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.

5th December 2024 Gold remains range-bound as markets adopt a cautious stance ahead of key U.S. employment data and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming remarks. Powell’s comments, that come before the Federal Reserve’s December 18 meeting, are highly anticipated for potential insights into the central bank’s approach to interest rate adjustments. The measured tone from Fed officials emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding policy direction.

Market participants are closely monitoring the potential impact of Donald Trump’s re-election, with expectations that expansionary fiscal policies could add to inflationary pressures. This has led to speculation that the Federal Reserve may take a more conservative approach to interest rate cuts, possibly extending into 2025, which could weigh on gold. Additionally, today’s ADP employment report and Friday’s U.S. payrolls data are expected to provide key insights for the Fed’s upcoming policy decisions, particularly as it focuses on labor market strength.

At the same time, gold could continue to find support as traders face key geopolitical risks, concerns over President-elect Trump’s proposed tariff measures, and political instability in South Korea and France. These factors could reinforce the demand for gold as a safe-haven asset amidst broader economic and political uncertainties.

4th December 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India For years, plants have silently endured the struggles of busy lifestyles-overwatered ferns and parched succulents stand as casualties of human error. Enter FloraCare, a revolutionary Smart Pot designed by young innovator Arav Agarwal to transform plant care. Combining cutting-edge technology with sustainability, FloraCare ensures plants receive the precise care they need, making plant parenting effortless and enjoyable.

FloraCare’s journey has been groundbreaking. Leveraging IoT-powered soil sensors, it monitors hydration levels in real time, automatically watering plants when needed. Its debut has been met with success-recently, the first mass-produced batches were released, with three corporate clients placing orders for 120 units. This milestone underscores its potential to redefine how we care for our greenery, whether at home, in offices, or across large-scale horticultural operations.

The concept of mini gardens and organic produce is quite in vogue and professionals in urban areas are buying plants more than ever. But a lot of them do not know how to care for plants as each plant’s needs can vary. FloraCare is especially helpful for time when one travels for long vacations. In most cases, plants die from lack of care. But not anymore.

Beyond automation, FloraCare’s Wi-Fi-enabled app enhances the experience, offering users the ability to customize watering schedules, monitor soil conditions, and manage plants remotely. Its water-efficient design conserves resources, aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-conscious living. For urban dwellers, professional gardeners, and casual plant lovers alike, FloraCare is a game-changer-delivering healthier plants, reducing stress, and supporting sustainability.

Looking ahead, Arav plans to expand FloraCare’s capabilities with sensors for temperature, humidity, and sunlight, making it a comprehensive plant care solution. FloraCare isn’t just a product; it’s a vision for smarter, greener spaces. With its success and innovation, Arav bridges the gap between technology and nature, setting a new standard for modern plant care.

4th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, saw the launch of a nationwide accessibility audit campaign.

This significant initiative, led by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) in collaboration with the Association of People with Disability (APD), was marked by the signing of an MoU between the two organizations. Alongside celebrating outstanding contributions to the empowerment of persons with disabilities, the campaign emerged as a key highlight of the event.

The campaign will be powered by APD’s YesToAccess app, India’s first-of-its-kind AI-powered tool designed for accessibility audits. The app allows anyone-persons with or without disabilities-to assess the accessibility of public spaces. By simply taking a photograph of a structure using their phone’s camera, users can analyze features such as ramps, railings, accessible toilets, tactile pathways, and clear signage. The app generates real-time accessibility scores, which are made publicly available on an interactive map, helping to identify and promote barrier-free spaces across India.

Shri. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, highlighted the significance of the campaign, stating, “The nationwide accessibility audit campaign is a key step under the Accessible India Campaign to ensure that public spaces become more inclusive and accessible for all citizens. By leveraging technology and empowering persons with disabilities to lead these audits, we are creating a foundation for a more equitable society.”

Unlike traditional accessibility audits that rely heavily on expert teams, the YesToAccess app makes the process inclusive and scalable by encouraging participation from citizens, school children, volunteers, and organizations. The app’s AI capabilities simplify audits while ensuring accurate data collection.

Mr. Jacob Kurian, Honorary Secretary & Trustee, APD, emphasized the importance of the app, saying, “YesToAccess is a cutting edge use of AI and cameravision to solve an intractable societal problem. It is a catalyst for community action to create a public good for use by the disabled. As an accessibility solution, it enables untrained but socially conscious individuals and communities to come together to map and improve accessibility in public spaces. This campaign is about removing the barriers that prevent the disabled from participating in society as full and equal citizens of our great nation.”

This initiative aligns with the goals of the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), which aims to remove physical, digital, and mobility barriers for persons with disabilities across the country. By leveraging AI, community engagement, and transparent data sharing, the nationwide accessibility audit campaign takes a significant step toward making India a truly barrier-free nation.

4th December 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  Safex Chemicals, a leading player in the chemical industry, has successfully implemented SAP solutions across its global operations, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. This strategic initiative encompasses the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Business Analytics, and SAP systems, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its mission of “feeding the world.”

The implementation of SAP has revolutionized Safex Chemicals’ core operations, particularly in finance, supply chain management, and production. A notable achievement has been the successful deployment of SAP’s Ariba framework, which has automated supplier management and transitioned the company to a completely electronic requisitioning process. This advancement has significantly enhanced supplier collaboration while reducing resource costs and ensuring greater supply chain transparency.

“The SAP integration aligns perfectly with our global expansion strategy and long-term mission” said Mr. Piyush Jindal, Group Director at Safex Chemicals. “By digitizing and streamlining our core processes, we have gained the bandwidth to focus on innovation and market leadership. The implementation has already enabled the launch of our E-commerce platform ‘Golden Farms,’ bringing us closer to end consumers.”

The transformation has addressed previous challenges such as fragmented data management and manual processes, replacing them with automated, real-time data processing systems. This has resulted in improved inventory management, enhanced budget tracking, and more accurate reporting across all departments. The centralized system has particularly benefited Safex’s international operations by facilitating seamless collaboration among global teams and ensuring consistent data management in cross-border operations.

This digital transformation is expected to significantly impact both customers and stakeholders. Customers will benefit from faster response times and improved product availability, while stakeholders will gain from enhanced transparency and more informed decision-making capabilities. The advanced data infrastructure established through SAP has also laid the foundation for future innovations in AI and ML, positioning Safex Chemicals for continued growth and technological advancement in the chemical industry.

4th December 2024 New Delhi, Delhi, India   Minda Corporation Limited has received the President’s National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2024 under the category “Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvashrestha Niyokta” (Best Employer for Persons with Disabilities). The award was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Speaking on the recognition, Ms. Sarika Minda, Chairperson, Spark Minda Foundation, said, “This award is a testament to our collective commitment to empowering persons with disabilities and is a finest expression of ‘Mobility for Everyone’. At Minda Corporation, we believe that inclusion is not just a responsibility but a way to create a more equitable society. Through Saksham, we aim to inspire others to join this journey of breaking barriers and fostering opportunities for all.”

The award recognises Spark Minda Foundation’s (100% Subsidiary of Minda Corporation Limited) flagship initiative, Saksham. Aligned with the foundation’s vision, this initiative has positively impacted the lives of over 21,000 PwDs by addressing their mobility, education and employment needs. To date, over 1,200 PwDs have been employed across Spark Minda factories.

Spark Minda Foundation has also established permanent centres for the empowerment in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These centers provide skill training, assistive aids, and livelihood opportunities to PwDs. In addition, annual camps are organised in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.

To enhance its impact, Spark Minda Foundation has collaborated with more than thirty-five government bodies, NGOs, and organisations to provide employment and skill training for PwDs across India. Through Saksham, PwDs are also supported with assistive aids such as prosthetics, orthotics, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs, enabling them to lead more independent lives.

The President’s Award adds to Spark Minda Group’s achievements, including recognitions from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the CII-ITC Sustainability Award.