CARE Hospitals Hitech City Delivers Critical Care to Gunshot Victim of Bidar Robbery
Hyderabad, 28th January, 2025: Surgeons at CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, have successfully treated Mr. Shiva Kumar, a victim of the recent robbery incident in Bidar, Karnataka. Following a complex and critical surgery, Mr. Shiva Kumar has made remarkable progress and is being discharged today. The incident involved two unidentified assailants who fired at Mr. Shiva Kumar and his colleague before fleeing with a trunk containing a significant amount of cash.
Mr. Shiva Kumar was rushed to CARE Hospitals following a gunshot wound sustained during the robbery. The entry wound was located in the left upper chest, with an exit wound in the left flank. Upon arrival, he was attended to by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who conducted a comprehensive evaluation, including a CT scan of his chest and abdomen.
The assessment revealed extensive internal injuries caused by the bullet, which had passed through the left lung, punctured the diaphragm and stomach, and caused injuries to the spleen and kidney. An emergency laparotomy was performed to stabilize his condition. The surgical team meticulously repaired the diaphragm and stomach while successfully salvaging both the spleen and kidney.
Dr. Mustafa Hussain Razvi, Consultant General Surgery CARE Hospitals Hitech City, who led the surgical team, said, “Mr. Shiva Kumar’s case was complex due to the extent of internal injuries caused by the gunshot. Our focus was on saving his vital organs while minimizing long-term complications. Over the course of his treatment in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Mr. Shiva Kumar demonstrated steady recovery and resilience. He now heads home in stable condition, surrounded by the unwavering support of his loved ones. It is truly gratifying to see him regain his strength and be ready for discharge.”
Bidar District In-charge Minister Eshwar Khandre, Corporator Madhapur Mr. Jagdeeshwar Goud, and Shilpa Sharma, IAS Deputy Commissioner, extended their support and visited Mr. Shiva Kumar during his treatment, reflecting the community’s concern and solidarity.
Speaking about the successful treatment, Mr.Nilesh Gupta Chief Operating Officer CARE Hospitals, Hitech city, said, “The journey to recovery in cases involving complex injuries requires precision, expertise, and a compassionate approach. We are delighted to see Mr. Shiva Kumar regain his strength, and this milestone serves as a testament to our team’s dedication and advanced medical capabilities.“
The discharge of Mr. Shiva Kumar marks a triumph of medical excellence and resilience. CARE Hospitals remains committed to its mission of delivering cutting-edge healthcare and compassionate support to all its patients.
Taneira’s Brand Film Celebrates Craftsmanship with Usha Uthup & Mrunal Thakur
Chandigarh, 28th January, 2025: Taneira, a TATA product has unveiled its first-ever brand campaign, a strategic initiative designed to reinforce its core promises of Trust, Authenticity, Purity, Craftsmanship, Diverse Indian Weaves Under One Roof. The campaign features the legendary Usha Uthup, well-known for her deep love for sarees, alongside the graceful Mrunal Thakur. Together, they bring alive the brand’s dedication to preserving and promoting the textile heritage of the country while empowering consumers to make informed choices. The campaign highlights the timeless elegance of handwoven sarees and the stories they carry, reaffirming Taneira as the ultimate destination for those seeking sarees unequivocally rich in both tradition and trend.
The film unfolds within a vibrant Taneira store, where Mrunal Thakur is seen draping a stunning pure silk saree and seeking the ‘expert’ opinion of Usha Uthup. What follows is an interaction laced with playful exchanges that are a slice of everyday life and resonates with every ardent saree shopper. Their conversation adds a touch of charm while addressing common concerns that many consumers have, from choosing the right fabric to gauging the authenticity of a saree. Through a series of delightful moments, the film underscores the unique qualities of Taneira Sarees, such as pure silk credentials, proudly certified with the Silk Mark tag, to their intricately handwoven designs crafted by master artisans from across the country. It brings to life the enduring allure of these pieces while reassuring consumers that Taneira offers transparency, authenticity, and craftsmanship they can trust.
Sharing her thoughts on this campaign, singer Usha Uthup expressed, “For me, sarees are not just a part of my attire, they are a part of my personal identity. Taneira’s commitment to preserving the art of saree weaving while embracing contemporary design interpretations mirrors my own values of celebrating cultural legacy and individual expression. It is truly special to be involved with a brand that celebrates the timeless beauty of sarees, while making them accessible to women who value both style and meaning in their wardrobe.”
At the heart of the narrative lies the breathtaking ‘Mor design’ Banarasi saree, adorned with over a hundred intricately woven peacocks. This masterpiece spotlights Taneira’s ability to bring unique yet timeless designs to life through unmatched craftsmanship of India’s weaving traditions.
Uthup added, “This partnership feels like a natural extension of my long-standing love for sarees and my passion to support artisans whose craft deserves to be cherished and shared with the world”.
Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Mr. Ambuj Narayan, CEO, Taneira, said “At Taneira, our goal is to offer authenticity with transparency, all at a price that reflects value, while telling the stories of the hands that painstakingly bring each piece to life. We are dedicated to celebrating the seamless blend of heritage and modernity, and this campaign embodies that vision by bringing to life the rich legacy of Indian textiles at the heart of what Taneira represents. It has been an honor to collaborate with a legend like Usha Uthup and the very gracious Mrunal Thakur to tell this story and inspire a deeper connection with the artistry behind every Taneira saree”.
Speaking about the association, actress Mrunal Thakur said, “It has been my pleasure to be a part of this campaign with Taneira and a living legend, Usha Uthup Ma’am. Over the past year, my collaborations with Taneira have been truly enriching. Not only have I been privileged to experience their differentiated designs, but also the diverse crafts they embody. Every collaboration has deepened my appreciation for the sarees and stories they tell. This campaign perfectly captures that journey and feels incredibly meaningful as it aligns with my own fashion philosophy”.
Puneet Kapoor, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy South – “Taneira set out to showcase its value propositions to both new saree enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs. We asked ourselves some tough questions: Can a brand withstand the scrutiny of the most knowledgeable customers—those who might know as much, if not more, about sarees than we do? While Mrunal has long been the elegant face of Taneira, the real triumph was bringing on the iconic Usha Uthup, the undisputed goddess of sarees in India. This dynamic duo infused our story with charm, entertainment, and emotion, offering a compelling spin on the essence of our value propositions.”
Cervical Cancer Prevention Strategies: Screening and Vaccination Lead the Way
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but detecting it in its early stages can be challenging. This is one of the reasons why many women lose their lives to cervical cancer. The primary cause of cervical cancer is the lack of Pap smear and HPV screenings. Due to the lack of awareness among women, only 1% of them in India undergo regular screenings. Keeping these factors in mind, Fortis Greater Noida has initiated Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to educate women and provide more information about this disease.
Dr. Priya Bansal from the Clinical-Surgical Oncology Department at Fortis Greater Noida explains, “Often, women lack accurate information about this disease. Very few are aware that a safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent cervical cancer. Additionally, regular screenings are crucial for women aged 25 to 65 years.”
Several myths about cervical cancer are still prevalent in society. A common belief is that it only affects elderly women, whereas the truth is that it can occur as early as 35 years of age. Another myth is that it primarily affects women from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The reality is that this disease can impact women from all sections of society.
Experts at Fortis Greater Noida believe that taking preventive steps against cervical cancer is crucial. Vaccination for boys and girls aged 9 to 26 years is highly recommended. Moreover, women aged 25 to 65 years should undergo regular Pap smear tests. Using barrier contraceptives (such as condoms) and limiting the number of sexual partners can help prevent HPV infections. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a nutritious diet are also vital preventive measures.
Dr. Bansal emphasizes that awareness and timely screenings can prevent cervical cancer. This is not just a health issue but a significant concern tied to the happiness and well-being of women and their families.
Fortis Greater Noida offers facilities for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. With expert care, timely screening, and vaccination are possible. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
ACC demonstrates remarkable performance in Q3 FY’25
Chandigarh, 27 January 2025: ACC Limited, the cement and building materials company of the diversified Adani Portfolio today announced a steady financial performance during the third quarter and nine months (9M) of FY’25 ended December 31, 2024. The performance comes on the back of volume growth, cost optimisation and improved efficiency parameters.
Mr. Ajay Kapur, Whole Time Director & CEO, ACC Ltd, said, “Our Q3 results demonstrate our strategic focus on driving growth through higher volumes, cost optimisation, and enhanced efficiencies. With strong demand for our premium cement products, and our commitment to excellence on all parameters in line with our ESG leadership, we are leveraging innovation and sustainability to maintain our competitive edge and maximise stakeholder value. We are well-poised to achieve sustained profitability and capitalise on our strategic vision set forth for our business.”
Operational Highlights
- The engines of efficiency drive, cost initiative and investments to overhaul all plants has delivered phenomenal results on overall cost reduction and volume improvements.
- All business KPIs like volumes, efficiencies, cost and capex have shown healthy improvements, reinforcing cost leadership journey.
- Volume increased by 21% YoY supported by increase in trade volumes and higher premium product volumes (11% YoY), ensuring market leadership.
- Optimised Fuel Basket, with use of low cost imported petcoke improved linkage and captive coal consumption and synergies with Group companies have resulted in 10% reduction in Kiln fuel cost Rs. 1.86 to Rs. 1.68 per ’000 Kcal.
- Thermal value reduced from 739 kCal to 732 kCal, expect further improvement in coming quarters.
- Logistics costs reduced by 9% @Rs 939/ton, driven by efficiency improvement journey (Secondary lead reducing by 3 Km, direct dispatch up by 7 pp @51%). Through various freight negotiation initiatives, road PTPK has decreased by 6% YOY. This is going to be further reduced with roll out of initiatives viz. wheeler rationalisations, BCFC rakes etc.
Particulars (YoY) | Q3 FY’25 | 9M FY’25 |
Sales Volume
(Clinker & Cement) |
Growth of 21% YoY, at 10.7 Mn T, highest ever volume in a quarter | Growth of 15% YoY, at 30.3 Mn T, highest ever volume in nine months |
Kiln Fuel
Cost |
Reduced by 10%
(Rs. 1.86 to Rs. 1.68/’000 kCal) |
Reduced by 15%
(Rs. 1.95 to Rs.1.67/’000 kCal) |
Green Power as a % of power Consumption | Increased by
5.7 pp to 18.7% |
Increased by
2.2 pp to 15.6% |
AFR consumption in Kiln | Increased by
0.4 pp to 9.6% |
Increased by
1.9 pp to 10.4% |
Financial Highlights
- Highest ever revenue in Q3 Series over last 5 years at Rs. 5,927 Cr, driven by higher trade sales volume (up by 11%) and premium product as % of trade sales at 32%.
- Higher volume along with improved operational parameters resulted in growth in all business parameters.
- Operating EBITDA at Rs. 1,116 Cr, EBITDA margin at 18.8%.
- Cash & Cash equivalent at Rs. 2,526 Cr, with highest ever Net Worth at Rs. 17,816 Cr, up by Rs. 1,091 Cr during the current quarter
- EPS (Diluted) at Rs. 58.0 during the quarter.
Financial Performance for the Quarter ended December 31, 2024:
Particulars | UoM | Q3 FY’25 | Q3 FY’24 |
Sales Volume
(Cement and Clinker) |
Million
Tonnes |
10.7 | 8.9 |
Sales Volume Ready Mix Concrete |
Million M3 | 0.71 | 0.66 |
Revenue from Operations | Rs. Cr | 5,927 | 4,914 |
Operating EBITDA & Margin | Rs. Cr | 1,116 | 905 |
% | 18.8 | 18.4 | |
Rs. PMT | 1,038 | 1,017 | |
Other Income | Rs. Cr | 648 | 86 |
Profit before Tax | Rs. Cr | 1,477 | 729 |
Profit after Tax | Rs. Cr | 1,092 | 538 |
EPS (Diluted) | Rs. / Share | 58.0 | 28.6 |
Financial Performance for nine months ended December 31, 2024:
Particulars | UoM | 9M FY’25 | 9M FY’24 | ||||
Sales Volume
(Cement and Clinker) |
Million
Tonnes |
30.3 | 26.4 | ||||
Sales Volume Ready Mix Concrete |
Million M3 | 2.00 | 2.07 | ||||
Revenue from Operations | Rs. Cr | 15,696 | 14,550 | ||||
Operating EBITDA & Margin | Rs. Cr | 2,231 | 2,225 | ||||
% | 14.2 | 15.3 | |||||
Rs. PMT | 737 | 841 | |||||
Other Income | Rs. Cr | 879 | 373 | ||||
Profit before Tax | Rs Cr | 2,245 | 1,874 | ||||
Profit after Tax | Rs. Cr | 1,651 | 1,392 | ||||
EPS (Diluted) | Rs. / Share | 87.7 | 73.9 |
ESG Updates
- 200 MW Solar Power at Khavda started, will lead to reduction in power cost in upcoming quarters.
- Committed to Net Zero by 2050, with ACC and Ambuja Cements being the only 2 cement companies in India undergoing Net Zero target validation from SBTi.
- Became member of United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a global initiative to implement universal sustainability principles.
- Undertaken noteworthy initiatives on renewable power, water conservation, circular economy, TSR, tree plantation along with high share of blended cement in product mix.
- Created societal value for over 1.22 lakhs people by contributing to fields like healthcare, education, employment, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Range of innovative products, including ACC ECOMaxX, ACC AEROMaxX, and ACC Coolcrete, continues to expand, adding to the wide array of eco-friendly options.
Branding and Technical Services
- Partnered with the Gujarat Giants in Pro Kabaddi League Season 11, one of India’s premier sports leagues.
- ACC Certified Technology implemented at 37,214 customer sites, making their homes stronger.
- Trained 10,300+ Contractors under various skill upgradation workshops with 3,300+ plant visits, aimed at deeper understanding of our products.
- Launched thematic Ad films for Durga Puja and Diwali reflecting the festive fervour of our customers and partners.
- Various knowledge sharing technical events conducted for 6,300+ construction professionals.
Digitalisation
- Launched ‘RewardsConnect’, a rewards hub loyalty portal, enabling pan-India online reward point redemption for contractors.
- Deployed OT Security Monitoring solution for real-time monitoring of OT systems strengthening cybersecurity.
- Completed Asia’s largest legacy SAP upgrade to Suite on HANA.
- Implemented Electronic Proof of Delivery system, improving invoicing efficiency and reducing processing/documentation cost.
Outlook
The cement sector experienced modest growth of 1.5-2% during H1 FY’25. Looking ahead, cement demand is expected to rebound in Q4 FY’25 as construction activity accelerates in the infrastructure and housing segments. The pro-infra and housing Budget 2025, along with increased government spending on infrastructure and construction activities, is anticipated to further support this growth. Cement demand is projected to grow in the range of 4-5% for FY’25.
Achievements
- Gold at the Arogya World Healthy Workplace Awards 2024.
- IconSWM-CE Excellence Award 2024 for excellence in co-processing and AFR.
Republic Day Sale Trends by Unicommerce
28th January 2024,Mumbai: During the year’s first online sale event, the Republic Day sale, Unicommerce witnessed over 16 mn transactions processed by marketplaces and D2C brands through its platform over the 14-day event, which started on the 13th of January 2025.
The top performing categories during the sale period were health & pharma with over 80% YoY order volume growth, followed by home decor with 35% growth and beauty, wellness & personal care recording a 16% growth in volumes as compared to the sale period last year. This surge reflects the enthusiasm of consumers at the very start of the year.
Driven by compelling deals and marketing campaigns, marketplaces observed a notable 16% year-on-year (YoY) growth in order items during the period. In contrast, D2C brand websites saw a modest YoY growth of over 5% during the same period.
A large share of the demand was from towns like Lucknow, Jaipur, Patna, Coimbatore, Surat, Kolar, Alwar, Rohtak, Kamrup and Gandhinagar.
Products that attracted higher demand and recorded significant growth included makeup products, home decor & furniture items and travel accessories. While tier-1 and metropolitan cities led growth across toys & baby products and gaming accessories, tier-2 and tier-3 towns saw higher demand for perfumes & deodorants, and health devices.
The share of prepaid orders in e-commerce continues to rise across tier-2, tier-3 cities and beyond regions. During this year’s sale period, the market share of prepaid orders in the fashion and accessories category grew from 23.9% to 25.1%. Similarly, the health & pharma category witnessed higher prepaid orders with their share rising from 8.4% in 2024 to 14% in 2025. The volume of prepaid orders across beauty, wellness and personal care also grew from 20.7% to 21.4% in 2025.
With the rise of regional warehousing across smaller suburban towns and the growing adoption of technology in these regions, the e-commerce industry is unlocking connectivity, reaching previously untapped areas. This, in turn, supports brands and e-commerce platforms to fulfil consumer demand across the hinterland of Bharat.
As of Q2 2025, Unicommerce serves 3600+ clients including D2C brands, retail and e-commerce companies as well as logistics provider firms. With 260+ technology & partner integrations, the company has achieved an annual transaction run rate of 850+ million order items managing 8800+ warehouses and 3150+ omni-enabled stores across geographies. Shipway by Unicommerce, the company’s logistics automation arm, enables automated shipping for faster fulfillment, serving more than 12,000+ online brands.
The 5 Most Impactful AIoT Trends to Look Out for in 2025
Mumbai, 28th January, 2025: In recent years, we have explored the evolving trends in the security landscape. As technology has advanced, the focus has broadened from merely securing our world—to making it smarter. AIoT (AI-powered Internet of Things) is leading this transformation, revolutionizing industries beyond security. This year, we dive deeper into the trends driving AIoT, showing how they are reshaping industries and fostering a more efficient, secure, and sustainable future.
- Perception technologies are adapting to varied environments and situational needs
Perception technologies are continuing to evolve to operate efficiently in diverse conditions. AI Image Signal Processing (AI-ISP) technology, for example, has already set a high bar on image quality performance in low-light conditions by significantly reducing image noise and addressing motion blur. For large-scale monitoring scenarios that require wide angles and detailed images, Ultra High Definition (UHD) technologies are becoming the norm. They offer faster frame rates, improved contrast, and richer details, making it easier to capture and analyze vast, complex scenes.
Beyond the visible light spectrum, millimeter-wave radars see through smoke, dust, and obstacles, providing precise speed and direction measurements widely used in traffic management. In noisy, harsh industrial settings with continuous operations, meanwhile, sound wave sensing enables non-invasive equipment monitoring for early fault detection, reducing downtime.
- AIoT is bringing digitalization to life in diverse industrial applications
Companies are increasingly adopting AIoT technologies to address specific operational challenges and speed up digital transformation. In retail, where loss prevention and maintaining a competitive edge is crucial, AIoT devices now provide valuable data such as inventory tracking, foot traffic, queue lengths, and area density. This information helps stores tailor their offerings, optimize operations, and mitigate losses. In the energy sector, meanwhile, safety is a non-negotiable requirement. AIoT solutions, such as automated personal protective equipment (PPE) checks, now use AI to streamline the inspection of proper safety gears, reducing manual oversight and enhancing workplace safety.
Furthermore, the development of large vision, audio, and fiber-optic models is being tailored with industry-specific designs, algorithm optimization, and model simplification. This trend aims to create lightweight, vertical-specific AIoT deployments that are practical and effective in real-world scenarios.
Additionally, the increasing adoption of generative AI is adding an extra layer of ease and efficiency. Multimodal large models, which integrate text with visual data, make it much simpler to search and interact with information such as when people are locating a particular package in a logistics center. By providing user-friendly text-based interfaces, these models are delivering increasingly rapid and seamless access to needed data, streamlining decision-making and operational processes.
- There is a significant move towards open and collaborative ecosystems
As the demand for tailored AIoT solutions in fragmented industrial scenarios has increased, no single company can meet all the user demands on their own. Open platforms and tools are therefore becoming essential. These enable solution providers to seamlessly integrate third-party applications in order to accelerate digital transformation across industries.
To further support this, standardized protocols are simplifying device communication, reducing development time and costs. These protocols make it easier for all types of devices to work together, addressing issues like configuration complexity, scalability, and network security.
This collaborative environment helps developers and integrators create flexible and effective AIoT solutions. Simple to use AI training platforms are now becoming widely available, which allow non-specialist systems integrators to train and deploy their own custom AI models. Users can easily combine and customize these AI models for tasks like object detection and audio classification, enhancing the functionality of their solutions and, therefore, the value they can add in sectors ranging from industrial processes to home automation.
- Building cybersecurity trust through proactive strategies and cross-industry partnerships
Cybersecurity remains a critical concern in the expanding AIoT landscape. Increasingly, companies are adopting proactive, yet responsive, cybersecurity approaches, which focus on rapid threat detection and effective response. By partnering with specialized security testing firms, they are able to evaluate products against a wide range of standards, identifying and tackling vulnerabilities early to prevent exploitation. Continuous testing ensures updates and enhancements consistently meet the highest security benchmarks.
Transparent communication has become crucial for openly addressing security concerns. Increasingly, organizations are setting up security response centers and deploying robust vulnerability management programs. Again, close collaboration is key to this trend, with installers, system integrators, and customers all working together to ensure secure deployment and use, leading to a more resilient and trusted operational framework.
- AIoT becoming a game-changing catalyst for sustainability
Organizations worldwide are seeking more sustainable ways to operate and conduct business, and many are turning to AIoT technologies to do this. By augmenting connected sensors with AI algorithms, AIoT is helping to optimize resource use, cut energy consumption, improve waste management, and boost operational efficiency in numerous industries.
In building management, for example, AIoT systems are being used to automatically adjust energy use based on occupancy and weather conditions, leading to significant cost savings and lower carbon emissions. In transport, the technology is being used to optimize traffic flow and reduces congestion, cutting carbon emissions in the process. Similarly, the combination of millimeter-wave radar and water-level detection cameras allows for real-time analysis of water quality and flood control. Advancements such as these highlight AIoT’s potential as a powerful tool for positive change, benefiting both people and the planet.
ELEGANTE 8.0 at IIM Bodh Gaya: A Celebration of Culture and Sports Over Three Exciting Days
Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya concluded its annual cultural and sports fest ELEGANTE 8.0 on 26th January. The event included students from prestigious institutions such as the NSIT Patna, IMI Kolkata, St. Xavier’s Patna and IIM Ranchi. The theme of this year’s event is “Abhyudaya” meaning progress, emphasising the institution’s growth.
The festivities commenced on January 24 with an inauguration ceremony facilitated by Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, and the Hon’ble Chief Guest, Shri Anand Kumar, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gaya. During his address, the Chief Guest emphasised mindfulness, a core value of the institute, and its importance in all aspects of life.
Dr. Sreelekha Mishra, Chairperson of Students’ Affairs, delivered the welcome speech, thanking the students, committees, and clubs for their efforts in organising the fest. The ceremony also introduced the participating sports teams and officially declared the fest open.
The first day of the annual fest included sports events with participation from leading institutes: IIM Ranchi (50), St. Xavier’s Patna (70), NIT Patna (70), IMI Kolkata (30), and NSIT Patna (20). In addition, the day included an online gaming competition, a simulation of the International Court of Justice, and creative workshops like pottery and painting. The evening concluded with cultural performances, showcasing the diverse talents of the participants.
January 25 continued with sports competitions and events like Quizzilla, Policy Case Competitions, and a painting competition. The day also featured the NAVYATA fashion show, with participation from the Indian Institute of Design and Technology (IDT), Muzaffarpur, Bihar, NSIT Patna, and IIM Bodh Gaya. The evening showcased solo singing performances followed by a performance by IIM Bodh Gaya’s official musical band, The Story Tellers. The day concluded with a live musical performance by the band Azaadi.
On the final day, January 26, the CSR Committee of IIM Bodh Gaya organized EduRun, a marathon aimed at raising awareness about rural education and highlighting the importance of collective efforts in promoting accessible education for all. The event saw participation from over 800 individuals, including students, faculty members, officers and cadets from the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
The marathon started from IIM Bodh Gaya’s Academic Block to Maya Sarovar Lake through the Magadh University campus and back to the Academic Block, covering a total distance of 8.5 km. Refreshments (food and beverages) were available at all stages of the run. The initiative was supported by the State Bank of India (SBI), Coca-Cola, Union Bank, and Raasta Café.
The celebrations started with a Republic Day observance, which included solemnly hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem. The day unfolded with sports matches and cultural programs, culminating in a valedictory ceremony. The Hon’ble Director and Mr. Kumar Anurag, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Gaya recognized the achievements of students in various sports such as cricket, football, basketball, table tennis, throwball, badminton, chess, and volleyball, followed by the cultural prize distribution. A lively DJ night and dance performances in the evening concluded the festivities.
Governor’s Excellence Award 2024 Acknowledges IVR’s Contributions at L V Prasad Eye Institute
Hyderabad, January 28, 2024: The Institute of Vision Rehabilitation (IVR) of the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Divyangjan Welfare on January 26, 2025, at Raj Bhavan. The award included a citation and a cheque for rupees two lakhs. The esteemed recognition highlights the institute’s exceptional contributions to empowering, including, and supporting persons with disabilities (Divyangjan). As one of the very few eye institutes in the world that has integrated vision rehabilitation into its functional arms since inception (in 1992) the award is a recognition of LVPEI’s dedication, diligence, progress, performance and impact.
The first series of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence 2024 — the first of its kind in the history of Raj Bhavan (Telangana State) recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations, were presented on the 76th Republic Day at Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad.
The award was received by Dr Beula Christy, Head – IVR from Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, the Honourable Governor, in the presence of Mr. Revanth Reddy, the Honourable Chief Minister, Telangana High Court acting Chief Justice Sujoy Pal, and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and other dignitaries.
The award acknowledges the Institute’s dedicated efforts over the past five years (since 2019) to enhance accessibility, provide essential services, advocate for rights, and create opportunities for Divyangjan to lead dignified and independent lives. Key initiatives include direct support, inclusive education, skill development, and innovative solutions to address challenges faced by persons with disabilities, ensuring their full participation in all aspects of life. The award is a recognition of our commitment to build a more inclusive and equitable society and whose efforts inspire others to contribute to the welfare and upliftment of Divyangjan.
The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the field of Divyangjan Welfare recognized individuals and Institutions/ Organizations/Societies/ Trusts for their extraordinary contributions to the empowerment, inclusion, and welfare of persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).
Smriti Irani Champions Gender Equality at Davos 2025
Mumbai, 28th January 2025: Smriti Irani, Chairperson of the Alliance for Global Good Gender Equity and Equality, emerged as a transformative force, leading several key initiatives on Gender Equity and Equality agenda at Davos along the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, championing gender equity as a critical driver of global economic growth and social progress.
With an agenda grounded in actionable solutions, Ms. Irani’s leadership at the summit highlighted the moral imperative of gender parity and showcased its undeniable business case. Through a series of high-profile engagements with world leaders, industry titans, and media influencers, Ms. Irani advocated for embedding gender equity into global economic frameworks. Her narrative was clear and resonant: Gender equity is more than a societal aspiration; it is an economic necessity capable of unlocking trillions in global GDP.
In a pivotal meeting with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ms. Irani discussed innovative policy frameworks, including gender-responsive trade agreements and integrating women entrepreneurs into global value chains. This dialogue laid the groundwork for collaborative solutions, leveraging Singapore’s policy expertise and the Alliance’s grassroots momentum.
An impactful meeting with Bill Gates further reinforced the Alliance’s mission to create systemic change. The duo explored collaborative approaches to dismantle barriers in healthcare, digital skilling, and leadership. Mr. Gates expressed strong support for the Alliance’s data-driven strategy, emphasizing scalable solutions with measurable impact.
Ms. Irani’s meeting with Børge Brende, President of WEF, marked a reflective moment, highlighting the Alliance’s achievements since its inception in 2024. She emphasized milestones such as the Commonwealth Partnership for gender-inclusive programs and the SAWIE (South Asian Women in Energy) initiative, a collaborative effort to amplify women’s leadership in the energy sector.
Ms. Smriti Irani’s leadership shone brightly during WEF sessions that seamlessly combined data-driven insights with human stories of resilience. The session “Women at the Fulcrum of Global Economies,” moderated by Ms. Smriti Irani and co-hosted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation highlighted women’s control of 50% of global wealth by 2030 and the importance of tapping their potential by integrating women into the workforce, with data suggesting it could contribute an additional $1.6–$2.3 trillion to global GDP.
At the Alliance’s flagship “We-Lead Lounge,” Ms. Smriti Irani convened global stakeholders to address critical gaps in leadership and representation across technology, healthcare, and sustainability. The discussions, ranging from the future of work to women’s role in climate action, yielded commitments to skilling initiatives and gender-inclusive policies.
A hallmark of Ms. Irani’s strategy was her focus on measurable impact. Collaborations with corporate leaders like Naspers CEO Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa and Salesforce SVP Naomi Morenzoni emphasized equipping women with digital skills to lead in emerging sectors such as technology and e-commerce. These discussions laid the foundation for long-term initiatives aimed at integrating women into the digital economy.
Ms. Smriti Irani also prioritized healthcare advancements, partnering with organizations like GAVI and the Coalition for Health Innovation and Collaboration (CHIC) to expand access for underserved women globally.
Recognizing the power of media in driving systemic change, Ms. Irani collaborated with TIME Magazine’s Viktoria Degtar and others to amplify women’s leadership stories. These efforts aimed to ensure that women’s contributions resonate globally, shifting narratives and creating inclusive platforms for recognition. At Davos 2025, Smriti Irani demonstrated a results-oriented approach to fostering sustainable, inclusive growth. Her leadership cemented the Alliance’s position as a global catalyst for gender equity, setting a pragmatic, scalable model for economic and social transformation.