Sammidha Foundation Celebrates Gauri Arora’s Stellar Performance at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Noble Awards

On the auspicious occasion of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Noble Awards held at LTG Auditorium, Sammidha Foundation is thrilled to share the immense appreciation received by their little star, Gauri Arora, for her patriotic dance performance. The performance was a heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country.

Gauri Arora was honored with an award by distinguished guests Shri Yadvinder Sandhu, the great-grandson of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ji, and the esteemed Kiran Sethi Ji from Delhi Police, popularly known as Lady Singham. Her touching performance also attracted great applause and appreciation from Padma Shri Awardee, Honourable Jitender Singh Shunty Ji, the founder of SBS Foundation.

The Sammidha Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to IEMS and Udaan Ek Pahal Foundation for curating such an inspirational show. This event not only highlighted the talents of young performers like Gauri but also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes.

Justdial reports major growth in EV-related searches, non-metro cities show 141percent increase

Mumbai, 12 Sept 2024: The electric vehicle (EV) market in India has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years, driven by a combination of government incentives, increasing awareness, and advancements in EV technology. Sales data for the past three years reflects this trend, with a consistent upward trajectory. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), the year-on-year market share of electric passenger vehicles doubled to 2.6% in March 2023, up from 1.3% in March 2022. Overall sales of electric passenger vehicles surged to 90,996 units in 2023-24, registering a 91% increase compared to the 47,551 units sold in FY23. Five months into FY2025, EV retail sales have already reached 733,000 units, accounting for 43% of the previous fiscal year’s total of 1.68 million units. This consistent growth underscores the increasing consumer interest in cleaner mobility solutions across India.

To gain insights into this growing consumer interest, Justdial, India’s leading local search engine, analysed search data for EV-related categories. The data reveals a significant uptick in searches from January 2022 to August 2024, mirroring the surge in EV sales.

From January-August 2022 to the same period in 2023, the platform saw a nationwide increase of 220% in searches related to electric vehicles. In metro cities, the growth was even more pronounced, reaching 233%, while in non-metro areas, it was at 187%. Metro cities like Hyderabad led the surge, with searches growing to 8 times their previous levels, while in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Jaipur, searches increased to 3, 2, and 2 times, respectively. (January-August 2022 vs. January-August 2023). Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata also showed substantial increases of 179%, 166%, and 117%, respectively. Non-metro cities were not far behind, with Coimbatore experiencing a 178% rise in searches.

However, from January 2023 to August 2024, the trend reversed, with non-metro cities experiencing a more significant increase of 141% compared to metro cities’ 71% growth. Indore topped the chart with a staggering 379% rise, followed by Patna (230%) and Surat (143%). Metro cities like Chennai (368%) and Kolkata (114%) also saw considerable growth, though the overall spike in metro regions was more tempered at 71%.

Among EV categories, electric bikes on rent experienced the most dramatic spike, with Hyderabad’s search volume increasing to an impressive 18 times its previous level. This was followed by Ahmedabad and Bangalore, where searches rose to 5 times and 4 times their previous levels, respectively. Electric vehicle dealers also experienced a substantial jump of 203%, while electric car dealers saw a more moderate 55% rise. (January-August 2022 vs. January-August 2023)

For the comparison years January-August 2023 vs. January-August 2024, electric vehicle dealers recorded a 151% growth nationwide, with Delhi leading at 146%, while electric bus manufacturers grew by 142%. Searches for electric bikes on rent grew by 97%, with Kolkata seeing a 167% rise, followed by Pune (123%), and Mumbai (91%).

These year-on-year trends underscore the growing demand for electric vehicles across India, with both metro and non-metro regions showing heightened interest. As EV adoption continues to grow, it is evident that consumer curiosity and awareness are expanding rapidly, further fuelling the market for electric vehicles and related services.

Indian Immunologicals Limited signs MoA with ICMR for Clinical Development of Zika vaccine

Hyderabad, 12th September 2024 – Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a leading vaccine manufacturer, has signed MoA with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for clinical development of India’s first codon de-optimized live attenuated Zika vaccine.

Zika disease, a viral infection, is mostly a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted to foetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, blood transfusion and organ transplantation. The disease is usually mild and requires no specific treatment. However, it is more serious when infection occurs during pregnancy which may cause microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the infant, preterm birth and miscarriage. Few cases may also develop Guillain-Barré syndrome which is a neurological disorder.

In India, Zika cases have been reported from several states. According to Ministry of Health, Govt of India, as on 22 July 2024, there are 537 Zika cases have been registered.

Emerging infectious disease are whose incidence has increased recently and could increase in the near future. The minority that are capable of developing efficient transmission between humans can become major public and global concerns as potential causes of epidemics or pandemics.

Currently there is no vaccine available for its prevention. IIL partnered with Griffith University, Australia to develop the codon de-optimized live attenuated Zika vaccine that has completed extensive pre-clinical evaluations and received permission from Indian regulatory authority to produce GMP grade materials for clinical developmental work.

As per the MoA, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will fund the Phase I clinical trial costs including the costs relating to the conduct, investigations and monitoring of clinical trial. The trial will be conducted at the ICMR network sites in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited said, “It is a great moment for IIL to collaborate with ICMR to develop Zika vaccine. IIL has been the single largest contributor to India achieving self-sufficiency in the field of vaccines. Our foresight on the development of novel vaccine platforms including codon de-optimized viral vaccines is beginning to bear fruit. It is essential to safeguard our people from emerging diseases by developing safe and effective vaccines that are affordable”.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, DG-ICMR said “ICMR’s Phase I trial network, launched last year, facilitates first-in-human safety studies for innovative and affordable Frontier MedTech, including small molecules, biologics, and vaccines. With four Phase-I sites—ACTREC Mumbai, KEM Hospital Mumbai, SRM Chennai, and PGIMER Chandigarh—fully operational, Indian innovators no longer need to go abroad for Phase-I trials. This is a significant step towards achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.

Dr. Priyabrata Pattnaik, Deputy Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited added “We have been in the forefront of developing vaccine for emerging viral diseases. Currently we are working on developing vaccines for several neglected emerging diseases. Zika, Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), Chikungunya, SARS-CoV-2 intra-nasal booster vaccine are to name a few”.

Encouraging India towards an API-driven Compliance System, Tally eyes a CAGR of 30-40% in 3 years

National, 12 September 2024: With the continued vision to empower the backbone of the Indian economy – the fast-growing MSME sector; Tally Solutions today announced the global launch of the all-new TallyPrime 5.0, elevating its suite of Connected Services. A leading technology company providing business management software, Tally brings a new paradigm in connected services with API-driven tax filing. The launch is in line with the company’s vision to enhance business operations for the mid-mass segment both in India and globally.

The latest version with ‘Connected GST’ will serve as a consolidated interface for all online GST operations, without having to visit the GST portal. This release further strengthens Tally’s connected experience which includes e-invoicing and e-way bill generation capability, WhatsApp integration, etc. Additionally, addressing the increasing demand in the Middle East and Bangladesh, TallyPrime 5.0 adds advanced multi-lingual capabilities that will extend to Arabic and Bangla language interfaces with phonetic support.

The new solution encapsulates an array of unique features including a direct connect* to the GST portal which enables fast data upload/download, GSTR1 return filing, new recon flexibilities, including GSTR-1 recon and GSTR-3B recon features unique to Tally, Input Tax Credit (ITC) at risk identification and ledger creation. The feature also supports end-to-end ‘bookkeeping to return filing’, bringing an integrated experience.

With this new launch and other product pipeline initiatives, Tally is aiming to expand its current user base of 2.5 million+ by 50% over the next 3 years, while eyeing a CAGR growth of 30-40%. Sharing his views, Mr. Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions said, “We’re continuously innovating our technology to help simplify business operations for MSMEs. Our latest release is designed to make GST filing simpler and hassle-free for Indian businesses. Currently, only a small portion of businesses use API-based filing, but we’re aiming to change that. With this latest launch, our focus is to consolidate the end-to-end GST filing journey of MSMEs, enabling them to save 60%-70% of their time. This release will also give a real-time status of their suppliers’ GST, safeguarding their ITC.”

MSMEs are seeking effective tech solutions for their operations, and TallyPrime 5.0 provides a simple, secure, and reliable solution. It enhances business management with new features and builds on existing ones like e-invoice generation, user-friendly dashboards, WhatsApp integration, and Excel imports. This new launch is in line with Tally’s mission to connect businesses with their ecosystem and elevate user experience. The latest release is free for all active TSS subscribers.

CarDekho Group Welcomes Sudarshan Sarma as Chief Business Officer, New Auto

September, 12th, 2024: CarDekho Group’s New Auto business unit that operates India’s top automotive platforms such as CarDekho.com, BikeDekho.com, ZigWheels.com, and PowerDrift, has appointed Sudarshan Sarma as the Chief Business Officer.

With the Indian automotive industry growing aggressively and car ownership increasing rapidly, CarDekho Group, with its massive 60 million monthly reach in the auto sector, is poised to drive significant value for consumers & businesses alike. Sudarshan’s role will focus on market expansion, revenue growth and building strategic partnerships in the Indian auto industry.

“We’re excited to welcome Sudarshan as CBO in our New Auto Business. With a distinguished career spanning two decades in the automotive and technology sectors, Sudarshan is the perfect fit to spearhead strategic business development and drive innovative growth initiatives” said Mayank Jain, CEO – New Auto.

Before joining New Auto, Sudarshan served as Senior Director at Flipkart, where he played a crucial role in leading third party monetization and agency relationships. Sudarshan has held prominent positions at Facebook, Google, Carzonrent and General Motors. Sudarshan began his career with General Motors India as a sales manager followed by roles at Google and Facebook where he was instrumental in digitizing the India auto industry.

Sudarshan Sarma, CBO, said, “CarDekho Group has significantly transformed the automotive sector, creating a seamless connection between consumers and the broader ecosystem. The platform’s strong brand recall and organic growth are a testament to the trust it has earned from consumers. I’m excited to enable the company into its next phase of innovation, working with the talented team to harness technology and data, delivering exceptional value to both our consumers and industry partners.”

Go Spiritual India Launches Suicide Prevention Campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day

Mumbai: Go Spiritual India, a prominent charitable organization dedicated to promoting spirituality and holistic well-being, has launched a comprehensive Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day. The campaign focuses on the transformative power of spirituality in addressing mental health challenges and preventing suicides, particularly among vulnerable populations such as senior citizens and the youth.

With a mission to foster resilience, hope, and a deeper sense of purpose, Go Spiritual India’s campaign highlights the importance of spiritual practices in improving mental well-being and combating the rising tide of suicides. By integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern mental health approaches, the organization aims to offer a holistic and accessible solution to this critical issue.

The campaign includes a series of interactive workshops and webinars, featuring insights from spiritual leaders, mental health professionals, and wellness practitioners. These sessions are designed to provide practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and depression through spiritual practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. Participants will learn how these practices can foster emotional resilience and inner peace, offering a lifeline to those struggling with mental health issues.

A dynamic social media awareness and digital outreach initiative will also form a key part of the campaign, disseminating information about the intersection of spirituality and mental health. This outreach aims to reach a broad audience with messages of hope and healing, sharing inspiring stories of individuals who have found strength through spiritual practices. Additionally, the campaign will provide tips on incorporating spirituality into daily life as a preventive measure against mental health challenges.

Recognizing the unique mental health challenges faced by senior citizens, the campaign will extend its outreach to elderly communities, offering specialized sessions that address issues such as loneliness, grief, and the sense of purposelessness that often afflict older adults. By promoting spirituality as a source of comfort and connection, Go Spiritual India aims to reduce the incidence of depression and suicidal thoughts among seniors.

The campaign also provides access to a range of support resources, including a dedicated helpline for spiritual counseling, online mental health services, and guidance on incorporating spiritual practices into daily routines. These resources are designed to offer immediate support to individuals in crisis, as well as ongoing guidance for those seeking to improve their mental well-being through spirituality.

Go Spiritual India Intro Film

In addition to its focus on senior citizens, the campaign will target youth and educational institutions, addressing the alarming rates of suicide among young people. Through partnerships with schools and universities, Go Spiritual India will conduct sessions that teach students the value of spirituality in coping with academic pressures, social challenges, and personal setbacks, equipping them with the tools to navigate these critical phases of life.

Sonu Tyagi, Founder of Go Spiritual India & Approach Entertainment, stated: “Mental health issues and suicides are complex problems that require multifaceted solutions. At Go Spiritual India, we believe that spirituality can play a crucial role in prevention by providing a sense of purpose, community, and inner peace. Our campaign is dedicated to spreading the message that no matter the challenges one faces, there are always paths to healing and recovery, guided by the timeless wisdom of spirituality.”

Go Spiritual India’s Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Campaign is part of its broader commitment to promoting spiritual awareness, mental health, and holistic wellness. The organization’s initiatives aim to integrate spiritual teachings into modern life, providing a unique perspective that addresses the root causes of mental health issues.

Go Spiritual India is a charitable spiritual organization committed to philanthropy, spiritual awareness, mental health, wellness, organic living, spiritual tourism, and various social causes. The organization works to foster holistic well-being and compassionate living, inspired by the principles of ancient Indian spirituality. Through its initiatives, Go Spiritual India seeks to make a positive impact on society, addressing some of the most pressing mental health issues of our time.

Go Spiritual India is the charitable spiritual arm of Approach Entertainment Group, a leading entity renowned for its expertise in Celebrity Management, Film Productions, Advertising & Corporate Film Solutions, Film Marketing, and Events & Entertainment Marketing. Supporting these core services, Approach Communications functions as a top PR & Integrated Communications agency, serving a wide range of sectors including Corporate, Healthcare, Entertainment, Finance, Education, and Social domains. The group’s dedication to excellence has been acknowledged with numerous prestigious awards, such as The Biz India 2010 Award from the World Confederation of Business, the Service Excellence Award from the Worldwide Marketing Organization, the PR Agency of the Year Award, and the Yuva Ratn Award.

At the helm of Approach Entertainment Group is Sonu Tyagi, an award-winning writer, director, and producer with a deep spiritual inclination. With extensive experience collaborating with top advertising agencies and media houses across India, Sonu Tyagi has a solid academic background, having graduated in Psychology and further pursued courses in Advertising Management, Journalism, and Filmmaking. Under his visionary leadership, the group has established a significant presence in key cities, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurugram, Goa, Kolkata, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.

Additionally, Approach Entertainment Group operates a dedicated Bollywood Newswire & Content Dissemination unit, Approach Bollywood, which amplifies its influence within the entertainment industry. Beyond its commercial endeavors, the group is passionately committed to spiritual and social causes through its non-profit initiative, Go Spiritual India.

New Commission on Asian Philanthropy to unleash the full potential of Asian philanthropy for social good

Delhi, 12 September 2024 – The Commission on Asian Philanthropy (“the Commission”) was officially launched at the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2024 today, bringing together prominent philanthropic organisations (“Commissioners”) from across Asia with the vision of accelerating the change in the trajectory of Asian Philanthropy to unleash its full potential for social good.

With Asia being home to 60% of the world’s population and facing formidable domestic and regional challenges, the need for impactful philanthropy has never been greater. The region’s wealth is growing at a rate 1.7 times faster than the global average and now constitutes 36% of global wealth — a trend expected to persist. While the new wealth has made Asian philanthropy increasingly active, a collaborative, sector-building effort is crucial for it to truly flourish. The Commission on Asian Philanthropy aims to establish a framework that will enable this to happen.

The Commission will champion multi-year research efforts designed to define the scope and opportunity of Asian philanthropy and establish an “in Asia, for Asia” ecosystem. This work will advance the professionalisation of the philanthropic sector in the region and broaden its influence across sectors. The research efforts will culminate in a landmark report planned for release in 2027, featuring recommendations and calls for sustained action and transformation.

While acknowledging Asia’s inherent heterogeneity given its size and cultural diversity, the founding Commissioners firmly believe in the potential for philanthropic practitioners to learn from each other given the region’s many shared characteristics, and they are committed to jointly create an ecosystem tailored to the region’s needs. In this way, the Commission seeks to drive lasting change by convening key stakeholders and spearheading collaborative efforts to address shared challenges and opportunities.

Alongside co-convenors the Asia Philanthropy Congress (“APHIC”) and the Institute of Philanthropy (“IoP”), the Commission comprises influential philanthropic organisations including China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, IDEAS Dompet Dhuafa Republika, King Khalid Foundation, The Nippon Foundation, Piramal Foundation, Rainmatter Foundation, Tanoto Foundation, Tata Consultancy Services and Tencent Charity Foundation, who are all founding Commissioners. The Commission is supported by AVPN and Voyage as co-secretariats.

Mr Lester G Huang, Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy, and Club Steward at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, “Asian philanthropy has witnessed remarkable growth, but significant challenges remain, which may curtail the impact of existing programmes. Asia needs its own infrastructure to ensure that philanthropy has a recognised and valued role across its diverse contexts and to address the urgent social needs of the region. The Commission will play a key role in building and sharing knowledge that is truly relevant to the Asian context, professionalising the sector, driving scalable and sustainable solutions, and thereby amplifying Asia’s voice on the global stage.”

Representing APHIC, Mr Ichiro Kabasawa, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, commented, “The potential for growth in Asian philanthropy is immense, but it requires a shift from fragmented, individual efforts to a cohesive, strategic approach. By uniting philanthropic leaders to tackle social challenges and strengthen sector capabilities, the Commission will harness the collective vision, expertise, and resources of our Commissioners to create evidence-based strategies and foster long-term systemic change that meet the needs of the Asian philanthropic landscape.”

2024 Indian Racing Festival Returns to Madras International Circuit for Round 3 after Chennai Night Race Success

New Delhi, September 12, 2024:
The 2024 Indian Racing Festival (IRF), presented by Kingfisher Soda, will return to the Madras International Circuit (MIC) for Round 3 of the Indian Racing League (IRL) and Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC), following the triumphant first edition of the night street circuit race in Chennai. The MIC, which hosted Round 1 of the IRF 2024, will welcome the drivers, teams, and fans back on September 14 and 15, promising even more thrills.

Sprawled across 3.7 kilometres of rapid stretches and sharp turns, the Madras International Circuit sits in Irungattukottai, Chennai. The racetrack hosted the opening weekend of IRF 2024 on August 24 and 25, when fans witnessed Jon Lancaster and Alister Yoong give their teams a head-start in the Indian Racing League by winning Race 1 and Race 2, respectively. In the Formula 4 Indian Championship, young Indian racer Jaden Pariat took the opening race before Hugh Barter claimed Races 2 and 3.

Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director of Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd., said: “We are delighted to return to the Madras International Circuit for Round 3 of the Indian Racing Festival. The circuit was a fantastic host for Round 1 and It was a bonafide thrill to witness Jon Lancaster and Alister Yoong take top honours in the IRL and several youngsters shine in F4IC. Following the incredible success of the Chennai night street race, we are even more excited for another exhilarating weekend of racing at MIC as the competition intensifies.”

The IRF returns to MIC just two weeks after the thrilling debut of the Chennai night street race, which delivered several nail-biting moments under the floodlights. Goa Aces JA Racing’s Gabriela Jilkova made history as the first female pole-sitter in the Indian Racing League. In the Formula 4 Indian Championship, Hugh Barter extended his winning streak in Race 1, edging out India’s Ruhaan Alva, while Aqil Alibhai clinched victory in Race 2.

In the IRL Race 1, Jilkova proceeded to finish P2 behind Raoul Hyman, the teammates combining to add 44 points to their team’s tally. Alvaro Parente-led Speed Demons Delhi made a sensational comeback in Race 2; the Portuguese racer fetched the maximum number of points possible by bagging the pole position, the fastest lap, and, ultimately, P1. However, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers’ consistency across all races meant they were the weekend’s big winners, continuing to occupy the top spot in the Teams’ Championship (107 points) and the top two spots in the Car Championship.

Promoted by RPPL, the IRF aims to engage India’s rapidly growing motorsports fanbase through two thrilling championships: the Indian Racing League and the FIA Formula 4 Indian Championship. These high-octane events are designed to support burgeoning talent and heighten the motorsport experience for petrolheads nationwide.

JK Tyre-FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship

Round 2 of the 29th JK Tyre-FMSCI Indian National Racing Championship happened at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, thus becoming the first domestic motor racing competition to run a night street circuit race.

Spread over two races, with 24 competitors competing in the Formula LGB4 Class, the event witnessed Dark Don Racing continue their brilliant start to the season, courtesy of Diljith TS’s victory in Race 1. Diljith retained a podium finish in Race 2, finishing P2 behind second-time winner Tijil Rao, who, with 31 points, leads the Drivers’ Standings after two rounds. Meanwhile, Dark Don Racing extended their lead at the top of the Teams’ Standings to 65 points, nearly twice as much as their closest challenger MSport.

Furthermore, Neythan McPherson’s twin P1s in the LGB4 Rookie segment saw him tie Abhay M at the summit of the leaderboard, both drivers accumulating 34 points until now.

India Recommits Itself To Building A Sustainable Future This World Green Building Week

New Delhi, 12 Sept 2024: CII-IGBC, India’s premier body for green building certification and related services, is participating in the Green Building Week from 9-13 Sept 2024. The 2024 campaign, #BuildingTheTransition, is calling on the building and construction sector to follow three steps for a resilient and zero-carbon future – reduce, electrify and adapt.

The annual campaign is supported by over 75 Green Building Councils (GBCs), plus partners, hosting over 100 events around the world to spotlight solutions to industry stakeholders for a resilient and decarbonised built environment. By REDUCE, it aims at improving energy efficiency and minimise energy use; by ELECTRIFY, it aims at shifting to electricity for essential functions and ensuring electricity generation is from low-carbon sources such as renewables; and, by ADAPT, it aims to ensure the built environment is capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.

Speaking at the inaugural of the Green Building Week, Mr. B Thiagarajan, National Chairman, CII-IGBC said, “The Green Building Week is a global initiative by the World Green Building Council. Indian Green Building Council is recommitting itself to Building the Transition along with all our stakeholders and partners – developers, builders, architects. Aligned with WorldGBC in its mission in transforming the building and construction sector together we are playing a constructive role in creating built environments which are sustainable and resilient to climate change.”

Now in its 16th year, the World Green Building Week is led by WorldGBC and the global network of GBCs, their over 46,000 members, and international industry leaders, to build momentum and drive the local action necessary for people and the planet to thrive. The GBC network is uniquely placed to drive action. Present in over 75 countries around the world, GBCs cover 60% of the world’s building stock, plus 65% of global GDP, in countries that account for 72% of global built environment emissions.

The Indian Green Building Council, an integral part of the World Green Building Council is one of the most active Councils in the world. As part of the Green Building Week, IGBC is conducting a series of events promoting environmental sustainability in the construction and building sectors. These include a national webinar series highlighting the solutions for climate change; waste management sessions in partnership with Eastern Railways; and the launch of IGBC student chapters in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mysuru and Bengaluru to sensitise young minds to blend traditional and modern architecture designs for a sustainable future.

Speaking at the inaugural of the Green Building Week, Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, Indian Green Building Council said, “The Green Building Week is a very important and relevant global movement which aims at promoting ways and means to build sustainable infrastructure and buildings which minimize their environmental impact and enhance the quality of life for their occupants. Through multiple initiatives, IGBC along with its partners is looking at responsible and sustainable development practices which balance human needs with environmental stewardship.”

IGBC encourages innovation in building technologies, materials, and design practices that support net zero goals. It promotes research and development in sustainable building solutions and technologies. It also fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, including industry experts, government bodies, and academic institutions. This collaborative approach helps in sharing knowledge, experiences, and solutions related to net zero buildings.

CII-IGBC’s Mission on Net Zero envisions to achieve 100% net zero embodied carbon by 2050, for new buildings and infrastructure and work towards making all buildings including existing buildings, net zero operational carbon. Its Net Zero Carbon Rating System promotes the use of low-embodied carbon materials and technologies and on-site or off-site renewable energy sources, and adherence to a Whole Building Life Cycle Analysis. The rating system addresses projects in both ‘Design & Construction’ and ‘Operations’ phases. This approach allows tailored strategies for minimising or eliminating carbon emissions at different project stages.

The Net Zero Energy, Water, Waste and Carbon rating systems present an excellent opportunity for the Navi Mumbai building sector to lead the adoption of Net Zero practices and facilitate India’s transformation into one of the foremost countries achieving Net Zero by 2070.

Sparx expands its global footprint with a retail partnership in Morocco

New Delhi, September 11, 2024: Sparx, the most trusted footwear brand among Indian youth, expands its international footprint with a retail partnership in Morocco, a country in North Africa. This marks a significant milestone for the brand as it further expands beyond Indian borders, taking its innovative designs, unparalleled comfort, and youthful spirit to new international markets.

The stores showcase an extensive range of products, from trendy sports shoes to versatile closed and open footwear. Positioned strategically in key locales across five cities in Morocco, Sparx is swiftly strengthening its presence in the region, offering an exhilarating choice of footwear for consumers.

The brand aims to broaden its presence by rapidly expanding in physical stores, in addition to extending its reach on e-commerce platforms. By streamlining logistics and optimizing production processes, Sparx ensures that its products are readily available for customers in-store and online, further enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Mr. Ritesh Dua, Executive Director, Relaxo Footwears Ltd. said “The collaboration with Olympe, a Multi-Brand Outlet in Morocco marks a significant milestone in our global growth strategy, reflecting the increasing stakes and expectations of our consumers. Through Relaxo’s strategic efforts and Sparx’s unwavering commitment to comfort, quality, and style, we are set to redefine customer experiences in Morocco and beyond. This expansion exemplifies Relaxo’s dedication to forging strong partnerships and extending its reach to new customers around the world. Moving forward, we aim to sustain our international growth by broadening our presence in the global market over the next couple of years.”