23, Dec 2023
Central Bank of India’s ESG VISION: Committed towards net zero (scope1) by 2028 on its 113thFoundation Day
Central Bank of India celebrated its 113th Foundation Day on 21st Dec.2023 across India. On this auspicious occasion Shri M V Rao MD & CEO, Shri Vivek Wahi, ED, Shri M V Murali Krishna, ED, Shri Mahendra Dohare, ED and other Executives of the Bank paid floral tributes to the Bank’s Founder “Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala” at Mumbai. Granddaughter of our founder Dr. Piloo Hakim was also present alongwith other Top Executives. On this occasion various customized products for our valued customers were introduced and new initiatives for employees were also introduced. Bank Released the ESG Vision Paper 2028 and thanked Mr. Deepak Batra and Mr. Atul Gupta for their efforts. MOU with IIM Mumbai was signed for and their Prof. Manoj Kumar Tiwari- Director, and Prof. Shirish Sangle-Dean & Professor were felicitated on this occasion.
On the 113th foundation day function Shri M V Rao MD & CEO of the bank addressed the gathering and conveyed his best wishes to all Centralites and their families. While emphasizing on the various customer centric products launched, he appealed to all the employees of the Bank to perform with passion. He said various schemes have been launched for benefit of staff members. He said that continuous learning is only alternative for success. He released document ESG VISION: Committed towards net zero (scope1) by 2028 on its 113th Foundation Day. Shri Rao said that green initiatives is call of the time. Dr. Piloo Hakim granddaughter of the founder Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala thanked the bank management for remembering the founder’s family every year on the foundation day function and also gave her best wishes to the bank on its 113th foundation day.
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- By Rabindra
23, Dec 2023
SBI Ladies’ club spreads Christmas cheer and celebrates with underprivileged children
Mumbai, December 23, 2023 — State Bank of India, the country’s largest lender, in a heartwarming celebration of compassion and festivity with SBI Ladies’ Club Mumbai, led by All India President Mrs. Anita Khara, arranged a Christmas Carnival for 100 underprivileged children.
With the spirit of the season, the event unfolded as a captivating experience for the children, who were treated to a myriad of activities. The festivities continued with buggy rides, games, a mesmerizing magic show, and photographs with Santa Claus. Each child was presented with gifts and snack boxes contributed by the members of the SBI Ladies’ Club Mumbai.
Reflecting on the event, All India President Mrs. Anita Khara remarked, “The SBI Ladies’ Club Mumbai is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate, especially during the holiday season. The Christmas Carnival was not just an event; it was a collective effort to bring happiness and festive spirit to the hearts of these wonderful children. Our club is dedicated to such social and charitable endeavors, and we find immense joy in contributing to the community.”
The evening concluded with the lighting of the Christmas tree and the melodious carols, echoing the true essence of Christmas.
The SBI Ladies’ Club Mumbai remains committed to social responsibility and this Carnival showcases the club’s dedication to creating meaningful and lasting memories for the underprivileged children.
23, Dec 2023
100th Anniversary of legal luminary late Justice Konda Madhav Reddy
Hon’ble Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar to release a special postal cover to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of legal luminary late Justice Konda Madhav Reddy!
Hyderabad, December 23nd, 2023: Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Vice-President of India, will be releasing a special postal cover to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of legal luminary late Justice Konda Madhav Reddy on December 27th, 2023, at 5.00 pm at AV College, Gagan Mahal, Hyderabad. Late Justice Konda Madhav Reddy served as the Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh and Mumbai High Courts and Governor of Maharashtra.
The special postal cover being released in honour of Justice Konda Madhav Reddy, is a momentous occasion which captures the essence of his life and works and the values he stood for, says Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, Chairman, Justice Konda Madhav Reddy Foundation, Hyderabad.
The program will be presided over by Dr. (Smt.) Tamilisai Soundararajan, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana and Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Puducherry. Shri Alok Aradhe, Hon’ble Chief Justice, Telangana; Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group; Justice B Sudershan Reddy, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India; Shri PVS Reddy, Chief Postmaster General, Telangana Circle; Prof. Ramchandra Reddy, Former professor of Osmania University; Shri VR Reddy; Justice MSK Jaiswal, several other sitting and retired judges, members from legal fraternity, MPs, MLAs and other dignitaries will grace the occasion.
23, Dec 2023
NephroPlus presented unique abstracts at the 53rd Annual National Conference of Indian Society of Nephrology (ISNCON 2023) held in Kolkata
The 53rd edition of ISNCON 2023 was recently held and hosted by the Local Organizing Committee in Kolkata hosted the event. It is the flagship Nephrology event in India, which brings faculty from across India and the world. NephroPlus presented 2 abstracts at the conference, which brings unique perspectives about kidney care in India, in low resource settings.
Hepatitis C infection has long been a concern in the hemodialysis community, with its prevalence attributed to the concentration of risk factors within dialysis units. Recognizing the critical need for treatment strategies, India’s largest dialysis provider, NephroPlus, has launched a ground-breaking initiative as a pilot program across 6 dialysis clinics from April to June 2023 covering 20 patients to combat Hepatitis C in Andhra Pradesh with patients covered by the Government Healthcare Scheme.
Hepatitis C positive patients with clinical criteria were chosen and treated at the provider’s own cost. We chose the approach but due to the high cost of treatment which remains unaffordable for patients and there is no public program to support it. 100% of patients were successfully treated and the significant health system benefits include source reduction in the HD units, less infection risk for hepatitis C negative patients in the dialysis units and lastly decreased cost of care
It is previously known that mortality is higher in first 90 days across health systems, globally. The early transition period can be particularly challenging in low resource settings like patients under government Insurance in rural India. In an observational study over 3 periods less than one third patients started with arteriovenous fistula (a safe permanent access) in a rural cohort, over the first 90 days, less than half patients were able to get a permanent access done successfully. In addition, mortality rate increased from 24% in the first 90 days among those who started with a permanent access to 34% among those who got a permanent access done. It rose to 67% among those who remained on a catheter in the first 90 days.
Dr. Suresh Sankar Senior VP, Global Clinical Affairs, NephroPlus emphasies, “Both the above studies bring unique insights regarding challenges and hurdles in providing ESKD in rural India. The findings on Hep C therapy, we believe this will pave the way for promoting public funding for Hepatitis C treatment for HD patients. The findings of our study on mortality is a clarion call for incremental steps urgently needed to decrease the significantly high mortality among rural socioeconomically challenged patients in India”
According to Mr. Kamal Shah, Co-Founder of NephroPlus, “NephroPlus remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation, harnessing technology and strategic partnerships to deliver accessible, high-quality care to patients across India. As the program progresses, the insights gained will further inform and shape future initiatives aimed at eradicating Hepatitis C and enhancing the quality of life for hemodialysis patients.”
23, Dec 2023
A two-day Gitopadesh summit kickstarts at the world’s largest meditation centre on the occasion of Gita Jayanti
Mumbai/Hyderabad, 22 December 2023: The largest two-day Gitopdesh summit kickstarted today on the occasion of Gita Jayanti at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad with over 2000 numbers of people joining from all over the world. Shri Udaya Shreyas NJ – Renowned Scholar and Founder of the Sanskrit Channel and eminent speaker on ancient scriptures; and Mr. C P Gurnani – CEO & MD of Tech Mahindra; and Mr. Vivek Wadhwa, well-known entrepreneur graced the occasion.
The purpose of the summit was to celebrate the Yoga Purusha and sensitise the participants to the teachings of the Bhagwat Gita and its relevance in one’s daily life. It was also intended at igniting creativity and critical thinking among children and youth. An online summit will also be held on the 23rd December between 6-8pm onwards were not present physically at the summit at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
The Guest Speakers for the Virtual Gitopdesh Summit is Dr. Siva Bala Narayanan – General Trustee of Egmore Samskrit School, Running and Chess Coach, CEO at Minmini Corporation, USA; Dr. Rama Devagupta (NBCT, USA) – Scholar & Writer, Advanced Neural Education, National Peace Award Recipient. Shri Udaya Shreyas NJ will also be the Guest of Honour for the virtual summit.
Students, parents, grandparents, families, – all age groups from various all over the country and across various backgrounds came together in the event wherein they were exposed to the practical life applications of the Bhagwat Geeta. Students from schools viz., Vishwa Bharathi High School, Mom’s Vision High School, Pullaiah Engineering. College Kurnool, DPS Hyderabad, The Heartfulness Learning Centre, Ashwini International School, GMR Aerocities families and children on Day 1 showed eager participation in the event. Day 2 would witness participation from schools viz., ZPHS, Waddapally (Sangareddy Dist.), Agriculture Engineering College, Kandi (Sangareddy Dist.), Telangana Social Welfare Residential School (Singoor), Rishi High School, St. Anthony School (Sangareddy), BVM School among others.
The focus of the summit is on the connection between science and spirituality. The summit is also aimed at giving a glimpse of the Gitopdesh course from Heartfulness and how Heartfulness can support the stakeholders for the registered members. Children were especially taught life skills from the Bhagwat Gita.
The meditation hall reverberated by the positivity from recitation of the Gita shlokas by children and youth which followed a group Heartfulness meditation session. During the two days summit activities are especially designed for children involving making posters, themes, paintings, presentations, drawings, and games to give them the wisdom nuggets for the Gita. Enriching talks to the youth are also being organized.
A Dance-ballet weaving around Bhagwat Gita and Heartfulness showcasing evolution of consciousness was also performed on day one by a collaboration with Nrutyapriya Dance Academy and Aksharam Abhyasam Anandam Academy of Ms. Shobha Srinivasan – a noted music therapist along with her troupe.
Rev. Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “The Bhagwat Gita is a very deep and profound book which has prompted many intellectuals study it and write treatise on it, each one coming out with a more concrete insight than the other with every phase. Our goal is to bring the Gita to practical life. This has to begin early and be well-integrated for better problem-solving, decision-making, and a balanced approach to life.”
22, Dec 2023
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) Unveils “Celebrate Bahrain” for the Festive Season
National, 22nd December 2023 – The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced the final list of events and activities, themed “Celebrate Bahrain” to be held in in collaboration with partners, marking the kingdom’s national days. The diverse arrangement implies a fusion of family, musical, cultural, and sporting events set to captivate citizens, residents, and visitors alike throughout the month of December.
The festivities begin with a series of events, such as the enchanting “Festival City,” a carnival showcasing several entertainment games, delectable restaurants, and live performances for families to enjoy. The celebration continues with the second edition of the Heritage Village, showcasing Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage. For those looking for a unique shopping experience, the annual “Autumn Fair” takes place at the Exhibition World Bahrain. This exhibition offers a diverse range of shopping opportunities, adding a vibrant touch to the festive season.
As the year comes to a close, the New Year’s Eve celebrations promise to be spectacular. Various locations such as Marassi Al Bahrain, Bahrain Bay, Water Garden City, Bahrain Financial Harbour, Bahrain Fort, Bahrain National Museum, and Al Najma Club are set to host events featuring dazzling fireworks displays. These gatherings provide a fantastic way for residents and visitors alike to ring in the New Year with joy and excitement. The festivities also include the return of the Muharraq Nights Festival offering an immersive experience in the heart of Muharraq City. For sports enthusiasts, the calendar boasts prestigious events such as the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship, Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, horseracing competitions, and the Brave championship series.
To enhance the tourist experience, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) also introduced special packages focusing on various fields, such as exploring Bahrain’s rich musical and cultural diversity, golf experiences, New Year’s celebrations, coral events, and sports. Each package was curated to provide unique offers and benefits for a memorable stay. As part of these extraordinary offerings, Gulf Air extended a festive gesture with a generous 16% discount on flight offers, ensuring a seamless journey to Bahrain’s enchanting festivities. Furthermore, shoppers and diners enjoyed treats with discounts and prize opportunities at Moda Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Seef Mall, and The Avenues. For a hassle-free and immersive stay, tourists could avail themselves of comprehensive packages covering accommodation, entertainment, and transportation.
As the enchanting “Celebrate Bahrain” events unfold,” Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority stands ready to welcome citizens, residents, and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the vibrant festivities, creating enduring memories in the heart of the kingdom. Simultaneously, BTEA is poised for action, gearing up to launch intensified promotional campaigns that aim to not only showcase the significance of the festivities but also to ensure maximum global participation.
22, Dec 2023
News18 Tamil Nadu leads the way with humanitarian coverage and aid during the floods in Thoothukudi and Thirunelveli
~ News18 Tamil Nadu’s dedicated reporter, Vetri reached the flood location overcoming the blockages~
22st December 2023: News18 Tamil Nadu emerged as a source of timely and humanitarian journalism in the aftermath of the recent floods that stormed through Thoothukudi and Thirunelveli. As the flood crisis unfolded, over 500 stranded passengers in Srivaikundam faced grave conditions, exacerbated by rising rains beginning Monday.
News18 Tamil Nadu took the lead as the sole channel to commence comprehensive coverage of the unfolding crisis, swiftly informing the government of the dire situation.
News18 Tamil Nadu’s dedicated reporter, Vetri, played a pivotal role in highlighting this humanitarian crisis. Overcoming road blockages and flood damage, Vetri reached the location at 11 am. His live stream showcased the distressing conditions faced by those stranded, including infants and pregnant women lacking proper food and water.
Local villagers banded together to supply essential necessities to the stranded passengers, demonstrating amazing community spirit. News18 Tamil Nadu is extremely proud of being the first channel to highlight this tragic scenario and bring it to the attention of the respective governments.
In the face of adversity, News18 Tamil Nadu remains unwavering in its commitment as a responsible news outlet.
22, Dec 2023
JioCinema presents ‘Toontastic Winter Carnival’ with a blockbuster line-up of 24 new shows for its ‘Kids and Family’ offering
22st December 2023, National: Following its recent foray into kids’ entertainment, JioCinema is further set to elevate the entertainment quotient for its young viewers and their families with its latest campaign ‘Toontastic Winter Carnival’ to welcome 2024. Promising to make this holiday season the biggest ever carnival and unforgettable for everyone, the festival brings a blockbuster lineup of 24 new shows, providing more than 300 hours of engaging content.
As a part of this, JioCinema will drop new titles every day, presenting a diverse mix of homegrown and international releases from the kids’ network content of Viacom18 Nickelodeon, as well as globally renowned studios such as Warner Bros. and Paramount. Encompassing various genres like action, comedy, and adventure for kids, teens, and parents alike, the extravaganza includes many first-time debuts on JioCinema and will feature popular homegrown IPs – Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family and The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj, along with shows – Shimmer And Shine, Paw Patrol, Avatar : The Last Airbender, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness, The Penguins Of Madagascar, Top Wing, Dora The Explorer, The Legend Of Korra. That’s not all! The carnival will also premiere global hits like Tom & Jerry, Samurai Jack, Karadi Tales, Geronimo Stilton, Teen Titans Go, Ben 10, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, Zig & Sharko, Steven Universe, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Wacky Races, Chowder and Megas XLR.
Elevating the interactive experience for digital natives, JioCinema is pulling out all the stops with a watch and win experience ‘Khelo, Dekho, aur Jeeto’ contest, adding an engaging touch to the campaign. Ushering in 2024, JioCinema continues to set the benchmark for unparalleled viewing experience with one of its biggest rollouts of new shows. With the recently added ‘Kids and Family Hub’ offering and the launch of ‘Toontastic Winter Carnival’, the platform aims to create a delightful experience for the young audiences and their families.
Create unforgettable family moments this holiday season with JioCinema! Dive into a world of enchanting shows and movies, making every moment a magical adventure for kids and families alike!
22, Dec 2023
Columbia Pacific Communities Unwraps India’s First #LifeSizeSustainableSantaProject: Seniors Lead the Way to a Greener Christmas
Bengaluru, December 22, 2023: As the season of joy and festivities approaches, Columbia Pacific Communities, India’s largest and most preferred senior living community operators, has taken a ground-breaking step towards sustainability with the launch of India’s first life-size Sustainable Santa Project. Recognising the environmental impact of Christmas celebrations, which traditionally result in a significant amount of waste, and particularly plastic waste, the initiative aims to inspire a shift towards eco-friendly practices during the holiday season.
Every year, Christmas festivities contribute to an estimated 2 to 3 billion kilograms of waste the world over, much of which ends up in landfills, exacerbating environmental pollution and climate change. In response to this alarming trend, residents of Columbia Pacific Communities decided to lead by example, spearheading India’s first #LifeSizeSustainableSantaProject.
The project seeks to emphasize the crucial need for sustainability, especially in the face of global climate challenges. It also challenges stereotypes around the older generation’s environmental impact, showcasing the commitment and enthusiasm of senior residents in promoting conscious living.
Addressing the prevalent use of plastic in Santa Claus dolls that are sold during Christmas, residents of Columbia Pacific Communities engaged in a friendly competition to craft life-size sustainable Santas using upcycled and recycled materials, ensuring a zero-waste outcome. The goal was to create life-size Santas with a zero-carbon footprint, to urge more people to embrace recycling, reusing and reducing wastage, particularly during the festive season.
A video documenting the seniors’ creative process, shared on Columbia Pacific Communities’ Instagram/Facebook handles, showcases the residents employing their handicraft skills to fashion Santas from over 130 kgs of waste materials readily available at home, including upcycled plastic and recycled cloth, wood, PVC pipes, steel wires, sand, packaging material, coconut, cotton wool and newspapers. The top three Santa creations from across the communities were awarded gift vouchers, and the life-size Santas are prominently displayed at prominent locations across Bangalore and Hyderabad including The Oberoi Trident in Hyderabad, Nexus Shantiniketan Mall, Whitefield, Toscano Museum Road and The Biere Club, Lavelle Road in Bangalore, serving as inspiration to the younger generation to embrace a sustainable Christmas celebration. Columbia Pacific Communities has also partnered with NGOs such as The Little Sisters of The Poor in Bangalore and Society for Rural Development (SRD) in Hyderabad, to donate the life-size sustainable Santas.
Piali Dasgupta, Senior Vice President at Columbia Pacific Communities, expressed her enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, “Our senior residents have always challenged and broken stereotypes. With this campaign, they aim to showcase to the world that sustainability can be embraced in every aspect of life, even during celebrating festivals and important occasions. Their willingness to put in extra effort to make the holiday season sustainable and leveraging their talent to contribute meaningfully to the world, perfectly aligns with Columbia Pacific Communities’ brand philosophy of positive ageing.”
By initiating the Sustainable Santa Project, Columbia Pacific Communities sets a powerful precedent for conscious and eco-friendly celebrations, urging individuals of all generations to adopt sustainable practices and make a positive impact on the environment. People are urged to take selfies with the Sustainable Santas in the locations mentioned above and tag the brand sharing it on social media to raise awareness on sustainability and climate change.
22, Dec 2023
SFA Championships 2023-2024 begins India’s grassroots sporting revolution
- SFA Championships conclude the first 6 cities of the calendar year with more than 18,000 matches
- Over 80,000 athletes competed in 6 cities from more than 3,000 schools
- Each city saw more than 3500 matches being scheduled for athletes
Bangalore, December 22st , 2023: Sports For All (SFA), India’s largest tech-enabled multi-sport school competition platform, has set a new benchmark in discovering and empowering young sporting talent, through SFA Championships. With a commitment to host Championships in 10 cities this year, SFA has successfully concluded 6 SFA Championships in 60 days in cities namely Indore, Dehradun, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. In just about two months, the SFA Championships inspired more than 80,000 athletes from over 3,000 schools, fueling their sporting ambitions and contributing to India’s untapped sporting potential.
The SFA Championships are enabling school sporting competition at a scale never witnessed in the country, especially for multi-sports and backed by technology. This city-based model celebrated the indomitable spirit of sportsmanship, discovering talent that will contribute to the future of the sporting ecosystem. The initial 6 cities of the SFA Championships have discovered the “number one school in sports” across the cities of Indore, Dehradun, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. Delhi Public School (Nipania) in Indore, Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun, Cambridge Court World School in Jaipur, Vignan Bo Tree School (Nizampet) in Hyderabad, Vidya Valley School (Sus) in Pune, and Don Bosco International School (Matunga) in Mumbai bagged the prestigious title of “number one school in sports”, in the respective cities.
True to the endeavor of giving youth inspiring and joyful sporting experiences, SFA Championships transformed iconic sporting venues in each city for school athletes to play. Stadiums like the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex (in Balewadi) Pune, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, the Gachibowli Sports Complex in Hyderabad, Abhay Prashal Sports Club and Basketball Complex, Indore, and Shahaji Raje Krida Sankul (Sports Complex) in Andheri fostered a conducive environment for sporting excellence.
Bolstering the athlete’s spirit to play in a professional environment, needs immense support of the local machinery to work seamlessly. Through this sporting platform the local economies have witnessed growth with SFA Championships, thus creating value for every stakeholder and leading towards capacity building for the cities and states to host reputable large-scale multi-sport events. Fostering collaboration with local coaches, academies, vendors, and other businesses, boosting the travel and hospitality industries, providing employment for residents, and opportunities for students, SFA Championships are on their way to strengthen the city’s economic health, through sports. Its noteworthy to recall that on a single day in October, three cities hosted school sports competitions across eight venues, engaging 1242 workforce members, volunteers, and officials across 12 sporting disciplines.
Inching closer to the milestone for 2023-2024, Rajas Joshi, COO & Championships Director, SFA, added, “Reflecting upon how SFA Championships has bought alive a revolution, it becomes apparent that sports transcend beyond a physical activity and is indeed an emotion. The unparalleled enthusiasm at the Championships reaffirms our belief that these young athletes only required a platform, to come play. With 80,000 school athletes playing within a span of 60 days, the “Ab Jeetega India” movement, through the SFA Championships, is a historic beginning for the nation to build a formidable grassroots sporting ecosystem. And a sustainable one that is now available on the screens of Viacom18”.
SFA Championships and Viacom18 have partnered to make school sports accessible to millions of sports fans, across the country. The Championships can now be viewed on JioCinema (app), Sports18-2, and Sports18 Khel (tv channels). This further deepens with visibility of the Championships on DD Sports.
Giving exposure to multi-sports, SFA Championships recognizes the ‘Golden Boy’ and ‘Golden Girl’, where athletes with achievements in multi-sports are awarded. With the remarkable times for female athletes to build their sporting careers, SFA Championships celebrates the initiative ‘She is Gold’, where a day across all Championships is dedicated to empowering and encouraging female athletes to play (since inception, in 2015). More than 5000 female athletes, across 6 cities, joined in with their commitment to building a career in sports.
Building an environment for every school athlete to play, irrespective of the geography or socio-economic backgrounds, SFA Championships has witnessed impressive diversity in participation, with 33% female athletes and 67% male athletes competing on an equitable platform. At the Championships, the top sports opted by girls were athletics, basketball, football, swimming, and skating, while boys preferred to compete in football, athletics, basketball, chess and swimming.
As the SFA Championships concluded, parents, coaches and athletes celebrated a transformative event that went beyond traditional sports competitions. Each child’s dream echoed aspirations of winning at the Olympics and representing the nation at the highest level. SFA’s organizational prowess was evident in bringing together a myriad of sports on such a grand scale, creating a unique platform where several national and international-level players competed across diverse sporting disciplines. SFA Championships is poised to make sports accessible for young athletes across the country, thereby empowering today’s talent to become the Champions of tomorrow.
