IIM Bodh Gaya welcomes fourth batch of IPM programme

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya welcomed the new batch of the Integrated Programme Management (IPM). The fourth batch of the five-year integrated programme includes 148 students, including 14 international students from the USA, Canada, Australia and Nepal.

 The two-day orientation programme began on 24th August with the lighting of the lamp by the esteemed guests.
Prof. Vittal Rangan S, Chairperson, IPM Programme, introduced the IPM programme, emphasising its relevance in the business world. After meeting and interacting with the parents, Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, welcomed the students. She highlighted the importance of holistic education and the institute’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible and mindful leaders. In light of mindfulness as IIM Bodh Gaya’s core value, she stated that the biggest test is the test of time, noting that India’s ancient civilisations’ practices such as yoga, and organic farming have successfully passed this test. The Chief Guest, Mr. D. Shivakumar, Operating Partner at Advent Private Equity addressed the students and advised them to not let other parts of their personality fade in the pursuit of academic marks. He emphasised that an all-rounded person is the kind of person who wins in life. Day one of the orientation programme concluded with the vibrant cultural evening Estovia 3.0 with performances by the students from old and new batches of IPM.

 The students were excited to join the IPM programme. Ahmed KP, a student from the new batch, mentioned that the campus exceeded his expectations with its stunning beauty, and the orientation programme, particularly the lively cultural activities, made the experience truly enjoyable.

 The second day of the programme consisted of sessions led by industry experts including Mr. Manoj Kumar, General Manager at LPG, HPCL, Mr. Niglanshu Nandi, Director of Sales and Marketing at OLA. Mr. Karthik Venkat, Country Lead at India Tech Partnerships (Ads) at Google, advised the students that instead of chasing opportunities, they should let their curiosity attract opportunities. Mr. Pratik Yadav, Expert partner at BCG Zurich, connected with students virtually from Switzerland. The students gained insights about IIM Bodh Gaya’s 14 student-driven committees that are responsible for the institute’s functioning on various fronts.

 IIM Bodh Gaya is one of the five IIMs in the country to offer the IPM programme. The other IIMs are IIM Rohtak, IIM Jammu, IIM Indore, and IIM Ranchi. Under NEP 2020, the programme provides flexibility for students to either complete an undergraduate degree after three years or continue to an MBA.

CREDAI – SOUTHCON 2024 inaugurated at Vijayawada

Vijayawada: 26th August 2024: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), the apex body of the private real estate developers in India organized SOUTH CON 2024, at the Ayana Hotel & Convention Centre in Vijayawada. This prestigious event hosted by CREDAI Andhra Pradesh was inaugurated by Shri Ponguru Narayana, Ministry of Municipal Administration & Urban Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh in the presence of Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, Government of India along with the leadership team of CREDAI National, leaders and members from all chapters of CREDAI in the southern states.

SOUTHCON 2024 aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in southern India’s real estate sector across the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. This leading conference unites key industry figures to share insights, tackle challenges, and explore opportunities in the dynamic real estate landscape of South India. Key leaders and stakeholders came together to drive progress, exchange valuable insights, and strengthen connections within the real estate community. This prestigious gathering will provide a platform for influential figures to foster unity, share knowledge, and encourage cooperation across the industry.

According to Shri Boman Irani, President, CREDAI National said, “India is a diverse country and each zone has its unique challenges. The south Indian states are emerging as rapidly developing hubs for commercial, residential and retail real estate. The member developers here are developing amazing world class projects. We are delighted to host this edition of SOUTHCON in Vijayawada, as the state of Andhra Pradesh is at the cusp of rapid growth and transformation under the visionary leader Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu. SOUTHCON is a collaborative learning platform aimed at helping our member developers understand the nuances of the latest technologies, sustainable construction practices and project management processes to adapt them in their projects to improve the quality and efficiency of operations. As Andhra Pradesh develops Amravati into a sustainable city, SOUTHCON 2024 will provide valuable insights for this transformation. Together, we can seize these opportunities to advance real estate in South India.

He further added. “Just to highlight some interesting facts about Real estate sector –Real Estate sector contributes about 20% to the GDP so as India achieves $ 5 Tn GDP Real Estate sector will contribute $ 1 Tn to the economy. This sector is the largest employer for blue collar jobs in the country. Moreover, 60% of wealth in India is created by Real Estate Investments, as we as a society still believe in possession of physical assets. Also, GST on Real Estate is a cause of concern specially for the smaller developers in the country as in the present form we are unable to get the input tax credit for real estate sector, which is leading to higher cost of projects. Also, we would like the governments to revise the definition of affordable housing and make it Rs. 75 lacs from Rs. 45 lacs, which will be the right price taking into account the impact of inflation over the years so that more homebuyers can benefit from the schemes for Affordable housing”

Shri G. Ram Reddy, Secretary, CREDAI National, “SOUTHCON 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the South Indian real estate sector, showcasing the resilience of regional markets. South Indian states are at the forefront of the technology, automobile, healthcare, and startup revolution in the country, attracting investments across sectors. This requires a focused approach towards building world-class infrastructure as we move towards ‘Viksit Bharat’. These states are also leading the national office property market with a 54–56% share of India’s net office space absorption since 2022, led by Bengaluru’s 15–16 million square feet annually and 25% of total leasing in early 2024. Chennai and Hyderabad contribute 14% and 13%, respectively. Simultaneously, there is a rising demand for high-end and luxury residential properties, attracting developers focused on premium living spaces, although the need for affordable housing remains critical. The conference will bring together industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of real estate in the region, fostering collaboration and sustainable growth. Together, we will unveil new opportunities and lay a strong foundation for the next generation of real estate development. We eagerly anticipate the collaboration of industry leaders in shaping the future of real estate in Southern India.”

Shri B. Raja Srinivas, Joint Secretary, CREDAI National said, “SOUTHCON 2024 represents a significant turning point for the real estate industry in South India, bringing together essential players to boost sustainable development and innovation. As we explore the ever-evolving environments of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, it is vital to leverage technological progress and investigate new market segments. By prioritizing sustainability and encouraging teamwork, we can tackle obstacles and capitalize on the abundant opportunities that await, paving the way for a brighter and more successful future in real estate.”

Speaking on the occasion Shri Sridharan Swaminathan, Vice President, CREDAI National said, “We are excited to share that SOUTHCON 2024, hosted by CREDAI Andhra Pradesh unites industry leaders from various states. It provides a dynamic platform for industry experts to participate in insightful panels and keynote discussions that tackle significant market challenges and opportunities. With a focus on trends such as sustainable building practices and technological innovations, SOUTHCON 2024 aspires to spark creativity and foster networking for strategic partnerships. By delving into the latest industry trends, the conference aims to promote eco-friendly, high-quality real estate solutions and influence the future landscape of the sector in Southern India.”

Shri Alla Siva Reddy, Chairman, CREDAI Andhra Pradesh said, “SouthCon 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the real estate sector in Andhra Pradesh, bringing together developers to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. We should seize this opportunity to translate our ambitions into tangible outcomes and collectively strive towards creating a more promising future.”

Adding to this Shri Y. V. Ramana Rao, President, CREDAI Andhra Pradesh said, “As we kick off SOUTHCON 2024, we are happy to unite industry leaders, developers, and innovators from South India for this groundbreaking event. The conference aims to elevate our real estate sector and foster a sustainable future. This gathering offers exceptional opportunities for interaction, sharing ideas, and gaining valuable insights. With a focus on collaboration and local initiatives, including the transformation of Amravati into a green city, this conference is vital for progressing the real estate landscape in Southern India. We invite all participants to engage actively, network, and play a role in the mission to enhance both for the industry and region.”

Shri D. Rambabu, Convener of the SouthCon said, “SOUTHCON 2024, hosted by CREDAI Andhra Pradesh, is a key event for South India’s real estate leaders to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. Request everyone to visit and join us for discussions on trends and challenges that will shape the region’s real estate future and gain insights to drive the industry forward.”

Acsia Technologies Opens Global HQ and R&D Center, Launches Generative AI Developer Assistant for Automotive Software

Thiruvananthapuram, August 26th, 2024: – Acsia Technologies, a global leader in automotive software specializing in Digital Cockpits & Displays, e-Mobility, and Telematics, marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new Global Headquarters and Research & Development Centre at the Embassy Taurus TechZone in Technopark Phase III, Thiruvananthapuram. The inauguration was graced by P. Rajeeve, Minister for Industries, Law, and Coir, Government of Kerala.

“Over the past decade, Kerala has seen significant growth across various sectors. Minister P. Rajeeve stated that the government is now focused on making Thiruvananthapuram a global automotive technology hub. He noted that Kerala has achieved the required level of digital literacy and emphasized the prominent role of Acsia Technologies in this development. The Minister also assured that young people will receive the technical training needed to fully leverage these opportunities. He added that the global automotive conclave, scheduled for November in Thiruvananthapuram, will be a key milestone in advancing these efforts.

The Presidential Address was delivered by the Hon’ble Mr. Kadakampally Surendran, MLA and Former Minister.

During the event, Minister P. Rajeeve also launched Acsia Copilot, named ‘Lila,’ a generative AI-based developer assistant for automotive software. By generating code for a speedometer, Minister Rajeeve officiated the launch of this revolutionary tool, which is set to transform the software development process in the automotive industry.

Lila is an innovative solution that automates routine coding tasks, enabling developers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of software development. The process begins with developers inputting a prompt, which is then expanded using a Large Language Model (LLM) to generate accurate and efficient code snippets. These snippets are displayed in the Copilot interface, where developers can review, refine, and submit the code for compilation, followed by unit testing to ensure it meets the required quality standards.

Acsia is committed to the ethical implementation of AI and Machine Learning (ML), ensuring that these technologies enhance productivity, efficiency, security, and cost savings across the development cycle. The integration of AI also ensures consistent quality in work products, reducing the likelihood of errors and enhancing the reliability of the software.

“The world’s leading automakers trust Acsia to keep their production programs on track. From the very beginning, our mission has been to simplify the complexities of automotive technology by creating software solutions for digital cockpits & displays, e-mobility, and telematics that set new standards in quality and security, ultimately transforming driver and passenger experiences,” said Jijimon Chandran, Founder and CEO of Acsia. “

Thiruvananthapuram is on the threshold of becoming a global hub for automotive technology, and at Acsia, we are proud to lead this movement. Collaborating with the government and partners like CII Kerala, we are determined to position our capital city as a world leader in automotive innovation. Establishing a global automotive technology hub here is crucial for providing high-quality jobs and driving economic growth across the State.” He added.

The newly inaugurated 1000-seater facility represents a significant milestone for Acsia Technologies, a company that has grown exponentially over the past decade. The facility not only underscores Acsia’s commitment to innovation and excellence but also provides ample room for further growth as the automotive technology industry continues to evolve. With the rise of e-mobility, software-defined vehicles, and connected cars, Acsia is well-positioned to partner with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop solutions that enrich, engage, and secure driver and passenger experiences.

“The synergy between skilled human resources and industrial expertise positions Kerala, particularly Thiruvananthapuram, as a significant player in the global automotive sector. It is a remarkable achievement that Acsia has made considerable progress in just ten years, said APM Mohammed Hanish IAS, Principal Secretary, Dept. of Industries, Government of Kerala.

“Kerala has a highly skilled and well- trained workforce. This expertise equips Kerala to leverage advancements in automotive technology,” said Stefan Juraschek, Former VP R&D, BMW Group, and Strategic Advisor, Acsia.

“Kerala has great potential, and the journey has been fulfilling. We look forward to the future”, said Ms. Christina Hein and Mr. German Ferreira from BMW Group congratulating the team on the new inauguration.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including Mr. APM Mohammed Hanish IAS, Principal Secretary, Dept. of Industries, Government of Kerala; Mr. Stefan Juraschek, Former VP R&D, BMW Group, and Strategic Advisor, Acsia; Ms. Christina Hein, Mr. German Ferreira- BMW Group; Col. Sanjeev Nair, CEO, Technopark; Mr. Anoop P Ambika, CEO, Kerala Startup Mission; and Mr. Ajay Prasad, MD & CEO India, Taurus Investment Holdings.

Air India Express Flash Sale offer is valid for bookings made till August 25, 2024

26-August-2024, National: Air India Express launched its ‘Flash Sale’, featuring Xpress Lite fares starting from ₹1037 and zero convenience fee for logged-in members on the airline’s award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com and mobile app. The sale is open for bookings made till 25th August for travel from 26th August to 24th October, 2024, on domestic sectors of the airline.

The sale also includes Xpress Value fares starting for as low as ₹1195 as the airline offers fab deals on routes such as Delhi-Jaipur, Kolkata-Imphal, Chennai-Bhubaneswar, along with special sale fares across its network of 32 domestic destinations.

Bookers on airindiaexpress.com get exclusive access to the exclusive zero-check-in baggage Xpress Lite fares. Xpress Lite fares also include the option to pre-book an additional 3 kg of cabin baggage at no fee and a discounted fee for check-in baggage at ₹1000 for 15 kg on domestic flights and ₹1300 for 20 kg on international flights.

Air India Express loyalty members get exclusive discounts and can earn up to 8% NeuCoins on the airline’s website, in addition to exclusive fab deals like upto 47% off Biz and Prime Seats, ‘Gourmair’ hot meals and beverages and add-on packs. In addition to loyalty members, students, senior citizens, SMEs, Doctors and Nurses, and members of the armed forces and their dependents can also book special discounted fares on the airline’s website.

Xpress Biz fares are available on all the new Air India Express Boeing 737-8 aircraft, as a Business Class equivalent, disrupting the traditional LCC model with the proposition of a hybrid value carrier in keeping with the refreshed Air India Express brand positioning ‘Fly As You Are’. Guests can also upgrade to Biz seats for an enhanced travel experience with a seat pitch of up to 58 inches. As it rapidly expands its fleet, the airline is inducting nearly 4 new aircraft every month and has 4-8 Biz seats in the over 30 new aircraft inducted since it’s brand launch in October 2023.

Danfoss – Staying the course despite market headwinds: H1 2024

Nordborg, Denmark; Chennai, India, August 26, 2024: Danfoss continues to see robust performance and resilience, especially in their Climate Solutions, Drives, and most of the Electrification businesses. The most important growth drivers continue to be decarbonization in industrial sectors, digitalization/datacenters, and electrification.

The lower demand is seen in selected end-markets like agriculture and construction/roadbuilding, which are in a downcycle impacting Danfoss Power Solutions segment. The European construction market continues to be soft, particularly in Central Europe, impacting especially the heating business, such as residential heat pumps and the district heating market. Finally, the automotive/EV-market, in both Europe and the US, has seen significant reductions in OEM production schedules for 2024 and 2025.

The activity level in Europe and China continues to be soft and is expected to continue for the rest of the year, while the US show signs of a slowdown. We continue to see good growth momentum in India.

“I would like to thank the Danfoss team for showing resilience and strong engagement, maintaining full focus on serving our customers. It is exciting to see how the entire team is fully engaged to stay the course and does what it takes to manage through this cycle. We have successfully navigated various economic cycles before, and we are doing so again. While the current situation may be challenging, it is important to emphasize that we will continue pursuing our long-term growth strategy,” says Kim Fausing, President & CEO of Danfoss.

Our three segments continued to invest in innovation and developing our global footprint, bringing innovative solutions and technology to the market and our customers. Research and development investments amounted to EUR 247 million (H1 2023: 249 million), on par with last year and corresponding to 4.9% of sales (H1 2023: 4.5%).

Danfoss India

Danfoss India is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rapid expansion of data centers, commercial buildings, and cold chain infrastructure across the country. Additionally, the Indian government’s strong push towards decarbonization, coupled with initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, is further fuelling our growth momentum.

As a leader in sustainable solutions, we are committed to supporting India’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals. Our innovative products and solutions are designed to help customers reduce their carbon footprint and transition to cleaner, more energy-efficient processes.

With our expertise in electrification, energy efficiency, and climate-friendly technologies, we are well-positioned to be a preferred decarbonization partner for our customers in India. We will continue to invest in and develop cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve their sustainability objectives, while also driving business growth and competitiveness.

Mr Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India, says, “India continues to be the fastest growing region for Danfoss group, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of the country’s sustainable transformation. With the rapid expansion of data centers, commercial buildings, and cold chain infrastructure, coupled with the government’s strong support for decarbonization, we’re confident in our plans to double sales by 2025. Our innovative products and solutions are designed to support India’s carbon neutral ambitions, and we’re committed to being a trusted partner for our customers as they navigate this journey.”

Setting Danfoss up for the future

We have initiated the implementation of an updated operating model, aiming to further support our long-term growth strategy, strengthen innovation and our entrepreneurial mindset, and improve performance. Guided by focus on market and customer proximity, scalability, and simplification, we want to establish stronger end-to-end accountability in the business, increase cost competitiveness, and speed up decision-making across the company.

Mr Kim Fausing, CEO, Danfoss Global, says, “By updating our operating model, we are setting Danfoss up for the future. This is essentially about further decentralization and empowering our teams to make decisions closer to our customers. We will simplify the organization by eliminating duplications and reducing the fragmentation of accountabilities, enabling faster decision-making and a more responsive organization.”

As we are targeting to simplify and eliminate duplication and fragmentation of accountabilities, this also means parting from some of our talented and dedicated colleagues. While this is not an easy decision to make, it is an important step to enable the long-term success of Danfoss. Additionally, as several businesses are impacted by the volatility and lower demand in the market, they are seeing the need to adapt to the current market situation.

Danfoss’ commitment to sustainability

We remain committed to decarbonizing our global operations (scope 1 and 2) by 2030, as part of our three step-change initiatives on Decarbonization, Circularity, and DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

In the first half of the year, we continued to reduce our own emissions. In China, we signed a local Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that, from 2025 onward, will reduce our annual scope 1 and 2 emissions in China by 33% and 9% globally. In total, we have now secured agreements to decarbonize 60% of our operations in China.

Outlook for the year

Danfoss has a continued ambition to expand or maintain our market share. Due to the current downcycle, sales are now expected to be in the lower end of the range of EUR 10.0-11.5 billion for the full year. The EBITA margin is now expected to be in the range of 11.0-12.0%, following the continued integration of already acquired businesses as well as investments in the development of new products and solutions. We are in the process of assessing our strategic options to reduce our cost base, which might cause further one-off costs. The expected growth and profitability performance is dependent on the development of global supply chain stability, the geopolitical environment, and inflation as well as general global growth rates.

Danfoss Global – Key figures for the first six months of 2024

• Sales decreased 9% to EUR 5,012 million (H1 2023: 5,528m).
• Investments in innovation (R&D) continued on high-level EUR 247m (H1 2023: 249m), corresponding to 4.9% of sales (H1 2023: 4.5%).
• Investments (CapEx) excluding M&A was EUR 220 million (H1 2023: 274m).
• Operating profit (EBITA) decreased 22% to EUR 533 million (H1 2023: 686m), leading to EBITA margin of 10.6% (H1 2023: 12.4%).
• Free operating cash flow after financial items and tax (before M&A) amounted to EUR -118 million (H1 2023: -125m).
• Net profit decreased 28% to EUR 291 million (H1 2023: 402m).

Honda Leads Future Generation Road Safety Convention in Jaipur

Jaipur, 26th August 2024: In a steadfast commitment to instill road safety awareness, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India today organized a Road Safety Convention with school principals in Jaipur, Rajasthan as a part of ongoing project – Mindset Development for our Future Generation.

The convention saw active participation from over 100 School Principals and Teachers from government schools in Jaipur.

The convention witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including Smt. Alka Vishnoi (Additional District Magistrate – Jaipur, Government of Rajasthan), Smt. Bharti Singh (ADEO – Jaipur, Government of Rajasthan), Shri Suresh Beniwal (Superintending Engineer – State Road Safety Cell, Department of Transport and Road Safety, Government of Rajasthan), Shri Ashwini Bagga (Road Safety Expert – State Road Safety Cell, Department of Transport and Road Safety, Government of Rajasthan), and Shri Prabhu Nagaraj (Operating Officer, Corporate Affairs, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India) along with other dignitaries from HMSI.

The current Indian traffic scenario highlights the need of discipline among road users. One of the major causes of traffic collision is the mindset of people. Widespread disregard for traffic rules is one of the major factors in road accidents. Keeping this in mind, the primary objective of this convention was to showcase the innovative concept of Mindset Development for kids, with a focus on expanding the reach of road safety education to all students through training facilitated by school teachers.

With a unique focus on changing children’s mindset towards road safety from an early age, HMSI believes that proper education can have a positive influence not only on children but also on their parents. Anchored by HMSI’s global safety slogan ‘Safety for Everyone’, the company has curated three learning modules age wise to guide the young population develop a disciplined mindset, thereby making a substantial contribution in fostering a safer society.

During the convention, HMSI urged all school authorities to utilize these learning modules, emphasizing need for collaboration to expand the benefits of this program to students. HMSI invited schools to join hands in supporting the mission and working towards creating safer roads for India.

HMSI has successfully conducted 5 Road Safety conventions across the country so far, during which it has covered over 600 schools and trained more than 1.90 lakh students. These conventions have helped us expand the reach to equip students with vital road safety knowledge and practices. Building on this success, we are excited to expand our efforts to more cities in this financial year.

Our endeavor is to maximize the coverage of young minds, ensuring that young individuals receive crucial road safety education. HMSI is steadfast in its commitment to make the roads safer for everyone by nurturing a culture of vigilance and responsibility.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CSR commitment towards Road Safety:

In 2021, Honda globally made a vision statement for the year 2050 where it will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles. In India, HMSI is working in line with this vision and the Government of India’s direction of reducing fatalities to half by 2030.

HMSI wants to be a company that Society wants to exist and is strongly focusing on road safety awareness to all sections of society with unique ideas catering to each segment from school kids to corporates and society at large.

One critical aspect of achieving this goal is inculcating a positive mindset towards road safety in our children by the year 2030 and continuing to educate them thereafter. Road safety education at schools and colleges is not only to create awareness but to inculcate a safety culture in young minds and turn them to be the safety ambassador. It empowers future generations to become responsible and significantly contribute towards a safer society.

HMSI’s skilled safety instructors conduct daily programs at our 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) to make road safety education accessible to every part of society, and the initiative has already reached over 7.7 million Indians. HMSI’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through:

SCIENTIFICALLY DEVISED LEARNING MODULE: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on road, riding gear & posture explanation and safe riding etiquettes.

1. PRACTICAL LEARNING: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator is executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on road before actual riding.

2. INTERACTIVE SESSION: Participants are given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behaviour on roads.

3. EXISTING DRIVERS HONING RIDING SKILLS: Students and school staff members who already ride a vehicle are tested & their riding skills are honed through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.

Shri Anil Kumar Jadli Takes Charge as Director (HR), NTPC

Shri Anil Kumar Jadli has taken charge as Director (HR), NTPC on 23rd August 2024. He started his career in NTPC way back in 1993 as an Executive Trainee. His ascent from his humble beginning as an Executive Trainee to the top echelon of HR function in NTPC signifies his passion, commitment and hard work. He is a post graduate in Organic Chemistry from Garwal University and did his post graduate diploma in Business Management in Human Resource Management from MDI, Gurgaon. He has also received management and leadership training inputs from ESCP-EAP (Paris, Berlin and Turin).

He has an illustrious career spanning over more than three decades encompassing both line and HR functions. After working in line function for around a decade, he switched over to HR function in 2004. From 2004 onwards, he looked after various facets of HR in various projects of NTPC in different capacity including Head of HR. He moved to Corporate HR in the year 2020, where he was instrumental in formulation and implementation of various HR strategies and initiatives.

He is a strong believer of “people before PLF” philosophy. With his rich and varied experience, HR in NTPC will achieve new feats in the days to come.

Greenply Industries and Samet Unite to Elevate Global Living Spaces with Premium Furniture Accessories

August 26, 2024, Delhi, India: Greenply Industries Ltd., a pioneer in the Indian plywood industry, and Samet, one of the leading global brands in functional furniture hardware have commenced their business operations together as part of their joint venture Greenply-Samet and are set to revolutionize the Indian furniture hardware market. In a press conference in Delhi graced by Mr. Manoj Tulsian, Joint Managing Director and CEO of Greenply Industries, and Mr. M. Serdar Senemoğlu, Executive Board President, Samet, shared their insights and vision for this groundbreaking collaboration.

Greenply Industries and SAMET B.V. marked a significant milestone on 26th October 2023 by forming a Joint Venture Company named “Greenply Samet Private Limited.” This strategic collaboration under the brand Greenply-Samet is poised to bring a new wave of innovation and quality to the industry. The joint venture commenced its manufacturing activities and commercial production as per the Phase-I plan on 30th March 2024 at its state-of-the-art unit in Vadodara, Gujarat. The production capacity at this facility will be strategically ramped up in three phases over the next three years, ensuring a steady increase in output to meet growing market demand. With an investment of around 250 crores, the Vadodara plant is set to become a cornerstone of Greenply-Samet’s operations, blending Greenply’s industry expertise with Samet’s advanced technological capabilities. This joint venture is dedicated to manufacturing and marketing premium furniture hardware, including state-of-the-art slide systems for wooden and metallic drawer systems, hinge systems, lift-up systems, and other innovative products.

This partnership not only aims to cater to the domestic market but also envisions making India a global hub for functional furniture hardware. The synergy between Greenply and Samet is expected to drive significant growth and create new benchmarks in the industry. Through this joint venture, both companies are committed to delivering exceptional value and innovative solutions to their customers, setting the stage for long-term success. Built on the synergy of skills, resources, and market knowledge, Greenply-Samet provides a best-in-class range of furniture hardware products that are functional, aesthetic and tailored for the needs of every living area. The manufacturing operations based in Vadodara and headquarters in Mumbai, the venture seamlessly integrates Samet’s precision in production with Greenply’s strategic market reach, setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Mr. Manoj Tulsian, Joint Managing Director and CEO, Greenply Industries Ltd., spoke of the vision for the venture, “Our strategic partnership with Samet represents a significant leap forward in our journey to deliver unparalleled furniture hardware solutions in India. This venture combines Greenply’s deep understanding of the Indian market with Samet’s world-class technology and innovation. Together, we are poised to redefine the standards of furniture hardware in India, offering products that resonate with the needs of modern consumers.”

Mr. M. Serdar Senemoğlu, Executive Board President, Samet, stated, “This joint venture with Greenply is a testament to our shared vision for growth and excellence in the Indian market. By leveraging Greenply’s strong market presence and Samet’s advanced technological capabilities with 51 years of corporate excellence, we are confident in our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality hardware solutions that will transform the landscape of interior design in India. We will transform our corporate strength that is already approved by Deloitte in 2022 with the best-managed company award to Greenply Samet operation as well. Our collaboration is set to create new benchmarks in the industry, driving both companies to new heights of success.”

Greenply Industries Ltd. stands as one of India’s foremost interior infrastructure companies, with a legacy spanning over three decades. Known for its superior quality plywood, MDF, and allied products, Greenply has continually pushed the envelope in innovation and sustainability. The company recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining CARB and EPA certifications for its Zero Emission plywood product range, setting a new standard in the industry. Additionally, Greenply inaugurated a state-of-the-art MDF production line in Vadodara, Gujarat, in April 2023, equipped with the latest PRODIǪ NEO technology from Siempelkamp, Germany.

Founded in 1973 in Istanbul, Samet has established itself as one of the global pioneers in the furniture hardware industry. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, Samet has a rich history of innovation and excellence, offering over 6,000 types of cabinet hardware. The company is renowned for its commitment to European quality standards and its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of furniture worldwide.

Samet’s focus on research and development has driven its success, making it a perfect partner for Greenply in this ambitious joint venture.

Headquartered in Mumbai, with manufacturing operations in Vadodara, Greenply Samet India Private Limited combines the precision of Samet’s manufacturing and innovation expertise already registered with patented, value-added products in all furniture accessorize categories with Greenply’s extensive market reach. As one of the top-ten leading brands in that category, we will continue to heavily invest in strategic product groups- developed by the global R&D team of Samet- that will also add value to Greenply Samet cooperation. This partnership is set to address the growing demand in India for high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture hardware, reinforcing the market positions of both Greenply and Samet.

The furniture fittings sector is growing at a faster rate due to increased demand and availability of quality products in India, therefore GREENPLY-SAMET planned its investments according to key product categories throughout the 5-year projection. In addition to existing more than 6000 products in the portfolio, it has prioritized the Master hinge and GS-Class ball-bearing slide system for India production reference to the demand of the market and production has started in the fully integrated production centre in Vadodara as of 2024. The company’s local manufacturing presence and capability will become even stronger with the commissioning of Smart Slide full extension undermount slide systems and Flowbox drawer box systems in the further Phases of Production.

In Phase 3, the production centre will achieve a full–scale volume with the manufacturing of Slide single-extension undermount slides and a Slim-Mech single lift-up door system. In line with these developments, the rapid growth process of Greenply-Samet will be carried to a higher level on a segment and channel basis.

Indian Racing Festival Round 1 Roars to Life at MIC with Top Global and Local Drivers on the grid

Chennai, August 26: The Madras International Circuit will reverberate with the sound of screaming engines of powerful single seater cars as the Round-1 of Indian Racing Festival 2024, promoted by Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd (RPPL), and first of its kind in the country, gets underway here on Saturday with a card of nine races, presented by kingfisher .

The two-day event offers a bouquet of franchise-based Indian Racing League and the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship, besides the JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship comprising the JK Formula LGB 4 which is in its 27th consecutive year and the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, with a total of nine races apart from official practice and qualifying sessions. The entire grid of race cars and bikes at the Indian Racing Festival will run on JK Tyres.

The Indian Racing Festival (IRL), to be held over five rounds, including the historic night street race in the heart of Chennai next weekend, is sponsored by Kingfisher Soda (Presented By) , JK Tyre (Powered By), Mobil 1 (Performance Sponsor) and Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited.

The IRL that will showcase the Aprilia-powered World Thunder GB08s machines with a top speed of 240Kmph, and F4 Indian Championship boast of leading Indian and foreign drivers, headlined by the vastly experienced Bengaluru-born 2022 champion Akhil Rabindra, Swiss ace Neel Jani, winner of the iconic 24 Hours Le Mans race in 2016, and Julius Dinesen, the 2022 Danish F4 champion.

There is also representation from Australia, Spain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Portugal, South Africal and Germany, giving the grid a truly international flavor, besides a competitive edge that has been the hallmark

of previous two editions. The race will also witness 6 women drivers participating and competing alongside the men drivers, creating an unique and one of a kind inclusive race.

Each of the six IRL teams – Kolkata Royal Tigers (Kolkata), Speed Demons Delhi (Delhi), Goa Aces JA Racing (Goa), Hyderabad Blackbirds (Hyderabad), Chennai Turbo Riders (Chennai) and Bangalore Speedsters (Bengaluru) – comprises of two Indian and two foreign drivers, including a female driver, sharing two cars across two races.

The Formula 4 Indian will be a triple-header with a highly competitive grid made up of several promising teenagers like Jaden Rahman Pariat, Abhay Mohan and Ruhaan Alva to name a few, with proven track record of winning National titles, besides several foreign drivers from Australia, Denmark and South Africa.

Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of RPPL “The 2024 season of the Indian Racing Festival is epoch-making in the sense that we will be hosting the country’s first-ever night race on a street circuit in the heart of Chennai. This is a huge step forward and the Racing Promotions Pvt Ltd is indebted to the Government of Tamil Nadu for its wholehearted support without which the event would not have been possible. RPPL also welcomes new franchise team owners in cricket icons like Sourav Ganguly, cine stars Arjun Kapoor,John Abraham and Naga. It augurs well for the IRF that we have full grids this season with top racers from India and abroad, and hopefully, we will expand the number of teams next year. We also extend our thanks to all our sponsors, competitors, officials, Media and the marshals for their support and involvement.”

JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship and RE GT Cup

With 25 entries for the JK Formula LGB 4 and 24 in fray for the Royal Enfield GT Cup, there is much to look forward, especially since both the grids contain familiar and well-known names. The Championship, in its 27th season is the longest running racing event by any single promoter across the globe, has unveiled an array of young talent including Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, Armaan Ebrahim, Aditya Patel, Arjun Maini, Kush Maini are all proud prodigies of this Racing Championship.

The JK Formula LGB 4 cars are powered by a carburetted 1298cc Suzuki Swift engine, equipped with an Esteem 5-speed gearbox, and built with a chrome molybdenum tubing frame. This category will feature five teams (Dark Don Racing, Ahura Racing, MSPORT, Avalanche Racing and Momentum Motorsports) with 25 experienced drivers from cities such as Ooty, Nellore, Kolkata, Madgaon, Madurai, and Hyderabad. Notable drivers like Tijil Rao, Diljith TS, Vishwas Vijayraj, Chetan Surineni, and Saran Vikram will be vying for the LGB Formula 4 National title, promising intense competition for the podium in every lap. Also lining up is Ooty-based Priyanka Vijay, the only female competitor who will be giving the boys a tough competition on the grid.

The Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup featuring GT 650 bikes is entering its fourth season this year. After regional selections in Guwahati, Bangalore, Pune, and New Delhi, this year’s grid includes fresh faces like Johring Waris from Umrangso (Assam) and Johnson Saldanha from Mangalore, alongside seasoned riders such as Anish Shetty and Syed Muzzamil Ali from Bengaluru.

Mr Sanjay Sharma, Head-Corporate Communication & Motorsport, JK Tyre said: “The fact that the JK Tyre National Championship is in its 27th season reflects our commitment to the sport by providing a platform for youngsters to showcase their talent. Over the years, some of these boys and girls have moved up and performed at the international level. We will continue to support and invest in talent while helping them to realise their motorsport dreams.”

“We are incredibly proud that all the race machines including the international Formula cars are equipped with JK Tyres, which have been developed right here in India at our R&D centre,” he further added.