Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program Awards INR 3.38 Crore to 783 Students
New Delhi | February 20, 2025: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), proudly announces the disbursement of scholarships worth INR 3.38 crore under its Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program. Launched in August 2024, the program carefully reviewed all applications from 23 states across the country and is now awarding scholarships to 783 talented and deserving students from underprivileged socio economic backgrounds. These young minds include 440 aspirants preparing for the Union and State Civil Services examinations and the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), along with 343 students representing 100 differentteams from various Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campuses, working on innovative projects with potential impact on society and environment.
The scholarships were awarded by Shri. Kiren Rijiju, Honorable Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Government of India, in the presence of Mr. Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, Trustee – HMIF, Mr. Jeongick Lee, Function Head – Corporate Affairs, HMIL, and Mr. Puneet Anand, Vertical Head – Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL.
Commenting on the significance of the Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program, Shri. Kiren Rijiju, Honorable Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Government of India, said, “The Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program is a commendable initiative by Hyundai Motor India Foundation, reflecting its deep commitment to the progress of our nation. By supporting underprivileged yet talented students, this program goes beyond providing financial aid, well towards enriching lives, nurturing ambition and empowering young changemakers. Education and technological advancements are key to India’s growth, and initiatives like this help build a skilled and self-reliant nation.”
Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, Trustee – HMIF, said, “Aligned with Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ the Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program is nurturing future policy makers, innovators, and nation builders, creating a ripple effect, impacting not just these talented students and their families, but humanity at large. The project supports underprivileged yet meritorious students to turn This document is protected as Hyundai Motor’s intellectual property under relevant laws and regulations their dreams into reality, shaping a brighter future for themselves and the nation. Through Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program, we aim to level the playing field and empower the next generation of leaders in India contributing to our nation’s social and economic progress.”
The Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program is implemented by BharatCares on behalf of Hyundai Motor India Foundation.
Mappls App Breaks Language Barriers, Now in 9 Regional Languages
New Delhi, 20 February 2025: Marking its 30-year milestone, Mappls MapmyIndia, India’s leading digital maps, IoT, and deep-tech company, has launched another groundbreaking initiative with Indic language maps & navigation support for 9 regional languages on its flagship Mappls App, accessible to all it’s 30mn+ app users and counting. The feature was launched by Surveyor General of India, Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, IAS at an event held at India International Center, New Delhi. This initiative reinforces Mappls’ commitment to inclusivity, making map and navigation seamless and accessible to all Indians, in their native languages and the company expects to further increase its user base with a slew of such India-centric features.
Users can have a fully native language experience with maps, search, turn-by-turn navigation and voice guidance in 9 Indian languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Gujarati – across the entire country. All 9 languages are available for the entire country and not just for the state/region, meaning a user in one state can read the map in their native language, travel to another state and continue to interact with the map in their native language.
This feature is one amongst a series of India-first features that have contributed to the app gaining 30m+ users in a short period. Other popular features that users rely on include Junction Views (for better, safer guidance, particularly around flyovers in 3D mode), traffic monitoring alerts, speed breakers, trip cost estimates, Mappls Pin and many more.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, IAS, Surveyor General of India stated “I commend MapmyIndia for taking up this great initiative which is a strong example of ease of use of geospatial for the common man for their everyday needs. This also serves as the national digital infrastructure for location-based technology.”
Further, Mr. Rakesh Verma, Co-Founder & CMD, MapmyIndia, added, “India’s rich linguistic diversity is a strength, and at MapmyIndia, we believe in empowering every Indian with technology that speaks their language. With a fully native Indic-language experience in our Swadeshi Mappls App, we are taking a giant leap toward making navigation more inclusive. This initiative aligns with our vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Sarvottam Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, for India, and for the World.’
“With over 700 million smartphones in India, accessing navigation in their native language is essential. The Mappls App will feel as familiar as a local newspaper, ensuring seamless understanding and accessibility.”
This launch also marks a first for iOS users in India, as Mappls App becomes the only navigation platform to offer maps, search & turn-by-turn guidance in 9 Indic languages—a feature unavailable on other map apps.
Key Features of the Initiative:
- Multi-Language Support: Easily switch between Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Punjabi, English, Telugu, and Marathi for a personalized experience anywhere in the country.
- Voice Navigation: Get turn-by-turn voice guidance in all supported languages, ensuring safe, hands-free navigation in your favourite language.
- Localized Search: Find addresses, points of interest, and businesses in your preferred language, enhancing search convenience and accuracy.
The Mappls App is built on MapmyIndia’s industry-leading digital maps, covering:
- 99.9% of India’s road network encompassing 6.6 million kms
- 30 million+ businesses
- 550 million geo-referenced images
- 7,900+ towns and 637,000+ villages covered
Beyond traditional 2D maps, MapmyIndia is innovating with 3D landmarks, terrain models, 4D real-time updates, HD high-accuracy maps, and RealView 360-degree geo-tagged panoramas, continually enhancing its AI-powered Digital Metaverse Twin of the Real World.
With this launch, MapmyIndia reaffirms its leadership in digital mapping and navigation by prioritizing India’s diverse linguistic landscape. By integrating technology with cultural and linguistic inclusivity, Mappls App ensures that every Indian, regardless of their native tongue, can navigate the country with ease and confidence.
SIMSREE Launches M.Sc. Finance with FPSB India as Knowledge Partner
Mumbai, February 20, 2025 – Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE) launches the M.Sc. Finance degree program. Knowledge Partner is FPSB India that awards globally recognized CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) Certification.
This M.Sc. Finance degree program full-time, two-year course opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, including roles in financial planning, portfolio management, investment analysis, wealth management, and corporate finance to name a few, in both domestic and international markets. Graduates will benefit from lucrative job prospects and entrepreneurial opportunities. FPSB India, as a knowledge partner, will facilitate the integration of CFP® certifications into the academic journey of M.Sc. Finance students, enabling them to earn this prestigious credential alongside their degree, and join the network of 3,215 CFP professionals in India and more than 230,648 CFP professionals worldwide. With an impressive 17.7% growth rate, India is one of the fastest-growing markets for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) professionals in the world.
Key Features of the Program:
- Forward-thinking curriculum to develop expertise in financial planning, portfolio management, investment analysis, and tax planning
- Summer internships and live projects providing hands-on industry experience.
- Guidance by renowned faculty and mentoring from industry leaders.
- Access to global career pathways, leveraging the prestigious CFP® certification.
Speaking on becoming the Knowledge Partner for the M.Sc. Finance program of prestigious B-School SIMSREE, Krishan Mishra, CEO, FPSB India, said: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in developing a workforce equipped with both the technical expertise and professional ethics required in today’s financial services sector. With the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification enabled into the program, students will not only gain academic excellence but also a globally recognized professional credential that sets them apart in the industry.”
Lending SIMSREE’s vision to the launch of the M. Sc. Finance, Dr. Shriniwas S Dhure, Director, SIMSREE stated, “At SIMSREE, we are committed to delivering educational excellence that bridges the gap between academia and industry. The M.Sc. Finance program reflects our mission to prepare students for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving financial landscape. Through partnerships like this with FPSB India, we aim to equip our graduates with future-ready skills and an edge in the competitive global market.”
Recognizing the importance of financial planning education in shaping future-ready professionals, Prof. Rajanish K. Kamat, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Homi Bhabha State University, emphasized the value of empowering students with globally recognized credentials and future-focused skills and said, “Financial planning education is essential for building a secure future and we are proud to equip students with globally recognized skills through the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, preparing them to excel as ethical and skilled professionals in the evolving financial planning landscape.”
Dr. Sangeeta Pandit, HOD Finance, SIMSREE, was also present at the signing ceremony, underscoring the institute’s commitment to offering best-in-class education and career opportunities.
ICCPL, India’s leading PR firm, bags the account of Ocus Group
20th February 2025:
With this, the PR firm would now be responsible for managing the media & communication strategies for Ocus Group.
As a trusted name in the real estate industry, Ocus Group is renowned for its contributions to the hospitality, commercial, and mixed-use development sectors. With a focus on delivering projects that elevate urban living and business standards, the group has set benchmarks in creating high-street retail, premium office spaces, and world-class service apartments.
At the heart of the organization lies the expertise of Prakash Mehta, the Chairman and Managing Director of Ocus Group. With over four decades of experience in the real estate industry, Mehta’s journey began in Kuwait in 1982, where he cultivated deep insights into global business practices. He returned to India in 1989 to make his mark in the domestic real estate sector. Under his leadership, the group has not only created iconic developments but has also built enduring relationships, embodying its core philosophy of trust and reliability in every venture.
Ocus Group is dedicated to shaping the future of real estate with a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, customer satisfaction, and delivering spaces that inspire and empower. The group offers a diverse portfolio to meet the needs of modern consumers
With a diverse portfolio and a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth, the group is dedicated to offering unmatched business exposure and lifestyle solutions in Gurugram.
With the bagging of this account, ICCPL now has a diverse client base from the Real Estate Sector. The agency has previously managed a considerable portfolio of Real Estate, Start-ups, Education & Healthcare clients.
Freudenberg Gala Expands Production in Adas for Local and Global Markets
February 20th, 2025 – Adas, Gujarat: Freudenberg Gala Household Products (FGHP) has expanded its production and office facilities in Adas, Gujarat. The inauguration marks a milestone in enhancing the site’s capacity to meet the growing demand for innovative solutions in household products in India and around the world.
The new production area spans over 3086 square meters and is dedicated to manufacturing spin mop floor cleaning products and foot pedals. The spin mops will be sold under the Gala brand, the number one cleaning brand in India. The foot pedals are intended for assembly in cleaning products sold in the United States. The expansion adds a production capacity of over one million spin mops and five million foot pedals to the existing capacity of 20 million brooms and brushes.
Jatin Gala, General Manager India at FGHP, said “By expanding our premises we significantly boost production capacities and efficiency, while optimizing workflows. This enables us to meet increasing domestic demand for spin mops. Also, we reinforce the site’s status as a hub for innovation and productivity within FHCS by supplying pedals for our O-Cedar products in the US.
Karin Overbeck, CEO of Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions (FHCS), said “Our joint venture with FGHP has been very fruitful. In just over a decade, we have increased net sales tenfold, and we see great potential for further growth. By investing in the site’s expansion, we bolster our strategic position in India and underpin the market leadership of Gala.”
The new production space will house advanced equipment, including 21 molding machines, 2 assembly lines for spin mops and 5 cutting-edge manufacturing lines for pedals. The site continues to uphold its ISO-14001 and ISO-45001 certifications, showing adherence to highest quality and sustainability standards. A new three-story office facility will provide a modern, collaborative workspace for the local teams.
Freudenberg Gala Household Products Pvt. Ltd., was founded in 2009, following a joint venture agreement between Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions and the Mumbai-based company Gala Brush. The Adas production site was established in 2011, and has grown into a key contributor to the success of the joint venture, accounting for 35 percent of FGHP’s turnover.
Solitario Diamonds Shines in World’s Biggest Women’s Cricket League
India – [20th February 2025]: Solitario Diamonds, the world’s fastest-growing lab-grown diamond brand proudly announces its official partnership with Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). With this, Solitario becomes the first lab-grown diamond brand to align with the world’s biggest women’s cricket tournament. As the third most-watched cricket event globally, following the IPL and ICC T20 World Cup, the WPL presents an unparalleled platform for Solitario to connect with millions across India.
With Gujarat, the diamond capital of India, at the heart of this association, the synergy between Solitario and the WPL is a natural fit. The partnership represents an appreciation for women’s achievements across professions, celebrating their grit, brilliance, and resilience.
Ricky Vasandani, CEO & Co-Founder of Solitario Diamonds, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We are incredibly proud to be associated with the Women’s Premier League, a tournament that is not just revolutionizing women’s cricket but also inspiring millions across the country. As a brand dedicated to brilliance and resilience, we see this partnership as a tribute to women who shine in every field. Just like our diamonds, these athletes embody strength, perseverance, and excellence.”
To honor this alliance, Solitario Diamonds will be hosting the entire WPL team in Bengaluru on February 25th. In a special ceremony, CEO Ricky Vasandani, will present each team member with a stunning tennis bracelet—a symbol of strength and elegance, much like the athletes themselves.
This partnership is set to hit it out of the park, making waves across India with a power-packed marketing campaign. Solitario Diamonds is stepping up to the crease with a strategic mix of digital promotions, out-of-home (OOH) advertising, and extensive bus branding across key cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Baroda.
With stadium branding, in-game digital integrations, and high-impact activations, Solitario will be front and center as the WPL unfolds. The brand is also going big on digital, ensuring a strong presence across live-streaming platforms and social media, keeping the momentum high throughout the tournament. As the WPL takes center stage, Solitario is ready to knock it out of the park, cementing its place as a game-changer in the world of luxury diamonds.
This wide-reaching campaign ensures maximum visibility, celebrating both the brand and the tournament in a grand way.
This strategic association reflects Solitario’s commitment to empowering women, drawing a powerful parallel between the brilliance of diamonds and the rising success of Indian women in sports and beyond. Cricket, revered as a religion in India, provides the perfect avenue for Solitario to inspire and engage with its audience on a grand scale.
ISB MIHM Study Mixed Views on AI for TB Diagnosis in India’s Informal Healthcare
National, February 20, 2025: A study by researchers at the Max Institute of Healthcare Management (MIHM) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) has uncovered significant insights into healthcare providers’ attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in implementing AI-based healthcare solutions in India.
Published in JMIR Formative Research, a peer-reviewed journal, the study titled ‘Understanding Providers’ Attitude Toward AI in India’s Informal Health Care Sector: Survey Study’ surveyed 406 Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) and informal healthcare providers (collectively called AIPs) across Gujarat and Jharkhand. They found that while 93.7% of providers believed AI could improve TB diagnosis accuracy, only 69.4% were willing to adopt the technology.
Sumeet Kumar, Assistant Professor, Information Systems, ISB and lead author of the study said, “The gap between belief in AI’s potential and willingness to adopt it suggests that technological superiority alone may not guarantee successful implementation”. He added that regional differences and existing healthcare infrastructure play crucial roles in technology adoption.
TB remains a global health crisis, claiming 1.5 million lives in 2020 alone, with India bearing a substantial burden. Early and accurate diagnosis is key to TB treatment, but accurate diagnostic tools like molecular diagnostic tests are expensive, difficult to access and challenging to maintain. AI-augmented chest X-ray (CXR) scans offer a viable solution, especially in underserved Indian settings. Since AIPs are often the first point of contact for TB patients in India, understanding their perspectives on AI-based TB diagnosis is crucial for its effective implementation.
The key findings of the research include higher adoption readiness in Gujarat (73.4%) compared to Jharkhand (58.4%), reflecting the impact of regional healthcare infrastructure development. Providers who were more confident in diagnosing TB showed greater willingness to adopt AI. Also, providers’ trust in local radiologists influences AI adoption differently across regions.
The research suggests that successful AI implementation in healthcare requires tailored approaches considering regional infrastructure differences, additional support, and training programmes for healthcare providers, focus on providers with limited access to diagnostic infrastructure and consideration of cost implications.
Explaining the significance of this study, Professor Sarang Deo—Deputy Dean, Faculty and Research at ISB and Executive Director – MIHM, who is also the co-author of this research paper—said: “Our study shows the importance of including behavioural and implementation science elements in the evaluation of AI, moving beyond the technical aspects that currently dominate the discourse. The finding that providers with weaker diagnostic skills are less likely to adopt AI indicates that the overall impact of AI on health outcomes might be more muted than predicted by technical specifications alone.”
Adani Foundation Supports Rural Woman Entrepreneur at ACC Salai Banwa
Uttar Pradesh, 19 February 2025: ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is committed to empowering rural communities through sustainable livelihoods. The Company along with the Adani Foundation is supporting Vijay Lakshmi Devi, president of the Radhe self-help group (SHG), to expand her grocery store near ACC Salai Banwa.
Under ACC and the Adani Foundation’s community outreach initiatives, Vijay Lakshmi received a Rs. 50,000 loan which has enabled her to expand her inventory, attract more customers, and boost her family’s financial stability. Despite challenges such as balancing her growing business with family responsibilities, Vijay Lakshmi remains determined to succeed. Her goal is to repay the loan within 12 months while increasing her monthly income by Rs. 5,000, raising her family’s annual earnings to Rs. 1.20 lakh this year.
Vijay Lakshmi’s journey reflects resilience and determination. With the additional income, her family’s financial position has significantly improved, giving them the confidence to plan for a better future. She also serves as an inspiration to other rural entrepreneurs in the region.
ACC remains committed to enhancing economic opportunities for communities where it operates. Initiatives such as supporting rural entrepreneurs through SHGs highlight its efforts towards facilitating financial independence and promoting inclusive growth in rural areas of the nation.
Welspun Living Achieves Top ESG Rating in Textile & Apparel Category
Mumbai, India, 19 Feb 2025 – Welspun Living Limited (WLL), a global leader in home textiles, has achieved a remarkable milestone in sustainability, securing a total ESG score of 83 in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). This recognition solidifies WLL’s ongoing leadership as the highest-ranked textile manufacturing company from India in the Textile, Apparel & Luxury Goods category. The score also places WLL at the 4th position globally in the aforesaid category of the CSA. The company has demonstrated a significant 26% improvement from its 2023 score of 66, highlighting its commitment to sustainable business practices and responsible growth.
WLL’s impressive performance is reflected across all three key pillars of the assessment: Governance & Economic (79), Environment (85), and Social (84). The company’s continuous advancements in sustainable manufacturing, ethical sourcing, and environmental stewardship have played a crucial role in this achievement. With a strategic focus on innovation, transparency, and circular economy principles, WLL continues to lead the way in embedding sustainability into its core business operations.
Welspun Living Limited has outperformed industry benchmarks in ESG performance. It scored 85 in Environmental (industry mean: 34, highest: 96), 84 in Social (mean: 34, highest: 91), and 79 in Governance & Economic (mean: 38, highest: 88). These scores highlight Welspun Living’s leadership in sustainability and excellence in the industry.
Commenting on this accomplishment, Dipali Goenka, MD & CEO, Welspun Living Limited, said: “We are incredibly proud of achieving the Fourth position in the Textile, Apparel & Luxury Goods category globally in the S&P CSA with a score of Eighty Three this year. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who continuously strive to integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our business. At Welspun Living, we believe that responsible growth goes hand in hand with innovation and transparency, and we remain committed to leading the way in sustainable manufacturing and setting benchmarks in the industry”.
Alok Mishra, President & Group Head – Sustainability, added: “This remarkable improvement in our ESG score is a result of our efforts to address the company’s ESG risks holistically and build a future proof organization. It’s a proof of our belief that economic growth and environmental stewardship can co-exist. The success re-energises us to continue working towards our long-term vision of creating impact-driven solutions for a better world.”
As sustainability continues to shape the global business landscape, Welspun Living remains dedicated to enhancing its ESG initiatives, setting new benchmarks for responsible growth in the textile industry. The company’s strategic roadmap focuses on decarbonization, water conservation, circular economy, and social empowerment, ensuring a holistic approach toward long-term value creation.
India’s Agricultural Transformation From Food Scarcity to Surplus
19th February 2025:
The objective of the study was to analyse agriculture and factors impacting agriculture in India by applying the technique of trend analysis, correlation and regression.
The highlights of the Study are as follows:
1. Robust growth of India’s agriculture and allied sector
2. India’s agriculture sector has transformed, evolving from a food-scarce nation to a food-surplus powerhouse
3. India’s overall export performance remains robust, highlighting the sector’s resilience and its significant role in the global agricultural trade landscape
4. For the year 2024-25, PHDCCI projects foodgrain production grow by 2%, to about 3357 lakh tonnes
5. PHDCCI projections indicate a significant expansion in agricultural and processed food products exports, with exports reaching to USD 125 billion by FY2030, USD 250 billion by FY2035, USD 450 billion by FY2040, and USD 700 billion by FY2047
6. PHDCCI projects that India’s food processing sector is expected to reach USD 700 billion by FY 2030, USD 1100 billion by FY2035, USD 1500 billion by FY 2040 and USD 1900 billion by FY 2040 and USD 2150 billion by 2047
7. While some states excel in agricultural performance, their overall economic growth remains modest. This highlights an opportunity to better leverage agricultural success to drive broader economic development. By strengthening linkages between agriculture and other sectors, these states can unlock new avenues for growth, fostering more inclusive and balanced economic growth
8. Overall, the regression analysis suggests that food grain production in India is significantly influenced by factors such as electricity availability, warehousing capacity, and gross irrigated area
9. Rainfall does not appear to have a statistically significant impact, which contrasts with the traditional view of India’s heavy reliance on monsoon for agriculture. They have a moderate degree of association