Manipal Hospitals Commends Women’s Health with The Power of Her Initiative

Kolkata, 10th March’25: Women have been the pillars of families, workplaces, and society for ages, but their health has always been secondary to the responsibilities of life. This International Women’s Day, Manipal Hospitals made a bold move in rewriting that script with a strong initiative focused on women’s health and empowerment. The hospital gathered working professionals, women HR heads, police officers, and dignified members of the IAS and IPS Women’s Association for an illuminating and festive morning under the theme “The Power of Her”, in the presence of the doctors from all units of the hospital group.

“The Power of Her” is not just a theme; it is a declaration that when a woman is empowered, an entire community flourishes. Women are the silent architects of strength, balancing careers, families, and societal expectations, yet their well-being often takes a backseat. ‘Power of Her’ is about reclaiming that space, ensuring that every woman prioritizes her health, her dreams, and her voice. It is a tribute to the resilience of women—those who have fought battles, shattered glass ceilings, and redefined possibilities. The ceremony began with an emergency life-saving Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training, which provided the participants with essential first-response skills. This was then preceded by a ceremonial inauguration process, which included a lamp-lighting ceremony.

Perhaps the most highly awaited part of the event was the Doctor and Patient Case Study Session, wherein  inspiring medical cases by Dr. Sutanu Hazra, Senior Consultant & HOD – Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur Unit, Dr Parijat Deb Choudhary, Consultant – Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur Unit, Dr. Sanchila Talukdar, Consultant – Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur Unit, Dr. Pooja Agarwal, Consultant of Surgical Oncology (Breast Surgery), Medica Superspecialty Hospital, part  of Manipal Hospitals Group, Dr. Arindam Pande, Senior Consultant in the Department of Cardiology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, part of Manipal Hospitals Group, Dr. Amitabha Ghosh, Consultant- General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria Unit, Dr. Saswati Sinha, Consultant – Critical Care, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria Unit, Dr. Irina Dey, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology,  Dr. Ansu Sen, Consultant – Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Salt Lake revealed stories of courage, specialist treatment, and lives altered. These were stories that stood as a tribute to the courage of women and the life-altering power of prompt medical treatment.

A thought-provoking panel discussion further explored the most pressing health concerns faced by women across different life stages with expert opinions from Manipal Hospitals’ specialists. The panelists were Dr. Prerna Goenka, Consultant – Paediatrics and Neonatology, Manipal Hospital, Saltlake, Dr. Abhinibesh Chatterjee, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynecology, Manipal Hospital, Saltlake, Dr. Sanchila Talukdar, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur, Dr. Arunava Roy, Senior Consultant & Head (Gynecologic Oncology & Women Cancer Initiative), Medica Superspecialty Hospital, part of Manipal Hospitals, Dr. Rajib Basu, Consultant Orthopaedics Specialist, Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, and Dr. Subhasis Roy Chowdhury, Senior Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospitals, Broadway.

In the discussion, Dr. Prerna Goenka, shared, “Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies, especially in calcium and iron, which are vital for their growth and overall development. Prioritizing timely immunizations and routine health check-ups is essential to building a strong foundation for their long-term well-being.”

While Dr. Abhinibesh Chatterjee, expressed, “Adolescence is a transformative phase where awareness about pubertal development, hygiene, sanitation, and sex education becomes essential. Equipping young girls with the right knowledge empowers them to make informed health choices for the future.”

In her address, Dr. Sanchila Talukdar, said, “From early adulthood to middle age, women face a range of health challenges, including PCOD, irregular periods, anemia, obesity, and menopausal symptoms. Balancing work-life responsibilities while prioritizing health through regular screenings and lifestyle modifications is key to overall well-being.”

Dr. Arunava Roy highlighted the critical role of early cancer detection in women, stating, “The increasing prevalence of breast and cervical cancer underscores the urgency of regular screenings. Raising awareness about preventive measures and available treatment options is essential to lowering cancer-related mortality and enhancing overall quality of life.”

Dr. Rajib Basu explained the orthopedic issues women face during mid-age in the discussion and shared, “Osteoporosis and arthritis are major concerns for women in midlife and beyond, affecting mobility and overall health. Early intervention, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and an active lifestyle can help maintain bone strength and prevent long-term complications.”

Dr. Subhasis Roy Chowdhury, talked about heart health of women during the discussion and stated, “”cardiovascular diseases are increasingly affecting women, often with subtle symptoms that go unnoticed. Regular heart check-ups, a balanced diet, and stress management are essential to mitigating risks and ensuring a healthy heart at every stage of life.”

Apart from the health discussions, the event brought to the forefront women entrepreneurs and their resilience and contributions to society. The women had overcome adversity, broken barriers, and opened doors for others, and their success was something to be celebrated.

AIGF, FIFS, and EGF Secure a Stronger Future with ‘Code of Ethics’ for Responsible Gaming

Chennai, 10th March 2025: In a significant step towards promoting safe and responsible gaming, the All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF), the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and the E-Gaming Federation (EGF), today jointly signed a ‘Code of Ethics’ (CoE). The CoE is aimed at enforcing consistent standards of user safety across the industry through the implementation of responsible gaming and advertising policies and mandates annual third-party audits and comprehensive reporting mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency.

The CoE has been created based on global best practices and lays down a strong framework for responsible gaming such as age-gating, adopting stringent KYC and enabling user-set spending limits & self-exclusion.  It will apply to all online gaming operators who are members of the federations and offer skill-based real-money gaming services in India and safeguard the interests of over 50 crore Indian gamers.

Gaming operators with an annual revenue of INR 100 crores or more will have to implement the Code within six months from the date of signing, while those with annual revenues below INR 100 crores will have nine months to comply. Upon successful adoption, federations will issue a certification valid for one year which shall be renewable annually upon completion of a third-party independent audit. The Code will be reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Key Principles of the Code of Ethics:

  • Responsible Gaming Practices: Age gating, no operations in restricted states, and robust KYC mechanisms.
  • Player Protection: Safeguarding data, and appropriate management of player funds.
  • Fair Gaming Practices: Ensuring integrity and fairness in gameplay.
  • Transparency: Providing clear and accurate information to players.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Enabling players to make well-informed decisions with options to self-exclude and set limits
  • Support for Vulnerable Players: Tools and resources for identifying and assisting at-risk players.
  • Responsible Advertising: Ethical advertising and promotions.

 Roland Landers, CEO, of All India Gaming Federation said, “As the largest and oldest industry association, we at AIGF believe that a thriving gaming industry must be built on the pillars of responsibility, transparency, innovation, and player protection. This Code of Ethics reinforces our commitment to fair play, compliance with Indian laws, and fostering a secure and responsible gaming environment. Through collaboration with other industry federations, we are setting new benchmarks for ethical gaming, strengthening the credibility of India’s online gaming sector, and building a sustainable, globally competitive ecosystem.”

 Commenting on this initiative, Neil Castelino, Director General, FIFS said, “This joint code marks a significant step forward in our commitment to fostering a safe, fair, and responsible gaming environment in the country. By working together as an industry, we are setting a unified standard that prioritizes player well-being, integrity, and accountability across the industry. This we believe will be pivotal in ensuring a safe environment for the 24 crore FS users in the country.”

Anuraag Saxena, CEO of EGF said, “National interest, consumer interest, and the industry’s interest have all suffered too long. Unethical gambling operators have been parasitically harming the nation, its exchequer, and its people. I’m delighted that the industry is collaborating on the joint code of ethics today. The adoption of these standards reinforces our commitment to accountability through third-party audits, responsible gaming policies, and ethical business practices. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and the industry taking due cognizance of this is a great step ahead for gaming in India.”

The signing of the CoE follows a joint MoU signed by the three federations with ASCI to address the growing concern over illegal betting and gambling advertisements by offshore entities and highlights the proactive steps that the industry is taking to ensure user safety.

IG Drones Secures IESA Technovation National Best Startup Award at Gujarat SemiConnect

Delhi, Mar 10, 2025 – IG Drones, India’s leading drone manufacturing and solutions provider, has won the prestigious IESA Technovation Best StartUp Award in the ‘Electronics Product Category-Drones’ to drive advanced design-led innovations and strengthen the country’s semiconductor ecosystem at the 19th IESA Vision Summit 2025-Gujarat Semiconnect, held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from March 5-7. The award, conferred by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) recognizes groundbreaking innovations in the Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. The summit was held at a time when the central government is finalizing the second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), known as Semicon 2.0, to drive advanced design-led innovations and strengthen the country’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Following the success of the first phase, which attracted USD 18 billion in investments, the upcoming phase aims to scale up chip design, manufacturing, and packaging capabilities, further strengthening India’s position in the global value chain. With the ₹76,000 crore ISM facilitating incentives for four chip packaging units and one chip fabrication plant, Semicon 2.0 is set to ensure that Made in India semiconductor products gain a competitive edge in global markets, reinforcing India’s commitment to becoming a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation. IG Drones is at the forefront of Made-In-India Drone Product Development and is leading the way in driving advanced design-led innovations and strengthening the country’s semiconductor ecosystem in the drone sector.

The IESA Technovation Awards, established in 2008, are regarded as the most esteemed accolades in India’s ESDM industry, celebrating individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the sector’s growth. IG Drones received the award in recognition of its pioneering advancements in drone technology, which have revolutionized applications across industries including defense, infrastructure, agriculture, and disaster management.

The award ceremony took place on the evening of March 6, 2025, during the Gujarat Semiconnect- IESA Vision Summit held at the Convention and Exhibition Center, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The three-day summit, from March 5-7, brought together industry leaders, government policymakers, and technology innovators to discuss advancements in semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, and emerging technologies that are shaping India’s future in the global tech landscape.

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO at IG Drones, expressed gratitude for the recognition: “Winning the IESA Technovation Award is a testament to IG Drones’ relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in drone technology. This accolade reinforces our commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions that not only drive industry-wide transformation but also contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global leader in technology and manufacturing. We extend our heartfelt thanks to IESA for this honor.”

The recognition further strengthens IG Drones’ position as a pioneer in the Indian ESDM ecosystem, underlining its contributions to the development of indigenous technologies that align with the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

IG Drones’ innovative drone solutions have played a transformative role in tackling critical challenges across defense and multiple industries. From enhancing precision in agriculture to improving infrastructure monitoring and disaster response, the company’s state-of-the-art drone technology has been at the forefront of innovation, leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics to drive efficiency and sustainability.

The IESA Vision Summit has been instrumental in fostering India’s semiconductor and electronics ecosystem for nearly two decades. The 2025 edition featured thought-provoking discussions on advancements in chip manufacturing, electronics product innovation, and the role of artificial intelligence in next-generation technologies. The event also provided a platform for networking and collaboration between startups, MSMEs, large enterprises, academia, and policymakers, aiming to shape India’s technological future.

India’s entrepreneurial landscape is set for an unprecedented surge, with start-ups projected to grow 2.6x by 2030, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global innovation hub. The drone tech startups are pushing the boundaries of innovation, cutting across sectors with the use of new-age technologies like AI and IoT. The Indian drone market is expected to reach USD 13 Bn in size by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21% between 2022 and 2030. On the back of this projected growth, India aims to become a global drone hub by 2030, supported by liberalized regulations and incentives in the form of the Centre’s Drone Didi Scheme and the PLI scheme for drones and drone components.

Swiggy Welcomes ‘Fasting Mode’ to Support Festive Fasting, Starting with Ramzan

Hyderabad, March 10, 2025: Swiggy (Swiggy Ltd, NSE: SWIGGY / BSE: 544285), India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, has launched an industry-first ‘Fasting Mode’, a thoughtful new feature that lets users pause food delivery notifications during fasting hours.

With Fasting Mode, Swiggy continues its commitment to building user-first experiences, offering users the flexibility to pause food notifications whenever they observe a fast. Starting with Ramzan and extending to other fasting periods such as Navratri, this feature doesn’t interfere during fasting hours while keeping the platform ready for users when they need it. Users can easily enable and disable this setting from the app, ensuring a smoother and more mindful experience during fasting hours. This mode continues to be available throughout the year for various fasting occasions, giving users more flexibility in managing their food notifications.

How does Fasting Mode work?

  •  Users can switch Fasting Mode on or off anytime from the Swiggy app.
  • Once activated, food notifications will be paused between Suhoor (pre-dawn) and 4 PM for all users observing fasting during Ramzan
  • Notifications automatically resume after fasting hours, without users having to turn them back on.

Breaking the Fast with Special Offers

Post the end of fasting hours, Swiggy will continue to highlight top dishes and special Ramzan meals with discounts of up to 50% off on food items.

Swiggy has collaborated with Talented, its creative partner that has conceptualized this feature.

Narayana Health City Secures Karnataka’s First TAVI Procedure with Allegra™ Device

Bengaluru, 10 March 2025 – Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, announced that its team of doctors has successfully performed a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure using the new-generation Allegra TAVI system, marking the first time this procedure has been performed in Karnataka.

Led by Dr. Suraj Narasimhan A, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Structural Interventional specialist at Narayana Health City, the team of doctors used the novel self-expanding Allegra TAVI device, designed to address the limitations of current generation TAVI valves and improve outcomes in patients with aortic valve disease.

The Allegra TAVI device is specifically designed for people with small annulus and for valve-in-valve procedures, which are common in the Indian population. This minimally invasive treatment option is becoming increasingly preferred for elderly patients with aortic valve disease.

“We are proud to be the first hospital in Karnataka to offer this advanced TAVI procedure using the new-generation Allegra TAVI device,” said Dr. Suraj Narasimhan A, adding that this milestone demonstrates the commitment to providing cutting-edge treatment options to patients.

Monarch Networth Encourages Women to Break the Cycle of Financial Dependence

Mumbai, 10th March, 2025: Monarch Networth’s latest campaign champions the message, “Financial independence is not inherited, it’s taught.” The heart of the film lies in the journey of three generations of women. The story highlights a mother from the second generation who, having witnessed financial dependence firsthand, takes a stand to equip her daughter with the knowledge and confidence to manage her own finances. By breaking the cycle, she ensures that the future generations of women are empowered, independent, and in control of their financial destinies.

“At Monarch Networth, we believe that true empowerment for women is more than just earning money; it’s owning your entire financial journey,” said Mr Vaibhav Shah, Managing Director at Monarch Networth Capital Ltd. “This Women’s Day, our campaign is a call to action—to educate, encourage, and enable women to take charge of their finances and secure their futures.”

The film is part of Monarch’s larger initiative to provide women with financial literacy tools, resources, and expert guidance to help them make informed financial decisions.

RAKTDA and Trip.com Strengthen Alliance for Chinese Travelers

March 2025: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Trip.com Group, a leading global travel services provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at ITB Berlin 2025 to launch a range of new initiatives designed to boost Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a must-visit destination for Chinese travellers. The signing of the MoU builds on a period of significant momentum for Ras Al Khaimah in China.

The agreement, signed by Amanda Wang, Vice President of Trip.com Group, and Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, builds on the success of an existing partnership and sets the stage for the launch of transformative initiatives that will enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s visibility, appeal and accessibility in China, one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets.

Harnessing Trip.com Group’s advanced digital ecosystem, data intelligence and consumer reach, the partnership will drive strategic marketing initiatives that engage Chinese travellers at every stage of their journey – from inspiration and planning to booking and on-the-ground experiences.

Through immersive storytelling, targeted promotions, and exclusive travel offerings, Ras Al Khaimah will be positioned as the go-to destination for Chinese visitors seeking an authentic Arabian escape. Combining breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality, the Nature Emirate offers a one-of-a-kind blend of adventure, relaxation, and history, providing a compelling alternative to traditional Middle Eastern destinations.

Since the partnership’s launch in June 2024, Trip.com Group has generated more than 17.5-million-page impressions for Ras Al Khaimah. The collaboration has been particularly impactful for Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector, with hotel bookings increasing by 22% in the second half of 2024, driven by targeted promotions and destination marketing campaigns.

Highlighting the outstanding success of the partnership to date, Trip.com Group honoured RAKTDA with its “Outstanding Strategic Partner of the Year” and “Best Overseas Partner of 2024” awards at its Global Partner Summit staged in December 2024.

Iyad Rasbey, Vice President, Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, stated, “China is one of the fastest-growing source markets. The extension of our partnership with Trip.com Group is an important step in our ongoing strategy to explore new growth opportunities. By combining our expertise in destination marketing with Trip.com Group’s market insights and digital influence, we will present Ras Al Khaimah to a broader audience, highlighting its heritage and Arabian hospitality.”

Amanda Wang, Vice President of Trip.com Group, highlighted the shared vision with Ras Al Khaimah’s unique appeal to Chinese travellers. “Ras Al Khaimah offers natural beauty, adventure, and cultural significance,” she said. “We plan to enhance our digital capabilities with RAKTDA to create engaging stories for Chinese travellers. By boosting our marketing efforts and increasing Ras Al Khaimah’s presence on our platforms, we aim to attract more visitors to explore this remarkable emirate.”

As part of the next phase of collaboration, the partners will introduce a flagship Ras Al Khaimah Star Hub store on Ctrip – Trip.com Group’s primary travel booking platform for Chinese travellers – providing a dedicated virtual space for travel inspiration, promotions, and curated itineraries. RAKTDA is also enhancing the travel experience for Chinese tourists visiting the emirate, by offering language support and digital payment solutions.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reported its strongest year ever in 2024, welcoming a record-high 1.28 million overnight arrivals, marking 12% growth in tourism revenues and a notable 15% rise in MICE visitors. This success is a testament to the Emirate’s strategic and sustainable growth vision to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.

Discover the Ultimate Sunday Brunch Experience at Grand Market Pavilion

Indian curry

Experience an exquisite journey of taste with the Sunday Brunch at Grand Market Pavilion, ITC Royal Bengal. Inspired by the iconic Hogg Market of Kolkata, this culinary haven captures the vibrancy of a global food district, offering a diverse and immersive dining adventure.

At the heart of the Grand Market Pavilion are the Seven Stations, each a gateway to distinct flavors and cuisines. Delight in the freshness of locally sourced ingredients with the Living Grid of zero-kilometer microgreens. The Asian Kitchen beckons with steaming baskets of dim sums, a live wokery, a noodle bar, and Asian soup cauldrons that transport your palate across the East.

For those who love hearty meals, Stews & Casseroles offers made-to-order pasta and an enticing fry bar. Cheese enthusiasts will revel in the Pavilion Deli’s extensive selection, alongside a vibrant medley of veg and non-veg antipasti, salads, sushi, and charcuterie.

The Global Gallery presents a world of flavors, spotlighting international favorites and a roast station that promises a gourmet indulgence. Meanwhile, the Kebaberie showcases the magic of Indian kebabs, while the Indian Island brings forth the traditional and the new, from decadent chaats to the unique tastes of Northeast India.

Conclude your culinary journey at The Dessert Studio, where decadent creations such as market puddings, elegant entremets, and handcrafted pies await to tantalize your senses.

Each Sunday, the Grand Market Pavilion transforms brunch into a captivating celebration of world cuisines, making it an unmissable gastronomic experience. Join us for a brunch that transcends borders and delights your senses every step of the way.

Somany Ceramics Secures Luxury with the Grand Launch of Duragres 2025 Collection

MARCH 10,2025, NEW DELHI: Somany Ceramics, a frontrunner in the Global tile industry, unveiled its much-anticipated Duragres Collection 2025 at a grand launch event at The Leela Ambience Convention, Delhi. The event showcased an exquisite array of innovative collections – Everstone, Eternastone, and Harmony in 800X1600mm Glazed Vitrified body, and a curated range of Duragres GVT in multiple finishes in 600×1200 size to push the boundaries of style, durability, and functionality.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Abhishek Somany, CEO & Managing Director of Somany Ceramics, shared his excitement about the launch, stating, “The Duragres Collection 2025 has been thoughtfully curated to address the emerging design needs of consumers and architects alike. Each collection has been thoughtfully crafted to bring together the best of design, durability, and functionality. From authentic stone finishes to the artistry of structured surfaces and finishes, this launch marks a new era in tile craftsmanship in the GVT segment. We believe these collections will set a new standard in the industry”

The Everstone Collection brings the raw, natural beauty of stone to life, offering a stunning blend of rugged aesthetics and superior endurance. Featuring a delicately textured matte surface with a refined sheen, Powered by Robusto surface, it delivers exceptional durability and endurance with resistance to scratches, stains, and moisture, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Inspired by nature’s timeless artistry, the Eternastone Collection captures the rich textures and formations of ancient rock, meticulously recreated using Etchtech surface technology. The surface replicates the tactile feel of natural stone with subtle ridges, rich veins, and an earthy matte finish.

The Harmony Collection redefines luxury with its exquisite designs, refined finishes, and masterful craftsmanship. It offers a diverse range of premium finishes—from the mirror-like Full Polish and vibrant High Gloss to the intricate Engravo and fluid Plume. The durable IMP finish provides a subtle matte texture, while Levigato Polish on Ligno Punch blends natural wood warmth with elegant refinement. The Décor Series adds a bold artistic touch, elevating interiors with striking patterns.

Road to COP30 WSDS 2025 Ministerial Sets Multilateral Path

Mumbai, March 10, 2025: A Ministerial titled—Multilateralism on the Road to COP30 and COP33—was an engaging session on Day 2 of the ongoing WSDS 2025 in New Delhi organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Leading climate experts, thought leaders, strategists, policymakers, and visionaries reinforced the urgent need to update the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to shape effective global strategies. The esteemed panelists called for ambitious targets and greater accountability—ensuring NDC 3.0, guided by the Global Stocktake (GST)—to deliver real impact. The role of the UAE-Belém Work Programme in strengthening global climate action and accountability frameworks was also highlighted.

As nations prepare to present their NDC 3.0 commitments ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, India has submitted a hosting bid for COP33. The session, moderated by Mr R R Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow, TERI aimed to map out clear and impactful strategies by outlining concrete pathways and scalable solutions to accelerate sustainable development, ensure climate justice, and position India as a key voice for the Global South in shaping the global climate narrative.

In his ‘Science Leadership’ address, Prof. Jim Skea, Chair, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), emphasized, “After the IPCC Special Report on limiting global warming to 1.5°C was published in 2018, I was quoted as saying that ‘limiting warming to 1.5°C was possible within the laws of physics and chemistry’ but now that aspiration is truly hanging by a slender thread. We are not going to achieve sustainable development or eradicate poverty unless we make progress on the three goals of the Paris Agreement. And we cannot make progress on any one of these goals unless we make progress on all the three goals,” he said.

H. E. Ms Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil, highlighted Brazil’s commitment to adaptation, stating, “The transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy must be not only swift but also just. Brazil advocates for a transition model that leaves nobody behind, thereby guaranteeing sustainable, economic alternatives, and implementation mechanisms that support, above all, the most vulnerable populations and ecosystems. As the host of COP30, Brazil underscores that climate responsibility is a collective duty, and only through multilateralism, our domestic efforts and international cooperation can we turn commitments into concrete action.”

H. E. Mr Aain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Nepal, observed, “India has made significant progress in renewable energy, afforestation, climate action, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. India’s experience can guide Nepal in balancing environmental and sustainable development while ensuring a resilient future for citizens in the face of climate change.”

H. E. Mr Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Minister of Climate and the Environment, Government of Norway, said, “A lot of things are challenging in the world right now, but that does not mean we don’t need to work together. In a more challenging world, we need more international cooperation. We must continue moving forward together in our work to tackle the planetary crisis on climate, nature, and pollution.”

H. E. Dr Muaviyath Mohamed, Minister of State for Tourism and Environment, Maldives, called for stronger financial support. “Important factors such as effective partnerships between governments and non-state actors have bridged funding and technological gaps, fostered innovation and promoted inclusive, transformational climate actions essential for the acceleration of the implementation of NDC 3.0,” he asserted.

Calling for systemic reforms in climate governance, Ms Jennifer Lee Morgan, State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action, Germany, highlighted, “The Paris Agreement’s success will be measured on how we accelerate emission reduction; how we empower the most vulnerable and get serious about the cost of inaction; and how we utilize the best and latest available science. NDC 3.0 and NAPs are critical to push just transition and resilience building.”

Adding a business perspective, Ms Helen Clarkson, CEO, Climate Group, stressed, “The current NDC cycle is an opportunity to supercharge the efforts but for that to happen, a wide range of stakeholders need to be more meaningfully involved in setting the NDC targets. For the NDCs to drive ambition, we need detailed, sector-specific transition plans with interim targets that need to be complemented by model investment frameworks. It is also essential to send a clear signal on ambition to business and provide the foundation to boost the private sector.”

Ms Anne Jellema, Executive Director, 350.org, emphasized the need for grassroots movements to play a critical role in driving climate action and ensuring an equitable transition. She said, “If we really believe in locally led climate solutions and a just transition, we must give the most marginalized people who are directly affected by climate change a real seat at the table and a real say in climate funding. About 10 years after the Paris Agreement, it is in a critical condition. Governments are not stepping up with the ambitious NDCs to bring fossil fuels to a speedy end.”

This plenary reaffirmed India’s growing leadership in international climate diplomacy, particularly as the country positions itself to potentially host COP33. The discussions highlighted how multilateral approaches can be strengthened to deliver climate justice, enhance adaptation frameworks, and ensure NDC 3.0 submissions to address climate crisis.