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NueGo’s E-K2K Electric Bus Sets Records in Asia and India

Dec 26, 2024 by Biswaranjan Jena 0 Comments #Devndra Chawla, #Mumbai, #NueGo

Mumbai, December 26, 2024: NueGo, India’s largest intercity electric bus service from GreenCell Mobility, was recognized by the ‘Asia Book of Records’ and ‘India Book of Records’ for setting the record of Maximum Distance Covered by an Electric Bus in a single expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. This achievement highlighted NueGo’s commitment to sustainable mass mobility solutions, demonstrating viability of electric buses across India while showcasing their environmental benefits. Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records adjudicator Kashmira Shah presented the record citations and medals to Mr. Devndra Chawla, MD & CEO, GreenCell Mobility.

NueGo commenced the Kashmir to Kanyakumari (E-K2K) Electric bus expedition on 4th October from Jammu and ended in Kanyakumari on 18th October. Covering 4,039 emission free kms across 200+ cities & towns, from 3,500 ft to sea level, NueGo’s electric bus spread the message of eco-friendly travel across the country. Along the route, the E-K2K bus conducted various community outreach programs, including student workshops, tree plantation, street plays, etc. Beyond completing a technological milestone, the journey represented India’s progress towards environmentally friendly mass mobility alternatives.

Mr. Devndra Chawla, CEO & MD, GreenCell Mobility stated, “NueGo’s E-K2K (Kashmir to Kanyakumari) journey marks a significant milestone in showcasing the transformative potential of electric buses for mass mobility and a sustainable future. Spanning over 200 cities and towns, this record-breaking journey raised awareness about cleaner, greener modes of travel through impactful community engagement initiatives, truly embodying the spirit of the ‘E-bus that does good’. We are deeply honored to have our efforts recognized with felicitations from the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records”

NueGo E-K2K expedition witnessed inaugurations by several distinguished dignitaries across different phases, showcasing nationwide support for electric mass mobility. Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, inaugurated the western leg in Nagpur, commending NueGo’s efforts in advancing electric transport. Dr. Devansh Yadav, CEO of Jammu Smart City, began the journey from Jammu, underscoring the role of electric mobility in modern urban ecosystems. The official flag-off from Delhi NCR was led by Sudhendu J. Sinha, Advisor, NITI Aayog, along with Dr. Sanjeev K. Lohia, Senior Advisor, The World Bank; Abhijeet Sinha, Project Director, NHEV; and Amit Bhatt, MD, ICCT India, marking the beginning of the northern leg.

In Bhopal, Shri Sanjay Singh and DSP Pramod Dube of the Bhopal Traffic Police flagged off the central leg of the journey, emphasizing the importance of sustainable transit for urban resilience. Further south, Shri Gopalakrishna VC, Director of Automotive and EV, Government of Telangana, inaugurated the Hyderabad phase, reflecting the region’s commitment to electric transportation. The Bengaluru phase was officiated by Shri Jagadeesh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nelamangala, Bangalore, joined by Mr. Manjunath, Commissioner, City Municipal Corporation, highlighting the synergy between public safety and sustainable travel. Shri Vijay Vasanth, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, officially flagged in the NueGo E-K2K Bus Expedition in coastal town of Kanyakumari, marking the end of an extraordinary expedition that began in the picturesque Kashmir Valley and traversed diverse terrains to promote the message of green mobility.

NueGo E-K2K journey additionally provided opportunities for community engagement in major cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kanyakumari. The team organized sustainability workshops, tree planting initiatives and street plays to raise awareness of the advantages of electric vehicles, highlighting their role as a catalyst for environmental awareness. Celebration with the Brave Souls of Indian Army, Fun and Interactive Road Safety Training Session, Medical Health Check-Up Camp, Delightful skit honoring the cultural richness and workshop on Sustainability & EVs at Maharani Gayatri Devi School, Ponjesly Engineering College, etc were some of the other major highlights of the voyage.

Key Milestones: –
 Saved about 3,900 kgs of CO2 emissions
 Tree plantation drives conducted in Delhi, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kanyakumari
 500+ tress were planted showcasing the expedition’s green footprint
 Journey completed in 14 days
 Shoonya, Transportation Growth Initiative, Basera Samajik Sansthan the NGOs that partnered for environmental and community engagements

Education

Oxford International Education Services Partners with AngelXpress for Christmas Joy

Dec 24, 2024 by Biswaranjan Jena 0 Comments #Mohit Gambir, #Mumbai, #OIES

Mumbai, December 24th, 2024 – In a heartwarming initiative aimed at fostering education and overall development among children from low-income families, Oxford International Education Services (OIES), a leading education services provider supporting universities worldwide to strengthen and scale up international student acquisitions collaborated with the NGO- AngelXpress Foundation to distribute food and stationery kits to 420 children at four centers across Mumbai — Mulund, Andheri, and Colaba, Malad. This thoughtful initiative is part of OIES’s larger commitment to organizing similar events aimed at uplifting underprivileged communities, aligning with its vision of fostering an equitable and inclusive society.

The distribution drive saw OIES team members actively engaging with the children, spending the day sharing stories, offering encouragement, and inspiring them to dream big. The kits, filled with essential stationery and nutritious food, were curated to meet the children’s immediate needs while supporting their ongoing educational journey.

Mr. Mohit Gambir, Managing Director, Oxford International Education Services, said “Christmas is a time of hope, giving, and togetherness, and we wanted to make it special for these children by supporting their education and well-being. At OIES, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a better future. Partnering with AngelXpress Foundation allows us to extend our mission beyond classrooms and empower young minds who represent the future of our society.This initiative helped us to share the joy and reinforce the message that their dreams matter, and we are here to support them in achieving those dreams.”

news

Onlygood announces partnership with AIFI to Drive Sustainability in the Forging Industry

Dec 24, 2024 by Biswaranjan Jena 0 Comments #AIFI, #New Delhi

New Delhi, 24th December 2024: Onlygood has recently formed a significant partnership with the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), marking a pivotal step towards promoting sustainability within the forging sector. This collaboration is designed to provide AIFI members—who represent a diverse range of industries reliant on forging, including automotive, construction, and machinery—with tailored solutions for carbon tracking and reporting.

The primary goal of this partnership is to empower fabricators to adopt sustainable practices that are increasingly necessary in today’s environmentally conscious landscape. By leveraging Onlygood’s expertise in carbon management, AIFI members will gain access to advanced tools that simplify the process of monitoring emissions. This capability is essential as it allows companies to gain valuable insights into their emissions data, enabling them to implement effective strategies for reduction. The forging industry, which has traditionally faced challenges in aligning with sustainability goals, is now presented with an opportunity to enhance its environmental credentials and diversify its operational practices.

The collaboration comes at a time when industries are under growing pressure to comply with stringent environmental regulations and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. By working closely with AIFI, Onlygood aims to equip members with the necessary resources to navigate these challenges successfully. This partnership not only facilitates compliance but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility within the forging sector.

Rajeev Sinha, Co-Founder and CEO of Only good, articulated the vision behind this collaboration by stating that it reflects the company’s commitment to making sustainability accessible for all businesses in the manufacturing sector. He emphasized that through partnerships like the one with AIFI, Onlygood is well-positioned to drive meaningful change in the industry. This initiative will help companies transition toward greener practices while ensuring they meet regulatory requirements effectively.
In summary, the partnership between Onlygood and AIFI represents a strategic alliance aimed at transforming the forging industry’s approach to sustainability. By equipping fabricators with the tools they need to track and reduce their carbon footprints, this collaboration stands to make a significant impact on both individual companies and the industry as a whole, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

news

NTPC, GRIDCO, CRUT Join Hands for Green Hydrogen Mobility

Dec 24, 2024 by Biswaranjan Jena 0 Comments #New Delhi, #NTPC

New Delhi, 24th Dec 2024: NTPC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GRIDCO, a Govt. of Odisha undertaking for Energy and Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), the public transit agency of Govt. of Odisha, on 23rd December 2024, in Lok Sewa Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.

This tripartite MoU intends furthering the green energy technologies in Odisha, especially green hydrogen mobility scheme.

The MoU was exchanged among Shri DMR Panda, CGM (RE), NTPC, Shri Trilochan Panda, MD, GRIDCO and Dr N Thirumala Naik, IAS, MD, CRUT in the presence of Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Hon’ble Housing & Urban Development Minister, Govt of Odisha.

Shri V K Dev, IAS, Principal Secretary of Energy , Ms Usha Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and other senior officials from NTPC, GRIDCO, CRUT were present on this occasion.

NTPC will setup a green hydrogen fuelling station in Bhubaneswar along with hydrogen buses for short-haul and long-haul operation. This will open an option of phasing out fossil fuel buses in favour clean and green fuels, bringing decarbonisation and energy security. MNRE has contributed partially for setting up of this project in Bhubaneswar.

NTPC is successfully operating the green hydrogen blending project at Surat, Gujarat for last two years and already taken similar mobility initiatives at Leh, Ladakh, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Kandla, Gujarat. NTPC is also developing the green hydrogen hub in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and aims to reach 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.

Entertainment

Comedy Night with Gaurav Gupta Draws Huge Applause at World Street

Dec 24, 2024 by Biswaranjan Jena 0 Comments #Gaurav Gupta, #Jatin Goel, #Omaxe Group

Faridabad, 24 December 2024: Renowned comedian Gaurav Gupta enthralled the crowd with his outstanding live performance at the ‘Happiness Carnival, held at World Street by Omaxe on 21 December 2024. The event saw a lively attendance of more than 1,200 people from Faridabad and the surrounding districts.

The ‘Happiness Carnival,’ which commenced on December 20, 2024, and will run through December 26, 2024, adds excitement to the Christmas celebrations. As part of the festivities, Gaurav Gupta’s performance has brought a special touch to the event. The carnival offers an unforgettable experience for individuals of all ages, blending joy, laughter, and holiday cheer.

Jatin Goel, Executive Director of Omaxe Group, expressed, “We are excited to host Faridabad’s largest Christmas celebrations at World Street. Since, Christmas symbolizes happiness, joy, and togetherness, this event underscores our commitment to bring communities together and foster a sense of unity and celebration. Last year, too, the Christmas event here drew thousands of visitors, setting a high benchmark and we are thrilled to have surpassed it this year. World Street is known for celebrating every festival with unmatched enthusiasm and grandeur, a tradition we’re committed to continuing in the future.”

Entertainment

ET Inspiring Leader 2024: Anil Kapoor Awards Vikas Jain

Dec 24, 2024 by Biswaranjan Jena 0 Comments #Anil Kapoor, #Vikas Jain

New Delhi: Anytime Fitness, a nation’s leading fitness brand, celebrates a proud moment as its Managing Director, Mr. Vikas Jain, receives the prestigious ET Inspiring Leader 2024 Award – A Trusted Name in the Fitness and Health Industry. The award, a recognition of Mr. Jain’s visionary leadership and contributions to the fitness Industry in India, was presented by Bollywood veteran actor Anil Kapoor in a grand ceremony recently held in the national capital.

This recognition underscores Anytime Fitness’ commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle through its innovative approach, world-class facilities, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. With a network of over 140 gyms in India, Anytime Fitness has become a trusted name, empowering individuals to prioritize their fitness journeys with 24/7 convenience and personalized support.

Vikas Jain

On receiving the award, Mr. Vikas Jain expressed his gratitude, saying, “This honor is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team at Anytime Fitness. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can achieve their health and fitness goals. Receiving this award from a legend like Anil Kapoor is truly humbling and motivates us to continue inspiring lives.”

“Anil Kapoor, known for his commitment to fitness and wellness, applauded Anytime Fitness for its contributions to the health and fitness landscape, emphasizing the brand’s role in inspiring countless individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.” Mr Jain added.

The ET Inspiring Leader Award is a recognition of exceptional leadership and transformative contributions in respective industries. Mr. Vikas Jain’s achievement highlights his exceptional leadership in the fitness sector, showcasing a commitment to innovation, community engagement, and delivering impactful fitness solutions.

As Anytime Fitness continues to grow its presence across India, this accolade reaffirms its position as the go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts seeking convenience, quality, and expertise.

health

Holiday Blues on the Rise This Year According to Notable Therapist Veronda Bellamy

Dec 24, 2024 by Biswaranjan Jena 0 Comments #Holiday blues, #Veronda Bellamy

CHARLOTTE (Dec. 24, 2024) – Holiday blues are on the rise this year according to notable mental health counselor and life coach Veronda Bellamy– known for creating the Relevancy Factor® which received nationwide attention during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and seasonal depression due to high expectations both personally and by loved ones. According to a study by the American Heart Association, 79% of people surveyed agree that, during the holidays, they are so focused on creating special moments for others they overlook their own needs.

Happyology® Portal is an online, self-paced program designed to help participants free their mind while learning to be their authentic selves. The program includes disrupting the mental blocks and setbacks so that people can live more powerful, purposeful lives through analyzing, treatment, evolving and connecting. The vision of the program is to empower women to discover and disrupt the mundanity of living that has left them stagnant, unfulfilled or hopeless.

“Given the political climate along with the cost of living being at an all-time high while many people struggle to make ends meet; unprecedented stress and uncertainty almost feel normal and that is a huge problem,” said Bellamy. “People are learning to re-evaluate life and what makes them happy, the Happyology® methodology and course is designed to do just that. Pulling back to self-reflect and change paces can be a huge coping mechanism to help manage depression amongst many other ways to help navigate.”

Happyology® was developed after a recent survey in the journal JAMA Network Open found a three-fold increase in depression — from 8.5 percent before the pandemic to nearly 28 percent in late March and early April 2020. Anxiety also spiked about 30 percent of Americans experiencing clinically significant symptoms in the same period.

business

SOUKYA Expands Globally with Major Investment in Portugal

Dec 24, 2024 by Biswaranjan Jena 0 Comments #Isaac Mathai, #Mumbai, #SOUKYA International Holistic Health Center

Monday, 24th December 2024, Mumbai: SOUKYA, India’s first NABH-accredited AYUSH hospital and the visionary creation of renowned holistic health specialist Dr. Isaac Mathai, is set to embark on its first global expansion since its inception in 2002. Addressing the growing global demand for integrative medicine, SOUKYA will establish its first international unit in Portugal with an investment of INR 220 Cr. The state-of-the-art residential medical institute, expected to be operational by late 2027, will offer its unique treatment approach combining traditional, time-tested natural systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy, and other complementary therapies for treating various chronic and lifestyle conditions.
Spread across 150 acres, the SOUKYA International Holistic Health Centre in Portugal will redefine holistic wellness with 40 exquisitely designed rooms, villas and suites along with a dedicated yoga hall creating a sanctuary where mind, body, and spirit harmoniously align. The centre will feature its own herb and vegetable garden, ensuring the freshest and most potent ingredients for treatments and meals. Designed by Dr. Suja Issac, Co-Founder and Executive Director of SOUKYA the architecture and landscape blends Portuguese and Indian influences. Located just 45 minutes from the Lisbon airport, the centre will be easily accessible for patients across Europe. Equipped to address a wide spectrum of rare and chronic illnesses, including cancer rehabilitation, addiction, lifestyle and metabolic disorders, paediatric developmental challenges, mental health conditions, reproductive and gastrointestinal disorders, and autoimmune diseases, the centre builds on SOUKYA’s proven success in treating advanced conditions such as liver cirrhosis, dermatitis, lupus nephritis, lung fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease amongst others. This holistic approach promises transformative healing in a serene, nature-immersed environment.

Speaking about the launch, Dr. Isaac Mathai, Founder Chairman & Medical Director, SOUKYA International Holistic Health Center, said “Over the years, SOUKYA has become synonymous with being the world’s premier integrative health destination, trusted by global dignitaries, industrialists, celebrities, and leaders. As awareness of preventive and integrative healthcare continues to grow, we felt this was the ideal time to establish our first health destination outside India, catering to our American and European clientele. Portugal emerged as the perfect choice, given the government’s commitment to prioritizing health and wellness. This new centre will be an ultra-premium destination, offering world-class treatments for both chronic and lifestyle conditions. With this stepping stone, our vision is to see SOUKYA expand across the globe, sharing India’s rich healthcare heritage with the world over the next 25–30 years.”

India’s AYUSH sector has experienced substantial growth in recent years. As reported by IBEF, the AYUSH services sector is estimated to be valued at $26 billion by 2024, bringing the total industry valuation to over $ 50 billion. Additionally, the manufacturing segment of the AYUSH industry grew significantly, reaching $18 billion in 2020 and is projected to hit $24 billion by 2024.

“With the growing awareness of integrative medicine, we aim to strategically position SOUKYA in India to cater to high-net-worth individuals within the domestic market and across select Asian countries. Our Portugal centre will serve a significant portion of our existing patient base while also attracting new clientele.” added Dr. Isaac Mathai

With growing awareness of AYUSH treatment methodology, health and wellness tourism in India is experiencing a remarkable growth, emerging as a major draw for both domestic and international travellers seeking holistic treatment and well-being. According to industry reports, the market potential for wellness tourism in India is substantial and projected to reach $26.55 billion by 2029, highlighting a strong upward trajectory. Launch of SOUKYA in Portugal is just a stepping-stone to take holistic healthcare ideology to many more patients. At SOUKYA, healing transcends mere treatment—it is a transformative journey toward enduring health, vitality, and balance.

business

Arcil Launches CSR Projects in Dahanu for Sanitation and Solar Access

Dec 24, 2024 by Biswaranjan Jena 0 Comments #Arcil, #Mumbai, #Pallav Mohapatra

Arcil

Mumbai, Maharashtra – December 24, 2024– Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Ltd. (Arcil) has inaugurated two transformative projects aimed at improving educational infrastructure in rural government schools in Dahanu taluka of Palghar district. These CSR initiatives, executed in collaboration with two NGOs – Kokan Kala Va Shikshan Vikas Sanstha and Santhwana Trust, with a focus on enhancing sanitation facilities and providing solar energy solutions to local schools respectively.

The first project targets the Savate Zilla Parishad School, which currently serves 343 students, including 185 boys and 158 girls. The school had faced considerable challenges due to inadequate sanitation facilities. This lack of proper hygiene facilities has raised serious health concerns and hindered students’ comfort and attendance. The renovated and newly constructed toilet facilities are designed to significantly improve health and hygiene standards, thereby fostering better attendance rates and enhancing the overall student experience. The facilities will additionally provide much-needed privacy and hygiene for female students, addressing significant barriers that have historically affected their attendance. Furthermore, the project includes provision for menstrual hygiene management through the installation of sanitary napkin vending machine.

In addition to improving sanitation, Arcil has supported the installation of solar energy systems at five Zilla Parishad schools in the Dahanu region. This CSR initiative aims to provide reliable electricity, enabling access to better educational resources and technology for students. By harnessing solar power, these schools can reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources, promoting environmental sustainability within the community. The integration of solar energy is expected to enhance learning environments by powering essential equipment such as computers, fans, and lighting.

Mr. Pallav Mohapatra, CEO and MD, Arcil, emphasized the importance of these initiatives during the inauguration ceremony. He stated, “Investing in education and infrastructure is crucial for empowering our youth and building resilient communities. By improving sanitation facilities and providing sustainable energy solutions, we are not just enhancing the learning environment but also investing in the future of these children.”

The projects are not only about infrastructure development; they also aim to foster community engagement for long-term sustainability. Kokan Kala Va Shikshan Vikas Sanstha has been instrumental in ensuring that local communities are involved in maintaining and managing the new facilities. This approach has promoted a sense of ownership among community members, encouraging them to take an active role in supporting their children’s education.

The impact of these projects extends beyond immediate improvements in sanitation and energy access; they contribute to broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting quality education, gender equality, and good health and well-being within the community. By focusing on education in rural areas, Arcil aims to empower individuals while contributing to economic growth and social progress.

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