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
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.
Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC Welcomes Anahita Nair to Leadership Team
March 10, 2025: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) proudly announces the appointment of Anahita Nair as Director of Marketing & Communications. With over 13 years of experience nationally as well as internationally Anahita brings a wealth of expertise in strategic brand development and partnerships to her new role.
In this leadership position she will be focused on driving brand visibility, guest engagement, and positioning the property as a destination for business and leisure. She will lead integrated marketing efforts to enhance brand reach and revenue growth.
Before this, Anahita served as Senior Cluster Marketing Manager at Marriott International, Fiji Resorts, where she successfully managed marketing initiatives across five premium resorts. Her extensive career includes key roles at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, The Westin Mumbai Garden City, and Foodhall, Future Group, where she played a pivotal role in executing impactful campaigns and brand activations.
Anahita expressed her enthusiasm about joining the MICE property, stating, “I am thrilled to be a part of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, a landmark destination in India’s MICE landscape. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive innovative marketing strategies that enhance the brand’s positioning and create memorable experiences for guests and event organizers alike.”
Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, said, “We are delighted to have Anahita join our leadership team. Her deep understanding of the hospitality industry, combined with her expertise in marketing communications, will be instrumental in strengthening our brand presence and driving business growth. We look forward to her valuable contributions in elevating our marketing initiatives.”
Beyond her professional pursuits, Anahita enjoys reading, writing, swimming, and travelling. She believes in continuous learning and personal growth.
Smt. Jyotsna Dalal Wins Lifetime Achievement Award at Educhoice 2025
Bangalore, India (10/03/2025)— Smt. Jyotsna Dalal, the visionary leader of JD Institute of Fashion Technology, has been recognised with the prestigious honor of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Educhoice Women – Leaders in Academia Awards 2025. This award honours her endless efforts towards inspiring the students and fostering creativity and leadership through education.
With JD Institute driven by her passion, Smt. Dalal has cultivated an atmosphere that prompts students to find their individual voice, out of the box thinking, and real-world applications in design. Her educational philosophy goes beyond just technical skills—design education should facilitate students to uncover who they are as individuals and empower them to express their creativity.
“Design education is about more than learning techniques. It’s about discovering your voice and being able to use it. When students are given the liberty to experiment, risk, and challenge, they not only become proficient designers but confident individuals who can shape and inspire the world. Authentic design education fosters innovation, equips students with critical thinking skills, and challenges them to create with intention and passion,” she says. Such has been her model of leadership that has inspired countless students, to believe in themselves, challenge the norms, and use education as a tool for self-expression and change. Smt. Dalal has also worked hard to make education accessible to everyone, regardless of financial background. Through a range of scholarship programs, she has ensured that young women with limited financial resources have the opportunity to follow their dreams of becoming designers. These scholarships also demonstrate her strong conviction of creating a welcoming place where all the students are able to achieve their full potential.
Besides her contributions to the field of education, Smt. Dalal is also an ardent believer in women empowerment. Women are gifted with a natural talent for balancing multiple roles—be it family or career. In her view, this unique talent of doing multiple things at one time is an essential leadership trait, and she has shared this with her students, encouraging them to manage stress and lead with confidence in every sphere of life. Aa a firm supporter of women’s health and well-being, Smt. Dalal has also introduced mental health, breast cancer awareness, and menstrual health initiatives at JD Institute, emphasising the need for self-care and urges students and staff to take care of their physical and mental health.
This Lifetime Achievement Award honours and recognises Smt. Jyotsna Dalal’s outstanding contributions in design education and her lasting influence on the students of JD Institute of Fashion Technology. Her legacy of empowerment, leadership, and inclusion is a source of inspiration for generations to come. Her journey proves that women’s leadership begins with education and design is also about empowering individuals with the power to make a difference in this world.