Category Archives: News

Dr Rohit Khanna of LVPEI is re-elected as IAPB regional chair for Southeast Asia

Hyderabad, 7th April 2025: Dr Rohit Khanna, Network Director for public health at the L V Prasad Eye Institute, was re-elected as the Regional Chair for the Southeast Region of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Founded in 1975, IAPB is a premier eye health body and an alliance of over 250 member organizations worldwide drawn from international charities, eye hospitals, academic institutes, professional bodies and corporate organizations.

As the regional chair for IAPB, Dr Khanna will work closely with stakeholders across the region in coordination with the IAPB global office, to advocate for universal eye health and strengthen regional and national activities for the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. Regional chairs also serve as IAPB Trustees and thus contribute to the strategy and governance of IAPB globally.

He will work to take forward IAPB’s agenda as a global leader in eye health advocacy, coordinating major campaigns such as World Sight Day (WSD) and leading initiatives like 2030 In Sight, the UN Friends of Vision group, VISION 2020 and Vision for the Commonwealth.

It is the global voice for the eye care sector working to end avoidable sight loss and ensure everyone has affordable, accessible and inclusive eye care and rehabilitation services.

IAPB Southeast Asia member states include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, People’s Republic of Korea, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste.

FTCCI, IACC, and EPCES Conduct Knowledge Session on Export Strategies

Hyderabad, April 5, 2025 – The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in partnership with the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) and Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZs (EPCES), conducted a comprehensive knowledge session on “Exports – Strategies, Procedure, Documentation and Export Credit Guarantee” at FTCCI Surana Auditorium, Hyderabad.

The two-hour session, attended by business leaders and export professionals, featured industry experts who provided valuable insights into various aspects of export operations, with special focus on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs).

Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the critical role of exports in India’s economic growth. Mr. Avinash Chukkapalli, Chairman of IACC AP & TG chapter, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of Indo-American trade relations in strengthening export capabilities.

The technical session was led by Mr. Vinodh D R, Associate Director-Tax, and Mr. N Mallikarjun, Executive Director-Tax from Grant Thornton Bharat LLP. Their presentation covered the evolving landscape of Special Economic Zones, documentation procedures, and compliance requirements for both SEZ and EOU units. They emphasized recent government initiatives to promote ease of doing business, including the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Free Trade Agreements, and in-bond manufacturing facilities.

Mr. Amlendu Bipul Mishra, Assistant General Manager & Branch Manager of ECGC Limited, addressed export credit guarantee schemes that protect exporters against payment risks. His session provided valuable information on how businesses can secure their international transactions through appropriate insurance coverage.

A special address was delivered by Mr. Srikanth Badiga, Chairman of Export Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZs and Director of NEC IACC, who shared insights on export promotion strategies and upcoming regulatory changes expected in the SEZ framework.

The speakers highlighted several key points for exporters:

• The current operational status of SEZs in India, with over 276 operational SEZs employing 3.19 million people and generating exports worth INR 12,063 billion annually
• Documentation requirements and compliance processes for SEZ and EOU units
• Recent policy changes allowing SEZ units to continue filing certain documents on SEZ-Online system
• Benefits of the Authorized Economic Operator certification
• Advantages of various Free Trade Agreements and preferential tariff schemes

 Mr. K K Maheshwari, Vice President of FTCCI ; Mr Kamal Jain, Director Cargomen , Mr Satish Lakhraju, CEO, Garudavega LLP , Mr Iqbal Patni, Director Batco CFS were some of the important dignitaries who also attended the program.

Tata Advanced Systems Invites Job Seekers to Walk-In Drive on April 6 in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, April 5, 2025: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), one of the leading private players for Aerospace & Defence solutions in India, is conducting Walk-in interviews in Bengaluru on Sunday, 6th April, 2025, from 10.00am-5.00pm at Tata Advanced Systems facility in Electronics City – Phase 1, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560100, for positions at its Hyderabad facility.

The company is seeking skilled ITI graduates, Apprentices, and Diploma holders for Machine Operator and Assembly Operator roles. This opportunity offers candidates a chance to advance their careers in a dynamic work environment.

Applicants must carry the following documents:

• Resume with a passport-sized photo
• Education certificates
• Experience certificates (if applicable)
• Current company joining letter and CTC breakup
• Last three months’ payslips or bank statements

TASL is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to fostering an environment where employees can leverage their knowledge and experience to develop cutting-edge solutions using the latest technology.

With a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms, TASL serves as an integral partner in the international supply chain and, in some instances, a global single source provider for leading defence OEMs.

Join the Movement: Vegas Mall Hosts Health-Focused Celebration

Delhi, NCR; 5th April, 2025: To celebrate World Health Day, Vegas Mall is all set to host a day-long wellness event titled ‘Move for Health’ on Sunday, April 6, 2025. The initiative, organized in collaboration with Fitness First, aims to promote healthy living and encourage community participation in adopting fitness-focused habits.

The event will feature a Blood Donation Drive, encouraging visitors to contribute to a noble cause while prioritizing community well-being. In the evening, shoppers and health enthusiasts can groove to the beats during a high-energy Dance Fitness Session in the evening, led by professional instructors—perfect for those looking to make fitness fun.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Ravinder Choudhary, Vice-President, Vegas Mall, said, “Health and wellness have always been at the heart of our community initiatives. With ‘Move for Health,’ we aim to offer our patrons a meaningful way to mark World Health Day—by moving, donating, and making a difference. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating health and spreading awareness in a fun and impactful way.”

Hikvision Power X DVR: Boosting Security Intelligence Through Innovation

Mumbai, 5th April, 2025: Hikvision India has introduced the Hikvision Power X DVR to deliver innovative technologies to enhance intelligence.Hikvision Power X DVR represents a significant upgrade in the evolution of digital video recorders (DVRs) in the video security industry. This upgrade introduces cutting-edge technologies and features to enhance intelligence and performance. This next generation DVR has improved the efficiency of video searching. It offers users a more robust and comprehensive product experience.

Enhanced Intelligence
It is the core value addition of Hikvision Power X DVR. Some of the value added features include these offerings.

Enhanced intelligent channels: Up to 8 channels of perimeter protection (1x improvement)
Boosted performance: By optimized algorithm for perimeter protection
3 intelligent functions in 1 device: Different channels can be configured with different intelligent functions
Quicker and More Efficient Video Searching

AcuSearch: Users can search specific targets of interest precisely with just one click, and then the related videos can be displayed
Smart Search: Users can draw rule boxes or intrusion lines at the location of the event to quickly filter and identify targets
Enhanced Performance

Upgraded decoding capability: Up to 24-ch @ 1080p
HDTVI two-way audio: Supports interactive real-time communication (*M/XT model available)
Smart fan adjustment: Fan design is based on temperature adaptive speed adjustment, providing more comfortable use of the space
Take the security management to the next level
Hikvision’s AcuSense technology embeds deep-learning algorithms into security cameras and video recorders to equip businesses and homeowners with smart tools to take security to the next level, both indoors and outdoors.

Faster: AcuSense technology detects intrusion threats in real time and triggers alerts to users’ mobile phones for faster response.

More Accurate: AcuSense technology differentiates people and vehicles from other moving objects, allowing security teams to focus on real threats.

More efficient: AcuSense technology applies labels to recorded video footage with people and vehicles, speeding up video searches, minimizing manual effort, and reducing overall.

Easy to use: AcuSense-enabled smart cameras are installed quickly and are as easy to configure as conventional security cameras. The technology puts AI security at everyone’s disposal.

Technology Edge
AcuSense technology uses advanced machine vision AI algorithms built into Hikvision security cameras and video recorders to boost home and business security.

Application Scenario
The Hikvision Power X DVR is highly applicable in various application scenarios, including Industrial Park, Monitoring Center, Warehouse, Restaurant and Store, etc.

Marico Innovation Foundation’s InnoWin Day to Power the Future of Sustainable Indian Startups

Pune(S.N): A wave of tech innovators identified by Marico Innovation Foundation (MIF) are addressing India’s most pressing challenges—climate resilience, agri-transformation, water scarcity, and plastic waste management. They are turning stubble into furniture, converting industrial emissions into valuable chemicals, developing rare-earth magnet-free motor systems, managing plastic waste, and extracting moisture from air.

These innovations are shaping India’s green economy, but scaling these solutions requires forging critical connections to funding sources – be it investors, grantmakers, and institutional customers. To address this, Marico Innovation Foundation launched InnoWin Day– a curated high-impact event designed to connect winners of the Indian Innovation Icons 2025 and innovators from the Scale-Up programme with funding, market access, pilot opportunities, and expert guidance, here today.

Twenty-four innovators spanning a range of ready-for-market, high-potential domains including cleantech, agri-tech, and solutions for a circular economy, participated in the inaugural InnoWin Day. These included winners from the social and business categories of Indian Innovation Icons 2025—AssisTech Foundation, Chara Technologies, Indra Water, PARI, and Rocket Learning, as well as innovators from MIF’s Scale Up accelerator programme, such as Brisil, Caliche, GreenPod Labs, Ishitva Robotic Systems, PadCare, Ricron Panels, Uravu, Urban Kisaan, among others.

The highlight of the day were the connections made with stakeholders that hold potential for future investments, collaborations, pilot opportunities and market access. Leading investors and corporate partners included Vedanta, Colgate-Palmolive, Reliance Industries, ITC, JSW Ventures, and India Climate Collaborative, among others, underscoring their role in scaling early-stage innovations into commercially viable enterprises.

InnoWin Day featured a keynote by Harsh Mariwala, Chairman, Marico Limited & Founder, Marico Innovation Foundation. This was followed by a panel discussion, titled “Scaling Strategies” with Vaibhav Tidke, Chief Executive Officer, S4S Technologies and Arindam Paul, Chief Business Officer, Atomberg Technologies where they shared how their niche innovations—solar-powered food processing and BLDC motors—have grown into industry benchmarks. Their journeys highlight how purpose-driven innovation when strategically executed, can move beyond early adopters to shape mainstream markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Harsh Mariwala said, “It is vital for startups to build strong relationships. Investors and corporates are essential for startup growth – providing capital, guidance, market access, and expertise to help them scale. Innovation thrives through collaboration, and InnoWin Day is our effort to foster this.”

Vaibhav Tidke noted, “MIF’s strategic guidance helped shape our business model and accelerate growth. Our revenue surged from INR 60 lakh in 2019 to INR 100 crore in 2023, underscoring the impact of MIF’s strategic intervention.” Arindam Paul reflected on Atomberg’s journey, “When we joined MIF’s Scale-Up program in 2017, we were looking at offline expansion after reaching a 7–8% market share in e-commerce. The guidance we received was clear: go deep, achieve market leadership online before thinking offline. That principle—focus before scale—has guided us ever since.”

“InnoWin Day is being launched today to ensure we bring all the right resources – capital, customers, and conversations, to our innovators We recognise that these innovators have large-scale solutions that need the support of a wider ecosystem to scale” said Suranjana Ghosh, Head, Marico Innovation Foundation.

IIM Bodh Gaya’s 7th Annual Convocation (2025)

IIM Bodh Gaya is set to host its prestigious 7th Convocation Ceremony on April 5, 2025, marking a momentous occasion as 471 students from the MBA, MBA (Digital Business Management) and MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) programs prepare to receive their degrees. This year’s convocation is particularly special as it witnesses the graduation of the first batch of MBA (Digital Business Management) and MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) students, reflecting the institution’s commitment to offering specialized programs aligned with industry evolution.

 The MBA program, which continues to be a flagship course, has 310 graduates this year, including 34 students from the 2024 batch who completed their student exchange program in several foreign universities and schools abroad. The MBA (Digital Business Management) program is designed to develop professionals equipped with expertise in digital strategy, analytics, fintech, and business transformation—critical competencies in today’s rapidly digitizing global economy. The MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) programme addresses the growing demand for healthcare management professionals, focusing on hospital administration, public health policies, and healthcare innovations. This year, 91 MBA (Digital Business Management) and 70 MBA (Healthcare & Hospital Management) students will be conferred their degrees, marking a milestone in the institution’s academic offerings.

 The convocation ceremony will bring together esteemed dignitaries, faculty, and families to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students. Shri Arun Kumar Singh (Chairman & CEO, ONGC) will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside Dr. Janmejaya Sinha (Chairman, Boston Consulting Group India) as a Member of the Board of Governors, IIM Bodh Gaya. The event will feature keynote addresses inspiring graduates as they step into the next phase of their professional journeys. The ceremony will also include the formal conferral of degrees and awards, recognizing the academic dedication and perseverance of the students.

Mission Accepted: Tom Cruise Headlines CinemaCon with The Final Reckoning

Making a grand return to CinemaCon, Tom Cruise lit up the stage at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum which marked his first appearance post-pandemic. This time, he brought with him an exclusive first look at Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the epic conclusion to the franchise that has redefined action cinema for nearly three decades, marking a thrilling moment for fans and industry insiders alike.

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning marks the epic conclusion to the franchise that began nearly three decades ago. The film picks up after Dead Reckoning, where Ethan Hunt faces a rogue AI known as The Entity.

On stage, Cruise praised McQuarrie, recalling how he had secretly brought him in to refine Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol without informing the team. “He’s the hero of that film and put Skydance on the map,” Cruise remarked. He continued, “Because of Christopher McQuarrie, we delivered Top Gun: Maverick and two Mission: Impossible films during pandemic shutdowns and strikes. You’re a modern-day Thalberg and an asset to every studio you serve.” Cruise then honoured McQuarrie with CinemaCon’s Director of the Year Award.

Reflecting on his journey, McQuarrie credited Cruise for believing in him when no one else would. “Tom, I’m here because of your vision and trust,” he said, adding that Cruise pushed him beyond his own limits. As he introduced the trailer, Cruise expressed gratitude to former Mission: Impossible producer Paula Wagner, ex-Paramount chief Sherry Lansing, and all directors who contributed to the franchise, including Brian De Palma, Brad Bird, J.J. Abrams, and John Woo.

The trailer of Mission Impossible 8 itself promises high-octane action, with Henry Czerny’s Kittridge ominously stating, “If we want to bring the world back to the brink, we have to deal with him.” It features Cruise performing jaw-dropping stunts, including crawling on a flying biplane and jumping off an aircraft carrier. Nuclear missiles are also in play, raising the stakes like never before.

Adani Group Celebrates Sustainability Success at IAA Olive Crown Awards 2025

5 April 2025, Ahmedabad: The Adani Group, India’s largest and fastest-growing integrated infrastructure conglomerate, shines at the IAA Olive Crown Awards by winning 4 gold awards across different categories. The Group was honored with the award for the Corporate Social Crusader of the Year, the Green Advertiser of the Year and the Pankha film was crowned with two gold awards for being the best film in the categories TV/Cinema (Corporate) and Digital by the Olive Crown Awards, which solely recognizes and celebrates creative excellence in communicating Sustainability.

 Established in 1938, the International Advertising Association (IAA) is the only global association that represents Marketers, Advertisers, Advertising agencies, and the Media. It comprises 56 Chapters with members from 76 countries, including the top 10 economies in the world, and is headquartered in New York.

 Mr Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Group, said, “Our green initiatives demonstrate our businesses’ critical role in safeguarding the planet for future generations. The Corporate Social Crusader of the Year award is a testament to our unwavering commitment. It underscores the positive impact of the Adani Group’s dedication to clean energy in enhancing the quality of life for millions of Indians. Our commitment to renewable and sustainable energy is a cornerstone of our broader efforts. We are deeply honored.”

 Mr Aman Kumar Singh, President & Head of Strategy and Chairman’s Office & Group Head – Corporate Brand Custodian, said, “Winning these awards is a moment of immense pride for the Adani Group. This recognition is a tribute to the hard work and unwavering spirit of all Adanians. This film goes beyond the scale, size and speed of the Adani Group, highlighting the profound impact the Group is creating in the lives of common people. The film not only celebrates the indomitable spirit of ‘Hum Karke Dikhate Hain’ (#AdaniHKKDH) of today’s India and Indians but also reflects Adani’s steadfast commitment to building a bright future for all.”

 The award ceremony was held in Mumbai, with the Hon. Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, Shri Rahul Narwekar, as the guest of honour. Mr Ajay Kakar, Head – Corporate Branding, Adani Group, received the award on behalf of the Group celebrating this remarkable milestone.

Ratna Pathak Shah Explores the Art of Storytelling with FLO Hyderabad Audience

Hyderabad, April 05, 2025: Renowned actor, theatre artist, and art enthusiast Ratna Pathak Shah addressed members of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) on Friday at ITC Kohenur, Madhapur, on the topic ‘Crafting Characters, Shaping Stories.’

In her opening remarks, Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of the FLO Hyderabad chapter, emphasized the power of storytelling, stating that it transcends cultural and age barriers, fosters connection, empathy, and understanding, and shapes our perception of the world and our place within it.

“This year, FLO is embarking on a journey to bring the powerful story of Dokra Art from Adilabad to the forefront. It is a key initiative for us. We aim to revive the 4,000-year-old Dokra metal casting craft by supporting artisans through awareness, design intervention, and market linkages,” said Prathibha.

“We are not merely preserving this tradition; we are evolving it. By working closely with artisans from Ushegaon, Jamgaon, and Keslaguda, we are transforming Dokra from traditional temple idols to functional, contemporary designs that blend heritage with modern utility,” she added.

Prathibha expressed gratitude to the district administration, especially Sri Rajarshi Shah, I.A.S., District Collector & Magistrate, Adilabad District, and Smt. Khushboo Gupta, IAS, Project Officer, I.T.D.A., for their invaluable support in this initiative.

A complete collection of Dokra craft products was showcased during the session.

Ratna Pathak Shah unveiled a specially curated memento featuring Telangana’s ancient Dokra craft. Two artisans, Shri Bhujanga Rao and Smt. Girijha Bai, were invited to be part of the launch.

Following this, Ratna Pathak Shah engaged in a conversation with Prathibha Kunda.

“I am overwhelmed by my introduction today. Many awards were mentioned, but I don’t even remember them. I don’t like attending award functions because they create differences between people,” she remarked.

When asked about the impact of storytelling in her life, she shared, “I grew up in a family of storytellers, so the skill came naturally to me. I never wanted to be like my friends; I wanted to be different and special. Ironically, I hated the idea of being an actress, but I ended up becoming one. Acting gives you the rare opportunity to experience various professions without actually studying them.”

“I communicate well and express my thoughts clearly. This clarity has made me impactful,” she added.

Criticizing ineffective communication, she said, “Many people beat around the bush and fail to make a point. They make more noise than sense. Say what you want to say, but say it differently. That’s how you truly connect with people.”

Discussing the importance of scriptwriting, she stated, “A script makes a huge difference. It is the most crucial aspect of storytelling. Writing a good script is not easy; it takes time, effort, and energy.”

Speaking about the theatre group she co-founded with her husband, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna highlighted the entrepreneurial challenges of theatre. “Unlike film, theatre is a challenging task. We decided to stay small but make a big impact. We have always preferred venues that don’t require extensive infrastructure support. Theatre is a great way to communicate new ideas. You can look into your audience’s eyes and perform—that’s the beauty of theatre. Human contact is always needed, wanted, preferred, and celebrated. Theatre will survive,” she affirmed.

Ratna also spoke about home businesses, emphasizing that handcrafted products hold more value than mechanized ones. “Artisans, craftsmen, and women pass on their skills from generation to generation, making their work invaluable.”

Addressing the theme of change in society, she referenced the film Thappad, which explores the impact of domestic violence. “Changing attitudes is the most difficult challenge,” she observed.

Recalling her journey with handloom fabrics, she said, “I grew up in a family full of women who loved sarees. My love for handlooms began when I developed an aversion to wearing nylon fabrics. The feel of nylon against my skin put me off, and that’s when my connection with handwoven fabrics started.”

She encouraged the audience to support handmade products over branded ones. “Handwoven fabrics combine functionality and beauty in a way that mechanized textiles cannot. I never buy branded products because they lack Indianness. Printed products are mere copies, while craftsmen struggle to survive.”

She stressed the importance of instilling a love for arts and crafts from a young age. “Children must be taught about arts and crafts in schools. That is how we integrate art into everyday life.”

In her closing remarks, Ratna Pathak Shah left the audience with a thought-provoking message: “Don’t pull the ladder up after you’ve reached the top.”