every member of NSDC to excel. We are committed to nurturing an environment that promotes learning, innovation, and equitable opportunities for all.” He also mentioned that NSDC celebrates its identity as a diverse and inclusive community, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and respect throughout the organisation, which is essential for a productive and rewarding work environment.

The Great Place to Work® is a global leader in workplace culture, helping organizations create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience. In India, the Great Place to Work® collaborates with over 1400 organizations annually, spanning 22 diverse industries. According to its research, exemplary workplaces share attributes such as effective leadership, a consistently positive employee experience, and a commitment to sustainable financial performance.

NSDC has significantly contributed to India’s skilling ecosystem by facilitating the implementation of several successful upskilling initiatives and vocational institutions which have elevated the benchmarks of skilling in India. With more than 40,000 training centres across 750 districts, NSDC successfully placed 9.4 million candidates, trained over 40.19 million candidates, including 18 million women and 12.9 million individuals from urban and rural India. One of the NSDC’s most transformative initiatives has been the launch of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) which provides a comprehensive platform integrating skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

This latest accolade reinforces NSDC’s position as a leader in skill development in the industry and workplace culture in India, paving the way for impactful changes at both grassroots levels and within the professional landscape.

AarogyaRise: Signature Global’s New Health Access on Wheels Targets Rural and Underprivileged Areas

Gurugram, January 20, 2025 – Signature Global Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Signature Global (India) Limited, has launched AarogyaRise, a mobile health clinic initiative designed to deliver quality healthcare services to rural and underprivileged areas in Gurugram.

At a ceremony held at Signature Towers, Sector 30, Gurugram, the leadership team of Signature Global, in collaboration with Artemis Hospital, flagged off the AarogyaRise buses.

Following the inauguration, two medical buses were proceeded to the Signature Global Superbia located at sector 95 and Signature Global City 93 sites, where health check-up camps were organized, prioritizing the well-being of labourers.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman of Signature Global, said: “At Signature Global, we envision a world where access to essential services like healthcare, education, and skill development is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all. AarogyaRise is a significant step in this direction, bringing quality healthcare directly to those who need it most in rural and underserved areas. This initiative goes beyond treatment, focusing on awareness, prevention, and early detection to empower communities to lead healthier lives.

Our commitment to societal upliftment is also reflected in other initiatives of the Signature Global Foundation, such as Project Paathshala, which has positively impacted over 28,000 children across 52 schools, with a mission to bring smiles to one lakh kids, and Jagruk Beti Swasth Beti, which has reached over 4,000 girls to promote health and hygiene awareness. AarogyaRise is a natural extension of our efforts to foster sustainable, inclusive growth and build a stronger, healthier society for generations to come.”

AarogyaRise is a transformative “Health Access on Wheels” initiative aimed at addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas. The fully equipped mobile clinic provides a wide range of essential medical services, including OPD consultations, gynecological care, general physician support, dental and eye care, and a mobile ICU for emergencies.

The clinic will travel to remote villages, conducting medical camps to offer free consultations, health check-ups, and preventive care services. By prioritizing health awareness, disease prevention, and early detection, AarogyaRise is revolutionizing healthcare delivery for underserved populations, reaffirming Signature Global Foundation’s commitment to driving positive societal change.

NIIT Launches ‘Career Edge Scholarship’ to Empower Final-Year Engineering Students for Thriving Tech Careers

New Delhi, January 18, 2025: NIIT Limited (Ticker Symbol: NIITLTD), a leading skills & talent development corporation, today launched the ‘Career Edge Scholarship’ to empower BE/BTech students in their final semester. This initiative addresses the pressing need for employability by offering merit-based scholarships to enrol in NIIT’s flagship Full-Stack Development with GenAI Honours Program.

The scholarship equips final-year engineering students with in-demand skills in Full-Stack software engineering integrated with GenAI, bridging the gap between campus and corporate life while addressing placement uncertainties.

The total fee of the Program is Rs. 1,10,000 + GST. Eligible students need to pay only Rs. 10,000 + GST as admission fee and may receive scholarships upto 100% based on their academic performance and outcome of personal interaction with them. Registrations are open from January 14 to January 31, 2025, with programs commencing by or before February 28, 2025. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to BE/BTech students with a minimum of 50% aggregate in 10th and 12th Standard, a cumulative score of 50% or above in the first seven semesters, and no backlogs.

This outcome-driven program builds holistic skills combining technical, engineering, and professional expertise. Through 100+ challenges, 10 projects, and drill-based practice with over 10,000 lines of code, learners gain hands-on experience in coding, object-oriented programming, databases, and full-stack development.

Starting with fundamentals, the program progresses to advanced topics like building end-to-end web applications using Java, React, RESTful APIs, and Spring Boot. Learners also leverage GenAI tools to streamline workflows, generate test cases, and optimize solutions. Spanning 34 weeks, the program prepares students for in-demand roles such as Software Engineer, Front-end Developer, Back-end Developer, and Full-Stack Developer.

Students who enrol in this program acquire the same skills that top employers look to build in their entry-level hires, ensuring they are day-one ready.

Pankaj Jathar, CEO, NIIT Limited, commented “At NIIT, we recognize the challenges faced by final-year engineering students as they prepare to enter the workforce. The Career Edge Scholarship for NIIT’s flagship Full-Stack Development with GenAI Honours Program is our way of bridging the gap between their aspirations and opportunities. With a stellar record of placing 100% eligible learners since its inception, this program equips students with the multi-skills that the organizations actively seek, preparing them for diverse roles in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.”

Industry 5.0 to Focus on Personalised Manufacturing with Advanced Technologies for Customised Offerings

Kolkata, January 17, 2025: Industry 5.0, which is focused on integration of advanced technologies such as AI, AR, big data analytics into processes, will help make manufacturing industry more “human-centric, sustainable and resilient”.

“By utilising big data generated by IoT and utilising AI-based software for improving productivity, the manufacturing industry can offer differentiated and customised offering to consumers. Integrating green technology and optimising AI is the way forward. This era promises to be an exciting future of growth, innovation and global competitiveness for MSMEs,” Mr Sanjeev Rastogi, Director – Production, Braithwaite & Co, said. He was speaking at the 3rd Edition of Manufacturing and MSME Conclave Industry 5.0 – The Future of Manufacturing & MSMEs, organised by Assocham here on Friday.

SIDBI has been working in a focused way to address the challenges being faced by MSMEs. “We have been working on green financing for nearly 10 years by adopting a cluster approach. We have been conducting energy audits in specific clusters and based on energy audits we have been able to identify where carbon emissions can be reduced. We have been financing those requirements of MSMEs to help them fine tune their production, machineries and technology etc,” Mr Pramod Kumar Vijayvargiya, General Manager, SIDBI said.

Mr Subrata Roy, Chief Operating Officer, Vesuvius India Ltd, said, by leveraging machines to focus on conducting monotonous tasks, the human capital can shift their focus on value-added activities such as product design, quality control and innovation. This will not only improve operational efficiency but also help enhance the overall work experience making jobs more engaging and fulfilling.

“One of the key things about Industry 5.0 is the emphasis on personalised manufacturing. Consumers today demand products tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Industry 5.0 makes this possible by combining AI, ML and human experience and manufacturers can produce customised products with same efficiency and cost effectiveness as done in mass production. Using these, MSMEs can gain a competitive edge by offering bespoke, high-quality products that meet the unique needs of individual customers,” he said.

According to Mr Sudipta Mukherjee, MD, Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd, Industry 5.0 is more about adopting an informed, aligned and recognised approach as things in insolation might not have the multiplier effect which an inclusive approach might bring.

A majority of Indian MSMEs are currently operating at Industry 2.0 or Industry 3.0 levels, characterized by mechanization and basic automation. These levels are far behind the advanced integration and automation seen in Industry 4.0 and the emerging trends of Industry 5.0, which emphasize human-centric solutions and sustainable practices, Mr Akhilesh Jain, Chairman, MSME Sub Council, Assocham Eastern Region Development Council, said.

“Compared to other major economies like Germany, USA, Japan and South Korea, where more than 40% MSMEs have already integrated IoT and automation technologies into their operations, only 15% Indian MSMEs have achieved this feat. One of the main challenges is that most of them are not fully aware of the benefits of upgrading their back-end processes. It has been found that almost 60% of MSMEs have cited lack of awareness as a major barrier to adopting new technologies. In this context, today’s program would be highly beneficial for MSMEs willing to enhance their efficiency and productivity. Other challenges related to lack of adequate Government funding, skilled workforce, technological infrastructure, etc., need to be addressed as well,” Mr Jain pointed out.

Sikandar Kher explores the darkest complexities of human nature as Akram Khan in Amazon MX Player’s Chidiya Udd

Mumbai, 18 January 2025: Amazon MX Player – Amazon’s free video streaming service is all set to present their latest crime drama – Chidiya Udd. The show explores the unknown territories of the underworld of Mumbai, inspired by Aabid Surti’s novel Cages. This intense series exposes the raw, unbridled truth of the city’s underbelly, where the lines between crime and survival are blurred. Starring Jackie Shroff, Bhoomika Meena, and Sikandar Kher, with masterminds in the director’s chair of Ravi Jadhav and producers Harman Baweja and Vicky Bahri, Chidiya Udd promises to be a heart-stopping journey through the darkest alleys of the city.

Known to the world for his scintillating performances Sikandar Kher steps in, depicting the character of Akram Khan, son of Qadir Khan, the be-feared gangster of Mumbai’s underground. Fired up by raging ambition and an insatiable hunger for power, he is hell-bent on taking the throne of Kamathipura, but his ascent involves some very treacherous inner demons and explosive conflicts. As he walks through the perilous landscape of his complicated relationship with his father, Qadir Khan, Akram must face the dark depths of his own psyche, where insecurity, vulnerability, and seething resentment against Babu Rao simmer just below the surface. With every step, Akram’s quest for validation and supremacy pushes him further down a hazardous path, so much so that he tests his limit of will, loyalty, and his own soul.

Reflecting on his character and the series, Sikandar Kher shared, “Akram Khan is a man deeply shaped by living in the shadow of his father, which has left him deeply insecure, as he’s never truly received the kind of love or softness a son craves. That insecurity fuels aggression and jealousy, but beneath it all, there are moments of vulnerability, which add depth to his persona. Bringing Akram to life was an intense and rewarding experience, thanks to our incredible director, Ravi Jadhav, who made every moment on set a joy. I was fortunate to share the screen with incredible co-actors—Jaggu Dada, whose wisdom and warmth feel like a tight hug; Mayur, a powerhouse of talent; Bhoomika, who is pure fire on set; and Mitaji, whose effortless brilliance elevated every scene.”

Media & Entertainment Industry Vertical Contributes Rs. 3 Lakh Crore to the Economy: Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secy, I&B

New Delhi, January 18, 2025 – “The media and entertainment industrial vertical is close to about three lakh crores of an economy that we have, growing at a rate which is much faster than the rate at which our economy is growing,” said Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, during an address on “Reimagining Media: How Digital Innovation is Changing the Game” at the 19th India Digital Summit (IDS), today.

 The two-day IDS 2025 is being organized by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and is Supported by Digital India, Skill India and Make in India.

Shri Jaju also highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the formation of the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies and the “Create in India Challenge”, which is being organised as part of the Waves Summit upcoming in February 2025. Speaking about the “confluence and inter intersection between art and technology” he spoke at length about the Create in India Challenge Season 1. “These challenges are across various verticals in the media and entertainment landscape. Many of these challenges are also global challenges. All these challenges are being shepherded by the industry and I’m very happy to tell you that we’ve been getting very good participation from the creators across the length and breadth of our country,” Shri Jaju added.

  Shri Jaju discussed the need for regulatory reforms, including light-touch regulations and amendments to the Cinematographic Act to control piracy and promote accessibility.

 Regarding the industry’s challenges, Shri Jaju acknowledged weak news and misinformation. He commented, “There are challenges regarding AI-driven recommendations, which can also inadvertently lead to algorithmic biases. We are also aware of the inequitable returns that many creators face from digital platforms. There are copyright concerns and content quality that impact children, especially the content that promotes disharmony and sexual violence.” However, Shri Jaju expressed confidence that the industry can overcome these challenges and become a global leader in media and entertainment.

IDS 2025, held from January 16-17, recognises digital excellence and outstanding marketing achievements annually across various business and technology sectors. This year’s theme is Bharat’s Digital Path—Empowering Future Innovators.

 IDS is being Powered by NPCI. Amazon.in and MPL are Platinum partners. Among Gold Partners are PhonePe; Australia Trade and Investment Commission; IDA Ireland; Paytm ads, Jagran New Media and Exotel. Route Mobile is the Cloud Communications Partner. Silver Partners include AWS, ShareChat, Shiprocket; Times Internet, and TV9 Network.