Category Archives: News

35,000 Saplings, One Greener Tomorrow – Som Distilleries Deepens Its Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Bhopal, 9^th July 2025: In a proactive step towards a greener future, Som Distilleries and Breweries Limited (SDBL) has launched a large-scale plantation drive, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company has undertaken the plantation of 35,000 saplings across its facilities and surrounding communities, further strengthening its long-term vision of environmental stewardship beyond a single day of action. This initiative highlights SDBL’s dedication to creating a lasting positive impact on both the ecosystem and the communities it serves.

What began as a simple initiative five years ago has now evolved into a sustained green drive aimed at restoring ecological balance, increasing green cover, and fostering community participation. The extensive plantation effort, spanning industrial, urban, and rural areas near SDBL’s production hubs, has been carried out in collaboration with employees, local authorities, and environmental volunteers.

Speaking on this initiative, Mr. Nakul Sethi, Director Strategy & Finance, SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd said, “We see sustainability as a responsibility, not a campaign. The 35,000 saplings we’ve planted represent a commitment to nurturing life and leaving behind a greener, healthier planet for the next generation. With this initiative, Som Distilleries reaffirms its pledge to “Brew Responsibly, Grow Sustainably”-every day of the year.”

SDBL continues to lead by example, integrating environmental practices in its operations- from reducing water and energy consumption to eco-conscious packaging and recycling systems. The saplings chosen include a mix of native and fruit-bearing trees, ensuring biodiversity and tangible benefits for the local environment and communities.

Regular care and monitoring of the saplings will be maintained through partnerships with community stakeholders and SDBL’s internal green teams.

 This green movement has also become a unifying force within the company, with employees volunteering time and effort to personally contribute to the plantation and upkeep efforts. The initiative has helped build a culture of environmental consciousness across all levels of the organization- encouraging staff to not just participate in corporate campaigns, but also adopt green practices in their daily lives.

 Looking ahead, SDBL aims to scale up its sustainability roadmap by exploring innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting, carbon footprint tracking, and circular waste management. With strong alignment to India’s broader climate goals and ESG frameworks, the company envisions playing a key role in shaping a cleaner, greener industrial future.

UPITS 2025 Roadshow to be held in Hyderabad on 11th July at FTCCI

Shri Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, MSME & Export Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh, will grace the Roadshow

Hyderabad, July 08, 2025: The Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025 Roadshow will be held in Hyderabad on July 11, 2025, at the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Red Hills.

This high-impact outreach event is being organised by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in collaboration with India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) as part of a multi-city promotional campaign.

The Roadshow will be presided over by Shri Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, MSME & Export Promotion, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and will also feature the presence of Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, India Expo Centre & Mart, along with other senior officials and sectoral experts.

Aimed at strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s presence on the global trade and investment map, the Hyderabad Roadshow is expected to attract over 100 participants, including exporters, industry leaders, MSMEs, sourcing consultants, and trade associations from across Telangana and neighbouring states. MSME and Industrialists who are interested in participating are also welcome to attend the roadshow.

This is the second in a series of nationwide road shows, following successful engagements in Delhi-NCR, with upcoming editions planned in Bengaluru, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

The Roadshow is a curtain-raiser to the third edition of UP International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025, which will take place from September 25 to 29, 2025, at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. With the central theme “Local to Global,” the event will spotlight sectors such as MSMEs, Handloom & Textiles, Khadi & Village Industries, Sericulture, Food Processing, Automobiles, EVs, Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, and Traditional Crafts.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, UPITS 2025 is a key initiative to propel Uttar Pradesh towards becoming a trillion-dollar economy by boosting exports, encouraging industrial participation, and showcasing the state’s vibrant economic potential.

Vishwa Jagriti Mission Announces the Sacred Celebration of Guru Purnima Mahotsav, 2025

Vishwa Jagriti Mission’s most awaited spiritual gathering of the year, Guru Purnima Mahotsav 2025, was inaugurated yesterday, July 7th, at the hallowed grounds of Shakti Tent (The Golden Decor), Sector 12, Rohini, Delhi. With the divine presence of Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj and Dr. Archika Didi, the Mahotsav has begun radiating its sacred energy, drawing seekers, devotees, and spiritual aspirants from all corners of the world. The celebrations will continue till July 10th, offering four full days of transformative spiritual experiences and divine connection.

Rooted in the ancient wisdom of guru-disciple lineage, this four-day celebration is more than just an event. It is a luminous celebration of divine knowledge, transcendental guidance, and soul awakening. At its heart lies the remembrance and veneration of the Guru who is the eternal source of light who dispels the darkness of ignorance and ushers in inner illumination.

This year’s four-day spiritual congregation encompasses:

Guru Mantra Siddhi Sadhana: A sanctified meditative discipline to invoke mantra power and awaken latent inner energies

Divya Shaktipaat Kriya: A transmission of divine energy that purifies, elevates, and realigns one’s subtle body

Guru Mantra Deeksha: The most sacred initiation into the timeless vibrational essence of the Guru’s mantra

Bhakti Satsang: Soul-stirring spiritual discourses, devotional music, and sangha that uplifts the collective consciousness

In his opening message, Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj shared his vision for the Mahotsav: “A true disciple does not merely follow the Guru, he becomes a reflection of the Guru’s light. Guru Purnima is that sacred juncture where the heart blossoms in surrender, and the seeker receives the silent message of the cosmos.”

Dr. Archika Didi, known for sharing her timeless teachings and wisdom from Gita, added: “This Mahotsav is a celebration of inner elevation. When we connect with the Guru, we align not only with divine grace but also with our true, fearless, and radiant self.”

On the sacred morning of 10th July, the principal Guru Purnima Darshan shall be held, a moment of transcendental grace, where devotees shall offer homage to the Guru’s feet and receive his divine blessings.

In years past, the resonance of Guru Purnima Mahotsav has transcended national boundaries. From Delhi’s ashram to disciples and seekers across Canada, Hong-Kong and Dubai. This spiritual festival has kindled devotion, service, and transformation across continents.

As the sacred lunar day of Guru Purnima draws near, Vishwa Jagriti Mission opens its arms to seekers of peace, wisdom, and divine connection. Bring your family, your longing, your questions, and your heart and be part of this rare communion of the spirit.

Lord Jagannath’s 58th Rath Yatra Celebrated Grandly in New Delhi

Golden Splendor of Lord Jagannath on Rath: 58th Rath Yatra Celebrated Grandly at Thyagraj Nagar, New Delhi

New Delhi, 7 July 2025: The sacred aura of divinity and devotion radiated across Thyagraj Nagar today as Lord Jagannath appeared in his resplendent Suna Bhesha — the golden attire — atop his majestic Rath (chariot), on the auspicious occasion of the 58th Rath Yatra of Shri Jagannath Mandir, Thyagraj Nagar, New Delhi.

Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the divine darshan of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra adorned in dazzling gold ornaments, a sight that is believed to bestow immense blessings. The grand event, steeped in tradition and emotion, marked a spiritual high point of the ongoing Rath Yatra Mahotsav, being celebrated from 28th June to 8th July 2025.

The working committee members of Shri Jagannath Mandir have meticulously planned and executed the arrangements for this large-scale celebration, ensuring smooth conduct of daily rituals, security, sanitation, and crowd management. The temple premises have been adorned with colorful lights, flowers, and traditional motifs, transforming the area into a vibrant spiritual hub.

Adding to the grandeur, cultural troupes from various parts of India have been participating throughout the festival, presenting folk dances, devotional music, and traditional art forms that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the nation. Each evening has turned into a confluence of devotion and culture, attracting not just local residents but also devotees from other states.

The Suna Bhesha ceremony, held on the second last day of the festival, drew special attention. Devotees chanted hymns and offered prayers with deep reverence as Lord Jagannath shone brilliantly in gold, symbolizing divine prosperity and glory.

With just one more day left for the Mahotsav to conclude, the spirit of Rath Yatra continues to echo in the hearts of the devotees, leaving behind an unforgettable experience of unity, faith, and celebration.

Bank of Baroda Bags 1st Runner-Up Position in Performing Banks Category under EASE 7.0

Chandigarh, 7th July 2025: Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has secured the 1st runner up position in the overall rankings under the Top Performing Banks category in the EASE 7.0 Reforms Index. The Bank performed well across multiple reform themes. It was ranked #1 in two categories: Adoption of new-age technology and other advanced capabilities and Developing employees for emerging banking priorities and #3 in Effective risk/fraud management, collections and recovery and Banking towards Viksit Bharat themes.

The recognition was received by Shri Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda, along with the Bank’s Executive Directors Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, Shri Lal Singh and Smt. Beena Vaheed.

Commenting on the achievement, Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda, said, “This recognition and the Bank’s strong performance across themes reflects our continuous efforts to build a future-ready and people-centric institution – one that is committed to sustainable & responsible growth and to contributing to the nation’s progress. I would like to commend the entire Bank of Baroda team as this recognition is a result of the collective efforts and hard work put in by all Barodians.”

Enhanced Access and Service Excellence (EASE) is a reforms initiative by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) for Public Sector Banks.

Cyber Jagrukta: A Box Label Could Lead to Trouble—Here’s How to Stay Safe

Chennai, 07.07.25: Not all cyber scams involve hacking. Many exploit everyday habits. Discarding a delivery box without removing the shipping label may seem harmless, but it can expose personal details such as your name, phone number, and address. Scammers use these details to appear legitimate and trick you into sharing more sensitive data. Being aware of such risks is the first step to staying protected.

What Is a Delivery Box Scam?

Every delivery box carries key personal details such as your name, address, and phone number. Cybercriminals often collect discarded boxes from trash bins and use the information to pose as courier agents or customer service representatives. Once they have enough data, their communication seems authentic, and that’s when the scam begins.

How They Trick You

After gathering your details, scammers may:

· Send fake delivery or refund messages with malicious links or QR codes

· Call, posing as courier agents, and request One Time Passwords (OTP) or personal information

· Ask you to fill out fake verification forms

Clicking suspicious links or scanning unknown QR codes can result in malware attacks or financial fraud. What starts with a box label can spiral into full-scale identity theft.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe: Ruko, Socho, Action Lo

· Remove or scratch off shipping labels before discarding boxes

· Use a marker to black out your name, phone number, and address

· Tear labels into small pieces before throwing them away

· Always be cautious of unsolicited communications

· Cross-check suspicious messages or calls with official customer service channels

· Never transfer money or share personal information including OTPs without verifying the source

Final Word

In the digital age, even physical waste can become a gateway to cybercrime. Staying alert and making small changes in how you handle personal data can go a long way in protecting yourself and your loved ones.

If you have fallen victim or suspect cyber fraud, contact your local law enforcement or report it immediately via the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or at cybercrime.gov.in.

FedEx is committed to building safer, more resilient communities by championing cyber awareness and education, reflecting our responsibility as a global logistics leader to protect our customers, team members, and communities. For more information on how you can combat fraud, click here. Stay Alert. Stay Safe!

Motilal Oswal Foundation Launches INR 100 Cr Rural Youth Drive in Rajasthan

Motilal Oswal Foundation Rolls Out ₹100 Cr Rural Transformation Drive to Empower 1 Lakh Young Lives in Rajasthan

July 7, 2025: In a powerful reaffirmation of purpose-led philanthropy, the Motilal Oswal Foundation unveiled a transformative education and livelihood initiative in Balotra, the home district of its Founder, Shri Motilal Oswal. The launch event was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, and the Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur, as the Foundation announced its plan to invest nearly ₹100 crore over the next five years to create sustainable change across the region.

Rooted in the philosophy of Learn, Earn & Return, the Foundation’s work is grounded in legacy and vision. Founded by Shri Motilal Oswal and Shri Raamdeo Agrawal, the Motilal Oswal Foundation reflects their belief that true wealth is in empowering others. The two co-founders have committed 10% of their personal equity in Motilal Oswal Financial Services to create a philanthropic fund of over ₹4,000 crore.

For over 15 years, the Foundation has quietly supported India’s core developmental priorities in education, healthcare, agriculture, and rural upliftment. With over ₹800 crore already committed to various developmental projects nationwide, the Foundation continues to deepen its impact.

The Balotra initiative marks a crucial moment in this journey. Over five years, the program will impact the lives of more than 1 lakh children, 5,000 youth, and 25,000 farmers across Balotra and nearby areas. These efforts are also expected to create nearly 400 local jobs, providing dignity and opportunities for the community to shape its future.

At the heart of this transformation lies the newly announced Ansidevi Gopilal Oswal Kaushal Evam Krushi Vikas Sansthan—a state-of-the-art institution spread across 87 beeghas. This centre will become a hub for vocational skilling, agri-tech training, and future-ready digital education, placing Balotra on the national map as a rural innovation and empowerment model.

To deliver this vision, the Foundation has partnered with four of India’s most respected civil society organisations, each with a proven track record of impact at scale: Rocket Learning, Educate Girls, Muskaan Dreams, Lighthouse Communities Foundation.

Speaking at the event, Shri Motilal Oswal, Chairman, Motilal Oswal Foundation shared, “We have always believed in Learn, Earn & Return. Acquire knowledge, utilise it to build wealth, and then use that wealth to create a lasting impact. Balotra and Rajasthan gave me my beginnings, and it has been a moment of great fulfilment to return with something tangible and lasting.”

Shri Raamdeo Agrawal added, “Philanthropy is the purest form of investment—in people, in futures, in India.”

This announcement adds to the Foundation’s legacy of high-impact philanthropy, which includes landmark contributions such as ₹130 crore to IIT Bombay, ₹115 crore to Rajasthan Vidyarthi Griha, and ₹100 crore to the Indian School of Business, among many others.

While the Foundation has already accomplished significant milestones, including educating over 1 lakh students, supporting 50,000 farmers, and enabling 10,000 youth and people with disabilities, its journey is far from over. Over the next decade, the Motilal Oswal Foundation aims to play a vital role in contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat.

Empowering India, One Life at a Time—the Foundation’s motto is a lived commitment. And with the Balotra initiative, that promise is taking deeper root in the soil that once gave it life.

Divine Solitaires and Ranka Jewellers Honour Doctors with a Touching Tribute Across Pune

Speaking about the initiative, the Founder and MD of Divine Solitaires, Mr. Jignesh Mehta, said, “At the heart of everything we do is the belief that emotions deserve to be celebrated. Doctors’ Day gave us a meaningful reason to come together with our retail partner Ranka Jewellers and celebrate the unsung heroes in our lives. The response reaffirmed our belief that even small gestures can leave a lasting impact.”

Bank of Baroda Cuts Home Loan Rates to 7.45%, Waives Processing Fees

Chandigarh, July 05, 2025: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced a further reduction in its home loan interest rates, lowering it to 7.45%* p.a., with immediate effect and also offering Nil processing fee. This step is in line with the Bank’s commitment to making home loans more affordable for its home loan borrowers and driving credit growth.

This latest rate cut follows an earlier reduction by the Bank in its home loan interest rates from 8.00% p.a. to 7.50% p.a. in June, in response to the policy rate easing by the Reserve Bank of India.

Commenting on the same, Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “We continue to work towards our commitment of making home ownership more accessible. This latest reduction in our home loan interest rates is aimed at supporting the aspirations of citizens and stimulating credit growth. Bank of Baroda continues to align its lending strategy with the evolving monetary policy environment with the intent to pass on rate benefits to customers, while contributing to the broader economic objectives of boosting loan demand.”

Bank of Baroda’s competitive home loan offerings are complemented by a seamless digital application process. Applicants can apply for a home loan by visiting the Bank’s website or the nearest Bank of Baroda branch.

Shri Palash Srivastava assumes Additional Charge as Managing Director, IIFCL

Shri Palash Srivastava, Deputy Managing Director, IIFCL, has assumed additional charge as Managing Director of India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL).This charge has been assigned by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, vide order dated 2nd July 2025.

Leadership at IIFCL

As DMD IIFCL, Shri Palash Srivastava has played a pivotal role in deepening IIFCL’s strategic engagements across infrastructure financing, project development, and policy advisory. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding the institution’s footprint through innovative financing mechanisms, international collaborations, and strengthened regulatory dialogue. He has actively represented IIFCL at high-level policy forums, capacity-building initiatives, and sustainability-focused platforms, reinforcing the organisation’s role as a key enabler of inclusive and climate- resilient infrastructure. His efforts have significantly contributed to enhancing institutional visibility, building strategic partnerships, and aligning infrastructure finance with national development priorities.

Career Highlights

With nearly three decades of professional experience, Shri Srivastava has contributed extensively to the infrastructure ecosystem across sectors such as transport, urban infrastructure, water, logistics, agri-warehousing, and renewable energy. He has also supported key policy forums including the National PPP Capacity Building Programme, the Kelkar Committee, and the 12th Plan Working Group on Urban Financing. He has held leadership positions at institutions such as IDFC Group, CRISIL, IL&FS, Feedback Ventures, and the Aditya Birla Group

Academic Qualifications

An alumnus of MNIT Jaipur, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA from RA Podar Institute of Management, Mumbai.