869 Aakash Educational Services Limited Students Qualify Indian Olympiad Qualifier In Mathematics (IOQM) 2024; Now Eligible For RMO

*      This year’s results see a significant increase in the percentage of students from Aakash clearing the exam

*      The qualified students will now compete in the stage 2 of the Olympiad, Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO)

Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the national leader in test preparatory services, proudly announces that 869 of its classroom students have successfully cleared the prestigious Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) 2024. This exam is the first step in the 2024-2025 cycle of the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), paving the way for participation in IMO 2025. The IOQM is conducted by the Mathematics Teachers Association of India [MTA (I)], with the subsequent stages being organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research) – HBCSE (TIFR).

Among the qualifiers of IOQM 2024 from Aakash, 11 students are from Class 8, 87 from Class 9, 276 from Class 10, 362 from Class 11, and 132 from Class 12.

The qualified students from the first stage (IOQM) will now compete in the second stage of the Olympiad journey, the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO), scheduled for November 3, 2024. The students who clear the RMO will be eligible for the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO), which will take place on January 19, 2025

Congratulating the students on the impressive results, Mr. Deepak Mehrotra, MD & CEO of Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), said: “We are immensely proud of our students for their remarkable achievement in the IOQM 2024. This accomplishment reflects their dedication and passion for mathematics, and we at Aakash are committed to nurturing their talents at every step of their academic journey. As they move forward to the next stage, we stand behind them, confident that they will continue to excel and make the nation proud on the global stage. At Aakash, it is our constant endeavour to provide the best learning environment and resources to help students realize their full potential."

The International Mathematical Olympiad program is aimed at bringing secondary and higher secondary students with exceptional mathematical ability and passion for the subject from across the world together in a friendly competition of the highest level. India has been participating in International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) since 1989 and Indian students have won a large number of medals over the years. After INMO, approximately top 65 students from all over India are invited for International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC) where they undergo some theoretical and problem-solving sessions and compete against each other. 5-6 selected students from IMOTC are chosen to represent India at international level in IMO and are given training in Pre-Departure Camp (PDC). During the camp, orientation is provided to students for IMO and emphasis is laid on developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills. 

Aakash aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash have proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams, Scholarship Exams and Olympiads.

Emaar India Announces Its Entry In Maharashtra Market Introduces Casa Venero, Ultra-Luxury Project In Alibag

Emaar India the Indian business entity of the globally renowned brand Emaar, famous for developing Burj Khalifa, is now entering the Mumbai market with an offering in Alibag. The company will be introducing a coveted villa - only destination for the who’s who of Mumbai- the financial capital of India.  It will soon be launching its first ultra-luxury villa project, The Casa Venero in Alibag, Maharashtra. The company has set up their sales lounge in the Oberoi.

Located just 20 mins away from the Mandwa jetty in, Alibag, this project will be the epitome of finesse & pure leisure, a heavenly abode far away from the hustle-bustle of the city.  Casa Venero is set to redefine new standards of luxury living, with its exquisite design, myriad of opulent elements juxtaposed to create the perfect weekend home, nestled in the serene and charming coastal town of Alibag.

Casa Venero is spread across lush green area of 25 acres (approx.) offering 84 limited collection exquisite villas. The project is positioned as a weekend /holiday home with club house and other amenities spread across 80,000 plus Sq ft. Situated within a gated and secured exclusive community, these 84 exclusive villa owners will have access to clubhouse with lazy river, common green areas such as wellness lawn, sculpture garden, reflexology path, kids play area, butterfly garden, open amphitheatre and hammock garden. The project will boast plantation of 1000 plus trees and will offer a green retreat for the discerning Mumbai clientele.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Kalyan Chakrabarti, CEO of Emaar India, stated, “We are thrilled to announce our entry into the western real estate market, we are excited to build a residential space that echoes international standards of luxury with the serene charm of Alibag, providing a truly exceptional living experience. This project is a testament to Emaar’s global reputation for quality and design, we look forward to delivering homes that set new standards of luxury living in India.”

“We are elated to introduce this unique concept to the Maharashtra real estate market, and we look forward to welcoming residents to experience the pure living that Casa Venero has to offer.”

This development by Emaar India will set a benchmark in luxury with USPs such as gated & secured exclusive community, over and above the farmhouse feel of villa with pool and private greens. It is set to bring in a new dimension in leisure amidst the serenity of Alibag.

Designed with exclusivity in mind, the independent villas are thoughtfully crafted with double height living area, equipped with private elevators, exclusive plunge pools & lawns, these would specifically cater to those discerning clientele who have a penchant for luxury and enjoy serenity. In order to create a bespoke and intimate, high-end living ambience, a judicious blend of indoor and outdoor amenities have been integrated with minimum wastage in passages for optimum utilization.

Casa Venero reflects Emaar’s global legacy and modern architectural excellence, setting new benchmarks in design and quality. At the heart of the property is a state-of-the-art clubhouse featuring a resort like lazy river, flowing from the swimming pool & offering a range of lifestyle amenities: gourmet dining options, a squash court, a fully equipped gym, a relaxing spa, and guest rooms.

Alibag is fast emerging as a preferred location for luxury first-homes as well, offering a perfect balance of peaceful coastal living and significantly improved connectivity to Mumbai. A mere heartbeat from the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region), Casa Venero can be reached by a car drive & a ferry from Mumbai to Mandwa or by the newly constructed Atal Setu bridge that offers a seamless transition from the urban frenzy to the serene indulgence. This makes for an ideal investment for those looking for leisurely weekend home or a unique first home providing the finest in luxury and lifestyle.

Punjab & Sind Bank Announces Financial Results For Quarter And Half Year Ended September 30, 2024

Punjab & Sind Bank has announced its financial results for the quarter and half-year ended 30 September 2024, showcasing solid growth across key metrics.

The bank reported a Net Profit of Rs 240 crore for Q2FY25, marking a 26.98% increase, from Rs 189 crore in Q2FY24. Total Income rose by 15.86% YoY to Rs 3,098 crore, up from Rs 2,674 crore a year ago. Operating Profit surged 76.15% YoY to Rs 458 crore, compared to Rs 260 crore in Q2FY24.

Net Interest Income (NII) grew by 29.33% YoY to Rs 873 crore, versus Rs 675 crore in the previous year, while the Net Interest Margin (NIM) increased by 38 bps to 2.71%, up from 2.33% in Q2FY24. The bank’s Core Fee Income increased by 35.88% YoY to Rs 178 crore from Rs 131 crore in the same period last year.

In terms of growth, Total Business grew by 8.40% YoY to Rs 2,15,057 crore, up from Rs 1,98,387 crore a year ago. Total Deposits increased by 6.48% YoY to Rs 1,24,025 crore (vs Rs 1,16,481 in Q2FY24), with Retail Term Deposits registering an 8.94% YoY growth to Rs 52,239 crore (vs Rs 47,951 in Q2FY24). Total Advances rose by 11.14% YoY to Rs 91,032 crore (vs Rs 81,906 crore in Q2FY24), driven by a 18.09% YoY growth in RAM Advances, which increased to Rs 49,033 crore in Q2FY25, up from Rs 41,520 crore in Q2FY24. RAM Advances (%) to Gross Advances improved by 317 bps to 53.86% in Q2FY25 (from 50.69% in Q2FY24).

Operational improvements were evident with the Cost-to-Income ratio reducing by 958 bps to 62.82% in Q2FY25 vs 72.40 in Q2FY24. The Return on Assets (ROA) improved by 13 bps to 0.65%, compared to 0.52% in Q2FY24.

Asset quality also strengthened during the quarter under review compared to the same period last year. GNPA decreased by 202 bps YoY to 4.21% from 6.23% and NNPA fell by 42 bps YoY to 1.46% from 1.88%.

The Yield on Advances improved to 8.75% from 8.62% YoY, and the Yield on Investment rose to 7.06% from 6.76%.

The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) improved by 48 bps quarter-on-quarter.

Dalmia Bharat Optimistic About The India Growth Story

Q2 FY25 Highlights

Volume increased 8.4% YoY to 6.7 MnT

EBITDA/T stood at Rs 650/T

Renewable Energy consumption increased to 39%[1]

Executed Renewable Power Agreements under Group Captive for 151 MW cumulatively (in addition to 127 MW already executed earlier)

Net Debt to EBITDA stood at 0.25x

Dalmia Bharat Limited, (BSE: 542216, NSE: DALBHARAT), a leading cement manufacturing company, reported its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “India’s economic resilience with Government’s sustained thrust on building infrastructure and promoting manufacturing sector, underpins my conviction in the India growth. I believe that as India grows, cement sector being a proxy, will continue to flourish. We are actively working to announce our Phase II expansions within the next 9 months and achieve our interim milestone of 75 MnT by FY28.”

Mr. Dharmender Tuteja, Chief Financial Officer – Dalmia Bharat Limited, said “I am pleased that we delivered a strong volume growth of 8.4% YoY in Q2 FY25. However, the continuous & unprecedented softness in cement prices resulted in revenue declining 2.1% to Rs 3,087 Cr, and EBITDA falling 26.8% YoY to Rs 434 Cr for the quarter. While external challenges weighed on profitability, we remain focused on long-term cost drivers for margin improvement.”

Key updates

Commissioned 16 MW Captive solar power plant at Sattur, Tamil Nadu, increasing our total RE capacity to 202 MW

In line with the commitment towards RE100 by 2030 & Carbon Negative by 2040, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has entered into multiple Renewable Power Agreements under the Group Captive, which will secure 151 MW of renewable power energy. This is in addition to 127 MW of power agreements signed in Q1 FY25. With this, we have collectively signed agreements for 278 MW of RE Power. Commissioning of Renewable power plants is expected to be in FY25 & FY26.

In line with the Capital Allocation framework, the company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 4 per share.

Key Recognitions during the quarter

Recognized with India’s Most Sustainable companies and top 3 businesses in Cement & Building Material sector by the Business World for its commitment to sustainability and innovation

Recognized as the Best Sustainable Project for its initiative, Annadata. This project is a testament to Dalmia Cement's commitment towards rural innovation and social responsibility.

Three unit of Dalmia Cement won National Excellent Energy Efficient Units Award by CII’s 25th Energy Management Award 2024.

Mines at Kadapa unit have received 5 Star rating for sustainable mine management.

IIIT-B COMET Foundation Exhibits Cutting-Edge Telecom Solutions At IMC 2024

* Two Supported Startups Win 1st & 2nd prize in 5G/6G Hackathon

India Mobile Congress (IMC), a premier event organized by the Department of Telecommunications and COAI, witnessed a remarkable showcase of advanced communication technologies from IIIT-B COMET Foundation. Held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi recently, the IMC provided a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to explore the latest trends and advancements in the telecom sector.

IIIT-B COMET Foundation was invited to set up a stall under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Pavilion, where it proudly exhibited its groundbreaking innovations in O-RAN base station, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), and Private 5G networks. These technologies demonstrate IIIT-B COMET Foundation’s commitment to driving India's telecom sector forward through indigenous research and development.

O-RAN Base Station: IIIT-B COMET Foundation showcased its cutting-edge 5G-Advanced O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) massive MIMO base station technology, which is revolutionizing the telecom landscape by offering greater flexibility, interoperability, and cost-effectiveness. The O-RAN architecture enables seamless integration across different vendors, empowering telecom operators to innovate rapidly and accelerate digital transformation.

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS): RIS is a revolutionary technology that optimizes the performance of wireless communication networks by intelligently reflecting radio waves, enhancing signal strength and coverage. This innovation is crucial for improving connectivity in complex environments and is particularly vital for 5G-Advanced/6G deployments and beyond.

Private 5G Box: IIIT-B COMET Foundation also showcased Private 5G Box, a tailor-made, high-performance solution designed for enterprises seeking to deploy secure and private 5G networks, developed by Mantiswave Networks Pvt. Ltd., a start-up incubated by IIIT-B COMET Foundation. It offers seamless connectivity, robust security, and optimized network management, making it ideal for industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and smart cities.

2 IIIT-B COMET Foundation Supported start-ups win 1st prize & 2nd prize in Hackathon:

Two of the IIIT-B COMET Foundation-supported startups, Provaya Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Cablesmith, participated in the 5G/6G hackathon organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and secured the First and Second prizes, respectively. The winner, Provaya Technologies Pvt Ltd, received a prize of 2 lakh INR, while the first runner-up, Cablesmith, was awarded a cash prize of 1.5 lakh INR.

“IIIT-B COMET Foundation is pleased and honored to participate in Indian Mobile Congress, in the Department of Science and Technology Pavilion. We are grateful to the support by DST, IIIT-Bangalore and collaborating institutes and are excited to showcase technologies developed in collaboration with the partner institutes and startups. COMET remains committed to cultivating a robust startup ecosystem, enabling entrepreneurs to leverage shared knowledge and advanced technologies to drive progress in the communication sector.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Provaya Technologies Pvt Ltd and Cablesmith for securing the First and Second prizes, respectively, at the 5G/6G hackathon organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)” said Mr. Sridhar Pillalamarri, CEO, IIIT-B COMET Foundation.

“We are proud of IIIT-B COMET Foundation’s, NM-ICPS, DST, GoI funded R&D centre in advanced communication participation at India Mobile Congress 2024 (IMC), where we showcased cutting-edge innovations in 5G-Advanced and 6G communication technologies. The remarkable achievement of our supported startups, Provaya Technologies and Cablesmith, winning the 1st (Winner) and 1st runners-up positions respectively in the 5G/6G hackathon organized by the Department of Telecom, highlights our commitment to promoting innovation and driving India’s telecom sector forward.” Said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore.

About COMET Foundation

IIIT-B COMET Foundation, a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) funded through the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) program of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), operates under the aegis of the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B). Its core focus lies in the domain of Advanced Communication Systems, with an emphasis on translational research, entrepreneurial development, and skill-building.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), IT for Society, and broader fields of IT and research. Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bengaluru, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). IIIT-Bangalore secured the 74th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for the second consecutive year, 2024 reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The institute was ranked number 9 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations.

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students’ cognizant of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

For more information about IIIT-Bangalore, visit www.iiitb.ac.in

Tata Motors Wins Order To Supply 1000 Bus Chassis To Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced that it has received a prestigious order from the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to supply 1,000 units of the Tata LPO 1618 diesel bus chassis. The order was won by Tata Motors following a competitive e-bidding process conducted via the Government tendering process, and the bus chassis will be supplied in a phased manner as per mutually agreed terms.

This latest order follows the successful fulfilment of a similar, larger order of 1,350 bus chassis received last year, and which are currently running efficiently by the UPSRTC. Designed for safe intercity and long-distance travel, Tata LPO 1618 diesel bus chassis deliver superior performance and excellent passenger comfort with low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

On receiving the order, Mr. Anand S, Vice President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, "We are delighted to continue to partner UPSRTC in their efforts towards expanding and improving public transport. The Tata LPO 1618 bus chassis is engineered to deliver robust and reliable mobility with high uptime and low maintenance and operating costs. We look forward to commencing supplies as per the guidance of UPSRTC.”

Tata Motors has been at the forefront of delivering advanced buses and public transportation solutions to various cities and states across India. Thousands of these buses operate successfully on the country’s roads, connecting urban and rural areas, facilitating comfortable and efficient daily travel for millions of citizens.

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Park Hospital Saves 45-Year-Old Man From Complicated Diaphragmatic Hernia Through Advanced Robotic-Assisted Surgery

·         Most parts of the patient’s abdomen were pressed against the lung, making it difficult for the patient to breathe 

·         This surgery marks a milestone for the Hospital, which has performed 50 robotic-assisted surgeries within 50 days of installing the advanced robotic system

Park Hospital, one of the leading multi-specialty healthcare providers in the region, has successfully performed a complex robotic-assisted surgery to save a 45-year-old man from a complicated diaphragmatic hernia. The surgery, led by Dr. Anshuman Kaushal, Director of the Department of Minimal Access, Metabolic, Bariatric & Robotic Surgery, involved repairing a significant defect on the left side of the diaphragm, which measured around 8 by 10 centimetres, with the help of the advanced da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system.

This surgery marks a significant milestone for Park Hospital, which has successfully completed 50 robotic-assisted procedures, including bariatric, colorectal, and upper GI surgeries, within just 50 days of installing the advanced Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system. Park Hospital is committed to making robotic-assisted surgeries accessible and affordable, ensuring patients from various income groups can benefit from this cutting-edge technology.

The patient arrived at Park Hospital's emergency department with severe breathing difficulties and abdominal discomfort. A thorough evaluation revealed a life-threatening diaphragmatic hernia, where the abdominal organs pressed against the left lung, severely impairing its function. Given the complexity and location of the hernia, Dr. Anshuman Kaushal and his team chose to perform the procedure using robotic technology, which offered superior precision and control for repairing the defect.

Dr. Anshuman Kaushal shared his insights on the procedure, stating, “This was an extremely challenging case due to the large size of the hernia and the involvement of the thoracic cavity. We opted for robotic-assisted surgery because traditional open surgery would have posed significant risks, including larger incisions, longer recovery times, and more postoperative complications. Robotic-assisted surgery allowed us to safely reduce the herniated organs back into the abdominal cavity and repair the diaphragm with a large mesh, ensuring a stable closure. The precision and dexterity of robotic technology were instrumental in the success of this surgery.”

The patient underwent single-lung anaesthesia, carefully managed by the anaesthesiologist team, which enabled the procedure to be completed with minimal risk. The hernia contents were reduced, and a large mesh was placed on the diaphragm to prevent future complications.

“Thanks to the robotic-assisted approach, the patient experienced minimal postoperative pain, a faster recovery, and an early discharge from the hospital. He was moved out of the ICU just two days after surgery and discharged in excellent condition shortly after. During his follow-up visit, the patient showed significant improvement, with fully expanded lungs and a complete resolution of symptoms,” Dr. Kaushal added.  

Expressing his gratitude, the patient said, “I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Anshuman Kaushal and the Park Hospital team. Their expertise and care have given me a new lease on life, and I’m recovering much faster than I anticipated.”

While talking about the hospital’s mission to enhance patient access to advanced treatment options, Dr. Ankit Gupta, Co-Founder, Park group of hospitals said, “Our hospital is committed to helping patients from all walks of life by offering cutting-edge treatments, including robotic surgeries, at relatively affordable costs. The mission is to advance medical care through the latest technologies, ensuring that high-quality healthcare is accessible to everyone. As a part of that mission, we adopted one of the advanced robotic-assisted surgery technologies earlier this year, to provide cutting edge surgical solutions to the patients in this region. By prioritizing both technological advancement and compassionate service, we aim to redefine what is possible in healthcare.”