On December 4, 2024, Ramjas International School welcomed Shri Ravi Shankar Tiwari, Convener of ‘Yamuna Bhikshu,’ as part of the ‘Save Yamuna’ campaign. The event, organized by the Interact Club, aimed to educate students about the significance of the Yamuna River and the urgent need for its restoration. Shri Tiwari, in his address, urged students to become proactive champions of environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to clean the Yamuna. His inspiring message motivated students to contribute to environmental sustainability, prioritize cleanliness, and take responsibility for enhancing the well-being of their surroundings.

A Bold New Step for Women in Automotive

Go Speedy Go (GSG), India’s leading ISO 9001:2015 certified end-to-end automobile service provider unveiled its Women Entrepreneurship Programme and WOW Model (Workshop on Wheels). These groundbreaking initiatives aim to make automobile services more accessible while empowering women across India to take the wheel in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Workshop on Wheels (WOW): Redefining Accessibility

GSG’s WOW Model brings mobile service workshops equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology directly to customers. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, this initiative ensures no car owner is too far from professional automobile services. WOW not only highlights GSG’s commitment to service accessibility but also provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to lead innovative, customer-centric ventures.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

In collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), GSG is breaking traditional barriers with zero-investment franchise opportunities for women. Subsidies cover up to 25-60% of startup costs, making this initiative risk-free and accessible. The program aims to uplift 1,000 women entrepreneurs, generating 10,000 jobs and promoting sustainable social and economic growth.

Comprehensive Support for Success

Participants in the Women Entrepreneurship Programme benefit from:

• Manpower and Training: GSG provides trained mechanics and technicians, alongside extensive skill-building programs.
• Infrastructure Support: Pre-fabricated vehicles, fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and machinery.
• Supply Chain Access: Reliable sourcing of spare parts, consumables, and lubricants.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Continuous support from industry experts ensures a seamless entrepreneurial journey.

Driving Societal Change

“This program is about more than just creating businesses; it’s about redefining the industry and creating a legacy of inclusivity and empowerment,” said Sachidananda Bhoi, CEO of Go Speedy Go. “Through WOW and the Women Entrepreneurship Programme, we are building a movement that not only uplifts individuals but also transforms communities.”

The initiatives address systemic challenges such as limited financial resources and lack of training while challenging stereotypes in the automotive sector. By promoting financial independence and leadership, GSG inspires women to forge new paths in entrepreneurship.

Building a Better Tomorrow

With these initiatives, GSG envisions a ripple effect of societal transformation. The Women Entrepreneurship Programme and WOW Model aim to build a network of empowered women-led businesses contributing to India’s economic growth, redefining the future of the automotive industry.

Applications Open Now

Women from all sectors with a business idea or entrepreneurial ambition are encouraged to apply. For more information and to join this revolution, visit Go Speedy Go.

New Delhi, 5th December 2024: Becker, a global leader in professional exam preparation for accounting and finance, has announced its plans to deepen its presence in the Indian market. To spearhead this expansion, Becker has appointed Sonia Mishra as the India Country Director. With her extensive experience in education technology and workforce upskilling, Sonia will lead Becker’s efforts to empower Indian students and professionals with high-quality training solutions.

Becker’s initiatives align with the National Education Policy’s (NEP) emphasis on skill development and professional readiness. By empowering Indian professionals with internationally recognized credentials, Becker aims to contribute to India’s goal of becoming a global hub for skilled talent.

Speaking on her vision for India, Sonia Mishra, India Country Director, said, “India stands at a pivotal moment in its journey to becoming a global talent hub for accounting and finance. With a young and ambitious workforce, the potential for growth is immense. At Becker, we aim to bridge skill gaps, foster global mobility, and empower Indian students and professionals with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex global financial landscape. Our focus will be on delivering world-class training aligned with global standards, enabling individuals and organizations to stay ahead in a competitive market.”

Meeting India’s Growing Demand for Global Credentials  India has emerged as a strategic market for global accounting and finance professionals. The surge in demand for skilled professionals—driven by India’s economic growth, global integration, and the rise of GCCs—makes it a critical destination for Becker’s expertise. In India, certifications like US CPA and CMA are increasingly being seen as gateways to international careers.

Becker’s primary offerings in India will include its flagship US CPA and CMA programs that equip professionals with the expertise to meet international accounting standards. It also plans to launch Enrolled Agent (EA) program, designed to enhance expertise in US tax law, addressing a growing demand in India’s tax advisory sector.

Sonia Mishra brings over 20 years of leadership experience in education technology and workforce learning. Under her leadership, Becker aims to foster a more collaborative environment with educational institutions and corporates to align skill development and training with finance and accounting industry needs.It will deliver globally recognized training while adapting to the unique requirements of the Indian market and supporting Indian businesses in their learning and development goals.

Chandigarh,5th December 2024 Edutest Solutions, a pioneer in the examination business with four decades of experience, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting an industry-first computer-based test (CBT) with end-to-end encryption. This ground-breaking innovation, executed flawlessly for 1.2 lakh candidates, addresses the long-standing challenges of conventional CBT examinations and sets a new benchmark for secure and reliable digital assessments.

The exam was conducted over three days from Saturday through Monday. To administer the exam smoothly, Edutest had developed a proprietary software consisting of a combination of innovative technological features including no software installation, automated seat allocation, and end to end encryption.

The edtech company’s examination platform has been designed to eliminate the need for software installation on devices, significantly reducing the risk of hacking or unauthorized access. An automated, randomized seat allocation system eliminates human intervention, ensuring fairness and transparency. For enhanced security, question papers are securely encrypted from creation to delivery, ensuring that their integrity remains intact throughout the process. Further, a centralized control hub oversees the entire examination process, offering real-time monitoring and rapid response to any irregularities.

Commenting on the development, Jaya Arya, Managing Director, Edutest Solutions, said, “As the reliance on CBT for examinations continues to grow, our platform is poised to play a crucial role in securing the future of digital assessments. Its innovative solutions promise not only to transform the landscape of secure examinations but also to inspire confidence among institutions, candidates, and stakeholders alike.

Vineet Arya, Director, Edutest Solutions, said, “By addressing all the weaknesses of traditional CBT systems, we have set a new standard for digital assessments. This platform guarantees that exam results reflect merit rather than manipulation, restoring trust in the examination process. It ensures that exams are conducted seamlessly across pan-India centres, including remote locations, while maintaining the highest levels of security and reliability.”

Chandigarh, 5th December 2024: The 60th Annual Seminar of the Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) began today at Hotel Andaz, New Delhi, with a focus on “Sustainable Fertilizer and Agriculture.” Running from December 4th to 6th, 2024, the seminar gathers over 1,400 delegates, including industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders, to explore strategies for sustainable growth of agricultural as well as fertilizer sectors.

In her inaugural address, Hon’ble Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers & Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Ms. Anupriya Patel, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainability in agriculture. She emphasized on the importance of efficient fertilizer usage and advanced technologies for improving agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact. “Sustainability and technological innovation are essential for the long-term growth of India’s agriculture sector,” she said.

The seminar also featured a special video message from Hon’ble Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, who extended his support for the event despite his absence. In his message, Nadda emphasized the importance of collaboration with the global supplier of raw materials and finished products and sustainable practices in the fertilizer sector, aligning with India’s broader goals for agricultural development on long term basis.

FAI Chairman, Shri N. Suresh Krishnan, highlighted the Indian fertilizer industry’s significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing urea manufacturing capabilities. He also noted India’s expanding role in the global fertilizer market, driven by innovative products and strong government policies.

A key feature of the seminar is the exhibition, which hosts 52 exhibitors from India and abroad. It showcases the latest innovations in fertilizers and agricultural technologies, providing a valuable networking platform for attendees to discover new solutions that drive growth and sustainability in the sector.

The seminar will continue to focus on sustainability, technological advancements, and fostering long-term partnerships, with sessions dedicated to exploring cutting-edge solutions for the fertilizer and agriculture sectors. This year’s event is expected to provide actionable insights that will contribute to a more sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural future for India.

Jaipur, 5th December2024: IIHMR Universitya leading health management research university in India, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maternity Foundation to drive impactful public health initiatives. This transformativepartnership marks the beginning of a collaboration that sets the stage for collaborative efforts in joint research, innovation, student internships, placements, and training programs aimed at improving healthcare outcomes and fostering sustainable development.

This collaborationcombines IIHMR University’s expertise in healthcare management and research with Maternity Foundation’s commitment to advancing maternal and child health globally. By leveraging each other’s strengths, the two institutions will focus on creating innovative solutions and facilitating meaningful academic and field engagements to address pressing public health challenges.

Expressing delight at this union, Dr. P.R. Sodani, President, IIHMR University shared, “We are delighted to partner with Maternity Foundation in our shared mission to advance public health and improve maternal and child health outcomes. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering innovation, academic excellence, and impactful research. Together, we aim to create transformative solutions that address critical healthcare challenges and pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future.”

The partnership underscores the shared vision of both institutions to foster innovation, enhance capacity-building, and improve access to quality healthcare. By bringing together academic and practical expertise, the collaboration is poised to create a lasting impact on public health systems globally.

Chandigarh, 5th December 2024: Club Mahindra, the flagship brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, has announced a major expansion of its Kandaghat resort. The Company has added more than 100 keys to the resort and will further add 40 plus rooms to the resort by Q1 FY26. This expansion will further enhance guest experiences, allowing members to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kandaghat.

Surrounded by the majestic, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the expanded resort is now better equipped to cater to families and groups alike, offering a range of room types, including 1-bedroom units, studios, and hotel units. Conveniently located within driving distance from Kalka, Chandigarh, and New Delhi, and accessible from the nearest airports in Shimla and Chandigarh, the property remains a prime choice for travelers from North India. The expansion aims to cater to the increasing demand from members, especially those in the NCR and Punjab, who frequently seek vacations within drivable distance. With this expansion, Club Mahindra Kandaghat has started welcoming members, enabling them to create memorable vacation experiences.

Commenting on the expansion, Manoj Bhat, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, stated, “With this expanded capacity, we are pleased to serve our growing member community better. Our enhanced ability to fulfill holidays means members can enjoy more seamless bookings while enjoying the natural beauty and cultural richness of Kandaghat.”

In line with Mahindra Holidays & Resorts’ focus on sustainability, Club Mahindra Kandaghat integrates several initiatives including a rainwater harvesting system designed to support water conservation efforts and a zero-discharge Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), ensuring that treated water is repurposed for flushing and irrigation. These measures reflect the brand’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility and its dedication to reducing ecological impact while preserving the natural beauty of Kandaghat.

In addition, the resort offers curated activities, including local Himachali food, nature trails, and unique wellness experiences, allowing members to immerse themselves in the beauty and heritage of Kandaghat fully.

5th December 2024 Nigerian equities continue to exhibit a mostly sideways trend, with a slight bearish bias. The NGX All-Share Index recorded a marginal decline of -0.03% in the previous session, maintaining a narrow trading range. Given the prevailing market conditions, the market could see this trend persist in the near term, with limited movement expected unless external catalysts emerge.

Investor attention this week has centred on Lafarge Africa Plc, following the announcement that Huaxin Cement intends to acquire a majority stake in the company for USD 1 billion. The deal, which is expected to close in 2025 pending regulatory approval, will involve Huaxin Cement purchasing Holcim Group’s 83.81% stake through its subsidiaries. This development has sparked increased activity in Lafarge Africa and related sectors, as investors seek to capitalize on potential growth opportunities. However, while the transaction may generate short-term trading interest, the broader market is likely to remain cautious, as market participants await further clarity on regulatory approvals and the execution of this high-profile deal.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu outlined his vision to transform Nigeria into an industrial and agricultural powerhouse, which includes reforms to attract Foreign Direct Investment. While these measures are expected to contribute to long-term growth, the market may experience short-term hesitation.

By Samer Hasn, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com

Oil prices rose for a second day today after a downward trend that prevailed throughout the past week. Both Brent and WTI crudes rose by about 0.3%.

The recovery in oil prices comes amid more positive signs about the ability of the Chinese economy to recover and the effectiveness of support packages. This in turn comes in light of the November manufacturing and services PMI surveys, in addition to the introduction of plans that will boost domestic spending and provide support to the real estate market.

Despite slower-than-expected growth in services activities in China last month, sentiment in this sector rose to its highest level since last April, according to the Caixin/S&P Global report. While the recovery in corporate sentiment is driven by optimism about better economic conditions and the effectiveness of government support in boosting sales, risks to international trade and increased competition remain a concern for other companies.

The narrative is similar in the manufacturing sector, as seen in yesterday’s PMI report for the sector. Sentiment there rose to its highest level since March. Manufacturing activity also accelerated faster than expected.

More structural overhaul plans have been floated that could boost the local economy. Some cities are considering reforming the household registration system, known as hukou. The reform is primarily aimed at supporting the real estate sector, which is suffering from a persistent downturn in housing prices, by giving urban homebuyers access to vital social, health and education benefits. Migrants from rural areas who do not have “residency” in the cities cannot access these benefits. However, these plans may increase their desire to buy property in cities in order to access these benefits.

However, according to The Wall Street Journal, these plans are unlikely to boost the real estate market in general, as the markets of major cities – the subject of these reforms – are more resilient than smaller ones.

However, the impact of these reforms may be positively reflected by reviving consumer spending with greater abundance of social benefits, according to The Journal, which also said in its reporting of these plans that they will be one of the most important initiatives launched by China in years.

Despite all this, markets may become more optimistic about the future of domestic demand in China, which will enhance the growth needed to lift oil prices from their low levels. However, uncertainty is evident in the future of Chinese exports, which are counted on to drive the economy in light of the weak domestic demand environment so far, and these risks around global trade represent one of the most prominent negative factors facing crude prices today.

But despite this pessimism about the expected trade wars with Donald Trump’s return to the White House next January, the door is still open to de-escalation through negotiations between the two economic poles. The massive tariffs threatened by Trump may not be enforced, given the interdependence of the two economies in so many vital areas.

This week, after the U.S. Commerce Department banned the export of advanced microchips to 140 Chinese companies, China responded by blocking the export of several minerals critical to the chip, electronics, battery, and military industries. Losing them could pose a threat to the U.S. economy and national security.

The supply of these minerals will be a significant and weighty factor for China in potential trade negotiations. The potential impact on the U.S. economy, including inflation, medium-term growth weakness, and damage to the agricultural sector, is would likely make Trump more hesitant.

Therefore, an agreement between Trump and China on favorable trade terms for the United States and less severe obstacles to the flow of trade between the two countries than are currently threatened, could ease downward pressure on crude prices in the coming months.

Aside from China, this week hosts a series of vital labor market data in the United States. While a better-than-expected flow of data – as seen in yesterday’s JOLTS report – would reinforce the positive outlook for the US economy which could also help to propel crude prices.

India, 5th December 2024: Allcargo Group, Indian-born global logistics conglomerate, has released its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) 2023-2024 report with the theme ‘Charting Sustainable Pathways with Ingenuity.’ The report highlights the Group’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 through its sustainable ways. It has also spelt out in detail the Group’s ESG goals which include energy and emissions, occupational health and safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), community development, labour practices and human rights, cybersecurity, and corporate governance.

Commenting on the launch of the ESG report, Shashi Kiran Shetty, Founder & Chairman, Allcargo Group said, “ I am delighted to unveil our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) 2023-2024 report, which reflects our steadfast commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive future for all. At Allcargo Group, we believe sustainability goes beyond compliance, it’s about creating lasting value for people, the planet, and our stakeholders. This report highlights our progress across three core pillars Environment (with a focus on renewable energy transitions), Social (ensuring employee safety, diversity, equity, and inclusivity, while driving community impact), and Governance (strengthening ethical practices, sustainable supply chain management, and data security). With a global footprint spanning 180 countries and robust multimodal operations within India, we recognize our responsibility to lead by example. Guided by the theme, ‘Charting Sustainable Pathways with Ingenuity,’ we aim to drive innovation, adopt sustainable practices across our global facilities, and foster ESG-driven collaborations. Together with our partners, we will continue to advance our ESG goals, shaping a future where business growth and sustainability go hand in hand.

India is working on to achieve its net zero emission targets by 2070 and working towards attaining 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 from the 2005 level. The ESG efforts are aligned with those broader goals.

Key actions:

• Allcargo Gati, an Allcargo Group Company is adopting sustainable transportation through adoption of alternate fuel vehicles (AFVs). It has expanded the scale of its eco-conscious operations to enable more businesses to go green. Allcargo Gati has set a clear target of 2026 to convert its entire first and last mile deliveries to alternative fuels in India.
• Through its community development initiatives, Allcargo Group is majorly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Well-being (3), Quality Education (4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (11) and Life below Water (14).
• ECU Worldwide’s cutting-edge digital platform ECU360 will play an important role in optimizing end-to-end shipping transactions and making it more feasible to implement sustainability measures. Example, 90 percent online booking to reduce paper work.
• Increase in S&P CSA score by 4x – Having taken a strategic approach to ESG just last year, Allcargo Group has demonstrated remarkable progress in the S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) for FY 2023 by achieving an almost four-fold increase over the previous year’s score which highlights Allcargo’s unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and responsible business practices.
• Driving Carbon Reduction Through Renewable Energy and Electric MHEs

o Doubling Solar Consumption – As a significant step towards transitioning to 100% renewable electricity at all owned sites by 2040, we have more than doubled our energy consumption using renewables.

o 100% Electric Material Handling Equipment (MHEs) –Contract logistics business has reduced scope 1 and scope 3 emissions by converting their entire MHE fleet to Electric MHEs in their warehousing operations.

o Sustainable Ocean Freight Practice – At ECU Worldwide, we have taken a pioneering step in sustainable logistics by becoming the first independent cargo consolidator to offer instant access to renewable fuel options for maritime transport. Our book-and-claim tool allows customers to increase the share of liquefied biomethane (LBM) in the shipping industry, cutting CO2 emissions by 25% to 100% for less than Container Load (LCL) shipments.

· Committed to Corporate Governance: The Allcargo Group targets to ‘maintain zero instances of non-compliance with regulatory requirements year-on-year.’

o Our critical information assets and IT infrastructure are certified to ISO 27001:2022, ensuring that our data handling practices meet the highest standards of security, regulatory compliance, and industry best practice.

o A key area of the Group’s strategic ESG approach, involves computing emissions based on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Revised Edition) (2015) with Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework, and identifying ways to mitigate them.

This year, we are continuing to advance towards our goals and targets established based on our Material areas – Environment (Energy & Emissions), Social (Occupational Health and Safety, Community Development, Labour Practice and Human Rights, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and Governance (Sustainable Supply Chain, Customer Satisfaction Corporate Governance, and Cybersecurity). The most notable of our ESG goals is to achieve carbon Neutrality (scope 1, 2, & 3) by 2040 by investing in cleaner alternate fuels and renewable technologies.