Chandigarh,7th December 2024: Equirus Wealth has set a target price of Rs 560 for Vedanta Limited, indicating a potential 18% upside on the company’s closing price of Rs 472.50 on December 05. It has initiated coverage on Vedanta with a buy rating.

The firm has noted in its report that Vedanta is driving growth and value through integration, expansion, and demerger. “Vedanta is executing a transformative growth strategy through vertical integration, expanding capacities, and a higher Value-Added Products (VAP) mix, expected to drive volume growth and EBITDA margin expansion,” Equirus said in its report.

The firm has highlighted Vedanta’s ongoing expansion plans and investment in strategic projects. It has noted that the company’s 9 MTPA Sijimali bauxite mine is progressing well, with the initial production set to commence in Q3 FY25. Along with the bauxite mine, expanded captive coal mines will enable Vedanta to secure low-cost raw materials, substantially helping it to reduce reliance on external suppliers, Equirus said in its report.

Vedanta’s investments in planned expansion plans are expected to benefit the company’s EBITDA growth. As per Equirus, the combined effects after the successful operationalization of the planned expansions are projected to elevate Vedanta’s EBITDA per tonne to USD 900-1,000. This will drive targeted annual EBITDA from the Aluminium segment to over $4 bn from $1.2 bn in FY24. Such initiatives will position Vedanta for sustained cost efficiencies and enhanced EBITDA margins, allowing it to navigate cyclical downturns more effectively and secure its position as a top-tier global Aluminium producer by FY30, the firm said in its report.

Equirus has said that Vedanta’s ongoing demerger will likely prompt a re-rating for the company as Vedanta gains the flexibility to invest based on individual commodity outlooks and business fundamentals.

“With NCLT approval anticipated by March 2025—now mostly procedural, as major stakeholder and lender consents are secured—the demerger is set to pave the way for sustainable, long-term growth across Vedanta’s portfolio, ultimately enhancing shareholder value and attracting sector-specific investments,” the firm said in its report.

Vedanta has also received credit rating upgrades from two firms in last three months. CRISIL upgraded Vedanta’s long-term bank facilities and debt instruments to ‘AA’ from ‘AA-’ while reaffirming the short-term rating at A1+. In September, another credit agency—ICRA—upgraded Vedanta’s long-term credit rating to AA from AA-, citing the company’s strengthened credit profile.

Dubai, 7th December 2024: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited, the official broadcaster of DP World International League T20, is all set to kick off the highly anticipated third edition of the tournament on January 11, 2025, featuring West Indies star Nicholas Pooran, who led MI Emirates to glory in the previous season. As MI Emirates prepare to get their title defence underway on Saturday, 11 January in Dubai, Pooran is set to bring his brilliance back to the field. The tournament’s growing reputation for competitiveness and its role as a platform for UAE players to develop have captured the attention of cricket fans globally.

Sharing his thoughts on the season ahead, Pooran remarked, “It’s nice to be back for the third season of the DP World ILT20. We’re really looking forward to this season. We’re hoping to do our best again this year and try to retain the title, but there’s a lot of hard work ahead for me and the team to make that happen.”

Reflecting on the competition’s intensity, the explosive left-hander added, “Each year, I feel the quality of the tournament keeps improving. The DP World ILT20 is doing a better job every single year. I think competitiveness is important and it feels like international cricket with nine overseas players and two UAE guys.”

Commenting on the upcoming tournament, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer – Digital & Broadcast Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited said, “At Zee Entertainment, we are thrilled with the return of third edition of DP World ILT20 and the return of Nicholas Pooran adds immense value to the new edition. Pooran had a memorable tournament last year and we are confident that he will continue his tremendous form to provide more thrill and excitement for fans who are awaiting the return of famous stars for the new season. Through the month-long tournament, we will be offering an innovative and immersive experience for cricket fans across the globe. Building on the excellent response of last season, we aim to continue the momentum in broadcasting excellence and fan engagement. We are confident that the tournament will meet the expectations of the fans.”

As the second highest run scorer last season, Pooran struck 31 sixes, amassing 354 runs in ten innings at an enviable average of 50.57 and a strike rate of 170. On replicating his performance in the new campaign, he opined, “It’s obviously challenging. Every year, every competition brings new challenges. Going into this season, preparation begins over the Christmas period. I’m working on getting my body back in shape, hitting a lot of balls, and getting my mind in the right place. When January comes, hopefully, I’ll have some luck on my side. You play each game on its merit—every game is a new opportunity, and it’s about doing what the team needs. So, let’s see how the new season goes.”

Signing off with a message to the fans, the 29-year-old expressed his gratitude, saying, “We have passionate fans, not just here but in India and across the world. Hopefully, we can keep putting smiles on their faces and bring more titles to them.”

Cricket fans can watch this action-packed event on ZEE’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels: &Pictures SD, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Zee Action, Zee Biskope, Zee Zest SD, Zee Cinemalu HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Thirai, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Zest HD, &Flix SD, &Flix HD and free to view on one of India’s leading OTT platform – ZEE5. The syndicate broadcast partners around the world will be announced in the coming days.

Through the tournament, Zee Entertainment is aiming for an even larger audience in its third season, targeting 230-million viewers. The strategies being employed to increase its footprints are multifaceted, focusing on the Indian market, which includes cricket lovers, advertisers, and the addition of South Indian channels.

Earlier this year, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) reported that the league’s second season reached 221 million viewers. The channel’s extensive distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe. With a notable 46% share of female viewership and 55% share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status.

Chandigarh, 7th December 2024: TVS NTORQ proudly announces the successful completion of the iconic Golden Quadrilateral expedition, breaking the record by 17 hours ahead of previously recorded time. Covering 5818 kilometres in 143 hours, this journey highlighted the scooter’s unmatched engineering, performance, and resilience. The dynamic TVS Racing duo, Syed Asif Ali and Shamim Khan spearheaded this incredible achievement, making history on India’s most prominent highway network.

The expedition began on November 23, 2024 in Mumbai, connecting the major cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Kanpur, Varanasi, Bhubaneshwar, Vijayawada, and Vizag. Traversing diverse terrains, dynamic weather, and challenging landscapes, the TVS NTORQ demonstrated its ability to maintain an average speed nearly 10% higher than usual. This remarkable feat underscores the scooter’s adaptability, durability, and cutting-edge innovation.

Speaking about the achievement, Mr. Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President — Head Commuter Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company, said, “This journey across the Golden Quadrilateral showcases the capabilities and adventurous spirit of the TVS NTORQ. With TVS Racers leading this expedition, we are excited to highlight what makes the TVS NTORQ a true game-changer for riders. This achievement not only emphasizes the scooter’s unmatched reliability, performance and design but also reflects TVS Motor’s commitment to delivering exhilarating and versatile mobility experiences. The team successfully completed the Golden Quadrilateral in record time, setting a new benchmark for performance. The TVS NTORQ is designed to inspire and empower riders to explore new limits.”

The TVS NTORQ, powered by its robust 124.8cc three-valve engine, delivers 10.2 PS at 7,000 RPM and 10.9 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM. Beyond performance, its advanced features, including Bluetooth connectivity, a fully digital instrument cluster, and dual ride modes ensure practicality and cutting-edge innovation for today’s riders.

This expedition is more than just a test of endurance, it symbolizes TVS NTORQ’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobility and innovation. By inspiring a new generation of explorers and enthusiasts, the Golden Quadrilateral expedition reinforces the TVS NTORQ as the ultimate partner for adventure, performance, and style.

Chandigarh, 7th December 2024: TVS Motor Company (TVSM) – a leading global automaker operating in the two and three-wheeler segment – unveiled its next-gen TVS RT-XD4 engine platform on Day 1 of TVS MotoSoul 4.0. The TVS RT-XD4 is a new, transformative innovation that takes inspiration from the company’s racing heritage over decades. The platform delivers thrilling performance, unmatched refinement and precision, for a very comfortable ride.

Announcing the new engine platform, Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “the TVS RT-XD4 is a major milestone, the result of our focus on creating unique, compelling, TVS-kind of riding experience. Conceptualised, designed and developed in-house, at our R&D Centre in Hosur, the TVS RT-XD4 is a demonstration of our engineering and research capability. Over the last several years, TVSM has been setting benchmarks in riding excellence, made possible by decades of exposure to the race track, extensive user insights, ahead-of-the-curve investments, and robust tech and digital capability. We will continue to bring about mobility solutions that can transform the quality of life of people across the world.”

The TVS RT-XD4 engine platform delivers racing thrill via 4 Dual Technologies :

· Dual Overhead Cams with downdraft port that delivers high revs and superior peak performance

· Dual oil pump with split chamber crankcase that delivers optimum lubrication and all-range torque.

· Dual cooling jacket cylinder head with water jacket on top and oil jacket below that further increases cooling, to increase performance output.

· Dual breather system that effectively prevents oil contamination and reduces oil consumption, for consistent performance over long duration.

The engine comes with other features for refined performance and rider comfort:

1. Plasma spray-coating

2. Superior thermal/heat management

3. High inertia shell bearing crankshaft

4. Helical gear driven balancer system

This new-gen platform delivers high efficiency, while supporting ethanol-blended fuels, reduced emissions, and enhanced reliability.

Key Features of the TVS RT-XD4 300 Engine: the first engine on the new platform.

· Displacement: 299.1 cc, single-cylinder, forward-inclined engine

· Power Output: 35 PS @ 9,000 rpm, with 28.5 Nm torque @ 7,000 rpm

· Cooling System: Liquid-cooled with dual cooling (water and oil jackets)

· 6 Speed gear box

· Ride-by-wire throttle system

· Assist and Slipper clutch

Day 1 of TVS MotoSoul 4.0: A day of unique experiences, adventure and Records.

Day 1 of TVS MotoSoul 4.0 was a thrilling showcase of creativity, community, camaraderie and a celebration of engineering excellence. Custom motorcycle builds took center stage, with three extraordinary creations based on the TVS Apache RTR 310 and TVS RONIN, crafted in collaboration with Smoked Garage (Indonesia) and TVS Motor Factory Team (India). Dirt Track Races, Stunt Competitions, Obstacle Races, Slow Bike Races and Flat Track Training sessions kept the riders engrossed. The creatively inclined, gravitated more towards the center stage to see artist performances, moto-art booths, caricatures and tattoo art, push-up competitions, game rooms and musical performances.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company said, “TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is a celebration of everything we stand for, as a premium motorcycle brand — creativity, innovation, and the rider spirit. Aside of our revolutionary performance engine platform that we unveiled, this year’s event also marks the assimilation of different cultures, biker communities and varied art forms. The showcase of custom motorcycles from some of the best builders in the industry, is a personal favourite. With captivating activities, thrilling racing formats, and electrifying performances, MotoSoul 4.0 sets the standard for motorcycling events.”

Adding to the excitement, TVS Motosoul 4.0 celebrated a record-breaking 6,300-kilometer ride on the Golden Quadrilateral, atop the TVS NTORQ. Two accomplished riders – Syed Asif Ali and Shamin Khan – now have recognition from the Asia Book of Records for achieving the feat.

The day was packed with dynamic experiences, including panel discussions, freestyle acts, interactive zones, and electrifying performances by Kalamkaar and DJs Akthar & Clement, setting the tone for the festival.

6th December 2024: The luxury housing market in India has steeply grown on the curve, driven by a paradigm shift in real estate offerings. From selling homes to merely selling homes, the developers have evolved to making living spaces that respond to the high-value buyer’s aspirations regarding comfort, functionality, and exclusivity in one location.

According to Mr. Gaurav Mavi, co-founder of BOP.in, the premium segment grew by a tremendous 37.8 per cent with prime hubs becoming metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR and Bangalore this year.

“Delhi NCR has emerged as the hub with nearly 5,855 luxury units-a growth of a remarkable 72% in recent years. The demand here is mainly on account of homes having all modern amenities like private pools, landscaped greenery, advanced security systems, and designs that are friendly to the environment. These features marry up with an entire pattern of change in buyer preference, which has moved from aesthetic appeal only to functionality that supports remote work and leisure activities all within one space.” Mr Mavi informed.

“It hugely influenced consumerism. People responded by looking for roomy houses that they can stay in considering their lifestyles, and as a result, luxury houses have almost gained 41 percent of the whole market share of the real estate business. Buyers have started targeting houses that not only feature high luxury but are exclusive and experience-oriented as well.” Mr. Mavi added.

“Experts expect that growth within this segment will be continuous through the market and expects strong support from an enlarged economy, increased urbanisation rates, and increased rates of high-net-worth Indians. The momentum would pave an era of transformation of the Indian realty segment for which luxury homes shall equate with aspirational lifestyle. Developers are going to focus on lifestyle-centric innovations along with architectural finesse in their luxury housing projects so that the luxury housing market keeps up the good work and maintains its benchmarks for the next few years.” Mr. Mavi concluded.

6th December 2024 Bangalore, Karnataka, India    Weddings are a medley of emotions, a fusion of the past and start of a new chapter where love transcends boundaries and new stories unfold. Taneira, a Tata product captures the spirit of this universal journey with its latest campaign, ‘For Beautiful Beginnings’. Featuring Mrunal Thakur among others, the campaign tells the tale of a bride crossing the threshold of her childhood home taking along the echoes of a myriad memories and embracing the promise of her new life filled with endless possibilities- an experience shared across the diverse cultural landscapes of India.

Through the campaign, Taneira pays homage to the profound wave of emotions that unites brides regardless of region or tradition while highlighting the unique nuances that define their journeys. In this moment, the bride is not just draped in a saree- she is enveloped in the dreams, memories and hopes of everyone she holds dear. Across the seven regions captured in Taneira’s ‘For Beautiful Beginnings’ campaign, the bride’s saree, though diverse in fabric, drape, and design, becomes a universal companion on her journey of transformation.

‘For Beautiful Beginnings’ celebrates the cultural lineage woven into the fabric of this sacred moment with a collection that represents our timeless traditions blending the deep-rooted richness of our country’s craft culture with contemporary design interpretations and modern colourways. True to the brand philosophy, the collection celebrates pure, authentically sourced fabrics with a differentiated design language. Taneira also offers zari certifications, ensuring the bride embodies the true essence of heritage on her big day. Extending the celebrations to the entire wedding entourage, the sarees in the wedding range offer an array of options that suit different roles and personalities. Whether it is the bride’s best friend, the grooms’ mother, or a cousin playing a key part in the celebration, there is a saree for every woman who shares this joyous occasion along with the couple.

Speaking at the launch, Ms. Shalini Gupta, General Manager, Taneira Said, “At Taneira, we believe that every bride’s journey is a celebration of tradition and transformation. Our campaign is an expression of the sentiments, memories and dreams that shape her path, emotions that, despite cultural nuances, unites brides across the country. Our wedding range reflects this ethos, offering a curated selection of sarees that preserve and promote our textile traditions while embracing each bride’s uniqueness. Each piece is crafted to become a part of the bride’s legacy, woven with love, pride and promise of Beautiful Beginnings.”

Each saree in Taneira’s wedding collection comes with a history and story of its own. From the regal white and red Kanjeevaram draped by the Kannadiga Bride to the vibrant red Kanjeevaram intricately woven with silver and gold motifs worn by the Tamil bride, each piece is a reflection of regional pride and grace.

The Telugu bride is enveloped in the resplendent tissue Kanjeevaram where delicate floral motifs dance across the fabric like memories in the making while the lustrous Paithani saree replete with motifs of flora and fauna- encapsulates the beauty of the Maharashtrian heritage.

From the opulent Banarasi Saree, enhanced with delicate minakari accents for the North Indian bride to the rich red Banarasi saree adorned by the Bengali bride, embellished with paisley and floral buttis in a luxurious blend of silver-gold zari, echoes the splendor and timeless elegance of the region. Meanwhile, the resplendent Gharchola with its vibrant patterns and symbolic checkered motifs, weaves a tale of celebration also capturing the collective joy of the community.

In this seamless fusion of the past and the present, the bride steps forward draped in love and strength of her culture. ‘For Beautiful Beginnings’ becomes more than just a moment, it is a living story told through Taneira’s Wedding range which celebrates not only the bride’s personal transition but every woman’s distinctive part and the rich cultural diversity that marks this timeless tradition. With ‘For Beautiful Beginnings’, Taneira offers a lasting legacy woven with care, passion and the promise of a bright, beautiful future.

6th December 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India The Leaders Session on the second day of ‘The 6th RD20 Conference’ brought together global policymakers, researchers, and thought leaders to discuss collaborative pathways for clean energy transitions. Hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), this is the first time the conference is being held outside Japan, highlighting India’s leadership in global energy innovation. Organised in partnership with the Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) of Japan, the session emphasised innovation, partnerships, and actionable strategies for achieving global energy goals.

The session commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, and an Opening Address by RD20 Chair, Mr Kazuhiko Ishimura (AIST), who remarked, “Research is becoming serious year on year. Because of this there is a great expectation of carbon neutrality to be accelerated. We expect leaders to have deep dive sessions advancing the discussions towards achieving carbon neutrality.” Representatives from the Indian government, MNRE and the Japanese government (METI, MOE, MEXT) also extended their welcome messages. The plenary presentation was delivered by Mr Takashi Naruse from NEDO.

Shri Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary, Minister of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) in his opening remarks thanked Japan for giving India the opportunity to host the RD20 conference. “The 6th RD20 conference in India highlights the importance of collaborative R&D in addressing global challenges. India has made significant progress in renewable energy, with a vision to reach 77% renewable energy by 2047. The country is also investing in R&D to support its growing manufacturing hub for renewable energy equipment.” Speaking on the Honourable Prime Minister of India’s vision on sustainability, green energy and renewable energy, he added, “Our Prime Minister has a vision which goes beyond the current generation, to looking at several generations ahead.”

The Leaders Session featured key discussions on India’s energy transformation. The subsequent plenary lecture by Mr Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, MNRE, focused on the ‘Role of Clean Hydrogen in India’s Energy Transition: Opportunities and Challenges.’ Mr Bakre noted, “The sustainability goals for energy transition are to achieve the target of net zero by 2070, non-fossil electricity generation capacity to reach 500 GW by 2030 and emission intensity of GDP to reduce by 45%. The two basic pathways for energy transition are electricity and hard-to-electricity. Hydrogen comes up with the most promising pathway for decarbonising the hard-to-electricity sectors.”

Other highlights included updates on RD20 activities and technical sessions, with presentations by Dr William Tumas (NREL) and Dr Haruhiko Obara (AIST). The updates covered Action Committee progress, RD20 Summer Schools, and reports from the Tokyo symposium and COP29. Key outcomes from the 2024 RD20 Technical Sessions were presented by co-organisers Mr Pierre Sierre Combe, CEA and Mr Mark Ruth, NREL, (Technical session I); Dr Sanjukta Subudhi, TERI; Mr David Harris, CSIRO and Mr Randy Cortright, NREL (Technical session II); and Dr Myriam Merad, CNRD and Dr Alberta Carpenter, NERL (Technical session III), including advancements in sustainable biofuels, biochemicals, and hydrogen technologies, alongside updates on future workshops and technical barriers to hydrogen implementation.

A significant segment of the session was dedicated to discussing opportunities for collaboration between RD20 and Mission Innovation (Clean Energy Ministerial and G20), a global initiative aimed at accelerating clean energy innovation to achieve net-zero emissions.

Dr Michio Kondo (AIST) introduced opportunities for collaboration between RD20 and Mission Innovation that highlighted the perspectives put forth by the different participating countries and institutions. Dr Kondo emphasised, “RD20 has huge potential to support and collaborate with G20 Working Groups from technology point of views, techno economic aspects and lifecycle assessments in carbon neutral technologies.” He also mentioned, “To enhance the cooperation amongst G20 members and to accelerate the implementation of common goals towards energy transitions, RD20 could contribute to the RIWG/G20 through South African member, CSIR, in the upcoming G20 in South Africa in 2025.”

Ms Helen Fairclough from Mission Innovation elaborated on the initiative’s global significance, stating, “Mission Innovation is a global initiative catalysing a decade of action and investment in research, development, and demonstration to make clean energy affordable, attractive and accessible for all. This will accelerate progress towards the Paris Agreement goals and pathways to net zero.”

Sharing her perspective on Brazil, Ms Rachel Martins Henriques, Technical Consultant, Brazil, highlighted, “The intersection of the CEM and RD20 emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and best practices among nations to overcome common challenges in clean energy deployment.” Sharing her views on the Mission Innovation policies on bio-refineries in Brazil, she said, “The National Biofuel Policy (RenovaBio) aims to increase the addition of anhydrous ethanol to gasoline and biodiesel to diesel B, with certified production capacity of ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas by 15% March 2025. The ‘Fuels of the Future’ programme aims to reduce carbon intensity, evaluate energy-environmental efficiency, and stimulate innovation.”

Mission Innovation, a global initiative dedicated to accelerating clean energy innovation, is committed to addressing climate change, making clean energy more affordable, and creating green jobs and economic opportunities. With a focus on reinvigorating global efforts in clean energy research and development, Mission Innovation engages researchers, innovators, and the private sector to drive breakthroughs in clean energy technologies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster sustainable economic growth.

Mission Innovation and RD20 have partnered to advance collaboration on critical clean energy areas, including clean hydrogen and smart grid technologies. This partnership, underscored during the Leaders’ session of RD20, seeks to bring together Mission Directors and Steering Committee members from both initiatives to foster dialogue, identify shared objectives, and develop actionable strategies for clean energy transitions. Through joint sessions and workshops, the collaboration aims to explore innovative solutions that address global energy challenges and promote a shared vision for accelerating clean energy advancements.

With a robust agenda and contributions from leading experts, the RD20 Leaders Session marked a significant milestone with a reaffirmed commitment to international collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable and clean energy solutions.

6th December 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India  The 16th GRIHA Summit, the annual flagship event organized by GRIHA Council, commenced today in New Delhi, with a focus on the theme “Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment”. The Summit brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to explore innovative approaches for sustainable urban development and climate resilience in the construction and infrastructure sectors, addressing the challenges of climate change.

This year’s theme underscores the critical role of transitioning the built environment towards sustainability as a cornerstone of effective climate action. As the 2030 deadline for global climate commitments nears and the 2050 target for decarbonizing the building and construction sector looms large, the summit provides a platform to explore opportunities for climate-resilient development, breaking the cycle of rising heat, energy demand, and carbon emissions.

The GRIHA Summit also aligns with India’s aspirational vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, a comprehensive roadmap that integrates sustainable urban development with the nation’s goals of economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.

In her opening address, Dr Vibha Dhawan, President, GRIHA Council, and Director General, TERI, stated, “As a comprehensive platform, this summit facilitates deliberation on the interdependence of various stakeholders in building inclusive, climate-resilient infrastructure. Our overarching aim is to unite everyone in recognizing the vital role each individual and organization plays in combating climate change. As I often say, each stakeholder—each one of us—is contributing to the climate, for better or worse.”

Welcoming the gathering, Mr Sanjay Seth, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, GRIHA Council and Senior Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Programme, TERI emphasized, “Every building, every design, and every choice we make has the power to redefine the future of our planet. Accelerating climate action in the built environment is not just a goal—it is our collective responsibility to shape a sustainable future for generations to come.”

In his Inaugural Address, Shri Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, National Green Hydrogen Mission, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, said, “The building sector stands out as one of the most promising sectors to act as an enabler of achieving our sustainability goals. GRIHA Council’s effective solutions and recommendations address critical issues of climate change which aligns with the national and global climate action goals. Builders, professionals, and stakeholders worldwide should aspire to achieve the benchmarks set by GRIHA ratings to drive sustainable practices.”

Ms Martine Aamdal Bottheim, Deputy Head of Mission and Minister Counsellor, The Royal Norwegian Embassy, in her special address highlighted Norway’s commitment to supporting sustainable solutions. She remarked, “Global discussions now focus on transitioning to zero carbon buildings, adopting circular economy principles, and enhancing urban climate resilience. The GRIHA summit is very relevant from this global perspective.” She further highlighted the excellent collaboration between Norway and India in the area of blue economy, circular economy, renewables, food security, research, and higher education.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between GRIHA Council and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Ministry of Education, Government of India, to promote sustainability in KVS schools. The MoU was formalized by Shri Deepesh Gehlot, Joint Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Ms Shabnam Bassi, Deputy CEO & Secretary, GRIHA Council and Director, Sustainable Buildings, TERI. The partnership aims to transform KVS schools into green and sustainable campuses by implementing the GRIHA for Existing Schools rating system. This initiative will actively engage both teachers and students, fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices within the school ecosystem.

Mr Sumit Bidani, Chief Executive Officer, Knauf India, in his special remarks, underscored, “Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is an absolute necessity. We believe innovation is key, which is why we are actively exploring advanced materials and solutions to tackle the challenges of climate change.”

Furthermore, an exhibition titled ‘Sanchay’ was also inaugurated by the eminent dignitaries. It showcases two exhibitions - one highlighting the advancements in industry trends that are propelling a paradigm shift in sustainable materials and technologies, while the other features live models from an architectural design competition that traverses through the evolution of architectural features over time.

The occasion marked the unveiling of two key publications by the GRIHA Council- GRIHA V 6.0, and ‘Shashwat – Let Nature Be’, the Council’s annual magazine. GRIHA V. 6.0 integrates user feedback, market insights, and practical considerations to set new benchmarks for resource efficiency. This upgraded framework evaluates the development and operational efficiency of green buildings while assessing their economic feasibility, furthering the agenda for sustainable construction practices.

During the inaugural session, GRIHA award ceremony was also held wherein the GRIHA 5-star and 4-star Rated Projects were felicitated. Winners of the SHAPE Design Trophy were also awarded, which was organized on 8-9 November 2024 in collaboration with Vellore Institute of Technology and ZEMCH Network.

The first day of the summit featured thought-provoking discussions and deliberations on critical topics such as policy advocacy for a sustainable future, strategies for managing urban heat, biophilic architectural designs, and energy transitions. These sessions brought together leading industry experts, policymakers, academicians, and representatives from government and private institutions to explore actionable pathways for a climate-resilient built environment.

6th December 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka, India  Corporate India is facing increasing concerns over employee burnout, prompting organizations to seek effective wellness solutions. In response, Happiest Health has introduced a holistic wellbeing program, offering a 30-day complimentary experience to help companies address this critical issue. This program aims to enhance both physical and mental health, fostering a more balanced and productive workforce.

As stress, unhealthy lifestyles, and long work hours take a toll on corporate India, alarming health statistics paint a sobering picture with 30% of the population affected by diabetes or pre-diabetes and obesity rates climbing. Simultaneously, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and workplace burnout are becoming increasingly prevalent, eroding employee productivity and satisfaction.

India’s workforce is amidst a wellness crisis. This reality underscores the need for organizations to invest in the physical and emotional wellbeing of their employees.

HappiZest by Happiest Health offers a comprehensive solution to help businesses address these growing challenges. By encouraging good lifestyle choices, the program focuses on achieving a healthier lifespan through exercise, meditation and healthy nutrition.

Why Choose HappiZest?

Holistic Focus: Covers physical, mental, social, and financial wellbeing.

Disruptive Pricing: Affordable plans for businesses of all sizes.

Arvind Krishnan, President & CEO, Wellness Business, Happiest Health, said, “The alarming rise in lifestyle diseases and mental health issues among India’s workforce highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to employee wellbeing. At Happiest Health, we believe that a healthier, happier workforce is the foundation of a thriving organization. With our HappiZest program, we aim to provide companies with the right tools to address these challenges by fostering physical, mental, social, and financial wellness. By offering a 30-day free trial, we’re not just delivering a solution but inviting organizations to join a movement towards sustainable and impactful employee health.”

What sets HappiZest apart is their holistic and innovative approach to corporate wellness, combined with disruptive pricing that makes it accessible to businesses of all sizes. The program is built to address the multi-dimensional aspects of employee wellbeing, from stress management and financial health to fostering strong social connections and improving lifestyle choices.

This trial allows organizations to explore the benefits of a structured wellness initiative without any upfront cost. The program is designed to seamlessly integrate into workplace routines, ensuring that employees can easily adopt healthier practices.

6th December 2024 Bangalore, Karnataka, India Truecaller, the leading global communications platform, has appointed Gaurav Loomba as India’s Senior Director of Public Affairs. Gaurav joined Truecaller following a distinguished career as the AVP of Government and Public Affairs at Paytm, and he has also held positions at the National Payments Corporation of India and ICICI Bank. This appointment comes close on the heels of another seasoned industry veteran, Seema Jindal, joining from Bharti Airtel. Seema leads Truecaller’s Public Affairs mandate on the telecom business.

With two decades of experience in financial services and digital payments, Gaurav was instrumental in fostering relationships with government and industry associations on policy and regulatory reforms in the sector, as well as managing CSR and ESG initiatives.

At Truecaller, Gaurav will work closely with government agencies to lead the implementation of a public affairs strategy that secures necessary regulatory and policy support for Truecaller’s sustained growth and innovation in India.

Speaking on his new role, Gaurav said, “I am pleased to announce my appointment as the Senior Director of Public Affairs at Truecaller. In this role, I will be tasked with enhancing the organisation’s engagement with government ministries and agencies. My primary objective will be to develop and implement strategies that ensure comprehensive policy and regulatory support, thereby reinforcing Truecaller’s commitment to the Indian market. “

Truecaller stays committed to India by continuing to expand the Public Affairs mandate in its largest market with over 383 million users. Gaurav will report directly to Kari Krishnamurthy, Truecaller’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Welcoming Senior Director of Public Affairs, Kari Krishnamurthy, Chief Commercial Officer at Truecaller, said, “Gaurav Loomba’s leadership in Public Affairs marks a pivotal step as we deepen our focus on India, our largest market. His regulatory expertise and ability to cultivate meaningful stakeholder engagement will strengthen our partnerships and advance our strategic goals in telecommunications.”