Category Archives: News

Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Ltd. Receives Prestigious Construction Times Award for 41 km Peripheral Road

Bengaluru, December 13, 2024: Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Ltd. (NICE) has been recognized for its exceptional work on the NICE 41 km Peripheral Road in Bengaluru, winning the award for Best Concrete Road (Rigid Pavement) – Construction and Maintenance in India at the Construction Times Award 2024.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which is a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work,” said Mr. Ashok Kheny, Managing Director, NICE Ltd. “This recognition not only boosts our reputation but also motivates us to continue delivering high-quality infrastructure projects that benefit society.”

The award ceremony took place on December 12, 2024, at Greater Noida, as part of bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024. Renowned economist and former Member of Parliament, Dr. Subramanian Swamy, graced the event as the Chief Guest.

NICE Road’s win demonstrates the company’s commitment to excellence in construction and maintenance. The award is a result of a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished jury, considering parameters such as project execution, innovation, and sustainability.

Rakesh Jadhav Takes the Helm as Executive Sous Chef at DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad is delighted to welcome Rakesh Jadhav as its new Executive Sous Chef. With more than 17 years of experience in the culinary industry, Rakesh brings a wealth of knowledge and skill in diverse cuisines, having worked with some of the most esteemed hospitality brands. His extensive experience includes roles at Taj (Pune), Marriott (Pune & Goa), Accor (Mumbai), Starwood (Maldives), IHG Hotels (Pune), RHG Hotels (Pune), Royal Orchid Hotel (Pune), Kandima (Maldives), and Hilton (Pune).

 Rakesh is celebrated for his creativity, artistry, and passion for culinary excellence. His expertise lies in crafting exquisite dishes and experimenting with seasonal ingredients to create unique menus that bring delight to guests. On joining the team, Rakesh expressed, “I love the creativity and artistry that goes into crafting exquisite dishes. I enjoy experimenting with seasonal ingredients to create unique menus that delight our guests. Watching patrons savor our culinary creations is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s rewarding to play a key role in elevating their dining experience. The ever-evolving nature of the hospitality industry keeps my passion for cooking alive!”

 In addition to his culinary experience, Rakesh holds a Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology (DHMCT) from VPHMCT, Kolhapur, which he completed in 2007. His formal training in hospitality and dedication to his craft have established him as a versatile and skilled chef.

 Hotel Manager Khizer Khan expressed his enthusiasm for Rakesh’s addition to the culinary team, saying, “Rakesh’s expertise and passion for culinary arts align perfectly with our commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience for our guests. His creativity and leadership in the kitchen are invaluable assets, and we look forward to seeing his influence on our menus and dining experiences.”

 Outside of work, Rakesh enjoys exploring various cuisines as a true foodie, along with his hobbies of listening to music, reading mythological books, and traveling.

 With this appointment, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad reinforces its commitment to culinary excellence and innovation, promising memorable dining experiences under Rakesh’s leadership.

Howden India Honored with Insurance Broker of the Year Award at ASSOCHAM 2024 Global Insurance Summit

Mumbai, 13th December 2024: Howden India has been awarded “Insurance Broker of the Year” at the ASSOCHAM 16th Global Insurance Summit & Awards 2024, held in Mumbai on December 12th, 2024. The award highlights Howden’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centric solutions.

With the theme, “India’s Insurance Vision: Challenges and Way Forward,” ASSOCHAM’s 16th Global Insurance Summit & Awards brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the future of the insurance sector in India. By highlighting critical areas such as customer-centric digital transformation, sustainable growth, and emerging risks and accessibility for wider insurance penetration the summit shed light on the journey towards achieving the IRDAI’s ambitious goal of “Insurance for All” by 2047.

Mr. Amit Agarwal, CEO of Howden Insurance, expressed his gratitude while receiving the award and reasserted the Howden’s vision to keep contributing to the sector and mentioned “We are deeply honoured to win the Insurance Broker of the Year award at such a prestigious platform. With over two decades of presence in India, this acknowledgment reaffirms our commitment to delivering innovative and specialized solutions that address the evolving needs of our clients. This achievement would not be possible without the trust of our clients, the relentless dedication of our people, and the unwavering support of our valued stakeholders. We are truly humbled and delighted by this recognition, which serves as both a moment of pride and a reminder of the responsibility we carry. We remain committed to continually raising the bar and making meaningful contributions to the growth of the Indian insurance landscape.”

As the Indian Insurance industry is undergoing rapid transformation, Howden will strive to continue to work cohesively with the public and private entities in the insurance sector to offer accessible and user-friendly environment for all the stakeholders.

Les Roches and CHTA Education Foundation Launch 2025 Caribbean Hospitality Professional Development Program

India, December 13th, 2024 – Caribbean hospitality employees are invited to apply for admission to the 2025 Caribbean Hospitality Professional Development Program sponsored by Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, one of the world’s leading hospitality business management schools, and the CHTA Education Foundation (EF).

This transformative program has become a cornerstone for professional growth in the region’s thriving tourism sector, equipping supervisors and managers with the tools to accelerate their journey toward senior leadership roles.

“Les Roches is once again honored to partner with CHTAEF for the fourth consecutive year on this impactful initiative,” said Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches Global Hospitality Education. “With over 100 participants from 15 Caribbean islands, the program has already fostered a community of skilled professionals driving the region’s tourism excellence. Together with CHTA EF, we aim to continue empowering Caribbean talent and supporting a sustainable, resilient future for the region’s hospitality industry.”

The six-month program is designed to be pursued alongside participants’ current roles, requiring a commitment of 12–15 hours per week. It combines virtual and experiential learning in areas such as hospitality operations, revenue management, marketing, sustainability, and leadership. Graduates emerge with advanced skills tailored to meet the evolving demands of today’s global tourism market.

“As Chairperson, I am profoundly proud of the significant impact our Professional Development Program has had on shaping the careers of Caribbean hospitality professionals. This initiative not only highlights the talent within our region but also underscores our commitment to nurturing that talent into leadership. By collaborating with Les Roches, we ensure our participants are equipped with world-class education and skills necessary for the ever-evolving demands of the global hospitality industry,” said Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chairperson of CHTA Education Foundation.

Scholarships Supporting Access to Excellence
The program offers financial assistance in the form of scholarships, ensuring accessibility to talented individuals across the Caribbean. Since its inception, the program has provided life-changing opportunities for participants like Tamar Severin, who is currently completing her Executive Master’s in International Hotel Management at Les Roches.

“Les Roches University has given me the opportunity of a lifetime – an experience I never thought possible. In my wildest dreams, I could have never imagined pursuing a master’s degree, especially, coming from a background without a bachelor’s degree (despite my 24 years of hospitality experience). This journey has been nothing short of a transformation as Les Roches not only opened its doors for me, but also provided the tools and guidance I needed to thrive academically and professionally. The rigorous curriculum and industry-focused approach have challenged me in the best way, enabling me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new concepts, skills, and perspectives. As the student in the master’s program, I have gained a deeper understanding of hospitality, industry, developed innovative thinking and acquired advanced management skills that I know will shape my career,” said Tamar Severin.

Zurich Kotak GI Teams Up with Uttarakhand Rural Livelihood Mission to Enhance Insurance Access for Rural Self-Help Groups

Dehradun, 13th December 2024: Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Limited (formerly Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission (UKSRLM) today to provide accessible and affordable small-ticket insurance to the state’s population.

This initiative aims to leverage an extensive network of over 63,000 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and 3,000 Bank Sakhis to distribute insurance products that cater to the needs of rural and underserved communities.

Under this partnership, Zurich Kotak will begin its efforts by collaborating with the Sakhis, empowering them to distribute sachet insurance products via the mobile applications they already use. The goal is to embed insurance services into the daily lives of these women, enabling greater financial inclusion for the people of Uttarakhand.

Through these initiatives, the company will not only provide insurance solutions but also extend its commitment to social responsibility, reaching communities across the state.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the Uttarakhand government and support their efforts to bring meaningful financial protection to the people of this beautiful state,” said Jagjeet Singh Siddhu, Chief Distribution Officer – Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Ltd.

“With the strength of Uttarakhand’s Self-Help Groups and Sakhis, we are confident that we can deliver the right solutions to those who need it most,” he added.

This collaboration marks an important milestone in the company’s continued commitment to enhancing financial security and empowering individuals and communities across India, fulfilling IRDAI’s vision of “Insurance for All by 2047.”

Bitget Moves Toward MiCA Compliance with the Opening of Its Europe Regional Hub

Global, 13th December 2024: Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is exploring the establishment of its Europe regional hub in Lithuania as part of its strategic expansion in the European Union. The move aligns with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which aims to provide a unified regulatory environment for crypto assets across the region.

The company is actively preparing for compliance under the MiCA framework, including plans to set up an office and recruit compliance and operations personnel in Lithuania.

“We truly appreciate EU regulatory authorities for their leadership and vision for nurturing a secure and vibrant environment for digital innovation. Our vision for Europe goes beyond business expansion. The continent is at the forefront of the crypto revolution, and we are committed to contributing to its growing ecosystem of crypto startups,” said Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer of Bitget. “By establishing a hub in the European Union, we are demonstrating our strong commitment to uphold the highest standards of security and compliance” he added.

Bitget consistently works towards abiding by regulatory compliance worldwide in crypto-friendly jurisdictions, holding licenses in major markets such as Poland, Australia, and Italy. The exchange recently re-entered the UK market, offering fully compliant crypto services, and is pursuing regulatory approvals in more than 15 jurisdictions worldwide. This includes Lithuania, where Bitget secures its crypto registration, indicating its dedication to operating securely and transparently within Europe.

The company also plans to collaborate closely with European regulators to ensure its products meet all regulatory requirements while prioritizing the protection of user assets and data. As the MiCA framework comes into effect, Bitget’s proactive steps push it to become the fastest-growing compliant exchange.

GlobalGyan Leadership Academy Unveils Vision for the Future of Work, Merging AI with Human Intelligence

Mumbai, 13th December 2024 – GlobalGyan Leadership Academy, renowned for its tailored leadership development programs for India’s top corporates, hosted an insightful virtual panel discussion today on “Human Intelligence 2.0: Upskilling for Leadership in the AI Era.” The discussion examined the evolving workplace dynamics where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human capabilities must converge to redefine leadership and workforce efficiency.

Led by Mr. Srinivasa Addepalli, Founder & CEO of GlobalGyan Leadership Academy, the session highlighted AI’s transformative role in automating data-driven tasks and enhancing efficiency. While AI excels at precision and analysis, the discussion emphasized that human skills such as emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and creativity remain irreplaceable. The conversation stressed the importance of leveraging AI to amplify human potential, enabling professionals to focus on innovation, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.

A significant highlight of the event was the announcement of GlobalGyan‘s “AI for Business Leaders” program. This new initiative is designed to equip business leaders with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI effectively into their decision-making processes. The program demystifies AI for leaders, focusing on practical applications and strategic frameworks where AI handles routine tasks while human insight drives creativity and leadership. It aims to prepare professionals with future-ready skills that balance technological understanding and human-centric leadership, ensuring leaders can thrive in an AI-augmented environment.

Mr. Addepalli noted, “The ‘AI for Business Leaders’ program reflects our commitment to empowering India’s workforce to not just adapt to AI but actively shape a future where AI enhances human potential.”

By blending cutting-edge technology with timeless human values, GlobalGyan is preparing professionals to lead with vision, creativity, and resilience in an increasingly AI-driven world. Trusted by industry leaders such as TATA, Godrej, Mahindra, Airtel, ITC, Hindustan Unilever, Wipro, Myntra, and MakeMyTrip, the academy remains committed to shaping the future of work and driving transformative growth for both businesses and individuals.

NSDC and Juspay Join Forces to Improve Payment Solutions for Skill Development Programs

December 13, 2024, Mumbai, India — National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Juspay Technologies, a leading payments technology provider, to enhance payment infrastructure and solutions for skill development initiatives across India.

The MoU was signed today at NSDC’s headquarters by Shreshtha Gupta, CTO NSDC, and Ishan Sharma, Head, Business at Juspay, in presence of Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO NSDC and MD NSDC International, Rajesh Swaika, CFO NSDC and Malyada Goverdhan, Head – B2G Partnerships, Juspay. The partnership marks a significant step towards leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline financial processes for NSDC’s vast network of stakeholders, including training partners, candidates, and other ecosystem players.

Highlights of the Collaboration

As per the MoU, Juspay will provide a robust and scalable payment orchestration platform tailored to the needs of NSDC, enabling seamless transactions across various payment modes like UPI, credit/debit cards, wallets, and net banking. The integration will simplify payment experiences for millions of learners and training providers, ensuring both reliability and efficiency. Juspay’s unified analytics and optimization tools will help NSDC gain actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency.

Speaking on the occasion, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO NSDC and MD NSDC International said, “Our collaboration with Juspay represents a significant advancement in our commitment to enhancing the skill development ecosystem in India. By leveraging the unique payment solutions, we aim to streamline the financial processes for our stakeholders, making skill development more accessible and efficient. This collaboration will empower millions of learners and training providers, ensuring that our initiatives are not only impactful but also sustainable in the long run.”

Vimal Kumar, CEO & Founder of Juspay, added: “We are proud to partner with NSDC in their mission to empower millions through skill development. NSDC’s extensive payments infrastructure presents unique challenges, including the need for seamless integration across diverse platforms and ensuring secure and frictionless transactions at scale. At Juspay, we are committed to delivering a comprehensive solution that not only simplifies these challenges but also offers NSDC complete visibility and control over every financial transaction.”

BITS Pilani Receives A++ NAAC Accreditation, Solidifying Its Position as a Leader in Higher Education

National, December 13, 2024: BITS Pilani, an institution of eminence known for its commitment to innovation, has been awarded the coveted A++ grade with a score of 3.68 out of 4 in the latest circular of NAAC accreditation. This will place it among the top 4% of NAAC-accredited universities in the country, a remarkable testimony to the institution’s commitment to academic and institutional excellence.

The process for assessment by the NAAC is based on seven criteria: Curricular Aspects Teaching, Learning, and Evaluation, Research, Innovation, and Extensions, Infrastructure and Learning Resources, Student Support and Progression, Governance, Leadership, and Management, Institutional Values & Best Practices for evaluation. BITS scored an astounding 100% in Criterion 1-Curricular Aspects for its innovative curriculum and its significant learner-centric approach. Enhanced research output, progressive research policies, and impactful faculty contributions also played a pivotal role in this recognition.

Speaking on the achievement, Prof Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “The A++ grade awarded by NAAC, a highly recognized accreditation entity confirms the persistent commitment of BITS Pilani to quality and reinforces our standing as one of India’s leading higher education institutions. Our Enhanced research output and research promotion policies have played a vital role in achieving the recent accreditation. We look forward to continuing our journey of academic and research excellence, further elevating our impact on education and innovation, and setting new benchmarks for higher education in India and beyond”.

Coordinator of BITS internal quality assessment cell Prof. Mani Sankar Dasgupta, spearheading the accreditation drive mentioned “We are thrilled to announce that BITS Pilani has been awarded the highest NAAC grade of A++, a testament to our robust academic practices and pedagogy. This recognition crowns over a year of dedicated effort, with the recent successful NAAC peer team visit to our Pilani campus showcasing the excellence of inter-campus collaboration and the indomitable spirit of the BITS community.”

The A++ designation is an expression of the institution’s commitment to the highest standards in education; it reflects its ability to balance constant self-examination and analysis with staying true to its vision of excellence in education and research.

Telangana Solar Energy Association Proposes Requirement for Solar Panels on Every Government Building

Hyderabad, December 13, 2024……Media Day Marketing (MDM), a city-based well-known expos organiser inaugurated four expos 4th Edition of the Dairy & Food Expo and 6th Edition of India Green Energy Expo & the 4th Edition of the Green Vehicle Expo. Dairy and Food Expos were inaugurated by Industry and Associations leaders on Thursday. These are open till the 14th and are open from 10 am to 6 pm.

Ponnam Prabhakar, Minister of Transport, Govt of Telangana visited the expo, and inaugurated the other two expos—the 6th Edition of India Green Energy Expo & the 4th Edition of the Green Vehicle Expo.

Speaking on the occasion after the inauguration B Ashok Kumar Goud, President of Telangana Solar Energy Association said The Telangana Solar Power Policy when announced in the year 2015 hogged a lot of limelight and Telangana became a number one state in India. But we couldn’t hold on to that position for long and now we are not even in the top ten states in India. Many states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are way ahead of us. After 2017 the investors backed out of the state. Now solar is not a happening industry in Telangana he said.

Echoing him was Rajesh Parakala, Vice President of Telangana Solar Energy Association. Rajesh said the central government of India offers several subsidies to promote solar energy under schemes such as PM Surya Ghar; Muft Bijli Yojana; Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM). However, the state of Telangana doesn’t encourage the industry nor offer any such subsidies or incentives to promote the industry.

Both leaders suggested that it is only logical that all government buildings must have solar panels. They should lead by example. Even the PM Surya Ghar (PMSG) scheme mandates the same. Under the PMSG too Government offices in India have received a mandate to ensure 100 per cent solarisation by 2025. They further suggested that Telangana has 30,000 schools and schools must be mandated to go Solar.

All new commercial buildings in future must be mandated to go solar. This seems a gigantic task, at least 20% of its components must be solar friendly, they added.

The PM-KUSUM scheme is not fully implemented in the state. Under this scheme one crore houses to be solarised. And the target for Telangana was five lakh houses. But ten months since the scheme opened not more than 3500 houses have gone solar. We want the government to be solar-friendly. We want the government to encourage and promote the solar industry, Ashok and Rajesh added.

The other dignitaries who graced the inaugural include Mrs Dasari Aruna, President Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) Hyderabad – Telangana State; Shri Adnan Sajid Khan (Gullu Dada fame); Actor Shri Shehbaazkhan and other Government officials along with Automotive & Renewable Association & Industry members.

Dasari Aruna said though electric vehicles get encouragement subsidies, and tax exemptions, the associated industries such as charging stations and related infrastructure must be developed.

Mr Ram Soundalkar, Mr Mohd Mudassar, and Mr Kashif Razz, the three Directors of Media Day said Ryoto Electrix is sponsoring three e-two wheelers which will be given away in a lucky draw to one visitor each for the next three days who visit green vehicles expo