Motherhood Hospitals And KidsChaupal Join Hands For A Fun-Filled “Children's Carnival”

Motherhood Hospitals, a leading chain of women and children's healthcare with 21 hospitals and 3 clinics across 11 cities, is thrilled to announce its partnership with KidsChaupal, a phygital edutech platform, and Asia Pacific World School (APWS) as the knowledge partner for the upcoming Motherhood Children's Carnival. Set for November 30, 2024, at the NIMHANS Convention Centre in Bangalore, this vibrant event promises a day filled with fun, learning, and creativity for children aged 3 to 18. The carnival will have “Colorothon”, a massive drawing and painting competition where children’s artworks will contribute to the world’s largest painting exhibition, displaying over 15,000 pieces in a single showcase.

Motherhood Hospitals’ commitment to supporting the health and well-being of children and families aligns perfectly with this event. By participating, Motherhood aims to create a space that nurtures children’s creativity, learning, and holistic development through engaging activities.

The carnival will feature a range of exciting activities and competitions, including:

AAYAAM – A dynamic showcase of dance performances by talented young dancers from top schools and societies in Bengaluru for Grand Finale.

ANDAAZ – A captivating theatre performance spotlighting the dramatic skills of gifted children for Grand Finale.

Momentum Dance Competition – Featuring both digital and physical auditions from across Bengaluru.

Pre-registration is mandatory for all activities, with participants receiving certificates recognized by Exclusive World Records. Winners in each competition will be awarded attractive cash prizes & goodies. Registration links for Colorothon and Momentum can be found here:

Colorothon Registration : -https://kidschaupal.page.link/PJv7VVpCzYoAmFTa7

Momentum Registration: https://kidschaupal.page.link/ToAStqjos9V3qytS7

Come celebrate the magic in every game, every smile, and every friendship made. Let’s create memories that last a lifetime! Walkin to a day brimming with fun, laughter, and a million little moments. From entertaining mascots, thrilling games, and delicious food stalls to mesmerizing magic shows and exciting events.

CDPG Announces Operational Availability Of Integrated Geospatial Data-sharing Interface - ‘GDI’

- The Initiative is Set to Revolutionising Data Sharing in the Geospatial domain -

The Centre for Data for Public Good (CDPG), FSID, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (IISc), is thrilled to announce the operational availability of  its groundbreaking initiative – Integrated Geospatial Data-sharing Interface (GDI). GDI is aimed at harnessing the power of geospatial intelligence to address critical challenges and empower communities across India. The platform has been developed in partnership with the Survey of India (SoI) and is funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (DST). 

GDI is a key component of launched Operation Dronagiri, the pilot phase of the National Geospatial Policy 2022, aimed at revolutionising geospatial data accessibility and utility in India. Operation Dronagiri was recently launched by the Geospatial Data Promotion & Development Committee (GDPDC).

The GDI platform is a dynamic, federated system designed to enable seamless data sharing, access, and analysis across sectors such as urban planning, environmental conservation, disaster response, and more. With robust privacy-preserving tools and advanced data exchange protocols, GDI fosters responsible collaboration, empowering organisations to drive impactful decisions.

By facilitating seamless data exchange, GDI enables startups, large enterprises, and research institutions to address pressing challenges, such as improving agricultural practices, enhancing supply chain logistics, and creating new livelihood opportunities, particularly for rural artisans and women.

Key Features of GDI:

·        A federated platform adhering to global geospatial standards like OGC and STAC.

·        Data contributions from leading organisations, including Survey of India, NRSC-ISRO, Geological SoI, Forest Survey of India, Indian Meteorological Department, ICAR, and more.

·        User-focused design encouraging feedback for continuous improvement and dataset expansion.

Commenting on this, Prof. Inder Gopal, Chairman of CDPG and Research Professor at IISc, emphasised, “GDI represents a paradigm shift in how geospatial data can drive meaningful impact across sectors. This initiative aligns with the National Geospatial Policy 2022, ensuring that India's geospatial resources are accessible, actionable, and impactful.”

Collaborative Vision for the Future

GDI also marks the beginning of a collaborative journey. Users, researchers, and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the platform, provide feedback, and propose new use cases to maximise its potential.

Commenting about the availability of the platform Dr. Anand Lakshmanan, Founder & CEO, Sirpi Products and Services Private Limited said, “At Sirpi, we leverage the GDI platform to develop and explore potential solutions for the energy sector. Granular maps and associated spatial data, which were previously siloed, are now accessible through simple, secure APIs. This significantly reduces the time required to move from concept to MVP as we explore additional domains for business expansion based on new client requests.”

“We are thrilled about the potential of the GDI to harness the power of technology to revolutionize disaster management. By integrating diverse datasets, the GDI helps us to create impact assessment, response efforts, and improve predictive capabilities”, said Vignesh Kandasamy, Founder, Thazhal Geospatial Analytics. 

Access the GDI platform here: https://catalogue.geospatial.org.in/

About GDI:

The Integrated Geospatial Data-sharing Interface (GDI) is a pioneering initiative by the Centre for Data for Public Good (CDPG) at IISc Bengaluru, developed under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. It is supported by FSID and a network of national agencies, enabling innovative solutions to India's critical challenges through integrated geospatial data

HGH India Explores South India With Its 16th Edition In Bengaluru From 3rd – 6th Dec 2024 At BIEC

HGH India, a well-established bi-annual trade show for home textiles, home décor, home furniture, houseware & gifts, is exploring South India for the first time by hosting its 16th edition in Bengaluru. The show is slated to take place from 3rd to 6th December 2024 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

Mr. Arun Roongta, Managing Director, HGH India, said, “It is a conscious decision to host the 16th edition in Bengaluru this year. With 20% of the country’s population and a 35% contribution to the GDP, South India is emerging as an important hub for manufacturing and service industries like IT. Its per capita income is about 50% higher than the five North Indian states, giving it much higher purchasing power. This also makes South India one of the most promising and underexplored markets for home products. The demand for home textiles, home décor, home furniture, houseware & gifts in these states is growing faster than in other parts of India.”

The region's market is bolstered by urbanization, a growing middle class, and a shift towards aesthetic living spaces. Key areas like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin and Vijayawada are experiencing substantial growth due to higher economic activity and a strong demand for contemporary home products. South India has a robust presence of leading furnishing brands and retailers. The demand for various home décor and houseware products, including furniture,  rugs, decorative accessories, cookware, tableware and kitchen appliances, is driven by consumer preferences for both traditional and modern design elements.

16th HGH India highlights:

Bergner India's New Launch - The European cookware and kitchen appliance brand, Bergner India, is set to unveil a new product in its cookware line at HGH India, especially for South Indian cooking.  With this the brand proposes to take South Indian cookware to the national market.

Repeat Exhibitors Returning - Many well-known brands are returning to showcase their products, including Micro Cotton from Sharadha Terry, a leading home textiles company in South India, along with PAN Overseas, Furnitech, TTK Prestige, Hawkins, United Ekta and others.

New and Diverse Exhibitors - The event will feature 200 exhibitors from across the globe, including Italy and Turkey, as well as 40-50 new exhibitors from various regions of India, such as Moradabad, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Malappuram, a prominent furniture manufacturing hub in Kerala.

World of Sleep (WOS) Conference – HGH India, with the support of Indian Sleep Products Federation (ISPF), will host a conference  on the topic “Evolving Indian Sleep Market: The Way Forward” to sensitize the industry on World of Sleep concept and the opportunities it offers. The session scheduled on December 4th (Day 2) will include panel discussions and presentations focusing useful for the industry and trade in this sector.

Panel Discussion on Houseware Trends - A dedicated panel discussion will feature industry leaders who will explore the latest trends in the houseware segment, emphasizing its growing importance in the HOME category.

Sustainability Pavilion - In partnership with Manipal Advertising, HGH India will present a Sustainability Pavilion, showcasing eco-friendly living choices and sustainable home products from 6-8 exhibitors.

Government Support - HGH India continues to receive support from Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of MSME, Government of India; Government of Haryana, and Government of Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, exhibitors supported by the Development Commissioner Handlooms and Development Commissioner Handicrafts will present traditional Indian art, including bamboo handicrafts and exhibitors from the North East.

Indian Heritage Pavilion - The Indian Heritage Pavilion will feature National Award winning artisans showcasing traditional Indian art forms passed down through generations. Highlights include Sanjhi Paper Art from Alwar, Kaavi Art from Udupi, Mysore Painting, and Channapatana wooden toys, renowned for their craftsmanship.

16th edition of HGH India promises a rich blend of innovation, tradition, and sustainable initiatives, catering to a wide spectrum of exhibitors and visitors alike.

The venue, Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), is well-connected to the city via the Namma Metro network, making it accessible and convenient for visitors. Metro connectivity to BIEC: With the newly functional Madavara metro station, it is convenient to now reach BIEC as the station is right at the entrance of BIEC.

Veranda K-12 Announces The Shortlisting Of Top-25 Entries For The Nationals Of Avinya

* Grand Finale To Be Held On December 7 At IIIT-Bangalore

Veranda K-12, part of Veranda Learning Solutions, announced the shortlisting of the top 25 entries for the Nationals of Avinya, a nation-wide initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of young innovators. These exceptional students will compete in the Grand Finale on December 7, 2024, at IIIT-Bangalore, where their ground-breaking ideas will take centre-stage.

Avinya: A Hub for Young Innovators

Avinya is a platform designed to empower students from Grades 8 to 12 across India to tackle real-world challenges through innovative ideas aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative aimed to reach over 100 cities and towns, inspiring over 1 lakh young learners to think creatively and contribute towards a sustainable future.

Speaking about the program, Mr. Suresh Kalpathi, Executive Director and Chairman of Veranda Learning Solutions, said: “Avinya is not just a competition; it’s a movement to instil innovation and sustainability in the minds of our youth. These young minds hold the key to a better future, and it is heartening to see their creativity shaping solutions to global challenges."

The Grand Finale is being hosted in collaboration with IIIT-Bangalore, a premier technology, research and innovation institute in India. Speaking about the partnership, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said: “At IIIT-Bangalore, we are committed to cultivating a culture of innovation from an early stage. Our partnership with Veranda K-12 for the Avinya initiative has been both inspiring and impactful, as it resonates deeply with our mission to empower young minds to think critically, innovate boldly, and address global challenges with creativity and purpose. Together, we aim to shape the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow, equipping them to make meaningful contributions to society."

Journey to the Nationals

Avinya received an overwhelming response with over 350 ideas submitted from 14 cities and towns. Shortlisted entries went through a rigorous selection process conducted in collaboration with host schools and online platforms.

Physical evaluations were held at:

The Millennium School, Lucknow

The Khaitan School, Noida

BVM Global School, Chennai

Vista International, Hyderabad

BVM Global School, Coimbatore

Khaitan Public School, Ghaziabad

Shishya BEML School, Bengaluru

BVM Global School, Bengaluru

Meanwhile, ideas from Jaipur, Kolkata, Pune, Indore, Trichy, Chandigarh, and Anantnag were evaluated online.

Preparing for the Grand Finale

The top-25 finalists have already undergone two online masterclasses, and a Bootcamp will be held on December 6th, 2024, at IIIT-Bangalore. This session will feature experts from the innovation ecosystem and young entrepreneurs sharing insights into ideation, implementation, and the nuances of building a successful start-up.

Exciting Grand Finale Details

The Grand Finale on December 7th, 2024, will see these young innovators presenting their ideas to an esteemed panel, including:

Mr. Bhavin Shah, Director & CEO, Education World

Mr. Prateek Madhav, Co-founder & CEO, AssisTech Foundation

Ms. Gayatri Chauhan, Founder & CEO, BuzzOnEarth

Mr. Rajesh Pankaj, Chief Program Officer, Veranda Learning Solutions

The event will also feature:

Guest of Honour: Mr. Suresh Kalpathi, Executive Director & Chairman, Veranda Learning Solutions

Chief Guest (Inauguration Ceremony): Mr. Sunil Acharya, India & South Asia Lead, Amazon Web Services

Chief Guest (Awards Ceremony): Prof. Chandrashekar Ramanathan, Dean of Academics, IIIT-Bangalore

A Vision for the Future

Mr. Subramanyam Kantheti, CEO of Veranda K-12, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

"Avinya is a platform to empower young minds to dream big and think innovatively. Collaborating with IIIT-Bangalore ensures these ideas are fine-tuned with world-class mentorship and expertise, paving the way for future changemakers."

For more information, visit www.verandak12.com/avinya. 

Setting New Standards In Women’s Safety For Bus Travel Across India

Ensuring safe travel for women remains a critical priority in India, especially for those journeying alone. From bustling metropolitan areas like Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai to growing cities such as Bhopal and Agra, many women continue to express concerns about their safety while traveling. This is particularly evident during intercity journeys, highlighting the urgent need for transportation options that prioritize passenger security.

Recognizing this need, NueGo, a leader in the intercity bus travel sector, is placing women's safety at the forefront of its mission. Operating across more than 150 cities in India, NueGo is revolutionizing the travel experience for women by implementing an extensive range of safety measures, including a 24/7 dedicated women's helpline (1800 267 3366), high-definition CCTV surveillance, real-time GPS tracking, and mandatory driver Breathalyzer tests. NueGo’s staff undergo rigorous training, and its Driver Monitoring System ensures accountability and safety. Reserved seating for women is also available, featuring the PINK seat option, where female passengers are seated exclusively next to other women for added comfort. The buses offer clean and hygienic mid-point stops, supported by a 24x7 Command Control Centre, empowering women to travel with confidence.

NueGo's marketing campaigns emphasize women’s safety, empowerment, and an enhanced guest experience. The #UnloadYourWorries campaign highlights NueGo’s dedication to addressing women’s safety concerns through its comprehensive safety measures. The 'Breaking Barriers with NueGo' campaign on National Girl Child Day celebrated the achievements of women coach captains and cabin hosts, challenging stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated roles. NueGo has also undertaken guest-centric campaigns, including sports collaborations with the Haryana Steelers Kabaddi team and Delhi Capitals, movie tie-ups offering travel discounts, and services like fares starting from ?499 with food boxes on select routes—all designed to enhance the travel experience, promote gender equality, and build emotional connections with its guests.

By addressing the long-standing challenges faced by women travelers, NueGo is promoting greater mobility and independence for women across the country. As the company continues to expand its services, it sets a powerful example for the transportation industry, proving that safe and comfortable travel for women is both possible and essential for building a more inclusive society.

DPIIT, WinZO Sign MoU To Propel India’s Interactive Entertainment Ecosystem

* DPIIT signed a two year long MoU with WinZO to support over 2,000 interactive entertainment startups, students, influencers through mentorship, workshops, hackathons, and accelerator programs, aiming to grow India’s global share in the $300 billion global gaming market.

* The Center of Excellence (CoE), to be established by WinZO in partnership with DPIIT as part of this MoU, will foster a high-skilled, industry-ready workforce that aligns with PM Modi’s vision for fostering the growth of startups in online gaming. It will help enhance India's presence in the global market, further foster innovation in monetization of Indian gaming assets, develop 'Made in India' intellectual property for export, and drive growth in FDI.

In a landmark development poised to redefine India’s position in the global gaming industry, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has entered into a strategic partnership with WinZO, India’s largest social gaming and interactive entertainment platform. The two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to accelerate the growth of India’s interactive entertainment sector by fostering innovation, creating skilled talent, and scaling startups to compete on a global stage.

This first-of-its-kind collaboration will focus on building a robust ecosystem of over 2,000 startups, innovators, and students, providing them with mentorship, industry insights, and access to global opportunities. By aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat in gaming and technology, this initiative seeks to establish India as a global leader in interactive entertainment, capturing a significant share of the $300 billion global gaming market.

Central to this partnership is the establishment of a Center of Excellence (CoE) by WinZO, in collaboration with DPIIT. The CoE will serve as a launchpad for startups and entrepreneurs, focusing on critical aspects such as building a skilled, industry-ready workforce, innovating monetization strategies for Indian gaming assets, developing ‘Made in India’ intellectual property for global markets of world-class quality, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and driving manufacturing of interactive technology products in India. By addressing long-standing challenges such as monetization and talent gaps, the CoE will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s gaming and interactive entertainment industry.

According to a recent USISPF report, India’s interactive entertainment sector is projected to grow to $60 billion by 2034, creating over 2 million jobs. The DPIIT-WinZO partnership is designed to harness this potential by nurturing startups through hackathons, workshops, accelerator programs, and curated pitch events.

Additionally, the MoU will expand WinZO’s flagship Tech Triumph Program (Bharat Edition), a platform for identifying and mentoring India’s top game developers. This program has already showcased India’s gaming talent at global forums such as the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and Gamescom LATAM, and will now scale its impact through DPIIT’s support.

Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, added, “This partnership is a significant milestone in harnessing India’s potential as a producer and exporter. Through our collaboration with WinZO, we aim to foster innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and empower startups to manufacture products of global standards. This initiative aligns with our vision of making India a leader in interactive technology, contributing meaningfully to PM Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India.”

The MoU also focuses on bridging the talent gap in the sector by equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills in coding, animation, game design, and development. The CoE will provide startups with opportunities to access WinZO’s $50 million fund for interactive entertainment ventures, mentorship from industry leaders, and direct connections with investors.

Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director (Startup India), DPIIT, emphasized, “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to building a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs by collaborating with the Industry partners. By providing resources, mentorship, and global exposure, we are not just creating startups but building a pipeline of talent and innovation that will place India at the forefront of the global gaming industry.”

Saumya Singh Rathore, Co-Founder of WinZO, said, “We are honored to partner with DPIIT, which has been a cornerstone in empowering entrepreneurs like us to dream, build, and scale from India to the world. This MoU is a transformative step toward creating an ecosystem that not only fosters innovation for India but also positions Indian products and intellectual property on the global stage. By fueling foreign direct investment, nurturing world-class talent, and driving the creation of future-ready IP, we are building the foundation for a new era of interactive entertainment. Inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call during the Startup Mahakumbh, we see this as our pledge to shape India into a global leader in gaming and technology innovation.”

Bangalore Consumers Show Strong Preference For Traditional As Well As Modern Value-Added Dairy Products: Godrej Jersey’s Milk Report

~Products like Curd at 83% and Ghee at 77% top the list

As India observes National Milk Day, Godrej Jersey's Milk Report reveals Bangalore’s strong preference not only for Milk but also for traditional as well as modern value-added dairy products.

Traditional dairy products dominate the Bangalore market, with Curd emerging as the most preferred product at 83%, followed   by Ghee at 77% .The data further shows that Bangalore’s strong connection to traditional dairy continues with Butter at 75% and Paneer at 65% consumer preference. Modern dairy variants are gaining acceptance too, with 52% of consumers incorporating yogurt into their diet and 59% expressing interest in flavored milk options.

Titled ‘Bottoms Up…India Says Cheers to Milk!’ the comprehensive study covering consumer responses from Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, provides valuable insights into evolving consumer preferences and industry trends. Beyond understanding the preference towards dairy and dairy based products, the survey also tried understanding the quality preference and willingness to pay for farm-to-home premium milk.

Commenting on the distinct dairy preferences, Bhupendra Suri, CEO, Godrej Jersey said, “Indian consumers exhibit a unique blend of traditional preferences and openness to modern dairy options. From established favorites like curd, paneer and ghee, to emerging choices like yogurt and flavored milk, today’s dairy consumers are mindful of the quality and nutritional value in their selections. As India's dairy industry continues to grow and evolve, Godrej Jersey remains committed to understanding consumer preferences and delivering products that meet these evolving needs.”

India’s broader dairy landscape also shows a clear emphasis on quality. According to the report, over half of Indian consumers 54% prioritize milk quality when purchasing dairy products, with 59% of Bangalore consumers ranking it as a top priority. This growing awareness of unadulteration signifies a willingness among consumers to pay a premium for safe and superior dairy products.

The survey was designed and conducted by YouGov. Creamline Dairy Products Limited, a subsidiary of Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL), a diversified food and agri-business conglomerate of Godrej Group sells the products under the brand name Godrej Jersey.

By championing quality and transparency, Godrej Jersey continues to contribute to the growth and development of India’s dairy landscape. The company’s programs on integrated animal husbandry, and sustainable farming enable farmers to enhance their income levels by adopting best practices in Dairy farming.

About Godrej Agrovet

Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) is a diversified, Research & Development focused food and agri-business conglomerate, dedicated to improving the productivity of Indian farmers by innovating products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields. GAVL holds leading market positions in the different businesses it operates - Animal Feed, Crop Protection, Oil Palm, Dairy, Poultry and Processed Foods. GAVL has a pan India presence with sales of over a million tons annually of high-quality animal feed. Our teams have worked closely with Indian farmers to develop large Oil Palm Plantations, which is helping in bridging the demand and supply gap of edible oil in India. In the crop protection segment, the Company has strong presence in the B2B segment through its subsidiary Astec Lifesciences and through its extensive distribution, network pan-India delivers innovative agrochemical offerings catering to the entire crop life cycles. In Dairy, Poultry, and Processed Foods, the company operates through its subsidiaries Creamline Dairy Products Limited and Godrej Tyson Foods Limited. Apart from this, GAVL also has a joint venture with the ACI group of Bangladesh for animal feed business in Bangladesh.

For more information on the company, log on to www.godrejagrovet.com.