PVR Launches 14-Screen Megaplex At The Phoenix Mall of Asia In Bengaluru

The cinema chain operator announced the opening of 14 screen megaplex at Phoenix Mall of Asia in the city of Bengaluru.

The 14-screen Megaplex located in the largest and one of the most premium malls in Bengaluru features three premium formats MX4D, ScreenX, and Insignia. PVR INOX also introduces the first MX4D, the immersive 4D movie experience and ScreenX, 270-degree cinema viewing in South India.

* The new cinema will augment PVR INOX foothold in Bengaluru with 172 screens in 26 cinemas and in Karnataka with 219 screens in 37 cinemas. The company consolidated its presence in South India to a total of 572 screens in 100 properties.

Ajay Bijli, managing director of PVR INOX, said, The Southern region is a critical market for us with a steady supply of regional content and passionate consumer demand. We have received an overwhelming response for all our premium screen formats nationwide, prompting us to unveil our largest cinema in South with 14 screens including 3 superlative cinema formats MX4D, Screen X and Insignia. It has been PVR INOXs strategy to make cinemas more experiential and this Megaplex at Phoenix Mall of Asia perfectly aligns with our vision.

Meanwhile, the company informed about the opening of 9 screen multiplex in the city of Kochi, Kerala located at Forum Mall. The cinema is equipped with state of the art 4K Laser Projectors, Dolby Atmos sound and Real D 3D technology.

With this launch, PVR INOX has augmented its presence in the city of Kochi with 22 screens across 3 properties and consolidated its foothold in Kerala with 42 screens in 6 properties and 558 screens across 99 properties in South.

Ajay Bijli, MD added, We are delighted to launch the first P[XL] screen in Kerala as we look forward to presenting a superlative movie going experience to our patrons. We are thrilled to announce the opening of our third multiplex in Kochi and the 6th in Kerala which is the result of the evolving demand from audiences that keeps us assertive for bringing innovative global standards of cinematic experience to every part of the country.

With these launches, PVR INOX now operates the largest multiplex network with 1,741 screens across 361 properties in 113 cities (India and Sri Lanka).

PVR INOX is engaged in the business of movie exhibition & production and operates largest cinema circuit across India. The company earns revenue from sale of movie tickets, in-cinema advertisements/product displays and sale of food and beverages and restaurant business.

The company reported 20.5% YoY decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 12.80 crore in Q3 FY24. Revenue from operations jumped 64.5% YoY to Rs 1,545.90 crore in the quarter ended 31 December 2023.

PhonePe Partners With eSewa & Hotel Association of Nepal Pokhara For UPI Push At The Fewa New Year Festival

-       PhonePe will run extensive on-ground merchant activations as a part of the popular New Year festival.

PhonePe today announced that it has partnered with e-Sewa and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Pokhara to popularize UPI on the Fonepay Network, as a part of the Fewa New Year Festival which will be held from April 11-14th. The New Year festival is not only  popular among citizens all over Nepal but also very popular among Indian tourists who visit the country and enjoy the festivities. With food stalls serving traditional Nepali cuisine as well as international dishes, live music performances by local and international artists, cultural performances, including traditional Nepali dances and music and art exhibitions and workshops, the iconic event, offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Nepalese culture and local culinary delights.

This year, in line with its vision of popularizing Digital payments via UPI, PhonePe will spearhead several activities during the Fewa New Year Festival. PhonePe will run on-ground activation aimed at raising awareness about digital payments among local merchants while demonstrating the convenience of digital payments for customers. With prominent on-ground and digital branding, kiosks showing how to use digital payments, and other interactive activities PhonePe along with eSewa and HAN Pokhara will showcase the ease of UPI payments. Over 3,000 merchants will be part of the festival with over 100,000 visitors expected.   

Speaking on the partnership, Ritesh Pai, CEO International Payments, PhonePe, said, "We are excited to partner with eSewa and the Hoteliers Association of Nepal to help popularize   UPI as a part of the popular Fewa New Year Festival. Nepal attracts many Indian visitors annually who come to experience the music, food, and culture of this beautiful place. Our focus will be on creating merchant education and awareness to ensure the uptick of UPI on the Fonepay Network in Nepal. This partnership will revolutionize Nepal's digital landscape, ensuring PhonePe customers can effortlessly conduct transactions at their convenience, regardless of location.’’

Mr. Jagdish Khadka, CEO, eSewa said "Partnering with PhonePe and the Hotel Association of Nepal for the Fewa New Year Festival is an exciting opportunity for eSewa to further promote digital payments in Nepal. As the country's leading digital wallet, we are committed to enhancing the digital payment ecosystem and providing convenient solutions for both merchants and consumers. With Indian visitors being a major visitor for Nepal, this move aligns well to cater the needs of visitors and enhance their overall experience. Through this collaboration, we aim to showcase the benefits of using UPI and Fonepay network and empower merchants to embrace digital transactions, ultimately contributing to the growth of Nepal's digital economy. Additionally, we believe such collaboration will foster greater financial inclusion and accessibility."

Mr. Laxman Subedi, President HAN Pokhara Chapter said,

“In the joyous spirit of Nepali New Year 2081, 19th Fewa New Year Festival aims to attract 300,000 visitors. Pokhara’s hotels, supported by the Hotel Association of Nepal, offer discounts of up to 20% to ensure comfortable stay for tourists travelling to Pokhara. Embracing our values of Tourism, Culture, and Food, Pokhara stands out as a beacon of Nepal’s tourism appeal. Together, let’s reveal the beauty of our region, preserve our cultural heritage, welcome visitors from far and wide, and breathe new life into our hospitality sector.”

Mr. Diwas Sapkota, CEO, Fonepay said, “It brings us a great pleasure to witness the strategic partnership with PhonePe India, eSewa Nepal, and the Hoteliers Association of Nepal to promote the integration of UPI capabilities onto the Fonepay Network. The New Year Festival serves as an ideal venue to highlight the impact of this collaboration. With its massive turnout, the festival brings people to the heart of Nepal's cultural and economic center, offering everyone the chance to witness and experience the advancements in payment technology.”

About PhonePe Group:

PhonePe Group is India’s leading fintech company. Its flagship product, the PhonePe digital payments app, was launched in Aug 2016. In just 7 years, the company has scaled rapidly to become India’s leading consumer payments app with 520+ million registered users and a digital payments acceptance network of 38 million merchants. PhonePe also processes 230+ million daily transactions with an annualized Total Payment Value (TPV) of USD 1.5+ Trillion.

On the back of its leadership in digital payments, PhonePe Group has expanded into financial services (Insurance, Lending, Wealth) as well as new consumer tech businesses (Pincode - hyperlocal e-commerce and Indus App Store - India's first localized App Store). PhonePe Group is an India headquartered technology company with a portfolio of businesses aligned with the company's vision to offer every Indian an equal opportunity to accelerate their progress by unlocking the flow of money and access to services.

About eSewa:

Established in 2009 AD, eSewa Pvt. Ltd is Nepal’s first and leading online Payment Service Provider (PSP). eSewa has been at the forefront of fostering financial inclusion and creating a digital economy. eSewa has become a household name today for making online payments. eSewa is striving to build an inclusive ecosystem to make our economy cashless. For this, the company has onboarded more than 8 Million customers, 220K agents, 350K Merchants, 49 Banks and Financial Institutions (BFIs), 5K listed services across various verticals including Mobile top-up, Utility bills payments, Domestic and International airlines. Education, Online shopping, Food and Hospitality, ISP payment, Health, Government payments, Insurance, Stockbroker payments and more. With a commitment to serve all segments of society, eSewa caters to over 8 Million customers through our user-friendly mobile application. eSewa are driving the transformation towards a more inclusive, accessible, and technologically empowered financial landscape in Nepal.

About Hotel Association of Nepal Pokhara Chapter:

As the leading representative organization in the vibrant hospitality sector of Pokhara, the Hotel Association Pokhara plays a crucial role in shaping the tourism landscape of this picturesque city. With a rich history, Hotel Association Pokhara serves as the voice of Pokhara's hoteliers, safeguarding their interests and fostering unity among its members.

In Pokhara, Hotel Association Pokhara represents numerous hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, each contributing to the city's reputation as a premier tourist destination. Moreover, Hotel Association Pokhara serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among hoteliers, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices. By advocating for the concerns of its members and providing them with current industry information and resources, Hotel Association Pokhara empowers Pokhara's hospitality sector to thrive amidst changing trends and challenges.

About FonePay:

Fonepay is a Payment System Operator facilitating inter-bank person-to-person (P2P) and person-to merchant (P2M) transactions through its interoperable network and mobile platforms. Fonepay is regulated by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and is the first mobile payment network to be licensed by NRB as Payment System Operator (PSO). Fonepay, a subsidiary of the F1Soft Group has been making active efforts to contribute towards a cashless economy by enabling fast, secure, and reliable digital cashless payment services to bank and wallet customers as well as businesses. The company is focused on bringing innovations to the mobile payment network through the usage of technology to achieve greater efficiency in operations and widen the reach of payment systems.

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility And Shell Partner To Deliver Superior EV Charging Experiences Across India

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TPEM), known for pioneering India's electric vehicle (EV) revolution, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Shell India Markets Private Limited (SIMPL) to collaborate in establishing public charging stations across India. The collaboration will leverage Shell's widespread fuel station network and TPEM's insights from over 1.4 lakh Tata EVs on Indian roads to set up chargers at locations frequently visited by Tata EV owners. Additionally, both companies will work towards delivering superior charging experiences.

To improve the experience of EV owners across India, this agreement between TPEM and Shell India Markets Private Limited (SIMPL) aims to explore synergies between the two companies to encourage more people to adopt electric vehicles in the country. The two companies are also exploring introducing convenient payment systems and loyalty programs, which will add significant value to TPEM’s customers.

TPEM is the market leader of EVs in India, commanding a market share of 71% in electric passenger vehicles with four products in its portfolio. TPEM has led the rise of the EV ecosystem in the country by introducing its first EV-exclusive store in Gurugram to working with various charge point operators to grow India’s charging infrastructure.

Shell EV Recharge locations provide reliable and ultra-fast charging, with a 98%-99% charger uptime. These locations also offer convenient retail, including fresh food and beverage options. All these factors help enhance the overall customer experience and provide added value and convenience.

Commenting on this partnership, Balaje Rajan, Chief Strategy Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “As a part of our endeavour towards an open collaboration to advance India’s EV ecosystem, we are excited to partner with Shell. Through this partnership, we aim to grow the existing charging infrastructure, which is crucial for mainstream adoption of EVs in the country, particularly as the customer base continues to expand. By combining TPEM's deep understanding of EV usage with Shell's unparalleled customer experience, this strategic alliance will certainly bring a marked change in India’s charging behaviour, in turn driving up the EV adoption in the country.”

Commenting on this partnership, Sanjay Varkey, Director, Shell India Markets Private Limited, said, “Shell is committed to define the EV charging experience by offering integrated solutions that prioritize convenience, safety, and sustainability. Our dedication to using 100% certified renewable sources combined with our ultra-fast and reliable chargers ensures that our customers enjoy a sustainable, hassle free and efficient charging experience. Our strategic partnership with Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd aims to promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the country by leveraging digital integration and customer-centric initiatives.”

Case studies from across the world show that ubiquitous and convenient charging infrastructure is a prerequisite for driving EV adoption and that growth in charging infrastructure results in exponential growth in EV adoption. This collaboration between two leading companies in this space is expected to help catapult India’s EV growth to its next phase. 

MAHE And Indian Council of Medical Research Jointly Inaugurate Aerial Healthcare Delivery System Utilizing Drones For Sample Transportation

* Today the first sample was sent from Dr. T. M. A. Pi Rotary Hospital, Karkala to Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have joined forces to inaugurate the Deployment of a Robust Need based aerial healthcare delivery system (DRONE). The program aims to utilize drones for transporting Oncopathological Samples between Peripheral and Tertiary Care Hospitals in Karnataka.

The primary objective of this initiative is to assess the feasibility of transferring materials, such as frozen section samples, from remote locations to peripheral hospitals using aerial means. This endeavor is expected to enhance the healthcare system by enabling surgeons to perform procedures requiring such investigations in rural areas.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have been gaining popularity across various industries, including healthcare. In India, the lack of intraoperative sample transportation from rural areas presents a significant challenge. The DRONE project seeks to explore the feasibility, utility, and cost-effectiveness of utilizing drones for this purpose. By leveraging drone technology, samples can be transported swiftly, providing immediate access to advanced diagnostics like Frozen section during surgical procedures. If successful, this research could revolutionize healthcare delivery by establishing connections between remote hospitals and laboratory facilities, thereby facilitating complex surgeries for patients in geographically inaccessible regions.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research, Govt. of India and Director General, ICMR, and Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, DGHS, MoHFW, who served as chief guests. Dr. Sanghmitra Pati, Additional Director General (ADG), ICMR and Director, ICMR-RMRC, Bhubaneshwar, Ms. Anu Nagar, Joint Secretary, Dept. of Health Research, Govt. of India, Dr. Kamini Walia, Scientist G & Head, Division of DDR, ICMR-Hq, New Delhi, Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences) MAHE, Manipal, were among the distinguished guests.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, in inaugurating the project, lauded the initiative's innovative approach to healthcare delivery, highlighting its potential to revolutionize sample transportation and diagnostic services, particularly in underserved rural areas.

During the event, Dr. Kamini Walia highlighted the significance of the project, emphasizing its potential impact on healthcare accessibility.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Anu Nagar emphasized the transformative potential of the DRONE project, stating that it represents a significant step towards bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring equitable access to medical services across Karnataka.

Dr. Sanghmitra Pati underscored the importance of collaborative research efforts in addressing healthcare challenges, expressing optimism about the project's ability to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Atul Goel emphasized the importance of the project in addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing medical services in rural areas.

Lt Gen (Dr) Venkatesh congratulated the ICMR for spearheading this pioneering initiative, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to address healthcare disparities and improve healthcare access for all communities.

In his presidential address, Dr. H.S. Ballal appreciated ICMR's collaborative spirit behind this drone project and emphasized the importance of innovation in healthcare. MAHE Manipal has always been at the forefront in such innovation,” The event commenced with a welcome note by Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, Scientist and Program Officer, ICMR. Dr. Kirthinath Ballala, Chief Medical Officer at Dr. TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala, extended his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and contributors for their unwavering support and dedication to the DRONE project.

Dr Narayan Sabhahith, Pro chancellor (Techinology and Scinece), Dr Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE Manipal,   Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean-KMC, Dr. Anand Venugopal, COO-Teaching Hospital, MAHE, Manipal, Dr Arun Mayya Dean, Manipal College of Health Profession, Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Dr Kuldeep Nigam from ICMR also attended the event.

Samsung's 'Solve For Tomorrow' Programme introduces Two Separate Tracks Catering To Different Age Groups

* Environment Champion’, the winning team of Youth Track to receive INR 50 Lakh grant for incubation whilst ‘Community Champion’, the winning team of School Track to receive INR 25 Lakh grant for prototype advancement

* Collaborative efforts with FITT IIT-Delhi, support from Ministry of Electronics & IT and the United

* Nations in India underline the programme's commitment to fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges with a global perspective

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has announced the third edition of its flagship CSR initiative - 'Solve for Tomorrow', in strategic collaboration with the Foundation for Innovation & Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, and the United Nations in India. With Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung aims to usher in a culture of innovative thinking and problem solving amongst the country’s youth.

Solve for Tomorrow 2024 was inaugurated by Mr. JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia, Dr. Sandip Chatterjee, Sr. Director and Scientist ‘G’, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and Mr. Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, in the presence of other dignitaries.

The CSR programme recognizes the power of innovative solutions and their ability to transform lives, makes a strong social impact, and strengthens Samsung’s vision of #TogetherforTomorrow #EnablingPeople.

This year, the 'Solve for Tomorrow' programme introduces two distinct tracks – School Track and Youth Track, each dedicated to championing a specific theme and targeted towards different age groups. Both the tracks will run simultaneously, ensuring equal opportunity and a level playing field for all students.

The School Track, is tailored for students aged 14-17, focusing on the theme “community and inclusion”. The track underscores the importance of uplifting underprivileged groups, improving accessibility to health & social inclusion for all through social innovations and hence 'Solving for India'.

The Youth Track on the other hand, targets individuals aged 18-22, with a focus on the theme “environment and sustainability”. The track seeks innovative ideas for reducing carbon footprint, protecting the environment & promoting sustainability and hence 'Solving for the World'.

Mr. JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia, said, "At Samsung, we strive to inspire and shape the future through innovative ideas and transformative technologies. Our mission revolves around fostering the next generation of innovators and catalysts for social change. Solve for Tomorrow is truly shaping up as a platform for India’s youth to come up with meaningful innovations that can improve the lives of people.

In the first two editions, we have seen this CSR initiative have a positive impact on our next generation, who scaled greater heights, embarking on their social entrepreneurship journey. In its third edition, with the introduction of two separate tracks, we aim to solve simultaneously for India and for the world. More importantly, with this flagship CSR programme, we want to play our part in strengthening the innovation ecosystem in the country.”

Dr. Sandip Chatterjee, Senior Director and Scientist ‘G’, The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said, “Environment and sustainable development are amongst the priority agenda of Government of India.  It is an opportune moment to combine technology with the human capabilities for accelerating economic growth.  Indian youth, having innovative mind and skills, cares deeply for the environment.  Using radical innovations, various global grassroots issues and challenges could be addressed.  Programmes like ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ are a testament to realise the vision of the Government of India, by harnessing the power of youth.”

Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi said, "We are honoured to continue our partnership with Samsung as their key partner in the 'Solve for Tomorrow' programme. This collaboration underscores the commitment to fostering innovation and empowering young minds to drive positive change in the society.”

Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, said, “I am delighted to participate in the third edition of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme, an exciting initiative which encourages and promotes youth-led innovation to solve challenges related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN system in India works with and supports initiatives by the private sector that promote the ambitions and leadership of young people, like The Solve for Tomorrow programme. With the greatest youth generation in history, ever, India has more young minds bringing their energy & solutions than ever before! This means that Indian solutions will also be global solutions.”

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow at a Glance

Who can participate: 14-17 year-olds in School Track – individually or in teams of up to 5 members can submit their ideas in the “Community & Inclusion” theme and 18-22 year-olds in Youth Track –individually or in teams of up to 5 members can submit their ideas in the “Environment & Sustainability” theme

Application themes:

“Community & Inclusion”, under School Track, caters to empowering underprivileged groups by improving accessibility to health, improving learning methods and access to education, and ensuring social inclusion for all

“Environment & Sustainability”, under Youth Track, will focus on environment protection, reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability

What will they get: Hands-on training from various industry experts including Samsung, MeitY, IIT-Delhi, and technical support from United Nations in India. In addition, participants will get exclusive mentoring and coaching to build their ideas into prototype, an opportunity to attend a curated innovation walk with focussed interactions with Samsung leaders, and milestone-based grants for prototype development and enhancement

School Track: Semi-finalists 10 teams will get INR 20,000 grant for prototype development & Samsung Galaxy Tabs. Finalists 5 teams will get INR 1 Lakh Grant each for prototype enhancement & Samsung Galaxy Watches

Youth Track: Semi-finalists 10 teams will get INR 20,000 grant for prototype development & Samsung Galaxy Laptops. Finalists 5 teams will get INR 1 Lakh grant each for prototype enhancement & Samsung Z Flip Smartphones

What do winners get:

School Track: The Winning Team will be declared as the “Community Champion” of Solve for Tomorrow 2024 and will receive a seed grant of INR 25 Lakh for prototype advancement. The Schools of the winning teams will also receive Samsung Products to boost educational offerings, encouraging a problem-solving mindset.

Youth Track: The Winning Team will be declared as the “Environment Champion” of Solve for Tomorrow 2024 and will receive a grant of INR 50 Lakh for incubation at IIT-Delhi. The colleges of the winning teams also receive Samsung products to boost their educational offerings, encouraging social entrepreneurship.

Where can they apply: www.samsung.com/in/solvefortomorrow

From when: Starting April 09, 2024

Till when: 5 PM IST on May 31, 2024

Programme Details

School Track: Solving for India

In the school track, the students are invited to form teams of up to five members and submit their innovative ideas under the 'Community & Innovation' theme. The programme will progress through four stages: application window, regional rounds, innovation walk, and grand finale.

During the application window, participating teams will receive digital certificates of acknowledgment. The first shortlist will comprise of regional shortlists where 50 teams will be selected. In the subsequent regional rounds, these 50 teams will pitch their ideas to a Jury. From here, 10 semi-finalists teams will advance to the innovation walk, where they will attend workshops at Samsung's Research & Development centres and regional headquarters, followed by a National Pitch Event, where these 10 semi-finalists will pitch their ideas to a jury at IIT Delhi. As a reward, each team will receive a grant of INR 20,000 for prototype development and the latest Samsung Galaxy Tablets. Selected from the National Pitch Event, 5 finalist teams will undergo one-on-one training and pitch their solutions to a grand jury, with each team receiving a grant of INR 1 Lakh for prototype enhancement besides the latest Galaxy Watch for all participants. The winning team at the Grand Finale will be declared as the “Community Champion” of Solve for Tomorrow 2024 and will receive a seed grant of INR 25 lakh for prototype advancement and exciting Samsung Galaxy products for their school.

Youth Track: Solving for the World

In the Youth track, the aspirants will form teams of up to five members and submit their innovative ideas under the theme of "Environment & Sustainability”. The first shortlist will comprise of regional shortlists where 50 teams will be selected. In the subsequent regional rounds, these 50 teams will pitch their ideas to a Jury. From here, 10 semi-finalists teams will advance to the innovation walk, where they will attend workshops at Samsung's Research & Development centres and regional headquarters, followed by a National Pitch Event, where these 10 semi-finalists will pitch their ideas to a jury at IIT Delhi. As a reward, each team will receive a grant of INR 20,000 for prototype development and the latest Samsung Galaxy Laptops. Selected from the National Pitch Event, 5 finalist teams will undergo one-on-one training and pitch their solutions to a grand jury, with each team receiving a grant of INR 1 Lakh for prototype enhancement besides the latest Galaxy Z Flip smartphone for all participants. The winning team at the Grand Finale will be declared as the “Environment Champion” of Solve for Tomorrow 2024 and will receive a grant of INR 50 lakh for incubation and exciting Samsung Galaxy products for their college.

The two tracks do not compete against each other and each track will have separate curated training, mentoring and immersive learning opportunities as per the themes and the age groups.

In addition to the main competition, participants will have the opportunity to compete for prestigious accolades such as the 'Social Media Champion Award' and the 'Goodwill Award'. The 'Social Media Champion Award' includes a prize of INR 50000 for social media champions in each track which will be announced at the innovation walk. The 'Goodwill Award' will felicitate the title winner with a prize of INR 1 Lakh for the audience choice idea in each track, which will be announced at the Grand Finale.

To find out more and register for the competition in India, visit www.samsung.com/in/solvefortomorrow. Application entry closes at 5 pm on May 31, 2024.

First launched in the US in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow is currently operational in 63 countries globally and has seen over 2.3 million young people participate worldwide.

Samsung Electronics’ global CSR vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’ is committed to providing education to young people around the world to empower the leaders of tomorrow. Read more stories on Samsung Electronics’ CSR efforts on our CSR webpage http://csr.samsung.com

Tata Motors Group Global wholesales At 3,77,432 In Q4 FY24

The Tata Motors Group global wholesales in Q4 FY24, including Jaguar Land Rover** were at 3,77,432 nos., higher by 8%, as compared to Q4 FY23.

Global wholesales of all Tata Motors’ commercial vehicles and Tata Daewoo range in Q4 FY24 were at 1,11,591 nos., lower by 6%, over Q4 FY23. 

Global wholesales of Tata Motors passenger vehicles* in Q4 FY24 were at 1,55,651 nos., higher by 15% as compared to Q4 FY23. 

Global wholesales for Jaguar Land Rover** were 1,10,190 vehicles, higher by 16%. Jaguar wholesales for the quarter were 13,528 vehicles, while Land Rover wholesales for the quarter were 96,662 vehicles.

*Tata Motors passenger vehicles includes sales of electric vehicles.

**JLR number does not include CJLR volumes (CJLR – It is a JV between JLR and Chery Automobiles and is an unconsolidated subsidiary for JLR).

FICCI Celebrates 97th Foundation Day, Felicitates First 33 Past Presidents 1927-1959

* Chamber Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Growth

* FICCI’s second NECM for 2023-24 and Foundation Day celebration concludes in Mumbai

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), India's apex and oldest business chamber, celebrated its 97th Foundation Day on 7 April by paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, New Delhi. The event commemorated the historic address delivered by the Father of the Nation at FICCI's 4th AGM on this day in 1931. The celebrations continued in Mumbai, where FICCI felicitated the descendants of 33 of its past presidents from the years 1927 to 1959.

The grand celebrations in New Delhi and Mumbai reflect FICCI's glorious past and set the stage for a promising future as the Chamber moves closer to its centenary in 2027. The Chamber's journey has been illuminated by its illustrious presidents, whose visionary leadership shaped India's business landscape.

Addressing the felicitation ceremony in Mumbai, Dr Anish Shah, President, FICCI said, “FICCI Foundation Day is an inspiring tribute to our visionary leaders. It is an honour to felicitate the Presidents from 1927 to 1959 and commemorate their pivotal role in India's economic rise. As we stride towards FICCI’s centenary in 2027, let's uphold their governance values and advance towards a progressive future."

On occasion, Mr Harsh Pati Singhania, Past President of FICCI, said, "FICCI’s history is closely linked with India's struggle for independence, followed by the path of industrialisation and subsequent liberalisation that has culminated in India emerging as a significant player in the global economy."

Mr KV Kamath, Chairperson, National Bank of Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), in a conversation with FICCI President Dr Shah, noted, "Typically, we look at only the young people being the driver of the demographic dividend, but I will add that it will also be the older people who will drive the demographic dividend because they are going to skill/upskill themselves."

Concurrently, FICCI organised its second National Executive Committee Meeting (NECM) for 2023-24, attended by over 125 industry members. The meeting focused on four key pillars. President Dr Shah encouraged attendees to share transformative ideas for accelerating India's development and urged sector committee chairs to align industry action with government priorities while incorporating the viewpoints of MSME sector leaders.

Mr SK Pathak, Secretary General of FICCI, also spoke on occasion.

As India progresses to become the world's third-largest economy, FICCI reaffirms its commitment to the nation's inclusive growth and global integration. The focus for 2024 and beyond rests on four key pillars: championing indigenous manufacturing and innovation through 'Make in India', empowering farmers and boosting agricultural productivity, fostering women's entrepreneurship and leadership, and promoting sustainability and green growth.

List of FICCI Past Presidents (1927 – 1959) felicitated in Mumbai:

Dinshaw M Petit -1927

Sir Purshotamdas Thakurdas - 1928

GD Birla -1929

Sir Shri Ram - 1930

M Jamal Mohammed Sahib - 1931

Walchand Hirachand – 1932

Nalini Ranjan Sarker - 1933

Kasturbhai Lalbhai - 1934

Sir Padampat Singhania - 1935

D P Khaitan - 1936

Sir Rahimtoola M Chinoy – 1937

Jamshed NR Mehta - 1938

Dewan Bahadur C S Ratnasabapathi Mudaliar -1939

Amrit Lal Ojha – 1940

Sir Chunilal B Mehta - 1941

Gaganvihari L Mehta - 1942

Dr. Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar of Chettinad - 1943

J C Setalvad - 1944

Sir Badridas Goenka – 1945

Gurusharan Lall - 1946

MA Master - 1947

Lalji Mehrotra - 1948

K D Jalan – 1949

Tulsidas Kilachand - 1950

C M Kothari - 1951

Shanti Prasad Jain - 1952

Sir R G Saraiya - 1953

B M Birla - 1954

Shantilal Mangaldas - 1955

Lakshmipat Singhania - 1956

Babubhai M Chinai – 1957

Sir BP Singh Roy - 1958

Madanmohan R Ruia -1959