Yukti by Volvo Group India: Inspiring Girls to Pursue STEM Careers

Bangalore, 3rd February 2025: Furthering its commitment to bridge the gap between academia and industry, Volvo Group in India recently hosted an inspiring STEM education workshop at Kendriya Vidyalaya, DRDO, Bangalore. This groundbreaking program aims to inspire young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), reinforcing Volvo Group’s global commitment to promoting gender diversity and inclusion.

The Yukti workshop saw enthusiastic participation from over 240 students from Grades VIII & IX and was graced by the presence of Mr. Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group India, and Radhika Nair, Head of People & Culture at Volvo Group India. During the event, Mr. Bali delivered the keynote address, highlighting the company’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of women in STEM. Conducted by a team of dedicated Volvo Group India volunteers, the workshop provided hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and empower young girls to explore STEM-related career paths with confidence. Through practical exposure and real-world applications, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, nurturing the next generation of women leaders in technology and engineering.

Students engaged in a variety of immersive activities during the workshop. A Virtual Reality (VR) experience allowed participants to explore Volvo’s advanced technologies, including a realistic driving simulator environment. In the Engines and Problem-Solving segment, students interacted with miniature engines, applied data science concepts, and tackled STEM-based puzzles to sharpen their analytical skills. Additionally, a session on Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision introduced them to cutting-edge applications in the automotive industry, while the Robotics workshop provided an opportunity to design, build, and program robots using advanced technologies featured in Volvo’s trucks.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director, Volvo Group India, said “At Volvo Group India, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where education and industry converge to drive sustainable progress. Through initiatives like Yukti, we are taking a significant step toward shaping the future of our industry by inspiring young girls to explore careers in STEM. By working closely with educational institutions, we not only provide students with practical exposure to advanced technologies but also gain access to a diverse pool of talent that will be crucial in driving innovation and growth. This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed to excel in the fast-evolving fields of technology and engineering.”

Radhika Nair, Head of People & Culture at Volvo Group India, emphasized, “As part of Volvo Group’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we aim to inspire young girls in India to break barriers and pursue careers in STEM, shaping the next generation of technology leaders. Through programmes like Yukti, we strive to cultivate an agile and innovative workforce poised to achieve strategic goals in an ever-evolving industrial landscape.”

The program at Kendriya Vidyalaya, DRDO, is part of Volvo Group India’s broader mission to drive impactful change in STEM education. By encouraging young minds to innovate for a sustainable and technology-driven future, Volvo Group India reaffirms its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive industry that reflects its global values.

Through such initiatives, Volvo Group continues to collaborate with educational institutions, equipping the next generation with the skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving automotive and technology sectors.

Breaking the Silence: 60% Teenage Girls Drop Out of School Because of Menstrual Stigma

Delhi, 3rd February 2025: Menstrual health and intimate personal hygiene are still taboo in many parts of India. Around 71% of adolescent girls do not know about menstruation before their first period and 60% of women experience vaginal and urinary tract infections each year due to poor menstrual hygiene. Pee Safe Founder Vikas Bagaria joined media entrepreneur and author Shutapa Paul on the What India Needs! podcast recently to discuss the stigma surrounding menstrual care and evolving hygiene practices in India. The episode explored the challenges, societal shifts, and innovative solutions driving change across the intimate care space.

Breaking the Silence

As the conversation got underway, Paul noted how period myths are still pushing women to the sidelines in India. “Superstitions, social taboos, and discomfort govern the topic of personal hygiene—especially female hygiene,” she said. Menstruation, particularly the shame associated with it, plays a major role in keeping adolescent girls out of school, which limits their prospects in life.

Moreover, the problem is not limited to rural areas alone. Pointing to the widespread practice of wrapping sanitary pads in black plastic to keep them hidden, Bagaria said, “Even in urban areas, menstruation is treated as a secret.”

Inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities and societal taboos are often to blame. They are the reason why, as Bagaria remarked, 60% of teenage girls are dropping out of school across the country. “While there has been some progress, with period care penetration increasing from 20% in 2017 to almost 40% at present, there is still a long way to go. Real change requires awareness, education, and collaboration,” he said.

Sustainability in Hygiene

While promoting menstrual hygiene is important, Paul also pointed to the country’s massive menstrual waste problem. “India alone has about 355 million menstruating women, and the amount of waste that is being pushed back into the earth is serious,” she said.

Around 121 million Indian women use sanitary pads (12.3 billion pads annually), generating 113,000 tons of waste each year. Menstrual cups and reusable sanitary pads offer a solution, and they are also more cost-effective than disposable pads.

Bagaria spoke of the need to highlight that sustainable menstrual products can be affordable. “The most expensive biodegradable sanitary pad costs ₹3,000 for the entire year. It’s not at all expensive when you see what it gives you. It is very affordable compared to a lot of things that we consume daily,” he said. Besides, as the consumption of these sustainable options increases, their prices are expected to drop.

He added, “We are pushing menstrual cups, which are far more affordable than a sanitary pad as they can be used for five years.” They don’t end up in a landfill after just one use. Paul agreed, saying, “Women need to break their mental perceptions about reusable products.”

Reaching Out to Men

Bagaria believes it is just as important to include men in conversations about menstrual health. Pee Safe’s “Men buy pads” campaign encourages fathers, brothers, and spouses to actively support the women in their lives.

The episode also touched upon the critical but rarely discussed subject of male hygiene. “Why don’t we also talk about men’s personal hygiene? Men generally have not had to face the kind of taboos that women have had to face, but they still do. We’re not talking about it much, even in mainstream media,” Paul remarked.

Bagaria said he was pleased to see new-age brands addressing men’s hygiene openly. Pee Safe has expanded its product line to include men’s intimate washes, formulated to maintain pH balance and hygiene. Emphasising the need for awareness around men’s intimate hygiene, Bagaria noted that it is hardly ever discussed but deserves attention all the same.

The Road Ahead

Delving into the prospects for the intimate hygiene market and what the future holds for brands like Pee Safe, Bagaria said, “In the next ten years, we will see India reach around 70 to 75% penetration.” He estimates the market could be worth $2.5 billion by then.

The Pee Safe founder also had business advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, urging them to focus on solving problems rather than chasing funding. “Your customer should be your biggest investor. Create a product that solves a real problem and success will follow,” Bagaria said.

Jaipur Music Stage 2025 Ends on a High with Kailash Kher & Hrishi

Held at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, the three-day Jaipur Music Stage came alive each evening as the Jaipur Literature Festival’s inspiring sessions concluded. The first night featured two performances celebrating the timeless verses of medieval mystics Amir Khusrau and Kabir DasAbhijit Pohankar’s ‘Hazrat Amir Khusrau Project’ and a rock-opera interpretation of Kabir’s baani by the acclaimed Dastaan LIVE. The second evening had performances by singer-songwriter Kamakshi Khanna, followed by a remarkable collaboration between vocalist Susheela Raman, guitarist Sam Mills, and 13th-generation Nagada player Nathoo Lal Solanki. The evening drew to a close with Raman’s much-loved rendition of the evocative song Yeh Mera Diwanapan Hai.

Lovers of music, literature, and the arts arrived in huge numbers for the grand finale as the Jaipur Music Stage prepared for two spectacular performances. The evening opened with Hrishi, the Carnatic-Pop sensation who has taken the internet by storm with his unique fusion of Western pop and Carnatic sounds. With over 300,000 followers and 30 million views online, his music has amassed 5 million streams and 2.4 million YouTube views. His magnetic stage presence, magical voice, and innovative sound captivated the audience, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

The headliner of the evening was the legendary Kailash Kher and his band, KAILASA. A Padma Shri awardee and one of India’s most celebrated voices, Kher is a global ambassador of Indian music, known for his soul-stirring blend of folk, Sufi, and contemporary styles. With over 1,500 songs in 25+ languages and more than 2,000 concerts worldwide, his music has transcended borders. Since its formation in 2004, KAILASA has brought together some of India’s finest musicians, creating a distinctive fusion of traditional and modern sounds. As the Jaipur Music Stage crowd swayed to his iconic anthems like Teri Deewani and Saiyaan, the evening became an unforgettable celebration of rhythm, melody, and emotion.

The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 will conclude with its final two days on the 2nd and 3rd of February at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. Just like the first three days, the closing sessions will feature a dynamic line-up of thought-provoking conversations with some of the world’s most renowned thinkers, writers, and speakers. The Jaipur Music Stage promises to return in 2026 with yet another spectacular showcase of musical excellence.

India Dominates Togo 4-0, Clinches Davis Cup 2025 World Group I Spot

New Delhi, February 3, 2025: Hosts India, backed by a passionate home crowd and a superior lineup, cruised past Togo 4-0 to secure a place in the Davis Cup 2025 World Group I Playoffs at the DLTA Complex on Sunday. With the tie already decided in India’s favor, the fifth and final match was not played.

Having taken a commanding 2-0 lead on the opening day—thanks to emphatic victories by Mukund Sasikumar and Ramkumar Ramanathan in the singles rubbers—India needed just one more win on Sunday to seal their spot in World Group I, set to take place in September 2025.

N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli delivered that decisive win with clinical precision, defeating Hod’abalo Isak Padio and M’lapa Tingou Akomlo 6-2, 6-1 in the doubles rubber, ensuring India’s triumph.

With an electrifying atmosphere at the DLTA Complex, Balaji and Rithvik fed off the energy of the home crowd. They seized the initiative early, breaking their opponents’ serve in the fourth game of the first set before closing it out with another break in the eighth.

The second set was even more one-sided, as the Togolese pair struggled to hold serve, conceding breaks in the fourth and sixth games to hand India a dominant victory.

India’s non-playing captain, Rohit Rajpal, was thrilled with his team’s commanding performance and emphasized how this win bodes well for the future of Indian tennis.

Pic Credit: DLTA

“I think the purpose here was to also get a few youngsters in the fold and get them on the bench and get them conditioned to Davis Cup pressures so that we start developing some good Davis Cuppers. They do well in any case on the Tour but like I said, it is a different ball game when you play in front of the home crowd. There are so many people expecting you to win and that brings different kinds of pressure,” Rajpal said.

Historically, India has relied heavily on its doubles teams in Davis Cup ties, with legends like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Rohan Bopanna playing crucial roles over the years.

Rajpal lauded Balaji and Rithvik for showcasing the growing depth in India’s doubles ranks.

“Doubles was easy but there is a lot of expectations from the doubles players and I am extremely happy with the way Bala (Balaji) and Rithvik came all guns firing Very very fantastic match today and I am hoping to build this team for the future which is able to take on the best in the world,” he added.

With the tie already secured, India fielded Karan Singh for the first reverse singles match against Padio. The 21-year-old started strong, breaking his opponent’s serve in the second game before comfortably closing out the first set.

Karan looked set for a routine victory as he raced to a 4-0 lead in the second set with a double break. However, he momentarily lost momentum, dropping a service game, before regaining control to wrap up the match 6-2, 6-3.

Cooper Corporation Launches Tractor Plant and NDC Series

Mumbai / Satara: Cooper Corporation, a globally renowned manufacturer of engines, engine components and generators, proudly inaugurated its state-of-the-art Tractor Plant in Satara, Maharashtra, on Saturday, 1st February 2025. The event also marked the launch of the company’s first-ever tractor, the Cooper Tractor NDC Series, designed to revolutionize farming with its superior performance, fuel efficiency and innovative engineering.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri. Ch. ShivendraRaje Bhosale, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Public Works, Government of Maharashtra, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri. Mahesh Shinde (Hon’ble Vice Chairman, Maha. Krushna Khore Vikas Mahamandal, MLA) and Shri Clive Bagnall, Director – Global Product Development of Ricardo, UK.

The State-of-the-Art Tractor Plant and the launch of the Cooper Tractor NDC Series are a part of the company’s ongoing mission to innovate and provide superior, high-performance machinery to the agriculture sector. The Cooper Tractor, designed for tough terrains and heavy-duty operations, comes with an array of innovative features, such as high fuel efficiency, ergonomic design and lower maintenance costs. Developed in collaboration with renowned global engineering firms such as Magna Steyr for design, Ricardo UK for engine development, Carraro for transmission and Mita for hydraulics, the Cooper Tractor promises superior performance and savings in fuel, service and operational costs and is tailored for Indian farming needs. As Mr. Farrokh Cooper is the first agriculture graduate to own a tractor factory and has his own agricultural lands, he is well aware of what exactly a farmer needs from a tractor and has provided his personal insights into the design and development of the Cooper tractor.

Shri. Farrokh N. Cooper, Chairman & Managing Director, Cooper Corporation Pvt. Ltd., expressed his vision for the new venture, stating “Today marks a historic milestone for Cooper Corporation as we step into the agricultural sector with the launch of our first-ever tractor. The Cooper Tractor NDC Series is a result of years of research, innovation and dedication to delivering a product that truly serves the needs of Indian farmers. Built with global expertise and local insights, this tractor is designed to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs and withstand the toughest farming conditions. As a company deeply rooted in Satara, we are proud to contribute to the growth of Indian agriculture and the prosperity of our farmers.”

The Cooper Tractor NDC Series is engineered to meet the diverse needs of modern farming. With features like dual-clutch transmission, power steering and a low turning radius of 3 meters, the tractor ensures ease of operation and superior performance. Its fuel-efficient 4-valve engine, Bed plate design, HLA, Bosch Fuel System, ceramic-coated rings, Piston Cooling Jet and long-life compacted graphite cylinder head, First of its kind for Long life & Durability and low maintenance, Champion at Haulage and farming operations like ploughing and rotavator, No front weight , Long tyre life, It boasts key advantages such as no engine oil top-up, longer service intervals , The tractor’s superior performance is highlighted by its easy deep ploughing, low RPM drop during fieldwork and a quick forward & reverse shuttle lever, etc. making it a reliable companion for farmers. Cooper Tractor is built to serve the world with the highest standards of excellence.

Designed to tackle the most demanding conditions, these tractors provide outstanding load capacity and exceptional all-terrain capability. With cutting-edge fuel efficiency and a host of innovative features, the Cooper NDC series minimizes operational costs while ensuring maximum productivity. Designed with the farmer’s needs in mind, the Cooper Tractor combines precision and power to meet the diverse demands of modern agriculture. From its ergonomic design to its heavy haulage capabilities, it delivers superior savings, reliability and versatility.

India Fashion Forum Teams Up with Flags Communications for PR Management of IFF 2025

New Delhi, 3rd February: – Flags Communications bagged the PR duties for the 24th Edition of India Fashion Forum (IFF), India’s largest and most influential event dedicated to transforming the fashion retail industry. The event held on January 28th & 29th, 2025, in Grand Sheraton, Whitefield, Bangalore, brought together key industry leaders, fashion innovators, and retail professionals to explore the latest trends, innovations, and strategies driving the future of fashion in India. With an impressive line-up of speakers, panel discussions, workshops and peppered with fashion shows and awards honouring the who’s-who of the fashion industry, the event provided valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of fashion in India.

The two-day event, themed – India Fashion Collaboration: From Peers to Partners – witnessed 1,500+ attendees, 500+ brands, 300+ industry speakers and over 100 exhibitors.

Ayush Nambiar, Chief Strategist and Director of Flags Communications said, “we are thrilled to collaborate with the India Fashion Forum, a key event in India’s fashion retail landscape. This partnership aligned with our strategic vision to expand our presence in the fashion and lifestyle sectors, and we are proud to contribute to the event’s success and enhance its reach and impact”

Flags Communications played a pivotal role in managing media outreach, driving engagement and ensuring widespread coverage in key publications. The efforts were aimed at amplifying the forum’s message and ensuring that its valuable discussions reached a global audience of fashion professionals, brands, and thought leaders. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Flags Communications’ growing portfolio, further solidifying the agency’s expertise in creating impactful PR strategies for major industry events.

Union Budget 2025-26: ICC Explores Tax Reforms, Economic Growth, and Strategic Shifts

Kolkata, 3 February 2025: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) conducted a Union Budget 2025-26 Analysis Session, to discuss and interpret the union budget’s impact on amendments in direct and indirect taxes and industry perspectives on The Finance (No. 2) Bill, 2025. The session witnessed valuable insights from Mr. Aditya Hans, Partner, Dhruva Advisors LLP; Mr. Pallav Gupta, Head-Taxation (Retired), ITC Limited & Chairman, ICC National Expert Committee on Taxation; Prof. Sahana Roy Chowdhury, Professor, Economics, IIM Kolkata; Mr. Vaibhav Jajoo, Associate Partner, Dhruva Advisors LLP; Mr. Basant Gadhyan, Principal, Dhruva Advisors LLP; and Mr. Vishal Jain, Principal, Dhruva Advisors LLP.

Mr Aditya Hans, Partner, Dhruva Advisors LLP, in his assessment of the budget stated that the overall focus of the budget has been more on MSMEs & Startups for boosting manufacturing and services. He also mentioned that the budget has given sharp focus on agriculture. According to him the budget delves into putting more money into the hands of the consumers in order to tide over the anticipated global slowdown. The budget, he felt, reflected the Government focus on simplified taxation, boosting investment, ensuring compliance and reducing friction.

Prof Sahana Roy Chowdhury, Professor & Area Chair, Economics, IMI Kolkata stated that the Budget was in tune with the economy survey presented the day before. The Budget, she felt, emphasised to boost urban demand through direct tax cut and enhancing disposable income. She also said that fiscal prudence was at the heart of the budget to accommodate the foregone revenue from direct and indirect taxes proposed in the budget. For managing fiscal deficit, she explained, that the budget tried to unlock the potential of private sector through structural reforms by incentivise in areas such as research and development.

Mr Vaibhav Jajoo, Associate Partner, Dhruva Advisors LLP remarked on the implications of time line to finalise provisional assessment; Voluntary revision of custom duties and the custom tariff rationalisation.

Mr Basant Gadhyan, Prinicipal, Dhruva Advisors LLP welcomed the move to exemption of long term capital gains arising to Sovereign Wealth Funds and Pension Funds. He also welcomed the boosting of entrepreneurial spirits etched in budget to promote startup ecosystem by extending the period of incorporation for a period of 5 years.

Mr Vishal Jain, Prinicipal, Dhruva Advisors LLP in his clarification of the tax implication touched upon time limit to file updated return; decriminalisation of TCS default; and rationalisation of TDS/TCS changes.

Mr Pallav Gupta, Chairman of the National Expert Committee on Taxation, ICC in his address mentioned that rationalisation of custom duties on life saving drugs and components of EVs are commendable. He hoped for a shorter and simpler version of the income tax laws.

Anil Agarwal Focused on Value Creation & Critical Minerals

Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal highlighted the company’s earnings, views on critical minerals, and future roadmap in his letter to shareholders for the third quarter of FY25. He also emphasized on the company’s commitment to financial discipline, sustainability, the proposed demerger and commitment to shareholder value.

Speaking on the importance of natural resources and how it can help in Indian economic growth, Agarwal said “The mining and natural resources sector has played an extremely valuable role in the growth and development agendas of all the world’s major economies: North America, Europe, the Middle East, China and Australia are all testimony to this. With less than 20% of our mineral resources explored to date, and with increasing focus on the sector both at home and overseas, India’s time is now.”

For the third quarter, Vedanta reported its highest EBITDA in 11 quarters at ₹11,284 crore and a Profit After Tax of ₹4,876 crore—a 70% jump from the previous year. The company also recorded its lowest net debt to EBITDA ratio in seven quarters at 1.4x.

In the third quarter of FY25, Vedanta’s Aluminium production witnessed robust growth, with production increasing to 614kt in the third quarter and 1,819kt over nine months, up 3% YoY. Alumina production jumped 16% to 1,543kt over nine months, while Zinc India achieved its highest-ever refined metal output during this period.

“Vedanta’s commitment to optimizing its production reflects our recognition of the rising demands of such metals in India and the role they will play in supporting our nation’s progress toward a low-carbon future.”, Agarwal said.

Anil Agarwal also discussed Vedanta’s commitment to value creation delivering exceptional value to the shareholders.

“Anyone who had invested in Vedanta at the start of the past five-year period would have seen their investments multiplying over 4.7 times during this time, both in terms of capital appreciation and cash dividends returned, where Vedanta has the strongest track record – a dividend yield of 81%” he said.

Agarwal also highlighted the Vedanta’s focus and role in meeting India’s growing demand for critical minerals while expressing confidence about the company’s proposed demerger.

Air India Kicks Off ‘Namaste World’ Sale, Offering Global Discounts from February 2-6

GURUGRAM, 03 February 2025: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced the rollout of ‘Namaste World’, a worldwide sale to offer attractive promotional fares across cabin classes on domestic and international routes.

Air India’s ‘Namaste World’ sale is open from 0001 Hrs of 02 Feb 2025 until 2359 Hrs of 06 February 2025, for travel between 12 February and 31 October 2025. Bookings under the sale are available at international points of sale bookings made in foreign currencies, in addition to Indian points of sale.

“Our ‘Namaste World’ sale comes at the perfect time, enabling customers to make their upcoming summer holiday travel plans for domestic or international destinations. With a wide booking window, we are confident that our customers will benefit from this special promotion, and experience Air India’s transforming products and services across our worldwide network” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

Special fares for premium cabins

‘Namaste World’ sale offers unmissable fares in premium cabins such as Business Class and Premium Economy, making luxurious flying experiences accessible to more travellers. In addition to the premium cabins, the sale fares are also available for Economy Class.

All-inclusive, one-way domestic fares start from INR 1,499 for Economy Class, INR 3,749 for Premium Economy, and INR 9,999 for Business Class. On international routes, Economy return fares start from INR 12,577, Premium Economy from INR 16,213, Business Class from INR 20,870.

Web-Exclusive Day 1

The ‘Namaste World’ sale is exclusively available on Air India’s website and mobile app on 02 February 2025. Subsequently, bookings under the sale will be available across all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, customer contact centre, and travel agents.

Extra benefits on website and mobile app bookings only
During this sale, Air India customers can enjoy extra benefits on bookings made via the airline’s official website and mobile app. These benefits include:

  • Zero Convenience Fee: From 02-06 February 2025, Air India will not levy any convenience fee. This enables travellers to enjoy further savings of INR 999 on international bookings and INR 399 on domestic bookings, in addition to the promotional fares offered as part of the sale.
  • Bank Offers: Air India has also enabled more discounts via multiple payment offers in association with bank partners for travellers to choose from, helping them to unlock further savings.

 

Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2025 Closes in Goa with a Spectacular Fusion of Art, Passion, and Freedom

As the Goa chapter of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2025 came to a close, the audience was treated to a deeply moving performance of Babuji, a play that captured the essence of living life on one’s own terms. Written by Mithileshwar, adapted by Vibhanshu Vaibhav, and directed by Rajesh Singh, this Hindi-language play from the […]

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