Garuda Aerospace Helps Protect Olive Ridley Turtles with Free Drone Surveillance Effort

28th January 2025, Chennai, India- Garuda Aerospace, a leading drone technology company in India, is deploying free drone surveillance for the next three months along Chennai’s coastline to protect endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. This initiative comes in response to recent reports of over 300 mass turtle deaths in the last three weeks and aims to support conservation efforts by combating illegal fishing practices. Garuda Aerospace is partnering with the Tree Foundation and the Departments of Forest and Fisheries for this operation.

Garuda Aerospace’s advanced drone technology offers a crucial solution. These drones provide efficient, non-invasive aerial surveys, identifying nesting sites, tracking hatchling progress, and monitoring coastal areas for illegal fishing activity. Equipped with speakers, the drones can issue warnings to fishermen violating Marine Fishing Regulations within five nautical miles of the coast, as stipulated by Section 5 of the Tamil Nadu Marine Regulation Act, 1983.

Olive Ridley turtles face numerous threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, habitat loss, predation, and human interference. Recent incidents have highlighted the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and enforcement of existing regulations. The nesting season, typically from January to April, is a particularly vulnerable period. Garuda Aerospace’s free drone surveillance, covering 5 to 10 km of the ocean, will provide critical support during this time, helping to protect nesting females and ensure the safe passage of hatchlings to the ocean.

“We are deeply concerned by the recent mass deaths of Olive Ridley turtles,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “The plight of the Olive Ridley turtles demands immediate action and long-term solutions. By deploying our drones free of charge for the next three months, we’re directly intervening to protect nesting sites, deter illegal fishing, and give these hatchlings a chance at survival. We believe this initiative will not only help these endangered creatures but also drive future innovation and growth for Garuda in the vital field of environmental protection.”

Dr. Supraja Dharini of The Tree Foundation, a leading expert in Olive Ridley turtle conservation, added, “The Olive Ridley turtle population is facing a critical threat. The combination of habitat destruction and accidental entanglement in fishing nets has led to a drastic decline in their numbers. This initiative by Garuda Aerospace to provide drone surveillance is a welcome and essential step in protecting these magnificent creatures. Real-time monitoring and rapid response to illegal fishing activities are vital for the success of conservation efforts.”

With over 3,000 drones sold and serving clients like DRDO and the NDRF, Garuda Aerospace has a pan-India presence and the largest drone fleet in India. The Company has versatile drones equipped with various payloads, including cameras and loudspeakers, to tailor solutions for specific needs. As the only NDRF-empaneled drone company for disaster response, and holding dual DGCA certification, Garuda Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support this vital conservation effort. Garuda Aerospace has the technology that is ideally suited to protect Olive Ridley turtles by monitoring coastal areas and deterring illegal fishing. The next three months are the crucial breeding period when turtles migrate from the Gulf of Munnar to the Northern Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coast to nest.

Ashok Leyland Expands with Three Dealerships in Jharkhand

Chandigarh, 28th January, 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today inaugurated three new M&HCV dealership outlets of Sahu and Sons Truckings in Jharkhand. These include two outlets in Ranchi and one in Serengdag. With these additions, Ashok Leyland now has 30 M&HCV touchpoints across the state.

The advanced 3S dealership in Ranchi, is strategically located at NH20 (connecting Jamshedpur to Barhi), spanning across 60,000 sq. ft and features ten bays. This newly launched dealership will serve the districts of Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Gumla, Chatra, Koderma, Ramgarh, Khunti, and Simdega. The outlet will cater to M&HCV vehicles, and are equipped with modern tools and equipment, including wheel alignment machines, pneumatic systems and four dedicated accident repair bays with modern repair system facilities. The second outlet inaugurated in Ranchi is a dealership sales (1S) outlet.

The third outlet, a state-of-the-art 2S facility, is located in Serengdag in the Chatra district. Spanning across 25,000 sq. ft, it features seven service bays and is strategically positioned near the Chatra Coal Mines and NTPC, Tandwa ensuring efficient access for vehicles moving to the eastern, and northern regions of the state.

The newly launched dealerships will play an important role in helping Ashok Leyland strengthen its footprint in the eastern region.

Ms. Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “Jharkhand is an important market for us, and we are delighted to expand our presence in the region with three additional touchpoints. We aim to leverage the region’s thriving economic activity, expanding infrastructure projects, and increasing demand for commercial vehicles. Our partner, Sahu and Sons Truckings, through these new outlets, will help us meet the distinct demands of our customers in this region by offering tailored solutions. We want to be a part of the growth and help our customers with the best products. We, as always, remain committed to enhancing customer service and satisfaction. We will help our consumers achieve their dreams as we believe that Koi Manzil Door Nahin.”

Mr. Vivek Vishal, Director, Sahu and Sons Truckings said, “We are thrilled to partner with Ashok Leyland and expand our presence in Jharkhand. The three new outlets will solidify the brand’s position as a significant player in the region. Ashok Leyland has consistently been a trusted and preferred brand in Eastern India. With this partnership, we aim to take its legacy forward by reaching more customers and providing end-to-end mobility solutions for their unique transportation needs.”

Ashok Leyland has one of the largest and fastest-growing networks in the commercial vehicle industry, and the company is expanding its brand presence through a robust network of dealerships and service centres to provide best-in-class after-sales support to its customers. The company will cover the major transport hubs offering Haulage, Tractor trailers, ICV Goods, Tippers, Fully Built RMC, Haulage, and School/Staff Buses through these dealerships.

EDT Offshore Teams Up with Synergy Marine Group to Establish EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd

Chennai, January 28, 2025: EDT Offshore, a leading provider of integrated marine and subsea services, and Synergy Marine Group, a global ship management company, have launched EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd, a joint venture designed to deliver tailored ship management solutions to the offshore industry.

Registered in Cyprus, this new entity combines EDT Offshore’s extensive expertise in offshore operations with Synergy Marine Group’s reputation for quality-driven technical management and innovative maritime solutions. Together, the joint venture aims to address the unique challenges of offshore operations while aligning with global priorities in decarbonisation and digitalisation.

Synergy Marine Group is the world’s second-largest ship manager and the largest third-party manager of Indian-flagged vessels. Founded in 2006 by Captain Rajesh Unni, the company employs over 28,000 seafarers worldwide, 90% of whom are from India. The Group plans to increase this number by 5,000 by 2026 and to have at least 1,000 female seafarers by 2030.

Ajay Chaudhry, Co-CEO Ship Management at Synergy Marine Group, suggests that the launch of EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd will help empower Indian seafarers and strengthen India’s position as a key player in the global maritime industry.

He said, “As India positions itself as a $5 trillion economy, its workforce will play a pivotal role in adapting to the demands of automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging industries. Synergy Marine Group remains committed to fostering innovation, empowering our Indian seafarers, and championing sustainability and diversity across the global maritime ecosystem. This partnership with EDT highlights our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions and strengthening India’s position as a key player in the global maritime industry.”

With an extensive presence in India, including offices in eight cities employing more than 2,000 shore-based personnel, Synergy complements its global operations across 15 maritime hubs, delivering unmatched depth and breadth of service to ship owners.

Speaking about the new venture, Giles Heimann, Director-Shipmanagement & Operations, EDT Offshore said, “This joint venture represents a strategic evolution of our shared vision for operational excellence.” He added, “By combining our expertise, EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd is well positioned to meet the demands of the offshore sector and deliver innovative solutions to our clients.”

Ajay Chaudhry further said “This partnership highlights our commitment to fostering innovation and delivering customised solutions for the offshore industry. Through this collaboration, we aim to elevate operational efficiency and tackle critical challenges like decarbonisation and digitalisation.”

EDT Synergy Shipmanagement Ltd will address key challenges in offshore vessel management, including the high energy demands of dynamic positioning, limited access to alternative fuels and the growing need for sustainable retrofitting. Leveraging advanced technologies and best practices, the joint venture aims to provide customised management solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the offshore sector.

This collaboration also aligns with the increasing growth in subsea and renewable energy projects, as well as offshore terminal operations—areas where EDT Offshore has long-standing expertise. The joint venture will support the maintenance and upgrading of offshore facilities and the expansion of exploration and production activities worldwide.

HDFC Securities and KFin Technologies Partner to Accelerate NPS Adoption

Chandigarh, January 28, 2025HDFC securities, a leading stock broking company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Bank, announced a strategic partnership with KFin Technologies Limited (KFintech), one of the largest Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) in the country, to enhance the accessibility and adoption of National Pension System (NPS) amongst its subscribers. HDFC Securities has an extensive network of over 3.5 lakh subscribers and over 2700 corporate clients.

CRAs are crucial to the NPS ecosystem, providing centralized management of subscriber records, ensuring transparency, and streamlining account management. It enables subscribers to track contributions, monitor investments, and make changes easily. KFintech’s CRA platform offers several innovative features designed to enhance user experience and security, with subscribers benefiting from flexible transaction statement downloads across any date range, and real-time SMS notifications for all contribution modes. The platform combines enhanced security features like dual-factor authentication through password and SMS OTP with dedicated portals for subscribers, complemented by WhatsApp services and a missed call facility for easier access.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Dhiraj Relli, MD & CEO, HDFC securities, said, “We’re excited to partner with KFintech to enhance our service offerings. This collaboration will enable us to provide our subscribers and corporate clients with a superior technological platform for NPS management. The timing couldn’t have been better, as we’re seeing increased interest in Corporate NPS following the enhanced tax benefits, and typically, these are the initial months of the year.”

“KFintech has demonstrated its technological leadership in the industry by contributing to 47% of new registrations growth, the highest among CRAs. This partnership will leverage the technological advantage to streamline the onboarding process and enhance the user experience for our new subscribers and corporate clients. Together with KFintech, we’re well-positioned to drive greater pension penetration in the corporate sector.” added, Mr. Relli.

Sreekanth Nadella, MD & CEO at KFin Technologies, said, “The rapid digitization of financial services has created a unique opportunity to reshape the pension landscape in India. As part of our commitment to democratizing pension coverage across the country, this partnership with HDFC securities marks a transformative step forward. By leveraging our comprehensive digital solutions, combined with HDFC securities’ robust corporate network, we aim to create a powerful synergy that will significantly enhance access to NPS across the country.”

The partnership comes at an opportune time as the Government of India has recently enhanced tax benefits under corporate NPS from 10% to 14% of basic income, driving increased interest in the corporate NPS market. Currently, with only 18,700 corporations registered under Corporate NPS and 21.6 lakh subscribers, there is substantial growth potential in this segment.

Padmashri Dr. Deepa Malik’s Autobiography ‘Bring It On’ Launched at Prestigious Presidential Awards Ceremony

New Delhi, January 28, 2025: The launch ceremony of Padmashree Dr. Deepa Malik’s autobiographical book “Bring It On” was organized by Presidential Awards, Banyan Tribe, Blanky, and Straight Angle at Hotel Umrao, Delhi. Deepa Malik launched her book “Bring It On” at the book launch ceremony. After the book launch, Deepa Malik announced that much waited Presidential Awards will be held on 18th June 2025. . On this occasion, many dignitaries including the organizer of Presidential Awards Akhil Ghai, Abhishek Anand, Anu Agarwal, Saurabh Sharma, Sumit Gautam were present.

Deepa Malik said on this occasion that “Bring It On” not only a book, it is an adventurous journey of my life. It is a campaign to give new hope to people’s lives. It is the spirit of never giving up and making difficulties easier with your courage. Dr. Deepa Malik is a Padma Shri Khel Ratna Arjuna Award winner and is also the first Indian female Paralympic medalist.

Braving chest below paralysis for the last 25 years, Dr. Deepa Malik is India’s first Woman Paralympic Medalist and winner of 5 President of India awards, 4 Limca world records, 3 International Awards, 68 national & state medals, 23 international medals. Beyond sports, Deepa Malik is also India’s first paraplegic woman biker, swimmer & rallyist; a policy maker & social activist championing inclusion of persons with disabilities. Belonging to the defence family, Deepa Malik is an Army wife, daughter & daughter in law. In 2024, Dr. Deepa Malik has been appointed the South Asian Sub-Region Representative of the Asian Paralympic Committee. In her autobiography published with Harper Collins, Deepa Malik recounts her journey of saying ‘Bring It On’ to every challenge life has thrown her way

Punjab’s Historic Grand Republic Day Parade Unveiled at CP67 Mall in Mohali

Mohali, January 28, 2025 – CP67 Mall in Mohali marked Republic Day with a spectacular Grand Republic Day Weekend from January 24-26. The highlight of the event was Punjab’s first-ever grand Republic Day parade, which captivated and united the community with its vibrant display of cultural richness and diversity.

The grand Republic Day parade, held on January 26 showcased the traditions of 12 states, vividly portraying unity in diversity. Over 400 participants, including students and cultural groups in traditional attire, performed lively dances, music, and customs unique to their states. The parade featured spectacular performances from states such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Sikkim, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, each presenting a one-minute cultural performance that celebrated India’s rich heritage.

CP67 Mall was adorned with stunning Republic Day décor, including tricolor banners and beautifully designed photo booths, creating a perfect patriotic atmosphere. Visitors had the opportunity to capture memorable moments and showcase their pride on social media.

In addition to the parade, the mall hosted a Nail & Thread Art Workshop from January 24-26. Led by a renowned artist, participants created an 18’ x 6’ Indian flag using nail-and-thread art, weaving threads of orange, white, and green to bring the tricolor to life in a creative and patriotic way.

The festivities culminated in a Flag Hoisting Ceremony on January 26 where attendees were invited to “raise the flag and raise the pride.” CP67 Mall’s Republic Day celebrations were full of culture, creativity, and patriotism, making it an event to remember.

Narayana Health Revolutionizes Healthcare with Arya Health Plans from Narayana One Health and Narayana Health Insurance

Bengaluru, 28th January 2025: Narayana One Health and Narayana Health Insurance today introduced Arya Health Plans, a revolutionary healthcare plan designed to address the limitations of traditional health insurance. Arya combines hospitalization coverage of up to ₹1 crore with unparalleled outpatient benefits and partners with customers in their health journey by offering dedicated family physicians and care managers to help them get well and stay healthy.

“Arya Health Plans are simple, integrated, friendly, and personalised . Our Care Managers and world-class physicians will partner with you to help you get well and stay healthy. Arya offers comprehensive hospitalisation coverage, amazing out-patient care and value, efficient service, and the trust of Narayana Health”, said Ravi Vishwanath, Board Member and Director, Narayana Health Insurance.

Traditional insurance plans often burden consumers with high premiums, hidden clauses, and long waiting periods. Arya Health Plans address these challenges, offering coverage options ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore, with flexible top-up options starting as low as ₹25,000. The plans also include consultations with general practitioners, paediatricians, and OBGYNs, along with substantial savings on diagnostics, specialist consultations and medications. Added conveniences include home sample collection, free medicine delivery and access to CAP-certified labs. Arya offers day one benefits to eligible applicants, which provide immediate coverage upon policy activation. With the One Health Promise, which refunds the annual premium if the insured undergoes surgery of any kind within the policy year, Arya takes an industry-first initiative in India. Each customer will have a dedicated Care Manager and a Family Physician to help them in their journey to good health.

“With Arya Health Plans, we are extending Narayana Health’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare into the realm of insurance. These plans are designed to complement our robust healthcare network, ensuring every member experiences world-class care tailored to their needs. Arya embodies our vision of making healthcare not only affordable but also personalised and hassle-free,” said Viren Shetty, Vice Chairman, Narayana Health.

IHCL STRENGHTENS PRESENCE IN AYODHYA, SIGNS A TAJ

Chandigarh, JANUARY 28, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a Taj hotel in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This development with the Solitaire Group is a brownfield project.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “IHCL has a strong presence across significant spiritual destinations in India and this signing aligns with our strategy of developing spiritual circuits. Ayodhya has witnessed a significant boost in spiritual tourism, as one of the most sought-after pilgrimage destinations in the country. With the recent signings across SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway and Ginger brands, we are strengthening our presence in the city with the iconic Taj brand. We are delighted to partner with the Solitaire Group for this Taj hotel project which is expected to open in 2026.”

He added, “IHCL has a multi – brand presence in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Vrindavan, Prayagraj and Varanasi, Reflective of our commitment in this region, we are investing in the expansion of Taj Ganges for the addition of 100 rooms which will be operational in the coming months.”

Spanning across 7.2 acres, the 300-key Taj Ayodhya, a unit of The Solitaire Group, will be designed by Indian fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani and will feature 29 luxury villas. The hotel will feature an all-day diner, two specialty restaurants along with J Wellness Circle spa, gym, swimming pool, and kids’ club. For events and celebrations, the hotel will offer expansive banqueting space spanning over 34,000 sq. ft. Ideally located near the Lucknow-Ayodhya Highway, the hotel is approximately 20 minutes from Ram Mandir.

Ms. Shivani Jaiswal and Mr. Mayank Jaiswal, Solitaire Group, said, “We are excited to collaborate with IHCL. The country’s largest hospitality company introducing the celebrated Taj brand to Ayodhya and elevating the city’s hospitality landscape. Taj will offer a luxury destination for travelers to the holy city.”

Deeply rooted in Indian mythology and history, Ayodhya is renowned as the birthplace of Lord Ram. The city hosts grand festivals such as Deepotsav Ayodhya, Ram Navmi Mela, Shravan Jhula-Mela, Ram Lila, Antargarhi Parikrama, and Panchokshi Parikrama, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

Ajit Prabhu Foundation and GSB Scholarship League Honour Scholars at 9th Annual Event

Mangaluru ,28th January 2025 – Ajit Prabhu Foundation of Prabhu Family Charitable Trust (PFCT) along with GSB Scholarship League (GSBL) recently hosted their 9th annual Scholarship event at the TV Raman Pai Convention Center in Kodialbail, Mangaluru to offer academic scholarships to engineering students. The scholarship program, initiated by Mr. Ajit Prabhu, Co-Founder & CEO of Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, aims to alleviate the financial burdens of exceptional students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without financial hindrance.

Mrs Gita Pai, Chairperson of GSBL said “For the academic year of 2024 and the 9th edition of the scholarship program, 83 students received scholarships from the Ajit Prabhu Foundation. Since its inception, the program has cumulatively awarded 754 scholarships to 332 students.”

Mrs Poonam Ajay Prabhu, Trustee of PFCT, said “Ajit Prabhu Foundation not only provides scholarships but also offers valuable career opportunities. We are also proud to have extended job offers from Quest Global to 12 students who are in their third and fourth year of college.”

On this occasion, Dr. Avinash Prabhu, Member of the PFCT addressed the student saying, “Time is our greatest asset, let’s invest it wisely. Remain humble, stay curious and never stop learning. Amidst all the hustle, always remember to nurture your family and friends, for they are the pillars that support thorough life’s journey.”

Mr Suresh V, the other Trustee of PFCT, added “This initiative underscores the Foundation’s commitment to empower young talent and create a brighter future for aspiring youngsters.”

The event was attended by PFCT Trustees Mrs. Poonam Ajay Prabhu, Mr. Suresh V, Smt. Shalini Aravind Prabhu, Mr. Avinash Prabhu, and Mrs. Gita Pai, Chairperson of GSBL.

Jaipur Literature Festival 2025: A Celebration of Stories and Ideas

Jaipur, January 28, 2025: The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival is set to transform Hotel Clarks Amer into a vibrant hub of literary excellence from January 30th, 2025. Recognised globally as the pioneer of the literature festival format and a leader in its domain, the Festival has redefined how the world celebrates the written word. This year’s Festival once again proves why it remains an aspirational platform for authors, intellectuals, and audiences alike, welcoming an extraordinary roster of award-winning voices from across the globe.

From Nobel laureates to Booker Prize winners, Sahitya Akademi honorees, and Pulitzer Prize finalists, this year’s lineup celebrates the transformative power of ideas and stories and the vast potential that lies in knowledge.

Nobel Prize

Abhijit Banerjee, co-recipient of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics, will shed light on his latest book, Chhaunk, which offers a fascinating exploration of Indian food, culture, and society. Esther Duflo, also a 2019 Nobel Laureate in Economics, will present Poor Economics for Kids, a compelling adaptation of her seminal work tailored for young readers. Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel laureate in Chemistry, will lead an engaging session on the science of aging and humanity’s quest for immortality. Additionally, Kailash Satyarthi will unveil his latest book, Diyasalai, in a special launch event hosted by Namita Gokhale.

Booker Prize

Audiences will be treated to the brilliance of Jenny Erpenbeck (International Booker Prize, 2024) and Geetanjali Shree (International Booker Prize, 2022), alongside other luminaries such as Michael Hofmann and Charlotte Wood, who will explore modern storytelling.

Sahitya Akademi

Showcasing the richness of Indian literature, the Festival features icons like Namita Gokhale, Shashi Tharoor, Sudha Murty, and historian Anirudh Kanisetti. Together, they embody the evolution of India’s cultural and historical narratives.

Pulitzer and Baillie Gifford

Pulitzer awardees Benjamin Moser and Nathan Thrall, along with Baillie Gifford finalist John Vaillant, will discuss the art of storytelling in nonfiction, reflecting on themes ranging from biography to global journalism.

JCB Prize and Crossword Awards

The Festival will also feature award-winning authors such as William Dalrymple, Pankaj Mishra, and Pallavi Aiyar, who continue to push the boundaries of creativity and narrative.

The Jaipur Literature Festival has long been a beacon for literature enthusiasts, offering a platform where global and local voices converge to inspire, engage, and challenge. Join us this year to witness the magic of storytelling, where ideas come alive, and words shape the future.

Top Reasons to Attend Jaipur Literature Festival 2025

Inspirational sessions with literary icons and thought leaders: Listen to Nobel Laureates, Booker Prize winners, and Pulitzer Prize honourees as they discuss groundbreaking ideas and their creative journeys. Get ready to get your books signed!

Vibrant Cultural Extravaganza: Explore the Festival Buzzaar, Night Market, and exclusive cultural evenings featuring live performances at the Jaipur Music Stage.

Networking Opportunities: Writing a book? Connect with global literary and publishing professionals at Jaipur BookMark, South Asia’s premier publishing conclave.

Immersive Experiences: Enhance your journey with the Friend of the Festival package, offering curated events and behind-the-scenes access.