Schwing Stetter India Reinforces Commitment To Skill Development At The 59th Indo-German Chamber Of Commerce Annual Regional Meet

Schwing Stetter (India) Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading concreting equipment manufacturers, reaffirmed its commitment to industrial skilling and Indo-German cooperation as a partner at the 59th Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) Annual Regional Meet held in Chennai. The event marked a significant stride in strengthening Indo-German collaboration as MoUs focusing on skill development, MSME empowerment, and industrial capability building were formalized.

A major milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Gedee Technical Training Institute (GTTI), the Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), and a Section 8 Company comprising shareholders from IGCC and the German Business Group, Chennai.

This partnership aims to establish a dedicated Skill Development Centre at MEPZ, Tambaram, to deliver advanced technical training aligned with globally benchmarked German industrial standards. Schwing Stetter India is among the prominent industry supporters of this initiative, advocating for the development of high-quality technical talent required by the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

The ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Mr. VG Sakthikumar, Chairman and Managing Director, Schwing Stetter (India) Pvt. Ltd., who represented the company’s continued focus on vocational development and its commitment to strengthening Tamil Nadu’s industrial capabilities.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. VG Sakthikumar said: “We have strengthened our skilling efforts by signing MoUs across states such as Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Assam, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Through these initiatives, we have already enrolled more than 1,300 candidates. Our training programs cover key job roles. We continue to focus on building practical, industry-ready skills through our established training ecosystem, including our Centre of Excellence at our Global Manufacturing Hub in Cheyyar.”

The newly announced Skill Development Centre will initially focus on making trainees shop-floor ready through programs in CNC machining and digital manufacturing tools. Subsequent phases will introduce deeper specializations aligned with international certification frameworks, helping address the rising demand for high-precision engineering talent across the construction, concrete equipment, automotive, and heavy engineering industries, where Schwing Stetter plays a leadership role.

The event also witnessed the formal exchange of a Letter of Intent between IGCC and the Andhra Pradesh MSME Development Corporation to support MSME skill development and facilitate the rollout of German-standard technical training across the state.

About Schwing Stetter India Private Limited:
Incorporated in June 1998 and commencing its manufacturing operations in 1999, Schwing Stetter India is a 100% subsidiary of Schwing GmbH, a $1.30 billion German concreting machinery manufacturer. Schwing Stetter is a pioneer in manufacturing equipment for concrete preparation, placement, transportation, and recycling. Schwing Stetter (India) Private Limited manufactures concrete batching plants, concrete placing booms, concrete pumps, and concrete truck mixers for transporting ready-mix concrete to construction sites, as well as concrete truck mixers with concrete pumps, concrete recycling plants, plastering pumps, self-loading mixers, and sludge pumps.

Schwing Stetter (India) sells and services equipment such as concrete pavers, aerial working platforms, all-terrain cranes, cold milling machines, crawler cranes, excavators, horizontal directional drills, motor graders, rotary drilling rigs, tower cranes, truck cranes, and wheel loaders—our latest range of equipment launched recently.

We cater to the requirements of infrastructure developers and act as an OEM supplier to various cement companies offering ready-mix concrete. Schwing Stetter has its manufacturing units in 12 countries, including Germany, Austria, the USA, Brazil, Russia, Ostrava, the UK, and India, supported by sales and service centers in France, the Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden, as well as representations in more than 150 countries worldwide.

ABD Maestro Expands Presence At Ospree Duty Free, Mumbai With Its Super-Premium Portfolio

~ To work closely with Ospree Duty Free to strengthen its association in the rapidly growing travel retail business in India~

ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits brand company and a subsidiary of Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), with Bollywood icon Ranveer Singh as Co-Founder and Creative Partner announced a strategic collaboration with Ospree Duty Free.

ABD Maestro’s super-premium and luxury portfolio will now be available at the Mumbai International Airport, with plans to expand its presence in all Ospree Duty Free outlets in India. This expansion strengthens its association with one of India’s fastest-growing travel retail operators and forms a key pillar in ABD Maestro’s strategy to focus on closely engaging international travellers.

International travellers will now be able to experience a selection of ABD Maestro’s leading brands, including ARTHAUS Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, ZOYA Special Batch Gin, WOODBURNS Contemporary Indian Malt Whisky, and RUSSIAN STANDARD Vodka at the Mumbai International Airport. The collaboration enhances ABD Maestro’s visibility and presence at a sought-after consumer touchpoint with Ospree Duty Free offering travellers the opportunity to seek and discover the fine range of products.

Speaking on the association Spokesperson of Ospree Duty Free says “Duty-free retail in India is evolving rapidly, driven by consumers who are curious, informed, and open to explore than ever before. In alcobev, we are seeing strong momentum for premium spirits, and a growing equity for brands with authenticity. Our partnership with ABD Maestro aligns perfectly with these trends, allowing us to enhance our range and deliver a richer, engaging shopping experience across our airports.”

Bikram Basu, Managing Director, ABD Maestro, said: “ABD Maestro partnering Ospree Duty Free brings our super-luxury portfolio to international travellers across a few major airports in India, including Mumbai. Ospree Duty Free is very good at what they do, and it’s an important step in expanding our footprint within India’s fast growing travel retail ecosystem. We see clear opportunities to engage travellers seeking quality and premium experiences”.

This collaboration represents a supportive engagement by both ABD Maestro and Ospree Duty Free to elevate the premium spirits experience for international travellers, while championing exceptional Indian brands in high-potential markets.

About ABD Maestro Private Limited

ABD Maestro Private Limited is a new super-premium and luxury spirits brand company and a subsidiary of ABD. The brands which ABD Maestro is marketing currently include Arthaus Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Zoya Special Batch Gin and its flavours, Rangeela Contemporary Indian Vodka, Woodburns Contemporary Indian Malt Whisky, Pumori Small Batch Gin and Pink Gin, Segredo Aldeia Café and White Rums. Through its partnership with Roust Corporation, the company has introduced Russian Standard Vodka to India in three distinct segments: Original, Gold, and Platinum.

About Ospree Duty Free

Ospree Duty Free, previously Mumbai Duty Free, is a flagship brand under Mumbai Travel Retail Private Limited (MTRPL), India’s largest duty-free retail operator. Present in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram, Ospree Duty Free is a trusted hub for luxury shopping and exclusive offers across travel retail categories.

The Role Of Smoking And Environmental Factors In Lung Cancer Risk

Dr. R Shrikant Consultant Medical Oncologist HCG NMR Cancer Centre, Hubballi

Take a deep breath. Seems harmless, doesn’t it? Yet, with every breath, you might be inhaling something far more dangerous than you realize. From the smoke curling out of vehicle exhausts to the fine dust that hangs in the air, our environment today has quietly become one of the biggest threats to lung health. Lung cancer - once synonymous with smoking - is now being increasingly linked to something we can’t avoid: the air we breathe.

A Shift in the Lung Cancer Landscape

For decades, tobacco was the undisputed villain in the story of lung cancer. While it still remains the leading cause, the narrative is rapidly changing. Doctors are now seeing a growing number of non-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer, particularly in urban India. What’s driving this shift? The answer lies in the invisible mix of pollutants that has become part of our daily lives - fine particulate matter, vehicle fumes, construction dust, and even the smoke from household fuels.

Studies across India and Asia have revealed an alarming trend: exposure to polluted air can increase lung cancer risk by nearly 15–20%, even among non-smokers. The tiny particles known as PM2.5 - about 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair - can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream, damaging cells and triggering mutations that lead to cancer.

When the Environment Turns Toxic

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies outdoor air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen - the same category as tobacco smoke and asbestos. This means breathing polluted air daily is no longer just a respiratory concern; it’s a recognized cause of lung cancer. India ranks among the countries with the highest exposure levels. In cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Patna, PM2.5 concentrations often exceed safe limits by more than 10 times. But it’s not just a big-city problem - Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns are catching up fast due to unregulated construction, diesel engines, and burning of crop residue.

And it doesn’t stop outdoors. Indoor environments can be equally hazardous. In many Indian households, particularly in rural areas, cooking with wood, coal, or biomass fuels releases dense smoke that lingers in poorly ventilated kitchens. Prolonged exposure to this smoke has been linked to chronic lung diseases and, eventually, lung cancer - especially among women who spend hours near these stoves.

The Hidden Hazards: What Lies Beneath the Surface

Beyond air pollution, other environmental culprits lurk closer to home. One of them is radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps through soil and walls, accumulating indoors. Globally, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, and while awareness in India remains low, the risk is real in certain geographic regions. Then there’s occupational exposure - a risk many workers don’t even know they face. People employed in construction, mining, or factories dealing with asbestos, silica dust, or diesel fumes often inhale microscopic carcinogens daily. Without proper protective measures, these exposures build up over time, silently damaging lung tissue.

Why Non-Smokers aren’t safe anymore

One of the most startling medical findings of the last decade is the rise of adenocarcinoma, a subtype of lung cancer increasingly diagnosed in non-smokers, particularly younger individuals and women. This shift suggests that environmental and genetic factors are now playing a much larger role than before. Some people may have genetic vulnerabilities that make them more susceptible to environmental toxins. In such cases, even low levels of air pollution can trigger cellular changes that lead to cancer. Add to that lifestyle factors - poor diet, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress - and the risk only amplifies.

Every breath counts: What you can do

The growing link between air quality and lung cancer might seem overwhelming, but it’s not hopeless. Individual and collective actions can make a real difference.

Be aware of air quality: Monitor daily AQI (Air Quality Index) levels. On high-pollution days, limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed during peak traffic hours.

Improve indoor air: Use exhaust fans, air purifiers, or plants like peace lilies and spider plants that naturally filter air.

Switch to cleaner fuels: Opt for LPG or electric cooking options instead of biomass or coal.

Create smoke-free zones: Second-hand smoke exposure can be as dangerous as polluted air — enforce smoke-free homes and workplaces.

Protect at work: If your job involves exposure to dust or chemicals, use protective masks and ensure proper ventilation.

On a broader level, supporting clean energy policies, promoting public transport, and participating in tree-planting initiatives can collectively reduce the environmental burden. Cleaner air isn’t just about comfort - it’s about survival.

Breathing Toward a Safer Future

The story of lung cancer is no longer just about cigarettes; it’s about society’s relationship with its environment. Each factory that skips pollution checks, each burning landfill, and each neglected construction site adds invisible danger to our skies. But there’s hope. Awareness is rising, and cities are beginning to push for cleaner fuels and stricter emission norms. Individuals are taking charge of their air quality, both at home and outside. The change may be gradual, but it has begun.

Every breath you take is an investment in your future health. By understanding what’s in the air around you, and taking small, consistent steps to protect yourself - you’re not just surviving pollution; you’re choosing to outlive it.

Bandhan Mutual Fund Launches Two ETFs - Bandhan Gold ETF And Bandhan Silver ETF

Bandhan Mutual Fund announced the launch of the Bandhan Gold ETF and the Bandhan Silver ETF. These open-ended schemes will track the domestic prices of physical gold and silver, respectively. The New Fund Offers (NFOs) will open on Monday, 01 December 2025, and close on Wednesday, 03 December 2025. Investments in both the Bandhan Gold ETF and the Bandhan Silver ETF can be made through the platform of your choice: https://bandhanmutual.com/campaign/nfo/

Throughout history, gold and silver have offered investors both protection and opportunity, and that relevance is repeating today. Gold has once again emerged as a neutral store of value in a time of global uncertainty, providing relative stability when currencies weaken, or portfolios need diversification. Silver, meanwhile, is finding renewed importance, not only as a precious asset, but also as an industrial metal critical to future-focused sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and electronics. These ETFs aim to make it simpler for investors who wish to access gold or silver to do so in a smart, transparent, and efficient way.

Investors seeking to strengthen resilience and diversification in their portfolios may consider the Bandhan Gold ETF and Bandhan Silver ETF.

Isuzu Motors India Strengthens Network With New ASC In Gulbarga, Karnataka

Appoints SB Motors as its 7th touchpoint in Karnataka

Continuing its focus on strengthening after-sales support and enhancing customer accessibility, Isuzu Motors India has inaugurated a new authorised service centre operated by SB Motors in Gulbarga, Karnataka. Situated at Humnabad Road, Kapnoor, the facility spans 20,000 sq. ft. and is equipped with modern service infrastructure designed to deliver consistent and high-quality vehicle care.

The authorised service centre was inaugurated in the presence of senior officials from Isuzu Motors India along with representatives from SB Motors, marking an important step in expanding ISUZU’s service footprint in the region.

Mr. Toru Kishimoto, Deputy Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, commented on the occasion, “The inauguration of our new authorised service centre in Gulbarga marks another important step in strengthening ISUZU’s after-sales footprint across key markets. With an increasing customer base in Karnataka, it has become important for us to provide dependable, efficient, and customer-focused service support. Our association with SB Motors further underscores our dedication to offering world-class service quality that aligns with ISUZU’s global benchmarks.”

Mr. Sharanabasappa Bairappanur, Dealer Principal, SB Motors, stated, “We are pleased to partner with Isuzu Motors India to establish a dedicated authorised service centre in Gulbarga. The facility has been developed with a strong focus on infrastructure, trained manpower, and customer-centric processes. We remain committed to providing efficient and dependable service support while building long-term trust with ISUZU customers across the region.”

The service centre is equipped to offer a comprehensive range of services and support for ISUZU vehicles. Its strategic location enhances service accessibility for customers in Gulbarga and adjoining areas, further reinforcing company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

About Isuzu Motors India Pvt. Ltd.

Isuzu Motors India Private Limited (IMI), a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan, was established in August 2012. Headquartered in Chennai, the company sells the popular ISUZU D-MAX V-Cross – India’s First Lifestyle and Adventure Pick-up, the Hi-Lander - All-rounder Pick-up and the ISUZU mu-X, premium 7-seater SUV in the personal vehicle segment and variants of ISUZU D-MAX pick-ups – S-CAB, S-CAB Z and Regular Cab, for the commercial segment. ISUZU vehicles are known for their reliability and performance around the world. Recently, IMI launched its fully-built Ambulance model that meets AIS-125 Type C specs. Renowned the world-over, ISUZU vehicles are gaining huge significance in the Indian market as well, thanks to the ‘value proposition’ it offers the customers.

Isuzu Motors India manufactures these products at its modern manufacturing plant in Sri City, spread over an area of 107 acres in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The company began its manufacturing operations in April 2016, with strong focus on quality and commitment to Indian market. In February 2020, Isuzu Motors India commenced the start of its Phase-II operations with the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Press Shop facility and engine assembly plant.

IMI started export of its ‘Made-in-India’ vehicles and has emerged as the India’s top exporter of commercial vehicles (CVs) in FY2024-25, as per SIAM report. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Isuzu Motors India is committed to providing products and services of the highest level of quality to ensure customer delight. The company has dedicated dealer touch-points, conveniently located in 95 locations across the country. For more information on the company, and its products/services. www.isuzu.in

The Future Belongs To Those Who Harness Technology With Human Insights: Key Takeaways From 33rd Convocation At MAHE Bengaluru

On the first day of the convocation, 746 students were awarded degrees.

A total of 12 received their PhD degrees today

Gold medals were awarded to 3 students across various streams.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, concluded the first day of its 33rd Convocation celebrations at the MAHE Bengaluru campus on Saturday. The ceremony highlighted MAHE’s strong commitment to developing graduates equipped for an AI-driven world, fostering innovation, academic rigor, and excellence across diverse fields. A total of 746 students received their degrees, including 12 PhD awardees, and 3 outstanding students were honoured with the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal for their exceptional academic achievements.

The ceremony began with MAHE Pro Chancellor Dr. H S Ballal declaring the convocation open followed by a warm welcome from Dr. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro-Vice Chancellor - MLHS and MAHE Bengaluru. He congratulated the graduates and emphasized the vital role of parents, calling them the true investors and pillars of every student’s success. He urged students to honour their parents’ trust and share their achievements as they step into the world.

Delivering the convocation address, Chief Guest Ms. Rajkamal Vempati, Group Executive and Head of Human Resources at Axis Bank, noted that today’s graduates are entering an unpredictable world increasingly defined by AI. Career paths are no longer linear, and the first job may challenge everything learned from textbooks. Yet these uncertainties are exactly where real learning begins. In a time when machines can write faster, summarise instantly, and automate tasks once seen as uniquely human, she reminded graduates that their strongest abilities remain human. “Machines learn from data; human beings learn from friction,” she said, underscoring that AI cannot sense hesitation, ask “why,” or make judgment calls. The future, she noted, belongs to those who use technology as an enabler while bringing curiosity, clarity, and critical thinking to all they do.

This focus on embracing the future aligns seamlessly with the transformative vision of Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, who outlined a bold roadmap to strengthen the academic and research ecosystem at MAHE Bengaluru. The key upcoming initiatives include a 7-qubits Quantum Computing Facility, an I-Factory for smart manufacturing, a Humanoid Lab for robotics and AI, and a 6G testbed for next-generation communication. The Manipal University Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI) will also open a satellite center in Bengaluru to support startups and technology incubation. The Academic expansion will continue through new dual-degree, joint-degree, and pathway programs with leading international universities, along with an AI-based consultancy center to drive industry collaboration and applied research.

Continuing its focus on academic excellence and innovation, the ceremony celebrated outstanding individual achievements. Rianna Chattopadhyay (Bachelor of Design, SMI), Mohnishraja K (LL.M. in Data Privacy and IT, MLS), and Dibyabha Deb (Electronics and Communication Engineering, MIT) were awarded the prestigious Dr. T.M.A. Pai Gold Medal 2025 in recognition of their exceptional academic performance.

The gold medalists expressed heartfelt gratitude, describing it as the culmination of guidance and mentorship at MAHE Bengaluru. It reflected lessons learned beyond textbooks and the patient guidance of professors who fostered critical thinking and meaningful impact. For them the achievement symbolizes not just academic excellence, but the shaping of a professional mindset and approach to creating real-world value.

The first day of the convocation at MAHE Bengaluru not only celebrated academic achievements but also highlighted the institution’s commitment to preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving world. With a strong foundation in innovation, research, and critical thinking, MAHE continues to empower its students to navigate uncertainties, embrace emerging technologies, and contribute meaningfully to society. As the graduates’ step into the future, they carry forward not just degrees, but the vision, resilience, and skills cultivated at MAHE, ready to make a lasting impact in their fields and in the world.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus life.

EntrepreNaari Mela 2.0 To Debut In Bengaluru: A Two-Day Celebration Of Women-Led Businesses, Innovation And Impact

Bengaluru, the innovation capital of India, is set to host EntrepreNaari Mela 2.0 for the very first time. The powerful celebration of entrepreneurship, creativity and economic empowerment led by women will take place on December 3 and 4, 2025 at KTPO Ground, Whitefield, organised by Aspire For Her in partnership with Navya Naveli Nanda's Project Naveli.

This edition, taking place alongside the prestigious Grace Hopper Celebration India 2025, brings together close to 70+ women-led brands from across India presenting fashion, lifestyle, artisanal crafts, wellness, gourmet food, home decor and creative retail. With the call to action "Shop. Support. Uplift.", the event urges Bengaluru to shop with intent and directly enable the growth of women-owned small and medium enterprises. Many participating entrepreneurs come from diverse states, small towns and rural communities, building ventures that generate livelihoods and fuel economic progress.

A festival of ambition and community power

EntrepreNaari Mela 2.0 is not just a marketplace. It is a movement to create visibility, revenue and real business opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Each stall represents years of determination, innovation and resilience.

The festival will feature:

● DESH, a fashion showcase presented with Shobitam, with EntrepreNaaris walking the ramp, celebrating heritage Indian weaves and the rural women artisans who create them

● Celebrity appearances by Navya Naveli Nanda, popular comedian-creator Aiyyo Shraddha and many more artists

● Shopping zones, curated food experiences, live entertainment, workshops and cultural showcases

● A felicitation ceremony honouring EntrepreNaaris and leaders who have powered the community

● Celebrating MillioNaari, marking Aspire For Her’s milestone of building a 1 million strong community of women recognising the women and allies for their tireless contribution to India’s women-in-workforce movement.

● Smt. Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Hon’ble Minister for Women & Child Development, Government of Karnataka, will be gracing the Grace Hopper Celebration India 2025 and also attending the vibrant EntrepreNaari Mela 2.0 to meet and interact with the EntrepreNaaris.

Enabling India’s women entrepreneurs to rise

Through the EntrepreNaari initiative, Aspire For Her provides:

● Free mentorship and expert business guidance

● Business learning programs and resource support

● Access to a strong peer community

● Sales and visibility opportunities through ShopEntrepreNaari and nationwide pop-ups

● Corporate and marketplace access through curated business events

The platform continues to scale rapidly, powered by collective support and belief in economic equality through entrepreneurship.

Leadership voice

Madhura DasGupta Sinha, Founder and CEO, Aspire For Her, who has already added 1 million women to the workforce since the birth of the movement in March 2020, is now set on the next goal of adding 10 million women to the workforce by 2030. She says: "One million dreams, unlocked. But the work does not stop here. We need to be their loudest cheerleaders. That is why Aspire For Her is bringing the EntrepreNaari Mela 2.0 to Bangalore. Do not just congratulate us. Join us. Come support with your wallet and let us show every woman entrepreneur that she has a whole community behind her."

Navya Naveli Nanda, Founder, Project Naveli, says: “EntrepreNaari Mela is not just an event, it is a testament to the power of women coming together with purpose and passion. This platform is designed to celebrate the dreams of women entrepreneurs, amplify their journeys, and give them the visibility they deserve. Every stall here tells a story of determination, and every visitor becomes a part of that story. Bengaluru has always been a city that nurtures innovation and heart, and we are delighted to bring the second edition of this mela to such a forward-thinking community.”

Event and ticket details

Date: December 3 and 4, 2025 Time: 12 PM to 9 PM Venue: KTPO Ground, Whitefield, Bengaluru Tickets: Rs 199 on District and at the venue Free entry for children below 5 years.