6, Nov 2023
Reckitt launches Gaviscon Double Action in Telangana to help ease acidity and heartburn
Hyderabad, November 05, 2023: Reckitt, a global leader in consumer health, hygiene, and nutrition, under its brand Gaviscon, today launched Gaviscon Double Action in Telangana, offering consumers a solution to symptomatic reflux. In a world where fast-paced lifestyles, changing food habits, and mounting stress levels have become the norm symptoms of reflux becoming bothersome. The burden of this condition is felt not only globally but in India as well. Gaviscon Double Action is formulated and crafted specially to cater to the needs of Indian consumers as the nation observes a high prevalence of symptomatic reflux.
In India, the prevalence of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) ranges from 7.6% to 30%, with most cases below 10%. Reflux is the backward movement of acid or stomach contents back into the food pipe, and it causes symptoms such as burning in the chest, stomach discomfort sour taste bad breath, etc. While antacids can manage acidity, they are unable to target the cause of reflux.
Shedding light on the rising problem of reflux, Professor Dr. Peter Kahrilas (Gilbert H. Marquardt, Professor of Medicine), Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine said, “It’s crucial for individuals to recognize the symptoms such as burning sensation in stomach/chest, discomfort, and a sour taste or regurgitation as signs of reflux. Managing reflux effectively is a two-fold approach – alleviating the acid contributing to the symptoms and establishing a physical barrier to suppress the reflux of stomach contents. Understanding the full spectrum of symptomatic reflux and employing relevant management strategies can significantly enhance patient care.”
Commenting on the issue, Professor Dr. APS Hungin, Emeritus Professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University said, “One of the most discomforting aspects about reflux is that it can cause heartburn when the reflux travels back upwards through the esophagus. This burning sensation and pain can last up to several hours if not treated with an immediate reliever. The stomach pain and discomfort associated with it can also be quite debilitating for a brief time, and cause disruption to a person’s daily routine and productivity. The need for solutions that can manage the dual problem is effectively met by Sodium alginate-based products. They help in creating a physical barrier that reduces the stomach contents from rising back up, and simultaneously neutralizes acid via the antacid.”
Coming from the house of Reckitt, the new Gaviscon Double Action solution is set to be a highly effective solution for reflux sufferers. It has a raft action to stop reflux and also offers an antacid action. This product is safe even for pregnant women to manage their reflux symptoms as the product is not absorbed into the body. Gaviscon is one of the leading alginate antacid brands internationally, and among the foremost such products in the country that has been trusted by medical practitioners for over a decade now.
Commenting on the launch, Edward Thomas, Global Medical Marketing Manager, GI and Manav Sohal, Brand Manager, Reckitt India (Strepsils and Gaviscon) said, “We have built a good reputation in the market based on high-quality Gaviscon products that have been prescribed by doctors globally for over 40 years now. Gaviscon Double Action is our latest addition in the range of solutions that we have introduced to India. The launch symposia held today is going to be invaluable in terms of knowledge dissemination related to the problem of reflux and on improving patient care in India.”
The management of reflux depends on symptom frequency and severity, guided by the physician’s recommendation. Lifestyle changes like frequent small meals, avoiding overtly spicy/fatty foods, staying upright after meals, reducing stress, and refraining from smoking/alcohol are advised. Cutting down on carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, and chocolate is recommended, as is avoiding tight clothes. Overweight individuals are encouraged to shed weight and exercise regularly. For persistent symptoms, short-term antacid use alongside reinforced lifestyle changes is recommended.
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- By Rabindra
6, Nov 2023
A Startup Expert Joins FasterCapital Global Mentors Network
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 06, 2023, FasterCapital welcomes a new mentor from India. Mr. Abhinav Kaushal is an experienced mentor and an expert in validating startup business models, GTM strategy & benchmarking the “ASK” (required funds).
Founders can reach out to Mr. Abhinav via his LinkedIn profile to discuss how he can help them start and launch their businesses.
FasterCapital is an online incubator, accelerator, and service provider. We help startups and small businesses worldwide and invest in them in a work-per-equity model. FasterCapital provides technical development per equity and business development per equity and helps startups and SMEs that are raising capital from angel investors, VCs, micro VCs, and other funding sources.
5, Nov 2023
A green economy can lead to sustainable growth: Experts at FTCCI’s CEO Forum on Green Economy
Hyderabad, November 05, 2023….. The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) organised its CEO Forum, where an interactive session on ‘Green Economy’ was held this weekend late evening at Park Hyatt, Banjara Hills.
The CEOs Forum was the first in the four series this year and was organised with the support of Radha TMT and ICICI Bank.
The Panelists were Srinivas Cherla Director of Sustainability, Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), Govt of Telangana; Dr Rambabu Paravastu Chief Sustainability Officer, Greenko Group and Masood Mallick Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Re Sustainability Limited.
They were in conversation with Anil Agarwal, Convenor of the CEO Forum. The future generation should have a better environment. All our deeds must bear that in mind, said he while initiating the panel discussion.
A green economy is an economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment, said Meela Jayadev giving his opening remarks.
Your presence here today shows your commitment to promoting sustainability and a better future for all.
Participating in the panel Srinivas Cherla Director of Sustainability, Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), Govt of Telangana spoke about Industrial use cases of Hydrogen, Telangana Government’s efforts to establish a Green Hydrogen Valley in the Telangana region and widespread adoption of green hydrogen by industries. We engaged with a diverse group of stakeholders who have expressed interest in transitioning to green hydrogen. Some of them include Steel, Fertilisers, Glass, Data Centres, Pharmaceuticals, Cement and others. We have also learned that business priorities, mandatory de-carbonisation compliances, and transition impacts vary significantly among industry players and sectors. He urged industries interested in exploring the potential of green hydrogen in your sector to connect so that we accelerate our transition to a more sustainable future.
RICH is helping build Centres of Excellence in green hydrogen among others. A green hydrogen policy was also proposed and a draft was made and circulated for consultation. The policy was drafted and notified in line with its strong policy focus on renewable energy, a path of net zero energy transition by 2070, he added. He shared a few provisions of the said draft policy. The Policy ambition is to produce half a million metric tonnes of Green Hydrogen Production Capacity by the year 2030.
Dr Rambabu Paravastu, Chief Sustainability Officer of Greenko Group, explained Climate Maths and spoke about achieving a 1.5-degree climate pathway. To limit global warming to 1.5 degrees centigrade, annual emissions need to be halved by 2030. If the limit crosses 1.5 degrees, global warming becomes irreversible. This means NTPC, Reliance, the companies like them can’t be in business the way they are running it now. Similarly, Cement, Steel, chemical industry cannot manufacture as it manufactures today. Today we are emitting more than 35 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels. The whole industry needs to transform in the next three decades. The 1.5-degree centigrade climate change pathway is going to be disruptive, he observed. If we achieve net zero, India can be energy independent and we need not import oil. It is a unique opportunity for Indi. The pathway towards net zero is an opportunity, he said.
A Green Economy seems to be an excellent opportunity to remodel our infrastructure, he added. He spoke about survival in the net zero.
India’s annual emissions are five times less than the global average, he said.
Masood Mallick Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Re Sustainability Limited said 93% of copper, 100% lithium, and cobalt are imported by India. But we throw the items made using them in landfills. In other words, we are throwing our precious foreign currency in landfills. If the same is recycled and reused, we could have precious natural resources. It can be a good business opportunity. Everything can be recycled, he announced. The next big question is how to select the right technology. Integration and inclusion are the few pillars you will find in choosing the right technology, he said.
Speaking further he said the economic value of a tree is fixed by the Supreme Court as Rs 76,000/- Similarly we must allow natural resources to find their value then only the mindset of conservation comes, he said. In his concluding remarks, he observed that the time for a Green Economy arrived. And the best way to approach this is to use a science-based lens to address it.
Sunil Saraf, MD of Raha TMT, Ajay Saraf, Executive Director of ICICI Bank, Suresh Singh, Senior Vice President, Ravi Kumar, Vice President, CEO Khyati Naravane, several past presidents, retired bureaucrats, diplomats and industry leaders graced the CEOs Forum.
5, Nov 2023
Olectra Greentech announces Q2 Results, net profit jumps 150 percent
New Delhi, 05th Nov, 2023 :
India’s leading electric vehicles manufacturer Olectra Greentech Limited (OGL), has announced its Q2 and half-year consolidated financial results ending September 30, 2023. The Board of Directors, in its meeting held on Saturday, officially approved these remarkable achievements.
During the quarter under report, Olectra delivered 154 electric vehicles, against the 111 delivered in 2022-23, an increase of 39 percent. The revenue for Q2 FY 23-24 stood at Rs 307.16 crore, up by 73%.
This significant revenue growth was recorded due to the increase in deliveries. The company has delivered over 1437 electric vehicles till date. The strong demand continues with the total number of bus orders on hand standing at 8,208 units.
The company’s EBITDA in Q2 FY23-24 reached an impressive Rs 45.06 crore, marking a substantial 72% increase compared to the previous year.
The PBT has surged to Rs 26.57 crore, a remarkable 141% increase from the previous fiscal year’s Rs 11.03 crore. The PAT stands at Rs. 18.58 crore, compared to Rs 7.42 crore in the previous fiscal year up by 150%.
The company reported Earnings Per Share (EPS) of Rs 4.40 for the half year ended September 30, 2023, compared to Rs 2.95 for the previous half year ending September 30, 2022.
Performance Highlights of H1-half year:
The revenue for H1 FY23-24 was Rs 523.18 crore, up by14%. The company’s EBITDA in H1 reached an impressive Rs 86.57 crore, marking a substantial 33% increase compared to the previous year.
The PBT surged to Rs 51.83 crore, a remarkable 53% increase from the previous fiscal year’s Rs 33.92 crore. The PAT stands at Rs 36.65 crore, up by 52%, compared to the previous fiscal year’s Rs 24.10 crore.
Commenting on the results, Olectra Greentech Limited CMD Mr K. V. Pradeep said: “We are pleased to report strong growth in our consolidated revenue and profitability for the Q2 and H1 FY23-24. Our focus continues on increasing our manufacturing capacity and enhancing our technology capabilities. We also have a strong order book.”
The construction works of the Seetarampur factory that is coming up over 150 acres is racing ahead. With this factory our production capacity will further increase, he added.
4, Nov 2023
Role of Media in Education
“Media” refers to various means of communication and the organizations or platforms that distribute information, entertainment, education and other content to the public.
Media plays a significant role in education, enhancing the learning experience and providing various tools and resources for both students and educators. Here are some ways in which media is used in education:
Textbooks and Printed Materials: Traditional media like textbooks, workbooks, and printed resources are still widely used in education. They provide a structured and reliable source of information.
Digital Texts and E-books: With the advent of digital technology, e-books and digital texts have become popular in education. They are easily accessible and often come with interactive features.
Online Courses and E-Learning: Online platforms offer a wide range of courses, from K-12 education to higher education and professional development. These courses often incorporate video lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums to facilitate learning.
Educational Videos: Videos are used to explain complex concepts, showcase experiments, or provide historical context. Platforms like YouTube, Khan Academy, and educational streaming services have become valuable resources.
Podcasts: Podcasts are increasingly used in education to provide in-depth discussions on various subjects. They are often used for supplementary learning and can be accessed on-the-go.
Interactive Multimedia: Educational websites and applications incorporate interactive elements, such as simulations, games, and virtual labs, to engage students and enhance their understanding of concepts.
Educational Software: Software applications are designed to help students practice and reinforce their knowledge in subjects like math, science, and language arts. They often offer immediate feedback.
Social Media: Educators and students use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for collaboration, discussion, and information sharing. These platforms can also be used for professional development.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): VR and AR are being used to create immersive learning experiences. They can simulate historical events, take students on virtual field trips, and provide hands-on training in various fields.
Learning Management Systems (LMS): LMS platforms like Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas help manage course content, assignments, and communication between students and teachers.
Mobile Apps: Educational apps are available for various subjects and age groups, making learning more accessible and flexible, especially through smartphones and tablets.
Educational Games: Gamification in education is on the rise. Educational games make learning fun and engaging, helping students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Streaming Services: Some educational institutions and libraries provide access to streaming services with educational content, documentaries, and academic lectures.
Online Forums and Discussion Boards: These platforms enable students to ask questions, share knowledge, and engage in discussions, fostering a sense of community and collaborative learning.
Digital Assessment Tools: Online quizzes, tests, and assignments can be auto-graded, providing immediate feedback to students and saving educators time.
The use of media in education has both advantages and challenges. It can make learning more engaging, accessible, and personalized. However, it also requires careful curation, critical evaluation of sources, and addressing issues related to digital literacy and the digital divide.
4, Nov 2023
Health Benefits of Daily Exercise
Exercise is a physical activity that is performed to maintain or improve physical fitness and overall health. It is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and has numerous benefits for the body and mind
Engaging in daily exercise can have numerous health benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the key advantages of incorporating regular exercise into your routine:
Weight management: Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose excess body fat. It burns calories and boosts your metabolism, making it easier to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Cardiovascular health: Exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation. It can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve cholesterol levels. Aerobic exercises, such as running, swimming, and cycling, are particularly effective for cardiovascular health.
Muscle and bone health: Exercise, especially resistance training, helps build and maintain muscle mass and bone density. This can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly as you age.
Mental well-being: Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. Regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, and improve overall mental health.
Improved sleep: Regular physical activity can lead to better sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep.
Enhanced flexibility and balance: Certain types of exercise, such as yoga and Pilates, can improve flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries, especially in older adults.
Increased energy levels: Regular exercise can boost your energy and endurance, making everyday activities easier to handle.
Immune system support: Exercise can help strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of illness and enhancing your body’s ability to fight off infections.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and stroke.
Cognitive benefits: Exercise may improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration. It has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Social engagement: Participating in group activities or team sports can promote social connections and boost your overall well-being.
Stress reduction: Physical activity can be an excellent way to relieve stress and manage daily pressures, helping you maintain better mental health.
Better self-esteem: Achieving fitness goals and feeling physically strong can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.
It’s important to note that the benefits of exercise can vary depending on the type, duration, and intensity of the activity. The key is to find a form of exercise you enjoy and can sustain over time. It’s also essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns.
4, Nov 2023
Light Up Your Diwali with the Top 5 Tech Gems of the Year
The festival of lights, Diwali, is a time for excitement, celebration, and the exchanging of meaningful gifts. Why not brighten the lives of your loved ones this year with cutting-edge technological wonders that perfectly integrate innovation with the spirit of the festival? Our carefully curated collection contains an array of fantastic devices that cater to every taste and personality, from music aficionados to tech-savvy geniuses. Let us look into these wonderful tech goodies that promise to make this Diwali a truly unique experience.
SONY WF-1000XM5: Immerse Yourself in Diwali Melodies
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 features cutting-edge technology to deliver premium sound quality and the best noise-canceling performance on the market. Priced at 29,990 INR, these wireless earbuds offer industry-leading noise-canceling technology, allowing you to immerse yourself in the joyous sounds of the festival while keeping distractions at bay. The WF-1000XM5 is also equipped with high-quality sound and a long battery life, ensuring you can groove to your favorite Diwali tunes with impeccable clarity.
Apple Watch Series 9: Elevate Your Diwali Celebration
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the perfect companion for a tech-savvy Diwali celebration. This remarkable timepiece offers a multitude of workouts at your fingertips, ensuring you’re always motivated to keep moving. Packed with advanced health sensors, including temperature sensing for women’s health insights, it’s an invaluable companion for those who prioritize well-being. The innovative safety features, coupled with an attractive and durable design, redefine what a smartwatch can be. With the ability to receive calls and messages, you can stay connected with loved ones during the festivities
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Your Gateway to Diwali Entertainment
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is all about entertainment and performance. With its powerful processor, brilliant display, and versatile camera system, this smartphone can handle all your Diwali multimedia needs. Whether you’re streaming festive movies, capturing stunning photos, or gaming to your heart’s content, the Galaxy S23 FE ensures an extraordinary experience.
Nokia G42: Illuminate Your Diwali with Stunning Photography
The Nokia G42 is a fantastic addition to your Diwali tech gift guide. This smartphone is available in three exquisite colours – So Pink, So Grey, and So Purple and is equipped with a remarkable 50 MP triple camera. Moreover, you can conveniently purchase the Nokia G42 from Amazon, the Nokia website, and various retail stores, ensuring accessibility for everyone. This means you can find the perfect Diwali gift with ease. In addition to its outstanding camera capabilities, the Nokia G42 boasts a long-lasting battery, ensuring you never miss a moment of the festivities. Its attractive design adds a touch of elegance to your Diwali celebrations, making it the perfect companion for capturing and sharing memories with your loved ones.
TECNO Pova 5 Pro: A Festival of Music On-The-Go
Not only is the TECNO Pova 5 Pro a smartphone, but it’s also a portable music studio that enhances the sound of your favorite songs. Every note reverberates with unmatched depth and clarity thanks to the strong speakers and improved audio features. Your favorite festival songs can be synced with the phone’s RGB light on the back, transforming your music into an immersive visual experience. It is ideal for those who enjoy dancing to their own beat and find comfort in sentimental music.
Make your loved ones feel special this Diwali by giving them innovative and exciting electronic gadgets from trusted brands such as SONY, Apple, Samsung, Nokia, and TECNO. Whether it’s enjoying music, capturing memories, staying connected, or indulging in gaming, there’s a perfect tech gift on this list to suit every interest and preference. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with these thoughtfully chosen presents that your loved ones will cherish.
4, Nov 2023
Voltas unveils its Grand Mahotsav Diwali Offer for 2023
Bangalore, 04, November 2023: This Diwali, Voltas Limited, the undisputed market leader for Room Air Conditioners in India, is all set to light up the country’s festivities with the announcement of the Grand Mahotsav Diwali Offer, bringing a sparkling array of irresistible deals on select Voltas and Voltas Beko products. As a trusted brand known for innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Voltas is thrilled to announce these exclusive Diwali offers to help seamless home upgradation and festive gifting. These exclusive offers will be valid from 1st November 2023 to 30th November 2023 across all authorized dealers in India.
As the festive season continues, customers look forward to creating a warm and welcoming environment at home. With the Grand Mahotsav Diwali Offer from Voltas, customers can now avail themselves of up to 15% instant cashback on a wide range of Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, Washing Machines, and Water Heaters. Voltas is offering an attractive zero-down payment option, making it easier than ever for customers to upgrade their homes with top-of-the-line appliances. With a fixed EMI of just Rs. 1,888 per month, customers can enjoy the convenience and luxury of Voltas products without compromising on their festive budget. For customers looking for more flexible payment options, Voltas has also introduced long-term EMIs for up to 18 months. This would enable customers to spread out their payments and enjoy the benefits of Volta’s appliances.
To further enhance the customer experience, Voltas is offering an extended warranty of up to 5 years in exchange on select products. This contributes to greater peace of mind and assurance, as customers can rely on the durability and reliability of Volta’s appliances for years to come. Additionally, the Grand Mahotsav Diwali Offer includes a lifetime warranty on the inverter compressor, ensuring that customers receive the highest level of quality and performance.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Pradeep Bakshi, MD & CEO, of Voltas Limited said, “As one of the leading brands in the cooling products and home appliances industry, we aim to significantly enhance the quality of life for our customers by offering innovative products that bring comfort and convenience to their everyday tasks. This festive season, we aspire to ease out the demands of household chores amidst the hustle of celebration by introducing our latest range of products tailored to meet our customers’ festive needs, along with most enticing offers.
As Indian festivals symbolize fresh beginnings and prosperity, we are dedicated to igniting the spirit of celebration with our customer-focused offers, accessible through our esteemed channel partners.”
The Grand Mahotsav Diwali Offer is available at all authorized Voltas channel partners nationwide. Customers are encouraged to visit their nearest store to take advantage of these exciting offers before they end.
4, Nov 2023
ITDC to embark on an era fuelled by growth and innovation
Mumbai, 4th, Nov 2023: Bestowing the position of Managing Director at the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has truly humbled me. I have assumed my new responsibility with utmost enthusiasm and zeal, embracing all it takes to lead ITDC into a new era marked by growth, innovation, and transformation.
My prime focus at ITDC would be to look beyond our core function of hotels and strengthen our various non-hotel domains, including Ticketing, Tours, Event Management, Duty-Free Shopping, and Engineering Consultancy. This transition is aligned with ITDC’s vision and predisposition to be a market pioneer and one-stop solution provider, in tune with the emerging trends in the sector.
The thrust verticals of ITDC, Skill Development, and Engineering consultancy for tourism projects of the Central and State Governments need further impetus to realize their full potential. Known for its quality and excellence in hospitality training and skill development programs, ITDC through the Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management is spreading its wings in capacity building and nurturing talents through its offerings of degrees and diplomas in the field of hospitality, travel, tourism, etc. With a rich repository of robust expertise and experience, the Engineering division of ITDC is set to create exemplary footprints in the tourism infrastructure projects including SEL (Son Et Lumiere – sound & light) shows at places of historical and national importance.
Another feather in the cap for ITDC is Ashok Events Division, which is the first choice for organizing and managing events for the highest echelons of Government, Public sector, Semi-public, and corporate organizations for its deft handling of events, suitably tailored to the client’s requirements and immaculate execution exceeding the expectations consistently. ITDC is privileged to operate two iconic properties in the heart of Delhi – The Ashok and Samrat Hotel, renowned for its unparalleled scale and facilities for hosting mega conferences, grand weddings, and other important events. Ashok Travel and Tours Division is set to gain more traction with strategic inroads in their respective niche markets with its travel portal in the offing.
ITDC with its wide array of distinguished services offered, is poised to redefine itself as a dynamic and forward-thinking organization, committed to showcasing the best of India to the world with a sense of pride. The ethos of innovation, adaptability, and sustainability, with a pool of well-trained and motivated workforce, with sharp customer focus with local and global perspectives, and valuable partnerships with external stakeholders are going to keep ITDC stay ahead of the curve. Blessed with this opportunity to make a meaningful difference, I am confident that ITDC with its entire team, hand in hand with other stakeholders will make it possible to thrive, nationally and internationally in a rapidly changing world.
4, Nov 2023
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Is Hosting an International Conference in Association with Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS) on Indo-Pacific; Garners Views of Experts on Regional Cooperation
Bengaluru, 4 November 2023 – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in association with Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung (KAS), is hosting an international conference on India and EU in the Indo-Pacific: Strategies, Opportunities, and Challenges on 3rd and 4th November in Manipal, Udupi. The conference, organized by the Manipal Centre for European Studies (MCES) and the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations (DGIR), brings together academicians, diplomats, policymakers, and researchers from India and Europe to deliberate on the role of India and the European Union (EU) in the changing geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The expansion of economic and technological cooperation between the EU and India is mutually beneficial. However, Europe needs to explain its ambivalence in its policy towards China”, said Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia. Delivering the keynote address after inaugurating an International Conference on India and EU in the Indo-Pacific in Manipal, he added, the EU’s inclination to prioritize trade over security and strategy could pose difficulties in the future. He advocated the need for sustained deliberations on rules-based international order, maritime security, and potentials of sustainable development for mutually beneficial and deeper cooperation between the EU and India.
Prof M D Nalapat in his inaugural address echoed the thought: “In a way that benefits all our people, India and EU need to figure out a framework that creates successful collaborative networks.” He invoked the democratic ideals of Konrad Adenaeur, the first Chancellor of West Germany after the second World War, and stressed how such ideals are important in quelling predatory powers in this region.
As a region that accounts for sixty percent of the GDP of the world, the Indo-Pacific has emerged as a site of contestation and has drawn the attention of the global community to reflect on the possibilities of multilateral initiatives, security arrangements, and strategic partnerships. The inaugural session set the stage for the two-day event for discussions on the possibilities of cooperation between India and EU in the Indo-Pacific region to balance trade-dominated relations with geoeconomic and strategic interests along with addressing issues of climate change, biodiversity conservation, and quality healthcare.
The session was presided over by Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, who observed the key role of universities to nurture and engage young minds to develop international relations and strategies. Fellow panellist, Ms. Simran Dhingra, Head of International Cooperation at KAS, underscored the imperative to bolster India-EU ties on issues of maritime security, defense partnerships, and counter-terrorism, especially since India is being increasingly perceived as a key actor in the Indian Ocean. Prof Neeta Inamdar, Head of the Manipal Center for European Studies (MCES), welcomed the gathering and further remarked, “I hope cooperation becomes the intent of this conference, and we can all look forward to what we can change to make the world a better place”. Prof K P Vijayalakshmi, Head of DGIR, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
The conference hosts close to thirty delegates from across India and Europe. The sessions over the two days will deliberate on the strategic opportunities and challenges for improving regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific focusing on issues such as trade and connectivity, climate change, healthcare infrastructure, technological innovation and growth, maritime security, and educational and cultural cooperation.
