Month: January 2025

 

EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

• ACC and Adani Foundation’s Madukkarai team facilitates the PM SVANIDHI scheme, supporting nearly 400 street vendors with micro-credit assistance.
• Over Rs. 1.46 crore disbursed, with loans of up to Rs. 50,000 at subsidised rates, helping businesses recover.
• Through its flagship program Meri Sangini Meri Margdarshika, the initiative promotes financial inclusion and self-sufficiency among small business owners.

 

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation is empowering street vendors in Madukkarai by facilitating the Government of India's PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANIDHI) scheme. The Company, through this initiative, has supported nearly 400 vendors, helping them access crucial financial assistance to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

 

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s Madukkarai team has been facilitating various government schemes through its flagship programme, ‘Meri Sangini Meri Margdarshika’ (MSMM). Since the beginning of the financial year, nearly 400 vendors in Madukkarai Municipality have applied for PM SVANIDHI loans. Of these, 290 vendors who successfully repaid earlier loans have been granted an additional loan of Rs. 50,000 at a subsidised rate. To date, Rs. 1.46 crore has been disbursed.

 

The PM SVANIDHI scheme provides micro-credit to urban street vendors, enabling them to recover and rebuild their businesses, especially after the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vendors, essential to the urban informal economy, offer goods and services at affordable prices, but many of them faced capital shortages. This scheme helps them restart their businesses and support their families.

Through this initiative, ACC strengthens its commitment to financial inclusion and grassroots entrepreneurship. The Foundation will continue working with local communities to provide essential resources, ensuring small business owners thrive and sustain their livelihoods.

In a bid to make Mahakumbh 2025 “Digitally enabled”, furthering PM Modi’s Digital India vision,Indus Towers, one of India’s leading telecom infrastructure providers is partnering with Uttar Pradesh State Government & Distt. Administration to ensure seamless connectivity to all pilgrims & people of Prayagraj during Mahakumbh Mela 2025.

 

The Kumbh Mela, held every six years, is the largest gathering of devotees travelling from across the world and an exemplary example of world-class public administration. Indus Towers is committed to enhance and augment uninterrupted communications by deploying 180 towers in Prayagraj. This includes 110 permanent towersaimed at providing long-term connectivity in the city. Additionally, 70 “Cell on Wheels” towers are being set up in critical areas within the Mahakumbh Mela grounds. The entire project is set to be completed by end of December 2024, ensuring robust and reliable network coverage.

 

Applauding the initiative Prayagraj District MagistrateMr. Ravindra Kumar Mandar( IAS ), said, “Mahakumbh Mela is a significant spiritual gathering for millions of devotees. Ahead of this auspicious occasion, we are delighted to see Indus Towers taking proactive steps to enhance connectivity in Prayagraj. The installation of 180 new towers will not only significantly improve communication but also enable new digital avenues.Millions of devoteeswill stay connected with their loved ones and access essential services seamlessly.”

 

“This initiative not only supports the success of Mahakumbh Mela but also contributes to the long-term development of the region. We commend Indus Towers for their commitment to strengthening connectivity and supporting the community.”

 

Tejinder Kalra, Chief Operating Officer at Indus Towers said, “As we prepare for the Mahakumbh Mela, we recognize the importance of uninterrupted connectivity for millions of devotees. Our partnership with the Mela Administration and Prayagraj district administration enables us to boost the city's telecom infrastructureand enhance the digital experience for the devotees to manoeuvre through the grounds of Prayagraj with seamless connectivity. This underscores Indus Tower’s commitment in delivering reliable and seamless network solutions where it mattersthe most.”

 

Mr. Neeraj Singh, UPE Circle's CEO, Indus Towers said, “Our commitment to enhancing connectivity for the Mahakumbh Mela is a crucial part of our efforts to ensure smooth communication for millions of pilgrims. We extend our gratitude to Mela Adhikari, Mr. Vijay Kiran Anand, and District Magistrate, Mr. Ravindra Kumar Mandar, for their invaluable support in facilitating the installation of these towers. This will not only ensure reliable communication throughout the Mela but will also enhance Prayagraj’s network infrastructure in the long run. At Indus Towers, we are dedicated to addressing connectivity challenges and delivering a robust and future-ready network for both residents and visitors.”

 

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj will be held from January 13 to February 26, 2025

Jindal (India) Limited, part of the prestigious B.C. Jindal Group and one of the leading downstream steel products manufacturers in India, has further consolidated its pan-India market presence by capturing 30 per cent share in Kerala’s color-coated steel segment. The company, which maintains strong nationwide leadership across multiple steel product categories has emerged to be a leading brand in the color-coated steel sheets market in the state, reinforcing its dominant position across India.

 

Building on its 70-year legacy of excellence, Jindal (India) Limited’s growth in Kerala was driven by its flagship brand Jindal Sabrang, which has been established as a trusted name across India. The recent launch of the company’s premium product offering, Jindal Neucolor+, has also been well-received in the region, adding significantly to the company’s growth.

 

Sharing insights on the business growth, Jindal (India) Limited’s spokesperson said, “Jindal (India) Limited has emerged to be a leading national player in the downstream steel sector with a strong foothold in the East and the South markets. We will continue to strengthen our pan-India foothold in current markets while gaining market share in newer regions. In Kerala, the company’s robust growth is being driven by the popularity of roof-on-roof concept particularly used in residential construction. Given the prevalent demand, we aim to increase our market share to 35 per cent by FY25.”

 

Jindal (India) Limited has a strong presence in Central and South Kerala. The company is now looking to expand its footprint in North Kerala, further strengthening its market presence in the region.

 

The company’s two state-of-the-art production facilities near Kolkata serve markets across India. Jindal (India) Limited recently announced strategic capacity expansion of 0.6 Million MT, marking a 60 per cent increase from current capacity of 1 Million MT per annum with a capex of INR 1500 crore, which will further strengthen the company’s national leadership. This expansion will enhance production capabilities for coated flat products, enabling diversification into new segments like solar and home appliances, while supporting import substitution across India.

Jindal (India) Limited offers a range of advanced coated steel products, each designed to meet the specific demands of various industries while ensuring high performance and durability. Among these, Jindal Sabrang, redefines the aesthetics of steel by introducing a vibrant array of color-coated options with exceptional corrosion resistance in outdoor applications. Jindal Sabrang adds a visual appeal that extends the functionality of steel beyond its typical uses.

 

Jindal NeuColor+ represents the pinnacle of premium coated steel products, offering a combination of advanced technology, aesthetic versatility, and long-lasting durability. This product is engineered with a special coating process that includes the use of SMP, SDP, and PVDF, in addition to RMP, resulting in a steel sheet that is exceptionally resistant to corrosion and color fading.

 

~Friday promotion every week with tickets starting at INR 11 + taxes and fees (**) ~

 

In celebration of the New Year, Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading new-age carrier, presents an exciting opportunity for flyers to enjoy free hot air balloon rides during the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, India’s largest event of its kind. Passengers who book Vietjet flights by January 19, 2025, for travel between India and Vietnam (including connecting flights) will have a chance to experience this thrilling adventure.

 

Passengers who book flights on Vietjet’s official website (www.vietjetair.com) or mobile app by January 19, 2025, can enjoy a free ride on the Vietjet balloon at the festival. Simply present your Vietjet flight ticket or boarding pass at the Vietjet booth to claim this exclusive offer, available on a first-come, first-served basis (*).

 

Additionally, Indian flyers can avail Vietjet’s special Friday promotion every week, which offers tickets starting at INR 11 + taxes and fees (**). This deal is available on all Vietjet international routes with flexible travel dates (***).

 

The 10^th Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, where the sky meets artistry, will take place across three cities and towns in the state of Tamil Nadu: Chennai (Jan 10-12), Pollachi (Jan 14-16), and Madurai (Jan 18-19). During the event, hot air balloons from more than eight countries will be flown in various shapes and colours.

 

Vietjet has pioneered air travel between Vietnam and India, now operating flights connecting New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi to Vietnam’s largest cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. In 2024, the airline continued to expand its global reach by launching new routes and adding new aircraft to meet the growing demand, including the increasing number of travellers from India.

 

Vietjet offers affordable airfares with a modern fleet, well-trained crews, and attentive services. Passengers can also enjoy a diverse range of in-flight services, including nutritious vegetarian meals, while immersing themselves in unique cultural and artistic shows during their journey at an altitude of 10,000 meters.

 

(*) Terms & conditions apply. For more information about the festival, please visit its official website at www.tnibf.com
(**) One-way ticket fare includes taxes and fees

(***) Excluding public holidays and peak seasons

HDFC Mutual Fund, one of India’s leading mutual fund houses, has inaugurated 25 new branches across various regions in India. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach and make investing in mutual funds more accessible in the country. These new Branches i.e. Business Centres will be opened in Bharatpur, Bhusaval, Varachha, Bopal, Wakad, Chittorgarh, Jalna, Azamgarh, Purnea, Sitapur, Basti, Arrah, Badlapur, Kashipur, Ferozepur, Barasat, Berhampore (Murshidabad), Bolpur, Kollam, Khammam, Hosur, Hassan, Nagercoil, Vizianagaram, and Thanjavur.

The new branches positions HDFC AMC as one of the most accessible wealth creators in the country and underscores the company’s mission – To be the wealth creator for every Indian. This expansion increases HDFC Mutual Fund's network to over 250 branches nationwide, bringing financial solutions closer to people in both urban and semi-urban areas. By opening branches in smaller cities and emerging economic hubs, the company aims to provide financial literacy and services to underserved markets. This initiative aligns seamlessly with SEBI’s initiative of promoting financial inclusivity across India.

Commenting on this significant expansion, Mr. Navneet Munot, Managing Director & CEO of HDFC AMC Ltd., said, “At HDFC AMC, our mission is to be the wealth creator for every Indian. The addition of 25 new branches across the country reflects our unwavering commitment to this mission. Each branch serves as a bridge, connecting local aspirations with the right investment opportunities. We remain dedicated to transforming the financial landscape by offering comprehensive investment solutions that empower every Indian to participate meaningfully in the country’s economic growth story.”

Move to enhance Financial Literacy in India

IDFC FIRST Bank is proud to announce the launch of IDFC FIRST Academy, a comprehensive financial literacy initiative available through digital platforms. This Academy reflects the Bank’s mission to enhance financial literacy, enabling individuals to better manage their financial matters.

Participants can easily access the courses of IDFC FIRST Academy at https://www.idfcfirstacademy.com on the browser of the desktop or the mobile. For IDFC FIRST Bank customers, it is also available on the mobile Banking App.

 

IDFC FIRST Academy has simplified complex financial subjects in easy-to-understand bite-size modules with easy, expert-designed content for quick and effective learning. It has blogs, videos, and interactive quizzes for diverse learning styles. It also includes Real-world scenario-based activities to enhance practical understanding. Finally, it has Certification programs to recognize learning of the participant.

 

The program has three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. With 35 courses covering 255 topics, IDFC FIRST Academy is meticulously designed to provide a deep understanding of financial topics. Each topic takes just 3-5 minutes to complete, with the full program totalling 36 hours of learning:

 

Levels	Courses	Duration (Hrs)	Topics	Video	Blogs
Foundation	11	6.5	38	16	22
Intermediate	12	11.5	78	24	54
Advanced	12	18.5	139	2	137

 

The learning program is designed to progressively increase the depth of understanding of financial topics. Thus, users can join any level of the program based on their level of current financial literacy and grow their knowledge on financial matters.

For example, the Savings course covers topics across all levels, such as:

• Foundation: “What is a Savings Account?” and “What is Interest?”
• Intermediate: “The Power of Compounding” and “Types of Savings Accounts.”
• Advanced: “Goal-Based Savings,” “KYC,” and “How to Manage Emergency Funds.”

 

 Mr. V. Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC FIRST Bank said, “IDFC FIRST Academy is a key initiative from IDFC FIRST Bank. We notice in our day to day lives, whether savings or investments, most people don’t quite know where to begin. For example, they may have heard of Mutual Funds, but don’t know whether to invest in Debt, or Equity, or Hybrid, or Tax savings Mutual Funds, what these terms mean, and how to begin. This program will make complex concepts easy to understand.”

 

Interactive Quizzes & Certificates: After the completion of each course, users will be prompted to take an interactive quiz to test their understanding of the topic. Basis the test results, they will be awarded certificates.

  

Join IDFC FIRST Academy Today: Start your journey toward financial learning with IDFC FIRST Academy. Visit www.idfcfirstacademy.com . IDFC FIRST Bank customers can also access the courses through the IDFC FIRST Mobile Banking App.

EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

·         Ambuja Cements promotes cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainable waste management across villages in India in accordance to the government’s ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign.

·         In Farakka, West Bengal, community members engaged in cleaning public areas and spreading bleaching powder, collecting approximately 2.5–3 quintals of garbage.

·         In Khambada, Maharashtra, a Cleanliness Rally was held, where villagers took a cleanliness oath, followed by a village-wide cleaning initiative.

·         In Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, a painting competition and sanitation drive were conducted with the participation of PRI members, school leaders, and community influencers.

·         Bathinda, Punjab, saw poster competitions in four schools and cleanliness drives in multiple villages under the HRDP.

·         In Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, sanitation awareness programs, including plastic collection and painting competitions, were held in collaboration with local organizations.

·         Awareness meetings and rallies were organized by Pragati Village Organization in Bhatapara and cleanliness campaigns by SHG women in Sankrail.

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, continues to drive impactful community initiatives in alignment with the government’s ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign. Aimed at promoting cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainable waste management practices, the campaign has been actively implemented across various villages in India, inspiring collective action and fostering long-term behavioural change.

In the Farakka block, West Bengal, the campaign engaged community members in a series of cleanliness awareness activities and practical efforts, such as cleaning public areas and spreading bleaching powder to improve sanitation. The initiative successfully collected an estimated 2.5 to 3 quintals of garbage from multiple identified black spots within the villages. The campaign emphasized sustained cleanliness and aimed to improve the overall hygiene in these rural areas.

Similarly, in Khambada block, Warora, Maharashtra, the community came together for a Cleanliness Rally, where all participants, including local villagers, took a cleanliness oath. The rally culminated in a full-scale village cleaning, further instilling the values of hygiene and sanitation among participants.

 

In Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, PRI members, school heads, teachers, and community influencers gathered to take an oath of cleanliness. A painting competition titled ‘Swachhata Hi Seva, Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata’ was held at Kashlog School, in collaboration with the ACL Mines Department. This was accompanied by a sanitation drive conducted by health volunteers and Swachhta Doots (Community Sanitation Volunteers), which targeted key areas of the village for a thorough cleaning.

 

The campaign also made significant strides in Bathinda, Punjab, where Ambuja Cements organised various activities including poster competitions in four government schools and cleanliness drives across Banwala Hanwanta village, Behak Khas village, Asafwala village, Fazilka, Punjab under the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP).

 

In Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, sanitation awareness programs were conducted in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat, farmers, women’s groups, and schools. These activities, which included plastic collection drives and painting competitions, were organized to foster a deeper understanding of sustainable waste management practices within the community.

 

An awareness meeting and rally on Swachhata Hi Seva were organized by Pragati Village Organization under WEP at Bhatapara. In Sankrail, a Swachhata Abhiyan cleanliness campaign was conducted with SHG women and adolescents, focusing on core village and school premises, followed by an awareness rally and garbage collection. In Chandrapur, various sanitation programs, including a painting competition and plastic collection drive, were held in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat and schools.

 

Ambuja Cements remains committed to uplifting rural communities through impactful campaigns such as Swachhata Hi Seva, which foster cleanliness, promote hygiene, and improve public health across India.