16, Oct 2023
Saba Azad talks about her latest release Who’s Your Gynac?, and explains how observation is the key to get into the character
Mumbai, 16 October 2023: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service, latest medical drama series, ‘Who’s Your Gynac?’ has received plenty of praise since its release, for its strong message and light-hearted narrative. The series is a beautiful exploration of emotions with a tinge of comedy, addressing women’s health concerns. Saba Azad is seen in the role of Dr. Vidushi, an OB-GYN who believes in being a friend of her patients, alongside her co-stars Karishma Singh, Kunal Thakur, and Aaron Koul.
Talking about key preparations for any role, Saba revealed how she believes in the power of observation. She said, “In addition to the obvious work of developing the character’s inner and outer world outside of the existing text, I believe that rehearsing and truly knowing your script is highly underrated. I can only speak for myself when I say rehearsal sets me free; it adds to my spontaneity as opposed to the popular notion that it actually takes it away. Also staying constantly curious helps, I like people watching. If you’ve been observant you can empathise or find a convincing connection with nearly any character, even if they’re totally different from you. Outside of that, it’s pretty straightforward — the script is god just do what it’s asked of you.”
Being praised for her impeccable comic timing in Who’s Your Gynac?, she further shared her perception of the comedic genre. “Comedy can be tricky, there is a fine line between being funny and over-the-top cringey. I have always enjoyed comedy and I find the script is the king as far as comedy goes. Does it come naturally to me? I don’t know, maybe. I am however unafraid to make a fool of myself on camera which helps in a way”, she shared.
Unfold the journey of a Gynac filled with drama, emotions, love, and quirky-confused patients with Who’s Your Gynac? streaming live on Amazon miniTV, for free within the Amazon shopping app, on Fire TV, and on Playstore.
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- By Rabindra
16, Oct 2023
InQube 2023: A National-Level Business Competition Concludes at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR
Delhi NCR, 16 October 2023 – Shiv Nadar University, India’s youngest Institution of Eminence (IoE), successfully concluded the third edition of InQube, a national-level business competition organized by its School of Management and Entrepreneurship. The team from Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR emerged as the winner in the multifaceted competition, followed by the team from LNM Institute of Information Technology, Jaipur as the runner-up. The theme of the three-day event (October 13 to 15, 2023) was ‘Sustainability & Innovation’ and the winners won cash prizes of up to INR 5 lakhs. The event was graced by Mr. Srikant Sastri, Co-Founder & Board Member, Crayon Data and Chairman, 13g Advisory Network as the esteemed Chief Guest and Mr. Narayanan Ramaswamy, Partner & National Lead, Education & Skill Development Sector, KPMG India as the special guest at InQube 2023.
In a multifaceted competition designed to discover, challenge, unite, and reward India’s undergraduate young minds, InQube 2023 witnessed the enthusiastic engagement of more than 7,500 students hailing from an impressive array of over 360 renowned institutions spanning more than 225 cities across the country. Some of the participating institutions were IIT Bombay; IIT Madras; NIT Jalandhar; IIT Patna, Christ University, Bengaluru; Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, and numerous others.
Dr. Bibek Banerjee, Dean of the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME), Shiv Nadar University, and the creator of InQube, stated, “Entrepreneurship is a central goal of the School of Management & Entrepreneurship, Shiv Nadar University and with InQube, we wanted to seed this spirit in the ecosystem. This year’s edition of InQube has once again proven that our young minds are the driving force behind innovation and sustainable business practices.”
Mr. Narayanan Ramaswamy, Partner & National Lead, Education & Skill Development Sector, KPMG India said, “InQube 2023 has provided a platform for the young, innovative minds to showcase their prowess in sustainable business practices and innovation. It is impressive to witness the dedication and intelligence of all the participants in driving positive change. KPMG India is happy to be a part of the event and appreciate the efforts taken by Shiv Nadar University’s School of Management & Entrepreneurship (SME) in bringing this unique platform alive.’’
The winners, Namit Arjaria and Parth Jhunjhunwala from Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR shared their thoughts, saying, “We were thrilled to have been part of the InQube competition. We personally experienced new ways in which academia and industry collaborate to innovate and co-create at the School of Management & Entrepreneurship at Shiv Nadar University. We wholeheartedly encourage others to seize the opportunity and participate in this remarkable experience that InQube has offered us.”
The grand finale round was anchored by renowned quiz master, Venkatesh Srinivasan, CEO and Co-Founder at Nexus Consulting India. A total of six teams made it to the grand finale which encompassed 40 questions and 6 competitive rounds. Teams included two participants each from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad; IIT Patna; The LNM Institute of Information Technology, Jaipur; Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR; Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, New Delhi respectively. With a diverse range of challenges, participants were challenged to think critically, develop strategic plans, and present their ideas in a competitive environment.
InQube is a platform that fosters collaboration, networking, and mentorship opportunities, not only within the academic community but also with industry leaders. With its emphasis on the triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit – InQube 2023 was not just a competition but a journey towards a greener and more prosperous future, emphasizing the importance of responsible business practices and innovation.
16, Oct 2023
ABP Network’s ‘The Southern Rising’ Summit launched to a Grand Opening to celebrate the Spirit of South India
16th October 2023|Chennai Strengthening the endeavour to celebrate the collective progress and sociocultural richness of India’s Southern states, the first-ever edition of the ‘The Southern Rising’ Summit was launched today at Chennai.
Sharing the context and setting the overview of The Southern Rising Summit, Avinash Pandey, CEO, of ABP Network, said, “The South has already risen. It tells us that when Governance is dedicated to people to improve their health and education; it will be a success. The Southern states have the highest GDP and lowest population growth rates. The story of South is the story of the human spirit.”
Speaking on the role of the Governor, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, said, “The Governor is a bridge and a bridge not only to the central and state governments but also to the people. There should be a good relationship between the CM and Governor.”
In his keynote address, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Govt of Tamil Nadu, said, “A bigger conspiracy is being hatched to punish the Southern States for their good performance through the impending delimitation exercise of Lok Sabha Constituencies. In the 1970s, the Union Government promoted the population control program. The South Indian states implemented the program effectively. Their population growth rate slowed in comparison to states that did not implement the program well, whose population continued to grow at a higher rate. This effectively reduced the population share of the South Indian States. Today, this is being used against us. As you all would know, the Constitution mandates that each state must receive seats in proportion to its population, and constituencies should be of roughly equal size to the population.”
The event also witnessed the presence of renowned actor, Rana Daggubati, popular actress and director Revathy, and music composer, environmentalist and 3 times Grammy Award Winner Ricky Kej who shared their thoughts on a wide ranging issues during the Summit.
Speaking during a session titled ‘India on the World Stage: Rhythm Divine’, Ricky Kej, said,” When it comes to climate change, India is making significant strides. Concern in India on climate change is much larger than anywhere in the world.”
As the summit’s attendees hung on to every word, noted public intellectual, author, and commentator, Gurcharan Das’s session delivered an impassioned address on the pivotal role that freedom plays in shaping human progress. He eloquently stated, “A lot of people, like me, are in the middle of the political spectrum; and I am a liberal. Being a liberal, you are on a lonely road, as there’s no one to vote for.”
Amid the grandeur of Summit, an extraordinary musical journey unfolded in the form of “Making Music: Crafting A New Style.” Featuring the brilliant talents of Mahesh Raghvan and Nandini Shankar, two musical luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the world of music, this session enthralled the audience with its unique blend of tradition and innovation.
As the audience leaned in, P. Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, delved into the manifold benefits of federalism, remarked advocating for federalism in India stating, “The notion of democracy is that a thousand voices should be heard. We should try and figure out policies; if that doesn’t work, we should recalibrate and readjust.”
A compelling panel of political visionaries, who converged to explore the future of India in a session titled “Whose New India? Past, Imperfect, or Fast Forward.” The panel, featuring John Brittas, Narayanan Thirupathy, and M V Rajeev Gowda, delivered a mosaic of contrasting viewpoints.
John Brittas, a Member of Parliament (CPIM), said, “India is a multi-religious country and you can only have democracy when you have free and independent media. ” He further adds, “India has a rich history of welcoming all cultures and boasts a diverse heritage. South India is the home of reformists. With 18% of the population, we contribute 35% to the GDP.
Narayanan Thirupathy, Vice President of the BJP said, ” Many say BJP can’t have a foothold in Tamil Nadu. In the last 60 years, it is the BJP that has been growing in the state more than other parties. We have done very well; our booth committee is very strong. There is a big vacuum in the absence of Jayalalitha and Karunanidhi, and BJP will definitely fill the vacuum. Definitely, the BJP is going to form the government in 2026.”
Contributing to the discussion and presenting a unique angle M V Rajeev Gowda, Vice Chairperson, State Institute for Transformation of Karnataka and Ex-Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (INC) said “We are experiencing a BJP-free South India. In Karnataka, we saw corruption. The contractors wrote letters to the PM complaining about corruption. We need to provide people with fair prices and a safety net. This is something Congress will continue in the country. The Nyay scheme is also a safety net for people. We are expected to win Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh in a spectacular way.”
Countering to that John added, “The BJP can maintain its optimism, as everyone has the right to dream of coming to power in Tamil Nadu in 2026.”
In the session, “Mahatma Forever: Why We Need Him Now,” Prof. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Governor of West Bengal clarified that Gandhi did not seek immortality or was not keen on being relevant.
“It was the people from the South India who propelled Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi in South Africa towards’ struggle for India’s dignity in South Africa.” Prof. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, said speaking about the South Indian connect with Gandhi. He outlined, “No South India in South Africa, no freedom struggle led by Gandhi in India”
In a world where social media exerts a profound influence, ABP Network’s ‘The Southern Rising’ Summit unfolded a captivating session, provocatively titled “Social Media: Playground or Business School?”
Speaking at the session, Chaithania Prakash, a digital content creator, shared her perspective, saying, “As influencers, we have a responsibility to ensure that nothing negative impacts our followers. We make sure the content we provide is of high quality to avoid any negative influence on our followers.”
Ardhra Sajan, another Digital Content Creator, spoke about her journey, stating, “Initially, we didn’t know what to do on social media. Our follower count gradually increased, which brought a sense of responsibility.”
Highlighting challenges, Deepika Venkatachalam, another noted digital content creator said, “Some influencers are promoting betting apps, which negatively affect people’s lives, and I find this distressing. Everything is becoming digital, and people are seeking shortcuts. We have a responsibility to follow laws and use hashtags for paid collaborations to make it clear to viewers that it is a promotional partnership.”
During the session, “Women in Politics: A Different Kind of Leader,” Ms. Jothimani Sennimalai’s, said, “To empower women in politics, there’s a need for fundamental changes in the party structure. At the party level, men are present in various positions starting from the local government to the district level. If such opportunities are given opportunities especially to women through that experience they can perform better even when they come to power”
In the session, “General Election 2024: Who Wins, Who Loses?” political heavy weights intensely debated on the upcoming elections.
K. Annamalai, State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for Tamil Nadu, said, “BJP Tamil Nadu is an ambitious party, and we are determined to reach our goals. The upcoming 2024 elections are pivotal, with just seven months to go. BJP’s comeback in Tamil Nadu in 2024 will solidify our party’s position.”
To this, Kavitha Kalvakuntla, Member of Legislative Council (MLC) – Kamareddy & Nizamabad, Former Member of Parliament (MP), BRS Party countered, “People don’t want power-hungry parties. The people want a decisive Government. She further added, “We are neither with Congress nor BJP. I.N.D.I.A, the alliance will crumble. Post-poll alliances have historically worked, while pre-poll alliances have not. I believe every party will need to rethink their strategy.”
On being asked that India alliance may crumble, Karti P Chidambaram, Member of Parliament for Sivaganga (INC), “It is the Congress party which is present in all 5 southern states. The alliance will not crumble. In these 5 states, INC will perform exceptionally well.”
Speaking at the session, “Making New Myths – Recreating the Old”, Suhasini recalled how Maniratnam made the historic epic Ponniyin Selvan. “I asked him not to make this film. After the failure of some of the politic-historic films we make, I was uncertain, if this idea would work,” she revealed and further added, “The thing that worked for the success of PS, was the fact that the story of Ponniyin Selvan has been there in our culture. People loved it even before we made it.”
Speaking at the session, ‘Reinvention and Resurgence – Staying Alive in the Movies’, celebrated actress turned politician, Kushboo Sundar, shared a reflection from her personal life, “I slept like a log after coming out in open of being a victim of child sexual abuse. There’s nothing for me to be ashamed off.”
The Southern Rising Summit was conceptualized and instituted by ABP Network as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. It aimed to celebrate the spirit and richness of southern states, united on a singular mission of driving a transformative journey for India. The summit witnessed profound deliberations and sharing of insights by the movers and shakers of South Indian states and Union Territories.
16, Oct 2023
Karnataka Tourism Showcased its Rich Heritage at IITM Mumbai 2023
Karnataka Tourism proudly marked its presence at the IITM Mumbai 2023 from October 12th to 14th, 2023, with an impressive 150 -sq. mts exhibit at Nehru Centre, Worli Annie Besant Road. The prestigious event provided an ideal platform for the state to showcase its abundant heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse tourism potential to an enthusiastic and diverse audience.
The three-day event garnered an exceptional response from visitors, travel professionals, and industry experts; all enthralled by the abundance of Karnataka’s tourism offerings. The stand beautifully showcased the heritage architecture of Hoysaleswara Temple. Additionally, the branding prominently featured the heritage temples of Karnataka, all of which highlighted Karnataka’s temple heritage. The Karnataka Tourism stand at IITM Mumbai 2023 delivered an immersive experience, enticing visitors to delve into the rich heritage tapestry and embrace the wonders that Karnataka has to offer.
The Karnataka Tourism stand was visited by esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Rajesh Poddar – Chairman of Western Region, TAAI, Mr. Dharmendra Singh – Chairman, Western India- ADTOI, Mr. Burjis Mehta – President, SKAL International, and Mr. Tariq Hussain Naik – CEO, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism. They were presented with a bouquet during their visit to the Karnataka stand. The pavilion included various tourism service providers from Karnataka, such As AB Travels South India, Welwet Travel Pvt. Ltd. Rivido Hotels & Resorts LLP, Intersight Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., Aglaonema Resort and Spa, Coorg, Mysore International Travels Pvt. Ltd., Hotel VBR Grand Inn, Cintacor Island Resort (VHF Resort), SBIT Travels Pvt. Ltd., TGI Hotels & Resorts, The Quorum Hotel, Quality Holidays and Cars Pvt. Ltd., Holiday Monk, Karan Tourist, Vayu Travelcloth Pvt. Ltd., Hotel Golden Castle ( a unit of Arjuns Comforts Pvt. Ltd.), Niraa Wellness, Blue Bird Tours and Travels, Hotel Malligi Pvt. Ltd. and Ibni Spa Resort, further highlighting the comprehensive tourism experiences available.
Throughout the event, the Karnataka Tourism delegation actively engaged in profitable discussions with domestic tour operators, travel agents, and other key stakeholders. The primary objective was to reinforce existing partnerships and establish new collaborations, thereby bolstering tourism to the beautiful state of Karnataka.
Karnataka Tourism’s prominent presence at IITM Mumbai 2023 served as a testament to its unwavering commitment to showcasing the state’s extraordinary potential and captivating offerings. The event garnered an exceptional response, with numerous visitors and trade partners displaying a keen interest in Karnataka’s diverse tourism offerings. With its incredible diversity, Karnataka stands as a premier tourist destination throughout the year.
The resounding success of Karnataka’s participation at IITM Mumbai 2023 underscores the state’s tremendous potential in attracting tourists not only from Mumbai but also from beyond its borders. Karnataka continues to shine as an alluring gem in India’s tourism landscape, inviting travellers to discover the magic it holds within its boundaries.
16, Oct 2023
Goa Carbon Limited and BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus signs MoA
Mumbai, October 16, 2023: Goa Carbon Limited (GCL), India’s leading manufacturer of Calcined Petroleum Coke, and BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, have formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to collaborate on long-term research and development initiatives focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and operational excellence.
Under this strategic partnership, BITS Pilani, Goa Campus will leverage its expertise and resources to study current operational parameters. It would develop a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for efficient plant operation, ensuring predictable outputs while adhering to environmental norms.
Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman, Dempo Group and Goa Carbon Limited, and President, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said, “It is a momentous occasion for Goa Carbon as we sign the MoA with BITS PIlani. We have been the front-runner is adopting best practices to achieve operational excellence & sustainable growth. The association is yet another testament to our unwavering commitment towards innovation, sustainability, and driving positive change in our industry and community”.
Commenting on the MoA, Mr. Anupam Misra, Executive Director of Goa Carbon Limited said, “This collaboration between Goa Carbon and BITS Pilani, Goa Campus underscores our commitment to our core values, including integrity, fairness, solicitude, teamwork, innovation, and social responsibility. It is our constant endeavour to remain proactive in exceeding environmental standards and raising operational benchmarks for the benefit of our stakeholders. Much of our Calcined Petroleum Coke (CPC) is supplied to the strategic Aluminium industry and we also want to contribute positively towards achieving the sustainability objectives of our valued customers”.
Prof. Suman Kundu, Director of BITS Pilani, Goa Campus, expressed his delight regarding the MOA, stating, “The collaboration with GCL is both a prestigious honour and a recognition of our institution’s expertise. Our skilled faculty members’ research capabilities would continue to bolster the efficiency of industries in all spheres of operations and also share the best practices across industries to meet their ESG objectives.
The MoA was signed by Mr. Anupam Misra, Executive Director, Goa Carbon Ltd and Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani, Goa Campus in the august presence of Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman, Dempo Group and Goa Carbon Limited, and President, Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); Prof. S D Manjare, Professor of Chemical Engineering, BITS Pilani, Goa Campus; Prof. Meenal Kowshik, Dean – Administration, BITS Pilani, Goa Campus; Dr. Amol Deshpande, the Principal Investigator of the project, and other senior officials of BITS Pilani and Goa Carbon.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment towards sustainability and operational excellence and marks a significant step towards a greener and more responsible future.
16, Oct 2023
Panasonic unveils exclusive deals and discounts this festive season; urges consumers to Dream More, Celebrate More
New Delhi, 16th October 2023: Panasonic Life Solutions India – a leading diversified technology company, introduced an array of exciting offers and discounts for the festive season this year, on its diverse range of electronics, home appliances, beauty, and lifestyle products. With the ‘Dream More, Celebrate More’ campaign, Panasonic aims to make festive purchases affordable for all. Starting today till 30th November, the festive offers customers can avail exciting offers such as – FREE 43” Google TV with an OLED, 20% cashback rewards up to INR 15,000 on select models, 3 year warranty on the purchase of select Refrigerators and Washing Machine models, 38% off on Extended Warranty on select home appliances and zero down payments, up to 12 months No Cost EMI, special long-term tenure EMI among others at both exclusive and multi-brand outlets.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Fumiyasu Fujimori, Managing Director, Panasonic Marketing India, Panasonic Life Solutions India said, “Consumer sentiments across seem positive and, we are anticipating a promising festive season this year. Today, the market is witnessing an upward surge in demand for premium appliances characterized by user-friendly interfaces, energy efficiency, smart connectivity, and health and hygiene attributes. As India gears up for the festivities ahead, we are looking at adding value to our consumer’s lives through our exclusive range of offers on our value proposition products and solutions. We are hoping to achieve a double-digit growth during this festive season.”
Dream More, Celebrate More offers our consumers, an opportunity to buy smart products, making their everyday lives more convenient, comfortable, and connected. The offer pans across finance benefits such as zero down payment, no cost EMI schemes, special long tenure EMI, and cashback options on purchase of a wide selection of Panasonic appliances such as Televisions, Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air-Conditioners, Microwaves, Home Theatres, Beauty, and lifestyle products categories.
Further, Panasonic extends additional benefits to consumers who purchase from Panasonic Exclusive Channel Partner outlets. With Purchase of Panasonic Products of Rs 7500 and above, consumer can avail Times Prime membership with annual benefits up to Rs 60,000. Additionally, customers have the opportunity to enjoy substantial discounts of up to 38% while extending the warranty on select products.
16, Oct 2023
Q2 Results Dalmia Bharat ltd : Capitalizing on a positive outlook
New Delhi, Oct 16th, 2023: Dalmia Bharat Limited, (BSE: 542216, NSE: DALBHARAT), a leading cement manufacturing company, reported its consolidated financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2023.
- Financial Highlights for the Quarter and half year ended September 30, 2023
(Figures in Rs. Crores unless mentioned otherwise)
| Particulars | Q2FY24 | Q2FY23 | YoY | H1FY24 | H1FY23 | YoY |
| Sales Volume (MnT) | 6.2 | 5.8 | 6.6% | 13.2 | 12.0 | 9.6% |
| Income from Operations | 3,149 | 2,971 | 6.0% | 6,773 | 6,273 | 8.0% |
| EBITDA | 589 | 379 | 55.2% | 1,199 | 965 | 24.2% |
| EBITDA/T (Rs/T) | 955 | 655 | 45.6% | 911 | 804 | 13.3% |
| PAT | 123 | 47 | 161.7% | 267 | 252 | 6.0% |
| Net Debt to EBITDA (x) | 0.59x | 0.32x | 0.59x | 0.32x |
Commenting on the quarter gone by, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “We see a multi-year strong cement demand trend continuing, as India is undergoing a large-scale metamorphosis. We were one of the first ones to foresee this upcycle and started building our capacity ahead of time. In the last 3.5 years, we have added ~17.2 MnT cement capacity, which is ~65% growth over FY20 capacity. In line with our vision to reach 110 -130Mnt by 2031, we are continuing to make consistent strides in that direction and capitalize upon the huge opportunity ahead of us.”
Mr. Mahendra Singhi, Managing Director and CEO – Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited said, “With the reduction in fuel prices, increased usage of Renewable power and improvement in KPIs, we were able to deliver 55% YoY improvement in our EBITDA, which stands at Rs 589 Cr. During first half of the year, we commissioned 5.1 MnT of cement and 0.5 MnT clinker capacity in the East and South region.” He further mentioned, “We continue to demonstrate our commitment towards the environment as we have further brought down our carbon footprint to 456 kg CO2 per ton of cement which is one of the lowest in the global cement sector.”
- Key updates for the quarter
- Commenced commercial production from the new Greenfield Cement Grinding unit at Sattur, Tamil Nadu having manufacturing capacity of 2.0 MnT.
- Commenced commercial production of clinker 0.5 MnT at Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu increasing total clinker capacity to 22.2 MnT.
- The Board of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a material wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has recommended Mr. Puneet Dalmia as CEO & MD of the company with effect from December 8, 2023 with the culmination of Mr. Mahendra Singhi’s decade long successful tenure as its MD & CEO. Further, Mr. Mahendra Singhi will continue as a Director and Strategic Advisor to MD & CEO for a smooth transition and harness his experience in the transformational phase of the DCBL’s journey.
- The Board of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a material wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, at its meeting held on 14th October 2023 has approved the proposal to increase cement grinding capacity by 0.5 MnT at Rohtas Cement Works, Bihar at an estimated cost of Rs 91 Cr, which is expected to be completed in FY25.
- In line with the Capital Allocation framework, the company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 4 per share.
- Key Recognitions during the quarter
- Six of our plants bagged total 8 awards under the Excellent Energy Efficient category at the 24th CII National Energy Award 2023
- Two of our plants also won at the Manufacturing Today Conference & Awards 2023
- Dalmiapuram unit won the CII SR Waste Management Competition 2023 for Best Solid Waste Management Award
- Our ‘Home Maker’ digital campaign won Silver for Excellence in Omni-channel Marketing at the Datamatix Summit Awards by Adgully
- Won the Best Supply Chain Company Award at the 15th ELSC Leadership Awards 2023
16, Oct 2023
Savour a Navratri Delight at The Ashok
Mumbai, 16th Oct 2023: The iconic Ashok Hotel in New Delhi unveils an exclusive Saatvik thali tailored for the Navratri season. This special thali comprises a diverse range of vegetarian dishes, including Jeera Lassi, Paneer Makhni, Sitafal ki Sabzi, Aloo tamatar tari, Bhuni Shakarkandi, Kuttu Ki poori, Sama ke Chawal, Saboodana Tikki, Aloo Chaat, Cucumber Raita, Saboodana Papad, and Sama ke Chawal ki phirnee.
The culinary experts at The Ashok have taken great care in crafting a fasting thali that is not only gratifying to the palate but also promises a truly delightful experience. The thali has been thoughtfully designed, prioritising safety and satisfaction to guarantee a wholesome and pleasurable fasting journey.
The Navratri thali is prepared using fasting-appropriate ingredients and is served on an EPNS platter, elegantly lined with banana leaves. To elevate the overall dining experience, it also includes a complimentary soft beverage.
Time: 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM
Date: 15th October – 23rd October 2023
Venue: The Coffee Shop, The Ashok, New Delhi
16, Oct 2023
Start-O-Vation Organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce gives a road map for deep tech startups in India
16th October 2023, New Delhi: In a move that would augment innovation and funding in the deep-tech industry, the government will soon table a Cabinet note on the ‘draft national deep-tech policy’.
The Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) has recommended the creation of a National Consortium and a Working Group that will propose a comprehensive policy framework to address the needs and strengthen the Indian deep tech startup ecosystem.
Chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the apex-level National Consortium represents a broad spectrum of stakeholders. At the ‘Start-o-Vation’ event organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Sood said, “Start-ups in particular have room for growth, but it’s crucial for them to be truly innovative, paving the way for groundbreaking developments over the next few years. I want to highlight the National Deep Tech Startup Policy, a product of extensive stakeholder consultation, which builds upon the existing national startup policy. The aim is to fine-tune the startup policy to cater to the unique needs of deep tech ventures. We are moving a Cabinet note to this effect in consonance with DPIIT.”
Under the overall guidance of the National Consortium, steered by the Expert Working Group, a draft version of the National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) has been developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultative process involving startups, incubation centres, industry associations, academic institutions and relevant government agencies.
Deep tech ventures require deeper insights into funding, long-term sustainability, and other critical aspects. Through these policy interventions, we hope to bolster the deep tech startup ecosystem. Currently, there are approximately 11,000 such startups in sectors like space and quantum technology, and even telecommunications, he emphasised.
Speaking at the ‘Start-O-vation’ Summit, Nikhil Kanodia, Chairman of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), commended the ICC for its enthusiastic efforts to foster and promote StartUp India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The summit aims to bring together startup innovators, venture capitalists, high-net-worth individuals, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange ideas and discover tomorrow’s unicorns.
“We welcome the government putting a dedicated focus on deep tech startups and committing significant time and resources to the cause. We are sure this policy will take the Indian deep tech startup ecosystem to the global scale,” Mr Kanodia said.
Among the steps proposed is the setting up of a dedicated ‘deep tech capital guidance’ fund in which the government, private limited partners and foreign investors anchor certain commitments to a new fund or an existing fund in the form of fund of fund (FoF) structure. The draft policy has identified 10 sub-sectors within deep tech including robotics, computer vision, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence.
The policy recommended providing for certain fiscal incentives such as tax rebates to attract domestic general partners and limited partners from the investor community, if they allocate a certain percentage of their corpus to deep tech startups.
This year’s Start-O-Vation Summit, in collaboration with Invest India, the national investment promotion agency, promises a fusion of policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, all working towards boosting the Indian startup ecosystem.
The summit has played a pivotal role in connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with industry experts since its inception in 2015, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills, ideas, and potential contributions to India’s economy through startup pitching events.
The theme of this year’s summit is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 speech: “I see startups, technology, and innovation as exciting and effective instruments for India’s transformation.” In line with the current entrepreneurial landscape, the focus is shifting towards technology and product innovation, with the government’s Startup India initiative nurturing entrepreneurship, spurring innovation, and creating employment opportunities.
Start-O-Vation brought together more than 200 attendees, including founders, venture capitalists, state government representatives, financial institutions and policymakers. The event featured a series of panel discussions with esteemed speakers from various fields, including Padmashri Ajai Chowdari, Co-Founder, HCL; Bhawna Agarwal, Country Head, HPE and serial entrepreneur Mukesh Bansal.
The summit hosted panel discussions and startup pitching events, making it a dynamic platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the recognition of promising startups. The government’s support for startups is discussed, including the government e-marketplace (GeM), which allows startups to sell products to the government. Aastha Gruber also mentions programs where startups can collaborate with various ministries to address specific challenges.
14, Oct 2023
Maharashtra Tourism woos travellers and investors from Japan through multi-city meetings and road shows
The Maharashtra Tourism delegation, led by Mr. Girish Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Maharashtra, Mrs. Radhika Rastogi, IAS Principal Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra, and Dr. B.N. Patil, IAS Director, Directorate of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra, embarked on a successful journey to Japan, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening tourism ties between Maharashtra and Japan. The delegation participated in the India Mela at Kobe, followed by impactful meetings and road shows across Shirahama, Okayama and Osaka from October 7th to 11th October, 2023.
The Maharashtra Tourism delegation actively engaged in the India Mela at Kobe, organized by the Indian Consulate in Osaka-Kobe, Japan, from 7th to 9th October, 2023. Maharashtra Tourism Delegation interacted with the Indian Consulate in Kobe and met with Mr. Nikhilesh Giri, Consule General of India at Osaka-Kobe. The state showcased its rich heritage and culture through a booth space.
A cultural troupe from Maharashtra mesmerized the audience with Lavani, Kohli dance, regional drama and folk performances. The consumer-driven event attracted over 3,000 Japanese visitors, creating widespread interest in Maharashtra as a prime tourism destination. The dissemination of promotional material further fueled curiosity, with many visitors expressing their intent to visit Maharashtra soon.
On 9th October, 2023, a strategic discussion was held in Shirahama, where the Maharashtra Tourism delegation engaged with Mr. Taniguchi, Vice President of Wakayama wrestling association and local MLA of Shirahama. Discussions centered around exploring the exchange of wrestlers between Wakayama and Maharashtra, aiming to boost Sports Tourism in the state.
On the same day, the delegation visited Adventure World in Shirahama, engaging in a significant meeting with Mr. Takahama, Chief Manager of Adventure World. Adventure World houses various kinds of rare animals and features a plethora of tours and attractions. The primary objective was to gain insights into the operational model of the park with the potential of developing similar theme parks in Maharashtra. The meeting which was also attended by Mr. Sudhir Mungantiwar, Hon’ble Minister for Forests, Cultural Affairs and Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra marked a crucial step in enhancing the tourism landscape in Maharashtra.
On the 10th of October 2023, there was a tactical meeting between Mr. Kishimoto Shuhei, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture, and the Maharashtra Tourism delegation. Discussions centered around the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) previously signed between Maharashtra and Wakayama to foster tourism promotion and exchange. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen cultural, tourism, and economic ties between the two regions, offering exciting opportunities for mutual growth.
This was followed by a meeting with Mr. Omori, the Mayor of Okayama city. At this meeting, the Maharashtra Tourism Delegation extended a warm invitation to Mr. Omori, for the forthcoming Mumbai Festival in January 2024. Mr. Ohmori graciously accepted the invitation, and conveyed his sincere intent to attend the festival, underscoring the growing goodwill and collaboration between Okayama City and Maharashtra.
Next, The Maharashtra Tourism delegation had the privilege of engaging with the esteemed Councillors of Okayama City. The delegation extended an invitation to the Councillors to visit and experience the Mumbai Festival scheduled in January 2024. They expressed interest in sending a delegation comprising approximately 30 Councillors of Okayama City, alongside Economic Mission delegates to attend the Mumbai Festival.
This collective enthusiasm underlines the growing bond between Okayama City and Maharashtra, fostering cultural exchange and international friendship. Furthermore, the Councillors expressed a keen interest in private investments within the tourism sector, signifying their desire to explore new avenues of economic collaboration. The occasion also witnessed a warm welcome by the President of the Okayama India Friendship Association, Mr. Moriyama, who was keen to strengthen diplomatic ties.
Media interviews were conducted at Okayama with Mr. Girish Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Maharashtra. These interviews spanned both print and electronic platforms, providing a formal avenue for the Minister to articulate the tourist attractions and investment opportunities in Maharashtra.
These meetings were followed by a welcome dinner hosted by Mr. Matsuda and Mr. Mori of the Okayama Chamber of Commerce.
On 11th October, 2023, a significant Road Show unfolded in Okayama, bringing together Chamber of Commerce members, industrialists, and tourist companies. Mr. Girish Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Maharashtra delivered an engaging address, followed by insightful presentations from Dr. B.N. Patil, IAS Director, Directorate of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra and Mrs. Radhika Rastogi, IAS Principal Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra. Discussions revolved around Maharashtra’s diverse and captivating tourism prospects, fostering stronger connections and exploring collaborations between Okayama and Maharashtra.
Next, there was a Road Show in Osaka wherein travel agents and tour operators were invited, and introduced to the wonders of Maharashtra. Dr. B.N. Patil, IAS Director, Directorate of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra, commenced the event with an engaging presentation that showcased the appeal of Maharashtra’s diverse attractions to Japanese travellers particularly the Buddhist circuit, forts, wildlife and hill stations.
Following this, Mr. Girish Mahajan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Maharashtra, emphasized the government’s dedication to promoting tourism and encouraging collaborations with local businesses. An interactive quiz, hosted by Mrs. Radhika Rastogi, IAS Principal Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra, tested the audience’s knowledge of Maharashtra’s culture and landmarks. This not only educated but also engaged the attendees. Subsequently, B2B interactions offered a platform for participants to explore potential partnerships and discuss tour packages.
The evening concluded with a delectable dinner featuring some dishes representative of Maharashtrian cuisine. This event not only informed but also fostered connections, promoting tourism and cultural exchange between Japan and Maharashtra.
This comprehensive journey stands as a pivotal moment in enhancing diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between Maharashtra and Japan. The Maharashtra Tourism delegation looks forward to building upon these foundations and ushering in a new era of collaboration and friendship to drive tourist traction and investments to Maharashtra.
