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  • “Hello Godrej”: Your Ultimate Farming Advisory Helpline for Crop Protection

    PUNE: Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL), one of India’s largest diversified food and agri-business conglomerates, recently announced the launch of ‘Hello Godrej’, a multilingual farming advisory helpline to provide real-time expert solution for crop protection over a phone call. To be accessible to farmers across the country in eight regional languages – Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Punjabi, and English, this new initiative is in sync with the company’s endeavor of improving farm productivity by handholding and being there with the farmers whenever they need on the ground or over a call.

    Commenting on the initiative, Balram Singh Yadav, Managing Director, of Godrej Agrovet Limited said, “Upliftment of the farming families is at the core of everything that we do at Godrej Agrovet. With the availability and usage of the right solution at the right time being an imperative for better yields, “Hello Godrej” will help us bridge the gap between farmers and agricultural experts by offering real-time personalized solutions.”

    Changing climatic conditions and increased pest attacks have increased the concerns of the farmers. Amidst such continuously evolving farming conditions, enabling farmers to get access to the latest crop protection solutions and personalized guidance in their preferred language is a need of an hour. Through “Hello Godrej,” farmers across India can now avail of real-time advice through direct communication from our team of agricultural experts.

    “Hello, Godrej, embodies the company’s vision of being the most trusted partner for Indian farmers in their journey towards sustainable and profitable agriculture. Leveraging Godrej Agrovet’s extensive experience and reputation, the initiative aims to build strong, trusting relationships with farmers, making it the go-to source for reliable agricultural information thus solidifying its leadership in the agriculture sector,” Rajavelu NK, CEO of the Crop Protection Business at Godrej Agrovet Limited.

    Through this initiative, the company intends to reach farmers across the country to address their unique needs and challenges backed by Godrej Agrovet’s long-standing commitment to providing quality and reliable products to uplift farming families.

    Helpline Number: 022 2519 4491

  • Taneira and JJ Active Present an Unforgettable Saree Run Experience in Pune

    Empowering Women in a Vibrant Celebration

    PUNE: Taneira, a TATA product has joined forces with JJ Active, a renowned Bangalore-based company, to host a remarkable event that reimagines the timeless beauty of the saree. On Sunday morning, the Pune University was brought to life with over 2400 women, draped in a stunning assortment of vibrant sarees, gathered in a powerful celebration of strength, femininity, freedom, and fitness. The run was flagged off by Mr. Ambuj Narayan, CEO, of Taneira, and Coach Pramod from JJ Active.

    The Taneira Saree Run emphasizes the seamless integration of tradition and contemporary fitness, showcasing how the saree—often associated with culture and heritage—can be a graceful companion to active, contemporary lifestyles. By blending elegance with empowerment, the event inspires women to challenge stereotypes and transcend limitations, proving that strength and grace coexist in perfect harmony. Building on the success of previous runs in Kolkata, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, the initiative fosters a sense of community, celebrating fitness, fashion, and personal expression. It redefines the saree not merely as attire but as a versatile symbol of elegance, tradition, and individuality, encouraging women to embrace it as an everyday reflection of their unique style, beyond special occasions.

    Speaking at the event, Ambuj Narayan, CEO, of Taneira said, “At Taneira, we are passionate about celebrating the saree as a vibrant expression of femininity and empowerment. The Saree Run not only highlights elegance but also reinforces our commitment to redefining it as an essential part of a modern, active lifestyle. Our collaboration with JJ Active has allowed us to amplify this message, showcasing how the saree can beautifully merge with dynamic living and personal expression. Through this event, we aim to inspire women to embrace their heritage while confidently asserting their strength and individuality.”

    Coach Pramod from JJ Active added, “The Saree Run was launched in Bengaluru eight years ago. With Taneira’s wholehearted support over the past two years, the initiative has grown from a local run into a national movement. Today, the Taneira Saree Run is a statement of affirmation that women can celebrate their unique styles while prioritizing their health emphasizing empowerment, inclusivity, and well-being.”

  • USV Launches Quinidine Sulphate Tablets for Rare Arrhythmia

    Quinidine Sulphate helps manage rare irregular heartbeat conditions

    MUMBAI: USV Pvt Ltd, recently launched Q-rite tablets, containing 200 milligrams (mg) of Quinidine Sulphate for patients with rare irregular heartbeat conditions.  This launch marks the much-needed commercial availability of Quinidine Sulphate tablets in India. This milestone underscores USV’s commitment to advancing quality patient care as a reliable healthcare partner.

    India faces one of the highest burdens of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) globally. Approximately 40% of cardiac patients show signs of heart rhythm disorders, with a concerning 22% at increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to arrhythmia. Alarmingly, most of these patients are under the age of 40. Keeping this overlooked demographic in mind, USV took the step to commercially launch Q rite tablets in India, to improve patient outcomes.

    Prashant Tewari, Managing Director, USV “We have been empathetic to the needs of patients especially individuals with cardiac conditions, and do not have an option for its management, the launch of Q rite tablets in India underscores our vision of enhancing accessibility. Our commitment to niche medication will offer targeted solutions that significantly improve patient outcomes.”

    Elaborating on the importance of the launch, Dr. Aditya Kapoor, President of the Indian Society of Electrocardiology (ISE), and Dr. Ketan Mehta, Honorary General-Secretary (ISE) mentioned in a joint statement that “Quinidine being an old yet versatile multipurpose antiarrhythmic drug, its availability in India shall adequately address the need of a select group of patient population.”

    Q rite tablets is currently available at pharmacies in select hospitals and through online pharmaceutical retailer Tata 1mg.

  • Indian hospitality major Oyo acquiring Motel 6 chain for $525 million

    New York, Sep 21 (IANS) Boosting its international presence, Indian hospitality major Oyo’s parent company Oravel Stays is acquiring Motel 6 and Studio 6 chain with about 1,500 facilities across the US and Canada from the investment company Blackstone in a $525 million cash deal, the US firm said on Friday.

    With the acquisition of G6 Hospitality, parent company of the two budget lodging chains, Oyo will become a major player in the US and Canadian hospitality industry, which is already dominated by Indian Americans.

    Blackstone said that Motel 6’s franchise network produces gross room revenues of $1.7 billion.

    Motel 6 is ubiquitous across the US and Canada known for its relatively cheap rooms that, however, conform to the corporate standards in maintenance and hospitality.

    Stay 6 is an extended stay network for guests who want to rent rooms with more facilities for longer periods.

    Oyo International CEO Gautam Swaroop said that the group will continue to operate as a separate entity.

    “This acquisition is a significant milestone for a startup company like us to strengthen our international presence”, he said.

    “Motel 6’s strong brand recognition, financial profile and network in the US combined with Oyo’s entrepreneurial spirit will be instrumental in charting a sustainable path forward for the company”, he said.

    Blackstone said, “Oyo will leverage its comprehensive technology suite as well as its global distribution network and marketing expertise to further strengthen the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands and drive continued financial growth”.

    Since its launch in the US in 2019, Oyo has steadily increased it portfolio and now operates 320 hotels– about 100 acquired last year – in 35 states, according to Blackstone.

    There are 108,000 hotels and motels in the US, and, according to the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Indian American entrepreneurs own about 60 per cent of them.

    A large number of Motel 6 facilities are already run by Indians.

    Blackstone bought Motel 6 from the French hotel company Accor in 2012 for $1.9 billion.

    While selling the company for only $525 million may seem a bad deal, the travel industry publication Skift, said that in fact Blackstone made a sizeable profit by selling off many of the properties it acquired.

    “Blackstone managed to more than triple its investors’ capital and generate over $1 billion in profit by investing $900 million in improving the properties and then selling off hundreds of them”’ the publication said.

    When it was founded in 1962, Motel 6 got its name for the $6 price of hotel rooms at that time.

    Cover photo by Marek Slusarczyk, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=152762049

  • NMDC’s 66th AGM Highlights Historic Production and 100MT Vision for 2030

    HYDERABAD: NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer, conducted its 66th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its corporate office in Hyderabad. The meeting was chaired by Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), NMDC, who addressed the shareholders, highlighting the company’s record performance and its strategic roadmap for future targets.

    During the AGM, Shri Mukherjee emphasized NMDC’s commitment to delivering strong volumes and meeting the domestic iron ore demand. NMDC achieved the 45MT milestone in FY24, becoming the first iron ore mining company to achieve that target, and also recorded a significant increase in sales, reaching 44.48 MT. The company’s revenue rose by 21% to Rs. 21,294 crores, with Profit After Tax (PAT) at Rs. 5,632 crores, a 2% increase from the previous year and the company’s EBITDA also saw a 28% growth.

    Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Addl. Charge) stated, “NMDC’s operational excellence, financial prudence, and strategic agility have strengthened our position as a leader in the mining sector. Looking ahead, NMDC is committed to forging a path of sustainable growth and strategic capacity expansion, driven by an ambitious vision to reach 100 MT company by 2030.”

    Global and Domestic Market Performance

    Shri Mukherjee provided an overview of the global iron ore market, noting a stable production rate despite fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions. India recorded strong growth in iron ore production, and NMDC’s contribution to the sector was vital, securing a 16% market share in FY24.

    Domestically, NMDC played a crucial role in supporting India’s infrastructure development, driven by a robust economic environment. India’s GDP growth for FY24 stood at 8.2%, significantly above the global average.

    Operational Milestones and Strategic Projects

    The company’s major mining projects in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka achieved their highest-ever annual production volumes. NMDC also made significant strides in resolving bottlenecks in pellet production and enhancing supply chain resilience, including the commencement of operations at its Kumar Marenga stockyard and the implementation of a 10 MTPA Rapid Wagon Loading System.

    A notable achievement in FY24 was the commencement of gold mining at Mount Celia in Western Australia through its subsidiary, Legacy Iron Ore Limited. The company also resumed its operations at the Panna Diamond Mines in Madhya Pradesh.

    Response to Climate Change and ESG Initiatives

    NMDC reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability, with ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions through eco-friendly ore transportation and renewable energy investments. Shri Mukherjee highlighted NMDC’s plan of laying a 15MTPA slurry pipeline, doubling the Kirandul-Kothavalasa railway line from 28 MTPA to 40 MTPA, and investing in solar and wind energy projects. NMDC is also exploring opportunities to mine critical minerals like lithium and cobalt.

    The company’s ESG performance remains strong, with focused efforts on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and executing transformational CSR initiatives. NMDC’s flagship social programs, such as Shiksha Sahayog Yojana and Balika Shiksha Yojana, continue to make a positive impact in rural and tribal communities.

    Corporate Governance and Strategic Outlook

    Shri Mukherjee reiterated NMDC’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations. NMDC’s long-term vision includes expanding its production capacity and contributing to India’s National Steel Policy, which aims to increase steel production capacity to 300 MT by that year.

    “As we advance toward NMDC 2.0, we are guided by innovation, sustainability, and a shared purpose. Our new logo symbolizes our commitment to responsible mining and growth, and we are confident that with the support of our stakeholders, NMDC will continue to thrive,” said Shri Mukherjee.

    The AGM concluded with shareholders expressing their continued support for NMDC’s ambitious growth plans and its dedication to creating long-term value for all stakeholders.

  • Tetra Pak and NIFTEM’s MoU: Paving the Way for Innovative Food Processing Solutions in India


    Tetra Pak and NIFTEM’s MoU

    NEW DELHI: Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) to drive innovation in the Indian food processing industry. Signed at World Food India 2024, a mega food event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, this strategic collaboration aims to advance research, foster innovation, and enhance skill development in the sector.

    Aligned with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) vision to enhance value addition, reduce wastage, and promote sustainable growth and modernization within the industry, the partnership is poised to create impactful solutions that can benefit the Indian food industry at large.

    Cassio Simões, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “At Tetra Pak, we are committed to driving innovation and building a sustainable future for the food processing industry. India’s food processing sector offers vast and diverse opportunities, with each sub-sector presenting unique growth potential. Our collaboration with NIFTEM-K is a key step towards nurturing talent and fostering research to tackle the evolving challenges.

    “Through this partnership, we aim to unite the strengths of academia and industry to develop solutions that enhance food safety and quality, while supporting the growth and evolution of the entire ecosystem,” he further added.

    Dr Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director & Head of Department, NIFTEM-K said, “As the global food industry continues to evolve, we move toward a future where food security, sustainability, and innovation are paramount, it is vital that we build strong partnerships across the industry. World Food India 2024 presents a unique platform to bring together thought leaders and innovators to address the evolving challenges of the global food landscape. At NIFTEM-K, we believe in the power of collaboration, and our recent MoU with Tetra Pak is a testament to that. By combining our expertise, we aim to push the boundaries of research and development, foster entrepreneurship, and create a stronger, more resilient food processing ecosystem in India and beyond.”

    The MoU focuses on the following key areas:

    Research and Development: Collaborate on joint projects for industrial and government-funded initiatives, with outcomes like publications, patents, and technology transfer being jointly owned by both organizations.

    Centre of Excellence: Establish a dedicated Centre of Excellence at NIFTEM-K, supported by Tetra Pak, to spearhead collaborative research and development activities.

    Capacity Building: Conduct joint workshops, training sessions, and seminars to enhance knowledge and skills in food science, technology, and business management.

    Internships and Placements: Facilitate internships and placements for students, providing them with valuable industry experience to help build successful careers in the food sector. Additionally, Tetra Pak will support postgraduate fellowships for PhD scholars, offering funding over three years to assist with research, including fellowship, contingency, and travel grants.

    The collaboration between Tetra Pak India and NIFTEM is set to bring numerous benefits to the food processing and packaging industry. By combining expertise, the two organizations aim to drive innovation through joint research and development projects. This will lead to new technologies and solutions that can significantly enhance food processing and packaging methods.

    A study focused on food loss and waste (FLW) in India:

    Tetra Pak and NIFTEM-K are also working together on a pivotal study focused on food loss and waste (FLW) in India, specifically within the dairy and fruit value chains. The study aims to identify FLW hotspots, assess environmental impacts, and provide data-driven insights to guide policy development. Through bespoke research, the intention is to measure the environmental impact of losses, including GHG emissions that occur at various stages of dairy and fruit value chains across India. Further, the study will identify specific hotspots across India where these losses are most prevalent, and identify interventions needed to mitigate food loss at these hotspots. Loss rate data for production and post-harvest stages of milk in India will be analyzed from primary assessment-based national studies. Finally, GHG emissions as per the estimates of loss data in the years 2015, 2022, and the present study will be compared and analyzed.

    This collaboration underscores Tetra Pak’s commitment to sustainability and to developing solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges.

  • Mahindra’s Saarthi Abhiyaan Offers 1000 Scholarships for Truck Drivers’ Daughters

    1000 new Scholarships worth Rs. 10,000/- to be handed out to meritorious applicants (Truck Driver’s Daughters) who have studied and passed the 10th standard and are pursuing further education in FY’25

    Since its launch in 2014, Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan, 10,029 Truck Drivers’ daughters have been awarded scholarships in the past

    These Scholarships are granted regardless of whether the applicant’s father owns a Mahindra commercial vehicle

    PUNE: Mahindra Truck and Bus Division (MTBD), a part of the Mahindra Group, in commemoration of Drivers Day 2024, today announced a Scholarship scheme for girl child of truck drivers through the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan. Through this project, Mahindra is committed to making a small contribution towards transforming the lives of truck drivers’ meritorious girls by supporting their right to higher education.

    Mahindra is one of the first commercial vehicle manufacturers to pioneer this initiative and felicitate the selected candidate with a scholarship of Rs.10,000/- along with a certificate in recognition of their achievement. This endeavor marks another significant milestone in Mahindra Truck and Bus Division’s ongoing commitment to the Truck driver community, which was initiated with the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan in 2014. This will be done through a program at 75+ transport hubs pan India with well-defined, transparent, and independent processes. Until now, 10,029 young girls have already benefited from scholarships under the initiative, allowing them to pursue their aspirations.

    Vinod Sahay – President of Trucks, Buses, CE, Aerospace & Defence Businesses – Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Member of Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, said, “Through the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan, we are not just providing scholarships but opening doors to a brighter future and instilling hope in young hearts. We are dedicated to transforming lives by providing educational opportunities for the daughters of the truck driver partners. By investing in their futures, we are cultivating a generation of empowered women who will contribute significantly to our communities and the economy at large.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Jalaj Gupta, Business Head – Commercial Vehicles, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “Our sustained commitment through the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan not only uplifts the daughters of truck drivers, but also fosters a culture of new opportunities and motivation. Through this initiative, we wish to see more women in the commercial vehicle segment and remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in their futures, and developing a stronger, more equitable society where every girl can aspire to fulfill her potential and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

    The company has planned to felicitate each girl selected for this scholarship with a direct bank transfer of INR 10,000 and a certificate in recognition of this achievement. The felicitation will be hosted from February to March 2025, at select locations by Mahindra Truck and Bus leadership, wherein 1000 scholarships will be presented to Truck Drivers’ Daughters.

  • Mindspace REIT Leads the Way as the First REIT to Have Its Net Zero Plan Evaluated by Global Network for Zero


    Mindspace REIT

    Part of its Endeavour to Achieve Net Zero Certification by 2042

    MUMBAI: Mindspace Business Parks REIT (BSE: 543217 | NSE: MINDSPACE) (‘Mindspace REIT’), owner and developer of quality Grade A office portfolio located in four key office markets of India, announces its partnership with the Global Network for Zero (GNFZ), the world’s premier independent net zero certification body. This partnership marks a major milestone in Mindspace REIT’s dedication to environmental sustainability, advancing its goal to certify the entire portfolio as net zero by 2042.

     The certification process will begin with the evaluation of one of the buildings at Mindspace Airoli West, situated near the vibrant residential micro-markets of Thane and Navi Mumbai. Already a ‘Platinum’ certified building under LEED v4.1 O+M, it exemplifies high-performance building standards and efficient systems. To align with the GNFZ’s net zero transformation strategy, this building will reduce Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions through energy efficiency upgrades, green power procurement, and green leases for occupants.

    This new partnership builds upon Mindspace REIT’s longstanding commitment to sustainable practices which has resulted in:

    99.9% of the REIT portfolio is green certified of which 22 million sq. ft of leasable area is platinum certified

    Successful implementation of an Infrastructure Monitoring & Operations Centre (IMOC) for enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact

    30-45% margin for potable water savings across the green building portfolio

    30% more fresh air than what is mandated by ASHRAE standards

    Over 80% of construction waste is intelligently reused across green buildings

    Ramesh Nair, CEO, Mindspace REIT said in a statement “Partnering with the Global Network for Zero is a key milestone in our sustainability journey. Their independent certification aligns with our goals and helps us accelerate our journey to net zero. This partnership strengthens our commitment to sustainable excellence for our occupants, stakeholders, and communities. We’re excited to lead the way towards a net zero future, making a significant impact on emission reduction and environmental stewardship.”

    Mahesh Ramanujam, GNFZ CEO and Co-Founder, adds, “Mindspace REIT has been at the forefront of remarkable leadership in sustainability. I have been an admirer and supporter of their efforts for many years now to ensure environmental consciousness while retaining the top position in offering world-class commercial spaces for the biggest multinationals. I am honored and excited to contribute to their next critical phase of net zero emissions for one of their buildings at Mindspace Business Parks with Global Network for Zero. It is a massive undertaking — but with the leadership of Ramesh Nair and others who are making the necessary strides forward in this business, we finally not only have hope, but tangible commitments towards cutting down emissions in the real estate sector that contributes a major part to global emissions.”

  • How Air Pollution is a Leading Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers


    Dr.Radheshyam Naik

    Unveiling the Hidden Dangers

    BENGALURU: Intake of tobacco (both smoked and smokeless forms) accounts for 21% of total cancer deaths worldwide, including those from lung cancer. Non-smokers can still be at risk for lung cancer due to several factors, even though smoking is the leading cause. Air pollution in various forms poses a significant risk to them. This was said by Dr. Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Hematologist, and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru, ahead of World Lung Day.

    Dr. Radheshyam Naik: “While the risk of lung cancer is lower for non-smokers than for smokers, they should still be aware of non-tobacco risk factors and take steps to minimize their exposure. This is especially important considering the rising incidence of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. Long-term exposure to polluted air increases the risk of lung cancer. A critical component of air pollution includes airborne particulate matter of different sizes which are a result of combustion from various sources. Motor vehicle emissions contain many human carcinogens like diesel exhaust, benzene, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxin.”

    The doctor said long-term occupational exposure can happen from diesel and gasoline exhaust, inhalable dust like metals and silica, and working in areas like mining, foundries, truck transportation, carbon black production, and asphalt. This increases the risk of lung cancer for non-smokers.

    Dr. Radheshyam Naik added: “The residual risk of developing lung cancer is also significant among former smokers. Ongoing research reports a favorable response to chemoprevention among former smokers when compared with current smokers. Alcohol consumption contributes to 4% of all cancers worldwide, which includes lung cancer.”

    Household air pollution is a result of the burning of solid fuels, passive smoking, and inadequate ventilation systems. “In the Indian context, since many women tend to work from within their homes and cook very frequently, the exposure at home has a strong impact on their lung health compared with males. When contrasted with clean energy, the coal furnace which is used as a means of domestic heating in rural areas is associated with twice the risk of lung cancer,” he said.

    The doctor said that it is important for physicians in India to be trained to recognize the symptoms of lung cancer early. “According to research studies from South India, less than 50% of doctors suspect lung cancer when a patient presents to them with symptoms. Evidence shows that among Indian lung cancer patients, there exists a delay of about 100 days between developing symptoms and the diagnosis of lung cancer. This duration extends by another 26 days for receiving proper treatment. A higher index of clinical suspicion should be exercised by physicians in India among those at risk for lung cancer,” Dr. Radheshyam Naik.

    Low-dose spiral CT scanning provides a tool for early detection of lung cancer, as a complete image of the thorax can be obtained during a single hold of breath. It is important to develop lung cancer clinics in hospitals which will enable the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, he added.

  • Discover the Charm of Virgio’s New Posh In Polka Collection

    A Fashionista’s Dream

    Get ready to add some fun to your wardrobe with Virgio’s Posh in Polka collection! Featuring oversized bows and playful polka dots, these pieces blend classic charm with vibrant flair and perfectly balance timeless elegance and trends for your everyday looks. 

    The post Discover the Charm of Virgio’s New Posh In Polka Collection appeared first on NRI News.