Advancing Sustainability – Panel Discussion on Gross Environmental Product (GEP) at IIT Roorkee

IIT Roorkee, October 8, 2024: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, in collaboration with the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO), organized a panel discussion on the Gross Environmental Product (GEP). The main objective was to raise awareness about ecological issues and emphasize the need for a comprehensive strategy to shift from GDP-based economic growth parameters to GEP measures for defining development. Many participants believed that economic stability cannot be achieved as long as we continue to ignore ecological sustainability.

The program began at 10:00 AM with a welcome address by Professor Ashish Pandey of the Department of Water Resources Development and Management at IIT Roorkee, followed by a brief introduction of Padma Bhushan Dr. Anil P. Joshi, a renowned environmentalist and founder of the Dehradun-based voluntary organization Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO).

Dr. Joshi discussed in detail the topic, its context, and the need for such a development parameter in today’s times. He emphasized the complementarity of this concept with other existing parameters and suggested how adopting GEP as a method of measurement can balance development with the much-needed environmental conservation. Speaking about the necessity of implementing measures to prevent ecological damage globally, HESCO founder Padma Bhushan Dr. Anil P. Joshi said, “We cannot deny the immediate economic development needs for a large population in the country, but at the same time, we cannot ignore ecological needs. Our emphasis on commercialization has pushed ecological issues to the back burner. Rationality lies in balancing the economy and ecology. Only a stable ecology can bring about sustained economic growth. We all need to think about this subject and come together.”

Dr. Shivam Joshi from HESCO gave a presentation on GEP, explaining its importance and discussing his research work.

On the occasion, IIT Roorkee’s Director, Professor Kamal Kishore Pant, appreciated the GEP initiative and, discussing environmental conservation and its importance, said, “Our fundamental needs are food, energy, and water. If we want to save the future, we should utilize these three resources in a limited and appropriate manner. Additionally, we need to make society aware of environmental issues.”

In the inaugural session, Mr. Satya Prakash Dobhal (Director, ITM Mussoorie), Dr. M. Madhu (Director, Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation), Prof. Durgesh Pant (Director General, UCOST Dehradun), Mr. Raj Shekhar Joshi (Vice President, SETU, Government of Uttarakhand), Prof. Shishir Sinha (Director General, CIPET), and Prof. Akshay Dwivedi (Dean of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy, IIT Roorkee) also shared their views.

After the inaugural session, a panel discussion was organized where various speakers discussed their respective topics. The program was conducted by Alok Shukla, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Professor Vinay Sharma of the Department of Management Studies at IIT Roorkee.

Real Estate Sector Anticipates Strong Demand During Festive Season Amid Attractive Offers

October 7th, 2024: As the festive season approaches in India, the real estate sector is poised for a significant uptick in activity. Traditionally, this period is marked by increased consumer sentiment and heightened demand for residential properties, driven by cultural practices and the desire to make new purchases during auspicious times. Developers are responding to this trend by launching new projects and offering attractive discounts and incentives, such as flexible payment plans and additional amenities, to entice buyers. The recent trends of urban migration and the shift towards larger living spaces post-pandemic further bolster the demand for residential properties, particularly in suburban areas.

 However, challenges remain for the real estate sector, including rising construction costs and fluctuating interest rates, which could impact affordability. Despite these hurdles, analysts remain optimistic, projecting a robust festive season with a notable increase in home sales. The government’s initiatives to promote housing and affordable schemes, coupled with the ongoing recovery of the economy, are expected to create a conducive environment for both buyers and developers. As consumer confidence grows, the festive season may serve as a turning point for the sector, rejuvenating sales and investments in the coming months.

 Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman, Signature Global (India) Ltd

 Real estate demand remains robust across all kinds of properties. This is also reflected in our pre-sales performance during Q1 of the current financial year, where we have already achieved 30% of the target for the current financial year. As we enter the festive season, we are very optimistic that the real estate sector, especially the mid and premium residential segments, will continue to perform well. The possibility of the RBI reducing key rates in the next couple of months may further increase the demand in the near future.

 Mr. Aman Sarin, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Anant Raj Limited

 The residential real estate market in India continues to experience robust demand, particularly for larger and luxury housing units across the country. Over the past few years, sales have kept pace with new project launches, leaving very limited inventory in the high-end and luxury segments.

 In fact, there’s a noticeable supply shortage in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments due to high demand and fewer project launches at premium locations by renowned developers in recent years. We expect this trend to continue, with only a limited number of new launches anticipated in the NCR and across the country during the upcoming festive season. Anant Raj is also planning to launch luxury designer apartments, called “Estate Apartments,” in Sector 63A, Gurugram, within its existing integrated township.

 As demand significantly outstrips the supply in the pipeline, we foresee a further upward price movement in these segments, reflecting the market’s strong momentum.

 Mr. Mohit Jain, Managing Director, Krisumi Corporation

 The demand for real estate has been strong, especially in the luxury segment, for the last couple of years and is likely to maintain the momentum in the future. The festive period is traditionally seen as an auspicious time from a purchasing point of view, so we usually see more traction and interest from homebuyers during this period. Moreover, the promotional offers from real estate developers during the festive season often attract a wider range of consumers. We’re confident that this festive period will bring a boost to the entire industry.

S K Venkataraghavan Joins Lenovo Solutions and Services Group, India

Bengaluru, October 07, 2024 – Lenovo India, the global technology powerhouse, today announced the appointment of S K Venkataraghavan as Director of its Solutions and Services Group (SSG). Based in Bengaluru, Venkataraghavan will spearhead the expansion of Lenovo’s Solutions and Service business in India, leveraging AI to unlock new growth opportunities to strengthen customers’ competitive advantage.

In this pivotal role, Venkataraghavan will continue to drive Lenovo’s journey as the leading integrated solutions provider for enterprises, directly aligning with the company’s global strategy. Leveraging over two decades of hands-on experience in Cloud & Infrastructure Services, he is uniquely positioned to scale Lenovo’s end-to-end SSG portfolio.

Shailendra Katyal, Managing Director, Lenovo India, said, “We are excited to have Venkataraghavan on board to lead Lenovo’s Solutions and Services Group in India. His deep expertise and proven leadership in cloud services, next-gen technologies, and managed services will play a crucial role in accelerating our service-led transformation. I am confident that Lenovo will continue to innovate and reach greater heights under his leadership.”

Before joining Lenovo, spanning 25 years, Venkataraghavan led leadership positions in India and Global markets in Cloud & Infrastructure Services at Infosys, NIIT Tech. and Wipro. He had successfully won & executed large transformation programs to deliver superior outcomes for his customers

RGCIRC Marks HOPE’24, Experts Raise Awareness Ahead of Hospice and Palliative Care Day

New Delhi, Oct 7: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), an apex institution for cancer care, organized a daylong event ‘Hospice & Palliative Care Event 24’ (HOPE’24) ahead of the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. The event brought together more than 200 participants, including prominent doctors, experts, patients, caregivers, social workers, and medical staff, to discuss and dissipate the essence of hospice and palliative care in the country.

The event emphasized that palliative care is about more than just treatment; it focuses on providing comfort, dignity, and support to those facing serious illnesses, like cancer. Patients and caregivers engaged in an interactive session that explored the true meaning of palliative care, shared inspiring stories, and were provided valuable practical resources and recent advancements.

Mr. D. S. Negi, CEO, RGCIRC, said, “Doctors and medical support staff face numerous challenges in providing comprehensive Hospice and Palliative Care. Apart from the emotional resistance from family to forming support groups, the infrastructure in India is also lacking. There is an urgent need to bridge the gap between patient needs and healthcare provider practices to enhance the delivery of palliative care in India. “

The event also raised awareness about palliative care, advanced care planning and advance medical directives.

Discussing the need for advanced care planning (ACP) during the cancer treatment, Dr. Kinshuki Jain, Head, Department of Pain and Palliative care, RGCIRC, Rohini, “This is especially relevant for life-limiting illness eg- cancer where ACP may ensure that patients do not endure treatment that may not align with their wishes or quality of life preferences. It’s crucial to empower patients and their families to engage in these conversations early on, minimizing the occurrence of futile treatments. Additionally, raising awareness about palliative care and promoting the concept of living wills can facilitate important discussions about patients’ wishes and goals. Taking these conversations to the grassroots level will empower individuals to advocate for their own care preferences, ensuring their voices are heard and respected throughout their treatment journey and ensure that even death is dignified”

To spread this essence, the Department of Pain and Palliative Care of RGCIRC, Rohini also organized a sub-event titled ‘Meri Kahani Suno’, wherein painting, E-poster and write ups entries were invited from all stakeholders which received an overwhelming response from all strata.

The event focused on enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families, addressing not just physical symptoms but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs. By fostering a holistic approach to care, the deliberations aimed to create a more compassionate environment for those facing serious illnesses.

Harness Divine Strength Through Mahisasur Mardini Chanting at ParamYoga

Group chanting creates immense vibrations, helping to release and heal pain within the body while fostering a deep spiritual connection. ParamYoga invites all Sadhakas to join in the powerful chanting of Mahisasur Mardini on October 9, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This sacred practice celebrates divine energy and allows participants to invoke inner strength, bringing a sense of peace and harmony.

Attendees are encouraged to wear royal blue as a symbol of unity and divinity. Join this spiritual gathering to experience the healing power of group chanting and connect with the transformative energy of Goddess Durga.

Detail:

Date: October 9, 2024

Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Venue: Param Yogashala – Indus School, Ramya Ashiyana Park 2, Aundh, Pune

RBI Kicks Off Three-Day MPC Meeting Today, Set to Conclude on October 9

7th October 2024: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to begin its three-day monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting today, October 7, and will conclude on October 9 (Wednesday). During this critical meeting, policymakers will assess current economic conditions, including inflation trends and growth projections, to determine the appropriate stance on interest rates. Market participants are keenly watching for signals regarding the RBI’s approach to balancing inflation control with economic support, particularly in the context of evolving global economic challenges. The outcomes of this meeting will provide important insights into the RBI’s strategy for navigating the financial landscape in the coming months.

Mr. Sanju Bhadana, MD, 4S Developers:

The RBI is expected to maintain status quo as inflation risks persist. The apex bank is likely to monitor more factors like the emerging geo-political tensions, monsoon and inflation before it possibly undertakes rate cuts in the coming months. In view of the slowing down of property sales and launches in September quarter, a rate cut would be ideal during this festive season to spur demand.

Shiwang Suraj, founder and director of Gurugram-based property consulting firm InfraMantra:

The RBI must initiate rate cut cycle as housing sales have begun to show signs of slowdown. The fatigue from homebuyers is not only a result of rising home prices but also high mortgage rates. The RBI must look at ways to reinvigorate the housing momentum in view to balance the host of concerns that domestically or globally may affect India’s growth story.

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Group

The RBI’s upcoming monetary policy announcement will, as always, have implications on different industries and markets. The housing market is especially sensitive to changes in acquisition cost since in India, most home buyers use home loans. A cut in the repo rate would result in lower interest rates on home loans, which makes EMIs more manageable for borrowers.

Of course, interest rates are not the sole factor to influence purchase decisions – property rates also play a big role. As per ANAROCK Research, average residential property prices across the top 7 cities have collectively seen a significant 46% jump since 2021. More attractive interest rates can help improve overall affordability, and this can help catalyse housing sales during the festive season. Improved sales also benefit developers as better sales improve their cash flows and reduce their borrowing expenses for projects.

Equally importantly, a rate cut would help boost overall market sentiment and woo back investors. After many years of largely staying away from housing because of low price growth, investors returned to it after the COVID-19 pandemic because both demand and prices started going up. Currently, many investors have taken a breather as prices appear to have peaked out, but more attractive lending rates can bring them back to the market.

That said, we need to be realistic. While the recent US Fed cut would have prompted the RBI to follow suit, the fact is that the global economy is facing considerable uncertainty because of the ongoing geopolitical tensions. It is a tightrope walk for the RBI and it is therefore possible that it will hold on to the current repo rate for now, until these pressure ease.

Mr. Amit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Arkade Developers on the upcoming Repo rate expectation:

“The real estate industry has benefited from the stable repo rate since February 2023, which has maintained lending rates for various borrowings, including home loans. However, given the constrained headroom and mounting inflationary pressures, we anticipate a 25bps to 30bps rate cut in October. The rate cut will increase borrowing, boosting home sales further, particularly during Q3FY 24–25’s festive seasons. As the festive season is around the corner, it is one of the most important times for home sales. Rate reductions will boost demand in all markets, but particularly in Mumbai, which recently passed the one lakh home sales milestone in record 9-month time.”

IDFC FIRST Bank Goes Live on GST Portal for Seamless Tax Payments

Mumbai, October, 2024: IDFC FIRST Bank is pleased to announce its integration with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) portal, enabling seamless GST payments. Customers will now benefit from an intuitive, hassle-free payment experience, with instant payment confirmations and easy access to downloadable challans.

 This new integration allows IDFC FIRST Bank customers to pay GST through a variety of digital channels, including the Bank’s user-friendly Retail and Corporate Internet Banking platforms and its nationwide branch network.

 Mr. Chinmay Dhoble, Head – Retail Liabilities and Branch Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank, stated, “As a customer-first bank, we are committed to providing seamless, easy-to-use solutions to our customers. This integration with the GST portal is another step in our mission to offer universal banking solutions. Our aim is to ensure a quick, simple, and efficient tax payment experience. We encourage our customers to use this facility to easily pay their GST through IDFC FIRST Bank’s online and branch channels”.

 IDFC FIRST Bank is one of the select Scheduled Private Sector Banks to be authorised for GST collections, further underscoring the Bank’s commitment to providing comprehensive financial services to its clients.

 Steps to Pay GST Using IDFC FIRST Bank Internet Banking:
1. Log in to the GST portal: https://services.gst.gov.in/services/login
2. Create a Challan and select E-Payment via Net Banking
3. Choose IDFC FIRST Bank as the payment option
4. Complete the payment and download the GST paid challan

 Additionally, IDFC FIRST Bank is working with GST officials to introduce more payment options, including UPI and card payments.

National level Slogan Writing Contest on National Unity Day 2024 by Udaan Youth Club

National level Slogan Writing Contest on National Unity Day 2024 by Udaan Youth Club [Online, With Certificate, Open to All]: Submit by Oct 27

In honor of National Unity Day 2024 and the visionary leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Udaan Youth Club proudly presents a National Level Slogan Writing Contest. This contest invites citizens across India to creatively express their thoughts on the theme of national unity, celebrating India’s diversity and the strength that comes from standing together. Through this initiative, Udaan Youth Club aims to foster a sense of belonging, patriotism, and collective responsibility towards building a unified and harmonious India. Your slogan could inspire millions to embrace the values of unity, integrity, and solidarity.

About the Organization:

Udaan Youth Club (UYC) is a self-organized voluntary group of rural Indian youth who are leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to contribute to achieving the Vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Under the leadership of SR Aman Kumar, UYC actively engages in social empowerment, youth-led initiatives, and activities that promote community development. Headquartered in Tyodhi, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, UYC is recognized by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) as an official Youth Club. The organization plays a vital role in empowering rural communities through educational and social awareness programs that align with the UN SDGs and India’s vision for 2047.

About the Program:

The National Unity Day Slogan Writing Contest is designed to inspire individuals to reflect on the critical role of national integration in India’s growth story. The contest encourages participants to create slogans that reflect the unity in diversity that India is known for and how this unity strengthens our social fabric. National Unity Day, celebrated on October 31 to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s pivotal role in unifying India post-independence, is the perfect occasion to promote these values through powerful and thought-provoking slogans.

Purpose of the Contest:

India is a nation of rich diversity—of cultures, languages, and religions—yet it is unity that has held us together through history. In a rapidly changing world, where societal divisions are more prominent than ever, promoting national unity is a powerful way to reinforce the values that Sardar Patel championed. This contest encourages participants to reflect on how unity can be nurtured in today’s society and invites them to create slogans that could inspire collective action and harmony. This initiative seeks to unite citizens, especially the youth, in upholding the pillars of unity and national integration.

Benefits of Participation:

1.  Top slogans will be featured on Udaan Youth Club’s official social media platforms and website, reaching a wide audience.
2. The top three winners in both languages will receive certificates of merit for their impactful contributions.
3. All participants will receive digital certificates of participation, acknowledging their effort and creativity in contributing to the cause of national unity.
4. Your slogan will help inspire others to reflect on the importance of unity, contributing to nation-building by promoting harmony and a collective identity.
5. All institutions or organizations with at least 100 participants will be recognised as Impact Partners with an appreciation certificate.

Eligibility:

•  Open to all individuals (no age, background, or other restrictions). Whether you’re a student, professional, or
• retiree, this contest is for everyone who believes in the power of unity.
  Participants must reside in India.

Instructions:

•  Theme: The slogan should be based on National Unity, highlighting how India’s diversity strengthens our nation.
• Language: Slogans can be submitted in English or Hindi.
• Length: Slogans should not exceed 10-15 words.
• Originality: The slogan must be original and should reflect your personal thoughts or feelings on unity and national integration.
• One Entry Per Person: Participants are allowed to submit only one slogan.

Judgment Criteria:

• Slogans will be evaluated based on:
• Creativity: How unique and original the slogan is.
• Relevance: How well it captures the theme of national unity.
• Impact: The potential of the slogan to inspire, motivate, or resonate with a wide audience.
• Engagement: Reactions on social media platforms such as likes, shares, and comments on the posts featuring the slogan.

Important Dates:

•  Submission Deadline: October 27, 2024 (all entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM IST).
• Result Announcement: October 31, 2024 (on National Unity Day, winners will be announced and recognized).

PepsiCo India and The Social Lab organize the sixth annual Plog Run in Gurugram, Marking Swachh Bharat Diwas

Gurugram, 7th October 2024: PepsiCo India, in collaboration with The Social Lab (TSL), led the 6th edition of the Plog Run at Leisure Valley, Gurugram. The initiative embodies the spirit of its guiding principle, ‘Partnership of Progress,’ bringing together organizations and communities for collective action. Aligned with the Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission, Plog Run brings together fitness and sustainability, with volunteers collecting plastic waste while jogging.

Celebrated Paralympian Akhlesh Kumar flagged off the Plog Run along with Jagrut Kotecha, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo India & South Asia; Sahil Arora, Chief Executive Officer, The Social Lab (TSL) and Vikas Bhatia, Executive Director-Group ESG Head, Varun Beverages Ltd.

The Plog Run 2024 in Gurugram witnessed an early morning start, with participants coming together for a special warm-up session led by CultFit and an exciting game of football on Gatorade Turf Finder before setting off for Plogging i.e. Jogging through the Leisure Valley area. Participants collected plastic waste, bringing fitness and environmental cleanliness together in a unified effort.

This year’s Plog Run saw close to 500 participants, including employees from The Social Lab, PepsiCo India and Varun Beverages, students, volunteers and local citizens, collecting over 400 kilograms of plastic waste around Leisure Valley Sector 29. The collected plastic waste will be segregated and recycled for further use.

Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head, PepsiCo India and South Asia, shared, ” At PepsiCo India, our ‘Partnership of Progress’ platform reflects commitment towards fostering a culture of collective action for a greener, more sustainable future. We are happy to see it come alive through the Plog Run by The Social Lab which has brought together organizations and the community. We remain committed to supporting such initiatives that ensure plastic waste is not discarded but recycled. On behalf of PepsiCo India, I sincerely thank the Haryana Government and local authorities for their invaluable support in making the Plog Run 2024 a remarkable success.”

Mr. Sahil Arora, Chief Executive Officer, The Social Lab (TSL), shared, “The Plog Run 2024 in collaboration with our partners embodies our shared commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Together, we are not just encouraging physical fitness but also fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. This collaboration is a testament to the positive impact we can make when we unite for a cause that benefits both our planet and our communities.”

Speaking at the event, Vikas Bhatia, Executive Director-Group ESG Head, Varun Beverages Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to join the 6th edition of Plog Run 2024, an event that truly brought joy and energy to all involved. What stands out most is the incredible enthusiasm shown by all participants coming together for a common cause—promoting fitness and sustainability. It was inspiring to see so many people join forces to make a positive impact, and we are proud to be part of this meaningful initiative.”

The Plog Run 2024 has been organized across multiple states, including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and is being organized in Kolkata and Assam, with hundreds of volunteers joining the run for a good cause. By combining fitness with environmental action, the initiative continues to educate diverse communities on the importance of plastic waste management and responsible recycling, aligning with PepsiCo India’s broader efforts to promote sustainability. PepsiCo India’s ‘Partnership of Progress’ is at the heart of the event, with Varun Beverages Limited, CultFit, Decathlon, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Edelman, Gatorade, Quaker and The Wine Company supporting the cause. Through initiatives like this, PepsiCo India and its partners work collectively to minimize environmental impact while driving awareness about recycling plastic waste into useful items.

Foreign Delegation Lauds Gujarat’s Rich Art, Culture, and Culinary Heritage at Garvi Gujarat

New Delhi, 7th Oct 2024: A distinguished foreign delegation consisting of 21 members from Western Europe (Germany, France, Spain, United Kingdom) and USA, visited the Garvi Gujarat, the government guest house of Gujarat, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2019. The delegation expressed their admiration for the rich art and culture of Gujarat showcased within this iconic building in New Delhi.

During their visit, the members had the opportunity to savor traditional Gujarati cuisine. They enjoyed a delicious Gujarati thali that featured a variety of popular snacks, including dhokla, khaman, khandvi, and patra. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, Gujaratis are equally popular for their vibrant culture and diverse cuisines that are recognized globally.

The delegation was also briefed on the nine-day Navaratri festival, one of the longest dance festivals in the world, highlighting the significance of this cultural event in Gujarat.

Garvi Gujarat serves as a mirror reflecting the artistic heritage of the state. The members of the delegation toured the building, which includes a souvenir shop, further immersing themselves in the essence of Gujarat.

The traditional Gujarati thali is not only flavorful but also designed with health in mind, ensuring that all ingredients meet the nutritional needs of the human body.