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.
PadelPark Set to Put India on the World Padel Map
Mumbai, 10th March 2025: PadelPark, India’s premier 360-degree Padel company, has emerged as India’s undisputed leader, with 70% of the country’s infrastructure for the racket sport under them and spearheading its mainstream adoption. Padel, a $2 billion global industry, is rapidly expanding in India, with participation growing 200% year-on-year and an increasing demand for premium sports infrastructure. As the sport gains traction, PadelPark is spearheading the Padel revolution in India and it aims to put India on the World Map. With an end-to-end ecosystem that spans court manufacturing, facility development, coaching, retail, and competitive events, PadelPark is not just growing the sport, it is defining its future.
Founded in 2019 by Ronak Daftary, Nikhil Sachdev, Jigar Doshi, and Pratik Doshi, Padel Park officially launched operations in late 2023. In just over a year, it has installed over 100 padel courts across India, making it the country’s largest infrastructure provider. With 17 operational courts in Mumbai and 20 more under development in Delhi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Bangalore, the company has solidified partnerships and has built padel courts for corporate giants —positioning itself as the pioneer of India’s padel revolution.
PadelPark operates across four key verticals, creating a robust and self-sustaining ecosystem for the sport:
- Padel Infrastructure & Franchising – Through Sky Padel India, a strategic partner of the renowned Spanish brand, Padel Park designs, manufactures, and installs world-class padel courts. It also develops and franchises premium Padel centers, making the sport accessible across the country.
- Padel Academy & Training – Led by veteran Spanish coach Victor Perez, Padel Park’s structured coaching program currently operates across four centers in Mumbai, training over 200 players, including both adults and children. The academy also serves as India’s premier training and certification hub for Padel coaches, ensuring the sport’s long-term growth.
- Retail & Equipment – As the exclusive distributor of BullPadel in India, Padel Park brings top-tier professional equipment to Indian players, bridging the gap between local enthusiasts and global Padel standards.
- Tournaments & Competitive Growth – PadelPark has transformed the Indian Padel Tour, expanding participation from 25 teams in its first season to 120 teams today. With growing demand for structured competition, PadelPark is set to launch the country’s first professional Padel league in partnership with JSW Sports. This milestone initiative, backed by Parth Jindal, who has acquired a 20% stake in the company, is expected to drive mainstream recognition and professionalize the sport at an unprecedented level.
“Padel Park was founded with the mission of making padel accessible and popular across India. We have made significant strides in building the sport’s infrastructure and fostering a passionate community of players. With our upcoming professional league, we are taking the next big step towards cementing padel’s place in India’s sports culture,” said Nikhil Sachdev, Co-founder, PadelPark.
With its strategic expansion, market dominance, and commitment to talent development, PadelPark is leading the charge in making padel one of India’s most exciting and commercially viable emerging sports. By investing in infrastructure, grassroots development, and competitive events, the company is not just supporting a trend, it’s building a legacy.
Florida Atlantic University Welcomes Indian Students Through Study Group Partnership
March 10, 2025: Florida Atlantic University is an exceptional academic hub for Indian students seeking lucrative international career prospects. This partner university of Study Group, a global leader in preparing Indian and other students for international success, is known for its academic and research innovation, in addition to its cultural diversity, as it is recognized as the No. 1 most diverse public university in Florida.
As of February 2025, Florida Atlantic is a Research 1 (R1) institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. An R1 classification is the most prestigious research accolade for universities in the USA. This status designates a university as having “very high research activity” and is the most prestigious research level of universities in the U.S. Only 187 U.S. universities hold R1 status. Florida Atlantic’s programs and faculty members have been awarded more than $75 million in research awards, signifying the university’s commitment to research and innovation.
With the university’s reputation as an esteemed academic institution, Florida Atlantic delivers exciting prospects for international students, from top academics and career preparation to on-campus involvement to an ideal location in southeastern Florida.
Academic and Career Preparation
Florida Atlantic connects students with academic and hands-on opportunities that increase their employment options. With affordable degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the university offers students the chance to build their CVs while studying. Each year, Florida Atlantic students participate in 6,2000+ registered internships across well-known companies including Google, Apple, General Motors (GM), and others. In special interest for international students, the university offers more than 30 bachelor’s and master’s degrees designated with a STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension.
Inclusivity and Diversity
Florida Atlantic understands the need for inclusivity, featuring more than 400 clubs and organizations for students. To carve a sense of community and belonging, Florida Atlantic has established clubs like the Indian Student Association, the Asian American Association, the Asian Student Union, FAU Indo Grooves, Global Owls, and the Global Student Success Program, to support and encourage student diversity and inclusion. The university is known to be warm to its students and make them feel at ease: more than 57% of the student body is from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and the university hosts more than 5,000 student-led events annually.
Florida Location
Warmth extends beyond the Florida Atlantic campus in Boca Raton, as the Atlantic Coast is less than 10 minutes from the university. Boca Raton features beautiful parks, beaches, and golf courses, and it is an entrepreneurial and technology hub within two hours of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Florida maintains the fourth largest economy among the U.S. states and territories, giving plenty of opportunities for students to secure job training and professional opportunities across the state (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024).
Karan Lalit Vice President, of Global Student Acquisitionin North America and Regional Director South Asia, Study Group said, “Every student who dares to dream has the potential to realize their goals. As a staunch enabler of their ambitions, Study Group is committed to supporting Indian students through every step of their international academic journey as they enroll at Florida Atlantic, a university that offers many opportunities to provide students the education and exposure they deserve. Study Group remains dedicated to supporting Indian students in accessing world-class education prospects at institutions like the Florida Atlantic University, thereby paving the way for attractive global career prospects in the global higher education landscape.”
Strong Mind, Strong Performance: How TM Enhances Workplace Well-Being
New Delhi, 10th March 2025: In today’s high-pressure corporate world, Transcendental Meditation is gaining popularity as a science-backed practice proven to reduce stress and boost mental clarity, enhancing both productivity and well-being. This method was originally taught by Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s. Since then, Fortune 100 companies and even other top Indian companies have adopted this method to improve the productivity of the workforce. But what is TM, and how does it work? By following this method for only 20 minutes in the morning and evening, the employees can undergo deep relaxation, enhanced concentration, and improved resiliency. This changes the work culture in the offices and improves the overall productivity of the workforce.
Organised by Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, TM is practiced by millions scattered all over the globe, even the top CEOs of the Fortune 100 firms. Sumitomo, General Motors, Tata, BHEL, Ericsson, IBM, Toyota, and even Indian business houses like ICICI Bank, Maruti, and Infosys have incorporated TM into their organizations through the Maharishi Corporate Development Programme (MCDP) and have seen marvelous outcomes.
The impact of Transcendental Meditation in the workplace is confirmed by Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA research studies that measured a reduction in the level of stress, enhanced decision-making, and increased overall well-being of employees. TM-practicing companies have measured a 57% boost in productivity, a 56% reduction in hospitalization rates, and a 50% reduction in doctor visits.
Aditi Shrivastava, Senior Transcendental Meditation Teacher, states, “TM is a natural, effortless technique that makes corporate cultures better. It enhances mental sharpness and stress reduction that allows a professional to work to their best while being relaxed. Corporations employing TM have more cooperation from employees, productivity, and overall peace in the corporation.”
By specially tailored corporate programs with initial workshops and further in-depth training, businesses are able to offer Transcendental Meditation to their employees. Because of this, the Maharishi Corporate Development Programme offers integrative training tailor-made for the business world. Executive managers from various businesses have come forward with success testimonials of how TM has kept them balanced, created creativity, and enhanced resilience in their high-stress professional lives.
Hearing loss in elderly
By: Dr. Rohit Udaya Prasad, Lead & Senior Consultant – ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgery, Aster RV Hospital
Hearing loss in elderly is an issue which is seen in almost every household in our country which can range from mild to severe – profound levels.
It’s generally the elephant in the room and is least expressed by the elderly and addressed by the family. Visual impairment has the immediate attention of the person who has it but hearing loss in elderly is addressed late or never. In our society hearing impaired elderly aren’t sympathized and assisted as much as you see with visually impaired people.
Hearing loss progressively leads to poor socializing skills where the elderly isolate themselves from day-to-day conversations and prefer solitude. Many a times while conversing with hearing impaired elderly we notice they smile when unable to have the clarity in a conversation or would reply differently. Day to day activities need listening spoken language and active conversations especially in the elderly as it’s one such activity which isn’t physically demanding.
This keeps them mentally engaged and helps to have a good memory with recent activities. Usually, the family of the hearing impaired find the conversations tasking and bring them for a hearing assessment. Some of the hearing impaired do visit on their own accord and get an assessment as they are more socially active and also professionally engaged.
Appropriate hearing evaluation with continuous engagement of the patient with hearing loss is needed to make them understand the nature of hearing loss and the possible solutions. Hearing solutions can range from as simple as a hearing aid to a cochlear implant surgery.
Cochlear implants in the geriatric age group is done in cases where they no more benefit with a hearing aid due to the severe/ profound nature of hearing loss. Providing the cochlear implant device via surgery to the elderly also has its challenges when they have other health issues. Optimizing the patient with a good multi-disciplinary approach prior to surgical intervention is done prior the cochlear implant surgery. Intervening at the right time without worrying about hearing assistance as a taboo is much needed in today’s society.
Dementia, depression is worsened due to hearing loss in elderly which can be tackled with simple hearing solutions at the right time.
Experience Innovation: JTOTO’s Stunning Bathroom Installation at ISH 2025
Mumbai, 10 March 2025 – TOTO, Japan’s global leader in sanitary ware and bathroom solutions, returns to Forum0 at ISH 2025 with an immersive showcase of innovation, elegance, and renowned Japanese hospitality. Visitors can explore a captivating installation featuring cutting-edge products, exquisite sanitary ceramics, premium faucets, and thoughtfully designed accessories.
Renowned for redefining bathroom experiences, TOTO brings a fresh perspective to ISH 2025. This year’s exhibition introduces innovative designs that blend contemporary aesthetics with functional excellence, setting new standards in modern minimalism.
TOTO is expanding its design palette with striking matte black and white finishes, offering greater creative flexibility for bathroom interiors. These new surfaces, along with TOTO’s visionary approach to intimate hygiene, provide a glimpse into the future of bathroom design.
TOTO’s experts will be available for in-depth discussions and personalized tours, offering visitors a closer look at the brand’s latest innovations and craftsmanship.
Press Information
TOTO’s ISH 2025 showcase in Forum0 is a testament to human-centered innovation, emphasizing comfort and hygiene —values deeply rooted in Japanese culture and design philosophy. Among the highlights is the newly introduced TA Vessel in an elegant matte black finish. This asymmetrical, organic design exudes sophistication with its velvety texture, adding a contemporary touch to modern bathrooms. Crafted from ultra-thin yet highly durable LINERACERAM, TA Vessel seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality. Also available in matte white, its soft curves and non-glossy surface create a refined, understated appeal, making it a versatile addition to any space.
POCO M7 5G The Ultimate Smartphone Upgrade, Now on Flipkart
National, 10 March 2025: A smartphone that delivers power, style, and future-ready 5G—all at a price that fits your budget! POCO, India’s fastest-growing consumer tech brand, announces the first sale of POCO M7 5G, a feature-packed device designed for young achievers, students, and everyday users who want more for less.
Available exclusively on POCO M7 5G is the perfect upgrade for anyone looking for a powerful smartphone with a bigger display, smoother performance, and future-ready 5G—at a price that makes sense.
Limited Time First Sale Offers!
✅ Unbeatable Launch Price: 6GB+128GB at ₹9,999 | 8GB+128GB at ₹10,999 – Special 1st Day Sale Price
Why POCO M7 5G is the Smartest Choice for Users Across India?
- Your Best Upgrade Yet: Whether switching from 4G or upgrading from a basic smartphone, POCO M7 5G gives you flagship-like power at a budget price.
- Biggest Display for Movies & Reels: Segment’s largest 6.88” screen lets you enjoy entertainment just like on a smart TV.
- Capture Every Festival & Moment: 50MP Sony Sensor ensures sharp and detailed photos, even in low light.
- All-Day Battery for Non-Stop Hustle: 5160mAh battery + 33W charger (in-box) keeps you connected all day.
- 5G Speeds, Affordable Price: No more slow networks! M7 5G brings ultra-fast connectivity to users ready to experience the future.
JK Lakshmi Cement Welcomes Growth with rupees11,000 Crore Investment in Assam
Mumbai, 10 March 2025: In a significant move to bolster India’s infrastructure and economic growth, JK Lakshmi Cement (JKLC), one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Assam at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit. The agreement, formalized by Shri Arun Shukla, President & Director of JK Lakshmi Cement, in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, marks a major milestone in the company’s expansion and commitment to sustainable development.
As part of this MoU, JK Lakshmi Cement will invest ₹11,000 Crore over the next 7-8 years to develop a Greenfield project dedicated to cement production and value-added products. This initiative underscores JK Lakshmi Cement’s dedication to sustainable growth and its contribution to the economic development of the region.
The project further aligns with the Government of India’s focus on positioning the Northeast region as a hub for industrial and infrastructural growth. By integrating sustainable practices, JK Lakshmi Cement aims to set a benchmark for environmentally responsible industrial expansion in the country. This investment is poised to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region and the nation at large. Moreover, the initiative reinforces India’s position as a rapidly growing economy, attracting significant investments in critical sectors like infrastructure and manufacturing, while supporting the nation’s vision of inclusive and sustainable progress.
Shri Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Assam Government on this transformative project. This partnership underscores our commitment to sustainable industrial expansion and aligns with our vision to achieve 30 MT by 2030. Beyond strengthening Assam’s infrastructure, this initiative will generate employment opportunities and catalyze economic growth in the region, while contributing to the nation’s broader goals of self-reliance and inclusive development.”
With a strong emphasis on environmentally responsible practices, the Greenfield project is a testament to JK Lakshmi Cement’s dedication to nation-building while upholding the highest environmental standards. The company aims to ensure that this project not only fuels economic progress but also integrates sustainable solutions for long-term impact.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit serves as a vital platform for fostering government and industry collaborations to drive regional development.