Author: editor

Panasonic Energy India Co. Ltd. (PECIN) a part of Panasonic Holdings Corporation today announced its financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2024. In the Q2 FY2024-25, the company recorded a modest increase in revenue from operations to INR 686.4 million, a 0.42% year-over-year rise compared to INR 683.5 million in Q2 FY2023-24. Despite the modest revenue growth, the company’s profit after tax (PAT) witnessed growth, rising 17.39% to INR 38.81 million. The company posted a growth of 12.72% on EBITDA margins signifying a strong balance sheet with a market cap of INR 3667.13 million.

For the first half (H1 FY2024-25), PECIN demonstrated strong profit growth despite a 9.33% decline in revenue from operations, which totaled INR 1,316 million. The dip in revenue was primarily due to additional sale to the Election Commission in the first half of FY2023-24, which contributed approximately 11.4% to that period's revenue. Excluding the impact of this one-time sale, however, the company achieved a 2% increase in overall sales in H1 FY2024-25, underscoring a strong underlying demand. The PAT for the first half of the current fiscal year reported a robust growth of 35%, increasing to INR 81.82 million from INR 60.52 million last year.

While announcing the results, Mr. Akinori Isomura, Chairman and Managing Director Panasonic Energy India Co. Ltd. (PECIN) said, “The strong profitability underscores our commitment to operational excellence and adaptability in dynamic market conditions. Driven by the company’s strategic focus on cost optimization, especially in materials amid declining zinc prices, we remain focused on enhancing stakeholder value and building momentum for sustained growth in the quarters ahead.

He added, “We have several strategic initiatives underway to support our growth trajectory. These include expanding our reach in the rapidly growing rural markets, capturing our market share in high-potential areas, enhancing brand recognition, and increasing the share of premium products in our sales mix. With these, we are confident to further solidify our performance and market competitiveness.

The PECIN factory in Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh) is a Carbon Neutral Factory and has received a Certificate of Verification Carbon Unit (VCU) Retirement from Verra. Additionally, it has been certified by the International REC Standard. The wastewater treatment at the factory results in zero discharge of wastewater and furthermore, 50% of factory land has a forest cultivated by PECIN. In the view of further Co2 reduction company is expanding the installed solar capacity to ensure 30% solar coverage up from current 19%.  At present, company uses approximately 6% recycled materials in their products which is in-line to the direction of 3R (Reduce, Reuse Recycle). The company is committed to invest more on plantation of trees for the 2^nd year under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in line with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.

On manufacturing front, PECIN aims for better quality of human life and preservation of the planet. Majority of the products manufactured by the Company are eco-friendly in nature with no addition of (Mercury) Hg, (Cadmium) Cd, (Lead) Pb. Company’s manufactured products are compliant with the limits set by RoHS Directives (EU) 2015/863. Currently, the product portfolio is around 87% zinc carbon batteries and 5% alkaline batteries, 5% rechargeable batteries, and 3% Lithium coin batteries.

Numbers at a glance:

With the objective of creating an Equiverse- a Universe where gender equity is the norm, TalentNomics India and KAS SOPAS, convene key stakeholders to discuss the transformative role education can play to build Gender Equity in South Asia 

TalentNomics India, in partnership with KAS-Japan, successfully organized a roundtable discussion centered on “Education for Gender Equity” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on Thursday, November 7^th. The day-long event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from the education, gender, and policy sectors, focusing on identifying key changes needed in our education system to promote gender equitable mindset and skill set in students in South Asia. 

The event focused on creating a more inclusive education ecosystem at all levels, from primary schools to higher education. Discussions acknowledged the progress made in mitigating gender bias in the education institutions, but also discussed the current practices that still exist leading to persistence of gender stereotypes in the thinking of both boys and girls.  The experts recommended key actions that can be taken by the educational institutions, the government, school leaders and the industry, both independently and in collaboration with each other to drive this change. 

Opening the event, Ipsita Kathuria, Founder and CEO of TalentNomics India, set the tone with her inspiring remarks, highlighting the urgency for this change and calling for a collective effort to transform the educational landscape. Paul Linnarz, Head of KAS Country Office in Japan, also welcomed the participants and further highlighting the importance of global collaboration in addressing gender disparity in education. Their leadership and vision framed the  dynamic series of sessions throughout the day. 

Ratna Viswanathan, CEO of Reach to Teach India in her keynote speech, iterated the importance of education for South Asia to leverage its demographic dividend. She stressed on the vital role education plays in addressing the inequities in homes, at workplaces and societies. She emphasised the fact we should just not focus on universal education and equity in enrolment but also on enhancing learning outcomes and quality of education. Another critical area that needs to be addressed is the “hidden gender inequities” in the educational content via textbooks and curriculum. She mentioned that “education is a supply chain” and we need to address all components of the system by simultaneously addressing various barriers.  

The first panel discussion was on Promoting Equity in Primary Education, moderated by Sandeep Hooda, Co-Founder of Vega Schools, presented powerful insights. Dr. Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation, presented findings from the ASER annual survey, suggesting that while learning outcomes between boys and girls are fairly balanced at school levels, access to learning resources, technology and attendance remains a crucial metric of gender inequity. Rita Singh, CEO of ARISE, Bihar Chapter, gave examples of many schemes introduced to encourage girls to access and advance in school education. She also shared firsthand stories of the challenges faced by school principals and stressed the importance of continuous training to overcome these barriers. Dr. Mahesh Prasad, Principal of Step by Step School in Noida, spoke about embedding equity through sports and curriculum reform, along with leveraging the potential of AI in addressing educational gaps. 

Another major highlight of the day was keynote by Dr. Avantika Tomar, Partner at EY-Parthenon and Guest Faculty at IIM Calcutta. She shared personal anecdotes to highlight gender inequities in sports, engineering colleges, and consulting firms. She presented compelling data on literacy rates and female labor force participation, noting that while India surpasses global averages in gender equity in enrolment, a significant gender gap persists in the workforce, suggesting that young girls are set up for success but face systemic barriers as they progress. Using data, Dr. Tomar illustrated the “leaky pipeline” from education to workforce: while female net enrolments in secondary education stands at 61%, only 25% of STEM students in higher education are women, and just 10-14% reach C-suite positions in STEM fields. She emphasized the urgent need for an enabling ecosystem—one that includes supportive family structures, societal encouragement, and gender-sensitive policies in schools and colleges—to sustain and uplift women’s journeys from education into impactful careers.  

The second panel discussion of the day – Promoting Equity in Higher Education & STEM, moderated by Dr. Rajat Kathuria, Professor of Economics and Dean, School of Humanities & Social Sciences at Shiv Nadar University. This session brought forward a comprehensive discussion on increasing women’s participation in higher education and STEM fields. Among the distinguished panellists were Dr. Rubana Huq, Vice-Chancellor of the Asian University for Women, Bangladesh, who shared the impactful work being done by her institution to support underserved women, including those from Afghanistan, the Rohingya refugee community, and marginalized workers in the garment industry, to help them participate in the workforce in a meaningful way and drive social change. Amanat Boparai, Senior Policy Enforcement Manager at Google, spoke about initiatives such as “Girls Who Code” and scholarships for women in STEM that are breaking down barriers in the field. Yet barriers persist for women to join STEM fields especially in the traditional engineering and futurist technology areas. Srikant Sastri, Chairman of the GDPDC, progress made in women’s participation in education and emphasized the need for measurable frameworks to increase female participation in selected STEM fields. 

As the day's focus shifted to bridging the transition from education to the workforce, the third panel discussion commenced. Moderated by Lata Singh, Partner at IBM Consulting, the discussion explored how stereotypes continue to hinder women’s career progression and how these barriers can be overcome through mentorship, continuous learning, and resilience. 

The panellists included Vasanthi Srinivasan, Professor at IIM Bangalore, Anuradha Das Mathur, Founder and Dean of Vedica Scholars, and Dr. Anushila Chatterjee, Chief Impact Officer at Vigyanshaala International. Vasanthi Srinivasan highlighted that while families are beginning to value educational and job identities, women's career identities still need broader recognition. She spoke about IIM Bangalore's initiatives, such as integrating gender into course curricula and establishing an Office for Diversity and Inclusion to foster a more inclusive environment. Anuradha Das Mathur emphasized the importance of shifting women’s own attitude towards having a career as being non optional as well as their ability to navigate the challenges of world of work.  Dr. Anushila Chatterjee, underscored the importance of learning technology in supporting women’s career choices and skill development. She emphasized the need for women not only to participate in the workforce but also to access leadership roles in high-growth, particularly, emerging fields. 

The TalentNomics India and KAS SOPAS roundtable represented a significant advancement toward embedding gender equity at every level of education. The day concluded with a strong call for more inclusive policies, practices and essential interventions in both education and employment. Together, these insights offer a blueprint for ensuring that gender equity becomes a core pillar of education, ultimately fostering an environment where all students can achieve their full potential.  

 #Equiverse #EducationForGenderEquity 

Jaypee Greens Golf Course, Greater Noida, is thrilled to announce the Night Golf Festival, a three-day extravaganza from November 5th to 7th, 2024, which will be inaugurated by cricket legend Kapil Dev. The event will see 350 golfers playing in the enchanting atmosphere of India's first Greg Norman-designed championship golf course.

With a rustic theme, the festival promises an exciting blend of golf, live entertainment, shopping, food, and fun, offering a complete experience for both residents and visitors. In addition to thrilling rounds of golf, the festival will feature live music by Bollywood and English retro performers, shopping stalls for golf apparel and lifestyle products, and a display by the Liv & Learn Foundation (NGO). Attendees can enjoy delicious food and beverages at various counters and relax at Boomerang – the clubhouse, which provides an ideal setting for unwinding with friends and family. The event also includes fun games and a Golf Clinic for kids aged between 5 and 15 years.

Ms. Manju Sharma Ji, Managing Director at Jaypee Hotels Ltd shared her excitement: “The Night Golf Festival is an exciting opportunity to showcase Jaypee Greens as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and families alike. It's about creating a unique experience where our community can come together, enjoy the sport they love, and have a great time with family and friends. We're proud to offer an event that blends the best of sport, entertainment, and lifestyle in a stunning environment.”

Jaypee Greens Golf Course’s world-class facilities and serene surroundings have made it not only a golfer's paradise but also a preferred location for business meetings. The Night Golf Festival reflects the commitment to offering extraordinary events that cater to its community's diverse interests, blending sport with leisure in a relaxed and luxurious setting.

Avail 18% off on the E-Bike available on company website and Flipkart

Stryder Cycles, a Tata Group company, expands its e-bike range with the launch of the ETB 200, designed for urban commuters seeking convenience and sustainability. Available at an exclusive price of ₹33,595 with up to 18% off for a limited time on the official website and Flipkart, the ETB 200 stands out with its practical and splash-proof external battery. The launch aligns with the Government of India’s initiative to encourage the adoption of green mobility nationwide.

Mr. Rahul Gupta, Business Head of Stryder Cycles, commented on the launch, said, “Electric cycles are set to drive India’s energy transition. With the ETB 200, we are committed to bringing innovative, user-friendly, and eco-conscious products to our customers. This model, with its unique external battery, provides the flexibility and convenience today’s urban commuter needs. Building on the legacy of TATA Group and our sustainability goals, our e-bikes provide the consumers with an eco-friendly and health-focused alternative that seamlessly meets the demands of urban commuting.”

Stryder ETB 200 combines style and practicality with its 36V high-performance, splash-proof external battery, featuring a two-year warranty. The design allows riders to easily remove the battery for hassle-free charging. Fully charged in just 4 hours, the battery provides a range of up to 40 kilometers, making it ideal for both city commuting and weekend trips. Enhanced features like a suspension fork and dual disc brakes with an automatic power cut-off system offer a smooth and safe riding experience.

As India’s EV market grows, Stryder’s expanded e-bike range marks a significant development in the two-wheeler segment, providing riders the freedom of a traditional bicycle with the added convenience of electric assistance, making long-distance and challenging terrains more accessible.

·         ACC and the Adani Foundation donate a portable X-ray machine to the District TB Hospital in Bilaspur, improving healthcare access in rural areas.

·         The lightweight 'Mini90' X-ray machine enables faster diagnosis, especially in remote regions, supporting early detection of tuberculosis.

·         This initiative highlights ACC's commitment to community welfare by enhancing healthcare infrastructure.

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is committed to community welfare through enhanced healthcare access for all. Along with the Adani Foundation, the Company has donated a portable X-ray machine to the District Tuberculosis (TB) Hospital in rural Bilaspur. This initiative aims to help detect TB early, a major health issue in the region.

The 'Mini90' X-ray machine is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for use in remote and hilly areas. It helps doctors diagnose patients quickly by providing clear images, which is especially important for checking chest, spine, and head conditions.

This X-ray machine donation will allow for better screening, resulting in faster treatment for people who need it the most in rural areas, wherein such devices may not be easily accessible. TB remains a serious concern in Bilaspur, with 249 cases per 100,000 people. This X-ray machine will help identify more cases and ensure quicker treatment.

ACC and the Adani Foundation are committed to supporting community welfare by focusing on projects that improve health, education, and livelihoods across all locations.

Join Industry Experts at Qlik Connect to Explore the Future of Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence, May 13-15, 2025, in Orlando, Florida 

Qlik^®, a global leader in data integration, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), opened registration for Qlik Connect^® 2025, its premier global customer and partner event. Qlik Connect offers a unique experience for Qlik’s customers, partners, and product experts to gather and explore the latest trends in data, analytics, and AI. The event highlights the urgency for organizations to find clear, actionable paths to harnessing AI’s full value. This year’s event will be held from May 13-15, 2025, at Disney Coronado Springs in Orlando, Florida.

“Qlik Connect was a fantastic experience for Takeuchi. Not only were we able to share how we use Qlik’s cloud-based analytics platform on the main stage, but we also gained valuable insights into enhancing our business intelligence strategies and building a future-proof data foundation to scale our AI programs,” shared Susan Dean, Business Technology Director at Takeuchi. “The breakout sessions were incredibly helpful, providing our team with a great opportunity to connect and strengthen our efforts to drive data-driven decision-making at Takeuchi.”

The event will feature an array of learning and networking opportunities, including:

·         Keynote Presentations from CEO Mike Capone and guest speakers sharing insights on the future of data and AI.

·         Exclusive, In-Depth Product Roadmap Previews highlighting Qlik’s vision and the integration of Talend^® technologies.

·         Breakout Sessions that delve into cutting-edge innovations and successful customer implementations.

·         Hands-On Workshops and Training Sessions designed for skill development and exclusive certifications.

·         An Interactive Exhibit Hall featuring live demonstrations and ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Registration for Qlik Connect 2025 is now open. Attendees who register before December 31, 2024, will receive an early bird discount of $500 off regular pricing. For more information, please visit QlikConnect.com.

·         ACC and the Adani Foundation address socio-economic challenges in Gudur Panchayat by providing microfinance and business training through 12 Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

·         Sundra, a local resident, now earns ₹15,000 monthly by offering agricultural services with support from community-driven microfinance.

·         ACC Limited’s CSR initiatives drive sustainable economic development through community support and training.

ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, is enabling rural entrepreneurship across Gudur Gram Panchayat near ACC Tikaria. Along with the Adani Foundation, the Company has set up 12 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to transform the socio-economic landscape of the village.

Gudur Gram Panchayat, with a population of about 2,000, used to face significant socio-economic challenges, with most villagers engaged in agriculture and labour, often struggling below the poverty line. Essential services like hospitals, banks, and markets are located over 13 km away, making access difficult for many.

ACC, through the Adani Foundation’s intervention, formed and nurtured 12 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the village. By providing microfinance and business training, the initiative has uplifted many families, enabling them to improve their livelihoods.

Sundra, a 54-year-old woman, has transformed her life through community-driven microfinance, receiving Rs. 1.50 lakh from her SHG to invest in farming equipment. This venture, under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), now provides her with a stable monthly income of Rs. 15,000, significantly enhancing her family's living conditions.

ACC and the Adani Foundation’s impact through this initiative is seen in the empowerment story of villagers including Sundra, who have turned challenges into opportunities, fostering economic growth, and uplifting their rural communities.

Nova IVF Fertility in Guntur is a comprehensive fertility treatment centre, that has well-equipped labs with the latest technologies and follows international standards for delivering fertility treatments.

Vietjet and Emirates have signed an MOU to boost connectivity, providing expanded travel options between Vietnam, Dubai, and beyond. The agreement, signed at the Vietnam-UAE Business Forum with Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh present, aims to strengthen tourism and trade links between the two nations, unlocking a range of economic and commercial opportunities.

Through this partnership, Vietjet passengers gain access to Emirates' global network via Dubai, while Emirates enhances connections across Vietjet’s domestic routes through Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. This collaboration highlights Vietjet’s commitment to expanding its network, offering more convenient and competitive travel options, and supporting sustainable growth.

The airline is actively expanding its flight network and international partnerships to meet passenger needs and promote sustainable development. Established in 1985, Emirates is one of the world’s largest and most recognized international airlines, serving over 140 destinations across six continents.