National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) In Partnership With Britannia Launches “Women Entrepreneurship Program”

In a pivotal move towards empowering women entrepreneurs and spurring economic growth, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is excited to unveil the “Women Entrepreneurship Program”. This initiative, aims to tackle the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship by offering crucial skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities.

The program has been launched with the introduction of complimentary self-learning basic entrepreneurship courses available in multiple languages on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). Upon completion of these courses, participants will receive a co-branded certificate from NSDC, Britannia Industries and National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), acknowledging their entrepreneurial skills and competencies. This initiative aims to empower approximately 25 lakh women across India, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to start and grow successful businesses.

The initiative will culminate in a grand finale where the top 50 contestants will present their business ideas to a distinguished jury. To further encourage innovation and excellence, Britannia Industries will award financial grants of 10 lakh rupees each to 10 of the most successful contestants.

At the launch of this program, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, GOI said, “It is our privilege that Britannia has partnered with us, focusing on women entrepreneurship.

We have achieved significant progress in entrepreneurship through NIESBUD and special programs with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Rural Development and other ministries. We are also collaborating closely with other corporates and government departments, to provide skill training to women's self-help groups, whether individually or collectively, and to help organize them into various business entities.

In the skilling segment, under Jan Shikshan Sansthan, 82% of our trainees are women. In the PMKVY short-term training program, close to 45% of the participants are women.”

Echoing this sentiment, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, COO (Officiating CEO), NSDC & MD, NSDC International stated, “Today, this program is about women-led entrepreneurship and aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for women development. One of the most important component of this is that private and public sector organisation are going together telling women to have entrepreneurial ambitions. From Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao to Lakhpati Didi, India has travelled a lot of distance when it comes to women development.”

Speaking about Britannia’s motivation to join forces with NSDC, Shri Rajneet Singh Kohli, CEO and Executive Director, Britannia Industries, said “Britannia Marie Gold’s vision is to help women entrepreneurs to soar together to do more. Our MoU with the National Skill Development Corporation is a game-changer for women's empowerment in India. By providing free courses and advanced training to millions of aspiring women entrepreneurs, we are not just opening doors but breaking down barriers. This partnership amplifies our commitment to creating a nurturing ecosystem where women can lead, innovate, and drive our economy forward. Together, we are empowering women to reach their full potential.””

The Indian government is dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs through opportunities for essential skills development, access to free self-learning courses, and comprehensive incubation support. This program is designed to address the distinct challenges that women face when starting and growing businesses. In partnership with Britannia Industries Limited, the initiative will also offer financial grants and feature their products and services on the Skill India Digital Hub, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for women entrepreneurs.

Aligning with the government’s commitment to fostering women's entrepreneurship, this program will be implemented in multiple phases to ensure comprehensive support and maximum impact.

Divided into two phases, NSDC, with support from the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), will offer free online self-learning entrepreneurship courses through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). These courses, available in multiple languages, will cover crucial topics such as entrepreneurial skills, enterprise setup, finance basics, digital skills, and market analysis.

In the next phase, NSDC extends robust incubation support to 10,000 shortlisted contestants across 100 business models. This support encompasses business model selection, entrepreneurship development programs, industrial workshops, business registration assistance, project report preparation, and guidance on funding through various government entrepreneurship and startup schemes. Additionally, participants’ products and services will be highlighted on SIDH’s e-commerce platform, UdhyamKart and Britannia’s digital ecosystem for women entrepreneurship.

NSDC will conduct periodic impact assessments to evaluate the success and sustainability of the supported businesses, ensuring the program’s long-term effectiveness.

This initiative marks a significant effort to broaden the reach and visibility of women-led enterprises, creating a supportive ecosystem that empowers women entrepreneurs to realize their full potential. The partnership between NSDC and Britannia highlights a shared commitment to cultivating an environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish and significantly contribute to India’s economic advancement

About National Skill Development Corporation

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the principal architect of the skill ecosystem in the country. It is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) enterprise working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. NSDC was established to catalyse the skilling ecosystem for private sector participation and be the strategic implementation and knowledge partner to Skill India Mission to build efficient vocational training initiatives, empowering India’s youth. NSDC provides support to enterprises, start-ups, companies, and organizations that are creating an impact by offering a world of opportunities in futuristic skills to the potential workforce. The organization develops appropriate models to enhance, support, and coordinate private sector initiatives in skilling by offering funding support to eligible entities, concessional loans to the candidates along with other innovative financial products and building strategic partnerships.

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Announced Its Unaudited Financial Results For The Quarter Ended June 30, 2024

* Consolidated revenue from operation stood at Rs. 2,636 crores

* Consolidated EBITDA stood at Rs. 348 crores

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., a leading building materials Company in India, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. With 25 MMTPA of combined installed capacity, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. is the fifth largest cement group in India and amongst the leading cement players in East India.

The Company's consolidated cement sales volume stood at 4.8 MMT in Q1 FY25. Consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs. 2,636 crores, during the same period. Consolidated EBITDA for the quarter stood at Rs. 348 crores.

Premium products remain a key focus for the Company, with their share in trade volume reaching a record high of 40% in Q1 FY25. To enhance brand equity, we launched an innovative campaign for Duraguard Microfiber Cement, a next-generation PPC variant designed to create awareness of its unique Microfiber technology, which results in structures with high strength, damp resistance, and minimal cracks. Additionally, the Company introduced 'Concreto UNO', a premium cement variant in West Bengal, catering to the growing demand for high-quality construction materials in the region. In the RMX Business, the Company launched Ecodure Thermal Insulated Concrete, which exhibits lower thermal conductivity than conventional concrete and Concreto Uno – Hydrophobic Concrete, which enhances the overall strength and durability of structures.

The Company’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted by its lowest carbon emissions in the industry, with 457 kg CO2 per ton1 of cementitious materials.

Commenting on the performance of the Company, Mr. Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, Managing Director, Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd., stated, “The Company navigated the quarter marked by soft demand, primarily due to elections, weather-related factors, and continued pressure on pricing. Despite these challenges, the focus remained on strategic priorities such as value optimization, cost optimization, and operational efficiency. The Company has reached the lowest blended fuel cost in the last 11 quarters at ? 1.57/ Mcal. The SAP unification program was successfully completed in line with the Company’s digital transformation journey, enabling us to streamline processes across the organization. Additionally, railway siding projects in Odisha and Sonadih are at an advanced stage of completion, which will further improve efficiency and profitability.

He further added, “Looking ahead, the timing and pace of demand recovery will depend on the on-ground execution of infrastructure and housing projects. In the near term, headwinds primarily stem from the demand-supply imbalance and continued pricing pressure. To address these challenges, the Company will continue to focus on value optimization, premiumization, geo-optimization, brand strengthening, along with a strong emphasis on cost optimization.”

Swizton Vein Clinic Inaugurated At Aveksha Hospital In Bengaluru

Swizton Vein Clinic was officially inaugurated at Aveksha Hospital yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of specialized varicose vein care to the community.  The clinic was inaugurated by Mrs Meenakshi Krishna Byre Gowda, wife of Hon’ble revenue minister, and a Social Worker, praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of addressing vein-related health issues. He said, “healthy citizens make healthy state & nation, it is always advisable to take the help of health experts who specialise in their own streams for cure & prevention for healthy living”.

The Vein Clinic's primary objective is to offer cutting-edge treatments for varicose veins, including Venaseal, Sclerotherapy, and Radiofrequency Ablation, ensuring that these advanced procedures are accessible to patients at an affordable cost. This initiative is particularly significant as it addresses the growing need for effective vein treatments while prioritizing affordability.

Aveksha Hospital, in association with Swizton Medcare, is expected to serve this flagship centre for delivering these specialized services. With a team of expert doctors, the clinic aims to provide comprehensive care to individuals seeking treatment for varicose veins. The event was also graced by, Dr. Tahsin Neduvanchery, Chairman, Swizton Medcare, Dr Rahul Dev, Interventional Radiologist, Sharath Nair, Swizton Medcare CEO, Mrs. Aarathi Ballal, Director, Aveksha Hosp, Mrs Ujjvala Ballal, CEO, Dr Adithya Ballal, director, Dr Sandeep, COO & all the senior doctors & staff of Aveksha Hospital.

The clinic features advanced technology and expert care from renowned specialists, offering minimally invasive treatments and personalized treatment plans. While 30% of Indians suffer from varicose veins issues, it is mostly women who suffer the maximum due to hormonal changes which occur during pregnancy & menopause. Female hormones like estrogen can weaken vein walls and valves, leading to reduced vein elasticity and an increased likelihood of blood pooling. Additionally, pregnancy places significant pressure on pelvic veins, hindering blood flow and increasing the risk of vein enlargement. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can exacerbate these issues.

“Varicose veins are considered a chronic condition but are not life-threatening or limb-threatening and should not be taken lightly. However, if left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more significant vein-related issues, such as an elevated risk of blood clots, skin ulcers and swelling.

During the inauguration, Dr Tahsin, Chairman Swizton Medcare also announced plans for upcoming awareness programs and community outreach initiatives.

On this occasion Chairman Uday Ballal said, “Aveksha’s backbone is our community – the medical practitioners, health workers, and the talented teams at different departments that keep the place running like a robust, pumping heart supplying vital nutrients and ensuring the functioning of all the other organs. I intentionally used the metaphor of the heart, instead of a more apt phrase, “the well-oiled machine,” because we function as a collective of human beings who form the heart of this hospital nourished by the values of care, compassion and commitment”.

Thomas Cook India Group Registers Q1 FY25 PBT Of Rs. 1073 Mn*; 17% Growth Over Q1 FY24

Key Highlights (Q1 FY25):

Consolidated Q1 FY25 PBT of Rs. 1073 Mn* Vs Rs. 914 Mn; 17% growth YoY

Thomas Cook (Standalone) PBT growth of 29% YoY at Rs. 740 Mn* Vs Rs. 574 Mn

Overseas Destination Management Companies reflect turnaround with EBITDA at Rs. 28 Mn Vs a loss of Rs. (44) Mn in Q1 FY24

The Group continues to maintain a strong financial position, adding Rs. 3.49 Bn during the quarter, with Cash & Bank balances at Rs. 18.67 Bn as of June 30, 2024

CRISIL upgrades Thomas Cook India’s Rating Outlook to ‘Positive’. Reaffirms Company’s Ratings at CRISIL AA-/Positive & CRISIL A1+

The PAT for the quarter has been impacted on account of a higher tax liability

Travel Services

Leisure Travel: Growth in sales 21% YoY for Q1 FY25

MICE: 20% Sales growth for Q1 FY25 (excluding one time contracts in Q1 FY24)

Corporate Travel transactions grew by 31% for Q1 FY25

India DMS: 58% Sales growth YoY for Q1 FY25

Overseas DMS: 26% Sales growth YoY for Q1 FY25

Forex

Launched EnterpriseFX card - India’s first eco-friendly prepaid corporate card

Retail growth: led by overseas education 21% YoY; holiday forex 10% YoY for Q1 FY25

Card loads increased 13% YoY

Hospitality (Sterling Holidays)

Growth in sales: 9% YoY for Q1 FY25

Occupancy at 69% for Q1 FY25

New resorts launched in Q1: Udaipur (3rd in Udaipur; 6th in Rajasthan) and Dehradun (6th in Uttarakhand).

Sterling continues to be debt- free company; with a strong cash position of over Rs. 2000 Mn

The PAT for the quarter has been impacted on account of a higher tax liability

Digital Imaging Solutions (DEI)

Q1 FY25: 13 new partnerships signed (UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, India, Bahrain, Macau)

Renewal of 8 key partnerships in Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, UAE and Egypt

Operational launch of 10 partnerships in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Indonesia and India

Mr. Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Thomas Cook India has delivered a good all round performance for Q1 FY25 reporting a consolidated PBT of Rs. 1073 Mn (excluding non-operating MTM gains) that reflects a healthy 17% growth over Q1 FY24. This has been a result of a solid performance across our businesses, despite multiple headwinds during the period, including the Indian General elections - that delayed travel plans & heatwaves across most of the country. Our forward booking funnel indicates that we may have the benefits of an extended holiday season and are well poised to deliver sustainable growth in the quarters ahead.”

Nethradhama Collaborates With ZEISS India To Launch Karnataka’s First Specialised Myopia Clinic

Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, a pioneering institution in eye care, in association with ZEISS India, announced the launch of Karnataka’s first specialized Myopia Clinic, to address the rising epidemic of myopia among children in India. This clinic offers the cutting-edge Myopia Master® technology, for the comprehensive myopia management of children up to 15 years of age.

The launch of the Myopia Clinic at Nethradhama’s Centre of Excellence in Jayanagar, was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Arokia Raj, Principal and Director, Bangalore International Academy & Group of Institutions, Shri Sharath Lohitashwa, veteran Kannada actor and Mr. Rohan Paul, Business Head – India & Neighbouring Countries, Carl Zeiss India.

A research gate study based on the prediction model for 2050, reveals a steady rise in myopia among urban children aged 5 to 15, with rates climbing from around 4.5% in 1999 to 21.15% in 2019. Basis the upward trajectory, it can be established that the myopia prevalence is projected to reach 48.14% by 2050. Without any proactive measures or lifestyle modifications, the overall prevalence of myopia across all age groups is expected to grow by 10.53% in the next 30 years. The pattern reflects the current scenario in East Asia Pacific and highlights the alarming need to address the myopia crisis in India.

Without any proactive measures or lifestyle modifications, the overall prevalence of myopia across all age groups is expected to grow by 10.53% in the next 30 years. The pattern reflects the current scenario in East Asia Pacific and highlights the alarming need to address the myopia crisis in India.

Commenting on the launch of the new clinic, Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore, said “We are happy to partner with ZEISS India and announce the launch of our specialized Myopia Clinic, which will effectively help in reducing the progression of the myopia epidemic in India. At Nethradhama, we believe in enabling our healthcare providers and our patients with latest technologies and innovations in ophthalmology. With Myopia Master® technology, we will strive to provide early detection and effective management of myopia in children.”

Dr. Suman Shree R, Director and CEO, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore further adds, “Childhood myopia is a major public health problem in India and it is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years. Through specialised clinics and technologies like Myopia Master®, we urge parents to get their children’s eyes examined atleast once in a year. With partners like ZEISS India, we will continue to improve myopia management and early diagnosis of the disease.”

The Myopia Master® technology, is an all-in-one device for myopia measurements. It combines refraction, axial length, and keratometry, which are essential parameters for myopia management. The Myopia Master® performs fast, contactless measurements of key parameters related to myopia development, usually taking less than two minutes. The advanced technology allows for individualised treatment and counselling, ensuring that each child receives the most effective care. Additionally, after the assessment, an ophthalmologist will review each case and make decisions on an individual basis.

Mr. Rohan Paul, Business Head – India & Neighbouring Countries, Carl Zeiss India, said, "We are thrilled to support Nethradhama in establishing Karnataka's first Myopia Clinic in a hospital. This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing eye care and addressing childhood myopia with our expertise and resources. With myopia on the rise, dedicated clinics using advanced technology are essential. They provide precise diagnostics and tailored treatments, ensuring early detection and better eye health for the young population.” 

XX1 CISCON – Control Instrumentation Systems Conference 2024 From Aug 1-3, 2024

The Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering at Manipal institute of Technology, Manipal is proud to host the XX1 CISCON - Control Instrumentation Systems Conference from August 1-3, 2024. This prestigious event is supported by SERB, Government of India, and ARK Infosystems Chennai. For the first time, the conference is collaborating with the IEEE Bengaluru chapter, and the proceedings will be published on IEEE Xplore.

This year, we received an overwhelming response with over 800 manuscript submissions, out of which approximately 150 were shortlisted. Around 90 authors have registered to present their papers.

A key highlight of the conference is the pre-conference tutorial on August 1, 2024, which will focus on Machine Learning-Based Data-Driven Identification and Control Design Using DC Motors. This tutorial will be conducted by Dr. PSV Nataraj, Retired Professor from IIT Bombay, along with his technical support staff.

We are honored to have Dr. Shashikant Sadistap, Chief Scientist at CSIR NEERI, Nagpur, delivering the keynote address. Additionally, Dr. Ravindra D. Gudi, Dean of Alumni and Internationalisation at IIT Bombay, will be giving an invited talk. Other distinguished invited speakers include Dr. Sourav Kanti Aditya from NITK and Dr. Vishal Sharma from INTEL Bengaluru.

The inauguration ceremony of the conference will take place on August 2, 2024, at the Sir M V Seminar Hall, MIT Manipal. The event will be graced by the honorable Vice Chancellor  Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), in the presence of Dr. Shashikant Sadistap, Commander (Dr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, and Dr. Shreesha C., Head of the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering.

This conference promises to be a significant event for professionals, researchers, and academicians in the field of instrumentation and control engineering. We look forward to your participation and a successful conference.

Honda 0 Series Concept Model, Saloon, Wins “Red Dot: Best of the Best 2024” Award in Red Dot Award: Design Concept

Honda announced that the Saloon, the flagship concept model for the Honda 0 Series, the new Honda EV series, has been awarded the ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best 2024’ award, in the Design Concept competition of the Red Dot Design Award*1, one of the most respected design awards in the world. The Space-Hub, another concept model of the Honda 0 Series, was named a Red Dot winner in the same competition.

Honda 0 Series – Saloon

Representing the major transformation of Honda under its redefined Global Brand Slogan, The Power of Dreams, and its approach to electrification, the Honda 0 Series made its world debut in the U.S. at CES 2024 in January of this year. The Saloon is positioned as the flagship concept model among Honda 0 Series models, embodying a new approach to Honda EV development – Thin, Light, and Wise – that Honda is pursuing to create new value for EVs. 

Featuring a one-motion form (styling characterized by a line rising smoothly from the front to the rear) and a low & wide design, the exterior styling of the Saloon expresses the suppleness and dynamism of the vehicle. The upright design of the side glass creates an expansive side panel while the shape narrows toward the side sills to accentuate the tires.

The interior features a simple and intuitive human-machine interface (HMI) that provides a sophisticated and seamless user interface (UI). The sporty styling with low vehicle height, sets the Saloon apart from other vehicles at first glance, realizing not only a seductive design, but providing an interior space that is more spacious than what people can imagine from the exterior appearance.

Honda 0 Series – Space-Hub

The Space-Hub is a concept model that represents Honda’s “M/M concept*2” and the new value of EVs as a “space” for people that Honda wants to realize in the future. Realizing a spacious cabin and excellent visibility based on the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach, the Space-Hub offers a flexible space that immediately accommodates what the users want to do and becomes a hub that connects people to people and people to society, generating mutual resonance with each other.

Based on the Honda 0 Series design concept, “The Art of Resonance,” the exterior design features bold and pure proportions, evoking new perspectives in people from the first glance.

As with the case of the Saloon, the interior of the Space-Hub features a simple and intuitive human-machine interface (HMI), and at the same time, the M/M concept fitting the EV era has been pursued to realize an overwhelmingly large cabin space with a high degree of freedom and outstanding occupant comfort. 

Comments by Toshinobu Minami, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer,

Design Center, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.:

“We are pleased to be awarded the world-renowned Red Dot Award in the Design Concept competition, in addition to the awards we received in the Product Design competition, announced in April. We designed the Saloon, named the “Best of the Best,” as a model that represents the major transformation of Honda, with the theme of achieving a “resonance with the environment, society and customers” and with an original design that differentiates the Saloon from other models from the first glance. We believe these awards are the result of receiving a high evaluation both for the design and the new value Honda offers. Honda will continue to create and offer mobility products that bring surprise and excitement to people’s daily lives.”

Honda 0 Series Brand Website: https://0.honda/en/

 *1 The Red Dot Award was founded in 1955 and has become one of the most respected design awards worldwide. The award is administered by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany.

*2 The M/M (Man Maximum, Machine Minimum) concept is the foundation of Honda car design, which calls for maximizing the space available for people and minimizing the space required for mechanical components to increase the efficiency of the space inside the vehicle.