All posts by Bhumika Lenka

L&T wins Orders (Major) for Minerals & Metals Business

Chandigarh, Jan 03rd: The Minerals & Metals (M&M) business vertical of L&T has secured major orders from the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and other customers, for EPC projects and products in the domestic metals sector. 

L&T and SAIL share a long-standing relationship spanning several decades, marked by the successful execution of numerous metallurgical projects across India. This partnership continues to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s steel manufacturing ecosystem through innovation, capacity augmentation and sustainable development.

Under its ambitious modernisation and expansion programme, SAIL plans to increase the crude steel capacity of the IISCO Steel Plant at Burnpur, West Bengal, from 2.5 MTPA to 6.5 MTPA. As part of this expansion, M&M has been awarded the complete engineering, procurement and installation package for critical process plants, including the Coke Oven Battery, By-Product Plant, Basic Oxygen Furnace and a specialised equipment package for material handling, which together form the core of the new steel complex.

Simultaneously, SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) in Jharkhand is undergoing a major upstream expansion, for which L&T has been awarded a package to establish Sinter Plant #2, reinforcing its strong presence in the steel sector. 

In addition, the M&M business has secured multiple orders for specialised material handling equipment, including Stacker Reclaimers and Wagon Tipplers, from various clients across India, reflecting its capability to deliver technologically advanced and reliable solutions across the minerals and metals value chain.

Commenting on these achievements, D K Sen, Advisor to CMD, Development Projects & Minerals & Metals, L&T, said: “L&T has been a major contributor to India’s industrial growth story in the metals sector, and our association with SAIL is a proud chapter in our journey. These orders underscore L&T’s ability to deliver world-class metallurgical infrastructure with engineering precision, safety and sustainability at the core. We are privileged to contribute to SAIL’s expansion vision, which is vital to strengthening India’s self-reliance in steel production”.

T Kumaresan, Senior Vice President & Head – Minerals & Metals, L&T, added: “The trust placed in L&T by SAIL once again validates our expertise in delivering complex, technology-intensive projects under challenging schedules. These wins reaffirm our commitment to delivering projects on time, demonstrate our technical capabilities and adherence to project timelines. This also brings out our capabilities in end-to-end execution of complex process packages”.

SVC Bank Enters Landmark 120th Year: Blending a Century of Cooperative Trust with Future-Ready Digital Innovation

Mumbai, Jan 03rd: SVC Bank, formerly known as The Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank Ltd, a multi-state scheduled bank in India, commemorated its Foundation Day, marking the milestone of entering its 120th year of commitment to ethical banking, customer centricity, and inclusive financial growth. Founded in 1906, the Bank has consistently upheld the cooperative spirit while evolving with changing times to meet the financial needs of individuals, businesses, and communities.

On this occasion, the Bank reflected on its history of service while reaffirming its focus on governance, digital initiatives, and customer experience. Over the years, SVC Bank has expanded its footprint and diversified its offerings to support MSMEs, retail customers, and financial inclusion.

Speaking on the occasion, SVC Bank’s Chairman, Shri. Durgesh Chandavarkar, said, “Our journey into the 120th year reflects the confidence and trust reposed in us by our customers, members, and stakeholders across generations. This long-standing association has shaped our values and guided our approach to cooperative banking. As we honour and reflect on this legacy, we remain firmly focused on strengthening governance, deepening transparency, and responsibly leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and customer experience. Guided by these principles, we are committed to building a resilient, future-ready cooperative bank that continues to support sustainable growth and meet the evolving expectations of our stakeholders.”

SVC Bank launched several digital initiatives to streamline banking and investment processes. The Bank has steadily strengthened its digital footprint over the past few years, launching a range of products to address diverse banking needs.

The Bank continues to align its operations with regulatory best practices while steadily advancing its digital capabilities to deliver efficient, secure, and future-ready banking services. As SVC Bank enters its 120th year, it remains committed to its vision of being a leading co-operative bank that provides a comprehensive banking experience through innovation, quality, and commitment.

As part of the 119th anniversary celebrations, SVC Bank held an event for employees to mark their contribution. The event included activities that encouraged participation among employees. It also featured an Employee Award Distribution Ceremony, where the Bank recognised employees for performance, effort and leadership in FY 2024-25 across bank functions.

V.P Nandakumar Honoured at FICCI Kerala Policy Conclave

Kochi: FICCI Kerala Chairman and Manappuram Finance Chairman and Managing Director V P Nandakumar, who was recently elected as the Acting Chairman of IIM Kozhikode, was honoured at a FICCI Kerala policy conclave.

SKF India Ltd. (Automotive) Appoints Bhavna Panigrahi as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Mumbai, Jan 03rd: SKF India Ltd. (Automotive) has announced the appointment of Bhavna Panigrahi as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective January 1, 2026.

As CHRO, Bhavna will lead the organization’s people and organizational strategy, with responsibility for talent management, HR operations, industrial relations, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. She will work closely with the leadership team to support business priorities, enable long-term growth, and strengthen a culture rooted in inclusion, performance, and innovation.

Bhavna brings over 18 years of rich experience in Human Resources, having contributed to several leading organizations. She joined SKF India in 2022 as HR Head – Technology Development and later took on the role of Head HR for the Automotive business. In these roles, she spearheaded strategic initiatives across people experience, talent acquisition, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), driving impactful outcomes and strengthening business performance.

Bhavna shared: “Calm leadership and inclusive innovation unlock creativity and resilience. As SKF India enters its next phase of growth, I am committed to building people strategies that are closely aligned with business goals, strengthen leadership capability, and foster an inclusive environment where individuals and teams can thrive. At SKF, we move people further and I look forward to contributing to sustainable value creation for people, business, and society.”

Bhavna’s appointment reflects SKF’s commitment to empowering people and driving progress for employees, customers, and communities.

CPDL Pioneers Women’s Engagement in Frontline Field Operations in Power Distribution

Chandigarh, Jan 03rd: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India’s power distribution sector, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has pioneered the concept to operationally deploy women in frontline field roles spanning meter reading and bill distribution. Under this program, CPDL has taken onboard 35 women across the city, marking a decisive shift in field operations with modified staffing pattern.

This initiative reflects CPDL’s long-term commitment to building an inclusive, future-ready workforce while actively redefining the participation of women in traditionally male-dominated operational roles. As part of this approach, CPDL has proposed the engagement of 60 women that accounts to 50 percent of frontline operational roles, of which over 35 have already been onboarded and are fully operational across the city, with phased expansion planned across additional service areas.

The women field professionals are responsible for door-to-door meter reading using handheld digital devices, accurate recording of consumption data, timely bill distribution, basic consumer query resolution, and escalation of discrepancies to supervisory teams.

Recognising that safety and operational confidence are foundational to frontline performance, CPDL has embedded robust, women-centric safety protocols into the programme. These include mandatory mobile check-ins, clearly defined emergency escalation mechanisms, and supervisor accompaniment in select locations. Together, these measures ensure that women field staff operate in a secure, supported and professionally enabling environment throughout their duty hours.

Sharing his views on the programme, Arun Kumar Verma, Director, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited, said, “We are proud to have led a deliberate shift in how workforce participation is viewed in the power distribution sector. By enabling women to take on frontline responsibilities across meter reading, consumer engagement and field operations, CPDL is not only strengthening operational efficiency but also embedding a more inclusive and people-centric approach to public service delivery. This is a change the sector has spoken about for years; today, it is visible on the ground and reflects our belief that a diverse workforce is fundamental to building a resilient, future-ready power ecosystem.”

Scheduled Charter Arrivals by Nordwind Airlines and Fly Arystan Boost International Tourist Inflow to Goa

Jan 03rd:  Goa witnessed a strong influx of international tourists with the arrival of multiple charter flights from key international source markets, further strengthening the state’s global air connectivity during the peak holiday season.

On 30th December 2025, a Nordwind Airlines charter flight from Moscow landed in Goa, carrying 360 passengers. This was followed by another Nordwind Airlines charter arrival on 31st December 2025 from Yekaterinburg, with 373 passengers on board. In addition, Fly Arystan operated a charter flight from Astana on 30th December 2025, bringing in 176 passengers, marking continued interest from the Central Asian market.

Welcoming the charter arrivals, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism said “The consistent arrival of charter flights from markets such as Russia and Central Asia reflects the growing international confidence in Goa as a preferred holiday destination. Strengthening air connectivity is central to our vision of promoting quality tourism while ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for visitors.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism stated “Charter operations significantly contribute to sustaining international tourist arrivals. The Department of Tourism is working closely with airlines, airport authorities, and tourism stakeholders to ensure smooth facilitation and to further expand Goa’s reach in emerging and established global markets.”

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, remains committed to enhancing international connectivity, diversifying source markets, and positioning Goa as a year-round destination through focused and strategic tourism initiatives.

MET Institute of Mass Media Hosted Metamorphosis 2025: A Power-Packed Celebration of Creativity in the MediaVerse

Mumbai, Dec 22:  Mumbai Educational Trust (MET) – Institute of Mass Media inaugurated Metamorphosis 2025, its flagship creative festival, with the vibrant theme MediaVerse, celebrating storytelling, innovation, and the ever-evolving world of multimedia creation. As one of India’s leading Media & Communication institutions offering PG programs, the MET IMM continues to shape future-ready professionals through its diverse educational programmes across advertising, journalism, entertainment, digital marketing, events, content creation, storytelling, creative technology and more. MET’s student-first approach, strong academic foundation, and hands-on training ensure that young learners are equipped with industry knowledge, creative thinking, and practical skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The festival – Metamorphosis, opened with heartfelt guidance from MET’s leadership and amongst fanfare of student and media enthusiasts. Shri Pankaj Bhujbal, Hon. Trustee, expressed pride in MET’s long-standing commitment to nurturing media talent and preparing students for industry challenges. Smt. Vishakha Bhujbal, Senior Management Representative, encouraged students to explore their creativity with confidence and curiosity. The event reflected the vision of Dr. Priya Menon Nair, Director of MET Institute of Mass Media, whose hands-on guidance helped students shape their ideas into powerful creative experiences.

The day began with an electrifying session by Team BhaDiPa featuring Sarang, Rahi, and Devang. Their energy, humour, and live content creation instantly connected with the audience. Students from 35 colleges participated enthusiastically, turning the hall into a vibrant creative playground.

A major highlight of the festival was The Creators’ Court, an imaginative courtroom style showcase with Manoj Bajpayee, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, and Prahlad Kakar. Student representatives Akshata and Ronak presented playful creative charges, and the celebrities responded with sharp wit and good natured roasts that had the audience cheering. It became a memorable mix of humour and honest creative reflection.

Manoj Bajpayee reflected,
“When you truly love what you do, and you keep doing it every day, you slowly become flawless at it. It’s like learning the guitar. In the beginning, you’re focused on the strings and the fretboard, unsure and slow. But with practice, mastery comes naturally. Keep practising, stay committed to the craft, and that’s how real growth happens.”

Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra said,
“The media doesn’t really bring people together. People do. Sit with your family, spend time with your grandparents. They are the ones who hold families together. Films and stories are just an ice breaker, a reason to start the conversation.”

Pralhad Kakar shared with a smile,
“I haven’t grown older than 18 at all. I’m Gen Z at heart. People say attention spans have shortened, but that’s not true. If you are willing to tell an honest, interesting story, people will always stay and listen.”

The momentum continued with a conversation featuring Marathi actors Abhinay Berde, Hruta Durgule, and Director Kshitij Patwardhan, moderated by Shweta Gadekar along with student moderators Anoushka and Vaibhavi. Their discussion on evolving narratives, performance journeys, and the future of Marathi cinema resonated strongly with aspiring creators.

The second day brought yet another power-packed edition of The Creators’ Court, this time featuring Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal. What began as an expected casual conversation quickly turned into a full-fledged Gen Z–style interrogation, complete with playful charges, witty comebacks, and infectious laughter. Their spontaneity, humour, and glowing chemistry instantly won over the audience. Through their candid interactions, students got a glimpse of who they truly are behind the screen — a fun-loving, warm, and genuinely joyful couple whose real-life camaraderie made the session one of the festival’s most unforgettable highlights.

Sonakshi Sinha said,
“In today’s media world, being real matters more than anything. Authenticity cuts through all the noise and trends. It’s the strongest voice a creator can have.”

Zaheer Iqbal shared,
“The media has a lot of power and reach, and with that comes the responsibility. Every story or performance should try to say something meaningful, because that’s what truly stays with people.”

Competitions, Scale, and Grand Finale

Across three action-packed days, Metamorphosis 2025 hosted a total of 28 dynamic activities—12 on Day 1, 9 on Day 2, and 7 on Day 3. Events ranged from Mr. & Ms. Metamorphosis, fashion shows, dance competitions, creative challenges, and more, culminating in a grand Awards Ceremony that celebrated talent, teamwork, and creative excellence.

Just for this event MET IMM crafted the coveted 9.5-foot Metamorphosis Trophy, which has been acknowledged as the World’s Largest Trophy by the Global Book of Excellence (England) and India’s Tallest Trophy by the India Book of Records. This coveted trophy was won by M.L. Dahanukar College. The Second Prize was secured by Lala Lajpat Rai College, while the Third Prize went to Kandivli Education Society’s B.K. Shroff College.

The awards were presented by Shri Pankaj Bhujbal, Hon. Trustee, MET, Ashwin Rane, Registrar, MET, and Dr. Priya Menon Nair, Director, MET Institute of Mass Media.

Congratulating the students, Shri Pankaj Bhujbal applauded the passion and professionalism displayed throughout the festival, noting that Metamorphosis continues to grow in scale and impact because of the strong collaboration between leadership, faculty, and students.

Aligning with this view, Dr. Priya Menon Nair acknowledged the exemplary leadership of Ronak and Althea, supported by the efforts of the member IMM student organising committee and student leaders, whose collective vision and meticulous execution ensured the resounding success of Metamorphosis 2025.

Participants and winners from colleges across the city expressed immense excitement, describing Metamorphosis 2025 as a “mind-blowing, once-in-a-lifetime experience,” and eagerly looked forward to an even bigger and bolder edition next year.

From Playtime to Bedtime: FabriCare DreamWorld Transforms Kids’ Bedrooms into Magical Spaces

Dec 22: FabriCare by D’Decor, India’s leading innovator in high-performance home textiles, unveils DreamWorld – A Bedding Collection for toddlers, preteens, and teens, designed to inspire wonder and creativity in children’s bedrooms. Featuring internationally inspired digital prints of rainbows, stars, clouds, whimsical woodland animals, playful holiday motifs, cozy nordic patterns, and soft pastel hues- this vibrant collection of bedding caters to both boys and girls with its trend-forward designs, accompanied by a coordinated multipurpose fabric range that ties it all together. It is a curated combination of bedding, ready-made curtains, and cushion covers to create a unified dream bedroom aesthetic.

Enhanced with Anti-Microbial protection, these fabrics ensure a safe, hygienic, and restful environment, ideal for active little ones. This innovative collection combines playful imagination with practical features to keep kids’ spaces fresh and vibrant every day.

With Christmas around the corner, FabriCare’s DreamWorld Kids Collection becomes the perfect gift to transform any child’s room into cozy holiday magic. Parents can focus on creating memories, knowing these fabrics keep bedrooms fresh and beautiful long after the gifts are unwrapped. It’s the ultimate surprise to make every child’s room a dreamy retreat this festive season. FabriCare continues to blend luxury, innovation, and family-friendly resilience, turning ordinary celebrations into extraordinary adventures.