Category: Awards & Recognition

  • Schneider Electric And Maharashtra Water Resources Department Join Forces To Bring Innovative Water Solutions

    India is experiencing both water and energy stress. While energy is required to make water and vice versa, Schneider Electric is highlighting the impetus of saving Water and Energy through improved system efficiency and creating a sustainable impact by deploying digital water solutions to reduce water losses and energy losses.

    MUMBAI: Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently announced its collaboration with the Water Resources Department, Maharashtra to sensitize officials on modernizing water and wastewater (WWW) management using the latest digital technologies. This partnership is a continuation of Schneider Electric’s support to the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s efforts to accelerate the technology adoption for sustainable water management in India.

    India, a country grappling with a staggering ~40% water loss due to leaks, is confronting significant strain on its water table, posing a threat to its economic advancement. In response to this pressing challenge, Schneider Electric has made its mission to confront the complexities of water management and address the urgent need for fostering sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in the water sector.

    With this strategic partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, Schneider Electric has reaffirmed its commitment to championing responsible water management. As part of this collaboration, the company aims to drive awareness among stakeholders, encouraging the adoption of innovative digital technologies to elevate efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in water management processes.

    Schneider Electric’s end-to-end IoT platform, EcoStruxure, offers real-time data, analytics, and professional services to increase water consumption efficiency, decrease leaks, and optimize water distribution. EcoStruxure also offers advanced diagnostics and seamless IT/OT integration to future-proof operations.

    The event was attended by key dignitaries including Sanjay Khandare, IAS, Principal Secretary, Water Supply & Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra, Sanjay Belsare, Secretary, Project Coordination, Water Resources Department, Government of Maharashtra and Aman Mittal, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Water Supply & Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra. These dignitaries gathered to discuss the pressing need to embrace digital technologies in the facilitation of a more sustainable water network.

    “Integrating digital solutions into water management practices can lead to more efficient, resilient, and sustainable use of water as well as energy resources, thereby addressing the growing challenges posed by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change”, said Sanjay Belsare, IAS, Secretary- CAD, Water Resources Department, Government of Maharashtra.

    Emphasizing the significance of digital solutions for effective water management during a keynote address Aman Mittal, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Water Supply & Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra suggests a creation of mass awareness about the true potential of digital technologies, that is critical to address issues related to water resources. Digital solutions encompass various technologies such as data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, remote monitoring systems, and predictive modeling algorithms. AI and machine learning algorithms can analyze water-related data to improve water distribution, predict droughts or floods, and make better water management decisions. Drone images and remote sensing could help map traditional water bodies, assess their health, and identify replenishment or restoration needs. Also, Chatbots and solutions built around them could serve as virtual water conservation aides, offering personalized advice and raising awareness about the judicious use of water and resources.

    Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Arvind Kakru, Vice President – Industrial Automation, Greater India at Schneider Electric, said, “At Schneider Electric, we strongly believe that India’s journey toward water conservation and innovation is crucial for realizing its developmental aspirations. The significance of water in our progress cannot be overstated, and the impact of leakage on our water resources and energy usage cannot be ignored. Water conservation directly translates to energy conservation and secures our future. Through our collaboration with the Water Resources Department, Maharashtra, Schneider Electric is committed to engaging stakeholders in breaking the cycle of waste and establishing a circular system for efficient energy and water management. Together, we are dedicated to maximizing the value of every drop, driving innovation to combat energy and water wastage, and paving the way for a more sustainable future.“

    Schneider Electric has also collaborated with the Ministry of Jal Shakti to prepare a skill development program that empowers eco-warriors to become proficient in using next-gen technology. The curriculum focuses on technologies in water governance, efficient operations, management of water and wastewater treatment plants, sustainable water management, technology for water conservation, and efficient desalination processes using digital technologies.

  • Transform Your Culinary Creations into Stunning Visuals


    Lexicon IHM & Lexicon IMA Host a Unique Food Photography Workshop

    Lexicon IHM & Lexicon IMA Host a Unique Food Photography Workshop

    PUNE: In a captivating confluence of culinary art and media expertise, Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management (Lexicon IHM) and Lexicon Institute of Media & Animation (Lexicon IMA) proudly hosted an exclusive Food Styling & Food Photography workshop led by the distinguished Chef Michael Swamy.

    Chef Swamy, a pioneer in food media, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the workshop. Based in Mumbai, Chef Swamy is not only a renowned chef but also a food stylist, writer, and travel photographer. A graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, London, he has authored several acclaimed cookbooks, including The East Indian Kitchen, Easy Guide to Pairing Indian Food and Wine, and Masala Dabba. His exemplary work has earned him multiple Gourmand Awards, underscoring his contributions to the culinary arts and media.

    True to its motto, “By the Hoteliers, For the Hoteliers,” Lexicon IHM aimed to bridge the gap between culinary practice and visual storytelling through this workshop. It provided a unique opportunity for students to delve into the creative and technical aspects of food presentation, honing skills essential for the modern hospitality industry. Integrating practical training with real-world applications, the event enhanced students’ ability to present culinary creations appealingly. Additionally, it provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to interact with an industry veteran and fellow peers, fostering connections that could be beneficial throughout their careers.

    Chef Savita Patil, Vice Principal, Lexicon IHM, added, “Workshops like these are invaluable in shaping our students into well-rounded professionals. By learning the art of food styling and photography, they gain critical skills that enhance their culinary creations and open new career avenues.”

    Lexicon IMA students were equally engaged, gaining hands-on experience in the intricate world of food photography. The workshop covered vital topics such as the importance of the right lighting, optimal camera angles, and meticulous food placement. Students learned how these elements are crucial in creating visually appealing and appetizing images, significantly influencing customer perceptions and enhancing marketing strategies.

    Dipta Joshi, Principal, Lexicon IMA, emphasized, “While our goal is to build an institution that sets a standard for others to follow, our driving force remains the passion to be a part of a flourishing media and marketing world. Workshops like these empower our students with essential skills and inspiration to excel in the dynamic field of media, allowing them to blend creativity with technical expertise and stand out in the industry.”

    The workshop concluded with an interactive session where students from both institutes had the opportunity to ask questions and seek guidance on pursuing careers in food styling and photography. Chef Swamy emphasized the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field and how mastering these skills can open diverse career paths in the hospitality and media industries.

    The workshop was a resounding success, reflecting the commitment of Lexicon IHM and Lexicon IMA to provide holistic and industry-relevant education. This event not only enriched students’ academic experience but also inspired them to explore new dimensions of their chosen fields.

  • PwC India Partners With Microsoft India For Enhanced Cybersecurity with Copilot


    PwC India collaborates with Microsoft

    INDIA: PwC India announced a collaboration with Microsoft India aimed at expanding their incident response and recovery capabilities. As organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the alliance brings together PwC India’s incident management capabilities and Microsoft’s advanced technology to protect enterprises effectively.

    With the use of Microsoft Copilot for Security generative AI-powered security solution, enterprises can leverage Microsoft’s large-scale data and threat intelligence security graph with PwC’s secure system rebuilding and broader incident management capabilities. In addition, faster eviction of threat actors can be achieved with Microsoft Incident Response swiftly identifying and evicting bad actors, while PwC India focuses on rebuilding mission-critical systems securely.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Terence Gomes, Partner, PwC India said, “We are moving toward a future where AI and machine learning will become integral in optimizing security operations. Not only can we significantly reduce the incident response time but can also rapidly process large volumes of data to provide key insights to strengthen the enterprise’s overall security posture. With this collaboration, we will empower our clients to predict, prevent, and respond to security threats with confidence.”

    Anand Jethalia, Country Head, Security, Microsoft India, said, “With the increasing speed, scale, and sophistication of cyberattacks, organizations face an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape. Our collaboration with PwC will enable customers to stay resilient by leveraging Microsoft’s tech and AI innovations and empowers enterprises to tackle threats at the speed and scale of AI.” 

    Cyber threats are constantly evolving, increasing in volume, intensity, and complexity. PwC India assists clients in managing the entire incident lifecycle, including exporting, crisis management, and recovery strategy. PwC India’s collaboration with Microsoft India provides clients access to threat intelligence to solve complex problems arising from breaches. Clients will also be able to leverage PwC’s global presence enabling teams to mobilise quickly, whether remotely or on-site.

    Vivek Belgavi, Partner and Leader – Alliances and Ecosystems, PwC India said, “As per PwC India’s CEO Survey, cyber risk was identified as one of the top three key threats in the next 12 months by Indian CEOs. We believe that AI-based tools like Copilot can help reduce a disadvantage for cyber teams overwhelmed by the sheer number and complexity of human-led cyber attacks, both of which are on the rise. With this collaboration, PwC India can help our clients improve security posture management, incident response, and security reporting.”

    PwC India can support in-house threat intelligence capabilities by building new data feeds, collecting, analyzing, and distributing timely details on potential attacks, and providing global visibility on the threat landscape. With Microsoft Copilot for Security, PwC India can help clients better understand their risk profile, make informed decisions, and mitigate new threats.

  • Uncovering The Alarming Rise Of Lung Cancer Among Women And Young People


    Dr. Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hematologist at Sammprada Multi-speciality Hospital

    BENGALURU: India is seeing an increase in the incidence of lung cancer, especially among women and younger age groups. This is due to more and more women taking up smoking in the country, and the rising habit of early-age smoking in the younger age groups. Cases of lung cancer are also increasing in non-smokers and light smokers due to rising pollution levels and passive smoking. This was said by doctors of Sammprada Multi-speciality Hospital, Bengaluru, ahead of World Lung Cancer Day.

    Dr. Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hematologist at Sammprada Multi-speciality Hospital commented, “Over 80% of lung cancers are related to tobacco smoking in its various forms. The risk increases with the duration of smoking and the number of cigarettes one smokes per day. Early-age smoking raises the risk substantially. Exposure to carcinogens like asbestos, in addition to smoking, also increases the risk of lung cancer several-fold. Other important risk factors include passive smoking which accounts for 5% of lung cancers. Pollution from traffic and burning fossil fuels indoors for cooking also cause lung cancer, especially among non-smokers.”

    Dr. Shivacharan P.V., Consultant Medical oncologist said, “The incidence of lung cancer is 5.6 in 100,000 population. It accounts for 5.9% of all cancers and 8% of all cancer-related deaths. Lung cancer is traditionally the disease of the 4th and 5th decade of life. The highest proportion of cases is recorded in the age group of 55 to 64 years. About 20-25 % of lung cancer patients survive for 5 years or more, while only 10-15% survive for 10 years or more. The associated morbidity and mortality can be reduced by early diagnosis.”

    Dr. Vinod K Ramani, Preventive Oncologist at Sammprada Multi-speciality Hospital shared, “Most cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in Stages III and IV when it is already in an advanced state. Only 20-30% of patients get diagnosed in Stages 1 and II. There are several reasons for this.”

    Dr.Vishwajeeth Pai, Consultant  Medical oncologist added, “A proportion of smokers have chronic bronchitis which is difficult to differentiate from cancer, and hence they present themselves late to a doctor. Many cases of lung cancer get mistaken for tuberculosis initially. There is also reluctance among Indians to get screened for cancer regularly.”

    Talking about the main challenges in the treatment of lung cancer, Dr. Varun Kumar, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Sammprada Multi-speciality Hospital, said: “Many lung cancer patients are smokers, alcoholics or elderly people, with compromised lungs, liver, and heart. The toxicity associated with therapy can be substantial and many patients are unable to tolerate it. The cost of therapy, especially of newer treatments like immune therapy, targeted therapy, and anti-angiogenic treatment, can also be an issue for many patients. The efficacy of therapy is reduced if the patient seeks treatment in advanced stages of the disease. Many patients are addicted to tobacco and continue their smoking habit even during treatment.”

    Dr Ajay GV, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Sammprada Multi-speciality Hospital remarked “To effectively tackle the challenge of lung cancer, there should be regular screening of smokers supported by quit-smoking programs organized by the government and civil society. There also needs to be a change in attitude of physicians who should treat every patient with lung problems as a potential cancer patient.”

  • Unpacking The Strong Q1/FY2025 Financial Results Of TCI


    Transport Corporation of India Ltd. (TCI)

    MUMBAI: Transport Corporation of India Ltd. (TCI), India’s leading integrated supply chain and logistics solutions provider, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2024.

    Financial Highlights for Q1/FY2025:

    Revenue: TCI reported a standalone revenue of ₹ Mn 9844, marking a growth of 10.9% compared to ₹ Mn 8875 in the same period last year.

    EBITDA: The company’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) stood at ₹ Mn 1452, a 16.7% increase from ₹ Mn 1244 in Q1/FY2025.

    Profit After Tax (PAT): PAT rose by 26.3% to ₹ Mn 1052, compared to ₹ Mn 833 in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

    Performance Highlights: Q1/FY2025 vs. Q1/FY2024 Standalone (In ₹ Mn.)Particulars30.06.202430.06.2023Growth %Revenue9844887510.9%EBIDTA1452124416.7%PAT105283326.3%

    On this occasion, Vineet Agarwal, Managing Director, Transport Corporation of India Ltd. said, “We have delivered a robust performance in the first quarter of FY2025. All our product segments serving various industry verticals have grown, especially coastal shipping, rail multimodal solutions, 3PL/warehousing, and cold chain logistics. Our focus remains on providing value-added and technologically advanced customized offerings to our customers.

    TCI continues to innovate and develop sustainable solutions through investments in rail and coastal multimodal assets & networks. We are enabling our customers to reduce their GHG emissions by increasing our fleet of BS-VI vehicles and by adopting alternate fuels like Electric, CNG & LNG.

    The recent union budget has laid out a clear roadmap for the growth of the logistics sector as envisioned in the National Logistics Policy. TCI continues to invest in critical infrastructure like warehouses, and yards and leverage big data from e-waybills and FASTag to estimate demand and enhance logistics efficiency for our customers.

    To bolster multimodal capabilities, the Company has placed orders for the building of two 7300 MT dead-weight capacity cellular container vessels for a total contract price of USD 38.80 Mn. The ships are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.“

  • Honeywell’s Long-Term Partnership With Air India For APU Aftermarket Support

    The agreement helps Air India reduce unplanned maintenance costs and downtime enhances aircraft availability

    MUMBAI: Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) has signed a long-term agreement with Air India Limited, India’s leading global airline and a Tata Group enterprise, for Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) aftermarket support covering both Air India’s existing and new fleets. The agreement provides comprehensive maintenance support for Honeywell APUs, ensuring high aircraft dispatch reliability and fleet availability, and lower unplanned maintenance costs across Air India’s fleet.

    The APU is a critical piece of aircraft equipment that provides electrical power and air conditioning to a plane while it is on the ground. It helps ensure passenger comfort and supplies the air source before a pilot is ready to start the main engines. APUs are part of a broad range of Honeywell technologies shaping the future of aviation. This is one of three global megatrends that Honeywell’s portfolio is aligned to, which also includes Automation and Energy Transition.

    “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with Air India and help in its fleet modernization efforts, as part of a long-standing commitment to supporting the carrier’s innovation and growth objectives,” said Ashish Modi, President of Honeywell India. “This latest milestone in our 30-year-plus partnership with Air India is a testament to our key role in accelerating the growth of India’s aviation sector through innovative technology.”

    With air travel steadily growing, the need for easily accessible aftermarket services continues to rise. Under the agreement, Honeywell will deliver to Air India comprehensive APU aftermarket support to ensure the continued reliability and efficiency of Air India’s extensive fleet of more than 300 aircraft. This includes its legacy fleet, which consists of over 100 A320 aircraft, 15 B777 aircraft, and its new fleet of 190 B737-8 aircraft, and will cover Honeywell’s 131-9A, 131-9B, and 331-500 series APUs. Honeywell’s extensive global service and support network is designed to ensure that its APUs operate at optimal performance with minimal operational disruption.

    Sisira Kanta Dash, chief technical officer, of Air India, said: “This is an exciting milestone that adds to our long-standing partnership with Honeywell. This agreement forms part of our global growth and transformation plans, to help achieve more efficient, reliable operations, with maximized fleet availability, through Honeywell’s advanced technology services that enable us to continue meeting the needs of our valued customers.”

    With over seven decades of experience and having produced over 100,000 gas turbine APUs, Honeywell is a trusted leader in auxiliary power solutions. Honeywell’s time-tested APUs are known for their reliability and play a crucial role in enhancing flight safety and ensuring operational dependability and fuel efficiency. Honeywell also offers a global, comprehensive support network with fully integrated service solutions that meet the industry’s evolving needs.

  • Sir David Attenborough Narrates ‘Planet Earth III’ On Sony BBC Earth


    Sony BBC Earth premieres Planet Earth III

    A Global Odyssey Promising a Natural History Experience ‘Wilder Than Your Imagination’

    INDIA: Sony BBC Earth is thrilled to announce the premiere of ‘Planet Earth III’, the latest addition to the groundbreaking and award-winning Planet Earth series. The eight-part series follows some of the world’s most amazing species and narrates extraordinary stories depicting drama, thrill, humor, and emotions. Presented by Sir David Attenborough, the show will premiere on Sony BBC Earth on July 29, 2024, at 09:00 PM.

    Produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit, ‘Planet Earth III’ reflects the set of challenges that wildlife faces in the modern, crowded world. The show is making a comeback two decades after the original Planet Earth series first aired. It highlights some of the fantastic locations of India including the teak forests where whistling wild dogs hunt prey three times their size and a village with venomous cobra co-existing with humans, leading to a change in their behavior.

    The final episode sheds light on the ‘heroes’ across the globe who put their lives on the line to protect the wildlife and the critically important ecosystems of our planet.

    For the show’s premiere, Sony BBC Earth has launched a campaign titled ‘WilderThanYourImagination’. It focuses on mesmerizing viewers with Earth’s unseen wonders, taking them to a world of incredible stories, beyond their imagination. Ahead of the premiere, the channel conducted screenings at the Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai science centers that saw over 1400+ students enjoying the content and learning from it.

    Tushar Shah, ‘Chief Marketing Officer & Business Head – English Cluster & Sony AATH, Sony Pictures Networks India said, “At Sony BBC Earth, we are dedicated to providing viewers with high-quality programming that ignites curiosity and fosters a deep connection with the natural world. Planet Earth III delivers on this commitment and perfectly embodies the brand promise. Narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, this remarkable series is an immersive adventure into the heart of the wild. It showcases extraordinary tales of resilience, adaptation, and hope in the natural world.”

    Tune in to Sony BBC Earth on 29th July 2024, at 09:00 PM to watch Planet Earth III.

    Mike Gunton, Executive Producer, Planet Earth III, commented, “Planet Earth III is about the resilience and adaptability of nature and the remarkable animals changing their lives to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world dominated by us. This is the most ambitious Planet Earth series ever made, and we spent 1904 days filming it. We hold great responsibility as filmmakers to spark deep passion for our natural world, and we are excited for Indian audiences to have the chance to watch this fantastic series”.

  • Ankit Gadia Joins ElasticRun as CFO


    Ankit Gadia, CFO of ElasticRun

    MUMBAI: ElasticRun, a leading B2B e-commerce platform, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ankit Gadia as Chief Financial Officer. As a key member of the top management team, he will play a crucial role in shaping the business vision and providing long-term strategic direction for the company.

    Ankit Gadia’s role will be instrumental in solidifying ElasticRun’s position as the go-to partner for major players in the B2B e-commerce sector, particularly aiming to expand rural consumption and achieve dominance. He will spearhead the development of innovative business strategies, fostering a culture of profitability throughout the organization. He will be working closely with ElasticRun’s co-founders and senior leadership to serve as the company’s face to investors, external partners, and government bodies, to bring this vision to life. This focus on strategic partnerships and financial discipline will drive performance across ElasticRun’s key business areas.

    Sandeep Deshmukh, Co-Founder & CEO of ElasticRun, expressing enthusiasm about Ankit Gadia’s appointment, said, “We are super excited to welcome Ankit onboard. He brings a unique perspective from his experience of running a large listed Indian business. Ankit’s personal beliefs and values align perfectly with the ElasticRun ethos and culture. I am certain he will help propel ElasticRun in the next trajectory of growth and profitability.”

    Commenting on his new role, Ankit Gadia, CFO of ElasticRun, said, “I am excited to join ElasticRun at this stage of its growth trajectory. I am sure with ElasticRun’s commitment to innovation and excellence; we can build a great organization together. I am looking forward to co-creating a profitable, sustainable, and scalable business.

    A Chartered Accountant by profession, Ankit Gadia brings over 15 years of experience in finance leadership roles across domestic and global markets, particularly within the FMCG and pharmaceutical industries. He has held significant positions at renowned organizations such as PwC and Hindustan Unilever Limited. Most recently, he served as the Head of Finance – India at Cipla Ltd. He has also led finance operations for emerging markets and Europe, managing business and operations across more than 80 countries since 2019.

  • Shri Manoj Mittal Assumes Role As Chairman And Managing Director Of SIDBI

    Shri Manoj Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI

    INDIA:  Shri Manoj Mittal takes charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), following his appointment by the Government of India.

    Shri Manoj Mittal has over 33 years of extensive experience in the Finance sector, including his previous tenures as Managing Director and CEO at the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) and Deputy Managing Director at SIDBI.

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  • Citi Named Best International Investment Bank In India

    Citi receives a record 41 global, regional, and local market awards in the 2024 edition

    MUMBAI: Citi is the proud recipient of the award for Best International Investment Bank in India at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024. According to Euromoney, Citi was the top IPO and block trade house in India, executing 16 transactions worth $4.4 billion in the 2023 calendar year.

    Speaking on the recognition, India Investment Banking Head, Rahul Saraf said, “Our team of seasoned professionals has always been focused on achieving the best outcome for clients. The fact that we are a truly global bank helps us deliver the One Citi experience across a wide breadth of markets and geographies, which is our unique differentiator. This award validates our exceptional client focus and serves as a huge shot in the arm for us to exceed expectations. We are truly excited about the huge opportunity that we have today to catapult India to the next level in the global economy.”

    This year, Citi has won a record of 41 global, regional, and local market awards from Euromoney, a leading global financial markets magazine, at its annual Awards for Excellence that recognizes the best in banking across key areas that are most important to a bank’s key stakeholders, clients, board and executive management teams.

    In its 29th edition, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence also recognized Citi as:

    The World’s Best Digital Bank

    The World’s Best Investment Bank in the Emerging Markets

    Asia’s Best Investment Bank