Author: editor

Eminent author and academician Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi released her book “Fiji Mein Bhartiyon Ka Itihas Tatha Unka Jeevan (1879 – 1947)” [(The Life and History of Indians in Fiji (1879 -1947)] based on her PhD Research on the momentous occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Day. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention will be inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on 9 January, 2025

Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi is the granddaughter of “late Shri Pandit Banarsi Das Chaturvedi “Rajya Sabha MP”.  Shri Banarsidas Chaturvedi has done immense work on Pravasi Bharatiya.

Dr. Rekha Chaturvedi said, “Fiji main bhartiyon ka Itihas tatha unka Jeevan (1879 – 1947)” offers a deep insight into the lives and sufferings of indentured labour from India. Dr Chaturvedi’s historic publication exposes the plight of Indian Indentured Labour on the occasion of 2025 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The book’s release on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas emphasizes its relevance to the Indian diaspora and serves as a tribute to their resilience and contributions. The book is a call to recognize and honor the sacrifices of the Indian diaspora, ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.”

Indentured labour, also known as “Coolies” is a painful and shameful reality of the British Rule in India. South Africa, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana and Fiji have had a long and dark past for these “Girmitiyas” where they were forced to work in inhuman conditions performing hard, torturous taks.

This book published by Sasta Sahitya Mandal, brings to the light the indenture of these labour forces in services and their inhumane treatment and living conditions on the Island nation of Fiji. This issue was highlighted by Pandit Banarasi Das Chaturvedi in his Book “Fiji main mere 21 Varsh” based on the experiences of Shri Totaram Sanadhya, who was an indentured labour in Fiji.

Shri Banarsidas Chaturvedi spent several years in Fiji and wrote extensively about the predicament of Indians in Fiji. Inspired by her grandfather’s work, Dr. Rekha’s research sheds light on the struggles and resilience of Indian diaspora communities, particularly Girmitiyas. Despite personal and professional responsibilities, Dr. Rekha remained committed to her research. Her dedication reflects her deep connection to her heritage and her family's advocacy for Girmitiya issues.

With the intervention of Reverend C. F. Andrews, the system of indentured labour in Fiji was formally ended in 1920.

The book’s publisher, Sasta Sahitya Mandal, has a history of supporting socially significant literature, aligning with the book’s aim to shed light on underrepresented historical narratives.

– UK’s Iconic Riverside Studios is now Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios Trust –

In a significant move that connects art, culture, and innovation across continents, Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Group, will now own the iconic Riverside Studios. The 100-year-old studio,which is a renowned global centre for arts and located on the north bank of the River Thames in the centre of London, will now operate under the name ‘Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios Trust’. Over its illustrious history, Riverside Studio has hosted prestigious artists from across the world with song recordings by Beatles, performance by David Bowie,presented work by Dario Fo and exhibited works by David Hockney, to name a few.

This foray highlights Mr. Agarwal’s personal commitment to fostering creativity and global cultural exchange. His vision, centered on the #ArtInEveryHeart initiative, seeks to make art universally accessible, emphasizing the rich cultural ties between India and the world. With Riverside Studios, Agarwal intends to nurture spaces where innovation and cultural diversity flourish together, creating a dynamic hub for artistic expression that bridges global boundaries.

As a corner stone of art and culture, Riverside Studios has become a symbol of artistic brilliance and cultural diversity. Today, the Studio is a proud host to theatres, performance spaces, recording studios, exhibition space, cinemas with eclectic cafes.

“I have always believed that art has the power to transcend boundaries, unite people, and elevate human experience. Riverside Studios will become a premier global destination for showcasing Indian and global arts and culture. I invite Indian artists and the film fraternity to showcase their artistic talent and cinematic depth at this world-renowned venue for a truly enriching experience. Global leaders from various spheres now have an opportunity to enthral audience with their real-life experiences and journey, here. With these immersive performances, exhibitions, and cinematic showcases, the Studios will celebrate diverse heritage while continuing to host world-class productions from across the globe.I look forward to building a space that not only nurtures creativity but also inspires social change,” saidAnil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Group.

Mr. Agarwal has always supported meaningful initiatives that combine philanthropy with cultural growth. As a passionate supporter of Indian art and culture, he has welcomed and hosted several Indian spiritual leaders, artists, and cultural foundations in the UK. His efforts have helped bring India’s rich traditions of art and spirituality—focusing on the mind, body, and soul—to a global audience, building bridges between India and the world.

The Anil Agarwal Riverside Studios Trust will be a one-of-a-kind cultural centre where visitors can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of experiences, from world-class theatre productions to prominent art galleries and captivating cinema screenings to contemporary art exhibitions and live performances to hosting Ted Talks. With state-of-the-art facilities, it will attract global entertainment industry leaders, creating opportunities for Indian, British and other international creators to showcase their work.

This milestone holds particular significance for India, as one of the country’s most respected business leaders takes a prominent role in the global arts world. The #ArtInEveryHeart initiative is a testament to Mr. Agarwal’s vision of using art to build cross-cultural empathy and understanding. The takeover of Riverside Studios showcases India’s growing influence in the global cultural landscape, as Indian entrepreneurs contribute to artistic dialogues on the world stage.

This strategic move reflects Mr. Agarwal’s belief that art is a universal language, one that connects individuals across borders and cultures.To mark this historic moment, Riverside Studios will host a grand opening event in 2025, bringing together artists, performers, industry leaders, and art enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to physical events, the Trust will run a series of digital and hybrid art events to expand the venue’s reach and impact.

In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction in favor of RKSV Securities India Pvt. Ltd., popularly known as Upstox, restraining unknown entities from infringing upon its registered trademarks and copyrighted materials.

 

Upstox, a leading online trading platform with a customer base exceeding one crore, had approached the court alleging that unidentified individuals were operating fraudulent websites and social media groups impersonating the company. These entities were reportedly using Upstox's brand name, logo, and copyrighted images to deceive customers, leading to financial losses and reputational harm.

 

Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the case, acknowledged the prima facie evidence presented by Upstox and noted that the company would suffer irreparable loss without immediate judicial intervention. The court's order includes prohibiting the defendants from using Upstox's trademarks, domain names, social media handles, and any deceptively similar identifiers. It also directs domain registrars to suspend the infringing domain names and disclose the registrants' details, including KYC documents and payment information. Additionally, the court has ordered banks to freeze accounts associated with the defendants and provide KYC documents and bank statements of the account holders. Furthermore, platforms like Telegram have been instructed to suspend all profiles, groups, and channels linked to the infringing activities.

 

The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 20, 2025, and has issued notices to the defendants to respond to the allegations. This decisive action underscores the judiciary's commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and combating online fraud.

 

Upstox continues to advise its users to remain vigilant and to engage only with official communication channels to safeguard against potential scams.

 

Partners with Truworth Wellness to provide a comprehensive range of solutions for its 75000+ employees and their families

 

Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has rolled out a holistic wellness initiative aimed at nurturing the emotional, mental and psychological wellbeing of its 75,000-plus employees and their family members. The Bank has partnered with Truworth Wellness to introduce an enhanced version of its “Employee Assistance Program” (EAP) – a pioneering initiative in the corporate wellness space.

 

Aimed at fostering a thriving work environment that actively supports the overall wellbeing of the Bank’s multi-generational employees, the “Employee Assistance Program” seeks to address the diverse emotional wellness needs of its employees.

 

The key features of Truworth Wellness's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) include: 

·         Confidential and Personalised Support: Confidential and one-on-one free counseling sessions with professional experts for employees and their dependent family members (spouse and children) on issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, personal issues etc.

·         Multiple modes of counseling: Counselling sessions can be conducted face-to-face, via video and/or the 24×7 toll free helpline, tailored to individual needs. 

• 24/7 Accessibility: Round-the-clock helpline and virtual assistance for immediate support and guidance. 

·         Digital Support: User-friendly “Wellness Corner” mobile app, which provides features such as mental wellness assessments, mood trackers, AI-based virtual therapy sessions, guided wellness programs, online chat and live/pre-recorded webinars.

·         Enhanced and Supplementary Tools: Personal wellness dashboards, health trackers, and discounts on health-related services. Enhanced tools for habit formation, goal setting and tracking.

 

Shri Shailendra Singh, Chief General Manager – HR & Marketing, Bank of Baroda said, “Recognising the importance of prioritising the holistic well-being of our employees, we at Bank of Baroda were pioneers in introducing the Employee Assistance Program way back in 2020 during the pandemic, which focusses  on mental health as well as physical health. This year, we have taken the initiative a step further and have rolled out an enhanced edition of the programme designed by Truworth Wellness, one of the leaders in this field. By investing in the overall health of our people and their immediate family members, we are progressing towards a future where employee wellness is an integral part of corporate culture, leading to a happier, healthier and more engaged workforce.”

 

Shri Rohit Chohan, Co-Founder & CEO of Truworth Wellness, said, “We are proud to partner with Bank of Baroda in this transformative initiative. Our holistic approach to wellness, combined with cutting-edge technology and personalised support, will empower Bank of Baroda employees to take charge of their well-being and flourish in all aspects of their lives. This partnership is yet another example of how corporate wellness is evolving in India – a multidimensional and inclusive approach, with an emphasis on proactive and preventive care.”

 

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will also focus on aspects such as stress management using meditation and mindfulness for credit officers, addressing the emotional needs of women employees joining after taking a career break as well as mental health roadshows for EAP awareness amongst employees.

·         With this implementation, RuPayOn-The-Go enablesmulti-modal ticket payment acrossChennai Metro, MTC buses and Chennai Metro parking facilities

·         Addresses issues like long queues, need for exact change, and complex ticketing processes

 

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the organisation driving innovation and powering India's digital payment revolution, has partnered with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai's public bus service, to integrate RuPay On-The-Go, a contactless payment solution for transit. This integration allows commuters in Chennai to seamlessly travel between Chennai Metro to MTC buses and use Chennai Metro parking facilities with a single card. This initiative addresses common commuter issues such as long queues, need for exact change, and complex ticketing processes.

 

RuPay On-The-Go launched under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)program, simplifies public transit across multiple cities in India. It offers travelers a seamless, hassle-free, and contactless experience on metros and buses with a single card, marked by the distinctive RuPay contactless symbol. The card’s stored value ticketing allows users to load funds and use them across various transit modes. Additionally, the card supports offline transactions, making it perfect for use in metro tunnels and on moving buses, even without internet connectivity.

 

This widespread RuPay On-The-Go implementation positions Chennai as a leading city with a multi-modal transit system. It allows commuters to use their existing RuPay contactless debit, credit, or prepaid cards, fostering convenience and efficiency. Over 3.2 million daily commuters of Chennai MTC¹ will benefit from this efficient transit system. The MTC Singara Chennai One City One Card can be used in Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL), likewise the CMRL Singara Chennai One City One Card can be used in MTC bus network.

 

“With the integration of the RuPayOn-The-Go card across the MTC bus network, Chennai is taking a significant step towards a smarter, more efficient urban mobility ecosystem. This unified payment solution allows commuters to use a single, contactless card across multiple modes such as buses, metros, and parking facilities, making everyday travel faster, more convenient, and entirely cashless.” said Kunal Kalawatia, Chief of Products, NPCI.

 

“This partnership marks a transformative milestone for Chennai’s public transit system. By integrating the RuPay On-The-Go card across MTC buses and Chennai metro, we are offering our passengers a seamless multi-modal travel experience. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the lives of Chennai’s residents.” saidDr.Alby John Varghese,Managing Director, MTC Chennai.

 

Users can avail the RuPayOn-The-Go card, not just in Chennai, but also across a growing list of transit networks, including metros in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kanpur, as well as bus services in cities like Mumbai (B.E.S.T), Guwahati, Haryana, Jammu, Srinagar, Himachal and Aurangabad. For further information on obtaining a RuPay NCMC card, users can visit participating banks, metro stations, or designated offices to get started on their seamless transit journey.

 

RuPay has been at the forefront of advancing India's payment infrastructure through its state-of-the-art card payment network. RuPay cards also facilitate smooth transactions at merchant outlets and allows users flexibility to make UPI payments by linking the card with UPI-enabled apps through RuPay Credit Cards on UPI.

 

To know more about RupayOn-The-Goplease scan the QR code:

Source:

1.    Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Ltd

 

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.”