Mahindra Holidays Earns IGBC ‘Platinum’ Rating for 14 Resorts
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Mahindra Holidays Earns IGBC ‘Platinum’ Rating for 14 Resorts

Chandigarh, 24 January 2025: Club Mahindra, the flagship brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, was felicitated by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) at its flagship event Green Building Congress 2024 for achieving a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. Fourteen Club Mahindra resorts were awarded the prestigious Platinum Certification in 2024 alone by India’s Premier Certification Body for Greening of Projects, IGBC. This recognition has set a new benchmark for sustainable hospitality in India. It also underscores the brand’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

The IGBC Platinum Certification is one of the highest accolades in the green building sector, signifying excellence in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and the use of sustainable materials. Club Mahindra’s 14 resorts have met the stringent criteria established by the IGBC, highlighting the brand’s dedication to incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of its operations. These efforts ensure guests enjoy memorable experiences while contributing positively to the environment.

The Platinum-certified resorts are located in prominent destinations, including Netrang and Gir in Gujarat; Kumbhalgarh and Jaipur in Rajasthan; Madikeri and Virajpet in Karnataka; Ooty Derby Green in Tamil Nadu; Assonora in Goa; Munnar Lake View, Munnar Mount Serene, Thekkady, and Arookutty in Kerala; Hatgad in Nashik, Maharashtra; and Tungi—Lonavala, Maharashtra. This diverse representation highlights Club Mahindra’s dedication to promoting sustainability across its expansive footprint.

The IGBC Platinum Certification evaluates properties on stringent criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and sustainable construction. Each Club Mahindra Resort implemented measures that foster biodiversity and offer guests a rejuvenating experience that harmonizes with nature. The resorts have also ensured minimum wastage of water by installing sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems, aerators, and dual flush tanks. Furthermore, comprehensive waste management systems have ensured efficient segregation, recycling, and reduction, across the resorts contributing to long-term environmental sustainability and green buildings growth story. The Company’s focus on sustainability has led Club Mahindra Madikeri Resort to achieve the coveted status of being India’s first Triple Net Zero certified resort.

In addition, the resorts emphasize site preservation through initiatives such as promoting local flora and fauna, green education, and eco-friendly amenities. Other measures include eco-friendly housekeeping, sustainable commuting options, fresh air ventilation, daylighting, organic food production, and active community engagement, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability and guest well-being.

Speaking about the recognition, Mr. Julian Ayers, Chief Resorts Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, said, “We are incredibly proud to receive the IGBC Platinum Certification for our resorts. This achievement underscores our commitment to sustainability, with 60% of our resorts already certified. We aim to achieve certifications for all our resorts within the next two years, setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. By continually innovating and integrating eco-friendly initiatives, we ensure our guests enjoy exceptional holiday experiences while contributing to a healthier planet.”

Mahindra Holidays, India’s first hospitality company to join the global RE100 and EP100 campaigns, is committed to achieving its zero-energy goal. To support this objective, Club Mahindra has installed significant solar rooftop photovoltaic plants and solar carports in its parking areas of the resorts. In terms of water conservation, a large portion of water is recycled and reused, with natural streams redirected to a specially constructed pond and multiple rainwater harvesting pits. For waste management, the resort employs a bio-digester to convert food waste into biogas, effectively reducing both waste and LPG costs.

With these remarkable achievements, Club Mahindra continues its steadfast journey towards sustainability and biodiversity conservation. These certifications align with Club Mahindra’s broader sustainability goals and reinforce its position as a leader in eco-friendly hospitality.

Ganesh Housing Launches Visionary Million Minds Tech City at Bengaluru Roadshow
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Ganesh Housing Launches Visionary Million Minds Tech City at Bengaluru Roadshow

Bengaluru, 23rd January 2025: Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited, in partnership with the Government of Gujarat and the Department of Science and Technology, successfully hosted the second roadshow for the Gujarat IT/ITES Policy 2022-27 in Bengaluru. Organized in association with CII, the event received a phenomenal response, attracting over 200 leading IT and ITes companies from across India. It showcased Gujarat’s transformative initiatives and policies while introducing Ganesh Housing’s flagship project, Million Minds Tech City, to Bengaluru’s tech network.

The event was graced by distinguished speakers including Ms Mona Khandhar, IAS Principal Secretary Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat and Shri Tushar Y. Bhatt, IAS Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Ltd along with prominent industry leaders, policymakers, and senior officials from the Government of Gujarat. The engaging sessions provided insights on the various incentives offered under the Gujarat IT/ITES Policy 2022-27, positioning the state as an emerging technology hub.

The highlight of the roadshow was the unveiling of Million Minds Tech City, an ambitious project by Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited that promises to revolutionize the technology landscape of Gujarat.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Anmol Patel, Director of Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re truly inspired by the overwhelming response we received in Bengaluru, building on the momentum we created in Chennai. It only reinforces our belief in Gujarat’s immense potential to lead the IT/ITeS sector. With the support of the government and the Gujarat IT/ITES Policy, our vision for Million Minds Tech City is not just about developing another township, but creating a thriving ecosystem. A place where innovation, luxury, and community converge—home to six state-of-the-art tech parks, high-end residences, co-living spaces, a premium hotel, and expansive shopping malls. It’s a reflection of our commitment to shaping the future of Gujarat and the nation.”

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to this roadshow in Bengaluru,” said Mr. Viren Mehta, President, Sales & Marketing. “The event has been a remarkable platform, uniting key dignitaries from Gujarat and Karnataka to spotlight the strategic initiatives that make Gujarat a top choice for IT investments. The strong interest and engagement from Bengaluru’s vibrant tech community reaffirm our confidence in the immense opportunities for growth and collaboration, particularly with Grade-A commercial real estate developers who are shaping the future of this sector.”

Speaking at the event, Ms. Mona Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, said, “The Gujarat IT/ITES Policy 2022-27 reflects our vision of creating a dynamic and future-ready ecosystem that seamlessly integrates high-end manufacturing, R&D, and digital transformation. With pioneering initiatives such as the semiconductor hub in Dholera, global collaborations, and a strong emphasis on skilling and research, we are empowering industries and start-ups to thrive in a competitive global landscape. Projects like the visionary Million Minds Tech City in Ahmedabad further reinforce Gujarat’s position as a preferred destination for technology and innovation, offering world-class infrastructure that aligns with our growth ambitions. Through this holistic approach, Gujarat is not just driving growth but playing a pivotal role in India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047.”

“The Gujarat IT/ITES Policy 2022-27 is a testament to our vision of establishing Gujarat as a global hub for technology and innovation,” said Shri Tushar Y. Bhatt, IAS, Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Ltd. “With unparalleled incentives such as CAPEX-OPEX support and specialized assistance for IT parks, startups, and deep tech accelerators, the policy is designed to attract significant global investments and build a highly skilled workforce. By embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing, we are laying the foundation for an ecosystem that thrives on excellence and opportunity. This policy underscores Gujarat’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable growth, creating thousands of jobs, and setting new benchmarks in India’s technological evolution.”

The roadshow highlighted Ahmedabad’s growing prominence as a leading IT hub, driven by the dynamic intersection of real estate and technology. As per latest reports, Ahmedabad offers significantly lower operating costs compared to cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with real estate prices up to 50% more affordable. This affordability, along with the city’s expanding pool of skilled tech talent and world-class infrastructure developments such as the Ahmedabad Metro, continues to position Ahmedabad as a prime destination for IT investments and innovation.

Ashok Leyland Opens New Dealership in Ludhiana
Bhumika Lenka business
Ashok Leyland Opens New Dealership in Ludhiana

Chandigarh, 24rd January, 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today, inaugurated a new 3S (sales/service/spares) dealership outlet of Grover Motors Private Ltd. in Ludhiana, Punjab. The state-of-the-art dealership is spread over 1,04,000 sq. ft. and has 30 bays. With this addition, Ashok Leyland now has 17 M&HCV network touchpoints in the State.

The new outlet is strategically located on Old GT Road, and will cover the key districts of Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur and Barnala. The 24X7 operational oultet is equipped with modern tools and equipment such as wheel alignment machines, pneumatic systems supported by mobile service vans, 8 accidental repair bays featuring advanced repair systems, and trained technicians to ensure seamless service. The facility was inaugurated by Mr. Anil Dhingra, Head Aftermarket, in the presence of the local Ashok Leyland team and representatives from channel partner.

Mr. Anil Dhingra, Head Aftermarket-MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are excited to further strengthen our presence in Northern India. This region has always been an important market for Ashok Leyland. We have been working on establishing a strong foothold in the region, and the new outlet will bolster our presence in this geography. Our partner, Grover Motors Pvt. Ltd., with its strong presence in the territory, will ensure we grow our family of customers while ensuring we serve them better. We aim to contribute meaningfully to the larger ecosystem in the area with our innovative mobility solutions. The new outlet represents another step towards achieving our vision of being among the Top 10 CV makers in the world.”

Mr. Kulwant Singh Grover, MD, Grover Motors Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Ashok Leyland and address the growing demands of customers in Punjab. The new outlet will enhance the brand’s visibility in the region. Ashok Leyland has been a trusted and preferred brand in Northern India, renowned for its reliability, durability, and better total cost of ownership. We are committed to providing best-in-class ownership experience to our customers, and we look forward to not only expanding our customer base but also fulfilling their diverse transportation needs comprehensively by delivering complete mobility solutions through this partnership.”

Ashok Leyland has one of the largest and fastest-growing networks in the commercial vehicle industry, and the company is expanding its brand presence through a robust network of dealerships and service centres to provide best-in-class sales and after-sales support to its customers. The company will cover the major transport hub offering Haulage, Tractor trailers, ICV Goods, Tippers, Fully Built RMC, Haulage, and School/Staff Buses through these dealerships.

Krystal Integrated Services Wins Facility Management Contracts for Airports and Metro Projects
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Krystal Integrated Services Wins Facility Management Contracts for Airports and Metro Projects

Mumbai, 23 January 2025 – Krystal Integrated Services Limited (KISL), India’s fastest growing and leading provider of integrated facility management, staffing, and technical solutions, proudly announces a series of significant achievements that underscore its commitment to operational excellence and innovation across India’s critical infrastructure sectors.

Krystal has recently bagged a prestigious contract from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to provide comprehensive housekeeping and mechanized housekeeping services at Aurangabad Airport. This collaboration will focus on ensuring seamless airport operations, covering a wide range of facility management services including security, safety, building maintenance, and engineering support. The company will deploy a skilled workforce equipped with advanced cleaning equipment and hygiene solutions to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

In addition, Krystal has been entrusted with the provision of landside security services at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL). This critical contract highlights Krystal’s expanding footprint in the aviation sector and reinforces its reputation as a trusted partner in enhancing safety compliance at one of India’s busiest airports.

Further solidifying its leadership, Krystal has also secured an extension of its Station Attendant and Shift Supervisor (SA-SSP) contract with Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL). Effective February 19, 2025, this extension will ensure uninterrupted operations and passenger services at 30 metro stations on Metro Line 7 and Line 2A, benefiting thousands of daily commuters. The continued collaboration reflects MMMOCL’s confidence in Krystal’s ability to deliver reliable and efficient services.

Commenting on the milestone, Sanjay Dighe, CEO of Krystal Integrated Services Limited, expressed his pride in these milestones: “These achievements reaffirm our dedication to delivering world-class facility management solutions. From airports to metro stations, Krystal remains committed to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction across India’s key infrastructure sectors.”

IHCL SIGNS A SELEQTIONS HOTEL IN MANDVI, GUJARAT
Bhumika Lenka business
IHCL SIGNS A SELEQTIONS HOTEL IN MANDVI, GUJARAT

Chandigarh, JANUARY 24, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a hotel in Mandvi, Gujarat. This under construction project will be branded an IHCL SeleQtions hotel.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Mandvi’s unspoiled beaches and unique cultural heritage offers immense potential along India’s largely unexplored western coastline. Aligned with the Government of India’s Dekho Apna Desh initiative and IHCL’s pioneering spirit, we remain committed to developing such novel destinations. This signing strengthens our foothold in Gujarat bringing our portfolio to 29 hotels across brands. We are delighted to partner with Sea Leaf Resort for this project.”

The 170-key IHCL SeleQtions Mandvi is a picturesque beachfront resort, set across 18 acres with scenic views of the Gulf of Kutch. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant and a specialty restaurant. Recreational amenities include a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and a spa with seven treatment rooms. Families will appreciate the dedicated kids’ play area, making the resort an ideal choice for all travellers.

Ritesh Tanna, Director, Sea Leaf Resort Private Limited, said, “We are happy to collaborate with IHCL to make Mandvi a sought-after destination for leisure travellers.”

Mandvi, a picturesque town in the Kutch region of Gujarat, is a serene destination to enjoy the sea, sand, and sun. The tranquil Mandvi Beach, leading to the Arabian Sea, offers a peaceful retreat. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Sundarwar Temple, Jama Masjid, Lakshminarayan Temple, Kajivali Mosque, and Rameshwar Temple, reflecting its rich historical significance. The iconic Vijay Vilas Palace, the summer palace of Maharao of Kutch, is among Mandvi’s most popular attractions.

Dr. K Laxman: Indian Railways to Emerge as a Global Leader by 2040
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Dr. K Laxman: Indian Railways to Emerge as a Global Leader by 2040

“Indian Railways will play a transformative role in spearheading development and making India a $5 trillion economy” said Dr. K Laxman, Hon’ble Member of Parliament & Member-Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, at the 11th PHDCCI Global Rail Convention held today at PHD House. The Theme of the convention was “Indian Railways – Journey towards Viksit Bharat through Innovation, Infrastructure, Investment & Industry Partnership”.

Stating the achievements of India Railways Dr Laxman mentioned that Indian Railways has achieved 94% electrification. He also highlighted ambitious projects like Mumbai Bullet Trains, 4,000 Vande Bharat trains by 2047, and the allocation of ₹10-12 lakh crore for railway infrastructure in the next five years.

The present government is allocating sizeable budgets for the Railways which has led to the immense growth of Indian Railways, from technology advancement to sustainability and indigenisation, the Indian Railways has progressed commendably.

In the last budget, almost ₹9,000 crore was allocated to Andhra Pradesh and ₹5,000 crore to Telangana. Many railway stations are being developed on par with international airport standards in Hyderabad. For example, in Secunderabad, a railway station is being built with an investment of over ₹750 crore. He also appreciated the work done on Tirupati Railway Station.

The AI-driven smart railway system and the Kavach system to prevent collisions are being implemented, with almost 44,000 km of tracks being laid. All of this will significantly contribute to the PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat. At this pace, almost 3,000 million tons of cargo can be transported by 2040, and Indian Railways will become a global leader in the railway sector.

Mr Arunendra Kumar, Chair – PHDCCI Railways Committee & Former CRB stated, that Viksit Bharat is a mission in which railways have a defined role. Indian Railways has opened up significantly in the last 10 years and with technology innovation, the new design of Vande Bharat trains, Kashmir connectivity, and hydrogen fuel trains are a recent example of this.

He added, PHDCCI has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the railway sector and is part of the ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ initiative. He emphasized the need for finding ways to ensure passengers get confirmation, increase passenger capacity by 30%, and make railway stations hubs of multimodal connectivity. He added, Railway technology should be world-class, with a strong emphasis on research. For the first time, we do not hear that the government has no funds to invest in railway infrastructure.

Mr Sajal Gupta, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Railways Committee & President Monnet Group highlighted, that the theme of the event is not just a vision but a roadmap to redefining India’s transportation landscape. With a 68,000 km network, Indian Railways moves 1.6 billion tons of trade annually. Modernization of railways is at the heart of this transformation journey and the production of 400 Vande Bharat trains will revolutionize it further. Alongside this, the railway plans to convert 4,000 coaches to Vande Bharat.

He also mentioned the 1,000 km expansion plan over the next two decades and discussed that the deployment of the updated Kavach 4.0 system will significantly reduce accidents caused by human error. He concluded, cybersecurity implementation is another critical area requiring attention. It requires collective effort together, we can ensure that Indian Railways becomes a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat.

Dr. Jaideep Gupta , Addl. Member (RE)Railway Board, Ministry of Railways mentioned that the first electric train ran on February 3, 1995. We are now almost 90% electrified, and in the next 2-3 months, we will achieve 100% electrification. With this, India will become the first country, apart from Switzerland (which is much smaller), to achieve this. He added, by 2030, energy requirements will increase to around 30,000 gigawatts and to achieve the Hon’ble PM’s net-zero carbon emitter goal by 2030, we will require clean power.

However, solar energy is limited to daytime usage, so RTC (Round-The-Clock) storage capacity is crucial. If SMR technology becomes commercially available, it will be a game-changer.

Vijay Pratap Singh, Addl. Member (traction )Railway Board, Ministry of Railways informed that the railways have also drawn a vision for 2047 and have already enhanced infrastructure capex for modernizing railways. He informed, more than ₹2.5 lakh crore is being invested annually to improve capacity and double freight carrying capacity by 2030. Particularly in electrification, we have increased the pace in the last few years. We are now planning to introduce 1,500 locomotives, and we have stopped the production of diesel locomotives, moving towards the greener railways.

We are committed to sustainable development, and significant work is already underway. Our diesel freight costs have reduced from ₹30,000 crore annually to ₹12,000-13,000 crore this year. The transition and benefits of electrification are evident, if the current traffic were handled by diesel, it would cost an additional ₹5,000 crore monthly, added Mr. singh

Mr. Sameer Dikshit, Addl. Member (Telecom), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways appreciated PHDCCI for bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders for the holistic growth of the sector. He informed that Indian Railways, being the lifeline of the nation, has been a unified force and a catalyst for social inclusion. We are at a critical juncture, witnessing a paradigm shift driven by innovation and industry partnerships. Indian Railways has now built a robust ecosystem for innovation.

The adoption of AI and IoT is being implemented on a large scale. The Kavach system is a testament to India’s capability for innovation, and smart mobility solutions are also being adopted, added Mr. Dixit.

Mr. Mukul Saran Mathur, Addl. Member (Comml.), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways discussed how Indian Railways is a flagbearer of innovation and economic development, and the government is using it effectively. Indian Railways has always been an enabler of innovation—be it creating ICF in the 1950s or Concor in the 1980s. It was ahead of its time and pushed the economy forward. In the vision of PM’s Viksit Bharat, I want to highlight that we have always been significant contributors. Enhancing capacity, network size, safety, and passenger connectivity, and taking up big-ticket projects, are some areas where more can be done. We are focusing on regional connectivity projects like Kashmir, the Northeast region, Char Dham. The Namo project is also coming up, and the government is vigorously pushing for passenger convenience. Digitization in freight and passenger services has transformed operations. For example, e-tickets now account for 88% of ticketing. Refund processing has also been reformed—from an average of 40-45 days earlier to 24 hours in 90% of cases and within 6 hours for e-tickets.

Schneider Electric Unveils Integrated Marketing Campaign for Miluz ZeTa Switches and Sockets
Neel Achary business
Schneider Electric Unveils Integrated Marketing Campaign for Miluz ZeTa Switches and Sockets

Mumbai, 24 January 2025: Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and NextGen automation, has launched an integrated marketing campaign for its innovative Miluz Zeta Range of Switches and Sockets. This powerful campaign empowers families to make informed choices for modern living. Designed and manufactured in India, the Miluz Zeta range […]

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Ritu Mahajan from Jammu Crowned “Mrs. Asia Universal 2025” at Prestigious Dreamz Production Event
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Ritu Mahajan from Jammu Crowned “Mrs. Asia Universal 2025” at Prestigious Dreamz Production Event

Jammu, January 24, 2025: Dreamz Production House, well known in the fashion industry along with Dubai Beauty School, which provides top-notch education in the beauty industry hosted the grand finale of renowned beauty pageant – Mr Miss Mrs Asia Super Model 2025 Season – 11 recently at Noida Film City. The “Mrs. Asia Universal 2025” […]

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Tata Play Unveils ‘Sirf Lage Mehenga’ Campaign, Launches Affordable Super Value TV Packs
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Tata Play Unveils ‘Sirf Lage Mehenga’ Campaign, Launches Affordable Super Value TV Packs

Bengaluru 24 Jan 2025: Tata Play, India’s leading Direct to Home (DTH) provider, has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Sirf Lage Mehenga,’ celebrating new year and the harvest season. Catering to the choices of every family member, Tata Play’s Kannada Super Value Pack offers an extensive, budget-friendly, high quality entertainment experience including genres like general entertainment, […]

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CREDAI-Pune Metro Property EXPO 2025 Wraps Up Its 23rd Edition with Outstanding Success
Neel Achary business
CREDAI-Pune Metro Property EXPO 2025 Wraps Up Its 23rd Edition with Outstanding Success

Pune, 24 January 2025: The 23rd Edition of CREDAI-Pune Metro, one of the most anticipated real estate and development events in the region, concluded with resounding success. Inaugurated by Honorable Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation of India, Shri Muralidhar Ji Mohol the Property EXPO 2025 was held at the Agricultural College […]

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