3, Dec 2024
Shree Cement conferred with CII Performance Excellence Awards 2024 for Renewable Energy Innovations
Shree Cement, one of India’s leading and fastest-growing cement companies, has been awarded the prestigious CII Performance Excellence Awards 2024 for its innovative solutions in renewable energy at its Solar, Wind and Hybrid Plants. The awards were presented during the valedictory function of the 23rd Edition of the Green Power Conference, CII’s flagship event on renewable energy, held in Chennai.
Shree Cement received accolades for three of its pioneering renewable energy installations: a 20 MWp Solar Plant in Beawar, Rajasthan; a 31.5 MW Wind Plant in Kushtagi, Karnataka; and a 10.5 MW Wind Plant in Jath, Maharashtra. These projects exemplify the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and innovative practices.
Commenting on the achievement, Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement said, “This recognition reflects our relentless efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations. At Shree Cement, we believe that renewable energy is not just a responsibility but a crucial step towards building a better future. These awards reaffirm our commitment to innovation and our drive to contribute meaningfully to India’s renewable energy goals. We are proud of our team’s dedication and will continue to lead with initiatives that make a positive impact on the environment and the communities we serve.”
The awards were presented by distinguished dignitaries, including Beela Rajesh, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government (Department of Energy, Tamil Nadu); Ramesh Kymal, Chairman, Renewable Energy Council (CII – Godrej GBC); K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director, CII – Godrej GBC; and Dr. P Jayakumar, Chairman of the CII Performance Excellence Awards.
Shree Cement demonstrates its commitment to sustainability with a power portfolio exceeding 1 GW, including 517 MW from green energy. In FY 2023-24, 55.9% of its electricity needs were met through green sources. Key initiatives include a 20 MWp solar plant in Beawar, Rajasthan and wind plants in Kushtagi, Karnataka (31.5 MWp) and Jath, Maharashtra (10.5 MWp), collectively reducing CO2 emissions by nearly 98,000 tons annually. These plants significantly power its Beawar, Ras, Kodla and Patas units with renewable energy, reaffirming Shree Cement’s leadership in green energy adoption.
Shree Cement has been at the forefront of implementing measures to reduce its environmental footprint. With around 51% of its electricity generation capacity comprising of green sources, the company has adopted cutting-edge technologies and practices to enhance energy efficiency. The company’s water positivity stood more than 7 times during FY 23-24, verified by an independent agency. This was a result of the water conservation and rain water harvesting initiatives implemented across its operational locations and community. A few water conservation measures include the installation of Air Cooled Condensers (ACC), which have reduced cooling water consumption by 90%, and utilizing municipal treated sewage water for industrial use and greenbelt development.
The company’s renewable energy installations, coupled with its industry-leading innovative approaches, underscore its commitment to sustainability while setting benchmarks in green energy adoption. As Shree Cement moves forward with its vision to expand production capacity to 80 million tonnes by 2028, it remains steadfast in its pursuit of a cleaner, greener future.
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- By Rabindra
3, Dec 2024
SpeakX Honored with Best Use of AI for Education & Livelihoods at Mint’s All About AI Awards
New Delhi, 3rd December, 2024 – SpeakX, a pioneering platform revolutionizing English learning through Generative AI technology, has been recognized at the Mint All About AI | Tech4Good Awards, sponsored by Salesforce. The award, in the category of Best Use of AI for Education & Livelihoods, highlights SpeakX’s innovative efforts to bridge the language divide and empower individuals across India.
Arpit Mittal, Founder of SpeakX, shared his thoughts on the recognition, saying, “This award affirms the potential of technology to transform education, particularly for communities that have been left behind. With only 8% of Indians speaking English fluently, many are unable to access opportunities in education, employment, and personal growth. SpeakX is committed to addressing this challenge by offering a solution that is both affordable and effective.”
Notably, the platform has gained significant traction in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where half of its users are based. SpeakX leverages AI-powered tools to provide personalized English lessons, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds, including middle-income households, to enhance their prospects.
SpeakX has also been in the news for its collaborations and milestones. Its recent partnership with Cloud9 Hospital is helping nurses improve their English communication skills, which is essential for delivering better patient care. Additionally, SpeakX was selected for the prestigious Google for Startups Accelerator program, gaining access to advanced AI technologies and resources to enhance its learning platform further.
The platform’s growth has been remarkable, with more than 10,000 users subscribing monthly at an affordable rate of ₹299. This has helped SpeakX achieve an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of $500,000. Supported by $10 million in funding from Elevation and IndiaQuotient, SpeakX continues to strengthen its position in the global language learning market.
The Mint All About AI | Tech4Good Awards, sponsored by Salesforce, honor organizations using AI to create meaningful social impact. The event brought together industry leaders, technologists, and AI experts to explore how AI can address some of society’s biggest challenges. Innovations recognized at the awards showcased how AI is creating real-world solutions in education, healthcare, and more.
3, Dec 2024
Mother Dairy Signs up as Exclusive Distribution Partner of Bharat Organics
Mumbai, 3rd December, 2024: Mother Dairy, India’s leading diversified food company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has signed up with “Bharat Organics” as the exclusive distribution partners for their range of organic staples to the Delhi NCR market.
Under the initiative Mother Dairy will ensure distribution of packed and certified brand ‘Bharat Organics’ produce for consumers across NCR through its network of booths across the region. The collaboration marks the launch of ‘Bharat Organics Atta’ and ‘Bharat Organics Sweetener (Jaggery)’ in the NCR market. The ‘Bharat Organics Atta’ is made from 100% certified organic grains, ensuring exceptional purity, freshness, and a naturally wholesome flavour. Complementing this, the ‘Bharat Organics Sweetener (Jaggery)’ is a healthier, natural alternative to conventional sugars, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and nutritious food options.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manish Bandlish, Managing Director, Mother Dairy, said: “With this partnership, Mother Dairy aims to build a healthier and more sustainable India. By combining NCOL’s expertise in organic farming with our extensive distribution network and deep consumer trust, we are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between premium organic products and affordability. This launch reinforces our commitment to making high-quality, organic staples accessible to every consumer, empowering families to embrace healthier lifestyles.”
Mother Dairy has entered into an MOU with NCOL to distribute the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand across multiple channels and geographies. Aligning with its commitment to consumer well-being and quality, the Bharat Organics range will be made available at 300 Safal stores and around 10,000 general trade outlets in Delhi NCR, as well as through modern trade and e-commerce platforms. The collaboration marks a pivotal step in democratizing organic food access while meeting the growing demand for nutritious and sustainable food options.
Shri Vipul Mittal, Managing Director of NCOL, added “Atta is just the beginning. Our vision is to offer an entire basket of organic staples that cater to daily needs while ensuring fair returns for organic farmers. The Bharat Organics brand will stand as a symbol of trust, affordability, and quality for consumers.”
The ‘Bharat Organics’ range is built on a commitment to sustainability and quality. Each lot undergoes rigorous testing for over 245 pesticide residues, ensuring the highest levels of safety and authenticity, while supporting organic farming practices that promote environmental health and farmer welfare.
3, Dec 2024
Business Leaders Highlight How Technology Has Permanently Transformed Business Travel, Says IWG’s Hybrid Horizons Report
03rd December, 2024: The latest business leader research from International Workplace Group, the world’s largest provider of flexible workspace with brands including underlines the changing nature and frequency of business travel. The International Workplace Group report highlights how business executives are prioritising strategically important meetings for corporate spend, while routine meetings between global participants are taking place largely online using the available technology, amidst rising costs, environmental concerns and geopolitical uncertainty.
The study among more than 500 business leaders highlighted that the rapid development of digital infrastructure means functional meetings can now be held online. More than three quarters (77%) of business leaders say technology has enabled them to continue to conduct pure ‘business as usual’ meetings virtually to drive efficiency.
That’s not to say business travel has been made redundant by hybrid working. In fact, the majority (87%) of CEOs firmly believe that technology will never replace the value of strategically important face-to-face meetings, and business travel will invariably play a crucial role in strengthening relationships and when signing key commercial deals.
The rising cost of business travel
A third of business leaders cited escalating costs as an influential factor for their post-pandemic travel decisions. Research into the cost of business travel by Harris Williams found that airfares had risen by 38% when compared to pre-pandemic prices and hotel costs had risen by at least 82%. With an expectation of continued growth in 2025, 77% of CEOs noted that the ability to host meetings virtually enables them to reduce the number of business trips, allowing for a focus on crucial face-to-face meetings.
Geopolitical uncertainty
Looking at other macro trends, CEOs said that increasing geopolitical uncertainty had significantly impacted the nature of travel at their companies. One in five said that the current geopolitical climate has had a major impact on business travel, with changes in the global health landscape (19%) and visa regulations (19%) also influencing how they prioritise strategically important travel.
Environmental considerations
As companies look to reduce their environmental footprint, many are more considered in their approach to corporate travel. Three quarters (75%) of leaders said that the development of hybrid work and the adoption of online platforms has enabled them to reduce the number of environmentally unfriendly trips. For larger organisations facing greater scrutiny over their carbon emissions, corporate ESG reporting, and policies have led to leaders being more strategic with their travel plans.
Extending business trips to maximise efficiencies
Three quarters (75%) of corporate leaders said that business travel is now more efficient, and more than half (61%) say they tend to travel less but stay longer due to the availability of flexible workspaces enabling them to remain productive between meetings. A quarter (26%) now extend their travels to fit in additional meetings, reducing the need for short visits, whilst others (23%) have attended industry events or conferences to maximise their trips.
As leaders enjoy greater flexibility in their working patterns, 87% are spending the extra time to enjoy their destination and experience local culture. One quarter (24%) said they had actually combined a work trip with a holiday. In an encouraging move for the whole business, the benefits of travel and leisure are not exclusive to leaders – with 74% encouraging their employees to work from abroad to make the most of travelling, too.
Mark Dixon, International Workplace Group CEO stated: “Advancements in digital technology coupled with the rising cost of international travel, geopolitical uncertainty and environmental considerations mean the world of business travel has been transformed and we are unlikely to see a return to pre-pandemic levels.
“Executives are now prioritising travel for the most strategically important meetings such as major business deals or nurturing significant relationships with partners. For these types of occasions, technology can and will never replace the value of in-person transactions for the most valuable meetings.”
Adding to this perspective, Harsh Lambah, Country Manager – India, IWG, emphasized the role of hybrid working in optimizing business travel “Hybrid working has fundamentally transformed how businesses approach travel. At IWG, our extensive network of flexible workspaces across India and globally enables leaders and employees to remain productive, no matter where they are. This flexibility allows organizations to prioritize critical face-to-face meetings while leveraging technology for routine operations. By adopting this approach, businesses not only enhance efficiency but also achieve significant cost savings and align with sustainability goals. The ability to work seamlessly from anywhere is redefining the way business travel is planned and executed in today’s dynamic landscape.”
3, Dec 2024
Vespa and Aprilia Scooters offer year-end merriment with benefits up to INR 13,000 in December 2024
Pune, 03 December 2024: Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, the 100% subsidiary of the Italian auto giant, Piaggio Group, has announced a bevy of benefits for their eternally luxe and stylish Vespa, as well as the sporty and high-performance Aprilia scooters. From 3rd December until 25th December 2024, customers can book a scooter of their choice at any Vespa and Aprilia dealership near them and expect benefits upto INR 13,000.
Mr Ajay Raghuvanshi, EVP, 2-Wheeler Domestic Business, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd said, “We’re excited to spread some festive cheer with our customers through this exclusive offer. Whether you’re a Vespa enthusiast or an Aprilia aficionado, there’s never been a better time to own your dream ride.”
As 2024 comes to an end, customers should rush to their nearest Vespa and Aprilia dealership anywhere in India and avail of the best prices for high end scooters of choice.
3, Dec 2024
Project Management Institute (PMI) Celebrates 50 Next Generation Project Leaders Shaping a Better World, South Asian honorees shine bright
December 3, 2024— Today, the Project Management Institute (PMI) celebrates 50 exceptional rising leaders who are transforming the world by leveraging their project management skills to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. As shown on the 2024 Future 50 list, these young leaders – all 35 and under – represent a diverse cohort of project professionals, including 6 from South Asia, who are reshaping the future across industries like healthcare, environmental science, technology, and social justice.
These standout professionals are building, creating, and leading transformative projects that not only solve complex problems, but also help pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable future. As they demonstrate, effective project management and project professionals have the power to create meaningful change.
The recognition of these 50 leaders comes at a time when project management is more vital than ever. The world needs 2.5 million new project professionals each year by 2030 to fill the talent gap. As AI, climate change, and other macrotrends transform industries and create new opportunities for innovation, the demand for skilled project managers capable of driving this transformation has never been higher. Project management is ranked one of the top ten in-demand skills for 2024, according to a LinkedIn report.
“Many of the critical and complex challenges the world is facing will have to be addressed by a new generation of project professionals,” said Pierre Le Manh, President and Chief Executive Officer at PMI. “It is inspiring to see how they are channeling their passion, talent, and creativity to address climate change, technological disruption, inequality, and other pressing issues in our societies. They demonstrate the true power of project management to drive meaningful change, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions.”
Elaborating further on the Future 50’s significance, Mr. Amit Goyal, Managing Director, South Asia, said, “The PMI Future 50 exemplifies the transformative power of project management in shaping a better world. These outstanding young executives, who come from diverse backgrounds, are using their project management expertise to tackle the most important issues facing India and the rest of the globe. Their significant initiatives, which range from fostering inclusivity and increasing sustainability to spurring technological innovation, highlight the critical role that qualified project managers play in creating a more sustainable future for everybody. We are immensely proud to honor their accomplishments and the motivational work they are doing to bring about constructive change.”
Among the Future 50 honorees from India are Ananta Gopal Metange, spearheading a groundbreaking $10 million project for Collins Aerospace to localize Airbus Nacelle Cowl hardware. Ankita Bhatia, a senior program manager at Adobe, demonstrates exceptional business acumen. Kaushik Chandra L, recognized as a top performer, oversaw the complex execution of a rural drinking water project impacting over 200 villages in Karnataka. Swati Pundir, a trailblazer in AI, led a generative AI pilot project and Yazhinidevi Devarajan, founder of the award-winning Betawinds, empowers youth through soft skills training.
3, Dec 2024
Media Fusion LLC announces partnership with Heise Medien for CyberSec India Expo 2025
Mumbai, India, 3rd December 2024 – India ranks among the fastest growing global economic markets worldwide, with cyber security becoming increasingly important. To address this development, Media Fusion LLC – a Dubai and India-based tradeshow organiser – and heise medien have entered into a partnership for the “CyberSec India Expo” today. The exhibition and conference is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 11th and 12th June 2025, aiming to attract more than 5,000 trade visitors with 150+ exhibitorsand to establish itself as the leading IT security event in the APAC region.
“With secIT by heise, we have established an extremely successful and steadily growing conference-exhibition in the GSA region. We will bring our experience and connections with IT security providers and IT security professionals to the partnership with Media Fusion,” explains Jörg Mühle, Member of Management Board, heise medien. “The focus will be on supporting exhibitor acquisition and targeted communication with potential participants.”
Taher Patrawala, Managing Director at Media Fusion LLC, adds, “India’s growth in technology and digital transformation is truly remarkable. The cybersecurity market is a prime example—it has grown from $1.98 billion in 2019 to $6 billion in 2023, with a phenomenal CAGR of over 30%. Reports (Data Security Council of India) suggests that by 2028, India is projected to contribute 5% of the global cybersecurity market, cementing its role as a key player on the global stage. For us at Media Fusion, expanding to Mumbai in 2023 was a natural step and the partnership with heise medien has only gone on to strengthen our presence here.”
At this early stage of CyberSec India Expo, Forcepoint has already signed on as the Gold Sponsor, and there is more interest for the show from several Indian and international companies. Their commitment highlights the strong momentum the show has already gained and the waves it is making amongst the cybersecurity community.
3, Dec 2024
Deck 88 at The Astor Goa: A Reimagined Culinary Experience in Exquisite Dining
Tucked away in the scenic bylanes of Candolim, Deck 88 at The Astor Goa is set to make waves with its refreshed identity, offering a perfect blend of coastal-inspired cuisine and a refreshed ambiance designed to captivate food enthusiasts and travellers alike.
Known for its innovative menu, Deck 88 presents a vibrant fusion of local and global flavours. From zesty coastal curries to tantalizing seafood creations inspired by coastlines around the world, every dish is crafted to take diners on a sensory voyage. Guests can look forward to signature offerings like Beef Pepper fry With Curd Foam, Andhra Style Chicken Tartlet, Coorgi Style Pumpkin Stew, Goan Red Rice Risotto, all served with a side of charm and creativity.
The revamped interiors draw inspiration from the timeless elegance of a glasshouse, blending natural light with lush greenery and chic coastal elements. Whether you’re seated under the sparkling fairy lights or beside the verdant greenery, Deck 88 offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Goa, making it an ideal venue for intimate dinners, group celebrations, or a casual evening out.
“With Deck 88, we wanted to create more than just a restaurant—we envisioned a sanctuary where guests can enjoy exceptional food in a stunning yet relaxed atmosphere. This rebranding captures the very essence of Goa’s coastal spirit, offering an unforgettable dining experience,” shares Vaibhav Gupta, General Manager, The Astor Goa.
3, Dec 2024
Vedatya and Leeds Beckett University Sign MOU to open opportunities for International Business Management Pathways for students
3 December 2024 New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move to enhance international education opportunities, Vedatya, one of India’s renowned institutes (affiliated with Gurugram University) has partnered with Leeds Beckett University, UK. The partnership aims to enrich Vedatya’s BBA program with international exposure and collaborative opportunities.
This transformative collaboration provides Vedatya students with direct access to globally recognised programs, equipping them with the skills and credentials to excel in the international arena.
Through this Memorandum of Understanding, eligible Vedatya students can seamlessly enter specific courses at Leeds Beckett University, gaining exposure to advanced academic frameworks and global industry practices. The partnership not only enhances academic offerings but also creates avenues for students to engage with diverse cultures, global networks, and international markets.
Highlighting the potential of this initiative, Managing Promoter, Amit Kapur, at Vedatya, shared, ”This collaboration with Leeds Beckett University is a monumental step in fulfilling our vision of providing students with a truly global education. It paves the way for them to access international opportunities, build cross-cultural competencies, and prepare for leadership roles in an interconnected world economy. We are confident that this collaboration will open new avenues for our students and faculty, fostering innovation and global engagement.”
Students who meet the rigorous eligibility criteria, including proficiency in English (minimum IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5 or equivalent), will be guided through academic counselling to align their aspirations with courses best suited for their career goals. Beyond academics, students will benefit from induction programs, accommodation assistance, and the unparalleled support of a globally reputed institution.
On completing their courses, students will graduate with globally recognised certifications, positioning them as competitive professionals ready to take on the challenges of international industries. This partnership reaffirms Vedatya’s commitment to bridging local expertise with global platforms and Leeds Beckett University’s dedication to fostering impactful international collaborations.
With this five-year partnership, Vedatya Institute has once again demonstrated its leadership in creating transformative learning experiences, ensuring that its students are future-ready in a dynamic global market.
3, Dec 2024
CloudThat Creates History as the First Indian Company to Win Consecutive AWS Training Partner Awards
Las Vegas, NV – December 3, 2024 – CloudThat is excited to announce it is a recipient of the 2024 AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) Award, recognizing the top AWS Training Partners around the globe that have provided significant contributions related to number of students trained, number of classes delivered, and YoY student growth.
Presented during the Partner Awards Gala at AWS re:Invent 2024, the Geo and Global AWS Partner Awards honor partners demonstrating specialization, innovation, and collaborative excellence. These awards recognize the AWS Partners that have continually evolved their business models to deliver outstanding customer support and success.
CloudThat’s relentless focus on transforming education and closing skill gaps in the cloud-driven era has earned this prestigious distinction. By offering advanced certifications in AI/ML, cloud security, and DevOps, and expanding access to AWS Skill Builder in untapped markets, CloudThat has consistently tailored its training programs to address the dynamic needs of modern cloud technologies. Through its comprehensive training solutions, CloudThat has empowered professionals and organizations to excel, establishing itself as a benchmark in the technology education industry.
“It is an extraordinary honour for CloudThat to become the first Indian company to win the AWS Training Partner of the Year Award (APJ) twice in a row,” expressed Bhavesh Goswami, Founder and CEO of CloudThat. He further added, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the practical, dynamic, and industry-aligned skills needed to thrive in a digital-first world. Winning this award consecutively is a testament to the impact of our training programs and our team’s unwavering commitment to empowering learners with world-class cloud expertise. This milestone inspires us to aim higher, innovate further, and build a future-ready cloud workforce. I am deeply grateful to AWS for this acknowledgment and to our clients, learners, and partners who trust us as their upskilling partner,”.
Rujika Sajeev, Group HR Specialist, L&D at i engineering group, congratulated CloudThat, saying, “Congratulations on being named the AWS Training Partner of the Year 2024. We’ve had the privilege of working with you, and your consistent efforts to raise the bar in training excellence make this award well-deserved.”
Swaroop Nakka, Service Delivery Manager at Cloud4C, also expressed his congratulations, adding, “Winning this award two years in a row is truly a proud moment and a testament to the expertise of the entire CloudThat team. We look forward to continuing to work together and being part of CloudThat’s journey as you scale new heights in cloud training.”
The Geography and Global AWS Partner Awards included a self-nomination process across several award categories, awarded at both the geographic and global level. All AWS Partners were invited to participate and submit a nomination. Award submissions were reviewed by a third-party, Canalys, and selected with special emphasis placed on customer success use cases.
In addition, there were several data-driven award categories, which were evaluated by a unique set of metrics that helped measure AWS Partners’ performance over the past year. Canalys audited the datasets used to ensure that all measurements and calculations were objective and accurate. Finalists represented the top three ranked AWS Partners across each category.
The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program focused on helping partners innovate, accelerate their journey to the cloud, and take full advantage of the breadth and depth of AWS.
CloudThat is honored to receive the AWS Training Partner of the Year (APJ) Award for 2024, a recognition of its innovative approach to addressing skill gaps and equipping individuals and organizations to excel in the AWS ecosystem.
