20, Oct 2023
South Indian Bank delivers a strong Net Profit of Rs. 275 Crore for Q2 FY 24

South Indian Bank declared Net Profit of Rs. 275 Cr for Q2 FY 2023-24 registering a growth of 23.2% compared to Rs. 223 Cr in Q2 FY 2022-23.

Key Highlights

  • Operating profit for the quarter increased by 8.2% from Rs. 426 Cr in Q2 FY 23 to Rs. 460 Cr in Q2 FY 24
  • The net profit of the Bank for the quarter is up by 23.2% from Rs. 223 Cr in Q2 FY 23 to Rs. 275 Cr in Q2 FY 24
  • GNPA came down by 71 bps from 5.67% to 4.96% on Y-o-Y basis
  • NNPA dropped by 81 bps from 2.51% to 1.70% on a Y-o-Y basis
  • Net interest income went up from Rs. 726 Crore to Rs. 830 Crore registering a growth of 14.3% on a Y-o-Y basis
  • NIM improved by 35 bps from 2.98% to 3.33% on a Y-o-Y basis
  • Return on Equity improved by 262 bps from 10.81% to 13.43% Y-o-Y basis
  • Return on Assets increased by 20 bps from 0.65% to 0.85% Y-o-Y basis
  • Recovery and upgradation in NPA accounts increased from Rs. 374 Cr in Q2 FY23 to Rs. 475 Cr in Q2 FY24

  • Deposits

 

  • Retail Deposit grew by Rs. 6,337 Crore from Rs. 87,111 Crore to Rs. 93,448 Crore Y-o-Y, showing an increase of 7.3% on a Y-o-Y basis
  • NRI Deposit grew by Rs. 1,285 Crore from Rs. 27,500 Crore to Rs. 28,785 Crore Y-o-Y, showing an increase of 4.7% on a Y-o-Y basis
  • CASA grew by 1.8% on a Y-o-Y basis with growth in Savings Bank by 1.8% and CD by 1.7% respectively

  • Advances

  • Gross advances grew by Rs. 6,984 Crore from Rs. 67,963 to Rs. 74,947 Crore, showing an increase of 10.3% on a Y-o-Y basis
  • The corporate Segment went up by Rs. 6,859 Crore from Rs. 20,632 Crore to Rs. 27,491 Crore showing an increase of 33.2% on a Y-o-Y basis, in well-rated borrower accounts
  • Share of A and above rated accounts in large corporate segments stood at 96.1%
  • Personal Loan book grew by Rs. 684 Crore from Rs. 1,423 Crore to Rs. 2,107 Crore, showing an increase of 48.1% on Y-o-Y basis
  • Gold Loan portfolio went up by Rs. 2,087 Crore from Rs. 12,911 Crore to Rs. 14,998 Crore, showing an increase of 16.2% on a Y-o-Y basis.
  • More than 3,32,000+ credit cards were issued with outstanding books of Rs. 1,164 Crore as of September 2023.

Y-o-Y growth                                                                                                                    Rs. in Crores

  Quarter ended Quarter ended    
30.09.2023 30.09.2022 Growth %
Gross Advance 74,947 67,963 6,984 10.3%
Retail Deposits 93,448 87,111 6,337 7.3%
NRI Deposit 28,785 27,500 1,285 4.7%
Current Deposits 5,097 5,010 87 1.7%
Savings Deposits 26,003 25,538 465 1.8%
CASA 31,100 30,548 552 1.8%
CASA % 32.03% 34.53% -2.50% -7.2%
Gross NPA % 4.96% 5.67% -0.72% -12.7%
Net NPA % 1.70% 2.51% -0.80% -32.0%
Net Interest Income 830 726 104 14.3%
Other income 356 255 101 39.6%
Operating Profit 460 426 34 8.0%
Provisions excluding tax 51 179 -128 -71.5%
Profit before tax 409 246 163 66.3%
Net Profit after tax 275 223 52 23.3%

Mr. P R Seshadri, MD & CEO of the Bank, while announcing the results, stated that the strategy adopted by the Bank continues to enable the business performance. During the period, the Bank registered growth in all the desired segments with a focus on quality assets across all verticals Corporate, SME, Auto Loan, Credit Card, Personal Loan, Gold Loan, etc.

He also stated that, in line with the strategic intent of the Bank viz, “Profitability through quality credit growth”, the Bank could onboard fresh advances with a low-risk profile of around 64% of its advances portfolio since October 2020 amounting to Rs. 48,246 Crore with a GNPA of only 0.18%.

Capital adequacy of the Bank stood at 16.69% in September 2023 compared to 16.04% in September 2022.

The Bank’s financial results include the financial results of its wholly-owned subsidiary SIBOSL.

 

20, Oct 2023
HFCL’s sustains a steady growth trajectory on the back of its diverse offerings, strong order book and international expansion

Bangalore, October 20, 2023: HFCL Limited (‘HFCL’), a leading technology enterprise with operations in manufacturing high-end telecom equipment, optical fiber, and optical fiber cables and offering communication network solutions for telcos, defense, and railway sectors announced its Un-audited financial results for the second quarter and half year ended 30th September 2023.

Consolidated Financial Highlights – Q2FY24

Particulars Q2FY24

₹. in crores

Q1FY24

₹. in crores

Change Q-o-Q % Q2FY23

₹. in crores

Change Y-o-Y%
Revenue 1111.49 995.19 11.69 % 1173.47 (5.28) %
EBIDTA 149.77 159.62 (6.17) % 174.60 (14.22) %
EBIDTA Margin (%) 13.47 % 16.04 % (257) Bps 14.88 % (141) Bps
PAT 70.17 75.56 (7.13) % 84.31 (16.77) %
PAT Margin (%) 6.31 % 7.59 % (128) Bps 7.18 % (87) Bps

On a standalone basis, the Company reported quarterly revenue of INR 1001.76 Crores, EBIDTA of INR 131.85 crores, PBT of INR 90.25 crores, and PAT of INR 67.55 crores.

Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, HFCL

Commenting on the Company’s performance, Mr. Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, HFCL said, “Despite challenging macroeconomic conditions across different regions and also the uncertainties triggered by Global conflicts, the international monetary fund has revised the growth rate forecast to 6.3% for India due to its robust growth prospects. Indian telecom industry stands resilient and India has emerged as among the top three 5G ecosystems in the world within just a year from start of 5G rollout. As a prominent player in optical fiber cables, telecom and networking products and network solution offerings, HFCL continues to demonstrate sustainable performance. During this quarter, the Company has witnessed softening in demand of OFC and telecom and networking products from the telcos, resulting into decline in product revenue both on Quarter on Quarter and Year on Year basis. The temporary decline is attributed to an inventory built-up with major operators, resulting in an overall reduction in revenue in absolute terms both domestically and in the international markets.”

Mr. Nahata outlining HFCL’s strategic moves added, “With our focus on innovation and R&D, we have made significant progress in designing and developing indigenous telecom product and solutions, to meet the significant upcoming demand for fiberisation and 5G network infrastructure in India and key global markets like US, Middle East, France and Germany. We have taken continued efforts to design and develop next-gen products like optical fiber cables for international markets, 5G access and transportation equipment and 5G backhauling products which will significantly boost our revenue and margins going ahead. The Company recently launched its revolutionary Intermittently Bonded Ribbon (IBR) Cable in the United Kingdom and showcased high-fiber density Flat Ribbon Cable in the United States to address the fiberisation challenges and evolving needs of the international customer.”

20, Oct 2023
ShowReel and Jamia Millia Islamia introduce an innovative first of its kind inquiry-based learning app using AI and blockchain

ShowReel and Jamia Millia Islamia introduce an innovative first of its kind inquiry-based learning app using AI and blockchainShowReel and Jamia Millia Islamia introduce an innovative first of its kind inquiry-based learning app using AI and blockchain

New Delhi, 20th October 2023: Sabeer Bhatia’s ShowReel (Tiptop-ShowReel Private Limited) joins hands with Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) introducing a first of its kind inquiry-based learning app to inspire the future generation of entrepreneurs. The Jamia-ShowReel app will offer a unique approach to inquiry-based learning that can ignite new and critical ways of thinking, helping students innovate on a global scale. With an aim of revolutionizing education for the 21st century, ShowReel aims at leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to design innovative courses and create short-form videos to offer a transformative learning experience.

A landmark partnership: Evolving education with numerous firsts

The objective of the Jamia-ShowReel platform is to create a platform that helps students to apply their knowledge by creating a dynamic environment for open-ended exploration, experimentation, and discovery. This partnership marks Jamia Millia Islamia’s first collaboration with a non-educational entity. For the first time, a course design has been enabled by AI and the Jamia-ShowReel platform will be the first to award 6 credits for completing a course using an app. Another first-of-its-kind feature is the use of artificial intelligence to evaluate students’ verbal responses, with the responses being analysed by algorithms for critical thinking.

Sabeer Bhatia, Co-Founder, ShowReel shedding light on the partnership said,“ ShowReel-Jamia App is not just a collaboration; it’s a visionary leap into the future of education. We believe in the importance of empowering our youth with the right skills and tools for a brighter future. True creativity emerges from independent research, investigation, hands-on experiences, and pursuit of answers. By leveling the playing field and granting equal education opportunities, we are focused on embracing the transformative power of AI to change the way young minds think, making them adaptable to the continuously evolving world of technology. Jamia Millia Islamia has always been at the forefront of transformative education and we are happy to be associated with one of India’s top universities to launch this revolutionary platform.”

Prof. Najma Akhtar (Padma Shri), Vice Chancellor, JMI spoke about the partnership and said, “Sabeer Bhatia has led India’s tech revolution, and we are proud to partner with ShowReel and work with him to create a revolution in the education industry. By harnessing the power of AI, the Jamia-ShowReel platform will serve as a catalyst for sparking students’s imaginations and cultivating curiosity. With this innovative platform, ShowReel and JMI are pioneering the future of education. The aim is not just to impart information, but to unlock creativity, communication skills, and real-world application in students.”

Enabling the paradigm shift in education

This collaboration is aimed at shifting education from the traditional one-way, instructor-led model to a self-directed, inquiry-based approach. ShowReel’s vision is to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs – individuals who can leverage technology to envision new companies and industries. The platform leaves behind the obsolete education methods to cultivate creative thinkers and problem-solvers equipped for the jobs of tomorrow. Through this partnership, ShowReel aims at democratizing access to education for every Indian built at the intersection of innovation, AI & upskilling.

An innovative approach to entrepreneurship

ShowReel is committed to mentoring and supporting Indian youth and entrepreneurs with the right tools and mindset to launch and sustain successful business ventures. The Jamia-ShowReel app will have 14 modules on various tenets of entrepreneurship through which students will get an opportunity to express themselves, and describe complex concepts in their own unique ways. This methodology will help in exercising and articulating original ideas based on research and life experiences, preparing the students for their entrepreneurial journeys.

20, Oct 2023
LP Logiscience Prepares for Exponential Growth in Nagpur Warehouse

LP Logiscience Prepares for Exponential Growth in Nagpur Warehouse

Nagpur, 20th October: LP Logiscience, the warehousing and contract logistics arm of the esteemed Liladhar Pasoogroup, is gearing up for exponential growth in its Nagpur warehouse, in the backdrop of supportive policy and infrastructure development. Currently, LP Logiscience has a multi-client warehouse in Nagpur, boasting a capacity of 1500 pallet positions and offers customized warehousing solutions focused on FMCG & FMCD sectors.

According to the recent Knight Frank report on Indian Warehousing, the Nagpur warehousing market has exhibited remarkable resilience throughout the pandemic and remains robust as of FY 2023. Annual leasing volume has surged by 26% year on year, totaling 0.06 million square meters. The Mihan cluster in Nagpur alone accounted for 63% of this leasing volume, with notable participation from prominent retail players like Reliance Retail and Tata Croma, constituting 48% of the transacted area. Additionally, 3PL companies, which are pivotal in this market, accounted for 37% of the leasing volume, while manufacturing companies such as Royal Enfield occupied the remaining share.

The above growth is driven primarily because of the strategic location and the planned transport infrastructure development in the region. Located almost exactly at the center of the country’s vast geography, Nagpur is equidistant from major consumption markets such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. The city has also evolved into a hub for industrial and Agro commodities production. Major national highways, including NH7 (connecting Varanasi to Kanyakumari) and NH6 (connecting Mumbai-Sambal-Kolkata), intersect the city.

Also underway are the multi-modal international cargo hub and airport, which is expected to play a pivotal role in handling heavy cargo traffic from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Additionally, the imminent completion of the Samruddhi Mahamarg, or the Nagpur Mumbai Expressway, is anticipated to revolutionize the region’s economy and logistic significance. This expressway will drastically reduce travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur, enhancing the efficiency of cargo transportation.

In this dynamic environment, LP Logiscience has risen as a key player, poised for growth in the Nagpur region. LP Logiscience was established a decade ago as the warehousing and transportation business arm of the legendary Liladhar Pasoo group and today handles over 3 million sq. ft of storage space and a reach of 7000+ distribution pin codes PAN India. Since its inception, LP Logiscience has registered an impressive evolution, growing at the rate of 20% – 25% YoY. Now, it is ready for the next phase, with plans to set up state-of-the-art warehouses with aggressive tech adoption and greener operations to qualify for environmental certifications that will help the brand enhance its global reach.

Speaking about his plans for the Nagpur market, Mr. Varun Gada, Director of LP Logiscience, a Liladhar Pasoo Company, said, “We are extremely thrilled about the growth prospects of our Nagpur warehouse. Nagpur’s strategic location and the positive policy and infrastructure developments make it an ideal choice for expanding our operations. This expansion represents a significant step in our commitment to delivering top-notch warehousing solutions and logistics support to our clients, ensuring that they benefit from Nagpur’s strategic location and the city’s growth potential.”

With a strong business model supported by an IT backbone, LP Logiscience’s warehouse setup offers customisation and flexibility.The company also aims to introduce sustainable practices for energy and resource optimisation and also plans on building an EV fleet for distribution. As LP Logiscience continues to contribute to the thriving Indian warehousing sector, it remains dedicated to its vision of transforming the logistics industry, setting new benchmarks, and driving positive change in the world of warehousing and contract logistics.

20, Oct 2023
Genesis Global School’s Model United Nations concludes with grandeur

Noida, 20th October 2023: The 8th edition of the Genesis Global School Model United Nations (MUN) conference conducted in collaboration with City One Initiative, a national upskilling organization, concluded with a resounding success, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and international affairs in the academic sphere. The three-day event, held from 13th-15th Oct at Genesis Global School, provided a remarkable platform for students to immerse themselves in the world of diplomacy and engage in meaningful discussions on global issues.

Commenting on the conclusion of the GGS MUN, Ms. Madhur Gupta, Principal CBSE, Genesis Global School said,” The Genesis Global School Model United Nations was a resounding success, and we are incredibly proud of all the students who participated. The MUN showcased young people’s involvement in international affairs, emphasized the effectiveness of cooperation and diplomacy, and served as motivation for the next generation of leaders. It also served as a platform to remind them that their contributions matter and can create a brighter future for all. The delegates showcased great passion and dedication to their work, and produced some truly impressive resolutions. We are confident that the skills and knowledge that they gained at the GGSMUN will prepare them to make a difference in the world.”

The conference commenced with an inspiring ceremony, incorporating diverse cultural elements, including a Marathi dance, a lively Western orchestra, and Ganesh Vandana. Dr Gurjeet Singh, former IFS official, delivered a motivational address on the value of diplomacy and democracy, setting an enthusiastic tone for the event.

Day 2 was the ‘Heart of Diplomacy’, as delegates engaged in extensive discussions and negotiations on various topics, including the weaponization of space and artificial intelligence’s involvement. The day concluded with a ball-themed event called ‘The Neon Masquerade’, a vibrant and student-run Ball, blending diplomacy with celebration and fostering lasting friendships.

Live debates were conducted on crucial global issues, including artificial intelligence, human rights, cybersecurity, and sustainable development. Various committees, such as GA-DISEC, UN, APPM, G20, ECOFIN, IP, and UNW, provided students with an opportunity to express their perspectives and propose solutions.

Also, an award ceremony for the G20 committee was a significant highlight, where outstanding delegates were honoured with prizes, including an all-expense-paid trip to Sri Lanka and other valuable rewards. The final day featured delegates presenting their resolutions, highlighting their dedication and passion for international affairs.

The closing ceremony was a momentous occasion, recognizing exceptional achievements, diplomatic abilities, and teamwork. Delegates were encouraged to pursue careers in international diplomacy, and awards were presented, including trophies, certificates, mementoes, Bluetooth speakers, an electric bicycle, designer ethnic wear, and all-expense-paid trips to countries and resorts.

The national anthem by the 18 Grenadiers of the Indian army was also played during both the opening and closing ceremonies, leaving the delegates in awe. This act symbolized honour and respect, and resonated with the attendees.

20, Oct 2023
Travel Buddy, a new-age social travel network is organising Vibrant Dandiya night celebrations in Hyderabad

Travel Buddy, a new-age social travel network is organising Vibrant Dandiya night celebrations in Hyderabad

New Delhi, 20th October 2023 – Travel Buddy, a new-age social travel network and experiences marketplace announces its latest offering, a vibrant Dandiya night celebrations in Hyderabad at the Moinabad Farmhouse by their Chapter Head, Ravikanth, who is excited to bring the city an exciting event. Travel Buddy is a vibrant global community of over 2.5 million+ travellers. Travel Buddy understands the value of a local, who has an in-depth understanding of their own city and State.

As per the event schedule, the programme will commence at 5 PM with anticipation for a night filled with excitement and entertainment. This will be followed by the Fancy Dress Competition at 6 PM. Witness a burst of creativity and innovation as participants showcase their creative and eye-catching costumes. Prize Giveaways will start at 7 PM where the winners of the Fancy Dress Competition will be rewarded for their creativity. This is going to be a moment of excitement and anticipation. At 7:30 PM, the highlight of the evening will arrive as the Dance Floor opens up, inviting everyone on the floor to groove to their favourite tunes.

Expressing his views about this event, Mr. Saurav Chakraborty, Founder, and CEO of Travel Buddy, said – ‘’Travel Buddy is all about redefining how travellers experience destinations and their localised culture. Our celebration of Dandiya Night is an authentic representation of our values. We encourage explorers as well as locals to foster meaningful interactions and authentic experiences. Our prime focus revolves around transforming your travel experiences into unforgettable adventures. We believe that travel isn’t just about visiting places, it’s about experiencing cultures and appreciating the incredible beauty of different places..’’

Dandiya Night, a joyous celebration held during the Hindu festival of Navratri, signifies the victory of good over evil. Participants, dressed in traditional attire, perform the lively Dandiya dance, using sticks in synchronised moves to folk music. This event aims to promote community bonding and cultural festivities and includes elements like a Fancy Dress Competition, and exciting giveaways.

20, Oct 2023
Rapido collaborates with Bengaluru Traffic Police to enhance road safety

Bengaluru, October 20, 2023: Rapido, India’s leading bike taxi platform, collaborated with Bengaluru Traffic Police to organize an awareness drive by distributing helmets and raincoats to 200 traffic policemen at Shalini Ground, Jayanagara on 19th October 2023. The occasion was graced by Shiva Prakash Devaraju IPS, DCP, Traffic, South Division, Bengaluru, Government of Karnataka, and T. Mahadeva, ACP, Jayanagar Police Station.

In a meaningful gesture, Shiva Prakash Devaraju and T. Mahadeva personally distributed 100 helmets to Rapido bike taxi captains and took the opportunity to speak about the importance of road safety. The company believes that safeguarding riders and law enforcement officers is a shared responsibility, and this endeavor underlines that commitment.

Furthermore, Rapido is also actively investing in enhancing the infrastructure available to traffic police officers. By installing modern traffic police booths at 15 strategic locations throughout the city, including prominent areas like Shalini Ground in Jayanagar 5th Block, Jayanagar Metro Station Signal, Chunchaghatta Signal, 100 Feet Road Sarakki, Delmia Signal, and Forum Mall Signal.

T. Mahadeva, ACP, Jayanagar Police Station giving helmet to Bengaluru traffic Policemen

Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido, stressed on the significance of road safety and the partnership with Bengaluru Traffic Police, stating, “At Rapido, we have always placed safety as our top priority. We are excited to team up with the dedicated officers of Bengaluru Traffic Police to further our mission of enhancing road safety in the city. This collaboration highlights our commitment to ensure safer streets in Bengaluru. Together with our esteemed partners, we aim to make a positive impact on road safety for all residents and commuters in the city.”

During the event, Shiva Prakash Devaraju IPS, DCP, Traffic, South Division, Bengaluru said “I extend my first and foremost thanks to Rapido for their remarkable initiatives. It’s noteworthy that Bengaluru currently holds the second position nationwide, just behind Delhi, in terms of the number of two-wheelers on its roads. Based on the current registration trends, it’s foreseeable that in the next 2 to 3 years, Bengaluru will become the city with the most two-wheelers in the country. On this trajectory, Rapido will surpass 20,000 bikes. There are two crucial facets to consider: from the perspective of bike taxi captains, ensuring timely and efficient pick-up and drop-off services for customers is paramount; from the viewpoint of traffic police, irrespective of the mode of transport, our shared objectives remain consistent – promoting safe transportation and mitigating traffic congestion. It is imperative that bike taxi captains establish and maintain regular communication with traffic police officials. Furthermore, I emphasize that prioritizing the use of helmets should be your foremost concern, promoting the safety and well-being of both riders and passengers alike.”

T. Mahadeva, ACP, Jayanagar Police Station giving helmet to Rapido Bike Captain

T. Mahadeva, ACP, Jayanagar Police Station, Bengaluru said “Every day, we encounter a multitude of challenges in our daily work routine. The rise in individuals disregarding traffic regulations and the increasing frequency of signal violations are becoming pressing concerns. Nonetheless, we have surveillance cameras strategically positioned at various traffic signals, which continuously monitor and record infractions. Our Traffic Management Center (TMC) diligently processes and registers between 40,000 to 50,000 cases online each day. This robust system underscores the need for Rapido drivers to exhibit responsible behavior by strictly adhering to traffic regulations and working in tandem with our dedicated traffic police officers. By doing so, we play a crucial role in fostering the transformation of Bangalore into a city known for its international standard of safety and responsible driving.”

In addition to providing safety gear, Rapido is actively engaged in promoting safety awareness among its bike taxi captains and the larger two-wheeler rider community. The company educates riders on the importance of adhering to traffic rules, wearing protective gear, and practicing responsible riding behavior. Rapido has distributed 100 helmets throughout India to promote road safety and has previously collaborated with the Noida Traffic Police to enhance road safety.

20, Oct 2023
SBI Card Announces Festive Offer 2023

SBI Card Announces Festive Offer 2023

New Delhi, October 20, 2023: SBI Card, India’s largest pure-play credit card issuer, has rolled out many exciting offers for its cardholders across India for festive season 2023. Millions of SBI Card customers can take advantage of around 2200 merchant-funded and cashback offers across online and offline merchants in key cities, including tier 2 and tier 3. The expansive spread of offers range across a wide set of popular categories including consumer durables, mobiles, laptops, fashion, furniture, jewellery, and grocery. SBI Card has lined up many EMI-focused offers with several marquee brands to ensure that cardholders can make large purchases with ease.

Festive offer 2023 for SBI Card customers includes over 600 national level offers, and over 1500 regional and hyperlocal offers that will be valid till 15 November 2023. As part of this festive offer, SBI Card customers in over 2700 cities can benefit from up to 27.5% cashback and instant discount offers across various partner brands that include Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, Reliance Retail group, Westside, Pantaloons, Max, Tanishq, and TBZ, among others. Importantly, SBI Card’s EMI focused offers are available across leading brands in consumer durables, mobile, and laptop segments. Key brands include Samsung, LG, Sony, Oppo, Vivo, Panasonic, Whirlpool, Bosch, IFB, HP, and Dell, and many more.

According to Mr. Abhijit Chakravorty, MD & CEO, SBI Card, “As a customer-centric brand, we have always focused on ways to enhance our customers’ overall experience. This includes continuously making their shopping experience more rewarding. SBI Card festive offer 2023 is a great example of our sincere intent to do so. We hope that this initiative will enrich and add to our cardholders’ festivities.”

20, Oct 2023
iLEAD Sets the Stage for Sustainable Innovation in Kolkata’s Durga Puja

iLEAD Sets the Stage for Sustainable Innovation in Kolkata's Durga Puja

Kolkata, October 20, 2023: iLEAD, Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship And Development, through its Waste Billionaire initiative and in collaboration with Moitreyee Sangha, has unveiled a unique idol created entirely from discarded automobile parts.

The pandal is a testament to sustainability and innovation, featuring various upcycled and recycled items such as a sofa made from discarded cycle tires, lights crafted from parts of washing machines, a vertical garden constructed from plastic bottles, and more. It is not just a celebration of tradition, but a powerful statement on environmental consciousness and entrepreneurship.

The primary objective of this remarkable endeavor is to inspire the youth to actively participate in environmental conservation by reducing waste and carbon emissions. In today’s world, the climate crisis looms large, and this initiative strives to be a catalyst for change.

What makes this initiative even more special is its emphasis on promoting entrepreneurship through upcycling and recycling waste. “With minimal capital investment, individuals can transform discarded materials into valuable creations, contributing not only to the environment but also to economic growth. India witnesses a staggering influx of approximately 2.5 million tons of automobile waste destined for scrapping annually. Converting this waste into scrap art offers a substantial business opportunity”, said Mr. Pradip Chopra, Chairman of iLEAD.

As an institution that fosters leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, iLEAD is committed to spreading awareness among the youth and encouraging them to become responsible citizens and innovative entrepreneurs.

The Moitreyee Sangha pandal serves as a reminder that beauty can emerge from the most unexpected places and that innovation can solve complex environmental problems. As Durga Puja enthusiasts from Kolkata and beyond gather to witness this artistic masterpiece, they are also reminded of their responsibility towards our planet. This initiative is a call to action, inspiring the youth to become pioneers in environmental conservation, and entrepreneurs in their right.

20, Oct 2023
From Kiara Advani, Raashii Khanna, to Samantha Prabhu, Rashmika Mandanna : 5 Actresses Dominating Pan-India Cinema

The Indian film industry is undergoing a transformation with the rise of Pan-India movies. These films, often made in multiple languages, are bringing together talent from across the country. Among the many actors and actresses making a mark in this new era of Indian cinema, here are a few talented women who are taking the industry by storm.

1. Samantha Prabhu:

Samantha Prabhu, known for her work in Telugu and Tamil cinema, has also ventured into the digital space. Her acting in films like “Rangasthalam” and “Oh! Baby”, has garnered critical acclaim while her latest Netflix film “Kushi” in both Hindi and Telugu is doing wonders at the Pan-India level. Samantha’s willingness to experiment with roles and genres has earned her a dedicated fan base.

2. Kiara Advani:

Kiara Advani’s journey from Bollywood to Pan-Indian cinema has been remarkable. Her breakthrough role in the Telugu film “Bharat Ane Nenu” opposite Mahesh Babu catapulted her to stardom. Her impressive work in Hindi and Telugu films, including “Kabir Singh” and “Laxmii,” , “Satyaprem Ki Katha”, and “Jugjugg Jeeyo” solidified her position as a Pan-India actress. She is now working on Ram Charan Starrer Game Changer which is said to be a pan-Indian film directed by S. Shankar.

3. Pooja Hegde:

Pooja Hegde has emerged as a prominent actress in the Telugu and Hindi film industries. Her roles in Telugu movies like “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo” and “Radhe Shyam” have showcased her acting prowess. Hegde, who also featured in films such as “Beast”, and “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan”, will play the female lead in an upcoming action thriller film, headlined by Shahid Kapoor.

4. Raashii Khanna:

With her captivating performances in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films, Raashii Khanna has earned a reputation as a versatile actress. Her acting skills and on-screen charisma have made her a sought-after name in Pan-India cinema. The actress has started shooting for her upcoming film starring Siddu Jonnalgadda called “Telusu Kada” which attracted a lot of attention with its recently released teaser. Making her Bollywood film debut with Dharma Productions’ “Yodha” Raashii Khanna will be seen opposite Sidharth Malhotra soon.

5. Rashmika Mandanna:

Rashmika Mandanna, often referred to as the “Karnataka Crush,” has been a revelation in the South Indian film industry. Her films such as “Mission Majnu”, ” Pushpa The Rise- Part 1″, and “Sita Ramam” are speedingly carving her Pan-Indian image. Rashmika’s refreshing screen presence and natural acting have made her a popular choice for Pan-India projects.

The world of Indian cinema is witnessing a refreshing wave of talented actresses who are not confined by regional boundaries. Raashii Khanna, Kiara Advani, Pooja Hegde, Samantha Prabhu, and Rashmika Mandanna are just a few examples of actresses who are making their presence felt in Pan-India movies.