Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Strengthens Coconut Farming Initiatives through Strategic MoUs

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Strengthens Coconut Farming Initiatives through Strategic MoUs with Parachute Kalparvriksha Foundation and Indian Council of Agricultural- Research- Central Plantation Crops Research Institute

New Delhi, 9th November 2023: Dr. Rajesh Kannan Megalingam, Head, ACORD center, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, ranked among the top 10 universities in India according to the NIRF 2023 rankings, announced the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Parachute Kalparvriksha Foundation (PKF) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The Amrita Coconut Research and Development (ACORD) Center, a pioneering research facility at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, will spearhead this collaborative effort, marking a significant step towards advancing coconut farming practices and improving the livelihoods of farmers and climbers through cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies.

Amrita Coconut Research

The collaborative efforts will encompass student training and high-quality post-graduate research initiatives. PKF and ICAR-CPCRI will engage in comprehensive studies covering crop improvement, production, and protection, as well as physiological, biochemical, and post-harvest technologies, along with social sciences. The Amrita Coconut Research and Development Center will contribute its expertise in academics and leverage cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), drones, biotechnology, and various aspects of coconut farming including planting of saplings, tree maintenance, inspection, and monitoring, harvesting automation, and disease identification.

“ACORD is committed to pushing the boundaries of coconut research and development, and these partnerships with PKF and ICAR aim to amplify their impact. This will allow us to harness the power of innovation and cutting-edge technologies to drive positive change in coconut farming. Together, we are committed to improving the lives of farmers and climbers, advancing agricultural practices, and redefining the future of this vital industry.” said Dr. Rajesh Kannan Megalingam, ACORD, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

The Parachute Kalparvriksha Foundation (PKF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare of farmers, focusing on increasing agricultural yields. PKF’s programs provide invaluable training and support to farmers in areas such as nutrient management, pest and disease control, and water management. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) established the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in 1970, a vital component of the National Agricultural Research System. Initially focusing on coconut, areca nut, cocoa, cashew, oil palm, and spices, CPCRI expanded its mandate in 2023 to include Palmyra Palm. Today, CPCRI continues to be at the forefront of research in these critical crops.

XITE College Organizes Successful Free Eye and Vision Check-Up Camp

Jamshedpur, November 9, 2023 XITE College, known for its commitment to
student welfare and community health organized a successful Free Eye and
vision check-up camp at its premises on November 7, 2023. The camp aimed to
provide essential eye care services to the college community, including students,
staff and faculty.

The event, which witnessed the participation of more than 100 individuals, was
enabled by ASG Eye Hospital, Jamshedpur, a leading name in eye care services.
Under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Ashish Singh, Head of Branding and
Communication at XITE College, the camp was efficiently organized and
coordinated.

Dr. Fr. Mukti Clarence, the Vice Principal of XITE College, lent his invaluable support to the initiative, underscoring the institution’s commitment to the well-being of its community. The camp wouldn’t have been successful without the dedicated efforts of the support staff, including William Dungdung, Alban Kerketta, and Sarju Singh ensured a smooth and organized experience for
all participants.

The camp not only provided free eye and vision check-up services but also raised awareness about the importance of regular eye check-ups and maintaining good eye health. It reflected XITE College’s commitment to the health and well-being of its students and staff.

XITE College continues to be a leader in community welfare and healthcare
initiatives, focusing on its mission to create a healthy and thriving environment
for all.

PNB launches Digital Gold Loan

~ Customers can now avail of gold loan within the comfort of their own homes~

New Delhi, 09 November 2023: Punjab National Bank (PNB), the nation’s leading public sector bank, celebrated a one-day Digital Mahotsav at its Head Office in Dwarka, New Delhi, where a plethora of products and services were unveiled, the most notable being the Digital Gold Loan.

PNB Digital Gold Loan is designed to provide hassle-free credit to customers to quickly meet their personal as well as agriculture credit requirements against the pledge of Gold Jewellery/ornaments. An individual can apply for a PNB Digital Gold Loan for their personal needs for an amount ranging from a minimum of Rs 25,000 to a maximum of Rs 25 lakhs. PNB Digital Gold Loan can also be availed by any person engaged in any agriculture or allied activities.
Borrowers seeking short-term production/investment credit for agriculture activities such as crop production, land-based activity other than crop cultivation, irrigation, and allied agriculture activity are eligible for loans of a minimum of Rs 10,000 to a maximum of Rs 2 lakhs. From loan application, loan acceptance, loan account opening, and security creation to disbursement & documentation, every step of the process is streamlined and digitized, making it convenient for the customers when availing the loan.

Speaking at the launch, the MD & CEO of PNB, said: “In an era where banking should effortlessly blend convenience, flexibility, and transparency, PNB Digital Gold Loan offering will be a golden ticket to a modern banking experience. Our Bank extends its wings to the realm of gold loans through the existing Gold Loan Products i.e., PNB Swarnim under Agriculture Segment & PNB Gold Loan under Retail segment. Borrowers will get the advantage of competitive interest rates, and seamless service, ensuring that their financial journey is cost-effective.”

Congratulating the employees on the new initiative, Executive Director of PNB, said: “I congratulate PNB Parivaar on the successful launch of over 70+ digital offerings in the past 12 months. These initiatives are in line with our journey of Digital and HR transformation and are helping us become a digitally-focused, new-age banking behemoth.”

During the Digital Mahotsav, PNB also felicitated its Digital Champions from its top-performing zones, circles, and branches. A range of digital offerings such as Pre-Approved Personal Loan (PAPL), Pre-Approved Business Loan (PABL), E-GST Express, Krishi Tatkal Rin, Digi Home Loan, and several other digital offerings were also on display at the marquee.

T-Hub Launches Cohort 12 of LAB32 in Collaboration with Hexagon

● Startups to benefit from Hexagon’s technology proficiency and T-Hub’s mentorship in
addressing real-world challenges.
● LAB32, India’s longest-running market readiness program, continues to nurture startups
for future success.

India,9 th November 2023 – T-Hub, India’s leading startup incubator has today announced the launch of Cohort 12 of LAB32 in collaboration with Hexagon, a global leader in sensor, software, and autonomous solutions. Together, T-Hub and Hexagon have embarked on a mission to accelerate the growth and innovation of startups focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Digital Reality.

During this engagement, T-Hub’s flagship program, LAB32, will execute the Market Readiness Program for MVP stage startups, addressing specific problem statements identified by Hexagon. The LAB32 team will meticulously select startups that are MVP-ready and meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the program. The selected startups will receive support in the form of go-to-market initiatives, group Sessions, and one-on-one mentoring sessions.

T-Hub

The collaboration also offers startups an invaluable opportunity to tap into Hexagon’s wealth of technological expertise and mentoring support, with a particular focus on addressing the problem statements outlined by Hexagon. Exceptional performers among the startups stand to gain the coveted chance to partake in pilot projects with Hexagon, aligning seamlessly with LAB32’s core objectives of achieving market readiness and market access.

Startups can choose to work on one of three specific problem statements such as building digital twins for EV Manufacturing, Real-time language detection and translation, and Enabling prescriptive maintenance with AR and VR for Process Plants.

MSR, CEO, T-Hub said, “Collaboration is the cornerstone of innovation, and our partnership with Hexagon for the new cohort of LAB32 represents a significant milestone in T-Hub’s journey. At T-Hub, we believe in fostering an ecosystem that not only empowers entrepreneurs but also propels them toward global success. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to providing startups with the tools they need to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the world.”

Commenting on the launch, Navaneet Mishra, Senior Vice President and Head of Hexagon’s R&D Center India, said “Indian startups are passionate, tech-savvy and hardworking. With Hexagon’s Startup Catalyst Program, we are going to help them channel their energies and attention toward a precisely defined real-world problem. We will support them with cutting-edge technology platforms, mentors to facilitate the co-solutions, and an opportunity to access global customers. We want to help startups from India scale their innovation globally, this program is an important step in that journey.”

The program launch event at T-Hub witnessed the presence of MSR, CEO, T-HUB, Anish Anthony, CDO, T-Hub, Raghuveer Kovuru, Director, Innovation Management, T-Hub, Navaneet Mishra, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Hexagon’s R&D Center India, Sekhar Konidena, Division Head, Hexagon’s R&D Center India and Anjani Prabhakar, Director, Hexagon’s R&D Center India
Applications for the cohort will begin from November 8, 2023. The cohort will commence in February 2023 and will extend for a duration of 100 days. Interested startups can apply here.

Last year, T-Hub and Hexagon joined forces to establish a Geospatial Experience Centre at T- hub further enhancing the technological infrastructure available to startups. Both organizations are devoted to providing critical technology expertise to the startups in this cohort.

Maison Sia’s Grand Debut in Hyderabad’s Vibrant Heart

Hyderabad, 9th November 2023:- Maison Sia, the epitome of opulence in the realm of home decor, proudly unveils its latest store nestled in the heart of Hyderabad. Committed to infusing homes with the essence of luxury living, Maison Sia is set to redefine residences into exquisite sanctuaries of style.

The grand opening of the store at Banjara Hills represents a strategic leap towards ushering in a new era of luxury in Hyderabad, embracing the city’s rich cultural heritage while infusing it with contemporary elegance. Spread across 3000 sq ft, the store showcases an exquisite array of the world’s finest home adornments, each thoughtfully handpicked from a variety of top luxury ateliers across the globe.

The store is meticulously designed to transport consumers to a modern European street, where every corner boasts magnificent home décor pieces poised to elevate interior spaces. Featuring a curated collection of unique artifacts, exclusive centerpieces, and distinctive sculptures, each piece reflects the store’s dedication to timeless design and superior quality. From opulent tableware to limited-edition sculptures, Maison Sia offers a blend of classic charm and contemporary flair, transforming living spaces into works of art.

Commenting on this milestone, Vratika Aggarwal, Founder and CEO, of Maison Sia said “Hyderabad has always been a city of refinement and discerning taste. Our decision to open a store here is a testament to our belief in the city’s appreciation for the finer things in life. With our carefully curated selection of luxurious home decor marvels, we are not just opening a store, we are reintroducing an era of indulgence and sophistication that Hyderabad deserves.”

Maison Sia aims to solve the limitation of access and availability of international artists and coveted European brands and create a unique buying experience. The artistic brainchild behind Maison Sia, Vratika Aggarwal has handpicked the best décor brands and products to bridge the gap between demand and access to global brands.

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s Four-Week Health Check-up & Awareness Camp

Primary School Students in Bicholim Taluka Set to Benefit from Vedanta Sesa Goa’s Four-Week Health Check-up & Awareness Camp

 Vedanta Sesa Goa’s Specialised Health Camp for students is poised to benefit about 500
students, residing in nearby communities, over the next month.

Goa, 9th November 2023: In line with its unwavering commitment towards the health & wellness of the communities, Vedanta Sesa Goa launched a health campaign covering over 500 primary school children in the Bicholim Taluka. The initiative is aimed at spreading awareness about myriad health-related aspects and providing guidance on healthy lifestyle & importance of physical activity. In its four-week duration, the initiative will cover 20 schools in Bicholim, Mayem, Mulgao, Pilgao, & Sirigao.

The inaugural health checkup was conducted at Govt. Primary School, Bhavkai, Mayem, which was well-received by the students, who willingly participated in the activity. The students were eager to learn more about various health-related aspects, that would help transform them into healthier individuals.

During the event, the Ms. Sneha Fadte, Principal, Govt. Primary School, Bhavkai, Mayem, expressed her appreciation for Vedanta Sesa Goa’s initiative & acknowledged the beneficial impact of the health check-up & awareness camps. She also expressed her hope that the initiative will significantly improve the lifestyle and well-being of the students, ultimately helping them grow into healthier and stronger individuals capable of scaling newer heights in life.

The health camps encompassed activities such as general health checkups for students, administration of medicines & various awareness sessions on ‘Good food habits for improved health.’ The initiative was led by Dr. Purushottam Raut of the Mobile Health Unit, Vedanta Sesa Goa.

Expressing her thoughts on the occasion, Leena Verenkar, Head-CSR & ESG said, “We at Vedanta Sesa Goa have always been committed to the well-being of the communities, especially women and children. Through this initiative, Sesa Goa aims to curb pediatric issues. We will forever remain committed to fulfilling our responsibility of transforming communities and contributing to their prosperity & well-being, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.”

Previously, Sesa Goa conducted specialized health camps, between the 25th of August’23 and to 10th of September’23 for high school students studying in nearby schools, namely Govt. High school, Mulgao, Govt. High School Shirodwadi, Mulgao, Ideal High School, Pilgao, Mahamaya High School Mayem & Govt. High School, Sirigao.

Vedanta, in line with its philosophy of ‘giving back’ to society, has been undertaking numerous health-related initiatives under Project Swath Jagruti health camps were conducted in high schools in the first phase and the second phase aims to cover primary schools, specialized health camps for women, sponsoring the medical needs of TB patients, and Mobile Health Units.

SPEED Presents, VROOM Drag Meet 9th Edition, Powered by Hero MotoCorp, Electric Performance Partner Ultraviolette

Bangalore, November 9, 2023: VROOM Motorsports, the trailblazing name in the Indian motorsports industry, is thrilled to announce the upcoming VROOM Drag Meet 9th Edition. This exhilarating three-day event, set to take place from November 24th to 26th, 2023, at the state-of-the-art Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd, Hosur, is a celebration of speed, adrenaline, and cutting-edge automotive technology. With a dedicated drag strip, VROOM Drag Meet promises heart-pounding action for motorsport enthusiasts and spectators alike.

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Mr. Tariq Mohsin Founder of VROOM Motorsports, expresses his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, saying, ” VROOM Drag Meet goes beyond just a motorsport event. It’s like a lively celebration of racers’ unstoppable energy and the growing love for speed at India’s racetracks. We are proud to have come this far and are excited to present the 9th edition with a promise of an even larger audience, more participants, and thrilling displays of supercars, superbikes, daring stunts, and exhilarating drifting action.”

“The upcoming VROOM Drag Meet 9th Edition is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to safe motorsports culture. We have made continuous efforts to ensure that this event offers a platform for racers and motorsport enthusiasts to experience the thrill of drag racing in a controlled and safe environment. With the support of the Federation of Motorsports Club of India, we are set to raise the bar once again and deliver a motorsport spectacle like never before.” he adds.

VROOM Motorsports, also known as VROOM, ventured into the motorsport industry in 2016, with a strong focus on promoting various motorsports disciplines in India. The company has quickly become a driving force behind the thriving motorsports culture in the country. The VROOM Drag Meet, in particular, has gained immense popularity and support, solidifying its position as the premier drag racing event in India.

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In the Indian landscape, the surge of manufacturers bringing high-performance vehicles and the booming biking culture have set the stage for the continued growth of drag racing. The sport involves engine modifications, precision tuning, and a relentless pursuit of the best speeds possible. It’s a passion shared by speedsters, octane addicts, adrenaline junkies, and petrolheads who gather to push the limits of their vehicles and themselves. VROOM Drag Meet showcases the world’s fastest sport, drag racing, on a recognized international stage where two cars or bikes race side by side over a quarter-mile, with the winner advancing to the next round.

The 9th Edition of VROOM Drag Meet will bring together a diverse array of vehicles, from modified Indian Cars and Indian Bikes to jaw-dropping Supercars and Superbikes. Participants and spectators can expect to witness a thrilling showcase of performance-upgraded vehicles, including prestigious names like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Nissan GTR, EVO, Porsche, and Maserati, along with two-wheeled speedsters from Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, Yamaha, Honda, and many more, all equipped with serious upgrades and cutting-edge technology.

Heartfulness TS three-day workshop held, lauded by Shri J. D. Lakshmi Narayana, retd. IPS

“India’s USP is Spirituality, Heartfulness is Essential,”

says Shri J.D. Lakshmi Narayana, retd. IPS during a three-day workshop

held at Kanha Shanti Vanam

Hyderabad, 9 November 2023: A three-day workshop was organized at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad, and concluded yesterday with participation from over two hundred and fifty Telangana State Coordinators of the Heartfulness Institute. Shri J. D. Lakshmi Narayana, retd. IPS was the Chief Guest at the event which was aimed at sharpening the skills and learning to build bigger teams to serve humanity at large. The other dignitaries included Shri Murali J, IAS, Director, APSIRDPR; Mrs Kamakshi Sikha, renowned Corporate Trainer, and Shri Ramakrishna Mallela, Heartfulness Trainer. The workshop was interspersed with deep meditations, nature walks, and group discussions.

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In his concluding address at the Heartfulness Service Leadership training workshop, J.D Laxminarayana, retd. IPS, stated, “India’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is ‘Spirituality’ and Heartfulness Meditation is Essential for all of humanity.” Addressing Telangana State Coordinators of the Heartfulness Institute, he quoted the Vedas and the Puranas. He added, “Rev, Daaji, and Heartfulness communities in the state of Telangana and all over the world have been doing great work in bringing peace and harmony by offering meditation and relaxation techniques. During times of world events and turmoil in the Middle East, the need to serve and be of service to a fellow human being needs to be emphasized; and to be of service with sincerity, commitment, dedication, devotion, and love should be the underlying objectives. It is the duty of each of us to come together and work towards nation-building, giving care and love, bringing peace, and offering heartful communication and heartfulness meditation for free to all sections of society.”

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “We as human beings have to offer peaceful solutions to world problems, and world peace can only be achieved through individual peace. Meditation can help bring peace and radiate love.”

The workshop covered various aspects of service leadership to enable, empower, and engage Heartfulness zonal coordinators, district coordinators, center coordinators, and Heartfulness Services teams of Telangana state in taking their work as office bearers to the next level. Sessions on Team Building, Outreach Methodologies, and Community services were conducted by workshop leaders, experts, and dignitaries from various fields.Pic2_8Nov23

Heartfulness Institute offers a variety of simple, gradual relaxation and inner-journey solutions to help us solve our problems and be the best we can possibly be in all walks of life. Whether a teacher or a business executive, a student of science or art, we can all pursue the path of fulfillment, excellence, and perfection. The Institute engages in activities that further the practice of Heartfulness’s inner journey, including education, wellness, research, and training. These practices are based on the teachings of the Sahaj Marg (Natural Path) system of Raja Yoga, which has been modified to suit the needs of modern life.

Binge on Baked enhances festive fervour with delectable Diwali hampers

New Delhi – Binge on Baked (BOB), one of the fastest-growing snack brands, introduced exclusive Diwali hampers containing assorted delicacies. These fervently curated hampers feature a delightful experience of freshly baked cookies, biscuits, rusks, and tea cakes, offering a range of scrumptious verities to gratify every palate.BOB - Hampers (4)

“Diwali is a time of joy, love, and togetherness, and our all-new Diwali hampers
and festive packs are designed to enhance these precious moments,”
expressed Riddhi Baghat, co-founder of BOB. “We believe that snacks can be
both healthy and tasty, and our hampers embody this philosophy perfectly.
Also, this festive season, we want to offer something unique that combines the
essence of our rich heritage coated with modern flavours. We invite everyone
to celebrate Diwali with BOB and create unforgettable memories with their
loved ones.”

Customers can conveniently purchase these exclusive hampers through BOB’sBOB - Hampers (3)
social media pages or by visiting their on-location store. With a seamless online shopping experience and the option to explore the products in person, BOB aims to make the Diwali gifting and snacking experience both accessible and enjoyable for all.

With a legacy of over 225 years and led by the eighth generation of Bhagat Halwai, BOB is steadfast in its mission to revolutionize India’s food and snacks sector. By combining classic recipes with modern flavors, BOB’s diverse product portfolio caters to the discerning taste buds of the new India. Each
item is meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is a testament to quality and purity.

With prices ranging from Rs.550 to Rs.2000, BOB’s Diwali hampers are the perfect choice to create memorable moments and make loved ones feel truly
cherished.