Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurates ‘Journeying Across The Himalayas’, Royal Enfield Social Mission’s Multi-Disciplinary Festival

A first-of-its-kind festival celebrating the timeless legacy and resilience of the Himalayan landscape and community

 Royal Enfield Social Mission is set to showcase the inaugural edition of Journeying Across the Himalayasfrom December 5-15, 2024 at Travancore Palace, New Delhi. Celebrating the timeless spirit of the Himalayas through creative expressions, engaging conversations, curated cuisine, live music and tales from its communities,  the multidisciplinary festival was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He addressed the gathering noting the brand’s efforts to preserve and champion the legacy of the Himalayas and its communities.

Photo 2.jpg

As part of Royal Enfield’s social mission to partner with 100 Himalayan communities and help build resilience, Journeying Across the Himalayasis a first-of-its-kind platform that brings together a wide audience to celebrate the power of collective action.


“We look forward to welcoming audiences to Journeying Across the Himalayas. This 10-day celebration presented by Royal Enfield Social Mission showcases the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage through the lens of sustainable exploration. As we gather to share stories, music, and cuisine from the Himalayas, we hope to inspire collective action and a deeper connection to this iconic region that we call our spiritual home,” says Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation.


Bringing together over 50 communities, 100 partners, 150 experts, and 200 artists and creative practitioners on one platform, the festival spans a range of disciplines to foster cross-learning and the sharing of ideas. Below are key highlights to look forward to:


Exhibitions and Installations:

Where The Wind Tastes of Forgotten Songs by Raghava KK: Created in Raghava KK’s distinctive style, the central installation pulses with vivid, textured visuals – rare species, intricate flora, mythical creatures, and hidden artefacts emerge and fade, creating moments of surprise, connection, and contemplation. These elements reflect the fragility and resilience of Himalayan ecosystems and culture, inviting the viewer to reflect on their place within this delicate balance as we journey through its terrain.


The Long Road by Vishal K Dar: Royal Enfield Social Mission’s Green Pit Stops are demonstrative facilities planned across popular traveller routes, built for the community and by the community. Managed by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of women as an initiative to create local livelihood opportunities, Green Pit Stops provides tourist amenities like sanitation, tourist information, basic first aid, and curated local culinary and cultural experiences for travellers to explore. The exhibit features drawings and scale models of these Green Pit Stops at the intersection of traditional building techniques, community partnerships and local ecologies.


An Ode to the Snow Leopard by Doel Trivedy and Gautam Pandey: As part of Royal Enfield Social Mission’s Keystone Species programme, this project focuses on the conservation of key Himalayan species like the snow leopard, whose survival is critical to the region’s fragile ecosystem. National award-winning filmmakers Doel Trivedy and Gautam Pandey use the power of 360 VR technology to create immersive experiences that raise awareness and foster empathy for wildlife. Their groundbreaking work captures rare animal behaviour, including one of the first-ever 360 VR films featuring the elusive snow leopard—a milestone celebrated across conservation and natural history communities.


From Folk to Fabric by Ikshit Pande: Presented as part of The Himalayan Knot, Royal Enfield’s heritage textile and pastoral land conservation programme, the exhibit features displays from nine Himalayan regions capturing the storytelling traditions of the Eastern and Western Himalayas. Curated by Ikshit Pande alongside contributors such as Dr Monisha Ahmed, The WoolKnitters, Aagor and others, the exhibition narrates myths, legends, and folktales, serving as living documents of the land and its people. Visitors can explore the meticulous journey from fibre to garment, with curated attire, photographs, and artefacts highlighting the region’s rich craftsmanship.


Evolution of Ice Hockey in Ladakh, Then & Now by LAMO: As part of its initiative to elevate Ice Hockey in the region, Royal Enfield Social Mission has worked to build an ecosystem for developing winter sports in the region from the grassroots level and also to support the National Ice Hockey teams

 

 to compete internationally. Curated by Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO), this exhibition brings together six decades of Ice hockey in Ladakh through the voices of veteran players, coaches and a younger generation full of anticipation.


Helmets for India, Art for Change by India Foundation for the Arts (IFA): Royal Enfield Social Mission’s Helmets for India is a not-for-profit Artists’ Collective aimed at promoting road safety by encouraging riders to always wear helmets. The initiative uses helmets as canvases for self-expression, bringing together the global motorcycling community through art to raise awareness about safe riding. In collaboration with the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA), Helmets for India worked with 12 artists to transform helmets into unique artworks reflecting personal stories, gender journeys, and memories of bike rides. The exhibition showcases diverse artistic styles, offering deeply personal perspectives on safety, self-discovery, and the outdoors.


The Great Himalayan Exploration by National Geographic & Manou: In 2022, UNESCO and Royal Enfield partnered to document and promote India's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), starting with The Great Himalayan Exploration. Over 100 ICH practices have been identified across the Eastern and Western Himalayas, with the first two editions documenting over 60 practices from regions like Assam and Sikkim. The 2024 edition focused on Ladakh, documenting 12 practices, including sustainable traditions and local craftsmanship. This initiative aims to preserve and pass on endangered heritage, fostering cultural continuity and offering valuable lessons in resilience for future generations and exhibit is a journey of the same through a photo essay.


Through the Lens of Community, Conservation and Culture by Green Hub: The Himalayan Hub is the nerve centre of Royal Enfield’s Social Mission and is envisioned as a learning centre to build climate resilience in local communities. The main campus of the Himalayan Hub is located inTheog, Himachal Pradesh, and the Eastern outreach is based out of Tezpur, Assam. It focuses on empowering Himalayan youth to address climate change through fellowships and programs, building a network of changemakers for conservation and creating lasting community impact. This exhibition imagines a glimpse of this rich ecosystem through inspiring stories of collective action and conservation from the roots. These are just glimpses of the individuals and communities driving Green Hub’s movement. Their stories, woven together, reveal the power of connection, determination, and the belief that meaningful change begins at the grassroots.


The Shape of the Wind is a Tree by FICA (Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art): The Himalayan Fellowship for Creative Practitioners, a collaboration between Royal Enfield and the Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA), supports emerging artists from the region working at the intersection of art and sustainability. The inaugural cohort of 10 fellows, whose works are represented at the exhibit, emphasizes processes rooted in deep listening to places and communities, amplifying their voices and fostering a shared vision for the Himalayas.


The festival also features other installations and exhibitions such as Helmeted Hyphae (XXL), Risha (Aratrik Dev Varman and Jisha Unnikrishnan), and Entanglements (sā Ladakh). Snow Leopard-inspired Custom Motorcycles and Apparel by Arjun Raina, Bobbee Singh, and Suket Dhir are also being showcased. Installations by Plasticvalla aka Manveer Singh and One Earth Foundation spotlights themes like circularity and waste management.


Interactive Workshops, Discussions & Film Screenings:
The opening weekend will host an array of panel discussions and conversations covering topics such as safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, responsible tourism, and climate resilience; while also exploring themes of human-animal harmony, culinary heritage, climate literacy, systems thinking for sustainable solutions, etc. The festival will additionally feature engaging sessions on modern storytelling techniques and include poetry and oral traditions. Prominent speakers from conservation, crafts, culinary and contemporary art, filmmakers and authors will join representatives from the Himalayan communities, especially youth changemakers, in discussions that platform stories from the Himalayas to make complex issues such as climate change accessible to the general public. There is a robust curation of interactive workshops alongside an extensive programme of various film screenings featuring stories of conservation and community.


Music Performances: Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy an extensive lineup of cultural performances that bring the Himalayas’ rich traditions to life, with musical acts such as the likes of Taba Chake, Alif,  Bipul Chhetri, Lou Majaw, Ao Naga Choir, Parvaaz, and Joi Barua among others.

Food Lab: The festival takes the attendees on a journey across the Himalayas through taste with celebrated chefs and food experts such as Pankaj Sharma, Shalini Philip and Anumitra Ghosh with partners like We The Chefs, Tribal Gourmet and Käse Cheese.

Festival Shops: The retail space at the festival goes beyond commerce, offering a platform for Himalayan stories told through design, craft, and a shared commitment to conservation. The Himalayan Bazaar will offer a lineup of homegrown labels and brands Aagor Bodo Weaves, Earthen Tunes, Its All Folk, The Woolknitters, Zankla Studio and more. The festival will also feature a special pop-up of Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Knot collections such as EKA x Looms of Ladakh, Countrymade x The Action Northeast Trust, and Sonam Dubal x The Action Northeast Trust, which spotlight artisanal craftsmanship rooted in sustainability. The Himalayan Bookstore is curated by Full Circle.

For more information, clickhere
Follow
@royalenfieldsocialmissionon Instagram for regular updates

Physical stores most favoured business model; preferred by 90% Indian Retailers across generations: Study

 

 

Selling via physical stores is the most preferred model of running a retail business, according to 9 in 10 retailers across generations, revealed NeoGrowth’s latest NeoInsights Study. This includes retailers who have both online and offline sales.

 

The 7th edition of NeoGrowth’s NeoInsights Study, titled ‘Unlocking Generational Preferences among Indian Retailers’, explores the generational differences among young (aged 18-40 Years), middle-aged (aged 41-50 Years) and experienced (aged >50 Years) retail business owners in terms of their mindset, business practices and perception of the Indian business ecosystem. Further, it highlights the contrast between first-generation retail business owners and those from family-owned retail businesses. The study surveyed nearly 3,000 MSMEs across more than 25 top cities in India.

 

Arun Nayyar, Managing Director and CEO of NeoGrowth, said: “MSMEs are the biggest drivers of India’s economic growth. While Indian retailers are fast integrating digital tools seamlessly to transform shopping experience, majority of these retailers continue to prefer the convenience of a physical store in order to forge stronger bonds with their customers. At NeoGrowth, we recognize this dynamic approach as a harmonious blend of traditional values and digital advancements, perfectly aligned with contemporary consumer expectations.” 

 

“The evolving landscape, driven by digital innovation, also underscores the importance of both financial success and customer satisfaction in the growth trajectory of Indian Retailers,” added Mr. Nayyar.  

 

Business motivators and success indicators

 

While 1 in 2 retailers cited profits and growth as their primary motivators to start the business, another significant factor was building on prior industry experience (25%), according to the study. Other motivators included financial freedom, and family business support. 

 

Beyond profitability and growth, retail MSMEs believe the value they provide to family, employees and customers is also a sign of their success. 50% retailers considered fulfilling family aspirations as a good indicator of their success, while 48% considered repeat or referral customers, and 42% believed that the growth of their employees was another relevant indicator.

 

77% of retailers indicated that they are looking forward to undertake business expansion through diversifying product offerings, entering new markets and exploring new channels of business, illustrating how they are embracing both expansion and innovation to drive growth and gain a competitive edge. Showcasing agility to adapt to changing market conditions, 87% of the respondents said that they would seize new opportunities to build capacity and capability in their businesses.

 

India provides a conducive environment for business 

Three-fourth of the respondents believed that India provides a conducive environment for business growth. The optimism is higher in experienced retail business owners with 86% feeling that India offers a supportive business environment.

More than 50% of retail MSMEs are leveraging various government schemes to grow their businesses. Programs like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ are instrumental in providing the necessary infrastructure and digital tools for business expansion.

Retail MSMEs enhancing physical stores with digital tools

 

96% of experienced retail business owners, and 89% of both middle-aged and young retail business owners prefer to sell via physical stores. This highlights a strong reliance on traditional retail methods across all generations.

Additionally, the study found that 58% of the young retail business owners take assistance from social media platforms to generate business. This dual approach allows them to maintain a robust physical presence while also tapping into the digital landscape, creating a comprehensive strategy to reach a wider audience.

Indian Retailers are focused on Customer Centricity

Referrals are the leading strategy for attracting customers among retailers, with 78% of experienced retailers prioritizing this approach to drive business. This emphasizes their commitment to relationship building, which fosters trust and loyalty among clients. Additionally, 58% of middle-aged retailers focus on enhancing their physical storefronts as a means to attract customers, recognizing the importance of a strong in-person presence.

By leveraging these strategies, Indian retailers not only strengthen their customer base but also cultivate a community of satisfied clients who can advocate for their services. As they adapt to changing market dynamics, the combination of referrals and physical storefronts positions Retail MSMEs for sustained growth and success.

 

You can read the full report here: https://www.neogrowth.in/neoinsights/ 

Ambuja Cements’ SEDI Nalagarh empowers young woman to break barriers through skill training


EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS

·         Ambuja Cements’ SEDI Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh supports Rambha Kumari in securing a job, improving her family’s financial stability.

·         Rambha’s success story promotes gender equality and empowerment, inspiring other women in her village.

·         The initiative reflects Ambuja Cements’ commitment to transforming lives through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, remains steadfast in its efforts to empower rural youth. Through its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) in Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh, the Company has empowered Rambha Kumari to achieve financial independence and break traditional gender barriers through skill training.

Rambha, a young woman from Uttar Pradesh, enrolled in the Domestic Data Entry Operator course at Ambuja Cements’ SEDI in Nalagarh. She successfully completed her training and secured a position at Neel Metal Products Ltd., where she now contributes to her family’s income, becoming an inspiration for many women in her village.

The financial impact of her employment has allowed her family to purchase land and build a house, a dream realised through her perseverance and the training she received. The initiative underscores Ambuja Cements' commitment to providing sustainable livelihoods to individuals from marginalised communities, fostering long-term growth and self-sufficiency.

Ambuja Cements, through SEDI, is not only helping rural youth like Rambha but also reshaping rural communities by promoting gender equality and economic independence. The success of Rambha at SEDI highlights the Company’s broader vision of creating opportunities that transform lives.

 

Qlik Recognized as a Leader for 9th Consecutive Year in 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools

Qlik leverages AI to integrate, improve, and govern data from virtually any source, driving trustworthy business outcomes

Qlik®, a global leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and AI, has been positioned in the Leaders quadrant of the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Data Integration Tools. This marks the 9th consecutive year Qlik has achieved this recognition, which we believe highlights our dedication to empowering organizations with trusted, scalable solutions that harness the full potential of their data. By delivering an end-to-end platform infused with AI, Qlik enables businesses to make timely, confident decisions.

To access a copy of the full Gartner report when it is published, please visit this link.

“Businesses are under immense pressure to turn AI investments into tangible business value, and that starts with integrating and governing their data at scale, in real time,” said Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik. “This recognition by Gartner affirms what we see as Qlik’s critical role in providing an agile, end-to-end solution that enables businesses to confidently tackle their most complex data challenges and seize AI-driven opportunities.”

Over the past year, Qlik has introduced key innovations, including Qlik Talend Cloud® and advanced data products, addressing the evolving needs of modern enterprises. These solutions establish trusted AI-ready foundations and unlock value from diverse, complex data environments. Recent investments from Thoma Bravo and ADIA further reflect confidence in Qlik’s strategic direction and its ability to deliver impactful, flexible solutions in data integration, quality, and AI-driven analytics.

Qlik’s market position reflects what we believe are its unique strengths:

·         End-to-End Capabilities: A unified set of solutions encompassing data integration, quality, analytics, and AI, enabling organizations to rely on a single provider for their data needs

·         Flexibility: Platform-agnostic solutions that integrate seamlessly with leading environments including AWS, Snowflake, and Databricks, avoiding vendor lock-in and fostering adaptability

·         Real-Time Data Integration: Advanced capabilities for replication and transformation that support real-time decision-making across complex enterprise systems

·         Innovative AI Features: Built-in AI capabilities that simplify workflows, enhance governance, and enable actionable outcomes from structured and unstructured data

Qlik believes its recognition in the Leaders quadrant reflects its commitment to solving modern data challenges with a trusted, scalable, and innovative set of solutions. Qlik Talend Cloud enables real-time data integration, streamlined transformation, and comprehensive governance. By embedding AI into workflows, Qlik simplifies and enhances data integration and quality processes, making them intuitive and efficient.

*Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools, Thornton Craig, Sharat Menon, Robert Thanaraj, Michele Launi, Nina Showell, 03 December, 2024.

 

Gartner Disclaimer

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Yuva Sangam Phase V: Gujarati warmth greets Kerala team; action-packed days ahead

Fifty students, including faculty, from various higher education institutes and young professionals from Kerala departed for Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Tuesday, flagging off the second leg of the exchange programme, called Yuva Sangam, between the paired states.

 

Helmed by the Ministry of Education, and supported by various other ministries and departments, Yuva Sangam was piloted in 2022 under ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ – a flagship initiative of the Central government. EBSB seeks to foster people-to-people connection among Indians, promote mutual understanding and spark innovations through collaboration. Through various programmes, EBSB has successfully achieved its objectives, realising a key vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

As part of this programme, youth participate in a cultural exchange by which they receive exposure to their partner states under 5 broad areas – the 5 Ps viz; Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), and Prodyogiki (Technology).

 

The nodal institutes for this state pairing are IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat and IIIT Kottayam, Kerala. Over the seven-day visit, the Kerala delegation will immerse itself in the local spirit of Gujarat. This reciprocal visit comes after delegates from Gujarat received warm hospitality from their Kerala hosts from 1st to 5th December.

 

As part of the itinerary, the delegates will visit major landmarks such as the Gandhi Ashram, Akshardham Temple, The Sun Temple at Modhera and the Statue of Unity. They will also interact with workers of various medium and small scale industries, including cooperatives run by women. The visit will be capped off by games, cultural activities, knowledge sessions and a local shopping experience.

 

Twenty eminent institutions across India have been identified for Phase V of Yuva Sangam during which participants from these states/ UTs, led by the nodal higher education institute (HEI) of the state/UT, respectively, will visit their paired state/ UTs. The previous phases of Yuva Sangam have witnessed massive enthusiasm with registrations crossing 44,000 in the last phase. Till date, 4,795 youth across India have participated in 114 tours in various phases of Yuva Sangam (including the pilot phase in 2022).

 

Yuva Sangam Phase 5: Student team of varied higher education institutions from Gujarat reach IIIT Kottayam, Kerala

A delegation of 50 students from varied higher education institutions from Gujarat like IIT Gandhinagar, SVNIT Surat, Central University of Gujarat, and many more reached IIIT Kottayam, Kerala as a part of the fifth phase of the Govt’s. ambitious cultural and educational endeavour the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat YuvaSangam’ programme.

While IIT Gandhinagar is the nodal institute from Gujarat, IIIT Kottayam is the nodal institute from Kerala.The delegate members will stay in Kerala from 1st-5th Dec 2024. Upon reaching, the student delegate was welcomed by IIIT Kottayam team.

Through this visit, the emphasis will be on increasing the exchange of rich culture, tradition and ideas between the two states. Further promotion of tourism, tradition, progress, technology and mutual contact are also part of the agenda.

As part of the itinerary, the student delegate will visit the residences of locals to explore their culture. Secondly, they will visit Kadappatoor temple, Ettumanoor temple, Manarcad church, vaikom temple and also explore the rubber industry as kottayam is famous for rubber plantation.

v-1.jpg

The student delegate will also visit Agro Park and explore the largest archaeological museum in the state. They will also interact with Padmashree Awardees and will visit ancient buildings, riverside cottages and beautiful scenes on the way to Alleppy. A few cultural programs have also been planned for them.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had proposed the idea for a sustained people-to-people connect during the Rashtriya Ekta Divas held on 31st October 2015 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Subsequently, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme was launched on 31st October 2016, in order to promote engagement and mutual understanding between people of different states and union territories.  

Twenty eminent institutions across India have been identified for Phase V of Yuva Sangam during which participants from these states/ UTs, led by the nodal higher education institute (HEI) of the state/UT, respectively, will be visiting their paired state/ UTs. Yuva Sangam will promote multi-dimensional exposure in five broad areas – the 5 Ps viz; Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), and Prodyogiki (Technology). 

The previous phases of Yuva Sangam have witnessed massive enthusiasm with registrations crossing 44,000 in the last Phase. Till date, 4,795 youth across India have participated in 114 tours in various phases of Yuva Sangam (including the pilot phase in 2022).

FIDELITY INTERNATIONAL BOLSTERS LEADERSHIP IN INDIA


·         Rohit Jetly expands role to lead technology and operations for Global Platform Solutions

·         Upasna Nischal, Head of HR, appointed India Site Head

·         Appointments reflect strategic relevance of India as a destination for global leadership talent

 

Fidelity International, a leading global investment and retirement savings business, has today announced an expanded international role for Rohit Jetly who will lead technology and operations for its Global Platform Solutions (GPS) business. Upasna Nischal, Head of HR, takes on ‘India Site Head’ from Rohit with an elevated role. These changes reflect Fidelity International’s commitment to strengthening its leadership and capabilities in the country.

 

Under Rohit’s leadership, the India site evolved into a strategic nerve center within Fidelity International. Over the past couple of years, the company expanded its footprint in India and is now present across Gurugram, Mumbai and Bengaluru. It added more capabilities as well as leadership talent in India. And it was adjudged a top GCC across the industry in India. Additionally, Rohit put together a unique GCC governance model that continues to help drive strategic priorities and has become the glue that brings people and teams together in India to work towards common goals. In his newly expanded role, Rohit will bring the Technology and Operations functions to work in tandem across the globe for Fidelity International’s Global Platform Solutions (GPS) business. GPS brings together the Personal Investing, Workplace Investing and Advisor businesses together at Fidelity International.

 

Upasna brings over two decades of experience in strategic Human Resource Management, including her five-year tenure at Fidelity International. She brings deep expertise in Talent Management, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Change Management, Organization Effectiveness and Development across global organizations. Upasna also led Fidelity International’s Global Learning and Development function before taking up the India site head responsibilities. Over the past few years, Upasna partnered closely with Rohit to further develop the India capabilities, location strategy, and leadership structure, aligning them to Fidelity International’s global business needs. In her bolstered role, Upasna will drive strategic initiatives from India while aligning with the company’s global objectives.

 

Sally Nelson, Chief People Officer, Fidelity International, said “These appointments are a testament to the trust we place in Rohit and Upasna’s capabilities to lead Fidelity International’s growth and innovation in India, as well as their leadership potential for our global business. Rohit’s role will be instrumental in the success of our GPS business and Upasna’s role will be critical to ensure we can harness the talent


capabilities and potential of India for our global customers. India remains strategic to Fidelity International’s growth strategy, with a wide range of capabilities run from here, ranging from data value, general counsel shared services, to process simplification and optimization and more. I am proud to see the leadership talent in the country.”

 

Rohit Jetly, Head of Global Platform Solutions (GPS) Delivery, said “It is an honour to take on expanded responsibilities in GPS and drive our platform strategy and technology and operational innovation on a global scale, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value for our clients worldwide. The last few years, leading our India capability centre, as well as being an advocate for the talent, skills, and capabilities that India can bring to the world, have been truly fulfilling for me personally. With my expanded global responsibilities, I hand over the baton to Upasna. We have exceptional talent present in our India site, including many global and local leaders. I am confident that Upasna will harness this talent and leadership to drive greater value from India.”

 

Upasna Nischal, India Site Head and Head of HR India, said “India’s strategic importance for Fidelity International continues to grow, and I am excited to lead our efforts to strengthen both the business and talent initiatives here. We have a unique opportunity to shape the future and deepen India’s contributions to support Fidelity International’s strategic goals. I look forward to building on the strong foundation we’ve established, focusing on driving greater value, nurturing our talent, and aligning our initiatives with our broader vision for growth and client impact.”

 

With over 20 years of operations in India and a workforce of more than 4,500 people in the country, Fidelity International continues to leverage the country’s growing skilled talent pool. Last year, the company strengthened its strategic presence in India by opening a new office in Bengaluru, enhancing its ability to support the evolving needs of the business and its clients to drive future growth.

SPACe Announces Ananth Technologies Limited as Beneficiary of Announcement of Opportunity (AO) Making Indian Orbital Resources Available to NGEs

Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL) is the first Indian Private Company enabled to develop and operate GSO Communication Satellite


The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced M/s Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL), as the beneficiary of the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) enabling access to Indian Orbital Resources for Non-Government Entities (NGEs). This marks a significant milestone in advancing private sector participation in India's space sector.

Under this AO, Indian ITU Filing in the Ka band is being provided to Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL). The allocation of orbital resources requires adherence to both national and international regulations, including frequency coordination with other satellite networks and compliance with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) processes.


IN-SPACe had earlier formulated and released the Norms, Guidelines, and Procedures (NGP) for the implementation of the Indian Space Policy 2023 on May 3, 2024. This framework provides guidelines for granting access to available Indian Orbital Resources to Indian entities. Following this, the Announcement of Opportunity was released on July 30, 2024, with the bid submission closing on October 21, 2024.

Ananth Technologies Limited will undertake the end-to-end management of the project, which includes the development, launch, and operation of a multi-beam high-throughput Ka band communication satellite. Responsibilities also include frequency coordination with satellite operators, managing filings with ITU, and ensuring compliance with due diligence and notification processes.

Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said: “This announcement is a transformative step for the Indian space sector. This will make Ananth Technologies Limited, the first private Indian satellite operator to provide state-of-art GSO communication satellite services to the country. With support from ISRO and DoT, this effort establishes a new benchmark for private sector participation in generating SATCOM capacity through indigenous satellites. It is a significant step toward achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in satellite communication.”

Ananth Technologies Limited (ATL) said, “We appreciate IN-SPACe's initiative and efforts in enabling the Indian private potential satellite operators through this Announcement of Opportunity. This Orbital resource shall help ATL to position itself as the first private Indian communication satellite operator. ATL shall bring-in a state-of-the-art communication satellite building capability in India and have it launched from India. This Geostationary Ka band HTS satellite shall truly be 'Make in India' and 'launch from India' and for 'Bharat'. This indigenous capacity would contribute towards building the 'Digital Highways' for providing the last mile connectivity, particularly for the benefit for 'education and health' sectors.”


LPU’s International Conference of Pharmacy 2024 on Transforming the Pharmaceutical Landscape

LPU Pro Vice-Chancellors Dr. Lovi Raj and Dr. Sanjay Modi, Dr. Monica Gulati and Dr. Deependra Singh, from Pharmacy Council of India releasing the abstract book during International Conference of Pharmacy at LPU.jpg

A Global gathering of Pharmacy Experts held at LPU aimed to design a sustainable and healthier society

Lovely Professional University hosted the 4th International Conference of Pharmacy (ICP-2024) hosted by the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in association with the Indian Pharmacy Graduates Association (IPGA). The conference brought together highly accomplished professionals in pharmacy from around the globe, creating an environment for national and international pharmacy enthusiasts to exchange knowledge and insights. This year’s conference theme, “Pharmaceutical Innovations and Challenges: Designing a Sustainable Healthy Society,” served as a platform for discussions on innovative practices and solutions to the pharmaceutical industry's contemporary challenges.

Dr. Lovi Raj Gupta, along with Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Modi, Pro Vice-Chancellors of LPU, and Prof. (Dr.) Monica Gulati, Dean of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, welcomed the delegates Dr. Deependra Singh, Chairman of the Education Regulation Committee, Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), Dr. Flavia Zacconi, Associate Professor at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and Dr. Kamal Dua, Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. In the address, Dr. Gulati stated, “As we convene here, we are not just sharing knowledge; we are laying the foundation for a sustainable future in pharmacy. Let us embrace innovation, address the pressing challenges of the present time, and work collaboratively towards a healthier society.”

The guest of honour, Dr. Deependra Singh, inspired attendees with his compelling speech. “Pharmaceutical research is the bedrock of a sustainable healthcare system. In our quest for excellence, let us remember that every innovation is a step towards better health outcomes for our communities. Together, we can create a future where health knows no boundaries,” remarked Dr. Singh, underscoring the importance of relentless pursuit in pharmaceutical research.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in various scientific sessions that covered multiple topics critical to advancing pharmacy. Notable sessions included insights from Dr. Flavia Zacconi, who discussed organic chemistry in pharmaceutical research, and Prof. (Dr.) Kamal Dua shared his ground-breaking work on drug delivery systems. Other distinguished speakers shared their ideas on topics like pharmacovigilance and traditional Indian medicinal practices. The discussions illuminated the latest advancements in pharmaceutical research and provided a collaborative space for addressing industry challenges, including regulatory hurdles.

A key highlight of the conference was the release of the ICP-2024 Abstract Book, which compiled innovative research and findings from various participants. The event also featured an awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions in poster and oral presentations, and celebrating student's excellence in pharmacy.

Tata International and Tata Motors launch Re.Wi.Re, an advanced registered vehicle scrapping facility, in Pune

Tata International, the global trading and distribution arm of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer today inaugurated a new Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in Pune. Named 'Re.Wi.Re–Recycle with Respect’, this cutting-edge facility has an annual capacity to safely disassemble 21,000 end-of-life commercial and passenger vehicles with environmentally friendly processes.

This RVSF is operated by Tata International Vehicle Applications (TIVA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata International, and is equipped to scrap passenger and commercial vehicles of all brands.

 

Inaugurating the facility, Mr. Rajeev Singhal, Managing Director, Tata International, said, “The commencement of operations at our RVSF plant marks a pivotal milestone in Tata International's journey towards circularity. This state-of-the-art facility exemplifies our dedication to fostering sustainable growth through responsible and environmentally conscious solutions. At Tata International, we are steadfast in our efforts to embed sustainability across all facets of our operations, ensuring a meaningful and lasting contribution to the environment and the communities we serve.”

 

Shri Vivek Bhimanwar, IAS, Honourable Transport Commissioner of Maharashtra, said, “The launch of the TIVA RVSF in Pune is another milestone in our journey toward sustainable vehicle scrapping in Maharashtra. The infrastructure that TIVA has built is of high standards and entails the surety of making the scrapping process of vehicles environment-friendly and as per Government norms. I congratulate the team and extend my support to the RE.WI.RE initiative”.

 

Mr. Rajeev Batra, CEO, Tata International Vehicle Applications, said, “TIVA and Tata Motors have taken a pivotal step in transforming the approach to the lifecycle of vehicles in India. With the capacity to dismantle 21,000 vehicles annually, this facility has been designed to address the growing need for efficient and safe vehicle recycling. This initiative supports India’s transition toward a cleaner and more regulated vehicle-recycling framework. At TIVA, we constantly push ourselves to reach new heights and remain committed to delivering our best to the communities we serve.”

 

Equipped with cell-type and line-type dismantling for both commercial and passenger vehicles, the facility has dedicated stations for the safe dismantling of various components, including tyres, batteries, fuel, oils, liquids and gases. Every vehicle undergoes a meticulous documentation and dismantling process designed specifically to meet the responsible scrapping requirements of passenger and commercial vehicles guaranteeing safe disposal of all components and as per the nation’s vehicle scrappage policy.