16, Dec 2023
News18 Lokmat concluded Agenda Maharashtra steering conversations about the state’s future
16th December 2023 – News18 Lokmat successfully concluded ‘Agenda Maharashtra,’ a prominent gathering that united visionaries, influential thinkers, and essential stakeholders for a substantial discourse on the prospective progress of Maharashtra. This event, which took place on December 11th, 2023, in Nagpur, served as a platform for stimulating ideas, encouraging cooperation, and instigating beneficial transformations throughout the state.
Dy. CM Devendra Fadnavis, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, CM Eknath Shinde, Girish Mahajan (Minister of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj of Maharashtra), Dada Bhuse (Ports and Mining Development), Ravindra Chauhan (Minister of Medical Education, IT, and Food & Civil Supplies), and Sudhir Mungantiwar (Minister of Cultural Affairs and Forest) graced the occasion of ‘Agenda Maharashtra’ hosted by News18 Lokmat. These leaders and decision-makers actively participated in substantive conversations, exchanged perspectives, and suggested remedies for various challenges, contributing to the formulation of a comprehensive developmental agenda for the region.
- 0
- By Rabindra
16, Dec 2023
It was a Celebration of Learning at Manthan’s Annual School Day Event
Hyderabad, December 16, 2023: Manthan International School, part of the International School Partnership (ISP) group, a global family of 77 schools across 21 countries, hosted the Annual Day, Pratibimb for Junior KG to Grade 3 students and Rangmanthan for Grades 4 to 12, today, at Manthan International School, Tellapur. The event was attended by over 5000 people including families of the learners and the entire Manthan team.
The Pratibimb events were created as reflections of learning that happened in class throughout the year. The Rangmanthan events incorporated all club activities that the students are part of and showcased their skills in music, dance, theatre, sports, and the arts.
The shows had attractive formats such as “Tamasha”, which included the depiction of indigenous Indian games while describing the various stages of life. The story of a teenager was showcased using theatre within a theatre with props that were created on the spot through live painting. A musical skit, ‘Entertainment through the Ages,’ looked at how entertaining and being entertained has changed from the time of gramophones to that of mobile gadgets.
Capturing the rich tapestry of the country’s history, the show ‘Golden Ages of India’ took the audience through the magnificent journey of glory and valour through performances in drama, dance, and music. “Confluence” was the Grand Finale event that celebrated a multicultural extravaganza of global sounds and rhythms presented by Music Club students.
Speaking on the occasion, Surjeet Singh, Principal, of Manthan International School said, “I give a huge shout-out to all students and teachers who gave their very best in this four-day-long event, where the school presented eight shows and all 1850 students participated. The talent, enthusiasm, and hard work exhibited by our students were evident in every performance, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic spirit of our school. Their performances not only showcased their unique talents but also highlighted the collective strength of our student body. I also extend heartfelt gratitude to parents for their enthusiastic attendance and support of the school at this annual event.”
15, Dec 2023
Perfora Brings Innovative Oral Care to the Magnetic Fields Music Festival in Alsisar
Perfora, the innovative oral care brand, proudly announces its participation in the esteemed Magnetic Fields music festival, held at the majestic Alsisar Palace of Jhunjhunu from December 15 to 17.
Recognized globally for its fusion of traditional and contemporary art forms, the Magnetic Fields festival has become a symbol of India’s progressive spirit while honoring its rich cultural heritage, Perfora joins this celebration and introduces its innovative ‘Fresh Breath Campaign’ at the festival. With a resounding message that “Oral Care Can Be Fun,” Perfora aims to engage festival attendees with an array of captivating activities, games, and experiences that emphasize the joy of maintaining oral health.
Jatan Bawa, Co-founder of Perfora, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Participating in the Magnetic Fields festival presents an incredible opportunity for Perfora to merge the worlds of music and oral care. Our goal is to showcase that taking care of your oral hygiene can be enjoyable and entertaining for everyone.”
Tushar Khurana, Co-founder of Perfora, added, “We are thrilled to bring our unique approach to oral care to such a vibrant and diverse audience. Through our engaging activities and interactive initiatives, we aim to create unforgettable moments and meaningful connections with festivalgoers, reinforcing the idea that oral care can indeed be fun and exciting.”
Perfora’s presence at this prestigious music festival marks a significant step in its mission to redefine traditional oral care practices and encourage individuals to embrace a more enjoyable approach to maintaining oral hygiene.
15, Dec 2023
Meghalaya Garners Recognition in State Energy Efficiency Performance at National Energy Conservation Awards 2023
National, 15th December 2023: In acknowledgment of its exceptional performance in the State Energy Efficiency Index, the state of Meghalaya has been awarded the second prize in the State Energy Efficiency Performance Award (Group 4) at the esteemed National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2023. This distinguished ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in the esteemed presence of The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. This noteworthy achievement underscores Meghalaya’s steadfast dedication to energy conservation and efficiency. The NECA, an annual event observed on “National Energy Conservation Day,” recognizes commendable efforts in energy conservation spanning various sectors of the economy.
The National Energy Conservation Day and the Awards are being organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, which is delegated as per the Energy Conservation Act 2001, to regulate and promote energy efficiency and its conservation in India. Every year on 14th December, these Awards are given by the Government of India to various sectors of the economy, recognizing the exemplary efforts on Energy Conservation in the country by these sectors.
Expressing his jubilation, Shri Abu Taher Mondal, Hon’ble Minister of the Department of Power, Government of Meghalaya, stated, “The State Energy Efficiency Performance Award reflects our commitment to sustainable practices and energy conservation, motivating us to persist in our endeavors towards a greener and more energy-efficient future. Meghalaya has consistently spearheaded sustainable energy initiatives, recently launching a Rs 500 crore Solar Mission to ensure a sustainable power source in the state. Furthermore, in the realm of hydro energy, the commissioning of the 33/11kv, 1×2.5MVA substation at Krang village, with a total investment of Rs. 6.60 Crores has facilitated the seamless transfer of 2549 households from Krang and its adjoining villages.”
Meghalaya is heavily dependent on the hydro power for its power procurement and hence has been generating the green power. Further to harness the Solar Power, Meghalaya had planned solar parks at two locations with capacity of 20 MW each i.e., Suchen and Thamar. The Distribution losses in MePDCL has been reduced gradually recent years. Compared to the distribution losses 25% in the financial year 2021–2022, the distribution loss in the financial year 2022–2023 was 16%. Several measures has been take to improve Billing efficiency also. The draft Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) is under consideration for implementation. A Demand Side Management Cell also established in MePDCL under assistance of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, New Delhi to formulate suitable business model to adopt DSM activities. The Publicity and Awareness activities are being carried out by the SDA regularly.
Shri Sanjay Goyal, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Power Department, Govt. Of Meghalaya, remarked, “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient power infrastructure. The objective is not only to meet the energy requirements of the community but also to establish a foundation for enhanced service reliability and overall progress in the region.”
Apart from this, the Government notified the Meghalaya Energy Conservation Regulation-2017 with the objective to promote use of BEE Star level appliance in public procurement and ban uses of incandescent lamp and inefficient magnetic-wire chock of Tube lights.
Government of Meghalaya recently launch The Meghalaya Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 aims to have 15% of the state’s vehicles be electric by 2025. The policy offers purchase incentives for early adoption of EVs based on the energy capacity of the battery.
15, Dec 2023
Bandhan Bank authorised by RBI for disbursing pension to Railways
December 15, 2023: Bandhan Bank, a pan-India universal bank, today announced that it has been authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the disbursement of pension through e-PPOs on behalf of Indian Railway. Indian Railways in the largest employer in the country with an employee strength of nearly 12 lakh. The Bank will soon be integrating with the Ministry of Railways to operationalize the pension disbursement process.
This authorization enables Bandhan Bank to disburse pension to nearly 15 lakh Indian Railways pensioners who have retired from the service. This mandate also provides the Bank an opportunity to serve around 50,000 average Indian Railways retirees every year across all offices including 17 zonal railways and 8 production units of Indian Railways.
This will provide the existing as well as new customers of Bandhan Bank an opportunity to avail the world-class banking services, competitive interest rates along with senior citizen privilege provided by the Bank. Pensioners also get access to more than 1640 branches and best in best-in-class digital banking platform of Bandhan Bank.
Debraj Saha, Head – Government Business, Bandhan Bank said, “Indian Railways is one of the prestigious and largest employer in the country. Authorization to disburse pension to retired employees of railways provides an opportunity to serve them with the best products and services of the bank. It also gives the retired employees an opportunity to enjoy the most competitive rates provided by Bandhan Bank. This mandate by Ministry of Finance, Railways and RBI is a testament of the confidence and trust placed by the regulators and government on our bank.
This new authorization allows us to play a pivotal role in the efficient disbursement of pensions to Indian Railways retirees, contributing to their financial well-being during their golden years. We are now better equipped to serve retirees in a more streamlined, secure, and prompt manner.”
15, Dec 2023
Unprecedented Surge: ABP News Emerges as Viewers’ Choice During State Assembly Election Counting Hours
New Delhi, December 15, 2023: ABP News, a leading Hindi news channel of India, has achieved an astounding milestone in viewership during the recent state assembly elections held in November 2023. According to the data released by BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council), ABP News experienced an exceptional surge in viewership during the crucial counting hours on Sunday, 3rd December 2023.
The comparative analysis conducted by BARC, comparing the peak hours from 08:00 to 12:00 on Sun 03 Dec 2023 with the preceding four Sundays, revealed an outstanding growth trajectory for ABP News. In the rolled data comparison, ABP News witnessed a staggering 189% increase in viewership during the crucial counting period, highlighting the channel’s dominance in delivering comprehensive and engaging coverage of the state assembly elections results.
Source: BARC, 15+ Individuals, HSM, Sun 03 Dec 2023 vs pre 4 Sundays, 08:00 – 12:00, Rolled data.
Unrolled Data Viewership Trend
Delving deeper into the unrolled data trend, the statistics unveiled an even more remarkable surge. ABP News saw an unprecedented spike, surpassing a tenfold increase in viewership during the peak counting hours of 08:00 – 12:00 on the decisive Sunday of 03 Dec 2023, as compared to the average viewership of the same time frame on the previous four Sundays. (Source: BARC, 15+ Individuals, HSM, 03 Dec 2023, 08:00 – 12:00)
This remarkable surge in viewership not only reflects the audience’s confidence in ABP News but also signifies the channel’s credibility and appeal in delivering timely and informative coverage during critical events. The channel’s dedication to presenting unbiased and credible information ensures that every piece of news contributes to an informed society, influencing opinions with a sense of reliability and trust.
ABP News continues to be at the forefront of responsible journalism, maintaining a strong connection with its audience by providing them with news that matters and empowers them to make informed decisions.
14, Dec 2023
More than 1000 Retail Associates celebrated the Retail Employees’ Day at Growel’s 101 Mall
Mumbai, December 14, 2023: It was an enjoyable day at Growel’s 101 Mall as the Mall management arranged a lunch with engaging activities for retail associates to mark Retail Employees’ Day on December 12, 2023. The festive celebration was extended to encompass all the Retailers, Brands, and F&B partners, and outsourced staff operating in the mall.
On December 12, 2023, each retail employee/associate received a warm welcome at the decorated mall entry upon reporting to work. Mall leadership addressed all associates with words of encouragement and motivation, recognizing their hard work in delivering customer delight. Team-building activities infused with fun were organized for all retail associates to foster camaraderie and celebrate this special day.
The ‘Retail Employees’ Day’ is an annual movement initiated in 2011 by TRRAIN & RAI, observed on the 12th of December. This day is dedicated to spreading joy to retail employees who tirelessly serve and delight customers every other day.
Speaking about employee well-being, Gerald Mathew, General Manager, Growel’s 101 Mall, said, “Our commitment to fostering a positive and enjoyable work environment is reflected in today’s festivities, where we come together as a family to appreciate the efforts of those who tirelessly serve our customers. At Growel’s 101 Mall, we not only value our associates’ dedication on Retail Employees’ Day but also strive to prioritise their well-being year-round. We believe that happy employees contribute to the success and vibrancy of our mall. Here’s to a day of celebration, gratitude, and a shared commitment to making Growel’s 101 Mall an even more delightful place to work and shop.”
A recreational zone has been established for retail associates to use their break time for relaxation and socializing with co-workers. The recreation zone offers indoor activities such as foosball, carrom, chess, and various board games, providing associates with an enjoyable time with their colleagues. Additionally, festivities like Diwali, Christmas, and Mall Anniversary are celebrated with retail associates, and special events like cricket tournaments and talent hunts are regularly conducted throughout the year to uplift the spirits of retail associates.
14, Dec 2023
Pahle India Foundation (PIF) appeals to GOM on Online Gaming’ ahead of its 1st meeting, to review existing Lottery Regulations
New Delhi, 14 December: Pahle India Foundation (PIF) appeals to the ‘GOM on Online Gaming’ ahead of its 1st meeting, to review existing Lottery Regulations as well. Pahle India Foundation (PIF) welcomes the Government of India’s decision to constitute a Group of Ministers (GOM) to review the regulatory framework for the Online Gaming Industry.
As the GoM meets for its first meeting on the 15th Dec under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, PIF would like to appeal to the members of the GoM to also review the existing regulations on ‘Lottery’ and bring necessary reforms.
PIF has recently concluded a study titled ‘Lottery in India – A Study on Regulatory Framework and Potential for Social Funding’ where it has reviewed the existing regulations on Lottery in the country and has identified major gaps. PIF recommends an urgent review of the 25-year-old regulation in light of the increased internet penetration in India in the last few decades, and the absence of player protection and minimum age criterion in the existing rules. The offshore online lotteries operating outside the jurisdiction of the Indian regulatory apparatus pose significant challenges and demand urgent attention.
PIF has also done a comprehensive review of the operational processes and the financial models followed by the Indian States where a lottery is currently allowed and operational. In such states also, there is an urgent need for reforms to bring transparency using technology, and adopt best practices to ensure child safety and player protection.
PIF has also reviewed lottery ecosystems in countries like the UK and explored the sector’s potential for social funding in India. Pahle India Foundation is a New Delhi-based economic think tank founded by Dr Rajiv Kumar in 2013. Its motto is ‘Putting India First to Make India First’. PIF has done in-depth research on ‘Online Gaming’ as well as ‘Lottery’. Its reports ‘A Regulatory Framework for the Online Gaming Sector’ and ‘Lottery in India.
14, Dec 2023
F2F Corporate Consultants Private Limited Leader, Dr. Umesh Kamble, Honoured with Prestigious FSSAI Award
December 14, 2023; Mumbai; India: In a significant recognition of excellence in the field of food safety, Dr. Umesh Kamble, the visionary leader at F2F Corporate Consultants Private Limited, has been awarded the esteemed AFSTI-FSSAI Award 2023. The award, presented at the 9th International Food Congress (IFCoN) in Mysuru, acknowledges Dr. Kamble’s exemplary contributions to advancing food safety standards in India.
During the prestigious ceremony held on December 7, 2023, Dr. Kamble was felicitated by Dr. S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, in the presence of notable personalities including Her Highness Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of Mysore and other distinguished guests.
As an Advanced Manufacturing Trainer and FSSAI-FOSTAC’s nationwide training partner since 2018, Dr. Kamble has been a driving force behind impactful food safety initiatives. He has led F2F Corporate Consultants Private Limited, in conducting over 150 dynamic training sessions, both on-site and online, successfully certifying more than 8000 Food Safety Supervisors across diverse sectors. These sessions have been pivotal in enhancing food safety knowledge and practices, contributing significantly to national food safety standards.
Dr. Kamble’s influence extends to active participation in critical FSSAI initiatives like Eat Right India, BHOG, AAHAR, and Safe & Nutritious Food at School. Collaborating with FDA Maharashtra, his reach has impacted regions such as Mumbai, Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and more. Under his guidance, F2F Corporate Consultants Private Limited has also established strategic MOUs with several colleges, furthering their mission of widespread food safety education.
Reflecting on the award, Dr. Kamble stated, “This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to our collective effort at F2F Corporate Consultants Private Limited to uplift food safety standards. Our mission is to empower individuals and businesses with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure food safety, and this award strengthens our resolve to continue making a difference.”
In April 2023, Dr. Kamble’s contributions were further acknowledged by the Honourable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri. Ramesh Bais ji, for his role in the “Eat Right Mella” campaigns. Additionally, his initiatives for World Food Safety Day 2022, where he led campaigns for street food vendors in Pune, underscore his commitment to making food safety a public priority.
14, Dec 2023
Erisha E-Mobility and Uttarakahand Government sign MOU worth INR 1900 Crore for establishment of EV Park
Dehradun, 14th December 2023 – In a significant stride towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, the Uttarakhand Government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Erisha E Mobility Private Limited, a pioneering player in the electric mobility sector. The MOU, signed on 8 December 2023, outlines a collaborative effort to establish an Electric Vehicle (EV) Park and deploy 100 state-of-the-art EV charging hubs across Uttarakhand.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formalized in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Dr. Darshan Rana, Chairman and Managing Director, Erisha E Mobility Private Limited.
Expressing a robust future outlook with enthusiasm, Dr. Darshan Rana, Chairman and Managing Director, of Erisha E Mobility Private Limited commented, “We are excited to partner with the Uttarakhand Government in their mission to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. Our expertise in electric mobility solutions, combined with the government’s commitment to sustainability, will undoubtedly create a positive impact on the environment and drive economic growth.”
The Electric Vehicle (EV) Park proposed on 320 acres with the investment of INR 1500 crores, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region, is poised to become a hub for innovation, research, and development in the field of electric mobility. It will provide a platform for Electric Vehicles manufacturing, ancillary units set up, technology providers, and researchers to collaborate, fostering the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem in Uttarakhand. The company is also committed to generating the employment of 5000 persons (Direct+Indirect).
Additionally, the project aims to establish a robust charging infrastructure with the installation of 100 Electric Vehicle charging hubs with the proposed investment of INR 400 crore, strategically located across the state. This network will ensure convenient access to charging facilities, facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles and reducing the carbon footprint of transportation in Uttarakhand. The total investment of INR 1900 crore will be over a period of 10 years’ time.
