Surat, Gujarat, New Delhi, 21 January 2025: His Excellency Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of India, visited Surat to strengthen bilateral ties and explore investment and trade opportunities.

During the visit, Ambassador Alshaali participated in a business roundtable convened by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), held in collaboration with the UAE-India CEPA Council. This meeting with close to 50 local companies and senior members of the SGCCI, including Shri Vijay Mevawala, President of the SGCCI; Shri Paresh Bhatt, CEO of SGCCI Global Connect; Shri Devkishan Manghani, Chairman of SGCCI Global Connect; and Shri Ramesh Vaghasia, Past President of the SGCCI, highlighted the key role Surat and the state of Gujarat play in fostering bilateral collaboration between the UAE and India. Discussions focused on ways to increase investment between UAE and Indian businesses, and opportunities to expand current levels of trade in crucial sectors, including textiles, manufacturing, gems and jewellery, and agricultural products.

At the roundtable discussion, Ambassador Alshaali said: “The state of Gujarat is essential to the broader UAE-India bilateral partnership. In the 2023-24 Indian fiscal year, Gujarat led all other Indian states in total trade with the UAE, amounting to USD 32.11 billion – an impressive 38.39 percent of trade conducted between the UAE and India over this same period. Leveraging key initatives such as the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is vital to further expanding our trade, economic, and investment ties.”

The visit to Surat also provided an opportunity for the UAE Ambassador to India to undertake a tour of the the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), the world’s largest office building, and to engage with local diamond traders. During the tour of the bourse, Ambassador Alshaali met with senior members of the SDB Management Committee.

The UAE-India CEPA, implemented in May 2022, has further bolstered the exchange in diamonds and other precious commodities between the two countries, creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth. The CEPA has contributed to a significant reduction in costs, increases in exports and retail sales, and has allowed Indian jewellers to compete more effectively on a global scale.

Bengaluru, 21 January 2025: Couples affected by infertility will no longer need to travel to distant cities for treatment. Indira IVF, the largest fertility treatment chain in India, has opened its state-of-the-art center on the 3rd floor of Coronet green, Bellandur Gate, Sarjapur road, Bengaluru. This facility brings advanced fertility care closer to the residents of Bengaluru and surrounding areas, reinforcing Indira IVF’s mission to make high-quality reproductive healthcare accessible to couples facing infertility challenges.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. Rekha Rajendrakumar, President of the Bangalore Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Dr. Snehadarshini Karanth, Centre Head and Executive Director, Indira IVF Sarjapur, and esteemed Guests of Honour, including Dr. N. Shailaja, Senior Consultant at Shree Krishna Clinic,Bengaluru; Dr. Shyam N. Gupta, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, IVF Specialist, and South Zonal Business Director, Indira IVF J.P. Nagar; Dr. Radha S. Rao, Senior Consultant at Janani Clinic, Bengaluru-Jayanagar; Dr. Vandana U.C., Senior Consultant Anesthesiologist and Academic Faculty; and Dr. Dinesh A.S., Senior Consultant Anesthesiologist at Indira IVF J.P. Nagar.

With this addition, Indira IVF furthers its commitment to closing the gap in fertility care across India. Since its inception in 2011, Indira IVF has remained at the forefront of reproductive healthcare, leveraging cutting-edge Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to support couples in their journey to parenthood. This new centre in Sarjapur is equipped with advanced technology and a dedicated team of specialists to address the unique challenges faced by couples in the region.

Mr. Nitiz Murdia, Managing Director & Co-Founder of Indira IVF group, emphasized the importance of ensuring fertility care reaches underserved areas, stating, “The launch of the Sarjapur centre is a testament to our ongoing commitment to bridging the gap in fertility care, particularly in regions where access has been limited. By extending our network, we aim to ensure that advanced fertility treatments are within reach for more couples. At Indira IVF, our mission is to deliver not just state-of-the-art technology but also the empathy and support needed to help families navigate their journey to parenthood with confidence.”

Dr. Shyam Gupta, South Zonal Business Director, Indira IVF J.P. Nagar, said that awareness about fertility treatment in India is quite limited. One in six couples faces problems in conceiving. It is essential to understand that infertility can be due to either the male, the female, or both. Assisted reproductive technology provides appropriate treatment facilities to support both men and women on their journey to parenthood.

The exhibition marks a decade of partnership between Societe Generale and Aseema, which strives to provide high-quality education to children from marginalised communities in Mumbai & Igatpuri. The event features 200 artworks by students from Aseema’s Room 13 Art Programme. This program, inspired by an original initiative in Scotland, encourages students to explore diverse artistic genres and express their creativity. Drawing inspiration from renowned artists like Henri Matisse and Claude Monet, the students use mediums such as crayons, watercolors, and acrylics to bring their imaginations to life.

This one-of-a-kind exhibition allows Aseema’s students to showcase their artistic talents in a professional setting, building confidence and a sense of achievement. Supported by Societe Generale, Aseema provides value-based education to more than 3,500 children from marginalised communities each year. In addition to academics, the program emphasises co-curricular activities including art, music, and sports, promoting holistic development and equipping students with 21st-century skills. Over its 26-year journey, Aseema has helped thousands of children from marginalised communities in Mumbai and tribal areas in Igatpuri to realize their full potential.

Katan Hirachand, Chief Executive and Chief Country Officer at Societe Generale India, said:

“Beauty Without Boundaries is more than an exhibition – it’s a celebration of our shared vision with Aseema to inspire and empower the next generation. The creativity and resilience displayed in these artworks affirm our belief in the transformative power of education and social inclusion.”

Dilbur Parakh, Founder at Aseema Charitable Trust, added:

“We are deeply grateful to Societe Generale for their unwavering support and encouragement over the past 10 years. As a result of their commitment, all Aseema schools now have dedicated art studios where children can develop their skills and create beautiful works of art. We hope that Aseema paintings and products are recognised and appreciated as genuine works of art, reflecting the creativity and talent of these remarkable children.”

Societe Generale’s philanthropic efforts centre on education, culture, and the environment—key pillars of a thriving and sustainable society. With a legacy of supporting classical music since 1987, contemporary art since 1995, and youth education and professional integration since 2006, the Group is now broadening its focus to include environmental initiatives. This evolution reflects its commitment to driving the environmental transition, both through its own operations and by supporting its clients on their sustainability journeys.

New Delhi/Mumbai, January 21, 2025: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom services providers and Bajaj Finance, the country’s largest private-sector Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today announced a strategic partnership to create one of India’s largest digital platforms for financial services and transform last mile delivery.

The one-of-a-kind partnership brings together Airtel’s highly engaged customer base of 370 million, 12 lakh+ strong distribution network, and Bajaj Finance’s diversified suite of 27 product lines, and distribution heft of 5,000+ branches and 70,000 field agents.

Airtel will initially offer Bajaj Finance’s retail financial products on its Airtel Thanks App for seamless and secure customer experience, and later through its nation-wide network of stores. The combined strength of the companies’ digital assets will enable Airtel and Bajaj Finance to significantly deepen penetration of financial products and services.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD, Bharti Airtel, said, “Airtel and Bajaj Finance, two trusted names in this country, have the shared vision of empowering millions of Indians with a diverse portfolio of financial needs. The combined reach, scale and distribution strength of the two companies will serve as the cornerstone of this partnership and help us succeed in the marketplace. We are building Airtel Finance as a strategic asset for the group and will continue to invest in and grow the business. Today. we are trusted by over 1 million customers and our vision is to make Airtel Finance a one-stop shop for all the financial needs of our customers.”

Rajeev Jain, Managing Director, Bajaj Finance, said, “India’s digital ecosystem has been at the heart of data-driven credit underwriting and financial inclusion. Our partnership with Airtel not only leverages India’s digital infrastructure for inclusive growth but also brings together the expertise and reach of two of India’s leading and most-trusted brands. Together with Airtel, we seek to be the financier of choice to India and enable millions to access financial services, even in remote areas. We are excited to join hands with Airtel at a time when Bajaj Finance is harnessing the power of AI to enhance efficiencies and elevate customer experiences.”

So far, two products of Bajaj Finance have been piloted on the Airtel Thanks App. By March, four products of Bajaj Finance will be available to customers on the Airtel Thanks App. These include Gold Loan, Business Loan, a co-branded Insta EMI Card and Personal Loan. Airtel will progressively offer close to 10 financial products of Bajaj Finance within this calendar year.

Airtel customers have the opportunity to apply for the Airtel-Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card via the Airtel Thanks App and later through its nation-wide network of stores. Airtel-Bajaj Finserv EMI card provides access to a range of offers available to Bajaj Finance customers. Users will benefit from flexible EMI options and payment plans for purchasing various goods, including electronics, furniture and groceries at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across more than 4,000 cities. Additionally, the co-branded card is applicable for e-commerce transactions on multiple platforms.

The Airtel Thanks App now also enables customers to secure a gold loan, enabling new-to-credit customers to access finance and integrate with the formal financial system.

As part of the partnership, both the companies are committed to strong regulatory compliance, data privacy and security, and seamless customer service.

India, January 21, 2025: The Apollo University, Apollo Hospitals and University of Leicester, United Kingdom, have partnered to establish the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine (CDHPM) at The Apollo University campus in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. The advanced research centre will bring together the expertise and resources of both institutions to create a global hub for digital health and precision medicine. The CDHPM Centre will be the hub in Chittoor, India. The hub at the University of Leicester will be based at the BHF Cardiovascular Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.

The Co-Directors of the centre will be Professor Sir Nilesh J Samani, Professor of Cardiology at the University of Leicester, and Dr Sujoy Kar, Adjunct Faculty, The Apollo University, Chief Medical Information Officer, Apollo Hospitals.

The CDHPM was inaugurated today by Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Chancellor of the Apollo University and Founding Chairman, Apollo Hospitals in the presence of University of Leicester and The Apollo University’s Vice Chancellors. The Centre, which is fully functional today, will focus on revolutionising patient care by developing novel digital and personalised solutions using advanced analytical approaches to routinely collect healthcare data.

Commenting on the launch of CDHPM, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, said, “At The Apollo University, we have always been pro-health, and the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine (CDHPM) sits at the core of that belief. With the CDHPM, we aspire to transform healthcare delivery by bettering disease prediction, prevention, diagnosis, and management for acute and chronic conditions and are committed to profoundly impacting global healthcare. I am certain that such advancements will benefit patients globally and shape the future of personalised and data-driven medicine. I am happy to have launched the research centre in my birthplace in partnership with Leicester University.”

Dr.Vinod Bhat, Vice Chancellor of The Apollo University, discusses the partnership and its potential to drive transformative healthcare solutions forward. He says, “The launch of the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine marks a monumental step forward in The Apollo University’s commitment to revolutionising healthcare through innovation and collaboration. By integrating cutting-edge medical research with advanced technology, the Centre aims to redefine patient care and create a global benchmark for precision medicine. This partnership with the University of Leicester strengthens our academic and research capabilities and paves the way for transformative healthcare solutions to create new academic benchmarks.”

Commenting on the launch of CDHPM, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “The establishment of the centre will allow Leicester and Apollo to build the healthcare of the future, which has the potential to transform lives not only in India and the UK but around the globe.

“Combining the world-leading expertise of both institutions means we can find new and novel ways to solve the biggest challenges in health. We have also taken the first steps to provide cutting-edge degree programmes designed to address the current and future shortages of expertise in healthcare services, both in the UK and India.”

The centre’s vision

The Centre’s unique strength is underpinned by the extensive understanding that the institutions have of the challenges faced by healthcare systems globally. By combining the expertise and resources of The Apollo University and the University of Leicester and leveraging the resources accessible to both sides securely, the Centre will direct its initial research efforts toward the following – although not exclusively – areas of shared strengths: cardiovascular diseases and care, acute and emergency medicine, and multi-morbidity—especially given the ageing population and the prevalence of individuals living with multiple conditions.

The Centre will serve as a critical research hub within The Apollo University’s ecosystem, advancing collaborative projects in Precision Medicine and Digital Health. This joint Centre aspires to further research excellence and make meaningful contributions to healthcare innovation and patient care.

Clinical Medicine research at the University of Leicester was ranked joint 2nd in the Times Higher Education (THE)’s analysis of the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

The Apollo University – University of Leicester programmes launched

In addition, starting September 2025, The Apollo University will introduce three collaborative undergraduate programmes curated to fulfil the increasing demand for quality transnational education in domains such as Artificial intelligence, Electronics Electrical and Information Engineering, and Business Administration. As part of such programmes, students will complete the first two years of their studies at The Apollo University, India and subsequently progress to the University of Leicester, UK, for the final year of study of the programme.

Additionally, four healthcare-focused Masters programmes will be offered at the University of Leicester. These programmes will cater to the increasing demand for healthcare professionals with specialised competencies. Further speciality medicine programmes developed jointly by Apollo Hospitals, University of Leicester, NHS England and the BAPIO Training Academy (BTA) will offer students diverse pathways to train, specialise and practice in the UK.

The Apollo University – University of Leicester partnership so far

An overarching MoU was signed in June 2023 to strengthen links between India and the UK, establish a mutual desire to promote international cooperation and explore collaborative education and research programmes, particularly in healthcare and data science.

New Delhi, India – January 21, 2024 – Venkateshwar International School made a remarkable debut on the TEDx platform with their event themed “Voices, Vision, and Vistas”.

The event featured different speakers, each bringing unique perspectives and inspiring thoughts. Capt. Jaison Thomas, Kargil hero turned educationist, shared stories of courage and resilience that transcend battlefields. Drisshya Duggal, a pioneering cyberpsychology evangelist, explored the intricate relationship between technology and humanity. Tatsam Lamba, a debate coach and a law student, spoke passionately about education as the ultimate catalyst for societal transformation. Notable speaker Atul Gupta, former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, inspired with his journey from public service to building Arista Vault, a 100-crore entrepreneurial triumph

This event provided a platform for insightful conversations that encouraged individuals to explore new possibilities. It emphasized the importance of creative thinking, perseverance, and community-driven action in shaping the future.

The Tedx event was not just a gathering, it was a celebration of diverse voices, visionary ideas and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. The audience left feeling empowered and ready to embrace new vistas in thought and action.

Principal of Venkateshwar International School, Dr. Manisha Sharma expressed her pride in the school’s participation in TEDx saying, “We are thrilled to have been a part of this enlightening event. It shows the spirit of innovation and intellectual curiosity that we deliver at our school.”

Venkateshwar International School’s debut marks a significant milestone in their commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking and global citizenship among students.

Mumbai, January 21, 2025 – Vietjet, Vietnam’s new-age airline, offers flyers a golden opportunity to enjoy additional privileges during their journeys with an attractive 20% discount on Business and SkyBoss tickets . The promotion is valid for all passengers purchasing the airline’s premium seats on the 20th of every month.

Starting January 20, 2025, travellers can take advantage of this exciting offer when booking their flights via the website www.vietjetair.com, the Vietjet Air mobile application, booking offices and agents globally. Promotional tickets are available for journeys between March 1 and May 29, 2025 .

With Vietjet’s Business and SkyBoss services, passengers will enjoy priorities and privileges throughout their flights. SkyBoss tickets come with a 5-in-1 benefit package, including access to luxurious lounges, checked baggage allowance of up to 50kg, a diverse in-flight dining menu, spacious soft seats, and free Sky Care travel insurance. Meanwhile, Business class is the top choice for flights between India/Australia and Vietnam, offering private cabins and spacious seats on modern Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft for maximum comfort.

Vietjet’s growing flight network connects key hubs like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to numerous destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, making travel to Vietnam more convenient and affordable. Indian travellers can fly to the three Vietnamese cities with Vietjet’s non-stop services from New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi. With the airline’s expansive domestic network within Vietnam, visitors can easily explore the country’s diverse attractions.

Kolkata, January 20, 2025: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom services providers and Bajaj Finance, the country’s largest private-sector Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), today announced a strategic partnership to create one of India’s largest digital platforms for financial services and transform last mile delivery.

The one-of-a-kind partnership brings together Airtel’s highly engaged customer base of 370 million, 12 lakh+ strong distribution network, and Bajaj Finance’s diversified suite of 27 product lines, and distribution heft of 5,000+ branches and 70,000 field agents.

Airtel will initially offer Bajaj Finance’s retail financial products on its Airtel Thanks App for seamless and secure customer experience, and later through its nation-wide network of stores. The combined strength of the companies’ digital assets will enable Airtel and Bajaj Finance to significantly deepen penetration of financial products and services.

Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD, Bharti Airtel, said, “Airtel and Bajaj Finance, two trusted names in this country, have the shared vision of empowering millions of Indians with a diverse portfolio of financial needs. The combined reach, scale and distribution strength of the two companies will serve as the cornerstone of this partnership and help us succeed in the marketplace. We are building Airtel Finance as a strategic asset for the group and will continue to invest in and grow the business. Today. we are trusted by over 1 million customers and our vision is to make Airtel Finance a one-stop shop for all the financial needs of our customers.”

Rajeev Jain, Managing Director, Bajaj Finance, said, “India’s digital ecosystem has been at the heart of data-driven credit underwriting and financial inclusion. Our partnership with Airtel not only leverages India’s digital infrastructure for inclusive growth but also brings together the expertise and reach of two of India’s leading and most-trusted brands. Together with Airtel, we seek to be the financier of choice to India and enable millions to access financial services, even in remote areas. We are excited to join hands with Airtel at a time when Bajaj Finance is harnessing the power of AI to enhance efficiencies and elevate customer experiences.”

So far, two products of Bajaj Finance have been piloted on the Airtel Thanks App. By March, four products of Bajaj Finance will be available to customers on the Airtel Thanks App. These include Gold Loan, Business Loan, a co-branded Insta EMI Card and Personal Loan. Airtel will progressively offer close to 10 financial products of Bajaj Finance within this calendar year.

Airtel customers have the opportunity to apply for the Airtel-Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card via the Airtel Thanks App and later through its nation-wide network of stores. Airtel-Bajaj Finserv EMI card provides access to a range of offers available to Bajaj Finance customers. Users will benefit from flexible EMI options and payment plans for purchasing various goods, including electronics, furniture and groceries at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across more than 4,000 cities. Additionally, the co-branded card is applicable for e-commerce transactions on multiple platforms.

The Airtel Thanks App now also enables customers to secure a gold loan, enabling new-to-credit customers to access finance and integrate with the formal financial system.

As part of the partnership, both the companies are committed to strong regulatory compliance, data privacy and security, and seamless customer service.